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Remain Focused, Adeyeye Urges Pharmacists, as NAFTraPh Begins 3rdAnnu

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Remain Focused, Adeyeye Urges Pharmacists, as NAFTraPh Begins 3rdAnnual Conference

By Patrick Iwelunmor

To win the war against communicable diseases and entrench a culture of innovation in pharmaceutical care, pharmacists must adjust their expectations and remain focused, as they proffer solutions to the healthcare challenges of the society. This was the submission of the Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Professor Mojisola Christiana Adeyeye who was special guest at the commencement of the 3rd Annual International Conference of the National Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTraph), with the theme “The Burdens of Communicable Diseases in Africa-Nigeria’s Perspective and the Need for Robust Healthcare Professionals Interventions”, on Thursday, October, 2021, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

 

Picture Caption Left to Right: President, National Association of Foreign Trained Pharmacists (NAFTraPh), Dr John C. Ejezie, D-G, NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola C. Adeyeye and Medical Director, Hendricks Family Heart Hospital, USA, Dr Leo Egbujiobi, at the commencement of the 3rd Annual Conference of NAFTraPh, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos.

Calling on NAFTraph to fix its eyes on the goal, Adeyeye went biblical with the story of Nehemiah who, in spite of all the opposition and resistance that he faced, successfully rebuilt the fallen walls of Jerusalem. Likening the myriad of healthcare challenges in Nigeria and around the world to the fallen walls of Jerusalem, she urged pharmacists to take up the challenge of fixing things in the healthcare sector just like she did when she assumed office at NAFDAC.

According to her, she had met NAFDAC in a state of coma, crippled by debt and lacking operational vehicles. Against all the odds, she surmounted the challenges with the cooperation of her directors who bought into and shared her vision. “As pharmacists, there is a lot of building we have to do because in the midst of all these challenge, there are also opportunities. Look for a niche and carve it out and make it your own. Be a star in terms of vigilance”, she said.

While welcoming guests to the conference, NAFTraPh President, Dr John C. Ejezie, explained that his association was in the forefront of enhancing the general health outcomes of the society. “NAFTraPh is a professional organization that educates, sensitises, trains members and others, and creates health awareness, promotes community capacity building and effective utilization of pharmaceutical products in collaboration with other stakeholders in providing safe, efficacious and cost-effective drug therapy to the larger society to enhance general health outcomes”, he said.

In his address titled “Pharmacy Practices Available to You”, Chairman, Governing Council of the PCN, Professor Ahmed Tijani Mora, represented by Dr Amaka Okafor, urged pharmacists to be actively involved in the eradication of communicable diseases, share their knowledge and skills while bringing innovation to the table, bearing in mind the fact that the pharmaceutical sector ranks high in Africa and requires improvement in innovation. According to him, PCN has put in place measures to improve regulatory activities which will in turn strengthen the quality of pharmaceutical practice in the country and beyond.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Leo Egbujiobi, Medical Director and Chief of Service, Hendricks Family Heart Hospital, Beloit Health System, Beloit Wisconsin, USA, called on Nigerians, including pharmacists, to have the mindset of productivity. According to him, the productivity-oriented mindset is the gateway to innovation and problem-solving and it is one of the things needed to curb the spread of communicable diseases. “It is the productivity of two or more pharmacists, coming together to build pharmacies in each state that will make it possible for us to have chains of pharmacies in the foreseeable future”, he said.

Day One of the conference which ends on Saturday, October 16, 2021 also witnessed a presentation titled “The Path Forward in Opening a Nation in a Pandemic” by DrTerrance L. Baker, MD, MS, PhD(H), John Hopkins Community Physician, Department of Medicine, Baltimore, MD.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

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Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

 

…As Dangote Refinery partners MRS to sell PMS at N935 per litre nationwide at its retail outlets

 

 

Sahara Weekly Unveils That The Foremost entrepreneur and President of the Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the positive impact of the naira for crude swap deal on the Nigerian economy, which has led to reduction in prices of petroleum products in the country.

 

Dangote Hails Tinubu on Impact of Crude for Naira Swap Deal

 

To provide succour to Nigerians, Dangote recently reduced the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from N970 to N899.50 at its Refinery loading gantry and provided generous credit terms to marketers.

 

 

“To ensure that this price reduction gets to the end consumer, we have signed a partnership with MRS to sell petrol from its retail outlets nationwide at N935 per litre” he added. This price has already commenced in Lagos, and it will be offered nationwide from Monday.

 

 

In his statement, he called on other oil marketers such as the NNPC Retail and all other marketers, “to work with us to ensure that Nigerians enjoy high-quality petrol at discounted prices.”

 

 

According to him, “The Dangote Refinery is for the benefit of Nigeria and Nigerians. We will therefore continue to work with various value chain players to deliver high quality petrol at cheaper prices. Our aim is for all Nigerians to have ready access to high quality petroleum products that are good for their vehicles, good for their health, and good for their pockets.

 

 

Recall that in September, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) under the leadership of Mr. President approved the sale of crude to local refineries in Naira and corresponding purchase of petroleum products in Naira. The move, which commenced on October 1, led to reduced pressure on the dollar and ensured the stability of the local currency.

 

 

Dangote thanked Nigerians for their unwavering support and the government for creating an enabling environment for the domestic refining industry.

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

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Port Harcourt Refinery Stays Active: NNPC Denounces Sabotage Rumors

NNPC Debunks Shutdown Rumors, Confirms Port Harcourt Refinery Fully Operational

 

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has dismissed reports circulating in certain media outlets claiming that the Old Port Harcourt Refinery, which was re-streamed two months ago, has been shut down.

In a statement released by Olufemi O. Soneye, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company clarified that the refinery is fully operational. The statement noted that the facility’s operational status was recently verified by former Group Managing Directors of NNPC during a site inspection.

“Preparation for the day’s loading operation is currently ongoing,” the statement confirmed, emphasizing that allegations of the refinery’s shutdown are baseless and intended to create panic or artificial scarcity in the fuel market.

NNPC Ltd urged members of the public to disregard such misleading reports, labeling them as the work of those seeking to exploit Nigerians.

The Old Port Harcourt Refinery has been in operation since its re-streaming, and the company remains committed to ensuring stability in the supply of petroleum products across the country.

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