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Tinubu approves establishment of Africa-CDC regional Centre in Nigeria

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President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Tinubu is the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the President’s approval of the siting of the Centre in Abuja is part of his larger effort to convey Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global health security.

He said it was also to promote local economic opportunities in the health care delivery value chain and enhance Nigeria’s and West Africa’s capacity to respond to outbreaks.

“The Centre will also bring with it enormous socio-economic benefits in the form of enhancing aggregate national productivity and reversing human capacity drain, even as the ability of indigenous medical professionals and scientists will be bolstered to respond adequately to old, recent, and emerging diseases, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent.”

The President has also approved the upgrade of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu to a full-fledged University of Allied Health Sciences.

Ngelale said this was part of Tinubu’s dedicated efforts to build robust human resources for the health and social welfare sector.

He said it would now be known as the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

The Presidential spokesman said that the directive came at a time when Tinubu was taking revolutionary initiatives in reforming the health sector in the country.

The initiatives include the training of 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide within 16 months, doubling the number of primary health facilities in local communities from 8,800 to over 17,000 over the next three years.

He said the President is also doubling the number of health personnel graduating from accredited nursing and midwifery institutions over the next three years in order to meet the aspirations of Nigerians for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the nation.

NAN also reports that the on March 13, 2016,the AU said on Saturday Nigeria will host one of Africa’s Centre for Disease Control, CDC.

Nigeria was favoured to host one of the region’s CDC after AU experts appraised the effectiveness of the Nigerian government in managing the Ebola scourge in 2014, as well as the recent outbreak of Lassa Fever.

In 2014, the Heads of states and government of the African Union at a Special summit on HIV, TBN and malaria, decided upon the need for an African Centre for Disease Control that will conduct life saving research, that will also have the capability for disease detection, surveillance and response.

In January 2015, the Assembly also reaffirmed and asked the AU to get to work; even though they gave clear instructions on the nature of the Africa-CDC that is to be setup..

The concept approved by the African leaders in January 2015, was to have a coordinating office inside the AU headquarters in Addis-Ababa with five regional collaborating centres, each bringing certain capabilities, asset and values to the work of the African-CDC.

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Alake unveils gender strategy for mining, steel sector

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The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, has unveiled a document for Women in Mining in Nigeria (WIMIN) strategy document.

Speaking at the event, he described the strategy as a significant mile stone in the sector.

He said that the move was a demonstration of the commitment of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD)` and Ministry of Steel Development in fostering diversity.

He said that the strategy is aimed at promoting gender equality and women`s empowerment, adding that its focused on driving productivity for the nations` sustainable development.

“It also focuses on improving the opportunities for women to benefit from both sectors sustainably in policy, regulatory, operational, and commercial (large scale, medium scale, small scale, and artisanal levels), and value and supply chain roles.

“This strategy is not just a document but a call to action and a blueprint for all stakeholders to create a more inclusive and gender-balanced mining and steel sector.

“It provides a guideline and framework to guide both ministries, their agencies, and stakeholders to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment priorities in their policies, programmes, and initiatives, “ he said.

He acknowledged the indispensable contributions of women to the success and sustainability of the mining sector, saying that their talents, expertise, and perspectives are critical to the success and growth of the industry.

According to him, Nigeria is not immune from the biases perpetuated against women in these two sectors.

In addressing the situation, he said that the Federal Government has prioritised gender equity and female participation in its “Roadmap for the Growth and Development of the Nigerian Mining Industry.

He said as part of the efforts of MSMD and Ministry of Steel Development to implement the roadmap, the Mineral Sector Support for Economic Diversification (MinDiver) engaged a consultancy to develop the gender strategy.

He said that to achieve the objectives of the strategy, its institutional capacity would be strengthened for effective gender mainstreaming.

He added that that women’s participation in leadership and governance roles within the mining sector and communities would be increased.

“Promoting women’s economic empowerment and rights and eliminating all barriers (structural and systemic) that hinder women’s meaningful participation, access and control over mining resources and benefits, “ he said.

The minister added that they were committed to building partnerships across a wide range of stakeholders in achieving the vision of the strategy.

He said that the WIMIN strategy was firmly rooted in the principles of equality, diversity, and empowerment, and  a call to action for  stakeholders mobilisation toward a more inclusive and gender-balanced industry.

Earlier in her remarks, the National President of WIMIN, Dr Janet Adeyemi, described the launch of the strategy as an opportunity to galvanise support and implement actions to address the entrenched gender disparities within the mining and steel sectors.

Represented by the National Secretary, Mrs Emily Ofodile, she said that women within these industries continue to encounter multifaceted barriers that hinder their full participation and advancement.

On her part, the Permanent Secretary of MSMD, Dr Mary Ogbe, urged, women to be change agents at all levels, and urged all organisations to have gender focal persons to help in coordinating all related matters.

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May Day: Culture minister applauds Nigerian creatives

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The Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has commended the contributions of all hardworking creatives across the nation to the growth of the entertainment industry.
The minister gave the commendation on Wednesday in a statement through her media aide, Nneka Anibeze, to commemorate the 2024 Workers’ Day.
Musawa noted that through their contributions, the creative industry had been able to provide jobs, encourage tourism and boost revenue to local businesses.
“Today, I join millions of creatives across the nation to commemorate the 2024 Workers’ Day. In celebrating this important day, we recognise and honour your invaluable contributions to our workforce and the economy.
“We toast to the artists of labour, painting their masterpieces with determination and passion.
“Labour studies also show that the value added by arts, culture and entertainment to the Nigerian economy is very significant.
“This year’s Workers’ Day is significant as we acknowledge the tireless efforts of artists, culture bearers and creative workers who continue to enrich our cultural heritage with their talents and dedication.
“As we reflect on the significance of this year’s theme, ‘Workers First’, it is paramount that we appreciate the essential role that these special workers play in bringing diverse entertainment to families and the community and driving prosperity to our economy,” she said.
Musawa reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to create favourable conditions for artists and creative workers generally.
She said this was to ensure the artists receive the recognition and support they rightfully deserve.
“Through continued advocacy and investment, we can foster an environment where our creative workforce can thrive, contribute, and inspire.
“To all the dedicated creatives who strive for excellence every day, going the extra mile to entertain families, I say thank you for your hard work and commitment.
“I enjoin everyone to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our workforce and to express gratitude to all those who contribute to the vibrancy of our arts, culture, and creative economy,” she said.
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Sanwo-Olu to host justice reform summit on May 27, 28

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The Lagos Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will host a Justice Reform Summit  with the theme: “Enhancing The Administration of Justice For Economic Growth, Investment Protection And Security in Lagos State,” on May 27 and 28.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mrs Titilayo ShittaBey-Jeje, Solicitor, General/Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, on Wednesday.

ShittaBey -Jeje said that Sanwo-Olu would be the Chief Host at the summit which would take place at Marriott Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos.

She said the Chief Justice of Federation, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola would be the Chairman, while the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister for Justice Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), would be the special guest of honour.

ShittaBey-Jeje said the Lagos State Government had became a pathfinder for justice reform following its various landmark and innovative achievements over the years.

She, however, noted that being the economic nerve centre of the country, there were real and new challenges to address.

ShittaBey-Jeje said the summit would explore diverse perspective towards effective and efficient administration of justice for economic growth and investment protection in the state and Nigeria at large.

She said the ministry had created an avenue for stakeholders and members of the public to express their views, observations and recommendations for the reform in order to gather insights from a wide spectrum of Nigerians.

“Therefore, the stakeholders and members of the public can send their contributions to [email protected], whatsapp no: 07032276146, facebook – @Lagosmoj, twitter- @Lagosmoj and instagram-@Lagosmoj,” she said.

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