News

UNICEF, Partners Handover Medical Oxygen Plant to Rivers State Government

Published

1 month ago

August 6, 2024

By Gloria Ikibah

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with IHS Nigeria, the Government of Canada and Government of Rivers State has handover of a cutting-edge medical oxygen plant and oxygen delivery devices to the General Hospital in Eleme, in Rivers State.

According to UNICEF Representative, Cristian Munduate, this significant milestone represents a major advancement in the ongoing efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health in Rivers State and across Nigeria.

“This initiative follows a comprehensive, nationwide assessment of oxygen needs in health facilities across all 36+1 states, conducted jointly with the Federal Ministry of Health (and CHAI in select states). This assessment stands as the largest of its kind ever conducted globally. The Federal Ministry of Health used these findings to strategically determine the placement of oxygen plants across the country.

“The handover of this newly built Oxygen Generation Plant marks a crucial advancement in our mission to supply medical-grade oxygen to healthcare facilities.

“It is a profound honor and privilege to stand before you today on the achievement of this significant milestone. We gather here to officially hand over the medical oxygen plant, along with the oxygen delivery devices, at the General Hospital, Eleme, to the Rivers State Government. This represents a remarkable step forward in our shared commitment to improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Rivers State and across Nigeria.”

The medical oxygen plant installation is a groundbreaking achievement, providing a critical life-saving intervention for newborns and children suffering from pneumonia and other respiratory illnesses.

This plant stands as a beacon of innovation and resilience, promising to save countless lives, improve health outcomes, and serve as a model for similar initiatives across the country.

According to recent data, Nigeria has one of the highest rates of neonatal mortality globally. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, such as the facility being commissioned today, are crucial in reversing this trend and demonstrate a firm commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Rivers State for their unwavering support and collaboration,” added Cristian “We also express our deepest appreciation to our donors, IHS Nigeria, and the Government of Canada for this partnership. This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal – ensuring the health and well-being of every child and mother in this state.”

“We are proud to support UNICEF and contribute to an initiative which is designed to strengthen healthcare services and help support the Federal Ministry of Health meet demands for effective oxygen therapy in Nigeria. The initiative aims to improve healthcare accessibility and delivery of services and strengthen treatments for illnesses across our host communities.” Said Mohamad Darwish, the CEO of IHS Towers.

“A steady and reliable supply of medical oxygen contributes to the successful treatment of patients at all levels of the health care system. Medical oxygen is an essential life-saving medicine in surgery, as well as for trauma, heart failure, asthma, pneumonia, and maternal and childcare. Canada is proud to partner with UNICEF, IHS and the Government of Rivers State on this important initiative, which is leading to strengthened health systems in Nigeria”, said James Christoff, the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria.

As the plant is handed over to the Rivers State Government, UNICEF is confident that it will be maintained and utilized effectively to maximize its impact. The State’s decision to operationalize the plant using the public-private partnership model is particularly commendable and, if properly executed, promises long-lasting benefits.

“UNICEF remains committed to supporting the government in this endeavor through continuous capacity building, provision of technical expertise, and monitoring progress,” Cristian stated.

“Today, we celebrate more than just the inauguration of a new oxygen plant; we celebrate hope, progress, and the promise of a healthier future for every child in Rivers State. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes that this plant will bring to the lives of many families and the entire populace.

“Additionally, UNICEF advocates for the urgent deployment of health workers to the newly established level two newborn unit within the same facility. This unit is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, supported by UNICEF and USAID. An urgent deployment and launch of the newborn unit will potentiate the advantages of having these two innovations in the facility to provide high-quality services to the newborns of Rivers State.

“Congratulations once again on this remarkable achievement. Together, we will continue to work towards a world where every child has the chance to survive, thrive, and lead healthy and productive lives,” concluded Cristian.

News

Tight security in Benin as Edo governorship election draws near

Published

5 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

By Ojomah Austin.

A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.

Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.

This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.

The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.

In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.

In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.

Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.

INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.

News

New video of Zinoleesky gets tongues wagging

Published

18 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Austin Ojomah

……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”

By Ojomah Austin.

Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.

In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.

Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.

In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.

He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.

The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.

One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.”

soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”

dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”

oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”

isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”

scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”

bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”

just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”

zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”

jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”

sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”

News

AU Agenda 2063: Nigeria Recommends Key Implementation Strategies, Capacity Building

Published

30 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

Nigeria has recommended some strategies to support the realization of the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063, ans among these are the creation of regional centres of excellence to strengthen technological capacity, development of innovative financial models, and introduction of incentives to encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure development.

These were the suggestions highlighted by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu, during his speech at the 12th Annual Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments held at the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South Africa.

Naijablitznews.com reports that Agenda 2063 is a 50-year strategic plan aimed at transforming Africa into a global powerhouse, adopted in 2013 and it outlines the continent’s aspirations for inclusive and sustainable development. The agenda also identifies key flagship programmes designed to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and transformation.

Kalu stressed the importance of making Agenda 2063 widely recognized across Africa and highlighted the need for sufficient funding to ensure its success.

“We are pursuing this agenda, but there are challenges, especially around financing. The question is, how do we make Agenda 2063 a household project without adequate funding?” Kalu remarked.

He emphasized that Africa cannot rely solely on external sources and must take ownership of financing the agenda.

The Deputy Speaker also proposed that Africa explore public-private partnerships (PPP) to raise funds for infrastructure projects aligned with Agenda 2063, possibly offering tax incentives to participants. He also suggested that Africa establish centres of excellence across the regions to build capacity in technology and knowledge, ensuring that the continent can fully own and implement the project.

Furthermore, he pointed out the potential overlap between Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in areas such as healthcare, and urged that Africa prioritize objectives outside the SDGs to enhance efficiency.

“To drive Agenda 2063, we must have the necessary capacity. We cannot borrow knowledge from outside the continent to implement our own agenda,” Kalu added.