News

Jonathan Calls For A Church-led Health Revolution In Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2024

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Church to take the lead in the crucial role of advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Jonathan said this in his keynote address at the maiden edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former President, who was was represented by the former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the Church’s historical contributions to health and education sectors.

While reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan acknowledged the bravery of healthcare workers, like doctor Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He also acknowledged the passage of the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, which he said had significantly improved healthcare access for millions Nigerians.

“The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.

“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes,” he said.

Accordimg to him, despite the progress, gaps remain, and I call on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access.

He urged faith-based organisations to leverage their community influence to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and foster partnerships with both the government and private sector.

“The Church must harness its platforms and resources to lead a transformative health initiative that ensures that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for quality, affordable healthcare,” he said.

The Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, outlined a visionary framework for integrating holistic health into the Church’s mission.

Ndukuba emphasised the Church’s historical role in pioneering healthcare in Nigeria, and recalled foundational efforts in establishing clinics and hospitals since the 19th century.

He called for a renewed commitment to comprehensive healthcare, blending physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in alignment with Biblical teachings and modern health standards.

According to him, there is the urgent need for the Church to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, exacerbated by corruption and inadequate government response.

The Primate proposed a series of strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission to streamline and standardise healthcare services.

He also called for the establishment of a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) to cater to the healthcare needs of Nigerians.

He advocated for the development of pharmaceutical production and a fellowship for healthcare professionals to bolster the Church’s medical outreach.

Highlighting the Church’s potential to lead in healthcare and transform community well-being, Ndukuba urged Christian healthcare professionals to seize this “Kairos moment” for impactful service.

His address set the stage for the summit’s mission to develop a comprehensive health policy and blueprint for advancing the Church’s role in holistic health ministry.

On his part, Mr Peter Nmadu, Chairman of the National Steering Committee, emphasised the importance of healthcare in the church’s mission.

Nmadu acknowledged the challenges faced, including recent health crises and the need for a coordinated response.

He expressed gratitude to the church leadership and participants, urging collective effort towards a healthier future for the church and society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit aims to assess the church’s historical contributions to healthcare, develop strategies for improvement, and establish a comprehensive health policy.

News

PHOTOS: Brazil Welcomes Tinubu With Full Military Honours In Brasília

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

Brazil on Monday rolled out full military honours at the Planalto Palace in Brasília to receive President Bola Tinubu.

Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this on X on Monday.

Onanuga said Tinubu was welcomed by his host, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

He wrote, “More photos of the official reception for President Tinubu at the Planalto Palace in Brasília, Monday, August 25, 2025. Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed President Bola Tinubu with full military honours.”

News

Tinubu Signs Direct Flight, Other Agreements With Brazil

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has signed a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement with Brazil, signalling the establishment of direct air links between Nigeria and South America’s largest economy.

The agreement was formalised on Monday during Tinubu’s official state visit to Brasília.

Media aide to the minister, Tunde Moshood, made this known through a statement, made available to The PUNCH.

At the signing ceremony which was witnessed by Messrs Nigerian President, Tinubu and the Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in Brasilia also had the Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed the agreement on behalf of Nigeria, while Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, also signed for the host country.

The BASA creates a new framework for direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil, with the potential to significantly enhance trade, tourism, investment, and diplomatic relations.

The statement further noted that, “ It also marks a key step in Nigeria’s broader efforts to strengthen international partnerships and improve global connectivity.”

Tinubu had arrived in Brazil with a delegation that included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Ojukwu; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari; and other senior government officials.

According to the statement, the Brazilian President welcomed the agreement, expressing his administration’s commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria in sectors such as aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

He described the BASA as a reflection of the strong ties between both countries and an opportunity to deepen economic and cultural collaboration.

Tinubu is also scheduled to hold meetings with key Brazilian government officials, including the President of the Senate, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

The two-day visit will include high-level discussions between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, as both nations explore opportunities for mutual growth and development.

The statement reads, “The ongoing state visit will also see President Tinubu meeting the President of the Brazilian Senate at the National Congress, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and the President of the Supreme Federal Court.

“The working visit, which continues tomorrow, will also feature high-level engagements between Nigerian and Brazilian delegations across various sectors, underscoring both nations’ commitment to building a future of mutual growth and prosperity.”

News

NAFDAC Warns Of Fake Postinor-2 In Circulation

Published

11 hours ago

August 25, 2025

Editor

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control on Monday issued a public alert, warning the public about confirmed counterfeit batches of Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75 mg) now circulating in Nigeria.

The alert follows a report from the Society for Family Health, the marketing authorisation holder, confirming that they did not import the suspect batches.

Postinor-2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) is a brand of emergency contraceptive pill containing the active ingredient levonorgestrel.

NAFDAC revealed there are noticeable labelling discrepancies between the authentic and fake products.

It said, “The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) hereby notifies the public of falsified Type 1 and 2 batches of POSTINOR 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) product in circulation.

“The noticeable difference was found to be as follows: The font size of the text on the pin verification sticker appears smaller and has a wrong spelling of the word Veify instead of Verify on the fake; meanwhile, the text font on the sticker of the original appears bigger and more visible. There is also a wrong spelling behind the pack of the fake “Distnibuted in Nigeria” instead of distributed in Nigeria”, NAFDAC said.

NAFDAC identified the original Postinor-2 as batch T32458H, manufactured in February 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027 and registration number 04-6985.

The agency, however, confirmed two falsified versions: Counterfeit Product (Type 1), batch T36184B, manufactured in August 2024 with an expiry date of August 2028; and Counterfeit Product (Type 2), batch 332, manufactured in March 2023 with an expiry date of February 2027, both carrying the registration number 04-6985.

It said that due to the potential presence of incorrect, substandard, or harmful ingredients, improper dosages of levonorgestrel, and a lack of sterile manufacturing conditions, poses significant risks to individual health and public safety.

“The risks of administering falsified Postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) include failure of contraceptive effect, toxic or harmful contaminants, unpredictable side effects, delayed or missed opportunity for genuine emergency contraception, and potential long-term reproductive health impact. Unexpected side effects: Unknown substances can trigger allergic reactions, organ damage, or death.

“Counterfeit medicines are unregulated, untested, and illegal, making their safety and efficacy impossible to guarantee. Patients should only obtain Postinor-2 from verified pharmacies or licensed healthcare providers.

“Although Investigations are still ongoing regarding the source of the falsified product, all NAFDAC zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the falsified product of type 1 and 2 postinor 2 (Levonorgestrel 0.75mg) within the zones and states,” it added.

NAFDAC urged consumers and healthcare providers to verify PIN stickers carefully, report suspected counterfeit products, and always purchase medications from reputable sources.