News

UBTH Marks 2023 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week

Published

2 years ago

November 27, 2023

The Antimicrobial Stewardship Sub-Committee of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH) Drug and Therapeutics Committee has marked the 2023 World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week with the theme, “Preventing Antimicrobial Resistance Together.”

The week-long program featured media campaign, awareness walk, patient education and a lecture series which focused on one health approach (Human, animal and the environment) in mitigating the silent pandemic of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The event was sponsored by Pfizer pharmaceutical industry company and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

The program started with online and social media sensitization of the general public featuring individualized pledges to handle antimicrobial with care. This was followed by a rally involving all the stakeholders in UBTH including medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, medical laboratory scientists, paramedics and students to sensitize the general public on the harmful effects of AMR and rational use of antimicrobial drugs.

The lecture series featured three scholars from the different specialties representing ONE HEALTH.

In his presentation, Prof CE Oshoma, a food and industrial microbiologist in UNIBEN said bacterial antimicrobial resistance is a leading public health threat of the 21st century.

He emphasized among other driving factors of AMR, lack of awareness and knowledge, and lack of enforcement of legislation.

According to Prof CE Oshoma, sources of AMR to the environment include pharmaceutical waste, animal waste, human waste, and pesticides etc.

In another presentation Prof. Paul Nwiyi of the Department of Veterinary Microbiology, UNIBEN opined that the pooling of AMR traits within the ecosystems of different sectors such as human, animal and the environment gave rise to the one health approach.

According to him, there are increasing new AMR microorganisms in animals resulting in animal loss and health hazard to humans who depend on the animal for food.

Dr Osaigbovo Iriagbonse, a consultant clinical microbiologist/ Senior lecturer in the Department of Medical Microbiology UNIBEN/ UBTH, in her speech, expressed worry over the burden Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), explaining that Africa has the highest mortality rate from of AMR infections in the world with 27 deaths per 100,000 attributable to AMR.

According to her, AMR occurs when antimicrobials that previously cured infections become less effective due to changes in the micro-organisms known as mutations.

Dr. Osaigbovo enumerated the drivers of AMR to include misuse/overuse of antimicrobials, indiscriminate disposal of waste, poor infection control, medical tourism and global travel. She also emphasised that AMR is also emerging in fungi and health workers need to be more aware.

In his speech, Chief Medical Director of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof Darlington Obaseki while presenting awards of excellence to the guest speakers, appreciated members of the antimicrobial stewardship sub-committee led by Dr Stephen Ayinbuomwan for their commitment to improving health outcomes and providing health care solutions in the health system.

The CMD encouraged the committee to do everything possible to make antimicrobial stewardship a culture in UBTH.

On his part, Dr Jerry Igunma consultant clinical Microbiologist and the chairman LOC, UBTH, WAAW 2023 in his vote of thanks appreciated all the stake holders who made the program a success and profusely appreciated the other committee members; Prof AE Sadoh, Dr Osaigbovo I , Pharm Dr, E Yovwin. Mr Ephraim Ibadin, Pharm Aghimien, Dr Adewole Afolabi and Dr Bimbo Opadeyi.

News

Otuaro Felicitates Tompolo On Honorary Doctorate Award

Published

6 hours ago

December 2, 2025

Editor

Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr Dennis Otuaro has congratulated High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, on the conferment of an Honorary Doctorate of Laws (LLD) by the E.K. Clark University.

Otuaro described the recognition as well-deserved and befitting, noting that Tompolo has, over the years, demonstrated uncommon commitment to the peace, progress, and stability of the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

According to him, Tompolo’s role in sustaining peace in the region, particularly through his steadfast support for dialogue, community engagement, and nonviolent approaches to conflict resolution, has made a significant contribution to national security and economic stability.

He further noted that, beyond his contributions to peacebuilding, Tompolo has demonstrated extraordinary compassion, philanthropy, and devotion to humanitarian causes.

He added that his investments in youth empowerment stand as clear evidence of a man whose heart is truly with his people.

“Tompolo’s good heart, generosity, and love for humanity distinguish him as a leader of rare character,” Otuaro said.

The PAP Administrator commended E.K. Clark University for identifying and honouring a personality whose impact continues to resonate across the Niger Delta and beyond.

He urged other institutions to emulate such gestures that celebrate individuals advancing society through selfless service.

Dr Otuaro prayed for God’s continued guidance, long life, and strength for High Chief Ekpemupolo as he continues to serve the Niger Delta and Nigeria with dignity, wisdom, and compassion.

News

JUST IN: Defence Minister, Badaru Mohammed Resigns

Published

6 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has resigned his appointment with immediate effect.

His resignation was contained in a letter addressed to President Tinubu and dated December 1.

The Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this on Monday.

The presidential spokesman said Abubakar resigned on health grounds.

News

Police Deny Opening Recruitment Portal, Warn Nigerians Against Fake Adverts

Published

7 hours ago

December 1, 2025

Editor

The Police Service Commission has debunked reports circulating on social media and several unofficial websites claiming that it has opened a portal for recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

The Commission described the publications as fake, warning that they were created by fraudsters seeking to deceive and exploit unsuspecting Nigerians.

In a statement published on its official website on Monday, the PSC said it had not commenced any recruitment exercise.

“The general public is hereby informed that these publications are fake and entirely misleading.

“They are the handiwork of fraudsters attempting to exploit innocent citizens,” the Commission said.

It added that no recruitment portal had been opened by the Commission.

“There is currently no ongoing recruitment into the Nigeria Police Force.

“The Police Service Commission has not opened any portal for such an exercise,” the statement added.

The PSC stressed that whenever recruitment begins, the announcement will be made strictly through authorised platforms.

According to the statement, official channels include advertisements in reputable national newspapers, announcements posted on the Commission’s verified website (www.psc.gov.ng), and formal press releases.

“We urge Nigerians to rely only on information published through these official channels.

“Any recruitment portal not listed on our website is fraudulent and should be reported to the police,” the commission said.

The PSC advised the public to ignore the fake recruitment claims to avoid falling victim to scams.

The PUNCH had reported that the Police Service Commission has cautioned Nigerians seeking a career in the Nigeria Police Force to beware of fake recruitment adverts circulating online, insisting that it has not yet commenced the 2025 recruitment exercise.