Category: Health

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — President Bola Tinubu has commissioned the ultra-modern Bola Tinubu Complex at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abuja, in a move aimed at strengthening specialist healthcare services and reducing medical tourism.

The President, represented by the Medical Director of FMC Abuja, Prof. Saad Ahmed, inaugurated the facility on Friday in Abuja.

Tinubu described the project as a major milestone in the Federal Government’s efforts to improve access to quality healthcare and reposition the nation’s health sector.

According to him, the complex reflects the administration’s commitment to building a more efficient, accessible and responsive healthcare system for Nigerians.

“The commissioning of this complex demonstrates the importance Mr President attaches to the healthcare sector and his unwavering commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for Nigerians,” Ahmed said on behalf of the President.

Tinubu said the facility was strategically designed to expand specialist clinical services and reduce the growing number of Nigerians seeking medical treatment abroad.

“With this development, Nigerians will have greater access to quality healthcare services while strengthening the nation’s capacity to reduce medical tourism,” he said.

The President said the complex comprises eight consulting rooms, twin theatre suites, Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Ophthalmology departments, a fully equipped laboratory and pharmacy, nine VIP wards and four general wards.

He added that the facility also houses a coffee lounge, staff lounge and a dedicated private and VIP clinic for dignitaries and patients requiring specialised medical care.

Tinubu assured Nigerians of the government’s commitment to sustaining quality healthcare delivery and investing in modern medical infrastructure.

Also speaking, the Head of Clinical Services at FMC Abuja, Dr Bioku Muftau, and other members of the hospital’s management team commended the Federal Government for supporting the project.

The Deputy Head of Clinical Services, Dr Ben Achusi, praised the leadership of the Medical Director, saying his efforts had contributed significantly to the transformation of the institution.

The event featured the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, unveiling of a commemorative plaque and a guided tour of the newly completed healthcare complex.

Some patients who attended the event expressed optimism that the facility would improve access to specialist healthcare services and enhance the quality of medical care available within the country.

(NAN)

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) —The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Thursday joined key stakeholders in Lagos for a high-level emergency preparedness meeting convened on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Uganda.

Newpost Africa had earlier reported that the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised concerns over the rapid spread of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo, warning that no approved vaccine is currently available to contain the outbreak. Hundreds of suspected cases are reportedly emerging daily as health officials intensify efforts to curb transmission.

The WHO, on May 17, upgraded the outbreak to a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), citing the growing risk of regional and international spread.

According to a statement issued by Tunji-Ojo, the emergency meeting, led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, brought together officials of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), health authorities, security agencies, and emergency response institutions to assess Nigeria’s preparedness and strengthen preventive measures against the deadly virus.

The minister said although no case of Ebola has been confirmed in Nigeria, the Federal Government is taking proactive steps to prevent a possible outbreak.

“At the Ministry of Interior, our focus remains firm on border control and robust screening at all points of entry — airports, seaports and land borders.

“We are enhancing monitoring and surveillance protocols using available technology and structured decision-making mechanisms to prevent the virus from entering the country,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo added that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate closely with state governments, the Nigeria Immigration Service, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, and other relevant agencies to ensure the country remains protected.

“Together, drawing lessons from our successful containment of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, we are confident that Nigeria will once again rise to the challenge and protect our country,” he added.

ENUGU, Nigeria (NPA) — Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has inaugurated the newly renovated and re‑equipped Neonatal and Special Babies Ward at the Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Teaching Hospital, Parklane, as part of activities marking the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.

The facility, upgraded through the intervention of the Cecilia Oyebola Foundation, founded by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Health, Dr Yomi Jaye, is now equipped with modern incubators, infusion and syringe pumps, phototherapy units, autoclave machines, baby monitoring devices and upgraded nursing facilities aimed at improving neonatal care and reducing infant mortality in the state.

Speaking at the unveiling, Governor Mbah — represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia — commended Dr Jaye for his personal sacrifice and commitment to advancing healthcare delivery.

“This intervention reflects the culture of collective responsibility and service championed by our administration, where officials go beyond official duties to contribute personally to the development of the state,” he said.

The governor described Dr Jaye, who also marked his 51st birthday, as a humble and exemplary public servant whose humanity and dedication continue to inspire confidence in the administration’s healthcare transformation agenda.

He noted that the ESUT Teaching Hospital had been transformed since 2023 into a modern medical institution capable of competing with leading facilities nationwide.

Former Governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, who cut the ribbon alongside his wife, Dr Patricia Nwobodo, lauded Mbah’s achievements: “I am deeply impressed by the quality of facilities at this neonatal ward. I have hardly seen such standards even in some hospitals abroad.”

Dr Jaye explained that the project was inspired by his lifelong commitment to children’s welfare and in memory of his late mother, recalling the painful loss of his almost twin brother due to infection‑related complications. He stressed that the ward was designed to meet modern infection prevention protocols critical to newborn survival.

The hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu, expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah and Dr Jaye, assuring that the newly installed facilities would be properly maintained and maximally utilised for the benefit of newborns and vulnerable patients.

Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a world‑class healthcare system through strategic investments in infrastructure, equipment and manpower development.

LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The National Orthopaedic Hospital Igbobi (NOHIL) has commissioned three major building projects and honoured outstanding individuals and organisations as part of activities marking its 80th anniversary celebration in Lagos.

The projects commissioned during the event include patient relations hostels, a block of 36 mini-flat staff quarters, and Phase II of the College of Nursing hostel.

The projects were donated by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Murtala Ibrahim Adegboyega Foundation, and Princess Adegoke Orelope.

Speaking at the event, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, described the anniversary theme as timely and inspiring, noting that it offered an opportunity to reflect on the institution’s achievements and chart a path toward greater innovation.

Salako urged the hospital’s management and staff to remain committed to professionalism, compassion, integrity, innovation, and excellence.

“The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare will continue to support policies and programmes aimed at promoting quality healthcare for all Nigerians,” he said.

Delivering the anniversary lecture, former Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, described NOHIL as a symbol of care and hope deserving of national recognition and support.

Fashola commended the management and staff for sustaining the institution over the years and called on the Federal Government and well-meaning Nigerians to continue supporting the hospital.

“The Federal Government should ensure that its own child, Igbobi, does not become an orphan,” he said.

Medical Director of the hospital, Dr Wakeel Olaide, said the newly commissioned projects reflected the institution’s growth and strategic partnerships over the years.

According to him, the hospital has strengthened collaborations, embraced modern medical technologies, and maintained standards that position it as one of West Africa’s leading orthopaedic referral centres.

He appealed to corporate organisations and private individuals to partner with the institution in advancing orthopaedic healthcare through infrastructural development.

The event also featured exhibitions of products and services from various departments of the hospital.

NOHIL further honoured 21 stakeholders for their contributions to the development of the institution.

Among those recognised were Gbajabiamila, the NNPC Foundation, the Murtala Adegboyega Foundation, and late philanthropist, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony.

Mrs Bunmi Adegboyega-Ibraheem, who received the award on behalf of the Murtala Adegboyega Foundation, thanked the hospital for its service to humanity and urged Nigerians to support the institution.

“Don’t say you have no business with Igbobi, because someone close to you might need the services of this hospital tomorrow,” she said.

The late Dr Mustapha Alimi, a former Medical Director of the hospital, also received posthumous recognition for his role in transforming the institution.

Similarly, Mr Tunde Bank-Anthony, who received an award on behalf of his late grandfather, Sir Mobolaji Bank-Anthony, expressed appreciation to the hospital management and staff.

He noted that his grandfather financed and built the hospital’s iconic 140-bed accident ward more than 50 years ago to strengthen emergency healthcare delivery in Lagos.

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has called for an end to menstrual stigma and increased access to affordable sanitary products and safe menstrual hygiene facilities across the country.

The call was made by the Senior Advocacy and Marketing Manager for AHF Nigeria, Steve Aborisade, in a statement issued on Friday ahead of the commemoration of World Menstrual Health Day 2026.

According to Aborisade, the initiative aims to reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation while promoting access to safe, clean facilities and affordable sanitary products for girls and women.

He disclosed that the programme, scheduled to hold in Keffi, Nasarawa State, would bring together about 150 students from four schools, government officials, and health partners to promote menstrual hygiene management and strengthen awareness on HIV and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevention.

The event is also expected to host officials from the Nasarawa State Ministries of Women Affairs and Education, alongside the state’s Gender-Based Violence focal person.

AHF Nigeria stressed that protecting menstrual health remains critical to safeguarding public health and reducing vulnerability to HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

“Across Africa, too many women and girls still lack access to basic menstrual products and safe facilities, forcing them to miss school, risk their health, or turn to unsafe coping strategies,” AHF Africa Bureau Chief, Martin Matabishi, stated.

“Menstrual health is not a luxury — it is a fundamental part of public health and HIV/STI prevention,” he added.

According to the organisation, the Keffi programme will feature discussions led by menstrual health experts focusing on product accessibility and the stigma associated with menstruation in many Nigerian communities.

AHF said boys would also be engaged as allies in promoting menstrual health awareness and support.

The organisation further revealed that each of the 150 participants expected at the programme would receive a two-month supply of sanitary towels and other incentives to support healthier menstrual experiences.

AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, highlighted the global scale of period poverty, noting that nearly two billion people menstruate worldwide, with about 500 million facing challenges accessing menstrual products and facilities.

He warned that such conditions could expose vulnerable girls and women to exploitative relationships, reduce their ability to negotiate safer sex, and increase the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

Ijezie commended countries that have removed or reduced taxes on menstrual products and urged Nigeria to adopt similar policies to improve universal access.

The organisation also noted that stigma and cultural taboos surrounding menstruation continue to limit access to accurate sexual and reproductive health information and discourage many from seeking healthcare support.

AHF emphasised that efforts to improve menstrual health must go hand in hand with expanding HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.

The foundation added that its Girls Act empowerment programme currently operates in Abuja and Makurdi, Benue State, with plans to expand to Akwa Ibom and Nasarawa States this year.

“Governments must remove taxes, invest in access, and break the silence around menstruation to protect health, dignity, and opportunity for all,” Matabishi said.