fbpx
Connect with us

News

President Buhari names Dangote as Chairman of National End Malaria Council

Published

on

L-R; Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, Chairman of the Nigeria End Malaria Council (NEMC) and President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote and President Muhammadu Buhari during the inauguration/Launch of the Nigeria End Malaria (NEMC) held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE. AUG 16TH 2022

 

 

 

 

Chairman of Aliko Dangote Foundation and Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has been named the pioneer Chair of the National End Malaria Council (NMEC), a body established by President Muhammadu Buhari to eliminate the scourge of malaria in the country. The National End Malaria Council (NMEC) was inaugurated by the President at a well-attended event in the Presidential Banquet Hall, Aso-Rock Villa, Abuja yesterday.

Dangote, who accepted the responsibility of chairing the Council, said the new function was in tandem with his current roles as the Nigerian Ambassador for Malaria, his role on the Global End Malaria Council, and with the work that his Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation is doing to mobilise the private sector to support malaria control in Nigeria in particular, and Africa at large.

While inaugurating the 16-member Council, President Buhari projected that the successful implementation of the Council’s agenda and savings from the estimated economic burden of the disease would save Nigeria about N687 billion in 2022 and N2 trillion by 2030.

The President told the Council that beyond improving the quality of life, health and well-being of Nigerians, the concerted strategy to tackle malaria had both public health as well as socio-economic benefits for Nigeria.

“Our inauguration today will therefore ensure that malaria elimination remains a priority on our agenda, with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels. Additionally, the End Malaria Council will provide a platform to advocate for more funding to protect and sustain progress made so far by our country, and put us on a pathway to ending malaria for good,” the President said.

Expressing concern that the age-long disease had remained a major public health challenge in Nigeria, the President cited the World Health Organisation (WHO) report of 2021, showing that Nigeria alone accounts for 27 per cent of all cases of malaria and 32 per cent of deaths globally.

On his choice of Dangote to chair the Council, Buhari explained that it was in recognition of the track record and passion of Africa’s richest man in supporting initiatives on various health issues such as polio and primary health care system strengthening.

He expressed confidence that Dangote would bring his outstanding achievements to help the country achieve its goal of malaria elimination, adding that a group of eminent personalities, who have also made their mark across all walks of life, have been selected to work in the Council. He added that the membership of the Council reflects Government’s commitment to significantly reducing the malaria burden in Nigeria, to a level where it is no longer a public health issue.

President Buhari also thanked the Chairman of the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, the Executive Secretary of ALMA, RBM Partnership in Nigeria for their continuous support to the Federal Ministry of Health and the malaria programme, in particular. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Global Fund, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the President’s Malaria Initiative, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office, other implementing partners, and the private sector.

In his acceptance speech, Dangote thanked the President and all members of the Council for entrusting him with the enormous responsibility, pledging to work hard to achieve the mandate.

“I must confess that this resonates with my current role as the Nigerian Ambassador for Malaria, my role on the Global End Malaria Council and with the work that my Foundation is doing to mobilise the private sector to support malaria control in Nigeria and Africa at large,” he said.

“It is with humility that I today accept the responsibility to be the Chair of the National Malaria Elimination Council. I am also grateful to the Minister, Federal Ministry of Health for nominating me to serve in this capacity. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the members of the Council for entrusting me with an enormous responsibility which I pledge to fulfil.

“In 2016, Aliko Dangote Foundation supported the development of a Private Sector Engagement Strategy for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria. The document highlighted private sector support in the fight against malaria as well as a strategy for private sector engagement and steps for implementation. In fulfilling our longstanding commitment/investment to end malaria, my Foundation will continue to support all efforts at mobilising all sectors to end malaria in Nigeria and Africa at large”, Dangote added.

Speaking on behalf of the Council members, Dangote said, “Together we will work hard to ensure that malaria elimination remains high on Nigeria’s agenda with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels. We will advocate at the National and State levels to ensure sufficient funding for malaria elimination. The Council under my watch will drive progress toward malaria elimination by focusing on two key areas: Ensure that malaria elimination remains high on Nigeria agenda with strong political commitment from leaders at all levels; and advocate at all levels to ensure sufficient funding to protect the progress made so far, sustain the progress, and be on an irreversible pathway to ending malaria for good.”

In separate remarks, the Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, and the Minister of State for Health, Joseph Ekumankama Nkama, said since 2010, Nigeria has been recording a continuous decline in malaria from 42 per cent in 2010, 27 per cent in 2015 to 23 per cent in 2018.

Quoting figures from the 2010 Nigeria Malaria Indicator Survey and the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, they attributed the decline to the thorough implementation of the National Malaria Strategic Plan (NMSP). Both ministers, however, admitted that funding gap has impacted the implementation of the malaria programmes in Nigeria, adding that the country needs N1.89 trillion to reduce malaria prevalence and mortality by 2025.

The Council members are: Shehu Ibrahim, Permanent Secretary, Office of the Vice President on Political and Economic Affairs, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Sen. Yahaya Oloriegbe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Hon. Abubakar Dahiru, Chairman, House Committee on AIDS, TB and Malaria, Dr. Ehanire, Hon. Ekumankama, Mahmuda Mamman, Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister of Health.

Others include, Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Board of Directors, UBA, Folorunsho Alakija, CEO, Rose of Sharon Group, Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank, Femi Otedola, CEO Forte Oil, Hajiya Lami Lau, President, National Council of Women Societies, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, Emeritus Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Archdiocese, Alhaja Rafiyat Sanni, National Amira, Federation of Muslim Women Nigeria (FOWAN) and Dr. Perpetua Uhomoibhi, NEMC Secretariat/National Coordinator, National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP). Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is preventable and curable. In 2020, there were an estimated 241 million cases of malaria worldwide. The estimated number of malaria deaths stood at 627,000 in 2020.

The WHO African Region continues to carry a disproportionately high share of the global malaria burden. In 2020 the Region was home to 95% of all malaria cases and 96% of deaths. Children under 5 years of age accounted for about 80% of all malaria deaths in the Region.

Four African countries accounted for just over half of all malaria deaths worldwide: Nigeria (31.9%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (13.2%), United Republic of Tanzania (4.1%) and Mozambique (3.8%

News

Kano APC spokesperson accuses Presidency of sabotaging Ganduje

Published

on

Ahmad Aruwa ,Kano APC spokesperson

 

The spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano, Alhaji Ahmad Aruwa, has issued accusations against the Presidency for undermining and conspiring against the suspended Acting National Chairman of the APC Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

Mr. Aruwa articulated these claims in a short video he produced in Kano circulating on social media where he blamed the some forces in the presidency that are pushing for the exit of the former Kano State Governor as the Ag. national chairman.

He asserted their awareness of individuals engaged in conspiracies to sabotage Mr. Ganduje’s efforts, with the intention of fracturing his relationship with the President.

He warned of the potential for a significant political upheaval if any APC members dared to oppose Ganduje in Nigeria as he was one of the pillars of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s success at the 2023 polls.

Breaking:Court Confirms Ganduje’s Suspension As APC member

“We will confront anyone within the APC who dares to challenge Ganduje, regardless of their status or political influence.”

Mr. Aruwa also criticized Tinubu for disregarding the support extended to him in Kano when others had rejected him.

He observed that no one in Kano, a state with largest voter turnout would support Tinubu’s cause, as Ganduje was the sole architect of his success in the state. Therefore, they will not tolerate any subversion at the Villa.

“I solemnly pledged that if anyone is to confront Ganduje within the APC, it would inevitably lead to a substantial political crisis which we are very ready to fight back.”

“Irrespective of the individual’s identity, we are acutely aware of the plotting and machinations orchestrated by certain APC members at the Villa.

“It was solely Ganduje who facilitated Tinubu’s presence in Kano when there was a lack of support from others.

“Every resident of Kano is refraining from associating with Tinubu, as those within the APC who are acquainted with him are distancing themselves due to Buhari’s influence.”

Reliable sources from the Presidential villa who pleaded for anonimity revealed that Ganduje’s trivails started when he was directed to galvanize the attention of Kano state Governor Abba Yusuf and his political Godfather Rabiu Kwankwaso to abandone thier political party (NNPP) and join the ruling APC.

It was reported that contrary to the terms of reference given to Mr. Ganduje, he arrived Kano and chaired a stakeholders meeting where he mocked Kwankwaso and Kano state Governor, a situation that stalled the negotiation process with Kwankwaso’s team.

Continue Reading

News

The Journey So Far: Mbum Ferdinand Presents Score Card Since Assumption Of Office As Mighty Jets International FC General Manager

Published

on

 

By Asile Abel, Jos

With the consciousness that his set objectives are sacrosanct, the General Manager of Mighty Jets international FC of Jos, Ferdinand Mbum has reeled out some of his achievements at the club since his assumption of office.

The Club, renowned for its rich history as one of the few in the early days of Nigerian football to place the country on the world map since its inception in 1970, has steadily stamped its authority in the circles of modern football around the country.

“Talent development has been at the core of everything we’re doing right now and the results are already manifesting, so we’re not perturbed nor shaken at all”, Mr. Ferdinand told a team of reporters at his office in Jos.

“Four of our youngsters have currently been invited to the Golden Eaglets team as a result of their performances in what is just their first season”, he further said.

Mr. Mbum maintained that their mandate is for the Club to be self-sufficient and prove that the status quo can change by all means legitimately possible.

Determined to make clear his arguments, he opined that several scouts have been sounded from his first day in office, “Some of whom have documented a good number of our players and are monitoring their development with data-driven tools which I cannot reveal to you.”

Accordingly, those at the top echelon of football activities within the Club have worked with a roadmap and clear cut instructions about the need to prioritize game time for young prospects, hence the reason for their involvement in first team duties with a hybrid of a number of experienced faces to strike a balance in that regard.

For the Club’s chief, the young footballers have to be trusted, “Talent may be universal but opportunity is not, we have to believe them enough and hand them the opportunities they need to prove themselves” he added.

Commenting on his recent foreign trip to England, he revealed that it was solely in the interest of the Club as he had the opportunity to peach the idea of exporting players to clubs that partnerships have not been struck with them at the initial stage such as Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Leganese in Spain, which was added to the list of clubs that Mighty Jets Int’l FC hopes to do a lot with in Spain. All these he said were part of his agenda during the International Sports Convention held in the United Kingdom.

According to him “Our journey overseas was not for a tea party by any means as we also held a number of strategic business meetings and beneficial networking.

Already two of our players will travel for trials in top Spanish clubs in addition to other mentioned breakthroughs.”

He did not also stop applauding the Executive Governor of the state, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang for the free hand granted the management to operate without hindrance.

He reiterated that there is a close collaboration between the club’s Sporting Director and that of the state as they look to get the very best result moving forward.

While describing allegations of match-fixing against the club’s management as “baseless and unfounded”, he said the club will most likely initiate legal action against known persons who mischievously intend to peddle a narrative they know to be untrue.

Continue Reading

News

Member APC Working Committee Urges Public Not To Bow to NNPP’s Blackmail Over APC National Chairman

Published

on

Bashir Mai Sango with APC national chairman Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

 

A member of the APC working committee in Kano Bashir Mai Sango urges the general public not to succumb to blackmail by certain sponsored elements seeking to discredit the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.

In a statement issued to newsmen Bashir Mai Sango, it was highlighted that the sponsored elements, bent on blackmailing the APC chairman, aim to destabilize the APC-led federal Government of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, who, in his almost eleven months in office, has been striving to rectify the economy.

Bashir Maisango who is also the assistant secretary of Kano APC emphasized that these individuals are also apprehensive about the political acumen and successes of the APC national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who tirelessly collaborates with the President to strengthen the APC and position it as a formidable party in future general elections.

Bashir emphasized the importance of recognizing that the NNPP government, along with its agents in Kano and in collaboration with certain disgruntled elements, are working to divide party stalwarts at both the federal and state levels. They are doing so by sponsoring retrogressive elements to launch a campaign of defamation against the National chairman of the APC through court orders and by financing certain members to blackmail the chairman and the APC leadership.

The member Kano working committee further urged the National working committee of the APC, the people of Kano, and all other critical stakeholders not to yield to blackmail from the NNPP government and its propaganda machinery.

He mentioned that the NNPP government, led by Kwankwaso’s puppet, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, is doing so to appease his master instead of focusing on governance, as his failures are becoming increasingly evident.

The NNPP government aims to divert attention and ensure the innocent into its fold because the APC national chairman is their nightmare.

He said the national chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has made significant strides in repositioning the party by establishing a progressive institute which underway . This institute is designed to consolidate robust political ideas for progressive politics, a feat never achieved before since the formation of APC in 2013.

Continue Reading

Trending