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IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

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IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy has raised an alarm that the continued delay in supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy in the country may increase the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination in Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President, Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria),
Mr Peter Iorkighir Terver lamented that: “For over ten months, the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy—has been delayed, leaving over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, without the medication they urgently need. This delay, resulting from bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.”

Terver, while stating that the decision by NAFDAC has led to a crisis situation, said: “The supply process for MDT, under WHO Purchase Order Number: 203416835, has been obstructed due to additional requirements from NAFDAC, particularly the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin, despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.”

He however decried that: “A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will lapse by February 2025, potentially restarting the lengthy supply process,” adding that: “Without immediate intervention, delays will extend until late 2025, leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination.”

Terver, while stating that: “The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By denying timely treatment, we are complicit in perpetuating the marginalization, discrimination, and preventable disabilities faced by persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria,” called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and use his good office to resolve this crisis.”

He said: We ask for: “A waiver from NAFDAC to expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay; A Commitment to Public Health by removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens.
“And timely access to treatment, ensuring the 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.”

He noted that the plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored, insisting that: “These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community—to act swiftly and decisively.

IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

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Gov. Buni Signs 2025 Budget into Law

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Gov. Buni Signs 2025 Budget into Law

…Assures Transparecy and Accountability in Govt. Business

By: Mamman Mohammed

Yobe state governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON said the year 2025 would record timely completion of all ongoing and new projects in fulfilment of his campaign promises to the people of the state.

The Governor stated this today while signing the 2025 budget into law, saying, “this administration is committed to judicious use and investment of our resources into people oriented programmes and projects, especially, education, Healthcare delivery, agriculture, Infrastructural development, wealth Creation, and empowerment to stimulate economic growth.

“We have identified and mapped out some rich agricultural, livestock and other natural potentials for international investment to generate employment opportunities and wealth Creation. We have commenced discussions with reputable local and international organizations to harness these potentials.

“Let me seize this opportunity to draw the attention of all the supervising engineers attached to government projects. Your attachment to these projects is to protect government interests. You must ensure that every project is executed in strict compliance to specifications and other contractual agreements. I will support you, and stand with you to execute your duties effectively and efficiently.

“However, if you fail in your responsibilities, Government would not hesitate to engage external supervising engineers to ensure quality execution of our projects for the government to get value for its money.

“The Project Monitoring Committee under the leadership of Engr. Zaji Bunu is hereby advised to intensify supervision and monitoring of all projects so that the projects would be executed on schedule and in strict compliance with the contractual agreement to add value to the lives of our people” he said.

Governor Buni charged the Bureau on Public Procurement to always undertake “clinical diagnosis of contractual biddings and to patronise only competent contractors with the capacity, technical know- how and other required prerequisites”.

He assured that the State government would strive to sustain accountability and transparency in governance which earned the state the award of best performing state in transparency and accountability in Nigeria from the World Bank assisted State Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SIFTAS).

“I am optimistic that the new leaderships of the State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, and the Board of Internal Revenue, would both work towards enhancing accountability and prudence in revenue generation and government expenditure to promote good governance and efficient service delivery to the people” he said.

The governor charged the new Chairman Board of Internal Revenue Alhaji Suleiman Bakura to work towards improving revenue generation, block leakages and ensure remittance of all revenues collected into government coffers.

Buni also charged the new Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Alhaji Babayo Umar to key into the government efforts to advance basic education through ensuring qualitative teaching and learning, provision of instructional materials and conducive environment.

“You should ensure effective monitoring and supervision in the schools, and the execution of all projects awarded by the board.

The Governor also launched distribution of N50 Million cash grant and start-up kits to 500 beneficiaries trained by the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in production of soaps, detergents, charcoal, Shoes and disinfectants.

The beneficiaries received a cash grant of N100,000 each and a start-up kit to launch their businesses for a sustainable income generation, urging them to make good use of the opportunity for a brighter future.

Gov. Buni Signs 2025 Budget into Law

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Senator Kaka Shehu Gives Educational Materials to Gov Zulum

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Senator Kaka Shehu Gives Educational Materials to Gov Zulum

By: Our Reporter

Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan SAN recently presented 20,000 exercise books, whiteboards, markers, and mathematical sets to the Borno State Government, as part of his ongoing support for the state’s educational development.

This gesture complements the significant investments made by Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum in the education sector, especially following the devastating flood disaster of September 10th, which caused widespread destruction of homes and educational infrastructure.

In a brief ceremony at the Government House in Maiduguri, the items were handed over to Governor Zulum in the presence of key government officials and the press. Governor Zulum expressed his gratitude for Senator Lawan’s contribution, highlighting that this gesture is part of a broader effort that includes empowerment and capacity-building initiatives across various sectors.

He assured that the donated materials would be distributed to schools to support the education of pupils in the state.

This donation underscores the collaborative effort between the state government and key stakeholders to rebuild and improve the education sector, which has received global recognition for its transformative initiatives under Governor Zulum’s leadership.

Senator Kaka Shehu Gives Educational Materials to Gov Zulum

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Allegations of Nigerian Government Sponsoring Terrorist Attack in Niger, An Attempt by Nigerien my to Cause Disaffection, Group Alleges

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Allegations of Nigerian Government Sponsoring Terrorist Attack in Niger, An Attempt by Nigerien my to Cause Disaffection, Group Alleges

By: Michael Mike 22282222

The Republic of Niger allegation of Nigeria sponsoring terrorism group, Lakurawa td7jo topple the junta led administration in the francophone country has been described as nothing but fake news and a planned move to caused disaffection in Nigeria going by the strong brotherhood that exists between Nigerians and Nigeriens, a group has claimed.

The group, Coalition for t he Advancement of Peace and Democracy in West Africa through their scribe, Rahila Umar
said the actions of the junta was condemnable.

The military junta in Republic of Niger had alleged that Nigeria a longside some foreign countries aided a terrorist group, Lakurawa
in the 13th December 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 2 2nknknWest Africa2, Secretary General of the group said findings have shown that the junta’s claims were false.

She said: “The Coalition for the Advancement of Peace and Democracy in West Africa condemns in very strong terms, the hostility directed at the Nigerian government by the Military Government in Niger Republic. The recent allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorism group, that with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic, is not only grossly misleading but pathetic, Nigeria has been at the forefront of fighting terrorism for more than a decade, sometimes even in conjunction with Nigerien soldiers.

“The public in Niger and Nigeria should note that the attack on the oil pipeline, inform that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. They should be reminded that the Government and good people of Nigeria are strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.

“That the Nigerian Military has a strong history of not accommodating boots on the ground and the allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety. It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial and Nigeria was never colonized by France and have no colonial allegiance to France.

“The Military government in Niger is advised to desist from using fake news to cause disaffection within the Nigeria populace with their propaganda. “

Allegations of Nigerian Government Sponsoring Terrorist Attack in Niger, An Attempt by Nigerien my to Cause Disaffection, Group Alleges

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