Pate Tasks Public Health Practitioners on Dedication to Duty

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called on health practitioners to be more dedicated during public service to foster meaningful growth in the sector.

Pate made the call in Abuja at the unveiling of the book titled: “The journey outlives the traveller” authored by the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Leopold Zekeng

The book is centered on Zekeng’s four decades journey in public global health sector, from his early beginnings in his hometown Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and beyond, based on working at the frontlines of HIV and AIDS responses.

Also working during some of the most complex health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, global health diplomacy and social-works development.

Pate, speaking at the book launch, said: “I congratulate you for this milestone and appreciate you for the years of service: particularly for investing the time to codify what you have learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.

“I think what you have written in the book tells the story of public health practitioners over a period of time and the impact on lives is still unfolding.

“It is a remarkable journey and I look forward to studying you more. Congratulations for all you have done, you have left us with a lot to learn. Your journey is our journey and I think it is a transition moment.”

In his opening address, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, while commending Zekeng for his initiative to put up the write-up, described his journey in public health as masterclass in leadership.

Fall said: “All of us feel deeply privileged to have worked along with him. He understood that HIV is not only a medical issue, but a human one shaped by culture, stigma, access, but also by force.

“He partnered Norway, engaged with the First Ladies of the country, worked closely with the Minister of Health and built himself a response that was as human by trying to respond to the HIV crisis in Nigeria.

“For the UN-Nigeria, your journey has been a masterclass not just in leadership on the SDGs, but for the public health in general. You reminded us that progress must be people-centered, partnership-driven and purpose-led.”

In his review of the book, the former Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu revealed the author offered perspectives to the multiplicity and complexities of global health governance, and leadership in action.

He noted that the 600-page book shed light on often unseen human side of leadership, difficult and sometimes agonizing decisions that must be taken, moments of hard-won triumph and collective progress.

He said: “It reflects the personal sacrifices that are appropriate to effectively lead and navigate through times of significant crisis and uncertainties.

“A central and recurring theme that resonated powerfully throughout the book is the paramount importance of diligently sustaining the significant gains that have been achieved in the global, regional and national responses to HIV and AIDS pandemics.”

Pate Tasks Public Health Practitioners on Dedication to Duty

GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS

By: Michael Mike

All is now set as the 1971-1975 set of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran, Kwara State, otherwise known as the Gateway Set, will on Friday July 4, celebrate its 50th year anniversary, with series of legacy projects.

In a statement in Ilorin by Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, Chairman, Central Planning Committee, said many activities have been lined up for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on Friday.

According to him, activities lined up for the day include the launch and dedication of some legacy projects by the Old Boys, visit to His Royal Highness, the Olomu of Omu Aran and a communal walk.

He added that the Kwara State Government has indicated its willingness to partner with the set to construct and uplift some identified infrastructural facilities in the school.

Other events lined up for the Day is a lecture on : NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPERATIVE OF PEACE AND SECURITY to be delivered by Comrade Isa Aremu, Director General, Michael Imodu Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin and staging of a play: Flight Ticket by the school drama group.

Dignitaries expected at the event to be chaired by Major General Yemi Abidoye rtd, include representatives of Kwara State Government, Royal fathers and other important dignitaries, many of whom have made impacts in their fields of endeavours.

Some of the dignitaries who were also almunus of the College were Bishop Caleb Atolagbe, Mr Olusegun Abifarin, the first alumnus to become the principal of the school and indeed the longest serving principal of the school. Others include; Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, a former MD of Harmony Security, Dr Dele Ige, Dr Segun Dogunro and Dr Depo Agboola, Engineers Kayode Adeoti, Dauda Awojobi and Jacob Oyedepo Navy Captain Yekini Mustafa, Chief Stephen Ayelabola, Mr Tunji Oyinloye, Adegoke Olanrewaju, James Aina, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, Professor Funsho Afolayan, Professor Olabode Bamgbola, among several others.

GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS

Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth

By: Michael Mike

The drive to unearth the potential of Nigeria’s creative sector and further empowers the youth has received a boost as a youth-focused initiative aimed at building sustainable fashion-based businesses across the country.was unveiled on Wednesday

The unveiling was done in Abuja by Embroidery Chief in collaboration with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong,

Speaking during the unveiling at a stakeholders’ engagement themed “Stitching the Future: Building Sustainable Embroidery Businesses in Africa,” the Founder of Embroidery Chief, Mr. Lukman Abdulsalam, said that the initiative is designed to empower young Nigerians with practical embroidery and fashion design skills that can be turned into profitable ventures.

According to him, the project launched in partnership with leading Chinese embroidery machine manufacturers Dahao and Futong, will begin with the establishment of innovation hubs in 10 states, including Lagos and Kano. Each hub will be equipped with 50 embroidery machines, offered at subsidized rates to make them accessible to young entrepreneurs.

Abdulsalam noted that training programmes will run in three phases: one month for design, two weeks for machine operation, and one month for technical repairs.

He said that many young Nigerians already possess natural creativity but lack the technical skills to fully express and monetize their talent.

Abdulsalam said: “The purpose of this gathering is to raise awareness about key issues in the fashion industry, how individuals can upscale, identify existing gaps, and connect with the right people and opportunities.

“We aim to collaborate with the government, which is why we have key stakeholders here today. Our plan is to establish hubs in about 10 states. Each hub will receive approximately 50 embroidery machines, and we will train end users on machine operation, technical support, and digital design creation.

“This initiative will begin with 10 states as a pilot. We are committed to empowering individuals by providing these machines at subsidized rates, making them affordable for emerging entrepreneurs.

“In Nigeria, many people still lack the technical knowledge to properly size and digitize designs using software. That’s why training is essential. Once people learn how to use both the machines and the software effectively, it will foster healthy competition and unlock creativity across the board.

“Youth will be able to create designs on sneakers, shoes, bags, clothing, even decorative frames. The possibilities are vast, and with the right skills, we can unlock an entirely new wave of innovation in the fashion industry.”

In his remarks, Michael Zuo, Senior Sales Executive at Dahao, said the company is seriously considering setting up a branch office in Nigeria to support the growth of the embroidery ecosystem.

Also speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Industrial Training and Development, Hon. Adamson Ayinde who was represented by Dr Taiwo Bashir, described the initiative as a golden opportunity for Nigerian youth.

He noted that there are numerous areas where the government can collaborate, which is likely why the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President asked him to attend the event on his behalf.

He said: “This is a great opportunity for Nigerian youth, as the embroidery industry is worth millions of dollars and still largely untapped. There is so much to be done, and anyone with the vision and willingness to act now stands to benefit immensely.”

Chinese Embroidery Companies Make Inroads into Nigeria to Empower Youth