Eliminating NTDs key to Gombe’s economic growth, better health outcomes – -Stakeholders

Some stakeholders in the health sector have called for more actions and investments as part of efforts to eliminate Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Gombe State.

They stated that eliminating NTDs would result in significant economic benefits through increased productivity while reducing health risks amongst residents of the state.

They highlighted the benefits of an NTDs-free status for the State on Tuesday in Gombe, during a Media Dialogue on NTDs Elimination in Gombe State.

The meeting was organised by the Gombe State Government in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners.

Hajiya Hawau Abubakar, the NTDs North East Zonal Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare said that “significant progress” had been made in the fight towards ending NTDs in Gombe State.

Abubakar said the commitment of the state government and support from the Federal Government and other development partners towards the elimination of NTDs was good for the health of citizens in the state.

She stressed that an NTDs-free status for Gombe would impact positively on the wellbeing of children and residents as well as the economic profile of the state.

“Eliminating NTDs will help improve social outcomes like education while eradicating NTDs-related obstacles that prevent children from growing and fulfilling their potential in life.

“These diseases affect the poor, so their elimination can significantly reduce poverty, improve overall health, and support progress on multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

According to her, NTDs like lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and trachoma can lead to permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and blindness.

She stated that eliminating NTDs would help prevent the above consequences while preserving physical function and quality of life.

Mr Hilary Adie, the NTD National Consultant, UNICEF said eliminating NTDs would help improve on the wellbeing of children, stressing that for every adult affected by river blindness, a child is assigned to lead them, and “this would affect the child in every way.”
Adie said that severe disabilities and disfigurements associated with NTDs impose a significant burden on countries, limiting their citizens’ ability to reach their full potential.

“The impact of NTDs goes beyond health, deterring economic growth and resulting in billions of United States dollars in lost productivity annually,” he said.

“Eliminating neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) significantly reduces health risks by preventing severe illness, disability, and premature death, while also breaking the cycle of poverty and improving overall public health infrastructure and socioeconomic development.

“By reducing illness and improving cognitive development, NTD elimination leads to better school attendance and performance in children.

“In adults, it increases productivity and earning potential by reducing workdays lost to illness and disability.

On her part, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi said that Gombe State would gain a lot from eliminating NTDs in the state.

Rafique saidthat one of the ways of eliminating NTDs in the state was to attain open defecation free status for Gombe State, hence stressing the need for an integrated approach to ending NTDs.

She said that since NTDs were preventable, there should not be a reason for anyone to suffer from the disease in Gombe State and Nigeria.

She called for an integrated approach of using community-based social mobilisation to improve health outcomes by promoting better water, sanitation, and hygiene practices in the state.

The UNICEF official commended efforts of the government and all stakeholders while stressing the need for more efforts to eliminate NTDs because of its impact on children and society generally.

She urged residents of the state to complement efforts at eliminating the NTDs by “preventing themselves and their families from having contacts with flies and mosquitoes.”

While commending media roles in efforts to eliminate NTDs, She said journalists were “the main game changer” in the task towards ensuring more awareness that would result in behavioural change.

Mrs Maryam Umar, the Programme Manager of Amen Health Care and Empowerment Foundation stated that with the partnership of the state government and development partners, the state had recorded huge success in effort to end NTDs particularly onchocerciasis, (River blindness) Lymphatic filariasis, (Elephantiasis) and Schistosomiasis (Bilharzia ) which are the three most common NTDs in Gombe State.

Umar said that, “an NTD free Gombe is not just a health outcome, it is an economic imperative and a pathway to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),”she said.

Eliminating NTDs key to Gombe’s economic growth, better health outcomes – -Stakeholders

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Environment Minister Over Loss Of Mother

• Describes the late Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal’s demise as great loss to Nigeria

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, led the Federal Government’s delegation on a condolence visit to the Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal, at his Zaria family residence in Kaduna State to commiserate with the Lawal family over the passing of their matriarch, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal, at the age of 93.

Senator Shettima, who said the delegation was in the state at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to extend condolences to the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Minister and the entire Zazzau Emirate, described the passing of Hajiya Dayyabatu, as a great loss to the entire nation.

“We are here at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with the Honourable Minister of Environment, Mallam Balarabe Abbas Lawal over the demise of the matriarch of the family, Hajiya Dayyabatu Lawal,” he said.

“May Allah grant her soul eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus give her family and the good people of Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, at large, the fortitude to bear the loss.

“May Allah continue to unite the people of Zazzau Emirate and may peace continue to reign in Kaduna State and Nigeria in general,” he stated.

Before proceeding to the Minister’s family residence on arrival in the ancient city of Zaria, VP Shettima stopped at the palace of the Emir of Zazzau, HRH, Alhaji Bamalli, to pay homage and extend President Tinubu’s condolences to the royal father.

At the Emir’s palace, the Vice President prayed Almighty Allah to grant the soul of Hajiya Dayyabatu, who was also a respected mother to the entire Emirate, “eternal rest and reward her with Aljana Firdaus, and also give her family, the good people of Zazzau Emirate and Kaduna State at large, the fortitude to bear the loss”.

Earlier in his remark, the Emir of Zazzau, who thanked Senator Shettima for the visit, commended him for his love and concern for the people of Zazzau Emirate, as well as Kaduna State, just as he extolled the VP’s leadership qualities.

He said, “Your presence here today has brought comfort and strength, while we mourn the passing of my beloved mother, who had lived a life worthy of emulation. Your support is a testament to the values of leadership, solidarity and compassion of a leader. We thank you most sincerely for your presence here today and leadership style.”

On the Federal Government delegation led by the Vice President are the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of Transportation, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Minister of State for Regional Development, Alhaji Uba Maigari Ahmadu; Special Adviser on General Duties to the President (Office of the Vice President), Dr Aliyu Umar Modibbo; Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, and Hon. Yusuf Galambi.

VP Shettima Leads FG Delegation To Condole With Environment Minister Over Loss Of Mother

Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading

By: Salihu Inusa

A Bill seeking for the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno has passed its First Reading at Wednesday’s plenary session of the 10th House of Representatives.

Recalled that in July this year, The Chairman, Northeast zone B House of Representative Committee on the 1999 constitution review, Hon Isa Ali has said that the House has received presentations and memorandum from over 50 clubs, civil society Organisation’s, Association Unions and organisations ranging from creation of states, Savannah inclusive.

Member representing Askira-Uba/Hawul Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, his counterparts, Hon. Muktari Betara of Biu/Shani/Kwaya Kusar/Bayo and Hon. Ahmed Usman Jaha, alias Babawo representing Gwoza/Damboa/Chibok Federal constituency in Borno state are sponsors/co-sponsors of the Bill respectively.

Presenting the Bill for an Act before the Honorable House, Balami through an Order Paper 223 said “It is inline with the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), to create a new state in the North East region known as Savannah State from the present Borno State, and for other related matters”.

According to Hon Balami, the proposed legislation of the new Savannah State, when created, will have 24 Local Government Areas (LGAs), including existing ones that will be adjusted and demarcated to enhance administrative efficiency and promote effective governance.

He stated that Damboa is to be the capital city of the new Savannah State when created.

Addressing Journalists in Maiduguri, the Lawmaker appreciated the Speaker of the house of representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeed Abbas and his colleagues for the support and cooperation which led to the smooth passage of the Bill for the First Reading.

He described the creation of Savannah State out of the present Borno State as imperative due to Borno’s current population and number of local government areas.

“If you look at all the states in the North-East, Borno State has the largest population; and it has 27 local government areas, which also is the highest number in the geopolitical zone,” Hon. Balami said.

In addtion Balami said; “We want to ensure effective utilization of resources in this country; and when we talk of that, the smaller the size of the component, the easier and most-effective the management of the resources it.

“So, for the people of Borno State, the creation of Savannah State is a win-win situation, because once Southern Borno has Savannah, Borno itself will have a population it can easily manage in terms of development, resource utilization and even in terms of security,” He argued.

The Lawmaker further stressed that Savannah state agitation has been on the front banner for over 40 years, and when created, is going to be a good omen, justice, fairness and inclusivity to the concerned people in that region.

Savannah State Creation: Reps passes Bill for First Reading