National

By Lawal Dahiru Mamman,

In a newspaper interview, she narrated how the excruciating pain and cost of cancer treatment drove her to sell her valuables. Rosemary Nnamdi said it’s a miracle that she is still alive today. Nnamdi, 33, was diagnosed with the most common form of cancer, breast cancer, in 2019.

The young lady somehow and eventually took a leap of faith and, according to the report, had a single mastectomy – a surgical procedure that involves removing the entire breast. The process was supposed to be complemented by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which involved killing cells with radiation from elements like uranium and anti-cancer drugs. This she could not afford.

“I started soliciting funds to cover chemotherapy and radiotherapy sessions, but it was never enough. I sold every single property, but it could not cover the sessions recommended by the doctor,” she said.

A revelation in an interview by Dr Adamu Umar, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS), came to mind after reading the heart-rending report on Rosemary Nnamdi.

During the interview, Dr Umar lamented that over N1.5bn earmarked for cancer treatment in Nigeria has not been accessed by people with the disease. He disclosed that many cancer patients are unaware of the intervention fund known as Cancer Health Fund (CHF), resulting in the inaccessibility of a larger part of the money.

He identified the lack of data to ascertain the actual number of cancer patients in the country as one of the reasons for frustrating the intervention programme.

His revelation was stunning because the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that 10 million people die of cancer (a disease in which cells of the body grow uncontrollably at a spot and spread to other parts) annually worldwide and that 70 per cent of these deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries including Nigeria.

In Africa, Mr Walter Mulombo, WHO country representative to Nigeria, said, “Every year, Africa records around 1.1 million new cases of cancer resulting in up to 700,00 deaths.” According to Globocan statistics, in 2020 alone, a staggering 78 899 cancer deaths were recorded in Nigeria.

Since it costs an arm and leg to treat cancer, the ‘Cancer Health Fund’ was separated from the budget to tackle different types of cancer in the country. Should cancer patients in Nigeria not know about this?

Regrettably, lack of awareness and inaccessible location has contributed to the low participation of cancer patients in accessing the fund set aside to manage their affliction.

The Nigerian CHF is a social service that provides funding and health care services to indigent cancer patients. Before this, the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) was established in 2006 as a fallout from the 58th World Health Assembly Resolution on cancer prevention and control adopted in May 2005. The programme was established to address the escalating cancer incidence in Nigeria.

But the CHF programme is an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health that commenced in 2021 with six pilot hospitals. Ahmadu Bello University teaching hospital (ABUTH), National Hospital Abuja (NHA), University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin (UBTH), Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe (FTH), University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), University College Hospital (UCH).

It involves partners such as the American Cancer Society, ROCHE, Pfizer, MYLAN, Clinton Health Access Initiative, World Wide Commercial Ventures (WWCV), BICON and EMGE resources, which is mandated to implement the CHF initiative on behalf of the Federation Government.

Since many cancer patients seem to be oblivious to this vital function, there is a need for the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to carry out sensitisation programmes across many towns and villages in the country. The knowledge will then be a driving force for patients to seek treatment.

In addition, the media and non-governmental organisations can also be involved in such campaigns while the government strives to expand beyond the six pilot hospitals. 

By empowering people with the Cancer Health Fund information, we can help save thousands of lives from a killer disease, as we do not all have to be doctors to guarantee the most fundamental human right – the right to live.

Lawal Dahiru Mamman writes from Abuja and can be reached via dahirulawal90@gmail.com.

By Muhammadu Sabiu

President Bola Tinubu is currently having a meeting with Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the WTO’s director general, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

At around 2:50 on Tuesday, Dr Ali Pate, a former minister of state for health, and Okonjo-Iweala arrived at the Presidential Villa.

This medium has not been able to gather the purpose of the meeting as of the time of filing this report.

Recall that Okonjo-Iweala and Tinubu met earlier in June while attending the leadership summit in Paris, France.

Okonjo-Iweala served as finance minister under the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigerian Senate has turned down the request of President Bola Ahmad Tinubu, to send Nigerian troops to Niger Republic.

President Tinubu, who also doubled as the Chairman of the Economic Community of West African State (ECOWAS), had sought the approval of the Nigerian Senate for military intervention in Niger Republic.

The Senate condemned the coup d’etat in Niger, but advised the President and ECOWAS to explore other options in bringing peace to the country.

The Senate while condemning the Niger coup in totality, commended President Bola Tinubu and other Heads of State of the other States of ECOWAS for their prompt response and the positions taken on the unfortunate development in Niger Republic.

While turning down the request of the president after the meeting, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, said that.

“The Senate recognises that President Tinubu via his correspondence has not asked for the approval of the parliament of this Senate to go to war as erroneously suggested in some quarters.

“Rather Mr President has expressed a wish to respectfully solicit the support of the National Assembly in the successful implementation of the resolutions of the ECOWAS as outlined in the said communication.

The Senate calls on the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the chairman of ECOWAS to further encourage other leaders of ECOWAS to strengthen political and diplomatic options and other means intending to resolve the political compass in Niger Republic.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

In response to the recent political developments in the Republic of Niger, the National Council of Ulama, comprising Islamic scholars from Nigeria, has issued a crucial statement calling for peace and diplomacy in the region.
 
In a communiqué signed by Aminu Inuwa Muhammad and Engr. Basheer Adamu Aliyu, the council expressed deep concern over the coup d’état in Niger and its potential implications for regional stability.
 
The Ulama emphasised the importance of denouncing such actions and protecting democracy and peace in the Sahel region.
 
They asserted that the restoration of democracy in Niger is the right of its people, and any external interference undermines this democratic process.
 
Furthermore, the Council voiced opposition to the use of military force by ECOWAS in resolving the crisis, fearing that armed conflict could exacerbate existing security challenges and lead to devastating consequences for the people of both nations.
 
They called for a peaceful and civilised approach, urging the Nigerian government and ECOWAS to support Niger in returning to the path of democracy through diplomatic means.
 
The Ulama also called on religious groups to promote peace and respect between Nigeria and Niger, emphasising the importance of maintaining strong neighbourly relations.
 
They urged the Muslim community to seek divine intervention through prayer, seeking guidance for the leaders to heed wise counsel and avoid falling into enemy traps.
 
The Council also applauded diplomatic measures and called for continued dialogue with the military leaders in Niger to find a peaceful solution.
 

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

President Bola Ahmad Tinubu has reportedly withdrawn the nomination of Maryam Ibrahim Shettima as a minister in his government. 

According to reports, the 44 -year-old Kano lady, popularly known as Maryam Shetty, has been yanked off the lists of ministerial nominees. 

Maryam Shetty, a famous political and social activist and social media personality, was nominated the President Tinubu on Wednesday.

Sources confirmed that she was told her name was removed from the list upon her arrival for screening in the Senate. 

The reasons for withdrawing Maryam Shetty’s nomination have not been made public. However, former Nigerian Minister of Labour, Festus Keyamo, was added to the new list sent to the red chamber.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

In a recent development, President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has forwarded a second list of 19 ministerial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for confirmation. 

The list, presented by Femi Gbajamiabila, Chief of Staff and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, includes notable candidates such as Adegboyega Oyetola, Bosun Tijani, Bello Mattawale, and Dr. Isiak Salako. 

The chamber’s protocols were momentarily put on hold at 3:15 p.m. to accommodate the Chief of Staff’s entrance into the revered Red Chamber. 

Among the other nominees are Sen. Sabi Abdullahi, Dr. Mariam Shetti, Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and Uba Maigari Ahmadu. 

This comes after the Senate’s reception of the first list earlier this week, which included prominent figures like former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru Ahmad El-Rufai, former Rivers Governor, Nyeson Wike, and health specialist Prof. Ali Pate, among others.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The Nigerian Senate on Monday confirmed the immediate ex-governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, as a minister. 

Wike, after reeling out his Curriculum Vitae and achievements, noted that his passion for Nigeria propelled him to accept the ministerial offer. 

He was quoted as saying, “I accepted the offer to serve as a minister because of my passion to serve Nigeria.” 

During the screening, the lawmaker representing River State, represented by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers Southeast), said that he was the best in the state. 

He said, “His Excellency former Governor Nyesom Wike is our best in Rivers State. He is our leader and role model. 

As of the time of filing this report, there was no information about the ministry Mr. Wike is expected to lead.

By Lawan Bukar Maigana

The removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has had far-ranging consequences, amplifying the existing economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians. The nation is currently grappling with an unprecedented inflation rate in essential commodities, transportation and other services. As a result, a large proportion of Nigerians find themselves living below the poverty line, struggling to make ends meet. 

This development has directly contributed to the spiraling inflation rate, which has hit the prices of foodstuff, transportation and essential services the hardest. This has created a burden on the average Nigerians, as their meager income is further stretched, making it increasingly difficult to afford necessities. 

As I write this article, the bus fare from Maiduguri to Abuja is N10,500 which was previously N7,500 as reflected on a circular released by Borno Express Cooperation on June 1st, 2023. Kaduna to Maiduguri, which used to be N6000, is now N9000. 

In the event whereby vehicles are scarce at the garage, travelers pay N12,000 from Maiduguri to Kano which was formerly N6,500, a non-Borno Express driver confirmed. This is unbearable and unacceptable!

The economic downturn occasioned by subsidy removal has disproportionately affected the most vulnerable segments of society as many Nigerians are now living below the breadline, struggling to feed their families and maintain a decent standard of living. 

Nobody is spared from the unbearable consequences of the removal of fuel subsidies. Not even the bourgeois elites’ empire in the country. They, too, hide and cry. Who the subsidy removal benefits then? 

Civil servants, especially those working in state and local governments are among the primary victims of the removal of fuel subsidies as many of them can’t feed their families. A 100% increase in their salaries is a necessary step to restore their purchasing power and improve their quality of life. 

Additionally, an increase in civil servant salaries would contribute to the overall improvement of public services. It would attract and retain talented professionals who are essential for efficient service delivery. Adequate compensation would motivate civil servants to perform at their best, leading to a more productive and effective public sector.

Now, what about the unemployed and jobless massive population in the country? How would their well-being be improved? Who would provide for them? A larger portion of Nigeria’s population is suffering in silence as a result of the monstrous inflation rate occasioned by the removal of the stubborn fuel subsidy. Some people eat once a day while others, the better-rich eat twice a day, skipping lunch. Therefore, President Tinubu must acknowledge the grave consequences of the current economic situation and the suffering experienced by Nigerians. 

As the leader of the nation, he has the power to reverse the economic downturn and alleviate the suffering of Nigerians. It is imperative that the President takes into account the plight of the citizens and work towards restoring their faith in the government. 

While the road to economic recovery may be challenging, President Tinubu needs to consider the long-term benefits of prioritizing the well-being of Nigerians by implementing a 100% increase in civil servant salaries and creating job opportunities for our overwhelming jobless population thereby contributing to poverty reduction, improving living standards, and restoring hope for the nation’s future. 

Lawan Bukar Maigana writes from Yobe State and can be reached via email:lawanbukarmaigana@gmail.com

By Abdurrahman Muhammad

President Tinubu has submitted a list of 28 individuals to the Senate for screening and confirmation as ministerial nominees. These are:

ABUBAKAR MOMOH

YUSUF MAITAMA

Umar Dangiwa

Hannatu MUSAWA

UCHE NNAJI

BETA EDU

DORIS ANIETE UZOAKA

DAVID UMAHI

EZENWO WIKE

MOHAMMED BADARU ABUBAKAR

NASIL EL RUFAI

EKPERIKPE EKPO

NKIRU ONYEJEOCHA

OLUBUNMI TUNJI OJO

STELLA OKOTETE UJU

KENNEDY OHANEYE

BELLO MOHAMMED GORONYO

DELE ALAKE

LATEEF FAGBEMI

MOHAMMED IDRIS

OLAWALE EDUN

WAHEED ADEBAYO ADELABU

IMAAN SULEIMAN IBRAHIM

PROF ALI PATE

JOSEPH OTSEN

SEN. ABUBAKAR KYARI

SEN JOHN ENO

SEN SANI ABUBAKAR

The list was submitted Thursday afternoon by Femi GBajabiamila, the Chief of Staff, to President Bola Tinubu.

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Federal Government has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to shelve its planned strike over fuel subsidy removal.

The FG said it was doing everything possible to address issues raised by the congress, which threatened to embark on a nationwide strike in August.

The Daily Reality reports that the Congress Spokesperson, Ben Upah, made this disclosure on Wednesday, adding that they give seven days to the federal government to address the demand.

Speaking after the Steering Committee meeting on Palliatives, Olu Verheijen, the leader of the government team and Special Adviser to the President on Energy, pleaded with labour to give the federal government more time to look into its grievances rather than embark on industrial action.

She explained that the government was yet to roll out palliatives because it didn’t want to make mistakes, adding that the meeting with organised labour was productive and would continue tomorrow.

Asked about the agenda of the meeting, she said: “It involves labour and some parts of government; it’s a steering committee. it’s a wide group of people, a wide group of stakeholders representing the interests of Nigerians. And we’ve agreed to continue to make progress.

“It was a very productive meeting, the focus was really around how we fast-track a lot of the interventions that will bring relief, particularly around CNG, mass transportation, cleaner energy, transportation, and reduce the impact of the cost of transportation, the increased cost of transportation. So we’ve made good progress. And we’re going to continue to do so and so that we can start rolling out these opportunities and these relief measures as quickly as possible.”

Asked if Labour will not embark on strike as threatened, she said: “The labour unions will speak to that. But we are making progress; we’re trying to address the issues that will prevent a strike. So that is essentially why I feel we made very good progress today and will continue to do so.”