Tuesday, March 4, 2025
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NIMET UNVEILS 2025 SEASONAL CLIMATE PREDICTION, HIGHLIGHTS DELAYED RAINS, SEVERE DRY SPELLS, TEMPERATURE INCREASES

By
Uche Kingsley
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The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has released its 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), forecasting delayed onset of rains in northern and central states, early rains in the south, and normal rainfall onset for the rest of the country.

The SCP also predicts severe 21-day dry spells from June to August in northern states, a 15-day severe dry spell in Oyo State, and moderate 15-day dry spells in 13 southern states, including Ekiti, Osun, Ondo, and Edo.

Critical Predictions for 2025

  • Rainfall Patterns:
    • Northern and central states will experience delayed rainfall onset.
    • Southern states will see early rains.
    • Lagos and Ogun states are expected to face severe effects of the “August Break,” with little or no rain for 27–40 days.
  • Temperature Outlook:
    • Above-average temperatures are expected across the country in January, February, March, and May.
    • Cooler-than-normal temperatures are predicted in April for most northern states.

Empowering Stakeholders Through Early Warning

The SCP, themed “The Role of Early Warnings Towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development,” was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.

The minister emphasized that the SCP serves as an essential early warning tool aligned with the UN’s Early Warning for All Initiative. He highlighted its role in preparing against hazards such as floods, dry spells, and temperature extremes.

“Early warning systems, backed by robust climate predictions, are essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability across sectors, particularly in aviation,” Keyamo stated.

Impact on Aviation and Other Sectors

Keyamo underscored the SCP’s importance in addressing challenges posed by climate change on aviation, including erratic weather patterns and increasing delays due to adverse conditions.

“The SCP empowers stakeholders with the knowledge to anticipate and adapt to climatic changes, ensuring uninterrupted operations and safeguarding lives and property,” he added.

The document also provides critical insights for agriculture, disaster risk management, health, transport, and marine operations.

Stakeholders’ Reactions and Recommendations

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, commended NiMet and urged stakeholders to leverage the SCP for better planning.

NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed the importance of utilizing and providing feedback on the SCP for continuous improvement.

“Everyone present here today is a custodian of the anticipated early actions to ensure the SCP’s maximum impact,” he noted.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, highlighted the agency’s partnership with NiMet, stating that a post-SCP meeting will analyze disaster risks and provide advisories to sub-national governments for preparedness and mitigation planning.

Mrs. Patience Ogalo-Dickson, Executive Director of the Advocacy for Women With Disability Initiative (AWWDI), applauded NiMet for making the SCP inclusive by considering persons with disabilities, especially those affected by climate change.

Inclusive and Accessible SCP

The 2025 SCP has been translated into English, Pidgin English, Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo to ensure accessibility for a diverse audience.

With its actionable insights, the SCP aims to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against climate challenges while fostering sustainable development across various sectors.

FCTA Shuts Down Illegal Clinic in Kuje, Arrests Operator Over Unsafe Medical Practices

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has intensified its crackdown on illegal medical facilities with the closure of Dada’s Clinic & Maternity in Kapwa, Gaube Community, Kuje Area Council. The facility was sealed by the Private Health Establishments Registration and Monitoring Committee (PHERMC) following reports of unsafe medical practices, including a fatal hernia operation.

This decisive action aligns with the directive of FCT Minister Barr. Nyesom Wike, who has declared zero tolerance for unlicensed healthcare facilities in the nation’s capital.

According to the Minister’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Mr. Lere Olayinka, the facility’s operator, Mr. Sabiu, who identified himself as a health worker, has been arrested and handed over to the police at Kuje Police Station for further investigation.

Illegal Procedures and Unsafe Conditions

A team from the Medical and Diagnostics Department, led by its Director under the directive of the Mandate Secretary, Health and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, inspected the facility on February 2, 2025. Their findings were alarming:

  • The clinic was performing unauthorized surgical procedures, including a hernia operation that resulted in a fatality.
  • Several patients had suffered complications and required emergency care elsewhere.
  • The structure was in a dilapidated and unhygienic condition, lacking basic medical infrastructure such as a reception area, nursing station, or sanitary facilities.

At the time of inspection, three patients were on admission, including an elderly individual receiving intravenous infusion. The patients were later referred to Kuje General Hospital for proper medical care.

Government’s Position on Healthcare Standards

Minister Nyesom Wike reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enforcing healthcare regulations, warning that all unregistered facilities operating illegally would be shut down.

“Accrediting a facility is a simple process, and there is no excuse for operating illegally. The FCT Administration will ensure that all health facilities meet the required standards to protect residents from unsafe medical practices,” Wike stated.

The FCT Administration has urged residents to report suspicious medical facilities to authorities, emphasizing that public safety remains a top priority.

For further updates, residents can contact the Health and Environment Secretariat or visit designated government channels.

NHIA Increases Healthcare Payments to Boost Service Delivery

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Abuja—In a landmark move, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has announced significant increases in two primary payment mechanisms for healthcare providers—capitation and fee-for-service payments—the first major adjustment in over a decade.

The announcement was made by NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, during a stakeholders’ meeting with Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) and healthcare providers in Abuja on February 3, 2025. The adjustments, approved by the Honorable Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, will take effect in April 2025.

New Rates and Rationale

  • Capitation payments, which provide fixed annual payments to healthcare providers per enrolled patient, have increased by 93% compared to December 2023 rates.
  • Fee-for-service payments, which reimburse providers for specific medical procedures and services, have surged by 378%—the largest increase in NHIA’s history.

These adjustments follow an interim increase six months ago when capitation fees rose by 60% and fee-for-service payments by 40% to mitigate rising costs while awaiting an actuarial review.

According to Dr. Ohiri, the revised rates are backed by actuarial analysis to ensure fairness, financial sustainability, and improved service delivery. “With the increase in premiums, we expect that the quality of care for enrollees will be improved and sustained. Providers must deliver good quality care at no additional cost to enrollees, and NHIA will ensure strict enforcement,” he stated.

Impact on Healthcare and Universal Health Coverage (UHC)

The new rates aim to:

  • Enhance financial support for healthcare providers amid rising medical costs.
  • Incentivize quality service delivery by aligning provider compensation with market realities.
  • Protect consumers by ensuring better healthcare access and reliability.

Stakeholders at the meeting—including representatives of HMOs, Healthcare Provider Associations, and the Committee of Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) of Federal Tertiary Hospitals—welcomed the reforms. They commended NHIA’s bold steps toward stabilizing the healthcare industry and driving Nigeria closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The NHIA reaffirmed its commitment to monitoring implementation and ensuring that healthcare providers comply with the new structure. These changes, the authority emphasized, are part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system and improve national health outcomes.

A New Dawn For Ndị Anambra South…Hon. Sir Azuka Okwuosa To Secure Our Future

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Dearest APC Anambra South Senatorial bye-election Delegates and the good people of Anambra South,

Anyone who has no history of saving lives has no business being where Representation of Ndị Anambra South is discussed not to talk of aspiring to Represent the good people of Anambra South in any Chambers.

At a time like this when Anambra State has been thrown into a state of terror and Ndị Anambra South appears to be having a large chunk of the brunt, it is only logical that a man who has a history of saving lives be supported for the Senate for it’s all the people.

Advocating for the people.

Making laws for the people.

Oversight function for the people…

Okwuosa hospital gloriously stands on the soil of Anambra South…think home philosophy for the people.

Okwuosa Foundation gloriously impacts on the lives of Ndị Anambra South and beyond consistently for years, touching people’s lives effectively…

Let’s go and make a Senator with a human heart.

Let’s support Sir Azuka Okwuosa(Chinyelugo)for quality Representation in the Senate.

AZUKA OKWUOSA MEDIA

Nasarawa State: Nigeria’s Emerging Hub for Critical Minerals – Dr. Dele Alake

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has highlighted Nasarawa State’s strategic role in advancing Nigeria’s mining sector, citing its abundance of critical minerals such as lithium.

Speaking on Friday during a meeting with Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule and Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru in Abuja, Dr. Alake described Nasarawa as an “epicenter of mining” in Nigeria and emphasized the need for collaboration to harness its mineral wealth for national development.

“Lithium, for instance, is quite massive in Nasarawa State. It is like an epicenter of mining in Nigeria. This underscores the importance of continuous collaboration with the Governor to scale up mining activities in the state. I have received robust cooperation from both the Governor and the Minister of Defence, all centered around the development of our solid minerals sector,” Dr. Alake stated.

According to a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake noted that reforms initiated in the mining sector over the last 17 months are already attracting global players, signaling progress in Nigeria’s drive to unlock its mineral potential.

Joint Efforts to Address Challenges

Governor Abdullahi Sule lauded Dr. Alake’s leadership in advancing President Bola Tinubu’s mining agenda. However, he raised concerns about security challenges in some mining areas, which hinder operations.

“The purpose of this meeting is to work together to find solutions to security challenges, ensuring that mining operations continue unhindered,” Governor Sule said.

The Governor revealed that lithium factories in Nasarawa are functioning optimally, with new ones under construction, underscoring the state’s growing prominence in the mining value chain.

Federal Government’s Push for Security

Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru reiterated the federal government’s determination to eradicate insecurity nationwide. He disclosed that recent military operations have allowed mining activities to resume in states like Zamfara.

“The bandits are on the run, and the military will not rest until the country is fully secured. The President has given us a clear directive to end insecurity nationwide by the end of the year. The National Security Adviser, the Chief of Defence Staff, and our team are working round the clock to achieve this,” Minister Badaru stated.

Momentum in the Mining Sector

Dr. Alake expressed optimism about the prospects for Nigeria’s mining industry, citing increased global interest and ongoing reforms designed to transform the sector into a major economic driver.

With Nasarawa State emerging as a focal point for critical minerals, the collaboration among federal and state governments, private sector stakeholders, and security agencies is poised to enhance mining activities, address security challenges, and solidify Nigeria’s position in the global mining value chain.

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

NCDC Activates Emergency Measures as Uganda Confirms Ebola Outbreak

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has assured Nigerians of heightened surveillance and preparedness following the confirmation of an Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Uganda.

The Sudan strain of the virus was detected in Wakiso, Mukono, and Mbale City, with one confirmed case and one fatality as of January 30, 2025. Although no Ebola cases have been recorded in Nigeria, the NCDC has activated emergency measures to prevent potential importation of the disease.

Heightened Surveillance and Prevention Efforts

The NCDC, in collaboration with relevant ministries and global health partners, has implemented several preventive measures, including:

  • Enhanced surveillance at Nigeria’s entry points
  • Updates to the country’s EVD emergency contingency plan
  • Strengthening of diagnostic capacity in designated laboratories nationwide

The risk of Ebola spreading to Nigeria is classified as moderate, given the country’s travel and trade connections with Uganda.

Public Health Advisory: Stay Vigilant

Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the NCDC, has urged Nigerians to take preventive steps, including:

  • Maintaining strict hygiene practices
  • Avoiding the consumption of bush meat
  • Refraining from physical contact with individuals showing Ebola-like symptoms

He also advised travelers returning from Uganda to self-monitor for symptoms and report any concerns immediately via the NCDC hotline (6232) or state health hotlines.

Healthcare Workers on High Alert

Healthcare professionals have been instructed to:

  • Ensure strict isolation of suspected Ebola cases
  • Adhere to infection prevention protocols
  • Use personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times

No Travel Ban, But Caution Advised

While the World Health Organization (WHO) has not recommended travel restrictions, the NCDC advises Nigerians to avoid non-essential travel to Uganda. Passengers arriving from affected areas must isolate and seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms.

The NCDC reassured Nigerians of continuous efforts to monitor regional disease trends, including Lassa fever, meningitis, diphtheria, and anthrax.

For more information, citizens can contact the NCDC via toll-free number 6232, SMS (08099555577), or WhatsApp (07087110839).

8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference Secures $4 Million Private Sector Commitment

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference (NFPC), held from December 2–6, 2024, in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in advancing reproductive health in Nigeria, securing a $4 million private sector commitment to support family planning programs until 2030.

Themed “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning within the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative: Advancing the Progress toward Achieving FP2030 Goals,” the conference brought together government officials, international partners, religious leaders, and youth representatives to address critical challenges in achieving Nigeria’s Family Planning 2030 (FP2030) targets.

In a communique signed by Dr. Ejike Oji, stakeholders highlighted key issues hindering progress, including irregular census data, funding shortages, cultural resistance to contraceptive use, and insufficient male involvement in family planning advocacy.

Government and Private Sector Commitment

Opening the conference on behalf of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Permanent Secretary, Ms. Daju Kachollom Shangti, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening family planning initiatives.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, CON, emphasized the economic benefits of family planning, stating that savings from such initiatives could be redirected to infrastructure, education, and healthcare development.

Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Muhammed Fall, representing United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, GCON, and Dr. Samukeliso Dube, Executive Director of FP2030, who stressed the importance of sustainable investments and data-driven policies.

Challenges Identified

Participants noted several barriers to achieving FP2030 goals:

  1. Irregular Demographic Data: Poor census systems hinder accurate planning.
  2. Funding Gaps: Insufficient resources for research and contraceptive supply chains.
  3. Cultural Resistance: Myths and religious opposition to modern contraceptives.
  4. Limited Male Involvement: Men’s roles as decision-makers often exclude them from advocacy efforts.
  5. Policy Weaknesses: Lack of integration of family planning into broader health strategies.

Resolutions and Action Plans

To address these challenges, stakeholders resolved to:

  • Engage faith-based and traditional leaders in promoting family planning.
  • Advocate for dedicated budget lines for family planning at all government levels, with timely fund disbursement.
  • Strengthen health facilities with trained personnel and improved access to contraceptive services, especially in rural areas.
  • Integrate family planning education into school curricula at all levels.
  • Expand youth-focused sexual and reproductive health education, given the average age of sexual debut in Nigeria is 15 years, according to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
  • Foster interfaith collaborations to break religious and cultural barriers to contraceptive use.

Key Outcomes

  • A $4 million private sector pledge to fund family planning programs until 2030.
  • National Assembly’s promise to push for dedicated legislation on family planning funding.
  • Recognition of the urgent need for inclusive, data-driven policy reforms to address demographic challenges.

The conference also recorded significant participation, with 1,297 onsite attendees and approximately 4,000 online participants, underscoring its impact as a landmark event for reproductive health in Nigeria.

Call to Action

Participants emphasized the need for government agencies, NGOs, youth organizations, and civil society to act on these resolutions by 2027 to ensure equitable and sustainable family planning services nationwide.

The Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, pledged to track progress and engage policymakers to ensure the implementation of these commitments.

As Nigeria strives to meet FP2030 targets, the conference highlighted the importance of political will, strategic investments, and community-driven initiatives in making family planning accessible to all citizens.

FG Achieves 15.7% Growth in Health Insurance Coverage, Pledges More Support for Doctors

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Government has announced a 15.7% increase in the number of Nigerians covered by health insurance, signaling significant progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) by 2030.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, disclosed this at the National Executive Council Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) in Abuja on Thursday.

“Between 2023 and December 2024, we moved from 16.8 million to 19.4 million Nigerians covered under any form of health insurance. This is a remarkable achievement, considering that our four-year target was a 20% increase,” Salako stated.

Reaffirming President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to expanding quality healthcare access, he emphasized that UHC remains a priority, ensuring that Nigerians receive essential health services without financial hardship.

Beyond clinical roles, Salako urged doctors to develop leadership and entrepreneurial skills, stressing that the evolving healthcare landscape requires professionals who can drive systemic improvements.

“Doctors are natural leaders, but their influence often ends within the clinical setting. By equipping them with broader leadership and entrepreneurial skills, we prepare them for policymaking, system management, and innovative healthcare solutions,” he said.

He commended NARD for prioritizing these competencies, urging health training institutions and regulatory bodies to integrate leadership and entrepreneurship training for all health professionals.

Acknowledging current economic challenges, Salako appealed to resident doctors and healthcare workers to exercise patience and engage in constructive dialogue.

“President Tinubu is leading the country’s economic reforms like a surgeon handling a complex, multi-organ operation. It requires careful planning, balancing, and courageous execution, which may come with hardship,” he explained.

He assured that the Ministry of Health remains open to discussions on welfare improvements, urging medical professionals to support the government’s reforms and prioritize industrial harmony.

Salako concluded by praising NARD’s efforts in enhancing the leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities of doctors, emphasizing that these skills are critical for sustainable healthcare delivery.

“Nigeria needs you now more than ever. Let us believe in our country and work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous nation,” he urged.

With the government’s renewed focus on expanding health insurance, empowering doctors, and fostering dialogue, stakeholders remain hopeful that Nigeria’s healthcare system will continue to improve for the benefit of all citizens.

Family Planning: A Tool for a Better Life, Not Birth Control – Mary Agba’s Story

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

For Mary Agba, a 400-level student at the Federal University of Health Sciences, Benue State, family planning transcends public health campaigns—it is a reality shaped by personal experience. Growing up in a household with seven children, Mary witnessed the challenges her parents faced in meeting the needs of their large family.

“I first learned about family planning at a youth conference,” Mary recalled. “When I asked my mom why she had so many children, she simply said, ‘Children are blessings from God.’”

Her mother, like many Nigerians, believed that having many children was a sign of prosperity. However, the reality proved otherwise. Both parents worked relentlessly—her mother managing a fish farm and her retired father running a chicken farm—just to keep the family afloat.

“Raising children in today’s world is really difficult,” Mary said. “We’re all in school, and the financial burden on my parents is enormous. My mom works overtime, and my dad still works despite being retired. It’s not easy.”

Mary also pointed to the growing number of street children in areas like Maraba and Keffi, attributing their plight to unplanned births and financial instability.

“People think family planning is about stopping childbirth entirely, but it’s not,” Mary explained. “It’s about having the number of children you can provide for, educate, and prepare for a brighter future.”

Her grandmother, reflecting a generational perspective, said that large families were essential for farming in the past. But Mary noted that times have changed.

“Today, raising children is about quality, not just quantity. It’s about giving them a good education, opportunities, and a better life,” she said.

Mary’s reflections resonate with the discussions at the 8th Nigeria Family Planning Conference in Abuja. Themed “Sustaining Commitments for Family Planning within the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative,” the event convened policymakers, religious leaders, and health experts to strategize on achieving universal access to reproductive health services by 2030.

For Mary, the essence of family planning is choice, not restriction. “It’s about ensuring every child born into a family has the opportunity to thrive,” she said.

She urged young people to embrace the concept, emphasizing its role in securing a better future. “It’s not just about reducing numbers; it’s about ensuring a better life for every child,” Mary concluded.

Her story highlights the importance of shifting perspectives on family planning, from limiting births to empowering families for sustainable development.

Experts Advocate Local Solutions Amid Decline in Global Family Planning Funding

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

As global donor funding for family planning continues to dwindle, experts and advocates have called for innovative local strategies to sustain reproductive health programs in Nigeria. This was the central message at the Family Planning Conference Post Media Round Table, held in Abuja and organized by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP).

Urgency of Self-Reliance
Chief Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health, emphasized the need for Nigeria to become self-reliant in financing family planning initiatives.

“We are so globally dependent, but the free funds are no longer available,” she stated. Makanjuola highlighted the critical role of family planning in driving economic growth, improving maternal health, and advancing national development.

She urged media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public and advocate for policy change. “The media is as important as doctors, families, executives, and local governments. We all have a duty to promote what we learn and transform it into actionable resolutions,” she added.

Media’s Role in Advocacy
Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the AAFP, echoed Makanjuola’s sentiments, emphasizing the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing health policies.

“Effective communication is key to driving health sector reforms,” Dr. Oji noted. “Anything you do, if it is not properly communicated, is like working in the dark.”

Dr. Oji acknowledged the contributions of journalists and key advocates like Dr. Laura, stressing the importance of collaboration between health stakeholders and the media to ensure vital health issues remain in public focus.

Legislative Support for Family Planning
Dr. Osaratin Okungbowa, Policy Advisor and Head of the Social Sector Division at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), called for stronger legislative backing to sustain family planning services in Nigeria.

“Without legislative support, achieving universal access to family planning will remain a challenge,” he stated. Dr. Okungbowa emphasized the need for laws and policies to guarantee consistent funding, regulate service delivery, and protect reproductive rights.

He urged stakeholders to provide data-driven evidence to legislators, showcasing the socio-economic benefits of family planning. “Legislators need compelling data to make informed decisions. Family planning contributes to economic growth, reduces maternal and child mortality, and improves public health outcomes,” he added.

Sustainable Domestic Funding
Inadequate funding remains a significant barrier to expanding access to contraceptives and reproductive health services. Both Makanjuola and Dr. Okungbowa stressed the need to move beyond reliance on external funding by exploring sustainable domestic financing mechanisms.

“There is a need for continuous dialogue between lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to bridge gaps in family planning programs,” Dr. Okungbowa said.

A Path Forward
As donor funding declines, these calls for local solutions, legislative reforms, and media advocacy underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to reproductive health initiatives in Nigeria.

The roundtable concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring family planning remains a national priority and a critical component of Nigeria’s development agenda.

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