News
Adebiyi Takes Over from Kofarmata asPermanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works
Joel Ajayi
Engr. Olufunsho Olusesan Adebiyi has taken over as Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Works from Yakubu Adams Kofarmata, Ph.D, Tuesday, 17th December, 2024.
The handing over ceremony, which was brief, took place on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024.
While addressing Management and Staff, the outgoing Permanent Secretary commended them for working with him, harmoniously, also appealed to them to extend the same to his successor to enable him to succeed in his new assignment.
He pleaded, “I beg of you, extend the same hands of cooperation, support and comradeship to him and I am sure you will never regret it.”
In his acceptance speech, the incoming Permanent Secretary applauded the outgoing for his excellent track record, while is office, noting that many of the Ministry’s staff have learnt alot from working with him.
He added that Kofarmata has always been there for the Staff of the Ministry day in, day out towards ensuring that the proper things were done.
While soliciting for equal or more dedication and cooperation, Adebiyi disclosed that the challenges facing the Ministry and the country, at large, are enormous, insisting that only when all hands are joined together, would they be tackled.
According to him, “I want to assure you that I will do my best by the grace of God. The challenges are enormous before us and I am sure that we would overcome them, together.”
He emphasised that one of the challenges being faced by the Ministry is the allegation of lopsidedness in the geopolitical spread of projects, stressing that one region will accuse the Ministry of not having as much as the others and the others would, likewise, do the same. Adebiyi assured that with God, the issues would be resolved, amiably.
The Permanent Secretary pleaded that “I want to appeal to all of us to ensure that we strive toward delivering on the mandate of Mr. President to provide critical road infrastructure, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Engr. Adebiyi is being redeployed from the State House, while Kofarmata is reporting to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) for further posting.
News
NICRAT, Roche, Oncopadi launch BRANT app for breast cancer care
NICRAT, Roche, and Oncopadi unveiled the Breast Cancer Access Navigation and Testing (BRANT) application on Thursday in Abuja, aimed at reshaping breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in Nigeria.
At the launch, Prof. Usman Aliyu, Director-General of the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT), described BRANT as a significant step in the country’s efforts to enhance patient care and streamline support systems.
He emphasised that the app would also empower individuals battling breast cancer, offering them better access to resources and guidance throughout their journey.
Represented by Dr Waziri Usman, the Director of Cancer Prevention and Control, Aliyu emphasised that breast cancer remained one of the most prevalent and deadly forms of cancer among Nigerian women.
He noted that early detection, timely intervention, and leveraging technology could greatly improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
BRANT, he explained, was designed to make navigating the complex landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment easier, by connecting patients, healthcare providers, support groups, NGOs, and civil society organisations into one unified system.
Dr Omolola Salako, CEO of Oncopadi, highlighted the shortage of oncologists in Nigeria, with fewer than 95 oncologists nationwide, particularly in rural areas.
She stressed the need for technology to bridge the gap, allowing oncologists to reach patients across the country.
“Oncopadi has already been mobilising cancer patients for online care and educational resources over the past seven years.
“In partnership with Roche, Oncopadi is supporting 5,000 women newly diagnosed with breast cancer.
“The collaboration leverages Roche’s expertise in oncology diagnostics and Oncopadi’s digital oncology capabilities to launch BRANT.”
Dr Ladi Hameed, General Manager of Roche Products Limited, emphasised the organisation’s commitment to address the growing burden of breast cancer through awareness, early detection, and access to treatment.
“The BRANT programme, which includes free immunohistochemistry testing and multidisciplinary teams, aims to remove financial barriers that delay diagnoses and treatment,”he said.
While the programme would run for the next 18 months, Hameed called for collective efforts to ensure its sustainability.
Mr Alexander Chimbaru, Deputy Country Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, lauded the initiative, calling it a valuable solution to reduce the burden of breast cancer.
He stressed the importance of taking action to ensure the programme’s success.
Dr Fatima Kyari, Registrar of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), supported the initiative, urging the organisations to adhere to regulatory guidelines regarding specialist support, digital health tools, and patient information.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports BRANT is a user-friendly platform offering personalised care, expert consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment facilities, and support for patients throughout their breast cancer journey.
NAN
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