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FG Commemorates World Youth Skills Day, Charges Them To Harness Potentials

Published

2 years ago

August 11, 2023

Joel Ajayi

In line with the United Nations General Assembly Declaration on the Celebration of the World Youth Skills Day, the Federal Government has commemorated the Day with a charge to the Nigerian Youth to look inwards, identify their aspirations, dreams, talents and potentials with a view to putting them into positive use for socio-economic development of the country.

In his keynote address at the occasion held today at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, Alhaji Ismaila Abubakar stated that the youth are the greatest assets any nation can have and thus legitimately regarded as the future leaders who are potentially the highest investment of a country’s socio-economic, political and technological development.

Alhaji Ismaila, however, observed that the number of youth who are unemployed or exposed to lower quality level work is of great concern to the government.

He explained that this year’s Commemoration with the theme: *Skilling Teachers, Trainers and Youth for a Transformative future* is apt as it is set to bring in the required synergy among all job and employment creators, with a view to increasing enthusiasm for skills acquisition and entrepreneurship among the youth aimed at taking them off the steeets.

The Permanent Secretary assured of the Ministry’s unreserved commitment to full implementation of the core mandate of youth development policies in line with the policy thrust of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led administration through its numerous skill acquisition programmes which he said, has been exhibited through various investment and intervention programmes and thus urged the youth to reciprocate by putting their talents into positive use.

While calling on well meaning Nigerians, development partners, Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) as well as relevant stakeholders to continue to partner and collaborate with the Federal Government, not only in the area of identifying and catering for the youth but also empowering them in their various fields of endeavour, Alhaji Ismaila urged them to be committed to youth skills development through the creation of various platforms to showcase their talents, skills and connectivity so as to promote national development.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Enterprise Development and Promotion Department, (EDPD), Mr Olugbenga Momoh assured of the youth’s readiness and commitment to equip themselves with relevant ICT skills in order to explore job and employment opportunities in the technological-driven economy of the world so as to become relevant in the work of the future.

He commended all the partners for their support and the present administration in particular for the commitment towards the successful implementation of youth programmes, adding that it is a clear demonstration of all to one of the potential strategies at reducing the rate of Youth unemployment, poverty and restivness, especially among the youth and the attendant vices plaguing our nation.

Highlights of the occasion include the presentation of goodwill messages by Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs), as well as relevant stakeholders

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NICRAT, Roche, Oncopadi launch BRANT app for breast cancer care

Published

3 days ago

March 13, 2025

The Gleamer

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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