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FG Committed To Executing Projects That will Better Lives of Nigerians

Published

3 months ago

December 18, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Honourable Minister of State for Works, HMSW, Mohammad Bello Goronyo, Esq has reiterated the Federal Government’s unflinching commitment to providing quality infrastructure designed to improve the living conditions of the Nigerian people, through well thought out and strategically delivered projects.

Goronyo made this statement on Tuesday, 17th December, 2024, at the official commissioning ceremony of solar- powered streetlights along Sultan Abubakar International Airport Road in Sokoto, Sokoto State, stating that, amongst other benefits, the streetlights will create visibility, improve the socioeconomic wellbeing of the community, ease travel stress on the road users, as well as mitigate security challenges.

While also maintaining that the project is very strategic because it is both an entry point for travelers to Sokoto through the Airport and the fact that Sokoto is the coordinating nerve center of the adjoining states of Zamfara and Kebbi, the HMSW insisted that the commissioning aligns effectively with the vision of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He described the President as a committed, astute and patriotic leader, who is all out to ameliorate the living conditions of Nigerians, as well as to right the many wrongs of yester years.

He congratulated the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and communities within the corridor for having the streetlights, also urged them to take ownership of the project and full advantage of the inherent opportunities.

The Managing Director/CEO, Federal Road Management Agency (FERMA) Engr. Chukwuemeka Agbasi, described the project as iconic and of strategic importance to Sokoto, as it will enhance travel experience and the economic lives of the people being capable of prolonging their trading time.

The Honourable Minister and the MD/CEO, thereafter, led other dignitaries and stakeholders to commission the Sokoto – Ilela Road, recently rehabilitated by FERMA. It is about 58 kilometres, linking Sokoto to the border town on the Nigeria-Niger Republic border.

The Minister described the project as very strategic, as it is capable of providing employment opportunities, as well as curbing threats of insecurity. He, however, warned that the palliative works were done through taxpayers’ money, warning that Government will not continue to fold its arms, while road users, especially articulated vehicles damage it without paying.

“Vehicles found damaging the roads will be impounded and made to pay for it before they are released, to serve as deterrent to others,” Goronyo further warned.

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

Published

10 hours 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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