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FG Launches the National Youth Dialogue to tackle challenges facing Nigerian Youth

Published

7 months ago

August 21, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Federal Government has launched the National Youth Dialogue to tackle challenges facing Nigerian Youth.

The Minister of State, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande performed the unveiling ceremony at his office in Abuja.

He said the unprecedented initiative is aimed at engaging Nigerian youth in constructive conversations to tackle critical issues such as unemployment, skill development, mental health and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Mr Olawande noted that the groundbreaking dialogue will provide a platform for youth to voice their concerns and contribute to shaping policies that directly impact their future.

The Minister emphasized that this platform will be extended to Nigerian youth in all the 774 local government areas across the country, adding that it will serve as a vital channel to elucidate, engage and exchange ideas on government initiatives, fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration.

He stressed the importance of the platform in nurturing a strong sense of patriotism among the Nigerian Youth while fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, provision of extensive training as well as creating networks aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of youth-led initiatives.

Mr Olawande explained that the platform seeks to encourage collaboration and unity among Nigerian youth irrespective of their ethnic background or political beliefs.

He emphasized that the Ministry is dedicated to utilizing this opportunity to fulfill its core mandate, combat unemployment, and foster an environment conducive for individuals to thrive.

“With regards to the student loan program, the President has made it abundantly clear that no student should face the prospect of dropping out of school due to an inability to pay tuition fees at any university in the country.

As a result, a growing number of students are now successfully accessing the student loan, ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder their pursuit of higher education,” he stated.

The Minister encouraged Nigerian youth to capitalize on government initiatives such as the Reformed Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) and various other accessible platforms to bolster the expansion of their entrepreneurial ventures.

He further explained that these programmes provide a direct avenue for obtaining loans and financial support, stressing that aspirants no longer need to rely on influential connections to access crucial funding.

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

Published

4 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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