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Fuel Price Hike: Nigerians In Diaspora Blames Tinubu’s Economic Managers

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Nigerians in the diaspora, under the umbrella of Nigerian Professionals in Diaspora (NPID), has called for an urgent reassessment of the country’s monetary policies, following the recent hike in fuel prices.


In a statement released signed by Dr Obiora Okereke, President and Chief Mrs Bukola Shonekan, Secretary on Thursday, NPID expressed deep concern over the current state of Nigeria’s economy, particularly the recent spike in fuel prices, which has exacerbated the already challenging economic conditions for millions of Nigerians.


The group blamed the economic managers of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration for failing to support the President’s vision with competent and effective policies, citing the poorly implemented floating of the Naira as a glaring example.


NPID noted that instead of stabilizing the currency and attracting foreign investment, the policy has resulted in further depreciation of the Naira, leading to an unstable exchange rate that has driven up the cost of goods and services across the board.


The group also called for the restructuring of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) debts, reportedly exceeding $6 billion, which has put the nation in a precarious position regarding fuel supply.


“We believe that President Tinubu’s vision for Nigeria is clear, but the implementation of his economic policies by his advisers and managers is lacking in strategic foresight and execution,” NPID said.


The group urged the President to take immediate action to address the economic challenges facing the country, including reassessing monetary policies, restructuring NNPCL’s debts, and holding economic managers accountable for their actions.

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

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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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