News
Kwara’s First Lady pledges backing for inaugural FCT Academy League kickoff

The First Lady of Kwara State, Her Excellency Prof. Amb. Mrs. Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and Matron of the 5Stars Football Academy, has pledged unwavering support for the upcoming maiden FCT Football Academy League, an initiative spearheaded by 5Stars Football and Consultancy. This groundbreaking league will witness schools vying against each other, aiming to clinch the prestigious championship title.
Recognizing the pivotal role of sports in the holistic development of children, Her Excellency emphasizes her commitment to endorsing sporting events that foster the growth and well-being of youngsters.
Scheduled to commence from April 30th to May 11th, 2024, in Abuja, Nigeria, the Academy League adopts a compelling two-legged home and away structure, promising exhilarating football encounters. Highlights of matchdays will be broadcasted on leading television networks, amplifying the league’s reach and impact.
With the participation of eight confirmed teams, including Pacesetter’s College, Divine Mercy School, Stella Maris School, Mervyn School Academy, Aduvie International School, Premier International School, and Royal Family Academy, anticipation for the league’s kickoff is palpable. Furthermore, additional schools are expected to join the fray, bolstering competition and camaraderie among young athletes.
The league not only aims for athletic excellence but also champions the Champion’s Mindset, nurturing resilience, teamwork, and leadership among participants.
Aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 10 of Reduced Inequality, a donation drive for gift items and playable toys has been tailored to support children, particularly those with autism, who may face challenges in participating. The goal is to gather a minimum of one thousand toys, symbolizing solidarity and inclusivity.
To herald the commencement of this landmark competition, a press conference will be held at the Bon Hotel Maitama on Saturday, April 13th, 2024, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey of sportsmanship and community engagement.
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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