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Pakistan Ambassador To Nigeria Others, Pay Tribute To Martyrs, War Heroes On Defence Day
Tolu Tosin
The Pakistan diplomats in Nigeria have joined the rest of the diplomatic missions of Pakistan across the globe to observe the annual Defence and Martyrs Day paying tribute to the nation’s heroes including the armed forces and martyrs for their unmatched sacrifices and bravery to safeguard the country.
The day we started with a 31-gun salute in the country’s capital, Islamabad, and a 21-gun salute in provincial capitals, followed by prayers, wreath-laying ceremonies at the tombs of martyrs, and special prayers in mosques for the progress and prosperity of the country.
Pakistan on Friday celebrated its 59th Defense Day anniversary to commemorate the sacrifices of fallen heroes who defended the South Asian country.
For any Pakistanis, the day reflects Pakistan’s strong commitment to the defense of sovereignty as many pay tributes to the brave soldiers who thwarted the enemy’s attempts to harm Pakistan.
Speaking in Abuja at an event organized to commemorate the day, the Pakistan Ambassador to Nigeria, Retired Mag.-Gen, Sohail Khan said that the Martyred soldiers are heroes and their sacrifices and dedication cannot be forgotten.According to him, we are celebrating Defence Day to pay homage to the Armed Forces of Pakistan. I will just narrate certain facts for the information of all of you.
“Pakistan Armed Forces stands as the 5th largest standing Armed Forces in the world.
We have been the largest contributors to the UN peacekeeping operations since the 1960s.
“To protect the motherland from internal and external aggression, members of the Armed forces have sacrificed their lives and embraced martyrdom in the Global War Against Terrorism of which Pakistan has been at the forefront since the very beginning.,
“In terms of officers vs troops causality ratio Pakistan Armed Forces are at the top having lost/offered every other 12 ranks.
“Armed forces have always responded to the call of the nation during national calamities, earthquakes, floods, etc. They have been at the forefront of every nation-building and assistance task.
“Pakistan remains an extremely responsible 7th nuclear state in the world. Well-entrenched command and control systems are also being managed by the Armed Forces of Pakistan.
“This occasion is meant to pay homage to our members of the Armed Forces for their dedication and sacrifices.’
Speaking also at the occasion, was Defence Advisor an Attaché of the Pakistani High Commission in Nigeria, Col. Mushtag Kamran Col. Kamran Mushtaq expressed that, the 6th of September signifies the unflinching resolve, unity, and sense of sacrifice to defend the motherland at all cost.
“It is also to pay homage to those sons of the soil who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom and sovereignty.
“Their actions continue to resonate urging us to strive for a better tomorrow
“Following the legacy of our Great Heroes in unison with the people of Pakistan we remain ever-ready and fully determined to squarely meet all external challenges to protect our ideological and geographical boundaries.
“Today, we bow our heads in reverence and gratitude for martyrs, who have the freedom that engraved their legacy in the anal of history, reminding us of the freedom that we cherish
“Let’s renew our pledge that following the footsteps of our martyrs, we will leave no stone unturned for the defense of our Motherland and we will always work, towards making Pakistan e great country.” He pledged
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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