News
Philanthropist charge private sector to support FG on Humanitarian service
Mariam Abeeb
The founder of Osa Okunbo foundation, Osahon Okunbo has charged well meaning Nigerians and private sector to support the Federal Government to improve humanitarian services across the country.
He made this call in an interview with newsmen while receiving the prestigious “Emerging Leader in Philanthropy” award from the Humanitarian Service Diamond Awards (HSD Awards).
Osahon, son of the late Captain Idahosa Wells Okunbo, has successfully carried on his father’s business legacy and philanthropic efforts.
Okunbo noted that encouraging people to invest more in humanity will also go a long way in national development.
“It was very well organized. Things like these are the reasons why we should encourage, we encourage people to do this because encouraging people who invest in humanity is a good course.
“So I’m impressed, and I’ll continue to support them. So I mean, one of the one of the principles that I learned from my father was investing in humanity. And as you can see, like you quite rightly pointed out.
According to Ikechukwu Norbert, convener and organizer of the award, Osahon was chosen for this recognition due to his exceptional track record in national development, societal upliftment, and relentless service to humanity.
He explained that Osahon H. Okunbo is a dynamic entrepreneur and investor with 15 years of leadership experience across various sectors, including energy, power, hospitality, agriculture, and aviation.
He said his support for art and music has been instrumental in fostering cultural expression, culminating in his upcoming role as Patron of Nigeria’s first film museum, set to launch in late 2024.
According to him, through the Osa Okunbo Foundation, he tackles poverty head-on, focusing on education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, and housing.
Speaking further, Norbert stressed that collective efforts can help reaffirms belief in the power of humanity to overcome these challenges and build a better society.
He added that considering the nation’s struggling with poverty, conflict, unemployment, out of school
Children and hunger, noting that what we need is involvement through voluntary, advocacy, donations, or raising awareness.
Other notable awardees are Prince Arthur Eze, Borno state Governor, Babagana Zullum, River State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno and Nuhu Kwajafa.
Others are Prophet Jeremiah Fufuye, Jack Rich Tein, Brig. Gen. Mohammed Marwa, Allen Onyema and Sen. Monday Okpebholo among other personalities.
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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