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Portal to Access N110 billion Youth Investment Fund Will Be Accessible in the Coming Days – Jamila Ibrahim.

Published

8 months ago

July 24, 2024

Joel Ajayi

Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, has announced that the Portal for the Restructured Youth Investment Fund of N110 billion will be accessible in the coming days.

The Minister made this announcement during a courtesy visit from the Middle Belt Youth Council to her office in Abuja.

She emphasized that the fund is designed to provide crucial support for businesses owned by young entrepreneurs who are currently experiencing financial challenges. She said the fund aims to offer financial assistance, mentorship, and resources to help these businesses overcome their struggles so that they can thrive.

“We are working very hard so that the portal can be opened to allow young people to register to access the fund. When the portal is opened, we will continue to inform and guide young people on how to access the N110 billion committed by the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

“This fund will prioritize existing businesses. We understand that they are already established and have their clients. What they need is a little push to avoid sinking due to the current state of the economy,” she explained.

According to her, within one year, the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu has achieved numerous milestones which include the approval of a 30% youth quota for government appointments, the implementation of the Presidential Initiatives on Youth Enterprise Clusters, the establishment of a 70,000 minimum wage for Civil servants ,the introduction of CNG buses to transport citizens, direct purchase and distribution of food items to the most vulnerable families across the nation, plans to resume local production in refineries to reduce the cost of fuel, and the rehabilitation and commissioning of the Abuja Metro Stations. The government is also committed to providing free services by the end of 2024, as directed by Mr. President,she added.

She further informed that the recently passed North Central Development Commission bill is a testament that the President is very supportive of that Region.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Middle Belt Youth Council and the leader of the team,Hon. Emmanuel Zopmal, stated that the purpose of the visit was to engage with the Federal Government regarding the policies that affect the youth and to discuss how they can contribute to governance.

On behalf of the middle belt youths, Zopmal also made it known that the Youth from his region,the middle belt are not in support of the planned protest against the government.

He stressed the importance of understanding government’s initiatives designed for the youth through constructive engagement.

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

Published

3 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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