Society & Lifestyle Archives - Page 8 of 41

NHIA, Roche FMC unveil cost-sharing initiative for cancer treatment

The National Health Insurance Authority, Roche Pharmaceuticals and the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, have launched a cost-sharing initiative to help cancer patients reduce financial barriers to accessing oncology care.

The partnership is also to enhance cancer care accessibility, improve treatment outcomes, and shield Nigerians from the high costs associated with cancer treatment.

Speaking on Friday in Abuja, during a presentation on the initiative, the NHIA Department of Standards and Quality Assurance Ms Linda Makwe, said the programme was designed to improve access to high-cost oncology medications, especially for vulnerable Nigerians.

She said the partnership showcases NHIA’s role in strategic healthcare purchasing, adding that one of the key objectives was to enhance access to essential, life-saving cancer treatments while ensuring financial sustainability.

“The programme ensures that patients have access to critical oncology drugs at a subsidised rate, with the financial burden shared between Roche, NHIA and the patient,” she said.

She explained that with the agreement, Roche covers 50 per cent of the cost of monoclonal medicines and provides logistical support to ensure drug availability, while NHIA manages patient access and coordinates financing mechanisms.

She noted that the programme also aims to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients and aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Also speaking, the Team Lead for Oncology at Roche, Mr Funsho David, said the collaboration was committed to delivering innovative and affordable cancer care for Nigerians.

He said the cost-sharing model splits financial obligations among Roche, NHIA and the patient, allowing patients to afford both prescribed medicines and other associated treatment services.

“This approach not only guarantees access to essential oncology medicines but also protects patients from catastrophic health expenditures,” he said.

David commended FMC Abuja for its support and encouraged the facility to expand its NHIA service accreditations from six to over 20, in order to offer a full continuum of cancer care from diagnosis to surgery, chemotherapy and rehabilitation.

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of FMC Abuja, Prof. Saad Ahmed, welcomed the partnership, saying it would significantly ease the financial burden faced by many cancer patients.

Saad, who was represented by the Director of Clinical Services, Dr Muftau Bioku, emphasized that cancer treatment is often unaffordable for most Nigerians, making the cost-sharing initiative timely and impactful.

In November 2021, Roche Products Ltd and the National Health Insurance Authority signed a MoU for a partnership to improve universal health coverage in Nigeria.

The major focus of the partnership is to provide innovative and accessible cancer care. The partnership is a cost-sharing initiative which splits the financial obligation between the patient, and Roche respectively, ensuring that the patient pays a minimum amount for their

treatment, thus providing financial protection for patients. As a consequence, patients can afford both their prescription and other aspects of their care.

After a two-year pilot, a review and expansion to improve access and provide more benefits to Nigerians was signed in 2025 between Roche and the NHIA Management.

The expansion also includes full treatment coverage, access for uninsured patients, navigation and counselling services for patients and

immunohistochemistry testing for eligible patients.

The partnership is focused on supporting the NHIA and Nigeria on the journey towards UHC by creating access to affordable cancer care for Nigerians, improving treatment outcomes, and protecting Nigerians from the financial catastrophe of cancer treatment.

Floods: 165 dead, 119,791 affected in 2025– NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency said no fewer than 165 persons have died, 82 missing and 119,791 persons have been affected by this year’s flooding.

NEMA revealed this in its data dashboard on Friday.

The agency also stated that 138 persons sustained various degrees of injuries, 43,936 displaced, 8,594 houses affected and 8,278 farmlands destroyed across 43 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 19 States.

According to the agency, children and women were mostly affected.

It said, “53,314 children , 36,573 women, 24,600 men, 5,304 elderly, 1,863 disabled persons have so far been affected by this year flood.”

The states with the highest number of affected persons are Imo, Rivers, Abia, Borno and Kaduna States.

Meanwhile, the 19 states affected are; Abia, FCT, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Borno, Edo, Gombe, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Rivers and Sokoto States.

Soludo’s wife clears hospital bills of 200 Anambra patients

The First Lady of Anambra State, Dr Nonye Soludo, has visited various hospitals across the state as part of a medical outreach and intervention, marking her 55th birthday.

During the exercise, which took her to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Awka, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi and the newly-built General Hospital, Okpoko, on Thursday, many patients received cash gifts to offset their medical bills and other sundry expenses.

While some others benefited from free surgical interventions and received free eye care services, free medical treatment and screening for hypertension, diabetes, malaria and respiratory tract infection were performed for the patients at the facilities on the bill of the governor’s wife.

At the various facilities, Soludo, who is also the founder of the “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo initiative”, was seen interacting passionately with patients, singing praises to God, offering them prayers and words of advice, while also presenting some amount of cash to support them.

In an interview with journalists after the exercise in Okpoko, she said celebrating her birthday with the needy by visiting hospitals and the less-privileged homes is a practice she has cultivated long before she married.

She said, “Rather than celebrate my birthday with parties, I celebrate it with the needy by visiting the hospitals and less-privileged homes to celebrate to cater to their needs. This is a long-term tradition I have been practising long before I got married.

“Even during my single years, I celebrated with orphans, the sick, and the poor. I have never really been a person for parties. If you see me organising a birthday gathering, it is usually a low-key one with my family or close friends. Celebrating with the less privileged has always been a part of me.

“Every year, I spend my birthday with the sick, the motherless and the vulnerable. It is my way of reflecting on the true meaning of human existence, showing love, giving hope, and putting smiles on people’s faces.

“Bringing happiness to others is my greatest joy. My happiest moments are when I see people smile. That is all I need to feel fulfilled. With what I have done today, I consider my birthday celebration complete; whatever comes after is just extra.”

The first lady also encouraged other well-meaning people to cultivate the habit of touching lives in their own way while commending the medical team of the hospitals visited for their dedication to duty.

“Making people smile doesn’t cost much; sometimes all it takes is your presence and attention. Even helping an old woman find a place to sleep is an act of love. I am impressed by how neat the hospitals are. May the Almighty God bless and continue to strengthen the doctors and nurses here for their hard work,” she added.

During a get-together held at the Light House, Awka, later in the evening, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to the day’s activities, adding that a birthday is not just about celebrating a person; it is a moment of charity and reflection.

Soludo described his wife as “the machine, the engine”, who powers the house, while thanking her for all she is doing.

“For me, I have scheduled today, and the birthday celebrant told me that what she wants to do is to visit hospitals to take care of patients and the needy. These surgeries were done, the hospital bills were paid, and the resources were put together by public-spirited individuals.

“This is the kind of charity that runs something from within. The day I knew that I was very blessed was the day I won her heart. Thank you for loving me. Since we got married, every year we celebrate our anniversary.”

“Whatever we have been able to accomplish in life, she is the machine, the engine, that powers the house. Don’t be deceived by her soft spoken words because behind that, is a woman of steel, a woman of character and my children and I are lucky to have a mother like her.

“I lost my mother when I was eight, but in her, I found a mother, a lover. While I celebrate her, I celebrate her values, and that is the key to what she did today,” the governor added.

FG begins reconstruction of collapsed Nasarawa flyover

The Federal Government has begun reconstruction of the collapsed Keffi Flyover in Nasarawa State, while accelerating major roadworks across the country.

Minister of Works, Mr Dave Umahi, disclosed this after Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu.

Umahi described the July 4 collapse as “very unfortunate” and confirmed a settlement with the families of the three persons who lost their lives.

“We lost three lives there. We have settled with the families. They are not pressing charges. Reconstruction has commenced,” the minister stated.

He said one carriageway has been closed for urgent repairs, following structural assessments to prevent further hazards.

The Keffi Flyover is a critical link between Abuja, Nasarawa and other parts of Nigeria’s north-central region.

Umahi added that the FEC has approved funding and reviews for several key road and bridge projects nationwide.

He noted that 360 road rehabilitation projects were completed in 2023, and inspections are ongoing across all zones.

To enhance transparency, state engineering chambers will now help monitor federal road projects in their respective domains.

The minister listed several strategic projects, many exceeding ₦10 billion, that have either begun or received significant funding.

They include: Abuja Road Lot 1: 118 km at ₦275bn (30 per cent disbursed and completed); and Lot 2: 164 km at ₦502bn (₦150bn released for six sections).

Other priority projects are: Enugu–Onitsha Road: 72 km at ₦150bn (₦45bn released); Abuja–Kano Road: ₦220bn (30 per cent disbursed); and Bauchi–Jigawa Sections: Fully funded.

Also included is the Nembe–Brass Road: ₦156bn, with 30 per cent of funds already released.

The near-complete Port Harcourt–Bodo–Bonny Road spans 35 km and costs ₦200bn.

Further projects: Benin–Ifon–Akure Road: 108.4 km (30 per cent disbursed); Akure–Ado-Ekiti Road: 256 km at ₦761bn (30 per cent released).

Newly approved and revised projects include: Biu–Numa Road (Borno/Adamawa): Revised to ₦61.76bn from ₦15.4bn.

Maraba–Keffi Road (Nasarawa): Dualisation of 43.6 km at ₦76bn. Ikorodu–Sagamu Road (Lagos): ₦11.42bn variation approved for completion.

Also, Kashamu–Amshi–Guru–Gurus Road (Yobe): ₦23.4bn for binder courses and a new vehicle bridge.

Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway: Kebbi Section: 258 km x2 at ₦1.92tn; Sokoto Section: 120 km x2 at ₦912bn.

Further approvals include: Afe Babalola University Access Road (Ekiti): 14.4 km revised to ₦9.32bn due to funding gaps.

Trans-Saharan Highway (Oyo–Benue border): Extended from 180 km to 231.64 km. Revised cost: ₦445.8bn due to soil failures and realignment.

Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway (Sections 4A and 4B in Ogun and Ondo): 80.35 km x2 at ₦1.65tn, including 6-metre swamp excavation.

Umahi pledged to publish a comprehensive list of all ongoing and approved projects in the coming weeks.

NAN

Ibadan residents protest Circular Road land extension

Residents of Ibadan in the Oyo State capital have protested against the elongation of marked portions of land for the construction of the Ibadan Circular Road.

The protest, which erupted on Monday, took the protesters to the entrance of the Oyo State Government Secretariat.

PUNCH Online gathered that between 2003 and 2007, the Oyo State government, then under the leadership of Senator Rasidi Ladoja, marked some portions of land for the construction of a Circular Road in Ibadan.

However, the project was not executed by the late Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, who took over from Ladoja.

According to findings, the project was eventually executed by the immediate past governor, the late Abiola Ajimobi who started the construction of the road while in office between 2011 and 2019.

The residents, during Monday’s peaceful protest, pleaded with the Makinde-led administration in the state not to extend the Circular Road beyond the already marked areas.

The protesters, who were mostly from the Akinyele Local Government Area, noted that many people had already been affected in the existing arrangement, with an appeal that the Circular Road should not be extended beyond 150 metres.

They paraded placards with varying inscriptions such as “150 meters is enough”, “150 metres is enough for Circular Road”, and “Our people are dying on a daily basis.”

One of the protesters, identified as Ismail Abimbola, spoke on behalf of the protesters.

He said, “Residents of many communities in the local government area are already panicking over the planned extension.

“We are here to appeal to the government to consider us on the issue of the corridor they want to embark upon.

“I am from Akinyele Local Government Area. Many villages and communities are involved.

“The communities include Solalu, Alagbede, Olukitibi, Akinwande, Akinlawon, Omilabu, Aba Odo, Aba Ido, Ido Omo, Ori Oke, Oke Ola, Olowoogbo, Olohungba, Ade Owu, Asaaju and many villages.

“There are still many other communities that this corridor is involved.

“Our prayer is that the government should consider us. They should not go beyond the already marked areas because many people are already dead, though physically alive, because of the previous 150 metres already marked. It is too much.

“We are here to appeal to the state government.”

Many feared dead as truck crashes into bystanders in Anambra

Several persons were feared dead on Friday night after a trailer lost control and rammed into them along the Chisco Park Junction in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

It was gathered that the fatal accident occurred around 9:30pm when the driver of the trailer experienced brake failure and crashed into pedestrians on the roadside, resulting in multiple fatalities.

The incident which was also captured on the Amichi City-wide CCTV system, showed some of the knocked-down victims lying on the ground, while some residents and other road users were seen bemoaning the incident and offering rescue assistance to the victims.

Some eyewitnesses near the scene told our correspondent said the accident occurred within a short period of time as the victims who were mostly doing their usual night business did not see the incoming trailer towards them.

One of the eyewitnesses, who gave his name simply as Uche, said, “The crash, which occurred at about 9:30pm yesterday(Friday) came as a shock given the short period within which everything happened.

“The people were doing their usual night business and engaging in their usual activities while some passengers were waiting to board vehicles when the trailer uncontrollably rammed into them, knocking many down, including motorcyclists, a little girl, bystanders, and some petty traders.

“Some road users who saw the trailer on time as it was dangerously approaching the area were able to escape the tragedy. Several persons who were knocked were mostly those waiting to board vehicles and some people doing business near the park.

“The bodies of the victims lay on the ground before the rescue operations from pedestrians and the arrival of security operatives.”

When contacted on the development on Saturday, the Spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps, Anambra sector, Margaret Onabe, confirmed the incident, but could not give the actual casualty figure.

“Yes, we received the accident of the accident, but information about the crash and the casualty rate is still being gathered, we will issue a statement soon,” Onabe said.

Gambian president pays condolence visit to Buhari’s family

The President of the Republic of The Gambia, Adama Barrow, on Friday paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, at his hometown in Daura, Katsina State.

Barrow, who arrived in Katsina for the visit, was received by the Secretary to the Katsina State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, alongside members of the Buhari family.

While offering his tribute, Barrow described the late Buhari as a pillar of democracy and a steadfast supporter of The Gambia.

“President Buhari stood by us and the Gambian people to ensure that our democratic mandate was fully respected and implemented to its ultimate end,” he said.

Barrow said that Buhari was more than a leader to him personally.

“Every time I saw Buhari, I saw a father, a brother, and an uncle standing before me,” he said.

Barrow highlighted Buhari’s role in promoting peace and democracy across West Africa through ECOWAS, the African Union, and on the global stage.

He stated, “I feel deeply obliged for what President Buhari has done — not just for The Gambia, but for ECOWAS, the African Union, and Nigeria’s image across the world.

“He stood for democracy, freedom, and justice.”

The Gambian leader extended his condolences to the Buhari family and the Nigerian people.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and to all Nigerians for the loss of a great man—one who helped shape who we are today,” he said.

In his remarks, Garba-Faskari described Barrow’s visit as a true reflection of African brotherhood.

He added that Buhari’s contributions to peace and stability in Nigeria and across the continent would never be forgotten.

Responding on behalf of the family, Yusuf Buhari, son of the late president, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the visit.

He said the gesture underscored the strong historical and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and The Gambia, as well as the late president’s enduring legacy in Africa.

NAN

TCN, Kano resolve land dispute stalling 330kV power line project

The Transmission Company of Nigeria and the Kano State Government have reached an agreement to resolve a protracted legal dispute that had stalled the completion of the Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV transmission line.

The resolution followed a high-level meeting convened on July 21, 2025, by the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning to address issues relating to land ownership and compensation, which had led to litigation and delayed the project.

A statement issued on Friday by the General Manager, Public Affairs at TCN, Ndidi Mbah, confirmed that under the new agreement, the state government would compensate affected individuals whose cases remain in court and provide alternative land for others.

The statement read, “The Transmission Company of Nigeria, Kano Region, and the Kano State Ministry of Land and Physical Planning have reached a pivotal agreement to resolve legal disputes that had stalled the Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV transmission line project.

“The meeting, held on July 21, 2025, was convened by the Ministry to address litigation surrounding land ownership and compensation, which had significantly delayed progress.

“Under the terms of the agreement, the Kano State Government will compensate individuals whose cases remain under legal consideration and provide alternative land to affected parties.

“The resolution removes the final obstacles to the completion of the project,” Mbah stated, adding that the development marks a significant milestone in efforts to boost power supply and industrial development in the North.

She expressed optimism that with the legal issues out of the way, work on the transmission line would progress swiftly.

The Kumbotso–Rimin Zakara 330kV line is expected to enhance the electricity transmission capacity of the national grid and support economic growth in the region.

The commission also reported that a vandal was electrocuted on July 19, 2025, while attempting to sabotage a high-voltage facility in Ebonyi State.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on Tower 34 along the Nkalagu–Abakaliki 132kV transmission line.

“The body of the vandal, who was electrocuted while trying to vandalise the tower, has been recovered,” the company said.

TCN reiterated its warning to the public on the dangers of tampering with power infrastructure, noting that such facilities carry high voltage and pose severe safety hazards.

“The public is urged to safeguard power installations in their communities and promptly report suspicious activity to security agencies or the nearest TCN office,” the statement added.

PUNCH Online reports that in recent times, vandalism of the transmission infrastructures and distribution equipment has been a common occurrence in the country.

In January 2025, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, said over N9bn was spent to restore vandalised power infrastructure in the northern part of Nigeria in 2024.

Embrace mediation for peaceful co-existence, institute urges Nigerians

The Mediation Training Institute has called on Nigerians to make mediation a daily practice to resolve disputes peacefully and build stronger relationships at all levels of society.

In a statement to mark the International Day of Mediation on Thursday, the MTI President, Segun Ogunyannwo, said mediation should be viewed as an essential life skill rather than an occasional option.

“Mediation should not be like a garment that you put on whenever it suits you and put off when it does not serve your interest or purpose.

“In our thoughts, words, and deeds, we should reflect the high standards and ideals of the very fulfilling ministry of reconciliation—mediation,” he said.

He noted that the institute chose July 24 as symbolic, underscoring the message that mediation should be practised “24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

Ogunyannwo urged Nigerians to use mediation to address disputes in families, workplaces, communities, and business relationships, stressing its role in sustaining harmony in a conflict-prone society.

He also encouraged individuals to take practical steps by mediating real disputes on the day and sharing their experiences with the institute via email for recognition of their peacebuilding efforts.

“Mediation skills are life skills”, Ogunyannwo noted, adding that these skills are vital for managing differences, preserving relationships, and fostering peaceful co-existence.

He reminded mediators to uphold confidentiality and respect privacy in all interventions, stating that the International Day of Mediation continues to serve as a platform to promote dialogue, tolerance, and reconciliation across Nigeria.

UK doctors begin five-day strike despite PM’s plea 25th July 2025

Thousands of UK doctors launched a five-day strike early Friday after talks with the Labour government for a new pay increase failed to reach a deal.

Doctors were out on picket lines outside hospitals after negotiations with the government went down the wire late Thursday, without reaching an accord.

The move comes after the doctors accepted a pay rise offer totalling 22.3 per cent over two years in September, soon after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour party took power.

Resident doctors — those below consultant level — have said they felt they had “no choice” but to strike again to reverse “pay erosion” since 2008.

Starmer on Friday appealed to the doctors, saying patients were being put at risk and the strikes would “cause real damage”.

Launching a strike “will mean everyone loses,” Starmer wrote in the Times, highlighting the added strain it would put on the already struggling National Health Service (NHS).

He appealed to the doctors not to “follow” their union, the British Medical Association (BMA) “down this damaging road. Our NHS and your patients need you” .

“Lives will be blighted by this decision,” Starmer warned.

But the junior doctors have said their pay in real terms has eroded more than 21 per cent over the past two decades.

“We’re not working 21 per cent less hard so why should our pay suffer?” said the co-chairs of the BMA’s resident doctors committee Melissa Ryan and Ross Nieuwoudt in a statement.

Last year’s doctors’ strikes, which saw tens of thousands of appointments cancelled and treatment delayed, were among a series of public and private sector walk-outs over pay and conditions as inflation soared.

Health minister Wes Streeting also appealed to doctors to reverse their position, saying in a letter published in The Telegraph that the government “cannot afford to go further on pay this year”.

The previous Conservative government last year resisted the BMA’s demands for a 35-perc ent “pay restoration” to reflect real-term inflation over the last decade.

Last year, Labour moved to draw a line under a series of disputes reaching pay offers to public sector workers including teachers and train drivers.

Those included a 15 per cent pay deal over three years for train drivers, which was heavily criticised by the Conservative opposition.

AFP