Health

Gov. Otti Announces to Launch Medical City Project to Transform Abia State’s Health Sector

Published

12 months ago

May 27, 2024

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has revealed plans for an ambitious medical city project aimed at revitalizing the health sector and generating employment opportunities within the state. Governor Otti made this announcement during his monthly interaction with the press, titled “Governor Otti Speaks to Abians,” held at the Government House in Umuahia, the state capital.

“This project will take us some time to complete. In another two or three years, it will be finished. When it is, it will attract people and reduce the need for health tourism abroad,” Otti stated.

Although the governor did not disclose the specific location or cost details of the proposed medical city, he assured that the facility would be equipped with state-of-the-art amenities comparable to those found in leading medical centers globally.

Governor Otti also highlighted the enthusiasm from both Abia State indigenes and other Nigerians, including those in the diaspora, who have shown significant interest in the project. This wide interest underscores the potential impact and importance of the medical city.

Expanding on the healthcare sector’s progress, Otti noted that his administration, which has been in power for about a year, has already made significant strides in retrofitting existing medical facilities. These upgraded facilities are now staffed by skilled professionals, ensuring high-quality healthcare delivery.

“Our administration has also achieved success in other critical areas, including infrastructure development, security, education, agriculture, service delivery, and the liquidation of pension arrears inherited from previous administrations. We have also improved the ease of doing business and stabilized the economy,” the governor added.

The medical city project is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of life in Abia State, positioning it as a hub for medical excellence and innovation. By investing in such a transformative project, Governor Otti aims to not only improve healthcare outcomes but also to stimulate economic growth and development in the region.

Health

FG Unveils Zinc Rich Rice to Combat Malnutrition

Published

3 weeks ago

April 30, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

The Federal Government has launched two new rice varieties, FARO 71 and FARO 72, in a bold move to fight malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups, particularly women and children.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, unveiled the fortified rice in Abuja, highlighting its potential to improve health outcomes while boosting food security.

Developed in collaboration with HarvestPlus and the National Cereals Research Institute, the rice varieties are enriched with zinc, supplying up to 40 percent of the daily recommended intake.

Aside from their nutritional benefits, FARO 71 and FARO 72 are designed to deliver high yields, resist pests, and withstand drought — qualities expected to appeal to farmers and improve national productivity.

With Nigeria reportedly losing $1.5 billion annually to nutrient deficiencies, the government hopes these fortified staples will play a critical role in reversing the trend and promoting public health through agriculture.

Health

FG Boosts Nursing Enrollment to 115,000 to Bridge Healthcare Gap

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

In a major move to tackle Nigeria’s growing healthcare workforce shortage, the Federal Government has increased the annual enrollment of nursing students from 28,000 to 115,000.

The announcement was made on April 28, 2025, by the Federal Ministry of Education, highlighting the government’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare and education sectors under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The surge, surpassing the original target of 110,000 students, is the result of collaboration between the Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare.

The milestone was achieved thanks to the leadership of Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and support from industry experts, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, and teaching hospitals.

Health

Battle Against Malaria Gains New Fire

Published

3 weeks ago

April 28, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Oso Abidemi

Determined to stamp out malaria, major health organizations stormed the University of Lagos with a sweeping campaign of education, free testing, and drug distribution.

Themed “Malaria Ends with Us: Reinvest, Reimagine, Reignite,” the outreach united Green Life Pharmaceuticals, Green Life Hospital, Seagreen Pharmaceutical, and Clearline HMO in a powerful push to fight the disease that continues to ravage communities across Nigeria.

Hundreds of students and residents turned up for free malaria tests, prevention kits, and vital health education. Organizers stressed the urgent need for community action, with a special focus on empowering young people to drive change.

Peter Nwosu, Executive Director of Green Life Pharmaceuticals, described the campaign as more than a symbolic gesture.

“We are here not just to mark a day but to make a real difference,” he declared, calling for sustained efforts against the deadly scourge.

Speaking for Clearline HMO, Dr. Oghenerukevwe Peretomode warned that climate change is fueling malaria through flooding and rising temperatures.

She called for stronger government support, innovation, and personal responsibility, urging Nigerians to use treated nets and maintain clean surroundings.

Chris Ikeagu, General Manager of Green Life Hospital, said the choice of UNILAG was deliberate.

“Youth are the key to this battle. They will take the message home,” he said, stressing that early detection and treatment remain vital weapons in the fight.

The event stood as a fresh rallying call for Nigerians to take the malaria fight personally, seriously, and urgently.