Headlines
ECOWAS seeks strengthening of public-private partnership to promote integration
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The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has called for strengthening of public-private partnership with the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FEWACCI) to promote regional integration.
ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs Massandjé Toure-Litse, made this known at a consultative meeting between the ECOWAS Private Sector Directorate and FEWACCI officials, on Tuesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FEWACCI is a private sector organisation under the auspices of ECOWAS, and serves as a platform for regional public-private partnerships and intra-regional dialogue.
Represented by Dr Tony Elumelu, ECOWAS Director, Private Sector, Toure-Litse said that such a collaboration was necessary to bolster sub-regional development.
“This gathering aims to facilitate alignment of the Regional Business Association’s integration work with the ECOWAS Commission’s Strategic objective for economic integration.
“It will enrich both sides, enhance better collaboration, and provide perspectives that can impact our contributions to regional development.
“The importance of harmonising regulatory frameworks and facilitating cross-cutting programmes to unlock opportunities for infrastructure development, job creation, and regional competitiveness cannot be overemphasised,” he said.
Elumelu added that by aligning initiatives with the federation’s agenda, ECOWAS could improve regional initiatives, enhance private sector competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, and promote intra-African trade and investment.
Also speaking, Aminou Akadiri, Executive Director, FEWACCI, pledged to continue to play a vital role in promoting private sector interests, sensitising MSMEs, women, and youth-led initiatives, and fostering collaboration between member states.
According to him, FEWACCI is firmly committed to deepening regional and continental integration, facilitating an enabling environment for business and investment, and also providing a platform for different stakeholders.
He said the federation is a veritable platform to exchange views, ideas, proposals and contributions on the business environment.
NAN reports that FEWACCI advocates for greater private sector involvement in policy-making decisions, business climate improvement for the development of private investment, and public-private partnership in ECOWAS member countries.
ECOWAS, on its part, continues to drive regional integration, supporting regional business associations as key drivers of the bloc’s integration agenda.
Headlines
NCDC urges IPC measures to prevent Mpox
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has urged healthcare workers to strictly adhere to Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures when handling Mpox cases to prevent further spread.
Dr Jide Idris, Director-General of NCDC, emphasised the importance of frontline workers prioritising their own safety while providing care for patients in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.
“Protect yourself while caring for Mpox patients. Your safety is just as important as your patients’,” he stated.
Mpox, a viral disease caused by the Monkeypox virus, spreads primarily through close contact with infected individuals, contaminated materials, and respiratory droplets.
Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph nodes, body aches, and a rash that progresses to painful lesions.
Idris also urged hospitals and clinics to reinforce IPC measures to protect both healthcare workers and patients.
He outlined several key safety precautions for healthcare workers, including: wearing gloves, masks, face shields, and gowns while handling patients.
“Regularly wash hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.
“Avoid direct contact with bodily fluids and use barrier nursing techniques.
“Properly disinfect hospital surfaces and equipment to prevent contamination.
“Identify suspected cases early and ensure proper isolation to curb further transmission,” he said.
Idris assured Nigerians that the NCDC was monitoring the Mpox situation and remained committed to providing regular updates and technical support to health facilities.
He urged healthcare workers to stay vigilant, report suspected cases promptly, and seek medical attention if they experience symptoms of Mpox.
He also called on the general public to stay informed, avoid close contact with infected individuals, and practice good hygiene to reduce the risk of infection.
As part of its ongoing response, he said that the NCDC had been working with state health authorities, training healthcare workers, and strengthening laboratory capacity for Mpox diagnosis.
Idris reiterated that preventing the spread of Mpox required collective effort from both healthcare workers and the public, encouraging Nigerians to remain cautious, follow public health guidelines, and support efforts to contain the virus.
He advised healthcare workers and the public to visit the NCDC’s official website or follow its verified social media handles for more information and updates.
Headlines
NAWOJ FCT partners traditional leaders to empower rural women
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The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), FCT Chapter, has launched a strategic partnership with traditional leaders to amplify the voices, protect the rights, and promote empowerment initiatives for rural women in FCT communities.
Ms. Queen Kunde, Chairperson of the NAWOJ FCT Media Team, made the announcement in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja, following a courtesy visit led by Mrs Bassey Ita-Ikpang, Chairperson of NAWOJ FCT.
The visit was made to the wife of the Abaji/President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association.
Bassey stated that the partnership was part of the preparations for the 2025 International Women’s Day (IWD) celebration.
The event, globally observed on March 8, honours the achievements and challenges faced by women and calls for action.
She explained that the initiative aimed to promote the rights and interests of rural women, who often face unique challenges such as limited access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Speaking on the theme for the 2025 celebration, “Accelerating Action for Gender Equality: The Voice of Rural Women,” the chairperson emphasised the need for deliberate and strategic actions.
She called for the inclusion of rural women in the fight for gender equality, economic empowerment, and social justice.
“We recognise your unwavering commitment to women’s development and the welfare of our communities.
“As mothers, leaders, and role models, you have continuously inspired women, especially in rural areas, to embrace self-reliance and strive for a better future,” Bassey said.”
Through the collaboration, Bassey stated, both parties would create platforms for rural women to share their stories, concerns, and aspirations.
“This will help raise awareness about the issues affecting rural women and mobilise support for their empowerment.”
Responding, Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim, Wife of the Ona of Abaji and President of the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association, pledged support for the initiative.
She expressed recognition for the crucial role of empowering rural women in promoting sustainable community development.
Ibrahim also expressed concern over the rising cases of gender-based violence in palace jurisdictions, stating: “At the palace, we handle numerous cases of gender-based violence.”
She assured their full support, saying, “We are delighted to collaborate with NAWOJ FCT because our vision aligns with ensuring a better life for women and children.
“The 17 chiefs of the FCT are fully on board and ready to support this initiative—do not hesitate to call on us whenever needed.”
Ibrahim further recalled that the Wives of FCT Traditional Rulers Association was established in 2019.
She said the establishment was in response to the advice of former First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who recognised the need for a unified platform to enhance the impact of the wives of traditional rulers.
Headlines
NSCC partners Correctional Service to support welfare of aged inmates
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The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), says it will partnership with the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in supporting the welfare of aged inmates.
Dr Emem Omokaro, the Director General of the Centre, said this on Tuesday in Abuja, during a meeting with the acting Comptroller General of the NCoS, Mr Sylvester Nwakuche.
Omokaro said that the partnership became imperative; in order to address the welfare issues affecting older persons in correctional centres across the country.
She explained that the welfare packages for the older inmates would include training them in their specific areas of need, as well as bringing them medical outreaches and other social welfare to improve their wellbeing.
The NSCC director general who expressed concern over the pathetic conditions of aged inmates in correctional facilities, also called for urgent action to support them.
She said a technical working team would be set up with a view to undertaking a need assessment and articulating the priority areas for the training.
Omokaro added that the mandate of the NSCC was to cater for the welfare of older persons including those in the correctional facilities, hence the need to initiate programmes that would promote their wellbeing.
”The Technical Working Group is expected to structure and initiate impactful programmes that will address the specific needs of inmates at the Nigeria correctional facilities who are 60 years and above,” she said.
In his response, Nwakuche thanked the director general for identifying with the NCoS and expressed readiness to support all efforts towards improving the quality of life and wellbeing of inmates.
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