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FG Inaugurates NOMA Treatment Centre In Abuja
The Federal Government, on Wednesday, commissioned the NOMA new treatment centre in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to address disease that is affecting young children’s tissues across the country.
The commissioning was organized by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health, the Noma Aid Nigeria Initiative (NANI), and other partners.
Speaking at the commissioning in Abuja, to mark the 2023 National Noma day, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said that there is need for urgent action to be taken in the quest for accelerated implementation of the SDG III and ensuring the realization of Universal Health Coverage.
The minister noted that the initiative was supported by numerous nations, which aimed to secure global recognition for the battle against Noma.
The minister who was represented by Director Hospital Service, Dr. Jimoh Olawole Salaudeen, the Minister emphasized the urgency of addressing Noma (cancrum oris).
Pate said: “Noma is known to affect vulnerable populations living in poverty and in remote areas of the country which do not have the necessary amenities of life and are plagued with conditions that lowers the victims immunity leading to severe morbidity and mortality in these populations.
“Most cases of Noma occur in children between ages two and five years. Other risk factors include chronic or acute malnutrition, lack of access to healthcare, and poor oral hygiene. If left untreated, Noma is associated with a 90% mortality rate within weeks. Noma survivors are confronted with societal stigmatization, discrimination and social isolation.”
The Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, called on Nigerians to support the agency on the enlightenment advocacy to address the risk factors of Noma disease.
Issa-Onilu, who was presented by the Director, Public Enlightenment and Mass Mobilization, Mrs.Theresa Maduekwe, said: “Noma disease is a disease that destroys the face, soft tissues of the mouth, and the face actually affects mostly the children that malnutrie.
“Also it is also a problem of hygiene as long as we don’t clean the mouth in the morning after eating all sorts of things, including taking soda we drink and food we eat.”
In her remarks, the World Health Organization Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi, commended Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating Noma. She acknowledged the Minister’s leadership and Nigeria’s plea to include Noma in the Neglected Tropical Diseases list.
Dr. Kazadi, who was presented by Dr Mary Dewan, said: “Noma affects the poor and the most vulnerable and this most affected population delay in presentation and when they present to the health facilities, cannot afford treatment. A huge number then presents with stage 3 or 4 diseases requiring resuscitation, several surgeries, and rehabilitation.”
WHO, reiterated its commitment to assisting Nigeria in preventing and controlling Noma, emphasizing ongoing efforts to include Noma in the Neglected Tropical Diseases list for increased global attention.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director Prof. Muhammad Raji, expressed confidence that he will ensure that the team running the Centre will uphold the highest standards of care and treatment.
He said: “We look forward to this centre being a model for the country and indeed, the continent. We envision this centre not just as a place for treatment, but also for research and education to prevent and eventually eradicate Noma disease from our nation.
“Let me assure you that the national Hospital, Abuja, is fully committed to this partnership. We will work tirelessly to ensure we achieve our shared objective, which is to provide a safe haven for children afflicted with Noma, offering them a chance at a healthier and happier future.”
In a startling turn of events, a video has surfaced online showing a group of armed bandits conducting Eid prayers deep within the forests of Kaduna State, Nigeria.
The footage, which has sparked widespread alarm, was shared by counter-insurgency expert Zagazola Makama on his account on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.
According to reports, the armed groups gathered in at least two distinct locations Maidaro, Sabon Birni, and East Kaduna, within the Dogon Dawa Forest.
The bandits armed with a variety of sophisticated weapons. In addition to carrying automatic rifles, the bandits were seen equipped with drones and mobile phones, suggesting an alarming level of coordination and access to technology.
Security analysts, including Makama, have expressed deep concern over the implications of this gathering. Tagging both the Nigerian Army and the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in his post, Makama emphasised the urgent need for strategic countermeasures against these criminal elements.
The National Youth Vanguard of Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations made by Honourable Aminu Sani Jaji, who accused the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle, of orchestrating claims of anti-party activities against him.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the group’s National Publicity Secretary, Dr Adeniyi Wale, described Jaji’s accusations as “baseless” and an attempt to distract from his own political manoeuvres.
“Jaji has long positioned himself as a loyal APC member and a unifying force within the party, but his actions suggest otherwise. His political moves appear more self-serving than focused on party unity,” Wale said.
The APC Vanguard emphasised that Nigerians deserve transparent and accountable leaders rather than those who, it said, manipulate public trust for personal gain. The group also questioned Jaji’s credibility, citing what it described as a pattern of inconsistency in his political engagements.
“The remarks made by Jaji not only lack substantiation but also raise concerns about his reliability and judgment,” the statement read. “Leadership is not merely about holding a position of power; it is about demonstrating qualities that inspire trust and confidence among the people.”
The group commended Minister Matawalle for his efforts in strengthening national security and promoting peace. It said his leadership had contributed significantly to fostering unity and improving community relations across the country.
“Minister Matawalle exemplifies the qualities of effective leadership. Under his stewardship, significant progress has been made in enhancing national security and community relations,” the statement said.
The APC Vanguard further criticised Jaji’s leadership approach, accusing him of lacking the foresight and responsibility required for credible governance.
“This pattern of inconsistency not only weakens the integrity of his decisions but also erodes the confidence of party members and stakeholders who seek dependable representation,” Wale added.
The group reaffirmed its support for Matawalle and urged APC members to remain focused on unity and national progress while rejecting divisive rhetoric that could undermine the party’s strength.
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Two brothers Launch Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, Sponsor WAEC Registration For 50 vulnerable Students
By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a significant effort to promote education, two brothers have launched the Sardaunan Ikulu Fans Foundation, sponsoring the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration for 50 vulnerable students in Kamaru Ikulu Ward, Zango-Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launch on Tuesday, Yusuf Ismail Ashafa, popularly known as Sardaunan Ikulu, urged the beneficiaries to remain dedicated to their studies and strive for academic excellence. He assured them that the foundation would continue to support outstanding students by facilitating their admission into higher institutions.
Ashafa also called on parents to play an active role in motivating their children to focus on education, emphasizing that their success would contribute to a brighter future for the community.
Meanwhile, Ashafa, who played a crucial role in the emergence of Engr. Bege Gaiya Joseph as the Executive Chairman of Zango-Kataf Local Government Area, expressed deep appreciation for Joseph and his brother, Reuben Richman Bissla, for sponsoring the students’ WAEC registration in his honor.
He pledged to build on these efforts, ensuring continued support for students’ education as a means of fostering societal development.
In his remarks, the co-sponsor, Engr. Joseph Bege Gaiya, popularly known as Lordbeckson, disclosed that the initiative was aimed at improving the education of the most vulnerable students for the betterment of society.
“I am one of the beneficiaries of the goodwill of Sardaunan Ikulu. If he had wanted to become the Council Chairman, he would have been, but he decided to push me forward, and today I am the Council Chairman through his mentorship,” he stated.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider themselves fortunate and to take full advantage of the opportunity by studying hard to achieve excellent results.
“With the establishment of the Federal University of Applied Sciences in Kachia, we must ensure that our students pursue science courses. We cannot afford to have a Federal University in our region and yet have our children unable to gain admission to study science-related fields,” he added.
The initiative has been widely commended as a timely intervention, helping underprivileged students overcome financial barriers to education.