馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Nigeria reviews COVID-19 interventions, plans for future health threats
via Punch Nigeria4 min read
The Federal Government and its development partners recently reviewed the impact of COVID-19 interventions in Nigeria, emphasizing how these investments have enhanced the country's capacity to address future health threats. Stakeholders at the COVID-19 Grant Dissemination Meeting in Abuja called for measures to sustain these gains. The event, managed by Nigeria Health Watch, was organized by the Global Fund in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS NACA, the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme, and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of NACA, stated that the COVID-19 Resource Mobilisation program created critical infrastructure and systems, strengthening Nigeria's health sector through improved disease surveillance, laboratory capacity, oxygen infrastructure, and community-based healthcare services. She noted that lessons from COVID-19 have improved Nigeria's response to emerging threats like Ebola alerts. Dr. Tajudeen Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of the Global Fund Country Coordinating Mechanism CCM-Nigeria, highlighted the need to shift focus from implementation to sustainability, noting that the grants funded significant health infrastructure investments, including oxygen-generation systems, public health laboratory upgrades, and improvements to the health supply chain. Dr. Yemisi Ogundare of Jhpiego Nigeria mentioned their support in establishing and strengthening eight Public Health
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, stated that Nigeria must achieve economic resilience, security, and stability to reclaim its leadership in Africa and enhance global influence. Speaking at a book launch in Abuja, the minister emphasized that President Bola Tinubu鈥檚 reforms aim to strengthen the country's domestic foundations, which he considers essential for a dynamic foreign policy. He noted that a "Nigeria First" doctrine now drives foreign policy, centering on the welfare, security, and economic prosperity of Nigerians. The immediate focus of diplomatic engagement includes Nigeria and its neighboring countries, recognizing their intrinsic link to Nigeria's security and prosperity. While not abandoning Africa as a cornerstone, the approach is being recalibrated to address domestic priorities. Nigeria will pursue strategic autonomy in its relations with global powers, aligning international engagements with national interests rather than ideology, and remains open to partnerships with both Western and non-Western countries. The minister also highlighted the reinvigoration of security and defense cooperation with the United States and other Western allies to address current domestic security challenges. He expressed confidence in Nigeria's trajectory despite concerns about its international visibility, and mentioned ongoing efforts to rebuild the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through reforms focused on professionalism and capacity building. He stres
The Court of Appeal in Abuja has adjourned the hearing of an appeal challenging the deregistration of the African Democratic Congress, Accord Party, and three other political parties until July 7. The adjournment from June 25 was granted to allow all parties to file and exchange their briefs of argument before the substantive hearing. Counsel for the Accord Party, Musibau Adetunbi SAN, informed the court that the record of appeal and the Federal High Court judgment were recently obtained and transmitted to the appellate court. The appeal challenges a Federal High Court judgment that directed the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to deregister these parties for allegedly failing to meet constitutional requirements. However, INEC has opposed the deregistration, arguing that the parties met the constitutional threshold and won elective positions. The Court of Appeal previously ordered a stay of execution of the Federal High Court judgment, preventing INEC from enforcing the deregistration pending the appeal's determination. The suit was initiated by the National Forum of Former Legislators, which argued that the parties did not meet electoral performance benchmarks in the 2023 general election and subsequent by-elections.
Must ReadSouth African President Cyril Ramaphosa stated on Thursday that his government would not tolerate any attempts to destabilize the nation during planned anti-immigrant marches next week. Citizen-led groups have set June 30 as a deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave and have called for nationwide marches against illegal immigration. This unofficial ultimatum has raised fears of renewed xenophobic violence. President Ramaphosa indicated that security forces are prepared, and those who violate measures will face legal consequences. Police have announced increased security for June 30, and government officials are working to ensure calm, including engaging with the Zulu Royal House. The country has experienced weeks of xenophobic unrest, resulting in at least three deaths according to official sources, with Mozambican authorities reporting five of their nationals among the deceased. The anti-migrant campaign has led to voluntary repatriations of thousands of foreigners from various African countries, including Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, and Nigeria. Makeshift camps have emerged in Durban and Johannesburg as people await transport home, prompting aid groups to warn of a deepening humanitarian crisis. South Africa, one of Africa's largest economies, is a destination for job seekers despite its 32 percent unemployment rate. Competition for jobs has fueled resentment, with some South Africans blaming migrants for poverty and crime. While President Ramaphosa and major labor uni