馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Oyo State trains health workers to combat female genital mutilation
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, organized a one-day capacity-building training to strengthen advocacy against Female Genital Mutilation FGM. The training, held in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health, Health Educators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from all 33 local government areas of the state. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stated that the training is part of ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls. Dr. Muideen Olatunji, Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, represented by Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the board's commitment to ending FGM, describing it as a harmful and outdated practice. He emphasized the vital role of primary healthcare workers in driving behavioral change at the grassroots level. The training aimed to equip health workers with knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to FGM cases and other forms of Gender-Based Violence. Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin, Programme Officer, delivered a presentation on FGM, highlighting its definition, types, prevalence, causes, consequences, and the socio-cultural factors sustaining it. Participants were trained on referral pathways for survivors, ensuring timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance. Health educator
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Babatunde Fashola, a former Governor of Lagos State, has called on Nigerians to support refugees and prevent displacement, emphasizing the growing burden of internally displaced persons. Speaking at an event organized by the African Refugees Foundation for World Refugee Day, Fashola stressed the importance of preventing circumstances that lead to displacement. He highlighted patience and peaceful conflict resolution as critical in averting crises and noted that natural disasters also contribute to displacement, underscoring the need for environmental responsibility. Fashola shared a personal experience, stating that his perception of refugees changed after meeting displaced professionals, which made him realize the chain reactions of choosing conflict over peace. Olujimi Olusola, the Chief Executive Officer of the African Refugees Foundation, announced plans to distribute food to approximately 10,000 refugees, internally displaced persons, and vulnerable individuals in Lagos and other states. The initiative, which started in Surulere, also included free health checks and counseling. Olusola added that the foundation aims to provide economic skills to beneficiaries, subject to resource availability, and raise awareness about the plight of displaced persons. Lai Oriowo of Odu鈥檃 Investment Company, representing Chairman Bimbo Ashiru, stated that supporting refugees is a service to humanity and that preventing conflict is crucial for peaceful coexistence.
The Nigerian Communications Commission NCC and the Corporate Affairs Commission CAC have jointly announced new compliance requirements for telecommunications companies in Nigeria. The directive mandates that telecom companies obtain a Letter of No Objection from the NCC before transferring shares amounting to 10 percent or more of their total share capital. This requirement, based on the Nigerian Communications Act NCA 2003, takes immediate effect for NCC-licensed companies proposing changes in ownership or control, including multiple share transfers that collectively exceed the 10 percent threshold. Mrs. Nnenna Ukoha, NCC Director of Public Affairs, stated that the CAC will ensure evidence of NCC approval before registering shareholding changes. The policy aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, preserve a fair and competitive market structure, strengthen oversight of ownership changes, and improve transparency, investor confidence, and regulatory certainty, ultimately safeguarding the long-term stability of Nigeria鈥檚 communications sector. Both agencies are committed to promoting a transparent business environment and fair market practices to support the industry's sustainable growth.
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