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FG Inaugurates Task Force To Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

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The Federal Government has inaugurated a National Task Force on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Stewardship, signalling a decisive step toward combating the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance in the country.
Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health, speaking at the inauguration in Abuja, yesterday, said that the task forcewas aimed at addressing the growing threat of AMR in the country.
The Tide source reports that AMR is a critical global health issue where infections from bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites become resistant to treatments.
It led to 4.95 million deaths globally in 2019, with 1.27 million directly attributed to AMR.
Alausa said that the task force, which comprises experts from healthcare, academia, and other relevant sectors, was set to implement a national action plan aimed at curbing the spread of AMR and safeguarding public health.
He stressed the gravity of the AMR challenge, calling it a silent but deadly threat that has profound implications for human health and also for animal health, agriculture, and the environment.
He said that Nigeria was among countries with the highest number of deaths associated with AMR
According to him, in 2019, the nation recorded 64,500 deaths directly attributable to AMR and 263,400 deaths associated with it.
“AMR deaths in Nigeria are higher than those from enteric infections, respiratory infections, tuberculosis, maternal and neonatal disorders, neglected tropical diseases, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases,” he said.
The minister also pointed out the absence of a national Antimicrobial Stewardship (AMS) programme to monitor the use and sensitivity patterns of antimicrobials across the country.
He said that this gap posed a significant danger, potentially leading to increased antimicrobial resistance, higher morbidity and mortality rates, and further strain on the country’s healthcare system.
He said that the task force would coordinate AMR surveillance and research activities across the country, reviewing existing data, aligning agencies, and establishing an effective nationwide surveillance system.
“An integrated digital information platform will be created to facilitate communication, coordination, and the dissemination of AMR-related information.
“The platform will support the establishment of AMS programmes in both public and private health institutions, and promote state and local government leadership in AMR surveillance and stewardship,” he said.
He said that the task force would also promote awareness of AMR among the public and healthcare providers.
According to Alausa, it will build capacity through training programmes for infectious disease physicians and pharmacists, and develop strategies to engage and train personnel at patent pharmacies.
He described the inauguration as the beginning of a coordinated and strategic response by the government to tackle AMR.
He expressed confidence that the task force, through its comprehensive and multisectoral approach, would play a crucial role in mitigating the impact of AMR in the country.
The World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, Dr Walter Mulombo, acknowledged key stakeholders in the fight against AMR and stressed the urgency of addressing AMR as a critical national public health issue.
Mulombo highlighted significant global resolutions and events in 2024, including the WHO strategic priorities for addressing drug-resistant bacterial infections and upcoming high-level meetings on AMR, demonstrating a global commitment to tackling the issue.
He detailed the severe health, economic, and development impacts of AMR in Nigeria, including high mortality rates, economic losses, and negative effects on sustainable development goals (SDGs).
He underscored the support from WHO and the commitment to align with Nigeria’s priorities to enhance the national AMR response, implement the National Action Plan (NAP-2.0), and support evidence-based interventions.
He underscored the critical nature of AMR, the global and local efforts to address it, and the commitment to strengthening the response.
Dr Omobosola Akinsete, National Coordinator of the Antimicrobial Stewardship Taskforce for Nigeria, said that AMR was a global public health crisis that threatened healthcare systems, including Nigeria’s.
Akinsete underscored the need for immediate action to preserve the effectiveness of antimicrobials.
She outlined the task force’s mission to coordinate efforts across different sectors to combat AMR in Nigeria.
She highlighted the importance of collaboration, data generation, and the promotion of evidence-based antimicrobial use.
According to her, there is the for a unified effort involving healthcare professionals, researchers, government agencies, and the public to address AMR and ensure a sustainable healthcare system for future generations.
She emphasised the critical importance of coordinated action against AMR in Nigeria.
Earlier, Ms Daju Kachollom, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, said that the inauguration marked a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s healthcare journey.
Kachallom said that it signalled the nation’s commitment to addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time.
According to her, the task force’s work will be instrumental to guiding the country’s efforts to combat AMR and protect the health of its citizens.
She acknowledged that AMR posed a significant threat to Nigeria’s health security, economic development, and social well-being and the urgent need for a coordinated response.
She explained how the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials have accelerated the emergence of resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat and increasing mortality rates.
She outlined the specific challenges Nigeria faces in combating AMR.
She said that the challenges included limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate surveillance and monitoring, poor infection prevention and control practices, and the misuse of antimicrobials in both human and animal health.
The Tide source recalls that In Nigeria, AMR is responsible for 64,500 deaths, disproportionately affecting children under five.
The primary drivers of AMR include improper use of antimicrobials, poor prescription practices, circulation of substandard drugs, and inadequate sanitation.

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NPF Warn Applicants Ahead Of Constable Recruitment Exam

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The Katsina State Police Command has cautioned applicants for the upcoming police constable recruitment examination to adhere strictly to laid-down procedures and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.
The Commissioner of Police, Ali Umar-Fage, issued the warning in a statement released on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, Abubakar Sadiq-Aliyu.
He disclosed that the nationwide examination is scheduled to take place from April 28 to April 30 in Katsina State and that the exercise will be conducted at Hassan Usman Katsina Polytechnic along Dutsin-Ma Road.
According to the commissioner, only candidates who successfully passed the recently concluded physical and credential screening will be eligible to sit for the examination.
Applicants have been directed to log on to the official recruitment portal from April 24 to print their coloured examination invitation slips, which contain details of their specific date, time, and venue.
Mr Umar-Fage stated that candidates must present a valid National Identification Number (NIN) slip issued by the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), bearing a clear photograph, alongside their printed coloured invitation slip and a writing pen at the examination centre.
He added that the approved dress code for the exercise is a white T-shirt, white shorts, and white canvas shoes.
Reiterating that the recruitment process is entirely free of charge, the police chief warned applicants to be wary of individuals or groups seeking to extort money under the guise of facilitating recruitment.

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Monarch Pledges Strong Action Against Gender-Based Violence

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The Rivers State Traditional Rulers Council has pledged to take decisive action to curb the rising cases of gender-based violence (GBV) across the state, in partnership with ActionAid and other relevant organisations.
The commitment was made during an event organised by ActionAid in collaboration with the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation in Port Harcourt. The programme, titled “Convening of Traditional Rulers for GBV Prevention,” carried the theme, “From Custodians to Champions: Redefining Culture for GBV Prevention and Community Protection.”
Speaking on behalf of the council, the Okilomuibe of Engenni Kingdom, HRM King Moore MacLean Ubuo, said traditional rulers are determined to move beyond mere responses to incidents of violence by adopting proactive strategies.
“We will establish and empower community-led structures, including traditional cabinets and women leaders, to identify early warning signs of violence and intervene before harm occurs,” he said.
King Ubuo added that traditional institutions are committed to enforcing the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law within their domains, stressing that the longstanding culture of silence surrounding abuse would no longer be tolerated.
“We will ensure that our subjects understand their rights and that the law is respected as the ultimate standard for justice,” he added.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Government emphasised that tackling GBV requires more than policies and enforcement, noting that a transformation in societal attitudes is essential.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lauretta Dimkpa, who was represented by the Director of Child Welfare, Mrs. Fumilayo Adebayo, highlighted the critical role of traditional rulers in shaping societal values.
“As traditional rulers, your voices command respect, your decisions influence behaviour, and your institutions are trusted platforms for conflict resolution and social guidance,” she said.
She urged them to promote cultural norms that uphold dignity, respect, and equality, while also encouraging victims to report abuse without fear of stigma.
In his remarks, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, described the gathering as timely, noting that GBV remains a widespread violation of human rights and a major obstacle to sustainable development.
Represented by Dr. Adedeji Ademefun, he cited data showing that 31 per cent of Nigerian women aged 15 to 49 have experienced physical violence, with many cases going unreported due to fear, stigma, and cultural silence.
“National surveys indicate that nearly three in ten women have experienced physical or sexual violence, underscoring the scale and urgency of this crisis,” he said.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Rivers State Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee, Barrister Evelyn Asimie Membere, described GBV as one of the most persistent human rights violations, cutting across age, class, and geography.
According to her, traditional rulers are uniquely positioned to influence behaviour and drive meaningful change at the grassroots level.
“In many of our communities, your voice carries more weight than any policy or legislation,” she said.

The event brought together key stakeholders committed to strengthening community-based approaches to preventing GBV and protecting vulnerable groups across Rivers State.

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Tinubu Support Group Canvasses Second Term For President Ahead Of 2027

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A socio-political group, the Tinubu Youths Vanguard Organisation (TYVO), Rivers State chapter, has called on Nigerians to support the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, citing the need to consolidate ongoing economic and infrastructural reforms.
The State Coordinator of the group, Hon. Emmanuel Fubara, made the appeal over the weekend in Port Harcourt on the sidelines of a meeting of the Southern Traditional Rulers Council.
He said granting the Tinubu administration a second term would enable it to fully implement its transformation agenda, particularly under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“It is important that the Tinubu administration is given another opportunity to complete its economic and developmental programmes for the benefit of the country,” he stated.
Fubara disclosed that the group is preparing for its formal inauguration in the State, along with the unveiling of its local government, ward and unit structures, including student and market women wings.
According to him, the organization will be fully mobilised to promote the policies and achievements of the current administration, with a focus on issue-based campaigns aimed at restoring public confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that the administration has made strides in revamping the economy and executing key infrastructure projects, including the ongoing coastal road development in parts of the country.
Fubara expressed confidence that the group’s campaign strategies would resonate with Nigerians, adding that opposition voices would be effectively countered through sustained grassroots engagement.
He also urged members of the group to intensify sensitisation efforts across communities, highlighting what he described as visible results of the administration’s reforms.
On security challenges facing the country, Fubara said the situation was inherited from previous administrations but maintained that the current government is taking decisive steps to address it.
He expressed optimism that ongoing efforts, including international collaborations, would significantly curb insecurity in the near future.
When asked whether the group would also campaign for Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, the TYVO coordinator said the organisation would take a position at the appropriate time, noting that directives from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would guide its activities.

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