Nigeria’s TETFund joins the Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa

The Science Granting Councils Initiative in sub-Saharan Africa (SGCI) has announced that the Nigeria Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) has joined the initiative to advance research excellence in sub-Saharan Africa.

 

“TETFund is an agency set up by the Federal Government of Nigeria to provide supplementary support to all levels of public tertiary institutions. Its Research and Development (R&D) support is becoming an institutional reference and has changed Nigeria’s narrative in many aspects”, said  Mr Abdulmumin Oniyangi its Director of Public Affairs.

 

Nigeria is already a major producer of research in Africa, though a recent study suggests that it has the clear potential to do more, given the number of its universities (196), think-tanks and research professionals.

 

“…National growth and competitiveness (in the context of globalized economy) depends very much on continuous technological improvement and innovation driven by a well-organized vibrant Research and Development System” said Prof. Suleiman Elias Bogoro, Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund).

 

“We are confident that our admission into SGCI will open a new window of opportunities that will provide platforms that can serve as a fulcrum in achieving our goals of Nigeria’s transition to a knowledge economy in the 21st century. We are assured of quality partnerships and collaborations on the continent of Africa and beyond”.

 

Starting in 2015, the Science Granting Councils Initiative has been jointly funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC), South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF), the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) and the German Research Foundation (DFG). The initiative aims to strengthen the capacities of Science Granting Councils (SGCs) in sub-Saharan Africa in order to support research and evidence-based policies that will contribute to economic and social development.

 

Through this engagement with TETFund, facilitated by FCDO’s West Africa Research and Innovation Hub, Nigeria has become the 16th country in SGCI. Initially it will join other SGCs through the SGCI Annual Forum, bilateral exchange visits and other activities to share lessons in managing research funds for maximum impact and to identify areas for future collaboration, such as joint research calls, as resources become available.

 

According to Dr. Dominique Charron, Vice-President, Programs and Partnership Branch at Canada’s International Development Research Centre, “with the largest population and economy in Africa, Nigeria’s participation expands the potential for the Science Granting Councils Initiative to achieve its goals of strengthening science systems and building alliances between science granting councils in multiple regions across the sub-continent and internationally.”

 

Dr Aldo Stroebel, Executive Director, Strategic Partnerships at National Research Foundation-South Africa and SGCI Executive Committee Member added:

“It is with great pleasure to welcome the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) of Nigeria to the Science Granting Councils Initiative (SGCI). The NRF looks forward to working closely with the TETFund in advancing the Science, Technology and Innovation agenda in Africa.”

 

Speaking on FCDO’s involvement and the benefit to Nigeria, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms Catriona Laing CB said:

 

“Nigeria’s TETFund admission to the Science Granting Councils Initiative is a positive development that will better position Nigeria to maximize the commissioning and use of research for development, in line with critical national social and economic priorities.

 

The UK recognises the importance of science to address global challenges, we are pleased to have supported the TETFund to join the SGCI and will continue to work in partnership with them and other ministries, departments and agencies in Nigeria to better realise the benefits of science and research.”

 

 

Credit: Mr Abdulmumin Oniyangi,

Director of Public Affairs Tetfund

APC finally set for congress: Time to focus on the ball

The All Progressives Congress says it is time for all members who believe in the sustainable progress of the party to focus intense attention on the task ahead.

The party said in reaction to the official release of the timetable for the conduct of congresses by the National Secretariat that the stage is now set for all who are deserving to lead its membership to test their popularity in the field.

"The APC shall resist the temptation to be drawn into a conflagration which does very little, to sustain its will to lay the foundation for the establishment of democratic structures through sustainable democratic processes that are known to law.

"We wish to state categorically that attempts by some persons who have taken to the airwaves and newspapers to create a semblance of conflict within the party is intended to divert attention from the effort of the APC to organise peaceful congresses across the State.

"Accordingly, we urge all members of our great party who are in the habit of promoting verbal conflicts and others who may be drawn into the fray by such unwholesome circumstances to sheath their swords.

"To win the soul of the party, members must focus on the task ahead through effective mobilization. Our leaders and their followers are obligated at this time to focus intensely on providing leadership.

"Elections into party offices are not won on the airwaves and pages of newspapers. They are won in the field where enthusiastic members of our great party are waiting to exercise their franchise.

"For the avoidance of doubt, the APC in Rivers State, working in concert with the National Secretariat, shall provide a level playing field for all who wish to participate in the forthcoming party congresses.

"No valid member of the All Progressives Congress who meets the requirements set out by the National Secretariat for those who want to contest the forthcoming congresses should entertain any fear of exclusion from the process.

"Those who are nursing ambitions are free to go about the business of canvassing for votes among members of our great party."

APC Hails Award Winning Minister

 

The All Progressives Congress has congratulated the Minister of Transportation, Rt Hon Rotimi Amaechi on his recognition as the public sector icon of the year.

 

The party in a statement issued in Port Harcourt by its Spokesman, Chief Ogbonna Nwuke said it was thrilled by the award conferred on him in Lagos by the Vanguard newspapers.

Nwuke observed that the award was proof of the hardwork and commitment that the Minister has brought to bear on his assignment.

According to the Rivers APC Spokesman, "We are not surprised by the award of honour. It doesn't matter on which side of the political divide they find themselves. Many Nigerians agree that Amaechi is distinguishing himself as a true patriot.

 "We are glad that Amaechi has replicated those giant strides for which he was known as the Governor of Rivers State in course of his assignment as the Minister of Transportation.

 "Rivers sons and daughters are proud of this workaholic who is our leader. We are happy that he is silently transforming the rail sector and rendering quality services that will take Nigeria to the next level."

Movie: 76 set for global release, courtesy of FilmOne Entertainment

Lagos, Nigeria, 16th July 2021 - West Africa’s leading film company, FilmOne Entertainment, is proud to announce that the renowned feature film, ’76, will be available to audiences worldwide on the global streaming service, Netflix, from 4 August 2021. Produced by Adonis Production & Princewills Trust, ‘76 was originally released in Nigerian cinemas in 2016.

The film is set six years after the Nigerian civil war and tells the story of Joseph Dewa, a young military officer from the Middle Belt, who gets into a romantic relationship with an O-level student, Suzy, from the South-eastern region. However, their relationship is strained by constant military postings and Suzy's family, who would not tolerate a relationship with Joseph’s people.

In a series of events that unfold amid betrayal from a close friend, Joseph is falsely accused of being a co-conspirator of theunsuccessful 1976 military coup that ultimately led to the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. Proving his innocence and securing his release became dependent on the bravery of his pregnant wife.

It stars multi-award-winning actor, Ramsey Noah in the lead role, supported by ace actors – Rita Dominic, Chidi Mokeme and Ibinabo Fiberisima, amongst others.

Following its hugely successful Nigerian launch, ‘76 went on to screening at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2016and was the closing film at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), in the same year.

 Co-founders of Filmhouse Group (owners of FilmOne Entertainment), Kene Okwuosa and Moses Babatope, are excited about the acquisition and described the film as a model for the region, “we are happy to be part of such a remarkable milestone in the Nigerian film industry. ’76 is a clear example of dynamic story-telling, portraying the essential characteristics of an ideal global export from this region,” Okwuosa said. They also maintained that the film has the potential to influence positive perceptions about the industry on the global stage. “This kind of content shapes a narrative that portrays the richness of our history, culture and artistry, in great light. We are super proud of the ’76 team and thankful to Netflix for recognizing a gem,” Babatope added.

Producers, Adonijah Owiriwa and Tonye Princewill issued a joint statement, expressing their hope that the deal would be the first amongst many, “proving once again that Nollywood is a powerhouse, not only for Africa but the world. We have always been very selective about our projects and this deal is evidence that good things happen to those who wait and pay attention to detail," they said.

 According to director Izu Ojukwu, seeing ’76 reach a global audience is a dream come true, “My team and I poured our heart and soul into the making of this film, to honour the age and live up to the responsibility the project itself placed on us. My overwhelming thought is gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for the recognition,” he said.

 ’76 will be available to Netflix’s subscribers globally, from 4th August 2021

 About FilmOne Entertainment:

FilmOne Entertainment is an independent distributor and producer of filmed entertainment, providing top-end film release services and film production consultancy, with an emphasis in the Nigerian territory.

Our distribution arm provides a wide range of mainstream and commercial pictures, including international and indigenous titles, and maintains strategic alliances and relationships with studios and distributors across the globe.

More so, we have produced and co-produced some of the highest-grossing box office releases in Nollywood, leveraging our vast industry knowledge to ensure that box office potential per title is maximized.

 About Princewills Trust:

Princewills Trust is a non-governmental organization founded in 2002 by Prince Tonye Princewill. It is focused primarily on the promotion of human capacity, by any means possible, and has a host of novel projects. The Trust is deeply committed to providing humane services and the sustainable empowerment of talented and skillful individuals.

 About Adonis Production:

Adonis Production is a Nigerian based movie production outfit. Our major objective is to execute qualitative and visionary projects.

Projects undertaken by Adonis Production include Nnenda, Kajola and Melody Shelters (A reality show for orphanages). Adonis Production has proven to be one of the most adventurous production companies in Africa.

 

Teaser Source: https://tonyeprincewill.com/76-on-netflix/

Corporate Social Responsibility: Two Companies Commence Construction of State of the Art Museum Complex to be donated to DSS

As part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility, Lubrik Construction Company and Craneburg Construction are jointly donating a state of the art Museum Complex to the Department of State Services (DSS).

 

This was announced during the ground breaking ceremony of the project at the DSS headquarters in Abuja on the 15th of July 2021.

 

The Chairman of Lubrik Construction Company, Alhaji Nasiru Haladu Danu, who is also on the Board of Craneburg Construction, while making his speech said the project would be fully funded by both construction companies.

 

The project which is expected to be completed in 16 months, will meet all international standards.

 

He urged private organizations to encourage the security agencies by carrying out projects that would help and motivate them.

 

In his response the Director General of the Department of State Services, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi thanked the Management of Lubrik Construction and Craneburg Construction and assured them of the agencies commitment to making Nigeria safe for companies to do their business without any form of intimidation.

 

During the event, a detailed description of the project was given and the foundation laying was done by DSS DG, Alhaji Yusuf Magaji Bichi.

 

Present at the event were senior officials of the DSS and Directors of the both construction companies. Construction work commenced immediately after the short ceremony.

 

Recall that the same companies carried out a similar project for the Nigerian Army by constructing a world class Club House at the Guards Polo Club, Abuja which is currently at its 80% completion stage.

 

Goodbye to Foreign Medical Tourism, says Eze

  ….As NUC Approves Africa's State-Of-The-Art Medical College - King David University Of Medical Sciences In Ebonyi State -  Eze

 

Nigeria may soon be saving billions of dollars annually from foreign health tourism which has almost become a norm among the elites who would hurriedly catch the next flight abroad, at the slightest manifestation of the commonest of ailments.

 

Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and erstwhile National Publicity Secretary of the defunct New People’s Democratic Party, (nPDP), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze said with the National Universities Commission NUC accreditation of the 197th University, adjudged by analysts to be the blue chip in serenity amongst other institutions, situated in Uburu, Ebonyi State and built by the adminstration of Engr. David Nweze Umahi, Chairman, South/East Governors Forum and  Executive Governor of Ebonyi State, Nigeria is gradually turning into an emerging hub for medical health tourism. 

 

Marked for official takeoff, September, 2021, Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze who toured the new ivory tower on his first day of projects monitoring in Ebonyi State on an official invitation by the workaholic and enigmatic Commissioner of Information, Barr. Uchendu Orji, to assess the wind of magical feats  achieved by Governor Umahi this past six years as the Governor of the State, said the king David Medical University, is built to taste and is simply the best of its kind in all respects in the entire African region. 

 

In his first treatise on the project which he titled, "Umahi Set to End Foreign Health Tourism, Redoubles Efforts to Unveil World Class Medical Centre as Eze Embarks On Seven Days Projects Tour of Gale of Projects in Ebonyi State (PART ONE)”, exposed to the world the vision of Governor Umahi to end foreign Health Tourism by initiating a world class Medical Centre with 24 hours power supply generated from solar, generator and national grid. "the Medical College after completion, will have centres of excellence in cancer management, kidney transplant with dialysis centre, liver transplant, and other diseases. It will have the latest diagnostic equipment that can be rated amongst the best anywhere in the world. The technology to be employed is equally second to none.

 

The centre will be manned by the best hands anywhere in the world and the structures are classical". The diagnostic equipment are coming directly from the manufacturers and almost all of them are ready. It's going to be a centre of medical tourism, he emphasised.

 

With the approval by the National Universities Commission and appointment of an erudite, outstanding Scholar and seasoned Administrator, Professor Chigozie Jesse Uneke, as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, history can be said to have been made in the annals of provision of qualitative health care in Africa.

 

The smooth take off and effective management of King David Medical Science University, Uburu, Ohaozara LGA, by His Excellency, the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. Chief David Nweze Umahi, FNSE, FNATE, it can be concluded that Nigerians will soon have the best Medical Centre in Africa.

 

Designed as an ultra-modern 21st century state-of-the-art International Medical University, Chief Eze said the King David University of Medical Sciences is masterfully crafted for specialized manpower development in the most serene environment in virtually all branches of medical specialties and will hinge on the highest form of professionalism in the field of medicine and related fields while consistently aligning with the norms and guidelines of the Nigerian National Health Policy (NHP) and Strategy which is chiefly aimed at achieving quality health for Nigerians. 

 

The urgency of the need to address the dearth of human resources for health care services in line with the realities of the time and being in relative position with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as pertains to health, must have informed the decision of Umahi to embark on this project.

 

With a vision “to achieve the highest form of quality manpower development for healthcare and other service delivery for all persons irrespective of gender, race, religion, and socio-economic status” the University has its mission statement thus:“the mission of the University is to serve mankind with the highest form of professionalism, ethics and excellence by training highly qualified health professionals who will work to improve health conditions, alleviate sickness, suffering and pain through the provision of high quality, efficient, cost-effective and integrated healthcare with compassion and treatment.”

 

The University, a brainchild of Gov. Dave Umahi, is a creation of the law of Ebonyi State, duly passed by the State House of Assembly and accented to by the Governor and thus enjoys the status of public institution for the provision and advancement of health care services in Nigerian and around Africa. 

 

Courses accredited to be offered at the University include; Medicine & Surgery, Nursing, Medical Laboratory Science, Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Health Policy & Health Systems, Hospital Administration, Dentistry, Optometry, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Biochemistry, Microbiology/Parasitology, Biomedical Engineering, Public Health, Human Nutrition/Dietetics, Radiography/Radiation Sciences, Traditional, Complementary and Integrative Medicine. Others are-Industrial Physics/Astronomy, Industrial Mathematics/Statistics, Industrial Chemistry, Applied Biology/Biotechnology and Computer Science.

 

The University Teaching Hospital has among others, the following units:-Maternal & Child Care Centre which will undertake all aspects of maternal and child health care including women health, pregnancy, nursing mothers, children healthcare etc; Cancer Treatment/Oncology Centre, to undertake all aspects of cancer/oncology treatments; Eye Care Centre, to tackle all aspects of eye care in all specialties; Dialysis Centre, that will focus on renal management and treatment including dialysis;

 

Laboratory Unit: This unit will cover the four key areas of laboratory services including medical microbiology, haematology/immunology, chemical pathology and histopathology; Radiology Unit to handle radiology services; Operating Theatres & Suits, for all aspects of surgical services; Kidney & Liver Transplantation Unit,for kidney and liver transplantation and care.

 

Others are:- Dialyzer Production Plant: For the production of dialyzers and other consumables used for dialysis centre; Oxygen Production Plant, Virology & Quarantine unit, Dental Services Unit, Pharmacy Unit, Accident & Emergency Unit, Physiotherapy Unit, Health Information Management Equipment & Systems Unit, Mortuary Unit with a chapel for funeral services, Central Sterilizing Supply Department (CSSD),Workshop/Maintenance Unit, environment, Catering/Kitchen Unit, Waste Management Unit and an Administration Unit.  

 

Commending Gov. Umahi for giving a thought to the development of public health institution and addressing the menace of medical tourism and overseas studies, Chief Eze appealed to medical tourists within and outside Nigeria to take advantage of the ultra-modern facilities and expertise domiciled in the hospital for sound and efficient diagnosis and treatment of sophisticated health challenges. 

 

The party Chief called on those nursing a future in the medical line to think the way of King David University of Medical Sciences for training and experience, stressing that the institution addresses the dearth of a modern curriculum, professional training, research and development and hands-on-equipment in some Nigerian higher institutions.