Ilorin, Aug. 27, 2024 (NAN) The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on Tuesday expressed dismay over present interest rate on loans among its members, urging that it should be further reduced to one per cent.
Chief Bioku Rahman, the outgoing Chairman of MAN, (Kwara/Kogi,), made the call in Ilorin while speaking at the Association’s 10th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
The theme of the meeting is entitled: “Tackling the Challenges of the Manufacturing Sector: A Win-Win For Government and Local Manufacturers”.
According to him, the present interest rates are killing their businesses.
The association urged the federal government to urgently direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to drastically reduce interest rates on industrial loans.
Rahman said: ” the CBN should as well direct Commercial Banks to reduce interest rates on industrial loans.
“The Interest rates charged on Industrial Loans and other loans released as COVID-19 palliatives should be significantly reduced further to one per cent,” he said.
He also urged the Bank of industry (BOI) to approve and urgently roll out further reductions in its lending rates to industries, asking the CBN to wave many conditions for its foreign exchange policies to local manufacturers.
Similarly, he urged CBN to widen the window of Foreign Exchange to Local Industries, while urging the federal government to harmonise taxes and levies at Federal, State and Local Government levels.
Rahman, who implored Kwara government to boost energy to his members’ survival, added that a Heavy-Duty Gas-Energy Generation and Distribution Plant exclusively for Kwara Industrialists is needed.
The group’s helmsman again wanted the federal government to reconsider the present gross increase in the electricity tariff.
Reflecting on the effect of oil subsidy removal on the local manufacturers, the MAN call on the government to urgently come to the association aid because the bitter removal of subsidy in Nigeria has left manufacturers in unprecedented comatose.
Speaking also, Mrs Damilola Adelodun, the state commissioner for Business, Innovation and Technology, pledged the state government’s continual support for the Association to boost the economy of the state.
Adelodun who represented Gov. abdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara reiterated the resolve of the government to create conducive environment for the manufacturers in the state.
“The state has undertaken several key initiatives to support the manufacturing sector and overall economic development.
“The Urban Renewal Initiative is transforming the architectural landscape of Kwara to enhance its aesthetic appeal and functionality, making it a more attractive place for businesses and residents,” he said.
In his address, the President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Otunba Francis Meshioye, described the relation between the state government and MAN as cordial.
He appealed to the state government that infrastructure around the industrial estates be upgraded.
The Smile Train foundation in conjunction with the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), on Monday in Ilorin commenced free surgical intervention for the repair of cleft lips ans cleft palate for children across Kwara.
Speaking on the sidelines of the campaign rally,, Prof. AbdulRasheed Nasir, the Team Lead of Smile Train Partners, UITH told newsmen that the rally was to sensitize people on the congenital deformity.
He stated that Smile Train has made provision of free surgical intervention for the repair of cleft lips and cleft palate for children.
“The foundation is ready to admit and repair as many cases of cleft lips condition as we can get.
“The present number of patient is below the expected required number. We urge to mothers and caregivers to bring their children for intervention,” he said.
According to him, people have false beliefs that clefts are caused by demons or witchcraft, and that some of these children were abandoned to die.
He explained that people should not hide children with such condition, adding that everything that has to do with surgery, care and transportation of the patient is free.
Also speaking, Mrs Victoria Ogundipe, the Seniour Programme Manager, West Africa, Smile Train stated that
She described Smile Train as the world’s largest cleft-focused organization, with a sustainable and local model of supporting surgery and other forms of essential care.
According to her, the organization is partnering with UITH to ensure every child with the condition receives care.
She lamented that some children don’t live to see their first birthday, due to the stigma and neglect they face, adding that the congenital condition can be corrected surgically free of charge.
Ogundipe appeal to mothers and care givers to bring their children with these conditions for free repairs.
Dr Adeyemi Moshood, an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at UITH explained that the rally is to sensitize people on facial congenital problem, adding that people have started coming out to seek help as a result of the rally.
He added that one in every 1,700 live births come down with the condition, and that people should endevour to bring thier children to the teaching hospital.
Ilorin, Aug. 23, 2024 (NAN) The Kwara Government, on Froday in Ilorin sensitized Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) in the state on conversion of waste to wealth management in line with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 8, 9, 11 and 12.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SDGs includes; Goal 8, titled; Decent Work and Economic Growth, Goal 9; Industry, Innovation & Infrastructure | Access to Insurance Initiative.
Others are Goal 11- titled: “Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Goal 12 is about ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns, which is key to sustain the livelihoods of current and future.
In her address, Hajia Mariam Imam, the Seniour Special Assistant to Kwara Governor on SDGs, said the goal of the convention is to explore vital topics that will help navigate the present.
She apoke on the theme: “Harnessing Today’s Opportunities for a Sustainable Future”,
According to her, it is also expected that this convention will ensure a prosperous and secure future for everyone, especially those approaching retirement in the Civil Service.
She said: “We aim to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to harness opportunities in agriculture, information and communication technology, entrepreneurship, and other related fields of endeavour.
“This is so you can thrive both professionally and personally which is in line with SDG Goal 8, 9, 11 and 12,” she said.
In his presentation, Mr Olushola Gegele, a Regenerative Entrepreneur expert said there are many opportunities in utilizing waste and converting them to wealth.
He submitted that rice husks and sawdust from the agricultural and wood industries, which are abundant in Nigeria can be used as substrate for growing mushrooms .
He postulated that the mushrooms business is billion dollars industry which is capable of bring huge income to Nigeria.
According to him, mushrooms are one of the easiest foods to grow, nutritious and that it boosts the immune system of the body.
Gegele added that the substrate on which the mushrooms are grown are later converted to fertilizer for the soil, adding that this is creation of value chain where nothing is wasted.
He observed that what is regarded as waste is no longer waste but could be processed and converted to another product, adding that people should start collection of pure water nylon, plastics and iron where it could be sold to industries for recycling.
Gegele advised the participants to form cluster association and become collectors and recyclers of wastes to wealth projects in the state.
According to him, the state government is already providing enabling environment for industries to go into recycling of wastes.
Also speaking, Mr Ishola Kayode, the Special Adviser to AbdulRazaq of Digital Innovation assert that people can leverage on technology ans social mwdia for personal growth.
He opined that there technology can be applied in agriculture to boost food production.
Ilorin, Aug. 18, 2024 (NAN) The Nawair-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, (NUDS) National Women’s Wing has said it will establish an orphanage and a vocational center for widows in Ilorin, Kwara capital.
Alhaja Muibat Aribidesi, the National Chairperson of the NUDS Women’s Wing, stated this in Ilorin during her address at the 2nd National Mothers’ Day and Award presentation organized by the association.
The theme of the programme was entitled: “Celebrating Mothers in Islam”.
She stated that the event was aimed at raising funds for a Muslim Orphanage home and a Vocational Center for widows and less privileged individuals.
According to her, the National Mothers’ Day celebration recognised the invaluable contributions of mothers to the Islamic community and society.
She described devoted mothers as women who give most and all their time, efforts, money and resources for their children’s upbringing.
“As a mother, it is important we understand the generation our children belongs and their characteristics as our roles does not change irrespective to our generation.
“A number of issues we have today starts from the home. A well brought up child makes the family proud and goes to the society to transform the society for better,” she said.
Aribidesi quoted the Holy Prophet Muhammad as saying that: “A mother is a school. If she is well versed, the whole family will be well versed”.
Also speaking, the National President, Alhaji Rasheed Yusuf, said the global community through the United Nations Organizations has placed great values on Motherhood for their immense contributions to human development.
He commended the women for their efforts and spiritual roles on shaping the younger ones from cradle till adulthood.
The President encouraged the NUDS women’s wing to empower female members in need, provide skill acquisition workshops, capacity building training, and material and financial assistance to improve their standard of living.
Alhaji Ibrahim Dan-Maigori, the Seniour Special Adviser on Islamic Affairs matter Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara called on parents to be role models for their children.
Dan-Maigoro who represented the governor observed that women deserved to be empowered in various appointments of governance.
He also advised mothers to be careful and monitor thier children against the negative influence of social media.
In her lecture, Prof. Mulkah Ahmed, of the Department of Science Education, University of Ilorin, emphasised the crucial role of mothers in shaping the lives of their children, families and society as a whole.
Her presentation was entitled: “Generational Influence: Unveiling the Power of a Devoted Mother.”
She pointed out that mothers hold a prestigious and honourable position in Islam.
Ahmed tasks mothers on raising righteous generation, saying that children must be entrenched in ethical and moral upbringing in knowing the difference between roght and wrong.
She said teaching of Islamic education and moral must start from the home, adding there must emitional support and comfort for children to thrive.
The don also warned mothers against cursing their children whenever they do wrong, adding that what is recommended by the prophet of Islam is prayers.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that highlight of the event includes presentation of awards to women who have contributed to society.
Some of those honoured includes the wife of the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaja Rafat Sulu-Gambari, Ambassador Nimota Akanbi, the former envoy to Netherlands, and Dr Saka Ayinke, the former Kwara Commissioner for Health.
Ilorin, Aug. 16, 2024 (NAN) Proffesor of History and International Studies of the University of Ilorin, Samuel Aghalino of the University of Ilorin has advised the Federal Government to quarantine and regulate activities of operators of “indigenous refineries”.
Aghalino stated this in Ilorin while delivering his paper presentation at the 263rd Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Crude But Sweet Anatomy of the Devil’s Excreta”.
He said: “The government must stop criminalising the activities of the operators of indigenous refineries and steadily work towards liberalizing their operations.
“Operators can be quarantine, regulated and their nascent technology harnessed for thr national interest”.
The don who teaches in the Faculty of Arts of the University submitted that the quest for resource control has been a recurring decimal in the oil-bearing enclave of Nigeria.
According to him, the Niger Delta remains one of the critical fault lines of Nigerian politics and economy.
He described the region as holding Nigeria’s predominant oil and gas reserves, adding that it has assumed a new geo-polical importance within the context of the global energy mix.
Aghalino submitted that despite this, the region is desperately poor and lags behind in most developmental indices.
“The situation has precipitated protest, restiveness, and in the extreme and overtime, militancy, which has disrupted the oil business and concomitantly, a short fall in the much needed foreign exchange for the government,” he said.
The don observed that the conflict in the Niger Delta has taken very dangerous dimension with the proliferation of militant groups in the region.
He assert that this is not unconnected with the fact that since 1999, democracy has provided vent and latitude for the people to perversely express their discontent with the state and the oil industry.
Aghalino postulated that Nigeria’s economy and budget have been largely supported by incomes and revenues generated from petroleum industry since the early 1970s.
“Statistics for the first quarter of 2023 show that Nigerian oil sector contributed to about nine percent of the entire GDP of the nation,” he said.
The expert in history however observed that for the people of oil-bearing enclave, “oil is a curse, at best, it is hemlock.
“It is more of the devil’s excreta with attendant pungent and odoreferous effect,” he said.
Aghalino appealed to Federal Government that various intervention agencies in the region should be harmonised in order to havw a coordinated approach to the development of the region and to reduce the pilfering of the little resources available.
The Nigeria constitution guarantees freedom of worship and forbids the federal and state governments from adopting a state religion, prohibits religious discrimination, and provides for individuals’ freedom to choose, practice, propagate, or change their religion.
What is religion? The Oxford Dictionary defines religion as the belief in and worship of a superhuman power or powers, especially a God or gods.
It says it can also be seen as “ideas about the relationship between science and religion”
Better still, a particular system of faith and worship, a pursuit or interest followed with great devotion.
It is a fact that all religions of the world practically preach righteousness. They preach life after death, in which it is clearly stated that whatever a man sows, that he must reap.
Righteousness is the state of being lawful and morally good. With this, every religion believes that the righteous will inherit the sweeter part of life after death.
Looking through the various religions of the world, one will see the different views on what one stands to gain for being righteous or the punishments that await the unrighteous.
If these were so and true, what then are the reasons for the religious crises that have left thousands citizens dead and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed across states of the federation.
There is no disputing the fact therefore that the problem of religious violence casts a serious doubt to the stability order of the country as the country has recorded very bizarre experiences in the domain of religious violence .
Recent statistics show that since 2000, 62,000 Christians in Nigeria had been murdered in genocide perpetrated by Islamist jihadist groups including Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Fulani militias. The International Committee for Nigeria refers to this genocide as the “Silent Slaughter.”
It reported that in June 2022, more than 50 parishioners at St. Francis Xavier Church in Owo were massacred. “The Nigerian government blamed the massacre on ISWAP, while local eyewitnesses attributed the slaughter to Fulani militias.”
An NGO, Aid to the Church in Need report, said that in 2022, four Catholic priests were murdered in Nigeria, while 23 priests and one seminarian were kidnapped and held in captivity.
In April 2023, the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety) reported that 18,000 Christian churches and 2,200 Christian schools had been deliberately set on fire, while 34,000 moderate Muslims were also murdered by Islamist jihadists.
Yet, adherents of these religions believe in the same one God; just maybe with different names and different religious ideologies and inclinations.
Poised to finding lasting solution to this incessant clashes and crises, the National Human Rights Commission recently convened a grassroot sensitisation programme for religious leaders from Edo, Osun and Ebonyi respectively.
The one-day event held in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
In addressing the challenge,the religious leaders spoke on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FORB) in Nigeria.
It had The Kukah Center, Nasrul-lahi-l-Fathiu Society (NASFAT) and King Abdullah ibn Abdulaziz International Centre for Inter-Religious Dialogue as funding partners.
After exhaustive interaction sessions, the religious leaders unanimously identified illiteracy as majorly responsible for the several avoidable religious crises.
Speaking during a panel session, Gabriel Odom, of the Agape Foundation, Ebonyi, said that illiteracy was a significant factor responsible for religious intolerance.
Odom stated that many Nigerians lacked deep understanding of region which had led to misconceptions and conflicts.
He further said that many Nigerians were only religiously inclined by identification or nomenclature, and not by practice.
“Many have taken to needless unhealthy rivalry. Also, economic hardship is fuelling religious intolerance.
“Poverty and lack of opportunities can drive people to seek solace in extremist ideologies.
“Political leaders have found a way to use religion as a tool to manipulate the people to maintain their status.
“So, Nigerians have become more religious than godly. They use religion to divide the people so that their insincerity will not be seen,” he said.
The clergyman said that education and awareness programmes would bridge the knowledge gap and foster mutual respect among diverse religious groups.
Alhaji Al-Ameen Alao, an Islamic Scholar, said that although it was good to promote religious tolerance, it should not lead to religious compromise.
Alao stated that respect for different beliefs should not attempt to dilute the core tenets of any religion.
He said that religious leaders should encourage dialogue and coexistence among people of different faith.
“Political manipulation exacerbates religious intolerance. Politicians sometimes exploit religious sentiments to deepen divisions and gain power.
“Transparent governance and policies that promote inclusivity can mitigate these tensions and foster a more united society,” he said.
Earlier, the Project Coordinator, FORB, Hajia Halimat Oyedele, said that the project was aimed at strengthening religious harmony and coexistence by addressing the existing structural limitations.
She said that the project was also aimed at advocating policy change, and to promote social cohesion through existing laws.
“To prevent possible future violations, the project will also focus on spreading a culture of respect through targeted awareness campaign on interreligious dialogue.
“This will increase the level of tolerance and promote peaceful coexistence among communities,” he said.
The Keynote Speaker, Mr Nurudeen Asonigie, said that religious intolerance was a product of ignorance and fear, adding,”education, dialogue, and empathy are essential”
Among the clerics in attendance were Dr Adesoye Mustapha, NASFAT South-South Coordinator, Chief Imam of Benin, Alhaji Abdulfatai Enabulele, and Humphrey Iriabe, Director of Evangelism, Christian Association of Nigeria, Edo branch.
It is hoped that the recommendations will be escalated to the grassroots, especially in worship centres and other recognised media channels to comprehensively address the worrisome and destructive religious intolerance among religious adherents in Nigeria.
Mr Issa Aremu, the Director General of Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies (MINILS) has warned Nigerians to beware of leaderless protest that can lead in truncating peace of the country.
Aremu gave the advise in Ilorin while speaking at the 2024 Policy Seminar series of the Institute.
The theme of the seminar is entitled: “Democratic, Human And Workers Rights: An Inevitable Tripology For Human Development.”
He called for an all inclusive National Social Dialogue led by organized Labour on the current economic challenges as against “leaderless protests” that could lead to unhelpful and avoidable anarchy.
The director general cautioned against what he calls, leaderless protests in Africa, adding that “protests without clear cut agenda are destroying countries like Sudan and Kenya which Nigeria should not copy.”
He observed that while Nigeria celebrates 25 years of uninterrupted democratic process, there are still “anti-democratic forces” lurking around to truncate democracy .
According to him, the challenges of democracy can only be overcome through “more democracy, inclusive dialogue between the government and the people “.
Aremu commended the 10th National Assembly for the speedy passage of the new N70, 000 minimum wage bill as proposed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He, therefore called on civil society to emulate the approach of organized labour in engaging in policy contestation through peaceful dialogue on rising cost of living.
In his paper presentation, Mr Owei Lakemfa, the President, Society for International Relations Awareness, (SIRA) observed that government must do more to perfect its democracy on solving the needs of its citizens.
“The Constitution states that two primary reasons for the existence of government are the welfare are welfare of the people and their security,” he said.
According to him,the unprecedented hyperinflation is as a result of devaluation of naira and removal of subsidy.
Lakemfa posited that the challenge of Nigeria is how to make democracy work in terms of food, primary, healthcare, shelter, work and education.
He observed that according to the International Bill of Human Rights gave rights of freedom of movement, equality before the law and freedom of though, conscience and expression among others.
Lakemfa urge the government to ease the plight of the citizens and uphold these enshrined rights.
Disability Inclusion is the goal to ensure persons with disabilities have equal and equitable access to services as available to persons with disabilities.
In advancing the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Rivers State, and ensuring that the community of Persons with Disabilities in the state is no longer subject to disenfranchisement and rights violations, the Freky Andrew- Essien Care Foundation (FAECARE FOUNDATION) a Non-Governmental Organisation in a project dubbed Disability Right Initiative Project Accessibility (DRIPA) with the sole aim of carrying out activities that advance the goal to push for accessibility of the physical environment in Rivers State and increase the knowledge of Disability Rights among persons with disabilities and the public.
In a press briefing in Port Harcourt, the Executive Director of the Freky Andrew- Essien Care Foundation ( FAECARE FOUNDATION) Amb. Ndifreke Andrew-Essien disclosed that the Foundation envisions Rivers State where accessibility becomes an integral aspect of societal infrastructure and consciousness.
“We want to see the identification, resolution, and elimination of barriers hindering accessibility and inclusion for persons with disabilities in the state, accessibility of the physical environment in Rivers State and increase the knowledge of Disability Rights among persons with disabilities and the public “.
On the issue of non-domesticated disability rights act and the need for accessibility in the state, Amb Essien has called on better law that is human right based and the establishment of Disability Council Commission to handle issues of disabilities affairs.
“With respect to domesticating Disability discrimination laws in Rivers State, as referred to Rivers State people with disabilities welfare, enactment law of 2012, we need a better law in Rivers State as human right based and one of the best ways to go about it is actually the domestication of Disability Discrimination Act, it is based on human rights laws, fundamental human rights and Disability rights, other aspect of getting disabilities in the state to move is to establish the disabilities Council Commission that is given authorities and power to handle issues of disabilities affairs in the state, so taking the module at National level will be good to start our disability journey in Rivers State “; she opined
Reteriating on issues pertaining to implementation of Laws that affects the accessibility to public building and facilities in Rivers State, the Executive Director FAECARE FOUNDATION stressed the need for accessibility of public facilities to people with disabilities as it limits and restrict them.
“Why we are focused on Disabilities and Accessibility with this project is because we decided on this tract to push for issues on accesssibilities, if you cannot enter a place, you cannot enjoy anything that is provided in that space, so it limits society’s development, it may limits people’s productivity, it limits and restrict people from participating, so for this Disability Rights Project, we focused on accessibility, so the message is clear, whether you are in the government or private sector or in the Non-Governmental sector or a well meaning individual, just think accessibility when you are providing a public service to everyone “,. She emphasised.
In the same vein, representing the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Rivers State the Director, Medical Services Rivers State Ministry of Health Dr. Nwachukwu Vincent commended FAECARE FOUNDATION for her commitment and focus on accessibility thereby urging the participants to be focused and achieve their aim.
“On behalf of the Commissioner for Health, we congratulate and identify with this Foundation, FAECARE has put up a lot of smiles and encouragement to Persons with disabilities, so her doors are always open for whatever you need as an individual or as a government”;.
Dr. Nwachukwu urged the participants to make use of every opportunities as only focus and commitment will make them achieve their aim.
“There is great ability in Disability, it all depends on how you see yourself, remain focused , make use of opportunities, seek for help when there is need, take yourself off the road, be committed, you will achieve your aim”; he urged.
In a presentation of keys findings from the facilities check accessibility audit of Eleme, PHLGA and Obio Akpor Local Government Areas of Rivers State, the technical assistant on the project, Jennifer Agbaji Esq revealed that 43.5% of respondent do not have knowledge of the discrimination against persons with disabilities laws that provides for inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.
“The knowledge and awareness of Persons who offer public service is low when it comes to prioritizing persons with disabilities and knowledge of Disability laws, a lot of this stemmed due to lack of viable disability law to allow for any form of enforcement of accessibility “; she said
She noted that Rivers State has not passed the accessibility audit as it is an issue in the state.
“Accessibility is quite an issue in Rivers State and we should begin to think of what to do, checklist was used to access public places in the state but only few has accessible facilities, most public buildings lack ramps or accessible elevator, making access difficult for PWDs , transportation and airport facilities create barriers for PWDs, banks and educational institutions especially tertiary institutions are still very inaccessible “; Agbaji disclosed.
Agbaji Esq recommended urgent modification of infrastructure to enhance physical mobility through transparent budgeting and monitoring.
The Michael Imoudu National Institute of Labour Studies MINILS (MINILS) has collaborated with some Non Governmental Organization to train about 1500 youths on skills and entrepreneurship.
Mr. Ajayi Razaq, the Head of Department, Entrepreneurship Development Department (EDD) of the institute stated this on Monday in Ilorin during a news conference organized to mark the World Youth Skills Day (WYSD) 2024.
He stated that the theme of the day is entitled: “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”.
According to him, the institute collaborated with organizations including Lifefount Foundation and Nonagon to facilitate skills training on Digital Skills, Marketing and Small Business promotion.
“Razaq explained the institute also trained youths on skills acquisition areas included Tailoring & Garment Designing, Photography and Cinematography, Tie & Dye and Carpentry & Wood Work.
The HOD observed that the main objective of commemoration of the day is to emphasize how crucial it is to equip the youth with the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens.
He added that in line with President Bola Tinubu’s 8-point Agenda, the Institute has tailored it’s activities on skills acquisition to facilitate youths across the six geo-politocal zones of the country, including people with special needs.
“The event as declared at the United Nations General Assembly in 2021 have provided a unique opportunity for dialogue between young people, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers and development partners.
“This is to celebrate the strategic importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work and entrepreneurship,” he said.
Razaq stated that the Institute has since 2021 keyed into the WYSD event as an advocacy programme, in line with other member nations to celebrate this remarkable day through sensitizing stakeholders on the need to skill-up the youth.
He emphasized the necessary skills for fostering a culture of peace, nurturing responsible global citizens, and promoting sustainable development to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable future for all.
“On World Youth Skills Day, let us unite in recognizing the potential of young people as agents of peace and commit to providing them with the skills and opportunities.
“This will help to address challenges and contribute to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future,” he said.
The University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH) on Thursday commissioned the Batuli Ajiferuke Shagagya Burn Intensive Care Unit, for optimal care of burn victims.
The Burn Intensive Care Unit is expected to saves lives and promote healing and recovery from burn injuries.
Speaking at the commissioning, Prof. Yusuf Dasilva, the Chief Medical Director of UITH stated that the clinical building was built and equipped with state of the art facilities, donated by Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya, an entrepreneur and philanthropist.
Dasilva explained that the burn intensive care unit is a stand alone comprehensive unit which is specialized medical facility that provides advanced care for patients who have sustained severe burns.
“The facility is to be staffed by a multidisciplinary team of healthcrae professionals, including burn surgeons, nurses, respiratory therapist,. pharmacists, behavioural scientists ans physical therapists,” he said.
Dasilva commended Shagaya for responding to the yearnings of the hospital, while appealing to the Federal Government and notables in the society to invest in the health sector.
He explained further that the hospital has similar donations of equipment and consumables from various international organizations.
He disclosed that permanent site of the UITH has expanded tremendously in infrastructures compared to what it was at the inception; with seven blocks and now with 20 blocks of building.
He explained thay because of continually increasing needs of rhe hospital and the evident willingness of well meaning Nigerians to partner with Federal Government to ensure provision of quality healthcare.
The CMD commended Gov. AbdulRaham AbdulRazaq of Kwara for rescuing the hospital from the burdens of provision of tertiary health care, by upgrading the General Hospital to Kwara State University Teaching Hospital.
In her address, Dr Amina El-Imam, Kwara Commissioner for Health, said that burn injuries are among the most severe medical challenges.
According to her, this is a monumental steo forward to provide comprehensive healthcare for burn victims in the state.
El-Imam explained that the state government has embark on transformative project on healthcare across the state.
In his reaction, Alhaji Sheriff Shagaya, the donor of the burn unut said the project was inspired by the pains he suffered when he lost his grandmother to burn injury.
According to him, the burn unit is a monument to resilience, a symbol of determination to overcome adversity ans transform experience into opportunities for growth and healing.
Kakaki 