Category: Refined Living

The Federal Government has announced plans to raise the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sub-sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product from about $32 billion to more than $74 billion over the next decade. The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin at a livestock stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kwara State Government, which attracted over 250 participants from across the livestock value chain. Speaking through his Special Adviser, Mark Mbaram, the minister said the government was determined to reposition the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, employment generation, and economic growth. Maiha explained that food security is a vital element of national security, hence the decision to prioritise livestock development. He disclosed that the ministry has formulated a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy designed to improve productivity and significantly expand the sector’s economic contribution. He noted that traditional nomadic practices are gradually giving way, as they are no longer productive or profitable, stressing that ranching remains the most sustainable and efficient model for modern livestock production. According to him, ranching enables better animal management, higher yields, and improved returns on investment. The minister added that the strategy has been adopted and approved by the National Economic Council, with a special committee established to drive the transition to ranching as a sustainable approach to livestock development. He emphasised that open grazing and itinerant herding are no longer viable in today’s economic and environmental realities. Highlighting the sector’s vast potential, Maiha pointed to opportunities in beef production, poultry, dairy farming, micro-ruminants, and large-scale job creation. He noted that while the livestock sector had previously posed challenges to national development, it now holds promise as a major economic asset. Maiha also commended the Kwara State Government for its commitment to advancing livestock development, describing the state as a strategic partner in implementing the ministry’s agenda. In her remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Livestock Development, Oloruntoyosi Thomas, said the state government is committed to addressing challenges in the sub-sector through continuous stakeholder engagement and policy-driven solutions. She noted that participants at the event included poultry farmers, pastoralists, crop farmers, ranchers’ associations, feed millers, professional bodies, and youth farming groups. Also speaking, the Director of Livestock Services in the ministry, Mohammed Ahmad Umar, said the sector had suffered years of neglect despite its enormous economic potential. He explained that the engagement was designed to bring value-chain actors together to identify challenges and propose sustainable solutions, adding that Kwara State is pursuing partnerships with the private sector to improve access to finance, markets, and off-taker arrangements for farmers. The Director of Veterinary Services, Olugbon Abdullateef Salman, underscored the importance of animal health to productivity, urging farmers to prioritise vaccination and proper animal care. He noted that healthy livestock not only boosts profitability but also reduces losses and protects public health by preventing the spread of diseases transmissible to humans.

Catholic bishops in the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province have called on the Federal Government to implement current tax reforms with fairness, transparency, and compassion, warning that policies lacking a human-centred approach could worsen the hardship faced by millions of Nigerians. The appeal was contained in a communiqué issued on Tuesday at the conclusion of the bishops’ first provincial meeting for 2026, held at the Jubilee Conference Centre in Ibadan, Oyo State. The communiqué was signed by the provincial chairman, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, and the secretary, Most Rev. John Oyejola. The bishops noted that the tax reforms, introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, were signed into law in June 2025 and came into effect on January 1, 2026. While acknowledging the government’s efforts to reform the tax system, they observed that the measures have generated widespread concern and uncertainty across the country, particularly among poor and vulnerable citizens. In the communiqué titled “Sustaining Hope and Strengthening Our Good Efforts,” the bishops urged Nigerians to remain patient but stressed that such patience must be accompanied by clear accountability from government and tax authorities. Beyond taxation, the Catholic leaders reflected on Nigeria’s broader socio-economic challenges, calling on governments at all levels to refocus on their core responsibilities, including securing lives and property, improving healthcare delivery, upgrading infrastructure, and creating an environment conducive to economic growth. They expressed deep concern over the prolonged strike by health workers, describing it as unacceptable and harmful to ordinary Nigerians, as it continues to limit access to essential healthcare services. They warned that failure to address the situation urgently could lead to avoidable suffering and loss of lives. The bishops also criticised the poor state of major road networks, especially those linking key cities in the South-West, and faulted some federal and state ministries for underperformance despite ongoing reform efforts. Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to social justice, the bishops encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, urging them to combine prayer with responsible citizenship, diligence, and respect for justice and the rule of law. They emphasised that economic reforms must be guided by fairness, transparency, and accountability, calling on the government to give the tax reforms a human face by allowing vulnerable citizens time to adjust before enforcing strict compliance. The bishops cautioned that economic policies implemented without sensitivity could deepen inequality and heighten social tension, stressing that taxation should not further burden citizens already struggling with inflation, unemployment, and the rising cost of living.

Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has accepted an invitation from US President Donald Trump to join a newly established “Board of Peace” focused on conflict resolution, his office confirmed on Wednesday. According to a statement, Netanyahu agreed to become a member of the board, which is expected to include leaders from across the globe. The initiative was initially proposed to oversee reconstruction efforts in post-war Gaza. However, a copy of its charter reviewed by AFP suggests its mandate extends beyond the Palestinian territory. Membership reportedly requires a financial commitment of up to $1 billion for a permanent seat. The charter states that the board aims to promote stability, re-establish lawful and reliable governance, and achieve lasting peace in regions affected by or at risk of conflict. Trump will chair the board and will also serve separately as the representative of the United States. Invitations have been extended to dozens of countries and leaders, including close US allies as well as rivals. France, a longstanding US ally, has indicated it will not participate. While announcing the board last week, Trump also revealed plans to create a “Gaza Executive Board” operating under the larger body. This executive board is expected to include Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Qatari diplomat Ali Al-Thawadi, a development that Netanyahu has strongly opposed. Relations between Turkey and Israel have worsened since the Gaza war began in October 2023, following an unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel. In addition, a separate committee made up of 15 Palestinian technocrats has been formed to manage Gaza’s day-to-day administration as part of the second phase of a truce plan announced by Trump in October. The committee is led by Gaza native and former Palestinian Authority deputy minister Ali Shaath and began its initial work in Cairo this week.

Child health experts have warned that untreated peptic ulcer disease in children can lead to anaemia, bleeding, and shock, emphasising the need for early diagnosis and proper treatment. Although ulcers are less common in children than adults, they can occur, particularly in school-age children and adolescents, and are often overlooked until complications arise. Paediatricians explained that the condition is commonly caused by infection with Helicobacter pylori and the indiscriminate use of pain-relieving drugs such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and diclofenac. Other contributing factors include poor hand hygiene, malnutrition, severe infections, burns, and chronic illnesses that weaken immunity. If left untreated, ulcers may cause blood loss through vomiting or dark stools, leading to iron deficiency anaemia, which can rapidly make affected children pale, weak, and in need of urgent medical attention or blood transfusion. Experts also warned that untreated childhood ulcers can persist into adulthood, raising the risk of chronic ulcer disease and, in rare cases, stomach cancer. Contrary to popular belief, experts noted that spicy foods, skipping meals, or fasting do not directly cause stomach ulcers. While spicy foods may aggravate symptoms, H. pylori infection is the primary cause. Peptic ulcers, or open sores in the stomach lining or upper small intestine, often cause burning stomach pain, bloating, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Dr. Abdurrazzaq Alege, a paediatrician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, said ulcers are uncommon in young children but can occur in school-age children and adolescents. He noted that poor hygiene, low socioeconomic status, and malnutrition increase susceptibility to H. pylori, which thrives in such conditions. Alege also warned against the misuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, often given to children for pain or fever without medical guidance. “Drugs like ibuprofen, diclofenac, and aspirin can erode the stomach lining, causing ulcers,” he said. Stress from severe infections, burns, or other conditions that increase acid secretion can also trigger ulcer formation. Symptoms may include upper or central abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, vomiting blood, or passing dark stools, all of which require urgent attention. He stressed that ulcers are preventable and treatable through good nutrition, hygiene, and proper medication use. Paediatrician Dr. Tolulope Asare added that while peptic ulcers can occur at any age, they are more common in older children and adolescents. Symptoms vary with age: younger children may experience feeding difficulties, excessive crying, vomiting blood, or passing black stools, while older children typically report abdominal pain or a burning sensation. If untreated, childhood ulcers can result in anaemia, shock, or perforation, potentially becoming a surgical emergency. Chronic H. pylori infection may also increase the risk of duodenal ulcers and gastric cancer later in life. Diagnosis can be made through endoscopy and biopsy, or non-invasive tests like stool antigen and urea breath tests. Experts emphasised that prevention relies on good hygiene, access to clean water, proper food handling, and avoiding indiscriminate use of painkillers and steroids. Successful treatment, including eradication of H. pylori, usually results in cure with a low risk of relapse, and parents are urged to seek medical care promptly if children display symptoms of ulcer disease.

Private hospital owners and managers under the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) have urged Nigerians to allow due process in the ongoing investigation into the death of Nkanu Nnamdi, the late 21-month-old son of renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie. The guild warned against drawing premature conclusions or passing judgment on social media, stressing that health sector investigations must be guided by facts, professional ethics, and established procedures. They noted that misinformation and prejudice could undermine public confidence in medical institutions and regulatory bodies. The GMD, which represents private hospital owners, managers, and healthcare investors nationwide, released the statement following Adichie’s allegations of medical negligence surrounding her son’s death on January 7, 2026, at a Lagos hospital. The incident has reignited national concern over patient safety in Nigerian hospitals. GMD National President, Dr. Abiodun Kuti, called on the public to allow the investigation to proceed transparently and without bias. “Every patient and family deserves safety, dignity, transparency, and justice, while every healthcare professional and institution deserves due process, fairness, and protection from trial by social media,” Kuti said. He emphasised that accountability must be enforced where negligence is confirmed, and that respecting institutional processes ensures fairness and strengthens trust in Nigeria’s healthcare system. He also highlighted the importance of clear, evidence-based communication to prevent misinformation and avoid eroding public confidence in the sector. Kuti warned against using the tragedy to broadly condemn healthcare workers or frame it as a public versus private, or local versus foreign healthcare debate. “Rushing to close facilities without robust investigative and corrective systems could reduce access to care, worsen medical tourism, and weaken the sector. Balance does not mean silence—it means system-building,” he added. He explained that Nigeria’s health sector functions as a single ecosystem facing shared challenges, including workforce shortages, uneven standards, weak emergency preparedness, inconsistent regulation, and chronic underfunding across public and private facilities. Kuti sympathised with the Adichie family and reiterated the guild’s commitment to transparent, evidence-based investigations. He also urged national stakeholders—government, regulators, financiers, insurers, and healthcare providers—to use the tragedy to drive meaningful health system reforms. “This moment must mark a turning point towards safer, more reliable, and accountable healthcare for all,” he said. FCT Chairman of the Guild, Dr. Iseko Iseko, called for a broader national review of healthcare delivery, advocating for an integrated approach between public and private providers. “Nigeria urgently needs a National Healthcare Compact that treats public and private care as complementary parts of one system, aligned by enforceable standards, shared referral pathways, emergency protocols, and accountability mechanisms,” he said. The medical directors also commended the prompt action of the Federal Government and regulatory bodies in initiating reviews and investigations into the case. In response to rising medical negligence cases, the government has established a National Task Force on Clinical Governance and Patient Safety. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said the task force aims to prevent medical errors and improve patient safety, integrating quality and patient-centered care into all aspects of health service delivery. “This initiative aligns with global calls by the World Health Organisation, World Bank, OECD, and The Lancet Global Health Commission for low- and middle-income countries to prioritise high-quality, people-centred care as the foundation of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

Medical experts have identified stronger systems, accountability, and improved patient safety practices as key measures for reducing the rising cases of medical negligence in Nigeria, stressing that both public and private hospitals must adopt these reforms. They highlighted that inadequate staffing, poor supervision, weak reporting mechanisms, and failure to follow standard treatment guidelines often lead to avoidable errors that put patients at risk and erode trust in the healthcare system. Experts say that continuous training, stronger internal checks, and transparent communication between healthcare workers and patients can significantly reduce negligence while improving overall health outcomes nationwide. The call comes in the wake of recent high-profile cases of alleged medical negligence, which have resulted in deaths and permanent disabilities. Most notably, the death of 21-month-old Nkanu Nnamdi, son of Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, at a Lagos hospital on January 7, 2026, sparked widespread concern about patient safety. Other cases include the death of Aishatu Umar, a mother of five in Kano State, after scissors were reportedly left inside her abdomen during surgery at a government-owned facility, and allegations by Lagos resident Alfred Ogene that a hospital caused urinary damage following a wrong catheter insertion. Ogene has filed a legal claim against R-Jolad Hospital Nigeria Limited. Speaking exclusively to Healthwise, Professor Adesegun Fatusi, a Community Medicine specialist and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Medical Sciences, Ondo, listed workforce shortages, pressure on healthcare staff, long working hours, poor infrastructure, and skill gaps as key drivers of medical negligence in Nigeria. He explained that systemic challenges, rather than individual errors alone, largely contribute to the problem. “The root causes must be addressed through deliberate policy and institutional changes. Adequate staffing is essential to reduce workload pressure for doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers. Protocols must be strengthened and monitored for compliance,” Fatusi said. He also noted that weak communication within healthcare settings contributes significantly to both actual and perceived negligence. “Healthcare workers need proper training in communication. Many adverse outcomes stem not only from technical errors but from failures to communicate clearly with patients and among teams,” he added. Fatusi emphasized that regulatory structures, such as the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), exist to address professional misconduct, urging patients and families to use formal complaint channels rather than relying solely on public criticism. “Established protocols exist to investigate cases of negligence. This ensures accountability and proper adjudication,” he said. He concluded that reducing medical negligence requires a holistic approach, including systemic reforms, better staffing, improved infrastructure, strict adherence to protocols, continuous professional development, and stronger quality assurance systems. Dr. Abiola Idowu, Permanent Secretary of the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency in Lagos State, advised health workers to prioritise patient safety and view patients as partners in their care. She highlighted that unsafe care contributes to millions of deaths globally, with particularly high rates in low- and middle-income countries. “For Nigeria, the figures are alarming. At least one in ten patients experiences adverse effects from care, highlighting the urgent need for action,” she said. Idowu added that the social and economic costs of unsafe care are substantial, estimating losses of $1 million to $3 million annually due to adverse patient outcomes. In 2021, the MDCN investigated over 120 allegations of professional negligence, with additional cases referred to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal for prosecution. The MDCN regulates medical, dental, and alternative medicine practice in Nigeria to ensure quality healthcare delivery. Dr. Adetunji Adenekan, former chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association, Lagos State branch, reaffirmed that the MDCN enforces accountability strictly. “No practitioner is exempt if found guilty. The Medical and Dental Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal functions as our medical court, with the authority of a high court,” he stated. Overall, experts stress that addressing medical negligence in Nigeria requires systemic reforms, stronger oversight, and a culture of accountability to safeguard patient welfare.

Stakeholders in Niger State’s health sector have gathered to review the government’s ongoing health initiatives under Governor Mohammed Bago. The two-day Health Sector External Retreat, organised by the Ministry of Health with support from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), brought together partners, staff, and key stakeholders to validate reform priorities, align partner interventions, and strengthen coordination under the New Niger Health Agenda. The retreat aimed to harmonise planning, financing, and accountability across the health sector to enhance service delivery in 2026. It also reviewed and validated outcomes from a recent Internal Health Sector Retreat, oriented stakeholders on strategic priorities and reform pillars, strengthened the use of the Sector-Wide Approach, and developed a harmonised, costed implementation plan aligned with the Medium-Term Sector Strategy and Annual Operational Plans. Participants were expected to agree on a shared monitoring, reporting, and accountability framework to drive performance and results. The Niger State Head of Service, Abubakar Sadiq, who delivered the opening address, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing its health sector agenda through stronger systems, improved coordination, and sustainable financing. He assured stakeholders that the government would meet its financial, political, and institutional obligations and that ongoing reforms would align the Ministry of Primary Health Care with planning, budgeting, and fiscal institutions to improve efficiency and integration. Sadiq also noted that legislative reviews would modernise health laws, address human resource gaps through structured engagement of retired professionals, and enhance welfare for health workers. He announced the creation of the Niger State Registration and Regulatory Agency for Private Health Care Facilities to strengthen oversight and ensure quality across both public and private sectors. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Babagana, highlighted inclusiveness, coordination, and effective execution as guiding principles of the ministry’s reforms. He praised the retreat’s alignment with the long-term Blue Niger Agenda and recent internal reforms, including a comprehensive self-assessment of sector performance and priorities. Babagana also noted ongoing collaboration with national and international partners, including the National Health Survey—a five-year assessment conducted with the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by USAID and UNICEF—to guide evidence-based planning and investments. The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Nasiru Umar, urged greater local ownership of health initiatives, stressing sustainability, accountability, and improved inclusion, particularly for women. Dr. Idris Baba, Officer-in-Charge of UNICEF’s Kaduna Field Office, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting state-led priorities, providing technical support while allowing the government to lead implementation and take ownership of outcomes.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged councillors from the state’s 377 wards to actively perform their oversight roles and advance grassroots governance. He made the call during the onboarding and retreat programme for councillors held at Novotel Hotels, Lekki, Lagos. Represented by the Special Adviser on Environment, Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu, the governor noted that local government is where citizens form their strongest impressions of governance, leadership, and democracy. “The people of Lagos State are counting on you to build a local government system that is responsive, inclusive, accountable, and development-driven, reflecting the T.H.E.M.E.S+ Agenda and the aspirations of our people. I urge you to view your tenure not merely in years served, but in the lives you impact and the legacies you leave in your communities,” he said. The Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Bolaji Robert, thanked the governor for approving the retreat, describing it as a clear demonstration of his commitment to strengthening local governance. In a goodwill message, the House Committee Chairman on Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development, Sanni Okanlawon, represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Stephen Ogundipe, praised the ministry for the initiative. He noted that the programme reflects the state government’s dedication to promoting effective leadership and enhancing governance at the grassroots level. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Kikelomo Bolarinwa, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the programme to foster sustainable development in their communities.

The Spiritual Head of the Cherubim and Seraphim Agbojesu Conference Worldwide, Samuel Akintobi, has urged the Federal Government to ensure that revenues from the new tax system are properly managed and used to benefit ordinary Nigerians. Akintobi made the appeal on Saturday during the church’s Annual General Conference in Iseyin, Oyo State. He emphasized that transparent and purposeful use of tax proceeds is crucial to addressing public concerns about the recently implemented tax reforms. Nigeria’s new tax regime, effective from January 1, 2026, has drawn criticism from some quarters over fears that it could place additional burdens on citizens already facing economic challenges. Some groups have called for suspension or amendment of the reforms, warning that mismanagement could worsen living conditions. Addressing delegates, Akintobi said, “As a church, we recognise the importance of a strong revenue base for national development, but taxation must be transparent and purposeful. Citizens need to see that every naira collected translates into projects and services that improve lives.” He added, “Tax revenue should not be treated as an end in itself but as a responsibility. Leaders must show that these funds are being used to enhance the welfare of the people.” Also at the conference, the church’s chairman, Hezekiah Adeleke, highlighted the creation of a comprehensive database for members as a key achievement. “We are pleased that the theme of the conference, ‘Advancing Steadfastly in the Lord’ (Philippians 3:13–14), guided our discussions, alongside the church’s efforts to register members and build a full database,” he said. Adeleke also praised the Supreme Head of the church for his guidance, noting that his advice contributed greatly to the success of the programme. The conference further inaugurated a new National Executive Council under Adeleke’s leadership.

The European Union is set to announce plans on Tuesday aimed at preventing “high-risk” Chinese suppliers from participating in Europe’s critical infrastructure, as the bloc intensifies efforts to reduce its reliance on third countries. Relations between Brussels and Beijing have remained tense, with the EU adopting a firmer stance on trade and security matters involving China. While European officials frequently cite concerns over unfair competition, security considerations have also become a major factor, often echoed by the United States. As part of the move, the European Commission is expected to publish proposed revisions to the bloc’s cybersecurity framework, targeting foreign companies viewed as potential security risks. In 2023, the Commission urged member states to remove equipment from Huawei and ZTE from their mobile networks due to security concerns. The new proposal would seek to make such exclusions mandatory, according to an EU official. Although existing rules allow national authorities to impose restrictions on high-risk vendors, fewer than half of EU member states have taken steps to limit or exclude them. A binding framework would strengthen enforcement across the bloc. The United States has long barred Huawei from its networks and has encouraged allies to adopt similar measures over concerns about surveillance risks. Any compulsory EU restrictions could also affect other Chinese firms operating in sectors such as solar energy. The Commission may further propose adding “sovereignty” requirements to the certification system for cloud service cybersecurity. Such a move could also affect US-based firms, which currently dominate much of the European cloud services market. France has been a strong advocate of stricter rules, though progress has been slowed by divisions among the EU’s 27 member states. In addition, the Commission is expected on Wednesday to present a proposal for a Digital Networks Act aimed at restructuring Europe’s telecommunications sector. The EU hopes the initiative will enhance competitiveness and attract investment, though critics argue that fragmented national regulations in sectors such as telecoms and defence make scaling difficult. Funding remains a key challenge, with Brussels estimating that about €200 billion will be needed to modernise Europe’s telecoms infrastructure. A draft of the proposal reportedly does not include provisions for “fair share” payments from major technology companies, despite calls from telecom operators. The idea has faced strong opposition and became less likely following an EU–US tariff agreement last year, which included assurances against such fees. The draft also indicates that member states would be given until 2035 to phase out copper-based telecoms networks, allowing more time for the transition to faster fibre systems. Both the cybersecurity proposal and the Digital Networks Act will require approval from EU member states and the European Parliament before they can take effect.