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FCTA Set To Revamp Orphanages To International Standards – Official—-The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has announced plans to revamp orphanages in FCT to international standards.

The Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, disclosed this at an event organised to commemorate the 2024 International Orphanage Day.

The event was held at Redeemed Christian Church of God, in Abuja.

Benjamins-Laniyi explained that the move was to provide specialised care and support for children in vulnerable situations, particularly those with disabilities.

She said that the orphanages would be overhauled under a comprehensive initiative designed to redefine and upscale the services being provided by orphanages across the FCT.

“Key components of the initiative include a thorough review of existing orphanages by a Ministerial Committee, focusing on recertification and adoption processes within the city.

“There is also a dedicated committee that was assigned to conduct on-site inspections of certified orphanages under the FCT Secretariat.

“The overarching goal of the initiative is to revamp interventions related to child protection and combating violence against children.

“This includes efforts to align local laws with international standards, particularly those outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” she said.

The mandate secretary added that the initiative also sought to enhance institutional reforms within the FCT Administration, with key priority in education, health, and nutrition sectors, including socio-economic development.

The aim, according to her, is to establish a new standard of engagement between government entities and Non-Governmental Organisations operating in the realm of child welfare.

“Through these concerted efforts, the FCTA aims to provide a more supportive and nurturing environment for orphaned children.

“The administration also hopes to ensure that orphans’ rights and well-being are safeguarded effectively,” she added.

In her remarks, the convener of the event, Ms Felicia Olorungbami, said that the event was organised to create awareness on the need to be deliberate on how people show love to orphans.

Olorungbami, who is the founder of Hospital, Orphanage and Prison Evangelism-HOPE Ministry, urged government at all levels to be compassionate to children and promote policies that would help upgrade their standard of living.

The Pastor of the Church, Mr Ola Omosebi, stressed the need to give children in orphanages across the country hope so they could have a sense of belonging.

“Being in those orphanage homes alone is secluded.

“These children need exposure, and it’s okay for us to have gatherings like this where they will socialise,” he added.

Also speaking, Ms Ngozi Judge, Director, and founder of Facado Orphanage, identified poor funding as one of the key challenges affecting smooth operation of orphanage homes.

Judge urged relevant government agencies and charitable Nigerians to come to the aid of orphanage homes to improve the welfare of orphans.

“People donate food stuff like rice and beans, but that’s not enough to make a meal.

“When we go to the market, the high cost of things makes it very difficult for us to get enough. We need support in their education, feeding and health,” she pleaded.

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JUST IN: Lagos Health Workers Begin Strike

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Health Workers

JUST IN: Lagos Health Workers Begin Strike—-TCN reports that the unions include the Nigeria Union of Allied Health Professionals, NUAHP, National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, NANNM, the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria, MHWUN, and the Joint Health Sector Unions, JOHESU.

Oloruntoba Odumosu, Secretary of NANNM, in an interview with NAN on Wednesday, insisted that the strike would hold following the expiration of an ultimatum issued by the unions.

Odumosu disclosed that a meeting of the union leaders with officials of the state government on Dec. 9 also ended in an impasse.

“The government officials couldn’t give us a clear timeline for the implementation of our demands and there’s no governor’s approval for the payment.

“We reported the feedback to the Congress, which was ongoing at our secretariat, and it unanimously voted ‘No’, insisting on proceeding with the strike,” he said.

He complained that the matter had lingered for long, in spite of numerous attempts by the unions to resolve it amicably.

“However, it has become clear that the government does not accord the issue the seriousness it deserves.

“Engagement on December 2 with the Ministry of Establishments and Training further reinforced our concerns as the meeting failed to provide clarity on the computation method for the adjustment.

“This is particularly concerning given that Lagos state does not operate the full CONHESS structure, nor did it yield a definite timeline for payment.

“This is especially disheartening as adjustments have already been implemented for doctors since October 2024.

“This approach, which prioritises some segments of the health workforce while neglecting others, is divisive and undermines the collective morale of health professionals in the state,” he said.

Odumosu regretted that the government appeared ‘indifferent’ to addressing their legitimate demands in spite of the critical roles played by members of the unions in ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare to Lagos residents.

“The handling of this matter has left us with no other choice but to resort to this warning strike, spanning from December 11 to December 13.

“It is aimed at pressing home our demands for the full implementation of the CONHESS adjustment for all eligible health workers in Lagos state,” he said.

Similarly, Kamaldeen Kabiawu, State Secretary, NUAHP, decried the delayed implementation of the 25 per cent CONHESS adjustment, especially after the government approved a 35 per cent CONMESS adjustment for doctors in October 2024.

NAN reports that the strike will affect all state-owned health facilities – Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), general hospitals, and primary health centres (PHCs).

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NCDC Diminish Fears Of Covid-19 Variant XEC In Nigeria

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NCDC

NCDC Diminish Fears Of Covid-19 Variant XEC In Nigeria—-XEC variant was observed for potential concerns, but it does not yet pose a significant risk

TCN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that there is no cause for alarm following reports of the SARS-CoV-2 XEC variant, a sub-lineage of the Omicron strain, circulating in parts of the world, including Australia.

Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, explained on Sunday that the XEC variant is classified as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM). While the variant has been detected in 43 countries across Europe, Asia, North America, and recently in Africa (Botswana), it has yet to be identified in Nigeria.

He said the XEC variant was observed for potential concerns, but it does not yet pose a significant risk. He urged Nigerians to remain calm and continue adhering to basic preventive measures.

The JN.1 variant, a closely related Omicron sub-lineage, has been present in Nigeria since January 2024 and is also dominant globally. While the XEC variant demonstrates increased transmissibility, no evidence suggests it causes more severe illness.

Dr Jide reassured Nigerians that its COVID-19 Technical Working Group is closely monitoring the situation and analysing international and domestic data.

He advised Nigerians to stay informed through official channels and avoid spreading unverified information.

He also encouraged citizens to maintain personal hygiene, practice respiratory etiquette, use masks, get vaccinated and stay vigilant.

The DG urged healthcare workers to prioritise testing for respiratory and febrile illnesses and submit positive COVID-19 samples for genomic sequencing to aid monitoring efforts.

He also urged state governments to bolster health infrastructure, including diagnostic capabilities and public awareness campaigns, to enhance overall preparedness.

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