NGOs Advocate Special Care, Support for Organ Donors

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May 22, 2023

The Clarion Call Care Group and the Nisa Medical Group, have called for more care and support for organ donors across the country.

The group made the appeal at the 2023 Inaugural ‘Living Donor Day Celebration’, organised to honour selfless individuals, who had donated an organ in Abuja.

Dr. Ibrahim Wada, the Founder of Nisa Medical Group, said the event, which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, was organised to connect and honour individuals who had “given the gift of life to others.”

“I say to them, your courage, compassion and generosity have touched the lives of countless individuals and families and for that we thank you.

“Through this event, we aim to not only recognise but also offer our support to living kidney donors who have often undergone challenges in their journey to give life to someone else.

“We want to provide a platform for living donors to share their experiences, to connect with others who are on similar journeys and to receive the support and care that they rightfully deserve,” he said.

Mr. Joseph Uma, the first Kidney Donor in the South-East, said inadequate awareness had remained a setback to the donation of organs, especially kidneys, to those in need.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell everyone to take me as an example, I had those fears but I tried to encourage myself and push the fears aside.

“So I encourage everyone to donate because it can happen to anyone close to you, your wife, child or relation.

“Though you will have some discomfort at the beginning but after a while, it will fizzle out. There is no need to entertain fear,” he said.

Ms Mary Brown, a nurse from the U.S. said the event was also aimed at appreciating persons who had donated one of their organs to save the lives of others.

She said it was important for Nigerians not to be scared of donating, as it is fulfilling in seeing someone coming back to life because of a kind gesture.

“For us in the U.S., we celebrate an entire month for all the living donors in the month of April, because you can give more than just a kidney.

“And we are here to celebrate all the 13 transplants we have done here. And we want to give special thanks to the donors that allowed those other patients to get off dialysis and have a better quality of life and a long quantity of life as well.

“So for us, it is important to let the donors know that we care about them, their health. We want to be a resource for them so that we can take care of them if anything happens,” she said.

Mrs. Miriam Onuoha, Member, House of Representatives, Imo State, said it was important for the country to have legislation on insurance for living donors in the country.

“I am here to offer our legislative intervention on the promulgation of a living donor protection bill.

“The National Health Act of 2014 talks about issues relating to blood donation, transfusion, tissue transplantation and organs.

“But a lot more needs to be done as regards welfare and aftercare for the donors. I believe that if we allay those fears and set this foundation straight, we will have a pool of more donors who will be willing to come for testing and donate this gift of life,” he said.

Ms Evyln Abrakson, a living kidney donor, who shared her experience after donating to her mother, said that it was fulfilling to give someone another chance to live.

“My story is a bitter-sweet one because I donated to my mum and sadly she developed complications which led to a stroke and she passed on.

“She didn’t get to enjoy the kidney, but she got to live for almost two years. it gave us an opportunity to see life in a different way.

“The whole journey has changed my perspective on life. I have a better understanding of what your kidneys are to you and so I don’t sweat about things in life.

“If I had another kidney and someone has a need for it, I will still give it. So being a living donor is just being joyful that you can give someone else hope. Even though my mum didn’t make it, I am happy I took that decision,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the high point of the event was the launch of a book titled “Priceless’’ authored by Mr. Joseph Uma, the first living donor from South-East Nigeria.

WMA President Urges Humane, Patient-Centred Medical Practice

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 22, 2023

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WMA president urges humane, patient-centred medical practice — Dr. Osahon Enabulele

The President of the World Medical Association, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, has called for a more humanised approach to the healthcare value chain in the patient care process.

Speaking at the 10th Global Patients’ Congress organised by the International Alliance of Patients’ Organisation in Geneva, Switzerland, ahead of the 76th World Health Assembly, Enabulele emphasised the importance of promoting patient-centred, compassionate, and humanised healthcare.

He noted that the patient-physician relationship is as old as medicine itself and that the WMA has been a long-time advocate of patient-centred care.

However, Enabulele expressed concerns about recent trends of violence against physicians and work overload leading to burnout, which could weaken efforts to promote patient-centred care.

He emphasised that patient safety is closely linked to the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, and called for a comprehensive approach to addressing the challenges facing the healthcare industry. This includes resolving issues related to the working conditions and autonomy of physicians, as well as investing in the development of a resilient health workforce.

Other speakers at the event include the CEO of the International Council of Nurses, Howard Catton, CEO of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, Dr. Catherine Duggan, Board Member of IAPO, Prof. Lara Bloom, and CEO of the Ehlers-Danlos Society, and Nicola Bedlington, Special Adviser of the European Patients’ Forum.

Dangote Pays Back 70% Of Loan Used In Constructing Refinery

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faith Jegede

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May 22, 2023

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Governor of the central bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, says the Dangote group has paid back about 70 per cent of the loans it took to construct its mega 650,000 barrels per day refinery.

Emefiele disclosed this during the ceremony to commission the refinery that saw the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari, The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top dignitaries.

At the event, Emefiele disclosed that the Dangote group has paid down its total loans outstanding on this refinery project from $ 9 billion to $ 2.7 billion today.

Amidst uncertainties over Nigeria’s fuel subsidy, the Dangote refinery is expected to be the biggest single refinery in the world and will according to the Nigerian economic summit group (NESG), add about $21 billion (N9.7 trillion at the current exchange rate) yearly to the Nigerian economy.

Stakeholders, at the commission of the refinery, expressed concerns that Nigeria’s 445,000 barrels per day refineries, despite being repaired, may become obsolete and difficult to sell as a result of the new Dangote refinery.

Concerns are also mounting as stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews asked Nigerians to get ready to buy products at a higher price as they insisted that while the new refinery broke the monopoly in the sector, the pricing mechanism would have to change.

Emefiele disclosed this during the ceremony to commission the refinery that saw the presence of President Muhammadu Buhari, The Lagos state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top dignitaries.

At the event, Emefiele disclosed that the Dangote group has paid down its total loans outstanding on this refinery project from $ 9 billion to $ 2.7 billion today.

Amidst uncertainties over Nigeria’s fuel subsidy, the Dangote refinery is expected to be the biggest single refinery in the world and will according to the Nigerian economic summit group (NESG), add about $21 billion (N9.7 trillion at the current exchange rate) yearly to the Nigerian economy.

At the commission of the refinery, stakeholders expressed concerns that Nigeria’s 445,000 barrels per day refineries, despite being repaired, may become obsolete and difficult to sell due to the new Dangote refinery.

Concerns are also mounting as stakeholders, who spoke in separate interviews asked Nigerians to get ready to buy products at a higher price as they insisted that while the new refinery broke the monopoly in the sector, the pricing mechanism would have to change.

Bottling Drinks in Used Plastic Unsafe – Experts

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 22, 2023

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Medical and food safety professionals have kicked against the practice of bottling locally made drinks in used plastic bottles, noting that it is unsafe for consumption and dangerous to health.

The experts said certain chemicals in plastic bottles can leach from the plastic into the drinks.

They further noted that the practice could also cause all manner of infections that could trigger debilitating medical conditions.

Disclosing this in an interview, the experts said besides not observing safety protocols during the preparations of such drinks that include zobo, tiger nut, among others, pet bottles, which most times are picked by scavengers at dump sites and from drainages in the country are not reusable.

Speaking with our correspondent, a food expert, Aina Olugbenga, said the safety of the drinks packed in used plastic bottles cannot be guaranteed.

The Vice Chairman, of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, Lagos State chapter, said, “They are supposed to at best be recycled and not to be reused. Most of the pet bottles that you see in Nigeria are not meant to be reused. But we are reusing them. It is not safe, it is unhygienic.

“I see a lot of them being used to package zobo, kunu, and tiger nut drinks and sold but the health implications are so much.

“We can’t guarantee the cleanliness of these bottles. One is that you don’t know who used it last and you don’t know what it was used for, so the cleaning process can’t be guaranteed.”

Olugbenga also said most of the plastic bottles used for packaging the drinks are carcinogenic.

He said, “At the end, they leach into the zobo, kunu, tiger nut drink, or any other content stored inside them. They end up in the body of the consumers and become a toxin inside the body.

“So, this practice must be discouraged as much as possible. We should let them know that these bottles are not reusable. All these pet bottles are single-use bottles.”

According to him, the bottles are supposed to be disposed of after use, adding, “At best, the only thing that they can do is to recycle it. There is a difference between reusing and recycling.

“Reusing means you can still store something in it, but most of these bottles are not reusable. Recycling means that the bottle is crushed and used for another purpose entirely. So, let us as much as possible discourage the practice. Those into the production of those local drinks should find other means of bottling their products.”

The food expert also cautioned that using bottles picked from the streets was not safe.

“There are some things that we can’t see with our eyes, they are called microorganisms. Those microorganisms are there and when they are bottled with the drinks, the buyer ( consumer) will drink them and when it goes into the body, it becomes toxic to the body.

“When it builds and accumulates in the body, over time it can destroy internal organs like the kidney, which can lead to death.”

Speaking also, a Public Health Physician, Dr. Omobolanle Johnson, told our correspondent that there are lots of health risks associated with the bottles themselves, and leaving them in the sun over time could be dangerous to health.

Johnson, who is the Secretary Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter, said not only are the bottles not properly washed but are mostly picked in all manner of unhealthy places.

The public health expert said the bottle might have aflatoxins due to poor storage, warning that it is dangerous to the liver and kidney health.

Expressing further concern about the drinks, the physician said, “For the person making the drink, it is just about the money. They don’t have any training in food safety. So, consumers are exposed to various health risks ranging from viral to bacterial infections.

“Again, what type of water are they using? With poor water, you can get all manner of diseases. Many of them do not have training in producing these drinks.

“Hazards from the point of accessing the material to the point of consumption should be examined. There should be quality control measures. All food should be regulated in Nigeria. ”

In a 2019 article published by Harvard Medical School, the authors said studies have shown that certain chemicals in plastic can leach out of the plastic into the food and beverages that we eat.

“Some of these chemicals have been linked to health problems such as metabolic disorders (including obesity) and reduced fertility.

“This leaching can occur even faster and to a greater degree when plastic is exposed to heat. This means you might be getting an even higher dose of potentially harmful chemicals simply by microwaving your leftovers in a plastic container,” the authors stated.

Strike: NARD Tells Doctors to Resume Today

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 22, 2023

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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has directed its members to resume work today (Monday), May 22, at 8 am following a five-day nationwide warning strike embarked upon by its members.

After its three-hour extraordinary National Executive Council meeting on Sunday, NARD said it would review the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the issues in the next two weeks.

The association on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Government to address the issues raised by the resident doctors.

NARD, however, said it will be reviewing the strike in two weeks

Recall that the NARD on May 17 embarked on a nationwide strike to press home its demands from the Federal Government.

The doctors are demanding immediate massive recruitment of clinical staff in the hospitals; immediate withdrawal of the bill seeking to compel medical and dental graduates to render five-year compulsory services in Nigeria before being granted full licences to practise; immediate infrastructural development in the hospitals with a subsequent allocation of at least 15 per cent of the budgetary provisions to health in line with the 2001 Abuja declaration.

Other demands are the immediate payment of the 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund in line with the agreements reached at the stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Health on February 15, 2023; the immediate increment in the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure to the tune of 200 per cent of the gross salary of Doctors in addition to the allowances included in the letter written to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire on July 7, 2022, for the review of CONMESS; among others.

The President of the association, Dr Emeka Orji, in an interview monitored by, said the strike had been suspended with effect from 8 am on Monday.

He said the association will review the progress regarding its demands during its ordinary general meeting in Lagos.

Orji said, “The strike has been suspended and work resumes at 8 am tomorrow (Monday). The progress will be reviewed on June 2, 2023, for reassessment.”

The Publicity, and Social Secretary of the association, Dr Umar Usman said, “Before we embarked on the strike, we called a National Executive Council meeting and the council gave us the backing and we promised that it will be a five-day warning strike and at the end of it, we will call them to the progress made.

“So, we will resume tomorrow as agreed. Since we have signed a MoU with the government, the agreement has a timeline and it was agreed that issues will be addressed with timelines. We will review the commitments made and to know the progress about the issues raised.”

Enforce Food Fortification Policy, NGOs tell FG

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Cleopatra Okohai

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May 22, 2023

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A coalition of Non-Governmental organisations has called on the Federal Government to enforce the food fortification policy that is already in existence.

They explained that the call was necessitated by the rate of hunger, malnutrition and lack of nutrients in the food system in the country, which aid impairment of physical and mental growth among citizens, especially children under the age of five.

Speaking in Lagos during a campaign and media roundtable to promote fortification compliance and workforce nutrition in Nigeria, themed, “Fortifying Nigeria’s Future’, the NGOs noted that fortified foods could help to prevent micronutrient deficiencies.

The advocacy campaign was sponsored by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Center in collaboration with the Nigeria Economic Summit Group and E-Health Africa.

According to reports, in Nigeria, food fortification with a focus on vitamin A, iron, zinc, iodine, and other micronutrient remains key in the effort to eliminate micronutrient malnutrition.

As a result, Nigeria has formulated policies and passed laws that stipulate that at least some food items like sugar, oil, wheat, semolina, and maize flour must be fortified with vitamin A.

Leading the campaign, the Senate Chairman, Committee on Health, Dr. Ibrahim Oloriegbe, said that the government needs to implement the policy by also providing a meal a day for its workforce.

According to him, workforce nutrition means food for workers in their workplaces noting that productivity is always affected negatively when workers are malnourished.

He pointed out that other things associated with workforce nutrition include enforcing an environment where drugs, alcohol consumption and smoking are not encouraged.

Oloriegbe said in addition to providing food, lifestyle enlightenment and stress management need to be put in place.

The Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, said food fortification was a proven way to improve nutrition and health.

He explained that it is a simple, cost-effective intervention that could be used to add essential nutrients to foods that are commonly consumed by large populations.

He said fortified foods could help to prevent micronutrient deficiencies including anaemia, Vitamin A deficiency, and iodine deficiency.

“These deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems, including impaired cognitive development, stunted growth, and increased risk of infection.

“Fortified foods can also help to address the problem of overweight and obesity. By adding micronutrients, vitamins, fibre and protein to food vehicles during production can make them more filling and help people to eat healthier diets” he added.

He, therefore, asked the media to help in raising awareness on the importance of food fortification and workforce nutrition.

Rafsanjani said the media plays a critical role in shaping public opinion and influencing policy, adding that by shining the spotlight on the issue could help to make a real difference in the lives of millions of Nigerians.

He also asked for the support of regulators, members of the National Assembly, civil society organizations, and food producers to ensure that the food fortification policy of 2019 was implemented effectively and that Nigerians have access to fortified foods.

Also, Professor Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, Consumer, Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative, said having access to healthy food and water at work was an approach to a healthier workforce.

Ogunmoyela said workers must priotise their health, eating patterns and habits.

He said employers must be concerned about eating habits of their employees and strong health and nutrition policy framework should be instituted by employers.

Prof. Ogunmoyela said employees are what they eat and the health of the next workforce generation would be determined by the health of today’s workforce.

Meanwhile, Prof. Wasiu Afolabi of the Department of Nutrition and Diabetics, College of Food Science and Human Ecology, Federal University of Agriculture, Ogun State, said proper nutrition was critical to building a strong immune system to help the body to fight off diseases and infection.

Afolabi recommended that large-scale food fortification with multiple micronutrients should be encouraged for improved coverage and effectiveness.

Manchester City Win Premier League Title For Fifth Time In Six Seasons

By

Emenike Agu

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May 22, 2023

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Third league crown in a row for Pep Guardiola’s side

FA Cup and Champions League finals to come for City

Manchester City have won the Premier League title for the third season in a row after Arsenal were defeated 1-0 by Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

It is the fifth time in the past six seasons that City have secured top spot under Pep Guardiola and is the first trophy of a potential treble, with the FA Cup final against Manchester United and the Champions League final against Internazionale to come next month.

“To have helped the club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special,” said the City captain, Ilkay Gundogan. “The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is. This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.

Manchester City fans celebrate outside the Etihad Stadium.

“To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stand for and ensures the club will continue to strive for success going forward. It has been a season I will never forget. Our amazing fans have been with us every single step of the way. Without their amazing backing I don’t think there is any way we would have been able to achieve what we have done these past six seasons. Their passion and support have been so important and inspirational for us all.”

In mid-January Arsenal had an eight-point lead over City but Guardiola’s side have overhauled them with three games to spare. City have won their past 11 matches in the league while the Gunners have collected maximum points in just two of their past eight games. City have been ruthless since mid-February, a period which includes sweeping aside Arsenal home and away to increase the pressure on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Erling Haaland’s 36 goals in the league have been crucial to City’s success. The Football Writers’ Association player of the season’s tally is a Premier League record, the Norwegian scoring more than a third of City’s 92 league goals in 35 matches. City have currently scored the most goals in the league and conceded the fewest, a sign of their dominance.

Guardiola said on Friday that the Premier League is the “most important” to win because it takes a whole season of hard work. The Catalan’s fifth English title as a manager puts him joint third with Sir Matt Busby and Tom Watson for league triumphs; only Sir Alex Ferguson, Bob Paisley and George Ramsey have won more.

City have three matches remaining, starting with Chelsea’s visit to the Etihad on Sunday, before trips to Brighton and Brentford next week. The former City goalkeeper Alex Williams, who retires after 33 years working for the club, will hand the trophy to Gündogan after the match with Chelsea.

NPFL Roundup: Sunshine Star Join Five Other Clubs For Super Six

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Emenike Agu

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May 22, 2023

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Sunshine Stars hammered relegated Dakkada FC 3-0 in Akure to qualify for the season-ending Super Six.

The abridged season of theNigerian Premier Football League(NPFL) ended on a dramatic note on Sunday as some teams ended well while some were relegated to the second-tier league.

In the ten games played, three home wins, two home victories, and three draws with 19 goals were recorded.

Record-breaking moment for Bendel Insurance

It was a record-breaking moment for Bendel Insurance, who finished the season unbeaten after a 1-1 away draw at Jos against Nasarawa United.

The Benin Gunners played all the season’s games, recording eight wins and ten draws.

The last game at Jos was a ceremonial send-forth for the Solid Miners, who were confirmed relegated in the previous match week.

Deputy Echeta broke the deadlock in the 28th minute before Chinedu Ohanachom restored parity for the hosts in the 51st minute.

Relegated teams

Another team that got relegated to the NNL was Wikki Tourists, but they exited the Premier division on a high, defeating Lobi Stars 2-0 in Makurdi.

For Dakkada, they were hammered 3-0 by Sunshine Stars at Akure as they kissed the league goodbye after four consecutive seasons.

The win also sent the Owenna Gunners to the super six after Doma had been thrashed by Abia Warriors.

Elsewhere in Maiduguri, El Kanemi and Plateau United played a four-goal thriller.

Stalemate in Ibadan

Like the 2015 fixture at the Lekan Salami Stadium, where Shooting Stars were held to a barren draw, a similar result was recorded as the Oluyole Warriors and People’s Elephant shared the spoils.

Shooting Stars had nothing to fight for except for a happy ending for their fans, who came to cheer the team for their escape from relegation.

The situation was entirely different for Finidi George-led Enyimba as they needed a point to solidify their super six qualifications.

Meanwhile, it all worked well for the Easterners, who became the second team to pick the highest away points, 13 on the road.

The draw also kept them in the third position with 32 points.

Big win in Ikenne

Remo Stars triumphed over Kwara United with a resounding 4-0 victory. Sodiq Ismail, Seun Odunsi, and Philip Odubia scored the goals.

Ismail scored in the sixth minute, followed by Odunsi, doubling the lead six minutes later.

Kwara United’s woes escalated when Odubia added a third goal. Ismail completed his brace, sealing the scoreline at 4-0 in favour of the hosts.

In the second half, Kwara United coach Kabiru Dogo made a double substitution, bringing on Omaka Anthony and Adewale Adeyinka for Etaghara Bright and Suleiman Subair, respectively.

Introducing fresh players from the bench bolstered Kwara United’s performance, but they couldn’t narrow the goal difference.

With this result, Remo Stars secured their place in the Super Six by finishing second in Group A with 33 points.

Kwara United will continue competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League after finishing eighth, ahead of Nasarawa and El-Kanemi Warriors.

Results

Matchday 18

Abia Warriors 2-0 Doma Utd

Bayelsa Utd 2-0 Niger Tornadoes

El Kanemi 2-2 plateau Utd

Enugu Rangers 1-1 Rivers Utd

Gombe Utd 0-1 Akwa Utd

Lobi Stars 0-2 Wikki Tourist

Remo Stars 4-0 Kwara Utd

Shooting Stars 0-0 Enyimba

Sunshine Stars 3-0 Dakkada FC

Argentina 2023: Nigeria Edge Dominican Republic For Three Points In Mendoza

By

Emenike Agu

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May 22, 2023

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Nigeria’s Flying Eagles earned the first three points of Group D of the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup in Argentina after an own goal by Guillermo De Rena and a smart finish by Samson Lawal steered them beyond Dominican Republic in Mendoza.

Ibrahim Muhammad’s shot had been firmly held by goalkeeper Xavier Valdez and Jude Sunday and Tochukwu Nnadi had threatened in the fore within the first quarter-hour, before Japanese referee Yusuke Araki opted to consult the Video Assistant Referee and then award a penalty to Dominican Republic in the 20^th minute, after a tackle by Daniel Daga.

The resultant penalty was brilliantly converted by Edison Azcona.

Sunday, Nnadi, Fago Lawal, Samson Lawal and Muhammad all doubled their efforts with onslaughts launched towards the opposition, but goalkeeper Valdez was brilliant on the day, especially in tipping over Sunday’s dipping shot from outside the box in the 37^th minute.

Defender Solomon Agbalaka, who headed the goal that sank hosts Egypt at the Africa U20 Cup of Nations in January, attempted a similar effort in the 58^th minute but found Valdez capable. From a dashing run in the 61^st minute, substitute Emmanuel Umeh should have done more than place the ball in the keeper’s waiting hands.

Daga, Sunday and substitute Haliru Sarki all tested the keeper in a second half dominated by Nigeria, but Samson Lawal was very alert to smell blood and capitalize on a defensive lapse by the boys from Dominican Republic to score Nigeria’s winner in the 68^th minute. This was a minute after Jude Sunday had the ball in the net from a flowing team move, but it was ruled offside.

“We are happy with the three points though we wanted the boys to win by a higher margin as goals advantage do matter along the line in a competition such as this. The next two matches will be much tougher and I expect the Flying Eagles to also show sterner stuff,” said NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi who watched the encounter at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas in Mendoza.

Next up for the two-time runners-up of the FIFA U20 World Cup is a clash with Italy at the same venue on Wednesday evening. A draw will most certainly guarantee a place in the knockout rounds for the Flying Eagles, ahead of their final group phase encounter with Brazil in La Plata on Saturday.

Nigerian Govt. Says All 36 States Have Benefitted From Rural Electrification Agency

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 21, 2023

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Nigeria’s Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, has praised the Rural Electrification Agency for its impact, calling the agency a star in the power sector in Nigeria saying that projects it implemented have gone a long way in closing the energy gap and uplifting unserved and underserved Nigerians.

He stated this while briefing journalists at the presidential villa Abuja.

According to the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Jedy-Agba, the REA has achieved some successes under the Nigeria Electrification Project (NEP) as 5 million Nigerians have been electrified, and 1.2 million solar home systems (SHS) have been deployed across the 36 states of the Federation.

He added that with its many other projects including the 249,193 tons of carbon emissions that have been saved, the REA has created over 1,000 jobs.

The Minister assured that with all the equipment being purchased for both the generation, distribution, and transmission channels, the electricity supply would improve soon.

Meanwhile, Jedy-Agba said the council approved two memos for the ministry.

The first one is approval for the award of a contract for the procurement of 25 numbers of 33 KV circuit breakers and 120 numbers of surge arrestors for systems used by the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

The second one is the variation due to price escalation on the construction of the Dukanbo Shonga 132 KV double circuit transmission line in Kwara state at the cost is N1.5 billion.