Connect with us

News

‘My Story Shows Breast Cancer is Beatable’, Ondo First Lady Says

Published

on

‘My Story Shows Breast Cancer is Beatable’, Ondo First Lady Says
GANIU AZEEZ (AKURE)
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Mrs Akeredolu

Mrs Akeredolu

L-R: HE. Dr Zainab Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Ondo First Lady, and Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, at the Combined First and Second Quarter Meeting of the National Technical Working Group on Cancer Control and Prevention in Nigeria, at Rockview Hotel (Classic), Wuse II,  Abuja on Thursday, June 24, 2021

L-R: HE. Dr Zainab Bagudu, First Lady of Kebbi State, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, Ondo First Lady, and Dr Adebimpe Adebiyi, Director Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health, at the Combined First and Second Quarter Meeting of the National Technical Working Group on Cancer Control and Prevention in Nigeria, at Rockview Hotel (Classic), Wuse II, Abuja on Thursday, June 24, 2021

“Having survived breast cancer for twenty-four years and still counting, there is no better poster child to show that breast cancer can be beaten if we take the right steps at the right time. One of such steps is being breast aware, which I strongly believe is the entry point to surviving breast cancer. Given my experience, I can confidently say breast cancer is not a death sentence and it should kill no woman.”
Her Excellency, Arabirin Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, said this, Wednesday, at the Combined First and Second Quarter Meeting of the National Technical Working Group (TWG) on Cancer Control and Prevention in Nigeria at Rockview Hotel, Wuse II, Abuja, Federal Capital Territory.
Programme was organised by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) to disseminate information on the Cancer Access Partnership (CAP) with emphasis on Introduction of new medicines in the expanded product portfolio, discuss strategies and insights on expanding access to paediatric cancer and improving uptake of anti-cancer medicines, disseminate national training materials and data tools for cervical cancer secondary prevention, introduce innovative cancer medicines demonstration study scheduled for implementation at the National Hospital, Abuja, among other objectives.
Arabirin gave tips on how cancer can be controlled and treated in Nigeria, saying: “You will agree with me that it is both intuitively and scientifically correct to assert that early diagnosis of cancer can significantly improve cancer outcomes and patients survival. It will be sensible and cost effective to utilize our existing health care system to create awareness on the common forms of Cancer.
“Therefore, routine opportunistic cancer education should be conducted for persons seeking non-cancer related care at any health facility – both primary and secondary health facilities. BRECAN partnered with Ondo State Ministry of Health to commence the implementation of this initiative in February 2021 and the initiative is currently been implemented in all the State hospitals in Ondo State.
We have been doing a lot of campaign to educate women and men alike on how to conduct breast self-examination and this has yielded good results. We will however achieve more gain if clinical breast examination are conducted at primary health facilities.”
The First Lady added that there is at least one primary health care facility in each ward in Ondo State, saying, ‘by ensuring that clinical breast examination services are offered at all the primary health centers, up to 80% of target population can be reached since 85% of pregnant women in the state receive ANC at health facilities and up to 74% have institutional delivery, indicating high patronage of the health facilities by women of reproductive age.’
In her words: “Using Ondo state as an example; there is at least one primary health care facility in each ward. If we ensure clinical breast examination services are offered at all the primary health centers, we can be sure we will be covering up to 80% of our target population since 85% of pregnant women in the state receive ANC at health facilities and up to 74% have institutional delivery, indicating high patronage of the health facilities by women of reproductive age.
“It is equally important that we work to improve patient navigation at the health systems level. A sizable proportion of patients are lost to follow-up in the cancer care continuum as a result of the complexity and poor functioning of our health system especially as it relates to cancer care. We must evaluate our health system critically and re-model it to ensure accessibility, affordability and quality in order to curb loss to follow-up. The Federal and State ministry of health must take up this responsibility.”
Commenting on the efforts the Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) has made in combating cancer, Arabirin said BRECAN has, through research, realised that most factors impeding positive cancer outcome are multi-faceted yet integrated.
“In these many years of existence, through research and field experience, we have come to realize that most factors impeding positive cancer outcome (especially breast, cervical and prostate) are multi-faceted yet integrated. It is therefore important to apply a holistic approach to cancer programming.
A study conducted by BRECAN in collaboration with some researchers from the University of Washington, Seattle, USA showed that religious leaders enjoy a high-level influence on breast cancer patients, and they can be a major contributor to delays in presentation.
“At Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), we have a team of survivors called “Team Survivors Nigeria” in many parts of the country and they have been providing psychosocial support to breast cancer patient. I think this technical working group needs to consider this aspect of care. As we deliberate on improving cancer outcome, we must engage religious leaders to ensure they provide only psychosocial support and referral services rather than make attempts to treat.” The First Lady said.
Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu is the Founder of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria, founded in 1997 after her victorious battle against breast cancer, and twenty-four years afterwards, she has been working to improve breast cancer outcome through awareness creation, advocacy and patient support.
The programme featured, inter alia,
plenary discussions, lectures, updates on cancer control efforts, milestones, progress and challenges, update on cancer policies, stories of NGOs in the cancer space.
At the event were: First Lady of Kebbi State, Her Excellency, Dr. Mrs. Zainab Shinkaffi-Bagudu, and Director, Hospital Services, Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), Dr. Adebimpe Adebiyi, mni, distinguished academics, Medical Practitioners and researchers.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Transcorp Group delivers impressive Q1 2024 performance; sustains revenue growth of 173% and PBT of N45 billion

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp” or the “Group”), Nigeria’s leading, listed conglomerate with investment in the Power, Hospitality, and Energy sectors, has announced impressive Q1 financial results for the period ended March 31, 2024.


In its Q1 2024 unaudited results, Transcorp reported significant year-on-year growth, with revenue rising to N88.6 billion from N32.4 billion in 2023, representing a 173% increase.


The impressive results are largely driven by a remarkable 209% year-on-year revenue growth within the power business, highlighting significant strategic progress as part of Transcorp Group’s implementation of its integrated power strategy.


The hospitality business recorded a 68% year-on-year growth in revenue, driven by an increase in occupancy rate from 75% to 82% compared to the previous year.


The results show substantial growth across all financial indicators, reinforcing its market leadership and strategic positioning.

Highlight of Transcorp Group Results:
• Q1 2024 Revenue was N88.6 billion, a significant increase of 173%, compared to Q1 2023.


• Operating income increased by 479%, from N8.5 billion in Q1 2023 to N49.1 billion in Q1 2024.


• Operating expenses saw an increase of 40% year on year to N8.2 billion in Q1 2024, reflecting the impact of inflation and cost of operations.


• Net finance cost increased by 14% to N3.7 billion in 2024 from N3.2 billion in 2023 due to a slightly higher interest rate review in line with MPR.


• Profit before tax from ordinary business of the Group surged by 1110%, amounting to N34.7 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N2.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Profit before tax inclusive of extra ordinary income was N45.7 billion in 2024 compared to N2.9 billion in 2023.


• The Group recorded extra ordinary income of N11 billion during the period from the realised gain from the sale of shares.


• Profit after Tax including the extra ordinary income improved 1832% year-on-year to N35.9 billion in Q1 2024, compared to N1.9 billion in Q1 2023 in the same period last year.


• Earnings per share of the Group was N61.12k in Q1 2024, compared to N2.58k in Q1 2023.


• On the balance sheet, total assets grew by 8.3%, from N530 billion in December 2023 to N574 billion in Q1 2024 due to the increase in operational activities.


• Shareholders’ funds increased by 20% from N187billion in December 2023 to N224 billion at the end of Q1 2024 due to profit accreted to retained earnings.

In response to the results, Dr. Owen D. Omogiafo, President/Group Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp, commented, “Our Q1 2024 results demonstrates Transcorp Group’s resilience and commitment to excellence.

Despite the challenges, we achieved growth across all major indices, focusing on operational efficiency at both our power plants, and maximising opportunities within our hospitality business, showing our ability to adapt and succeed in changing markets.

We will continue to deliver sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and value for our shareholders.”


This robust achievement is a further demonstration of the Group’s strategic focus and effective execution. Transcorp is dedicated to its transformation agenda, emphasising sustained growth and a relentless pursuit of long-term value for shareholders.

About Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Plc)
Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group) is a leading, listed African conglomerate, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors. Driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, Transcorp has built a longstanding reputation for sector transformation, operational excellence, and exceptional financial performance, delivering value to its shareholders.
In the power sector, Transcorp’s businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power – provide over 16% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity.

Through its investments in the energy sector including OPL287, Transcorp is developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain.

The Group’s listed hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination, and Aura by Transcorp Hotels, a digital hospitality platform enabling travellers to book accommodation across Africa.

Continue Reading

News

AEDC Partners with Government and Stakeholders to Tackle Power Challenges in Nasarawa and Niger State.

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Amid mounting concerns over erratic power supply in Nasarawa State, Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the electricity challenges facing the region.

Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, Speaker of Nasarawa State House of Assembly (middle), alongside Yakubu Suleiman Umar, GM of Nasarawa Electricity Power Agency (fifth left), and Engr. Johnathan Adeyemi, Chief Business Officer of Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa (KNN) regions (sixth right), and other delegates engaged in a crucial dialogue on electricity service enhancement at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Lafia on April 30th, 2024.

Engr. Jonathan Adeyemi, AEDC’s Chief Business Officer for Kogi, Niger, and Nasarawa, represented tye Disco at the Nasarawa State House of Assembly on April 30th, 2024, following its summon by the assembly to address the pressing issues.

Acknowledging the frustrations of residents grappling with inconsistent electricity provision, AEDC assured Niger State’s residents of its proactive measures to ameliorate the situation. Promising increased allocation contingent on national generation improvements, AEDC emphasized its dedication to meeting the energy needs of the community. Engr. Adeyemi also urged residents to embrace the deregulation of prepaid meters to expedite their deployment, thus facilitating more efficient monitoring and management of electricity consumption.

During constructive discussions with representatives from the Nasarawa State House of Assembly, both entities resolved to collaborate towards enhancing customer satisfaction and improved service delivery.

In Niger State, AEDC is working to proactively ensure the safety and security of its personnel and infrastructure. Engr. Samuel Odekina, the Niger State Regional Manager and his team, paid a courtesy visit to key law enforcement officials, including the Commissioner of Police, Niger State, CP Ebenezer Danmamman, and the Commandant of NSCDC Niger State Command, Cmdr. Joachin Okafor, on April 26th, 2024. The aim was to foster a conducive environment for reliable electricity supply by addressing pertinent security concerns.

Through continued dialogue and cooperation among AEDC, government agencies, and customers, there exists a shared determination to surmount challenges and improve the electricity landscape in both Niger and Nasarawa state respectively.

Customers were advised to escalate all electricity-related issues via AEDC’s social media platforms or its offices for technical or commercial support.

Continue Reading

News

Tree4Life Project: NEPL/Seplat JV, Edo Sign Reforestation Agreement

Published

on

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The NNPC Exploration and Production Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture and the Edo State Government have signed an agreement that will see the state government allocate 6,000 hectares of land from its protected forest reserves to enable a large-scale tree planting initiative by Seplat Energy Plc.

This is in furtherance to the Seplat Tree4Life Initiative and the Edo State Government’s identification of the need to increase forest cover and carbon sequestration efforts within the region.

Seplat Energy has been selected as the partner to implement this reforestation project, which aims to plant millions of indigenous trees on the allocated land over the next five (5) years. This project represents a significant investment in environmental conservation and sustainable development for the state.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony, which happened in Edo State Government House, the Managing Director, Seplat West Limited, Seplat Energy, Ayodele Olatunde, said the partnership will contribute in the global efforts around mitigating the effects of climate change, whilst providing economic, social, health and other environmental benefits to the region.

“This will stir more advocacy as far as climate change is concerned and put the Edo State Government with the Seplat JV on the map as change agents. The partnership is well aligned with our Tree4Life Initiative and has the capacity to boost our economy and the environment; advance our soil health and drive carbon capture; preserve our ecosystem; enhance biodiversity; create jobs; conserve our forests; and promote physical and mental wellbeing of our people,” Olatunde said.

The Commissioner for Environment & Sustainability, Edo State, Joshua Omokhodion, said the synergy between Edo State and the Seplat JV is a huge attempt at mitigating the impacts of climate change in Nigeria. “Beyond the economics of this move, the science of it is very important to us because it is an attempt to deliberately create an ambience that will be conducive for humans and other creatures here.”

The Director, External Affairs & Social Performance, Seplat Energy, Chioma Afe, in her address, thanked the Edo State Government for partnering with the NEPL/Seplat JV on this sustainable journey of reforestation.  She said: “This will drive forward our shared goals of environmental conservation and sustainable land use.

“These 6,000 hectares of land being allocated today, we believe, will provide a major boost to efforts at increasing tree cover and also to sequester carbon in our region. We believe also that this will not only tackle climate change, but will promote the local economy as well as local wildlife. The agreement demonstrates the NEPL/Seplat JV strong commitment to supporting impactful environmental projects.

The Managing Director, NEPL, Nicolas Foucart, represented by Mr. Uzoma Ezulu, DM Operations Management Seplat, NEPL, said the partnership between the state government and NEPL/Seplat JV is a laudable response to the global warming crisis. “The world is turning around for the worst; human activities in the name of development have done more harm than good to the environment. The Tree4Life project, therefore, is a conservative effort for all of us,” he said. Teasoo Consulting Limited was also among the facilitators of the agreement signing ceremony.

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2021 All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from August24news.com
This Website is designed and Managed by: August 24 Communications Nigerian Limited (RC: 798585)