News

Lagos To Regulate Organ Harvest, Transplantation Practice

Published

3 years ago

June 30, 2021

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Lagos To Regulate Organ Harvest, Transplantation Practice

Shokunle

…as stakeholders seek amendment to bill

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Lagos State Government has begun the process of regulating organ harvest and transplantation through a bill that would create a department for it’s regulation at the state Ministry of Health.

The bill entitled, “Lagos State Organ Harvest And Transplantation Bill” went through public hearing at the Lagos State House of Assembly on Wednesday June 30.

The bill made provisions for the establishment of a department in the Ministry of Health to be known as the Organ Harvest and Transplantation Department.

The department is to advise the state government on all matters relating to organ harvest, transplantation and preservation.

The Department will also formulate and develop state strategies, guidelines and protocols for medical transplant and harvest in the state.

Contributing to the bill, a member of the editorial board of Thisday Newspaper, who is also a lawyer, Mr. Sanni Ekpowusi advised that there should be a specific definition of the organs to be captured, while alleging that some female students of the University of Lagos market their embryo eggs.

Ekpowusi also suggested that members of the authorisation committee should include Imams, clergies, psychologists, medical doctors and lawyers.

He stated that any organ that can lead to the death of the donor should not be allowed for transplantation or harvesting, adding that members of the authorization committee could be taken to court, while people might decline to donate or receive organs on grounds of religion and culture.

Also speaking, Dr. Amisu Mumuni, Chairman of Medical Consultants Association of Nigeria, LASUTH said that members of the authorising committee should be professionals.

Professor Awodunsi, First Vice President of Transplant Association of Nigeria stated that they had been working with the Ministry of Justice on the issue for a long time, and that the law will regulate organ harvesting and transplanting in the state.

“It is a step in the right direction. A regulatory body is being set up for the first time to regulate organ harvesting and transplantation in the country.

“None had existed in Nigeria in the past and it has provided a gap to many things. It’s a good starting point for regulating Transplantation.

“But I want to advise that the department should be independent. The membership of the committee should be increased,” he said.

Dr. Bodunrin Oshunkomaiya, a blood transfusion consultant said that it was important to indicate the organs that were being discussed and that bone marrow transplant should be included, adding that ovaries and embryos are also part of the organs.

She said that the authorisation committee should be very dynamic, and that there should be a member that knows about a particular transplant in the committee.

According to her, private hospitals should be included in the transplant as there are facilities for bio-bank in some private hospitals.

Mrs. Titi Ekosa from 24 Center, an NGO, said that there was no space for community participation in the bill .

Ekosa stressed that community people had a lot of information about organ harvesting, and that they should be accommodated in the authorization committee.

“There is no awareness about the issue as this is very important. A lot of people need to understand why they are doing the transplant. This would help them to make informed decision on the donation of their organs before they die,” she said.

Dr. Abiola Idowu, Executive Secretary of Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency said that there should be format for authorising the organs of people and that there should be a sworn affidavit of the person authorising the harvesting.

Dr. Ajibola Keshinro, a psychiatrist and medical director of the General Hospital, Apapa said that the topic should be changed because there are so many things involved.

Keshinro said that the bill should talk about cells too and that it is not only the organs that are transplanted.

He said that people having mental health should also be considered in the whole process and thst there is need to include a psychiatrist in the authorisation committee.

Earlier in his keynote address, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni urged the people to make their input on organ harvest and transplant.

Obasa said that the objective of the bill is to make sure that there is no illegal organ transplant or harvest.

“We also want to make sure that organs are available to those who need them and ensure that the best practice is observed in organ transplant in Lagos State.

“We are gathered here to deliberate and meditate on the bill before the House.

“The bill seeks to create a department on transplanting and harvesting of human organs in the state ministry of health.

“It will create a system to stop the bad practices on organ transplant and harvest. It is meant to criminalise unethical malpractices and stop the practice of transplanting human organs illegally.

“The House of Representatives once came up with a bill to prevent illegal sales of human organs,” he said.

He however said that the need of human organs for medical purposes is sacrosanct and that the Bill will introduce structural practices in the profession.

“We need to propagate safe medical practice. The bill is credibly designed such that it has been divided into seven parts. It is very germaine and the quality of the law will depend on your contributions through oral addresses and memoranda,”, he said .

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Akeem Sokunle said that the bill was long overdue due to the sales in human organ by unscrupulous elements.

Sokunle said that it is meant to regulate the harvest of human organ and to ensure that the proper process is followed in transplanting human organs.

State Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, who was at the event, said that the demand for organ transplantation was rising because of improved use of advanced technology, adding that there is need for the government to regulate the practice so as to prevent quackery.

“Increase in demand for organ transplantation makes the government to put in place regulatory measures. We will not be doing things that is below the global standard either on the side of the donor or the recipient.

While doing the overview of the Bill, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade said that it was not all hospitals that would have the privilege to remove or transplant organs.

“However, before transplanting is done, the organ must have been harvested.

“There are penals for doing anything that is inconsistent with the provisions of the Bill. Whoever has organ failure will have access to where they are available. We want to make Lagos State, where conducts of human beings are regulated with laws,” he said.

News

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

Published

14 hours ago

May 3, 2024

august24admin

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.

News

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

Published

14 hours ago

May 3, 2024

august24admin

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.

News

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

Published

1 day ago

May 2, 2024

august24admin

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.