NIGERIA PROVIDES NO-COST CAESAREAN SECTIONS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN

AFRICA NEWS

11th NOVEMBER, 2024

By Oyenike

NIGERIA PROVIDES NO-COST CAESAREAN SECTIONS TO UNDERPRIVILEGED WOMEN

Nigeria has introduced a program to provide free emergency Caesarean sections for “poor and vulnerable” women to reduce maternal deaths during childbirth. With a maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, Nigeria ranks fourth globally, largely due to limited access to Caesareans, especially in rural areas where many cannot afford medical care. Health Minister Muhammad Pate emphasised that no woman should die for lack of funds for a C-section, which typically costs around 60,000 naira ($36; £28).

The new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative allows eligible women to obtain Caesarean sections in public hospitals. To qualify, women must be enrolled in the public health insurance scheme. By eliminating financial obstacles to this critical procedure, the government aims to ensure that no woman is denied necessary care due to cost, according to Pate.

The health initiative will cover emergency cases only, as explained by Tashikalmah Hallah, a communications adviser to the health minister. Public hospital social welfare units will assess eligibility and identify women unable to pay for the procedure.

Pate acknowledged that maternal mortality rates remain “unacceptably high,” underscoring the importance of Caesareans in preventing deaths during childbirth.

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FOUR NIGERIANS SECURE ELECTED POSITIONS IN THE US AND AUSTRALIA

Four Nigerians have achieved significant success in international politics by winning elected roles in the United States and Australia. A statement from the Nigeria in Diaspora Commission, signed by spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun, revealed that Dr. Oye Owolewa, Segun Adeyina, Adeyemi Mobolade, and Chiaka Barry triumphed in recent elections, representing various communities and political parties.

In the U.S., Owolewa was re-elected as the Shadow Representative for the District of Columbia with the Democratic Party, focusing on advocating for local governance and statehood. Adeyina also retained his position as the State Representative for District 110 in Georgia, leveraging his extensive IT management experience from companies like General Motors and Hewlett Packard.

In a groundbreaking achievement, Nigerian-American entrepreneur Mobolade was elected as the Mayor of Colorado Springs, marking him as the first Black individual to hold this office and reflecting the city’s changing political dynamics.

In Australia, Barry secured a seat in the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly for the Ginninderra District as a member of the Liberal Party. With a strong background as a legal officer, her expertise spans litigation and policy development. NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, congratulated them on their electoral victories, commending their efforts in breaking new ground.

Dr. Oye Owolewa, one of the Nigerians that have achieved significant success in international politics by winning elected roles in the United States and Australia

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BOTSWANA TO AUTHORISE UNDOCUMENTED ZIMBABWEANS – PRESIDENT

The newly elected President of Botswana, Duma Boko, has expressed his intention to legalise undocumented Zimbabweans by offering them temporary work and residence permits. In an interview with the BBC, Boko highlighted that these individuals perform essential jobs that would otherwise remain unaddressed. Botswana is home to a significant population of Zimbabweans escaping economic difficulties, often facing resentment and daily deportations.

Despite potential unpopularity, Boko, who recently replaced a long-standing ruling party, views this initiative as crucial for economic recovery. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the influx of undocumented Zimbabweans crossing the extensive border, which limits their access to services and often leads to criminal activities, further fuelling resentment among locals.

Boko emphasised the need for a structured approach to recognise the presence of Zimbabweans in Botswana. While the exact number of undocumented migrants is uncertain, statistics indicate that Zimbabweans make up a vast majority of irregular migrants, with many seeking refuge due to Zimbabwe’s economic collapse over the past two decades.

Recent records show that nearly all irregular migrants in Botswana are Zimbabwean nationals, with thousands being deported daily for lacking documentation. Boko’s proposal aims to address these issues and establish a more formal arrangement for the Zimbabwean community residing in Botswana.

The newly elected Botswana’s president, Duma Boko

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IGP ASSURES POLICE AND SECURITY AGENCIES ARE READY FOR ONDO ELECTIONS, BANS LOCAL SECURITY GROUPS

The Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, addressed citizens as the Ondo State Gubernatorial Election approaches on November 16, 2024. He assured citizens of the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to a peaceful election across all local areas. He confirmed that extensive plans are in place to facilitate a smooth electoral process, including the deployment of sufficient personnel and advanced equipment.

Various specialised units, such as the Special Intervention Squad and Counter-Terrorism Unit, will collaborate with other security agencies to uphold the guidelines of the Electoral Act, ensuring fairness and transparency. Aerial surveillance will also be conducted, with police helicopters monitoring the skies and gunboats patrolling waterways.

These thorough measures aim to prevent any disruptions to the electoral process and enhance overall election stability. The IGP has warned political thugs and potential disruptors that they will face severe legal consequences if they attempt to instigate violence or disorder during the election period.

The Inspector General of the Nigerian Police Force, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun

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OKONJO-IWEALA BECOMES ONLY CANDIDATE FOR WTO DIRECTOR-GENERAL

Former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has emerged as the exclusive contender for the World Trade Organisation’s director-general position. Currently holding the role of DG, she is campaigning for a second term after being appointed on February 15, 2021, with her current tenure ending on August 31, 2025.

Okonjo-Iweala confirmed her desire to pursue an additional four-year term on September 16. Petter Olberg, the chair of the WTO’s General Council, notified members that no further nominations were received by the November 8 cutoff.

In line with WTO regulations, a comprehensive list of candidates must be presented to members after the nomination period. Olberg verified that Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala stands as the singular candidate for the role.

The communication from Okonjo-Iweala was disseminated to all members following the established guidelines, reflecting her ongoing dedication to steering the organisation forward.

The former Nigerian Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala

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