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National Blood Service Commission Bill will Ensure Effective Coordination and Regulation of Blood Services – Minister Says

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DR OSAGIE

The  Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has said that when the Bill for the Law establishing the National Blood Service Commission (NBSC) is passed, it would ensure that Nigerians get access to safe blood when needed, and in an equitable manner. 

He has also noted that delivering on this vision would rely on more robust quality management systems, robust regulatory frameworks, appropriate quality policies and processes, seamlessly institutionalized in coordinating blood establishments across the country, and a well-motivated, organized and committed staff.

Dr. Ehanire who was represented by his Senior Technical Assistant, Dr. Chris Isokpunwu, made these declarations on Tuesday, while delivering a keynote address at the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) Stakeholders Meeting and launching of Ten-Year Strategic Plan, 2021 – 2030 of the Service held at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, Abuja.

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Dr. Ehanire also cautioned against improper handling, usage, coordination and regulation of blood.

He disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Health’s report of 2018 revealed that up to 18% of newly acquired HIV infections in Nigeria are due to unsafe blood transfusions.

Dr. Ehanire further charged the NBTS on the “long overdue” blood component production and blood-related medicinal products in line with the National Strategic Health Development Plan.

The Minister also looked in the direction of “significant financial returns” generated for Government through the production and sale of a suitable range of therapeutic blood products, plasma and plasma-derivative medicinal products for local, regional and international market” and the “job opportunities for a considerable proportion of the unemployed”, “additional income” that could “reduce pressures on the national budget.”

On the 10-Year Strategic Plan of the NBTS, Dr. Ehanire said it will ensure a good quality, safe and sustainable blood supply with 100% Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation (VNRBD), a robust partnership and stakeholders coordination especially that the plan is with cost implications of N42.3 Billion/USD112 Million.

He therefore called on partners to key into the areas that may interest them.

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Customs Corner

COWA PTML Command Spreads Love to Orphans, Vulnerable Children

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Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Customs Officers Wives Association (COWA) Port and Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) has reached out to orphans and vulnerable children in the spirit of the season.

The women visited the Chosen Child Orphanage and Care Centre and So-Said Charity Homes, both in Ajegunle, Apapa, Lagos, on Tuesday, 13 February, 2024.

Donating cash gifts and household items to the children of both homes, the Chairperson, COWA PTML Chapter, Princess Ojoede stated that the gesture is one that is being carried out both at National and State level.

“Our National President, Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi, has mandated us, as our core objectives to make sure that we carry out this outreach to the children, to empower them and to show them love and care”. She said.

“She is also happy that we are delivering and implementing her core mandates of putting smiles on the faces of children and doing this welfare program”.

She emphasized the importance of the outreach saying that, it is their burning desire that all children should live happily and be well taken care of.

“As COWA members, we care with humility, and we want to show that care and love to the children here so this is just a little minute pack of the achievement we want to deliver in Lagos, Zone A”. She said.

While Fielding questions from the women, the Coordinator of Chosen Child Orphanage and Care Centre, Mrs Loiusa Ayuba noted that the home is registered with the Lagos State Government and caters to the needs of orphans and vulnerable children.

“We want to take them further in life, not having a father or mother is no longer an excuse to deny any child the opportunity to have the priviledge that other children enjoy”. She said.

She expressed gratitude to the women for their visit and donations.

Similarly, the Admistrative officer, So-Said Charity Homes, Pauline Okoro, expressed deep appreciation to the women for their kind gesture towards the children, while also offering prayers for them.

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Agriculture

Customs Officers Thwart Illegal Elephant Tusks Export

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Three Arrested in Joint Wildlife Protection Operation

Author: Lucy Nyambi.

Officers of the Nigeria Customs Service, Special Wildlife Office and the Customs Police Unit, in an intelligence-led, joint enforcement operation with the Wildlife Justice Commission, have arrested 3 suspects for facilitating the illegal export of Wildlife to Asia.

The 3 illegal Wildlife Traders were arrested during the sale of 5 pieces of Elephant Tusk on the 25th of January 2024, the 4th and 6th of February 2024.

The items weighing 25.35kg are worth about 16,000 USD in the Country of destination, which is equivalent to N23,520,000.00.

According to the Officer in charge of the Nigeria Customs Services’ Special Wildlife Office, Assistant Comptroller Abimbola Isafiade, “trafficking of Wildlife is a criminal offence punishable under law, and so Nigeria Customs Service will continue to support the global effort to fight Wildlife crime.”

“This act contravenes the Endangered Species Act of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Nigeria Customs Service Act.” She emphasized.

AC Abimbola restated the Nigeria Customs Services’ commitment to leaving no stone unturned to end Illegal wildlife trade.

She assured that the Service is determined to dismantle the Wildlife criminal networks operating within the country.

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Customs Corner

Customs MMIA Holds Free CGC’s Medical Outreach to Mark International Customs Day

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Author: Lucy Nyambi.

The Nigeria Customs Service, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, in partnership with Rotary Club District 9110, has held a free medical outreach as part of activities to mark International Customs Day (ICD).

The free medical outreach held at the Medical Centre, Nigeria Customs Training College Ikeja, Lagos, on Friday, January 26, 2024, during the ICD celebration.

While Inspecting the exercise, the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR commended the medical Officers’ support and the synergy during the outreach.

He expressed delight at the quality of service with the quantity of medication for the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

The CGC further expressed optimism for future partnership with the Rotary Club, saying, “We hope that this will not be a one-off thing; we will explore other areas where we can partner together.”

He also commended the Customs Area Controller, Murtala Muhammed International Airport Command, Comptroller Charles Orbih, for the initiative.

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