The Federal Government, in partnership with the European Union and France, has signed a partnership agreement under the Global Gateway’s Manufacturing and Access to Vaccines, Medicines, and Health Technologies Initiative.

According to a statement issued by the EU, yesterday, the partnership aims to advance Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing capacity and strengthen local health systems.

“The project, named Quality Uplift for Advancing Local Industry in Medicine Standards, is worth €10.2 million and seeks to bolster Nigeria’s pharmaceutical ecosystem by expanding the local production of quality-assured medicines, improving access to essential health technologies, and promoting research-based innovation,” the statement said.

Additionally, the project will reinforce the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development as a regional reference centre for critical activities such as bioequivalence, stability studies, and quality control, fostering regional collaboration with Rwanda and Senegal.

The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Gautier Mignot, emphasised the importance of this collaboration during the signing ceremony, describing it as proof of the enduring partnership between the EU, France, and Nigerian and West African stakeholders.

He stressed the need to build robust, resilient, and efficient health and social welfare systems to ensure prosperity for all.

“Let’s combine the strength of our EU-Nigeria official partnership, EU-ECOWAS official partnership, with the dynamism of our companies on both sides to achieve a common goal: making Nigerian healthcare life-saving and sustainable, diversified, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians, creating jobs and opportunities,” he said, expressing his wish to expand this vision across the rest of West Africa and the continent.

France’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Marc Fonbaustier, underscored France’s commitment to the partnership through the Global Health Strategy.

Noting that the principles guiding this strategy are equity, solidarity, and human dignity, he expressed pride in France’s contributions, stating the shared values and commitment to enhancing health systems and empowering communities.

The Director-General/CEO of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development, Dr Obi Adigwe, highlighted the significance of strategic partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s pharmaceutical manufacturing and strengthening local health systems.

“We want to ensure that our people not only get the highest level of access to healthcare but also catalyse socioeconomic development, job creation, capacity building, technology transfer, and revenue generation,” he said.

Through laboratory modernisation, technology transfer, and workforce training, the QUALIMED project is expected to boost Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in medicines and vaccines, enhance regulatory compliance, and promote gender equity in biomanufacturing and research.

The expected outcomes of the initiative include upgraded NIPRD laboratories meeting international standards, increased Good Manufacturing Practice compliance, stronger clinical research networks, and better integration of Nigeria’s pharmaceutical sector into global innovation and production systems.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, says his administration will continue to provide fertile grounds for businesses, especially for the  indigenes in the spirit of its Rivers First mantra.

He stated this when he received in audience, the management of National Network newspaper led by its publisher, Reverend Canon Jerry Needam, at the Conference room of the Ministry of Information and Communications, State Secretariat, Port Harcourt, as part of the newspaper’s 21st anniversary celebrations.

Governor Fubara, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Sirawoo, commended the management of National Network for their steadfastness and consistency over the last twenty-one years of establishing the newspaper.

He noted that one of the gaps in Nigeria today is lack of effective communication, but lauded the management of the newspaper for prioritising the dissemination of information for the development of the society.

According to him, the management has not only ensured the stability of the newspaper, it has also become employer of labour, thus giving livelihoods to staff families.

“Your effort has brought pride to Rivers State. It’s one thing to start, another is to sustain. With what we have seen, the picture you have painted clearly is that this effort will be sustained, and will even go beyond you. You have been consistent with your staff; this shows that you have been working hard to sustain your legacy.

“Our mantra is Rivers First, and you are a Rivers man who has distinguished himself in the journalism profession, through which you are adding value to the society, we shall continue to place things that concern you and others alike on the front burner.”

Governor Fubara disclosed that being a man of peace with clear knowledge of the value of good governance and the role of the media in development, he will be open to delivering the anniversary lecture, and promised to look into their request, while tasking them to continue to be dispassionate in their reportage.

Earlier, the General Manager/Editor-in-Chief of National Network newspaper, Dr. Chris Konkwo, who spoke on behalf of the management, had gone down the memory lane to trace the evolution of the medium and how it had weathered the storms over the years.

He stressed that the newspaper would continue to stand the test of time and serve as a platform to help make the state and humanity better.

Dr. Konkwo disclosed that the management had mapped several events and programmes as part of the anniversary’s activities, including rewarding those who have been outstanding in diverse backgrounds with awards.

He formally invited Governor Siminalayi Fubara to deliver the anniversary lecture titled, “Media and Good Governance,” which he says resonates with the newspaper’s vision of promoting the good of society and the delivery of democratic dividends, in addition to also giving an award to the Governor.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that the state government will take concrete steps to immortalise the memory of late Pa Monday Perekeme Sinclair, the revered former Super Eagles coach who passed away at the age of 89.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance during the Service of Songs held in honour of the late football icon at the Ecumenical Centre, Abonnema Wharf Road in Port Harcourt, last Thursday

Speaking to a crowd of family members, sports enthusiasts, and dignitaries, the Governor described late Pa Sinclair as a man of great wisdom and dedication, who made indelible contributions to football development in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.

Governor Fubara commended the late coach’s legacy of service, discipline, humility, and mentorship, which, according to him, inspired generations of footballers across Nigeria.

“It will be improper and not complete if the state does not feature in this kind of programme, knowing the role late Monday Sinclair played in Rivers State when it comes to football. He was one-time our coach,” Governor Fubara said.

The Governor further assured that the Rivers State Government would take deliberate steps to ensure the late coach’s legacy endures.

“On behalf of the state and also as a friend to the family, I assure you that wherever we need to come in to immortalise the memory of this great man in the state, we will do that,” he declared.

The Governor noted that his presence at the event was motivated by both friendship and duty. He took a moment to console the bereaved family, urging them to find comfort in faith while embracing unity.

“The number of persons here to console you cannot fill the gap. The only person that can fill this gap is God. While we feel sad that he’s gone, we should also be happy that he has gone to be with the Lord. It’s a place of rest, where there is no insecurity, no need for a bulletproof car or a gate to your flat.”

Governor Fubara also used the occasion to preach unity and peace, emphasising that only peace has made it possible for his administration to continue its transformative work for the people of Rivers State.