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UNICEF Urges ECOWAS Member-States To Allocate More Resources To Healthcare
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on ECOWAS member-states to allocate more resources to strengthen the health system.
The Deputy Representative, Programme, Dr Rownak Kan, made the appeal yesterday in Abuja, during the opening ceremony of the West African Health Organisation (WAHO), Forum of Health Partners.
The forum is part of the ongoing 25th Assembly of Health Ministers (AHM) of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Conference which began on Monday.
The forum is with the theme, “The Quality of Health Care in the ECOWAS Region, Determinants and Prospects”.
According to Kan, investing in quality of care is very important to facilitate healthcare delivery to the populace.
“We advocate for evidence-based practice innovation and accountability and will like to have more investment in quality of care.
“We also need to collaborate across the border as well because there are many opportunities to work together in relation to maternal and newborn health, child health and nutrition, the human resource.
“The health workforce is a major issue in this region, the infrastructure as well and we’re talking about universal health coverage and primary health care.
“At the same time, the cross cutting issue of gender equality as UNICEF in collaboration with partners, we have established the network for improving quality of care for maternal and newborn and child health.”
Kan said that through the network, the organisation aims to provide every woman and newborn with care throughout their journey.
She also called for collaboration across borders for communicable diseases and other issues and the need to engage communities, women religious leaders, local leaders to monitor the progress.
The Director-General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Aissi, said that the partners’ forum was an opportunity to briefly review the state of health of the population in the ECOWAS region and present some of the challenges encountered.
He also said that it was to discuss the innovations and contributions that the partners could make in the context of WAHO’s major priorities for the provision of quality primary health care including community-based interventions.
This, he said, was to ensure universal health coverage for most households in ECOWAS countries.
Aissi recalled the very remarkable contribution of partners in improving the health of the population of the ECOWAS region, adding that under the WAHO 2023 budget, community levy funds represented 34 per cent and partner funds 66 per cent.
“These contributions have enabled WAHO to make remarkable progress over the years in all countries and the region,” he contacted
He, however, made a plea for a dynamic and transparent partnership that promoted dialogue and synergy of actions in order to avoid the loss of funds linked to the duplication of interventions.
Speaking on the menace of malaria in the region, Prof. Sheila Tlou, Special Ambassador, African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA), said there were still gaps in addressing malaria challenge in the region.
“This includes critical financial shortfalls of malaria programmes, financial crisis and the impact of climate change, insecticide resistance and humanitarian crisis which need to be addressed urgently.
“Malaria surges on; Africa is off track to meet its bold and ambitious target to end malaria.
“The rate of progress has actually stalled in several countries. So,pp this is why we need to see the Yaounde Declaration as an opportunity to translate commitment to excellence, especially by us as the partners.
“I must say that in spite of the gaps in implementation in malaria control, significant progress has been made in the region,” he said.
The Tide reports that the WAHO is a specialised institution of ECOWAS responsible for health issues.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol