Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Aid for Rural Education Access Initiative (AREAi) has partnered with the Raspberry Pi Foundation to expand artificial intelligence (AI) literacy among young people and educators in underserved communities across the North.

The partnership will introduce the Experience AI programme in Adamawa, Borno, Benue states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), marking what the organisations described as the first large-scale implementation of the programme in Northern Nigeria. Under the initiative, 450 educators will be trained as certified Experience AI facilitators to deliver AI lessons to an estimated 16,000 students and community beneficiaries across the participating locations.

The programme is designed to provide learners with foundational knowledge of AI, including how AI systems work, responsible use of the technology and ways it can be applied to address real-world challenges in their communities.

Global Executive Director of AREAi, Prince Gideon Olanrewaju, said the partnership would help extend AI education to communities that could otherwise be excluded from emerging technological opportunities.

He said the initiative would particularly support learners in rural, underserved, refugee and displaced communities.

‘We can’t afford to leave behind refugee populations and displaced learners in this AI revolution,’ Olanrewaju said, adding that the programme would equip young people to innovate, solve problems and contribute to their communities.

The initiative comes amid growing applications of AI in sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, public services and employment, while access to foundational AI education remains uneven, particularly in rural and conflict-affected communities.

Chief Executive Officer of the Raspberry Pi Foundation, Philip Colligan CBE, said the partnership would equip teachers with the skills required to teach AI confidently and make the subject relevant to their students.

He said the collaboration would help young Nigerians develop a foundational understanding of AI and its potential impact on their lives.

Experience AI was co-developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a global computing education charity, and Google DeepMind. The programme has reached learners and educators in more than 196 countries through free lesson plans and classroom resources.

Head of Google DeepMind Impact Accelerator, Anna Koivuniemi, said the launch in Nigeria would give young people greater opportunities to understand and engage with AI technology.

She said expanding access to AI education could help young Nigerians make informed decisions about the use of AI applications and promote safe and responsible use of the technology.

AREAi said the partnership builds on its work over the past decade to expand access to education through technology-enabled and offline learning solutions, particularly in rural and humanitarian settings across Africa.

The organisation said the implementation of Experience AI would further support efforts to equip young people in underserved communities with skills needed to participate in the digital economy.

Abia State Governor Alex Otti has backed the establishment of the first National Park in the Southeast, to be sited in Abia State.

The governor gave the support while receiving a delegation from the National Park Service, led by the Chairman of its Governing Council, in his office.

Dr Otti assured the delegation of the state government’s support for the initiative, describing it as timely.

He said he had earlier in the day approved a request from the commissioner for environment for the tracing and identification of forest reserves across the state.

The governor said Abia has 19 forest reserves, 18 of which are available for consideration.

This, he said, provided an opportunity to have at least one conservation area in each of the 17 local governments.

He stressed the importance of environmental conservation and the need to preserve the state’s natural resources.

Otti said his administration would constitute a team, to be led by the commissioner for environment, with the participation of climate change and environmental experts, to ensure the establishment of the park.

He thanked the National Park Service for the initiative and congratulated ACG. Ugochukwu Michael on his elevation to the rank of Assistant Conservator-General.

The Chairman of the Governing Board of National Park Service, Dr. Kingsley Ononogbu, hailed Governor Otti’s achievements in the last three years.

He said the visit was to remind the governor of his commitment to the establishment of a National Park in Abia State, noting its absence in the Southeast had left the zone behind.

Ononogbu said the park would deliver socio-economic benefits to Abia State, including job creation, revenue generation, investment attraction, enhanced security and crime reduction.

Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Philemon Ogbonna, and other members of the State Executive Council were present at the meeting.

The Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) has commissioned a newly completed shopping mall to improve staff welfare and serve other hospital users.

The commissioning ceremony, held on the hospital premises on Wednesday, August 12, was attended by dignitaries from the public and private sectors.

The mall comprises 22 lock-up shops, each equipped with electricity meters, toilet facilities, generators and 24-hour security.

In his welcome address, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Prof. Adetokunbo O. Fabamwo, recalled that the hospital previously had shops and a business centre, which were destroyed in a fire.

‘Rather than seek direct government funding for reconstruction, LASUTH adopted a public-private partnership model, with a private investor financing and developing the facility and recouping the investment through rental income.’

Fabamwo explained that, following a competitive bidding process involving three firms, BMC Global Limited, chaired by Asiwaju Igbalaye Mendes, emerged as the successful bidder.

According to him, the project was delivered with the support of the supervising ministry and the approval of the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, with LASUTH providing the land but committing no direct funds to construction.

While commending LASUTH management, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, described the shopping mall as a significant development that would enhance staff welfare and convenience for patients and visitors.

‘Healthcare facilities should prioritise staff welfare alongside clinical services; this mall would provide access to essential services within the hospital premises,’ he said.

Abayomi also highlighted LASUTH’s achievements in advanced medical and surgical services, saying the development would help reduce medical tourism.

He disclosed that the Lagos State Government was planning to establish a standalone University of Medicine and Health Sciences and to implement healthcare financing reforms aimed at expanding access to quality healthcare and addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals.

On his part, the Chief Executive Officer of BMC Global Limited, Asiwaju Igbalaye Mendes, disclosed that the project held special personal significance, as it was inspired by his late son, Babatunde Oriyomi Mendes, who strongly believed in the vision.

He noted that, although the project was secured through competitive bidding, its completion remained deeply meaningful to him.

Asiwaju Mendes commended LASUTH management, particularly Prof. Fabamwo, for its professionalism, integrity and support throughout the project.

Dignitaries present at the commissioning included the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Oluwatoni Adeyemi; the Director of Clinical Services and Training and Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee, Prof. Adebowale O. Adekoya; Rev. Fr. Stephen Abiodun Akinsowon, representing the Archbishop of Lagos Metropolitan See; and others.

D’Tigress forward Amy Okonkwo has joined WNBA side Portland Fire as an injury replacement for Sarah Ashlee Barker.

The two-time Women’s AfroBasket MVP returns to the WNBA after averaging 11 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals in eight appearances for the Dallas Wings during the 2025 season.

Okonkwo also had a brief spell with Atlanta Dream earlier this year after signing a developmental contract.

The latest move gives the Nigerian international another opportunity to showcase her quality on one of the biggest stages in women’s basketball.

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four suspected members of a criminal gang allegedly linked to recent killings, armed robbery and cult-related activities in the Ajah axis of the state.

The suspects were also alleged to be involved in robberies around Ajah, Sangotedo and Ibeju-Lekki.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer(PPRO), Abimbola Adebisi, a Superintendent of Police, said operatives recovered three local pistols, one live ammunition, two battle axes and a Point of Sale (POS) machine.

According to her, arrests followed sustained follow-up investigations into a robbery case, which led detectives to the suspected members of the gang.

The suspects were identified as Kareem Abiodun, 26; Tansiru Emmanuel, 29; Lateef Usman, 28; and Alashe Azeez, 32.

The police noted that preliminary investigation showed that the suspects were linked to recent robbery activities in parts of the Ajah axis.

The command added that the suspects made confessional statements during preliminary investigation on their alleged involvement in armed robbery, murder and cultism.

The suspects were in police custody and assisting investigators with the ongoing investigation.

The police said efforts were also being intensified to apprehend other members of the gang and recover additional exhibits allegedly in their possession.

The suspects are expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations.

Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, Tijani Fatai, commended the operatives for their diligence and sustained follow-up efforts that led to the arrests.

Fatai charged police personnel to sustain the momentum and intensify efforts to apprehend other members of the gang.

He warned cultists, robbers and other violent criminals that the command would continue to deploy intelligence-led operations to track them down and bring them to justice.

The command also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the police through its emergency lines for prompt response.

A mega tractor Assembly plant is being planned by the Federal Government to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported agricultural machinery and strengthen its domestic manufacturing capacity.

Agriculture and Food Security Minister Abubakar Kyari revealed this at a High-Level National Policy Dialogue on Agricultural Mechanisation yesterday.

Kyari said at the event themed ‘Anchoring National Food Sovereignty through Sustainable Agricultural Mechanisation Policy, Innovation and Strategic Investment, ‘ that the plant, when operational, would produce between 2,000 and 4,000 tractors annually.

He explained that the proposed plant forms a major component of the National Agricultural Mechanisation Investment Strategy, designed to attract investment, create employment and build a sustainable mechanisation industry in the country.

The minister stated that government’s objective goes beyond importing or purchasing agricultural equipment, with greater emphasis being placed on building a domestic ecosystem for machinery production, agricultural technology and mechanisation services.

Kyari said: ‘Our Investment Strategy also includes plans to establish a mega tractor assembly plant with capacity to produce between 2,000 and 4,000 units annually, aimed at reducing import dependence and building domestic industrial capacity.

‘This is about localising production, creating jobs and building a sustainable mechanisation economy.’

He called on local and international investors to take advantage of opportunities in Nigeria’s agricultural mechanisation sector, stressing that government is looking for long-term partnerships rather than capital solely for the purchase of equipment.

‘Nigeria is open for investment in agricultural mechanisation. We are not seeking capital merely to purchase machines. We are seeking partners to build an enduring agricultural technology and services ecosystem,’ said the minister.

Kyari also identified young people and women as critical to the success of Nigeria’s emerging mechanisation economy. He pointed out that agriculture is increasingly becoming a technology-driven enterprise with opportunities for employment and wealth creation.

There is a lore native to Nigeria’s narrative of power. It fosters a culture and psychology of independence. Or dependence.

That psychology is written into our national constitutions and statutes. Yet, it survives through local folklore, proverbs, and the instincts that shape public behaviour.

It forms the core of political loyalty or what we deem patriotism.

And since patriotism thrives on cultural standards, the politics that Nigerians espouse, the lore of nationhood, and the lyricism of partisan poetry manifest the kernel of our sovereignty and attitude to it.

Sadly, the Nigerian lore reflects two competing impulses. One posits that our salvation must be fashioned by our own hands; the other, however, seeks to outsource national redemption to foreign actors.

This clash of instincts has become the major affliction of contemporary public life. It permeates our social and political culture, entangling politicians, diplomats, civil society and the random celebrity.

Always, amid political tension, someone must alert Washington; someone must write to London; someone must summon the conscience of Europe; someone must report Nigeria to the incumbent occupant of America’s White House.

It is unsurprising, therefore, that ahead of the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, musician David Adeleke, aka Davido, appealed to United States President Donald Trump and the international community, expressing fears about the electoral process. Childish and ill-advised as it is, he simply gave fresh expression to an old habit.

His action followed public remarks in which he suggested that he would take his protest as far as the White House should the election be compromised. So doing, he triggered public debate, and justifiably so, because his action exposed why so many supposedly educated and enlightened Nigerians instinctively seek foreign intervention in local politics.

It is tempting to dismiss Davido’s action as mere artifice designed for greater social engagement. Yet such an action has serially been repeated over time; if it is not a supposedly brilliant author writing American leadership to come overturn the result of a Nigerian democratic election simply because her despised candidate won, it is an incumbent governor threatening to report the federal government to President Trump for ending his doomsday watch and politicisation of bandits’ abduction of school teachers and pupils in his state.

The inclination of supposedly reasonable adults to threaten their compatriots with foreign rebuke mimics the metaphor of livestock bickering over grains within a fenced yard, threatening to invite the wolf from the nearby forest to resolve their avian conflict.

They view their opposition as the ultimate threat, losing sight of the existential danger posed by the apex predator in the forest. The livestock erroneously believe that the wolf will enter the yard, impartially adjudge who deserves the grain, punish the hoarding faction, and quietly retreat back into the woods without demanding flesh in return.

This mindset suffers from the fallacy of benevolent imperialism. Superpowers do not operate on moral altruism or an intrinsic love for foreign countries. They operate strictly on the cold calculus of national interest, energy security, and geopolitical leverage.

It’s an abdication of civil maturity and duty for any Nigerian to demand that a foreign president oversee our local politics. It reduces democratic institutions such as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) or national courts to irrelevance, rather than doing the difficult work of reforming them.

Lest we define this as a loss of confidence in domestic institutions, the frantic search for substitute authorities abroad stems from a trauma reminiscent of the ‘Plantation Butler Mentality’ of the American slave era.

It erodes local accountability when citizens look outward for validation. It also establishes that beyond territorial control, the colonists succeeded in enslaving the Nigerian mind. The rot runs so deep its cultural. Yet, it is not uniquely Nigerian. Across Africa, Asia and Latin America, post-colonial societies have sought external validation for domestic dilemmas.

Whatever the motivation, constitutional sovereignty had never been fully achieved when the recipient nation or nationals remain psychologically enslaved to colonial powers. This is not to demean the role of election observers, human rights organisations and multilateral institutions as they have, on very few occasions, contributed to greater transparency or drawn attention to abuses that domestic authorities preferred to ignore. But there is a difference between welcoming observation and imagining that another country’s president functions as an appellate authority over the political affairs of a sovereign nation.

Davido and cohorts must understand that foreign governments act only according to their domestic priorities and selfish interests. They may express concern, issue statements, or encourage democratic norms, but they cannot inherit the civic obligations that belong to Nigerian citizens.

History affirms that any sovereign nation that invites Western powers to intervene in its internal governance does so at its own peril. In September 1973, domestic political and military actors in Chile collaborated with U.S. intelligence to depose President Salvador Allende, replacing him with the brutal dictatorship of Augusto Pinochet.

The most instructive example unfolded in North Africa. In February 2011, manipulated by foreign agents, opposition factions in Benghazi rose against the long-standing regime of Muammar Gaddafi. Seeking a swift victory, the National Transitional Council (NTC) appealed directly to the Western powers for military intervention, leading to a devastating NATO bombing campaign, spearheaded by the United States, France, and Britain. Gaddafi was captured and killed on October 20, 2011. But rather than usher in a peaceful, prosperous democracy, the intervention destroyed Libya, costing Africa a very powerful continental actor and one of the largest proven crude oil reserves.

The pattern resonates through the 2003 American invasion of Iraq over non-existent ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction’ and deep into 20th-century Latin America, where local political elites frequently invited U.S. intervention to depose left-leaning or populist leaders. While local factions squabble over the ruins of their country, external corporate entities secured long-term oil concession contracts, leaving the native population with ruined cities, a degraded economy, and compromised national autonomy.

Nigerians must quit outsourcing the task of building credible political and social institutions. Every time they do so, they diminish their civic responsibilities, and their perceived saviours scoff at them, saying: ‘These monkeys are up to their silly antics again…Let’s go hunting!’

Every nation, Western democracies inclusive, experiences moments when the courts, legislature and electoral commissions disappoint or attract suspicion. But a mature society would avoid surrendering its territorial integrity simply to fight institutional weaknesses or score cheap political points.

Genuine patriotism is neither self-seeking nor destructive. It involves criticising one’s country, constructively, and remaining invested in our society, through good and bad times.

To preserve our sovereignty, Nigerians must learn to resolve electoral disputes strictly within the boundaries of the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act. Petitions must be processed through the Election Petition Tribunals and the Supreme Court of Nigeria, rather than through foreign coercion.

It’s about time we ceased using incendiary language that de-legitimises the Nigerian state. No foreign government will salvage the country’s socio-economic issues. National progress, peace and stability are best earned through organised, non-violent civic engagement, and sustained peaceful elections.

There is no salvation in Brussels, Washington, Brussels or any other distant capital. Our redemption will come from our local spaces where democratic cultures are intentionally sustained: polling units, courtrooms, newsrooms, classrooms, community associations and civil conversations among citizens who persistently believe in our imperfect but native institutions.

Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 23 kidnapped victims and killed 19 terrorists in separate operations across the country within the last 24 hours.

The successes were recorded between August 10 and 11, according to reports made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The report said the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma rescued 18 persons kidnapped from their residence at Sabon Gari, Kaura Namoda Local Government Area of Zamfara.

It said the troops responded to a distress report, engaged the terrorists and forced them to flee, abandoning all 18 victims who were rescued unharmed.

The report further showed that troops in another operation rescued a kidnapped victim at the outskirts of Kukawa Village in Kanam Local Government Area of Plateau.

According to the report, the victim told troops he was abducted from Duguri Village in Bauchi State on August 6 and was subsequently handed over to the village head.

‘Also in Plateau, troops of Operation Enduring Peace (OPEP) neutralised a terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle and two rounds of ammunition.

‘The operation followed intelligence from an arrested suspected bandit, who led troops to a location at Nwur Village, Shendam Local Government Area.

‘In Kebbi, troops of Operation Fansan Yamma neutralised 18 terrorists during an attack on Mobile Police Special Intervention Squad personnel at Makuku, Sakaba Local Government Area.

‘The troops also destroyed five motorcycles and recovered two locally fabricated AK-47 rifles in a separate clearance operation in Plateau,’ he said.

The report said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai rescued five persons who escaped from a terrorist enclave in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

He said the escapees were sighted by troops of 82 Division Task Force Battalion during a patrol along the Amuda Bridge-Ngoshe-Gava road in Gwoza Local Government Area.

It added that the five victims reportedly escaped the enclave following disagreements among terrorists and the abandonment of the camp by some fighters.

According to the military, troops of 82 Division and 103 Battalion recovered four AK-47 rifles, seven magazines and 133 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from a kidnappers’ hideout in Umuchingu Ujenike Forest in Enugu State.

‘The recovery followed a follow-up operation after the rescue of two kidnapped victims and arrest of suspected members of a kidnapping syndicate operating across the Southeast and adjoining states.

‘The troops also arrested 19 suspects during an offensive operation in Gashaka Local Government Area of Taraba State, recovering motorcycles, pumping machines, mobile phones and cash.

The operations underscore the continued deployment of intelligence-led patrols, targeted raids and coordinated actions by security forces to disrupt terrorist and criminal networks nationwide.

It was a rare gathering of old friends, former students, family members and admirers of scholarship as The Nation On Sunday’s columnist, Prof. Adebayo Lamikanra, unveiled his latest literary works, titled: Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism and Talking Points, on Tuesday in Lagos.

The event took place at CIAPS Auditorium, Akinola Cole Crescent, off Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja.

The book launch, which brought together Lamikanra’s old boys from Igbobi College, Yaba, Lagos; former students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State; family members and friends, was a celebration of the author as well as his books.

For many of the guests, the occasion offered an opportunity to reconnect with a teacher, colleague and friend whose influence has extended beyond the classroom.

The two books, which are collections of his write-ups in the newspapers, reflect different dimensions of Lamikanra’s intellectual engagement.

Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism explores the evolution and growing influence of capitalism, examining the forces that have shaped economic and social relations over time. It invites readers to interrogate the place of capitalism in contemporary society and its implications for individuals and nations.

In Talking Points, Lamikanra turns his attention to a range of issues, using reflections and observations to stimulate discussion on matters of public and intellectual interest. The book captures the author’s inclination to engage society through ideas and conversation.

The Director-General of the Centre for International Advanced and Professional Studies (CIAPS), Prof. Anthony Kila, described the author as a man of many parts.

The CIAPS boss noted that the author has been able to do what many could not do, which is not just to write a book itself but mix natural science with social sciences, history, poetry, and literature in a way that awakens everyone.

‘Today, we are unveiling the books, but it is an opportunity to deepen intellectual discourse, ask the author general questions during the ‘Meet the Author’ session,’ Kila said.

Discussing with a former Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian newspaper, Mr. Martins Oloja, during the ‘Meet The Author’ session, Prof. Lamikanra urged the Federal Government to rethink the purpose of education, the impact of capitalism and the country’s approach to national development.

He decried the state of education, expressing concern that the quality and strength of the education sector has become worrisome.

The don recalled that the period Nigeria started deregulating everything was the beginning of the problems in the education sector.

According to him, unless and until the public school comes back to life, Nigeria cannot get it right in giving the nation quality education.

‘Discipline through education is what will lead Nigeria back to its glorious days. Today, it must also embrace technology because it is the reality of the time. Unfortunately, there are no teacher training colleges anymore. So, how are you going to pass quality training from one generation to another?

‘Let us create people, not so that they can provide for themselves and their families, but so that they can serve the community. This is because by serving the community, we protect whatever it is that that community has taken from them,’ he added.

The don explained how he arrived at the title Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism, saying it was partly intended to be sarcastic, while reflecting his views on the continued expansion and influence of capitalism.

Asked when he would stop writing, Prof. Lamikanra said: ‘When I am happy, I write. When I am angry, I write. I am an introvert, but I did not admit it to myself until recently. I don’t mind that. And when you are by yourself, what do you do? You write. You write. And I now appreciate that I am an introvert. I used to read a lot. However, I don’t read as much as I usually did. But I write not even as much as I used to do. I retired almost seven years ago. I did not miss not giving lectures. I am retired. You might think I am not tired, but I am retired.’

One of the reviewers of the books, Dr. Gideon Oluwatobi, described the works as thought-provoking examinations of Nigeria, Africa, education, politics, culture, corruption and the forces shaping society.

He said Lamikanra’s writings had a unique ability to connect everyday experiences with broader questions of national development.

On Talking Points, Oluwatobi noted that Lamikanra did not always begin with conventional national issues, but often used ordinary experiences to raise deeper questions.

The book reviewer cited the author’s use of situations involving motorists approaching roundabouts and damaged bridge railings to explore issues of discipline, law, education and public responsibility.

According to him, one of the major questions raised by the book is the purpose of education in Nigeria.

Oluwatobi said the author argued that education should not simply produce certificate holders but should develop people who are capable of contributing meaningfully to society.

The academic also highlighted Lamikanra’s discussion of Nigerian universities, saying the author emphasised the importance of academic freedom alongside discipline, merit and responsibility.

He added that the book examines corruption and the abuse of public resources, using various issues, such as missing bridge railings and public procurement, to illustrate how public property could be converted into private benefits.

He noted that Talking Points also addressed national unity, stressing the need for Nigerians to move beyond sectional interests and develop a stronger sense of national consciousness.

Oluwatobi added that the book extends its discussion to African identity and culture, including colonialism, Western cultural influence and the need for Africans to regain confidence in their cultural identity.

The book reviewer identified some limitations in the book, noting that some of Lamikanra’s arguments were strongly opinionated and could benefit from additional evidence.

Despite this, he maintained that the limitations did not diminish the significance of the book as a work capable of stimulating social reflection and debate.

Turning to Rise, Rise and Rise of Capitalism, the reviewer said the book attempted to tell the story of capitalism from the formation of human societies through class formation, industrialisation, colonialism, race, imperialism and war, while examining the implications of these developments for Africa.

Beyond the unveiling of the books, the gathering celebrated a life devoted to learning, teaching and the exchange of ideas. It was, in many respects, a reunion of generations brought together by one man’s enduring intellectual journey.

The National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (NOHIL), Lagos, in collaboration with Steps2Walk and the Global Health Charity and Training Foundation (GHCTF), has begun a foot and ankle surgical training course and medical outreach aimed at strengthening specialist capacity and expanding access to orthopaedic care.

The programme, which began on Monday, August 10, 2026, combines specialist surgical training with free healthcare services for members of the public. Speaking at the commencement of the programme, NOHIL Medical Director, Dr Wakeel Lawal, hailed the collaborating organisations for supporting specialist training and healthcare delivery.

Lawal said exposure to contemporary global practices would enable participating specialists to transfer the knowledge gained to their respective hospitals and improve access to specialised foot and ankle services across the country.

The surgical course, at the Pavilion Hall, featured international faculty members from the United States, United Kingdom, Trkiye and Pakistan, who delivered lectures and presented clinical cases to participating healthcare professionals.

The training focused on contemporary approaches to the management of foot and ankle conditions ahead of about 30 live surgical procedures scheduled for Wednesday, August 12, and Thursday, August 13.

Representing Steps2Walk, Dr John Lewis Ugbo said the organisation was committed to improving the management of orthopaedic deformities among children and adults in developing countries.

He said Steps2Walk had provided medical supplies and equipment to support the programme and facilitate knowledge transfer.

Ugbo identified congenital clubfoot as one of the significant foot deformities requiring early intervention, noting that about three in every 1,000 births are affected.

He expressed concern over complications associated with neglected or poorly treated deformities in Nigeria and stressed the need for early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and specialist training.

According to him, the programme goes beyond surgical procedures to promote early intervention, skills development and sustainable capacity building.

He also expressed Steps2Walk’s commitment to a long-term partnership with NOHIL through continued training, provision of medical supplies and participation of international specialists in future programmes.

Meanwhile, more than 400 people benefited from the medical outreach held at NOHIL, with about 150 health volunteers supporting the exercise.

Services provided included blood pressure and blood glucose checks, prostate health screening, cholesterol testing, malaria parasite testing, hepatitis B screening and eye examinations.

Beneficiaries also received free medications and were linked to the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme for continued access to healthcare services.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Dayo Lajide, commended Steps2Walk and GHCTF for supporting specialised orthopaedic care in the state.

Also speaking, Dr Adebayo Akintobi, representing GHCTF, commended NOHIL’s leadership and the volunteers involved in the outreach, describing their contribution as important to the delivery of healthcare services to the beneficiaries.

The medical outreach continued on Tuesday, August 11, at the General Hospital, Somolu, where members of the public also accessed free healthcare services.

The programme is expected to strengthen local specialist capacity and improve access to foot and ankle care through continued collaboration between NOHIL and its local and international partners.ac