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NITDA Partners PSN to Create Drug Information Centre

The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has expressed its commitment to partner with the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) in establishing a Drug Information Centre to address the critical need for reliable and credible information in producing a resilient and efficient healthcare system in the country towards improved and prompt healthcare service delivery to Nigerians.

The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE made this assertion while giving an opening remark as the chairman of the occasion at the World Pharmacists Day 2023 organised by the Abuja branch of the PSN at the International Conference Centre in Abuja.
Appreciating the pharmacists in the country for the crucial role they play in strengthening the healthcare system in the country through their invaluable efforts at ensuring access to quality healthcare, Inuwa who was represented at the event by the agency’s director of the Information Technology Infrastructure Solutions department, Dr. Usman Gambo Abdullahi stated that the sacrifices made by pharmacists are not unnoticed.
“World Pharmacists Day holds significant importance in recognising the invaluable contributions of pharmacists to our healthcare systems and this day offers us an opportunity to celebrate their dedication and the impact they make on our lives”, he stated.
While noting that the launch of the Drug Information Centre by the PSN Abuja is a shared vision with the agency, Inuwa disclosed that the integration of emerging technologies in the Centre would provide a valuable database for healthcare professionals, regulatory agencies and healthcare consumers.
“It represents an intelligent solution that addresses the critical need for reliable information in our healthcare systems”, he added.
Encouraging the vision of the PSN in establishing a Drug Information Centre as a step in the right direction, Inuwa stated that the initiative aligns with the aspirations of the government’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS) 2020-2030 on a transformational journey towards a digital Nigeria.
He noted that the adoption of emerging technologies into the pharmaceutical sector will aid in new drug discoveries, optimising healthcare workflows and enhance the transparency and security of pharmaceutical supply chains.
“By harnessing the power of these technologies, we can pave the way for a more efficient, secure, and innovative pharmaceutical landscape”, he averred.
Expressing his confidence that the initiative will contribute to the overall well-being of the nation, the NITDA DG gave assurances of the agency’s collaboration in ensuring improved patient care through telemedicine, better medication management and remote drug monitoring.
“The adoption of cutting-edge technologies will not only elevate the quality of healthcare but also strengthen the resilience of the pharmaceutical sector in the face of evolving challenges. Together, let us seize these opportunities and work towards a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria”, he concluded.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the PSN Abuja, Pharm. Ifeanyi Ikebudu expressed his optimism that the collaboration between the PSN and NITDA is the right step towards the actualisation of the Drug Information Centre.
He noted that the Drug Information Centre will serve to provide accurate and comprehensive data to healthcare professionals and consumers when fully operational.
“This innovative stride in promoting ICT deployment in healthcare delivery will place Nigeria amongst the first to adopt and implement such robust and novel system that will ultimately assist the government in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in providing basic access to healthcare for all”, he stated.
News
WHO Says Ebola Outbreak Worse than Reported

World Health Organisation (WHO) at the weekend declared the Ebola outbreak linked to the rare Bundibugyo virus strain a global public health emergency.

WHO said there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain of Ebola.
At home, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said there is “no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease in Nigeria” but had tightened surveillance against the deadly virus.
The outbreak, linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, has already caused dozens of deaths in Congo and spread into Uganda, raising fears of wider transmission across the region.
In response, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said that the country remains on alert because of growing movement across African borders.
Jide Idris, director-general said the agency was “closely monitoring the situation” and working with the Port Health Services and other health agencies to strengthen preparedness nationwide.
He added that surveillance has been increased at entry points and within Nigeria’s health system.
According to the WHO, the outbreak has recorded more than 240 suspected cases and about 80 suspected deaths in Congo’s Ituri province, while imported cases have also been confirmed in Uganda’s capital, Kampala.
The WHO said the outbreak is “extraordinary” because of uncertainty around the true number of infections and the lack of approved medical countermeasures for the Bundibugyo strain.
Health authorities advised Nigerians to maintain proper hygiene, avoid contact with infected persons and report symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting and bleeding to the nearest health facility immediately.
Nigeria was declared Ebola-free in 2014 after successfully containing an outbreak brought into the country by an infected traveler from Liberia.
News
Digital PayExpo 2026 to Convene Africa’s Most Influential Payments Leaders in Lagos

Africa’s digital payments ecosystem will take center stage as Digital PayExpo 2026 returns to Lagos on June 17–18, 2026, at the Landmark Centre, Victoria Island, under the theme: “Seamless Digital: Fostering Pan-African Market Expansion in the AI Era.”

At a time when artificial intelligence, cross-border commerce, and financial inclusion are redefining Africa’s economic future, the event is set to convene over 3,000 senior executives, policymakers, fintech innovators, and global technology providers.
The speaker lineup reflects a powerful blend of regulatory leadership, private sector innovation, and pan-African expertise.
Among the headline speakers:
- Dr. Rakiya Yusuf, Director, Payment Systems Supervision, Central Bank of Nigeria — a key architect in Nigeria’s payment system reforms.
- Dr. Folasade Femi-Lawal, Country Manager & Area Business Head (West Africa), Mastercard — a leading voice in digital payments expansion across Africa.
- Clara B. Arthur, Managing Director, GhIPSS (Ghana) — driving Ghana’s interoperable payment ecosystem.
- Wacera Maina, Chief Operations Officer, Kenwitch Kenya — an expert in East Africa’s payment infrastructure evolution.
- Akeem Lawal, CEO, Interswitch Group — a pioneer in Africa’s fintech growth story.
- Ngover Ihyembe-Nwankwo, Executive Director, NIBSS — shaping Nigeria’s core payment infrastructure.
The conference will explore:
- AI-powered financial services
- Cross-border payment systems and interoperability
- Cybersecurity and trust frameworks
- SME financing and financial inclusion
- Infrastructure for a unified African digital economy
With participation from banks, fintechs, telcos, regulators, and global payment networks, Digital PayExpo 2026 is positioned as a critical marketplace for ideas, partnerships, and investment flows. Register: https://digitalpayexpo.com/register
Sponsorship Enquiries: [email protected]
News
Only 1 in 3 Families Fully Secure their Devices, Kaspersky Study Reveals

On International Day of Families observed on May 15th, a global Kaspersky study* reveals that while 47% of respondents talk about online safety, only 33% secure all their family devices – highlighting the need for proactivity from Family Digital Managers.

As online threats develop and every generation joins the online space, cybersecurity habits have become an essential part of life for every family. Typically, in every family, one or two people become so-called Family Digital Managers, responsible for managing subscriptions, setting up new devices, or thinking about cyber protection. Kaspersky has conducted a survey to find out what measures modern families take to stay safe online.
According to Kaspersky’s data, a significant portion of respondents adopt an educational approach to cybersecurity within their families:
47% regularly coach elderly relatives and children on safe online practices
45% advise family members to adopt password manager solutions
42% encourage the use of multi-factor authentication (MFA)
An equal 42% actively review and adjust privacy settings on both family devices and critical online accounts
Although a growing awareness of the importance of proactive, family-focused digital protection can be observed, when it comes to the implementation of security solutions, the trend is slightly different. 10% of respondents take no measures at all to protect their loved ones online, rising to 21% among those aged 55+.
As for the parental control apps, 67% of families with children under 18 years use this tool to monitor and secure their kids’ online activity. Parental control, such as the Kaspersky Safe Kids solution, can help restrict children’s access to inappropriate content and also gently manage their online habits by limiting access to certain websites and apps, controlling their screen time, and even enhancing their physical security by tracking their geolocation.
The most worrying number is that only 33% of respondents – just 1 in 3 – install security solutions on all family members’ devices. Kaspersky experts highlight that the current threat landscape shows that mobile devices and tablets as well as PCs all require comprehensive cyber protection, as they are often targeted by cybercriminals.
According to the survey, only 30% of respondents set up new devices for their families. Setting up a new device is not often regarded as a step that contributes to cyber safety; however, some actions performed before the device is put into use can significantly enhance its security.
For instance, experts recommend installing a security solution first, to scan the device for hidden threats and make web browsing safe from the first queries. What’s more, reviewing privacy settings on a new device allows you not to share data that you would like to keep private with some applications and services.
The research also shows that the older generation (55+) is generally less included in family security habits. Around 1 in 5 (21%) of this age group globally do not take any measures to protect their family online and only a quarter (24%) install security solutions for family members. The most popular security measure among them turns out to be a password manager, as 40% of this age group recommend their family members to use it.
“We are now using a lot of gadgets and digital services, and with every new device and every additional hour spent online, the potential entry points for cybercriminals continue to grow, exposing us to a wider range of cyber threats. At the same time, not every generation adapts to these rapid changes with the same ease.
“That’s why having someone in the family take on the role of a ‘Family Digital Manager’ can be so valuable, especially when it comes to protecting kids and elder people from digital cyberthreats, give advice and help with the use of trusted security solutions,” comments Brandon Muller, Technical Expert at Kaspersky.
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