General News
TBL Supervisor says Early Detection, Correct Information Key to Reducing Burden of Buruli Ulcer in Rural Communities
Health Supervisor in-charge of Tuberculosis, Buruli Ulcer and Leprosy (TBL) in Awka North, under the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Mrs. Celestina Igwe, has stressed that early detection and accurate information are crucial to reducing the growing burden of Buruli Ulcer in rural communities.
MRs Igwe at Awba-Ofemili Health Awareness Campaign 2025
Mrs. Igwe made this known during the Awba-Ofemili Community Health Awareness Campaign held on Thursday, October 23, 2025 (Nkwo Market Day) at the Civic Centre, Awba-Ofemili, themed “Buruli Ulcer (Elu-Ulee or Ulee-Okpa): Know the Signs, Stop the Spread.”
She explained that Buruli Ulcer, locally known as Elu-Ulee, is a neglected tropical disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans; the same bacterial family responsible for tuberculosis and leprosy.
The disease, she said, often begins as a painless swelling, nodule, or plaque on the skin, which can progress into large ulcers and severe deformities if left untreated.
“Early detection and correct information remain our strongest tools in reducing the burden of Buruli Ulcer, especially in rural communities where myths and misinformation delay treatment,” Mrs. Igwe said.
Accompanied by the Head of the Primary Health Centre, Awba-Ofemili, Mrs. Justina Ofuonu, Mrs. Igwe warned that misinformation, including beliefs that the disease is caused by witchcraft or spiritual attacks, continues to endanger lives and hinder timely medical intervention.
“Many people waste precious time seeking spiritual help instead of visiting health facilities. This allows the infection to spread deeper, causing severe damage that could have been easily prevented with early care,” she said.
She commended the Awba-Ofemili Development Union (ADU) Health Committee, led by Ogbuefi (Sir) Remmy Nweke, for organizing the campaign in collaboration with the Nigerian Red Cross Society (Anambra State Branch) and the ASPHCDA, describing it as a “timely and impactful initiative that brings health education to the grassroots.”
Mrs. Igwe further noted that the State TBL Unit has intensified outreach and surveillance efforts across Awka North to identify early cases and improve community health literacy. She urged residents to report any unusual skin swellings or ulcers at the nearest Primary Health Centre, assuring them that treatment is available within the state at St Joseph Specialist Hospital Adaziani.
“With awareness, early detection, and prompt treatment, Buruli Ulcer can be effectively controlled, saving lives and preventing disability,” she emphasized.
In her remarks, Mrs. Justina Ofuonu, Head of the Primary Health Centre, Awba-Ofemili, pledged continued collaboration with the ADU Health Committee and community volunteers to strengthen early diagnosis, referral, and follow-up care.
The event featured sensitization talks by Red Cross educators, free medical checks, and distribution of First Aid Boxes to schools and local institutions, with wide participation from community leaders, teachers, and students.
General News
SiBAN Partners Vontech to Strengthen Nigeria’s Blockchain Ecosystem with $100,000 AWS Cloud Support for Startups
The Stakeholders in Blockchain Technology Association of Nigeria (SiBAN) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Vontech, an AWS Advanced Consulting Partner, to advance blockchain innovation and capacity building across Nigeria’s digital economy.
Through this collaboration, blockchain startups and developers in Nigeria will gain access to $100,000 in AWS Cloud credits, empowering them to build, scale, and optimize solutions that leverage cloud infrastructure and artificial intelligence.
This partnership represents a significant milestone in SiBAN’s mission to create an enabling environment for blockchain adoption, regulatory engagement, and sustainable innovation within the country. By connecting local builders with global technology resources, SiBAN continues to champion a future where Nigerian blockchain projects can compete and collaborate on a global scale.
“At SiBAN, our vision is to make Nigeria one of the safest and most vibrant blockchain ecosystems in the world. This partnership with AWS and Vontech reflects our commitment to equipping our members and startups with the technical foundation needed to innovate confidently and grow sustainably,” Obinna Iwuno
SiBAN invites blockchain founders, startups, and ecosystem enablers to join its growing network of innovators, regulators, and investors working together to strengthen Nigeria’s digital asset and Web3 landscape.
By becoming a SiBAN member, you gain access to training programs, international partnerships, policy advocacy, and exclusive opportunities like this AWS initiative designed to drive real impact across the blockchain sector.
United Kingdom has officially launched Phase Two of the Nigeria–UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) Fund, unveiling a new package of support aimed at powering Nigeria’s clean energy transition and climate resilience.
The announcement was made at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Brazil, where the UK government revealed eight new technical assistance projects and five expert deployments designed to help Nigeria implement its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and achieve net-zero emissions by 2060.
UK PACT is a flagship programme under the UK Government’s International Climate Finance portfolio, jointly managed by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).
It operates across Africa, Asia, and Latin America, providing technical assistance, capacity building, and knowledge exchange to support climate commitments and inclusive transitions.
Launched in 2021, the Nigeria–UK PACT Fund has supported Nigeria in strengthening climate governance, mobilising finance, and implementing clean energy and nature-based solutions aligned with the country’s Energy Transition Plan, Climate Change Act, and NDCs.
The new portfolio focuses on two key areas: clean energy transition and climate policy and governance.
Five clean energy projects will scale up decentralised renewable energy solutions, enhance energy sector institutions’ capacity to integrate renewables, and create market-enabling environments to attract private investment.
Implementing partners include Landell Mills, Africa PPP Advisory Services, Mercy Corps, Wayne Energy Consult, and Glasgow Caledonian University.
Three climate policy and governance projects will build institutional capacity, improve data systems for evidence-based policymaking, and foster policy frameworks to encourage private sector innovation.
Expert deployments will support the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and National Council on Climate Change (NCCC). Partners include the Greenhouse Gas Management Institute, Perspectives Climate Research gGmbH, and University of York.
The projects are expected to enhance climate data tracking, facilitate small-scale hydropower deployment, strengthen Nigeria’s climate negotiation skills, and unlock over $8 billion in private investment for renewable energy in the healthcare sector.
The UK government said these efforts form a foundation for deeper engagement in Nigeria’s journey to net zero.
The anticipation is electric. Tomorrow, November 13, 2025, the grand halls of the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, will pulse with innovation, ideas, and inspiration as Africa’s brightest technology minds gather for the Africa Tech Alliance Forum (AfriTECH) 5.0 and Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards.
From 9:00 AM (WAT), industry leaders, regulators, investors, and digital disruptors will converge under one compelling theme: “AI and Sovereign Tech: Building Africa’s Digital Independence.”
At a time when artificial intelligence is transforming global industries, AfriTECH 5.0 stands as a rallying point, a call to Africa to own its narrative, shape its technologies, and build sustainable digital systems powered by homegrown innovation.
“This isn’t just another tech conference,” says Chike Onwuegbuchi, Co-Convener of AfriTECH 5.0. “It’s where bold ideas meet real impact, where Africa’s digital journey is redefined through collaboration, vision, and courage.”
The stage will welcome a constellation of thought leaders including Dr. Aminu Maida, executive vice chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Vincent Olatunji, national commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC), Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale, founder/Chief Visionary Officer, Digital Encode Ltd., George Agu, Group President, ActivEdge Technologies, Engr. Ikechukwu Nnamani, CEO, Digital Realty Nigeria, Muhammed Rudman, CEO, Internet Exchange Point of Nigeria (IXPN), and Dr. (Mrs.) Ebehijie Momoh CEO, AfriGOPay Financial Services Limited.
Others are; Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO, SKOT Communications, Mr. Chidi Okpala, Personal Branding Expert, Mr. Chudi Ajuzie, Group CEO, WTES Ltd, and John Itodo, AI & Tech Innovator for Emerging Markets.
This year’s event goes beyond speeches; it’s a story of Africa’s awakening. The Fireside Chat, hosted by Lagos Blockchain Week, featuring: Chukwuemeka Enoch Mbaebie, convener, Lagos Blockchain Week, Senator Ihenyen, lead partner at Infusion Lawyers, and past President of SiBAN, and Damilare Aregbesola, West Africa Lead – Coinbase, will ignite conversations around blockchain, transparency, and the continent’s march toward decentralized governance.
And when the day turns to mid-day, the spotlight shifts to the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence Awards (ATAEx), a celebration of excellence, honoring individuals and organizations shaping Africa’s digital destiny.
Supported by Digital Encode (Platinum Sponsor), alongside itel, SKOT Communications, Tecom, AfriGoPay, Tizel Cybersecurity, and ActivEdge Technologies, AfriTECH 5.0 is powered by a shared vision: to make Africa’s digital future truly sovereign.
Backed by over 15 media outlets including, AriseTV, TechTrends.Africa, TechBuild.Africa, RavenewsOnline.com, NigeriaCommunicationsWeek.com.ng, GrassRoots.ng, ITPulse.com.ng TechnologyMirror.com.ng, DigitalTimesng.com, CyberEra.com.ng, TechnologyMirror.com.ng ITRealms.com.ng, SwiftReporters.com, BusinessRemarks, BusinessMetricsng.com, TechandBizNews, amongst others, attendance to AfriTECH 5.0 is free, but registration is required. For virtual participants, join live via this link.
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