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Nigeria And UK Renew Commitment To Combat Drug Trafficking With New MOU”

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The United Kingdom Home Office International Operations (HOIO), has said its collaboration with Nigeria in the fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking is yielding positive results, as evidenced by the streak of successes being recorded by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in recent times.

 

Head of UK Home Office International Operations, Victoria Pullen stated this when she led her colleague, Kristoffer Hawksfield on a courtesy visit to the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Marwa (Rtd) to sign a renewed Memorandum of Understanding between HOIO and NDLEA in Abuja on Monday.

 

While thanking Marwa for “excellent cooperation”, Pullen said “the issue of drug trafficking is a huge global issue, and like many big challenges such as drug trafficking, it takes a huge global effort to try and counter that. I think it’s evident by some of the recent successes and the volume of some of the illicit commodities that your teams are finding that that cooperation is working exceptionally well currently, and we are currently really enjoying working with your team on those successes.”

 

 

According to her, “the willingness of your teams to work with us and do things differently and try things differently, which fortunately is leading to those successes, and we like the way that you’ve worked with the UK and the levels of engagement that we’ve enjoyed with the teams.” She said the commissioning of the NDLEA Marine Command Headquarters built and donated by the UK government in Lagos last week was a significant marker in the cooperation between the Agency and HOIO.

 

“We look forward to seeing the results of that level of investment that will bring significant benefits to you in Nigeria by being able to stop those drugs from permeating your own society, and also in the global space because the more that we help you to interdict and take out of the system here, the less that’s going into countries around the world and into society.

“Our team has got nothing but very, very positive things to say about the relationship that we have with you and your teams, and we very much look forward to the future and building on those and making them a lot better”, she added.

 

 

In his response, Marwa expressed appreciation to the UK government for supporting Nigeria’s efforts to curb the scourge of illicit drug trafficking, especially with the building and donation of a Marine Headquarters facility to the agency last week, and a similar operational facility at the MMIA Command in Ikeja Lagos last year.

 

 

“I am most delighted to meet Ms Victoria Pullen in person, as it gives me the opportunity to express profound gratitude on behalf of myself, the agency and the country for the tremendous assistance, both tangible and intangible, that we have received from the Home Office International Operations (HOIO), in particular, and the British Government in general.

 

“Just last week, we commissioned the Marine Command Headquarters of NDLEA, built from scratch and donated by the Home Office International Operations. We have also received in the past a new CITF facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, also from the Home Office International Operations. These are in addition to others like training and intelligence that are vital to our counter-narcotics operations.

 

“Since we kicked off the reform of NDLEA three years ago, we have enjoyed an increasing partnership with the Home Office International Operations. Among our international partners the Home Office International Operations is one of our major partners whose contributions immeasurably enhance the capacity of NDLEA and invariably impact our performance positively”, he stated.

 

 

Marwa asked for more support from the UK government. “We continue to seek more of your assistance in our quest to combat illicit drug trafficking on our shores and also to contribute to our common goal in fighting the activities of transnational criminal organizations. The new refreshed MOU, which we are about to sign after the remarks, is a testament to our strong partnership, and we are looking forward to boosting our existing relationship to help us achieve our common and shared responsibility of tackling the drug problem. Now, the NDLEA in the last three years or so has made tremendous impacts, and I must say that instrumental to that is the support from the UK.

 

“We have made, in three years, over 52,000 arrests. We have made seizures of over 8,000 tons of illicit substances and convictions in excess of 9,000. That’s a very significant success in court. Given the volume of traffic of travellers between the UK and Nigeria, there is a need for sharing of intelligence and actionable data further collaboration in that respect will further strengthen our relationship. So, I’m excited that we’re signing a new MoU here today.”

 

 

Health & Wellness

Nigeria-Britain Association, LiveWell Initiative Champion Preventive Healthcare at 2026 Health Fair

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The Nigeria-Britain Association (N-BA), in partnership with the LiveWell Initiative (LWI), successfully hosted the 2026 Health Fair on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the British Council, Ikoyi, Lagos, reinforcing their shared commitment to advancing preventive healthcare, wellness, and community health awareness.

Themed “Attaining Boisterous Health and Wellbeing amidst a Fast World,” the health fair was convened by the LiveWell Initiative LWI using a team of dedicated healthcare professionals, wellness advocates, and participants of diverse health backgrounds including emotional health physicians, dentists, pharmacists, nurses, public health practitioners for a day dedicated to integrated health services, education, and engagement.

Mr  Sola  Oyetayo President    N-BA having his BP checked

The programme opened with an insightful health talk delivered by Dr Bisi Bright, CEO of LiveWell Initiative LWI, and Council member, N-BA, who emphasized the importance of adopting proactive health behaviours in response to the increasing pressures of modern living.

File Photo: Fruits and Salads  at the Nutrion Stand

Dr Bright further emphasized that “ individuals must take responsibility for their wellbeing by making informed choices, embracing early diagnosis, practicing basic hygiene, managing emotions, and staying consistently hydrated.”

Her session explored critical areas such as lifestyle management, stress, nutrition, resilience, and the prevention of non-communicable diseases, while advocating a more holistic approach to healthcare.

Speaking at the event, Sola Oyetayo, President of the Nigeria-Britain Association, described the health fair as part of the NBA’s broader sustainability agenda focused on promoting healthier communities and enhancing quality of life for N-BA members and Nigerians, but also to members of the Commonwealth community in Nigeria, He emphatically added that “Health is Wealth.”

Similarly, Funmilola Orokale, Council Member of the N-BA, stated that “the initiative reflects our commitment to ensuring greater health awareness, early detection of underlying conditions through accessible and respectful screening processes.”

With a team of over 50 healthcare professionals all from the LiveWell Initiative LWI, the health fair provided attendees with comprehensive and accessible medical services in a well-coordinated environment.

Participants benefited from a wide spectrum of free health screenings and consultations, ranging from cardiovascular and metabolic checks such as blood pressure and blood sugar testing, to infectious disease screenings including hepatitis, HIV, and malaria.

Specialized services such as prostate screening, breast examinations, eye assessments, dental and dermatological checks were also made available, alongside nutrition counselling, mental wellness support, and neurological assessments.

The LWI Team

In addition, a fully equipped pharmacy stand ensured access to free medications and professional guidance, while participants who require visual support received recommended eyeglasses at no cost.

There were free condoms available only for adults, with Counselling on responsible sexual behavior.

Beyond clinical services, the event delivered a holistic wellness experience featuring structured fitness sessions, recreational activities, and healthy nutrition offerings including fruit trees and various salads, smoothies and juices all aimed at promoting sustainable lifestyle changes. The engaging and impactful atmosphere enabled participants to not only assess their health status but also take practical steps toward improved wellbeing. The event recorded strong participation, with over 100 registered attendees alongside additional walk-in participants, many of whom expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, particularly the convenience of accessing multiple healthcare services in one location and gaining greater awareness to make informed health decisions.

 

About the Nigerian Britain Association (NBA)

The Nigeria-Britain Association is committed to fostering socio-cultural, educational, and developmental ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, while promoting initiatives that enhance the wellbeing of its members and the wider community.

About LiveWell Initiative (LWI)

LiveWell Initiative LWI is a health-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting preventive healthcare, wellness education, and access to quality health services through community-driven programmes and strategic partnerships.

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Health & Wellness

Health Workers Protest In FCT Against Regulatory Bill

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Health workers under the Joint Health Sector Unions and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations are protesting at the Unity Fountain in Abuja.

 

The protest is against the proposed health sector regulatory bill, which is before the National Assembly.

The protesting health workers are against the bill, claiming that if allowed to pass, it would subject every medical profession to the regulation of the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria.

They maintain that all health professions have their regulatory bodies, and that the new bill was seeking to make other health professionals second-class to medical doctors.

The protesters plan to also go to the National Assembly, where they hope to present their case to lawmakers.

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NARD issue 10-day ultimatum, threaten strike

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Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors  have issued a 10-day ultimatum to all relevant government agencies on Monday, warning that its members would embark on a nationwide strike if the demands were not met.

 

NARD disclosed this in a communiqué signed by its President, Dr. Tope Osundara; the General Secretary, Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku; and Publicity and the Social Secretary, Omoha Amobi, issued after its Extraordinary National Executive Council meeting, which was held virtually on Sunday.

In July, NARD had issued a three-week ultimatum, but in the interest of industrial harmony, the NEC granted the National Officers’ Committee an additional three weeks to engage with all relevant stakeholders, after which it would reconvene to reassess the extent of implementation of its demands.

In Sunday’s meeting, the E-NEC condemned the failure of the Federal Government to fulfil its promises, noting with dismay that a substantial number of resident doctors remain unpaid for their 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, and the refusal to pay the outstanding five months’ arrears arising from the 25 per cent/35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, as well as other longstanding salary arrears.

It also condemned the government’s failure to pay the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance.

“The E-NEC expressed displeasure over the unjust downgrading of the membership certificates of the West African Colleges of Physicians and Surgeons by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as the persistent non-issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

“The E-NEC condemned in strong terms the failure of the Kaduna State Government to honour its commitments to members under ARD Kaduna and Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, despite earlier agreements and signed Memoranda of Understanding. The E-NEC condemned the failure of the Oyo State Government to address the challenges faced by members of ARD LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho, despite an ongoing indefinite strike action in the hospital,” it noted.

It, however, commended state governors who have demonstrated commitment to the welfare of doctors by paying the 2025 MRTF.

Meanwhile, the doctors said that if their demands are not met by September 10, 2025, they would embark on a nationwide strike.

E-NEC, however, demands the immediate payment of the outstanding 2025 MRTF to all eligible resident doctors by the Federal Government, as well as the settlement of the outstanding five months’ arrears of CONMESS, alongside other longstanding salary arrears.

The Council also demands, “The immediate payment of the arrears of the 2024 Accoutrement Allowance. The E-NEC demands the commencement of payment of specialist allowances to all doctors without further delay, given their indispensable role in delivering specialist medical care across the nation. The E-NEC demands that the MDCN immediately restore the recognition of the West African postgraduate membership certificates to their rightful status and calls on the NPMCN to commence without delay the issuance of membership certificates to all deserving candidates, in line with international best practices.

“The E-NEC demands the immediate implementation of the 2024 CONMESS and resolution of all outstanding welfare concerns in Kaduna State, noting that the indefinite strike by our members has already resumed and will continue until these demands are met. The E-NEC demands that the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde, immediately resolve the welfare concerns of resident doctors under the employment of the state government, particularly those at LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomosho.

“The E-NEC urges all State Governors to prioritise the welfare of doctors in their state-owned hospitals and training institutions, ensure the timely payment of MRTF to their resident doctors, and take proactive steps to curb emigration while maintaining industrial harmony.

“The E-NEC extends the ultimatum by a final 10 days to all relevant government agencies to meet these demands. Failure to do so within this period (expiring on Wednesday, 10th September 2025) will leave the NEC with no other option than to embark on a nationwide strike action.”

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