CSO Conducts Stakeholders' Advocacy to Strengthen Malaria Supply Chain in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo 

The Association of Civil Society Organizations in Malaria Control, Immunization, and Nutrition (ACOMIN) recently conducted its monthly Stakeholders' Advocacy Visit in Taraba State.

 This visit aimed to strengthen the supply chain to combat malaria and was part of the Community-Led Monitoring Project for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria (CLM-ATM), funded by the Global Fund GC7 Grant.

The advocacy team, led by ACOMIN's State Chair for Taraba State, Alhaji Muhammad T. Danburam, met with key stakeholders, including the Logistics Management and Coordinating Unit (LMCU), State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), Society for Family Health (SFH), and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).

During the meetings, the team advocated for the restocking of Artemisinin-based Combination Therapies (ACTs) and Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in two health facilities in Kurmi and Donga LGAs, where shortages have been reported. 

They also pushed for broader coverage of the upcoming Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) mass distribution campaign, particularly for underserved communities in Bali and Takum LGAs.

According to Alhaji Muhammad Danburam, "We are committed to ensuring that communities have access to the resources they need to combat malaria. We will continue to work with stakeholders to address gaps in the supply chain and improve the quality of malaria services."

The team highlighted gaps in the malaria supply chain, emphasizing that these shortages have increased the financial burden on patients, many of whom are already economically disadvantaged. "The stock-outs of ACTs and RDTs have serious implications for the health and wellbeing of communities," he said.

Responding, the stakeholders appreciated ACOMIN's efforts in sharing community findings and encouraged the organization to sustain its engagement. They committed to addressing the stock-outs of ACTs and RDTs, as well as the lack of ITN coverage in some communities, in the next distribution cycle.

Chess Growth Academy Jalingo Inaugurates New Chess Club at Atoshi Hotel

 

By Henry Agbu 

     Chess Growth Academy in Jalingo has inaugurated a new chess club at Atoshi Hotel, marking another step in its mission to promote chess across the state. Speaking shortly after the event, Dankema Yusufu Umar , the Academy’s Programme Director, explained that the goal is to ensure every family is represented in each club. 

   He emphasized that chess—recognized as a unifying game that fosters critical thinking—offers an inclusive platform, prompting the academy to expand its reach across the state.

     Umar further noted that chess has a set of rules designed to promote discipline and concentration. "We require a quiet environment, and we strictly prohibit drugs and alcohol to ensure that the focus remains on the game," he said.

      He added that the club is dedicated to nurturing young talent, helping them unlock their potential.

     Highlighting the benefits of chess, Umar mentioned that the academy provides mentorship to less privileged players.

      He expressed his excitement over seeing young children participate in the game, including several Primary Three students. "Chess should be part of the school curriculum," he advocated, citing the game’s many advantages in developing critical thinking skills.

     Albert Abbo, the Operations Lead of Chess Growth Academy, also spoke at the event. He stated that chess instills important values and plays a key role in integrating young people from different backgrounds.

      Abbo pointed out that the game is affordable and can serve as an effective tool for taking young people off the streets, recalling the example of a Nigerian, Tunde, who began playing chess at a young age and now, based in New York, positively impacts the lives of many children.

   The academy, which is also deeply committed to the education of its players, has already received donations from various partners, bolstering its support for the club

      Among the enthusiastic participants were twins Jotham Henry Kasimu and Jayden Henry—both nine years old and in Primary Three—who remarked that chess not only sharpens critical thinking but also helps relax the mind.

     This initiative is yet another testament to Chess Growth Academy’s commitment to fostering a love for chess, building community, and empowering the youth through education and mentorship.

Nigeria’s House of Reps orders total shutdown of porn sites nationwide.

 

Lawmakers have directed the NCC to enforce an immediate shutdown of all pornographic websites. 

Internet providers must block access under the new directive.

The Guardian Nigeria reports that the member of the Faskari/Kankara/Sabuwa federal constituency of Katsina State, Dalhatu Tafoki sponsored the motion, calling it a step to “protect societal values.”

The motion was referred to committee on Information and Communication for further registration.