Abubakar Kabir 

The Benue State University Teaching Hospital (BSUTH), Makurdi, has recorded a success rate of over 80 per cent in the ninth batch of its In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) programme, reaffirming the hospital’s commitment to providing accessible fertility treatment.

The programme coordinator, Dr. Agulebe Chiahemba, who made the disclosure in Makurdi, explained that the ninth batch comprised 32 participants aged between 32 and 55 years, highlighting the hospital’s continued efforts to support couple’s experiencing infertility.

According to the coordinator, the hospital is providing a comprehensive IVF services, supported by fully functional laboratory and theatre facilities, as well as preservation equipment for storing eggs, sperm and embryos.

Doctor Chiahemba, added that  the process begins with evaluating both partners with the Male assessment including seminal fluid analysis and treatment of any detected infection, while the woman’s womb is examined for conditions such as fibroids or fluid accumulation that could hinder embryo implantation.

“Although the programme receives no direct financial support, the hospital’s management has significantly reduced its cost. The technical fee stands at ₦700,000, which is  among the lowest in the country”, Dr Chiahemba stated.

In a statement in Makurdi, the Information Officer ll in the Public Relations and Protocol Department, BSUTH, Anthonia Iwuese Yaikyu, quotes Dr Chiahemba as encouraging couple seeking fertility treatment to take advantage of the programme, describing IVF services at BSUTH as almost free and accessible with a commendable success rate. 

The statement reaffirmed the hospital’s commitment to helping couple to achieve their dream of parenthood.

It will be recalled that the programme was introduced in 2023 under the leadership of the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Stephen Terungwa Hwande, while the programme commenced its first batch in March 2024.

Tella Onah 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has directed agencies under the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation to immediately scale up public education and enlightenment on the Ebola Virus Disease, (EVD), following the confirmation of a case in the Federal Capital Territory.

The agencies are the National Orientation Agency (NOA), the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), the Voice of Nigeria (VON) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) confirmed the case this week in a woman who had recently travelled to Abuja from Uganda. She is in isolation and receiving treatment, and her contacts have been identified and are being followed up by the health authorities.

“The Federal Government is taking every necessary step to contain this case and protect Nigerians. Accurate and timely information is one of our strongest defences.

“Our agencies must reach every community, in every language, with clear facts on how Ebola spreads, how to protect ourselves and where to report suspected cases,” he said.

Idris directed the agencies to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the NCDC to ensure that all public messaging is verified and evidence-based.

He also tasked the NOA to deploy its offices nationwide for grassroots sensitisation, working with traditional and religious leaders, community groups and the media.

The Minister urged Nigerians to remain calm, rely only on information from official sources and avoid spreading unverified claims on social media. 

Members of the public are advised to report any suspected case immediately by calling the NCDC’s toll-free 24-hour emergency line, 6232.

Our Reporter 

The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bauchi state chapter, has accused some traditional rulers in the state of interfering in politics and harassing its members, particularly in rural communities.

In a statement signed by its State Secretary, Abubakar Sani, and made available to newsmen on Thursday, the party alleged that some traditional rulers were taking sides with the ruling party and suppressing the lawful activities of opposition parties in their domains.

“We are concerned by reports that some traditional rulers are taking sides with the ruling party and suppressing the lawful activities of opposition members within their domains. Such conduct is unacceptable, reprehensible and contrary to the law,” the statement said.

The party warned that using revered traditional institutions to stifle opposition could bring the stools into disrepute and create unnecessary tension and disorder in the state.

The PRP however commended traditional rulers who have remained politically neutral despite alleged pressure to support the ruling party, describing their impartiality as commendable and worthy of emulation.

“We commend the traditional rulers who have maintained neutrality despite pressure to favour the ruling party or treat opposition members unfairly. We urge them to remain neutral, as expected of them as fathers to all,” Sani said.

The party called on those involved in partisan politics to desist, stressing that traditional rulers are expected to be fathers to all, irrespective of political affiliation.