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In a bold move to combat neonatal jaundice in Nigeria, Reckitt, a global leader in health, hygiene, and nutrition, has partnered with Oscar Anderson, Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE), and the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) to launch Project Oscar ‘Light for Life’ initiative.
This initiative which focuses on neonatal jaundice screening, treatment, and kernicterus prevention, was officially launched at an event held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, at the Four Points Hotel in Lagos, coinciding with the global observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
This flagship program aims to address the urgent challenges surrounding neonatal jaundice (NNJ) in Nigeria, a condition affecting approximately 60% of term neonates and up to 100% of preterm infants. NNJ remains a leading cause of preventable brain damage, including conditions like kernicterus and cerebral palsy, despite the availability of effective and affordable treatments.
Challenges such as inadequate diagnostic tools, unreliable phototherapy equipment, and widespread misconceptions about the condition continue to hinder proper management.
Project Oscar – Light For Life seeks to close these gaps by providing healthcare facilities with essential tools, such as phototherapy units and bilirubinometers, ensuring accurate diagnoses and timely treatment.
The program also includes training for healthcare professionals on recognizing and managing NNJ and raising awareness among mothers and families to dispel common myths.
Originally launched in Vietnam by young disability activist Oscar Anderson MBE and Reckitt, where it has treated over 150,000 newborns since 2019, the program is now expanding to Nigeria as part of a broader effort to reduce neonatal mortality and prevent lifelong disabilities.
This initiative aligns with global health priorities and seeks collaboration with international bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), to integrate NNJ management into global neonatal care guidelines.
Speaking at the event, Akbar Ali Shah, General Manager, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasised the urgent need for such an initiative, stating “Every child deserves a healthy start in life, yet for far too many families, neonatal jaundice remains a silent threat—often going unnoticed and untreated until it’s too late.
At Reckitt, we recognise that addressing this challenge demands more than just providing tools; it calls for steadfast commitment, robust partnerships, and comprehensive education. With Project Oscar, we are bringing these critical elements together.
As Nigeria stands among the nations most affected by neonatal jaundice, expanding Project Oscar to Nigeria represents a transformative step forward and we are determined to ensure this initiative creates a healthier, brighter future for every child born in Nigeria .”
Her Excellency Toyin Saraki, Founder and President of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa, also commented saying, “It is fitting that we gather on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, this year’s theme reminds us that inclusion is not just a moral imperative but a necessity for sustainable progress and development.
Neonatal jaundice If left untreated, it can lead to kernicterus, cerebral palsy, and other severe disabilities, contributing to as much as 5–14% of neonatal deaths.
The statistics are sobering, but they also call us to action. Today, as we nationally launch Project Oscar – Light For Life, we confront this challenge with urgency and resolve, and the understanding that neonatal jaundice is not just a medical issue;
it is a matter of equity and justice.”
Oscar Anderson, whose personal journey inspired the initiative, equally shared his thoughts on the expansion of Project Oscar to Nigeria, “As someone who has lived with the consequences of neonatal jaundice, I know firsthand the pain it can cause—both for the individual and their family. This project was born out of my determination to ensure that no child or parent has to endure what my family went through.
I am excited to see this initiative, which began in my home country of Vietnam, now taking root in Nigeria, a nation where the need is greatest.
Neonatal jaundice should never be a cause of lifelong challenges. I can’t wait to see the lives we will change together in Nigeria and beyond, as we shine the light of hope and healing into communities that need it the most.”
Prof. Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, representing the Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighted the transformative potential of Project Oscar and its significant pilot in Lagos State.
He remarked “It’s remarkable how such a simple therapy can profoundly improve life quality when timely intervention is provided. Project Oscar is a much-needed advancement in our mission to prevent neonatal jaundice and eradicate kernicterus in Lagos and across Nigeria. Lagos is honoured to be the beneficiary of this transformative initiative, and we are committed to maximizing its impact.”
As Project Oscar begins its transformative journey in Nigeria, Reckitt and Wellbeing Foundation Africa invites all stakeholders—healthcare providers, policymakers, and community leaders—to join the cause and advocate for sustainable improvements in neonatal care.
.Begins enlightenment on tax reforms, security
The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has launched a nationwide sensitization campaign on five critical issues affecting Nigeria’s well-being, unity, and development in Kano.
The campaign, themed “Promoting Awareness, Ethical Values, and National Development,” aims to mobilize Nigerians to unite in addressing these pressing issues.
Speaking while addressing journalists on Kano, the Director-General of NOA, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, represented by the Director, Legal Services, Mr Williams Dogo, said the campaign focused on five key issues
He said, “The campaign focuses on five key areas: World HIV/AIDS Day, security awareness, discouraging the get-rich-quick syndrome, World Human Rights Day, and tax reform bills.”
“World HIV/AIDS Day: The government has intensified efforts to provide free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.
”The citizens are urged to take advantage of these services and practice responsible health behaviors.”
According to Isa-Onilu, the government is strengthening the security architecture through the provision of better equipment, training, and increased funding for the security agencies.
He said, “The citizens are encouraged to report suspicious activities and cooperate with law enforcement agencies.
“Discouraging the Get-Rich-Quick Syndrome: The government has implemented youth empowerment programs and criminalized fraudulent practices.
“The citizens are urged to reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and opportunities provided through government initiatives.”
He stated that the government was committed to protecting the dignity of every Nigerian.
Isa-Onilu said that the recent efforts included strengthening legal frameworks to address human rights violations and promoting constitutional awareness.
On tax reform bills, he said that the government was implementing reforms to make the tax system fairer and less burdensome for citizens.
The director-general added, ” The reforms include four bills: The Nigeria Tax Bill, the Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, the Nigeria Revenue Service Establishment Bill, and the Joint Revenue Board Establishment Bill.”
Isa-Oniulu that NOA is urging all Nigerians to join hands in addressing these five critical issues.
He called on the stakeholders, including traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions, to amplify the messages across Nigeria
.Begins enlightenment on tax reforms, security
Also, The National Orientation Agency (NOA)says it has started a nationwide sensitisation of the public on Health, security consciousness, human rights and the ongoing tax reforms and the negative impact of get-rich-quick syndrome.
The Director-General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, made this known at a news conference to flag off the campaign on Thursday in Yenagoa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Issa-Onilu was represented by Mr Saturday Idemudia, Deputy Director in charge of Attitude Orientation and Behaviours Modification at NOA headquarters in Abuja.
Issa-Onilu explained that the sensitisation campaign on the five critical areas was necessary because they were central to the nation’s well-being, unity, and development.
The director-general said that the campaign was to unite Nigerians and build patriotism amongst the citizenry.
The campaign has the theme, “Promoting Awareness,Ethical Valued and National Development”.
“Today, we are commencing a nationwide mobilisation of Nigerians unity in our commitment to addressing these pressing issues and fostering a more informed, secured, and ethical society.
“The challenges before us require collective action and active participation from all Nigerians.
“This campaign toward HIV/AIDS complements the efforts being made by relevant health authorities and coincides with the World HIV/AIDS Day, which was marked on Dec. 1.
“We also join the global community within the week across the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 local governments in raising the awareness,” he said.
He further said that government had intensified efforts in providing free and accessible HIV testing and counseling services nationwide.
He explained that the government also ensured antiretroviral treatment was available and accessible to people living with HIV/AIDS, and partnering with local and international organisations to combat stigma and discrimination.
“Government alone cannot win this fight against HIV/AIDS, citizens must take advantage of the services provided by government and other entities, practice responsible health behaviours, and support those living with HIV/AIDS.
“Citizens have a big role to play in halting the spread of HIV/AIDS. We shall be carrying these messages across the length and breadth of Nigeria through our diverse messaging platforms,” he said.
On security, the D-G noted that it remained a top priority for the government as efforts were intensified in the provision of modern weapons, training and funding of the security forces.
He explained that the Federal Government had expanded its policing initiatives to improve collaboration between citizens and law enforcement as well as deploy technology, such as surveillance systems and intelligence gathering, to combat crime.
On the get-rich-quick syndrome, he said that government had implemented youth empowerment programmes and skills acquisition initiatives.
He stated that government had criminalised fraudulent practices, including internet fraud and financial crimes, with increased enforcement by agencies like the EFCC and ICPC.
“Citizens must reject shortcuts to wealth and embrace integrity, hard work, and the opportunities provided through government initiatives to make life better for citizens.
“In this Yuletide season, the tendency to resort to criminal ways to acquire ill-gotten wealth so as to impress others is heightened,” he said.
On tax reform, he noted that government was working to stop different levels of authority from taxing people for the same thing.
He also explained that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly were designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring everyone contributed fairly.
“In all, NOA will in this month carry out nationwide sensitisation with different activities on the five critical issues to let citizens be informed and shun crimes to get them rich quickly.
“This campaign represents more than government initiatives, it is a call to action for every Nigerian to join hands in addressing these five critical issues.
“Together, we must create a society that is healthy, secure, ethical, and united in purpose.
“The roles of stakeholders are very important, we call on media, traditional leaders, religious institutions, civil society organisations, and educational institutions to amplify these messages and extend their reach,” he said.
Earlier, the State Director of NOA in Bayelsa, Dr Edward Banigo enlisted the support of the media in propagating messages to educate and inform citizens on the feats being achieved by the current administration.
Banigo described the media as indispensable partners in nation building and applauded the media for publicising the activities of the NOA in Bayelsa
In commemoration of the 2024 Global Handwashing Day, Dettol, Nigeria’s leading hygiene brand, reaffirmed its commitment to promoting hand hygiene and advancing health practices nationwide by partnering with the Federal Government, The Wellbeing Foundation Africa , and two of its WASH Access Accelerator beneficiaries—Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads.
According to the UNICEF WASHNORM report, 23% of Nigerians do not have access to basic water supply services, and only 10% of the population have access to basic water, sanitation, and hygiene services combined.
This significant gap contributes to the spread of preventable diseases, highlighting the urgent need for improved handwashing practices and overall hygiene education across the country.
To address this, Dettol continues to drive awareness and action through strategic partnerships.
Under this year’s theme, “Why Are Clean Hands Still Important?” Dettol has collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation, headed by Honourable Minister Joseph Terlumun Utsev, to increase public education on the life-saving importance of hand hygiene. Represented by Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, the Minister reiterated the significance of hand hygiene in combating disease and its crucial role in promoting public health at the commemoration event in Abuja on October 15, 2024.
He said, “As we reflect on the importance of Global Handwashing Day, we are reminded that hand hygiene is essential to preventing infectious diseases.
Recent cholera outbreaks in Nigeria highlight the urgent need for proper hygiene and access to safe water.
It is through a sustained focus on promoting handwashing and improving sanitation that we can protect public health and secure the wellbeing of our citizens.”
Delivering the goodwill message, Cassandra Uzo-Ogbugh, Head of External Affairs and Partnerships, Reckitt Sub-Saharan Africa, said, “At Dettol, we believe clean hands are the first line of defence against preventable diseases and we believe that access to quality hygiene and health solutions should be a fundamental right for everyone and not a privilege for some.
From inception in 2021 to date, through our Hygiene Quest Curriculum, we have reached over 300,000 individuals, including school children, community members, pregnant and lactating mothers in healthcare facilities.
This achievement shows our firm commitment to not only educate but also provide the tools needed to promote a healthier Nigeria.”
The leading hygiene brand has also continued its partnership with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) through Dettol’s Hygiene Quest programme under its Clean Naija initiative to promote hygiene education across Lagos, Abuja, and Kwara states.
The team visited Salvation Army Primary School in Agbara, Ogun State to further commemorate the day. HRM Olori Adeola Agunbiade, Olori Alagbara of Agbara representing the Founder and President of the WBFA, Her Excellency Toyin Ojora Saraki, stated,
“Today, we are reminded of the remarkable impact that a seemingly simple act like proper handwashing technique can have on public health and overall wellbeing.
Our collaboration with Dettol has allowed us to extend our reach and work towards achieving SDG3, SDG6 and SDG17, positively influencing thousands of lives, driving awareness and promoting healthier communities.”
As part of Dettol’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) challenges through its Fight for Access Accelerator (FFA) programme, the brand has strengthened ongoing partnerships with two social enterprises—Kiddies ‘n’ Brands and Alora Pads.
Together, they educated school children on the importance of handwashing and demonstrated proper handwashing techniques.
This collaboration furthers Dettol’s mission to promote hygiene and health while empowering local communities by providing access to essential hygiene products and education.
As Dettol continues to champion hygiene education, it firmly believes that a healthier Nigeria is not just a goal but a shared responsibility.
Together with its partners, Dettol is dedicated to fostering a future where clean hands and proper hygiene are within reach for all, ultimately contributing to a cleaner and healthier nation.
The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has said that the Tinubu administration recognizes the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers.
She said the administration has in mind the fact that the mental and emotional health of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
She made this statement on Monday during the flag-off of the design and construction of 40 housing units for Judges’ Quarters in Katampe District of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Kekere-Ekun performed the groundbreaking exercise in the presence of the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, principal officers of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, as well as FCT Area Council Chairmen, among others.
Kekere-Ekun described the exercise as a significant milestone in the continuation of efforts by the Federal Government and the FCT Administration to enhance the welfare of judicial officers in the Federal Capital Territory.
She stressed that the provision of comfortable and befitting accommodation for judicial officers is a practical step towards ensuring that they are well supported, adding that it will also provide an environment for judges to carry out their duties with independence, impartiality, and integrity.
She said, “Beyond the courtroom, a supportive and conducive living environment is essential to their ability to focus on the heavy responsibilities entrusted to them.”
“Judicial officers require peace of mind, security, and comfort in their residences to fully dedicate themselves to the rigorous task of interpreting and applying the law.
“It goes beyond addressing the basic needs for housing. It reflects the recognition that the mental and emotional well-being of judicial officers is directly tied to their living conditions.
“These homes will provide a secure and tranquil environment, enabling judicial officers to perform their duties with greater focus, efficiency, and clarity of mind.”
Justice Kekere-Ekun, who also acknowledged the focus of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, further commended the FCT Administration for its initiative and forward-thinking in implementing the project, which, she said, reflects the importance placed on the welfare of judicial officers.