Health
Miss International Nigeria Visits Sickle Cell Orphanage In Anambra
Miss International Nigeria, Miss Faith Ekwuemenam, has paid an official visit to the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home located in Agulu, Anambra State.
Miss Ekwuemenam made the visit with her entourage on Sunday, October 19, 2025.
She was welcomed to the Orphanage by the National Coordinator of the Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder, Mrs. Aisha Edwar Maduagwu, and the victims, who are mainly children.
Addressing Miss International Nigeria during the visit, Maduagwu thanked Ekwuemenam and the entire entourage.
She expressed immense joy and gratitude for such a thoughtful gesture.
Miss International Nigeria, Miss Faith Ekwuemenam
“Beacon of hope”
Maduagwu noted that the orphanage stands as a beacon of hope, being the first dedicated sickle cell orphanage home in Nigeria.
“We are committed to providing absolute care, encompassing health services, education, nutrition, and the general wellbeing of children and underprivileged individuals living with sickle cell disorder.
“Your presence today honors us and shines a light on the often-overlooked struggles and triumphs of our community.
“We are deeply appreciative of your time and compassion in visiting us,” she said.
Watch a short video clip of Mrs. Maduagwu welcoming Ekwuemenam below:
Maduagwu urged her, as a beauty queen with far-reaching platform, to lend her voice to critical causes that can transform lives, especially that of the patients.
She said: “Please use your influence to sensitize the public on the dangers of genotype incompatibilities among intending marriage couples.
“Education on this matter can prevent countless cases of sickle cell disorder from arising in future generations.
“Furthermore, I implore you to speak out against the pervasive discrimination, exploitation, and victimization faced by persons living with sickle cell in our society.
“This is especially acute with job opportunities, where both government and private sectors often overlook or outright deny employment to qualified individuals solely because of their condition.
“Your advocacy could spark meaningful change, fostering a more inclusive society where everyone is judged by their abilities, not their health challenges.”
Significant challenges at the orphanage
Maduagwu lamented that the orphanage faces significant challenges that hinder the ability to serve effectively, despite the strides made.
Chief among the challenges, she said, is the urgent need for a permanent site.
“Our current location is severely choked, accommodating far more residents than it was designed for, and the high rent burdens our limited resources,” she noted.
Maduagwu also called for expanded health insurance coverage specifically tailored for persons with sickle cell to ensure they receive timely and comprehensive medical care without financial ruin.
She pleaded: “I humbly appeal to respected individuals in our society—philanthropists, corporate leaders, and influencers like yourself, to come to our aid by providing us with necessary assistance to sustain and expand our operations.
“Your support could make an indelible difference in the lives of these vulnerable children.”
The National Coordinator of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder Association, meanwhile, proudly highlighted some of her key achievements.
Such achievements, she said, “demonstrate the impact of our unwavering dedication.
“We sponsored the passage of the Anambra State Sickle Cell Disease (Control and Eradication) Law 2019, a landmark legislation that has set a precedent for protecting and supporting those affected by the disorder.
“Through our efforts, we have provided scholarships to tertiary levels for numerous persons with sickle cell, enabling them to pursue higher education and brighter futures.
“Our medical management and interactive programs have assisted countless individuals in managing their condition effectively, while we have tirelessly defended the rights of sickle cell persons against injustices in various spheres of life.”
Miss International Nigeria, Miss Faith Ekwuemenam, poses with some children of the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home located in Agulu, Anambra State
“Falsehoods and fraudulent activities”
Maduagwu, meanwhile, regretted a recent troubling incidence in Ebonyi State, where a sickle cell patient has been found using her condition to manipulate and destroy others through falsehoods and fraudulent activities.
She noted that such actions, not only harm innocent people but also, tarnish the reputation of the entire sickle cell community, making it harder for genuine sufferers to receive the empathy and support they deserve.
She, therefore, called upon the Ebonyi State government to speedily initiate the legislative process for a sickle cell law and ensure its prompt implementation, mirroring the progress in Anambra State.
“This action would provide the much-needed protections and resources for affected individuals.
“Moreover, I sternly warn any sickle cell persons who are exploiting their conditions to defraud others to cease such behaviors immediately.
“Our organization will not hesitate to expose and report such misconduct to safeguard the integrity of our cause and protect the vulnerable,” Maduagwu said.
She lauded Ekwuemenam for her visit which, she said, will inspire her to continue the vital work.
“May this encounter ignite a partnership that amplifies awareness and drives positive change for sickle cell warriors across Nigeria.
“Thank you once again,” she added.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) learnt that the Queen came from Lagos for the visit, having read so much about the orphanage.
It was also learnt that she herself is also living with Sickle Cell Disorder.
She would be going to Japan in the near future to represent Nigeria and reflect the ordeals of the community especially the Orphanage Home.
Watch video clip of sickle cell children welcoming Miss International Nigeria to their orphanage in Agulu, Anambra State:
(DDM) – The Lagos State Government has closed down the Tower College of Health Sciences, located in the Gberigbe area of Ikorodu, for allegedly running an unaccredited nursing programme in violation of regulatory standards.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the enforcement operation took place on Thursday, following an investigation by the Directorate of Nursing Services (DNS) under the Lagos State Ministry of Health.
A joint task force comprising representatives from the Nursing and Midwifery Committee of Lagos State, the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), and officers of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) stormed the premises to execute the closure order.
According to DDM findings, the college had been offering training and certifications in nursing without the necessary approval from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN), the sole body authorized to accredit nursing and midwifery schools in the country.
Officials said the action was taken to protect unsuspecting students who had enrolled in the programme, unaware that the certificates issued by the institution would not be recognized by any official licensing authority.
A senior officer from the Lagos State Ministry of Health told DDM that the state government remains committed to ensuring only qualified and accredited institutions operate within its jurisdiction.
She emphasized that the proliferation of unapproved health institutions posed a serious danger to the medical profession and public health safety.
“We cannot allow illegal operators to exploit our youths or endanger lives by training unqualified persons for critical health roles,” the official said.
The closure of Tower College adds to a growing list of private institutions sanctioned by the Lagos government for flouting professional standards in medical and allied health education.
Authorities have urged parents and guardians to verify accreditation status before enrolling their wards in health-related programmes, stressing that any institution not listed on the official NMCN website is deemed illegal.
Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing to identify the operators of Tower College and determine whether legal action will follow.
The Lagos Ministry of Health reaffirmed that the crackdown on fake health training centres is part of a broader reform agenda aimed at sanitizing the state’s medical education sector and safeguarding public trust.
The Nigerian Senate has directed the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) to begin full enforcement of the sachet alcohol ban in Nigeria starting in December 2025.
Lawmakers insisted that no further extensions will be allowed beyond the one-year grace period granted in 2024.
The resolution came after Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong moved a motion urging the Senate to stop any further delay in phasing out high-strength alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets.
Ekpeyong said NAFDAC’s decision to ban sachet alcohol followed global best practices after broad consultations with the beverage industry.
He reminded the chamber that in 2018, the Federal Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), and industry associations agreed to phase out the products over five years.
The deal, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aimed to protect public health and curb rising social problems linked to sachet alcohol.
Lawmakers expressed concern that cheap and portable alcoholic sachets had become dangerously accessible to minors, commercial drivers, and other vulnerable groups.
Ekpeyong recalled that the initial phase-out deadline had already been extended by one year, pushing enforcement to December 2025.
But he warned that some manufacturers were lobbying for another extension, a move he said would undermine public safety and weaken NAFDAC’s authorities.
He added that continued production of high-strength alcohol in sachets fuels addiction, reckless driving, domestic violence, and school dropouts across Nigeria.
Following his submission, the Senate resolved that the Federal Ministry of Health must remove all obstacles preventing NAFDAC from enforcing the ban.
The lawmakers also called for a prompt release of the National Alcohol Policy, which should clearly prohibit sachet packaging and promote responsible consumption.
The Senate further urged the ministry to launch national awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of sachet alcohol, especially among youths and low-income earners.
Health experts and advocacy groups have long argued that sachet alcohol poses serious social and economic risks.
The ban, they say, is crucial to curbing rising cases of alcohol abuse and related accidents.
If implemented, the policy will align Nigeria’s alcohol control standards with global health regulations and help protect millions from preventable harm.
For now, all eyes are on NAFDAC and the Health Ministry to ensure the December 2025 deadline stands without excuses or political interference.
(DDM) – The management of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos has announced a wide-ranging recruitment for multiple medical and administrative positions.
Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) gathered that the hospital is seeking qualified candidates for roles including consultants, junior residents, medical officers, nurses, pharmacists, physiotherapists, radiographers, biomedical engineers, and support staff.
The recruitment drive covers specialist positions in Orthopaedics, Trauma, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Anaesthesia, Microbiology, Family Medicine, and Histopathology.
Consultants applying must possess MBBS or MBch.B, relevant fellowship certifications from the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria or the West African College of Surgeons, a current practicing licence, and a NYSC discharge certificate.
Post-fellowship experience in areas such as Arthroplasty, Arthroscopy, Spine, Paediatric Orthopaedics, and Microvascular Surgery is considered an advantage for specialist roles.
Junior resident positions require candidates to have passed Part 1 Primary Fellowship Examinations and be registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), along with a current NYSC certificate and practicing licence.
Medical officer roles also require MBBS or MBch.B qualifications, MDCN registration, and cognate experience is desirable.
Pharmacists must hold a first degree in Pharmacy, be registered with the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), and have completed a one-year internship.
Physiotherapists, radiographers, and occupational therapists must possess relevant degrees, NYSC discharge or exemption certificates, current practising licences, and registration with their professional regulatory bodies.
Nursing positions available include Senior Nursing Officers, Senior Nurse Tutors, Nursing Officer II, and Staff Nurses, requiring degrees or registered certificates, NYSC discharge or exemption, and registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN).
The hospital is also recruiting biomedical engineers and confidential secretaries, requiring appropriate degrees or HND certificates, professional registration where applicable, and NYSC clearance.
Applicants are instructed to submit one copy of their application letter, attaching photocopies of certificates (excluding statements of results) and a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) with personal details, qualifications, and names of two referees.
All applications should be addressed to The Ag. Medical Director, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi – Lagos and submitted to the Office of the Director of Administration.
The deadline for submission is November 17, 2025, and candidates are advised to include the reference number of the position applied for on the top left corner of the envelope.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and conditions of service, including fringe benefits, align with the Federal Public Service standards.
This recruitment drive is part of the hospital’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Lagos and across Nigeria by attracting skilled medical professionals and support staff.
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