From Attah Ede, Makurdi

The Benue State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, reinforcing its reform-driven health agenda under Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia.

This followed the commencement of a five-day Training of Master Trainers on Comprehensive Abortion Care, Post-Abortion Care, Family Planning, Safe Delivery, and Antenatal Services — a key intervention under the state’s broader health transformation plan.

Declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Health and Human services, Dr. Paul Ejeh Ogwuche, said the initiative reflects the Governor’s commitment to translating policy into measurable impact across communities.

He noted that current indicators remain a concern, with under-five mortality at 53 per 1,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 19 per 1,000, while maternal deaths continue to be driven by largely preventable causes.

He emphasized that under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the health sector is shifting from routine interventions to structured, result-oriented programmes designed to strengthen service delivery at all levels.

According to the commissioner, the training will produce skilled Master Trainers from Gwer-West and Okpokwu Local Government Areas, who will in turn build the capacity of frontline health workers across facilities within the coming months.

He added that this approach ensures that government investments translate directly into improved care for women and children at the grassroots.

“The programme aligns with the 2025–2027 State Health Strategic Plan championed by Governor Hyacinth Iormem Alia, aimed at delivering safer pregnancies, increased family planning uptake, and better health outcomes statewide.

“We acknowledge the support of IPAS Nigeria Health Foundation. The state government remains focused on accountability, quality care, and measurable results.

“I call on you participants to uphold professionalism, confidentiality, and respect in service delivery as they translate the knowledge gained into practice”, he stated.

According to him, the state Government anticipates measurable improvements in antenatal care attendance, increased skilled birth deliveries, and a sustained reduction in preventable maternal and neonatal complications as implementation progresses.

Pope Leo has sharply criticised the aerial bombardments, saying they are indiscriminate and should be banned.

The pope said this on Monday in ‌his latest anti-war comments as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran enters its fourth week.

Leo, the first  U.

“No one should have to fear that threats of death and destruction might come from the sky.

“After the tragic experiences of the 20th century, aerial bombings should ‌have ⁠been banned forever.

“Yet they still exist, this is not progress; it is regression,” he said.

The pope has called repeatedly for a ceasefire in the ⁠Iran war. On Sunday, he called the conflict a “scandal to the whole human family.”

Moniepoint Acquires Orda to Boost Africa’s Food Service Economy

Moniepoint Inc. has acquired Orda Africa to strengthen its presence in Africa’s fast-growing food service sector valued at about 50 billion dollars.

Orda Africa (“Orda”) is a leading cloud-based restaurant management platform operating in Nigeria.

The acquisition will integrate Orda into Moniepoint’s Moniebook platform, an all-in-one point-of-sale and business management solution launched in 2025.

The platform provides African businesses with integrated financial and operational tools, combining payments and bookkeeping in a single system.

Moniepoint, in a statement on Monday in Lagos, said the move would enable restaurant operators to scale operations, improve efficiency and gain access to credit through its ecosystem.

The company said that Africa’s food service industry was expanding rapidly, with Nigeria’s market projected to reach 19.31 billion dollars by 2030.

It said that the sector was expected to grow annually at 11.73 per cent, presenting significant opportunities for digital platforms.

Moniepoint was founded in 2015 by Tosin Eniolorunda and Felix Ike.

The company has grown into a major financial services provider, supporting over 20 million businesses and individuals across Africa.

It processes more than 250 billion dollars in digital payments annually through its subsidiaries.

Eniolorunda said the food industry remained a critical source of jobs and livelihoods across the continent.

He said that many food businesses still relied on manual processes and fragmented tools, limiting growth and efficiency.

According to him, the integration of Orda will provide restaurant owners with a single platform to manage operations and expand their businesses.

He said the development reflected growing efforts to build financial infrastructure tailored to Africa’s informal and food economy.

He said that the acquisition was expected to reduce reliance on manual processes and improve productivity among food entrepreneurs across the continent.

“The food industry is not just about feeding people, it is a major source of jobs and daily survival for many Africans.

 “It highlights how vital the informal sector is, not just for the economy, but for everyday life across the continent,” he said.

Orda, founded in 2020, develops software solutions that help small and independent restaurants improve operational efficiency.

The Chief Executive Officer of Orda, Guy Futi, said the acquisition would enhance service delivery to customers.

Futi assured users of a seamless transition, with no disruption to existing services or customer support.

He said the integration would expand access to financial tools and growth opportunities for restaurant operators.

The combined platform will enable businesses to manage orders, track inventory, pay suppliers and access working capital. (NAN)