By Laide Akinboade Abuja

In order to strengthen the health sector in Nigeria, experts said it is imperative for Governments to have stronger ownership,
sustainable financing, interoperability to be able to scale-up of proven digital health innovations.

This was revealed at a roundtable meeting by experts in the health sector, organized by Vantage Health
Technologies, part of the BroadReach Group, in partnership with the Network for Health
Equity and Development (NHED), ahead of the Africa Digital Health Summit (ADHS), in Abuja.

The theme, for the meeting was, “From Pilot to Scale: Shaping the Future of Health Innovation,” the high-level dialogue brought together senior representatives of the Federal Ministry of
Health and Social Welfare, the National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and
Prevention (NCDC), Country Coordinating Mechanism – Nigeria, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), KNCV Nigeria, BAO Systems, eHealth Africa, Development.

Paul Bhuhi, Vantage Health Technologies, while opening the discussion said the conversation
has shifted beyond whether digital innovation can improve health outcomes to how successful
innovations can be sustainably scaled.

“Across Africa, we are seeing unprecedented investment in digital health innovation. The
challenge before us is no longer whether technology can improve health outcomes, but how to
scale proven solutions sustainably.

“Achieving scale requires deliberate planning, strong
partnerships, government ownership and a commitment to embedding innovation within health
systems rather than treating it as a stand-alone intervention” , he said

Collaborating this position, Dr. Ovuoraye John A., Director, Department of Health Planning,
Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, urged stakeholders
to shift attention from repeatedly piloting proven innovations to scaling solutions that have
already demonstrated impact.

“We have reached the point where we should focus on scaling, not piloting. The solutions have
proven themselves, and we should work together to scale them across the country so they become part of routine health system strengthening. By building on what has already been demonstrated, we can strengthen decision-making, improve programme performance and
ensure that more Nigerians benefit from these innovations”, he noted.

They all agreed that there must be
an urgent shift from isolated digital
health pilot projects to nationally scaled, sustainable solutions capable of strengthening health systems and improving health outcomes across Nigeria and Africa.

While acknowledging the significant progress made in digital health innovation across Africa,
participants agreed that many promising solutions continue to struggle with sustainability,
financing, interoperability, governance, institutionalisation and long-term adoption. They
stressed that the next phase of digital transformation must focus less on creating new pilot
projects and more on scaling proven innovations that strengthen health systems and deliver measurable impact

Participants agreed that successful pilots should no longer be viewed as the end goal, but as the
foundation for deliberate, country-led scale-up supported by sustainable financing, strong
governance and institutional ownership.

They agreed that technology alone does not transform health systems but sustainable scale
requires government leadership, policy alignment, sustainable financing, workforce capacity,
interoperability, strong governance and effective use of data to support decision-making.

Dr. Emmanuel Sokpo, Country Director, Network for Health Equity and Development
(NHED),said the discussions reaffirmed that digital innovation must strengthen health systems rather than operate alongside them.

“Scaling innovation requires more than technology. It requires strong partnerships, government ownership, quality data and sustained collaboration. Proven digital health
solutions must become part of routine health system strengthening if we are to improve health
outcomes at scale.”

Dr. Jerome Mafeni, Strategic Technical Adviser, NHED, added that successful digital
transformation depends on quality data, interoperability and ensuring that digital innovations
become embedded within routine health system management rather than operating as parallel
systems.

They also discussed about the growing role of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics
in strengthening programme performance, improving resource allocation, supporting disease
surveillance and enabling more responsive health systems.

Drawing on implementation experiences across Nigeria and the region, participants examined
practical examples of how digital solutions can strengthen programme management and improve access to timely data for decision-making

Dr. Dike Kachiside, Senior Technical Specialist,
National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCP), described how the platform is
transforming routine programme data into actionable intelligence.

“NaijPro720 is helping to transform programme data into actionable intelligence. Rather than
simply collecting information, the platform enables programme managers to identify gaps
early, analyse programme performance and make evidence-based decisions that improve
service delivery at facility, state and national levels.”

Participants expressed optimism that stronger collaboration, strategic investments and greater
focus on implementation at scale will accelerate progress towards more resilient, responsive
and data-driven health systems across Africa.

Former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has described the attempt to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), through judicial means,  as  evidence of the desperate determination of President Bola Tinubu to impose a de facto one-party state in Nigeria, against the democratic wishes and aspirations of Nigerians.

In a statement at the weekend by his media office, Atiku said that he was not surprised by the disturbing situation, which may have grave consequences if the sinister plot to weaken opposition parties in order to help Tinubu have his way in the 2027 election, comes to fruition.

According to Atiku, the participation of citizens in a free, fair and credible poll is the soul of democracy and any attempt to stifle such freedom of choice could be a trigger to chaos and anarchy.

The ADC Presidential candidate explained further that “Nigerians are now seeing the true colours of President Tinubu, who pretends to be a democrat, but his body language and the sinister activities of his agents contradict his mouthed commitment to free and fair elections.”

He urged Tinubu to borrow a leaf from the late President Muhammadu Buhari, who despite being a retired military officer turned politician, never deregistered any opposition party. Ditto for former President Goodluck Jonathan,  who lived by a non-violent mantra that political ambition should not be worth the blood of any citizen.

“If you’re truly popular and your policies have positively bettered the lives of the citizens, you shouldn’t be afraid of a free and fair competition,” Atiku reminded Tinubu. 

 “Tinubu cannot be a champion of democracy under military dictatorship and now become the worst enemy of everything that democracy stands for.” 

“You can’t attempt to rule the people against their will and still pretend that you’re committed to free and fair elections in 2027,” Atiku stated.

The former Vice President also advised judges “to resist being used by dishonorable politicians who are bent on destroying the hard-earned democracy in the country.

“Governments will come and go. Hence, the judiciary must guard her integrity as the last hope of the masses. Don’t allow unscrupulous politicians to stain your reputation for their own short-term gain at the expense of justice. The judiciary is the last hope of the people. Let’s avoid anything that is capable of ruining the credibility  and reputation of our courts; not for a messy pot of pottage or love of lucre. 

“There are great judges in Nigeria, but the unchecked excesses of some who allow themselves to become judicial swords on the hands of politicians, are capable of damaging the larger image of the judiciary,” Atiku said.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu has announced plans by the Nigerian Army to recruit and train an additional 28,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen its operational capacity in tackling insecurity across the country.

The announcement was made on Friday during a press briefing at the Army Headquarters in Abuja to herald the 2026 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL), which marks the Army’s 163rd anniversary.

According to the COAS, the recruitment drive follows the establishment of a third training depot at Amasiri Edda, aimed at expanding the Army’s manpower and improving its readiness to confront terrorism, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other security threats.

Shaibu said the Army has also established additional brigades and units, while reviewing its force structure to address emerging security challenges nationwide. He added that the service has continued to induct modern combat platforms and strengthen strategic partnerships to enhance operational effectiveness.

The Army Chief noted that since assuming office seven months ago as the 25th Chief of Army Staff, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, has recorded progress in operations, infrastructure development, personnel welfare, professionalism and civil-military relations.

He said his command philosophy is focused on transforming the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of effectively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

Highlighting the “Soldier-First” initiative, the COAS said the Army is prioritising the welfare of personnel and their families, describing it as a key factor in achieving operational success.

Shaibu reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and supporting civil authorities in maintaining law and order, while respecting human rights and operating in accordance with the Constitution and international standards.

He said the theme for this year’s celebration is “Protecting the Nation and Serving the People: A Way Forward for the Nigerian Army,” adding that it reflects the Army’s dedication to national security and public service.

The COAS announced that NADCEL 2026 activities commenced on June 26 with Juma’at prayers across Army formations and will feature interdenominational church services, public lectures in secondary schools, a literary competition award ceremony, media interaction, charity and medical outreach programmes, and the commissioning of civil-military cooperation projects in Port Harcourt.

The week-long celebration will culminate on July 6 with a grand parade, commendation awards, equipment displays and a research and development exhibition.

A major highlight of the celebration, he said, will be the hosting of the African Land Forces Forum (AFRILAFF) 2026 under the theme, “Securing Africa: Advanced Defense, United Efforts.” The forum is expected to bring together African army chiefs, defence industry stakeholders, policymakers and security experts to promote regional collaboration and showcase emerging defence technologies.

The Army Chief called on the media to continue supporting national security efforts through objective reporting, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant, law-abiding and supportive of the Armed Forces.

“The Nigerian Army belongs to the people. Let us all demonstrate patriotism and commitment to the ideals of peace and unity for national development,” he said.