The Department of Development Control, under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), has issued a 24-hour demolition notice to the proprietors of 500 unauthorized markets and makeshift structures along the Karmo – Dei-Dei Road corridor in Abuja.  

Mr. Garba Jibril, Sector Monitor and Assistant Director in the department, who oversaw the operation in Abuja on Monday, made this disclosure in a statement.  

Jibril further said that the Director of Development Control, Mr. Mukhtar Galadima, had conducted a sensitization meeting with the stakeholders. 

He explained that the demolition of the unauthorized structures was essential as they cause disturbances on the road and contribute to significant traffic congestion, particularly on market days.

The team leader also revealed that the FCTA has granted a contract for the development of the Life Camp – Dei-Dei Road.

However, he noted that the ongoing presence of traders along the road corridor is obstructing the contractors from beginning their work.

He said that the 24-hour notice should be taken seriously and that non-compliance would result in consequences for those involved.

Additionally, he said that the traders have been directed to relocate to the officially designated Karmo Market, which is fully developed and equipped with all required facilities.

“But the traders have been reluctant to move,” he noted.

“We have had several meetings with the relevant stakeholders, including traditional leaders in the area, to get them to move but they remained adamant.

“We equally held a meeting with the traders and the new market operators, who promised to give the traders some incentives to be able to accommodate them in both the informal and the main shops.

“We are hoping that after the demolition, there will be a successful relocation from the road corridor to the main market.

“This will not only maintain a serene environment but also ensure the free flow of traffic in the area,” Jibril said.

A 62-year-old Rick Slayman, the first patient who received the world’s first transplant of a genetically modified pig kidney, has died nearly two months post-operation, Massachusetts General Hospital announced.

Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), United States announced the development on Sunday saying there was no indication his death was as a result of the transplant.

On March 16, surgeons at the hospital transplanted a pig’s kidney into 62-year-old Richard Slayman, a living human recipient, for the first time.

The hospital said a genetically-edited pig kidney was used for the “successful” surgery, which took four hours.

Slayman has been living with type 2 diabetes and hypertension for years.

He was on dialysis for many years before receiving a kidney transplant from a deceased human donor in December 2018.

The kidney began to fail about five years later and Slayman was forced to resume dialysis in May 2023.

The patient was discharged from hospital in April, almost three weeks after the operation.

Slayman’s relatives said his story was an inspiration and said one of the reasons he underwent this procedure was to provide hope for the thousands of people who need a transplant to survive.

“Rick accomplished that goal and his hope and optimism will endure forever,” he said.

“To us, Rick was a kind-hearted man with a quick-witted sense of humour who was fiercely dedicated to his family, friends, and co-workers.”

The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced the election of new executive leaders at its 2024 Annual Delegates Meeting held in Calabar, Cross River State.  

The association aims to harness the collective strengths of its members to advance healthcare delivery across the nation. 

Bala Audu, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the current Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences in Azare, Bauchi State, has been elected as the National President of the NMA.  

Prof. Audu is set to lead the association for the next two years, alongside a team of newly elected executives. 

• Dr. Benjamin Olowojebutu, previously the NMA Chairman for the Lagos Zone, will serve as the National 1st Vice-President.  
• Dr. Usha Anenga steps in as the 2nd Vice-President. The roles of National Secretary General and Deputy Secretary General will be filled by Dr. Ben Egbo and Dr. Wale Lasisi, respectively. 

In his statement, Dr. Olowojebutu emphasized the collaborative spirit within the NMA, highlighting that the association represents a diverse community of healthcare professionals each contributing unique talents and perspectives.  

“There are no winners or vanquished in our association, only colleagues bound together by a common dedication to the health and well-being of our members and communities,” he remarked. 

Dr. Olowojebutu also stressed the importance of unity and solidarity in overcoming the challenges faced by the healthcare sector in Nigeria. He acknowledged the crucial roles all members play, regardless of the election’s outcome, in shaping the future of the profession and the national health system. 

This new leadership team is expected to bring renewed vigour to the NMA’s efforts in improving healthcare delivery, advocating for medical professionals, and ultimately enhancing the well-being of communities across Nigeria.