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NITDA Charges Lagos Health Ministry on Data Protection

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investors data protection

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITD​​A), Mr Kasihfu Inuwa Abdullahi, has urged the Lagos State Ministry of Health to fully adopt the implementation of all provisions in the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) to protect the medical data of the residents of the state.

Mr Abdullahi made the call yesterday in Lagos when he paid a working visit to the state Commissioner of Health, Professor Akinola Abayomi where the issue on Implementation of the NDPR for the Lagos Health Sector was discussed.

Mr Abdullahi commended the Commissioner and his team on the proactive, professional dispositions and approach in which the State handled and disseminated public information during the coronavirus pandemic crisis.

“Beyond any iota of doubt, our recovery as a nation from coronavirus cannot be told without special mention of the work you and your team did and are still doing to keep us safe”, the DG averred.

The DG stated that in the 4th Industrial Revolution where big data, artificial intelligence, the internet of things and blockchain technology are the key indices and parameters driving the economy globally, it is important to review and improve on the credibility of datasets in health care, a sector which is data-driven, adding that Medical Informatics and Data are the bedrock of clinical medicine and research.

He further disclosed that the NDPR, a regulation issued by NITDA to protect data privacy and coordinate the safe exchange of personal data is built on all the international principles of data protection such as accuracy, limitation of use, security, confidentiality, availability and integrity of data.

According to him, it is a subsidiary law that limits abuse of power by data controllers as data subjects determine how their data should be handled.

The DG stated that the adoption and implementation of the NDPR by the Lagos State Ministry of Health will make every patient in the health care sector trust the privacy and management of their personal information with the state health care sector.

This he stated, implies that the sector will have a privacy policy that gives access to the type of personal information being collected, stored and processed by ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of personal data.

He reiterated that it is imperative to re-orientate health workers in the state on the importance of data privacy and proper disposal of medical wastes to avoid personal sample details being exposed to wrong persons.

He, however, noted that the full implementation of the NDPR would cost human, time and material resources but the resultant benefits cannot be overemphasized noting that it is a process that will yield multiple dividends eventually.

He stressed that “by giving an illustration in which a recent study showed that about $100 billion would save by adopting internet of things (IoT) in healthcare. When you consider other technology inputs such as telemedicine, genetic research, electronic medical records, it would be obvious that healthcare would be one of the most technology-intensive sectors in a few short years.”

“By adopting and implementing the NDPR, you have begun the journey to a better and more appropriate use of technology in the healthcare sector. Lagos state would benefit a lot of people understand that the state health sector values personal data and makes efforts to protect it. This alone, would boost health tourism and improve the quality of care in the state”, the DG concluded.

Professor Abayomi while thanking the DG and his team for visiting the Ministry expressed confidence that the privacy of sensitive data in Nigeria which is under the supervision of NITDA is in excellent hands.

The Commissioner said that the State Ministry of Health, as custodian of the Lagos State Smart Health Information Platform, has ensured that their clients and partners are NDPR compliant in order to deliver an excellent and transparent service.

“We will continue to work very hard with NITDA to stick with the guidelines which have been propagated by the agency”, the Commissioner said.

Adedapo Adesanya is a journalist, polymath, and connoisseur of everything art. When he is not writing, he has his nose buried in one of the many books or articles he has bookmarked or simply listening to good music with a bottle of beer or wine. He supports the greatest club in the world, Manchester United F.C.

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Staying Fit This Rainy Season with Fitness Essentials

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Fitness Essentials

As Nigeria embraces the rainy season, bringing cooler temperatures and increased rainfall, maintaining a consistent fitness routine presents unique challenges. Despite the tempting allure of staying indoors, staying active is crucial for both physical and mental well-being. This seasonal shift has also highlighted the growing accessibility of online shopping platforms, providing convenient avenues to acquire essential fitness gear and tools.

A prime example of this modern approach is King Oluwaferanmi Monsurat, a 22-year-old self-proclaimed “gym rat” and part-time University of Lagos student. Seamlessly integrating fitness into her busy daily life in Lagos, Oluwaferanmi’s adoption of online shopping for fitness essentials highlights a wider trend among Nigerians seeking to stay active regardless of the weather.

Embracing indoor workouts

The rainy season offers an ideal opportunity to wholeheartedly embrace indoor exercises, with online purchases setting the stage for these routines. For gym-goers, this becomes a prime time to make full use of equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and weights for comprehensive workouts. Many are even sporting new finds from platforms like Temu, a direct-from-factory model known for connecting consumers directly with manufacturers, offering a wide selection of quality products at competitive prices.

For those preferring to exercise at home, the options are abundant. Bodyweight exercises such as push-ups, squats, and planks require no special equipment and offer effective full-body workouts, perfect for quick sessions before or after a downpour. Additionally, Yoga and Pilates are excellent for flexibility and strength, with countless online tutorials readily available to guide your practice.

To further energise your home workout, simply turn up your favourite music, whether it’s Afrobeats or another genre, and dance! It’s a fun, high-energy way to burn calories and significantly boost your mood. Many fitness instructors now offer virtual classes, from high-intensity interval training (HIIT) to Zumba, allowing you to easily join guided sessions from the comfort of your living room.

Holistic wellness beyond the gym

Online platforms have become crucial to the overall wellness journey of consumers like Oluwaferanmi. She highlights how affordable e-commerce options can introduce new wellness solutions, noting that platforms like Temu make products such as juicers and air fryers more accessible, even for those who might otherwise struggle with the cost. This newfound accessibility is profoundly changing how many Nigerians approach personal wellness, moving beyond just gym wear to invest in appliances that promote healthier eating habits.

Outdoor workouts

For those who prefer outdoor workouts despite the rainy season, proper attire is crucial. Ensure you have good quality waterproof or water-resistant gear, including a running vest to keep essentials secure and enhance safety. Opt for moisture-wicking base layers to prevent chafing in humid conditions, and choose running shoes with excellent grip to navigate wet pavements safely.

Staying fit also hinges significantly on proper nutrition and hydration. Despite cooler temperatures, it’s vital to remain well-hydrated throughout the day. Incorporate immune-boosting foods and focus on balanced meals to adequately support your body’s needs.

Stay motivated and adapt your routine

Don’t let the weather derail your fitness journey; instead, adapt your goals as needed, focusing on what’s achievable given the conditions. Social media posts from individuals like @Xclusivetosin, who has already declared it’s “time to get that summer body” with new Temu purchases, and @SeunPhillips4, who has also invested in Temu gym clothes, highlight how accessible fitness apparel is making it easier to stay active indoors during this season.

They are not alone. A recent IPSOS survey found that 80% of respondents globally believe Temu offers value for money, with shoppers reporting average savings of 24%. More than half said they would recommend the platform to others, underscoring its growing reputation as a go-to destination for smart, savvy shopping.

Embrace the rainy season as an opportune moment to explore new fitness avenues and diversify your routine.

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TikTok Appoints Nigerian Doctor, Others as Mental Health Ambassadors

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TikTok Digital Well Being Ambassadors

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Popular social media platform, TikTok, has joined the campaign to address digital harms through innovation, collaboration, and empathy, with the aim to create responsible online environments for African users, and has appointed a few medical practitioners as its ambassadors.

The company recently held an inaugural programme tagged Digital Well-being Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, bringing together policymakers, mental health experts, NGOs, and industry leaders across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Delegates from South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and beyond gathered to further strengthen efforts to support and protect community well-being on the platform.

The summit provided a platform for open dialogue on enhancing online safety tools, promoting digital literacy and access to experts, fostering a balanced online environment.

A comprehensive suite of new tools and partnerships were introduced, including the expansion of TikTok’s global $2.3 million mental health fund to Sub-Saharan Africa, expanded local in-app helplines, and an industry-first meditation feature for all TikTok users.

With this expansion, three Sub-Saharan African organisations have been selected as inaugural regional recipients, including the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), Mentally Aware Nigeria Initiative, and Kenya’s Mental360.

These organisations will receive funding and platform support to develop locally relevant, evidence-based content that raises awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages open dialogue around mental health in African communities.

The event also spotlighted ongoing efforts such as TikTok’s #MentalHealthMatters campaign, which continues to promote positive mental health practices across the globe. Together, these actions are designed to support balanced digital habits, providing communities with access to reliable information.

As part of its commitment to empowering users to manage their online experience, TikTok has introduced a guided meditation experience in Sleep Hours – an in-app well-being experience automatically enabled at 22:00 for all users under the age of 18. Anyone above this age can choose to turn it on. This feature, the first of its kind in the industry, was piloted in March 2025 and is available worldwide.

As part of its ongoing partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), TikTok has officially introduced its new Mental Health Ambassadors, a diverse group of verified healthcare professionals from the WHO Fides Network.

The inaugural cohort of Mental Health Ambassadors includes Sanam Naran from South Africa, Dr Claire Kinuthia from Kenya, Doctor Wales from Nigeria, and Doctor Siya from South Africa.

Speaking, TikTok Global Head of Trust and Safety Outreach and Partnerships, Valiant Richey, said, “People come to TikTok to learn, share their experiences, and connect with communities around the world. That’s why we’re proud to introduce tools that not only support digital wellbeing, but also empower our community, especially young users, with a safe, supportive space to explore and navigate complex emotions.”

Also, the Minister of Basic Education in South Africa, Siviwe Gwarube, said, “We commend the private sector’s efforts to foster digital literacy and create a safer online environment for all. Such efforts reflect the government and the private sector’s collective responsibility to inspire creativity, empower communities, and connect young people to the digital world.”

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NPF 2025: SUNU Health Courts Healthcare Stakeholders for Industry Growth

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National Providers Forum SUNU Health

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A leading Health Maintenance Organization (HMO), SUNU Health Nigeria Limited, has hosted the 2025 National Providers Forum (NPF).

The event, held on Wednesday, June 24, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was themed Bridging the Gap: Building a Stronger HMO-Provider Relationship.

It brought together a diverse group of healthcare stakeholders, who discussed significant advancements in the nation’s healthcare sector.

A hallmark of this year’s forum was its inclusive approach. While many providers gathered physically in Port Harcourt, a significant number also participated virtually, joining online from across the country. This hybrid format ensured broader participation, allowing a wider array of voices and perspectives to contribute to the discussions, truly reflecting SUNU Health’s dedication to nationwide impact.

Discussions at the forum spanned a wide range of critical topics, including innovative healthcare delivery models, leveraging technology for improved patient outcomes, navigating regulatory landscapes, and strategies for sustainable growth in a dynamic environment. Interactive sessions and expert presentations provided attendees with actionable insights and fostered a spirit of shared learning and problem-solving.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director of SUNU Health, Dr Patrick Korie, emphasised “how a good HMO-Provider relationship directly leads to improved patient care, increased operational efficiency by streamlining processes, and ultimately enhanced credibility for the entire healthcare system.”

Underscoring the company’s commitment to responsiveness, he revealed that the organisation conducted a comprehensive survey with providers and clients to truly understand their perspectives.

According to him, this direct feedback has informed SUNU Health’s strategic decision to reorganize internal procedures to enhance partnerships.

He said key actions include establishing regular, transparent communication channels, disseminating clear guidelines, and committing to timely payments within a 30-day cycle for PHIS and NHIA, strictly adhering to operational guidelines.

The medical practitioner added that SUNU Health has embraced new technology for communication and claims submission and will routinely conduct continuous data analytics to identify areas for improvement. Concluding his remarks,

“At SUNU, which means ‘our own,’ humanity is at the centre of all our initiatives. Therefore, building a stronger relationship between us and our providers is not just an objective; it is essential for delivering the quality healthcare services our communities deserve,” he stated.

Also, the Chief Operating Officer of SUNU Health, Dr Faith Nwachi, emphasized the significance of partnership in healthcare.

“The National Providers Forum is more than just a gathering; it’s a testament to our belief in the power of partnership. We are committed to empowering our providers with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to deliver exceptional care.

“The insights gained today will undoubtedly fuel our collective efforts to elevate healthcare standards across Nigeria and drive sustainable industry growth.”

The NPF is part of NHIA regulatory requirement for accredited HMOs. It served as a crucial platform for engagement, designed to strengthen relationships with healthcare providers and discuss strategies for enhancing the quality and accessibility of medical services across Nigeria.

The forum concluded with a reinforced sense of collaboration and a shared vision for the future of Nigerian healthcare, as participants lauded the initiative for its relevance and the opportunity it provided to network, share best practices, and collectively chart a course towards a more robust and responsive healthcare system.

SUNU Health plans to leverage the outcomes and feedback from the NPF 2025 to refine its strategies, develop new support programs for its network, and continue advocating for policies that promote healthcare excellence.

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