By Suleiman Yakubu

Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), in collaboration with the Niger State government through the state ministries of secondary and tertiary health care and primary health care, has commenced the process for the second track (Cohort 1) of the Niger State Health Misinformation Management Fellowship programme.
NHW will kick off the process on Friday by opening the application portal, which will run until June 22, 2024, for interested participants to apply for the second track (cohort 1) programme.
The Niger State Health Misinformation Management Fellowship is a programme designed to equip some stakeholders in the health sector with relevant skills and knowledge to combat health misinformation in the state.
The NHW and Niger state governments, through the state ministries of health, were building on the success story of the first track of Cohort 1 programme, which draws participants from the media, youth, faith-based organisations, the physically challenged, and traditional institutions.
The second track (cohort 1) of the Niger State Health Misinformation Management Fellowship programme targets participants such as nurses and midwives, community pharmacists, traditional birth attendants, pharmacists, officers in charge, and traditional medicine vendors.
The second track of cohort 1 fellowship is expected to run from July 2024 to August 2024, spanning eight weeks of intensive training, community outreach, and media engagement, among other activities.
The requirements expected of a participant to be eligible included the possession of a reliable Android smartphone or access to a working laptop with internet capability, and they must be residents of Niger State.
Other criteria were proficiency in using digital communication platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and WhatsApp, and a commitment to participate in the activities throughout the fellowship training period.
Interested individuals within the required categories are required to click https://nhwat.ch/4aQpMyj and complete the online application form by providing accurate and detailed information about their background, experience, and motivation for participating in the fellowship programme.
Health misinformation poses significant risks to public health, and this fellowship aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to address this challenge within their communities.
The fellowship programme is a unique opportunity for individuals, community leaders, and healthcare workers to combat health misinformation at the grassroots level.

By Suleiman Yakubu

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has described the incident at the Shiroro mining site as unfortunate and avoidable, saying new measures to avert recurrence, ensure safety, and secure investments in the mining sector would be put in place.
The Minister of Solid Minerals, Mr. Dele Alake, who led the federal government delegation on behalf of the president on a condolence visit to Niger State over the recent collapse of a mining site, said henceforth, mining companies must have a concrete plan for local value-adding, a remediation plan, and an insurance policy for mine workers before their license would be approved by the ministry.
He commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for quickly responding to the incident and appreciated the security personnel, leaders, and members of the community for their efforts to rescue some of the victims.
While extending his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, the affected community, and the Niger State government, the minister assured that those who were still trapped would be safely rescued.
Responding, Governor Bago described the visit as timely and applauded the new policies of the federal government aimed at forestalling future occurrences. 
He advised that all licensed miners in the state be grouped into cooperatives, and mining companies with licenses should inform and relate well with relevant stakeholders at the level of host communities, local government, traditional authority, and state government about their activities.
He said the use of technology in mining activities is against the use of explosives to prevent environmental hazards, and the need for environmental impact assessment before the commencement of mining activities will help improve safety. 
The governor, who also announced the N50 million donation by the federal government to the victims of the collapsed mining site, appreciated the president's gesture, and promised that the fund would be delivered.