Nigeria’s trailblazing moves in health, agriculture, and arts

From the desk of Samuel Okocha, editor at 234Digest:  It’s a good morning in Nigeria, esteemed reader. While this newsletter was initially slated for Sunday evening, the much-needed rain last night offered a welcome break from the town’s heat, prompting me to embrace a full night’s rest. As a result, it’s with a refreshed spirit that I present to you this Monday morning dispatch, dedicated to bringing you the latest insights on Nigeria’s economy and business landscape. Let’s begin.

Nigeria launches world’s first meningitis 5-strain vaccine

Nigeria has become the first country to introduce the Men5CV vaccine, offering protection against five strains of meningitis. This move by Nigeria, which is part of the “meningitis belt,” a region with a high incidence of the disease, has been hailed by the World Health Organization as groundbreaking.

The vaccine’s rollout comes as Africa experiences a 50% increase in meningitis cases. Men5CV is expected to provide a broader defense against the disease, which is often fatal and can lead to severe disability.

Developed by PATH and the Serum Institute of India over 13 years, Men5CV is seen as a critical step toward the WHO’s goal of eliminating meningitis by 2030. The vaccine uses technology from the MenAfriVac®, which has been successful in controlling meningococcal A epidemics in the region.

Nigeria is kicking off a massive campaign, aiming to vaccinate over a million young people. “Meningitis is an old foe, but this new vaccine holds the potential to change the trajectory of the disease, preventing future outbreaks and saving many lives,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in an official statement announcing the roll out.

The vaccine is funded by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, which also supports the global meningitis vaccine stockpile. The broader protection offered by Men5CV is a significant improvement over the current vaccine used in Africa, which only targets the A strain of the diseases.

As Nigeria embarks on this historic effort, the world watches closely, hopeful that this could be a turning point in the global fight against meningitis.

Long stories short

Olam’s bet on Nigeria: Pasta and prospects: Despite prevailing economic headwinds, Olam, the agri-business powerhouse listed in Singapore, is planting seeds of growth in Nigerian soil. The company has recently introduced a new pasta brand and is progressing with the establishment of a soybean processing facility, anticipated to commence operations later this year. In a meeting with Nigeria’s vice president, Olam reaffirmed its pledge to bolster the nation’s food security agenda. Anil Nair, Olam’s country head, remains bullish, viewing Nigeria’s burgeoning population as fertile ground for the food and agriculture sectors.

Nigerian filmmaker challenges global stereotypes: Tope Laguda, a Nigerian filmmaker living in Suffolk, is set to challenge stereotypes in the global film industry with her self-released film, “What No One Knows.” The film, premiering in the UK, explores the lives of two friends in Lagos separated by a secret pact. Laguda’s work represents the quality of films coming from Nigeria, aiming for recognition on global platforms.

Architectural innovation in Lagos by Akose Enebeli: Architect Akose Enebeli is changing the face of contemporary African architecture with designs that meet people’s needs using sustainable materials. His work adds a modern element to Lagos’s cityscape, highlighting the potential for innovative and human-centric design in Nigeria’s bustling capital. You can watch the story about his work here.

Quote of the Day “Whenever you see a successful business, someone once made a courageous decision.” —Peter F. Drucker

Event to watch this week

• “Medic West Africa” in Lagos, April 17-19: A major health care industry event with over 200 companies showcasing the latest innovations.

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