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Nigeria Breaks New Ground as Professor Kingsley Ekwueme Performs West Africa’s First Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery

Nigeria Breaks New Ground as Professor Kingsley Ekwueme Performs West Africa’s First Robotic Prostate Cancer Surgery

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu


In a bold leap toward transforming the face of healthcare in Nigeria and West Africa, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme, a globally respected consultant urological and robotic surgeon, has achieved a historic medical milestone — successfully performing West Africa’s first robotic prostate cancer surgery in Lagos using the advanced Da Vinci robotic system.

The landmark procedure took place on March 25, 2025, at the Prostate Clinic (TPC) Nigeria Centre for Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, making Nigeria the first country in the sub-region to execute such a high-level procedure locally — a development hailed as a defining moment in Nigerian medical history.

Professor Ekwueme, a UK-trained surgical expert originally from Amanogu, Ihitenansa, in Orsu LGA of Imo State, established TPC Nigeria with a long-term vision: to bring world-class cancer treatment home to Nigerians, reduce medical dependency on foreign systems, and ignite a new era of healthcare excellence across West Africa.

A Groundbreaking Medical Feat With National Healthcare Implications

This successful surgery marks more than a personal achievement or a first-in-Africa headline — it signals a shift in the healthcare narrative of Nigeria. For decades, advanced procedures such as robotic prostatectomies were available only abroad, limiting access to those who could afford international medical travel.

Now, with this robotic technology installed and fully functional at TPC Nigeria, Nigerians can receive cutting-edge, minimally invasive cancer treatment without leaving the country — a development that could save millions in foreign exchange lost annually to medical tourism.

Addressing the Burden of Medical Tourism

According to healthcare expenditure data, Nigeria loses an estimated $1.2 billion annually to outbound medical tourism, with cancer treatment ranking among the top three reasons citizens seek care abroad.

With Professor Ekwueme’s milestone, a compelling case emerges for the strengthening of local healthcare sovereignty — ensuring that citizens can access advanced medical care within Nigeria’s borders.

“This is about reclaiming confidence in Nigerian healthcare,” Ekwueme emphasized. “Nigerians no longer need to travel to the UK, Germany, or India for procedures we now have the skill and technology to perform at home — and with the same level of excellence.”Nigerian Robotic Surgeon To Introduce Africa's First Non-invasive Prostate Treatment

“This is about reclaiming confidence in Nigerian healthcare,” Ekwueme emphasized. “Nigerians no longer need to travel to the UK, Germany, or India for procedures we now have the skill and technology to perform at home — and with the same level of excellence.”

Strengthening Local Capacity Through Training and Knowledge Transfer

One of the most powerful outcomes of this development lies in its potential to build indigenous capacity and skills. Recognizing that sustainability is key, Professor Ekwueme is initiating training programs at TPC Nigeria to empower Nigerian doctors with advanced robotic and laparoscopic surgical techniques.

“The vision is not just to create a centre of excellence, but a centre of knowledge,” he said. “By training local surgeons and medical teams, we are investing in a self-sustaining healthcare ecosystem that can outlive one individual and scale across the nation.”

This approach will help close the skill gap, reduce the need for foreign surgical fellowships, and equip local institutions with the talent pool needed to scale high-precision procedures across teaching hospitals and private clinics alike.

Affordable Access to Advanced Healthcare

While robotic surgery is associated with high-tech equipment and elite medicine, Professor Ekwueme is also pioneering cost-bridging models to ensure affordability does not become a barrier.

“At TPC Nigeria, our goal is to make access equitable. We’re working with health maintenance organizations (HMOs), public-private partnerships, and donor agencies to subsidize treatment for middle and lower-income patients,” he said.

In a country where access to quality healthcare is uneven, this model represents a path toward inclusive healthcare innovation, showing that cutting-edge medicine can be accessible, not just aspirational.

Tackling Prostate Cancer – A Silent Epidemic

Prostate cancer remains one of the most common cancers affecting Nigerian men, especially those over 50. Many patients are diagnosed late due to limited screening, cultural stigma, and lack of specialized care.

With the emergence of TPC Nigeria as West Africa’s first specialist prostate clinic, there is now a clear pathway to early detection, focused intervention, and comprehensive management of prostate cancer within the country.

Moreover, the introduction of robotic precision in prostate surgeries reduces complications such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence — common challenges with traditional open surgeries. This advancement improves not just survival but also quality of life for patients post-treatment.

A Call for National Support and Policy Reform

Healthcare analysts and policy experts have called on government agencies, especially the Federal Ministry of Health and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), to seize this moment as an opportunity to scale localized innovation and support private-sector-driven centers of excellence.

“Professor Ekwueme’s achievement is not just medical — it’s a strategic breakthrough in national development,” said Dr. Folake Akinwunmi, a Lagos-based healthcare economist. “Imagine the impact if even five other centres like TPC Nigeria exist across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. The savings, the access, the lives preserved — it’s immense.”

Final Word: Hope Renewed for Nigerian Healthcare

In a landscape often shadowed by brain drain, crumbling public hospitals, and costly overseas treatment, Professor Kingsley Ekwueme’s historic achievement is a beacon of possibility — proving that Nigerian professionals, when supported with vision and resources, can match global medical standards and redefine what is possible on African soil.

As robotic arms moved deftly inside a Lagos operating theatre, history was not just made — it was rewritten for the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

Tributes Pour In as Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe Remembers Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie: “A Legend Ascends to the Ecclesiastical Heavens”

Tributes Pour In as Prof. Ndubuisi Ekekwe Remembers Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie: “A Legend Ascends to the Ecclesiastical Heavens”

As tributes continue to flood in over the passing of Nigerian banking titan and business statesman, Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD), one particularly moving homage came from Professor Ndubuisi Ekekwe—renowned entrepreneur, inventor, and founder of Tekedia Institute—who described PGD as “a legend who departs the solid bounds of the earth to the ecclesiastical heaven.”

In an emotionally rich reflection, Prof. Ekekwe recounted personal memories, moments of transformation, and the remarkable legacy left behind by the late founder of Diamond Bank. His words painted a vivid portrait of Dr. Dozie as not only a pioneer of African banking but a compassionate leader who elevated countless young Nigerians.

“A legend departs from the solid bounds of the earth to the ecclesiastical heaven,” Prof. Ekekwe wrote, “where cymbals, tapestries and flutes, with cherubic melodies, welcome a man who raised a generation of young people, pushing them into the path of prosperity and abundance.”

Recounting a powerful encounter from November 2023, he recalled a moment that left him stunned.
“A phone rang, and I picked it. From the other side, an unmistakable voice said, ‘Prof Ekekwe, I am PGD, your colleague in Diamond Bank.’ I jumped and shouted, ‘Ifeoma, come over here—because a Legend is on the line!’ Yes, a banking legend, Pascal Dozie, Founder of Diamond Bank, called one of his boys.”

Ekekwe recalled being posted to the Diamond Bank headquarters in Lagos instead of the Owerri branch for which he was originally interviewed. That simple decision, he said, changed his life.

“In just three years, I experienced transformation. Diamond Bank paid for two of my master’s degrees and a correspondence doctoral program in banking and finance,” he said. “Chairman PGD showed us grace, kindness and generosity. I recited the Diamond Bank mission and vision statement to him during that call—because I had memorized it while in training school. Great leaders inspire generations—and PGD served.”

One particular incident stood out vividly in his memory. He recalled trying to return an advance salary payment when he was resigning to pursue studies abroad.
“Chairman remembered everything,” Ekekwe noted. “I came to the bank that January morning to submit my resignation letter. Hours before, the bank had paid me a big chunk of my yearly salary. I updated the letter and requested a reversal, because I hadn’t earned it. To my astonishment, PGD later approved for me to keep the money, covering it on behalf of the Bank.”

Beyond his human kindness, PGD’s legacy as an innovator was also deeply praised. Ekekwe credited the late founder for pioneering the integrated banking system (DIBS) that connected all bank branches seamlessly—a system that influenced Ekekwe’s own academic pursuits.

“In the world of African banking, PGD was peerless on innovation,” he emphasized. “It was DIBS and the Valucard system that drew me to Diamond Bank while I was still a student at FUTO. Even Schlumberger, a top job destination for engineering graduates, couldn’t sway me—I flew to Port Harcourt to decline their offer because I had my heart set on Diamond Bank.”

PGD’s leadership, according to Ekekwe, left an indelible imprint. “He transformed a village boy into a global professional. He helped me understand the physics of finance. That was PGD—an innovator, a mentor, a father figure.”

As Nigeria and the African business community bid farewell to one of its brightest minds, Prof. Ekekwe’s words echo the sentiments of many whose lives were touched by Dr. Pascal Dozie:

“Chairman ascended to heaven today, aged 85, leaving behind a generation of men and women he inspired. An icon of African business. Innovator personalized. THANK YOU, for all you did.”

Dr. Pascal Dozie may have passed, but the seeds he sowed—in people, in institutions, in ideas—will flourish for generations.

Landmark Africa Mourns the Passing of Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Board Chairman and Beloved Mentor

Landmark Africa Mourns the Passing of Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie, Board Chairman and Beloved Mentor

Landmark Africa is in mourning following the passing of its esteemed Board Chairman, Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie (PGD), who died peacefully on April 8, 2025. A titan in the Nigerian business landscape and a revered elder statesman, Dr. Dozie’s death marks the end of an era for the company and the nation at large.

In an emotional statement released today, Paul Onwuanibe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Landmark Africa, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late Dr. Dozie, describing him as far more than a corporate leader.

“This loss is deeply personal,” Onwuanibe said. “Dr. Dozie was not just a Chairman or business icon to me—he was family. Married to my favorite aunt, I had the privilege of being a pageboy at their wedding. From that moment and through the decades that followed, he became a guiding light in my life.”

Onwuanibe painted a touching portrait of weekly interactions that shaped his journey as a leader and a man.

“Every Sunday, without fail, we met. Those Sundays were sacred. They were filled with wisdom, laughter, reflections, and the kind of guidance that shaped not just business decisions but life choices. PGD offered counsel not from a place of ego but from a place of lived experience, humility, and love.”

Since joining Landmark Africa in 2004 as Chairman of the Board, Dr. Dozie steered the organization with what Onwuanibe called “an unmatched depth of experience, integrity, and vision.”

“He was a strategist of the highest order, but what set him apart was his heart. PGD led with quiet strength. He never needed to raise his voice—his calm presence alone commanded respect. In the boardroom, he was incisive. Outside of it, he was a mentor, a father figure, a moral compass. He anchored our mission in values that will outlive all of us.”

Reflecting on Dr. Dozie’s impact on the organization, the Landmark CEO was unequivocal: “His influence on Landmark—and on me personally—cannot be overstated. He was our pillar of strength, the wise voice in turbulent times, and the example we all aspired to emulate. His passing leaves a void that words can scarcely capture.”

Onwuanibe also extended his condolences to the Dozie family. “To his beloved wife, children, and extended family—our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you for sharing him with us. His legacy will continue to echo in every project, every meeting, every milestone we reach.”

In closing his tribute, Onwuanibe said:
“Rest well, PGD. You ran your race with honor, wisdom, and purpose. You left us not in silence, but in the quiet power of your example. May your soul find eternal peace in the presence of the God you so faithfully served.”

Dr. Pascal Gabriel Dozie was more than a business leader—he was a nation-builder, a mentor, and a man whose quiet strength left an indelible imprint on all who knew him. Landmark Africa and the larger Nigerian business community will honor his legacy for generations to come.

Cyber criminals bypass code of ethics with concerted attacks on the world’s healthcare sector 

Cyber criminals bypass code of ethics with concerted attacks on the world’s healthcare sector 

South Africa’s healthcare sector weakened by underfunding, lack of skills and fragmented infrastructure

Johannesburg, South Africa April 7, 2025 – “There was a time when cybercriminals held off from attacking the world’s healthcare institutions for reasons of ethics.  But no more,” says Shayimamba Conco, Cyber Security Expert at Check Point Software Technologies, a global leader in cyber security solutions. Conco comments come ahead of World Health Day on Monday April 7, 2025.

 

During the first three months of this year, Check Point Research has reported that the healthcare and medical industry experienced an average of 2,309 weekly attack attempts per organisation. This is an increase of 39% compared to the same timeframe last year.

 

Figures issued in a separate Check Point Threat Intelligence Report over the last six months show that a South African healthcare organisation is attacked on average 1626 times per week.

 

“International espionage authorities such as the FBI and INTERPOL have warned for years that threat actors view hospitals and healthcare providers as prime extortion targets,” Conco says.

 

“The critical nature of healthcare makes it a prime  target—where every second of downtime or breach can mean a delay in care, or even worse, a loss of life,” he adds.

Ransomware and phishing are  the most prevalent threats.  The former preying on the critical need for timely access to patient data.

According to Conco, data exfiltration and extortion have overtaken encryption-based attacks as the primary ransomware tactics, simplifying operations and maximising payouts.

“The urgency of healthcare services makes providers more likely to pay ransoms to restore access quickly, leading to potential data loss, operational downtime, and significant financial strain,” Conco says.

Compromised patient data however can lead to breaches of privacy and security, with long-term consequences for affected individuals. This can include identity theft and other forms of exploitation.

Beyond the ransom itself, the costs associated with recovery, system upgrades, legal fees, and potential fines can be substantial.

“Perhaps the greatest cost is reputational damage,” says Conco, “Trust is critical in healthcare, and a successful ransomware attack can damage an organisation’s reputation, eroding patient trust and potentially leading to a loss of business.”

 

SA’s Healthcare at a Critical Juncture

South Africa’s own healthcare sector stands at a critical juncture with its need for rapid digitisation to address escalating costs, boost efficiencies as well as prepare for the impending roll out of the proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme.

Healthcare NGOs too have been stung by the recent withdrawal of US funding.

“The healthcare industry is already a prime target for cyber-attacks, and the USAID withdrawal will further amplify the risks in this sector,” Shayimamba says.

The vulnerability of the sector is illustrated by the cyber attack by The BlackSuit ransomware group on the National Health Laboratory Services in June last year, which disrupted lab result dissemination amid a Mpox outbreak. System sections, including backups, were deleted forcing manual result communication. Despite the attack, labs continued processing samples, but full system restoration took months afterwards.

“It is common to see that many healthcare breaches also begin with phishing, unpatched systems, or misconfigured networks—not complex zero-day exploits. Prevention is entirely possible, but not prioritised,” Conco says.

Broken Hygiene, Broken Systems

“At the root of the crisis is a lack of cyber hygiene. Healthcare organisations often rely on fragmented, outdated infrastructure—a mix of legacy systems and modern tech not designed to work securely together,” Conco says.

Most medical devices are not built with security in mind, and many are not actively monitored by IT teams, and so the attack surface is growing faster than it can be protected by traditional means.

According to Conco, this dynamic compounds in developing countries, where resources are more limited. Reduced budgets mean outdated systems, less staff training, and fewer resources to protect sensitive patient data.

As a result, healthcare institutions in lower-income regions become prime targets for cybercriminals, threatening both care delivery and public trust, starting again this vicious cycle of attack and lack of defense.

When Devices That Heal Can Harm

A particularly chilling development is the rise in attacks on connected medical devices—pacemakers, insulin pumps, imaging machines, and more. According to the 2023 State of Cybersecurity for Medical Devices and Healthcare Systems Report by Health-ISAC, Finite State, and Securin, over 1,000 vulnerabilities were discovered in medical devices in 2023. However, only 15% of manufacturers had vulnerability disclosure programs in place.

“Attackers don’t need to breach a hospital’s network to cause chaos—they can now exploit IoMT (Internet of Medical Things) devices that serve as unguarded entry points. An example of how cyber criminals’ increasing sophistication is how hackers now specifically target medical devices as well, not only networks, servers, personal computers, databases and medical records,” Conco says.

Ironically local healthcare’s efforts to improve efficiency and  cost savings through digital transformation mean the sector’s attack surface is expanding, with a noticeable increase in attacks on routers, VPN hardware, and other edge devices.

 

This trend underscores the urgent need for healthcare institutions to allocate resources for their protection.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Risk and threats are growing for the healthcare industry but so are the solutions. Healthcare providers don’t have to accept such attacks or compromise with cyber criminals.

Check Point suggests five vital strategies to improve cyber resilience in the health sector:

  1. Educate Your People: Phishing remains the number one entry point. Train staff continuously, and implement solutions like Check Point Harmony Email & Collaboration, which helped Fast Pace Health win the battle against phishing incidents.

  2. Gain Full Visibility: Unmonitored devices are high-risk devices. Map all assets—including cloud, IoT, and legacy tech—and assign risk scores.

  3. Segment and Isolate Networks: Use Zero Trust segmentation to prevent lateral movement during a breach. Assume compromise—and design defensively.

  4. Adopt Prevention-First Security: Move beyond detection. Employ threat prevention tools powered by AI to block attacks before they execute.

  5. Unify and Consolidate Security: A fragmented approach invites risk. Integrated platforms like Check Point Infinity provide end-to-end protection across users, devices, and data.

Conco concludes, “As South Africa moves increasingly towards digital transformation healthcare, the sector’s reliance on technology will increase, making cybersecurity readiness more critical than ever.

 

By adopting proactive measures, leveraging AI technologies, and focusing on education and collaboration, South African healthcare institutions can strengthen their defenses and ensure the safety of sensitive patient data.”

Personal Development is the Path to Exceptional Living” – Dr. Ifeoma Eze Advocates in Her Latest Book

Personal Development is the Path to Exceptional Living” – Dr. Ifeoma Eze Advocates in Her Latest Book

 

Renowned author, pastor, and founder of The King’s Rubies, Dr. Ifeoma Eze, is urging individuals to embrace personal growth and development as a way to unlock purpose, happiness, and meaningful relationships. In her widely acclaimed book, “Becoming A Person Of Exceptional Value,” she makes a compelling case for why intentional self-improvement is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

“When you expand and grow yourself, you become more interesting because you learn more,” Dr. Eze writes. “You’re also more open to different viewpoints and perspectives as well as being more aware both of yourself and others around you.”

The book, which has sparked conversation among personal development enthusiasts and faith-based communities alike, outlines ten key benefits of personal growth—each backed with insights drawn from Dr. Eze’s experience and teachings.

According to her, personal development brings clarity and direction to life. “You are clearer on your purpose in life and you can quickly identify which task will give you the best result with the resources available to you at that moment,” she notes. “It helps you discover what it is you really want out of life and out of yourself.”

She connects personal improvement directly to emotional well-being. “When you improve yourself, your life, your relationships and achieve your goals, you become happier,” she asserts. “You will have greater confidence, resilience, personal and interpersonal skills to cope with any eventuality.”

On the subject of self-esteem, Dr. Eze is firm in her belief: “Personal development helps you improve your self-esteem and like yourself more because you become the person you want to become. You also learn to respect, accept, and love who you already are.”

A strong advocate for lifelong learning, she writes, “A major component of personal development is education, learning, and knowledge. You not only learn new skills and knowledge, but you also learn about yourself, about others, and about the world and humanity.”

Relationships are not left out of the conversation. “When you improve on your personal development, you are better able to see which relationships are worth investing in and which need to be cut loose,” she writes candidly.

Dr. Eze also emphasizes the influence of personal growth on others. “When you are personally growing and succeeding, others around you are probably going to notice. Your story, your progress, and your success can inspire others.”

Even small improvements, she writes, can trigger broader transformations. “Personal development in general affects all areas of your life even if it is just being directly applied to one area. For example, working on and growing your confidence can positively affect and improve the relationship aspect of your life and the work aspect of your life.”

She encourages people not to remain stagnant: “When you improve on yourself, people are naturally drawn to you and the relationships you already have with others also improve. You’re less likely to stay stuck and stagnant in your life.”

Perhaps most compelling is her take on mental strength and problem-solving. “With strong personal development, you develop the necessary will. This helps you become better at making sound decisions and being able to more effectively solve any problem that arises. It also helps you build and develop the skills to better deal with adversity especially when times get tough.”

“Becoming A Person Of Exceptional Value” serves not only as a guide for individual transformation but also as a spiritual and intellectual compass for those who seek to live purposefully and impactfully. Dr. Ifeoma Eze’s voice is both practical and deeply inspiring, making this book a valuable resource for anyone determined to grow, lead, and thrive.

 

“You are clearer on your purpose in life and you can quickly identify which task will give you the best result with the resources available to you at that moment,” she notes. “It helps you discover what it is you really want out of life and out of yourself.”

The Night That Changed Trauma Care Forever

The Night That Changed Trauma Care Forever

 

It was February 17, 1976, and Dr. James K. Styner, an orthopedic surgeon, was flying his wife and four young children home to Lincoln, Nebraska. They had just attended a wedding in Los Angeles and were making the long journey back, crossing the wide open skies over the American Midwest in their small private plane. The sun was setting as they neared Nebraska, casting a golden hue over the landscape. But that warm glow would soon give way to a night that would alter the course of Styner’s life — and eventually, emergency medicine around the world.

The weather began to turn. Low, thin clouds crept in. Dr. Styner wasn’t certified to fly using instruments alone, so he chose to stay beneath the cloud cover, navigating by sight. But dusk was fading quickly. Disoriented and flying low in near darkness, he misjudged his altitude. The plane skimmed the surface of a pond, clipped treetops, and then slammed into the earth with terrifying force.

The aircraft was torn apart. The wings sheared off. The fuselage skidded violently across the ground, spinning more than two hundred feet before coming to a stop — battered, broken, but miraculously upright. A gaping hole yawned open on the right side of the plane, and the fuel tanks ruptured — but somehow, there was no fire.

When Dr. Styner came to, he was in agony. His chest was crushed, his face bloodied from smashing into the dashboard. But he was alive. His first thought wasn’t of his own pain — it was of his family. His wife, Charlene, was gone from her seat. And inside the mangled wreckage, his children were trapped.

Summoning strength through the haze of pain and shock, Dr. Styner stumbled into the cold Nebraska night. He knew the aircraft could ignite at any moment. He had to move fast. His instincts as a father kicked in. His instincts as a doctor followed close behind.

Chris, his ten-year-old son, had a broken arm but was awake. Three-year-old Kim had been sitting on Chris’s lap — she was unconscious from a blow to the head. Eight-year-old Rick had a deep head wound, also unconscious. Five-year-old Randy’s leg was pinned under the twisted remains of the plane. Somehow, Styner found the strength to carry Rick and Kim away to safety, then returned and dug out Randy with his bare hands. Chris, though injured, managed to crawl out on his own.

The family huddled in the freezing darkness, wrapped in whatever clothing they could gather from the scattered luggage. Temperatures were plummeting, and no help was coming. Dr. Styner ventured out twice into the darkness, calling for Charlene. On his third try, he found her — thrown hundreds of feet from the plane. She had died on impact.

Alone now with four injured children, Styner faced the impossible. He worried he had internal injuries. He was bleeding and exhausted. But he knew he had to act. He told Chris, honestly and with the strength only a father can summon in such moments: “If I don’t come back, don’t look for me. Just stay with your siblings and wait.”

And so, in the dead of night, with fractured ribs and a battered body, Dr. James Styner walked for miles until he saw headlights. A driver, startled by the sight of a bloodied man on the roadside, pulled over. Once he explained, they turned the car around and rushed back with him to rescue the children.

They drove to the nearest hospital — a small rural facility in Hebron, Nebraska. But when they arrived in the early hours, the doors were locked. The ER was empty, and only a nurse was on duty. She asked them to wait outside. It wasn’t until she saw the children’s condition that she let them in.

What followed deeply disturbed Dr. Styner. The medical staff, though well-meaning, were clearly unprepared for a trauma case of this magnitude. Rick, semi-conscious with a serious head injury, was mishandled. No one received IVs or urgent trauma care. It was chaos. In disbelief, Dr. Styner — battered, grieving, and exhausted — stepped in and took over the care of his own children.

He contacted a colleague in Lincoln, Dr. Bruce Miller, and arranged for air transport. It wasn’t until 14 hours after the crash that the Styner family received proper trauma care.

That night haunted Dr. Styner — not just because of the loss of his wife, or the sight of his children suffering, but because he realized something far more disturbing: he, an injured father in the middle of a field, gave better trauma care than a hospital.

It wasn’t the people that failed — it was the system.

That realization became a mission. Drawing inspiration from the ACLS (Advanced Cardiac Life Support) model, Dr. Styner and his colleagues created something new — the Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) program. Its goal was simple yet revolutionary: to ensure that any medical professional, anywhere, could provide standardized, life-saving trauma care using a straightforward, reproducible approach — starting with the ABCs: airway, breathing, circulation.

By 1980, just four years after the crash, the American College of Surgeons adopted the ATLS program. And from there, it spread around the world. Today, more than a million healthcare professionals across over 80 countries have been trained in ATLS.

Despite the heartbreak of losing Charlene, all four children survived. Chris recovered from his broken forearm. Randy suffered a skull fracture and was in a coma for three days. Rick and Kim had traumatic brain injuries and spent seven days unconscious. But they all pulled through.

Out of the wreckage of that cold Nebraska night, a father’s pain turned into a global force for good. Dr. James K. Styner didn’t just survive the crash — he transformed it into a movement that has saved countless lives.

His story is not just about a plane crash. It’s about love, resilience, and the power of one person to change the world when they refuse to accept that “good enough” is good enough.

 

NITDA Explores Strategic Collaboration with SGgrow to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

NITDA Explores Strategic Collaboration with SGgrow to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

 

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

In a bid to strengthen Nigeria’s digital innovation landscape, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) hosted Mr. Hiro Mashita, founder of SGgrow, and his delegation on a courtesy visit to discuss potential partnerships in the nation’s burgeoning digital economy.

The high-level meeting, which took place at NITDA’s headquarters, centered on co-developing innovation-driven initiatives, with a focus on startup funding, incubation programs, talent exchange, and capacity-building initiatives. Both parties also explored avenues to connect Nigerian startups with global markets while fostering knowledge-sharing between tech ecosystems.

Joining the discussions virtually, NITDA’s Director General, Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, reiterated the agency’s dedication to fostering international collaborations that drive digital transformation. He emphasized the critical role of global partnerships in building a resilient and dynamic startup ecosystem in Nigeria.

“Collaboration with global players like SGgrow aligns with our mission to position Nigeria as a leading digital economy,” Abdullahi stated. “By leveraging international expertise and resources, we can accelerate innovation and create more opportunities for Nigerian startups to thrive on a global scale.”

The visit marks a significant step in NITDA’s ongoing efforts to cultivate strategic alliances that enhance technological advancement and economic growth in Nigeria. Further details on the proposed initiatives are expected to be unveiled in the coming weeks.

Anthony Emeka Nwosu is a tech policy analyst and journalist covering digital innovation in Africa.

Nigeria Poised to Become Africa’s Global Hub for Innovation and Technology – Nnaji

Nigeria Poised to Become Africa’s Global Hub for Innovation and Technology – Nnaji

 

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has declared that Nigeria has the potential to emerge as a global hub for innovation, investment, and sustainable technological advancement, positioning the country as a leader in Africa and beyond.

The Minister’s statement was delivered by his Special Assistant, Dr. Patricks Oghuma, during the Interdisciplinary Conference on Climate Change Mitigation held at the Peter Mbah Auditorium in Enugu.

Nnaji emphasized that the conference aligns with the Ministry’s priority areas and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s agenda, which strongly emphasizes innovation. He noted that Nigeria is on the verge of a major digital and technological transformation.

In a significant development, the Minister revealed that President Tinubu has approved the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Committee on Research and Innovation, with the Ministry of Innovation, Science, and Technology serving as the coordinating body. This initiative aims to dismantle bureaucratic silos that have historically impeded national progress.

According to Nnaji, this strategic move will accelerate Nigeria’s economic diversification, enhance competitiveness, reduce import dependency, and transition the nation into a knowledge-driven economy.

“Today, we gather not just to discuss climate change but to explore how Nigeria can transform cutting-edge research into market-driven solutions—where science meets industry for tangible impact,” Nnaji stated. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research, integrating fields such as climate science, engineering, economics, policy, behavioral psychology, and artificial intelligence to develop adaptable solutions.

The Minister also announced the Ministry’s leadership in the Global Clean-Tech Innovation Program (GCIP), an initiative designed to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in emerging markets. The program seeks to address climate and environmental challenges by supporting sustainable technological advancements in Nigeria.

The conference underscored Nigeria’s commitment to leveraging innovation and technology as key drivers of national development, reinforcing its ambition to become a leading force in Africa’s digital and green economy.

Reported by Pauline Sule (Mrs.), ANIPR
Head (Press & PRU), FMIST

NDPC Urges Banks to Adopt Data Protection as Strategic Advantage

NDPC Urges Banks to Adopt Data Protection as Strategic Advantage

 

 

Financial institutions must move beyond mere compliance and fully integrate data protection into their business culture to mitigate risks and gain a competitive edge, the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) has advised.

The call was made by Dr. Vincent Olatunji, National Commissioner/CEO of the NDPC, during the Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism and Counter-Proliferation Financing (AML/CFT/CPF) Tabletop Session for executives of Providus Bank. Represented by Barrister Babatunde Bamgboye, Head of Legal, Enforcement, and Regulation at the NDPC, Dr. Olatunji delivered a keynote presentation titled “Embedding Data Protection into Business Culture: Beyond Compliance to Strategic Advantage.”

Addressing growing global concerns over data security, Dr. Olatunji warned that breaches could expose organizations to severe financial and reputational liabilities. He outlined key provisions of the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDP Act), emphasizing that banks, as major data controllers and processors, must implement robust measures to protect customers’ personal information.

The NDPC boss highlighted the Commission’s Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach as instrumental in driving awareness and compliance across sectors. He noted that businesses prioritizing data privacy not only strengthen customer trust but also build more resilient and risk-aware operational models.

The session reinforced the need for financial institutions to treat data protection as a strategic imperative rather than just a regulatory obligation.

By Anthony Emeka Nwosu

Cloud-Based Cybersecurity: Future-Proofing African Business

Cloud-Based Cybersecurity: Future-Proofing African Business

Legacy cybersecurity systems – once recognized as the cornerstone of business infrastructure – are putting African companies at risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, which could end up costing more than just money. These on-premises solutions have been identified as major threat to businesses, due to outdated tech, missing modern security features, and integration challenges – an issue that only grows worse as hardware gets older. In response, cybersecurity experts recommend that businesses switch over to cloud-based solutions, which offer continuous, automated updates for up to date protection.

 

“Africa’s rapidly expanding economy has made it a target for cybercriminals looking to exploit weak points in the digital infrastructure of local businesses. Cyber threats are also evolving and adapting faster than ever – which means that businesses need to be able to upgrade their cybersecurity in real-time, to ensure their data and finances remain protected against the latest threats,” says Tony Anscombe, Chief Security Evangelist at ESET, a leading international cybersecurity company with a presence across the continent.

As technology progresses, support for older systems, including patches and updates, dwindles. This means that legacy systems may not be able to accommodate modern technologies and new security best practices – including multi-factor authentication and encryptions. As a result, vulnerabilities in older software and hardware remain unaddressed, leaving gaps in the defense framework and making them prime targets for cyberattacks. This can also lead to non-compliance, resulting in legal issues and hefty fines.

Africa’s rapidly expanding economy has made it a target for cybercriminals looking to exploit weak points in the digital infrastructure of local businesses

“If a data breach occurs, it will impact operational continuity and damage the brand’s reputation far more than the downtime needed to upgrade their systems. Recognizing that outdated solutions could cost them more in the long run, businesses are switching over to cloud-based solutions,” says Anscombe.

Cloud-based cybersecurity systems host digital defences outside of a business’s internal network, providing a ‘protective layer’ that blocks threats before they can reach critical infrastructure. By nature of being hosted on the cloud, these digital solutions offer greater cost flexibility and opportunity to scale (up or down), compared to hardware-bound legacy systems – both of which are key considerations when it comes to Africa’s thriving start-up ecosystem.

These solutions also make use of the latest technologies – for example, leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning to continuously monitor digital infrastructure. This means they can detect and respond to cyber threats, including zero-day attacks (previously unknown vulnerabilities), much earlier than conventional methods. Cloud-based solutions also learn and share information about emerging threats detected in other regions, integrating the information in real time and adjusting detection models so they are always prepared.

A further element of flexibility offered by cloud-based solutions is having more options to choose from; “Since cloud-based operations can be deployed and serviced from anywhere, businesses can look beyond their immediate physical borders when it comes to choosing a provider. This means being able to select a provider based on best-fit, instead of closest-to-the-office,” says Anscombe.

The demand for cloud computing services in Africa is growing between 25% and 30% annually, according to data firm Xalam Analytics. This is based on an understanding that cloud-based solutions enable African businesses to compete globally, without the financial strain of upfront investment and ongoing maintenance of expensive IT infrastructure. Applying the same school of thought to cybersecurity is the first step in building a resilient, digitally secure business in an age of ever-developing cybercrime.