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Akpabio Urges Senators to Rededicate Themselves to Nation-Building

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA – The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has called on his colleagues to renew their commitment to addressing Nigeria’s challenges and transforming the nation into a beacon of hope and progress.

In a welcome address titled “Rising to the Greatness of Our Calling” delivered during the Senate’s resumed plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio emphasized the urgency of their legislative responsibilities in shaping Nigeria’s future.

“As we embark on this new legislative year, I urge us all to include in our New Year resolutions a renewed commitment to the service of our great nation, Nigeria. Let us resolve to rededicate ourselves to the task of fixing Nigeria—transforming it into the country of our dreams, the pride of Africa, and a beacon of hope for the world,” he stated.

Budget and Electoral Reforms: Key Priorities

The Senate President highlighted the immediate need to focus on the 2025 national budget, describing it as a blueprint of the aspirations and hopes of millions of Nigerians.

“We must ensure that every item within it reflects the collective dreams of our people and serves as a catalyst for development, equity, and justice,” Akpabio said.

He also underscored the importance of completing electoral reforms ahead of the next electoral cycle. “Electoral reform is not just a legislative duty; it is a moral imperative. It is our chance to gift the Nigerian people a system that is transparent, credible, and reflective of their will,” he added.

Unity, Peace, and Leadership

Akpabio encouraged his colleagues to remain steadfast in their prayers for the peace and unity of Nigeria. He stressed the power of collective intercession and divine guidance in navigating the country’s challenges.

“This moment is significant. We are at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, a time that demands bold action and visionary leadership. History is calling on us to make a difference—to write a new narrative for our nation, one of progress, justice, and boundless possibilities,” he remarked.

A Call to Action

The Senate President urged the lawmakers to rise to the challenges before them, reminding them that their work transcends legislation.

“Our work here is not just about legislation; it is about shaping the future of a nation and leaving a legacy for generations to come. Nigeria is counting on us. The time to act is now

Nigeria Requires ₦2.779 Trillion to Execute 149 Electricity Projects – Minister

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has revealed that the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) requires approximately ₦2.779 trillion to complete 149 electricity projects across the country, many of which are at various stages of completion. This was disclosed during the Ministry of Power’s budget presentation before the National Assembly.

Legislative Support and Commendations

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Power, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe, acknowledged the improvements in electricity supply but emphasized the need for sustained efforts to achieve Nigeria’s energy goals. He commended the Minister’s understanding of the sector, a sentiment echoed by other lawmakers, including Senator Ashiru Oyetola of Osun State and the Chairman of the House Committee on Power, Hon. Victor Nwokolo.

Hon. Afam Ogene, Chairman of the Reps Committee on Renewable Energy, alongside Hon. Lanre Okunlola and Hon. Ezechi Nnamadi, also noted improvements in power supply while urging the Ministry to engage more with legislators to identify areas requiring further intervention.

Achievements and Plans

In his presentation, Chief Adelabu highlighted key achievements since his appointment, including an increase in electricity generation capacity from 4,100 MW to a peak of 5,270 MW. He attributed this progress to better utilization of existing infrastructure, commissioning of new power plants, and ongoing project completions.

The Minister disclosed that 95% of the pilot phase of the Siemens Presidential Power Initiative has been completed, with the second phase set to commence. This phase involves the construction of five substations across the country, aimed at stabilizing the grid and addressing issues like grid collapses caused by outdated equipment.

Tackling Challenges

Chief Adelabu called for collaborative efforts to address critical issues such as vandalism of power infrastructure, describing it as a major threat to electricity supply. “The damage to transmission lines and towers, such as the Shiroro-Mando-Kaduna line, highlights the need for robust advocacy and enhanced security measures involving the Army, Air Force, Navy, Police, and Civil Defence,” he stated.

The Minister also emphasized the importance of working with the National Security Adviser to combat banditry and cable theft, which have escalated in recent years.

Encouraging Local Procurement

To conserve foreign exchange and reduce procurement delays, the Ministry plans to prioritize local contractors for materials like cables and poles. Chief Adelabu noted that this initiative would not only support local industries but also streamline project execution.

A Call for Support

Addressing the lawmakers, the Minister underscored the urgent need for increased funding. “For the TCN alone, we need ₦2.779 trillion to execute these 149 projects. Our total budget as a Ministry is not even close to this amount. We rely on your cooperation to meet the President’s mandate of stable electricity for Nigerians,” he stated.

Looking Ahead

Chief Adelabu assured lawmakers that the Federal Government is fully committed to addressing the electricity challenges in 2025, with a focus on stabilizing the grid and reducing the frequency of outages. “We are confident that with the Presidential Power Initiative and other ongoing projects, 2025 will be a turning point for Nigeria’s power sector,” he concluded.

NPHCDA Proposes ₦48.14 Billion Budget for 2025

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0


The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has unveiled a proposed budget of ₦48.14 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, emphasizing its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. This proposal was presented by the agency’s Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Muyi Aina, during a budget defense session with the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions in Abuja.

Dr. Aina highlighted the agency’s focus on improving health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities, by addressing funding gaps and strengthening healthcare delivery mechanisms. Despite the availability of alternative funding streams such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund and Vaccine Immunization Funds, Dr. Aina argued that additional government support is essential to achieving optimal performance.

Reflecting on the 2024 budget, he noted the shortfall in allocation but expressed optimism about securing more substantial funding in 2025. “If approved, this budget will significantly contribute to addressing critical health challenges and advancing primary healthcare services across the country,” Dr. Aina stated.

Other Health Agency Budgets

Similarly, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has proposed a ₦7.38 billion budget for 2025 to strengthen the country’s disease surveillance and outbreak response capabilities.

According to the NCDC Director-General, Dr. Jide Idris, the funds will bolster preparedness and ensure Nigeria’s capacity to manage ongoing and potential outbreaks. Highlighting the country’s current battle with eight active disease outbreaks, Dr. Idris advocated for a dedicated contingency fund. “Without such a fund, the agency risks scrambling for resources during emergencies,” he warned.

The Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) also presented a ₦113 billion budget proposal for its 2025 operations. The Registrar, Dr. Fatima Kyari, revealed that the agency had been excluded from the 2024 budget and relied solely on revenues from doctors’ registration fees. She outlined plans for advocacy to engage more medical professionals while emphasizing the council’s role in alleviating pressure on federal health institutions.

Meanwhile, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has requested ₦130 billion to expand health insurance coverage in 2025. Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, the NHIA Director-General, reported that only 19.4 million Nigerians are currently covered, with 2.5 million benefitting from the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. Dr. Ohiri outlined strategies to boost enrollment through private sector partnerships, telecom collaborations, and digital transformation initiatives.

Legislative Oversight and Recommendations

Chairman of the House Committee on Healthcare Institutions, Hon. Amos Magaji, emphasized the importance of adequate funding for healthcare institutions, linking a functional healthcare system to efforts to curb corruption. He noted that the high cost of accessing quality healthcare remains a significant challenge for Nigerians.

Hon. Magaji commended the various agencies for their detailed presentations and assured them that the committee would carefully review their proposals. “We are committed to ensuring these agencies receive the necessary funding to improve health outcomes for all Nigerians,” he stated.

Nigeria’s Cancer Fight: Progress in Child Cancer Care , Treatment Centers

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The President of the Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) Prof. Abidemi Omonisi has lauded recent strides in cancer treatment and care across the country, highlighting significant improvements in child cancer care and the establishment of new treatment centers.

During a press conference, the President shared exciting developments, including the recent inspection by the World Health Organization (WHO), which recognized Nigeria’s progress in addressing cancer, particularly in the area of child cancer care. “For the first time, Nigeria has been recognized by the WHO in child cancer care, a major achievement for us,” the President said. “This marks a pivotal step forward in our fight against cancer.”

The establishment of a national child cancer facility, the first of its kind in Nigeria, was also highlighted. This facility is seen as a significant development in providing much-needed care to children battling cancer, a disease often neglected in many parts of Africa.

Despite these achievements, the President pointed out the ongoing challenges, especially in the availability of advanced treatment centers. “For many years, Nigerians suffering from cancer had to travel abroad for treatment, often to countries like India and Ghana. This is something that has to change,” the President emphasized. In response to this gap, the federal government has committed to increasing the number of treatment centers across the country. “We now have nearly 20 cancer treatment centers, and the government is committed to opening more,” the President stated.

In addition to the growth of treatment facilities, the President praised the government’s ongoing advocacy for increased resources in cancer research and treatment. The establishment of these centers is a direct result of these advocacy efforts, which have been ongoing for years.

Looking to the future, the President expressed optimism about the continued efforts to combat cancer, both in Nigeria and across the African continent. “We are not just looking at Nigeria. Our advocacy extends to the entire continent, as we strive to provide better cancer care for all,” the President concluded, calling for sustained efforts in research and policy development.

With the collaboration between the Nigerian government, international health bodies, and local organizations, the fight against cancer in Nigeria has gained a renewed focus, with tangible progress that promises to benefit countless individuals in the years ahead.

Nigerian Cancer Society to Launch ₦10 Billion National Cancer Intervention Fund

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Nigerian Cancer Society (NCS) has unveiled plans to establish a National Cancer Intervention Fund aimed at improving cancer treatment, care, and awareness across Nigeria.

Speaking at a seminar and media parley on HPV vaccine uptake in Abuja on Saturday, NCS President, Prof. Abidemi Omonisi, stressed the urgent need for increased funding to tackle the nation’s growing cancer burden.

“The government is committed to addressing cancer in Nigeria, but we need more resources to effectively tackle the disease. This initiative aims to raise at least ₦10 billion to support treatment, research, and awareness programs,” Omonisi said.

Key Objectives of the Fund

The fund, scheduled for an official launch on World Cancer Day, will be an independent initiative supported by leading figures in the medical, philanthropic, and legal sectors. It will focus on:

Enhancing access to affordable cancer treatments.

Supporting research and innovation in cancer care.

Increasing public awareness about cancer prevention and early detection.

Omonisi noted that despite some progress in the fight against cancer, care remains underfunded, leaving many Nigerians without access to critical treatment. He emphasized the NCS’s commitment to mobilizing both public and private sector resources to bridge this gap.

“We are collaborating with international partners to strengthen local cancer care infrastructure so that Nigerians no longer need to seek treatment abroad,” he added.

HPV Vaccine Advocacy

At the seminar, Dr. Uzoma, a consultant to the NCS, highlighted the importance of addressing myths and misconceptions surrounding the HPV vaccine to improve its acceptance in Nigeria.

“HPV is a known precursor to cervical cancer, the second leading cause of cancer worldwide. Advocacy is critical to dispel myths and ensure no girl or daughter is left behind,” Uzoma said.

He urged stakeholders to support the Federal Ministry of Health’s efforts to prevent cervical cancer and ensure widespread vaccine adoption.

Call to Action

The NCS called on prominent Nigerians, organizations, and stakeholders to rally behind the initiative and contribute to the fund.

This initiative is expected to be a game-changer, improving the quality of life for cancer patients and advancing efforts to reduce cancer-related mortality in Nigeria.

FCT-IRS Urges Employers to File 2024 Annual Tax Returns by January 31, 2025

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has reminded all private companies, Ministries, Departments, Agencies (MDAs) of government, and other employers of labour within the FCT to file their employee annual tax returns for 2024 before the statutory deadline of January 31, 2025.

This directive complies with Section 81 of the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) 2011 (as amended) and the PAYE Regulations, which require employers to submit detailed annual returns of all emoluments paid to employees and total taxes remitted during the preceding year.

Legal Mandate and Compliance

Speaking during a stakeholder engagement for 2025, the Acting Executive Chairman of FCT-IRS, Mr. Michael Ango, emphasized the importance of adherence to the law, warning that failure to meet the deadline would result in penalties and sanctions.

“The filing of employee annual returns is not optional. It is a mandatory provision of the law, and the FCT-IRS will not hesitate to impose penalties on any defaulters,” Ango stated.

Call for Voluntary Compliance

In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Mr. Mustapha Sumaila, the FCT-IRS highlighted voluntary compliance as the best approach. Employers, including private organizations, MDAs, government-owned enterprises, and sole proprietorships, were urged to prioritize filing their returns.

Ango noted that timely compliance not only avoids sanctions but also contributes significantly to the development of the FCT. He applauded the ongoing transformative efforts of the Honourable Minister of the FCT, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, towards making the capital city more modern and efficient.

“Complying with tax obligations is about more than avoiding penalties; it’s about playing an active role in supporting the Honourable Minister’s vision of making the FCT a truly modern city,” he added.

Deadline and Enforcement

Employers are urged to use the prescribed forms provided by the FCT-IRS and submit their returns promptly to avoid disruptions. The agency has reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the January 31, 2025 deadline, ensuring accountability and transparency in tax administration.

With this reminder, the FCT-IRS calls on all stakeholders to prioritize their legal obligations, reinforcing the collective drive toward a more developed and sustainable Federal Capital Territory.

FCT Pilgrims Board Sets January 30 Deadline for 2025 Hajj Registration

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced January 30, 2025, as the final deadline for intending pilgrims to register for this year’s Hajj.

In a statement by the Board’s spokesperson, Mohammed Lawal Aliyu, the new deadline aligns with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s directive requiring state Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to remit all collections by February 1.

High Demand for Slots

The Board disclosed that over 40% of its Hajj allocation has already been utilized since registration commenced in September 2024. Intending pilgrims are urged to seize this opportunity to make the required deposit and secure their slots.

Registration Details

Prospective pilgrims must deposit a minimum of ₦8,400,000.00 via bank draft payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja. Registration can be completed at the Board’s offices across the six area councils or at the head office in the Central Business District, Abuja.

Aliyu stressed that the registration process operates on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness. Those who made deposits in previous years but were unable to participate are advised to top up their payments to meet the minimum deposit requirement before the deadline.

Enhanced Services for Pilgrims

The Board assured registered pilgrims of improved services during the 2025 Hajj through newly introduced strategies aimed at enhancing the experience. “We are committed to delivering outstanding services in Hajj operations,” Aliyu said.

Final Call for Registration

This announcement serves as a last call for residents of the FCT intending to embark on the spiritual journey to complete their registration promptly to avoid missing out.

The Board reiterated its commitment to facilitating a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all registered pilgrims.

Wike Revolutionizes Land Administration with Record 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy Signed in One Year

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has ushered in a new era of efficiency in land administration, signing an unprecedented 5,481 Certificates of Occupancy (C-of-Os) within his first year in office. This achievement marks a significant departure from the inefficiencies of the past and sets a new benchmark for governance in the nation’s capital.

According to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the FCT Minister, this figure represents a massive improvement compared to the 13 years from 2010 to 2023, during which only 13,150 C-of-Os were signed.

“The moment necessary payments are made, land allottees can now get their C-of-O within two weeks,” Olayinka stated. He attributed this efficiency to Wike’s commitment to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes improved service delivery across all sectors.

A Historical Comparison

Olayinka provided a breakdown of previous years’ performance:

2010–2015: 5,655 C-of-Os signed

2015–2019: 1,174 C-of-Os signed

2019–2023: 1,571 C-of-Os signed

2023–2024 (under Wike): 5,481 C-of-Os signed

This remarkable output in just one year surpasses the combined achievements of several years, reflecting a decisive shift toward transparency, accountability, and prompt service delivery.

Faster Processes, Transparent Governance

Under Wike’s leadership, the FCT Administration has drastically reduced the time required for uploading and verifying land information. What previously took months is now completed within 72 hours.

To further enhance transparency and accessibility, the administration is set to implement an auto-generated SMS notification system. This innovation will promptly inform land allottees when their C-of-Os are ready for collection, addressing a long-standing issue where many were unaware of their document status.

“Delays in issuing C-of-Os previously discouraged land allottees from completing necessary payments. Now, with this transformation, they are assured of timely service, boosting confidence in the system and encouraging compliance,” Olayinka explained.

A New Standard for Land Administration

Wike’s reforms signify more than just numbers—they reflect a commitment to building trust and efficiency within the FCT’s land administration system. By cutting bureaucracy and ensuring faster service delivery, the minister has created a model of governance that aligns with the aspirations of residents and investors alike.

This transformation in land administration underscores Wike’s dedication to redefining public service, ensuring that the FCT remains a beacon of accountability and development in Nigeria.

FMC Jabi Gets Boost with Ultramodern Healthcare Facilities as Salako Advocates Quality Service Delivery

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Jabi, Abuja, has taken a significant stride in enhancing healthcare delivery with the commissioning of a state-of-the-art clinical services building and a ward extension complex by the Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako.

Speaking during his official visit to the facility on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring accessible, qualitative, and effective healthcare, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.

“The provision of effective, qualitative, and accessible healthcare is the second pillar of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, treating healthcare as an urgent right for all Nigerians,” Dr. Salako emphasized.

State-of-the-Art Additions to FMC Jabi

The newly commissioned projects include:

A 64-bed ward extension, featuring private, semi-private, and open wards to address bed space challenges.

A three-story clinical services complex, housing a dedicated renal unit equipped with 18 hemodialysis beds and facilities to commence kidney transplantation services within weeks.

These additions aim to position FMC Jabi as a leader in specialized healthcare, particularly in addressing the rising demand for renal care.

Advocating Patient-Centric Care

Dr. Salako commended the management and staff of FMC Jabi for their dedication, urging them to prioritize patient-centered service delivery.

“Buildings and equipment alone cannot deliver quality healthcare without a responsible, responsive, and well-trained staff. Patients’ experiences begin with the humaneness of their interactions, which must be marked by empathy and civility,” he said.

Focus on Outcomes and Digitalization

The Minister underscored the Federal Ministry of Health’s shift toward prioritizing healthcare outcomes over infrastructure sophistication. He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve standards through the rejuvenation of the National Tertiary Health Institutions Standards Committee and the implementation of the Nigeria Digital in-Health (NDHi) initiative to enhance patient feedback and care quality.

Affordable Dialysis Initiative

Dr. Salako announced that FMC Jabi is likely to join the Federal Government’s initiative to reduce dialysis costs by 80% in select tertiary health institutions. This aligns with broader reforms, such as the removal of tariffs on pharmaceuticals and expanded coverage under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to make healthcare services more affordable and accessible.

Call for Sustainability

Emphasizing the importance of maintenance, the Minister urged FMC Jabi’s management to adopt preventative measures to ensure the longevity of the new facilities.

“The Ministry will continue to support you with policies and resource mobilization to maximize the return on these investments,” he assured.

A New Era in Tertiary Healthcare

Dr. Salako expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for his unwavering support for the health sector, while commending the staff of FMC Jabi for their dedication.

With the commissioning of these ultramodern facilities, FMC Jabi is set to raise the bar in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, reducing the need for medical tourism and improving access to advanced medical services for all Nigerians.

FCT School Feeding Programme Drives Local Agriculture, Boosts Enrollment – Dr. Mahmoud

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has reaffirmed the critical role of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme (HGSFP) in promoting local agricultural development, enhancing school enrollment, and improving learning outcomes.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ interactive session in Abuja, Dr. Mahmoud, represented by the FCT Focal Person on Social Investment Programme (SIP), Hajia Maijidda Adamu Kuku, highlighted how the program’s reliance on locally sourced produce empowers farmers and strengthens the rural economy.

“The Home-Grown School Feeding Programme not only addresses educational needs but also serves as a catalyst for agricultural development by providing a stable market for locally produced food,” Dr. Mahmoud stated.

Sustaining Impact and Addressing Challenges

The Minister emphasized the need for regular stakeholder engagement to sustain the program’s impact. She assured that the FCT Administration would maximize available resources to facilitate effective implementation, ensuring no school is left behind.

“We are committed to strengthening operations and fostering community participation through consistent dialogue among stakeholders,” Mahmoud said in a statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Austine Elemue.

She also commended the contributions of government officials, school administrators, community leaders, farmers, cooks, and development partners, urging stakeholders to bring innovative solutions to enhance the program’s efficiency.

National Recognition of HGSFP

Dr. Yetunde Adeniyi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding Programme, described HGSFP as a flagship initiative that has significantly improved school enrollment and attendance.

“Since its inception, thousands of children have benefited from nutritious daily meals, which have directly contributed to increased retention rates and better learning outcomes,” Adeniyi noted.

She called on stakeholders to confront challenges proactively and ensure the program’s continuity.

Strengthening Transparency and Collaboration

Hauwa Abubakar, the FCT operations officer for the program, presented an overview of the stakeholders’ meeting, emphasizing the importance of community buy-in, transparency, and accountability. She also advocated for linking HGSFP to other empowerment initiatives in the FCT to maximize its impact.

In her goodwill message, Agnes Mungatia, a representative of the World Food Programme, underscored the need for enhanced collaboration among all stakeholders.

“The success of this program depends on robust partnerships, transparent operations, and a shared commitment to its goals,” Mungatia said.

A Model for Inclusive Development

The stakeholders’ session marks a renewed effort to address challenges and explore sustainable paths forward for the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme. As the program continues to empower local farmers, boost school enrollment, and improve nutritional outcomes for children, it remains a vital tool in achieving inclusive development across the FCT.

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