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Experts Advocate Local Solutions Amid Decline in Global Family Planning Funding

By
Toyin Adebayo
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As global donor funding for family planning continues to dwindle, experts and advocates have called for innovative local strategies to sustain reproductive health programs in Nigeria. This was the central message at the Family Planning Conference Post Media Round Table, held in Abuja and organized by the Association for the Advancement of Family Planning (AAFP).

Urgency of Self-Reliance
Chief Moji Makanjuola, Executive Director of the International Society of Media in Public Health, emphasized the need for Nigeria to become self-reliant in financing family planning initiatives.

“We are so globally dependent, but the free funds are no longer available,” she stated. Makanjuola highlighted the critical role of family planning in driving economic growth, improving maternal health, and advancing national development.

She urged media practitioners to use their platforms to educate the public and advocate for policy change. “The media is as important as doctors, families, executives, and local governments. We all have a duty to promote what we learn and transform it into actionable resolutions,” she added.

Media’s Role in Advocacy
Dr. Ejike Oji, Chairman of the AAFP, echoed Makanjuola’s sentiments, emphasizing the media’s critical role in shaping public discourse and influencing health policies.

“Effective communication is key to driving health sector reforms,” Dr. Oji noted. “Anything you do, if it is not properly communicated, is like working in the dark.”

Dr. Oji acknowledged the contributions of journalists and key advocates like Dr. Laura, stressing the importance of collaboration between health stakeholders and the media to ensure vital health issues remain in public focus.

Legislative Support for Family Planning
Dr. Osaratin Okungbowa, Policy Advisor and Head of the Social Sector Division at the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS), called for stronger legislative backing to sustain family planning services in Nigeria.

“Without legislative support, achieving universal access to family planning will remain a challenge,” he stated. Dr. Okungbowa emphasized the need for laws and policies to guarantee consistent funding, regulate service delivery, and protect reproductive rights.

He urged stakeholders to provide data-driven evidence to legislators, showcasing the socio-economic benefits of family planning. “Legislators need compelling data to make informed decisions. Family planning contributes to economic growth, reduces maternal and child mortality, and improves public health outcomes,” he added.

Sustainable Domestic Funding
Inadequate funding remains a significant barrier to expanding access to contraceptives and reproductive health services. Both Makanjuola and Dr. Okungbowa stressed the need to move beyond reliance on external funding by exploring sustainable domestic financing mechanisms.

“There is a need for continuous dialogue between lawmakers, civil society organizations, and the media to bridge gaps in family planning programs,” Dr. Okungbowa said.

A Path Forward
As donor funding declines, these calls for local solutions, legislative reforms, and media advocacy underscore the urgent need for a renewed commitment to reproductive health initiatives in Nigeria.

The roundtable concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring family planning remains a national priority and a critical component of Nigeria’s development agenda.

FCT Security Agencies to Profile Pantaker Market Operators to Curb Vandalism

By
Toyin Adebayo
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In a bid to curb vandalism and enhance security, security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have finalized plans to profile operators of pantaker markets across the territory. The initiative, aimed at regulating activities in these markets, was announced by Chief Felix Obuah, Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), during a meeting with market officials on Friday in Abuja.

Targeting Illicit Operations
Pantaker markets, known for selling fairly used items and scrap materials such as iron, furniture, and home appliances, have recently been linked to stolen and vandalized public assets. Obuah revealed that a recent raid by security agencies led to the recovery of stolen public assets valued at over ₦1 billion.

The profiling exercise, he explained, seeks to ensure that only legitimate operators are allowed to conduct business in these markets.

“The FCT Administration and security agencies have decided that all pantaker operators must be registered and profiled. This will help identify genuine operators and determine their activities,” Obuah stated.

Transparency and Accountability
As part of the regulatory efforts, operators are being urged to maintain transparency in their transactions. Obuah stressed the importance of keeping records of buyers and suppliers to enhance accountability and facilitate prompt action when necessary.

“We want to know who supplies you what and who you are selling to. Let us have such records for security purposes,” he emphasized, adding that anyone caught with stolen or vandalized items would face prosecution as an accomplice.

Unified Platform for Operators
Obuah also called on pantaker operators to unite under a common platform or union to ease interactions with government and security agencies.

Supporting the initiative, the Director of Security Services at the FCT Administration, Mr. Adamu Gwary, stated that only registered operators would be allowed to resume operations after undergoing profiling.

Commencement of Profiling
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olatunji Disu, announced that the profiling exercise would begin on February 1. He emphasized the need for operators to verify the origins of items they purchase and ensure they request receipts.

“We are committed to restoring sanity to pantaker operations in the FCT. Operators must ensure they verify the sources of items before purchase,” Disu said.

Operators Support the Initiative
The National Chairman of Pantaker Operators, Alhaji Abbas Bello, pledged the group’s full support for the exercise, recognizing the need to rid the sector of criminal elements.

“We will work with security agencies to sanitize our operations and identify the bad eggs tarnishing our image,” Bello assured.

Similarly, the Secretary of the Mpape Pantaker group, Mr. Mohammed Kashim, highlighted the markets’ role in job creation and economic growth, calling for collective efforts to eliminate criminal activities.

The profiling exercise marks a significant step toward fostering a secure and lawful business environment in the FCT, demonstrating the Administration’s commitment to protecting public assets and supporting legitimate business operators.

Defence Ministry’s Perm Sec Extols Head of Service For Study Tour Of Singapore Civil Service

By
Victor Obabunmi
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In a significant move to reform the Nigerian Civil Service and align it with global standards, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Didi Esther Walson-Jack, mni, OON, led a distinguished delegation comprising 20 State Heads of Service and select Federal Permanent Secretaries on a study visit to Singapore in January 2025.

The four-day programme provided an opportunity to understudy the Singaporean Civil Service, internationally renowned for its efficiency, innovation, and transformative impact on national development.

The intensive study tour focused on key aspects of Singapore’s public service delivery and uncovered critical insights that could redefine the operational framework of Nigeria’s civil service.

On the final day of the tour, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Ambassador Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, speaking on behalf of the Federal Permanent Secretaries, highlighted the following key takeaways from the Singaporean model:
• Futuristic Thinking: The Singaporean Civil Service is guided by forward-thinking strategies, anticipating future challenges while ensuring long-term relevance.
• Sense of Community: A deep sense of community fosters collective responsibility for national development, which remains a cornerstone of Singapore’s progress.
• Realism and Resilience: Singapore recognised its resource constraints early and transformed these challenges into opportunities, achieving extraordinary growth despite the absence of natural resources.
• Regulatory Excellence: Regular reviews of policies and regulations ensure continuous improvement in service delivery and operational efficiency.
• Competency-Driven Workforce: Emphasis on a highly skilled and adaptable workforce ensures sustained progress and competitiveness.

Ambassador Aduda commended Mrs Walson-Jack for her visionary leadership in facilitating this groundbreaking initiative. He expressed confidence that the knowledge gained during the study tour would be strategically deployed to enhance service delivery and drive meaningful reforms across Nigeria’s public sector.

“This study tour is a testament to the government’s commitment to transformative reforms in the civil service. The lessons learnt here will be instrumental in building a world-class public service that fosters innovation, enhances governance, and places citizens at the heart of development,” Amb. Aduda remarked.

He also reassured the Head of Service that the delegation would ensure the effective application of the knowledge acquired, leveraging these insights to benefit all Nigerians.

The study visit underscores the Nigerian government’s determination to chart a new course for public sector excellence, setting the stage for a more dynamic and citizen-centric civil service that serves as the backbone of national development.

The Bala-Wike Saga: A Betrayal of Friendship and PoliticsBy Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, CFR

By
Saladin Babagana
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Governor Bala Mohammed’s recent criticism of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, His Excellency Nyesom Wike, has unveiled a troubling narrative of ingratitude and political treachery. For someone like me, privy to the unfolding events, the need to speak the truth outweighs the comfort of silence. The moral dilemma here is not just about Wike and Bala but about whether we allow injustice to thrive unchecked.

Back in 2018, during the PDP gubernatorial primaries in Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed’s political future hung precariously in the balance. Senator Abdul Ningi, with significant influence over the party structure, seemed poised for victory. At this critical juncture, it was Governor Wike who stepped in to tilt the scales. Wike appointed Chief Dan Osi Orbih, a close ally, as chairman of the primaries panel and ensured that logistics for his deployment to Bauchi were handled efficiently, including providing a private jet for his travel. Remarkably, Wike bore all the expenses and imposed no conditions for his support.

After securing the PDP ticket, Bala Mohammed faced yet another crisis—an empty campaign treasury. A fundraiser at Sheraton Abuja Hotel yielded a net of only ₦28 million, a figure far below expectations. Desperate for resources, we turned to Wike once again. Despite personal grievances with Bala stemming from his tenure as FCT Minister, Wike extended a helping hand. He provided financial assistance and a private jet to facilitate Bala’s campaign.

The betrayal of such goodwill now reveals Bala’s disregard for the adage: “Do not break the calabash from which you once drank water.” His recent attacks on Wike’s character are a stark contrast to the praise he once heaped on him, describing Wike as “courageous, focused, and determined.”

Bala Mohammed’s actions reflect a pattern of moral bankruptcy. His history of alienating allies, including elder statesman Alhaji Bello Kirfi, is well-documented. As a leader, he appears consumed by delusions, incapable of acknowledging the truth even when it stares him in the face.

Between Wike and Bala, the scales of integrity tip heavily in favor of the former. Bala must be reminded that true leadership demands consistency, gratitude, and honor—qualities he has repeatedly failed to exhibit

AFCON 2025 Draw: Nigeria Lands in Group C with Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda

By
Saladin Babagana
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0

By El-Ameen Ibrahim

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda in Group C of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following the much-anticipated draw. The tournament, set to feature 24 of Africa’s best teams, promises to deliver top-notch football as the battle for continental glory unfolds.

Full Group Stage Breakdown

  • Group A: Host nation Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros.
  • Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, and Zimbabwe.
  • Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
  • Group D: Reigning champions Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, and Botswana.
  • Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan.
  • Group F: Defending champions Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, and Mozambique.

A Tough Road Ahead for the Super Eagles

Group C is expected to be competitive, with Tunisia posing a significant challenge as a perennial AFCON contender. Tanzania and Uganda, though underdogs, are known for their resilience and have shown growth in recent years.

The Super Eagles will rely on their star-studded lineup and strong record in the competition as they aim to secure their fourth AFCON title.

Excitement Builds Across Africa

Football fans across the continent are eagerly awaiting the tournament, which promises thrilling encounters, surprise upsets, and unforgettable moments. The competition will not only crown the next African champion but also showcase the talent and passion that define African football.

Let the countdown to AFCON 2025 begin!

Niger State Mining Explosion: Alake Orders Probe, Promises Justice

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has taken swift action in response to a tragic explosion at a mining site in Sabon Pegi, Mashegun Local Government Area, Niger State. Officials from the Federal Mines Office in the state have been deployed to the site to conduct an on-the-spot assessment.

The explosion, which occurred early Sunday morning, has been linked to the illegal stockpiling of explosives by Yushua Maikampala, a resident of New Bussa. Preliminary findings suggest that the explosives, stored in a residential building, were ignited by an electrical spark at around 7:00 AM. The blast resulted in the destruction of the building, significant damage to approximately 20 other houses, and at least two confirmed fatalities.

In a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Segun Tomori, Dr. Alake described the incident as “avoidable” and expressed his condolences to the affected families. He attributed the tragedy to negligence in the handling and unauthorized storage of explosives, vowing to ensure accountability.

Minister’s Directives and Government Actions

The Minister has instructed the Mines Inspectorate Department to conduct a forensic analysis of soil samples from the site to trace the origin of the explosives. He emphasized that this would inform subsequent actions.

“Security agencies have been put on the trail of the suspected culprit. He will be apprehended to face justice,” Dr. Alake stated.

He reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to enforcing stringent environmental and safety standards in the mining sector to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Eyewitness Accounts and Community Impact

Residents of Sabon Pegi described the explosion as devastating, with the aftermath leaving the community in shock. The blast site and surrounding area have been marked by widespread destruction, with debris scattered across the neighborhood.

The federal government has reiterated the importance of adhering to safety regulations, particularly concerning the handling of explosives, to avoid further loss of lives and property.

Ongoing Investigations

As investigations continue, the government has vowed to hold all responsible parties accountable. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in the mining and explosives sectors.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Eliminating NTDs by 2030

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to eradicating Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) by 2030, with the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, calling for stronger partnerships to achieve universal health coverage.

Speaking at the 2025 World NTD Day commemoration in Abuja, Dr. Salako revealed that over 200 million Nigerians are at risk of one NTD or another, with 165 million requiring preventive chemotherapy.

“NTDs continue to affect the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, due to poverty, poor sanitation, and unsafe water supply,” Dr. Salako stated. He highlighted Nigeria’s achievements, including the eradication of Guinea Worm in 2013 and the elimination of Onchocerciasis in Plateau and Nasarawa States.

The theme of this year’s campaign, “Unite, Act, and Eliminate NTDs,” underscores the urgency of innovative and sustainable financing to achieve the 2030 targets. Dr. Salako pointed to the 2023–2027 NTD Master Plan as a comprehensive framework for advocacy and stakeholder engagement.

“The 2021–2030 WHO NTD Roadmap provides ambitious targets and innovative approaches. Nigeria is fully committed to implementing it, with a focus on accountability, multi-sectoral integration, and political will to ensure sustainability,” he added.

Dr. Salako further noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Unlock Healthcare Value Chain” initiative aims to address pharmaceutical shortages and boost local manufacturing, which would significantly enhance the fight against NTDs.

Progress and Partnerships

Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mrs. Kachollom Daju, represented by the National NTD Coordinator, Mr. Fatai Oyediran, highlighted progress in reducing the disease burden through collaborative efforts. She emphasized the need for sustained commitment to creating a healthier and disease-free environment.

“While some diseases have been eradicated, others still affect low-income communities, impacting their health and economic stability. Efforts by stakeholders have yielded significant results in reducing disease prevalence across many states,” she said.

The Director of Helen Keller International, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to eliminate leprosy and other NTDs. “We are stretching our collaboration to ensure the complete eradication of leprosy and other NTDs as part of the broader fight against poverty,” he stated.

UNICEF Consultant Hilary Adie stressed the importance of clean water and sanitation in combating hygiene-related diseases. “We thank the Nigerian government for initiatives like the Clean Nigeria Campaign, which aims to make communities open-defecation-free,” Adie noted.

Similarly, CBM Global Country Director, Abdulazeez Musa, emphasized the need for sustainable funding and equitable healthcare. “To act now is essential, as delays result in lost lives, diminished livelihoods, and prolonged suffering,” he said.

Challenges and Advocacy

Despite progress, challenges remain. The National President of IDEA Nigeria, Mr. Peter Iorkighir, condemned the prolonged shortage of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT) medications for leprosy treatment. “Leprosy is curable, yet thousands remain untreated due to bureaucratic delays. This is a human rights violation,” he said.

The commemoration concluded with a call to action for governments, development partners, and stakeholders to unite in addressing the NTD burden and ensuring no one is left behind.

Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation to Revolutionize Mining Sector – Alake

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has announced that the Nigeria Solid Minerals Corporation is set to transform the mining sector, fostering sustainable development and shielding it from political interference.

Speaking on Monday during a meeting with the British Deputy High Commissioner, HE Jonny Baxter, in Abuja, Alake revealed that the corporation will be modeled after the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) framework. He emphasized that the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI) will lead the corporation’s establishment, with an equity structure allocating 50% to private investors, 25% to Nigerians, and 25% to the Federal Government.

“This corporation will serve as an enduring legacy. With the President’s approval, it ensures that no future government can interfere politically with its operations,” Alake stated.

Plans for 2025 and Beyond

The Minister highlighted plans to develop intermodal transport systems, including roads, railways, and waterways, to improve access to mining sites. Additional initiatives include remediating abandoned pits, strengthening regulations, ensuring investor security, and expanding exploration efforts to produce comprehensive geo-data that will attract global mining investors.

UK Partnership

Dr. Alake welcomed the UK’s support in providing capacity building, technical assistance, and knowledge transfer to bolster Nigeria’s mining value chain. He also encouraged British investors to explore opportunities in the growing sector.

In response, Ambassador Baxter praised the Federal Government for adopting the NLNG model and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s mining sector through regulatory improvements and increased investment.

Economic Reforms Underway

Dr. Alake described 2025 as a pivotal year for the Tinubu administration, emphasizing that the government’s ongoing reforms are already yielding positive economic results. “Prosperity is on the horizon, and we are encouraged by the progress being made,” he added.

This initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to diversifying the economy and making the mining sector a significant contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth.

NEITI Partners EFCC to Recover $6bn, N66bn from Oil Sector

By
Shehu Danladi
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0

The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) has announced a collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to recover $6 billion and N66 billion from oil industry players, funds owed to the Federal Government.

NEITI’s Executive Secretary, Dr. Ogbonnaya Orji, disclosed this during a budget defense session before the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream) in Abuja. He emphasized that the partnership aims to address financial irregularities in the oil sector and ensure transparency and accountability in extractive industries.

“This initiative is vital to the economic stability of the nation. These recoveries will significantly boost government revenues and reaffirm our commitment to transparency in the sector,” Orji stated.

2025 Budget Scrutiny

Despite its crucial role, NEITI is grappling with budgetary constraints. For 2025, the agency was allocated N6.5 billion: N2.22 billion for personnel costs, N1.72 billion for overheads, and N2.58 billion for capital expenditures.

However, lawmakers raised concerns about the agency’s proposed budget, including a controversial N32 million allocation for meals. Kafilat Ogbara, representing Kosofe Federal Constituency, questioned the justification for such an expense amid Nigeria’s economic challenges.

“There is no justification for spending this amount on meals when Nigerians are struggling economically,” Ogbara said. She urged all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure their budgets align with essential needs.

Committee’s Position

Chairman of the committee, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa, criticized the inclusion of certain items in NEITI’s budget, such as welfare packages for the National Assembly, calling them “excessive and insensitive.”

Doguwa assured that while the committee supports NEITI’s mandate, all expenditures must be justified. “Our priority is to ensure public resources are spent prudently. Proposals deemed unnecessary will not pass unchallenged,” he added.

Reforms and National Interest

NEITI plans to implement several reforms in 2025, including publishing comprehensive reports on the oil, gas, and mining sectors, auditing fiscal allocations, and researching petroleum consumption. These measures aim to enhance transparency, attract investment, and promote accountability within Nigeria’s extractive industries.

The collaboration between NEITI and the EFCC is expected to strengthen the fight against corruption in the oil sector and ensure that funds due to the government are recovered for the nation’s development.

Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji Wins Prestigious Award for Transforming Africa’s Mining Host Communities

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Renowned sustainability advocate, Dr. Comfort Asokoro-Ogaji, has been awarded the “Peace and Development in Mining Host Communities” Award by the Northern Youth Peace Ambassadors (NYPA).

The award recognizes her tireless efforts in creating sustainable solutions and empowering mining host communities across Africa, placing her among a distinguished group of honorees, including Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General C.G. Musa, and other notable leaders.

Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji, Group Managing Director of Richflood Group, has led transformative projects that improve the livelihoods of mining communities while ensuring environmental sustainability.

With support from global development banks like the African Development Bank (AfDB) and International Finance Corporation (IFC), her initiatives have shaped over 350 investment projects in mining, agriculture, power, and manufacturing.

Her leadership of Women in Mining Africa (WiM-Africa) has also championed gender equality and better mining practices, including programs like “Voices of Children from the Pits”, which remove children from hazardous mines.

“This award is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering mining host communities across Africa,” Dr. Asokoro-Ogaji said.

As she continues her mission through WiM-Africa, the organization remains a beacon for responsible mining and inclusive leadership, advocating for sustainable development one mining community at a time.

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