PHOTO NEWS
The Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu Visited the Renewed Hope Office In Umuahia In Solidarity With The Deputy Speaker Of The House Of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu At The Weekend
PHOTO NEWS
The Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu Visited the Renewed Hope Office In Umuahia In Solidarity With The Deputy Speaker Of The House Of Representatives, Rt Honourable Benjamin Kalu At The Weekend
Fast-rising real estate firm, Egovas Global Limited, has announced a new corporate identity Egovas Properties Limited as it marked two years of delivering what it calls “value-driven service to humanity” in Nigeria’s real estate sector.
Celebrating the milestone at a commemorative event, the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Blessing Ejedoh Gerald, declared that Egovas has, in just 24 months, emerged as the leading genuine real estate brand in the South-South, particularly in Delta State.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, Gerald hinted that: “At Egovas, we’re not just selling land we’re building futures, empowering families, and enabling wealth creation through genuine real estate opportunities,” Gerald said.
She described the journey so far as “transformational,” noting that the firm has achieved significant milestones in real estate development, client satisfaction, and integrity in transactions.
Founded in 2023, the company has facilitated the acquisition and development of multiple estates and plots across Warri, Osubi, Agbarho, Ughelli, Jeddo, and Ebrumede towns that are fast becoming real estate hotspots in Delta.
“In just two years, we’ve opened two fully functional offices in Warri and Osubi, brought our services closer to our growing client base, and built a team of highly trained realtors and professionals,” the CEO added.
The rebranding to Egovas Properties Limited, Gerald explained, reflects the company’s broadened focus and long-term ambition to deliver quality, integrity, and professionalism in real estate.
“We are evolving with a renewed focus, but our core values integrity, transparency, and results remain unchanged,” she said.
Egovas Properties Limited offers a wide range of services, including:Land acquisition and sales in strategic, fast-developing locations,Property management and investment advisory for safe, smart returns,Real estate consultation to help clients make informed decisions, And construction and renovation of quality-assured buildings, delivered on time and on budget.
“We have maintained a spotless track record of genuine property transactions free from litigation or government encumbrances,” Gerald noted, reaffirming the company’s focus on “making land and home ownership a reality for everyday Nigerians.”
As the company steps into its next chapter under a new name, Gerald promised even greater impact, innovation, and client-centered services.
“The past two years have been nothing short of transformational,” she said. “And we’re just getting started.”
The Yargote Foundation for children, Youth and Women development, a Non-Governmental Organisation on Saturday in Abuja launched the second cohort of its Empower the boychild project in kabusa community.
At the screening and registration exercise for the project, the Executive Director and Founder of the foundation, Mrs Anna-Hussaini Pai, said the project aims to address the long-overlooked challenges faced by boys and steer them toward positive societal roles.
She revealed the plan to take the project across communities in the Federal Capital Territory, with the intention of enrolling at least 100 beneficiaries in each of these communities.
“This programme is designed not only to impart skills but to foster self-discovery and help the boys realise their full potential.
“Through this after-school programme, we offer both formal and informal education, teaching essential life skills often neglected in traditional schooling, such as personal hygiene, emotional intelligence, and societal responsibilities,” Pai explained.
Volunteers of the foundation highlighted the critical need for the initiative, noting that the boy child had been neglected in many empowerment efforts to date.
Miss Adze Inki, a volunteer, stressed, “We are determined to change the narrative and restore dignity to the boy child.
“Many societal issues stem from boys lacking guidance during their formative years. This project seeks to redirect that energy positively.
“The empowerment programme, which will run from June through November, will culminate in a summit that brings together participants to celebrate their growth and achievements.”
Mrs Hannah Ayhok, another volunteer, outlined the programme’s broad curriculum, which included lessons on family dynamics, peer pressure, community engagement, and civic duties.
“There is a damaging cultural expectation that boys should suppress their emotions, leading to harmful stereotypes and behaviours.
“Our programme encourages boys to express themselves healthily and to embrace their roles responsibly,”Ayhok noted.
Miss Theresa Reng, also a volunteer, expressed concern over the number of boys aimlessly roaming streets without direction.
“This initiative offers hope by providing mentorship and counselling, giving these boys a chance to rethink their paths and become productive members of society.”
She said with the “Empower the Boy Child Project,” Yargote Foundation hoped to spark lasting change, empowering boys to become responsible men who contribute positively to their communities.
The Honorable Minister of Defence, Mohammed H.E. Badaru Abubakar CON, mni has concluded a two-day working visit to key military institutions in Kaduna State, including the Nigerian Defence Academy, Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot (CED), Buffalo Engineering Technical Services Limited (BETSL), and the Nigerian Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT).
Accompanied by senior military officials, including Major General M.L.D. Saraso, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division; Major General A.K. Ibrahim, Commandant of the Nigerian Defence Academy; and Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, Commandant of AFIT, the Minister engaged with personnel and observed the advancements in military training and production.
In his remarks to journalists following the visits, the Minister emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to transitioning from foreign military procurement to local production of combat vehicles, arms, ammunition, and other military equipment. This transition marks a significant step toward self-reliance, enhancing national security.
“The ongoing efforts in training, local production, and refurbishment of military assets are commendable,” the Minister stated. “During my inspections, I witnessed the impressive capabilities in repairing and refurbishing damaged Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, tanks, and Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs). New combat platforms, including Buffalo APCs, MRAPs, bulletproof glass, spare parts, and surveillance UAVs, are being developed in our workshops. Some of these assets are already being redeployed to operational theaters.”
He praised the Armed Forces for their innovative initiatives and highlighted the essential role of Training, Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) in achieving operational excellence. He called for continued collaboration between military institutions and increased investment in military RDI to enhance efficiency and reduce dependence on imported hardware.
Badaru also noted President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s defense capabilities, referencing the recent signing of the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) Bill into law. This legislation aims to facilitate the local production, repair, refurbishment, and supply of military hardware and ordnance for the armed forces and other security agencies.
He stressed the importance of ongoing support for institutions such as the Nigerian Defence Academy, AFIT, CED, and BETSL to ensure the development of skilled, competent, and dedicated military personnel and enhance defense production capabilities.
The Federal Government has launched an ambitious national partnership to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria by 2030, with First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s ₦1 billion intervention and unwavering advocacy earning praise as a catalyst for this historic initiative.
The official launch of the Partnership for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer in Nigeria (PECCiN) held on Tuesday at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, drew attention from high-level stakeholders, including the First Lady and key health officials.
Delivering a special address at the event, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, described the First Lady as “our chief public health champion,” applauding her leadership, vision, and consistent investment in cancer prevention.
> “Your Excellency, your unwavering commitment to improving population health, particularly your willingness to lead this partnership, is an inspiration to us all,” Salako said.
“Your generous donation of ₦1 billion through the Renewed Hope Initiative provided the lifeline that energized the National Taskforce and set it on the path to deliver on its mandate.”
He recalled how Senator Tinubu led the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in 2023, resulting in the vaccination of nearly 14 million young girls across Nigeria — a monumental step in preventing cervical cancer.
Despite being preventable and curable if detected early, cervical cancer remains the second most common and second deadliest cancer among Nigerian women, mainly due to late diagnosis, low awareness, and poor access to treatment.
> “Today, we are changing that narrative,” Dr. Salako declared. “This partnership reflects our collective resolve to protect the health and dignity of more than 60 million Nigerian women at risk.”
The event marked one year since the National Taskforce for the Elimination of Cervical Cancer was inaugurated by the Ministry, with a clear mandate to work with the Nigeria Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (NICRAT) and align Nigeria’s efforts with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) 90–70–90 targets — aiming for 90% HPV vaccination, 70% screening coverage, and 90% access to treatment by 2030.
Under the leadership of former Health Minister Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, the taskforce has developed a strategic policy framework, conducted high-level advocacy, and successfully convened this nationwide partnership.
Dr. Salako reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to tackling cancer across the board through prevention, early detection, and affordable treatment. He announced the establishment of six cancer centres of excellence — one per geopolitical zone — with three already completed and the others scheduled for commissioning by February 2026.
> “In addition to the six new centres, seven other federal hospitals are already offering oncology services,” he noted. “We plan to upgrade six more federal institutions in 2025 to ensure nationwide access to quality cancer care before 2030.”
To ease the financial burden on patients, Dr. Salako said the Federal Government is strengthening the Cancer Health Fund and exploring new models, including the Catastrophic Health Insurance Fund, to support Nigerians facing expensive, long-term cancer treatment.
He also disclosed that the Nuclear Medicine Technical Working Group has been revived to enhance cancer diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and post-treatment surveillance.
Dr. Salako closed his address with a call to action:
> “The elimination of cervical cancer in Nigeria is possible. We have the political will, the leadership, the technical know-how, and the tools. I call on state governments, development partners, the private sector, civil society, and the media to rally behind this mission.”
> “Let us work hand in hand with our Chief Public Health Champion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, to ensure that the vision of a cervical cancer-free Nigeria becomes reality.”
The PECCiN launch signals a new era in Nigeria’s fight against cancer, anchoring hope in a united, science-driven, and compassionate approach to saving lives.
…10-Year Partnership Targets Women, Children, and Vulnerable Groups in Three Pilot States
In a landmark move to strengthen Nigeria’s health system, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the TY Danjuma Foundation have signed a $2.26 million agreement to expand healthcare access for underserved communities across the country.
The 10-year partnership, formalized in Abuja, will fund WHO Nigeria’s country workplan through 2034. The initiative prioritizes integrated health services, with an initial focus on Taraba, Edo, and Enugu States—targeting women, children, and vulnerable populations.
The flexible funding model enables WHO to respond swiftly to emerging health needs while aligning with national priorities, a critical advantage amid global health financing constraints.
“We are proud to partner with WHO to advance Nigeria’s health priorities. This agreement reflects our commitment to improving lives and fostering sustainable development,” said Lt. Gen. Theophilus Danjuma (rtd), Founder and Chairman of the TY Danjuma Foundation.
Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, described the partnership as a strategic boost to equity-driven healthcare reforms.
“This agreement is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to health equity. We welcome this collaboration as it will help deliver sustainable, high-impact health solutions to our people,” Pate said.
Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu, WHO Acting Regional Director for Africa, praised the timing and structure of the support.
“This long-term, flexible funding could not be more timely. It enhances our ability to support national leadership and drive health impact where it matters most,” he said.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, described the collaboration as a “new benchmark for health partnerships in Nigeria,” adding that the initiative is expected to deliver measurable improvements in health outcomes for marginalized communities.
Founded in 2009, the TY Danjuma Foundation supports health and education projects through grassroots NGOs, particularly in Taraba and Edo States. The new partnership with WHO marks one of the largest philanthropic investments in Nigeria’s healthcare sector from a local foundation.
The signing ceremony brought together key players from government, civil society, traditional institutions, and the diplomatic corps, all aligned behind a shared vision to build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system.
This partnership signals a growing shift toward sustainable, African-led solutions to health challenges—setting a strong precedent for future collaboration between international agencies and indigenous philanthropy.
…All Logistics Finalized Ahead of Arafat, Medical and Welfare Systems Fully Activated
As the 2024 Hajj approaches its spiritual pinnacle, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has finalized all necessary arrangements for the smooth movement of pilgrims from Makkah to Mina, in preparation for the core rites of Hajj.
In a strategic review meeting held in Makkah, the Board’s Director, Malam Kadiri Edah, led top officials in assessing the readiness of key logistical components, including transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical services, and the use of the Nusuk digital ID system.
“This next phase is the heart of the Hajj journey. Our entire team must remain alert and dedicated to delivering the best experience possible to our pilgrims,” Malam Edah emphasized during the session.
The Director noted that pilgrims from the FCT, who arrived from Madinah in earlier phases, have settled well and are in good health. He affirmed that the transition to Mina—often referred to as the “City of Tents”—will commence Tuesday, as scheduled in the official Hajj timetable.
Edah also disclosed that the FCT contingent has been allocated sufficient space in Mina, with all feeding and lodging logistics already in place. He highlighted that meticulous planning has gone into ensuring that pilgrims are physically and mentally prepared for the critical rites ahead, including the standing at Arafat—the spiritual climax of the pilgrimage set for Thursday.
“We’ve taken proactive steps to guarantee that every aspect of the journey is seamless. Pilgrims can focus entirely on their worship while we handle the rest,” Edah stated.
The Board emphasized its unwavering commitment to pilgrims’ welfare, assuring that medical teams, welfare officers, and support staff will be fully deployed throughout the transition and during the rituals.
Officials also encouraged pilgrims to maintain discipline, follow official guidelines, and remain spiritually focused as they proceed through the most significant days of Hajj.
With all systems now in motion and confidence high, the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board stands poised to deliver a safe, well-coordinated, and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience.
***Defends Role in Tinubu’s Cabinet, Accuses PDP Leadership of Hypocrisy
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has fired back at critics within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that no one in the party has the authority or moral standing to expel him.
Wike, a former governor of Rivers State and a powerful PDP stakeholder, made the bold assertion on Monday during a live media chat in Abuja, amid growing calls for his expulsion over his role in the APC-led federal government.
“I am still a proud member of the PDP. I worked hard for this party. Let anyone who thinks they can sack me come forward. What have they contributed that is more than I have?” Wike challenged.
Defending his political choices, Wike referenced the 2023 general elections where he and the G5 governors openly opposed the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, citing the principle of equity and the need for power rotation.
“I told you in 2023 I wouldn’t support the PDP candidate. Why? Because it was about justice. You cannot have the presidential candidate and the party chairman from the same zone. We asked for balance. They refused. That’s not equity,” he said.
Wike lashed out at what he described as the hypocrisy and double standards of some PDP leaders, singling out Chief Olabode George, who backed the Labour Party during the polls.
“Olabode George supported the Labour Party, but I supported the APC candidate for fairness. We all agreed the presidency should go South. What offence did I commit?” he asked.
The FCT Minister also dismissed accusations of betrayal for serving in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, insisting that he followed due process and consulted widely within the party before accepting the ministerial role.
“I didn’t sneak into government. I wrote to the PDP zonal body, my state governor, and the national secretariat before accepting. Let them deny it if they can,” Wike declared.
He further accused current PDP governors of double-dealing, revealing that many of them had nominated individuals for appointments in the APC-led administration.
“When the federal government asked governors to submit names for board appointments, PDP governors all sent theirs. So why is it wrong for me to serve as Minister?” he queried.
Reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP, Wike emphasized that he remains firmly rooted in the party and will not be intimidated into silence by those he believes are pursuing selfish agendas.
“No one can sack me. I know my worth. I know what I’ve done for this party. I will keep speaking the truth,” he stated.
Wike’s comments have once again stirred debate within the PDP as the party grapples with internal tensions and conflicting loyalties in the build-up to the 2027 elections.
Unapologetic and combative, Wike continues to wield significant influence—both within his party and in the federal government—positioning himself as a central player in Nigeria’s evolving political landscape.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to individuals and institutions defaulting on ground rent payments, vowing to enforce full compliance regardless of status or influence.
Speaking during a media chat in Abuja on Monday, the no-nonsense minister made it clear that high-ranking elites would not be shielded from the law.
> “I derive joy in stepping on the toes of big people,” Wike said defiantly. “They must obey the rules like everyone else.”
He criticized what he described as a hypocritical culture among Nigeria’s elite — individuals who admire structure and discipline abroad but return home only to disregard simple civic obligations.
“They travel abroad and see how those societies work. But when they return, they refuse to follow basic rules. That will no longer be tolerated,” he stated.
Wike signaled the end of an era in which powerful individuals routinely evaded their statutory responsibilities, particularly concerning land administration.
“This time, something will happen,” he warned, hinting at imminent enforcement measures against defaulters.
The Minister’s remarks come amid a broader reform drive aimed at improving revenue generation and restoring order to Abuja’s land management system. At the heart of this effort is the enforcement of ground rent — a legal obligation for all holders of statutory land titles within the FCT.
Wike’s tough stance is in line with his administration’s emphasis on accountability, transparency, and a functional capital territory where laws are not only made but enforced.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has broken his silence on the deepening crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), denouncing what he described as a culture of impunity and injustice undermining the party’s unity and stability.
Speaking during a live media chat in Abuja on Monday, Wike declared that the ongoing power tussles in the PDP would no longer be tolerated, and dismissed speculations of a personal feud with his successor, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
“I’ve made it clear — this impunity, this injustice, will not stand,” Wike said pointedly. “I don’t have any crisis with Governor Fubara. None whatsoever.”
The former Rivers State governor accused certain political actors, whom he labeled as “undertakers,” of deliberately orchestrating turmoil within the party to advance narrow interests.
> “What is happening in the PDP is the handiwork of people I can only describe as undertakers,” he said. “They thrive in chaos and have positioned themselves to benefit from disorder. I can’t understand why anyone would willingly plunge a party into crisis.”
Responding to allegations that he was interfering in Rivers State affairs or trying to destabilize the government, Wike said he had no such intentions. He suggested instead that Governor Fubara had become a tool for those unable to challenge him directly.
> “I don’t want a crisis,” he stated. “But the governor, unknown to me, handed himself over to those who couldn’t face me. They saw him as a willing pawn.”
In an emotionally charged moment, Wike likened the betrayal to a father being attacked by his own child.
> “You raise a child, feed him, send him to school, and one night, he returns home only to shoot you. Just imagine how that feels,” he said.
Wike also addressed rumours of a possible state of emergency being declared in Rivers State. He denied advocating for such measures and clarified that the decision was entirely within the president’s authority.
> “I am not the president. I never supported a state of emergency,” Wike affirmed. “But I understand why it came up — the government was on the verge of impeachment. Still, President Tinubu, in his wisdom, handled the situation differently.”
The FCT Minister also took aim at “television politicians,” accusing them of prioritizing media appearances over meaningful service to the people.
“These TV politicians make me feel bad,” he said. “They talk endlessly on television as if they understand governance, yet they are disconnected from the realities of the people they claim to represent.”
Wike’s remarks come amid growing factional tensions within the PDP and rising concerns over political stability in Rivers State. While the presidency has yet to comment officially on the latest developments, the Minister’s statements are likely to intensify debate within the party and beyond.