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Digital Health Now an “Emergency Priority” as FG Unveils Nationwide Data Integration Plan

By
Toyin Adebayo
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ABUJA – The Federal Government has declared digital health transformation an urgent national priority, announcing a comprehensive plan to integrate health records and data systems across all levels of Nigeria’s healthcare infrastructure.

Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, made the declaration on Tuesday while addressing health information professionals at the 44th Scientific Conference of the Association of Health Records and Information Management Practitioners of Nigeria (AHRIMPN).

“No health system can be optimally impactful without reliable information and efficient data management for evidence-based decision-making,” Salako stated. “Digital health is now an emergency priority for Nigeria’s health sector renewal.”

The Minister revealed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has positioned digital innovation as a central pillar of its healthcare transformation agenda, with immediate focus on electronic health records, national data harmonization, and establishing a national health information exchange.

Five-Point Digital Reform Agenda

Salako outlined a collaborative five-point strategic reform plan with AHRIMPN:

1. Complete digitization and integration of health records across primary to tertiary care facilities
2. Standardization of health data systems to ensure interoperability and quality assurance
3. Capacity building in data analytics, artificial intelligence, and health informatics
4. Policy support for career progression and professional recognition of health information managers
5. Research collaboration to strengthen national health statistics and innovation

“Digital transformation is not about replacing human expertise; it is about amplifying it,” the Minister emphasized, noting that the initiative aims to equip every health worker from remote primary centers to advanced hospitals with digital tools.

Salako challenged health information professionals to embrace emerging technologies including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and the Internet of Medical Things, urging them to “acquire knowledge in innovative technologies transforming healthcare.”

The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting AHRIMPN and the Health Records Officers Registration Board of Nigeria in strengthening professional standards, improving welfare, and promoting ethical data security practices.

“Together, let us harness innovation and technology to secure a healthier, more resilient future for our people,” Salako concluded, signaling the administration’s determination to bridge Nigeria’s digital health gap.

FCTA Purges ‘Ghost Workers,’ Digitalizes Promotion Exams in Service Reform Push

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has launched a dual reform initiative, removing absconded workers from its payroll while institutionalizing computer-based promotion testing for its 8,000-strong workforce.

FCT Civil Service Commission Chairman Engr. Emeka Eze announced the measures Tuesday during the latest round of digital promotion examinations, signaling a decisive shift toward modernizing the territory’s civil service.

“Some people are not really ghosts but they have absconded from duty,” Eze stated, drawing a clear distinction between fraudulent ghost workers and employees who have abandoned their positions. “If you absconded from duty, it means that you are no longer working.”

The five-day Computer-Based Test (CBT) exercise represents the administration’s commitment to ensuring staff possess essential digital competencies for contemporary governance. Eze revealed substantial investments in ICT training programs, with corresponding expectations for enhanced service delivery.

Acting Head of Service Nancy Sabanti-Nathan confirmed the permanence of the digital examination system despite technical challenges encountered during implementation. “On your question whether it has come to stay, yes, it has come to stay,” she affirmed. “Challenges are always there with us but we always find a way around them.”

The official explained the system’s flexibility, noting that examination timers activate only when candidates begin their tests, ensuring equitable conditions for all participants. She emphasized there would be “no going back to the old regime,” underscoring the administration’s determination to modernize workforce assessment.

Eze concurrently appealed for establishment of a dedicated FCT-owned CBT center to address logistical constraints, highlighting the need for infrastructure to support the digital transition.

Wike Sets June 2026 Deadline for Abuja-Kuje Road, Hails Project’s Economic Impact

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

KUJE, FCT – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, has announced that the long-delayed Abuja-Kuje Road project will be completed and delivered by June 2026, marking a significant milestone in the FCT’s infrastructure development agenda.

During an inspection tour of ongoing construction on Tuesday, the Minister expressed satisfaction with the progress made by the contractor, Arab Contractors, confirming that the company has recommitted to the revised timeline after years of stalled progress.

“We are very impressed with the level of work and the quality of job being carried out by Arab Contractors,” Wike stated. “They have promised to keep to their agreement, and by the grace of God, June next year they will hand over that road. It is a very major milestone.”

The project, originally awarded in 2019, faced significant delays exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Minister Wike revealed that upon assuming office, the contractor was not on site, but intervention by the current administration has revitalized the project.


“When we came on board, the contractor was not on site,” he recalled. “During our interaction with stakeholders, one of the major requests was the return of the contractors. Today, the residents are happy, and we are also happy with the progress.”

The Minister also inspected the dualization of the Kuje-Gwagwalada road, handled by Gilmore Engineering, noting that the company is executing the continuation from its previous work phase. “The work is going on very well,” he observed. “If we keep to our own promise, 70% to 80% of the job will be completed within the scheduled time.”

Wike emphasized the transformative potential of both corridors for the FCT’s economic landscape, noting that the completed roads will create direct connectivity between Kuje and Gwagwalada, eliminating the need for travelers to navigate through the Airport Road.

“These two major projects will change the economic life and activities of this area and of the FCT in general,” the Minister affirmed.

Wike Orders Major Security Surge in Abuja, Deploys Joint Operation Squad

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has ordered a comprehensive security reinforcement across the nation’s capital, authorizing the immediate deployment of a joint military and police task force to bolster surveillance and combat rising criminal activities.

The operation, which includes personnel from the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies, is designed to intensify patrols and strengthen security at all border points and entryways into the FCT.

Addressing the newly formed “Operation Sweep” squad on Tuesday, FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, emphasized that the initiative aims to foster operational synergy and decisively eliminate crime, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.

CP Dantawaye confirmed that Minister Wike has provided full logistical support for the mission, stating: “The FCT minister has given complete support, especially in terms of logistics for this operation. I am sure that by the time we’ll be leaving here later, the funds for fueling, servicing of vehicles, and even allowances for the men will have dropped into an account that we can access.”

The Police Commissioner, who was joined by other heads of security agencies, also disclosed that the Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police have granted formal approval for the operation, which will focus on areas identified as vulnerable to kidnapping and banditry.

On the issue of street begging, CP Dantawaye revealed that security agencies are collaborating with relevant FCTA departments to address the menace, noting that some criminals often disguise themselves as beggars.

“We’re going to profile them and see those we will take off the streets that are criminally minded, even if they claim they are beggars,” he said, adding that legal procedures are being finalized to support the evacuation of street beggars from the city.

Wike Orders Comprehensive Security Surge as Joint Taskforce Begins Citywide Operations

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

…Operation Sweep Targets Kidnapping Hotspots, Border Routes Ahead of Yuletide

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has ordered an extensive security reinforcement across Abuja, directing enhanced surveillance at the territory’s borders with neighbouring states and all major entry points.

In line with the directive, a coordinated joint taskforceb comprising the military, police, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies—has been deployed under the newly activated Operation Sweep.

Addressing the operatives on Tuesday, the FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, said the operation underscores a renewed commitment to dismantling criminal networks and restoring public confidence in safety measures across the territory.

Dantawaye said the Minister had provided full logistical backing to ensure the success of the operation, noting that Service Chiefs and the Inspector-General of Police had also given necessary approvals.

“As we speak, His Excellency the FCT Minister has given complete support, particularly in logistics,” the CP said. “Funding for fueling, servicing of vehicles and allowances for officers has already been secured to ensure this operation runs without hindrance.”

He noted that the taskforce had been mandated to concentrate on communities vulnerable to kidnapping, banditry, and other violent crimes, especially as the yuletide season approaches.

On the growing presence of street beggars within the city centre, Dantawaye said security agencies were working closely with relevant departments of the FCTA to address the menace, adding that many criminal elements disguise as beggars to evade detection.

“We cannot allow people to loiter under the guise of begging,” he said. “Those arrested around black spots will be profiled, because some come into the city with criminal intent.”

He added that the evacuation of genuine beggars would follow due legal processes in collaboration with Abuja’s environmental authorities.

Federal Government Bans Open Grazing Nationwide, Mandates Transition to Ranching

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

YOLA, Adamawa State – The Federal Government has officially abolished open grazing of cattle across Nigeria, declaring the centuries-old practice illegal and mandating a full transition to modern ranching systems.

The landmark announcement was made by the Minister of Livestock Development, Mallam Idi Muktar Maiha, during the inaugural National Council on Livestock Development in Yola on Tuesday.

“Open grazing has caused unnecessary hiccups in the past years, creating crisis and loss of needless lives across the country,” Minister Maiha stated, emphasizing that “it is an offence to be caught grazing openly.”

The policy shift represents the most significant reform in Nigeria’s livestock sector in decades and aims to resolve persistent conflicts between herders and farmers that have claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities across the country.

Minister Maiha positioned the livestock sector as Nigeria’s next major economic engine, revealing ambitious revenue projections. “The ministry is projected to earn $74 billion in the next five years,” he announced, noting that “so far more than $14 billion have been earned” since the presidential initiative to revamp livestock production began.

The policy received broad political support during the council meeting. Senate Committee Chairman on Livestock, Senator Musa Mustapha, predicted that “soon livestock would overtake oil in revenue earning,” while House of Representatives Committee Chairman Hon. Tasir Olawale Raji commended the ministry for abolishing “needless confusion” between farmers and herders.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umar Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Professor Farauta George, welcomed the council to what he described as “the home of livestock,” endorsing the federal government’s reform agenda.

The Permanent Secretary of the Livestock Ministry, Dr. Mrs. Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, acknowledged investors who have already embraced ranching, specifically commending Dan Lawan Adamawa and Alh. Sadik Daware for their pioneering efforts.

The mandatory transition to ranching represents the Tinubu administration’s most decisive intervention in the farmer-herder crisis, signaling a fundamental restructuring of Nigeria’s agricultural economy.

Anxiety Grips VIPs as Police Begin Withdrawal of Security Escorts

By
Ola Akinola
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0

ABUJA – A wave of apprehension has swept through Nigeria’s political and business elite following President Bola Tinubu’s directive to withdraw police escorts from Very Important Persons (VIPs), a move that has sparked both public debate and private panic among the affected class.

Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga confirmed on Sunday that police personnel would be reassigned to core law enforcement duties, with VIPs now expected to seek armed protection from the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) if needed.

According to security sources, the police headquarters has been inundated with calls from anxious VIPs seeking clarification and expressing deep concerns about their safety amid the country’s worsening security situation.

“The practice of providing police escorts to high ranking officers and VIPs has become a major feature of the security landscape in Nigeria,” one VIP told NewsFocus, acknowledging the need for reform while warning that a blanket withdrawal could “increase the prevailing fears of insecurity in the society.”

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) swiftly criticized the move as “political theatre,” with party spokesperson Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi describing it as a recurring announcement that “demonstrates the government’s lack of understanding of the true nature and complexity of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.”

A serving police officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, highlighted the operational implications, noting that VIP protection duties have historically diverted crucial resources from community policing. “Police patrol teams in certain areas are often understaffed, and response times to distress calls are prolonged as a result of the overwhelming number of officers assigned to VIP duties,” the officer revealed.

Human rights activist Tony Udemmadu welcomed the policy shift, stating that VIP escorts had become “a symbol of inequality” that undermined public trust in law enforcement.

As the police force works to establish modalities for the withdrawal, Force Public Relations Officer Benjamin Hundeyin had not provided specific details on implementation timelines or the number of officers affected by press time.

Southwest Governors in Emergency Security Session as Regional Threats Escalate

By
Ola Akinola
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0

IBADAN – Governors from Nigeria’s six Southwest states are currently locked in an emergency security meeting at the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, following credible intelligence about planned terrorist incursions into the region.

The closed-door session, which began Monday morning, is focused on strengthening regional security coordination and enhancing the operational capacity of the Amotekun security network amid what sources describe as “increasingly sophisticated security challenges.”

While official statements remain pending, NewsFocus has learned that the agenda includes critical reviews of:

· Joint border surveillance operations
· Intelligence sharing mechanisms across state lines
· Logistics and equipment requirements for Amotekun corps
· Community alert systems in border communities

The meeting comes just days after prominent Yoruba leader Iba Gani Adams issued a stark warning about terrorist elements establishing bases in forests bordering the Southwest region. Security analysts have also noted concerning movements of bandit groups from the Northwest toward Southwest boundaries.

A source close to the deliberations, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed that “the governors are treating this with utmost urgency. The recent attacks in neighboring states have shown that these threats respect no borders.”

The Southwest has increasingly relied on the Amotekun network as a regional security backbone, though commanders have repeatedly highlighted needs for better equipment and coordinated operational protocols across state lines.

As the meeting continues, security has been tightened around the Government House, with increased Amotekun and police presence noted throughout the Agodi area.

Dangote Group Champions Agricultural Revival as Key Sponsor of 2025 National Agric Show

By
Ola Akinola
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0

KEFFI, Nasarawa State – The Dangote Group has reinforced its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector through its sponsorship of the 17th National Agricultural Show, which opens today in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

The conglomerate’s backing of this year’s event, themed “Employing Smallholder Farmers: Restoring Value, Ensuring Productivity Will Ensure Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria,” underscores its strategic push to position agriculture as a cornerstone of national economic growth and youth employment.

Company spokesman Anthony Chiejina emphasized the sector’s transformative potential, stating: “Restoring the value of agriculture offers Nigeria more than nostalgic appeal; it provides a pragmatic route to economic renewal. With the right incentives and modern practices, agriculture can once again serve as a reliable engine of growth.”

The Agricultural Show, a flagship event in Nigeria’s farming calendar, serves as a critical platform for showcasing innovations across the agricultural value chain and promoting commercial farming participation.

Significant investments detailed by the group include the development of rice mills across Kano, Jigawa, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto States with a combined milling capacity of 1.5 million tonnes annually. These projects align with federal government initiatives to achieve food security through enhanced local production.

Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, Mrs. Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, highlighted the company’s comprehensive approach to agricultural development, noting substantial investments in backward-integration projects within the sugar sub-sector in Nasarawa and Adamawa States, alongside the operational 3 million metric tonnes per annum fertilizer complex in Lagos.

Arc Kabiru Adamu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the National Agricultural Foundation of Nigeria, acknowledged Dangote’s sustained partnership, describing the conglomerate as “our greatest ally from inception” whose support has been instrumental to the show’s continued success.

The event is expected to draw unprecedented participation from farm machinery manufacturers, processors, researchers, and youth and women farmers, all responding to the urgent call to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems amid ongoing economic challenges.

Japan, WHO Deliver Critical Aid as Nigeria’s Cholera Cases Surpass 22,000

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

ABUJA – The Federal Government has received a final shipment of cholera response kits from Japan, channeled through the World Health Organization (WHO), as the country continues to combat a severe outbreak that has affected 22,196 people and claimed 505 lives as of November 2, 2025.

The donation, funded by a US$500,000 grant from the Japanese government, was formally handed over to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) on Monday. The supplies are being deployed to high-risk states, particularly in the heavily affected North-East and North-West regions, to bolster early detection, treatment, and containment efforts.

NCDC Director-General, Dr. Olajide Idris, described the support as timely. “This support from the Government of Japan through WHO came at a critical time. It has enabled us to strengthen surveillance, improve laboratory diagnosis, and support states in responding more effectively to outbreaks,” he stated.

The assistance has been distributed across three key areas since the grant was received on March 1, 2025:

· Emergency Supplies: US$104,951 worth of cholera kits—each capable of treating 100 patients—have been prepositioned in high-risk areas to prevent treatment disruptions during peak transmission periods.
· Capacity Building: A national training program has equipped 176 health experts across all six geopolitical zones, with knowledge cascaded to workers in 134 priority intervention areas.
· Surveillance Enhancement: Community-based surveillance has been strengthened in local government areas across seven high-risk states, improving coordination between national and sub-national health authorities.

Japan’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Suzuki Hideo, reaffirmed his country’s commitment: “Japan is proud to support Nigeria’s efforts to combat cholera and other infectious diseases. Through our partnership with WHO, we are contributing to stronger health systems.”

WHO Representative in Nigeria, Dr. Pavel Ursu, emphasized that the partnership is already yielding results, enhancing Nigeria’s capacity to respond to outbreaks and reduce cholera-related fatalities to below one percent.

With cholera cases continuing to rise, health authorities have urged states and communities to intensify preventive measures, including promoting hand hygiene, ensuring safe water use, and improving sanitation.

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