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Federal Government Reiterates Commitment to Oral Health , Noma Prevention

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The Federal Government has reaffirmed its dedication to improving oral health in Nigeria and tackling the risk factors for oral diseases, including Noma, through an integrated primary healthcare approach.

Speaking at the 2024 National Oral Health and Noma Day held in Abuja, the Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare, Dr. Iziak Adekunle Salako, represented by Dr. Saludeen Jimoh, Director of Hospital Services, emphasized the need for early detection, diagnosis, and grassroots-level management of oral diseases.

Dr. Salako described Noma as a devastating non-contagious disease driven by poor oral hygiene and acute malnutrition, affecting children aged 2 to 6. He stated:

“Noma rapidly eats away the soft and hard tissues of the face, often leaving individuals with poor cosmetic outcomes and, if untreated, resulting in death.”

To combat Noma, Dr. Salako highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in regional and global collaborations since 2016, including efforts under the World Bank’s Africa Regional framework to bridge knowledge gaps. Milestones include the establishment of the Noma Treatment Centre at the National Hospital in Abuja and additional facilities in Sokoto State, reflecting the government’s resolve to eradicate this preventable and treatable disease.

The Minister also commended the Technical Working Group (TWG) for its role in the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recognition of Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD). This recognition has attracted global support from health authorities, NGOs, philanthropists, and funding partners.

Addressing Workforce Gaps and Universal Health Coverage
To address workforce shortages in oral healthcare, the Ministry has introduced task-sharing and upskilling initiatives at primary healthcare centers, enabling the delivery of basic oral care. Dr. Salako further noted the critical role of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (HSRII) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and creating a sustainable framework for tackling oral diseases.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Daju Kachollom, represented by Dr. Azeez Aderemi, emphasized ongoing public health actions to reduce Noma’s burden. These include educating communities about the disease’s causes, symptoms, and prevention, alongside addressing malnutrition through the Renewed Hope Agenda’s nutritional programs and food security initiatives.

Goodwill Messages and Public Awareness Activities
The event also featured goodwill messages from the World Health Organization (WHO) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Presentations by Dr. Charles Ononiwu of the Noma Centre in Abuja and dramatic performances by student nurses raised awareness of oral diseases and Noma.

With the theme “Listing Noma as a Neglected Tropical Disease: What Next?”, the 2024 National Oral Health and Noma Day underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating Noma and enhancing oral health for all Nigerians.

FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board Begins Refund Distribution for 2024 Hajj Services

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB) has commenced the distribution of a N270 million refund to pilgrims who participated in the 2024 Hajj exercise. Each pilgrim is set to receive 61,000 Naira (approximately 150 Riyals) as compensation for services not rendered in Saudi Arabia. This refund was provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Director of the Board, Mr. Kadari Edah, announced that a committee had been inaugurated to ensure a smooth refund process. He emphasized the need for beneficiaries to present valid identification, including evidence of travel, payment receipts, and e-passports, while appearing in person. Exceptions would only be made in cases of death or illness, which would require verification. “People with no issues will be prioritized, while cases requiring further investigation will be addressed later,” Edah explained.

In preparation for the 2025 Hajj, the Board has also advised intending pilgrims to make a deposit of 8.4 million Naira per person, noting that the final fare may decrease due to recent negotiations to reduce costs. Edah highlighted that flight fares, a major component of the Hajj fee, had already been slightly reduced, a move expected to lower the overall Hajj cost. The Board is also taking steps to improve its operations, including restructuring and updating financial records to enhance transparency.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia Explore Iron Ore-to-Steel Collaboration

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

Nigeria and Saudi Arabia have commenced discussions on a strategic partnership to extract and process iron ore into steel, marking a new milestone in bilateral cooperation within the mining and minerals sector.

During the Resourcing Tomorrow event at the Mines and Money Expo in London, Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, met with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy, Engr. Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer. The discussions centered on leveraging Nigeria’s vast iron ore reserves for domestic beneficiation and value-added steel production, rather than exporting raw ore.

This development was disclosed in a statement by Mr. Kehinde Bamigbetan, Special Adviser to the Honourable Minister.

Dr. Alake stressed that value-added steel exports would attract premium prices in international markets, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts. Engr. Al-Mudaifer expressed Saudi Arabia’s interest in sourcing iron ore from Africa and welcomed Nigeria’s proposal. Both parties agreed to continue talks at the Future Metals Forum in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in January 2025.

Dr. Alake also held high-level discussions with leading global investors and mining firms:

Woodcross: The firm conducted preliminary surveys in Jos, Plateau State, confirming sufficient tin deposits to justify a long-term investment in tin processing. A final investment decision is expected in February 2025.

Gerald Group: The company expressed willingness to form a joint venture in Nigeria’s tin sector, with support from the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation, which the Tinubu administration plans to establish.

AMG Group and Business Idea Management Centre (China): Both firms committed to mobilizing global capital for Nigeria’s mining projects, with AMG highlighting the positive impact of recent reforms.

To ensure the smooth take-off of these projects, Dr. Alake established a Ministerial Committee to oversee timelines and progress. He also directed the Solid Minerals Development Fund to collaborate with international investors to diversify funding sources for Nigeria’s mining initiatives.

At the forum, stakeholders discussed the proposal for an African Extractive Minerals Bank to fund exploration projects across the continent. As Chair of the Africa Minerals Strategy Group (AMSG), Dr. Alake pledged to advocate for the initiative at the group’s next meeting in Riyadh.

Dr. Alake reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s dedication to transforming Nigeria’s mining sector through strategic partnerships, local value addition, and the establishment of the Nigerian Solid Minerals Corporation. These initiatives aim to position the mining sector as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification agenda.

Through these efforts, Nigeria is solidifying its role as a key player in the global mining and steel industries.

MSMD Defends Reappointment of SMDF Executive Secretary, Highlights Achievements

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Ministry of Solid Minerals Development (MSMD) has reaffirmed the legality of Hajia Fatima Shinkafi’s reappointment as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), countering claims of irregularities. In a statement signed by Mrs. Ekwugha Chinwe, Assistant Director of Information and Public Relations, the ministry emphasized that the process, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, complies with the Nigeria Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007.

The ministry clarified that Section 35(2) of the NMMA provides for the appointment of the SMDF Executive Secretary by the President on the recommendation of the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, with no stipulation for term limits. “There is no provision in the act governing the agency that limits the tenure of the Executive Secretary. Therefore, her reappointment is in order and does not contravene any law,” the statement affirmed.

Highlighting Shinkafi’s achievements, the MSMD noted her pivotal role in restructuring the SMDF to mobilize capital, de-risk investments, and promote targeted exploration for mine development. The ministry pledged to continue supporting the SMDF in driving initiatives that align with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to make the solid minerals sector a key contributor to Nigeria’s economic growth and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Stakeholders were urged to trust the administration’s efforts to reposition the mining sector for sustainable development.

Miners Association of Nigeria Applauds President Tinubu for Renewing Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi’s Tenure at SMDF/PAGMI

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Miners Association of Nigeria (MAN) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of Hajia Fatimah Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI). The association described her reappointment as a “Divine call” to propel Nigeria’s solid minerals sector toward realizing its vast untapped potential.

In a statement signed by its National President, Dele Ayanleke, MAN congratulated Shinkafi on her renewed mandate and urged her to focus on forging impactful partnerships, particularly with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), to attract pragmatic investments capable of transforming the sector.

Strategic Focus Areas

The association outlined key priorities for Shinkafi’s continued leadership, including:

Securing Partnerships: Expanding collaborations with both local and international stakeholders to empower small-scale leaseholders pivotal to wealth creation and poverty alleviation.

Utilizing Idle Funds: Collaborating with the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr. Henry Oladele Alake, to repatriate and judiciously utilize the ₦2.5 billion Federal Government intervention fund for artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), currently dormant in the Bank of Industry for nearly a decade.

Upgrading SMDF Capacity: Revising the SMDF’s operational guidelines to establish it as Nigeria’s foremost financial institution for the mining sector.

Challenges in Sector Financing

Ayanleke emphasized the reluctance of Nigerian financial institutions to develop tailored products or create dedicated desks for mining sector financing. He highlighted the critical need for SMDF’s leadership to incentivize large-scale investments and provide financial support to indigenous miners for infrastructure development.

Call for Stakeholder Collaboration

The MAN President urged greater collaboration between Shinkafi and key stakeholders in crafting policies and strategies that would bridge financing gaps and enhance the productivity of Nigeria’s mining sector.

“There is an urgent need to upgrade the SMDF’s capacity to incentivize large-scale investments and empower local miners. We are optimistic that under Hajia Shinkafi’s continued leadership, the sector will witness unprecedented growth,” Ayanleke said.

Commitment to Support

MAN pledged its unwavering support for Shinkafi’s leadership and expressed confidence in her ability to steer the sector toward becoming a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic diversification efforts.

“Once again, I congratulate you and wish you a most fruitful and successful tenure,” Ayanleke concluded.

The renewed focus on strategic investments and sectoral reforms underscores the critical role of the solid minerals sector in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth and diversification agenda.

Zamfara Professionals League Commends President Tinubu for Extending Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi’s Tenure at SMDF

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Zamfara Professionals League has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for extending the tenure of Hajiya Fatimah Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF). The League described the decision as pivotal to solidifying the foundation of the emerging financial institution and sustaining its pioneering initiatives in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

In a statement signed by its President, Mr. Yunana Shibkau, and made available to journalists on Sunday, the League commended Shinkafi’s exemplary leadership, attributing her success to her professionalism and commitment. They emphasized her role as a shining example of Northern professionals advancing Nigeria’s financial and mineral development landscape.

Achievements Under Shinkafi’s Leadership

The League highlighted notable milestones achieved under Shinkafi’s leadership, including:

Strategic Partnership with the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC): This collaboration facilitated funding for early-stage mineral development projects. In its first year, the initiative attracted 94 applicants, with 14 advancing to the second stage.

Launch of the Gold Aggregator Scheme: This program added billions of Naira in gold reserves to the Central Bank of Nigeria, boosting national reserves.

Addressing Gaps in Mining: Through strategic interventions, SMDF has tackled challenges caused by the absence of junior miners, thereby fostering development in the sector.

Legal Backing for Extended Tenure

Responding to concerns about tenure limitations, the League clarified that the extension aligns with the provisions of the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act.

“Sections 34, 35, and 36 of the Nigerian Mining and Minerals Act do not impose a tenure limit on the Executive Secretary of the SMDF. President Tinubu’s directive is both lawful and in the nation’s best interest,” the statement emphasized.

The Case for Continuity

The League cautioned against disrupting the progress of the SMDF by appointing a novice lacking the institutional memory necessary to sustain its growth.

“It would be detrimental to the fragile and pioneering status of the SMDF to entrust its leadership to someone without experience. This would risk derailing the current administration’s groundbreaking initiatives and hinder the development of a financial intervention agency ensuring significant returns on investment,” the statement read.

Call for Stakeholder Support

The League called on stakeholders in the solid minerals sector to support Shinkafi’s administration, urging them to rally behind her as she continues to deliver impactful projects that drive economic diversification and growth.

By extending her tenure, the League expressed confidence that the SMDF would remain a formidable platform for advancing Nigeria’s solid minerals industry and positioning the sector as a cornerstone of the nation’s economic transformation.

Arewa Youth Alliance Rejects Leadership Composition of North West Development Commission

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

***Calls for Presidential Intervention

The Arewa Youth Alliance for Sustainable Development (YASD) has expressed its outright rejection of the newly constituted leadership of the North West Development Commission, citing concerns over lack of inclusivity and alleged political maneuvering.

In a press statement jointly signed by the group’s Chairman, Mahmoud Zannah, and Vice Chairman, Aliyu Hassan, and made available to journalists on Sunday, the group appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene and ensure fair representation across the region.

YASD criticized the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudden Abbas, accusing him of personalizing the commission’s leadership appointments to further his 2027 governorship ambitions.

“The Speaker disregarded the legal framework for the commission’s establishment by failing to ensure inclusion and equal representation of all seven North West states in its management structure,” the statement read.

The group alleged that the Speaker unilaterally secured the positions of Chairman and Board Member for his home state without consulting the state governor or other stakeholders, effectively sidelining the broader interests of the region.

Arewa youth organizations from the seven North West states Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Jigawa, Sokoto, and Zamfara—described the appointments as “lopsided and disproportionate.”

“The lack of administrative procedure and due process in these appointments is unacceptable,” YASD stated, adding that earlier concerns raised about the initial appointments had been ignored.

The group called on President Tinubu to address the situation urgently and ensure that future appointments to the commission adhere to principles of inclusivity, good governance, and regional equity.

“We also urge governors, senators, and all National Assembly leaders from the North West geopolitical zone to intervene and ensure that the leadership of the commission reflects the collective aspirations of the region,” the statement added.

YASD reiterated its commitment to promoting fairness and inclusivity in governance and warned against actions that undermine the region’s unity and development.

“We reject and dismiss the actions of the Rt. Hon. Speaker and remain resolute in our demand for a leadership composition that represents all seven states in the North West fairly and equitably,” the statement concluded.

FCT-IRS Targets High Net-Worth Individuals with Dedicated Taxation Unit

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

In a strategic move to bolster revenue generation, the Federal Capital Territory Internal Revenue Service (FCT-IRS) has launched a special unit dedicated to the taxation of High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs) within the Federal Capital Territory.

This initiative, according to Acting Executive Chairman Michael Ango, is designed to ensure tax compliance among affluent individuals whose annual earnings exceed ₦25 million. It also aims to enhance revenue collection to support the infrastructural transformation agenda of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike.

Over 10,000 HNIs Identified

Ango disclosed that the unit had already identified over 10,000 HNIs with combined incomes in trillions of Naira. Notices have been dispatched, urging these individuals to meet their tax obligations within two weeks.

“For our HNI taxpayers, we believe voluntary compliance is in our mutual interest. However, if compliance is not achieved, we will enforce the relevant provisions of the law to recover all outstanding liabilities,” Ango stated during the unveiling of the unit.

Taxation as a Catalyst for Development

The Acting Executive Chairman highlighted the critical role of taxation in driving development, emphasizing that enhanced revenue generation is essential for improving infrastructure and public services across Abuja and its satellite towns.

“As residents of the FCT, it is our collective responsibility to support this administration’s efforts by paying our taxes. This will enable the government to deliver on its mandate of transformation and growth,” Ango noted.

Commitment to Taxpayer Compliance

Ango reiterated the FCT-IRS’s commitment to enforcing compliance across all categories of taxpayers, regardless of their status, as part of a broader effort to strengthen the agency’s revenue base.

This proactive step is expected to unlock significant untapped revenue from the HNI demographic, contributing to the ongoing socio-economic development of Abuja and positioning the FCT as a model of fiscal efficiency.

By establishing this unit, the FCT-IRS underscores its resolve to align with global best practices in taxation and promote equity in the tax system.

Zamfara Miners Applaud Tinubu for Reappointing Hajia Umaru-Shinkafi as SMDF Executive Secretary

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Association of Small-Scale Miners of Nigeria, Zamfara State Chapter, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reappointing Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi as the Executive Secretary of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF) and Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Initiative (PAGMI).

In a statement released on Sunday in Abuja, the association’s chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Rabiu, described the reappointment as a strategic decision that will bolster Nigeria’s solid minerals sector and align with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

A Visionary Leader for the Non-Oil Economy

The group congratulated Hajia Umaru-Shinkafi and praised her for her trailblazing leadership in the sector, citing her role in attracting foreign investments, empowering artisanal miners, and generating thousands of jobs for Nigerian youths. These efforts, it noted, have significantly contributed to Nigeria’s GDP and solidified her reputation as a “paragon of excellence” in the mining industry.

“Hajia Fatima Umaru-Shinkafi is a great Amazon of the solid minerals sector,” the statement read, expressing confidence in her ability to elevate the industry further.

A Nod to Gender Inclusivity

The association also lauded President Tinubu for keeping his campaign promise to appoint women to key positions, describing the reappointment as a reflection of his administration’s gender-sensitive approach to governance.

“This decision underscores the president’s commitment to inclusivity and the empowerment of women in critical national roles,” the statement added.

A Call for Collective Support

The association pledged its full support for Hajia Umaru-Shinkafi’s leadership and urged Nigerians to rally behind her efforts to drive sustainable development in the solid minerals sector.

“We must work together to achieve a more prosperous and equitable Nigeria,” the statement concluded, reaffirming the group’s dedication to advancing the nation’s non-oil economy.

This endorsement by the Zamfara miners highlights the pivotal role of strong leadership and inclusive policies in transforming Nigeria’s solid minerals sector into a cornerstone of economic growth.

NCDC Assures Nigerians: No Detection of COVID-19 XEC Variant in Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has reassured Nigerians that the newly reported SARS-CoV-2 XEC subvariant, a descendant of the Omicron lineage, has not been detected in the country.

In a statement signed by Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and issued to address public concerns, the NCDC highlighted its continuous monitoring of global and local developments regarding COVID-19 variants. The XEC variant, categorized as a Variant Under Monitoring (VUM), has been reported in 43 countries, including Botswana in Africa. Although it exhibits higher transmissibility, there is no evidence of increased severity at this time.

Current Situation in Nigeria

The JN.1 variant, a Variant of Interest (VOI), has been present in Nigeria since January 2024, but its descendant, the XEC variant, has not been identified. The NCDC emphasized that its National COVID-19 Technical Working Group (TWG) is conducting dynamic risk and readiness assessments to ensure a swift public health response if needed.

Call to Action

The NCDC is urging health facilities and state governments to strengthen COVID-19 testing, surveillance, and public awareness:

Health Facilities: Increase testing among suspected cases and submit positive samples for genomic sequencing.

State Governments: Enhance public health systems, improve diagnostic and treatment capacities, and promote community education on prevention and early medical attention.

Preventive Measures for Nigerians

To protect themselves and their communities, Nigerians are advised to:

  1. Maintain good personal hygiene by washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
  2. Practice respiratory etiquette by covering their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
  3. Wear masks in crowded places or if exhibiting flu-like symptoms.
  4. Stay vigilant for COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and loss of taste or smell, and seek medical advice promptly.
  5. Ensure vaccination and booster doses are up to date.

Healthcare workers are also reminded to adhere to infection prevention and control measures, including the consistent use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Commitment to Public Health

The NCDC remains dedicated to safeguarding the health of Nigerians and providing evidence-based updates on the evolving COVID-19 situation. Nigerians are urged to remain calm and adhere to preventive measures while staying informed through official communication channels.

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