The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) supporter Barr. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has been praised by Nigerian social activist and businessman Kazeem Tanimu for purchasing a new home for her nanny in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Tanimu, a young organizer and supporter of good government throughout Nigeria, made the commendation during a conversation with journalists on Wednesday in Abuja.
It would be recalled that Akpoti-Uduagha recently gave her nanny, Isah Damaris, a two-bedroom cottage in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as part of her customary humanitarian commitment to raising up the underprivileged in society.
Presenting the house to the nanny on behalf of the family, the PDP bigwig, who was the Kogi Central senatorial candidate in the 2023 general elections, said: “I ask that you take this two-bedroom house as a token of our deep appreciation for the love and the care you have shown our family.
“You came into my life ten years ago as a Nanny, but you have grown to be a second mother to my children. You have been through moments with me.
“Thank you so much, Damaris, and congratulations.”
This uncommon philanthropic gesture has continued to received commendations from Nigerians of goodwill, especially human right activists and Civil Society groups across the country.
According to Tanimu, show of love to a nanny by Natasha is unprecedented and should be emulated by employers and all those in top positions that have people serving under them,especially political office holders.
Tanimu, who is the Initiator of “7th Republic”, an NGO of Nigerian youths drawn from different background , advocating for selfless leadership at all levels of sociery,said “ Natasha has really shown that everyone deserves a good standard of living through this unprecedented display of love and compassion.
“I know her to be a selfless leader, with a large heart for the less privileged around her and this is why her people want her service in leadership position,”he said.
According to him, in line with the its defining mantra for good leadership at all levels in Nigeria, the ‘7th Republic’ has always lauded and rally support for any act of selfless leadership geared towards making life better for Nigerians.
He added that “as a coalition of people who believe in the interest of our dear country and continent, we are proud to identify with any show of leadership towards making life better for others.”
The Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP) has revealed that it may look into expanding its micro-finance program, the PAP Cooperative Society Limited (PAPCOSOL), which was primarily created for ex-agitators, in order to accommodate women groups already engaged in similar practices in successfully operating small businesses.
The PAP is considering looking at the role of women against community credit thrift schemes that thrive in the Niger Delta, according to Interim Administrator of the PAP Major-General Barry Ndiomu (rtd), who disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday when he received the leadership and members of the Niger Delta Women for Sustainable Development (NDWSD), a coalition of community women groups, at the PAP office in Abuja.
Ndiomu noted the critical role women could play in changing the socio- economic narratives of the region if provided with the right tools and encouragement.
“We will look at the thrift or osusu scheme as you have highlighted to see how it can be incorporated into the PAP cooperative programmes through a collaborative effort to improve the livelihoods of the people,” he said.
“I am very happy with some of the things you mentioned, especially the idea of giving attention to women in the activities of the PAP which has always been part of our priority in contract awards, scholarship awards for undergraduates and post graduate female students, vocational and empowerment programmes.”
Gen Ndiomu noted that there are females on the PAP pilot programme and with time, the cooperative scheme will be the game changer to address issues of empowerment for the people of the region.
The Interim Administrator also expressed gratitude to the women for the visit and for the words of encouragement to spur him on
Earlier in her address, Hon. Helen Inafa Bob who led the group, thanked Gen. Ndiomu for granting them audience. She noted the role of women in nation building and called on relevant agencies to attach more importance in developing the capacity of women.
In her six-point address, she sued for the provision of micro-finance loans for rural Niger Delta women through their community credit thrift cooperative society popular known as osusu or okpu.
“This is an age long self-financing scheme among rural Niger Delta women and therefore, identifying with it will enhance financial guarantee for the rural Niger Delta woman.
“Our group is capable of organizing periodic decentralized training for the women in their various communities to fully utilize the funds for their thrift cooperative societies to grow their micro-economies through petty commodity trading,” she explained.
The Coordinator also advocated for the provision of facilities “for improved preservation techniques of seafood and farm produce, fishing and farming equipment” to reduce the stress in carrying out those activities.
“General Ndiomu is doing a good work here and he needs to be encouraged. It’s high time people of the Niger Delta stopped being critical of their sons and daughters in positions of trust. The pull him down syndrome must stop,” she added.
The highlight of the visit was the investiture of the Interim Administrator as the first patron of the Niger Delta Women for Sustainable Development.
Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu (CON), the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has underlined his ministry’s commitment to ensuring that the already friendly relationship between Nigeria and Japan is strengthened in the sake of the nation’s economic development.
The Minister announced this today in Abuja after receiving His Excellency Matsunaga Kazuyoshi, the Japanese ambassador to Nigeria, in audience. Matsunaga was paying the Minister’s office a courtesy call.
He pointed out that the presence of Japanese officials and businesspeople in Nigeria was evidence that Nigeria and Japan had been cooperating in the fields of agriculture, trade, investment, technical aid, and grants.
He further hinted that businesses between both countries crisscrossed Nigeria’s exportation of agricultural and petrochemical products to Japan and importation from Japan, products such as automotive, ICT, services, and other industrial goods.
He pointed out that the Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was poised to achieving double-digit growth and single-digit inflation, including concentric diversification of the economy.
The Minister informed that key opportunities in the various sectors by Japanese Private investment include: the Digital Economy, Green and blue economy e.g. Waste Management etc.; Gender-balanced job opportunities, Full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act, Reforms in the Culture, Creative, Tourism, and Hospitality Sector, More investments in high-growth sectors, such as agriculture and mining, among others.
He further mentioned that a total sum of N348.1 trillion (US$790.6 billion) investment was required for the implementation of the Plan, adding that out of the total investment requirement, the Government was expected to provide 14.3%, while the balance of 85.7% was expected to be complemented by the Private sector.
The Minister , however, recalled the request of the Japanese to obtain Full Power of Attorney from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to facilitate the signing of Exchange of Notes for all Grant Aid and Technical Cooperation Projects supported by the Japanese government.
Briefing the minister, the Japan Ambassador, said that “Nigeria and Japan have been working together for many years in various fields which include Power, Water, and Agriculture, and promise to promote more private investment and also diversify the projects’’.
Also speaking, the Director, of International Corporation, in the ministry, Dr. Lanre Adekanye, applauded the Japanese government for their continuous collaboration with the Ministry over the development of the country to provide a better life for Nigerians, through the promotion of high-quality and inclusive economic and social development of the country.
Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, stated on Monday that he was eager to create an impact in the ministry.
In order to realize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the sector, Oyetola noted that he had no business in the ministry if he cannot have an impact, has asked for the management and staff of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and other crucial stakeholders.
After seeing the facilities at the Apapa and Tin Can ports and speaking with the NPA’s management and workers, he said this.
The former Osun governor said going by the decay in infrastructure he saw at the ports, there was an urgent need to commence infrastructure renewal of ports across the country so as to save them from imminent collapse. He also encouraged terminal operators to invest in the development of facilities at the ports.
Oyetola, however, assured that enough scanners would be deployed to the ports to avoid unnecessary delays, noting that where the scanners already exist, he would interface with concerned government agencies to ensure their proper usage for efficiency at the ports.
Speaking further, Oyetola said: “As you are all aware, we all have a duty to reposition this sector for the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerians and to contribute to the economic growth of our nation. By doing this, we will be leaving a lasting legacy for generations to come. I, therefore, enjoin you to be good ambassadors of this newly created ministry by displaying the highest level of character at your respective duty posts. Your attitude to work must change. We must imbibe the ethos of hard work, discipline, decency, and selflessness as this is the only way we can deliver on Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Nigerians expect a lot from the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. We must not fail them. We must increase our contribution to the country’s GDP. We have identified some of the low hanging fruits that will make an immediate impact. We shall vigorously pursue them. I am in a hurry to make an impact. I have no business heading the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry if I can not make an impact. I want to make an impact. But I can not do it alone. I need your cooperation. I need your support. We have the potential to grow our economy and create more jobs through this novel ministry. We must put everything to work to deliver on the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.
“We fully understand the crucial importance of our ports to the nation’s economic development and international trade. We shall, therefore, work towards improving the operations of our ports. Some of the access roads to our ports are in bad shape. We shall liaise with the Federal Ministry of Works to ensure some of these roads are fixed in no distant time to ease our operations at the ports. We shall very soon commence the infrastructure renewal of our ports, including pursuing the rail to port project as part of efforts to decongest our ports.”
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), under the direction of Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar, has demonstrated a dedication to advancing its mission and fulfilling its promise to Nigerians of high-quality services.
The Agency has been altering the Nigerian Drylands through an aggressive and effective tree-planting campaign program. It has also excelled in other areas, such as accountability, the development of human capital, the creation of jobs, and others.
The Civil Society Organization Budget Implementation, Assessment, Evaluation and Monitoring Committee made this submission while presenting the Agency’s scorecard at a press conference that took place at NUJ Press Center on Sunday in Abuja.
Speaking on behalf of the CSO Committee, the Chairman, Chief Ogakwu Dominic, described NAGGW as a worthy partner with the civil society community, which has been working harmoniously to deliver on the mandate of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, premised upon ‘renewed hope’ to Nigerians
He noted further that the Committee’s highlight of the numerous achievements of the NAGGW and the contributions of Dr. Maina in sustaining the progress made by his predecessors was not to dress him in saintly robes but bring to the knowledge of naysayers and Nigerians in general the commitment of the Agency in hearkening to the voice of the people.
Also speaking at the event, the Committee Adviser, Comrade Emmanuel Johnny explained that the CSO has consistently monitored the agency’s activities including the Zonal Intervention Projects and all constituency projects of the national assembly domiciled in the NAGGW, which he said have been fruitful so far.
He said: “Indeed, under this administration, which is just about a hundred days old, the civil society has arisen to its role of being the watchdog of the society. This trust laced with the belief that our activities will receive the much-needed boost from the government is the foundation upon which this committee was constituted by a coalition of civil society practitioners.
“However, the reason for our gathering here today is to publicly present to Nigerians the scorecard of the National Agency for the Great Green Wall so that Nigerians can without doubt separate the myth from the reality.
“This press briefing has become necessary given the current happenings on one hand and the need to inform, sensitize, and create awareness about the operational methodologies of the agency hoping that it will engender an honest and patriotic narrative for all and sundry.
“For the records, it is also important to mention that a few days ago, our national tabloids were awash by the national assembly statement on the National Agency for the Great Green Wall, even as we hold in high esteem the Legislative Arm of the government of Nigeria, and as well the citizens unreserved respect for the hallow chamber, and as much as we will never cast aspersion on their integrity nor join issues with their statutory duty of oversight functions, we want to with all sense of patriotism urge them to apply more caution and decorum in handling matters to avoid misrepresentation, which may bring to disrepute the hard-earned integrity of those who are their partners in progress.
“Suffice to say that, the NAGGW under the leadership of its current management headed by the Director General and CEO, Dr. Yusuf Maina Bukar have been a worthy partner to the civil society community who have steadfastly put them on their toes to deliver on the mandate of the office even now that President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has brought “Renewed Hope” to all Nigerians through his people-centered and inclusive leadership style.
“Part of our engagement with the agency has been our continuous monitoring and evaluation of all the agency’s activities including the Zonal Intervention Projects and all constituency projects of the national assembly domiciled in the NAGGW.”
Some of the achievements of the Agency include transparent leadership, accountability, human capital development, capacity building and job creation.
…..only FCT minister , not perm sec allocates land
……only FEC approves multi-billion naira contracts
……urges FCT Minister, Wike to ignore ‘Dark Agents of extreme falsehood’
Peddlers of lies and fabricators of allegations against the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr Olusade Adesola have been charged to dedicate their brains and energy to more fruitful and meaningful ventures that will help move Abuja city forward.
They were enjoined not to distract the FCT Minister, Barr Nyesom Wike , who from day one has left no one in doubt over his noble intentions to rid the city of Illegalities and ensure massive infrastructural development.
The call was made by the Coordinator, Pro-Impact Initiative, Dr Osamudiamen Isokpehi who briefed journalists over the weekend in Abuja to shed light on the allegations .
Dr Isokpehi who was responding to a write up titled: ‘ WHY FCT PERM SEC MUST BE SACKED AND ARRESTED NOW’ credited to one ‘faceless’ Babalola Tajudeen which was being circulated online alleging unfounded misconducts against the Permanent Secretary of the FCT Administration.
He noted that his organization after studying the write up was of the view to leave it in the bin of falsehood where it was from and still remain, but resolved to respond for the sake of well meaning residents., Saying, there is the need to state the truth and set the record straight.
Dr Isokpehi pointed out that contrary to ‘satanic lie’ that Dr Olusade plotted the removal of his predecessor Sir Christian Ohaa whom he still maintain a cordial relationship with to date, he was posted to the FCTA during a major reshufflement of Permanent Secretaries which was approved by the then President.
He reminded those behind the write up that it was on August 28, 2020 that President Muhammadu Buhari redeployed Sir Ohaa from FCTA to The Ministry of Power and brought Olusade to the FCTA in an exercise that saw the redeployment of 13 permanent secretaries and deployment of the 12 new permanent secretaries who were sworn in two day before.
According to to him, the posting was contained in a circular signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folasade Yemi-Esan. The circular, marked HCSF/CMO/AOD/012/V.III/39, is dated August 28, 2020.
He added that, “ we believed strongly that it was this same elements who never gave Sir Christian Ohaa peace during his days as permanent secretary as they dragged him to Berekete Radio and continue to write series of petitions against him when the former minister, Muhammed Musa Bello was reappointed in 2019. Lest we forget , They also wrongly accused Sir Ohaa Of employing only his kinsmen from Enugu state , which was easily proven to be false. They also demanded his removal and called for him to be probed. Now they are in another mission to do what they know how to best”
On allegation that the permanent secretary unilaterally employed 10,000 staff in three years thus raising the total number of FCTA staff to 40,000, Dr Isokpehi said, “the enemies of the permanent secretary failed to cross check their facts before circulating the falsehood. Records at the Human Resource department of the FCTA have it that FCTA total staff strength currently stands at 32,201 as at August 2023. This we believe was contained in the handing over notes presented to the new minister. “The record shows that the staff strength was initially 32,703 as at December 2020 rose to 32,831 in June , 2021 and steadily came down with efficiency to 32,201 by August this year”.
He stressed that the FCTA administration is too complex for anyone even the president of the nation or the minister holding it in trust for him to employ mainly people from his village, state, region or religious group as alleged by the ‘crafters of fallacies’.
Also speaking on alleged award of Multi billion naira contract, Dr Isokpehi pointed out that, “ the ignorance of the writer or his pay masters was too obvious. contracts from N100 million and above are presented in Memo to the Federal Executive Council for approval by the minister. There is obviously no way a permanent secretary would award such contract(s)”. He insisted that all the permanent secretary did within the period when the former minister left and when Mr Wike assumed duty was to keep Abuja running which did not go down well with those who want the city to come to a halt.
On Land allocation, he reminded the writer that, “ the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olusade Adesola who is a well breed Bureaucrat knows that it is only the minister who can allocate land and so he did not get himself into what is not in his powers. Even as chairman of the FCT land allocation committee , the permanent secretary knows his role is largely advisory as the final decision remains with the minister who oversees the city on behalf of the president and commander in chief”
On Revenue harmonisation between FCTA and the Six Area Councils of the Territory, he argued that, “ even the blind knows that issues of multiple taxation and unauthorized tax collectors and consultants across the city have been a major challenge. This the permanent secretary move to solve this and he deserves applause. Sadly those who see nothing good in noble deeds are calling for his head. Reports have shown increased in revenue generation, blockage of leakages and orderliness in revenue collection “
The group, however, called on the FCT Minister to disregard such write ups describing their crafter(s) as professional liars. They warned the minister to remember how these sets of people almost crucified the current permanent secretary’s predecessor when he was in office and repeated same to the immediate past FCT minister as soon as he left the office.
According to the Federal Government, 81.6% of Nigerians use African Traditional Medicine (ATM), and this is not expected to change in the near future, especially given the predicted increase in the global burden of diseases (WHO Global Status Report on Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), 2011).
Traditional Medicine, on the other hand, is easily accessible and economical, as well as culturally acceptable and trusted by a significant number of people.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, stated at a press conference to commemorate African Traditional Medicine (ATM) Day on Thursday in Abuja, that all Member States are invited to examine the progress of implementation of the objective of institutionalizing Traditional Medicine into national health systems.
The Minister who is represented by the Director Human Resources, Hassan Salam, Pate added that, “It is on record that Nigeria has been observing the ATM Day for the past two decades with activities for awareness creation and promotion of appropriate use and practice of Traditional Medicine in the Country. With about 80% of the rural population using TM as a primary form of health care, traditional medicine has made an invaluable contribution to the health and well-being for all.
This year’s theme, “The Contribution of Traditional Medicine to Holistic Health and Well-being for All,” encapsulates the essence of our commitment to recognizing and harnessing the rich heritage of African Traditional Medicine. Today, as we celebrate, we must acknowledge the role of traditional medicine in our lives and its connection to our holistic health and well-being.
“Studies have shown that traditional medicine use in The Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Gcrr, seeks to bolster the economy by prioritizing Universal Health Coverage which is expected to frontally address the nation’s healthcare challenges. The healthcare plan will also focus on encouraging and improving funding for local research of new drugs and vaccines. It is a well-established fact that many medicines have their origin from herbal medicine which is a form of traditional medicine.
“Our approach to optimizing the strengths of our traditional medicine will also focus on favourable policies, institutional and political support, our rich biodiversity, qualitative data, scientific research, and the use of innovation to optimize the contribution of traditional medicine to universal health coverage and sustainable development, and will also be Quided by respect for our indigenous resources and intellectual property rights.
“During the COVID-19 period, a number of traditional medicine practitioners made claims on possible medicines for the management of the disease. The Ministry received about 35 products from these practitioners which were forwarded to NAFDAC for further analysis and possible listing. We can also recall the Madagascar Organic COVID-19 cure originated from medicinal plants”.
Pate further stated that, the strengths of traditional medicine, we must also strive to address the challenges that persist. Integration and collaboration between modern medical practices and traditional medicine are essential. We must ensure that our traditional healers have access to proper training, research, and resources, allowing them to standardize their expertise while also aligning with international best practices. This collaboration can lead to a healthcare system that is truly comprehensive and inclusive, benefiting all members of our society.
He said Nigeria will mobilize evidence-based actions in support of traditional medicine which serves as initial recourse for millions worldwide seeking to address their health and well-being needs. We will continue to work with support from WHO, WAHO and other partners like the Embassies of China and India to develop our Traditional Medicine for local use and commercialization. 1, | wish you fruitful deliberations as we celebrate the 2023 African Traditional Medicine Day.
Earlier, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti who was represented by Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Representative in Nigeria called on Member States to scale up their efforts and further implement evidence-based Traditional Medicine (TM) approaches to achieve the health-related Sustainable Development Goals and promote health and well-being for all at all ages.
She urged Member States to: Apply local knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to unlock the contribution of TM to advancing planetary health and people’s well-being across the life course, through regional and culturally appropriate nutrition and lifestyles within sustainable environments; Establish a high-level consultative mechanism with Indigenous Knowledge holders to guarantee their full participation and consultation in adopting and implementing relevant policies and actions associated with biodiversity management and Traditional Knowledge; Facilitate effective integration of traditional medicine into national health systems contributing to achieving universal health coverage and all health-related sustainable development goals.
Where appropriate, Member States should redefine laws, policies, and health services to enable holistic and relevant decisions, seamless choices with a transformative focus on prevention, maintenance, primary healthcare; Develop standards of the curriculum for continued training and education of traditional health practitioners to facilitate their integration into primary healthcare services, Accelerate the research, production, regulation, and formal utilization of evidence based traditional and indigenous products in national health systems, Develop monitoring systems and indicators for traditional medicine within national health information systems enabling the measurement and redirection of traditional medicine practices within countries, she further stated.
The continuing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations around the country continue to be crucial to the armed forces’ efforts to create peace and prevent violent extremist groups from finding a safe haven in the country.
This was contained in a statement made accessible to journalists on Thursday in Abuja by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba.
The military’s primary mission is to execute operations in support of national security objectives. As a result, the armed forces will continue to collaborate with supported groups to fight any group threatening the country’s security and safety.
The statement reads:”During the week leading to 31 August 2023, the military neutralized 39 terrorists and arrested 157 terrorists, 16 perpetrators of oil theft. Troops also rescued 109 kidnapped hostages and denied oil theft of the sum of Seven Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Eight Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand Naira (N765,863,000.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 55 assorted weapons and 96 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 12 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one HK21 gun, one FN rifle loaded with 5 rounds of NATO ammo, 2 Dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, 3 locally made pistols, 11 AK47 magazines, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, one cartridge, one bandolier, 7 rounds 7.62mm special empty cases, 24 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, 10 bicycles and the sum of Eight Hundred and Eighty One Thousand Seven Hundred Naira (N881,700.00).
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 71 dugout pits, 36 boats, 83 storage tanks, 5 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 58 cooking ovens, 5 pumping machines, 3 generators, 3 speedboats and 34 illegal refining sites. Also, troops recovered 569,400 liters of stolen crude oil, 486,000 liters of illegally refined AGO and 59,500 liters of PMS.
“The military will continue to pursue aggressive military operations against violent extremist groups seeking to undermine the security of the country and conduct violence against the people. Accordingly, the armed forces remain focused on its core mission and would continually make adjustments along the way to better protect citizens, while isolating and annihilating those groups constituting a security nuisance to the country”, the stated further stated.
The Federal Government has vowed to keep investing in the infrastructure for health data and in building capacity to address serious health issues, particularly in the area of addressing Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and utilizing multisectoral approaches to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).
In response to Agenda Item 6 in the annual report of the African Regional Director, Matshidiso Moeti, on the work of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the African Region held in Botswana, the Coordinating Minister, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOH &SW), Prof. Ali Pate, who was in attendance, made the announcement.
The Minister in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by the Director (Press & Public Relations ) Deworitshe Patricia , the Nigeria Government is taking vital steps towards addressing issues of AMR which poses a grave threat to human, animal and environmental health in the region.
He hinted Government’s ability to build and maintain suboptimal capacity in generating and managing health data which resonates deeply with the Nation’s experiences adding that “as we strive to build robust health information systems, we recognise the imperative of timely, accurate and comprehensive data to guide our policies and interventions”.
He acknowledged remarkable achievements and progress outlined in the annual report of WHO in the African Region, he stated that the report covering the period from July 2022 to June 2023 underscores the collective efforts in advancing health and well-being across our continent particularly in the content of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He also maintained that some of the giant strides made in the Nigerian health sector as captured by the report include the collaborative response to the COVID-19 pandemic aligning with the pursuit of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which exemplifies the resilience and dedication of the nation’s health professionals and communities.
Pate further hinted that: “we have excelled in immunization which is pivotal in public health landscape, the integration of vaccines and APV vaccine, typhoid conjugate vaccine and malaria vaccine will mark a significant leap forward. These steps align with our commitment to preventing diseases that have long burdened our communities”.
He asserted that WHO’s support in strengthening national health systems centered around primary health care has fortified Nigeria’s capacity to manage health crisis and provide essential services adding that “we note the emphasis on diversity and inclusivity through initiatives like the Africa Women Health Champions and the engagement of young professionals”.
He therefore charged delegates to be inspired by the progress showcased in the report and be determined to overcome hurdles that remain, “as we align ourselves with the WHO’s Transformation Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals, we envision a future where health disparities are narrowed, health security is fortified and every individual enjoys the right to good health and well-being.
Saidu Alkali, Minister of Transportation, stated that the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation may face disciplinary action.
AIkali revealed this during an unexpected visit to the Idu Train Station in Abuja on Sunday.
During the visit, the minister personally inspected the coaches and noticed a number of flaws that required immediate correction.
He said, “I received a complaint from the security escorts that in the last five months their allowances were not paid and I am happy that the MD of NRC is appearing before the ministry on Tuesday to brief. So, if he comes I am now well informed the lifts and escalators aren’t working, which makes it very difficult for the elderly and the disabled persons to use the train for travelling.
“Therefore, he would explain why disciplinary action wouldn’t be taken against him.”
