Flowerbud News

Author: Ibrahim Abusadiq

  • Wike promises improved quality healthcare services in FCT

    Wike promises improved quality healthcare services in FCT

    By Philip Yatai

    The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Nyesom Wike, says plans are underway to improve the quality of health services in the federal capital, Abuja.

    Wike gave the assurance when the Executive members of the FCT Chapter of the Association of Resident Doctors, led by the President, Dr Rahman Olayinka visited him in Abuja on Wednesday.

    He explained that the FCT Administration would ensure necessary provisions in the 2024 budget to improve quality of services in health facilities in the FCT.

    “The services at the moment are not encouraging. It is unfortunate.

    “I was thinking that since FCT is a capital city it will have the best health facilities, but from what I am told, there is nothing to write home about, but be assured it will be the best.

    “We will bring the health system to a standard that everybody will be happy,” he said.

    The minister also said that efforts were being made to complete the Utako Hospital, adding that the FCT Administration was doing the best it can to meet the health needs of the people.

    On salary increment and allowances to medical personnel, Wike said that the FCT do not currently have the financial resources to support salary increment or allowances.

    He said that the current wage bill of the FCTA is N8 billion monthly.

    Wike advised the doctors to place emphasis on unpaid increment and allowances while also concentrating on improving facilities for quality services.

    He asked the group to work with the Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat to work out unpaid allowances and salary increments for the administration to strategise how to pay.

    He also advised the medical doctors against strike action in the name of salary increment, adding that efforts would be made to settle outstanding allowances and training of medical officers.

    Earlier, Dr Olayinka thanked the minister for attending to some of their challenges within a short time in office.

    He pointed out that health facilities in the FCTA were challenged by shortage of manpower and called on the minister to consider the health sector when opportunity emerged for recruitment.

    He also appealed for the supply of more drugs for hospitals in the FCT to provide the needed services to the residents and those accessing the facilities from the neighbouring states.

    “We need doctors, pharmacists, nurses, lab technicians among other critical manpower as FCT is at the receiving end of the “Japa” syndrome.

    “We are being owed arrears of hazard allowance which the previous administration promised to pay in tranches,” he added.

    NAN

  • Diesel suppliers, generator dealers sabotaging power supply – Ex-minister, Nnaji

    Diesel suppliers, generator dealers sabotaging power supply – Ex-minister, Nnaji

    By Leonard Okachie

    A former Minister of Power, Prof. Barth Nnaji, has alleged that diesel suppliers and generator dealers are sabotaging efforts for Nigerians to enjoy regular power supply.
    Nnaji made this known while featuring  in a radio programme, captioned: “The South East Political Roundtable” by Flo FM, Umuahia on Wednesday.
    Nnaji said that the endless breakdown of the national grid had remained a significant concern among Nigerians.
    According to him, this is despite the Federal Government’s claim of spending N7 trillion as direct interventions in the power sector, even after privatising the electricity generation and distribution arms of the industry since November 2013.
    Nnaji, who is the Group Chairman of Geometric Power, Aba, identified diesel suppliers and generator sellers as other obstacles for those who are into power generation business.
    He said that the sector needed professionals, who understood the Nigeria Electricity Supply Industry to manage it.
    “There are two areas when you talk of cabal in the sector – the diesel suppliers and generator users.
    “Nigeria is a big user of generator because of our enormous power need and those who are in the business would not want any interruption.
    “The diesel suppliers feel that stable power supply would destroy their business,” he said.
     Nnaji further alleged that the power sector, just like others, had some cabal, who make gains from the problems of poor power supply.
    He said: “A graphic picture of how dangerous the diesel suppliers can be was experienced when we were in government, somewhere in this country, some men cut down 30KVA line to stop electricity supply to thousands of users.
     “Unfortunately, the diesel supplying company sponsored the operation.
    “Incidentally the power cable fell on one of them, who later confessed to the crime.”
    NAN
  • Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    Court discharges journalist accused of insulting ex-Minister, Lai Mohammed

    By Taiye Agbaje

    A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Wednesday, discharged a journalist, Rotimi Jolayemi, also known as Oba Akewi, of allegations bordering on insulting former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed.
    Justice Emeka Nwite, in a ruling, discharged Jolayemi after the case was struck out for lack of diligent prosecution.
    The matter, which was listed for plea on today’s cause list, could not proceed due to the absence of the prosecution counsel, Joseph Offor, prompting the defendant’s lawyer, Soji Toki, to apply that the matter be struck out.
    Toki reminded the court that since Offor was in court on March 30 after the matter was reassigned to the judge, the prosecution had not been coming to court.
    The judge granted Toki’s application for being non-contested and struck out the charge.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the matter was initially assigned to Justice Anwuli Chikere in 2020 before her retirement.
    Justice Chikere had ordered Jolayemi’s remand after he was arraigned for alleged spreading of an audio file said to have caused annoyance, ill-will, hatred, and insults towards the minister.
    The judge ordered the defendant to be remanded in the Nigeria Police Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department headquarters, in Abuja, pending the hearing of his bail application.
    He was later granted bail before the matter was reassigned to Justice Nwite.
    While the Inspector-General of Police was the complainant, Jolayemi was the sole defendant in a one-count charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/105/2020.
    The prosecution was in court on March 30 when the matter came up before Nwite.
    However, he was not in court on June 15 and the case was adjourned until today (Oct. 18).
    Jolayemi, who anchors a Yoruba radio programme, “Bi aye se ri” on Osun State Broadcasting Service and Radio Kwara, was on May 5, 2020, arrested by the police for reciting a poem which was critical of the minister.
    Jolayemi, the Vice-Chairman, Freelance and Independent Broadcasters Association of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, was subsequently brought to Abuja where he had been standing his trial.
    NAN
  • I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    I’ll reposition NAHCON, says Arabi

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Alhaji Jalal Arabi, the newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has promised to reposition the commission to key into the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

    Arabi made the promise while addressing the management and staff of the commission when he assumed office at the Nigerian Hajj House, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    He said, ” The time has come for us to turn a new page. The Renew Hope Agenda is genuine. I don’t need to labour it. It’s genuine.

    ” You all know and I believe all of you can attest that when President Bola Tinubu was going around with some of us it was a privilege to go round with him and with those that spoke on our behalf.

    ” There was a pledge and indeed a promise at that stage that things will be better and of course in nature certainly there has to be change.

    ” And change must address things that have gone bad but of course that you want to reposition and you move forward and I believe I need your cooperation in that regard.”

    Arabi, who solicited the cooperation of the staff and management of the commission, advised those who are not ready to make sacrifices towards the success of the commission to take their leave.

    He added, ” But a constitutional provision has come in here, there is a freedom of choice. If you feel that the style is too taught for you or you can’t handle it by all means you will be at liberty.

    ” We will help you to even open the door because we have our system and we can slow down on that.

    Arabi, who said trust, sacrifice would be his cardinal principles, noted that conducting the affairs of hajj was a trust.

    He said, ” If we can all reflect to imagine one of the fundamentals of our religion in Islam that requires much more physical than all the others is hajj.

    ” So for us to be so chosen and privileged to come and participate in the discharge of that responsibility certainly makes us the chosen ones.”

    ” And I feel it is an opportunity that we shouldn’t allow sleep from.
    We have our vision, we have our mission and I know it has been pursued vigorously before now.

    ” But certainly there is always room for improvement in whatever endeavours one finds himself.”

    Earlier, the outgoing Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, while congratulating Arabi said that Arabi assumed office at its critical time.

    Hassan was represented by Alhaji Nura Yakasai, outgoing Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance of the commission.

    He said, ” On behalf of the staff and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) I want to use this opportunity to welcome the new chairman of the commission in person Alhaji Jalal Arabi.

    ” You step into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at a critical time. Why did I say critical time? You came actually when all the preparations for the 2024 Hajj have already started.

    ” And unfortunately also this time around the period or time given by the Saudi authorities is different from the traditional one, where we have sufficient time to do whatever we want to do.

    ” That is to arrange. Unfortunately, you have a very short time. The only assurance that I will give you is that you have a capable staff here that can assist you succeed.”

    Arabi was accompanied by the former Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, and Alhaji Aliyu Modibbo, Special Adviser to the President on General Duties, Office of the Vice- President and other dignitaries.

    NAN

  • New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    New OGFZA MD rolls out ambitious expansion plans

    By Bukola Adewumi

    The newly appointed Managing Director of Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Mr Bamanga Usman, has unveiled plans for the future growth of the agency, inline with President Tinubu’s economic agenda.
    Usman made this known on Wednesday when he took over from the former MD Sen. Tijjani Kaura, in Abuja.
    He said that his vision include establishment of OGFZA offices in every state of the federation regardless of their oil productibg status.
    He said that the expansion initiative is aimed at providing new investment opportunities and addressing the saturation of existing zones.
    The MD said that under his leadership OGFZA,  which is a key player in the oil and gas sector with focus on international clientele would introduce offshore banking services.
    According to him, this is to facilitate seamless international financial transactions and solidify OGFZA’s position as a global industry leader.
    “Having served as the sole OGFZA’s in West Africa and the Gulf of Guinea for over two decades, OGFZA is preparing for a transformative rebranding.
    ” This rebranding is strategic in nature, focusing on engaging multinational stakeholders and reflecting the authority’s global ambitions, ” Usman said.
    He said that as part of the transformation, foreign investment offices would be established to enhance accessibility for potential investors and improve coordination.
    According to him, the key dimensions of OGFZA’s strategic approach include efficiency and trust
    He said he would elevate infrastructure to international standards and address challenges including deteriorating roads and inconsistent power supply.
    He also said that his leadership would update the regulatory framework to align with industry needs and global best practices.
    Usman said his leadership would focus on technology transfer, skills acquisition, and supporting local businesses in line with the Nigerian Content Act.
    He said he would create an investor-friendly environment and capitalising on Nigeria’s gas reserves for refining and development.
    Usman added that his tenure would prioritise the welfare of staff and foster an environment of collaboration, innovation and dedication.
    He promised to engage stakeholders and implement these strategic initiatives with the support of the community, aiming for a more result-driven and efficient OGFZA
    Speaking, the Outgoing MD, Oil OGFZA, Sen. Tijjani Kaura, described the task ahead of the new leadership of the agency as daunting.
    Kaura called on the staff members to extend the same level of support, understanding and loyalty that they showed him during his 14-month tenure.
    He said that with perseverance and energy, the new MD would overcome the challenges bedeviling the agency and succeed in leading the organisation to achieving its vision.
    NAN
  • FG to advance HIV Response — Pate

    FG to advance HIV Response — Pate

    By Abujah Rachael

    The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate,
    has highlighted Federal Government’s commitment to advancing HIV Response in the country.

    He focused on the response at a performance review meeting hosted by the U.S. Centre for Disease Control (CDC)
    in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the third Biannual Performance Review and Stakeholder Engagement
    meeting is aimed at sharing experiences, successes and lessons with funders and other CDC/PEPFAR implementing
    partners in Nigeria.

    Represented by Dr Anyaike Chukwuma, the Director of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH), Pate
    emphasised the progress made in combating HIV and acknowledged the crucial support provided by the U.S. CDC
    and the U.S. Government as a whole.

    He outlined the achievements, challenges and plans in the fight against HIV, underscoring the importance of sustainable
    financing, improved governance and enhanced healthcare outcomes.

    He said that “over the past three decades, Nigeria has made significant strides in advancing its position in the global response to HIV.

    “The country has achieved remarkable success in expanding the delivery of HIV testing, treatment and care services, with an
    impressive accomplishment of meeting the UNAIDS 95.95.95 cascade targets by the end of 2022.

    “While celebrating these achievements, we emphasised the need to address gaps in the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission
    of HIV (PMTCT) and ART coverage among pediatric population.”

    He added that government’s four-point agenda and its collaborative efforts with stakeholders was to ensure a resilient and sustainable
    healthcare system in the country.

    He explained that the Ministry of Health and development partners prioritised interventions such as the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund
    (BHCPF) and the National Health Insurance Act to     ensure sustainable health financing.

    He said the rebranding of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
    was to strengthen the healthcare system.

    Pate added that “the National HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STIs Control Programme (NASCP) has been restructured to align
    with new horizons and effectively lead the HIV Response.

    “The U.S. CDC grant, known as the Nigeria HIV Sustainability and Impact Project (NSHIP), is being implemented by NASCP to strengthen
    programme management and service delivery.

    “This includes integrating HIV services into national and state health insurance schemes and implementing the National Clinical Mentorship
    Programme (NCMP) for quality HIV care.”

    The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, Mr David Greene, said the country’s efforts had grown as inched closer to reaching the UNAIDS 95-95-95 goals.

    Greene said that the operation of key population-led One Stop Shops that provided safe space for comprehensive care empowered communities and saved lives.

    He added that “the innovation hubs for adolescents and youth populations are building a generation of strong and talented leaders.

    “In April, I visited the hub in Lagos and was impressed by the spirit and skills of the students and staff there.

    “The evolution and expansion of offerings at the hubs to include new training in areas like virtual reality that will prepare youths
    to meet the demands of the ever-changing digital world is one of the many reasons I and the U.S. Government are proud to continue to
    partner with you all.”

    He said that the introduction and implementation of an integrated health service delivery platform was a novel idea with huge potential.

    “Building connections across diseases, responses and routine health activities like immunisation can strengthen the healthcare and
    public health systems and ensure efficient use of available resources.”

    Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said that the U.S. President’s
    Emergency Plan For AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) made a significant impact by reaching both urban and rural areas, addressing the
    HIV/AIDS epidemic on a broad scale.

    Aliyu added that “indeed it has been a vital initiative in the global fight against HIV/AIDS. Looking forward, planning for the future
    of HIV programmes beyond the next seven years will be essential to ensure continued progress in combating the epidemic.

    “The comprehensive approach in implementing these programmes has been critical in providing care, treatment and prevention
    strategies to diverse communities.”

    The NACA boss gave an insight into the transition from addressing HIV as an emergency to managing it as an endemic global
    situation in the country.

    He said that “the shift toward active involvement of state governments in leading their respective responses and owning
    the HIV programmes is crucial for sustainability and coordination.

    “It is clear that collaboration and alignment among stakeholders, including governments at all levels, are vital to achieving HIV
    epidemic control and maintaining it beyond 2030 in the country.”

    He emphasised the need for collective responsibility, engagements and discussions, saying “it is encouraging to see efforts
    toward sustainability and service integration.

    “Working together is essential to ensure the success of these programmes.”

    NAN

  • Nigeria to support China towards ensuring sustainable digital economy – Shetima

    Nigeria to support China towards ensuring sustainable digital economy – Shetima

    By Fortune Abang

    Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday said Nigeria would continue to support China towards ensuring sustainable digital economy.
    Shetima made this known while addressing a two-day third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation summit, holding on Oct. 18 and Oct. 19, in Beijing.
    The vice-president commended China on the occasion of the country’s 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), saying the initiative had impacted positively on infrastructural development, not only in China but globally.
    Shetima said, “The BRI has achieved ground-breaking interventions and made monumental achievements especially in terms of infrastructure.
    “The Belt and Road achievements reflect China’s commitment to leverage on cooperation and the UN’s efforts towards achieving economic development.
    “Specifically, for the prosperity of the people in every economy, BRI has been a major contributor to the implementation of the UN 2030 agenda for Sustainable Development Goal.”
    Speaking on the digital economy, Shettima said that the world had been experiencing new approaches and global dimensions to governance through digital technology.
    According to him, the digital economy has played major role towards acceleration of global economic growth and recovery as replacement mechanism through process of trans border trade.
    “As the world emerges from the economic downturn, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, there is crucial need for developing economies to employ digital transformation practices.
    “Especially, in the aspects of manufacturing, agriculture, retail and human capacity building, as well as medical and health care, in order to achieve any meaningful and sustainable development.
    “I therefore commend China for introducing digital seed growth as vehicle for achieving international economic cooperation beyond geographical spheres.
    “Nigeria is no exception in global shift in digital economy being the largest economy in Africa, and as the most populous country in the continent, we intend to remain top of the ladder through formulation and implementation of digital oriented policies.”
    He said although Nigeria started by establishing digital strategy policy in November 2019, government would do all within its ambit to transform and reposition the nation’s digital economy to become a leading one.
    He identified strategic pillars of the policy to include digital literacy, skills development, solid infrastructure, sub-infrastructure, service infrastructure, digital society, emerging technologies and indigenous economy.
    “These are part of the Federal Government’s initiative to accelerate the diversification of Nigerian economy and enhancing productivity in critical sectors through technological innovation
    “Through this strategic blueprint, the federal government aims to accelerate the growth of Nigeria as global technical tele-hub and exporter of talents.
    “One of the goals of this tele-hub is to train 3 million early to meet career technical talents from 2023 to 2027; Nigeria stands at unique opportunity to tap into the hub.
    “Our proximity to Europe and proficiency in English are added advantages towards repositioning our economy,” the vice-president added.
    He said Nigeria, being a trading partner to most BRI countries, would continue to collaborate with the group to bring positive shift to advance growth of global economy, in terms cooperation with global South.
    The vice-president expressed appreciation to China for the partnership extended to Nigeria and commended Chinese President Xi Jinping and the people of China for the existing cordial relations between Nigeria and China.
    The vice-president was accompanied to the event by Amb. Baba Ahmed Jidda, Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and Alhaji Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and Orientation.
    NAN
  • Veteran actor Mr Ibu solicits for financial assistance over health challenge

    Veteran actor Mr Ibu solicits for financial assistance over health challenge

    By Priscilla Osaje

    Veteran actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has solicited for financial assistance from well- meaning Nigerians over health challenge that might cost him to lose his leg.

    The renowned actor, who took to his official Instagram page @realmrIbu on Wednesday to seek public assistance in a video clip, said he has been down and has been on admission for so many weeks.

    He said that the medical doctors have told him that they might resort to cutting off his leg, if they exhausted the options at hand.

    He appealed to Nigerians to remember him in praying, as well as support him financially to enable him have adequate treatment over the ailment.

    “Dear Good people of Nigerian, we are counting on your support at this point we need it the most.

    “Access Bank 1685687982 John Ikechukwu Okafor,” he wrote.

    Mr Ibu is a Nigerian actor who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry with his outstanding acting.

    He came into limelight in 2004 after featuring in the blockbuster movie “Mr. Ibu” which gave him the popular nickname ‘Mr. Ibu‘.

    The movie made him win an award as the ‘Best Comic Actor in Nigeria’ at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

    Other movies include Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London and Keziah, among others.

    NAN

  • Senate confirms Halima Shehu as National Coordinator, NSIPA

    Senate confirms Halima Shehu as National Coordinator, NSIPA

    By Kingsley Okoye

    The Senate at plenary on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of Mrs Halima Shehu as the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programme Agency(NSIPA).

    Her confirmation followed the approval of a motion by Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele (APC-Ekiti) at the Committee of the Whole.

    Before her confirmation, the Senate suspended its rule to allow the admittance of the nominee and other guest into the chamber.

    The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Abdullahi Gumel led the nominee into the chamber.

    Thereafter, the nominee gave highlight of her career profiles and professional experiences.

    Shehu said she hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and a Masters degree in International Affairs and a Diplomacy from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

    She said that she had over 10 years’ experience in banking industry, heading several units in the banking operations.

    She began her career as a National Youth Corps Service(NYSC) member at Afri-Project Consortium, a project under the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF).

    She served from 1999 to 2009 at the former InterCity Bank (ICB) Plc where she was an Audit and Internal Control Officer to Unity Bank Plc, while heading the Customer Service, Cash, Clearing and Funds Transfer Unit.

    She also worked with Access Bank where she resigned as a Branch Services Operations Manager.

    Shehu was at a time, a member of the Board of Internal Revenue and was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant to the Executive Governor of Katsina State, from 2011 through 2015.

    In 2016, she made a significant commitment to her role in regional diplomacy and democratic processes by becoming an esteemed member of the Electoral Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) for Presidential Election observation at Cape Verde Island.

    “I worked closely with the pioneer Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development as a Consultant and Technical Adviser.

    “I also held the position of the National Programme Co-ordinator for the National Cash Transfer Office, a World Bank and Government Funded Programme by the Abacha Resituated Funds (ARF),” she said.

    Shehu, while responding to questions, commended the Senate for the legal framework establishing the social investment programme agency.

    She said the agency would ensure seamless implementation of the various aspects of the programme.

    “The agency under my watch, with other stakeholders, will ensure transparency in the implementation of the programmes and in the selection of vulnerable Nigerians across the country.

    “There will be full and logical implementation of the programmes for better attainment of the goals and objectives of the agency,” Shehu said.

    NAN