Nation

THE STATES

Published

7 years ago

October 9, 2017

Borno
An NGO, Smile Mission Healthcare, has conducted a hand-washing exercise at the Muna Garage Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp, in Borno State, to control the spread of cholera in the state.
Project Coordinator of the NGO, Dr Sale Abba told newsmen last Wednesday in Maiduguri that over 10, 000 displaced children in the camp benefited from the exercise.
According to him, the programme also involved a waste clearance exercise in the camp, as part of environmental sanitation and preventive measures to control the disease.
“Cholera is an orally transmitted disease through the consumption of contaminated water or food resulting from poor hygiene and sanitation.

FCT
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) says it is determined to put a stop to illegal mining in the country in spite of the myriad of challenges.
The Commander General of the Corps, Abdullahi Gana, said this in an interview with newsmen in Abuja last Thursday.
Gana said the activities of illegal miners was jeopardising the country’s economic growth in view of the fact that the perpetrators of the act were making billions of naira at the expense of the country.
“It is on record that about five weeks ago we arrested 14 big time illegal miners in Plateau State”, Gand said.

Kaduna
A Non- Governmental Organisation, Connected Development (CODE) is training 60 stakeholders to monitor utilisation of funds released for UBEC projects in 70 primary schools in Kaduna State.
The NGO’s Senior Programme Manager, Mr Chambers Umezulike told newsmen last Wednesday in Kaduna that the goal was to build the capacity of non government stakeholders at the grassroots to effectively monitor the spending.
He said that the training began last Tuesday with 30 representatives from School-Based Management Committees, Community Based Organisations, Parent Teachers Association and Nigerian Union of Teachers.
According to him, the project, supported by MacArthur Foundation, would track the implementation of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) projects in Jema’a, Kajuru, Kudan and Zangon Kataf Local Government Areas.

Kwara
A septuagenarian farmer, James Olatoye, a prophet and two others, who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl were last Wednesday remanded in Omu-Aran Medium Prison, Kwara State by an Omu-Aran Area Court.
Olatoye of Moba Compound in Aiyedun and his accomplice, Adeyeye Suleiman, 35, Toyin Adesina, 35, who claimed to be a prophet and Ojo Olayemi,20, are facing trial over gross indecency.
They were alleged to have subjected their victim to an act of indecency by raping her at different times between 2016 and 2017 at Aiyedun. Olatoye and Suleiman pleaded guilty to the charge, while Adesina (prophet) and Olayemi pleaded not guilty.

Lagos
President/Founder of an NGO, Guardians of The Nation International (GOTNI), Dr Linus Okorie says the problem confronting the African continent is integrity and leadership.
Okorie, who spoke at the unveiling of GoldClub 3.0 and BMCoin organised by BeepMagnet International Group last Wednesday in Lagos State said that lack of knowledge had prevented the continent from investing in the future.
The GOTNI’s founder, who was the Special Guest Speaker at the occasion urged Nigerians to increase their investments in the future and growth.
He said, “We are in a knowledge-based economy until you know, you can’t invest. Knowledge drives progress. Africa is the most hit continent that lacks leadership”.

Nasarawa
A three- term Senator, Abubakar Sodangi last Wednesday backed the decision of the Nasarawa State Government to sell some of its assets.
Reports indicate that criticisms had trailed the approval by the state Assembly, on September 25, allowing Governor Tanko Almakura to dispose some of the government assets in Lagos, Jos and Kaduna.
Sodangi, who represented Nasarawa West in the Senate from 1999 to 2011, told newsmen that the decision to sell off the properties was in the best interest of the state.
He however said that the proceeds should be invested in areas that would have positive impact on the lives of the people.

Niger
Azza community in Lapai Local Government Area of Niger State has appealed to the state government to extend the dividends of democracy to it.
The Chairman of Azza Development Association, Malam Abdulmalik Muye made the call last Wednesday in Azza in an interview with newsmen.
“The infrastructure deficit in our area is massive. The road in our community is an apology, especially during the raining season when villages in the area are difficult to access.
“Also the Sabon Ureyi bridge linking Lapai and Gulu has been swept away by flood.
“And because of that, the journey from Lapai to Gulu is now 7 hours as against 2 hours before.
“So we want to appeal to government to reconstruct the bridge so as to open up that axis and improve the economic fortunes of our people,” he said

Ogun
Commander, Sango-Ota Unit of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),Sango-Ota, Mr Adekunle Oguntoyinbo last Tuesday said one person died and three others sustained injuries in an early morning accident in Ogun State.
He told newsmen in Ota that the accident happened at about 4.55 a.m. at Toll-Gate, Sango-Ota.
Oguntoyinbo said that the auto crash occurred when the driver of a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number LND 723 XE, heading toward Toll-Gate from Iyana-Iyesi, Sango-Ota lost control due to brake failure and in the process hit the road divider.
”The corpse of the deceased has been deposited at the morgue of the General Hospital, Sango-Ota, while the injured are receiving intensive treatment at the same hospital, “ he said.
The unit commander advised drivers to always maintain speed limit and be cautious of their conduct on wheel to avert road accidents.

Ondo
The Ondo State Police Command has paraded a 20-year-old suspected member of the Boko Haram sect.
Reports indicate that the command had confirmed the arrest of a 42-year-old in Isua-Akoko, Akoko South-East Local Government Area on September 24.
Parading the suspect, Mr Gbenga Adeyanju, the state Commissioner of Police, said the suspect, who was arrested in the same area on Sunday, would be handed over to the army for necessary action.
He lauded the commitment and hard work of the personnel in his command, saying these led to the arrest of the suspect.

Osun
The Osun State Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) last Wednesday announced that 16.8 hectares of Indian hemp (Cannabis Sativa) farm located in Ikoyi community in the state had been destroyed.
The Commandant, Mr Samuel Egbeola made the disclosure while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo on the achievements of the agency in the state.
He said that the farm was destroyed on September 26.
The commandant said that the farm was discovered and destroyed by the NDLEA, following a tip-off by an intelligence source.

Oyo
The Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN) has called on the Federal Government to boost local manufacturing of drugs to enhance healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
The Chairman, Oyo State Branch of PSA, Mr Abiodun Ajibade, made the appeal recently in Ibadan at a news conference. Abiodun said the press conference was to herald activities lined up to mark the 2017 Pharmacy Week.
According to him, pharmacists occupy a very crucial and important part of the healthcare system, adding that without drugs healthcare is without content.

Taraba
The Taraba State House of Assembly has constituted a three-man committee to coordinate and harmonise its members’ positions on the upcoming amendment of the 1999 Constitution by the National Assembly.
Its Speaker, Mr Abel Diah, who announced this during plenary last Wednesday, said that the committee, chaired by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Mohammadu Gwampo, has Mr Hosea Ibi and Alhaji Bashir Mohammed as members.
He said that the committee was expected to aggregate members’ views ahead of the vote on the provisions of the constitution being altered.
Diah said that the proposed amendment was very crucial to the deepening of the nation’s democracy, and urged the committee to be thorough and strive to capture the true positions of Taraba State people on the issues.
He urged his colleagues to help the committee by consulting with their respective constituencies on the items slated for amendment.

Nation

PTAD Reiterates Commitment To Pensioners’ Service Delivery

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2024

The Tide

The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr Chioma Ejikeme, has reiterated the commitment to service delivery for pensioners.
Ejikeme said this during the Customer Service Week in Abuja, yesterday.
He said that commission had a mandate to deliver good service delivery to the pensioners.
Ejikeme, who was represented by the Director Civil Service Pension Department, Mr Kabir Yusuf, said that the customer service week was important to operations of PTAD.
“Customer service is the support that you give to a customer, whether it is an existing customer or potential customer in the process of delivering or making enquires about a service.
“To be a good customer service representative you need to be knowledgeable, have good attitude and attribute especially to the senior citizens and have empathy,” he said.
Ejikeme said that all PTAD staff had most of the attributes of a good customer representative.
“We provide excellent customer service by going to verify our aged pensioners who cannot do it by themselves anywhere across the country.
“There is a dedicated team that was mandated to go round to confirm the aliveness of those who can not confirm their aliveness either because the are too old or have health issues,” the executive secretary said.
The National Coordinator, SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, said that the official theme of the 2024 customer service week was “ We Go Above and Beyond For Our Customers.”
She commended PTAD and the SERVICOM team for organising the 2024 customer service week.
“This is in line with the best practice of celebrating frontline workers and service takers.
“Customer service week is celebrated annually during the first full week in October.
It calls attention to the importance of people to boost morale team work and departmental collaboration in supporting pensioners.
“ It is a platform to reward employees for the significant work they do,” Akajemeli said.
She said that the objective of the customer service week was to celebrate the hard work and dedication of employee who strived to create positive customer experiences.
She said that it was time to show customers that the organisation valued their experience and feedback, through comment cards, dedicated hotline, among others.
Akajemeli said that it raised awareness internally and externally about the importance of good customer service in building customer loyalty and satisfaction.
She said that the benefit was to increase motivation, show appreciation, encourage friendly competition, boost employee retention, create a positive workplace and increase productivity.
The Head, Surveillance Department at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mr Abdulrahman Saleem, said that good service delivery was the key success of every establishment.

Salem said that PTAD operated with standard, considering the success it had achieved so far.

Saleem said that pensioners required the best service attitude and behavior.

“ I give kudos to PTAD for its efforts and encourage it to do more.

“Therefore I urge PTAD staff to keep up the standard and continue to give good service to the pensioners,” he said.

Nation

CAS Honours Officer For Placing NAF On International Spotlight

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2024

The Tide

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has honoured Flying Officer David Sangokoya for winning the 2023/2024 Royal Air Force College Cranwell International Cadet Sword of Honour.
Abubakar honoured the officer during the presentation of cheques to 13 beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP) in Abuja, yesterday.
He described the achievement as ground-breaking as it was the first time an African cadet had won the prestigious award since the Academy’s creation over 100 years ago.
According to him, the feat underscores the excellence that exists within NAF, and proof that NAF officers and cadets can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
“To our awardee, you have set a new standard, not just for your peers, but for every cadet and officer that will come after you.
“This accomplishment is a powerful reminder that no goal is out of reach when one is armed with dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Your journey as an officer has begun with this prestigious accolade, but the true measure of your success will be seen in how you serve, lead and contribute to the mission of NAF and the defence of our great nation.
“As we celebrate this historic occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude to the United Kingdom Government for its unwavering support in providing world-class training opportunities to our personnel.

“This has enabled our officers and men to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, strengthening not only our bilateral ties but also our collective ability to address global security challenges,” he said.

The CAS said that the NAF looked forward to continuing the fruitful partnership for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and UK countries.

He expressed gratitude and unflinching loyalty to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare and training of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and NAF in particular.

“I must also take a moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the instructors who helped to mould and prepare this cadet for the global stage.

“Their dedication and commitment to developing top-notch officers is evident in this ground-breaking achievement.

“You have not only trained a leader but have given the Nigerian Air Force a legacy we will all cherish,” he said.

Nation

Healthcare Reforms: NHIA Advocates Private Sector Involvement

Published

3 days ago

October 9, 2024

The Tide

National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has advocated private sector involvement to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Director-General of the authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, made the call at a high-level policy dialogue on sustainable health system reforms in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday.
The Tide’s source reports that the dialogue was organised by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), a coalition of private sector stakeholders, to address the multifaceted challenges plaguing the country’s healthcare system.
The dialogue has “Private Sector Support for SWAP (Sector Wide Approach) in Healthcare” as its theme.
Represented by Dr Yakubu Agada-Amade, the NHIA Director of Standards and Quality Assurance, Ohiri explained the crucial role of private sector collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system
He highlighted the “One Plan” under the SWAp framework, which seeks to unify health sector efforts, ensuring efficient resource use, effective governance and expanded healthcare access.
He also stressed the importance of overcoming barriers that historically hindered the implementation of healthcare interventions in Nigeria, such as inadequate financing, weak governance systems, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that “the dialogue explored innovative approaches, including digital health innovations and financing mechanisms to accelerate the implementation of the National Health Act and mandatory health insurance coverage.
“With enrollment in health insurance growing by 14 per cent over the past year, NHIA can push for greater inclusivity, particularly targeting the informal sector through flexible payment systems and partnerships with telecommunications companies.”
He called for stronger synergy between public and private health actors to ensure universal access to quality healthcare and sustainable reforms in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Panelists from the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) and Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN) echoed the sentiments, underscoring the private sector’s role in expanding insurance coverage and improving healthcare delivery.
They commended NHIA’s efforts toward driving reforms to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).