City Crime
Nigeria Greater Together As One, Says Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari says that Nigeria as an indivisible geo-political entity is more beneficial to its citizens than becoming units of nationalities.
Buhari gave the advice in a nationwide broadcast to mark the 60thindependence anniversary of Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation.
According to him, Nigerians must collectively resolve to continue their journey beyond the recorded 60 years on the understanding that Nigeria as a geo-political entity will be more beneficial to every citizen.
“We are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities,’’ he asserted.
Buhari stated that citizens should continue to do the right things to promote unity and understanding among the diverse ethno-religious groups in the country, to achieve desired goals of nation building.
“Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.
“Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great nation we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do what is right and proper even when no one is watching.
“Let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the 60 years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities.
“By the sufficient grace of God we shall come through current transient challenges.”
The president also stressed the need for the country to begin a sincere process of national healing, saying that the current anniversary presented genuine opportunity to eliminate divisive tendencies among the people.
He advised citizens to always discard acts capable of dividing the nation or promoting primordial sentiments.
“We need to begin sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and out-worn perceptions.
“The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.
“To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such , our people, and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.
“It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields,’’he said.
“Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home has resulted to a global recognition of our endeavours.”
The president expressed his optimism that Nigeria would achieve its set goals if citizens collectively pursued the nation’s aspirations together.
“I’m convinced that if we pursue our aspirations together we will be able to achieve whatever we desire,” he added.
Buhari stressed that Nigerians, irrespective of their geo-political backgrounds must continue to show genuine commitment toward the survival of the country as a geo-political entity no matter the challenges facing the nation.
“I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on daily basis and I must confess that most times, I always felt the need for collective reflection.
“I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.
“Nigeria is not a country for Mr President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of the challenges we face to make this country what we desire.
“To achieve this, we must focus our minds together as a people on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underline our present state.
According to him, these include evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people:
Supporting the enthronement of rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance.
Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;
Harnessing and optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top 20 economies of the world and in the process;
Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years and strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting national interests and imbibing tolerance in diversity. (NAN)
The Rivers state Government has urged the Federal Government to address the high rate of maternal deaths in the country.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Mekele Comfort Igwe, made the call while declaring open a four-day capacity building workshop in Port Harcourt, recently.
The workshop, which was organised by the State Ministry of Health with support from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, was aimed at developing realistic and effective operational health plans for 2026 that will shape the state’s health budget and improve public health outcomes.
Themed “Realistic and Effective 2026 Annual Operational Plan That Informs Health Budget for the People of Rivers State,” the training brought together selected health managers across the State to enhance their capacity in evidence-based health planning under Nigeria’s Sector-Wide Approach.
Igwe stressed the need for the country to address the issue of maternal mortality, describing the present ranking of Nigeria as the global capital for maternal deaths as a poor assessment of the nation’s health sector.
He described the workshop as a critical step in addressing the state health challenge through strategic planning and collaborative problem solving.
“Today marks another step in our journey towards effective health planning for the people of Rivers State. This workshop builds on the foundation laid by the Master Trainers’ training held in Abuja from June 30 to July 4. We are here to cascade that knowledge to ensure more people are equipped for the tasks ahead,”she said.
She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Initiative and praised development partners for their continued support.
“I thank all our development partners for their unwavering commitment and financial support under the new funding arrangement.
“Their intervention has been crucial in helping us survive our worst health challenges,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Dozie Nwokedi, a representative from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the health sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Nwokedi stated that the ongoing reforms are aimed at reducing physical and financial burdens on Nigerians seeking healthcare, increasing health insurance coverage, and promoting the local production of medical consumables and equipment.
“We are here to support Rivers State in strengthening the capacity of its health workforce.
“The goal is simple: save lives, reduce pain, and provide quality healthcare for all Nigerians. These reforms are built on a strategic blueprint that includes four pillars, three enablers, 27 priority initiatives, and 265 interventions,” he said.q
Also speaking at the workshop, the Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics in the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Juhanne Woke, explained the rationale behind holding the workshop in July, noting that it aligns with the national health planning framework.
“This program is a vital part of preparing for the 2026 health sector budget. By Quarter 3 of each year, we are expected to begin planning using data and evidence generated within the current year,” Dr. Woke said.
She called on participants not to lose faith in the system despite past frustrations.
“I know some of us may be weary with the thought of ‘same old garbage in, garbage out.’ But I urge you to believe that meaningful change starts small. Let us all pull in one direction towards better health outcomes,” she added.
John Bibor
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned against the practice of scooping fuel from accidented tankers, noting it has led to the loss of many lives and property.
The agency’s Head of Operations in Ibadan, Mr Kadiri Olanrewaju, cautioned during a sensitisation programme on tanker fire accidents, held on Wednesday at Akinyele Local Government Area (LGA) of Ibadan.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was held in collaboration with the Oyo State Emergency Management Agency (OYSEMA) in Akinyele LGA and other stakeholders.
Olanrewaju said Akinyele LGA was selected for the awareness campaign because of its strategic location as a trailer route from the northern to the southern part of the country.
“These agencies felt that it was necessary to bring this important message to critical stakeholders in communities under the Akinyele LGA, where we have major trailer parks.
“The campaign kick-started in Ogun; we will soon move to Osun.
“The focus is to drive strong sensitisation against the scooping of fuel at the grassroots level, especially for local governments along the trailer routes to reduce needless loss of lives and property,” he said.
He charged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and other relevant agencies to enforce the laws against underage driving and ensure the proper certification and retraining of drivers.
The Administrative Secretary of OYSEMA, Mrs Ojuolape Busari, said that Community Development Associations (CDAs) were involved in the campaign to reach a larger number of people.
Busari noted that people still scoop fuel from accidented tankers because there had not been any serious punishment attached to the offence.
She, therefore, called for stiff penalties for anyone caught perpetrating the act.
“Apart from the risk of fire outbreak that may occur during the practice, it is stealing, which is a serious offence,” she said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of Akinyele LGA, Hon. Akinwole Akinyele, suggested that fuel transportation should be handled through the rail system, while leaving tankers for intra-city fuel transportation.
The chairman called for an urgent review of laws and policies related to fire services and road safety to meet the urgent and modern demands.
He said that the implementation of stricter fuel transportation regulations, vehicle maintenance, drivers’ training and retraining, and safer fuel handling practices remained crucial to the fuel distribution system in Nigeria.
“The attendant costs of tanker fire accidents have been huge, both in terms of the high number of fatalities and the loss or destruction of property, environmental damage, and public infrastructure,” he said.
NAN reports that the event featured technical sessions, lectures, and presentations from the FRSC, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Fire Service, traditional and market leaders, among others.
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