News
NANS, NYCN, Others Give FG 14-Day Deadline Over Poor State Of PHCs
Organized youth groups, notably, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Nigerian Youth Union (NYU), and several other students’ unions have threatened to shut down Nigeria in next 14 days, if the Federal Government fails to improve the state of Primary Health Centres (PHCs).
The youth groups said the resolution, which was taken at its meeting held in Abuja, yesterday, was to reawaken the consciousness of the Federal Government to the health care needs of the people and also register its discontent with the politics behind the planned procurement of Covid-19 vaccine.
The NYCN President, Solomon Adodo, who read the communique of the meeting in Abuja, yesterday, said the youths were seriously concerned about the state of the PHCs resulting in hundreds of lives being lost daily, not because of incurable diseases but as a result of a poorly functional healthcare system to offer medical care to citizens, especially those in rural areas.
He said that their findings revealed that vast number of local government areas (LGAs) do not have functional PHC, thus, leaving the populace of such communities vulnerable to diseases, with attendant high maternal and infant mortality rates.
He said, “We are disenchanted by records indicating that Federal Government made provisions for modern PHCs to be built across the 774 LGAs through public-private partnership contrary to the sordid episode being played out where basic health facilities are lacking in most of the local government areas.
“We are equally saddened by the nonchalant attitude of the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) who rather than prioritizing the healthcare system, are resisting the noble efforts to build primary health care centres in most of the states,” he lamented.
The youths, thus, called on Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), the umbrella body of LGAs in Nigeria to compel its members to revamp the existing healthcare systems in the 774 LGAs in Nigeria.
“We, additionally, demand the immediate establishment of a new healthcare system that will ensure that basic healthcare facilities are built in areas of deficiencies in the 774 LGAs in line with the masterplan of the public-private partnership.
“Therefore, it should be made emphatically clear that the Nigerian youths and students leaders shall mobilize members and Nigerians for a national protest after 14 days, if no proactive action is taken to guarantee a better, accessible, and quality healthcare system for the greater percentage of Nigerians who are resident in rural communities,” he said.
In his remarks, the President of NYU, Chinonso Obasi, said the ultimatum is not an empty one, but a determined effort to reawaken the consciousness of Nigerians.
He urged the government and other stakeholders to take necessary actions to avoid unfriendly actions from the youths and other Nigerians.
The Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has begun the celebration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary with a Juma’at service where prayers were offered for the progress of the state and Nigeria.
Governor Fubara, who advocated for peace and unity of Nigeria during the prayers on Friday at the Rivers State Central Mosque, Port Harcourt, indicated that without peace, the accelerated development of Nigeria will remain in a limbo.
Governor Fubara, who was represented by Alhaji Abdurrazaq Diepriye, therefore urged citizens to remain patriotic.
According to him, “Allah has brought us this far. Without peace, we can not have progress and economic development. I call on all citizens irrespective of creed or tribe to remain patriotic.”
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for restoring peace in Rivers State while also using the forum to appreciate security agencies for their relentless effort in upholding the peace and unity of Rivers State and Nigeria.
The Chief Imam of Rivers State Central Mosque, Imam Ibrahim Yaloo, admonished Moslem faithful to always speak the truth, adding that those who obey Allah will be directed to good deeds and their sins forgiven.
Prayers were offered for Rivers State and Nigeria.
Other activities to mark the 65th Independence anniversary in the state include an Inter-denominational Church Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 28th September and Parade Ceremony on Wednesday, 1st October.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed New York on Sunday after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly.
In a statement released on Sunday by the VP media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President is now headed to Germany, where he will hold strategic meetings with officials of Deutsche Bank.
The statement read, “Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed New York, United States, after successfully representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“During his participation at UNGA 80, VP Shettima secured UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ commendation for Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UN Security Council seat.
“He also showcased Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors and strengthened strategic partnerships with the UK on trade, defence, and migration issues.”
Nkwocha added that the VP delivered Tinubu’s national statement, calling for UN reforms and a permanent seat for Nigeria at the UN Security Council, and “demanded Africa’s control over its $700 billion mineral wealth, and digital inclusion initiatives.”
“He also engaged with the Gates Foundation on healthcare and education expansion, positioning Nigeria as the natural hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
“VP Shettima was seen off at John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, by cabinet Ministers who were part of the UNGA 80 delegation and Nigerian Mission officials.”
The aide noted that Shettima will return to Nigeria immediately after his engagements in Germany.
The Tide source recalls that the VP departed Abuja, yesterday.
He led other Nigerian officials at the Assembly.
As part of Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary celebration, the Federal Government held a special thanksgiving service on Sunday at the National Ecumenical Centre in Abuja to offer prayers and give thanks for the nation.
The event drew top government officials and security chiefs, including Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, as well as their spouses.
Other notable guests included Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, former Plateau State Governor, Senator Simon Lalong, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who led the service chiefs in attendance.
Service chiefs present included the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Emmanuel Ogala, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mrs Kemi Nandap and Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Sylvester Nwakuche, among others.00
The service came days after the government unveiled the official theme and some of the activities slated for the 2025 Independence celebrations.
This year’s anniversary is tagged “Nigeria @ 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation,” as announced by the Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, in a statement on Wednesday.
“As part of activities to mark the 65th Independence Anniversary, the Juma’at Prayer and the Inter-Denominational Church Service will be held on Friday, 26th September at 1 pm and Sunday, 28th September at 10 am respectively, as well as the World Press Conference on Monday, 29th September at 10 am,” he said.
The Tide source had earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu, alongside former Heads of State, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, is expected as a special guest at a national discourse convened by the Island Club, Lagos, to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
-
Sports2 days agoChelsea Fall At Stamford Bridge
-
Editorial2 days agoCharge Before New Rivers Council Helmsmen
-
Oil & Energy2 days agoDigital Technology Key To Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Future
-
News2 days agoDisclose appointment process of INEC chairman, SERAP tells Tinubu
-
News2 days ago2027: Tinubu’s Presidency Excites APC Stalwarts…As Group Berates NWC For Party Crisis In Bayelsa
-
Niger Delta2 days ago
Ewhrudjakpo Tasks CS-SUNN On Effective Nutrition Awareness
-
Sports2 days agoAkomaka Emerges South South Representative Board Member In NCF
-
Sports2 days agoTottenham Salvage Point Against Wolves