By Sunday John

Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State says civil servants can now access healthcare services in any medical facilities in the state following the official presentation of Nasarawa State Health Insurance Scheme Identity Cards to them.

The governor made the disclosure in Lafia on Friday at the Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia (DASH) while inaugurating the presentation of the identity cards to civil servants in the state.

He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Emmanuel Akabe.

According to Gov. Sule, the leaders of the organised labour had rejected the inclusion of the formal sector in the scheme in 2018 citing none implementation of their promotions as the reason.

He, however, said that it was now history as their demands were since met and enrollment of workers had begun.

Sule used the medium to express gratitude to the organised labour for its understanding and support to ensure the success of the programme.

The health insurance programme can not be complete and successful in the state without the involvement of the formal sector.

Based on the records available, Nasarawa State is one of the leading states in the country as far as Universal Health Coverage is concerned.

We have already started contributing 0.5 per cent of our consolidated revenue into the basic healthcare provision fund.

The Federal Government had, in the last quarter, contributed over N500 million in the basic healthcare provision fund for Nasarawa State and we have so far contributed over N145 million into the fund, Sule added.

The governor, therefore said that the government had concluded an arrangement to commence the payment of its seven per cent contribution to all its employees to complement the three deductions from the civil servants.

On his part, Dr Gaza Gwamna, Executive Secretary, Nasarawa State Health Insurance Agency, said that enrolment into the scheme had started on December 12, 2019, with the governor and his deputy.

He explained that the programme had suffered setbacks due to refusal by labour to be part of it even though the informal sector were captured at that time.

The governor explained that with the acceptance by the leaders of the organised labour to be included, already over 5,000 workers and their dependents were enrolled and can begin accessing healthcare services henceforth.

He added that under the formal sector, the agency was targeting to enrol about 100, 000 beneficiaries in the next one or two months.

The Executive Secretary said that DASH and all the General Hospitals in the state including Primary Healthcare Centres in the 147 electoral wards of the state as well as private medical facilities were ready to attend to those under the scheme.

After receiving your cards today, civil servants, public servants and political appointees can begin to access healthcare services in any facility across the 13 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state, Gwamna added.

In his remarks, Dr Ikrama Hassan, Chief Medical Director of Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital Lafia (DASH) lauded Gov. Sule for the initiative.

He explained that the insurance scheme would go a long way to tackle challenges that were hitherto leading to health complications and even death because of lack of money to access healthcare.

Hassan, therefore, assured the public that DASH was ready to attend to all that chose the facility.

In his Goodwill message, Comrade Yusuf Iya, Chairman, Nasarawa State chapter of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), commended the governor for the initiative aimed at improving the condition of the people.

He pledged the support of the organised labour in the state to the government to ensure the success of the programme. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Philomina Attah

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, has urged graduands of Joint Integrated Campaign Planning Course to use the knowledge gained to address the contemporary security challenges in the country.

Irabor made the call in Abuja on Friday, at the closing of the course which was organised by the Defence Headquarters and British military Advisory Training Team (BMATT).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that participants were drawn from the services, military institutions, Nigeria Police, Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigeria Customs Service and Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).

NAN also reports that the inclusion of the DSS, police, NSCDC, NCS and NIS personnel on the course was to generate a synergy, promote rapport and understanding in the roles of campaign planning.

Irabor, who was represented by Rear Admiral Chubuike Azike, the Director of Education, Defence Headquarters, said that 45 nominees were expected as participants in the course.

He said but for some reasons, only 40 participated and graduated from the course.

According to him, the course is aimed at developing the capacity of the officers of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies on joint campaign planning at the operational and strategic level.

Capacity building is a key driver in my leadership focus.

The course is aimed at strengthening joint and integrated campaign planning operations with participants brought together from the services of Armed Forces of Nigeria and security agencies.

The inclusion of other personnel on the course was for a robust synergy to promote rapport and understanding rules of campaign planning particularly now that armed forces of Nigeria is engaged in a asymmetric warfare, he said.

According to him, the course is made to be a precursor to entrenching multi-agency training to enable security agencies develop understanding and expertise in planning.

He said that the synergy would as well execute campaign at either single, joint or multi-agency levels.

I believe that the course will fortify synergy among military and security agencies towards combating the nations contemporary security challenges.

I was told that, a total of 45 nominees from the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other sister security agencies were expected as participants in the course.

However, some of the nominees could not attend the course due to some challenges, he said.

According to him, the graduands were exposed to the concept of joint campaign planning principles and approach to operations as well as military command and strategic direction during the training.

The course curriculum also featured joint integrated operations emphasising structure, roles, functions, and staff ready in joint taskforce Headquarters.

The roles of various joint integrated operations were equally discussed.

It is heartwarming to note that the activities of the course in the last 14 days have been very educative and rewarding as it created a forum for interaction, sharing of experiences, promoted mutual operation and further bonding among the graduands, he added.

The CDS further stated that he had no doubt that the course has achieved its objectives of fashioning out effective planning and robust synergies among military and security agencies.

He said that their efforts would no doubt address contemporary security challenges in the country.

Therefore, I urged you all to apply the knowledge gained on the course in your respective services and establishment to serve as enablers.

You are encouraged to further build on the friendship you have established during the course to enhance future interactions for national cohesion.

To our technical partners, the British military Adversary Training Team. I cant thank you enough for your collaborative efforts and provision of well experienced resource persons during the training.

On this note, it is my honour to declare the Joint Integrated Campaign Planning Course 2022 closed, Irabor said.

Earlier, Maj.-Gen. Adelokun Eyitayo, Director, Campaign Planning, Defence Headquarters, said the past 14 days had been educative and impactful to boost general and political works in syndicates.

The aimed of the training is to develop our understanding on the joint integrated approach on issues. To also develop our understanding on the operational level planning process on operational act.

These are in line with the Chief of Defense Staffs leadership focus which is to foster a professional armed forced capable of effective meeting constitutional imperatives.

I am convinced now that the 40 graduands from armed forces, paramilitary and other agencies that took part in the two weeks training are better informed what integration and planning is all about, he said.

On her part, one of the graduands, Ms Sarauniya Binga, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) the only female among the 40 participants, said the course was an interesting one.

Before I came for the training, I didnt know Before going out, we have to plan. But today, we were taught to plan on how to execute the plan to get our targets, audience.

We were able to interact with other security agencies to know the importance of cooperation and we trusted each other now.

We understood their point of view and they understood our point of view too. We know the centre of gravity and know how to operate. The training is worth it, she said.

Highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of certificates to 40 participants that participated in the 14 days course. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

An International non- governmental organisation, Christian Aid, on Friday said that the strategic engagement of citizens by religious leaders was crucial as part of efforts to tackle COVID-19 in Africa.

Christian Aid and its partners gave the submission while hosting a high-level virtual discussion on COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake in Africa and the role of faith leaders as part of continued focus on ending the pandemic.

According to Jeanne Kamara, the Country Director of Christian Aid in Sierra Leone, Africa has been laid back in accepting the vaccines due to some religious and superstitious beliefs.

Kamara said, the voices of religious leaders is critical in making sure that the narrative is changed, so people can protect themselves and their families against COVID-19.

She said that Christian Aid partners, who are faith leaders from Burundi, Kenya, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe shared their experiences of supporting access to COVID-19 vaccines.

Rev. John Hayab, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kaduna chapter, while sharing the Nigerian experience on hindrances to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine, said that initially, people were skeptical about taking the vaccine.

Hayab said that people questioned the vaccine, adding that fear and the belief that the vaccine was anti-Christ and so it would do more harm than good was partly the reason why people rejected the vaccine.

In Nigeria, only 27.5 million people have taken the vaccine and our population is about 200 million, this means that Nigeria has not gone above 12 per cent in the number of people who have taken the vaccine.

Some hindrances to taking the vaccine include doubt about the vaccine and insecurity.

So, faith-based organisations collaborated with the government and other stakeholders to take the campaign to citizens to encourage people to take the vaccine.

Religious leaders had to take the vaccine in order to convince members that it was not harmful.

We encouraged people to take the vaccine using scriptures to support the claim that God encourages us to take vaccines, he said

Hayab said that the assembling of Christian medical experts was also key to addressing peoples hesitancy in taking the vaccine, likewise effective security was key to motivate people to take the vaccine.

Mr Moses Jorkie, a Sierra Leonean Parliamentarian and Chairman, Committee on Health and Sanitation, said that Africa had yet to meet 70 per cent target of COVID-19 vaccine intake due to some stereotypes.

Jorkie said that in moving forward, there was need to begin to change the negative narrative around COVID-19 vaccines to make people embrace it.

He added that there was need for governments to brace up to improve the economy to cushion the impact of COVID-19.

Rev. Nicola Hakizimana, Senior Pastor, Well of Life Church, Burundi, while sharing the experience from Burundi, said that when the pandemic started, it was strange to Africa, so information sharing on the pandemic was difficult.

Hakizimana said that the church began to carry out campaigns and co-opted faith-based medical personnel to do rapid test for people and detect symptoms.

This eased off the initial fear as people were advised to listen to the governments instructions.

This helped a lot as the country recorded lower number of COVID-19 cases, he said.

Some of the participants, who spoke from Kenya and Zimbabwe, called for a collective action as faith-based organisations to get everyone vaccinated, so the African economy could rise and people become able to live their normal lives.

They said that this was imperative because religious leaders had strong roles for social change and most people needed to hear voices that would convince them to take the vaccine.

They also recommended a coordinated advocacy at the regional level by faith leaders and Civil Society Organisations(CSOs) to engage countries, so Africa could produce its own vaccines.

The participants therefore called for further engagement of faith leaders in mitigating future pandemics. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ahmed Abba

Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (YODMA), says it constructed six zonal medical warehouses to reduce costs for logistics movement across the state.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Lawan Gana, disclosed this while commissioning one of the warehouses in Potiskum on Friday.

Gana said the zonal warehouses were set up to ensure high quality and affordable medication and to reduce costs associated with the logistics of movement.

It is not economically sensible to say that every person will have to travel to Damaturu, the state capital, to get their drugs and consumables, he said.

He explained that the law establishing the agency had provided the establishment of the six zonal facilities across the state.

As we are speaking, we have established that of Potiskum, Gashua, Nguru and Damaturu, soon we are going to have two more warehouses, Gana added.

He added that the agency has upgraded the warehouse in Damaturu in partnership with Multi Sectoral Crises Project.

The commissioner said the ministry is looking up to YODMA and its associates to ensure that the healthcare facilities are adequately available on all medications.

The commissioner, on behalf of Yobe government, commended the entire YODMA team for improving and upgrading healthcare services across the state.

Speaking at the occasion, Abdulaziz Muhammed, the Executive Secretary, YODMA, commended Saving One Million Lives for being supportive.

He also commended Gov. Mai Mala Buni for his efforts to reform the entire health system in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye/ Suleiman Shehu

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Friday said the openness and large heart of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Olalekan Balogun, earned him the throne.

Osinbajo, in his remarks in Ibadan at the installation of Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, also prophesised that the reign of the traditional ruler would witness greatness.

He was better prepared for the throne, having been a scholar, former senator and champion of indigenous culture and community empowerment, the vice-president said.

Osinbajo, while congratulating the new Olubadan and Government of Oyo State on the coronation, commended the orderliness and unique steps taken in ascending the throne.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oba Balogun was installed and presented with the Staff and Instrument of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Mr Seyi Makinde, at exactly 12:32 p.m.

Makinde, in his address, urged the new Ibadan foremost traditional ruler to remain steadfast as the gatekeeper of Ibadan traditional system.

The governor urged the traditional rulers, as custodians of traditional system, not to play politics with the system.

He said that no politician, no matter how highly placed, could destroy any system without the cooperation of members of the system.

Makinde implored Balogun and the Olubadan-In-Council to work toward ensuring that the laws, having to do with the ascension to the throne of Olubadan, remain sacrosanct.

He advised the Olubadan-In- Council to be self-conceived and remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class, if there was going to be any amendment in the laws.

The governor said further that he had always taken a stand for the integrity of traditional systems.

And so, I am, especially delighted that today, Friday, March 11, the sanctity of the emergence of this century-old dynasty, has been restored.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli, Okumade II, has distinguished himself as an excellent professional.

He has without doubt contributed and will continue to contribute to the development of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large.

He has served both in private and public services and has even represented Oyo State at the senate.

He is indeed a man of many parts and so, we rejoice that His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okumade II, climbed the 22 steps on the Olubadan line, starting from the lowest rung of Jagun Olubadan over a period of 39 years.

We rejoice because His Imperial Majesty having seen how things were when politics became a factor in the ascension to the throne, is in a great position to defend the traditions of our people and ensure that this does not happen again.

And, I want to restate that though, we politicians will come and go, sometimes to satisfy our political whims, we may make decisions that do not protect our traditional systems.

But, this is why the custodians of our culture must always take a stand preventing us from tinkering with the age-old traditional systems.

So, I join Oyo State Government, sons and daughters of Ibadan and good people of Oyo State to wish the Imperial Majesty a peaceful and successful reign, Makinde said.

Highlights of the event was the traditional homage to the new Olubadan, led by Otun Olubadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, followed by other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Council of Iyalodes, Mogajis, religious leaders, among others.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Youth Mandate Group (NYMG) 2023, a pro-democracy organisation, has commended Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi state for defeating criminality in the state since the inception of his administration.

The National Coordinator of the group, Mr Abba Abba, made the commendation in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Abba said that the security strategy adopted by Bello has made it impossible for criminals to hibernate in all the nooks and crannies of the state.

There is no gainsaying the fact that Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi really understands the crisis of governance in Nigeria.

The governor has demonstrate ability to handle the security situation in his state which was once a home for criminals.

But now as it stands in Nigeria, Kogi remains one of the safest states where one can do business free without fear of losing his or her investment, Abba said.

Abba expressed the hope that Bello has the capacity to consolidate on the gains recorded on security by President Mohammed Buhari because without security, there would be no development.

The youth leader called on the leadership of All Progressives Congress (APC) to unanimously endorse Bello and ensure his emergence as the sole candidate of the party in the 2023 General Elections.

The National Youth Mandate Group (NYMG) 2023, advices APC to give their Presidential ticket to Gov. Bello to ensure the emergence of a young president come 2023.

Nigerian Youth will not support any aspirant above 60 years of age hence Bello is best for the ruling party.

Bello is fearless like the lion when its comes to protection of lives, properties and delivering of dividends of democracy.

Abba called on the Nigerian Youth to support one of its own, who has really empowered the youth of his state in all ramifications.

Bello is a detribalized Nigerian who believes in Nigeria and always ready to give his all in the services of humanity. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Moji Eniola

The Lagos State Government has begun publishing details of convicted sex offenders as part of measures to check sexual violence and create public awareness of such misdeeds.

Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), made this known on Thursday in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The DSVA said the publication of the details of the convicted sex offenders was in keeping with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olus zero tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence.

The details to be published would include the name and picture of the sex offender, the nature of the offence as well as the duration of the sentence handed down by the court.

The details of sex convicts would be published periodically on the state governments website, (www.lagosstate.gov.ng), the website of the Ministry of Justice (https://lagosstatemoj.org) and the website of the DSVA (www.dsvrtlagos.org).

According to Vivour-Adeniyi, these publications are in line with Section 42 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law which empowers the DSVA to periodically publish details of sex convicts in Lagos.

Letters of advisory have been issued to local governments and traditional rulers of the communities where the convicts previously resided.

This measure is one amongst many deployed by the state government to end the culture of impunity and also serve as a deterrence to other sex offenders.

To report any case of domestic and sexual violence, residents are to call the toll-free number, 08000333333, she said.

NAN reports that the DSVA has begun the process of publishing the names and details of convicted sex offenders in Lagos.

The details of Basiru Obasekere convicted and sentenced on Dec. 2, and Gbenga Olasukanmi convicted and sentenced on Nov. 30, had so far been published.

The duo were each sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Abiola Soladoye of an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for the offence of defilement. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Douglas Okoro

Prof. Benard Odo, former Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government, has said that the Abuja High Court judgement that ousted Gov. Dave Umahi would strengthen the democratic space in the country.

The court had removed Umahi along with his deputy, Dr Eric Kelechi-Igwe, for defecting from the PDP on whose platform

they won the election in 2019, to the rival APC.

Also sacked were 17 lawmakers who defected along with the duo.

Odoh, in a statement on Thursday in Abakaliki, declared that the court verdict would enrich the nations adjudicatory system and deepen party democracy in Nigeria.

As someone who has, and will always speak and stand for the Ebonyi masses, I am optimistic that this verdict,whichever way thependulum swings,will indeed help in enriching the Nigerian adjudicatory system on election matter.

He particularly noted that the landmark judgement was the first time aservinggovernor and his deputy were beingsacked by the court over defection to another political party.

There has not been a judicial precedence of this kind since the advent of the Fourth Republic, hence the varied interpretations and reactions the verdict has generated.

However, for reasonable and discerning minds, the prevailing situation, including the varied interpretations,are all within the confines of what democracy permits, he added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Iyang Ekwo delivered the judgement in a case filed by by Umahis former political platform, the PDP.

He hinged his judgement on the view that votes belong to the political parties and not the individuals flying the tickets.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Moji Eniola

The Lagos State Government has begun publishing details of convicted sex offenders as part of measures to check sexual violence and create public awareness of such misdeeds.

Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, Executive Secretary of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency (DSVA), made this known on Thursday in a statement to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The DSVA said the publication of the details of the convicted sex offenders was in keeping with Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olus zero tolerance to all forms of domestic and sexual violence.

The details to be published would include the name and picture of the sex offender, the nature of the offence as well as the duration of the sentence handed down by the court.

The details of sex convicts would be published periodically on the state governments website, (www.lagosstate.gov.ng), the website of the Ministry of Justice (https://lagosstatemoj.org) and the website of the DSVA (www.dsvrtlagos.org).

According to Vivour-Adeniyi, these publications are in line with Section 42 of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law which empowers the DSVA to periodically publish details of sex convicts in Lagos.

Letters of advisory have been issued to local governments and traditional rulers of the communities where the convicts previously resided.

This measure is one amongst many deployed by the state government to end the culture of impunity and also serve as a deterrence to other sex offenders.

To report any case of domestic and sexual violence, residents are to call the toll-free number, 08000333333 , she said.

NAN reports that the DSVA had begun the process of publishing the names and details of convicted sex offenders in Lagos.

The details of Basiru Obasekere convicted and sentenced on Dec. 2, and Gbenga Olasukanmi convicted and sentenced on Nov. 30, had so far been published.

The duo were each sentenced to life imprisonment by Justice Abiola Soladoye of an Ikeja Domestic Violence and Sexual Offences Court for the offence of defilement. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Douglas Okoro

Gov. Dave Umahi of Ebonyi on Wednesday in Abakaliki said he has no regrets defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor stated this while addressing members and supporters of the party during a solidarity rally held at the Udensi Water Fountain Round about in Abakaliki.

Umahi, who appealed for calm, assured APC faithful, supporters and friends of the administration who thronged the venue of the rally to express their love and solidarity that the judgement sacking him as governor would not stand.

He reiterated that he had no regrets dumping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whom he accused of desperation and bent on distracting his administration.

I have no regrets leaving PDP. The judgement sacking me as your governor will not stand at appeal and I remain the governor as Im still working.

I said the lawyers of PDP are the ones doing forum shopping and Im going to report the lawyers to NBA to discipline them because the judge was misled.

The blame is not on the judge. The blame is on the PDP lawyers who misled the judge.

And Im using the opportunity to appeal for calm and to let Nigerians know that nobody castigated the judge and we will not.

Today, we have appealed the judgement. We have done three things; we have done the appeal at Enugu, and when I say that, we have two judgements, I say that the judgement in Ebonyi, which has equal powers with that of Abuja.

We said that we will obey the judgement in Ebonyi; we will appeal the judgement of Abuja.

We didnt say we will disobey, otherwise we would have not appeal, we are before the Appeal Court in Enugu state and that of Abuja.

We have also filed a stay of execution. So, we are still the governor and deputy governor of Ebonyi, Umahi said.

He said that he has mobilised no fewer than 17 Senior Advocates of Nigeria to Appeal the judgement of the Abuja Federal High Court. (NAN)

Source: NAN News