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Over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power -Minister

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Over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power -Minister

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmed Dangiwa, on Monday, lamented that 80 per cent of Nigerians cannot afford housing due to financial constraints.

This, Dangiwa noted accounted for the major causes of the housing deficit in the country.

The minister stated this in his keynote address at the opening of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition, held at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Hall, Kaduna.

He noted that the major issue governments at all levels have to address in their desire to deliver sustainability to the citizens is the issue of affordability.

He added that statistics had shown that almost half of Nigeria’s population of over 200 million are poor and have weak purchasing power.

He said, “In fact, of the 43 million households, over 85% have less than N1.1m purchasing power. Of this, 40% (about 17.2 million households fall into the poverty income group and 47% (about 20.2 million) fall into the low-income group.

“On the whole, statistics reveal that Nigeria is a low-income country as it has only 13% of its population as middle class. The recent macro-economic challenges including inflation have made things worse.”

Against this backdrop, the minister said the President Bola Tinubu-led administration, through the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, was planning to establish a National Social Housing Funds.

He said under the NSHF, the Federal Government aimed to pull funds from the government budget, philanthropic organisations and well-meaning Nigerians towards providing decent shelter for Nigerians with no income, low income and vulnerable brackets who cannot afford to own their homes.

“Some of these units will be delivered at no cost. We have developed the concept note that is undergoing review. Once concluded we will present it to the Federal Executive Council for approval and legislation.

“Social housing is not only a necessity it is also a security insurance for the rich and the poor. Because housing is capital intensive and the government has limited funds, we must find alternative collective avenues to help our brothers and sisters who are underprivileged. It is for our collective good.

“In this way, the underprivileged will know that we are one; that we are our brother’s keeper and that will help social cohesion, understanding and peace. This is because home ownership gives individuals a sense of belonging and a stake in the community,” the minister said.

He also commended the Uba Sani-led government for its practical, inclusive and pragmatic vision for housing delivery which led to the organisation of the maiden Kaduna International Housing Exhibition.

Earlier in his remarks, Sani represented by his Deputy, Hadiza Balarabe, said the provision of affordable houses for citizens of the state was a key priority of his administration.

He said he is committed to addressing the housing deficit across the State in line with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”

He said that the state government had adopted a holistic approach towards filling the identified gap through partnerships with local and international investors to address its housing deficit.

He said, “Qatar Charity in partnership with the Kaduna State Government is constructing Mass Housing for the Less Privileged and Kaduna Economic City, all in Millennium City, Kaduna. I recently performed the groundbreaking for the construction of the 3319 Hectares Nuru Suraj Ungwar Dosa New Extension Layout.

“This project is being executed through a public-private partnership. Nuru Suraj and Kaduna State Government are working together to develop 35,000 plots for our people.

“The Social Housing Scheme was introduced in order to provide affordable accommodation as a social service for the vulnerable populace (the low-income earners). Efficient design and construction methods, which are key indicators that drive the affordability target of the scheme, were employed.”

The governor also stated that his administration has attracted many investors (Real Estate Developers) and has partnered with them in the construction of mass housing estates across the state under PPP arrangement.

On his part, the Managing Director Kaduna State Development and Property Company, Abubakar Rabiu-Abubakar announced the launch of two social initiatives: ‘the Arewa Construction Academy and the KSDPC Housing Cooperative Society,’ demonstrating the state’s commitment to social investment, skill development, and addressing the housing needs of low and middle-income families.

Rabiu-Abubakar also said KSDPC was set to embark on certain key housing and housing infrastructure projects including the Ultramodern Mechanics Village for the Eastern Sector of the Kaduna metropolis, featuring an Electric Vehicle (EV) Assembly Plant, CNG Conversion Stations, EV Charger Manufacturing, and strategically located EV charging points, A 5-star Hospital with Doctor Quarters.

“A private university to be known as ABSAAR University, a Building Materials Village to service the Eastern Sector of Kaduna metropolis, A Trucks and Heavy-Duty Mechanics Village, which are expected to attract and facilitate the construction and delivery of at least 2000 mixed-type housing units across Kaduna metropolis within the next 5 years.

“This exhibition is a testament to our efforts to transform aspirations into tangible results, ensuring that Kaduna State remains a beacon of progress and opportunity for all its residents,” the KSDPC boss said

Fire service CG demands enforcement powers to improve efficiency

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Fire service CG demands enforcement powers to improve efficiency

The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, AbdulGaniyu Jaji, has said the lack of enforcement powers is hindering his personnel’s ability to effectively carry out their constitutional duties.

Jaji explained that when potential fire hazards or actions that disrupt firefighting efforts are ignored after being pointed out, the fire service is powerless.

He added that with enforcement powers, the service would be able to prevent fire outbreaks while effectively exercising its authority.

The CG spoke during the inauguration of the committee on research and development of the fire service training curriculum in Abuja on Monday.

He said, “We need to strengthen our IIE, that is, Inspectorate, Investigation and Enforcement. Now, we need to have an enforcement that can bite.

“If you go to a particular place and say, look, this place is not good, you seal it. By the time you are able to seal it, even if they go to court, you have the law that backs you up that this thing is supposed not to be like this. But if you don’t have that law, it will cause a problem.”

Jaji also lamented the practice of building shops in areas designated for fire hydrants in markets.

He added that this makes it difficult to combat fires during outbreaks.

Jaji said, “If you look at Karu market, you realize that the shanties or the buildings that are there are the cause of the fire. We are the market people.

“We allocate a place that is purposely for fire hydrants and they will build shops on it. Even if the firefighters or the fire plants get to that place, there will be no access for you to fight the fire. And again, people are not even conscious.”

The CG also called for the review of the Fire Service Act of 1963, adding that its provisions were outdated.

He said, “The only way by which that can be met properly is for us to be able to review our acts. Because the act is obsolete. The act that was established in 1963, you realize that the modern act is 2024, and you begin to use an act of 1963. ”

The Chief Executive Officer of Veil Consultants, Machie Olisehemeka, stated that the review of its training curriculum was necessary to help personnel’s efficiency

He said, “Whatever you do in life, there has to be training, training, and retraining.

“If you are not trained to meet the emerging trends, everyday things are changing. Everything, firefighting, fire prevention, everything about the world is changing. So we have to train to meet with the emerging changes that are being let loose on us.”

Rivers sets date for local govt elections amidst leadership dispute

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The Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) has officially scheduled October 5 as the date for conducting local government elections across the state.
This announcement follows a series of consultations and preparations aimed at ensuring a smooth electoral process.
In a statement released on Monday, RSIEC outlined comprehensive guidelines designed to govern the forthcoming council elections.
The commission’s decision comes amidst ongoing tensions surrounding leadership within the local government councils.
Currently, police operatives remain stationed at various local government council secretariats, a measure implemented in response to the leadership crisis that has gripped the councils.The crisis escalated following the expiration of the tenures of the elected chairmen and councillors across the state’s 23 local government areas.
The LG chairmen insisted on staying back in office, relying on a controversial law passed by the 27 lawmakers loyal to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, which gave them a six-month extention.
Read also: SPECIAL REPORT: How abandoned bridge compounds sufferings of Borno residents
In response, Governor Sir Siminialayi Fubara who has dieected the Chairmen to vacate office and handover to the Directors of Local Government Administration, inaugurated Caretaker Committees to oversee the councils temporarily until new elections could be conducted.
The situation has not been without controversy, as outgoing chairmen, aligned with Wike, have contested their removal. They argue that their tenure was extended by six months under provisions of the repealed Local Government Administration law of the state, a claim disputed by RSIEC.
With the date now set, all eyes are on RSIEC to deliver an election that reflects the will of the people amidst the backdrop of ongoing political tensions and legal disputes.
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Constitutional amendment required for INEC to conduct LG polls in states – Yakubu

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Prof Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has said that the Commission has no constitutional power to conduct local council elections except in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Yakubu said this on the sidelines of a two-day induction retreat for INEC Resident Electoral Commissioners, RECs, on Monday in Lagos.
He was reacting to calls for INEC to be given a constitutional backing to conduct local council elections.
Describing the issue as ‘a constitutional matter’, Yakubu stressed that unless necessary constitutional amendments are made, the Commission will only continue to organise national and state elections.
“The same section of the Constitution that establishes INEC also establishes the State Independent Electoral Commission, SIEC, and we cannot take over their duties.
“It is good for people to engage in advocacy for INEC to take charge of the whole elections, but the Constitution has to be amended for that to happen.
“For now, INEC can only conduct the local government elections in the Federal Capital Territory with six area council chairmen and 62 councillors.
“And it is in the FCT that the conduct of council elections has been regular and we are proud that the conduct of the elections there has been done to the best of our capacity.
“So, we are encouraged by what we have done, but as for taking over the state elections, the Constitution has to be amended, and we are not there yet,’’ he said.
Constitutional amendment required for INEC to conduct LG polls in states – Yakubu

Rivers varsity gets NUC accreditation for 18 new programmes

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Rivers varsity gets NUC approval for 18 new programmes

The Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Orowurukwu, Port Harcourt said it has received full accreditation from the National Universities Commission for all 18 programmes presented to the commission.

The institution said the approval for the academic programmes followed the last accreditation exercise conducted by the commission in October/November 2023.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nlerum Okogbule, disclosed this during a press briefing in his office in Port Harcourt on Monday.

Prof. Okogbule said it was the second time the institution has achieved 100 accreditation exercises since its inception, following a similar milestone last year.

He stated, “It is my pleasure to inform you and the general public that Rivers State University scored 100 per cent in the October/November 2023 Accreditation Exercise conducted by the National Universities Commission.

“The university obtained full Accreditation status for all 18 academic programmes presented for the exercise.

“This is a rare and unprecedented feat in the annals of the history of the University. It is the second time that the university will record this level of success in the accreditation exercise since its establishment in 1980. It will be recalled that last year we also reviewed 100% in the 24 programs presented.”

On the availability of facilities for the newly accredited programmes, Prof. Okogbule noted that the university has the needed facilities in place to run the programmes.

He stated, “The clause of every accreditation exercise looked at not only the academic programme, the content, the staff, and all that but also the physical facilities. They looked at the number of classrooms you have, the staff offices, all those things, the laboratories, and so on.

“So it’s on the basis of that, that they come up with their recommendations and in our own case, in respect of these programmes inspected, we have satisfied and met the requirements for the running of these programmes. Full accreditation. So they looked at the facilities and found them worthy, but as I always say, we can always improve. We can always add to what is available.”

The university Don also assured that the school’s management is doing everything within its power to ensure the safety and security of its students on all of its campuses.

The VC thanked Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his support as he reiterated the university’s commitment to record more feats.

“This commendable achievement could not have been possible without the robust support of the Governor of Rivers State and visitor to the University, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the University’s governing council under the dynamic leadership of her Excellency, Mary Peter-Odili.

“What we have seen today is the fruit of their support to the management of the University and I pledge on behalf of the University management to continue to do our very best to sustain the tempo of monumental achievements in the university,”  Prof. Okogbule assured.

He listed the accredited programmes as Crop/Soil Science, Animal Science, Agricultural economics, Fisheries, Forestry and Wildlife, nursing, adult and community education, Agricultural Education, Business Education, Education Biology, Education Chemistry, Education Mathematics, Education Physics, Technical Education, Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, Computer Engineering, Marine Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Chemistry and Physics.

MJTF neutralizes 70 terrorists, destroys camps in Lake Chad

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The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) of Operation Lake Sanity 2 said recent aerial operations have neutralised about 70 terrorists and their camps situated on islets across the Cameroonian and Nigerian territories of Lake Chad.
A statement by Chief Military Public Information Officer HQ MNJTF Ndjamena-Chad, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said the operation also resulted in the destruction of 8 vehicle-borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Arinna Ciki and two ammunition bunkers northeast of Malam Fatori.
According to the statement, following the support of the Chadian Rapid Intervention Force, the troops dealt a devastating blow to the terrorists.
“The MNJTF extends its appreciation to the Chadian Armed Forces for their invaluable cooperation and support in the fight against terrorism. We also acknowledge the vital contributions from other troop-contributing countries, including Operation Emergence 4 Cameroon, Operation Hadin Kai Nigeria, and Sector 4 Niger, which were instrumental in the success of Operation Lake Sanity 2,” the statement said.
The statement added that the MNJTF remains committed to its mandate of eradicating terrorism and restoring peace to the Lake Chad Basin, adding, “we will continue to work tirelessly with our partners to achieve and sustain this critical goal”.
MJTF neutralizes 70 terrorists, destroys camps in Lake Chad

Makinde sets up 14-man committe for Olubadan’s coronation

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Makinde sets up 14-man committe for Olubadan's coronation

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday, set up a 14-man committee for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

 

The committee is headed by the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, in Ibadan, the state capital, noted that other cabinet members in the committee are the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun.

The statement partly reads, “The coronation committee also include the son of the Olubadan-designate, Folaseke Olakulehin, Onikepo Akande, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, former state Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi, Toye Arulogun, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, retired CP Sunday Odukoya, Mogaji Abduljeleel Adanla and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ramota Agberemi-Dabo.”

The According reports that the Olubadan throne became vacant after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, in March 2024 after two years on the throne.

It will also be recalled that the governor had approved the nomination by the Olubadan-In-Council of Oba Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland and subsequently fixed July 12 for the coronation and presentation of the staff of office.

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FCT: Wike fumes over allocation of land meant for bus terminal to politician

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Monday fumed over the allocation of land meant for a bus terminal in the Central Business District, Abuja.
Wike, who made the complaint at the inauguration of the construction of Mabushi Bus Terminal, Phase I, in Abuja, described the action as a gross distortion of the Abuja Master Plan.
He explained that the FCT Administration decided to build three terminals, one each in the Central Business District, Mabushi and Kugbo, to ensure a secure and convenient travel experience for commuters in the territory.
He, however, said that the land designated for the bus terminal in the Central Business District, where a train track was expected to pass through, had been allocated to somebody.
“When we went there to start preparation for the inauguration project last Tuesday, I received a text that I had taken somebody’s land, and I was surprised.
“In fact, in that text message, the person said, ‘after his sacrifices and inputs to the party, is this what he will suffer?”.
“When I enquired, we found out that the place has been given out and Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) had been signed, even consent judgement has been entered between FCTA and the person,” he said.
He explained that he directed that the Mabushi location should be used for the inauguration of the terminal project, pending when the issue would be resolved.
The minister noted that leadership was all about taking decisions, noting that in taking decisions, not everybody would be happy, but a decision must be taken.
“This is just to let people know some of the things we face; how the Master Plan of the FCT had been distorted.
“When you want to make a decision, so many people will be angry and when you are complaining, they won’t come with sincere facts; they will come with distorted facts,” he said.
The minister added that Abuja was supposed to be one of the best cities in the world but lacked the necessary infrastructure to be a first-class city.
He particularly pointed out that a city like Abuja does not have bus and taxi terminals, thereby forcing people to park and board vehicles on the road, and taxis all over the place.
This, according to him, is contributing to the level of insecurity in the territory, including the proliferation of “one chance” criminal elements.
He explained that the construction of the bus and taxi terminals was part of efforts to reduce the level of insecurity under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
“To reduce insecurity, we made a proposal to the National Assembly explaining that part of the security problem we are facing is because we have not been able to know who the people operating taxis and buses in FCT are and where they are loading from.
“One of the things that people don’t understand about the Renewed Hope Agenda, is that it is not just about human capital development; it is also about empowerment of our people.” he said.
FCT: Wike fumes over allocation of land meant for bus terminal to politician

FG, Oyo distribute food items as monarch laments insecurity 

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FG, Oyo distribute food items as monarch laments insecurity 

The Federal Government in conjunction with the Oyo State Government on Monday, distributed assorted commodities from the National Strategic Reserve to vulnerable persons in the state.

Also, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade has decried the rampant kidnapping and killing of farmers just as he called on the federal and state governments to find solutions to the issues of insecurity in the state, especially in the Oke-Ogun region.

The state governor, Seyi Makinde, who received the commodities at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Agodi Secretariat in Ibadan, the state capital warned the 33 Local Government chairmen in the state not to share the commodities among their political class.

Makinde, represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, reminded them that security operatives, especially the Economic and Financial Crime Commission would monitor the distribution.

Lawal said, “This distribution would have come before now, you know the project is directly under my office but I intentionally delayed it by advising His Excellency, Governor Makinde.

“Now that you have been elected, you are now the chairmen of local governments, I want to warn you on behalf of the governor not to share it among yourselves or the political class.”

He further explained that the state government also released funds for the project, and urged them to distribute it to the appropriate people.

Earlier, the Director-General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Zubaida Umar, represented by the Zonal Director, South-West, Steven Adewale, recalled that one of President Tinubu’s promises was to reduce the impact of the current economic downturn being experienced in Nigeria.

Adewale said, “Mr President approved the release of 42,000MT of the assorted food commodities from the National Strategic Reserve under the custody of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. The assorted food commodities include maize, millet, sorghum and garri.

“Please note that membership of the committee in each Local Government is made up of the Chairman of the LGA, state Emergency Management Agency, a traditional ruler, Department of State Service, Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, Faith-Based organisations, Nigerian Union of Employees, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Women Associations, Persons with Disability Group, Youth Associations, Principals of Boarding Schools, Civil Society Organisations and Media

“Based on the directives of Mr President, 20 % of the food items due for each Local Government Area should be given to religious organisations (JNI & CAN) and three per cent to be given to the boarding schools in the councils.”

Also speaking, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Hamidu Ajibade urged both the federal and state governments to find solutions to the issues of insecurity in the state, especially in the Oke-Ogun region, lamenting that kidnapping and killing of farmers were rampant.

“I want to use this occasion to appeal to the Federal Government through our dear Governor, Makinde to help us find lasting solutions to the insecurity in this state, especially in the Oke-Ogun area. Our people are no longer going to the farms for fear of being killed or kidnapped.

“We need security in this state. Please, it is getting out of hand. We need to go back to farming. We need tractors, let’s go back to mechanised farming. We Obas are discussing this issue of insecurity on a daily basis. Your Excellency, help us to pass this message to President Tinubu that people are suffering.” Ajibade submitted.

Dignitaries at the ceremony were members of the Olubadan-In-Council, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Oba Isioye Dada; the state’s former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarumi; the Okere of Saki, Oba Khalid Olabisi; the Onpetu of Ijeruland, Oba Sunday Olagbami; the state Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima; the state Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ademola Ojo and a host of others.

 

FG sets advisory board, ministerial taskforce on malaria elimination

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FG sets advisory board, ministerial taskforce on malaria elimination

The Federal Government has established an advisory board on malaria elimination and a ministerial task force on malaria elimination in Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a press statement signed by Tashikalmah Hallah, the Senior Adviser, Media and External Relations to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammed Pate on Monday.

The advisory board and task force are to accelerate progress towards malaria elimination in the country.

Malaria—a life-threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes—occurs regularly and is widespread across Nigeria.

The World Health Organisation estimates that Nigeria had nearly 67 million cases in 2022 accounting for 27 percent of the global malaria burden. five. Also in 2022, Nigeria accounted for 31 per cent of global deaths and 38 per cent of global deaths in children under the age of five.

While inaugurating the advisory board and ministerial task force, Pate explained that malaria poses a significant burden on Nigerians in terms of mortality, morbidity, loss of work hours, out-of-pocket expenses, and government investments in treatments and interventions.

The minister emphasised that despite being preventable and treatable, malaria continues to be a major challenge for the country.

“Therefore, we need a paradigm shift from the standard approach to a more proactive and result-oriented method of defeating this disease.

“On this premise, we invited academics, malaria programme experts, development partners, private sectors, civil societies, business enthusiasts, policymakers as well as the political class to a roundtable discussion to rethink the country’s approaches and strategic views on malaria, which culminated to the setting up of the Advisory for Malaria Elimination in Nigeria, among other things agendas, and the Ministerial Task Force on Malaria in Nigeria,” he noted.

The Advisory on Malaria Elimination in Nigeria is chaired by Emeritus Rose Leke of the University of Yaoundé, Cameroun.

Other members included Prof Dyann Wirth of the Harvard School of Public Health, Dr Soji Adeyi, President of Resilience Health System, Prof Ibrahim Abubakar of the University College, London, and Prof Peter Piot of the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

“They will offer evidence-based advisory services and meet regularly to review programme evidence and provide guidance on aligning with best practices for malaria elimination. They will also collaborate with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare to review implementation when necessary. The team will meet every twice in a year,” Pate added.

The Ministerial Task Force, Pate explained that it will consist of stakeholders from various sectors who have extensive knowledge of malaria implementation in Nigeria and are based in Nigeria.

“They will ensure that the advice and recommendations from the AMEN are carefully considered, analysed, and implemented. The task force will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, development partners, donor agencies, and the AMEN as needed.

“The task force will contribute to the overall goal of the National Malaria Elimination Programme and work to reduce the incidence of malaria. It will also aim to improve the impact of malaria interventions through coordinated efforts in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and awareness creation,” he stated.

The Ministerial Taskforce is co-chaired by Pate and the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa while the Chairman of the Malaria Technical Working Group in Nigeria will serve as the Vice Chairman.

Other members of the force are the Permanent Secretary, Director of Public Health, Representatives of WHO, Secretary, Country Coordinating Mechanism, Global Fund, Representatives of the Civil Society Organizations Secretary, Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Group of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Strategic Adviser to the Ministers of Health on Malaria, Secretary of the Governors’ Forum and the Technical Adviser to the Coordinating Minister on African Traditional Medicine.

The National Coordinator of the National Malaria Elimination Programme serves as the Secretary.

The team will meet every six to eight weeks and other scheduled meetings.

Pate, however, noted that the membership will be reviewed biennially to achieve optimum results.