Home Blog Page 2

UNICEF Supports Kano Health Sector With Upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre

coic
-
0
UNICEF Supports Kano Health Sector With Upgraded Primary Healthcare Centre

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has handed over the renovated and expanded DISO Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in Gwale Local Government Area of Kano State to the State Primary Healthcare Management Board (SPHCMB).

The intervention is part of efforts to improve health care infrastructure and strengthen access to quality primary health care services in the state.

Addressing the handover ceremony, Shafeeq Ur-Rehman, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Kano, urged the residents and community leaders to take ownership of the facility and ensure its regular maintenance.

“The sustainability of this facility is very much dependent on the ownership and commitment of the community,” he said. We call on community leaders and residents to protect this investment and to ensure that it continues to be a benefit for both the present and future generations.”

Ur-Rehman also urged the concerned stakeholders to ensure that the facility was adequately staffed with skilled health workers and regularly provided with medicines, vaccines and other essential commodities.

“We need the right health workers, medicines and vaccines available regularly and ongoing surveillance of service delivery, he said. These are necessary to guaranty that this investment is translated into improved health outcomes.”

Better community engagement would help to save the facility and improve the quality and sustainability of primary healthcare services, the UNICEF official said.

“When government, development partners and communities work together toward a common goal, we can achieve meaningful and lasting improvements in healthcare delivery,” he said.

Ur-Rehman acknowledged the Global Fund’s contribution to strengthening health infrastructure and service delivery, while restating UNICEF’s commitment to support Kano State to improve the health and well-being of children, women and families.

The DISO PHC is one of five health facilities that have been renovated under a Global Fund supported program implemented by UNICEF.

The upgraded facility now has an expanded delivery room, laboratory, consultation room, nurses’ station, male and female wards, and separate male and female toilets that are designed to accommodate persons with disabilities.

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of the SPHCMB, Prof. Salisu Ibrahim, the Director of Administration of the Board, Adamu Fate, lauded UNICEF for the intervention.

“We are thankful to UNICEF and its partners for this important intervention,” said Fate. “Renovation of DISO PHC will immensely help in improving the quality of the primary health care services given to the people.”

Similar interventions in the state would strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and improve the delivery of services at the grassroots, he said.

Speaking at the event, Ahmed Bello, Ward Head of DISO Ward, told UNICEF and other partners that the community would ensure the facility was protected and maintained.

The community appreciated the intervention and will take ownership of the protection of the facility so that the health center remains functional and continues to deliver quality healthcare services,” said Bello.

Suspected Gunmen Attack Adeleke’s Convoy in Osogbo, Trigger Panic

coic
-
0
Suspected Gunmen Attack Adeleke’s Convoy in Osogbo, Trigger Panic

Suspected gunmen on Wednesday attacked the Osun State capital, Osogbo, and shot at the convoy of the State Governor, Ademola Adeleke.

It was learnt that the governor was attacked by the thugs shortly after visiting the palace of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, where gunshots were exchanged between the governor’s security personnel and the thugs.

The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes and occurred shortly after Adeleke left the palace hall where he had met with the monarch.

The Ataoja received the governor after he left the Osun State headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osogbo where he had collected his Certificate of Return following his re-election.

An eyewitness speaking to the aforementioned platform said Adeleke and his entourage were received by Oyetunji, where the governor reportedly presented his Certificate of Return to the monarch.

The eyewitness said trouble started as the meeting was winding up after the monarch had offered prayers.

She said that Adeleke had already left the hall via an exit meant for the monarch and his wives when the shooting started.

“We started hearing heavy gunshots when he was already in the bus that brought him and his close aides to the palace,” she said. The attackers arrived in a Sienna space bus not registered in the Ita Olokan area of Osogbo.

Read Also: NATO Jet Intercepts And Shoots Down Drone Over Romania

“The shooting lasted for about 12 to 15 minutes before finally the convoy of the governor left the palace. The governor’s security men and those hoodlums shot at each other. Those hooligans ran away from the scene later.”

A trader near the palace, who identified himself simply as Munirat, said the assailants might have heard of Adeleke’s visit and waited for his arrival.

“We suspected that those hoodlums heard about Adeleke’s visit and had been waiting for him,” she said. They arrived in a Sienna space bus. They broke the palace gate, the big one. They fired on the palace gate, but they were driven off by the guards.

“We all ran off and left our wares. They also engaged the governor around the Osogbo Central Mosque before they ran away toward Ita Olokan on the Osogbo-Ilesa Road.”

The shooting sparked panic in the area, with traders and other residents reportedly deserting their businesses and running for safety.

The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, confirmed the attack when he was contacted.

“They are thugs, and the governor’s security pushed them back. They attacked the governor’s convoy to Ataoja’s palace. He said, “There were no casualties.”

NATO Jet Intercepts And Shoots Down Drone Over Romania

coic
-
0
NATO Jet Intercepts And Shoots Down Drone Over Romania

A Spanish F-18 fighter jet on a NATO air policing mission has shot down a drone that entered Romanian airspace illegally, Romania’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday.

This is the fourth time this year that Romania shot down an unmanned aircraft.

NATO member Romania has a 614-kilometre border with Ukraine and has previously reported Russian drones entering its airspace several times since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine.

Read Also: NSC Celebrates Junior D’Tigress’ Basketball World Cup Qualification

The Defense Ministry said its radar had tracked the drone crossing into Romania from neighboring Moldova, some 24 kilometers north of the southeastern city of Galati.

The Spanish F-18 gained radar contact with the drone and was cleared to engage it, the ministry said. The drone was shot down at 05:01 . Fragments It reportedly dropped from the aircraft in an uninhabited area between two villages.

Romanian F-16 fighter jets downed three Russian drones that had entered the country’s airspace in July.

Earlier this year, an overnight attack on neighboring Ukraine caused a Russian drone to crash into an apartment building in Galati, injuring two people.

NSC Celebrates Junior D’Tigress’ Basketball World Cup Qualification

coic
-
0
NSC Celebrates Junior D’Tigress’ Basketball World Cup Qualification

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Nigeria’s U-18 women’s basketball team, Junior D’Tigress for qualifying for the 2027 FIBA U19 Women’s World Cup in China.

The commendation came in a statement issued in Lagos on Saturday by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Dr. Kehinde Ajayi.

Bukola Olopade, the Director-General of the NSC, hailed the girls’ incredible resilience in their semi-final encounter against hosts Ivory Coast at the FIBA U18 Women’s AfroBasket Championship.

The victory secured Nigeria’s place at the 2027 World Cup and also earned the team a berth in Sunday’s final against Mali, Olopade said.

He said the achievement was worth celebrating, adding that the players showed determination, discipline and composure under intense pressure.

Basketball Stakeholders Charged To Prioritize Game Interests – NSC
Olopade cited the team’s hard-fought 53-50 win over the Ivorians as an example of the squad’s depth, quality and fighting spirit.

The players deserve widespread praise for qualifying for the World Cup against the background of a hostile home crowd, the director-general said.

“I think the girls have done very well to get their place at the Women’s World Cup in China next year,” Olopade said.

“It’s a testament to the players’ commitment, patriotism and discipline throughout the competition,” he added.

“With the World Cup ticket secured, I have no doubt they can win the AfroBasket on Sunday in the final against Mali,” he said.

Continuous Support
Olopade also commended the Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) led by Musa Kida for the growing success of the country’s national teams.

He emphasized the need to give special attention to the development and performance of Nigeria’s women’s national basketball teams.

The NSC DG assured the players and the federation of the continued support as preparations get underway for the global championship in China.

“I want to assure the girls and the NBBF of the best preparations ahead of the World Cup as we have always done with all other sports,” he said.

Olopade assured the NBBF that the commission would work closely with the body to ensure the team mounts a strong and impactful campaign at the tournament.

‘Get Your Body Done If It Boosts Your Confidence’ – Sarah Martins To Women

coic
-
0
‘Get Your Body Done If It Boosts Your Confidence’ – Sarah Martins To Women

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has urged women never to have low self-esteem.

She advised women to go for body enhancement procedures if it would help to boost their self-esteem.

It was reported that Martins shared her thoughts in an interview with Potpourri. She argued that women should be free to make choices about their bodies if those choices help them feel more confident and empowered.

“Sugar is their body! Nothing kills women faster than low self-esteem. If getting your body done will give you the confidence you need as a woman to grow and win, then go ahead and do it!” she said.

She explained that she is comfortable with her own physique but would not rule out plastic surgery in the future.

Read Also: Algeria Beat Morocco On Penalties To Secure WAFCON Bronze

“I have a beautiful and perfect body as a body magic aesthetician, but if there’s a need in the future to consider plastic surgery, I will gladly jump on it,” she said.

Martins also opened up about her career outside the movie industry. She disclosed that she has built several businesses and does not depend on her acting career to pay her bills.

“Acting is not paying my bills. I’ve always been a very hardworking entrepreneur with many streams of income,” she said.

According to her, her business interests include a body contour spa, the manufacture of waist trainers and production of body enhancement and sex enhancement products.

Algeria Beat Morocco On Penalties To Secure WAFCON Bronze

coic
-
0
Algeria Beat Morocco On Penalties To Secure WAFCON Bronze

Algeria booked a first ever podium finish in the history of the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 after beating hosts Morocco 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time in Rabat.

Algeria exit the competition with their heads held high and a bronze medal to their name after a disappointing loss to Malawi in the semi-finals.

This was the second meeting between the two North African sides after Morocco’s narrow win in the group stages of the competition.

Malawi Reach Historic WAFCON Final After Defeating Algeria
The hosts started brightly and went close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute when Ibtissam Jraidi’s first-time effort hit the crossbar.

Morocco found the breakthrough nine minutes later thru Kautar Azraf, whose first-half goal gave the Atlas Lionesses a 1-0 advantage at the break.

Algeria came back from the break better organized, probing the Moroccan defense and creating a string of opportunities.

Captain Marine Dafeur found herself in a promising position in the 77th minute as she received a perfectly weighted ball but couldn’t guide her effort goalwards.

Three minutes later, a well-hit volley from Lina Boussaha just went over the crossbar.

The pressure finally told in the 83rd minute when a brilliant thru ball from Melissa Bethi found Boussaha, who showed composure to tuck the ball past the goalkeeper and level the contest at 1-1.

But neither side could find a decisive goal before the final whistle, meaning the bronze medal match would be settled by a penalty shootout.

After a fiery exchange from the spot, Algeria held their nerve to win 3-2. Ines Belloumou scored the decisive penalty to secure a memorable victory.

Algeria take bronze and a place on the podium at the CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, while hosts Morocco finish fourth after a fine run on home soil.

The final will be held on Sunday between Cameroon and Malawi.

ECOWAS Deploys Regional Ambulances To Strengthen Emergency Response In Togo

coic
-
0
ECOWAS Deploys Regional Ambulances To Strengthen Emergency Response In Togo

ECOWAS, thru the West African Health Organization (WAHO), in collaboration with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), has held the official handover ceremony of thirty Land Cruiser 78 Series medical ambulances, fitted with biomedical equipment, for the benefit of ECOWAS member states.

The ceremony in Lomé, Togo was attended by President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ms. Damtien Tchintchibidja; Minister for Health, Public Hygiene, Universal Health Coverage and Insurance of the Togolese Republic, Mr. Jean-Marie Tessi; Director-General of WAHO, Dr Melchior Athanase Aïssi and Mr. Kossi Edjam, representative of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and representatives of ECOWAS Member States. It also marked the official start of the distribution of ambulances to the beneficiary states.

In his statement, Dr Touray began by thanking the President of the Council of Ministers of the Togolese Republic, Mr Faure Gnassingbe, and the Government and people of Togo for their warm welcome.

“The acquisition of these 30 ambulances also symbolizes the commitment of ECOWAS, WAHO, UNOPS and the member states to strengthening health systems, improving access to emergency care and promoting universal health coverage,” he said. It is also the result of an exemplary regional partnership based on solidarity, resilience and collective responsibility and which puts people at the heart of community action.

“Through this initiative, we confirm once again that ECOWAS is a community that acts, a community that protects and a community that places human well-being at the heart of its integration agenda.” he said.

“I am participating with emotion and a sense of accomplishment,” said Ms. Tchintchibidja, Vise President of the Commission, “one of the final official acts of the outgoing Commission after a four-year term marked by major health, security and institutional challenges.

She also paid tribute to ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray for his leadership and congratulated the Commissioners, the Director General of WAHO, the staff of the institutions, the member states, and UNOPS for their dedication, while calling for continuity of the Community’s mission.

“A commission is for a day, but a mission is for a lifetime. Our institutions of community are larger than the men and women who serve them for a moment. That is why I hope that the work we have begun will be continued with the same determination, and I give the warmest encouragement to those who will have the honor of taking over from us.

These thirty ambulances will remain, long after we have left, a tangible testament to what we sought to achieve together: bringing healthcare closer to communities, strengthening the health resilience of our region and making solidarity and regional integration in health care a daily reality for the peoples of West Africa,” she said.

Read Also: NUJ Visits Proposed Army Base Project Sites In Benue

On behalf of the Togolese government, Togo’s Minister of Health and Public Hygiene, Mr. Tessi, commended ECOWAS and WAHO for this initiative which contributes to improving and strengthening the responsiveness of the health systems in Togo and the other ECOWAS member States.

In his remarks, Dr Aïssi emphasized that this initiative was made possible thanks to the leadership of the ECOWAS Commission, the strategic partnership between WAHO and UNOPS, as well as the support of member States.

He added that these ambulances represent a major asset for regional health resilience, provided they are accompanied by effective management, sustainable maintenance and qualified human resources.

“The health resilience of a region depends not only on the capacity of each country, but also on our collective ability to act together, in perfect harmony, under a single, tailored regional coordination framework,” said Dr Aïssi.

Mr Kossi Edjam, speaking on behalf of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, thanked ECOWAS, WAHO and UNOPS for this symbolic initiative.

He said he was happy to have helped train hospital staff to use ambulances and he promised to ensure that they would be used responsibly.

NUJ Visits Proposed Army Base Project Sites In Benue

coic
-
0
NUJ Visits Proposed Army Base Project Sites In Benue

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Benue State Council, has inspected the ongoing reconstruction of the proposed operational facility of the newly approved Nigerian Army base in Oju Local Government Area of the state, describing the project as a major step in the direction of strengthening security in the area.

The inspection was led by the Chairman, State Council of the NUJ, Bemdoo Ugber as part of the union’s ongoing assessment tour of all the 23 Local Government Areas in Benue State.

Ugber, speaking at the project site, expressed satisfaction with the quality of renovation work being carried out on the old NRC building, which is being converted to a temporary operational base for the Army.

He urged the people to cooperate with the security agencies to secure the facility and appealed to the Oju Local Government Council to provide more temporary structures to facilitate the military operations.

He said the new Army base is expected to deepen troops presence, improve response time to security threats and enhance protection of lives and properties in Oju and its environs.

Read Also: Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke After Victory At Osun Governorship Poll

After the military facility, the NUJ delegation also visited some development projects undertaken by the Oju Local Government Council under the leadership of the Chairman, Jackson Adah Ominyi.

Ugber also listed counterpart funding for the Oju–Awajir Road project, construction of a police post in Idelle, renovation of the Chairman’s Quarters and development of the Main Garage at Ihiejwo in Oju Main Market as among its key interventions.

He also disclosed that the road to the Oju Local Government Secretariat was included in the state’s five-kilometre road program.

On governance, the Council Chairman expressed optimism that the restoration of local government financial autonomy would fast-track project delivery across Oju.

Ugber stressed that the NUJ tour was not meant to witch-hunt any council administration, but to independently document achievements, identify challenges and promote accountability by drawing the attention of relevant authorities to issues of public concern.

Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke After Victory At Osun Governorship Poll

coic
-
0
Tinubu Congratulates Adeleke After Victory At Osun Governorship Poll

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s win in the just-concluded Osun governorship election as a timely assurance that democracy will thrive in the country under the All Progressives Congress administration (APC).

The President made this known in a statement signed and released by his Spokesperson, Mr Bayo Onanuga, on Sunday.

He also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies for the peaceful and transparent conduct of the election that threw up a clear winner.

He said: “I called Governor Ademola Adeleke earlier today to congratulate him on his election victory in Osun State. His victory once again affirms the confidence of the people of Osun State in him.”

The President also charged Governor Adeleke to bring the people of Osun State together and mobilize them for growth, stability and social and economic advancement irrespective of the political preferences they made at the election.

Read Also: Nigerian Women Raise N10.9bn Through Savings Initiative

“I wish him the best of luck as he prepares to lead the state for the next four years. Now that he has won, Governor Adeleke must bring together the people of Osun State and rally them for growth, stability, and social and economic progress, regardless of the political choices they made at the election.

I salute the courage and discipline of the other contestants in the election. Their participation deepened and enriched the democratic culture of our country. The outcome of the election reflects the will of the people and is a fitting assurance that democracy will continue to flourish in our country,” President Tinubu said.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, candidate of the Accord Party, has been declared the winner of the August 15 Osun State Governorship election, polling 511,067 votes and winning 19 of the state’s 30 local government areas to beat his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, who won 11 local government areas respectively.

Nigerian Women Raise N10.9bn Through Savings Initiative

coic
-
0
Nigerian Women Raise N10.9bn Through Savings Initiative

The National project Coordinator of Nigeria for women programme, Dr Hadiza Maina says the Nigeria for Women Programme Scale-Up (NFWP-SU), has mobilised ₦10.982 billion through members’ savings to strengthen women-led community institutions.

The development is a pathway to expand economic opportunities, financial inclusion, and resilience for women.

Maina stated this at the 26th National Council on Women Affairs, Child Advancement and Social Development in Jalingo, Taraba State in a presentation titled “Nigeria for Women Scale-up: The Transformative Power of Women Collectives.”

The programme is coordinated under the leadership of the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

The presentation showcased NFWP as a strategic, long-term partnership between the Nigerian Government and the World Bank, designed to institutionalise Women Affinity Groups (WAGs) and other platforms for women economic empowerment.

She noted that “the over 60 per cent multidimensional poverty faced by Nigerian women is linked to limited access to factors of production.”

Read Also: Anambra Police Intensifies Operational Monitoring Across The State

According to Dr Maina, NFWP is institutionalising this existing practice, “turning informal savings into a scalable engine for national economic growth.”

She stated that the pilot phase, implemented from 2018 to 2024 in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Kebbi, Niger, Ogun and Taraba States, established WAGs through voluntary individual self-selection, creating structured platforms through which women could access finance and strengthen mutual support.

Under the Scale-Up phase, the programme targets more than 10 million Nigerian women by 2028, with coverage across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Dr Maina reported that 66,928 Women Affinity Groups had been created, with 1,482,459 women actively engaged as direct beneficiaries, while about ₦62.4 million in Community Investment Fund grants had been disbursed to 142 WAGs in Ekiti State.

NFWP-SU has also facilitated bank-account opening and National Identification Number (NIN) enrolment for more than 60 per cent of women beneficiaries.

She identified WAGs as platforms for strengthening women’s voice, agency and resilience, while improving access to finance, markets and productive opportunities.

Through its three components, NFWP-SU supports community institutions, livelihoods collectives, and project management, monitoring, evaluation and learning.

The Community Investment Fund provides seed capital for micro-investment plans, while Livelihoods Collectives aggregate WAG members for value-chain development, market access and business growth.

Her presentation, however, acknowledged implementation challenges, including variations in the pace of implementation, differences in States readiness, data-quality and timeliness concerns, diverse community contexts and security risks.

Maina stressed that “Adaptive implementation is essential”, given structural and cultural differences across states and communities, requiring delivery approaches, timelines and messaging to be tailored to local realities.

Forecasting, she said the “programme is prioritising digital financial services and fintech partnerships, development of a self-sustaining Community Investment Fund, deeper social and behaviour-change programming, and integration of climate resilience, WASH and reproductive health into the economic model.”

Dr Maina called for a strategic shift “from reaching women to strengthening women-led institutions,” positioning collective action as a pathway to sustainable economic empowerment and resilience for millions of Nigerian women.

123...2,826Page 2 of 2,826
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv