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Again, NYSC demobilises 54 UNICAL fake graduates

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Again, NYSC demobilises 54 UNICAL fake graduates

The Management of the National Youth Service Corps, says it has demobilised 54 illegally mobilised graduates of the University of Calabar, to prevent the award of Certificates of National Service to unqualified persons.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Scheme’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Eddy Megwa, on Friday night.

The Director General of the NYSC, Brigadier-General Yusha’u Ahmed disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, adding that the illegal graduates would be prosecuted accordingly.

He said of the 54, nineteen of them initially registered online for mobilization, have been prevented from service, while four (4) Certificates of National Service for other culprits, were not produced by the Scheme.

Recall that the NYSC had earlier on Monday, invalidated the Certificates of 101 illegally mobilised graduates of UNICAL, who were part of the scheme between 2021-2023.

Following the invalidation of the certificates, the Pro-Chancellor of the University, DIG Udom Ekpoudom (retd.), commended the Scheme for exposing fake graduates who were fraudulently mobilised, pledging to take action against staff involved in the mobilisation of fake graduates from the institution.

The NYSC DG disclosed that a bread seller had been illegally mobilized from the University, while commending the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Florence Obi, for hinting the NYSC about the illegal mobilisations.

“The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar came here to report that she observed some names appeared on the institution’s list and they ought not to have been there. She checked the list the school gave us and I told her that their certificates would be invalidated. I give kudos to the Vice-Chancellor.

“Previously, a bread seller was mobilised on the graduation list from the same institution, there are bad eggs in many places that generate matriculation numbers and courses for their candidates”, the DG said.

He stated further that the Scheme would intensify its collaboration with Heads of Corps Producing Institutions and relevant stakeholders in the country to stop the menace.

Ahmed added that any failure in the mobilisation process from any school falls on the integrity of the management of such an institution, stating, “Those who are responsible for imputing the data of graduates should be people of integrity.”

He called on all employers of labour in the country to verify the authenticity of Certificates of National Service being presented for job placement from the NYSC.

Health commissioners seek more supports for states on mpox, cholera

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Health commissioners seek more supports for states on mpox, cholera

Health Commissioners from the 36 states of the country and the Mandate Secretary of Health of the Federal Capital Territory have commended the leadership of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention in the light of the recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox.

They, however, called for continued support to states.

The health commissioners, under the auspices of the Nigerian Health Commissioners Forum, made this known in a communique issued at the end of their third quarterly meeting in Abuja on Friday. 

The communique was signed by the Chairperson of NHCF and Commissioner for Health in Ekiti State, Dr Oyebanji Filani, and the Secretary of NHCF and Commissioner of Health in Kwara State, Dr Amina El-Imam.

The Commissioners commended President Bola Tinubu for approving the National Policy on Health Workforce Migration and his administration’s investment in the healthcare system. 

They recognised the shortage of skilled healthcare workers as highlighted in the HRH assessment commissioned by the NHCF, and thus the need for innovative strategies to attract, train and retain healthcare professionals nationwide. 

“Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy and strengthening primary healthcare systems: The commissioners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare as the cornerstone of the Nigerian healthcare system.

“Emphasis was placed on ensuring adequate staffing, training, and the provision of essential medicines and equipment to improve service delivery at the grassroots level. They considered the recent Supreme Court judgment on local government financial autonomy appraising implications for PHC financing in Nigeria. 

“A sub-committee was constituted to develop a position paper in consultation with the Nigerian Governors Forum and the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. 

“Response to Emerging Public Health Threats: In light of the recent outbreaks of cholera, diphtheria, and mpox, the Commissioners reviewed the preparedness and response strategies of their respective states. The sterling leadership of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention was commended with calls for continued support to states.

“They reiterated their commitment to sustained preparedness, enhanced surveillance, and response, including pre-positioning of drugs, supplies, and rapid response teams to contain any future outbreaks effectively. Monthly meetings of all State Health Commissioners will henceforth be held with the Director General of the NCDC,” the communique read partly. 

The commissioners also acknowledged the growing and alarming incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases – hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and renal diseases and the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention, and treatment options. 

They said a resolution was passed to prioritise NCDs in the state health agenda and to develop comprehensive NCD prevention and control policies. 

“A week-long NCDs awareness campaign, “Know your Number, Control your Number”, will be led by the Commissioners across all states in the last quarter of 2024. 

“Health Financing and Universal Health Coverage: The meeting underscored the importance of sustainable health financing models to achieve UHC. Commissioners resolved to advocate for increased budgetary allocations to health at both state and federal levels, across all three tiers (primary, secondary, and tertiary) and explore alternative funding mechanisms to ensure that all Nigerians have access to affordable and quality healthcare.

“They commended the recent efforts of the FMoH&SW on a Sector-Wide Approach and are committed to realizing its objectives in the States and the FCT. Furthermore, discussions were held with the National Primary HealthCare Development Agency, and the World Bank about expediting PHC revitalisation. 

“Digital Health, Innovation and Technology in Health: The nascent digital health initiative of the FMoH&SW and its role in advancing healthcare delivery was also discussed, with Commissioners committing to explore practical ways of operationalising the proposed digital health solutions for data-driven decision-making in the States,” it added. 

The Health Commissioners expressed their collective commitment to working together to improve the health outcomes of all Nigerians. 

They also called on all stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society, to support these initiatives to build a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria.

Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

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Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

A cross section of Ebonyians have called on the state government to ensure proper implementation of integrated Supportive Supervision, ISS, for monitoring of the rural healthcare centres.
The stakeholders said this would improve healthcare service delivery in the state.
This was made known at a round table meeting in Abakaliki on Friday.
Speaking at the event, the Programme Manager, Life Transformation for Africa Initiative, Mr Chimezie Ezeani, stated that the reason for the engagement was to involve the media and stakeholders to seek their support for successful implementation of the project in the state.
Ezeani, noted that Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) is a USAID sponsored programme in four states in Nigeria namely Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Ebonyi, aimed at promoting effective and efficient service delivery in the health sector.
Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring

Involve FG in international agreements, foreign minister tells states

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Involve FG in international agreements, foreign minister tells states

The Federal Government has warned the 36 state governments against entering foreign or international negotiations without the input of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja amid a dispute between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited, which has led to the seizure of three Nigerian presidential jets.

According Online reports that the presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract dispute between the two parties.

The dispute reportedly stemmed from a 2007 agreement for the development of a free trade zone, which later fell apart, leading to arbitration and, ultimately, the seizure of the jets.

Despite an independent arbitral tribunal awarding Zhongshan approximately $74.5 million, the Ogun State Government has disputed the decision and has not yet honoured the award.

However, Tuggar emphasised the importance of registering international arrangements with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Embassy, and Federal Government to avoid similar issues in the future.

The minister noted that the Ogun State Government’s agreement with the Chinese company was made without the Federal Government’s knowledge, which has resulted in the seizure of Nigerian assets.

He stressed that foreign negotiations require experienced individuals with the necessary skills and training, and sub-national actors should not engage in such agreements alone.

The statement added, “This is part of the problem when sub-national actors like state governments take it upon themselves to go into agreements, go into international arrangements, without recourse to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, without recourse to the Federal Government, and then when it goes awry, we are left with the problem to deal with.

“That is why it is always important that such arrangements should be registered with the mission there, with the embassy, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and with the Federal Government.

“This is something that Ogun State, under a different administration, not this governor, entered into that we’re not aware of. All we know is that they’re going after Nigerian assets. That’s why, really, foreign or international negotiations are not the purview of sub-national actors.

“You should always have those that are experienced in such an area that have the necessary skills and the necessary training to negotiate these sorts of agreements.”

We have been thrown into gloom – FECAMDS on kidnapped 20 medical, Dental students

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We have been thrown into gloom – FECAMDS on kidnapped 20 medical, Dental students

The Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students, FECAMDS, said it has been thrown into a state of gloom since the abduction of over 20 of its members.
FECAMDS also said it’s working tirelessly with relevant parties to ensure the speedy release of their mates.
This was made known in a statement jointly signed by the organization’s
National President and National General Secretary, Ige Gabriel Ariyo and MaryRose Malomo, respectively.
TVN reported that gunmen kidnapped over 20 medical and dental students and a House Officer in Benue State.
The students were en route to the FECAMDS’ annual convention in Enugu.
The students said to be from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos, were travelling together when they were ambushed by gunmen around 5:30 pm in the Otukpo area of the state.
However, FECAMDS, an affiliate of the Nigeria Federation of Catholic Students, NFCS, disclosed that it is already in close communication with the immediate families and everyone directly affected to ensure the safe and swift return of their members.
FECAMDS further appealed to the public and media to respect the sensitivity of the situation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardize the situation.
Part of the statement read, “On the 15th of August 2024 at about 5:00pm, 20 of our members were abducted on their way to our annual national convention held in Enugu, Enugu State Nigeria, around Otukpo in Benue State.
“Ever since this incident, we have been thrown into a state of gloom and have been working tirelessly with relevant parties to ensure their speedy release.
“We are already in close communication with the immediate families and everyone directly affected, to ensure the safe and swift return of our members. We want to assure everyone that FECAMDS Nigeria is fully involved and committed to addressing the situation.
“We appeal to the public and media to respect the sensitivity of the situation and refrain from circulating unverified information that could jeopardize the situation.”
We have been thrown into gloom – FECAMDS on kidnapped 20 medical, Dental students

NMA writes IGP, seeks urgent rescue of abducted medical students

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NMA writes IGP, seeks urgent rescue of abducted medical students

The Nigerian Medical Association has called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to urgently intervene in the abduction of 20 medical students who were kidnapped on their way to Enugu for a conference.

The NMA Secretary-General, Dr Benjamin Egbo, disclosed this in a letter to the IGP, which was posted on the association’s X.com account on Saturday.

The letter dated August 16 read, “I write on behalf of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to urgently bring to your attention a grave situation involving the abduction of 20 medical students.

“These students, comprising 12 from the University of Jos and 8 from the University of Maiduguri, were en route to a conference organized by the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students (FECAMDS) in Enugu when they were kidnapped.”

According to the NMA, the incident occurred between Otukpo and Enugu in Benue State, and one of the abducted students managed to share their location via Google Maps, indicating they were in the Oglewu Ehaje area.

The message was said to have been accompanied by an abduction note, further confirming the incident.

The association expressed deep concern for the safety and well-being of the students and urged the police to deploy the necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.

The statement added, “Given the urgency of this matter and the potential risks to the lives of these young students, we implore your office to deploy all necessary resources to secure their immediate and safe return.

“The Nigerian Medical Association is deeply concerned for the safety and well-being of these future medical professionals, and we believe that swift and decisive action by the Nigeria Police Force is crucial at this time.”

The NMA also offered to provide assistance and support to facilitate the police efforts in rescuing the abducted students.

According Online reports that the IGP has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students.

One dead as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra

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One dead as gunmen attack police checkpoint in Anambra

Gunmen have attacked a police checkpoint beside the Nnobi Police Station, at Nnobi/Nkpor Road in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The latest attack is coming less than three weeks after some gunmen similarly attacked a police checkpoint on Omata-Nnobi Road in Nnewi, Nnewi North Local Government Area of the state, during which one police officer was also gunned down by the hoodlums, who also used an explosive device to launch the attack.

A source in the area said during the attack, one of the policemen was killed, adding that the deceased police officer was said to be the driver of one of the police vehicles.

The source said, “The hoodlums entered the community on Friday and lodged in a house close to the checkpoint. They broke a wall through which they entered the compound and forced the residents to open the gate to drive in their cars.

“They were also said to have collected the handsets belonging to the residents and forced them into a room and warned them not to raise the alarm failing which they would be shot.”

When contacted for a reaction, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, confirmed the attack.

Ikenga also disclosed that the situation is under control as there is an ongoing operation in the area on the directive of the state Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam.

He said, “It is true. One policeman was killed, and there is an operation going on in that area now, which the Commissioner of Police has ordered.

“This is a pure example of the highest price a security officer pays in discharging their duty. They were at the checkpoint monitoring the area before they came under attack by the gunmen.

“Meanwhile, there is an ongoing operation in the area on the order of the Commissioner of Police. Further details shall be communicated.”

Firm partners DICON on job creation for retired military personnel

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Firm partners DICON on job creation for retired military personnel

A manufacturing company, D7G Nigeria, has stated that its partnership with the Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria has created jobs for 2000 civilians and 500 retired military personnel.

Speaking at an event on Friday in Abuja, the Chief Executive Officer of D7G, Osman Chennar, disclosed that D7G is planning with DICON the transfer of advanced military technology to Nigeria.

“D7G Nigeria is executing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Nigeria and Africa as a whole, particularly in the transfer of advanced military technology to Nigeria,” he added.

Chennar listed key performance indicators of the company, including “construction of a Military Jetty base in Lagos for the berthing of vessels, with an additional area for the production, assembly, and storage of defence equipment, covering a lead area of 160,000 square meters.”

Others are the establishment of the first African production and assembly factory for naval military ships, drones, armoured vehicles, and UAVs; the creation of the factory in Africa that assembles, repairs, and maintains helicopters; assembly of semi-knockdown and completely knockdown parts; and production of 300 million rounds of ammunition annually.”

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Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

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Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

The Benue State Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, has said public schools in Benue State have the most qualified teachers.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Information Officer of SUBEB, Emmanuella Akese.
Akese said Benue SUBEB has begun a campaign for enrollment and sensitization program in Benue North West senatorial district.
The sensitisation programme is meant to encourage parents to enrol their children in Early Childhood Care Development Education Centres, Public Primary, and Junior Secondary Schools.
She said the Executive Chairman of Benue SUBEB, Dr Grace Adagba urged participants and stakeholders to use the opportunity to promote education in public schools.
Dr Adagba emphasized that Basic Education Schools in Benue are supported by donor agencies such as UNICEF, UBEC, and the State Government, providing quality education free of charge.
She said, “I am proud to say that, at present, public schools have the most qualified teachers you can find.
“We are in an era where every public school teacher is punctual and committed to their duties.”
Dr Adagba also assured that the sensitization programme would be extended to other zones to ensure statewide impact.
Prof. Nyamngee Amase from the University of Ilorin delivered the lead paper on “Free and Compulsory Education for All Benue Children: The Role of Parents and Immediate Communities.”
He emphasized the importance of education and the moral values it instils, sharing his personal experience as a product of public schools.
Dr. Nasela Pila from Benue State University, Makurdi, spoke on “Unveiling Opportunities for Access to Quality Education in Public Schools in Benue State,” highlighting the benefits of public education.
Mrs Ruth Kwaghkaha’s presentation on “Advocacy for Early Childhood Care Development Education, ECCDE,” stressed the importance of Early Childhood Education and urged parents to enrol their children in public schools.
Also while declaring the programme open, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Dr Frederick Ikyaan, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Agbo Ochekpa said education for all, is the collective responsibility of all Stakeholders, he solicited the active support of all sectors of the Society.
In their separate Goodwill messages, the Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC, State Coordinator, Idzi Baba Emmanuel, commended SUBEB for organizing the event.
Other stakeholders, including HRH Chief Dominic Akpe, Ter Gwer; Rev. Dr Gire; NUT Chairman Comrade Levi Akuma; and Chief Imam of Benue State, Dr Suleiman Habib, lauded the initiative and called on parents to support the programme.
A testimony by Sonia Aduba, a student of Arabic Junior Secondary School, Makurdi, highlighted the positive impact of public schools on students’ lives, reinforcing the importance of basic education in the state.
Public schools in Benue have most qualified teachers – Adagba

Bauchi LG poll records low voter turnout

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Bauchi LG poll records low voter turnout

The ongoing Bauchi State local government election is currently witnessing low voter turnout.

According Online reports that unlike the 2023 general election where voters crowded polling units to cast their votes, the local government election is characterised by low turnout.

Our correspondent gathered that as elections are being concluded in some areas, the results of ward councillors have started emerging.

“After voting, I got notified that the councillor’s result was going to be announced at a certain location, and I went there. So the result was announced by the returning officer, Muhammad Saleh.

“I was also told that in a short moment from now, the election result for the chairmanship will be announced,” a source said.

Details later…

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