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
Ebonyi Healthcare: Stakeholders make case for ISS in monitoring
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
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
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
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
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.”
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
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
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…
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.
Contact: [email protected]
IG deploys operatives to rescue kidnapped Benue medical students
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered the deployment of tactical operatives and assets to ensure the prompt rescue of the kidnapped medical students in Benue State.
Twenty medical students of the University of Maiduguri and Jos, travelling to Enugu, were kidnapped along the Otukpo/Otukpa/Enugu Road on Thursday.
The students were travelling for the Federation of Catholic Medical and Dental Students annual convention in Enugu when they were abducted.
Condemning the students’ abduction in a statement on Saturday by the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, the IG described the action of the criminals as reprehensible and callous.
Adejobi said Egbetokun has ordered the deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command to ensure the swift rescue of the students.
He said, “The Inspector-General of Police has condemned the kidnapping of 20 medical students who were abducted in Otukpo, Benue State. This reprehensible act is truly appalling, callous, and unacceptable
“In a display of unwavering commitment to the rescue, safety, and well-being of the young Nigerians, the IGP has ordered the prompt deployment of a substantial number of human and technical resources to augment the manpower of the Benue State Command and ensure the swift rescue of our beloved students. “
Adejobi also said tactical operatives, helicopters, drones and vehicles, among others, would be deployed to facilitate the rescue of the students.
He said, “This initiative encompasses the mobilization of additional tactical units from the FID-STS and FID-IRT, the deployment of advanced helicopters and drones, as well as the use of specialized tactical vehicles to facilitate the search and secure the safe return of the victims.
“The Nigeria Police Force stands with the victims and their loved ones during this challenging time, and we are committed to ensuring the safe return of the students.”
Seized presidential jets international embarrassment, says Kanu’s lawyer
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel to the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has criticised the Federal Government following the international seizure of three Presidential jets belonging to Nigeria.
Ejiofor described the incident as an international disgrace and embarrassment in a press statement on Saturday, adding that Nigerians are no longer under any form of illusion that the country’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns.
The presidential jets were seized by a French court on August 15, due to a contract disparity between the Ogun State Government and a Chinese company, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Limited.
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.
Describing the incident as unacceptable, Ejiofor lamented that, unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.
The statement read in part, “We are no longer under any form of illusion that Nigeria’s sovereignty is under serious threat, amid mountain debt concerns. Unfortunately, Nigerians are not paying commensurate attention to this impending disaster.
“On August 15, 2024, three presidential aircraft undergoing maintenance in Paris were temporarily seized in strict compliance with a court order. What an international disgrace!
“The unfortunate reality is that with the Nigerian government’s growing habit of excessive and reckless borrowing, it is increasingly likely that we may one day wake up to find Nigeria’s assets and the entire Nigerians tied to foreign judgments. It is only a matter of time!”