A group, the Health System Strengthening Cluster (HSSC), has called on the Bauchi State Government to release funds allocated for Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) in the state’s 2024 budget.
The Executive Director of the Better Life Restoration Initiative, Nkem Ogbonna, made the plea on Friday, during an interactive session with newsmen in Bauchi.
According to Ogbonna, the Integrated Supportive Supervision is a critical intervention aimed at improving the quality of healthcare by providing adequate oversight and facilitating the transfer of skills and knowledge to healthcare providers.
He mentioned that the Cluster is implementing the Scale Project, a USAID-funded initiative running from October 2020 to October 2025, in collaboration with Palladium and Nigeria Resource Partners (RPs).
Ogbonna explained hat ISS has proven to enhance the performance and effectiveness of healthcare workers.
“The Health System Strengthening Cluster is executing a project titled ‘Improved Quality Healthcare Service Delivery through Integrated Supportive Supervision,” he said.
TVN reports that the Cluster includes six civil society organizations: Life Transformation for Africa Initiative, Council for Affirmative Action, Women with Disability, Integrity & Development Initiative, Bauchi State Network of Civil Societies, She-Alert Care Foundation, and Better Life Restoration Initiative, which serves as the anchor organization.
The group also urged for the expansion of the Integrated Supportive Supervision Technical Working Group (ISS-TWG) to include critical stakeholders such as the Ward Development Committee and the Private Sector.
Ogbonna outlined the benefits of ISS, including strengthening the healthcare system, enhancing service delivery quality, improving performance, and encouraging open, two-way communication.
He lamented that the current structure and placement of ISS are suboptimal, limiting its capacity to engage effectively through a sector-wide approach.
He pointed out that domestic financing for ISS is inadequate, leading to high dependency on donor funding, which is unsustainable and affects the continuity of ISS activities.
“The high cost of fuel and transportation has negatively impacted ISS activities, especially in hard-to-reach communities,” Ogbonna added.
To ensure quality healthcare service delivery, sustainable knowledge transfer, and regular mentorship of healthcare providers, Ogbonna called for the creation of a budget line for ISS activities in the 2025 budget.
He concluded by stating that adequate supervision of all Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Bauchi State would guarantee quality healthcare service delivery, urging that “the time to act is now.”
Group urges Bauchi Govt to release funds for adequate healthcare service delivery
Group urges Bauchi Govt to release funds for adequate healthcare service delivery
Bangladesh police squeeze protest leaders out of hospital
Bangladeshi police detectives on Friday forced the discharge from hospital of three student protest leaders blamed for deadly unrest, taking them to an unknown location, staff told AFP.
Nahid Islam, Asif Mahmud and Abu Baker Majumder are all members of Students Against Discrimination, the group responsible for organising this month’s street rallies against civil service hiring rules.
At least 195 people were killed in the ensuing police crackdown and clashes, according to an AFP count of victims reported by police and hospitals, in some of the worst unrest of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
All three were patients at a hospital in the capital Dhaka, and at least two of them said their injuries were caused by torture in earlier police custody.
“They took them from us,” Gonoshasthaya hospital supervisor Anwara Begum Lucky told AFP. “The men were from the Detective Branch.”
She added that she had not wanted to discharge the student leaders but police had pressured the hospital chief to do so.
Islam’s elder sister Fatema Tasnim told AFP from the hospital that six plainclothes detectives had taken all three men.
The trio’s student group had suspended fresh protests at the start of this week, saying they had wanted the reform of government job quotas but not “at the expense of so much blood”.
The pause was due to expire earlier on Friday but the group had given no indication of its future course of action.
Islam, 26, the chief coordinator of Students Against Discrimination, told
AFP from his hospital bed on Monday that he feared for his life.
He said that two days beforehand, a group of people identifying themselves as police detectives blindfolded and handcuffed him and took him to an unknown location.
Islam added that he had come to his senses the following morning on a roadside in Dhaka.
Mahmud earlier told AFP that he had also been detained by police and beaten at the height of last week’s unrest.
Three senior police officers in Dhaka all denied that the trio had been taken from the hospital and into custody on Friday.
• Garment tycoon arrested –
Police told AFP on Thursday that they had arrested at least 4,000 people since the unrest began last week, including 2,500 in Dhaka.
On Friday police said they had arrested David Hasanat, the founder and chief executive of one of Bangladesh’s biggest garment factory enterprises.
His Viyellatex Group employs more than 15,000 people according to its website, and its annual turnover was estimated at $400 million by the Daily Star newspaper last year.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police inspector Abu Sayed Miah said Hasanat and several others were suspected of financing the “anarchy, arson and vandalism” of last week.
Bangladesh makes around $50 billion in annual export earnings from the textile trade, which services leading global brands including H&M, Gap and others.
Student protests began this month after the reintroduction in June of a scheme reserving more than half of government jobs for certain candidates.
With around 18 million young people in Bangladesh out of work, according to government figures, the move deeply upset graduates facing an acute jobs crisis.
Critics say the quota is used to stack public jobs with loyalists to Hasina’s Awami League.
• ‘Call to the nation’ –
The Supreme Court cut the number of reserved jobs on Sunday but fell short of protesters’ demands to scrap the quotas entirely.
Hasina has ruled Bangladesh since 2009 and won her fourth consecutive election in January after a vote without genuine opposition.
Her government is also accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.
Hasina continued a tour of government buildings that had been ransacked by protesters, on Friday visiting state broadcaster Bangladesh Television, which was partly set ablaze last week.
“Find those who were involved in this,” she said, according to state news agency BSS.
“Cooperate with us to ensure their punishment. I am making this call to the nation.”
AFP.
Obama endorses Kamala Harris for president
Former President Barack Obama endorsed Kamala Harris for the White House on Friday, providing a significant boost to her campaign as she faces off against Donald Trump in November’s election.
“Earlier this week, Michelle and I called our friend Kamala Harris. We told her we think she’ll make a fantastic President of the United States, and that she has our full support,” Obama announced on social media platform X.
“At this critical moment for our country, we’re going to do everything we can to make sure she wins in November. We hope you’ll join us,” he added.
Obama’s endorsement comes as one of the final major boosts for Harris, who had already secured the backing of President Joe Biden earlier in the week to be his successor on the ballot.
The former president’s support will add to the momentum Harris has been gaining since she entered the race at the last minute. She joined the campaign after weeks of instability surrounding 81-year-old Biden, who withdrew following a poor debate performance against Trump that heightened concerns over his mental fitness and persistently low approval ratings.
The country’s first female vice president — seeking to make history once more — took a strong stance against Trump and his “extremist” Republicans in a speech to teachers on Thursday.
Read also: Police deploy 4,200 policemen ahead of hunger protest in FCT
The momentum seems to have unsettled Trump, who declined to schedule a debate with Harris, stating Thursday night that it would be “inappropriate” until she was officially named the Democratic nominee.
“Democrats very well could still change their minds,” said Trump campaign spokesman Steven Cheung.
In response, Harris, a former top prosecutor for California, challenged Trump on X: “What happened to ‘any time, any place?’”
She had previously stated her readiness for a potential September 10 debate: “I’m ready. So let’s go.”
The American Federation of Teachers, the first union to endorse Harris, applauded her at their convention in Houston as she warned of a “full-on attack” by Trump’s Republicans on “hard-won, hard-fought freedoms.”
“While you teach students about democracy and representative government, extremists attack the sacred freedom to vote. While you try to create safe and welcoming places where our children can learn, extremists attack our freedom to live safe from gun violence,” she said.
This speech came amid increasingly extreme rhetoric from Trump, who on Wednesday labeled Harris a “radical left lunatic” and falsely accused her of supporting the “execution” of newborns.
Trump, who at 78 is the oldest presidential nominee in U.S. history, has vowed not to allocate any federal funds to schools with vaccine mandates, which are enforced in every public school in America.
The post Obama endorses Kamala Harris for president appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Group writes Lagos CP, requests for security support
The Lagos State Chapter of the Active Citizens Group Nigeria has notified the state Commissioner of Police of their intention to participate in the planned nationwide protest, from August 1 to 10, 2024.
The group’s state coordinator, Adamma Ukpabi, notified authorities of the peaceful protest plans in a letter, citing rights to free speech and assembly.
According to the letter, the protest is scheduled to take place on two designated routes: mainland route, starting at NAHCO Bus Stop and ending at International Airport, Ikeja, and island route, starting at Marwa Bus Stop, Lekki Phase 1, and ending at Eti-Osa Local Government.
The letter is titled “Subject: Notification of Peaceful Protest and Request for Security Support”
“Dear Commissioner of Police, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing on behalf of Active Citizens Nigeria, Lagos State Chapter, to formally notify you of our planned participation in the nationwide peaceful protest against bad governance scheduled to take place on August 1 to 10, 2024.
“Our aim is to peacefully exercise our constitutional right to free speech and assembly as we voice our demands for improved governance and accountability from our leaders,” Ukpabi wrote.
The group requested police assistance at both protest sites to ensure safety and security, manage traffic and minimise public disruption.
“We trust in the professionalism and dedication of the Lagos State Police Command to uphold public safety and protect citizens’ rights. We are open to any advice or suggestions you may have to facilitate the success of these peaceful demonstrations,” the letter read.
The planned nationwide has gained traction around the country, especially on social media.
The Defence Headquarters has expressed concerns that the planned nationwide protest may be aimed at emulating the Kenya protests, where initial peaceful demonstrations against tax increases escalated into violent clashes.
The protest, under the banner #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria, is against the prevailing economic hardship in Nigeria.
Lawmakers’ 50% salary cut not rhetoric
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has said the lawmakers will reduce the current hardship and hunger in the country.
Agbese said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Friday.
NAN reports that Agbese spoke following doubts expressed by some Nigerians as to the truth of the 50 per cent cut in their salaries.
Members of the House of Representatives during plenary had raised a motion of urgent public importance, where the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, called for a 50 per cent cut in their salaries.
Moreover, Agbese said “Hardships speak in a universal language, their language is the same across the country and as a parliament, we are going to leave no stone unturned to address the hardship.
“I strongly believe that with our legislative agenda as a parliament, this is going to be the last time in the country that we will be discussing palliatives.
“We will ensure that we work day and night to ensure we go through this hardship and hunger for the last time,” he said.
He said that the 50 per cent salary cut was not just going to be sacrificed, but the attitude that was needed to transform the country.
Agbese said the 50 per cent cut in salary by members was not just rhetoric, adding that they were committed to their promise to the Nigerian people.
He said, “Beyond the 50 per cent cut in salary, we are equally working as a parliament on different empowerment interventions using our constituency projects to give succour to the people,”
He said that members would also give succour to young men and women in agriculture, empower people in business, and support those who are in school.
Agbese said there was no need to doubt the intention of the House for the 50 per cent cut in salary, adding that “what we have agreed to do is out of patriotism, selflessness and love for the country.”
According to him, when people have genuine intentions, there is no cause to ridicule the intention by passing unnecessary doubt as to the veracity of our 50 per cent cut in salary.
“When there is hunger in the land, it shows on people’s faces, and when interventions are made, it will also show on the faces of the people,” he said.
NAN.
Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu served humanity till end – ex-President Jonathan
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed sadness over the passing of President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu.
Jonathan noted that the deceased octogenarian actively served humanity until the very end.
In a statement by his Media Adviser in Abuja on Friday, Jonathan condoled the entire people of the South-East, the government and people of Imo State and the Iwuanyanwu family.
He described late Iwuanyanwu as a genial politician and successful businessman, stressing that he would be missed by many across the country.
He also described Iwuanyanwu as a cultural enthusiast and a lover of his people who believed in equity and national unity.
“Chief Iwuanyanwu was a man of many parts who made a success of all his extensive endeavours.
“As a politician he had a remarkable career, contributing significantly to the growth of the nation’s democracy and contesting for the presidency of Nigeria three times.
“As a businessman he made his mark in many areas of entrepreneurship including manufacturing, construction, and publishing.
“As a philanthropist he founded many people-oriented organisations like the Iwuanyanwu Nationale Football Club and donated to many just causes,” Jonathan said.
He said the passing of the statesman and bridge builder had left many people across the country with a deep feeling of loss.
The ex-President added that the deceased’s family, associates and loved ones should be comforted by the knowledge that his legacies and impact would continue to endure.
Jonathan prayed for the soul of Iwuanyanwu to rest in peace.
Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu served humanity till end – ex-President Jonathan
Nigerian Govt denies slashing foreign scholars’ allowances
The Federal Government says it has no plan to slash scholarship students’ allowances as recently reported in the media.
The Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman, stated this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Abuja on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that there was a report that the Ministry, through the Federal Scholarship Board, announced a slash in allowances of foreign scholars stranded in Russia, Morocco, and Algeria, among others.
The slash in scholars’ allowances under the Federal Government’s Bilateral Educational Agreement Scholarship (BEA), was attributed to the economic crises.
Mamman said that there was no slash in scholars’ allowances but rather an adjustment due to Foreign Exchange fluctuations (FOREX).
“We want to clarify what has been in the media on allowances paid to scholars under the Bilateral Scholarship Agreement.
“We want to place it on record that the ministry and the Federal Government for that matter have not slashed the allowances due to students.
“What happened is some adjustments in the amount due to them because of FOREX fluctuations, and as soon as we get the balance we have applied for, we will pay them.
“But for now, what is in the budget is what we can pay. So, there is no slash, we will even be happy to increase, so this is what has led to the adjustments,” he said.
Nigerian Govt denies slashing foreign scholars’ allowances
UBEC commits to addressing challenges of out-of-school children
The Executive Secretary of the Universal Basic Education Commission, Hamid Bobboyi, has said the recently unveiled Universal Basic Education Effective Schools Programme will address the dual challenges of the learning crisis and the high number of out-of-school children.
He said the programme marked a significant step towards enhancing educational quality and accessibility.
Bobboyi made this known in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Thursday, during a five-day training programme for 56 master trainers selected from states across the southern part of the country, including Kwara and Kogi states, for the ESP
According to him, the training of Master Trainers is one of the activities in the implementation of the ESP.
Bobboyi disclosed that the establishment of UBE Effective Schools was aimed at providing Nigerian children with the necessary resources for improved learning outcomes and the acquisition of 21st-Century skills.
He added that UBEC had taken steps to achieve an effective UBE programme in 111 schools, even as he revealed that there were three UBE Effective Schools per senatorial zone and three in FCT, which he said, were selected as pilot for the programme.
“From here, you will be expected to cascade the training to the teachers in the 111 schools. This is in furtherance of the commission’s plans to promote smart education at basic education level and lay an enduring foundation for the development of relevant technological skills to cope with the 21st century world,” Bobboyi said.
“The Effective Schools Programme was designed to progressively improve instructional tools and practices to maximise the potential of both educators and students within the educational system.
“This initiative introduces a new perspective and practice in learning across the 111 schools previously designated as UBEC E-learning centres.
“The schools have been equipped with ICT equipment with alternative power supply to enable technology-supported teaching and learning,” Bobboyi said.
To this end, he added that the commission has established 37 smart schools, one in each state and FCT, with some already operational, maintaining that a Digital Resource Centre has been built and inaugurate..
The Executive Secretary of UBEC reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to providing functional basic education to Nigeria’s school-age population.
In his address at the event, the Executive Chairman, OYOSUBEB, Nureni Adeniran, said the board under his supervision, had keyed into the smart education system initiated by UBEC.
According to him, OYOSUBEB is currently conducting a recruitment exercise to employ 7,000 primary school teachers who are digitally literate.
Adeniran said efficient operation of the Smart Schools in the state, would enhance the overall effectiveness of UBE delivery, by ensuring that all educational programmes met and maintained minimum standards.
The Director, Teachers’ Development, Mr Mayowa Aleshin, said the UBE Effective Schools Program represented a substantial investment in Nigeria’s educational future, being tailored to bridging gaps in learning and fostering an environment where every child would thrive academically.
Bomb explosion injures girl in Yobe
An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device, has occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Channels Television reported that a resident of Buni, Ali Hassan said that the incident happened at around 12.30pm on Friday, injuring a girl.
The name of the girl and her current state of health has yet to be known
The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu also confirmed the incident, saying another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully defused by the Army.
He further explained the only victim of the explosion, is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi.
He stressed the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing incident.
Buni Yadi, located 54 kilometres from Damaturu, the state capital, was the most severely affected local government area in Yobe State during the two years it was under Boko Haram insurgent control.
Tosin, with over six years’ experience, conducts incisive interviews, pens engaging features, subedits and delivers impactful stories for the digital sphere.
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]
‘Monumental loss’ – Ebonyi gov mourns late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu
Governor of Ebonyi state, Francis Nwifuru, has expressed shock over the death of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide.
Nwifuru, who also expressed sadness at the death of the Igbo chieftain, described late Iwuanyanwu as a visionary leader who lived for his people.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr Monday Uzor, on Thursday.
The governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Engr Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu — the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide and a renowned elder statesman.
“His demise is a monumental loss to the entire Igbo race and our nation, Nigeria. He was a visionary leader, a champion of unity, and a tireless advocate for the welfare of his people.
“His wisdom, counsel, and contributions to the Igbo cause will be greatly missed. As an elder statesman, he played a significant role in shaping the Igbo history and promoting peaceful coexistence among our diverse ethnic groups.
“His legacy will continue to inspire and fuel the Igbo cause.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to the family, Imo State — the Igbo community, and all those who mourn his passing.”
‘Monumental loss’ – Ebonyi gov mourns late Ohanaeze leader, Iwuanyanwu