Day: June 25, 2024

Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), says the release of N260 billion Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) revitalisation fund by the Federal Government is timely following recent cholera outbreak in the country. Oyintiloye, in a chat with newsmen on Sunday in Osogbo, said that with the recent outbreak of cholera in the country, primary healthcare centres must be well equipped to rescue the situation. According to him, many PHCs in the country lack the capacity to provide essential health care services with the challenges of inadequate equipment, poor conditions of service, lack of essential drugs, among others. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, had on May 24, said N260 billion had been earmarked for the revitalisation of PHCs across the country. According to Pate, the N260 billion is currently available at the state level 'for the revitalisation of their primary healthcare centres. ' Oyintiloye, however, appealed to state governors not to divert the money, but to use it wisely to equip the PHCs in their states to curb the spread of cholera outbreak and other diseases. He said with the recent report that death toll from cholera outbreak has hits 40, PHCs which is always the first point of call for people in the period of emergency, must be strengthened. The APC chieftain said the disclosure by the minister that plans were underway to expand the PHCs from 8,300 to 17,000 through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and make them functional to deliver essential services, was also commendable. Oyintiloye, however, expressed worry that, if the fund, which is already at the state level, is not monitored, it could be diverted and the PHCs might not have the needed capacity to tackle the cholera outbreak in the country. He, however, urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that a strict measure was put in place for the effective utilisation of the money to tackle the outbreak o f diseases. 'I commend the president for prioritising the health of Nigerians with the release of N260 billion to revitalise the dilapidated PHCs in the country. 'The only fear I have now is how this fund will not be diverted by the governors at this critical period of cholera outbreak. 'The PHCs in the country is currently at its worst level and that is why the fund released for its revitalisation must not be allowed to be messed with. 'Since all the states of the federation have been mobilised for the revitalisation of the PHCs, governors should not allow greed to prevent them from doing the right thing to tackle the scourge of the cholera outbreak,' he pleaded. Oyintiloye, a member of the defunct APC Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), said that for Nigeria to improve its poor health indices, there is need to prioritise and improve the PHC facilities to be able to withstand sudden outbreak of diseases such as cholera. He also urged Nigerians to cultivate habits of cleanliness, especially at this per iod when Nigeria Centre for Disease Control said the country does not have enough vaccines against the disease. Oyintiloye said in the same vein, government must start educating people on hand washing and also to desist from open defecation, among other measures. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The House of Representatives Committee on Science and Engineering has called on the Federal Government to increase budgetary allocation to science and technology research to boost the country's socio-economic development. Chairman of the committee, Rep. Inuwa Garba, made the call during the oversight visit to Sheda Science and Technology Complex (SHESTCO) in Abuja. 'We are not impressed by what we are seeing here because as a research complex, the government should make a very robust and effective budget system to this institution to make it work. 'We all see the kind of investment that is here, running into billions of naira but nothing positive is happening, maybe due to lack of proper funding or other issues,' he said. Garba said that based on what the committee had observed at the complex, there was the need for discussing how to ensure proper functionality of the institution, in line with international best practices. 'Looking at what is happening globally in the area of science and technology, Nige ria should not be left behind because that is what is moving the entire world now. 'Without research, there will be no development; without development, there will be no positive change in any country,' he said. Garba stressed the need for taking science research seriously, stressing that the complex was a good initiative but that due to negligence, it had not achieved its purpose. He said that science research was important in the area of agriculture, healthcare, housing and automobile industry, adding that it also enhanced opportunities to solve problems. The lawmaker called for strategic approach to addressing the challenges in the science and technology sector. The Director-General of SHESTCO, Prof. Paul Onyenekwe, commended the committee for their visit, expressing the hope that they would address the pressing challenges of the institution. He commended the committee for its objectivity, dedication and passion for science research in the country. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government says it will continue to support farmers and the farming community as they continue to contribute to the economic growth and development of the country. The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Bagudu, said this at the unveiling of the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2022 in Abuja. Bagudu said reports show that Nigeria is blessed with an agricultural populace of about 40.2 million households who are proud to identify themselves as such. He said the biggest key to sustained economic growth is to ensure that the 40.2 million households are continuously supported, so that they can perform better. Bagudu added that 'Nigeria is blessed with an agricultural populace who are proud to identify themselves as such. They are proud to be farmers and fishing communities. 'That has a significant effect on absorptive capacities. That means they are people who are happy to engage and support production in that area of our national life. They are not aiming to migrate to other cities, they are very proud. 'That means we need to continuously calibrate our deliverance structure so we support them to generate more returns for what they are proud to do, by contributing to our national productivity and output. 'All of them are looking for support to continue to do what they enjoy doing, and to contribute to our national prosperity. That we promise the renewed Hope Agenda will continue to deliver on.' The Statistician-General of the Federation, Mr Adeyemi Adeniran, said that for over two and half decades, the absence of comprehensive data on Nigeria's agricultural sector had been a significant barrier to progress. Adeniran, the CEO, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), said the gap limited the ability of policymakers, investors and stakeholders to make informed decisions that are critical to the sector's growth, and overall food security in Nigeria He, however, noted that 'the conduct of the 2022 NASC exercise, the first of its kind in over 27 years, marks a turning point. ' With over 65 per cent of the population directly or indirectly dependent on the agriculture sector for their daily sustenance, the NASC results offer invaluable insights into the very foundation of our agricultural sector.' He said the report provides detailed picture of the size and structure of farm holdings, land use patterns and crop production practices, livestock population and fisheries activities and the use of agricultural inputs and technologies. He explained that 'by understanding the current state of agriculture, we can design targeted policies and programmes to address issues related to food security, promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance overall productivity. 'It will also assist in attracting much-needed private sector investment into the agricultural landscape. The data will equip investors with the confidence and knowledge required to make informed decisions regarding agricultural ventures in Nigeria.' On his part, Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, the Minister of State for Agricultu re and Food Security, said the most significant thing about the data is that 'government can now measure, and whatever you can measure, you can manage.' Abdullahi said results from the NASC would make the management of the agricultural sector robust, 'which is exactly what we hope to achieve under the Renewed Hope Agenda. 'Having seen what the report is telling us, we have a clear picture of the number of people we should be targeting when we are going to provide support in terms of necessary inputs, seed and fertiliser, among others. 'I want to assure Nigerians that with this key fundamental information, the ministry will begin to do robust management and work round the clock to reverse the current trends.' Representative from the World Bank, Mr Vimai Vntukura, said the bank would continue to provide technical support to existing projects in Nigeria and hoped that this kind of data-driven exercise would be scaled up in the future. Sen. Abdullahi Yahaya, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Planning and Eco nomic Development, said economies are driven by demand, noting that 'there will be a problem if there are no connections between production and industrial usage. 'I hope the report has data on agricultural processes and industrial end users because without stimulation of demand from those sectors, we will end up not creating the kind of yields that are viable.' Mr Tope Fasua, the Special Adviser on Economic Matters, Office of the Vice-President, said urban agriculture should be encouraged, which would help to reduce inflation now and in the future. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that census is expected to be carried out every five to 10 years, in line with the standard set by the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for developing countries. However, the last round of census carried out in the country is that of 1993/1994. The census was carried out by the NBS in partnership with the World Bank, FAO and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Source: News Agency of N igeria

In a soothing and thought-provoking performance, Zimbabwean-American Poet and Artiste, U-Meleni Adebo, celebrated the beauty of African women. Adebo, who performed during the unveiling of 'Èyò by La Campagne' in Ikoyi, Lagos, extolled the uniqueness of the skin of black women. The poet encouraged African women to remain resilient and always protect one another. In a blend of spoken word and musical performance, she appraised the beauty of every black woman, to the excitement of the revellers. She eulogised the African woman's inner beauty of self assurance, strength and wisdom, likewise their radiant skin, hair texture and body shape. Èyò by La Campagne is an Afrocentric relaxation centre, established by Chief Olawanle Akinboboye, Founder of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort in Lagos. Akinboboye said that the facility, which comprised of a swimming pool, an event centre, a performance arena, a conference centre, VIP section, art gallery and more, would henceforth be made available for all to unwind. H e said the recreational centre would hold nightlife event every Sunday night, which would be tagged 'African Beats and Bites', where tourists would have access to local African cuisines. According to him, lovers of nightlife will also be treated to beautiful performaces from renowned African artistes and bands. 'This is an extension of La Campagne Tropicana Beach Resort, where tourists will enjoy wonderful nightlife experience, accompanied by their choice of any African cuisine. 'This is my way of promoting everything African.' The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Atunda musical entertainment, in scintillating performance, brought back beautiful and nostalgic memories of music from older artistes, with instructive proverbs and witty sayings and morals. Other artistes that performed were: Ara Thunder, Olo-Omidan Bata and Tasha. The guests also enjoyed interesting performance by a group of Eyo Masqueraders. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu will consult further before arriving at a final decision on the new national minimum wage for Nigerian workers. Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday. He said the report of the tripartite committee on the new wage was presented and deliberated on at the FEC meeting, but was stepped down to enable the President consult further. Idris said this would allow the President take an informed decision on it before sending its bill to the National Assembly for consideration. 'We discussed the new minimum wage issue at the council meeting. 'The new national minimum wage is not just that of the federal government, it is an issue that involves the federal government, the state governments, local governments, and organised private sector. 'And of course, the memo was stepped down to enable Mr President to consult further, especially with the state governors and organised private s ector,' he said. The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, also briefed on government finances and debts, including ways and means. 'When we interrogate the figures over the first quarter of this year, starting from middle of December 2023 and the end of March this year; if we want to be positive, what we will say is that the glass is half full. 'We are halfway there. If not, we can be negative and try and say the glass is half empty. Why do I say this? The total debt stock of Nigerians in dollars terms fell by 15 per cent, that is very positive. 'Any rating agency, any creditor, any investor looking at that will see it as a positive move. 'We are a country that has petrodollar, we have ability to earn in dollars. So it's highly relevant that we look at what is our exposure in dollars terms,' Edun said. According to him, on the other hand, the exchange rates increased by 8 trillion in actual debt issuance, and the total external debt and domestic debt in Naira ter ms had increased by 25 per cent. 'That brings me to the foreign exchange movement which can change tomorrow, as we know. Linked to that is the all important question of the government's capacity to pay its way. 'Debt is all about the revenue to service it, and of course to use those funds properly, judiciously, accountably and in a way that gives positive returns. 'At no time have we gone to Mr President to seek permission to go the the Central Bank to pay anybody, be it external debt service, be it share capital cash calls for any of the liabilities that the government has,' he said. Edun explained that as with all agencies, the government was focused on ensuring that the revenue due to it was collected robustly using technology, avoiding blockages associated with manual processing, which he said had led to a very robust revenue effort. 'Likewise, we are implementing debts or expenditure controls, also very ably empowered by technology. 'Mr President inherited a legacy of N3.4 trillion in outstanding w ays and means which have been securitised on the eve of the entry of President Tinubu's administration. 'We are doing a forensic audit, we are interrogating that figure because its a liability which we have to pray interest on. So, any deficit that you might see to the consolidated revenue account, may be automatic debit on a figure that is still being interrogated,' said Edun. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, also said the Council gave approval for the upgrade of key infrastructure in the country's healthcare system. He said that the Council approved the engagement of a transaction adviser to develop a public private partnership (PPP) to expand, modernise and refurbish six teaching hospitals' equipment. The hospitals are: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital Ibadan, National Hospital Abuja, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital and Usmanu Dafodiyo University Teaching Hospital , Sokoto. 'That is a massive upgrade of infrastructure. The transaction adviser will develop full business case and then come back to the Council for approval for mobilisation to execute the contract over the next 12 to 20 months. 'The second item is the expansion of the pathology lab and the mortuary at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The contract was awarded, and it also includes building hostels for nurses and other health professionals. That is under a PPP arrangement,' said Pate. He gave an update on diseases ravaging the country, particularly Cholera, which he said was discussed extensively, in addition to the emergence of yellow fever in Bayelsa. He said the National Centre for Disease Control was working with Lagos State, which has a very strong institutional ability to be able to contain the disease. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, said the Federal Government has approved procurement of Mikano CNG vehicles for the National Drug La w Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He said that council also approved the procurement of two full body scanners for Lagos and Abuja International airports. Also, Minister of Works David Umahi gave an update on road projects across the country, assuring that by October, most of the ongoing road construction and rehabilitation would be completed. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has commended the Nigerian military veterans for their sacrifices and dedication to peace and security as well as the Armed Forces' development. Musa, represented by the Director of Plans, Defence Headquarters, Rear Adm. Ibrahim Shettima, gave the commendation at the maiden Armed Forces of Nigeria Veterans Stakeholders Forum, on Tuesday in Abuja. The forum has the theme 'The Nigerian Armed Forces Veterans in the Next Decade' and was aimed at enhancing the welfare and future prospects of Nigerian military veterans. The CDS said the significance of the forum was in recognising the dedication and sacrifices of veterans, and emphasised the need for continuous efforts to improve their welfare. He said the Federal Government had made recent strides. Musa listed these to include the disbursement of the Security Debarment Allowance, a 20 percent increase in pension rates, and the inclusion of veterans in federal palliative programmes. 'The developments ar e notable achievements under President Bola Tinubu's administration,' he said. The CDS further said the forum underscores the collective dedication to the well-being of the veterans. He commended ongoing efforts and achievements in veterans' welfare, such as various scholarship and educational programmes for orphans, pre- and post-retirement programmes, and medical interventions. Musa added that establishing a committee to develop a long-term strategic roadmap for veterans' administration, with studies conducted in the UK, and planned visits to Egypt and U.S. were additional perspectives. 'The forum will be addressing several critical issues, including governance in veterans' administration, health and well-being, skills development, post-service employment, legal matters, and the protection and security of veterans.' Musa urged participants to engage in objective and professional deliberations, assuring them that the outcomes would guide future improvements in veterans' administration. On his part, the Director, Veterans Affairs, Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Danladi Salihu, expressed gratitude to the CDS for the improved veterans' welfare initiative. Salihu said the forum would help in addressing veterans issues, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to implement the outcomes of the discussions. 'The forum signifies a giant step towards ensuring the well-being and recognition of Nigerian military veterans, aligning with the armed forces' commitment to nurturing a professional and people-centric military,' he said. The National Chairman of Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibrin, thanked the CDS for bringing the veterans together to interact and share views and experiences. Jibrin said the forum was a step in the right direction and would assist the government and their serving colleagues to see through the veterans what the future held for them. He also thanked the government for its efforts towards an enhanced welfare of the veterans. 'This occasion, organised by the CDS, is t o help get together all the ideas that we share to assist them in planning the roadmap for the well-being of all veterans and those coming behind us,' Jibrin said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Industrial Training Fund (ITF), says it has concluded arrangements to train five million artisans annually, to enhance technical and vocational skills in Nigeria. It also warned against quack training centres across the country. Dr Afiz Ogun, Director-General of the Fund, said this at the inaugural meeting on Implementation of Skill Up Artisans (SUPA) programme for Executives of Enlisted Skills training Centers (ESTCs). Ogun said the training was to upskill the talent of artisans in their various fields of profession. He said the training would have its phase of selection, adding that about 100 thousand artisans would be trained in each of the phases. He said the first phase would commence before the end of June, adding that the training would transform the skills acquisition space in Nigeria. 'The training will be phase by phase and bit by bit; we will be selecting about 100,000 artisans for the training. 'When we are through with the number, we select another phase, we must make sure we cover the five million artisans every year, just as the presidency directed us. 'The names and various centres where the trainings will commence will be published in various national daily newspapers and training starts immediately. 'The criteria for the training is that the person must be a Nigerian, all artisans are our candidates. Those who registered first will start the first phase. 'The registration portal opened from January till March 15, 2024, we went out to all senatorial districts to out screen so that we can move ahead,' he said. The director-general said the aim of the programme was to work with relevant stakeholders, and that ITF would be onboarding to become the best skills training centers of international standards in Nigeria. 'We will guarantee a steady stream of trainees for whom ITF will be financially responsible but side by side we will implement rigorous facility and process inspections to ensure that our standards are met. ' ITF is currently working out partnerships with the most reputable international awarding bodies so that certifications issued after our training programme will give graduands a variety of options in terms of work opportunities and employability both locally and globally. 'The era of training just for the sake of it, or issuance of Certificate of Attendance/Competence is gone and gone for good. ' Every skills training undertaken by ITF must lead to reputable international certification which in turn, guarantees measurable improved livelihood of graduands,' he said. Ogun condemned the act of organising training centres by some people without requisite approval from the ITF. 'Another point I must address is mushrooming of Skills Training Centers in Nigeria without requisite approval by ITF. 'It is troubling to note that all over the country, persons undertake so-called trainings in both technical and vocational trainings without prior approval of their training curriculum, manual and programme by ITF. 'As a result, there is no way to ascertain the quality of learning bei ng passed on to graduands who pay exorbitant prices for these trainings. ' This has created a circle of entrenched quackery which ITF is set up to put an end to. 'We now have an avalanche of foreign training institutions offering some kind of technical or vocational training without due approval of the programmes and processes. ' Even where such foreign set ups have the competence to undertake these trainings, their unregulated presence represents a loss of revenue by local players. 'ITF will be issuing the necessary regulations on these subject matters very soon and enforcement efforts will also commence in earnest. 'Today signposts a new dawn at ITF and in the skills training space in Nigeria and we need all hands on deck to turn the tide and change the narratives,' he said. Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, Coordinator, Nigerian Association of Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Practitioners (NARAP), also lauded the organisers of the training. 'Particularly in the area of my own craft, which is refrigeration and a ir-conditioning, in the area of ozone depletion, if this training is centered toward handling of refrigerants and professionalism in refrigeration and air-conditioning, it will help'. Source: News Agency of Nigeria