Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali, last Sunday, began a two-day assessment visit in the troubled North-East region.
Dan-Ali is billed to visit troops in the frontline of Operation Lafiya Dole, with a view to encourage and boosting their morale.
The media assistant to the Minister, Col. Tukur Gusau, told newsmen in Maiduguri that it was part of operational engagement to enable the minister meet and interact with the troops in the frontline.
Gusau said that the visit was also designed to appraise the performance of troops with a view to improving their effectiveness and capacity in the counter-insurgency campaign.
He disclosed that the minister would visit the Theatre Command headquarters and other military formations in the region.
FCT
Three persons, a male and two females, died in an auto accident on the Auchi-Okene axis of the Benin-Lokoja road last Saturday.
The spokesman of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr Bisi Kazeem, confirmed the incident in an interview with newsmen.
Kazeem said that 50 others, including a child, were injured and had been taken to the hospital for treatment.
“A white Mercedez Benz Chisco paradiso luxurious bus conveying 82 passengers was involved in the lone accident.
“The crash occurred at about 4 a.m. at the sharp corner checkpoint on the Okene end of the road”, he said.
Kaduna
A Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court, has struck out a suit instituted by the police against a journalist in Kaduna, accused of incitement.
The police had dragged Mr Midat Joseph of Leadership Newspaper and one Yayock Eusebiuf to the court on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance and injurious falsehood.
Joseph was arrested on April 19, 2017 and detained by the police over a comment on Whatsapp social platform group chat where he had contributed to a conversation.
The two were subsequently arraigned before the Chief Magistrate on April 21.
They had pleaded not guilty to the charges, but denied the three-count charge and the Chief Magistrate, Mr Emmanuel Bello subsequently granted them bail and adjourned the case to July 31.
Kano
Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to national unity by insisting that the Igbo people residing in the state would not be allowed to leave.
Ganduje made this vow when members of the Igbo Delegates Assembly of the 19 Northern States paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Kano.
This development is in view of the recent ‘quit notice’ issued the Igbo by a coalition of northern groups.
“We will not allow you to leave, you are going nowhere and you have nowhere to go because Kano is your home.
“All Nigerians irrespective of ethnic or religious background must feel free to stay in any part of the country”, the Governor said.
Katsina
The Katsina State Government, has established nine pivotal teachers training centres to provide teachers with the required teaching qualification.
The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Halimatu Idris, disclosed this at the closing ceremony of a two-day seminar for WAEC and NECO invigilators, on examination malpractice last Saturday in Katsina.
Idris, who was represented by a director in the ministry, Hajiya Rabi Barau, said that three centres were located in each of the three senatorial zones.
He said that teachers were selected from different parts of the state to benefit from the training offered by the centres.
The commissioner reiterated the state government’s commitment to boost the education sector and provide teachers with the required teaching qualification.
Kogi
The Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig.-Gen. Sulaiman Kazaure, has called on corps members to be respectful, responsible and security conscious in the camp and places of their primary assignments.
Suleiman made the call last Saturday, when he visited the 2017 Batch ‘A’ Stream 11 corps members at the Kogi State Orientation Camp, Asaya, Kabba.
Represented by Mr Tijani Ahmed, the Director, Legal Unit, NYSC National Directorate, Abuja, the NYSC boss challenged corps members to behave well, show a high degree of humility and imbibe virtues of patience, self-discipline and morality.
“As corps members, we expect a very high morality and decency from you; you must maintain a high level of discipline in this camp, by showing respect to camp officials, and everyone in your host communities”, he said.
Kwara
The Kwara State Government last Saturday inaugurated a steering committee for Maternal and Prenatal Deaths Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) on ways to reduce avoidable deaths of mothers and babies in the state.
Inaugurating the committee in Ilorin, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Atolagbe Alege, said that the committee would track accumulated data on notifications of maternal and prenatal deaths in the state.
According to him, there are no correct indices on maternal and prenata deaths in Kwara, and Nigeria as a whole, which makes it difficult to tackle such problems.
He said that standing focus was needed to discuss with the legislature on proper laws and adequate budgetary allocation for the committee to achieve its aims and objectives.
Lagos
A 24-year-old driver, Sefiu Oladokun, who allegedly absconded with his employer’s N144,000 was last Monday brought to an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused is facing a count of stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Yomi Egunjobi, told court that the accused committed the offence on July 24 at Oke-Odo market, Abule-Egba, Lagos.
Egunjobi said the N144, 000 belonged to Oladoku’s employer, Mrs Ronke Olorunda.
“The accused was a driver to the complainant but ran away with his employer’s money,’’ he said.
Nasarawa
Governor Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State last Saturday, presented a staff of office to the new Emir of Keffi, Dr. Shehu Chindo Yamusa 111.
The new monarch succeeds his father, Alhaji Muhammadu Chindo Yamusa 11, who died on December 4, 2015. He was aged 70 years.
A large crowd turned out to witness the ceremony that attracted governors, ministers, politicians, traditional rulers, among other guests.
Our corrrespondent also reports that there was tight security in and around the venue of the event, with dignitaries struggling through the excited crowd on their way to pay their respects to the new ruler.
Niger
The Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC), Minna, says it has recorded 66 cases of sexual abuse against children and teenagers in Niger State, in the last six months.
Its Medical Officer, Dr. Ekaete Umoh, told newsmen last Saturday in Minna that the victims were boys and girls aged between 12 and 15.
The officer said, however, that families of victims had often hindered the prosecution of offenders.
“`Families of victims have often stood on the path of prosecution officials. In some cases, they refuse to appear. When they choose to appear, they withhold information that is crucial to nailing the perpetrators,” she said.
According to Umoh, many parents or guardians of victims usually prefer to settle out of court, instead of allowing justice to take its full course.
Plateau
The Plateau State University, Bokkos, has dismissed reports claiming that it has raised fees.
“Recent reports claim that we have increased charges from N36,000 to N100,000; I want to state categorically that we have not increase the fees. The charges are still N36,000,” the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Doknan Sheni, said on Saturday.
Sheni, who met with officials of the university’s chapter of the Students Union Government (SUG), urged students to discard the “baseless rumour”.
“I want to assure you that no fee has been increased. The university has not even considered doing that,” he said.
He urged the SUG officials to relay the message to their colleagues to ensure that no one was deceived.
Sheni also reacted to allegations that he was siphoning the institution’s limited resources.
“I am not here to make money. I merely offered myself as a sacrificial lamb to salvage PLASU, which was in dire need of rescue when I took over as Vice Chancellor”.
Zamfara
The Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa’ikamatis Sunnah (JIBWIS), an islamic foundation, says it has raised over N200 million as donations from muslims across the country for its ongoing Islamic Centre in Guzape, Abuja.
The Deputy Chairman, National Ulama Council of the organisation, Sheik Yusuf Rigachukun, disclosed this in Gusau when he led the delegation of the organisation on a courtesy visit to Zamfara Government House, Gusau last Sunday.
The state Deputy Governor, Malam Ibrahim Wakkala, received the delegation on behalf of the government.
Rigachukun noted that the project was awarded to CCL Construction Company, at N300 million in the last three years.
“We raised this amount in the first round through donations given by members of the organisation, well meaning individuals, and state governments across the country.
“The project comprises three storey building as women Islamic centre, Juma’at mosque, schools, offices and accommodations.
“We have finished the ground and first floors, we are now working on the remaining parts of the projects,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Dr Chioma Ejikeme, has reiterated the commitment to service delivery for pensioners.
Ejikeme said this during the Customer Service Week in Abuja, yesterday.
He said that commission had a mandate to deliver good service delivery to the pensioners.
Ejikeme, who was represented by the Director Civil Service Pension Department, Mr Kabir Yusuf, said that the customer service week was important to operations of PTAD.
“Customer service is the support that you give to a customer, whether it is an existing customer or potential customer in the process of delivering or making enquires about a service.
“To be a good customer service representative you need to be knowledgeable, have good attitude and attribute especially to the senior citizens and have empathy,” he said.
Ejikeme said that all PTAD staff had most of the attributes of a good customer representative.
“We provide excellent customer service by going to verify our aged pensioners who cannot do it by themselves anywhere across the country.
“There is a dedicated team that was mandated to go round to confirm the aliveness of those who can not confirm their aliveness either because the are too old or have health issues,” the executive secretary said.
The National Coordinator, SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, said that the official theme of the 2024 customer service week was “ We Go Above and Beyond For Our Customers.”
She commended PTAD and the SERVICOM team for organising the 2024 customer service week.
“This is in line with the best practice of celebrating frontline workers and service takers.
“Customer service week is celebrated annually during the first full week in October.
It calls attention to the importance of people to boost morale team work and departmental collaboration in supporting pensioners.
“ It is a platform to reward employees for the significant work they do,” Akajemeli said.
She said that the objective of the customer service week was to celebrate the hard work and dedication of employee who strived to create positive customer experiences.
She said that it was time to show customers that the organisation valued their experience and feedback, through comment cards, dedicated hotline, among others.
Akajemeli said that it raised awareness internally and externally about the importance of good customer service in building customer loyalty and satisfaction.
She said that the benefit was to increase motivation, show appreciation, encourage friendly competition, boost employee retention, create a positive workplace and increase productivity.
The Head, Surveillance Department at the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Mr Abdulrahman Saleem, said that good service delivery was the key success of every establishment.
Salem said that PTAD operated with standard, considering the success it had achieved so far.
Saleem said that pensioners required the best service attitude and behavior.
“ I give kudos to PTAD for its efforts and encourage it to do more.
“Therefore I urge PTAD staff to keep up the standard and continue to give good service to the pensioners,” he said.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has honoured Flying Officer David Sangokoya for winning the 2023/2024 Royal Air Force College Cranwell International Cadet Sword of Honour.
Abubakar honoured the officer during the presentation of cheques to 13 beneficiaries of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Group Personal Accident Insurance Policy (GPAIP) in Abuja, yesterday.
He described the achievement as ground-breaking as it was the first time an African cadet had won the prestigious award since the Academy’s creation over 100 years ago.
According to him, the feat underscores the excellence that exists within NAF, and proof that NAF officers and cadets can stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
“To our awardee, you have set a new standard, not just for your peers, but for every cadet and officer that will come after you.
“This accomplishment is a powerful reminder that no goal is out of reach when one is armed with dedication, discipline and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
“Your journey as an officer has begun with this prestigious accolade, but the true measure of your success will be seen in how you serve, lead and contribute to the mission of NAF and the defence of our great nation.
“As we celebrate this historic occasion, we extend our deepest gratitude to the United Kingdom Government for its unwavering support in providing world-class training opportunities to our personnel.
“This has enabled our officers and men to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, strengthening not only our bilateral ties but also our collective ability to address global security challenges,” he said.
The CAS said that the NAF looked forward to continuing the fruitful partnership for the mutual benefit of Nigeria and UK countries.
He expressed gratitude and unflinching loyalty to President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare and training of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and NAF in particular.
“I must also take a moment to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the Nigerian Defence Academy and the instructors who helped to mould and prepare this cadet for the global stage.
“Their dedication and commitment to developing top-notch officers is evident in this ground-breaking achievement.
“You have not only trained a leader but have given the Nigerian Air Force a legacy we will all cherish,” he said.
National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has advocated private sector involvement to strengthen Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The Director-General of the authority, Dr Kelechi Ohiri, made the call at a high-level policy dialogue on sustainable health system reforms in Nigeria in Abuja, yesterday.
The Tide’s source reports that the dialogue was organised by the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria (HFN), a coalition of private sector stakeholders, to address the multifaceted challenges plaguing the country’s healthcare system.
The dialogue has “Private Sector Support for SWAP (Sector Wide Approach) in Healthcare” as its theme.
Represented by Dr Yakubu Agada-Amade, the NHIA Director of Standards and Quality Assurance, Ohiri explained the crucial role of private sector collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system
He highlighted the “One Plan” under the SWAp framework, which seeks to unify health sector efforts, ensuring efficient resource use, effective governance and expanded healthcare access.
He also stressed the importance of overcoming barriers that historically hindered the implementation of healthcare interventions in Nigeria, such as inadequate financing, weak governance systems, and bureaucratic bottlenecks.
He added that “the dialogue explored innovative approaches, including digital health innovations and financing mechanisms to accelerate the implementation of the National Health Act and mandatory health insurance coverage.
“With enrollment in health insurance growing by 14 per cent over the past year, NHIA can push for greater inclusivity, particularly targeting the informal sector through flexible payment systems and partnerships with telecommunications companies.”
He called for stronger synergy between public and private health actors to ensure universal access to quality healthcare and sustainable reforms in line with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
Panelists from the Association of Nigerian Private Medical Practitioners (ANPMP), Healthcare Providers Association of Nigeria (HCPAN) and Health and Managed Care Association of Nigeria (HMCAN) echoed the sentiments, underscoring the private sector’s role in expanding insurance coverage and improving healthcare delivery.
They commended NHIA’s efforts toward driving reforms to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp).