The Nation Newspaper

Category: Northern Reports

  • Zulum: Boko Haram destroyed over90 per cent of houses in Borno

    Zulum: Boko Haram destroyed over90 per cent of houses in Borno

    Over 90 per cent of houses in Borno State were destroyed by Boko Haram,Governor Babangana Zulum said yesterday.

    He said fortunately in the last twelve years, his predecessor and himself have so far rebuilt more than 30-40 per cent of such houses in the state.

    Zulum said despite the effort by the administration, the state still has a huge significant deficit, amounting to not less than 500,000.

    The Governor said this yesterday in Abuja at the International Organisations for Migration’s (IOM) housing design award ceremony titled, ‘Home after Crisis’, that brought together about 1,600 designers, architects, engineers from over 100 countries.

    He said: “The Government of Borno and that of the Northeast would provide the political will needed to partner with IOM and other organisations in order to build more homes for the families of displaced communities.

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    “Very soon, we would be entering into an agreement with IOM to see how we can partner together and build more houses.

    “The security situation In Borno state has improved by over 90 per cent, we are doing very well, we have many safe areas so we are going to do everything possible to ensure that houses are built and communities resettled in a dignified manner, according to the Kampala convention.

    “When it comes to the deficit of housing in Borno state, I can’t give a specific figure but I can say that almost 90 per cent of our houses were destroyed by Boko Haram but within the last 12 years, beginning with my predecessor till date, I think we have built more than 30-40 per cent but we still have a huge significant deficit, amounting to not less than 500,000.”

    Chief of Mission IOM Nigeria, Laurent De Boeck said the organisation is working on constructing about a million houses in Maiduguri and Yola using the wining designs of the competition.

    He added, “We have already started building the housing prototypes in Maiduguri, we would soon do same in Yola.

    “As for the prototypes we have looked into accessing some lands where the safety is offered and then we start building. The spectacular thing is that it is low cost, using local materials, we are training the population there to also build themselves and recycle what exists around them like metals for covering the houses. We have the aim of a million houses in Maiduguri and Yola but we hope that it would also go further to other parts of the country because we are working with the private sector for potential support. So we are hoping that we can shapen how houses are built not only in the Northeast but Nigeria.”

    The three wining designs from the competition won €10,000 Euros in Total with the first and second positions won by Nigerian architects and the third by a German team and the teams won €5000 for first prize, €3000 for second and €2000 for the third.

  • University of Kigali appoints Ogechi Adeola as DVC, Academic

    University of Kigali appoints Ogechi Adeola as DVC, Academic

    The Governing Body of the University of Kigali (UoK) has appointed  Ogechi Adeola, a Professor of Marketing, as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor – Academic (DVCA), effective January 11.

    Adeola holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from Alliance Manchester Business School, United Kingdom.

     She earned a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Nigeria and obtained a Barrister at Law certificate from the Nigerian Law School, after which she was called to the Nigerian bar.

    Adeola is the immediate past Head of the Department of Operations, Marketing, and Information Systems at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, Nigeria, and the Academic Director of LBS Sales Academy.

    She previously held the position of Associate Dean of Business Administration at the University of the People, California, USA, where she currently serves as a Business Administration Advisory Board member.

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    She is an Independent Non-Executive Director at Cornerstone Insurance Plc, Nigeria, and she served as a member of the Board of Directors at the University of Kigali until her appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor-Academic.

     She possesses over 28 years of relevant work experience in industry and academia. Before transitioning to academia, she had spent over a decade in various roles within Nigeria’s financial sector, starting her career at Citibank Nigeria.

    Professor Adeola’s pursuit of professional excellence is evident in her completion of executive education programmes at globally renowned institutions, including Harvard Business School, The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business, London Business School, and Cranfield School of Management.

    She  enhanced her pedagogical skills through specialised training in case teaching and teaching innovation programmes of Harvard Business Publishing Education, IESE Business School, Spain, the Global Business School Network (GBSN), and Teaching the Practice of Management joint programme of the Association of African Business Schools and the Gordon Institute of Business Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa.

    Her interdisciplinary research interests span marketing strategy, sustainability, tourism, and gender studies, with a particular focus on projecting the dynamics of African business concepts and practices.

    She has authored, co-authored, edited, and co-edited over 120 academic and practitioner articles, books, conference papers, and business and marketing case studies. Her scholarly contributions have been published in top-tier journals with ABS 3, 4, and 4* rankings from the Chartered Association of Business Schools (ABS), including the Industrial Marketing Management, Tourism Management, Annals of Tourism Research, and Journal of International Business Studies.

    Her co-authored papers also won Best Paper Awards at international conferences in 2016-2019, consecutively, and the prestigious Emerald Literati Award for Outstanding Paper in 2022.

    The January 2024 Alper-Doger Scientific Index ranks her as the No. 1 scientist in Nigeria for Marketing, No. 6 scientist for Business and Management in Nigeria, and among the top scholars in Africa for both fields. SciVal (Elsevier) also ranks her among the top 100 authors in Nigeria across all subject areas from 2020 to 2023.

    Beyond research, Professor Adeola is renowned for her teaching and mentoring. She has led marketing sessions on the full-time and Executive MBA programs, the Owner Managers Program, and customised and open enrollment seminars at Lagos Business School, since 2010.

    Additionally, she has delivered marketing sessions for the Women Entrepreneurship & Leadership for Africa (WELA) programme by the China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) in Lagos, the MSc programme at the University of Ghana Business School, and the PhD programme at the University of Professional Studies Accra (UPSA).

    She has served as an External Moderator (MBA Programme) at the University of Free State Business School, South Africa, and as an External Examiner (PhD program) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science & Technology (KNUST), Ghana; Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), South Africa; and Strathmore University, Kenya.

    She was a 2016 Visiting International Fellow at the Open University Business School, UK, a 2017 Paul R. Lawrence Fellow, USA, and serves as a Series Editor for the Palgrave Series on Marketing in Emerging Economies.

    In consultancy, Professor Adeola has offered her expertise in strategic marketing and brand management, intra-regional advisory, and gender equity services to numerous organisations.

    As part of the Alpha Team at the Centre for Global Enterprise, USA, she provided virtual consultancy to international companies, including the London Taxi Company, UK (2015); Texas Capital Bank, USA (2018); and Dusit International (Dusit Thani), Thailand (2021).

    She is a Consultant for Afreximbank, focusing on the African Sub-Sovereign Governments Network (AfSNET) Initiative, and also provided consulting services to the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) on the 2022 ‘Building Africa Report’ focused on women’s inclusion in the Cement, Concrete & Construction industry.

    In 2022, she served as the National Consultant for an International Labour Organization project promoting women’s economic empowerment in Nigeria.

    Additionally, she is the founder of the Digital Business Tutelage for Women Empowerment in Africa Initiative (DBTWEAi), a non-profit platform designed to enable young African women to unlock their potential. Her contributions to women’s empowerment were recognised with the prestigious Female Achievers Recognition Award in March 2022, co-hosted by American Corner in Lagos, and in June 2023, she was honored with The Peak Performing Woman of the Year 2023 Award in the Super Achievers category for Executive Education by The Peak Performer.

    Professor Adeola is a Fellow of both the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria, and the National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria

  • Immigration promises quick issuance of e-Passports to pilgrims

    Immigration promises quick issuance of e-Passports to pilgrims

    Newly Posted Controller of Immigration, Katsina State Command, Alhaji Ahmed Tijjani Muhammed, yesterday in Katsina, promised intending Pilgrims for the 2024 Haj Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, a quick issuance of E-Passports, to ensure a hitch free haj operations

    The Immigration boss, who made the pledge while on a visit to the Executive Director, Katsina State Pilgrims Welfare Board Alhaji Yunusa Dankama, in his office said he came to solicit for the continued support and cooperation of the board to enable him discharge his duties successfully

    He said: ’’We are expressing the readiness of our command to assist any Intending Pilgrims who are yet to acquire the new E. Passport as soon as possible, to ensure a hitch free upcoming 2024 Haji Operations.’’

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    Alhaji Dankama commended the Immigration boss for his visit and assured him of the boards’ support and cooperation in the discharge of his duties.

    The pilgrims’ board further informed his visitor that he was recently appointed to the office by Governor Dikko Umar Radda to take charge of the Board

    He described the Immigration service as critical stakeholder on Hajj operations in the state. He re-assured the Controller of the Boards support and cooperation.

    He assured pilgrims in the state of strict compliance to Hajj rules and regulations for 2024 exercise, as well as improved service delivery.

  • Alia hails Tinubu over Makurdi-Enugu road contract

    Alia hails Tinubu over Makurdi-Enugu road contract

    Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has appreciated the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government, for approving the contract for the dualization of the Makurdi- Otukpo-9th Mile (Enugu) road project.

    The governor gave the commendation at Apir, Makurdi Local Government yesterday during the kickoff of the Makurdi-Enugu road project.

    He assured the Ministry of Works and the contractor handling the project, China Habour Engineering Company Limited (CHEC) of the state government’s support and partnership to ensure the project is completed within the specified time.

    Governor Alia who also appreciated God for granting the state a new leaf under his watch, thanked the people of Benue for their patience.

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    He urged them to continue to support his administration and that of President Ahmed Tinubu for the overall progress of the state and country.

    Expressing his confidence and belief in China Habour Engineering Company to do a good job, the governor charged the people of the area and the state in general, to support the contractor in the area of security and other ways they can, for speedy delivery of the job.

    Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, commended governor Alia for his determination to develop the state, given his numerous visits to his office in Abuja.

    He thanked President Tinubu for approving the project and other numerous road projects across the country, assuring that the requests the governor made when he visited the ministry will be granted.

    The former Ebonyi state governor assured that work on the Makurdi-Enugu road project will kick off in full swing, going forward.

    While commending governor Alia for his efforts to transform Benue state, with numerous ongoing road projects in Makurdi, the minister thanked the state government for creating an enabling environment for the construction of the Makurdi-Enugu road project.

    On their part, the CHEC team promised to do their best to deliver a good job on the 266.4km road project.

    The overall funding of the project is a partnership between the federal government of Nigeria and the Export-Import Bank of China.

  • Kogi Poly holds orientation to curb internet fraud

    Kogi Poly holds orientation to curb internet fraud

    To address the growing concern  about internet fraud affecting students’ academic performances, the Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, conducted an orientation  for its new intake.

    The event, organized by the School of General Communication Studies, featured insightful discussions and advice from various speakers.

    The school’s Director of Information Technology and Resource Centre (ITRC), Ezekiel Adeiza Rock, took the stage to enlighten students on the adverse effects of internet fraud on academic pursuits. Rock emphasized the prevalence of cyber fraud in the contemporary world and its impact on students, urging them to be vigilant.

    He said: ” Internet fraud, also known as cyber fraud, has become a pervasive issue in the contemporary world, and its impact on students’ academic pursuits is a matter of great concern.”

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    Rock highlighted the distraction and time consumption caused by internet fraud, including activities such as online scams and get-rich-quick schemes. He emphasized the need for comprehensive awareness programs and collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat internet fraud.

    “Engaging in internet fraud can have long-term consequences for students, both ethically and legally. Participation in fraudulent activities undermines the principles of academic integrity and ethical conduct, jeopardizing students’ academic standing and future prospects,” he said.

    Strategies to mitigate the impact of internet fraud were outlined, including educational programs, support services, and collaboration with law enforcement. Rock concluded by urging students to prioritize academic goals and make responsible choices online.

    Earlier, Mrs Ardlene Omolola Balagbogbo, the Dean of the School of General and Communication Studies, delivered a welcoming address during the orientation program. She welcomed the students and emphasized the importance of character refinement through education, while attributing the success of the institution and the birth of the Mass Communication department to the Rector, Associate Professor Usman Ogbo.

    “I want to advise you to be good students, be loyal to your lecturers, your HOD and the entire members of the school of communication and general studies.”

    “Read your books, have an open heart to receive all that you need to learn in this institution.

    “I always tell my students, you are in the school to learn. Allow the school to pass through you, not just passing through the school. So that when you graduate from here, you will become a mass communicator with a difference.

    “When you look at the word education in your dictionary, it means refinement of character. Education does not focus on just reading to pass. In the process of learning to pass, let your character be refined so that at the end of the day, you will be a good ambassador of Kogi State Polytechnic.

    “Because even when you graduate from here, there is a life exam that you will face. There is school exam and there is life exam. You can have A in school exam and have D in life exam. But life exam is more important because when you leave here you will face life after school.

    “So, please, let’s do all we can to be obedient students. Don’t say because you are in a tertiary institution you can do whatever you like, no,” she said.

    The Head of the Mass Communication Department, Mr. Tairu Nuhu Momoh discussed communication channels for academic affairs and stressed effective communication within the institution.

    Mr Momoh addressed the students, providing insights into the communication channels available for conveying their academic matters to the school’s administration. He outlined a hierarchy starting from their hostels, extending through departments, schools, and the general administration, ultimately involving the Registrar or the Rector. Tairu  clarified both the hostel and departmental hierarchies down to the level of General Administration.

    The School’s Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Ibinaye Janeth, provided tips for academic excellence, including engaging in tutorials and observing campus rules.

    The Head of the Department of Language and Communication, Mrs. Mamenoka Awodi, enlightened students on exam conduct, results computation, and the implications of examination misconduct.

    During her session, Mrs Awodi provided comprehensive guidance to the students, elucidating the process of calculating both their Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) and Grade Point Average (GPA). Emphasizing that academic excellence is a journey that commences from their initial days in school, she stressed the importance of a strong academic foundation.

    In addition to academic calculations, she covered various aspects of students’ conduct. Punctuality, participation in tutorials, refraining from using phones during exams, appropriate dressing, adherence to instructions, and avoiding exam misconduct were among the crucial topics addressed. Notably, she underscored the severe consequences awaiting any student found with unauthorized aids during an exam, highlighting the possibility of facing legal repercussions, including imprisonment.

    She disclosed further consequences for academic misconduct which she said ranged from carrying over a subject, spilling over to subsequent academic sessions, temporary expulsion, to outright expulsion, depending on the severity of the offense.

    In a stern tone, she warned against attempting to manipulate lecturers, urging students to understand that the polytechnic lecturers are not susceptible to bribery or solicitation.

    Other guests included Mr. Joel Ebenezer, Head of the Department of School of General Studies, Mr. Olorunfemi, a senior lecturer, and the Students Union President, Comrade Onuh Christian, who urged students to act on the information provided during the orientation.

    The highlight of the event which aimed to equip students with the knowledge and awareness needed to navigate their academic journey successfully while fostering a culture of integrity and ethical behavior within the institution, was recognition of the most appropriately dressed students by the Dean and a closing remark by the Mass Communication HOD who appreciated the guest speakers, the lecturers and the students.

  • ‘Calls for Service Chiefs sack not in national interest’

    ‘Calls for Service Chiefs sack not in national interest’

    A youth group under the aegis of Nigerian Patriotic Youth for Good Governance (NPYGG) has faulted the call for the sack of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, describing it as unwarranted and unfair to the Security Chiefs.

    The group also said the call was not in the national interest but to protect the individual interests of some unpatriotic Nigerians.

    In the wake of the recent insecurity threat in the Federal Capital Territory and other parts of the country, some groups and individuals have called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dispense off all the security Chiefs in the country. 

    Rising in defence of the military chiefs at a press conference in Abuja, the Coordinator of the group, Barr. Abdulmalik Attahiru emphasised that the military is making concerted efforts to tackle the issue of insecurity headlong, adding that those calling for their sack are doing it against the national interest and also serve the interest of their paymasters.

    According to him: “There is no iota of doubt that in the recent time, there have been pockets of cases of kidnapping within the Territory of Abuja and lo and behold, a concerted effort is being made to frontally confront the trend. 

    “We cannot be oblivious of the copious facts that some arrests have made, investigation is in top gear and those fomenting insecurity within the territory of Abuja and Nigeria at large will soon be brought to book ultimately. There is no hidden place for criminals in Nigeria. They will be brought to book regardless of who they are and where they are.

    “We must not forget that the fundamental mandate of the Nigerian Armed Forces is to protect the territorial integrity of Nigeria from external invasion/aggression. The Nigerian military has done a lot in this regard. They have made a lot of sacrifices to keep Nigeria relatively safe and orderly. They are not resting on their oars. They are working round the clock in collaboration with security agencies to restore security, peace and stability to Nigeria.

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    “The Armed Forces under Gen. C.G. Musa is doing tremendously well in the area of restoring stability to Nigeria. He is a talk and military general. He has carved a niche for himself within the military architecture in Nigeria. Commitment to duty and dedication to service have been his watchword. He has always distinguished himself in all the places he served. 

    “General C.G. Musa’s Military carrier and antecedents are spotless and unblemished. As Commandant Depot, Nigerian Army, 2015-2017, his legacies have continued to linger. When he was Theatre Commander JTF North East Operation Hadin Kai, he performed exceptionally well by championing the unimaginable decimation of Boko Haram in the North East. Those who are calling for his head and the heads of the Service Chiefs do not mean well for Nigeria. Their call is unpatriotic and self-centred. What they require from Nigerians is encouragement and not discouragement”.

  • Fed Govt advocates national data bank for transport sector

    Fed Govt advocates national data bank for transport sector

    The Federal Government has called for a review of existing transport data collection and management systems in the country for national development.

    Minister of Transportation, Saidu Alkali said this at a one day stakeholders’ engagement forum on Smart National Transport Databank, NTD, organised by the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology, NIIT, Zaria, on Tuesday, in Abuja.

    He said the data bank will aid in the effective transportation management and planning for the country and ensure an efficient and modern transport system.

    The Minister also expressed optimism that the data bank project would help improve the efficiency of the transport system.

    He said: “This stakeholders’ engagement which focuses on the Strategic Importance of Smart National Transport Databank, is a fundamental factor for the development of the National Transport System.

    “The objective of this engagement is to guide the way towards an effective and efficient transport data collection and management system in the country. Similarly, it will sensitise stakeholders on the need and importance of transport data for national planning, improved policy formulation and synergy in the transport sector, as well as facilitating economic growth and development.

    “As you are aware, data management on the international scene is becoming increasingly complex, in view of globalization and the emergence of new Technology defined by the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in decision making process.

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    “Thus, reviewing the existing transport data collection and management system in the country, as well as developing an institutional framework for regular collection and analysis of transport data is essential to national development.”

    Director General/Chief Executive, NITT, Zaria, Dr. Bayero Farah, called for more collaboration, particularly with the private sector to adequately drive the initiative.

    Salihu said the Smart Transport Databank project would yield significant returns on investment because of the high demand for transportation services in the country.

    He said: “However, the Smart Transport Databank infrastructure is capital intensive and requires state-of-the arts technologies. The public sector alone cannot cope with the required capital outlay to achieve the project for the whole nation in view of competing demands of resources from other sectors of the National Economy.

    “This therefore calls for collaboration and cross pollination of ideas and material resources. It was this that motivated the institutes to look for investors through a Public Private Partnership (PPP), as enshrined in relevant laws of the federation.”

  • Fed Govt moves to reduce cost of needles, syringes

    Fed Govt moves to reduce cost of needles, syringes

    To reduce  the expenses associated with pharmaceutical products , the Federal Government has  held a meeting  with needles and syringes manufacturers in Nigeria.

    The meeting was presided over by the Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite.

    Following the closed-door session, Alausa briefed reporters, expressing that they had a fruitful discussion with the needle and syringe manufacturers.

    He added that there are currently five companies still operating in the country dedicated to the production of needles and syringes.                           

    The Minister clarified that the meeting was convened in accordance with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to decrease the expenses associated with pharmaceutical products and medical supplies in the country.

    According to him, “That was why this meeting was quickly held, and we explored and discussed many practical solutions where we can begin to have some quick wins, some immediate solutions that will be incorporated in the executive order that the president has asked us to work on and then as well as the medium term solutions and long term solutions on how we can get this problem permanently and completely resolved.

    “Everybody was happy at the end of the meeting, we believe we’ve addressed all the issues that will  put this industry on the part of sustainability, where they can begin to create employment for our itizen and where we would have needles and syringes that are of high quality that will not be harmful to our citizens as they go to our hospitals or healthcare facilities to seek care.”

    The Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, on her part, emphasized that the meeting’s objective was to address and remove obstacles hindering the industrialization and manufacturing processes within the health sector in Nigeria.

    She said: “I will re-echo the determination of Mr President to remove all bottlenecks that are impacting and impeding manufacturing in Nigeria and we have been able to address that in the course of our deliberations today.

    The Chairman of the Medical device manufacturers Dr lanre Shittu, expressed joy over the event, stating that it marked a significant step towards change that would halt the continuous shutdown and exiting of pharmaceutical companies from the country.

    He appreciated the government for looking into the challenges facing the industry, stating that the country in the next few years would become an exporter of needles and syringes if the efforts were sustained

    Shittu said:, “This is a historical day. We made history here today because we’ve been trying to address the issues that affecting the syringe and needle sector in the last six to seven years.

    “You will recall that a few weeks ago, one of the companies shut down. But following the intervention of Mr. President and the help of the Honorable Ministers of Trade, Investment, Health, and other members, we have  been able to sit down ans have an honest and heart to heart discussion. And they have  made practical commitments to resolving all our issues. He also plan to improve on the things we are doing and move this country towards self -sustenance.

    “I see that in the next three to five years, we will be net exporters of a lot of medical products. We thank them and we appreciate what Mr. President has done for us.”

    The Managing Director of Afrimedical Manufacturing and Supplies Ltd, 

    Read Also: Fed Govt moves to reduce cost of needles, syringes

    Mr Akin Oyediran, expressed joy over the event, stating that it marked a significant step towards change that would halt the continuous shutdown and exiting of pharmaceutical companies from the country.

    He appreciated the government for looking into the challenges facing the industry, stating that the country in the next few years would become an exporter of needles and syringes if the efforts were sustained

    According to him, “this is a historical day. We made history here today because we’ve been trying to address the issues that affecting the syringe and needle sector in the last six to seven years.

    “You will recall that a few weeks ago, one of the companies shut down. But following the intervention of Mr. President and the help of the Honorable Ministers of Trade, Investment, Health, and other members, we have  been able to sit down ans have an honest and heart to heart discussion. And they have  made practical commitments to resolving all our issues. He also plan to improve on the things we are doing and move this country towards self -sustenance.

    “I see that in the next three to five years, we will be net exporters of a lot of medical products. We thank them and we appreciate what Mr. President has done for us.”

    In response to inquiries about policies to support the syringe manufacturing system in the country, the Minister of Trade and Investment revealed that the government has designed a “backward integration program.” This initiative aims to enhance the healthcare sector and tackle challenges faced by local manufacturers. This system involves a company acquiring or merging with businesses providing raw materials for its finished products, with expectations of cost savings, increased revenues, and improved production efficiency.

    The Minister shared details of a program aimed at addressing challenges within the local health sector. She noted that the initiative is specifically designed to overcome obstacles faced by manufacturers operating in the health sector in Nigeria.

    Over the past decade, a number of companies have ceased operations in the country, primarily due to the challenging business environment. Notably, eight manufacturers of syringes and needles have closed down their operations in Nigeria.

    Jubilee Syringe Manufacturing Company, one of Africa’s largest manufacturers, which announced a temporary shutdown attributing it to the harsh business and economic environment, happened to be the most recent company to depart the shores of the country.

    In tackling the situation, Uzoka-Anite emphasized that the backward integration policy includes incentives for manufacturers in the sector. These incentives will be officially announced during the program’s launch, pending the approval of the federal executive council.

    “We have designed a backward integration programme which incorporates policies that affect medical devices and the entire healthcare. We are going to launch this backward integration programme with the approval of FEC. It is one policy that will change the game for the medical devices industry, and it is aimed at supporting their full capacity utilisation for their industries, and for us, it is a game-changer. It will contain incentives to support industries when launched to incentivize the manufacturers”, she said.

    She gave assurance that President Tinubu is dedicated to eliminating impediments to industrialization, particularly those impacting the syringe industry.

    The ministers’ engagement with manufacturers was prompted by the President’s Executive Order aimed at curbing the rising pharmaceutical costs in the country. This challenge has been exacerbated by the departure of pharmaceutical giants and currency devaluation.

  • Kebbi Governor inaugurates SDGs 100-bed hospital

    Kebbi Governor inaugurates SDGs 100-bed hospital

    The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasri Idris, yesterday inaugurated 100-bed Mother and Child Hospital in Tsafiya, Bagudu Local Government Area, Kebbi.

    The hospital was built by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (OSSAP-SDGs).

    Governor Idris commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the health sector through several initiatives and most especially, the input of the Office of the Sustainable Development Goals.

    He said the project was apt as it would drastically reduce child and maternal mortality within the council and by extension the neighbouring country, Benin Republic.

    The governor hailed the Office of the SSA for embarking on the project.

    According to him, Bagudu local Government is the biggest local government in Kebbi State and densely populated.

    He described President Tinubu’s administration as people-oriented

    He promised that the state government would provide quarters to medical personnel and nurses to complement the efforts of the Federal Government.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, said facility is one of the many Mother and Child Centres constructed and fully equipped by the OSSAP-SDGs across the country.

    “Let me from the outset appreciate President Tinubu, for his sterling leadership and commitment to working closely with sub-national governments to deliver key interventions to fast-track the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria. In the same vein, I would like to most sincerely thank Governor Nasri Idris for his unwavering commitment to the socio-economic transformation of Nigeria and our collective desire to achieve the SDGs in Nigeria,” she said.

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    According to her, the SDGs are a universal call to action to end poverty, safeguard the planet and ensure all people enjoy peace and prosperity by the year 2030.

    She said: “It is pertinent to note that the SDGs cannot be achieved with standalone policies and programmes. They must be carefully integrated into our medium and long-term national and sub-national development policies and plans. It is in recognition of this that we are supporting the 36 states and the FCT on SDG-Based Development Planning.

    “Based on President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, we are committed to prioritizing key interventions with multiplier effects on multi-dimensional poverty, such as basic healthcare, vocational skills development and education provisioning. With COVID-19 pandemic challenging our healthcare system, strategic interventions, such as the Mother and Child Centre, have become imperative. Indeed, the primary and secondary effects of COVID-19 pandemic could reverse decades of human development gains and undermine the achievement of the SDGs, unless immediate action is taken and sustained. This is what we are doing right here in Tsafiya, Kebbi State.

    “Thus, the 100-Bed Mother and Child Centre (MCC), Tsafiya, is equipped with state-or-the-art facilities. They include among others – Two Operating Theatres; Recovery Rooms; Private and General Wards; Scanning Room; Consultation Rooms and Laboratory. Others include, Ultra-Scan Machine; Vacuum Extractor delivery set; and an Emergency Cart with full compliments. The MCC is directly linked to the achievement of SDG-3 on ‘Quality Health and Well-being for all’, as well as other cross-cutting SDGs.”

  • Coalition makes case for cheap price of crude to refineries

    Coalition makes case for cheap price of crude to refineries

    A coalition of youth groups, the Arewa Youth Ambassadors has urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited  (NNPCL)to supply private refinery owners with crude at a cheaper price.

    The organisation said refined products from these refineries would reduce the cost of transportation and make prices of foodstuffs affordable and sustainable in the country.

    Secretary of the group, Muktar Auwal made the appeal at a news conference in Abuja yesterday following the supply of crude oil to Dangote Petroleum Refinery (DPR) by the NNPCL.

    The Arewa Youth Ambassadors is a coalition of youth groups in the 19 northern states.

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    The group said selling crude oil to dangote refinery in foreign currency would be “counter-productive as far as Nigerian masses are concerned.”

    He said: “We are therefore, urging Mr President to continue working with the private refinery owners, particularly DPR and provide them with crude oil at a cheaper price so that the refined products from these refineries will reduce the cost of transportation and make prices of foodstuffs affordable and sustainable in the country.

    “We pray to the Almighty to help Mr President turn the Nigerian economy around, unite the country and build infrastructure that would eventually transform the country to a better place for all.

    “We congratulate Aliko Dangote for his business acumen and his commitment to solving the near-impossible problem of fuel scarcity in Nigeria. His wise decision to invest huge amounts of money to ensure that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery is a success story is a remarkable achievement for Nigeria.”