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  • Eltee Skhillz thrill with dance steps in ‘Galala’ visual

    Eltee Skhillz thrill with dance steps in ‘Galala’ visual

    By Olaitan Ganiu

    Nigerian singer and performer, Olowu Taiwo better known as Eltee Skhillz has again displayed his breathtaking moves in his latest song, ‘Galala’.

    The track, which is off his soon-to-be-released Extended Playlist (EP) titled, ‘Body of Work’ has garnered over a hundred views on YouTube view and still currently enjoying massive airplay both on radio and TV platform.

    Produced by Krizbeatz and Mixed and Mastered by SPYRITMIX. The audio-visual is a fusion of EDM (Electronic Dance Machine) and a blend of Konto/dancehall vibe, a new sound the industry needs to look out for as the video depicts Eltee’s love for a certain genre of dance.

    Speaking on the project, Eltee disclosed that all hands are currently on deck towards putting out a good Extended Playlist (EP) titled ‘ Body of Work’ which is tentatively slated for release by the end of June 2021.

    “I can’t wait for lovers of good music and dance to see the magic my team and I have created with the EP, it’s an enjoyable journey from start to finish.”

    Eltee Skhillz recent song ‘Lucy Remix’ featuring the queen of Afro-house, Niniola is still topping the music charts and blasted outside Nigeria.

    The versatile singer is one artist who has mastered the art and ready to unleash other potentials towards remaining relevant in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

  • PharmAccess, WHO, others advocate increased funding for Nigeria’s health sector

    PharmAccess, WHO, others advocate increased funding for Nigeria’s health sector

    By Our Reporter

    PharmAccess Foundation, the World Health Organization (WHO) and others health sector stakeholders have joined voices in advocating increased funding and financial risk protection for the health sector in Nigeria.

    This call was made at the ‘Fourth Annual Legislative Summit on Health’ in Abuja, which began from Sunday May 23 to Tuesday May 25, 2021. The event brought together legislators, government officeholders and health organizations, both international and national.

    The objective of the annual legislative network summit is to propose the enactment of laws that will effectively leverage statutory functions of the legislature in Nigeria for improved health financing, toward effective and efficient utilization of the resources for Universal Health Coverage.

    The theme of this year’s summit was “Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Health Security (HS): Two Sides of a Coin for an Efficient Health System.”

    Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Senator Yahaya Ibrahim Olorigbe, called on the federal government to implement its promise to allocate 15% of the national budget to the health sector so as to boost it.

    He said: “The demand of the sector from the government, both at the federal and state level, is what was agreed in Abuja in 2001. That is at least 15% of the national budget was agreed to be allocated to the health sector however since then, we have not achieved that. That is simply what we are asking for.”

    He further explained that the motive of the Summit is to amend and strengthen necessary legal frameworks on health so as to bring about quality, equitable and affordable basic minimum healthcare package for all Nigerians.

    Also speaking at the event, the Country Director of PharmAccess Foundation, Njide Ndili expressed her delight at the opportunity for the government and other significant stakeholders to synergize and work towards strengthening the healthcare sector.

    READ ALSO: Health Minister, PharmAccess, HFN deliberate on COVID vaccination

    She stressed the importance of digital innovations to help improve accessibility. She also spoke about leveraging technology to aggregate funding and local resource mobilization, to build the capacity of the regulators so that their laws will provide an enabling environment for innovators. She added that “without government commitment to funding healthcare, achieving UHC by 2030 will be impossible.”

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented by the minister of state for health, Dr Olorunnimbe Mamora, said the attainment of universal healthcare coverage is one of the government’s top priorities. He said: “This administration is committed to the achievement of universal health coverage to provide a richer basic minimum of a package of health services to meet common healthcare needs of all citizens.”

    Also adding his voice was the representative of the European Union to Nigeria, Mr. Alexander Gomez, who stressed the importance of Nigeria collaborating with the WHO and the international committee on projects that will promote comprehensive health reforms.

    Other organizations represented at the summit include the United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), Nigeria Healthwatch, amongst others.

  • Rahman Jago: Changing the narratives for the ghetto youths

    Rahman Jago: Changing the narratives for the ghetto youths

    Our Reporter

    Rahman Jago born Tiamiu Abdulrahman Kayode is a Nigerian superstar singer and songwriter.
    It is unarguable that he was one of the creators of the original leg walk dance, alongside music star Zlatan Ibile.

    Born March 18, 1990, Rahman Jago had his early life in Lagos State. Although from the Ghetto part of the state, Rahman Jago has continued to change the narrative as a successful son of the soil.

    Rahman Jago’s first song, Ijo Ope, had Zlatan featured which was produced by Rexxie.
    He also has other songs, Mo40 (featuring Bad Boy Timz and Barry Jhay) and Of Lala.
    For Rahman Jago, the dominance of African music on the global stage is not likely to end any time soon.

    READ ALSO: Ghetto life motivated me to hustle hard – Olamide

    As one of the influential figures behind the afrobeat renaissance in Nigeria, Rahman Jago strongly argues that the evolution of afrobeat and African music in general, has not reached its peak. “Look out for more Nigerians getting Grammy nominations and winning more categories in the nearest future,” he declared.

    He also asserted that Nigeria will continue to dominate the music scene of Africa. “We have been able to blend our diversity into our music and this has enriched our creativity beyond measure,” he noted.

    Advising the youths from the Ghetto on the best ways to better their lives and stay motivated, Rahman Jago says, “No matter how rough it may look, always see beyond the present and stay hopeful for a better tomorrow. May our success never be once upon a time. While some of you want to compete with your friends and be richer than them, some of us just want to enjoy life and be able to afford everything we want. At the end of the day, na who happy pass enjoy life. Find Happiness and stay happy.”

    He added, “Never use the yardstick of others to measure your own life. You are too young to be so troubled and unhappy.. What is for you won’t pass you by.”

  • Makinde essay competition winners rewarded with cash prizes, scholarship

    Makinde essay competition winners rewarded with cash prizes, scholarship

    Our Reporter

    Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) group has again lauded Governor Seyi Makinde’s efforts in repositioning the education sector in Oyo State.

    This was made known during its presentation of awards to the top 20 selected winners in an essay competition organised by the group tagged, “Seyi Makinde Essay Competition Award”, held at the Simeon Adebo Staff Development Center, Conference Hall, Ministry of Establishment and Training Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, Oyo State, on Monday.

    The winners of the just concluded competition were rewarded with cash prizes, certificates, and a scholarship to one of the participants.

    According to the group, the competition was organised for students in higher institutions of learning who reside in the state as well as an indigene of Oyo State to empower youths and test their intellectual capacity in some selected topics in the area of digital innovations in agriculture and the role of youths in governance.

    The event was graced by the Oyo State Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Professor Dahud Sangodoyin; Chairman Governing Board, Oyo State College of Health Science and Technology, Dr Aaron Ogundiwin and the Provost of the institution, Mr Siji Ganiyu; Professor Olufemi Saibu; Dr Olufemi Olowookere and General Manager, BCOS, Mr Tunde Ajayi, among others.

    The winner of the competition, Salahudeen Balqeez Oyenike was presented with a cheque of N150, 000, while the first runner-up, Adeniyi Oluwamayowa Adedoyin got a cheque of N100, 000.00 and the second runner-up, Ezekiel Kolawole, was presented with the sum of N50, 000. 00. Also, the only secondary school student who made it to the final stage of the competition, Adeleke Oluwaseyi, was presented with a scholarship of JAMB form and a first-year tuition fee of the tertiary institution of her choice.

    Speaking at the event, Professor Sangodoyin charged the 20 finalists and the three winners of the competition to maximize their potentials as well as to key into the programmes in the education sector, which is the salient agenda of Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration.

    “We are highly impressed with the outcome of the competition because even secondary school pupils also participated in the over 5000 entries and 20 made it to the final stage of which 1st, 2nd, and 3rd winners emerged,” he added.

    Sangodoyin said: “OID is delighted on the success of Seyi Makinde Essay Competition which is earmarked as part of the activities marking the second anniversary of the Seyi Makinde-led government. This shows that the future of Oyo State is bright and we only need to push and encourage our young ones in order to have a knowledge-based economy.”

    The OID Academy Coordinator, Dr Sophia Adeyeye also lauded Governor Makinde on the success he has recorded, especially in the area of education through various laudable policies gearing towards academic excellence in Oyo State.

    She appreciated Governor Makinde for keeping his promises by appointing Commissioner for Youth, who is less than 30 years of age, and employing more than 5000 youths into Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) as well as giving youths more opportunities in other government parastatals.OID National Coordinator, Professor Olufemi Saibu, noted that over 20 percent of the budget allocated to the education sector is paying the dividends and encouraging the youths to support the administration in ensuring that the success story in Governor Makinde’s strive for effective and qualitative education within the two years in the office is achievable.

    OID Women’s Coordinator, Dr Olasumbo Savage advised the female students to imbibe the culture of hard work, diligence, and dedication so as to excel in their chosen career, adding, “Be yourself and stand to be counted among the best.”

    The group spokesperson, Mr Ayotomiwa Adebayo, in his remarks urged the youths and good people of Oyo State to support Governor Makinde in his efforts in transforming education and other key sectors in order to make the state an investment destination for investors.

    The event also featured special recognition awards to dignitaries, including, Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Chairman BCOS, Prince Dotun Oyelade; Special Adviser on Cultural and Tourism, Alhaji Taye Akande; Chairman Governing Council, Oyo State College of Health, Science and Technology and General Manager, Oyo State Road Traffic Management, Commander Adeoye Ayoade for their contributions to serving the people of Oyo State under the visionary and exceptional leadership of Governor Makinde.

  • Hairstylist seeks government support for beauty industry

    Hairstylist seeks government support for beauty industry

    Our Reporter

    South African-based Nigerian-born hairstylist, Ohaekwuzie Ekene Daniel, popularly known as Multiple Hair, is seeking government support for the growth of the fashion and beauty industry.

    Multiple Hair, urges the government to set up a skill acquisition act which according to him would provide opportunities for unemployed youths.

    The beauty enthusiast who has become a force to reckon with in the female-dominated industry noted that though the government is trying in its own way, much is still expected from them, considering the industry has become a haven for a lot of young Nigerians to explore their God-given talents.

    “It is imperative for FG to provide lots of measures to make the industry more resourceful to give room for more discovery of creativity. I also want to urge other African countries, especially South Africa to take a cue from Nigeria’s ideology so as to foster more national and international relations,” said Multiple Hair.

    “Africa has a lot of talents. Using my talent and skills from Nigeria in South Africa has been the best experience I have had in this industry. I am resolute to explore my authentic creativity all the way from Nigeria. Though challenges arise, I refused to be distracted and also take every hurdle as a step for new opportunities”.

    READ ALSO: Foundation empowers women, others

    The young entrepreneur also said he is not intimidated finding himself in the female-dominated industry, adding that hard work and commitment has, indeed, distinguished him as a sought-after stylist in the industry.

    “The decade we are in now is more versatile and accepting every creative artist, male or female. Women now trust male stylists than females. Gender is no longer important, creativity is.”

    The Bayelsa State-born promising stylist, who has worked with celebrities including Boity Thulo known as Boity; Khanyi Mbau Metanoia, among others, revealed that he discovered his passion assisting his elder sister, who is a braider, and became a household name after being certified as a professional stylist at Anthony Cut in Dubai.

  • COVID-19: Health workers’ commitment saved Nigeria’s declining outpatient care – Osinbajo

    COVID-19: Health workers’ commitment saved Nigeria’s declining outpatient care – Osinbajo

    By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

    The Vice President of Nigeria, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, Monday disclosed that the commitment of health workers across the country restored already declining outpatient consultations in the first four months of the pandemic.

    Stressing on the need to always set aside funds for public health emergencies, Osinbajo called for continued and improved health security preparedness in diagnosis and response to outbreaks of epidemics and pandemics like COVID-19.

    The Vice President who was represented by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made these known in Abuja, at the 4th Annual Legislative Summit on Health with the theme: “Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and Health Security (HS): two sides of a coin for an Efficient Health System.”

    He said: “The attainment of the Universal Health Coverage for all Nigerians and especially for the most vulnerable Nigerians is at the heart of the human capital development initiative of this administration.

    “Our experience in the last one year of COVID in Nigeria has exposed the vulnerability of our health system and the importance of preparedness, diagnosis and response mechanism. However, there are different understanding of what is meant by the concept of health security.

    “According to the World Health Organization, global public health security is defined as the activities required, both proactive and reactive, to minimize the danger and impact of acute public health events that endanger people’s health across geographical regions and international boundaries.

    “One of such proactive steps is to ensure that there are funds set aside always and which can be made available whenever there is a public health emergency. Such fund should only be utilized when a public health emergency is declared, while the legislature must ensure that adequate budgetary allocation is made for preparedness activities.

    READ ALSO: Furore over absence of Buhari, Osinbajo at funeral of late COAS Attahiru, other military chiefs

    “Reactive and response activities must also include ensuring the continuity of routine services such as immunization, family planning etc., and keeping sight on other diseases like malaria. According to data from the Federal Ministry of Health, outpatient consultations were 15 to 20 percent lower than expected in the first 4 months of the pandemic. This was quickly addressed and with the commitment of our health workers, we have been able to restore these services.”

    He added: “The Federal Ministry of Health is committed to the achievement of Universal Health Coverage for all citizens through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) which has been revised to provide a much richer Basic Minimum Package of Health Services, to meet common healthcare needs of all citizens. With this fund, the poor and vulnerable will have access to essential health services without experiencing catastrophic out-of-pocket expenditure that often spells financial ruin to the average citizen.

    “Finally, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I have looked at the agenda and I could see that it is very diverse and well thought out. As you deliberate, I urge you to critically look at the issues and come up with recommendations that will complement ongoing efforts towards strengthening the health system. I wish you all a fruitful deliberation.”

  • Police bust Cyber Crime syndicate in Imo

    Police bust Cyber Crime syndicate in Imo

    By Chris Njoku, Owerri

    Imo State Police Command Monday busted a syndicate of notorious Internet fraudsters, who have been on the run for series of Cybercrimes they have committed within Imo and neighbouring states.

    The suspects arrested are Chidiebere Nwaguma ‘m’ 23years old, Chukwuemeka Johnson ‘m’ 20years old and Maduka Vincent ‘m’ 22years old.

    They are natives of Idemeogwa Mbaitoli Local Government Area of the state, but resident at Orogwe Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State.

    The spokesman, SP Bala Elkana, who confirmed the story, said that the suspects were arrested on May 20, at about 2240 hours by the operatives from the Command’s Tactical units along Amakohia Owerri/Orlu Road Owerri in a Lexus 350 RX car with registration number GGE 966 GP suspected to be bought with the proceeds of crime.

    READ ALSO: Senate considers Bill to fight cyber crime

    He said the suspects have confessed to having defrauded many unsuspecting members of the public.

    He also disclosed that some items which include three laptops and three iPhones used in perpetrating the fraud were recovered.

    “Also recovered were some wraps of substances suspected to be Indian hemp.”

    According to him, the Commissioner of Police Imo State, CP Abutu Yaro, has directed that the suspects be charged to Court.

  • Joyce Daniels speaks on economic development

    Joyce Daniels speaks on economic development

    Our Reporter

    Joyce Daniels in her quarterly Courage and Confidence webinar inspires her audience with the courage to acknowledge and face their Truth.

    Joyce Daniels says that whether you choose to stay in the country or to leave, you need courage to make plans and to pursue the plans until you achieve desired results.

    She reinstates the importance of making the “Nigerian factor” mean something positive as against the popular known phrase seen as a negative portrayal of our culture and way of life.

    In Joyce Daniels words, “identifying your source of motivation is paramount” for this new breed of people she terms “…Nation Builders.”

    Joyce Daniels extends her Social Engineering Practice to the area of human capacity development. As part of efforts to promote Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) she initiated the EWU Youth Empowerment Programme, Edo state.

    READ ALSO: ‘Nigeria must see COVID-19 as catalyst for economic development’

    The 2 phases of the programme trained small-scale businesses/entrepreneurs; helping them understand the need to grow the nation’s economy through thriving grassroots businesses. Trainees learnt about developing sustainable business ideas, how to carry out feasibility studies and why, also, the relevance of branding and strategy.

    As a Social Engineering Practitioner, Joyce Daniels says, “it is my belief that improved people by default make for an improved nation and it reflects heavily on her civics, leadership, decision making and standard of living.”

  • Ogunsan lauds Aregbesola at 64

    Ogunsan lauds Aregbesola at 64

    Our Reporter

     

     

    As birthday goodwills continue to pour in for the Minister of Interior and former governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Chairman of Executive Group and Board Member, Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF), Dr Ayo Ogunsan, has lauded the politician, describing him as ‘a distinguished engineer par excellence and the architect of modern Osun’.

    In a birthday message penned down by Ogunsan and made available to journalists, today, the renowned entrepreneur said: “On this special occasion of the birthday of a man of vision and excellence in all fronts, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, I join the rest of the world to celebrate a shining star that you are.

    “Ever since our paths crossed in life, I have known you to be a thinker and a doer, no doubt.

    “From your time as a commissioner in Lagos state, under the distinguished governorship of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to your current office as the Minister of Interior of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, you have remained a workaholic who has interests in good governance and people-driven projects.

    “As the fourth civilian governor of Osun State, you excelled in government such that your achievements in that state remains unparalleled, since history. Unquestionably, that makes you architect of modern Osun.

    “You set out to address challenges relating to sectors in education, health, infrastructure, agriculture and so on. To reel out some of your sterling achievements too numerous to count, you introduced an initiative for the creation of 20,000 jobs for youths in your first 100 days in office; an initiative which birthed the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O-YES).

    “In your first term, you also introduced the Osun School Infrastructure Development Project, which involved the construction of about 170 new schools; the Osun mid-regional market (O-HUB); the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O-REAP); the Osun Elementary School Feeding Programme (O-MEAL); Osun Tourism (O-TOURS), the Osun Special Ambulance Scheme (O-AMBULANCE) and Opon Imo initiative — an electronic tablet distributed for free to students in public schools in the state.

    “In the area of infrastructure, suffice to say that in a state without bridges from inception, your administration witnessed the building of five bridges and embarked on rural development electrification.

    “The administration also pioneered solutions in community-based rural road maintenance through the Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP). I think this speaks volume of you as a distinguished engineer par excellence.

    “Under your watch, the State of Osun, like you prefer it being called, won a couple of awards from the World Bank and other international bodies, with the House of Commons in the United Kingdom also inviting you to make a presentation on the impact of your programmes on child health and education.

    “On a larger scale, you have continued to support fiscal federalism which you believe is a panacea for sustainable growth and a utopian society.

    “I daresay that for all that you are to the people and for winning a special place in me, I want to congratulate you on your 64th birthday, while praying to God to grant you more years in sound health and all-round prosperity. Happy birthday, sir!,” Ogunsan said.

  • Reps member sacks aide over comments on Shekau

    Reps member sacks aide over comments on Shekau

    By Nicholas Kalu, Abuja

    A member of the House of Representatives from Borno State, Abdulkadir Rahis, has sacked one of his legislative aides, Bukar Tanda, for allegedly describing the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, as a “true hero”.

    Following the reported death of Shekau last week, it was learnt that Tanda had taken to his Facebook page on Thursday to eulogise him for blowing up himself instead of being captured by Islamic State West Africa Province fighters.

    In the Facebook post that was eventually deleted, Tanda had reportedly said: “I admire and appreciate his courage to terminate his life. He lived a life of a hero and died a true hero. He did it in such a way that not even traces of his corpse will be found.”

    Following the write-up, Rahis, in a letter personally signed terminated the appointment of Tanda.

    The letter dated May 21, 2021 reads: “I wish to formally write and notify you of the termination of your appointment as my legislative aide, forthwith.

    “Your actions, utterances and opinion of recent are at variance with my interest, that of my constituency and our great party, the APC.

    “The letter also serves as a disclaimer to any action or position you took or wish to take, on any matter that may have the remotest connection with me as a person or my office.”

    The sacked aide in another Facebook post on Sunday accepted the termination of his appointment in good faith.

    Tanda, however, distanced himself from terrorism.

    The post was titled “NOT ALL STORMS COME TO DESTROY SOME COME TO CLEAR YOUR PATHWAY.”

    It reads partly:

    “I wish to greatly appreciate the very timely proactiveness and concern of the appropriate Security Service for inviting me and interrogating me in a highly professional and ethical manner.

    “My engagement with the security service team remains one of the best moment in this overflouted allegations against my personal integrity and reputation. I am very delighted that I was respectfully invited and interrogated.

    “All should note that I deliberately avoided to speak to the message that brought about this unfortunate division amongst ourselves and I will never discuss the content of the message.

    READ ALSO: Controversy over Shekau

    “My decision on not to speak on the message is basically on the ground that “Action can only be satisfactorily judged and or measured by Intention”. My intension was not geared toward sympathy or affection to Shekau.

    “In the Post, I only tried to be metaphorical and philosophical in my expression just as the Author of the Post did i.e. Ahmed Lawan Dalorima.

    “Despite the all that happened, I hold no grudge against anyone who have speak against or for. I took personal and unilateral responsibility for all that happened and accused nobody for any wrongdoing.

    “I have learnt a lifetime lesson and have now have clear idea of the companies to relate with. In this matter, I have acquired rare privilege of recognition which itself is a great honour.

    “To Honourable Abdulkadir Rahis, I cannot find the right words to express my appreciation for the opportunity to serve as your Aide and more importantly for the spirit of brotherhood you shared with me although our memorable years of togetherness.

    “Your decision to terminate my appointment is well accepted and in good faith and I found nothing wrong in your decision. I wish you all the best in your endeavors. Mighty Thanks to all for the calls, messages and sincere show of brotherhood spirit.”