The Nation Newspaper

Tag: commissioners

  • Commissioners call for health reforms, financing

    Lagos State Commissioner for Health Dr Jide Idris, and his  Ogun and Kwara state’s counterparts, Dr Babatunde Ipaye and Mr Abolaji Alege, have canvassed proper financing, capacity building and health reform to move the sector forward.

    According to Idris, stakeholders need to pressure the government to fund healthcare and ensure the sector is reformed.

    Idris spoke in Lagos during PharmAccess Strategy Day on Nigeria. The theme was Making health markets work for low-income people in Nigeria.

    The major problem, Idris said, lies with those who run the country’s health system, stressing that many lacked the capacity to function effectively.

    “Many of them are not computer literate. This was disturbing as it did not allow for improvement in the use technology in the hospitals,” he said.

    He said the reality of poor funding of the sector came to the fore during the Ebola Virus Disease outbreak in the country.

    “When Ebola struck, we saw issues of logistics coming up. But we the government what we need and the money came,” he said.

    Idris whose topic centred on health delivery and sustainability, said technology has a role to play in improving access to healthcare delivery system.

    Dr Ipaye identified poor funding of healthcare as the primary issue affecting the growth of the sector.

    He advised the Federal Government to invest in the sector, adding: “Nobody can give what he does not have”.

    The Ogun State Health commissioner said the present three percent of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to healthcare was poor, stressing that more fund should be invested in the sector.

    Ipaye said the country’s per capita income has bearing on the state of health.

    The Country Director, PharmAccess Foundation Nigeria, Njide Ndili said her organisation was interested in increasing access to inclusive quality health care for low income communities in Nigeria.

    According to her, lack of access to inclusive quality health care is one of the primary challenges facing Nigeria.

    This, she said, was in spite of the efforts being undertaken by stakeholders in the industry.

    She said the programme was organised to facilitate discuss among key players to get response from stakeholders, long standing partners, new and potential partners.

    The programme, she said, would enable the company find a way forward to advance access to quality healthcare to low income communities.

  • Kebbi appoints eight commissioners, three special advisers

    Kebbi appoints eight commissioners, three special advisers

    The Kebbi state government has appointed eight new members of the state executive council.

    Justice Asabe Karatu, who represented the state Chief Justice, Justice Bala Mairiga performed the swearing- in of eight of the new commissioners in Birnin Kebbi on Monday.

    Then new commissioner  who are  yet to be  assigned their portfolio includes; Abubakarn Bunu, Abubakar Ladan, Bala Kangiwa, Ibrahim Kamba, Ibrahim Augie, Adamu Ngaski while the only female commissioner  Rakiya Ayuba, was absent at the ceremony.

    Justice Karatu, also performed the swearing-in of three special advisers to the governor- They are the former speaker of the state  House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Jega, Navy Capt. Abubakar MuazuRtd and Dr. Fatima Bunza.

    Governor Atiku Bagudu who supervised the ceremony said the new members into the executive council were the first batch and tasked them to support his administration in moving the state forward.

    He lamented that his administration had been weighed down by a debt of N83 billion from his predecessor stressing that the fall in Oil prices in the international, market had further reduced the revenue earnings by the state from the federal government.

    “I urge the new commissioners to think creatively in restoring the lost glory in the civil service.  My administration would accord priority to agriculture, education and health care delivery,” he added.

     

  • C/River gov swears in 28 commissioners

    • Assigns Culture & Tourism to self

    Cross River State Governor, Professor Ben Ayade yesterday swore in 28 Commissioners.

    Ayade, who assigned to himself the Ministry of Culture & Tourism, gave reasons why he chose to expand the state executive council from 13 to 28 at a time the economy is in trouble.

    He charged the commissioners to ‎be creative and dedicated to the task of improving the lot of the people by enthroning a prosperous economy.

    While reminding the commissioners to be up and doing in their respective ministries, he said: “We are in a challenging time, so let me charge all of you very strongly and firmly too, that the philosophy that led to the expansion of this exco creates for you an opportunity to distinguish yourselves.

    “We recognise the difficulties and challenges of the times we found ourselves rising to leadership at a point that is almost impossible to run a state. It is only in times like this that true men are tested.”

    On the decision to expand the cabinet, Governor Ayade explained: “When government finds it difficult to survive, individuals find it more difficult to survive. It is the time you need to expand government to accommodate all through the challenging times.”

    He said the expansion was mainly on areas of needs, saying that it was done based on a deep vision ‎that the ministries will create new investment opportunities and “provide food for our young ones while also providing a platform for them to actualize their dreams.”

    He said he expects the new commissioners to “help in the actualization of transforming the socio-economic landscape of this great state.

    “Take this as a sacred opportunity and let me also remind you that history beckons and it is watching, and that whatever you do from this little office is what will grow you. Your future is tied to the ambition you start today. Therefore, buckle up and engrave a signature that will be unique and stand the test of time. A signature that philosophically drags you towards God’s head and will reflect on your lives.”

    The governor charged the commissioners to exhibit a high sense of discipline in their official conducts, saying, “apply extra prudence, reduce economic miasma and focus on setting targets that you will accomplish. I charge you to recognise the fact the you come from Cross River, a state that is known for class and elegance.”

    The commissioners are:  Barr. Joe Abang, Justice, Chief Offu Ebiregor Ayia – ICT, Engr. Dan Osim-Asu.- Works, Hon. Gabe Odu Orji.- Water Resources Hon. George O’ben-Etchi- Solid Minerals, Hon. Francis Etta – Ministry of Int’l Donor Corporation, Mr. Oliver Orok.- Sustainable Development, Hon. Onoh Ulafor – Ministry of Local Govt Affairs and Mrs. Rosemary Archibong – Information & Orientation.

    Others are Engr. Mike Eraye – Environment,Victor Adugba Agwu – Special Projects & Special Duties, Prof. Anthony Eneji – Agriculture and Mr. Sunday Achunekang -Rural Transformation, Establishment & Training. Others are Hon. Saviour Nyong – Transport, Dr. Alice Alok Ekwu – Climate Change, Mr. Edem O. Effiom -Social Housing Hon. Godwin Ettah – Education, Barr. Chris Nja -Gas Resources, Mr. Asuquo Ekpenyong – Finance, Mr. Asu Okang -Youths & Sports Development, Mr. George Ekpungu – New City Development, Dr. John Inyang – Lands Development, Mr. Peter Akan Egba – Commerce & Industries Mr. Thomas Udam – Power, Mrs. Stella Ereme Odey – Women Affairs Dr. Inyang Asibong – Health,Hon. Itaya Nyong – Petroleum Resources and Ntufam Edim Inok Edim – Infrastructure.

  • Group sets agenda for commissioners

    Group sets agenda for commissioners

    The Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit has enjoined the new state commissioners to make good governance and youth empowerment their utmost goals.

    The umbrella Muslim students’ body made this known in a congratulatory statement signed by its Amir, Saheed Ashafa, yesterday.

    The organisation urged the cabinet members to make as priorities religious freedom and equality; education; youth empowerment, improved security and economy.

    It also asked the new commissioners not be far from the masses.

    Ashafa said: “All the commissioners should know that accountability, commitment and transparency are the souls of good governance. If they do not want to fail, they should identify with the grassroots. We do not want commissioners who will not listen to our voices, we do not want commissioners that will jettison the voice of the masses.

    “Lagosians want well sorted out policies. It is true that we are yearning for a change, but government should know that the faster the change, the harder it is to manage. We suggest that the commissioners only initiate policies that would aid religious, economic, and social situation of Lagosians.

    ”Lagos State has ignited a lot of expectations and it is important for the commissioners to improve on some policies. Among the policies that need urgent change include the ban on wearing of Hijab in public schools and the cremation law,” the society said.

    While urging the new commissioners to be God fearing and dedicated to duty, Ashafa urged them not to be distracted.

    ”We pray to Allah to guide them. They should not see their new positions as a means to unlawfully enrich themselves but to serve and better the society. If they refuse to lead as expected and are able to escape the wrath of humans, they can’t from God. Allah will judge them based on their actions and in-action,” he added.

     

  • Ambode to swear in commissioners, special advisers Monday

    Ambode to swear in commissioners, special advisers Monday

    Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will on Monday, October 19, swear in 23 commissioners and 14 special advisers, who will constitute the State Executive Council (SEC).

    According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the ceremony will hold at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat by 10am.

    According to him: “The House of Assembly has just officially informed His Excellency that they have completed the screening and confirmation of all the 23 commissioner designates and 14 special adviser designates which he had sent to the House on September 21. So, what is left is for him to conduct the swearing-in so as to enable them resume the task of governance.”

    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode had named six former cabinet members from the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration including former commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, former Special Adviser, Central Business District, Folarin Coker, former Special Adviser Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo, former Special Adviser Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and former Special Adviser Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe.

    He also named a relatively young cabinet with the likes of Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Fela Bank-Olemoh, Akinyemi Ashade, a partner in KPMG, former Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, a pharmacist, Kehinde Joseph and Prof. Ademola Abass, a Professor of Law, whose ages range between 39 and 47 years.

    Other names include Dr. Akintola Benson, former Special Adviser Political and Legislative Powers Bureau, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Dr. Mohammed Akinkunmi, former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Dr. Femi Onanuga, CEO of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Arch. Wasiu Anifowoshe, former member House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande, Agboola Dabiri, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Anofi Elegushi, Rotimi Ogunleye, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, Adeniji Kazeem, Adeyemi Labinjo, Toyin Suarau, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Deji Tinubu, Mrs. Mudirat Giwanson, Mr. Wale Oluwo​ and former Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan.

  • Ambode to swear in Commissioners, Special Advisers Monday

    Ambode to swear in Commissioners, Special Advisers Monday

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode will on Monday, October 19, swear in 23 Commissioners and 14 Special Advisers, who will constitute the State Executive Council.

    According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, the ceremony will hold at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat by 10am.

    According to him, “The House of Assembly has just officially informed His Excellency that they have completed the screening and confirmation of all the 23 Commissioner Designates and 14 Special Adviser Designates which he had sent to the House on September 21. So what is left is for him to conduct the swearing in ceremony so as to enable them resume the task of governance.”

    It would be recalled that Governor Ambode had named six former cabinet members from the Babatunde Raji Fashola administration including former commissioner for Agriculture, Gbolahan Lawal, former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, former Special Adviser, Central Business District, Folarin Coker, former Special Adviser Commerce and Industry, Seye Oladejo, former Special Adviser Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson and former Special Adviser Rural Development, Babatunde Hunpe.

    He also named a relatively young cabinet with the likes of Mrs. Yetunde Onabolu, Fela Bank-Olemoh, Akinyemi Ashade, a partner in KPMG, former Managing Director, National Mirror, Steve Ayorinde, Alhaja Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, a pharmacist, Kehinde Joseph and Prof. Ademola Abass, a Professor of Law, whose ages range between 39 and 47 years.

    Other names include Dr. Akintola Benson, former Special Adviser Political and Legislative Powers Bureau, Dr. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, Dr. Mohammed Akinkunmi, former member, House of Representatives, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, Dr. Femi Onanuga, CEO of LAMATA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Engr. Ade Akinsanya, Arch. Wasiu Anifowoshe, former member House of Assembly, Mrs. Lola Akande, Agboola Dabiri, Ganiu Okanlomo Sanni, Anofi Elegushi, Rotimi Ogunleye, Mrs Adebimpe Akinsola, Femi Odubiyi, Alhaji Musiliu Folami, Adeniji Kazeem, Adeyemi Labinjo, Toyin Suarau, Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Deji Tinubu, Mrs. Mudirat Giwanson, former Chairman Ejigbo LCDA, Kehinde Bamigbetan and Wale Oluwo.

  • Okowa urges commissioners to create wealth

    Okowa urges commissioners to create wealth

    Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has urged political appointees to be resourceful, adding that wealth creation is a priority.

    Okowa made the call in Asaba, the state capital, during the swearing in of 13 commissioners and three special advisers.

    The new commissioners, who were assigned portfolios, amidst thunderous ovation, are Peter Mrakpor (Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice); Dr Nicholas Azinge (Commissioner for Health); Barr. Ernest Ogwezzy (Commissioner for Culture and Tourism); Hon. Henry Sakpra (Commissioner for Special Duties, Governor’s Office); Mr Mofe Pirah (Commissioner for Oil and Gas]; Hon. Bright Edejeghro (Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs ); Hon. Asupa Forteta (Commissioner for Youth Development); Chief Dan Okenyi (Commissioner for Lands and Survey); and Hon. Chika Ossai (Commissioner for Special Duties).

    Others are Mr Oghenekaro Ilolo (Commissioner for Urban Renewal); Olorogun David Edevbie (Commissioner for Finance); Engr. Jude Sinebe (Commissioner for Higher Education); and Mr Patrick Ukah (Commissioner for Information); while the Special Advisers that were sworn-in are, Hon, John Ozegbe [Investment], Rt. Hon. Sam Obi [Inter Government Affairs and Special Duties] and Hon Bosin Ebikeme [Petroleum Matters].

    The governor said: “As Governor, my priority is to grow the economy of this state and ensure that every person has a chance to pursue his or her dreams of success and achieve their full measure of happiness,” reiterating, “by accepting to serve as a Commissioner or Special Adviser in this government, you have accepted this responsibility.”

    “The situation we find ourselves calls for drive, innovation, prudence and above all, ingenuity and resourcefulness in managing our assets and in our internal revenue generation process, because, we are confronted with serious economic challenges and it is incumbent on us all, especially, the political appointees, to rise up to the challenge with courage, determination and selfless service,” he said.

    He added: “I implore you and indeed, all Deltans, to muster the can-do-spirit and problem-solving mentality that our people are known for; as Commissioners and Special Advisers, I enjoin you to treat the business of government as a business; every Ministry, Department and Agency of government under this administration is expected to be cost conscious in its operations and be alive to its revenue generating potential because in the face of dwindling receipts from the Federation Account, we cannot afford to do any less.”

    Urging the appointees to shun sectionalism, nepotism and be diligent, honest, accountable and pay careful attention to the needs and aspirations of the people in their actions, Okowa said: “As a government, we are committed to creating the enabling environment for micro, small, and medium scale enterprises to thrive and flourish because, they are the heartbeat of any economy and I am confident that with deep thinking, creativity, fiscal discipline and the cooperation of all and sundry, we can put the current challenges behind us and lay a solid foundation of prosperity for this generation of Deltans and those coming after us.”

  • Okowa swears in 13 commissioners

    Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday swore in 13 new commissioners, bringing the number of commissioners in his State Executive Council (Exco) to 25.

    Also, three special advisers were sworn in.

    The new commissioners and their portfolios are: Peter Mrakpor (Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice); Dr Nicholas Azinge (Health); Ernest Ogwezzy (Culture and Tourism); Henry Sakpra (Special Duties, Governor’s Office); Mr Mofe Pirah (Oil and Gas]; Bright Edejeghro (Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs); Asupa Forteta (Youth Development); Chief Dan Okenyi (Lands and Survey); Chika Ossai (Special Duties); Mr Oghenekaro Ilolo (Urban Renewal); Olorogun David Edevbie (Finance); Jude Sinebe (Higher Education); and Mr Patrick Ukah (Information).

    The special advisers are: John Ozegbe (Investment), Sam Obi (Inter-Government Affairs and Special Duties) and Bosin Ebikeme (Petroleum Matters).

    Okowa said his priority was to grow the economy and give the people the opportunity to achieve their goals and become happy.

    The governor said the new appointees should key into the responsibility.

    He said: “The situation we find ourselves calls for drive, innovation, prudence and, above all, ingenuity and resourcefulness in managing our assets and in our internal revenue generation process. This is because we are confronted with serious economic challenges and it is incumbent on us all, especially the political appointees, to rise up to the challenge with courage, determination and selfless service.”

    On behalf of the commissioners, Mrakpor thanked Okowa for appointing them to serve the state.

    He assured Delta residents that they would work hard to achieve the administration’s agenda.

     

     

  • Tambuwal submits 22 commissioners nominees to Assembly

    Tambuwal submits 22 commissioners nominees to Assembly

    A list of 22 nominees for appointment as commissioners has been sent to the Sokoto state House of Assembly Thursday for confirmation.

    This was contained in letter send by the state governor Alhaji Aminu Tambuwal and presented in the Assembly by the Clerk Alhaji Muhammad Mainasara.

    The letter by Tambuwal stated that, “The nomination is in line with section 192 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.

    “The nominees are selected after wide consultation within the spectre of our society and in conformity with section 14 (4) of the Constitution, they are person of proven integrity with good track record in their various vocations.

    “I am confident that, they will bring to bear their wide experience in
    propelling the formation and execution of government policies and programmes for the overall development of the state “. The letter added

    It added that the nominees are, the state Deputy Governor Alhaji Ahmad Aliyu, Alhaji Sahabi Gada, Alhaji Umar Tambuwal, Alhaji Saidu Umar, Alhaji Abdulkadir Jeli, Alhaji Arzika Tureta, Alhaji Jabbi Kilgore, Alhaji Sirajo Gatawa, Alhaji Mani Maishinko.

    Others incude: Alhaji Tukur Alkali, Alhaji Muhammadu Sifawa, Alhaji Bello Gwiwa, Barrister Suleman Usman, Alhaji Nasiru Zarummai, Alhaji Isah Achida, Alhaji Aminu Bello, Alhaji Bala Kokani, Alhaji Bello Goronyo, Alhaji Manir
    Dan’iya, Hajiya Kulu Abdullahi, Dr. Shehu Kakale and Alhaji Musa Ausa.

    In a related development, the Speaker Alhaji Salihu Maidaji Thursday received the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) on a solidarity rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s fight against corruption in the country.

    The Speaker who spoke through his deputy Speaker, Alhaji Abubakar Magaji while receiving them, expressed his readiness and commitment to partnership with NLC and all workers in Sokoto for the development of the state and the Country at large.

    However, the rally was organized by NLC in collaboration with students’ union bodies to support the anticorruption crusade by the President.

  • Oshiomhole sacks four commissioners

    Oshiomhole sacks four commissioners

    Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has terminated the appointment of four Commissioners in the State Executive Council.

    According to a statement by Prince Kassim Afegbua, Special Adviser, Media and Public Affairs, those affected in the exercise, which is in line with government’s commitment to strengthen the system towards optimal performance are:

    *Chief Lucky James, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs;

    *Mrs. Maigida Blessing, Commissioner for Women Affairs;

    *Mr. Patrick Aguinede, Commissioner for Basic Education

    *Mr. Chris Ebare, Commissioner for Energy and Water Resources.

    The sacked commissioners were directed to hand over all government property in their possession to the Permanent Secretaries in their respective Ministries.

    The Governor expressed his appreciation to the former Commissioners for their services to the state and wishes them well in their future endeavours.