The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Federal Govt

  • Federal Govt, Siemens scale up 2.3b Euro power project

    Federal Govt, Siemens scale up 2.3b Euro power project

    • Project generates $2.2b investment

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday directed that major transformer substations under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) be expanded from two to three phases to boost national transmission capacity.

    The President gave the directive yesterday during a strategic meeting with a visiting delegation from Siemens Energy at the State House, Abuja.

    Siemens Energy is the technical partner to the three-phased PPI, which is being implemented under FGN Power Company (FGNPC) as the special purpose vehicle (SPV). The first phase of the project was estimated at Euro 2.3 billion.

    The government yesterday confirmed that more than $2.2 billion in new investments had been made in the power sector as a result of the PPI, with activation of 15 state electricity markets.

    President Tinubu, who met with Siemens Energy’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Dietmar Siersdorfer, pledged that the Federal Government would continue to provide the resources required to accelerate the PPI.

    He said the expansion of the capacity was in recognition of the catalytic role of electricity as a key driver of economic growth and social development.

    “We want everyone to see the glory of our economic recovery and banishment of poverty,” Tinubu said.

    He reaffirmed that his administration is taking the task of improving power supply “very seriously,” stressing that Nigeria’s economic growth, social development, and national competitiveness all hinge on a reliable electricity system.

    According to him, steady power supply remains a priority because without steady power, the country cannot achieve its industrial, educational, healthcare, and transportation goals.

    “Our education, our healthcare, and our transportation all depend on energy, and without power, it is an impossible objective. We are taking it very seriously,” President Tinubu said, while assuring Siemens of the government’s full commitment to the project.

    He emphasised that the phased completion of the project would position Nigeria as a continental leader, unlocking hidden potential across sectors.

    “There is no industrial growth or economic development without power. I believe that power is the most significant discovery of humanity in the last 1,000 years,” Tinubu said.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu, and Special Adviser on Energy Olu Verheijen were present at the meeting.

    In his briefing to the President, Adelabu outlined progress made under the PPI, noting that the power sector had recorded critical milestones, including decentralisation, liberalisation, and the development of a National Integrated Electricity Policy— the first in 24 years.

     He affirmed that more than $2.2 billion in new investments had flowed into the sector as a result, activating 15 state electricity markets.

    He pointed out that since the Accelerated Agreement was signed at COP28 in Dubai in December 2023, Siemens Energy had delivered and commissioned 10 units of 132/33kV mobile substations, three units of 75/100MVA transformers, and seven units of 60/66MVA transformers nationwide.

    He added that these installations have added 984MW of transmission capacity to the national grid, resulting in improved stability and reliability.

    Read Also: Police, DSS, others begin patrol operations around churches in Abuja

    Adelabu recalled that the Federal Executive Council had approved the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contract for the first batch of Phase One of the PPI, which covers the upgrade and commissioning of substations in Abeokuta, Offa, Ayede-Ibadan, Sokoto, and Onitsha.

    He said civil works mobilisation and equipment manufacturing were underway, with two of the five substations targeted for completion by the end of 2026.

    He said that preparations were ongoing for Phase One–Batch Two, involving six brownfield and ten greenfield substations designed to deliver a cumulative impact of 4,104MW.

    Edun underscored that a fully implemented PPI would improve the ease of doing business, create jobs for young Nigerians, and help reduce poverty.

    Siersdorfer, who led the Siemens delegation, confirmed that two substations under construction would be completed by December 2026.

    He said a training centre was being built to expand local capacity in electrical engineering, create jobs, enhance local content, and deepen technology transfer.

    “The PPI is not just a project but a platform for long-term development and prosperity,” he said, adding that the initiative would help transform Nigeria into a regional power hub and demonstrate the strength of German-Nigerian relations.

    He also noted that thousands of local jobs would be created through procurement, services, accommodation, and transportation linked to the ongoing works.

    A representative of the German Ambassador, Johannes Lehne, assured President Tinubu of continued support and partnership from the German government.

  • Federal Govt to train 960,000 youths on TVET after verification

    Federal Govt to train 960,000 youths on TVET after verification

    About 960,000 Nigerian youths are set to undergo technical and vocational skills training under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) initiative after verification. 

    It noted the verification process was designed to prevent fraud. 

    The government said that over 250,000 trainees are currently enrolled in the first cohort, undergoing hands-on training across 2,600 centres nationwide.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during an inspection visit to selected TVET partner centres which included AFS Vocational Hub in Garki and Golden Finger Farms and Ranches Limited along the Kubwa-Zuba Expressway, Dei-Dei, Abuja yesterday. 

    Alausa described the programme as a clear demonstration of the power of political will behind government intervention.

    He said: “From when we started conceiving this TVET initiative eight months ago, to now seeing the first quarter of students being trained, it shows what is possible when there’s commitment. We took our time to curate the way this vocational training would be done.

    “We didn’t want this to be another era of scams. Every single one of the 960,000 youths was verified using their NIN and BVN. We are paying the training centres and the vocational institutes directly.”

    The minister said the ministry identified about 86 trades across the country but narrowed them down to 28 key skill areas, including fashion and garment making, livestock production, GSM repair, plumbing, tiling, and farming.

    He added: “We created a curriculum that is 90 percent practical and 10 percent theoretical. After developing it, we opened the portal to the nation. Within the first 10 days, almost 1.3 million people applied. We had to close it quickly. Out of the 1.3 million applicants, 960,000 youths were verified on the portal.”

    Alausa noted that the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s belief in empowering young Nigerians with employable skills.

    He said: “This president believes that the youth are the heartbeat of this nation. He is determined to give them the skills and opportunities they need to thrive. When he makes promises, he ensures those promises are fulfilled.”

    He added that beyond skills acquisition, trainees would receive starter packs and grants to support their entrepreneurial journey.

    The minister said: “We don’t want them to remain job seekers; we want them to become employers of labour. Many of these trainees are graduates from universities and polytechnics, but now they’re getting real-life skills that will make them useful to themselves, their communities, and the nation.”

    He said that the training will run for six months at skills centres, 12 months at Vocational Enterprise Institutes, and up to three years in federal and state technical colleges.

    He reaffirmed that the TVET programme is operational in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

  • Federal Govt to address North-East energy challenges

    Federal Govt to address North-East energy challenges

    …Promotes gas-powered economy

    The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the energy challenges plaguing the North-East region, ensuring that clean energy becomes accessible and affordable for all.

    This assurance was contained in a statement signed by the Spokesman for the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Louis Ibah, a copy of which was obtained by The Nation.
    According to thee statement, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this pledge during the launch of the North-East Decade of Gas Clean Cooking (LPG) Grassroots Penetration Programme in Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “The Decade of Gas Initiative is designed to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy, and this event demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensuring no region is left behind.

    “As we distribute these LPG cylinders today, I urge beneficiaries to seize this opportunity for a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle,” Ekpo said.

    He acknowledged the significant energy challenges faced by the North-East and expressed determination to make clean energy accessible and affordable.

    “The government’s commitment to making LPG available and affordable for all Nigerians is unwavering. Through collaborative efforts, we can achieve our vision of a gas-powered Nigeria,” he assured.

    Read Also: Tinubu appoints six chief medical directors for federal hospitals

    The minister commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his unwavering support towards the initiative. He noted that the clean cooking initiative, conceived by President Bola Tinubu, aims to convert 250,000 homes per year to the use of LPG, also known as cooking gas.

    This follows the call to address maternal and youth deaths caused by inhaling carbon monoxide and other poisonous gases from traditional cooking fuels with heavier carbon chains.

    The Gas Minister, who led the distribution of LPG cylinders to beneficiaries, noted that adopting LPG goes beyond convenience; it’s crucial for cleaner air, reduced deforestation, and mitigating health risks from traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood.

    He said the switch to LPG supports the national strategy for a sustainable energy mix and reduced carbon emissions.

    Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, shed light on the daunting struggles women face when relying on firewood as a primary energy source in their homes.

    She emphasized the government’s commitment to transitioning one million households to clean cooking gas by 2030, tackling environmental pollution, creating job opportunities, and boosting socio-economic activities through collaborative efforts with various sectors.

    Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas, Mr. Ed Ubong, reiterated the industry’s support for the Gas to Prosperity theme of the Federal Government. He thanked MEMAN, NNPCL, and all Decade of Gas sponsor groups for making the event a success.

  • Fed Govt, firm to collaborate on livestock development

    Fed Govt, firm to collaborate on livestock development

    Federal Government has said it would collaborate with Real People Concept, a company renowned for livestock technology, to develop Nigeria’s livestock sector.

    Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, Idris Abiola-Ajimobi, said this on the sidelines of the Southwest Cattle, Sheep and Goat Farmers Day and Exhibition with the theme: ‘Sustaining Livestock Resilience in Changing Times: Innovation, Collaboration and Growth for The Ruminant Sector.’

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    The programme was put together by the Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Livestock Development, in collaboration with Real People Concept. It was held at the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (FCAH&PT), Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Real People Concept, Mr Olawole Olagbaju, said: “We have been looking forward to a time when ruminant farmers in the Southwest can come together under one roof to discuss the way forward.

  • Federal govt should apologise

    Federal govt should apologise

    •The National Institute for Cultural Orientation ought not to allow Mr. Flag Man’s body to remain in the morgue for 371 days

    It is difficult to conceive that a national hero can ever be forgotten. But in Nigeria, it is not hard to conceive anything because anything is possible, including the desecration of a memory.

    We witnessed it in the funeral of the designer of this country’s national flag, Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who passed on over a year ago, precisely on August 29, 2023.

    After a tortured wait in vain for the Federal Government to fulfill its promise to bury their beloved and national hero, the family went ahead to bury their dead on their own terms and date.

    No one described the kind of farewell that Pa Akinkunmi deserved more than the Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade. He said, “The commemoration of the death of an iconic figure like Pa Taiwo Akinkunmi, who designed the Nigerian flag 64 years ago at the age of 23, should be treated as a national festival.”

    He almost descended to mother earth without a song. But for the Oyo State government that was compelled to intervene. Pa Akinkunmi, also known as Mr. Flag Man, was also a local hero and native of Oyo State. What should have been a national farewell shrank into a parochial fare.

    His son, Akinwumi Akinkunmi, articulated the right sentiment: “The fact that Pa Akinkunmi hailed from this part of the country does not diminish his status as a national hero.”

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    When he died, the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, paid a condolence visit on behalf of the state and the nation. They even openly thanked the minister. “We thanked the Federal Government for sending the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Idris Mohammed, to pay condolence to the family when the incident happened.”

     It was at that time that the Federal Government promised to take over the funeral. A grateful family was pleased that their patriarch would get a befitting end. But, apart from one call from the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), it was all quiet on the federal front.

    They had to wait. The last call was a tease. The body of the hero remained in the morgue for 371 days. To prevent the wait from being an eternity, the Oyo State government intervened. According to the family, it cost the family N2,000 a day to keep the body in the mortuary.  They also thanked the state legislature. “While the family is waiting for the government to fulfill its promises, it appreciates the roles played by members of the 7th Oyo State House of Assembly, the Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Bolaji Ayorinde, and members of the council for standing by the family,” the family stated as a hint that the lawmakers was the consolation in the period of neglect.

    It made no sense for NICO to keep the family waiting for so long. It was a desecration of the man, his lofty contribution and the institution of heroism. It was a disgrace and abuse of goodwill. If the family had gone ahead early, they would have pounced on them for diminishing the honour the nation wanted to bestow on their son. But it is the Federal Government that diminished the man. They might have saved the agony of grieving for one year by informing the family of their withdrawal of intent. The Federal Government, through the institute, ought not only to apologise to the family but pay some form of symbolic compensation. The wrong done to him and his family was a wrong done to the nation, the sentiment of heroism and the man who brought honour to the most visible symbol of our nationhood.

  • Federal Govt begins disbursement of N200b to 75 big firms, MSMEs

    Federal Govt begins disbursement of N200b to 75 big firms, MSMEs

    • ‘700,000 applications verified’

    A massive boost to reflate the economy is underway, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite said yesterday.

    Seventy-five major companies will get N1 billion single-digit  loan disbursement next month, while another N125 billion will be given out as loans to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), she said.

    Dr. Uzoka-Anite, said the financial support follows the verification of over 700,000 applications.

    She spoke during a visit to the Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu and an interaction with beneficiaries of the presidential grant and prospective beneficiaries of loans  to MSMEs.

    The minister said: “The 660,320 nano beneficiaries, representing over 60 per cent of the targeted one million, have received disbursements across 774 local governments.”

    According to her, it is not just about providing financial support, “but about restoring hope, rebuilding lives, and reaffirming our commitment to the social contract we hold with our people”.

    The Presidential Conditional Loans and Grant Scheme is a N200 billion initiative.

    MSMEs will receive N125 billion; manufacturers will get N75 billion.

    A company can get as much as N200 million as a loan from the N75 billion, to be paid back.

    The over 660,320 nano beneficiaries have already received disbursements of N50,000 each, with the remaining applicants undergoing verification.

    The loan is designed to help their businesses.

    “The impact of this initiative is already being felt, and we are committed to ensuring it reaches every corner of the nation,” Dr. Uzoka-Anite said.

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    The minister stressed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the programmes’ administration.

    She urged community leaders and civil society organisations to actively participate in monitoring the implementation of the palliative measures.

    Otu commended the initiatives, highlighting their positive impact on Cross River.

    “The Presidential Conditional Grant has been a lifeline for many of our citizens.

    “We’ve seen small businesses flourish and individuals regain their economic footing.

    “This programme is truly transforming lives in Cross River State,” the governor said.

    The special grant programme was announced last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to mitigate economic crisis and high cost of living.

    It is also to enable big firms to increase their production so as to be able to generate more employment.

  • Federal Govt recovers N57 billion debt

    Federal Govt recovers N57 billion debt

    • Targets N5.2tr owed by MDAs

    The Federal Government has recovered N57 billion from a staggering N5.2 trillion owed by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to various government bodies.

    This disclosure was made by Mr. Okokon Ekanem Udo, Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, during a sensitization workshop in Enugu.

    The recovered funds stem from a data gathering initiative known as Project Lighthouse. “The project identified over 5,000 debtors across more than 93 MDAs. The debts include unpaid credit facilities, undelivered project payments, and outstanding obligations to entities like the Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, and the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate”.

    Mr. Udo who was represented by the Ministry’s Director, Special Projects,  Aisha Omar revealed that Project Lighthouse exposed a critical vulnerability: “companies and individuals who owed government agencies continued to receive payments through platforms like GIFMIS and TSA due to a lack of data transparency”. This discovery highlighted the importance of information sharing in plugging revenue loopholes.

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    The Permanent Secretary stated that the debt recovery efforts would be sustained also noted that the N57 billion recovered so far represents a significant initial step towards collecting the total N5.2 trillion owed.

    Similar sensitization workshops have been held across all geopolitical zones to raise awareness and garner support for the initiative.

    The Federal Ministry of Finance is leveraging big data technology to bolster its debt recovery efforts.  This strategy aims to block revenue loopholes; identify new revenue streams; optimize existing revenue collection, particularly from non-oil sources and enhance fiscal transparency

    As part of the strategy, the Ministry has issued a directive mandating MDAs to aggregate all government debts and establish a single window for accessing the government’s credit profile. These actions aim to streamline the debt recovery process and improve transparency.

    Mr. Udo emphasized the crucial role of participating organizations in providing accurate and relevant debt-related data to populate the Lighthouse platform. He expressed optimism that this collaborative effort will ensure the program’s success.

  • Federal Govt, Kuwait sign air pact

    Federal Govt, Kuwait sign air pact

    The Federal Government has signed a Bilateral Air Service (BASA) agreement with the State of Kuwait.

    Represented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the accord between the two countries was formalised at Riyadh during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), ICAN meeting.

    Keyamo described it as a reflection of the commitment to fostering international cooperation in the realm of aviation.

    The signing , he said also symbolized  the collaborative spirit between the two nations.

    The agreement, he further said  marks a pivotal moment in the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Kuwait, opening avenues for enhanced connectivity and economic cooperation.

    Read Also: Presidency fires Obi over comments on VP’s residence

    A statement by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Minister, noted that Keyamo expressed optimism about the prospects of this agreement, emphasizing its potential to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges between Nigeria and Kuwait.

    He said :” The accord underscores the Federal Government’s dedication to expanding the nation’s global aviation footprint and creating opportunities for economic growth.

    “This significant development comes as Nigeria actively engages with international partners to advance its aviation and aerospace capabilities.”

    According to him, government remains committed to fostering strong ties with nations around the world, adding that the bilateral air service agreement with Kuwait is a testament to this commitment.

  • Federal Govt keeps mum on NHIS crisis

    More than two months after the presidential panel set up to probe the crisis rocking the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) submitted its report, nothing has been heard on the controversy. VINCENT IKUOMOLA writes on the findings of the panel and the delay in implementing its recommendations.

    What is the outcome of the Presidential Investigative Panel on the leadership crisis that has been rocking the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) in the last few years?

    This is the question begging for an answer in and outside the health sector.

    To resolve the incessant crisis and mistrust in a scheme that is critical to the attainment of universal health coverage in the country, the Federal Government set up a probe panel, which included the Prof. Usman Yusuf-led management team and the NHIS board, led by Dr. Eyantu Ifenne.

    That was not the first time the NHIS boss would run into murky waters. He was first suspended and queried by the Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, which led to accusations and counter-accusations. The outcome of the panel instituted by Prof. Adewole at the instance of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, then Acting President, did not see the light of the day.

    Much to the chagrin of watchers of the unfolding drama in the sector, Prof Yusuf, who was placed on indefinite suspension, was recalled by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari without any recourse to the outcome of the panel.

    Rather than fizzle out, the matter escalated, as the embattled NHIS boss’ second coming soon drew another round of controversies when he engaged in a running battle with the scheme’s board.

    The board and Prof Yusuf were embroiled in the faceoff for months over the scheme’s budget. Prior to the suspension of Yusuf, the board had refused to approve the budget for the running of the scheme following a disagreement on the proposal put forward by the suspended executive secretary. This led to his suspension and investigation by a committee set up by the board, opening another floodgate of accusations and counter accusations.

    Yusuf did not accept his suspension by the board, claiming that the board lacked the power to suspend him.

    When it was thought that peace had returned to the scheme, the bubble burst again. What started like a smoke soon snowballed into a fire; Yusuf was sent on his second suspension within 15 months. He was suspended on allegations of fraud, insubordination, criminal breach of Procurement Act, self-aggrandisement, and arbitrariness, among others. The romance between board and Yusuf only lasted three months, before the N25 billion planned investment for the scheme tore them apart.

    According to The Nation investigation, before Yusuf’s reinstatement in February, the then Acting Executive Secretary, Mr. Attahiru Ibrahim, raised the idea of investing N25 billion of the scheme’s fund, on which he got the approval of the minister as there was no board in place then. However, a memo from the Ministry of Finance advising the Minister of Health against the idea was forwarded to the management of the scheme, nullifying the initial approval.

    But on resumption of office, Yusuf was alleged to have dusted the file and without recourse to the second memo from the minister, went to the board for approval. The board, it was learnt, found out about the other memo and felt bad that the executive secretary failed to let them know about the second memo. Then came the issue of budget for the running of the scheme. The budget submitted to the board was rejected five times on the grounds that it was unrealistic; hence, the executive secretary was asked to adjust it to reflect what was agreed by the board.

    The chair of the board, Dr. Ifenne, argued in a memo to NHIS boss, which was exclusively obtained by The Nation, that any attempt to approve the budget as presented would be misconstrued as a conspiracy to defraud the scheme. The board chair, therefore, implored Yusuf to reflect the council’s positions on the contentious areas as enumerated and re-present same for authorisation.

    The scheme, responsible for the regulation of the health insurance scheme in the country, did not have a budget to drive its 2018 operation two months to the end of the year. The management revised the budget submitted to the board, proposed revenue/income of N44.92 billion and expenditure of N64.73 billion, with a budget deficit of N19.81 billion, which was rejected as not reflecting the outcome of the board deliberations. The board rejected the budget on the ground that the deficit was unacceptably high at 30.6%. Besaides, the board pointed out that the revised budget was embellished with some suspicious duplication of expenditure items worth N264.9 million.

    Other observations by the board included the non-reflection of the N64 million allocations from the Federal Government in the revenue projections of 2018.

    No doubt, the feud has impacted negatively on the activities and responsibilities of the scheme, with enrollees bearing the brunt.

    However, to get to the bottom of the issues and reposition the scheme, the Presidency stepped in and set up a panel to look into the matter and come out with implementable recommendations. The panel, inaugurated on November 2, 2018 and charged with a five-point terms of reference, including the responsibility for examining all governance issues challenging the scheme, was given two weeks to submit its report. However, the assignment had to be extended due to the nature of the work and the need to address core issues on a lasting basis.

    Finally, after about two months, the panel turned in its report, precisely on December 24, 2018. More than two months after receiving the report, nothing has been heard from the government while the scheme is still being run by an acting Executive Secretary. However, it was gathered that one of the recommendations made by the committee was for the government to set up a draft white paper committee on the implementation of most of the report.

    Besides, it was also gathered that the outcome of the panel on the leadership crisis in the NHIS may not be favorable to Yusuf. According to findings, the panel noted that Yusuf was unable to work harmoniously with stakeholders, which impacted negatively on the scheme. The panel, it was learnt, also established cases of infractions of the public service rules against the embattled executive secretary. The panel therefore recommended for Prof Yusuf’s removal and also urged the Federal Government to set up a draft white paper committee on the implementation of suggestions of the panel to restructure the scheme.

    Besides, the panel, it was learnt also frowned against Yusuf’ failure to explore internal administrative remedies before filing a suit in court against the Federal Government.

    The panel report  stated: “Leadership problems: In view of the unhealthy relationship between the executive secretary and other stakeholders, (management staff, local unions, HMO’s Health care providers) as well as infractions of the extant rules and regulations, recommended that the executive secretary be relieved of his appointment.”

    The panel also established cases of infractions of the provisions of the procurement Act, sections 16(6) and 32(7), also rules 3125 (I) (a) and (b) of the financial regulations. Also, the panel recommended that the office of the Accountant General of the Federation should undertake an in-depth inspection of the scheme account books to determine current financial status of the scheme and also to take financial system review. To avoid a vacuum and ensure a smooth running of the scheme, the panel also recommended an interim management team with six months life span.

    The panel, which was set up by the Secretary to the Government Federation (SGF) following the suspension of Yusuf by the NHIS board, also recommended a total audit of the scheme. Receiving the report of the Presidential Independent Fact-Finding Panel on NHIS, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, said that government regards the scheme as critical to its promise to Nigerians that they would enjoy qualitative and affordable healthcare.

    He noted that government also regards healthcare delivery as a cardinal programme on which huge investments have been committed because a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.”I receive this report with deep sense of appreciation and I assure you that the report would be expeditiously processed for implementation. I must thank you most sincerely for all the sacrifices made to ensure that this healthcare scheme which also borders on our security as a nation is made to stand firm on its feet and remain beneficial to all Nigerians.

    “Finally, let me assure you that the decision of government on the recommendations of the panel will be made public at the appropriate time. I also want to assure all Nigerians that this government remains very committed to making life worth living,” Mustapha said.

    Would Prof. Yusuf survive the latest suspension? Would he escape another sword of Damocles? Would he come out of the fire unhurt as he did in the first suspension saga? These and many more questions are waiting to be answered.

  • Australian envoy urges Federal Govt to enact disability law

    THE Austrialian Deputy High Commissioner, Cleo Wilson, has urged  the Federal Government to enact the Disability Bill, saying it will help to address the needs of the physically-challenged.

    She spoke at the graduation and end-of-the-year party and donation of learning aids to students of the Federal Nigerian Society for The Blind, by the Australian High Commission, in partnership with Kehinde Damole Foundation.

    She said there was the need for the governmnet to enact the bill, saying it would help in safeguarding the interest of over 25 million Nigerians who are physically challenged.

    Wilson noted that providing the needed support and policy direction for persons with disabilities was one part of our foreign policy.

    She said developmental programmes of the government could not be successful unless the physically challenged were included.

    Wilson said the Australian Commission’s objectives are advancement of the principles of fairness, justice, and inclusiveness of all persons irrespective of their abilities or disabilities.

    The deputy commissioner recalled that the commission held a bash for  physically challenged athletes who won medals at the just-concluded championship  to celebrate the International Day of Disability.

    She restated the commitment of the commission to continue to  support the disables for their development.

    The Chairman of the school, Mrs.  Folashade Adefisayo said many of the centre’s graduates were employed and others were self-employed.

    She said: ‘’We have facilities to accommodate 100 students. The centre is fully boarding built to accommodate more visually impaired individuals we are offering programme starting from January 2019.

    “We are making room for people who opt to be day students as well as accommodate elderly visually persons. Our admission policy is for individuals who become visually impaired from an early age 15 up to adulthood,” she said.

    At the event, 52 students graduated in mobility, independent living skills, braille reading and writing, computer usage, business studies, music, and various arts and crafts, such as tie and dye.