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  • Edo 2020: Obaseki under pressure to drop Shaibu

    There is pressure on Governor Godwin Obaseki to drop his Deputy, Hon. Philip Shaibu, as his running mate for next year’s governorship election.

    The pressure is said to be coming from some All Progressives Congress leaders in the Estako axis of Edo North senatorial district.

    Shaibu is regarded as a confident and ‘son’ of the National Chairman of the APC, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole but the leaders have asked for his removal as a condition for them to support Obaseki’s second term bid.

    Read Also: Obaseki reiterates commitment to knowledge economy

    It was gathered that the leaders have penciled down some names to be presented as Shaibu’s replacement with a view to whittle down his powers ahead of 2024 when the governorship seat will be zoned to other senatorial district.

    Those pressing for Shaibu’s removal, according to sources, are said to be from Auchi, Fugar, Okpella, Jattu, Owan East and Agenebode.

    An APC chieftain who spoke on anonymity said part of Shaibu’s sins were that he opted to support Obaseki‘s second term agenda and the role he played between silent wrangling between Uzairue and Auchi.

    A top government official however said Governor Obaseki would decide Shaibu’s fate in November when his administration clocked the third year.

    President of the Estako Solidarity Forum, Mr. Saidu Momoh, who confirmed the pressure to drop Shaibu said the group would wait for Obaseki to formally declare for second term before taking a stand.

     

  • Lawmaker advises public servants to be focused

    A member of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Olusegun Olulade has advised public office holders and those who find themselves in public office to be focused and affect lives before they leave their offices.

    Olulade, popularly known as ‘Eleniyan’ added that public office holders should be conscious of the fact that they would leave the office they are occupying one day.

    The lawmaker who will not be part of the 9th Assembly represents Epe 2 constituency at the Lagos State House of Assembly was speaking at a dinner he organized for members of the Lagos State House of Assembly Correspondents Association (LAHACA) at DRemembrant Hotel, Alausa Ikeja..

    The lawmaker pointed out that despite the fact that former governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu was no longer in office he is still relevant because he had invested in people.

    “Title would not take you far, what will take you far is your contribution and service to the people.

    “To be in government is not just about being called a lawmaker, Governor or President, one day, you will leave office.

    “If you want to amass wealth, and you don’t want to help people what will you do with the money. Everything you say about me I will keep it up. I have learnt from you.

    “I want to thank every one of you and I want to assure you that I will not change. Feel free to see me anytime you want in or outside office. I do not have a place to hide, this is who I am and this is what I would continue to be,” he said.

    Olulade, who had served as the Chairman of the House Committe on Information and later House Committee on Health, revealed that he would continue with his ‘Eleniyan Care Foundation,’ to take care of people.

    He added that he was still very young, and that he was available as their next door neighbour.

    “I still have a lot to offer the people of Lagos and Nigeria. There is another office that is very powerful that I would be occupying from June 8, 2019.

    “I will use it to affect more lives and to serve humanity. I would leave everything to God that has helped me to come thus far and I know He would not abandon me.

    “I will make myself available to you so that if there is anything we can do together I will be there for you.

    “I am still very young and I still have a lot to offer the people by the grace of God,  what I pray for is good health, long life and prosperity,” he stated.

    Olulade went down memory lane and recalled that he got into the House without knowing that he would be made the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security, Strategy and Publicity then.

    “After I became the Chairman of the Information Committee I invited the then Chairman of LAHACA and others to become my friend. When there were issues over stories that could destroy the image of the House then, I would meet with members of LAHACA.

    “We later held a meeting in your office and since then I became a part of LAHACA. If there is a group I would miss as I am leaving the Lagos State House of Assembly, it is LAHACA.”

    Read Also: Ex-lawmaker killed in Anambra

    He enjoined other people to see the media as their friends, saying that no matter what anyone did, if the media didn’t report it, the person would be doing himself a disservice.

    “I want to appreciate you for everything you have done. You projected me and the Assembly in a way that has made people to conclude that we are ‘Above The Common Standard of Excellence’ in Lagos Assembly

    “I want to thank you on behalf of all the members of staff of the assembly and on behalf of the two speakers that I have worked with including Rt. Hon. Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.,” he said.

    Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of LAHACA, Mr. Akinboye Akintola said that Hon. Olusegun Olulade had always been a person that was close to the media.

    Akintola stated that as the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Olulade facilitated a good relationship with the leadership of the Assembly and the media.

    He said that the lawmaker initiated the dinner programme with the media without any prompting.

    “We have to acknowledge what Eleniyan did as the Chairman of the House Committee on Health.

    “I just want to advise him to continue with what he is doing. That brand; Eleniyan will remain with us until you get to where you want to go,” he said.

     

  • Another Nigerian shot dead in South Africa

    The Nigerians Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) says another Nigerian, Mr Tony Elochukwu from Nnobi Anambra State has been killed by an unidentified gunman in South Africa.

    The President of NICASA, Prince Ben Okoli, said this in a letter sent to the Consular General, Nigerian Consulate in Johanesburg.

    Three Nigerians had been killed between April 6 and April 9 at different locations in the country.

    In the letter, obtained by News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday, Okoli decried the death and continued killings of Nigerians in South Africa.

    “We received yet again the sad news of the death of another Nigerian in Witbank Mpumalanga province.

    “Mr Tony Elochukwu from Nnobi Anambra State was shot twice in the head by an unidentified Nigerian gunman on April 24 at around 2:45pm,” he said.`

    Okoli said that a lone Nigerian man walked to some Nigerians at a restaurant and inquired from them where to get some weed to smoke

    He said those standing, however, told him that they did not know where since they do not smoke.

    Okoli said the man then pulled out his gun and shot Elochukwu on the head and sped off in a car parked down the street.

    He added that a case of murder had been opened at the police station by NICASA Chairman in Mpumalanga, Mr Obeji Chukwuma.

    Read Also: Floods kill 32 in South Africa

    “This look like another case of Nigeria killing themselves. This ugly trend of Nigerians killed by fellow Nigerians is on the increase and is disturbing to our community.

    “NICASA is deeply worried over the death and continued killings of our citizens in South Africa.

    “People are worried and scared, since none of the perpetrators had been arrested or charged over it,” he said.

    He appealed to the consulate to pressure the South African police to pursue the case of death of any Nigerian with seriousness.

    “The South African police must stop attempting to encourage this killings by lack of investigation and prosecution with aim of bringing to justice every criminal involved in these heinous crimes,” he said.

    The Consul General, Nigerian Consulate Johannesburg, Mr Godwin Adama, had condemned the killing of Nigerians at different locations in the country.

    “It is clear that as much as any form of criminality and xenophobic attacks against foreigners, including Nigerians in South Africa is condemnable, the killings do not fit into xenophobic attacks.

    “The cases are the stabbing of a Nigerian, Mr Bonny Iwuola, in Turfontain in Johanesburg on April 6 at about 23:30 hours in front of his house, by unknown assailants, and more of crime related murder.

    “Another Nigerian, Gozien Christian, from Agbor in Delta State, was stabbed to death by three unknown assailants. No arrest has been made but cases were opened and police are investigating the murders,” he said.

    The third case of murder which happened on the night of April 8 at Sunnyside in Pretoria happened at the usual place of cult-related murders by Nigerian cult groups.

    “This particular case had more connection with business-related disagreement that turned sour.

    “Investigations are on but eye witness accounts indicated that he was killed and his new Mercedes car-2019 model was snatched and driven away. All these cases do not appear to be xenophobic.

    “They are part of the usual crime-related killings in South Africa. Police statistics in South Africa indicate that over 18,000 murders take place in South Africa in a year,” he said.

    NAN

     

  • NDDC trains, empowers 27 physically challenged people in Delta

    The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) says it has trained and empowered 27 people living with disabilities in Delta.

    Mrs Beauty Aikhomu, the NDDC, Head of Department (HoD), Youth, Sports, Culture and Women Affairs, Warri Office, said the aim was to make them self-reliant.

    Aikhomu said the process of empowering the beneficiaries with starter packs was underway to enable them to adequately put their skills into proper use.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme tagged: “Training and Empowerment for People living with Disability” was sponsored by the NDDC and facilitated by an NGO, “Health and Skills for Africa”.

    NAN reports that the training, which started on April 6, covers: Confectionery, Bead making, Photography, Makeup (manicure and Pedicure).

    Others were: Auto gele, Turbab, Ankara and Shoe making, Wig making (manicure and pedicure), fixing of eyelashes and GSM repair.

    Aikhomu said that the commission was committed to improving positively on the lives of people of Niger Delta area.

    “NDDC is set up to affect lives of everybody in the Niger Delta positively; so, it will not be out of place in doing more of this kind of programme, if need be.

    “NDDC knows what to do at every point in time; there is a starter pack accompanying this programme and the process is already ongoing.

    “The starter pack is one of those things to ensure that the trainees do not leave here and go and sit at home, but to start doing something.

    “I can say categorically that the programme is successful, because during exhibition and testimony time, some of the trainees have started making money from the skills in their neighborhoods,” she said.

    Also, Mrs Rachael Misan-Ruppee, the Programme Coordinator in Delta, said the training was held concurrently across the states in the Niger Delta region.

    According to Misan-Ruppee, the trainees have started utilizing their skills to make money.

    She said that the starter packs would be a boost and a driven force for them to make more resources for better living.

    “Physically challenged persons have their methods and unique character; when you show them love and encouragement, they are ready to put in their best.

    “The centre was peaceful, even before the closing ceremony, some of the trainees have started making money. Those that make shoes, bags, cake, beads and others have started selling.

    “I believe that when the NDDC gives them the starter packs that suppose to go with the training, they already have a foundation and this will now be a motivation for them in their various trades.

    “When the trainees started, they did not know anything about the skills, but today they are professionals in their various fields as attested to by their trainers,” she said.

    Misan-Ruppee commended the NDDC for organising such a programme, noting that the gesture had given the physically challenged people a sense of belonging in the oil producing region.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr Friday Otobo, thanked the commission for the programme.

    Read Also: NDDC director becomes ICAD fellow

    Otobo advised his colleagues to put what they have learnt into practice.

    “We should do the right thing out there so that we can add value to the society.

    “I thank NDDC for putting smile on our faces. This is the first of its kind and we are looking forward to the second batch,” he said.

    Another trainee, Mr Christopher Omukoro, thanked the NDDC for creating a platform for them to acquire skills and contribute their quotas to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    A trainer in confectionery, Mrs Gbogiemi Eseoghene, expressed surprise at the enthusiasm of the beneficiaries in acquiring skills.

    “They were all willing to learn and they got the knowledge; they are professionals now in their trades. The period of training was short. NDDC should do the programme often,” she said.

    Highlights of the ceremony was the exhibition of the various items produced by the trainees in the course of the programme.

    NAN

     

  • How to overcome rejection by a crush

    Adeyinka Akintunde

     

    The story of one Deji Adenuga, who burnt and killed eight family members of a lady simply known as Titi has sent shock waves across the nation.

    Titi had called off the love relationship with him and the fleeing Adenuga thought to pay her back by pouring petrol in her family bedroom while they slept and set it on fire.

    Eight members of her family were burnt beyond recognition.

    According to the Public Relations Officer of the Ondo State Police Command, Mr Femi Joseph, Titi is the only survivor of the unfortunate incident for now.

    But she is in critical conditions in the hospital while Adenuga is on the run

    This is one painful situation youths today find themselves. There is the possibility of being in love with someone that does reciprocate.

    It is even possible for a young man to ask a lady for a relationship and she turns his request down.

    There are ways to handle this situation to prevent a severe damage or committing a criminal offence. Some include:

    1.     Give yourself time to grieve: After the rejection, don’t be afraid to feel any emotions that come your way. Sadness, anger, fear, and similar feelings are all natural parts of rejection, and working through them now will make it far easier to move on in the future.

    Don’t be afraid to cry or scream when you’re alone. If you can, talk through your feelings with a close friend, family member or therapist. Sharing your emotions with a supportive, understanding person can make a huge difference in your mental well-being.

    2.    Think about why she said no: Though returning to the rejection may hurt, doing so after grieving can help you better understand what happened and gain some closure. If you believe your crush said no because she dislikes something about you, think about whether it is something you should change or if it is a simple matter of preference.

    Read Also: Lover shoots girlfriend dead in Bayelsa for infidelity

    3.     Be kind to her afterwards: This is sometimes hard to do because if your crush is someone you see a lot, it is normal to experience some awkwardness after a rejection. But nerves will cool down in the long run, and then your normal friendship can resume. Until then, try to be as kind, friendly, and polite to her as you can.

    4.    Keep yourself busy: Try picking up a brand new hobby or an old job that you have not touched in a while. If that is not enough to take your mind off things, try setting a personal goal you want to achieve. The busier you are, the easier time you’ll have getting over the rejection.

    5.    Remember that rejection is not a personal attack: In most cases, romantic rejection is not a criticism of your character. If your crush decides she doesn’t want you, it doesn’t mean she dislikes you or even finds you unattractive. Though every instance of rejection is different, the common thread is that “you” are not rejected.

  • Chelsea season not a failure without UCL – Sarri

    Maurizio Sarri has said his first season in English football will not be a failure even if Chelsea do not qualify for next season’s Champions League through the Premier League or Europa League.

    Chelsea currently sit fourth in the table, one point ahead of Arsenal and three ahead of Manchester United, their opponents in a Premier League showdown at Old Trafford on Sunday that could be decisive for both clubs’ hopes of a top-four finish.

    Eintracht Frankfurt stand between Sarri’s men and a place in next month’s Europa League final, but the Italian believes his team can point to significant achievements even if they fall short domestically and in Europe.

    Asked if he would consider this season a failure if Chelsea don’t secure Champions League football, Sarri replied: “No. No, we played a final [in the Carabao Cup]. We lost the final on penalties. We are in the semifinal in the Europa League. We are fighting for the top four.

    “So the season, at the moment, is good. Of course we have two very, very strong targets: we want the top four in the Premier League and, at the moment, we want to go to the final of the Europa League. If we are able to get to the final, then we will want to win the final. And so I think the season is, at the moment, good.

    “Of course, it’s a very difficult season. We lost in the wrong way two or three matches, so the feeling, sometimes, is worse. I think for this reason because we lost two or three matches in the wrong way, in a very wrong way, without fighting. But if you look at the season, we are doing well, I think.

    Read Also: Sarri: We need to be better

    “Of course, it’s only the first step. We need to improve more. We need to become competitive for the top. The first step, though, is good.”

    Chelsea have a chance to all-but-eliminate United from the top-four race with a win at Old Trafford on Sunday, but Sarri’s men already missed one golden opportunity to tighten their grip on fourth when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Burnley at Stamford Bridge on Monday.

    Sarri, however, insisted that his players did everything they could to win the game.

    “I think we realised that the match was really very important, and we were able to fight in the match,” he added. “Of course, in the second half, we were not physically brilliant like in the first half. But it was the same, I think, for all the other teams who played in European competition during the week.

    “As I said before, after 55, 56 matches, it’s really very difficult to be at the top physically, to be brilliant. But when you are able to score two goals in a match after a European match, you have to win. We conceded two very stupid goals, I think and so we paid at the end of the match.

    “But we realized the importance of the match because we fought for 90 minutes.”

    ESPN

     

  • Ganduje acquires 100 buses to roll out BRT system In Kano

    Kano state government has concluded arrangement for a multi-billion naira Bus Rapid Transit, BRT, in Kano metropolis, in an effort to ensure urban regeneration and sustainable transportation.

    The initiative, which is the first of its kind in the state, is a “tip of the iceberg infrastructural project” as the Ganduje administration commences its second term in office on May 29.

    BRT is a high quality bus – based public transport system designed to deliver fast, comfortable and cost effective services at metro – level capacities. It does this through the provision of exclusive lanes with busways and distinctive stations typically aligned to the center of the road, off – board fare collection and fast, regular operations.

    Already, the Kano state government, Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company, China and Zhengzhou Public Bus Communication Co. Ltd., China have signed an MOU for the supply of 100 buses for the project.

    The MOU further entails  integrated transport solutions that includes routes network and infrastructure planning, suitable bus models, Intelligent Transport System, ITS, modern  management of operation and maintenance of the fleet data analysis systems, regulation improvement and local talent improvement.

    Speaking shortly after conclusion of discussion and signing of the MOU, in Zhengzhou, Henan, China, the state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje disclosed that his administration decided to embark on the project “to revolutionize transport and enhance ease of doing business in Nigeria’s foremost commercial center”.

    Read Also: Kano can pay N30,000 minimum wage -Ganduje

    “Presently, Kano is the most populous state in the country. It has a population of over 16 million people. The main public vehicles are mini buses and tricycles which are not supportive of long – term mega city development, therefore an efficient modern system of public transportation must be established. This will reflect the position of Kano as a truly megacity”.

    Represented by the State commissioner for Works, Housing and Transport, Engr. Aminu Aliyu Wudil, the governor explained that the project has several benefits in terms of job creation, urban mobility and air pollution reduction besides improving the physical outlook of the state capital.

    “We decided to partner with Zhengzhou Yutong because it is the world’s largest and reputed bus manufacturer with capacity providing Integrated Solution of Public bus transport system and several decades of experience”.

    “Kano state government is expected to invest not more than 25 percent of the project cost while the operator, Kano Metropolitan Transport Company is the main shareholder while the Chinese company will serve as the technical partner”.

    The State Commissioner of Work, Engr. Aminu Aliyu Wudil hi counterpart of the Ministry of Finance, Aminu Mukhtar DanAmu and Yusuf Aliyu Umar signed for Kano state government and Kano Metropolitan Transport Company, while Mr. Zou Meikan and Guo Yuanyuan signed on belalf of Zhengzhou Yutong Bus Company, China and Zhengzhou Public Bus Communication Co. Ltd., China respectively.

     

  • Buhari offers employment, scholarships to 168 ex-corps members

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday presented awards to 168 ex-corps members at the combined 2015/2016/2017 President’s NYSC Honours Award held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

    Buhari, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also announced automatic employment to the awardees in the Federal Civil Service and scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian universities.

    Former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, who created the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973, was also in attendance.

    15 ex-corps members who suffered disability during their service year were also recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.

    There was also the National Council for Women Affairs Award to three best female awardees.

    The President’s NYSC Honours Award was instituted in 1974 to encourage corps members to contribute to the overall national development by embarking on community development projects.

    Buhari said that it was the exceptional individuals in society who were the true builders of institutions and nations.

    According to him, the vision, innovation and hard work of one person is sufficient to make a difference in the life of a community or a nation.

    The president said that enduring individual success was a function of courage and resilience, adding that he was challenged by the remarkable courage of the Corp members who suffered various accidents while in service.

    Read Also: Corps members renounce cultism, drug abuse

    “The fact that they have gone through these harrowing personal injuries and are still determined to engage the future with hope and confidence is proof that they will still experience the joys of great success and fulfillment.

    “To all of today’s honorees, let me make it clear that you are not just the future of this country, but also its present.

    “You must all see yourselves as the leaders that you are; but leadership comes with responsibilities and continuous sacrifice.

    “The successes you have achieved and are being rewarded for today, should inspire you to even greater feats, in your various spheres of influence.

    “I therefore charge you all to continue to be the light for others to follow, whilst also seeing yourselves as lifelong ambassadors of the NYSC.

    “In line with our policy of encouraging and rewarding excellence among our youth, I hereby announce the immediate employment into the Federal Civil Service of all the Award winners and beneficiaries of the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

    “In addition, the Federal Government hereby offers each of you automatic scholarships up to Doctorate level in any Nigerian University of your choice,” he said.

    In his address, Solomon Dalung, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, said that nothing motivated young people than rewards for their contributions no matter how small.

    He said that the Federal Government would continue to reward hard work and devotion to duty among Nigerian youths.

    On his part, the outgoing Director-General of NYSC Maj.-Gen Suleman Kazaure, said the award aimed at encouraging high ideals and patriotism through selfless and dedicated service to fatherland.

    Kazaure said the award was recognition of teamwork, honesty, loyalty, devotion to duty and creativity.

    “Though the young men and women being honoured today were the most outstanding in performance, I am proud to report that corps members deployed in 2015, 2016 and 2017 service years generally contributed immensely to the socio-economic development of our dear country.

    “Their performances in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture and infrastructure were applauded by all Nigerians.

    “In the areas of Community Development Service, successive batches of corps members have been adding value to communities throughout the federation with various projects.

    “These include construction and renovation of schools and hospitals as well as provision of potable water,” he said.

    One of the awardees, Nelson Nnamdi, in an interview, said he felt great and was giving God the glory.

    He said he learnt the act of service to humanity and to the nation during his service year.

    “When I was serving, I did the Virtually Impaired Electronic Working Guide; it is for the blind.

    “When I executed the project in the school of the blind in Izzi, Ebonyi State, the project went far; in fact the joy in the heart of those young blind students gives me joy.

    “My advice to servicing corps members; if you identify a special need in the place you are serving, you should try to make an impact and leave the rest to God; in the right time, God will reward you as he has rewarded me today,” he said.

    NAN

  • Ngige: I was misquoted on Nigeria has enough doctors’ controversy

    Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige has denied saying that Nigeria has enough medical doctors.

    He also said he didn’t say doctors were free to export their trade to other countries and make foreign exchange for the nation.

    The Minister, who claimed to have been misquoted, said what he actually said was that since there was sufficient space for residency training for medical doctors in the country, graduate of medicine who could not find space for such training were free to seek such training in other countries and become professionals in their chosen field.

    However, he insisted that Nigeria has enough medical personnel to handle non specialist areas in the rural areas of the country.

    He lamented the refusal of young doctors and other medical professional to work in the rural areas.

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Nwachukwu Obidiwe, the Minister who has come under heavy criticism since his controversial statement on Channel Television,  lamented his interview has been subjected to serial distortion and misinterpretation, arising from skewed news broadcast.

    The Minister was quoted as saying that Nigeria has enough medical doctors and doctors were free to leave to ply their trade in other countries because the nation will earn lots of foreign exchange from them.

    But Ngige described the incident as well as the selective reportage which it fueled in the media as unnecessary, calling for a deeper understanding of the issue in question.

    He said: “I speak from the vintage position of being a medical doctor and member, Nigerian Medical Association since June, 1979 and enriched by my vast knowledge on health administration, having retired as a Deputy Director, Medical Services and Training from the Federal Ministry of Health in 1998, member of Vision 2010 Committee on Health as well as senior member, Senate Committee on Health 2011-2015.

    “Therefore, the truth no matter how it hurts, must be told and reality, boldly faced.

    “I invite opinion moulders especially those who have spoken or written on this issue to watch the full clip of my interview with the channels.

    Read Also: Doctors are free to leave Nigeria – Ngige

    “And it is for this reason that I admitted having a little cause to worry about brain drain among medical doctors.

    “The fact is that while the federal government has recorded a remarkably steady improvement in our healthcare system, Nigeria is yet to get there.

    “We do not at present have enough health facilities to accommodate all the doctors seeking to do  tertiary specialist training (residency) in the Teaching Hospitals, Federal Medical Centres and few accredited state and private specialist centres in the country where roughly 20% of the yearly applicants are absorbed while the remaining 80%,  try their luck elsewhere.”

    He explained most of these rejected applicants usually throng the Federal Ministry of Health and Labour and Employment to complain of being illegally schemed out.

    “What the Minister meant therefore is that these professionals have the right to seek for training abroad to sharpen their skills, become specialists and later turn this problem to a national advantage when they repatriate their legitimate earnings and later return to the country.

    “Even where some of these doctors are bonded to their oversea training institutions, examples abound on the large number of them who have successfully returned to settle and establish specialist centres across the country. It is therefore a question of turning your handicap to an advantage.”

    While insisting the problem was not limited to doctors seeking specialisation, he said young medical officers who graduate from medical schools spend two to three years looking for a space for Housemanship.

    “Luckly, the Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with the Ministry of Labour and Employment is developing a federal assisted programme for these young doctors and other allied health professionals such as pharmacists, physiotherapists in a move to broaden training opportunities.”

    While insisting that Nigeria has enough medical personnels to man non-specialist centres in the rural areas, he said the problem of health care delivery in the country was the refusal of young doctors to work in the hinterland.

    He said: “Even the National Youth Service Corps doctors, all, today seek postings to the cities as against what obtained some decades ago.

    “Besides, doctors who did not get the few vacancies in the tertiary centres especially those owned by the Federal Government find it difficult to work in the rural hospitals.“

     

  • PDP raises alarm over Adeleke’s safety

    The national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has raised the alarm, alleging threats to the life of its candidate in the 2018 Osun governorship election, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

    At a media briefing in Abuja Thursday, spokesman for the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, accused certain “desperate elements” within the All Progressives Congress (APC) of plotting to use all means to put Adeleke out of circulation.

    Adeleke and the PDP are presently at the Election Petitions Appeal Panel, fighting to upturn the victory of Mr Gboyega Oyetola of the APC who won the election.

    The Election Petitions Tribunal had voided Oyetola’s election and had declared Adeleke winner of the election, a decision that is being challenged by Oyetola at the appeal tribunal.

    Ologbondiyan said, “Given the series of unrelenting attacks, threats and the desperation now being exhibited by the APC, our party has become apprehensive that there are plots to silence Senator Adeleke as a way to terminate his efforts to retrieve his governorship mandate in the court.

    “Part of the plot is to frame and arrest the Principal of his school, Ede Muslim High School, Ede, Mr. Kadili Adejare Abass, on trump-up charges that Senator Adeleke’s School testimonial was forged with the aim of using such fabrication as a basis to smear and clamp down on Senator Adeleke”.

    The PDP had, last week, alerted the public to an alleged plot by the APC to brand Senator Adeleke’s WAEC Certificate as fake.

    The main opposition party accused some unnamed politicians operating from Lagos, of weaving a new fabrication around Senator Adeleke’s secondary school Testimonial.

    Read Also: Kogi PDP chieftain dies in church on Palm Sunday

    The PDP also alleged that a former commissioner in Osun state was used by the said APC leaders to reach and compromise certain top police officers to use the fabrications to arrest and embarrass Senator Adeleke and the Principal of his School, even when they have not committed any crime.

    “Yesterday, April 24, 2019 the Nigerian police in collaboration with the APC arrested Mr. Abass, the Principal of the Ede Muslim High School, Ede as well as the wife of the school’s Registrar, Mrs. Rofiyat Oladepo and her nine months old baby.

    “Information available to the PDP shows that AIG Adeleye Oyebade of Zone II, Oshogbo, ordered the arrest of the innocent Principal of the school and the Registrar.

    “When the Registrar, Mr. Kabir Oladipo could not be reached as he is undergoing treatment for legs and arms injuries he sustained in a motor accident, AIG Oyebade allegedly ordered one ASP Faliyu to arrest the wife, Mrs. Rofiyatu Oladepo, with her nine months old baby. Both the innocent mother and her baby were dumped at the Zone II Police headquarters, Osogbo.

    “The PDP has also been informed of how AIG Oyebade allegedly told those who went to visit the detainees last night that they are continuing the criminal aspect of the Civil action commenced by the APC, which is still in court.

    “The PDP holds that it is most unfortunate that the Nigeria Police will allow certain elements within its ranks to yield themselves as tools in the hands of the oppressive APC in their desperation to thwart the mandate of the people of Osun state, which they freely gave to Senator Ademola Adeleke.

    “It is clear that there is no way a school principal, who duly signed and issued a school testimonial under his own hand and position, can be said to have “forged” the same testimonial.

    “More so, the school register as well as the WAEC result and certificate, eminently show that Senator Adeleke attended the school, sat for WAEC examination and obtained the certificate, which has been validated even by a court of competent jurisdiction, thus also authenticating the school testimonial”.

    The party called on the Inspector General of Police, Mohammad Adamu to call his men to order on issues related to Senator Adeleke’s determination to retrieve his governorship mandate through the courts.

    It urged the IGP to order the immediate release of the innocent School Principal, the wife of the school registrar and her baby.

    The party counseled the APC and its allies to end their alleged schemes against Senator Adeleke, saying the alleged plot will come to naught in the face of justice and the will of the people of Osun state.

    The PDP also called on Nigerians to hold the APC and their agents responsible should Senator Adeleke become a victim of any harm or sudden disappearance.

    “The people of Osun state have elected Senator Adeleke as their governor and should be allowed to move ahead with their choice of leadership,” the party said.