Day: May 20, 2024

The Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mamoud, has advised workers in FCT Administration to invest in intellectual development for improved productivity.

The minister gave the advice in Abuja on Monday, at the maiden edition of the FCTA’ maiden Book Exhibition, organised by the Department of Reform Coordination and Service Improvement (RCandSI).

Mahmoud, who was represented by Hajiya Asma’u Mukhtar, Permanent Secretary, Social Development Secretariat, FCTA, said that the move would translate to sustainable growth and development of the territory.

The minister identifying books as windows to the world, offering insights, knowledge, and perspectives that transcend boundaries and time, stressed the importance of continuous learning for self-development.

She called on the FCTA workers to equip themselves with the necessary tools and knowledge to enable them navigate complex challenges.

This, she said, would enhance FCA’s commitment to providing quality services to the residents of
the territory.

‘This book exhibition serves as a testament to our commitment to fostering a culture of learning and growth within our administrative framework.

‘It is a reflection of our belief that investing in the intellectual development of our staff is not just a noble endeavour, but a strategic one.

‘The diverse array of books on display covers a wide spectrum of subjects, ranging from public administration and governance to urban planning, sustainability, economics, and beyond.

‘Each volume holds within its pages the potential to inspire, educate, and empower us to become better leaders, decision-makers, and agents of positive change,’ she said.

In his remarks, the Head of Civil Service, FCTA, Dr Udo Attang, said that books have always been a cornerstone of knowledge and wisdom.

Attang, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, Mr Adetoyi Kolawale, argued that reading books would help in shaping and reshaping workers’ minds and skills, and impact on their pro
ductivity.

The head of service said that the theme, ‘Enhancing Intellectual Capacity for Effective Service Delivery’, underscores the critical link between knowledge and performance.

‘As public servants, educators, and community leaders, we understand that the quality of our service delivery is directly proportional to the depth of our understanding and the breadth of our skills.

‘Intellectual capacity is not merely about acquiring information; it is about nurturing the ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and make informed decisions that benefit our communities,’ he said.

He thanked the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and Mahmoud for their tireless support towards building a productive workforce for the FCT.

Earlier, Dr Jumai Ahmadu, the acting Director, Reform Coordination and Service Improvements, explained that the exhibition was organised to promote professionalism among workers.

Ahmadu said that the effort was in line with the 6th Pillar of the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Imple
mentation Plan 2021-2025.

According to her, investing in the intellectual development of workers will not only enrich the workers, but also enhance their value as individuals and impact FCTA in the long run.

‘By embracing life-long learning, we equip ourselves with the tools necessary to navigate the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society (AIS), an Islamic NGO, has tasked Islamic scholars and Imams to champion the fight against corruption in Nigeria through sustained sensitisation and sermons to their congregation.

The executive director and national Chief Imam of AIS, Sheik Fuad Adeyemi gave the admonition on Sunday in Abuja, at the end of 2-day sustainability workshop on anti-corruption organised by the AIS in collaboration with the MacArthur Foundation.

Adeyemi, who decried the endemic nature of corruption in the country stressed the need for a holistic solution to the problem.

He said the anti-corruption training for Islamic scholars which started in 2018 is aimed at changing the narrative in the corruption fight, with the scholars as vanguards because of their revered position in the society.

‘The sponsorship of this programme started six years ago and will be coming to an end soon, but that does not mean the laudable programme should end by itself.

‘Alhamdulilah, we have made a very big landmark, bu
t also we want to come together and continue the training almost on zero budget, expand it and come come up with new strategies to make it more effective, ‘ he said.

The Imam emphasised that government alone cannot fight corruption while highlighting that the concept of the training was to focus on behavioral change of Nigerians against the vice.

‘What the government is doing is fighting the after-effect of corruption, that’s what almost all government agencies are doing, but we are fighting corruption before it’s committed, so that it’s effective.

‘So we are trying to preach against it (corruption), we are saying don’t be involved in corruption, if you do these are the repercussions from Allah.

‘We appeal to their conscience through sermons, religious books, we use behavioral change to sensitive them not to indulge in it at all, and if some go ahead, then government agencies like the EFCC can take it from there,’ he said.

Adeyemi said that the Abuja training had about 40 Islamic clerics from Kaduna, Kog
i and the Federal Capital Territory. (FCT).

He said that the workshop will also take place across the six geo-political zones of the country, starting next week with the south-west and then the North-west of the country.

Adeyemi expressed optimism that with all hands on deck, the anti -corruption message will begin to yield positive impact across the country, which will in turn galvanise the development of the nation.

Earlier, Dr Rekiya Momoh Abaji, Project Coordinator, Project said the all-encompassing training has gone a long way in sensitising Islamic scholars and the youths on the dangers of corruption.

‘With the training, the Imams are now more emboldened to talk about issues of corruption and preaching against it.

‘Along the line, we also educated our youths on the dangers of corruption and how to be good citizens, maximize their digital skills and so on,’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop had as its theme ‘Creating Resilient Faith-Based Community for Sustained A
ccountability’.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Odyssey Educational Foundation on Monday unveiled its 8th Technology Innovation challenge to encourage young girls’ interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education.

Mrs Stella Uzochukwu-Dennis, Chapter Ambassador for Technovation in Nigeria, who spoke at the Technovation Regional Pitch event in Abuja, said it was an opportunity to empower young girls through technology and innovation.

According to her, Nigeria’s participation in Technovation has helped teams represent the country several times in California as finalists since 2006.

She said that the Technovation programme was a beacon of hope and opportunity for girls, equipping them with the skills and confidence to solve real-world problems using technology.

‘The programme fosters a sense of empowerment and independence, teaching young innovators not just to code but to think critically, work collaboratively, and lead fearlessly.

‘By participating, these girls are breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, thereby
paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable future’.

Uzochukwu-Dennis also highlighted the crucial role of mentors in the Technovation programme, saying they provide guidance, share their knowledge and expertise, and inspire the next generation of tech leaders.

‘The benefits of Technovation extend to the state and country as well, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship.

‘This contributes to building a stronger, more resilient economy by encouraging local solutions to local problems, driving sustainable growth and development.

‘It also positions Nigeria as a leader in the global tech industry, attracting investments and creating opportunities for youth’.

Uzochukwu-Dennis expressed profound disappointment over the lack of financial support from the government and agencies, in spite of the programme’s numerous benefits and immense potential.

She explained that no monetary aid or resources had been provided to support the programme, in spite of the countless hours of hard work, persona
l sacrifices, and support from international partners, and others.

The chapter ambassador said the winning team from this year’s programme would receive an all-expenses-paid trip to California.

She extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees, noting that over 2,000 apps were submitted this year, with Nigeria having the highest number of quarterfinalists.

Mrs Vivien Kwande, CEO of LifeAid International Initiative, said the event was an opportunity to celebrate the creativity, dedication, and resilience of young technologists who have worked tirelessly to bring their innovative ideas to life.

Kwande said that participants have researched, designed, coded, tested, and refined their ideas, transforming visions into viable solutions with the potential to impact communities and the world at large.

She expressed her belief in the power of technology to drive change and the potential of youth to lead this transformation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event saw many schools participating in
ICT innovation pitches.

NAN also reports that Technovation has improved the lives of over 270,000 women to participate in science and technology in 120 countries globally.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders in the health sector have emphasised the role of vaccination in averting diseases caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV).

They also stressed the need to vaccinate girls aged nine to 14 years against the virus, and promote mental well-being of Nigerians.

They made these calls during an advocacy event held at the Anguwan Hausawa Community, Apo, on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was organised by Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), the Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC), and the Nigerian Psychological Association, FCT chapter.

Mrs Chika Offor, the Founder of VNDC, highlighted the critical role of vaccination in averting HPV-related diseases, notably cervical cancer.

Offor emphasised the imperative of early immunisation as proactive measure against HPV-related cancers.

She acknowledged obstacles hindering high vaccination coverage rate in the country, citing lack of enough awareness, cultural beliefs, and logistic challenges.

She, however,
added that ‘we are steadfast in our commitment to educate communities about the benefits of HPV vaccination and dispelling misconceptions.

‘By targeting girls between the ages of nine and 14, Nigeria can optimise vaccine efficacy and substantially diminish susceptibility to HPV-related ailments.’

In addition to advocating for vaccination, the event addressed the issue of mental health in the community.

Dr Jurbe Bisji, the Assistant General-Secretary of the Nigerian Psychological Association (NPA), highlighted the role of community support in nurturing mental well-being.

Bisji advocated for open dialogue, supportive environment and resource exchange to foster emotional resilience.

He said ‘as individuals navigate the complexities of modern life, community support serves as cornerstone in promoting mental wellness.’

Prof. Emmanuel Alhassan, Nigeria’s Coordinator for Prevent Epidemics/Immunisation Programmes at GHAI, said that education, particularly for girls, is catalyst for societal progress and economi
c prosperity.

Alhassan, who is also an Associate Professor of Psychology at Nasarawa State University, Keffi (NSUK), encouraged the community to invest in girls’ education, noting its transformative impact to future generations and the broader community.

He added that ’empowering girls through education not only unlocks their potential but fosters societal growth and development.’

Meanwhile, Dr Mustapha Lecky, Coordinator of the Health Sector Reform Coalition (HSRC), emphasised the need to improve health insurance coverage in Nigerian communities.

He explained that ‘the Giftship Programme, highlighted in the National Health Insurance is ideal for community health coverage.

‘It’s necessary for officials of health insurance to engage communities through local leaders, schools and religious places to raise awareness.’

Lecky proposed leveraging senators and community resources to sponsor health insurance for communities.

He urged politicians to take practical steps in profiling communities and collaboratin
g with NHIA to bring health services to communities.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, on Monday said creating state police would deepen internal security if approved.

Opeyemi said this in a statement in Abuja released by the Directorate of Media and Publicity, office of the Senate Leader.

He said with the present police system, which was ‘ailing and dysfunctional,’ there was the need for state police.

‘We must admit that the system can no longer guarantee the dignity of human lives and the security of collective assets considering our security dynamics in the Fourth Republic.

‘The proposal for the creation of state police has been a subject of intense debate in the last decade or more.

‘This, in part, can be attributed to the rise of armed attacks orchestrated by diverse interests either pursuing divisive agenda or seeking predatory ends in virtually all geo-political zones,’ he said.

He said Nigeria, as one of the world’s fastest growing nations in terms of population, could not continue operating a unitarist security architecture in spite of it
s strong federal tendencies.

‘Such a policing model cannot meaningfully address existential threats to our internal cohesion and stability.

‘Unlike in 1979 when we had a population of 70.75 million, Nigeria is now a federation of about 229 million people, currently the world’s sixth biggest country.

‘This is as shown in the demographic data of the United Nations. Contrarily, as revealed in the recent presentation of the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Kayode Egbetokun, Nigeria has a police-citizen ratio of one to 650.

‘This ratio is a far cry from a ratio of one to 460, which according to the United Nations, is a minimum requirement for every sovereign state or territory worldwide,’ said Bamidele.

He added that the shortfall further reinforced the dysfunctionality of the centrally-controlled model the country was currently operating.

He said the ongoing review of the 1999 Constitution would avail stakeholders the opportunity to redefine governance structure and recalibrate the security architecture.

‘B
ut we must go about it with a clear sense of self-realisation. We must, first and foremost, realise that the present police system is ailing and dysfunctional.

‘We must also admit that the system can no longer guarantee the dignity of human lives and the security of collective assets.

‘With this admission, it is evident that the option of adopting state police is no doubt inevitable as an antidote to diverse security challenges that threaten us as a federation,’ he said.

The senate leader further said as the debate for a more efficient police model persisted, the National Assembly was under obligation to provide a legal framework that provided clearly defined preconditions.

‘Sub-national governments must conform with the preconditions before they can establish their own police formation.

‘The role of all 36 State Houses of Assembly is equally indispensable in the quest to adopt the decentralised police system,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that the National Health Insurance (NHI) will signal the end of private healthcare.

‘To the contrary, the NHI aims to use the respective strengths and capabilities of both the private and public health sectors to build a single, quality health system for all,’ the President wrote in his weekly newsletter on Monday.

He explained that the NHI Fund will procure services from accredited public and private service providers for every person in need of health care.

‘The NHI will be a lifeline for millions of poor South Africans whose resources will be freed up for other essential needs. It will also alleviate the burden on those who are increasingly paying more in medical aid premiums for increasingly fewer services.’

According to the President, South Africa’s private health sector has world-class expertise and is a major source of domestic and foreign investment.

He also praised the public sector, which also has numerous centres of excellence and is staffed by we
ll-trained and experienced personnel.

While there may be different views on how NHI will be progressively implemented, the reality is that the current healthcare system is unsustainable.

Access to quality, decent healthcare should not depend on one’s ability to pay, he said, adding that the ‘current situation does not serve the poor, does not serve the middle class and does not serve the country.’

However, with careful planning, effective oversight and monitoring, and the strategic allocation of resources, the country’s commander-in-chief believes that South Africa can achieve universal health coverage (UHC).

‘Working together in partnership, as both the public and private sectors, we can make the dream of quality health care for all a reality.’

This as the country edges closer to affordable quality healthcare for all after the President signed the NHI Bill into law last week.

‘For many years, we have had parallel healthcare systems operating in our country. The majority of the population, 84%, uses pub
lic health facilities, while 16% are covered by medical schemes, enabling them to access private healthcare facilities. A small percentage of people use both,’ he added.

The President is of the view that this has perpetuated inequality, with the quality of healthcare one receives being determined by one’s ability to pay.

‘This runs contrary to our aspiration to be a society that is just and equal.’

While achieving social justice is a key objective of NHI, he stated that efficiency and better resource allocation are equally important.

‘We have said that the challenge in implementing NHI lies not in the lack of funds but in the misallocation of resources that currently favour the private health sector at the expense of public health needs.

‘There is a misconception that the private health care sector operates and is funded completely independently of government.’

However, he said the training of doctors, nurses and other healthcare personnel who work in both the public and private sectors is subsidised by
the State.

Secondly, the State pays billions of rands annually in subsidies for employees who are members of various public sector medical aid schemes.

‘Thirdly, taxpayers claim tax rebates for medical aid expenses amounting to approximately R37 billion. This is the money the state should earn in taxes which it foregoes to subsidise private health care.

‘We, therefore, have a situation where the state both directly and indirectly helps to fund a private health care sector that serves only a minority of society.’

In addition, he said access to private healthcare through medical aids is also costly for users.

‘It is said that without the tax rebate private healthcare would not be affordable to the majority of users. Medical aid contributions are increasing faster than inflation. At the same time, benefits are being reduced.’

The President cited the 2016 Healthcare Market Inquiry, which found that private healthcare services and medical scheme coverage are frequently over-used without clear improvements in
health outcomes.

‘The resources that are spent both by the state and private individuals can, therefore, be more efficiently used to build a single, unitary health care system that serves all.’

Source: South African Government News Agency