Day: July 10, 2024

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, says the National Assembly will ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality healthcare.

Akpabio stated this at a public hearing organised by the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) held in Abuja on Wednesday.

The public hearing included: ‘A Bill for an Act to Establish the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Toro, Bauchi State (Amendment), Bill, 2024 and National Eye Centre Doma, Nasarawa State (Establishment) Bill, 2024’.

Akpabio, who was represented by Sen. Osita Ngwu, while declaring the event open, said that lawmakers must ensure every Nigerian has access to the care he or she needed.

‘We must ensure that every Nigerian has access to the care he needs, when he needs it.

‘By supporting these bills, we are fulfilling our constitutional mandate and demonstrating our dedication to the health and welfare of our people.

‘By this public hearing, I’m reminded of our immense responsibility as lawmakers to shape the future of healthcare in Nigeria.

‘The bills before us are not just pieces of legislation; rather, they are the building blocks upon which we will build a stronger, more resilient healthcare sector that can meet the needs of our people.

‘These bills sponsored by distinguished colleagues of this senate, is a testament of their foresight, passion and unwavering commitment to the well-being of our citizens,’ Akpabio said.

According to him, in a country where access to quality healthcare remained a challenge for many, establishing specialised institutions such as orthopaedic hospitals and eye treatment centres was not just a necessity but a moral imperative.

Akpabio also said that the state of the health infrastructure in Nigeria was a matter of grave concern, adding that we lag behind other developing nations in terms of modern medical facilities and resources.

‘This is a stark reality and we cannot afford to ignore it. The introduction of legislation to develop and manage our health care infrastructure is a crucial step toward bridging this
gap and bringing our health care systems into the 21st century.’

Sen. Shehu Buba (APC-Bauchi) sponsored a bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of the Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Toro, Bauchi State.

Buba said that the hospital when established would proffer comprehensive orthopaedic care for joint replacement, fracture and arthritis which essentially, was what the people of the north-eastern part of the country lacked, particularly Bauchi State.

‘It will also bring health care closer to the people at a reduced cost compared to private hospitals and will equally drastically reduce health tourism to other countries.

‘It will stimulate economic growth, foster inter-regional integration and create job opportunities.

‘It will also deter patients from patronising traditional bone setters, who enjoy patronage in the absence of specialised orthopaedic hospital,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Family of the Kaduna State female judge, who was kidnapped alongside her four children recently, has appreciated the security agencies for the safe rescue of his remaining three children.

Dr Musa Gimba, husband and father of the victims, in a statement he personally signed on Wednesday in Abuja said that the rescued children were reunited with him and his wife by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu on Tuesday.

‘On behalf of my family, I wish to issue this statement to inform the Public that yesterday, July 9 my wife and I, were reunited with our three surviving boys.

‘As you may recall, rather tragically, during the ordeal that commenced with their abduction onJune 23, our first child was killed by the kidnappers, before the mother was released to secure a ransom of N150 million

‘However, security forces, demonstrating exceptional professionalism and bravery, successfully conducted the rescue operation.

‘Thanks to the meticulous planning and coordination, led by the Office of the NSA,
our three surviving children are now free.

‘While we still earnestly grieve the death of our eldest son, whose life was cut short before his prime, we thank God for the opportunity he has given us to be reunited with our surviving children,’ he said.

According to Gimba, they wish to bring some sort of closure to such harrowing and unforgettable experience, that they do not wish on anyone.

He thanked all those, who, in one way or the other, were instrumental to rescuing their children.

He thanked NSA and his office, chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa and Kaduna State Government, as well as security forces for their unrelenting efforts in ensuring the safe return of their remaining children.

Gimba also appreciated professional bodies, NGOs and religious bodies as well as the press and the social media community for rallying support for the family.

‘May God protect us all, from the whims of evil and wicked people.

‘May He also reward everyone, who showered us with their selfless sacrifices and
show of love in this very difficult situation,’ he added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday swore in eight new permanent secretaries to fill existing and impending vacancies of some states and geo-political zones in the top administrative cadre of the Civil Service of the Federation.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s spokesman, read their citations before they took the traditional oath of office.

Ngelale said the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation embarked on a diligent selection process comprising a written examination, an ICT proficiency test and an interactive session with a broad spectrum of stakeholders.

He said at the end of the exercise, eight directors in the Federal Civil Service who scaled the hurdles were appointed as Permanent Secretaries.

One of the permanent secretaries sworn in was Dr Emanso Umobong, representing Akwa Ibom State, who obtained a Fellowship of the Medical College of Pathology (FMCpath), from the National Post-graduate Medical College of Nigeria.

Before joining the Federal Civil Service, Umobong was at var
ious times a lecturer in the College of Medicine, University of Uyo; and College of Medicine, University of Abuja.

Her civil service career started in 2008 when she was employed as an Assistant Director and posted to the State House, where she rose to become a Director.

Also sworn in was Dr Emeka Obi, from Anambra State, who joined the Federal Civil Service on Feb. 5, 2001 as a Dental Officer Grade Level 12 in the State House, having obtained his Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) Degree from the University of Lagos in 1997.

He rose through the ranks in the State House Medical Centre to become a Director in the Federal Civil Service in 2018.

Similarly, Fatima Mahmood, representing Bauchi State, who was sworn in alongside others, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and is a Fellow of the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA).

Prior to joining the service, she garnered invaluable experience in the finance sector as an agricultural specialist, where she hone
d her expertise in navigating the intricate intersection of finance and agriculture.

Other permanent secretaries sworn in by President Tinubu were: Mohammed Danjuma, Jigawa State; Olubunmi Olusanya, Ondo State; Maryam Ismaila Keshinro, Zamfara State; Chinyere Ijeoma Akujobi, Imo State and Christopher Isokpunwu, Edo State.

Danjuma was employed into the Federal Civil Service as Accountant II in 1993 and rose through the ranks to become a Director in 2021.

He was until his appointment, the Director (Finance and Accounts) in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.

Olusanya, a fellow of the Waste Management Society of Nigeria and a Member of the Nigerian Environmental Society, started his career as a Microbiologist with Sona Breweries Plc, Sango-Ota, Ogun State in 1993.

He later joined the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA) in June 1996 as a Senior Environmental Scientist.

He was absorbed into the Federal Ministry of Environment in June 1999 upon the winding down of FEPA, and rose through the ranks
to the position of Director on Jan. 1, 2019.

Keshinro joined the Federal Civil Service on Jan. 3, 2011 as Assistant Director/Consultant Paediatrician with the State House at State House Medical Centre Abuja, and rose to Director/Consultant Special Grade I on Jan 1, 2019.

She served as the Head of Paediatrics Department from 2011 to 2019.

Recognising her leadership abilities, she was elected Chairman of Clinical Services from 2015 to 2019.

Akujobi, until her current appointment, was the Director (Epidemiology) at the Department of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Abuja; and Director, World Trade Organisation Sanitary and Phytosanitary Enquiry Point (Animal Health) for Nigeria.

As a Chief Veterinary Officer, responsible for certification of animals and products of animal origin, Akujobi ensured that exported and imported animal products complied with international standards thus preventing rejections and introduction of animal diseases into the nation
‘s livestock population.

Isokpunwu’s career in the Federal Ministry of Health includes his most recent role as Director of Health Planning Research and Statistics, where he coordinated national health sector priorities and strategic plans.

He previously served as Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Senior Technical Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Health, and National Coordinator of the National Vesico-Vaginal Fistula (VVF) Programme, leading significant health initiatives.

Dr Folasade Esan, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, said the newly sworn in permanent secretaries should realise that the responsibility of being a permanent secretary was a huge one, and a call to service to one’s nation.

‘And so they should see that responsibility and deal with it with all diligence. They need to come in with a lot of fresh vigour and do their work to move the country forward.

‘The role of the civil servants is very critical in ensuring that the President gets all the results that he needs.
And the civil servants are key, and permanent secretaries being heads of the MDAs must, as a matter of fact, ensure that all the results that Mr President needs will be seen.

‘They must make sure that if there are bottlenecks, they should do whatever they have to do so to achieve great results for our country, Nigeria,’ said Esan.

One of the newly sworn in permanent secretaries, Obi, said the appointment was a national call to service to support the government in driving the reforms in the federal civil service and to help the president to achieve his mandate.

‘So, we feel that is a very great privilege for the eight of us. So, I’ve been elected as permanent secretary to serve our Motherland, as enshrined in the national anthem that this call to service.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Dr Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, on Tuesday, canvassed support for the National Digital Economy and e-Governance Bill.

He says when the Bill is passed into law, it will provide legal framework and accelerate progress in the country’s digital economy agenda.

The minister, who spoke at a media engagement on the bill in Abuja, said that Nigeria’s digital economy had been projected to generate N18.3 billion by 2026, with capacity to revolutionise the economy of the nation.

According to him, Nigeria has unicorn companies like Flutterwave, Jumia, Andela and Interswitch, which have demonstrated that digital economy is strong and can lift the country to where it should be.

He noted that ‘technology is providing jobs for our young ones because presently, there is job deficit in the tech ecosystem, which we need to put measures in place to take hold of the sector.

‘This bill will accelerate the progress in our digital economy because there is no clear legislation in that space.

‘
We believe that the bill will support the growth and transformation of Nigeria’s economy through the application and the use of technology in all facets of life in Nigeria.

‘This bill will create an enabling environment for fair competition, promote innovation, growth and competitiveness for Nigerian economy.’

According to him, when the bill is passed into law, it will be implemented in all the six geopolitical zones of the country.

Malam Kashifu Inuwa, the Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), also said that the bill would enhance the use of digital economy in the entire country, both in government and the private sector.

Inuwa, who was represented at the occasion by , Mr Emmanuel Edet, the Director, Standards, Guidelines and Frameworks Department, urged Nigerians to embrace digital technology as an enabler.

He added that the ecosystem is growing, hence the need to harness its potential to drive economic desires with the country’s youthful population and digital s
kills.

‘The bill tries to ensure that digital capabilities are accommodated in our everyday lives and experiences,’ he said.

He mentioned that the bill is structured in 16 parts with over 60 sections to address validity of electronic, digital transactions, digital contracts, signatures and time stamps.

‘The bill will address topics like consumer protection for digital transactions, use of technology such as Artificial Intelligence, blockchains for public services, among others.’

According to him, people should not feel scared of losing their jobs to technology because people are likewise gaining jobs with the integration of technology.

He said: ‘technology offers opportunities, it is unique and people should find their niche and build on it.

‘Part of other objectives of the bill is to mandate, promote and enable the digital transformation of public institutions and government processes for efficient and effective service delivery.

‘The bill also seeks to create a basis and process for secure, reliable
and confidential data exchange for reusability and innovation, provide a framework for the systematic development of digital literacy to support citizens for improved life, among other objectives,’ he stressed.

Senate Committee Chairman on ICT and Cybercrimes, Sen. Shuaib Salisu and Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Digital and Information Communication Technology, Rep. Stanley Adedeji, pledged lawmakers’ commitment toward the adoption and implementation of the bill.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

(Changsha) – Hunan TV’s ‘Singer 2024’ has become a major international success, with more than half of the show already aired on Mango TV. The nine-episode competition has provided a platform for both Chinese and foreign singers to showcase their musical talents, fostering diverse cultural exchanges and the global prosperity of music.

‘Singer 2024’ has captured significant attention both domestically and internationally. UNESCO has twice liked the show’s posts on its official Weibo account. Additionally, the program has been endorsed by the Embassy of China in Estonia, the Latin American and Caribbean Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, and the Embassy of Canada in China.

Since its premiere, the Mango TV International App’s overseas platforms have accumulated over 25.6 million views, reaching an audience of 220 million. African participants from radio and television operation management workshops in English-speaking African countries have also engaged with the show, noting its popularity
in Africa.

International singers Chanté Moore and Faouzia have gained a large following in China through their participation in ‘Singer 2024’. They have also explored Chinese culture and traditions, visiting popular attractions in Beijing, Hong Kong, Changsha, and more, and praising the local customs and cuisine.

In the eighth episode, Faouzia performed a Chinese song, ‘The Devil from Heaven,’ impressing the audience and securing second place. The show also introduced its first international challenger, Rukhiya from Kazakhstan, who delivered a captivating performance. Chanté Moore chose to perform ‘Halo,’ a beloved song among Chinese viewers, in a recent episode.

‘Singer 2024’ is opening new doors for international cultural exchanges and cooperation in Chinese music.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WINDHOEK: The Namibian Police Force (NamPol) and the Roads Authority (RA) on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance training exchange and capacity building, information exchange and integration between their systems.

Speaking at the signing ceremony here, Inspector-General of NamPol, Lieutenant-General Joseph Shikongo said the agreement is not just a formality but a strategic alignment of resources, expertise and objectives, and it signifies the two entities’ resolve to work hand-in-hand towards a safer Namibia.

Shikongo said the training exchanges aim to foster a culture of continuous learning and professional development that will ensure that personnel are well-equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of law enforcement and road safety.

‘Capacity building is another cornerstone of this agreement. By leveraging the strengths and capabilities of both institutions, we can enhance our operational efficiency and effectiveness. This collabora
tion will empower us to better serve the Namibian people, ensuring that our services are not only reactive, but also proactive in nature,’ said Shikongo.

He said sharing of information and system integration are critical in this digital age, as seamless flow of information between NamPol and RA will enhance their ability to respond swiftly and accurately to incidents.

‘This integration will pave the way for coordinated law enforcement operations, minimising response times and maximising service delivery. The coordinated law enforcement operations envisaged in this MoU will enable us to pool our resources and expertise for more comprehensive and efficient interventions,’ added Shikongo.

The chief of police said by the two entities working together, they can cover more ground, address issues more effectively, and ensure that enforcement efforts are cohesive and unified.

RA Chief Executive Officer, Conrad Lutombi said in recent years, managing vehicle registrations and ensuring road safety have become increa
singly complex and the evolving nature of crime demands a more coordinated approach.

‘This partnership is a proactive step towards addressing these challenges head-on. This MoU will expedite the identification of unregistered or stolen vehicles and aid in the swift resolution of related crimes. As we move forward, let us remain focused on our shared goals of ensuring that our roads remain safe for all,’ said Lutombi.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency