Healthy Living Archives - Page 4 of 9

Kaduna LG to make health insurance mandatory for intending couples, aspirants

The Chairman of Kudan Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Dauda Abba, has proposed a requirement for would-be couples to present the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority enrollment card before getting married.

Ensuring this, he said, would increase enrollment into the scheme.

Abba made the proposal on Monday in Kudan LGA Secretariat at the KADCHMA’s inauguration of the informal sector enrollment campaign into the scheme.

The chairman said the proposal aimed to ensure that couples have access to quality healthcare services.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the exercise, which would also be inaugurated at Kagarko and Chikun LGAs, is expected to be carried out across all the 23 LGAs of the state.

It was supported by EngerderHealth Consortium, International Society for Media in Public Health, Centre for Communication and Social Impact and Legislative Advocacy Initiative for Sustainable Development Goals.

Abba stated that pregnant women would particularly benefit from the scheme’s coverage of antenatal care, delivery and postnatal care.

The chairman also added that the health scheme provides financial protection against unexpected medical expenses, enabling pregnant women to access quality healthcare without financial hardship.

He added that the scheme also provides access to quality healthcare services, including antenatal care, delivery, and postnatal care, with or without complications, reducing maternal mortality rates.

Abba said, “The N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases and services, including antenatal care and delivery, making it a comprehensive healthcare solution for pregnant women.”

By making KADCHMA enrollment a requirement for marriage, the chairman believed that awareness and uptake of the scheme would increase, ultimately improving the health and wellbeing of citizens.

He, therefore, said that he would push an Executive Order to the LGA legislative arm for inputs to make by-laws that would require intending couples to present KADCHMA enrollment cards before wedding.

Abba added that the by-law would also ensure that KADCHMA enrollment cards were required for political office aspirants in the LGA in order to support the scheme’s implementation.

“The by-law will require individuals to have a KADCHMA cards before getting married, and individuals before contesting for political positions.

“We are optimistic that the by-law will be ready within two to three weeks, and forward a copy to relevant stakeholders,” he said.

The chaiman pledged to enroll 1,000 people in the scheme, with plans to add another 1,000 after successful enrollment.

He, therefore, urged traditional, religious leaders and all other stakeholders to circulate information about the scheme to households and support its implementation.

Earlier, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Abubakar Hassan, emphasised that the scheme’s goal was to ensure that all the residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship.

Hassan explained that the authority rolled out the campaign to educate grassroot communities on the benefits of enrolling in the health scheme, targeting local stakeholders and traditional leaders to champion the initiative.

He also explained that the meeting aimed to secure the endorsement of local government authorities, identify context-specific barriers, and foster ownership and shared responsibility for improving community health outcomes.

The director-general lamented the high rate of maternal mortality, saying that the N10,650 annual charge fee covers numerous diseases including services such as antenatal till birth, with or without complications.

He said that over 50 women enrollees in the scheme had given birth through cesarean section.

“KADCHMA’s goal is to ensure all residents have access to quality and affordable health services without financial hardship, aligning with the vision of Universal Health Coverage,” he said.

According to him, the initiative promises improved access to quality health services, financial protection, and reduced maternal and child mortality.

This is with the ultimate goal of making Kaduna state a model for Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.

Hassan said that the initiative was part of Gov. Uba Sani’s Rural Transformation Agenda, which aims to cater to the needs of underserved and unserved people, particularly in rural areas.

Hassan said that the scheme would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for its citizens.

“Health is no longer a previlege in Kaduna state, but a right,”he said.

He, therefore, urged the stakeholders to become enrollment ambassadors, with traditional rulers and council members supporting the scheme through community development plans and sensitisation efforts.

Halliru Mahmood, the District Head of Kudan, commended Sani for initiating the scheme, adding that it would provide financial protection and access to quality healthcare for citizens.

He emphasised that enrollment into the scheme, which required a registration fee of N10,650, was a small price to pay considering the benefits it provides.

Mahmood stated that the programme would help reduce maternal and child mortality rates, which were significant concerns in Nigeria.

He highlighted the importance of the scheme in providing financial protection for families, particularly those who cannot afford to pay for healthcare services.

The district head believed that the programme was beneficial to the people and would make a significant impact in improving their health and wellbeing.

The News Agency of Nigeria, reports that stakeholders were community volunteers, ward development committees, traditional and religious leaders, among others.

(NAN)

Katsina doctors reject FG’s offer, threaten strike 20th July 2025

The Nigerian Medical Association, Katsina State branch, has expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over a circular purportedly issued by the Federal Government to address salary adjustments for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

The NMA described the circular as “grossly inadequate, misleading and a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of agreements reached during the collective bargaining process between NMA and the government of Nigeria.

This is contained in a communique arising from its SEC meeting on Saturday in Katsina.

The circular noted, “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects national salaries, incomes and wages commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the Federal public service: Demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.”

The communique was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr. Muhammadu Sani, as well as the Secretary, Dr. Yahya Salisu and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Katsina.

The association warned that it cannot guarantee non-disruption of health services if its demands are not met.

The Katsina NMA said it expects the government to address their demands as outlined by the NOC on July 2nd, 2025 just as it noted that the healthcare sector is on the brink due to unfulfilled promises and poor welfare for Doctors.

The communique read, “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Katsina State Branch expresses grave disappointment and unequivocally condemns the circular purportedly issued to address the consequential adjustment of allowances under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical and dental practitioners in Nigeria.

“The circular is grossly inadequate, misleading and constitutes a flagrant violation of the spirit and letter of the agreements painstakingly reached during the collective bargaining (CBA) process between the NMA and the Federal Government of Nigeria.

“With the immense and urgent Brain drain experience across the nation and the debilitating effect of Work burnout, our members are exposed to on a daily basis, the government ought to have improved the welfare, remuneration and social services that will boost the morale of the remaining Doctors who have sacrificed to serve our dear fatherland. Instead, the silent and unfulfilled promises made by successive governments have pushed the healthcare sector to the brink. The biting economic crisis and reduction in purchasing power have made the income nothing to show for.

“Our members are dedicated and hardworking, and it is only right for the government to leave up to their responsibilities of ensuring a healthier society. With the Expiration of the 21-day grace period and the upcoming EDM a week from now, we are solidly behind the National Official Committee (NOC) stance and decisions.

“We hereby expect that attention will be given to our demands as earlier released by the NOC on the 2nd July 2025. We cannot guarantee non-disruption in the health services rendered to the Nigerian People at the expiration of such”, the communique concluded.

Assault: Ogun hospital warns unit head, suspends student nurse

The Medical Director and Provost of Neuro Psychiatric Hospital, Abeokuta, Dr Paul Agboola, on Saturday debunked reports of injustice over an alleged case of physical and verbal assault levelled against the Head of Clinical Services of the hospital, Dr Olayinka Majekodunmi, by a Post Basic Psychiatric Nursing student, Seyi Ogunjobi.

Agboola stated that Majekodunmi has, however, been handed a strongly worded warning letter for admitting to having used foul language such as “You’re stupid, you’re a bastard” on Ogunjobi during the altercation, which reportedly occurred on June 30, 2025.

He stated that the panel that sat over the case, which he chaired, also found the student nurse very inconsistent and evasive, as he could not prove the allegation that the senior consultant hit him with a chair and also pushed him and was therefore was suspended as a corrective measure.

Agboola said that the father of the student nurse had also reached out to him, appreciating him for his fatherly approach to the matter and pleaded that the hospital management temper justice with mercy.

The Medical Director disclosed this on Saturday while addressing journalists over the alleged assault case.

Recall that the hospital chapter of the National Association of Nurses and Midwives, led by its chairman, Narcissus Oluwalegan, had led other nurses on a peaceful protest over the alleged assault of the student nurse.

Oluwalegan had stated that while Majekodunmi had been left to walk freely, Ogunjobi was suspended, claiming that the hospital management had decided to close their eyes to the injustice meted out to one of them.

He had threatened that the nurses would not hesitate to withdraw their services if the hospital management did not lift the suspension placed on the students within 24 hours, while also addressing other concerns of the health workers.

Addressing journalists on Saturday, Agboola said that having received the petition of the alleged verbal and physical assault, a panel which was chaired by him and also had as members Mrs Florence Oladeji, Head of Administration of the hospital, Dr Sunday Amosu, Head of Research and Training, Dr Taiwo Omirin, Principal of School of Psychiatric Nursing, her Vice, Mr Olorunisola, Dr Nurudeen Ibrahim, Head of Servicom and others looked into the allegation.

He explained that the incident reportedly occurred on June 30 during the ward round led by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr Majekodunmi and his team.

Agboola said, “On getting to the ward, there was said to be challenge of lack of chairs as some nursing students had already occupied the seats. The student nurse, Seyi Ogunjobi, reportedly went to get a chair but insisted on giving the chair to another student nurse and not the Head of Clinical Services.

“In the ensuing altercation, Dr Majekodunmi allegedly engaged in physical and verbal assault against Ogunjobi, hit the student and also used some foul language on him.

“During the panel sitting, Dr Majekodunmi came with 12 witnesses and also admitted that out of annoyance, he used the words ‘you’re stupid, you’re a bastard’ but denied ever hitting the student, and his witnesses also corroborated.”

He revealed further that the student nurse who came with one staff nurse as a witness was, however, unable to substantiate the allegation that he was hit because his witness also said that she could not confirm whether the senior consultant hit the student nurse or not.

Agboola continued, “For admitting to have used such foul language on the student nurse, Dr Majekodunmi had been given a strongly worded warning letter to serve as a deterrent, while the nurse was suspended for his inconsistencies and inability to substantiate his claim against the medical doctor.”

He explained that the suspension was not a punitive but a corrective measure, which is aimed at ensuring that the student prioritises integrity, which is a hallmark of nurse training

Agboola said that the suspension is just may be for one or two days and not a kind of suspension that will ensure that the student is sent out of the school for a long time, such that will jeopardise his academic pursuit, adding that “we just wanted to mould the boy to become responsible and a nurse that prioritises integrity.”

The Medical Director also said that the management has met with other unions of the hospital over the ugly incident and will meet with the nurses’ union on Monday to further resolve the crisis.

Enugu adopts new strategy to streamline health sector budgeting

The Enugu State Government has embarked on developing Annual Operational Plans that would be integrated into the state’s 2026 health sector budget.

This initiative is part of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, a comprehensive program aimed at transforming Nigeria’s health system by improving healthcare infrastructure and expanding health insurance coverage.

Speaking at a Four-day training workshop on NHSRII Leadership and Health Systems Strengthening for Managers, which began on Monday in Enugu, the State Commissioner for Health, Emmanuel Obi, said the NHSRII is a sector-wide programme that seeks to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across the board.

The training is themed, “Towards Rational, Realistic, Pragmatic and Comprehensive Plan that informs Health Budget for the People of Enugu State”.

According to Obi, “Through the State-Wide Approach (SWAp) reform, the Federal Ministry of Health is trying to bring together every single player in the health sector under one coordinating umbrella to monitor the sector indices across board.”

He explained that the SWAp approach will give the country’s health sector one plan, monitoring and evaluation, and a coordinated network.

“This workshop is the beginning of the step down of a capacity building for master trainers who are involved in the entire health sector of Enugu State towards producing a one-sector annual operational plan that will be integrated into the 2026 health sector budget for Enugu State,” Obi added.

The participants in the training are made up of senior and programme managers, officials of different agencies, and health sector stakeholders in Enugu State.

Obi expects a high level of seriousness from the participants, as they work towards producing a comprehensive plan that will inform the state’s health budget.

Francisca Ewoh, SWAp Desk Officer, Enugu State, explained that the essence of SWAp programme is to ensure coordination and uniformity in the health system in Nigeria.

“What is happening in the health sector, unlike before, is no longer business as usual, whereby the partners come in with their own activities. SWAp wants to ensure that states prioritise activities based on evidence-based,” she said.

The Head of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ann Oguejioffor, said the training would streamline the state’s planning process towards the 2026 health sector budget.

“With the SWAp programme, the state is going to have one plan in the sense that what the partners are offering should not duplicate with what the state government is doing,” she added.

The development of Annual Operational Plans is expected to improve the state’s health sector by ensuring that all stakeholders work together towards a common goal.

It was learnt that the plan will also help to avoid fragmentation and duplication in the health system, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively.

Using breast milk to treat eye infection may lead to blindness – Ophthalmologists

Senior eye care experts have cautioned Nigerians against the use of breast milk and cow urine as remedies for eye infections and diseases, warning that such practices could lead to serious complications, including blindness.

The ophthalmologists described the trend as unsafe, noting that applying unverified substances into the eyes introduces harmful bacteria, worsens infections, and delays access to proper treatment.

They stressed that breast milk, though nutritious for infants, is not sterile and is unsuitable for ocular use, while cow urine carries even greater risks due to its high microbial load.

A Chief Consultant Ophthalmologist, Dr. Festus Oshoba, said the use of such harmful remedies persists due to cultural myths and misinformation.

Oshoba made this known at the 26th Annual Faculty of Ophthalmology Lecture of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, where stakeholders in Nigeria’s eye care sector gathered to deliberate on the challenges and solutions to achieving universal eye care in the country.

He described the practice as “force majeure” factors, adding that the usage of harmful substances often worsens avoidable conditions.

The eye expert urged individuals experiencing eye discomfort or infections to seek prompt medical attention from certified eye care providers.

“People should stop dangerous and unscientific eye care practices, such as the use of breast milk, cow urine, or the use of camphor in treating common eye ailments.

“People should protect their eyes from the sun’s harsh rays using sunshades or photochromatic lenses to prevent cataracts and other ocular damage,” he advised while speaking on the theme ‘Force Majeure, Masquerades and The Attainment of Universal Eye Care in Nigeria’.

He also warned against violence or corporal punishment involving the face, especially for children, noting that even a slap could cause internal bleeding and blindness.

Beyond physical safety, Oshoba stressed regular eye screening, adding that screening is key to early diagnosis and treatment of preventable and curable conditions.

“Use a calendar or chart at home to self-check your vision daily. The moment you can’t read what you used to see clearly, visit your doctor,” the ophthalmologist said.

Oshoba referenced cultural misconceptions and spiritual interpretations of blindness and eye diseases, such as attributing loss of vision to curses.

“Many of these cases are due to conditions like glaucoma, diabetes, or brain tumours, not spiritual attacks,” he explained.

He further advocated for increased computer vision care, especially for digital device users, and encouraged workers to get regular eye tests and corrective lenses to improve productivity.

Addressing a pressing systemic challenge, Oshoba lamented the acute shortage of trained ophthalmologists in Nigeria.

“We currently have just 454 ophthalmologists for over 220 million Nigerians. That’s grossly inadequate for universal eye care,” he said.

A Professor of Ophthalmology at University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Charles Bekibele, raised concerns about Nigeria’s brain drain crisis, popularly dubbed the “Japa” syndrome.

According to him, the economic downturn is driving young doctors away, stalling training, and weakening the future of ophthalmic care in the country.

“Five years ago, we had 30 residents at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. Today, we barely have five. They finish and leave the country. Some don’t even apply anymore,” Bekibele, who is also the chairman at the Faculty of Ophthalmology, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, said.

He explained that the lack of modern training equipment, such as surgical simulators for cataract surgery, the most common cause of blindness in Nigeria, has hindered skill development.

“We currently have no simulator in Nigeria for cataract surgery. It’s like training a pilot without a flight simulator. You can imagine the risk,” he lamented.

The don, however, called on government and private stakeholders to invest in training tools and offer incentives that encourage young doctors to stay. “If Nigeria fixes its economy, I believe many of our professionals will return. But until then, we must invest in what we have.”

Meanwhile, the Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Dr. Olatunji Olowolafe, while reinforcing the need for innovation, announced a donation of $9,800 to acquire a surgical simulator.

This simulator, he said, would be vital in training future ophthalmologists and ensuring diagnostic excellence.

“It’s about globalising our training methods. With simulation labs, we can produce world-class ophthalmologists who are not only capable but confident before handling live surgeries. This will position Nigeria as a center of excellence in eye care and training,” Olowolafe said.

He expressed hope that with better infrastructure, Nigeria could attract medical tourism and reduce the emigration of healthcare professionals.

Lagos unveils 10 new ambulance points after PUNCH report 12th July 20

The Lagos State Government has boosted its emergency care by unveiling 10 new ambulance points.

This expansion aims to improve response times and strengthen the Lagos State Ambulance Service network across the state after some reports published by PUNCH Online.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, announced the addition of ten embulalces on Saturday during the commissioning ceremony that took place at the LASAMBUS Point in Agege, one of the newly established locations.

This is contained in a statement shared on the Lagos Government website on Saturday.

The statement quoted Ogunyemi as saying, “The Lagos State Government today officially commissioned 10 new pre-fabricated ambulance points located at Agege, Agbowa, Masha (Surulere), Badagry, Mile 2, Epe, Shomolu, Igando, Iba, and Ibeju-Lekki areas of the State under the Lagos State Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS). The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, is designed to improve pre-hospital care and emergency response times across communities.”

The event also had in attendance top government officials, including the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, and representatives from the contractor, Hamibra Integrated Nigeria Ltd.

Ogunyemi, in her keynote address, described the initiative as a landmark step toward the realisation of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration’s THEMES Plus Agenda, particularly in delivering timely and quality emergency healthcare to Lagosians.

“These new ambulance points represent not just infrastructure, but hope and access to lifesaving care,” she said.

Ogunyemi noted that the structures were strategically located to ensure broader and faster emergency medical coverage.

She praised the collaborative spirit that brought the project to fruition, singling out the contractor, Mr. Sulaiman Hammed, for what she called “professional dedication beyond contractual obligations.”

She also acknowledged Mr. Moshood Akintayo, a beneficiary of LASAMBUS services, for voluntarily beautifying the Agege ambulance point with his resources.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment, she declared: “We are not just launching facilities today, we are reinforcing our promise to save lives, support frontline responders, and build a healthier, safer Lagos for all.”

In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Ogboye, shared his deep personal passion for emergency services and highlighted LASAMBUS as a cause he has championed throughout his tenure. “This is not just another ribbon-cutting ceremony,” he said.

“It’s a signpost of progress, a culmination of years of planning and passionate work”, he added.

Ogboye explained that the 10 new points are part of a larger blueprint to upgrade and establish more strategically located points on the roads, ambulance bases in hospitals, forward-operating posts in local government areas, and trauma centres across Lagos.

He cited already functional trauma centres in Epe and Tollgate, and ongoing works at MCC Eti-Osa and proposed new centres in other locations.

“We’re building more than structures; we’re building systems. From infrastructure to communication upgrades, every piece fits into a larger vision of seamless, responsive emergency medical service delivery,” Ogboye stated, adding that plans are underway to expand beyond these 10 points.

He commended the LASAMBUS team for their dedication and resilience, noting that the addition of new points will naturally increase their workload.

“Even as we celebrate today, we acknowledge the increased demands on our responders. Your sacrifice doesn’t go unnoticed,” he assured.

Ogboye also recognised the valuable contributions of the community, citing Mr. Moshood Akintayo’s gesture as “the highest form of civic partnership any government agency could ask for.”

He urged others to emulate such community ownership of public assets.

The MD/CEO of Hamibra Integrated Nigeria Ltd, Mr. Sulaiman Hammed, presented a project brief, explaining the evolution of the prefabricated model from earlier versions that were vulnerable to environmental damage and unrest.

“This new model is fortified, mobile, and designed to stand for over 50 years,” he declared proudly.

He revealed that the structure includes an ambulance personnel station equipped with executive furniture, anti-burglar German steel panels, and hybrid plasma cooling for staff comfort, adding that the ambulance hangar is reinforced with top-grade steel and built to accommodate modern ambulances securely and effectively.

According to Hammed, the modular structures are not only transferable but also cost-effective in the long term.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for supporting innovation and to the Special Adviser and Permanent Secretary for their leadership and trust in local contractors.

Representing LASAMBUS, Deputy Director of Nursing, Mrs. Rasheedat Saka, applauded the commissioning as a game-changer for pre-hospital care delivery.

“These new points drastically improve our comfort, readiness, and response times. So with this in place, we are ready to respond come sun or rain,” she noted.

Mrs. Saka appreciated the Ministry for responding to the needs of ambulance personnel, citing training and continuous capacity-building efforts as crucial elements that enable LASAMBUS responders to remain competent and effective in emergencies.

She reminded Lagosians of the availability of emergency toll-free numbers 767 and 112, urging citizens to call either number during emergencies to receive prompt assistance from trained LASAMBUS professionals.

A high point of the ceremony was the moving testimony by Mr. Moshood Akintayo, a direct beneficiary of LASAMBUS intervention.

He recalled how the service saved his life during an accident earlier this year. “They showed up fast, treated me on-site, and transported me to the hospital, all at no cost,” he shared emotionally.

In appreciation, Mr. Akintayo painted the perimeter wall around the newly constructed LASAMBUS Point in Agege. “This is my small way of giving back. LASAMBUS gave me a second chance at life,” he said, drawing warm applause from attendees.

“Today’s commissioning brings the total number of newly pre-fabricated LASAMBUS Points to 16, following six previously launched stations a year ago. With Governor Sanwo-Olu’s continued support, the State aims to extend the reach of these points to all local government areas.

“By reinforcing infrastructure, upskilling personnel, and engaging communities, the Lagos State Government has demonstrated a forward-thinking approach to emergency healthcare. The new LASAMBUS Points represent both immediate impact and long-term investment in public health resilience”, Akintayo added.

Meanwhile, On July 8, 2025, PUNCH Online repported that three young women involved in a serious road accident on Kingsway Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, early Tuesday morning and were reportedly sustained severe head injuries and faced a significant delay in ambulance response, forcing an eyewitness to transport them to the General Hospital, Lagos, in a private vehicle.

The incident sparked concern over the state of emergency services in Lagos, with an eyewitness lamenting the perceived decline in response times.

“Very sad!”, an eyewitness, Agboola Kotun, recounted the ordeal in a Facebook post with photos early on Tuesday.

Similarly, on December 4, 2022, PUNCH Online reported that the Lagos State government renovated an ambulance point on Bajulaiye Road in the Shomolu Local Government Area of the state, which had been abandoned for over five years.

The renovation came after a report by PUNCH HealthWise had revealed the poor state of the ambulance point.

Two die, 10 injured in Jigawa auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps has confirmed two persons dead and 10 injured in an auto crash that occurred along Ringim-Kano Road, in the Ringim Local Government Area of the state.

The FRSC Sector Commander, Mr. Umar Mas’ud, told newsmen in Dutse, the state capital, on Friday that the incident, which involved two Volkswagen cars, was caused by overspeeding and wrongful overtaking.

Mas’ud said that 13 persons were involved in the incident, which occurred at about 10:40 a.m. on Thursday.

The sector commander added that all 13 persons involved are from Bareda village in the Ikara Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Mas’ud further stated that the Corps recovered N2.1 million belonging to one of the deceased victims and one survivor.

Mas’udu said the money had since been handed over to the victims’ relatives in the presence of the area’s Divisional Police Officer (DPO), ASP Abdullahi Ibrahim.

He commended the Corps’ Unit Command in charge of the area for their transparency and diligence in recovering and returning the money.

Mas’ud said, “It is my pleasure to inform the general public that our personnel were involved in a rescue operation in the Ringim area on Thursday, and during the exercise, the sum of N2,166,700 was recovered.

“After a thorough investigation with the support of the police in the area, all the money recovered was handed over to relatives of the victims.”

The sector commander was further reassured of the Corp’s commitment to integrity and its mandate to serve the public with compassion and transparency.

Mas’udu advised motorists to desist from overspeeding, wrongful overtaking, and other acts capable of causing road crashes under whatever circumstances.

(NAN)

NACA to convene national council on AIDS amid global aid shifts

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS has announced plans to convene the seventh National Council on AIDS, which will focus on Nigeria’s HIV response in the context of evolving global aid dynamics.

The agency made this known in a statement signed by the Chairman, Planning Committee, Dr. Daniel Ndukwe, on Thursday.

The event, to be held in Lagos with support from the Lagos State Agency for the Control of AIDS, is themed, “Advancing national HIV sustainability agenda in the changing global policy on aid.”

The meeting is designed to bring together representatives from government ministries, civil society, development partners, and affected communities, with discussions focusing on ensuring the long-term sustainability of HIV prevention, care, and treatment programs nationwide.

The National Council on AIDS, established under the NACA Act of 2006, functions as Nigeria’s apex coordination body for multi-sectoral HIV response. The upcoming seventh session aims to review past progress and chart a strategic direction for future HIV interventions.

Speaking ahead of the event, the Director-General of NACA and Chairman of the Council, Dr. Temitope Ilori, highlighted the importance of sustaining HIV response efforts in the face of shifting donor priorities.

“As donor landscapes evolve, Nigeria must take bold steps to ensure that HIV prevention, treatment, and support remain accessible and resilient. The Council offers us a unified platform to chart that future,” she said.

The meeting will feature three core thematic tracks on advancing the national HIV sustainability agenda in a changing global aid landscape; multi-sectoral approaches to sustainability of HIV and related developmental diseases; and strengthening sub-national structures for sustainability and health systems effectiveness.

In addition to technical sessions, the agenda includes a review of the twelve resolutions adopted at the sixth NCA meeting and an invitation for stakeholders to submit policy and implementation memoranda for consideration.

The seventh NCA is expected to serve as a national platform for aligning efforts across sectors, including TB, malaria, reproductive health, and broader health system strengthening.

Ex-Army chief proposes mandatory military training for Nigerians

A former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (retd.), has called for the introduction of mandatory military training for all Nigerians, beginning with the National Youth Service Corps.

This, he said, is a way of promoting national unity, discipline, and resilience in the face of growing security and social challenges.

Ihejirika made the call on Friday night at the 50th anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 18 Alumni Association in Abuja.

He reflected on his early days in military service and the camaraderie built over the years with fellow officers.

The former Army chief said the discipline and patriotism instilled in them during training were instrumental in shaping their careers and national contributions.

“Given the current situation of things in our country, I believe it’s time we start thinking about mandatory military training for our citizens.

“We can start with the National Youth Service. This will help us build a generation of Nigerians who understand sacrifice, responsibility, and patriotism,” he said.

Ihejirika praised the government’s decision to restore the old national anthem, saying it reinforces the spirit of unity.

He emphasised that the line “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” perfectly captures the essence of national service and shared identity.

He also expressed concern over how the national anthem is now reduced to mere fanfare at official events.

“It should be a daily reminder of our oath of allegiance. It must return to schools, communities, and national ceremonies,” he said.

Drawing from his own life experience, Ihejirika recounted his humble beginnings from his village in Abia and how military discipline transformed him.

He credited the support of colleagues and mentors for his successful career, which culminated in his appointment as Nigeria’s 22nd Chief of Army Staff.

Beyond his advocacy, the retired general also commended the current leadership of the Nigerian Armed Forces, describing them as highly experienced and well-trained.

“Many of the officers leading today served in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and other conflict zones.

They have earned their stars through real battle experience and are doing remarkably well,” he added.

He urged Nigerian leaders at all levels to prioritise peace and stability, reminding them that no office or position is sustainable in the absence of national unity.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the dinner had in attendance the Minister of State for Defence, Chief of Defence Staff and representatives of service chiefs amongst other dignitaries.

NAN

FG to spend N17bn on Lagos bridge damaged by fire 5th July 2025

The Federal Government has negotiated the cost of the Iddo Bridge rehabilitation from an initial N27bn to N17bn.

The Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, made this known to journalists during an inspection of the bridge on Friday in Lagos.

He said, “Julius Berger quoted, I think, N27 billion or thereabout, but after much negotiation and discussion, we now arrived at N17 billion.”

Umahi commended Julius Berger Nig. Plc. for demonstrating a sense of cooperation under its new leadership.

He described the company as a “born-again Berger”, attributing the breakthrough in negotiation to the understanding and openness of its new managing director.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to prudent spending, insisting that all contractors must align with the ministry’s standards and directives.

Umahi noted that the project had been reviewed from mere rehabilitation of the burnt section to a major work.

He expressed concern over the poor condition of the bridge, blaming it on years of neglect and human abuse, including illegal occupation and collisions by heavy-duty trucks.

He said that three spans of the bridge were severely damaged by fire, which he attributed to activities of illegal occupants who had built makeshift homes under the bridge.

“They brought in chemicals, built block walls and set up homes. Then, they set up fire that burnt the bridge and damaged three spans. Now we are going to fix the bridge completely,” Umahi said.

The minister said the Iddo Bridge, now with a headroom of about 4.5 metres, had suffered significant structural damage due to continuous hits from trucks and illegal structures beneath it.

He announced that the ministry would be creating a headroom of at least 5.6 metres.

He said that the Federal Ministry of Works was committed to restoring the bridge for the safety of all Nigerians and ensuring such incidents would not occur again.

On the issue of displaced persons, the minister said that no one would be allowed to return under the bridge.

“Nobody will stay under Iddo Bridge again as long as I remain the Minister of Works.

“The lives of the people are more important,” he said.

He warned that the government would no longer tolerate any abuse of national infrastructure.

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