President Tinubu Appoints Two New Chief Executive Officers In The Health Sector.

President Tinubu Appoints Two New Chief Executive Officers In The Health Sector.

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of two (2) new Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare:

Executive Secretary / CEO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) — Dr. Muyi Aina

Director-General / CEO, National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) — Dr. Kelechi Ohiri

Dr. Muyi Aina is a globally renowned public health leader with a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and a Doctorate degree from Johns Hopkins University (USA), following his first medical certification at the University of Ilorin.

Dr. Kelechi Ohiri most recently served as the Managing Director for Strategy at Global Alliance for Vaccines in Geneva, Switzerland. He obtained a Masters in Public Health degree from Harvard University (USA) and another Masters degree in Public Policy from Harvard's Kennedy School of Government following his first medical certification from the University of Lagos. He has obtained significant experience serving in the World Bank, McKinsey & Company, and has shaped reforms to the National Health Service (NHS) of the United Kingdom.

President Bola Tinubu urges the new leadership of these two critical agencies in the sector to prioritize quality, fairness, and accountability in the provision of world-class health care to all segments of the Nigerian society.

The announcement was made through a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on October 20th, 2023.

President Tinubu Approves Waiver Of The "No Work, No Pay" Order On Resident Doctors.

President Tinubu Approves Waiver Of The "No Work, No Pay" Order On Resident Doctors.

Invoking the Principle of the Presidential Prerogative of Mercy, President Bola Tinubu has approved the waiver of the "No Work, No Pay" Order that was instituted against striking members of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) on August 1, 2023, following the commencement of their industrial action which began on July 26, 2023.

After several constructive engagements between the Federal Government and NARD, the Resident Doctors called off their strike on August 12, 2023. The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation was directed to withhold all salaries accrued by striking NARD members during the 17 days of their strike action.

In view of the faithful implementation of terms which were agreed upon during the fruitful deliberations between the Resident Doctors and the Federal Government of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has directed the grant of an exceptional last waiver of the "No Work, No Pay" Order on Resident Doctors, which will allow for the members of the NARD to receive the salaries which were previously withheld during the 17-day strike action.

The President has directed the grant of the waiver with a mandatory requirement that the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding (DoU) establishing that this exceptional waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to the National Association of Resident Doctors and all other Health Sector Unions.

Federal Government Approves New Wage Award to Civil Servants.

Federal Government Approves New Wage Award to Civil Servants.

President Bola Tinubu has officially approved the sum of thirty-five thousand Naira (N35,000) wage award to all Federal civil servants.

The National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s chairman, chief executive officer, and CEO, Ekpo U. O. Nta, signed a memo that the presidency issued revealing the approval.

It was gathered that the circular was addressed to the Chief of Staff to the President, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ministers and Ministers of State, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Chairmen, Federal Commissions, Federal Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the National Assembly, Secretary, National Judicial Council, Secretary, Federal Judicial Service Commission, Directors-General and Chief Executives of Parastatals, Agencies and Governments-Owned Companies Auditor-General for the Federation, Accountant-General of the Federation, Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation.

The circular reads, “I refer to the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Monday, 2 October 2023 as a result of the dispute arising from the withdrawal of subsidy on the price of premium motor spirit (PMS) and hereby convey the approval of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the grant of a wage award of N35,000:00 (thirty-five thousand Naira) only per month to all Federal Government workers with effect from 1 September 2023 pending when a new national minimum wage is expected to have been signed into law.

“Accordingly, the implementation of the N35,000.00 per month wage award for all Federal Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies that are treasury-funded will be funded from the treasury.

“Non-treasury funded Federal Government agencies are to implement the same from their internally generated.”

Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution.

Ekiti Government commences second phase of palliatives distribution. 

....As Oyebanji rallies support for Tinubu.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday, flagged off distribution of the second phase of palliatives to Ekiti masses, barely two weeks after it commenced transfer of N5,000 monthly to indigent citizens in the state. 

The Governor pointed out that his respect for the citizens is borne out of the  fact that he recognises  the citizens as his boss.

Oyebanji also rallied support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the removal of the fuel subsidy, clarifying that the policy was not intended to punish the citizens , but to fortify the economy for a greater and prosperous  future. 

Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while flagging off the distribution of the second tranch of the  palliatives to the indigenes to cushion the effects of subsidy removal on them.

Addressing the beneficiaries at the  Osuntokun pavilion, Government House ground, Oyebanji said one year has gone in the life of his administration, promising that the remaining years will be better in terms of greater economic prosperity, infrastructural development and improved standards of living of the populace. 

"But if our government is doing something you don't like, kindly tell us, we are not infallible. Tell the political appointees or elected people in your constituencies, they will tell us, so that we can correct ourselves. You are the one who voted for me, you are the boss and not me". 

The Governor declared that the consumables, comprising rice and maize, to be distributed in the second phase, were provided by the Federal and state governments to mitigate the effects of subsidy removal. 

Oyebanji said: "I have told you that I will always  lead you with truth. Our President,  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu sent some palliatives to you and we bought some to be able to go round. It is a partnership between the federal and state governments.

"These palliatives are for the poorest of the poor and whoever can take three square meal daily without stress should please resist the temptation of taking from these palliatives. It is for those who can't afford that".

Reeling out programmes he had initiated to make lives easier for the populace after subsidy removal, the Governor said: :"The state government is now running a free transport system to support our teachers and civil servants. 

"We have also begun the distribution of N5,000 stipend to some poor masses, they will receive this for three months, just to reduce the current pressure. All these are just palliatives pending the time we will take concrete measures to address the current situation". 

Oyebanji, who described the subsidy removal as a good and beneficial policy, added: "President Bola Ahmed Tinubu asked us to tell you that subsidy removal is to make our future better, not to punish us. It could have been better if the past administrations had removed the subsidy.

"So, I plead with you, continue to pray for President Tinubu and my government. Let me tell you that Ekiti is the first state to distribute the second batch and we will continue to reach out to you as we get these in batches from the federal government".

The Governor added that apart from palliative distribution to the poor, those running poultry businesses will receive trucks  of maize to make them thrive and contribute to economic development. 

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Chairman of the Pallaitive Distribution Commiitee, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, said the state had earlier received 3,000 bags of rice from the Federal Government and had distributed them to the citizens in the first batch.

He said this action shows the power of sensitivity, empathy  and sympathy of the Governor Oyebanji's government, which indicated that his administration can show compassion to the citizens to mitigate the current effect of economy on them.

"Compassion should be a guiding principle to all Nigerian citizens, especially at this point. It is also part of our lives in Ekiti to show empathy to humanity. We call on individuals and private organisations to join the government to make lives meaningful for our people. We will ensure that every household gets their own share of these largesse".

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

Ekiti Road Projects Will Transform Economy, Security, Transportation, Says Oyebanji.

....All projects must meet BAO's standard, Governor insists.

The Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, on Friday said all the road projects being executed by his administration were strategically undertaken to transform the economy, ease transportation and ensure security of lives and property across the state. 

The Governor also threatened to reject any road project executed without complying to set standard and specifications to guarantee durability and ensure value for money.

Oyebanji spoke in Ikere Ekiti, on Friday, while flagging off the reconstruction of Ikere-Igbara-Odo road, as part of the activities marking the First anniversary of his administration. 

The Governor said rehabilitation of the road would ease transportation of abundant agricultural products from that axis to the main market in Ado Ekiti, Ikere and outside the state that would bolster the economic viability of farmers and increase the state's Gross Domestic Product(GDP).

Assuring that the project will be done to standard, Oyebanji revealed that all the projects awarded to contractors must comply with BAO's standard to guarantee durability and quality.

"I can assure you that this project, like any other ones, will be given 100 percent supervision. I am also giving the community 100 percent supervisory control on this job. Please do proper monitoring and report to us any suspicious move, “ the Governor said 

“On the concern for quality our people are raising, I assure you that all our roads will be of BAO's standard. I can't do a shoddy job for any town in Ekiti because when I finish my tenure, I am going nowhere. I will stay in Ekiti. 

"Apart from the Ministry of Works monitoring this project, I also have a Project Monitoring Unit in the Governor’s office that will monitor it. We are not just doing projects, we are being strategic about it. We are trying to create a gateway that can make you get anywhere without passing through Ado Ekiti. 

"I know the Federal Government will do the Ikere-Akure road, but we have to provide alternative pending the time the road will be completed and that is what this road will stand for.

"We are building these roads to connect our communities to create a pathway for economic development, improved security and ease transportation for commuters. I assure you that the resources allocated will be prudently utilised to ensure that it is done to specifications to give value to the money spent on it".

Lending credence to what the Governor said, the Commissioner for Works, Mr. Sola Adebayo, added that the road has been a source of concern to the state as it affects the movement of the people, particularly the students of the Bamidele Olumilua University of Education, Science and Technology(BOUESTI), while also posing as security threat to commuters. 

Adebayo said the massive provision of infrastructure, is part of the ways to unlock opportunities in Ekiti,, saying: "This is a symbol of the fact that Governor Oyebanji has the welfare of the people at heart. It shows we are committed to giving quality projects to our people. We know the challenge this construction will pose to you, we seek your understanding and patience for smooth completion of the project".

Some prominent Ikere community leaders, Chief Francis Aladejebi and Hon Gbenga Omole, praised the governor for not neglecting Ikere people in project siting and execution, saying the road doesn't just connect Ikere to Igbara Odo, but will be a good alternative route to Akure and Lagos due to the deplorable state of Ikere-Akure road.

Pointing out the importance of the road, the BOUESTI's Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victor Adeoluwa, commended the governor, saying the reconstruction would combat cases of kidnapping in the area, of which his students had fallen victims at different times.

Eulogizing the governor for being people-centric, the Ogoga of Ikere, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado, said he saw the passion that Governor Oyebanji was in a hurry to develop the state with the quantum of projects being churned out to benefit the populace.

Oba Adu appealed to the Governor to apply the best technology to construct the road, so that it can last the test of time, regretting that most roads don't last due to shoddy jobs. We know that you are in a hurry to make Ekiti great, God will help you to succeed.

Building Collapse: EKSG Will Deal With Defiant Developers — Deputy Governor.

Building Collapse: EKSG Will Deal With Defiant Developers — Deputy Governor.

.....Committee recommends demolition of collapsed Event Centre.

Determined to checkmate occasional cases of building collapse that was posing danger to human lives, the Ekiti State Government, has indicated interest to henceforth deal with developers contravening extant rules and regulations in the state.

The state government, said such action became expedient to safeguard the lives of the people and curtail  actions of developers, who often circumvent the rules mandating them to get proper approvals and building to specifications while handling pubic structures.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the threat on Friday in Ado Ekiti, while receiving the report of the six-man committee on set up to probe the collapse of F & G Event Centre at Ijero Ekiti recently. 

Th building located along Ijero-Ido road, had on September 3, 2023 , suddenly collapsed on over 300 occupants during a burial reception holding  in the hall, leading to scores being injured in the ensuing melee.

Receiving  the report, on Friday, Mrs Afuye, said  the government will consider the committee's recommendations to curtail unprofessional conducts of some developers.

She appreciated the committee on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji  for doing a thorough job, saying the governor is favourably disposed to taking any action that will ensure safety of the citizens and curtail professional misconducts among developers.

"Let me appreciate you for doing a thorough job. Safety of our people is very dear to Governor Oyebanji. We thank God that no life was lost during the incident. But we must guard against reoccurrence of such incident.

"I want to assure you that all the recommendations shall be looked into and the necessary actions shall be taken on this matter".

As contained in the report submitted by the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary,Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, the body called for outright demolition of the Event Centre for non-compliance with building rules and  regulations.

Opeyemi also tasked the Standard Organisation of Organisation (SON) to mandate producers of cement and other building materials to comply with the best production practices to solidify building structures and halt  collapse.

Reeling out their findings leading to the collapse of the building, Opeyemi said: "The concrete used was of poor quality. The professionals were not on ground and there was  no regular site visisitation by government body. 

"We also found that the project has no approved drawing. The design was not properly done while the reinforcement was used unprofessionally".

Opeyemi revealed that developers handling any public building like schools, hotels, event centres, religious buildings, industrial buildings, shopping malls and town/family  halls must get all the requisite approvals from government. 

He said part of the recommendations included the establishment of a Planning Permit and Building Control Agency, warning of professionals against misconduct, rehabilitation and equipping of all fire fighting services across the local governments.

Other committee members  are: Permanent Secretary, Ekiti State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mr. Olajide Borode, Chairman, Ijero Local Government, Hon. Adeola Adeyemi, and Director Physical Planning, Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development,Mr Femi Bamisaye.

Others are:  Deputy Director, Public Building, Bureau of Special projects, Mr. Sunday Ariyo and Director of Administration and Supply, SEMA, Mr. Ayodeji Oguntuyi.

Ekiti First Lady Unveils Pet Project, WAOH.

Ekiti First Lady Unveils Pet Project, WAOH.

....Empowers 350 Widows, 25 Orphans.

....Oyebanji Urges Privileged Nigerians To Adopt Widows, Orphans.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Thursday officially unveiled her pet project, Widows and Orphans Hope Project  (WAOH Project) giving out material and financial empowerment to 350 widows.

At an impressive and well-attended ceremony held at the Abiodun Adetiloye Hall of the State Trade Fair Complex in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti First Lady also gave financial support of N100,000 each to 25 students who are orphans under the WAOH Project.

The students majority of whom were drawn from federal and state-owned tertiary institutions in Ekiti State received the funds to assist them in reducing the burden of paying their school fees, examination fees and purchasing instructional materials.

The benefiting widows received materials like deep freezers, grinding machines, sewing machines, hair dryers, garri processing machines, washing machines, photocopying machines, computer sets, gas burners and cylinders which were based on what they requested for in the forms they had earlier filled.

Some of the beneficiaries received raw food for retail sale while the aged ones among them received N20,000 each and bags of assorted food items. All the beneficiaries who received material empowerment also received N10,000 to transport the materials back to their various destinations.

Operators of medicine stores among them were empowered with N100,000 each which had been paid to a prominent pharmacy in the state where they will receive the drugs worth the money to stock their shops.

The ceremony was attended by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele (who addressed the gathering virtually in his capacity as chairman of the event), former Ekiti First Lady, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; Deputy Governor, Mrs  Monisade Afuye; Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; House of Representatives member for Ekiti South Federal Constituency 2, Hon. Femi Bamisile; Managing Director of Premium Trust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Emefienim; state All Progressives Congress (APC Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotoso; state Assembly members and State Executive Council members.

The State Council of Traditional Rulers were represented at the event by the Chairman, the Olojudo of Ido Ekiti, Oba Ayorinde Ilori Faboro while monarchs' wives were also present.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji who spoke at the event urged privileged Nigerians to imbibe the culture of adopting widows and orphans for economic and educational empowerment to give them succour and make them fulfilled in life.

Mr. Oyebanji said the WAOH Project was an initiative conceived by his wife to continue the good work of her immediate predecessor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, who was on hand to distribute the education empowerment to the orphaned beneficiaries.

The Governor who assured that the over 30,000 widows already registered under the scheme would be touched one way or the other throughout the life of his administration also promised that the exercise would be a continuous one.

He also expressed the readiness of his administration to organize business development seminars for widows through the state Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

While stressing the importance of adopting orphans and widows for support by the privileged in the society, the Governor expressed his readiness to adopt a little child described as "a double orphan" who was one of the beneficiaries of the Back to School Initiative of his wife held last month.

Earlier, the First Lady, Dr. Oyebanji, said she conceived the idea of WAOH to reach out to widows and orphans whom she described as the most vulnerable in the society to give them hope and support to complement the Shared Prosperity vision of her husband.

Dr. Oyebanji disclosed that due diligence was done before the beneficiaries were picked as they were visited in their localities and further screened at the WAOH office located in her office so that their needs could be properly identified.

She said no amount should be considered too small or big to spend to assist the widows and orphans noting that her passion for them made her to source for donors clarifying that WAOH is not a government-supported scheme.

The First Lady said all the beneficiaries would be monitored to ensure that the materials and the monies received are put to proper use. She noted that mechanisms have been put in place for effective monitoring.

She said further: "Today, we stand here with the purpose of uplifting widows and orphans, assisting them in attaining self-sufficiency, diminishing poverty, fostering gender equality, and fortifying the socio-economic fabric of the communities they call home.

"The designated categories of widows and orphans for empowerment include three distinct groups: active widows, the active widows are the ones between the ages of 25 to 50 years, semi-active widows are between the ages of 51 to 69 years and the inactive widows (aged) are the ones between the ages of 70 years and above, Today, a total of 350 widows are set for empowerment.

"The next category of  beneficiaries comprises 25 orphans that are currently pursuing higher degree in various institutions of higher learning in the country, majority of who were drawn from Ekiti State institutions of higher learning, making a total of 375 beneficiaries altogether in today’s programme."

"Our plan is to be able to carry out this empowerment programme like two to three times within a year, subject to availability of fund.This will enable us reach out to a larger number of widows and orphans and make appreciable impact in their lives."

Former First Lady, Erelu Fayemi, who was the mother of the day, said she was very proud of her successor, Dr. Oyebanji, noting that she fully identified with the WAOH project and would continue to give her support.

Erelu Fayemi said: "I am so proud of her and you will agree with me that over the past one year, she has done a fantastic job. Governor Oyebanji, I am also proud of you. You are doing a fantastic job for Ekiti people." 

Erelu Fayemi said there are laws in the state that protect widows and orphans adding that WAOH is a step in addressing the root causes of poverty in the lives of widows and orphans.

The President of Ekiti State Widows’ Association, Mrs Omoyeni Fatunase, who also gave a goodwill message at the event, lauded Dr Oyebanji for the initiative, adding that the association was happy that the widows were given the needed support to feed themselves and take care of the children . 

“What happened today gave us joy because the First Lady gave these beneficiaries the needed support for them to feed themselves and take care of their children and dependants. We thank the Wife of the Governor for putting smiles on the faces of widows and orphans in Ekiti.”, she added.