Blinken meets Tinubu, pledges $45m security fund for Nigeria, others.

Blinken meets Tinubu, pledges $45m security fund for Nigeria, others.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said the US would provide an additional $45m to West African nations as part of a plan to battle instability, bringing total funding under the year-old programme to nearly $300m, according to reports by AFP and Reuters.

In a four-nation tour of African democracies, Blinken met separately Tuesday with President Bola Tinubu and Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara.

The trip was to discuss US-African partnerships over trade, climate, infrastructure, health, security and other issues. It follows a summit in Washington with African leaders in December 2022.

Blinken sought progress combatting coups and extremism in West Africa in talks with two key leaders, as he pointed to Ivory Coast as a model.

AFP reports that while in Abidjan, Blinken hailed Ivory Coast’s stand against last year’s coup in Niger and its approach of “building security together” by investing economically to combat extremism in northern areas bordering Mali and Burkina Faso.

“I have to applaud the approach that’s been taken by Cote d’Ivoire – working with communities, listening to communities, making sure that their security forces understand the needs, the concerns of communities,” Blinken said alongside Ouattara.

“We spent a lot of time discussing mutual security challenges,” Blinken said. “We appreciate Ivory Coast’s leadership in the fight against extremism and violence.”

“We have increased military training by 15 times and are investing in civil protection in Ivory Coast,” Blinken added, according to Reuters.

Blinken promised to boost cooperation on the ground with Ivory Coast, largely through training of its security forces.

Last year was marred by security challenges in Africa including a major coup that toppled democratic leadership in Niger. This is just as terrorists also continue to strike in Nigeria such as the Christmas Eve killing of close to 200 people in Plateau and most recently the kidnapping epidemic plaguing the country

Enugu resident doctors begin indefinite strike Jan 31.

Enugu resident doctors begin indefinite strike Jan 31.

The Association of Resident Doctors of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital has announced its readiness to embark on an indefinite strike over the abysmal shortage of doctors, insecurity, and poor sponsorship of the residency programme.

The doctors announced this in a communique issued at the end of their emergency general meeting at the hospital on Tuesday.

The strike, according to the communique, would commence on January 31, 2024, after seven weeks grace in which its earlier third series of notification of ultimatum to the Enugu State Government to do the needful and meet its demands were ignored.

The communique was jointly signed by the President of ARD-ESUT, Dr Chukwunonso Ofonere, and its Secretary General, Dr Ikemefuna Nnamani.

It said that the EGM observed with regret, the silence from the management of the hospital on the 14-day ultimatum issued and another 49 days of grace following the ultimatum expiration for it to meet the demands of the association.

The group regretted that the management of ESUT, and the Enugu State Government had failed to declare a state of emergency on the employment of doctors and safety and security within the hospital.

The EGM observed that it is over 180 days since the government through the Secretary to the State Government promised the ARD of employment of medical officers, resident doctors, and payment of medical residency training fund.

It said that the EGM noted that the security men placed at the gate are no longer there and direct daily assault on doctors had increased again; while the safety of doctors and other health workers in the hospital cannot be guaranteed.

“The management should declare a state of emergency on the employment of doctors in the hospital. There should be an urgent approval for the recruitment of medical officers, resident doctors, and house officers in the hospital.

“This recruitment should be focused especially at the Accident and Emergency Department, Surgery Department, Internal Medicine Department, Paediatrics Department, Obstetrics and Gynaecology Departments, etc. Resident Doctors that have left our institution in the past four years and were never replaced.

“Management should ensure implementation of safety policies to protect her workers against physical attacks and kidnap by restoring the daily police and other covert security personnel deployed to the hospital.

“The 2023 Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) has not been paid and exam bodies are closing their adverts,” it said.

The statement said that salary increments had not been looked into at all; even as house officers were excluded from the hardship/palliative of N25,000 given by the state governor.

“We are still back to where we were in 2023 or even worse as plans are on the way to increase the rents of those living in the hospital quarters (one-bedroom apartment) by about 375 per cent from N8,000 to N30,000 monthly.

“This will escalate the already palpable crises and we will be left with no other alternatives but to protect the interest and welfare of our members.

“Jan. 31, 2024, is here already and the doctors are mobilising for an indefinite, total, and maybe protracted industrial action if nothing is done,” it added.

The doctors also pleaded with the state Governor Peter Mbah, to intervene in the matter to avoid untold hardship and loss of lives that might occur if there is a disruption in the health care delivery in the state.

Edo poll: Aspirants not screened, disqualified yet, says APC.

Edo poll: Aspirants not screened, disqualified yet, says APC.

The Edo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has said that no aspirant has been screened or disqualified from the governorship race.

A six-man committee led by the House of Representative member (Owan, Edo State), Julius Ihonvbere, was set up last Monday to look into ways to prune the number of aspirants from 29 to a manageable number.

After the committee met with the aspirants, a report emerged that the committee had screened and pruned the number of the aspirant to 10, then 6, and finally four, a developmental which is causing rancour in the party.

Debunking the report on Tuesday, the State Publicity Secretary of the party, Peter Uwadiae, said the Ihonvbere committee was an advisory one and not a screening committee. He said the committee was to meet with aspirants and see how the numbers could be pruned down so that their primary which would be held in February would be free of rancour.

He said, “There is no truth in the news making the rounds that governorship aspirants have been screened and about 25 have been disqualified. Based on the advice of the National Working Committee of the party, we set up a committee led by Julius Ihonvbere to interface with the aspirants on the need to reduce the number of aspirants to a manageable one. It is after the close of the sale of forms that the NWC will set up a screening committee.

“The Committee also advised the Edo APC to be in a talking relationship with the aspirants so that those who know they cannot go all the way can exit the race. So no aspirant has been screened and disqualified,” he added.

Uwadiae also said that the sale of expression form, which costs N10 million, and the nomination form, which goes N40 million were on sale for anyone who wants to vie for the governorship position on the platform of the party, noting that more aspirants are expected to join the race.

He said many of the aspirants saw the reason why they should not purchase the forms while others were still eager to test their popularity at the primaries, noting that those who lose at the primaries have promised to stay and work for the party in the election.

He said the party was going to the polls to win, urging members and supporters not to get agitated as the party believes in unity, fair play, and democracy.

He also urged party faithful not to allow the situation to cause rancour and disaffection among them which will rub off on the party negatively at the polls.

Chief Wole Olanipekun gifts lkere-Ekiti Specialist Hospital Ambulance.

Chief Wole Olanipekun gifts lkere-Ekiti Specialist Hospital Ambulance.

A legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun has donated an ambulance to Ikere+Ekiti Specialist Hospital in memory of his late mother, Iyaafin Bosede Olanipekun.

Handing over the ambulance to the Management of the Specialist Hospital in Ikere Ekiti on Tuesday, Chief Wole Olanipekun, said, the gift was to enhance effective performance of the health workers to the people of Ekiti state. Saying he built the Amenity Ward of the hospital few years ago for effective health care services.

Olanipekun while appealing to the HMB PS, Dr Olasunkanmi Alabi and the Chief Medical Director of the Ikere Ekiti Specialist Hospital, Dr Akinsipe Catherine to capture the staff of the Amenity Ward in the salary structure of the Ekiti State for regular payment. While reiterating his unwavering commitment towards humanity, he hinted that apart from paying salaries of Amenity staff for two years, he would repeat same in the next two years

Chief Olanipekun promised to employ two drivers to drive the ambulances, saying the drivers should come from Ikere Ekiti, his home town.

He commended the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado for demonstrating genuine love for the people of Ikere by donating a 500 KVA generator to the hospital.

Advising the Chief Medical Director, Chief Wole Olanipekun assured to give her all the support she requires to succeed in her position, he tasked Permanent Secretary ministry of health to to upscale the condition of the hospital.

Olanipekun equally promised to assist the local government Chairman to re-energized the Amoye Micro Finance Bank in Ikere Ekiti by rallying round the leaders of the Ikere Ekiti community in giving a new face lift to the community bank.

Giving her address, the Chief Medical Director of the Ikere Ekiti Specialist Hospital, Dr Akinsipe Catherine thanked the donor who she said has been supporting the Specialist Hospital in Ikere Ekiti over the years.

Akinsipe eulogized the precious roles of Chief Wole Olanipekun in single handedly building and equipping the specialist hospital with a brand ambulances and Mikano generator in the past.

She commended the philanthropist donating another ambulance for the same Amenity Ward of the Ikere Ekiti Specialist Hospital. She also called on other well meaning sons and daughters of Ikere Ekiti to continue to support the hospital in other areas of needs such as provision of solar lights in the hospital.

In his own remarks, the Chairman of Ikere Ekiti local government area, Chief Adamolekun Olu Egbejoda hailed Chief Olanipekun for counting it worthy to donate a new ambulance for Ikere specialist hospital. He described his donation of the new ambulance as an emblem for the people of Ikere Ekiti.

He described his previous contributions in the area of the provision of Bar Centre, Church building and Scholarship awards among other things as the major impactts of the legal luminary in his country home of Ikere Ekiti.

The local government Chairman urged the people of Ikere Ekiti to be inspired by the contributions of the Elder statesman to Ikere Ekiti community.

Also, speaking, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu Alagbado appreciated the literacy already being exhibited by the Chairman of Ikere Ekiti local government.

The Ogoga commended Chief Olanipekun for his Philantropic gestures in Ekiti and Nigeria, saying indeed his God sent to Ikere Ekiti . He prayed God to give him sound health to impact more lives. He called on well meaning Nigerians to emulate Chief Olanipekun in putting smiles in the faces of the masses.

The Ogoga announced a donation of 500KVA generator to the hospital.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Human Services, Dr Sola Badmus while speaking, promised to inform her Commissioner about the largesse from the Kabiyesi, the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the staff employed by Chief Wole have written to the Ministry as well as the Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, promising to work on the letters, so that the staff can have their employment retained as permanent staff.

She appealed to the Kabiyesi to caution the members of the public against being hostile on the nurses and doctors working in the hospital .

Abiodun swears in three new judges, two perm secs.

Abiodun swears in three new judges, two perm secs.

The Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday, sworn in Mr. Martins Akinyemi as a judge in the State High Court, Mrs. Bolanle Awoyemi and Mr. Adeniyi Lawal as judges in the Customary Court of Appeal.

The governor charged the newly sworn-in judges in the state to be the last hope of the common man.

Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Abiodun described justice as one of the most important moral values in the sphere of law and politics.

The governor also noted that justice exists to establish law, order, and truth as it enhances the well-being of individuals through equal access to justice.

“Justice is one of the most important moral values in the spheres of law and politics. It exists to establish law, order, and truth because it enhances the well-being of individuals through equal access, advocating for justice, and promoting policies that address systemic barriers,” he noted.

Abiodun noted that the new judges have demonstrated unwavering dedication, integrity and a profound understanding of the intricacies of the judicial system.

The governor said the new judges must not only rise above temptations and trials but be honest in all ramifications adding that that he was confident that the tradition of integrity, diligence, industry and excellence that has been the hallmark of the state judiciary will not only be continued but also enhanced.

In a similar development, Abiodun also swore in two new permanent secretaries with a promise to make the state civil service a reference in the comity of civil service in the country.

The two permanent secretaries are Engr. Muritala Adekunle and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale.

Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony which took place at the Executive Chambers, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta on Tuesday, Abiodun noted that his administration in the last years, positioned the civil service to be vibrant and result-oriented.

He said: “As a very responsive and responsible government, working assiduously with determination, we are therefore positioning the civil and public service to be vibrant and result-oriented towards the successful implementation of our Building Our Future Together agenda.

“By our vow principles of governance that solely predicate on inclusive leadership, we consider the civil service as the prime partnership of great value and significance. Therefore, we should continue to hold you in the highest esteem and treat you with the utmost respect and respect that you deserve.”

The Head of Service, Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, congratulated the newly appointed permanent secretaries, imploring them to work harder to justify their new positions.

I’m alive, legendary fuji musician Kollington Ayinla refutes death rumour.

I’m alive, legendary fuji musician Kollington Ayinla refutes death rumour.

Legendary fuji musician, Kolawole Rasaq Ilori, famously known as Kollington Ayinla, has refuted death rumours circulating about him on social media.

The 75-year-old fuji musician on Tuesday addressed his health status at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital in Ikeja, Lagos.

The report Kollngton Ayinla was battling undisclosed ailments and in critical health conditions have been making the rounds on social media on Tuesday.

However, in a two-minute nineteen-second video shared by LagosGist (@LagosGist) on Tuesday, Kollington expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his support during his recent illness.

Additionally, he thanked the CMD of LASUTH, Adetokunbo Fabanwo, and the hospital management for their care.

Above all, he thanked God for divine healing and thanked all his fans who have assisted him.

He said he is alive because of God, the governor, LASUTH and others.

“I want to thank Lagosians. I want to thank the government of Lagos State Government and the management of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and the team under the leadership of Adetokunbo O. Fabanwo. It is only God that can save life but I want to appreciate him and the team because I would have gone to the great beyond.

I give it to the LASUTH. They are king for taking care of me. They deserve my salutations. LASUTH, you are king. They said I was dead, but I’m here speaking alive from the LASUTH now,” Kollighton Ayinla speaks in Yoruba in the short video clip.

Kollington, born August 1949 hailed from Ilota, a town on the outskirts of Ilorin, Kwara State, and he is also known by the aliases; Baba Alatika, Kebe-n-Kwara, and Baba Alagbado.

Kollington and his late friend and competitor, Ayinde Barrister dominated the Fuji music scene for decades, helping to popularise the genre.

Between the mid-1970s and late ’80s, Kollington ranked with Barrister as the leading star of Nigerian Fuji music.

As the popularity of Fuji grew, the market became big and the competition between Kollington and Barrister waned.

In 1983, both men stood side by side as mourners at the funeral of Apala star, Haruna Ishola.

Exhibit legitimate means to boost Ekiti’s rating in WAEC, NECO – Oyebanji tells Schools’ Principals.

Exhibit legitimate means to boost Ekiti’s rating in WAEC, NECO – Oyebanji tells Schools’ Principals.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has charged the principals overseeing the affairs of secondary schools across the state to use more legitimate commitments that would ensure better rating for the state in public examinations in the country.

Oyebanji said he would never relent in promoting the welfare of Principals and teachers to live quality and comfortable lives commensurate to the services they render in the process of building the human capital resources available to the state.

Oyebanji spoke on Tuesday, during the opening session of the three-day biannual Southwest Bloc’s Meeting of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), held in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital.

Oyebanji, represented by his Deputy, Chief Monisade Afuye, reminded the principals that high rating for Ekiti in West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) remained a veritable yardstick to appraise the qualities of teachers being paraded by the state.

“Ekiti State is a Land of Honour and Fountain of Knowledge. Education is the major industry in Ekiti State, so we must make it thrives. You should also know that the overall performance of your students in external examinations is a direct reflection of of the qualities of principals and teachers.

“I, therefore, implore you to use all legitimate methods to ensure your students excel in their examinations. I also advise you to prevail on the parents to fulfil their own obligations toward their children”.

Harping on the need for the citizens to key into the policy of his government to promote education, Oyebanji advised the principals to partner private organisations and alumni associations to boost Infrastructures in schools.

“Education is a key to success in life. Ekiti State Government holds the principals of Secondary Schools in high esteem. This was demonstrated through the appointments of Principals as Tutors-General in the state.

“As of now, three former Principals are occupying the post of Tutors-General in the State. This appointment encourages other Principals to be diligent and hopeful of getting to a higher level before retirement”.

Oyebanji stated that State Government would not relent in fulfilling the agenda of putting machinery in place for more investment in the education sector, saying this reflected in the huge amount earmarked to the sector in the 2024 appropriation law.

“Government through the Adolescence Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) had injected over N2 Billion for massive renovation and upgrade of schools throughout the state to making leading environment more conducive and interesting for both teachers and students.

“Other areas of intervention in the Secondary Schools included provision of science equipment, training of Teachers in ICT, perimeter fencing to secure the schools, provision of Information and Communication Technology gadgets in schools implementation of outstanding financial benefit of promotion, payment of WEAC fees, Distribution of JAMB forms deserving students and Regular payment of Running Grants”.

The Commissioner for Education, Dr. Olabimpe Aderiye, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Folakemi Olomojobi, appealed to teachers not to be disillusioned by challenges confronting their profession, assuring that the current government shall continually celebrate and reward them commensurately .

She revealed that the state government had expended a sum of N2.2 billion for renovation of structures in schools, while improvements have been made on ICT facilities and laboratories, saying high provision to education sector in the 2024 budget would spur more development in the sector.

Aderiye reminded the principals that the expectations and demands of Nigerians from them are high, describing them as the engineroom of education being executors of government’s policies and programmes at the secondary cadre of education .

She said: “Nigerians are expecting a lot from you because you are familiar with the policies that affect education. You are the executors and the engineroom . Put more efforts to ensure that education doesn’t suffer any degrade”.

The Commissioner urged the principals to get themselves acquainted with ICT and e-learning skills, saying the facilities are strategic to the survival and improvement of the sector under this 21st century.

Speaking at the event, the ANCOPPS Chairman, Southwest Bloc, Pastor Abraham Ojetunde, stated that the meeting, would afford them the opportunity to cross-fertilise ideas on how to uplift education sector across southwest that was widely respected as the hub of eggheads in Nigeria.

Ojetunde, who doubles as the President of Oyo chapter of ANCOPSS, added that the body should always maintain decorum, civility and intellectualism while handling any issue with the government and make education paramount to protect the future of the country.

In his submission, the ANCOPPS President, Ekiti Chapter, Mrs Adekemi Olukowade, applauded the current government for prioritising regular payment of running grants, WAEC registration fees to candidates, and for appointing principals as Tutors-General, among other giant strides undertaken to rejig the education sector.