FG working to make health sector driver of economy – Alausa.

FG working to make health sector driver of economy – Alausa.

The Minister of State for Health, Tunji Alausa, on Thursday, February 1, said the federal government is working to move the healthcare sector from a consuming part of the economy to one of the drivers of the economy as it is obtained in many advanced countries of the world.

He made this known while on a working visit to the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

He said what President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working on is to ensure that the country’s healthcare care is at par with its counterparts in developed countries where the healthcare sector is a driver of the economy and not a consuming part.

The minister cited the example of the United States where the health sector contributes about 24 percent to the country’s GDP which translates to about $ 3.3 trillion annually.

He said: “We have a government being led by President Tinubu who is extremely passionate about healthcare, and not just healthcare alone, but passionate about taking our country to where it’s supposed to be among the comity of nations and we are more fortune that the attention he has given to the health sector hasn’t been given by any administration in the past.

“More so, the world is changing, we need to move healthcare beyond a consuming part of our economy to one of the drivers of our economy. You go to other advanced democracies in the world, the US for instance, healthcare contribute about 24per cent of their GDP which translates to about $3.3trillion spent annually.

“So the way we are going to move our healthcare forward would be in that direction where we would give our people opportunities and you see we have started and we have our four pillars.”

He listed the four pillars to achieving the feat to include: governance, improving population outcome, value chain and security.

“The first thing is governance. We’ve done a lot to start improving governance. Governance entails a lot of things like holding ourselves accountable and giving the citizens of Nigeria the care they deserve, the respect they deserve as we care for them.

“The second part of our agenda is improving our population outcome, and how do we do that, we have to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure, equipping hospitals, and providing the needed manpower.

“The third part of our pillar is unlocking our healthcare value chain. Moving our healthcare sector to provide durable, good, and sustainable services to attain transformation where we can begin to live a normal and respectable life.

“The fourth pillar, of course, we have to look beyond healthcare just providing physical security, we have to ensure it provides social security and national security”, he added.

The Minister also harped on the need to improve training as a way of addressing the dearth of human resources in the sector saying “UCH has done a lot in training and I look at the training programme that are here but we now have to start training not for now but into the future to meet our needs. Today, a lot of things have changed, the kinds of diseases that we have now were not in existence forty years ago.

“You will be so surprised if we take the census of the numbers of cardiologists that we have in Ibadan today, they are not up to ten but as a training institution, we must train excellent cardiologists. We need to erect a proper training structure that will produce specialized people in these new medical conditions that we are having now. We need to now begin to make super specialists in our country to meet the needs of our time.

“In regards to the tutor programme, we have about five Al over the country but then the nursing council decided that these schools should be turned into a degree awarding college. Ibadan nursing tutor programme did the right thing by doing what they were supposed to do.

“The others would be closed down because they don’t meet the standard anymore and the people in their wisdom that founded those tutor programmes did so because we had a shortage of nurse tutors and that’s why they found those programmes but into the future now, the nursing and midwifery council has redesigned their curriculum the way the training is being done, we now have enough nurse tutors across the nation, so there’s no need for keeping those schools but I want to commend those in Ibadan for following the new requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and for doing what needed to be done on time.

“Also on the human resources for health, we want to have more people engaged in our health sector. We have a lot of young people in the country that we must give opportunity for them to work. One of the ways to do this is to increase the acceptance percentage of these schools.

“The acceptance percentage of UCH School of Nursing is very low compared to schools like Harvard which is among the best in the world. So we have to increase production. We also need more structures and equipment, and we will be working with other agencies of government to come up with how we can mobilize funds for that.”

While commending the Chief Medical Director of the UCH, Prof Jesse Otegbayo, and the members of the management board for the job they are doing, the Minister said the issue of power, and water provision among other infrastructural needs and amenities will see him engage the required authorities for solution urging the management not to however rule out the possibility of homegrown alternative solutions, especially in addressing the power challenge.

Read Also: Toyin Alausa: Why I love playing the role of protagonist

“With regards to your request for power, we will speak to the minister of power on whatever solution we can come up with to solve the power problems. But we had to also look into the future, there are some generators now that are using CNG, I will suggest the hospital look into that, and we can also look into polarisation.

“We now have solars that can power the whole hospital, so I think we should look into that and as we begin to mobilize more funding into healthcare, you have to begin to do your homework well, do your energy survey, trust me the President is so committed to the healthcare sector.

“On the water problem, I saw the memo you sent and I have been talking to the minister of water resources on the dredging you made mention of and I’m sure we will be able to do something about that”, he added.

Oyo begins rehabilitation of water pipelines.

Oyo begins rehabilitation of water pipelines.

The Oyo State Government said it has commenced a phase-by-phase rehabilitation of water pipelines across the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

Ojelade, while quoting the Chairman of the Oyo State Water Corporation, Elias Adeojo, said that the rehabilitation was to ensure that there are “more treated water drawing points to cater for the yearnings of the Corporation’s customers and boost its revenue drive.”

On January 21, the Oyo State Government urged an international organisation, Water Aid, to provide it with grants to revive the state’s water sector.

Adeojo had stated further that the Water AID fund would be used for water sanitation, hygiene, and extension of water pipelines, adding that the grant is for projects located in African countries.

He had also stated that the fund would be used for water sanitation, hygiene, and extension of water pipelines, adding that the grant is for projects located in African countries.

The Water Corporation chair disclosed that the paucity of funds had necessitated the need to carry out the rehabilitation project in phases.

Adeojo added, “The Eleyele drawing point has been facelifted by adding more treated water drawing points to cater to the yearnings of the Corporation’s customers and boost its revenue drive.”

EKSG presents 2024 budget breakdown.

EKSG presents 2024 budget breakdown.

Ekiti State Government has presented the breakdown of the N159.6Billion 2024 Budget signed into law by Governor Biodun Oyebanji on 27th December, 2023 to the public. 

At a public presentation of the breakdown and analysis of the budget tagged “ Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development”, held at Jibowu hall, Governor’s office, Ado- Ekiti, the state’s Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo, who gave a breakdown of the budget estimates, said  the thrust of the fiscal document is to sustain the administration’s policy of shared prosperity through the six-pillar agenda of the government.

According to Adebayo, the 2024 budget with a total size of N159.6 billion, which stemmed from both the six-pillar agenda of the administration and the State’s 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), represents an increase of 10 percent over the 2023 Supplementary Budget of  N144.7 billion. He stated further that actual revenue and expenditure for 2023 were N139.9 billion and N137.2 billion respectively, representing a performance ratio of 97 and 95 percent respectively when compared to the 2023 budgeted figures. 

He also affirmed that the budget showcases the commitment of the Biodun Oyebanji administration to economic reforms necessary for creating opportunities towards achieving economic recovery. It also reveals government desires on improved sectorial allocations to boost the economy towards achieving the shared prosperity agenda of the administration by stimulating sustainable economic growth and development.

The Commissioner explained that the objectives of the budget included shared prosperity agenda of government; expansion of revenue base; creation of enabling environment for MSMEs; youth and women empowerment as well as instilling good governance, among others.

He added that the budget would help in building and enhancing the capacity of civil servants; cushion the effect of fuel subsidy on the populace; create employment opportunities; guarantee food security; assist the state in her quest to boost her achievement along key dimensions of human development and stimulate economic activities in the state.

He explained  that the budget was prepared against the backdrop of continuing global and national economic challenges. 

Speaking further, Adebayo pointed out that the  estimate for recurrent expenditure in the approved Budget stand at N89,952,583,682.41 representing 56 percent of the budget, while the capital expenditure of N69,388,898,233.20 represents 44 percent of the budget.

The Commissioner noted that the Budget would focus more on ongoing and new capital projects and programmes that would enhance the achievement of the six pillar agenda of government through infrastructure and industrial development; agriculture and rural development; youth development and job creation; human capital development; arts, culture and tourism and effective governance, all of which would help unlock the economic potential of the state.

He highlighted some capital projects that the 2024 budget would address to include road constructing in and around the capital city of Ado Ekiti and other towns of the state as well as the new ring road; agricultural development; public building projects including completing the construction of Governor’s and Deputy Governor’s lodge in Asokoro, Abuja, renovation and landscaping of state Secretariat Complex, and electrification and extension of Independent Power Project to key facilities in the state.

Sectorially, the Commissioner noted that the budget showed that the Biodun Oyebanji administration is deliberately committed to the economic emancipation of the state by allocating increased budget to the social and economic sectors, which comprise education, health, youth and sports, culture and tourism, agriculture, works and infrastructure.

According to the breakdown, the  state government projected to earn N53.6 billion in federal allocation, N28.2 billion in Value Added Tax, N22.5 billion in Internally Generated Revenue and N50.3 billion in grants and other capital receipts, among others.

Present at the budget analysis presentation include the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, members of the state executive council, Permanent Secretaries, financial experts  and representatives of the media and the Civil Society Organizations.

Adelami sworn in as Ondo Deputy Governor.

Adelami sworn in as Ondo Deputy Governor.

A former Deputy Clerk of the National Assembly, Dr Olaide Adelami, has been sworn in as the Ondo State Deputy Governor.

Last Tuesday, Adelami was picked by the state governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa as the deputy governor after which his name was sent to the state House of Assembly for screening and ratification.

At a ceremony held at the International Culture and Event Centre, Akure on Thursday, the new deputy governor was sworn in by the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola.

Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged the new deputy governor to play the game according to the rules while in office and to shun all acts of corrupt practices.

He said, “I like to congratulate you and your families on your well-deserved appointment in the belief that you will serve diligently and patriotically.

“You must bear in mind that this administration has zero tolerance for corruption. We expect you to demonstrate transparent, open, and accountable leadership in your new office. You must also avoid discrimination as you have the entire state as your constituency, rather than serving sectional interests.”

In his acceptance speech, Adelami, who commended the governor and other stakeholders for appointing him to the position, promised to join hands with the governor to move the state forward and sustain the legacy of Late former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

“To the good people of Ondo State, I’m here to join hands with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to serve you and ensure that lives are made more meaningful for you in all facets. I want to therefore appeal to all our people in Ondo State at home and abroad to kindly support Mr Governor and I in our sincere desire to entrench good governance in our Sunshine State.

“You will agree with me that within a month that Governor Aiyedatiwa had been in the saddle of governance in our dear state, a fresh lease of life has manifested across sectors of the state. Contractors working on various infrastructural developments in Ondo State are back to sites and they are more committed than ever before, because of the assurance of Mr Governor that he would not abandon any of the laudable projects of our former governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON.”

Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

Miners owe FG over N2tn~ Dele Alake.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, has said that miners and operators in the sector owed the Federal Government more than N2 trillion.

This is as the minister stressed that the current administration of President Bola Tinubu is determined to halt the activities of illegal miners across the country.

Alake described the activities of illegal miners as a huge crime against Nigeria and Nigerians, which he said, was unacceptable.

The minister stated this during a meeting with Licensed Minerals Holders, Laterite /Sand Operators Dealers in Kaduna State, on Thursday.

He said, “Miners and Operators owed the federal government more than N2trn” while “in Kaduna State, it’s over N300bn.”

“We have made it very clear that in Kaduna State, every operator should make bold steps and clear their debt,” the minister, represented by the Acting Zonal Mines Officer, North-West Zonal Office, Kutman Hosea Ali, said.

Meanwhile, the minister has directed the Special Mines Taskforce activated in Kaduna State to clamp down on illegal miners and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the apex government.

The Special Mines Surveillance Taskforce is comprised of members from the Nigeria Army, Police, Civil Defence Corp, Department of State Security Services, operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, and Nigeria Immigration Service while the team is headed by Mines officers in the state.

He also faulted the non-remittance of money collected as royalties and taxes on mineral resources to the federal government, warning that defaulting states would henceforth be penalized.

According to him, mining is on the exclusive list as such it is only controlled by the federal government while the state and local governments are not allowed to collect royalties or any mining tax.

 Alake demands justice for slain Ekiti monarchs, rescue of kidnapped pupils 

“Let me clarify it, state government and local government are entitled to collect other taxes such as ground rent and other taxes but they are not to collect royalty and tax on mining

“Any state government or any local government that collects money in the name of Royalty or Mineral Tax will be deducted from the source allocated to the State.

“The Special Mines Taskforce has been activated in Kaduna State and they had commenced operation on the war against illegal Mining and nonpayment of royalties which must be paid monthly as well as other taxes to the Government of Nigeria,” the minister added.

He warned miners and operators against going to the field without a mining license while noting that those who had obtained their license “should report to the Mines Office, Kaduna to collect permit to mobilise to site”.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to unveil the ministry’s plan for miners and operators for 2024 and beyond.

Alake explained that the mining sector under the administration of President Tinubu was given a top priority, noting that the importance of the meeting cannot be overemphasized.

In his brief remarks, the Chairman of the Miners Association of Nigeria, Kaduna branch, Ado Dogo, represented by the Secretary of the association, Kashim Hussaini, said the interface between miners and the regulators became imperative.

He decried what he termed the interference of state governors in mining activities while stressing the need for state governors to respect the laws guiding mining activities in their various states.

“We as miners know we are operating within a state, local government, and even down to villages but sometimes, state governors can stop you from working. Meanwhile, this mining operation is what we are doing by contributing to the federation account,” he said.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

IG meets Ekiti governor, Senate leader over attacks.

The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, on Thursday, met with the Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, at the Force Headquarters.

The meeting focused on the circumstances surrounding the violent attacks that occurred in Emure-Ekiti leading to the murder of two traditional rulers, and the abduction of pupils and teachers.

This was as President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, ordered the police boss to ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.

The Force Public Relations Officer, in a statement on Thursday, said following the President’s order, the IG ordered the deployment of a police helicopter, Armoured Personnel Carriers, Police Intelligence Response Team and Special Tactical Squad operatives, and police Mobile Force personnel, to argument the manpower already deployed to the state for special operations.

The FPRO had earlier revealed that the Nigeria Police Force had arrested 13 suspects in connection with the violent attacks, following a preliminary investigation.

Revealing the latest development, Adejobi said, “Following the recent security situation in Ekiti State, and an earlier statement where the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, ordered strategic deployments to deal with the incidents, the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Tinubu, has ordered the IG to ensure that all the perpetrators are apprehended and caused to face the full wrath of the law.

“This was made known during the visit of the Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, and the Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, to the Inspector General of Police at the Force Headquarters today, February 1, 2024, to address the incidents in a bid to finding a lasting solution to them.”

He noted that the IG expressed the commitment of the Force to addressing the challenge, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and the kidnapped pupils rescued unhurt.

“In addition, the IG has ordered the deployment of police helicopter, Armored Personnel Carriers, IRT and STS operatives, and Police Mobile Force personnel, to argue the manpower already deployed to Ekiti for the special operations,” he added.

Earlier on Thursday, Egbetokun, ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17, Akure, Ondo State, along with additional personnel and assets.

The Zone 17 zonal command of the Nigeria Police Force headquartered in Akure, Ondo State, has a total land mass of about 21,853 square kilometers, and comprises Ondo and Ekiti State police commands, with its headquarters domiciled.

The FPRO who revealed the developments in a statement on Thursday, noted that the aim of the deployments was to ensure swift restoration of peace and order in the affected areas.

Adejobi said, “The Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, strongly condemns the recent killing of two traditional rulers – Oba Olusola Olatunji, the Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, and Oba David Ogunsakin, the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti in Ekiti State, and the abduction of school pupils and teachers in Emure-Ekiti.

“The IG has therefore taken immediate steps to address the security challenges in the region. To ensure the swift restoration of peace and order, the IG has ordered the immediate deployment of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Abiodun Asabi to Zone 17 Akure, along with additional personnel and assets.

“The newly posted AIG has been tasked with overseeing a comprehensive and coordinated security response to bring an end to the unfortunate security incidents in Ekiti, and parts of Ondo State and ensure proper coordination among security agencies for optimum effectiveness in tackling the security concerns within Ekiti State.

“The Inspector-General expresses his deepest condolences to the Government and people of Ekiti State, the families and loved ones of the deceased traditional rulers whose lives were tragically cut short during these incidents.

“Preliminary investigations have led to the arrest of 13 suspects who are currently assisting the Police with the investigation process.

“The Inspector General of Police hereby reiterates the commitment of the NPF to ensuring that justice is served, and those responsible for these heinous acts are brought to book while assuring the public that every necessary measure will be taken to apprehend the perpetrators and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.

“Members of the public are urged to remain calm, vigilant, and cooperative with the Police and other security agencies, as we work to restore peace and security to the affected areas.”

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.

Intensified Security Collaboration: Gov Oyebanji Engages Military and Police Chiefs for Safety and Security.                                                    By Olamide Akinwumi.   

In a bid to bolster safety and security measures within Ekiti State, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, flanked by Senate Leader Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, embarked on strategic meetings with top military and police officials in Abuja on Thursday, 1st February.

The first of these crucial meetings took place at the Defence Headquarters, where Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele conferred with the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa. The focus of the dialogue was the prevailing security situation in Ekiti State, with a concerted effort to forge stronger collaboration with the military to eradicate criminal elements.

General Musa, representing the military top hierarchy, assured the governor of unwavering support in the state's battle against criminality. The discussions underscored the commitment to working hand in hand to ensure the safety and well-being of the residents of Ekiti.

Continuing their pursuit of enhanced security measures, Governor Oyebanji and Senator Bamidele later met with Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters in Abuja. The meeting delved into strategic approaches to reinforce policing within the state, addressing specific security challenges.

During the meeting, the Inspector General of Police assured the Ekiti State delegation of increased security presence and a proactive approach to tackling security concerns. The collaboration between the state government and the police force aims to create a safer environment for all residents.

Governor Oyebanji emphasized the significance of these collaborations in ensuring the overall well-being of the state, expressing gratitude for the support received from both the military and police. The proactive engagements with security agencies highlight the government's commitment to fostering a secure and peaceful environment for all Ekiti residents.

As Ekiti State continues to navigate the challenges posed by criminal elements, these strategic meetings underscore the importance of unified efforts between the state government, military, and police in the pursuit of lasting security solutions.