Otti pledges to offset medical bills of 30 Abians in need of urgent surgery.

Otti pledges to offset medical bills of 30 Abians in need of urgent surgery.

Abia state government has offered to foot the medical expenses of 30 residents of the state who were in urgent need of surgery for various ailments.

The state government has concluded a six-month-long period of providing free medical treatment to residents throughout the state.

Abia state governor, Alex Otti, made the commitment following an appeal by a visiting Bulgarian non-governmental organisation; Revive, which was on a medical outreach to the state.

At the end of their 13-day medical outreach, the Revive medical team, led by Smart Oriaku, a Nigerian from Abia, paid a visit to the governor to express gratitude for the support extended by the government and the people of the state during their activities.

Their services ranged from consultations, diagnosis, laboratory tests, and scans to prescriptions and surgery, among others.

Governor Otti told the visitors, among whom were nurses, doctors, surgeons and other support medical professionals, that his administration was committed to ensuring the comprehensive overhaul of the healthcare facilities in the state, including building new ones, in order to improve the overall well-being of the citizens.

The governor said his administration takes healthcare delivery seriously, hence the focus on renovating and retrofitting the health outfits as well as the prompt measures taken to ensure the restoration of accreditation for the Abia State University’s medical school and Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba.

Both the university and the teaching hospital lost accreditation over two years ago.

The governor revealed that the government is presently rehabilitating approximately 15 general hospitals throughout the state.

He also emphasized that his administration remains committed to establishing a ‘Medical Village’, aimed at attracting medical tourists to Abia and stemming the flow of people seeking medical treatment abroad, particularly in countries like India.

Governor Otti commended the efforts of the visiting medical team, and particularly Oriaku, for single-handedly bringing the Revive team to Abia.

“I’m pleased to receive you and commend you for your labour of love. It is interesting that a single individual can do this.

“If all of us who have been blessed in one way or the other do what you’re doing, I’m sure this place would be a better place for everyone,” the Governor observed.

In an address earlier, the leader of the team, Oriaku, said that the medical mission was solely sponsored by his family, the late Rev. David Ukeje Oriaku family of Okaiuga Nkwoegwu, Umuahia North LGA, in the spirit of giving back to the society.

Oriaku said that the team had within the 13 days they held their outreach performed over 700 consultations, conducted over 60 successful surgeries, ranging from Goiter, Hernia among others, and had kept check on patients to ensure there were no complications.

He said that all laboratory tests and scans, from CT Scan, Echography and other laboratory tests as recommended by the surgical team were paid for by his family.

Also, the medical bills of all women, who gave birth at the Okaiuga Nkwoegwu Health center, venue of the consultation, were paid in addition to ten thousand Naira gift to the new mothers.

Oriaku informed Governor Otti of a new discovery in the cure of breast cancer without the victim going through the pains of chemotherapy, and pointed out that the team would want to use Abia as the base for the pilot, a request the Governor responded to in affirmation.

Oriaku, who said he was among those, who had almost given up hope on Abia before the assumption of the present administration, expressed fulfilment that the medical mission which could not hold under the past administration, despite persistent requests and efforts, had been made possible under Governor Otti.

The Revive team, according to the team lead, focuses on carrying out medical outreaches for the poor and the most vulnerable of the society, and is currently active in several African countries and beyond.

Wike: More things will happen in Rivers.

Wike: More things will happen in Rivers.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, at the weekend declared that more things will happen in Rivers state.

Wike, accompanied by prominent politicians and former rivals from the state, attended the coronation of Dr. Kelly Fred George as Chief Diagbani (Fred) George Amachree II, Head of Diagbani Amachree Group of Houses in Buguma, Asari-Toru LGA. 

During the event, he expressed optimism about ongoing developments and hinted at further progress.

Dr. Kelly George, a staunch supporter of Wike, resigned from Siminalayi Fubara’s cabinet but later reinstated his position during the political turmoil in the state.

Wike made the statement with particular reference to the presence of his former rival and erstwhile chairman of the state chapter of APC, Ojukaye Amachree, in his team. 

Addressing the newly coronated chief, he said: “Everybody is here from Akuku Toru to Degema to Asari Toru. The former rival Ojukaye is here. That is to tell you that a lot of things are happening and more things will happen”.

Wike, who was received by the crowd that attended the event, expressed confidence in the ability of Dr. George to unite and attract development to his area of authority.

He said: “Use your position for the interest of your people. Do not use your position to divide your people. Use it to unite them, use it to bring development to your people, knowing you well I believe you would do the right thing.”

Wike described George, a two-term commissioner under him and current commissioner of Works as “a dependable friend and ally”. 

He referred to him as a “first class brain” and  “one of those you can give an assignment and go and sleep.”

He said:  “This is another important assignment, to keep villages and communities together is not an easy task.

“You have been given another onerous task to keep the values and culture of your people when education and modernisation is trying to take away all our culture. It’s a very high assignment but I know you are equal to the task.”

In the entourage of Wike were Martin Amaehule, Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly; Chief Victor Giadom, National Vice-Chairman APC, Southsouth;  Chibudum Nwuche, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives; Tony Okocha, Caretaker Chairman of Rivers State APC.

Others were Amb  Desmond Akawor, former Chairman of Rivers State PDP;  Ojukaye Amachree, former APC state Party Chairman;  Frank Owhor, Member North East Development Commission; Frank Ogiri, Commissioner, National Population Commission; Ken Chikere, Kenneth Kobani, Ephraim Nwuzi, Emeka Woke, Chidi Amadi, Marcus Nle-Eji, Isobo Jack,  Sam Oge, Gift Worlu,  Shy Olu, Deinma Iyalla, Sampson Parker among others.

Expose religious groups sponsoring insurgency, Shari’ah council tells EFCC.

Expose religious groups sponsoring insurgency, Shari’ah council tells EFCC.

The Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria has challenged the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Ola Olukoyede, to expose the religious groups sponsoring insurgency in the country.

Recall that the EFCC Chairman recently revealed that the anti-graft agency had uncovered how a religious sect in Nigeria is laundering money for terrorists.

Olukoyede said, “A religious sect in this country had been found to be laundering money for terrorists.”

Reacting, the SCSN, in a statement by its President, Sheik AbdulRasheed Hadiyahtullah, and Secretary, Malam Nafi’u Ahmed, on Sunday, demanded proper legal action against those found complicit in financing activities undermining the nation’s security.

The group said, “Regarding the recent disclosure by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) about religious groups sponsoring insurgency in Nigeria, the Council demands the Commission to disclose the identity of the religious body allegedly sponsoring terrorism/insurgency with N7 billion out of N13 billion traced to its account.

“This revelation has sent shockwaves across the nation, raising concerns about potential fund misuse for activities threatening Nigeria’s peace and security. The gravity of the situation calls for immediate public clarification of the group and decisive action to address the disturbing nexus between religious groups and insurgency.

“Accordingly, we urgently call upon the EFCC to publish the list of all sponsors involved in criminal activities. The alleged disclosure of N7 billion linked to a religious group’s account is a matter of grave concern, and citizens demand proper legal action against sponsors and those found complicit in financing activities undermining the nation’s security.

“We further call on the EFCC to expedite the release of the list of sponsors and collaborate with relevant authorities to ensure prompt legal actions are taken.”

Regarding the insecurity situation in Plateau State, the SCSN demanded a comprehensive and impartial approach.

The group stated that “The total exclusion of Muslim representation in the security committee not only disregards the diverse fabric of the state (with at least 40 per cent Muslims) but also jeopardises the effectiveness of the committee in addressing the root causes of the ongoing conflicts.

“We urgently call for a reevaluation of the committee’s composition to ensure that it is truly representative of the entire population. The current imbalance not only undermines the principles of justice but also hinders the development of a united front against the challenges faced by the state.

“We, therefore, demand, as a right and in the interest of equity, the Governor to heed this call for justice and equitable representation, as his action is sending a disturbing message to the world and creating a recipe for compounding the crisis.”

Economic hardship: Bear with Tinubu, lawmaker urges Nigerians.

Economic hardship: Bear with Tinubu, lawmaker urges Nigerians.

A member representing Yagba Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the National Assembly, Leke Abejide, has called on Nigerians irrespective of political and religious inclination, to bear with the administration of President Bola Tinubu for at least two years to enable its policies to manifest and benefit from their good results.

Abejide made the call on Saturday during a grand reception organised in his honour by the Yoruba community in Kano State.

The event also featured his conferment of the title of Asiwaju of Yoruba Kano by His Royal Highness, the Oba Yoruba of Kano, Dr. Murtala Otisese.

”I have the confidence that the Tinubu administration will make the economy better for the country. I have said it before, it is like when a woman is in labour there is a lot of pain pending when she delivers.

“If You are looking at the policies the government is making, you will know that we should give at least two years, I know it is a long time for people who are in hardships, but in less than two years you will see the impact, the economy is going to be transformed. I have that belief,” he said.

Abejide who is also the Chairman of the Customs and Excise Committee of the House of Representatives, said, “My advice to the people is that we remain patient and the result will be good for all of us.”

The Asiwaju Yoruba Kano then promised the 4.5 million Yorubas in Kano that he would complete the building of the palace of Oba Yoruba of Kano.

In his remarks, the Oba Yoruba of Kano, Dr. Alimi Otisese, while conferring the title on Elder Abejide, lauded the celebrant for his immense contributions to the Yorubas resident in Kano through the empowerment of widows and orphans, which he said were part of the reasons he conferred on him the title of Asiwaju of Yoruba Kano.

Speaking on behalf of the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, his Special Adviser on Yoruba Affairs, Alhaji Abdussalam Abdullatif, said the present administration in the state would continue to run an all-inclusive government in delivering the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

Abejide grew up in Kano before he went to his native Kogi State and contested and won elections into the House of Representatives on the platform of the African Democratic Congress in 2019 and 2023.

Kwara LG health workers receive 100 per cent consolidated salary.

Kwara LG health workers receive 100 per cent consolidated salary.

Health workers across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara State have started receiving  salaries commensurate with a 100 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure.

The payment took effect from January 2024 in line with the agreement between the state government and organized labour.

The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Kwara State Council, Comrade Saheed Olayinka, confirmed the implementation of CONHESS for local government health workers in an interview with Punch correspondent in Ilorin on Sunday.

Recall that the Joint Labour Unions at a media briefing in Ilorin on January 12, 2024, had issued a 14-day ultimatum to the state government to address unmet demands of state workers with a warning that it could not guarantee industrial harmony in the state.

They listed some of the grievances of workers as non-implementation of the N35,000 wage award for all categories of workers in the state following fuel subsidy removal, refusal to domesticate and implement 40 per cent peculiar allowance in line with the approval of the federal government, non-implementation of consequential adjustment to pensioners since the approval of the current new minimum wage in 2019, unwillingness to pay local government workers outstanding arrears and non-implementation of 100 per cent Consolidated Health Salary Structure and 100 per cent hazard allowance for health workers at local government level.

Others include outstanding arrears of promotion for 2020, 2021 and 2022, inadequate funding of our state-owned tertiary institutions, unwillingness to absorb and proper placement of Kwara Hotel workers without any condition and proper placement of the redeployed Kwara Water Corporation Staff into the core civil service.

In a swift response, the state government raised a team headed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Prince Mahe Abdulkadir, to hold a fresh negotiation with the organized labour as a measure to avert likely industrial disquiet.

Sequel to the recent negotiation with the labour movement, the state government had approved the implementation of the allowance in the local government areas.

Olayinka said health workers, whose bank accounts have been credited for January salary were excited to receive the pay.

The NLC chairman added that the state government also directed payment of hazard allowance to all categories of local government health workers.

He said the approval of CONHESS and hazard allowance to workers at the third tier of government was part of the ongoing organized labour’s negotiation with the state government over the latter’s catalogue of demands for the workforce.

The NLC chairman also noted that the government also agreed to, from January defray arrears of the salary of local government workers and teachers under the State Universal Basic Education Board ranging from 20 per cent to 50 per cent.

Olayinka explained that the backlog of arrears of promotions for workers in the state also formed a discussion between the state government and the labour movement.

He added that letters would be released to affected workers and financial benefits would follow subsequently.

“Following our negotiation with the state government, 100 per cent CONHESS and hazard allowance have been approved for implementation and payment to health workers in local government areas starting from this month (January).

“The government will also defray payment of LGA workers and SUBEB teachers arrears this month ranging from 20% to 50% for LGAs.

“During our meeting, the issue of promotion received top attention while letters will be released to affected workers and financial benefit will follow.

“While the meeting on other demands will be discussed on better ways to meet up with them this week”, Olayinka said.

Kidnapping: Monarch Praises Oyebanji for Showing Love to Slain Driver's Family, Freed School Children.

Kidnapping: Monarch Praises Oyebanji for Showing Love to Slain Driver's Family, Freed School Children.

....No rest until perpetrators are nabbed, punished- Deputy Gov.

A First Class Traditional Ruler in Ekiti State and Elemure of Emure Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo, has commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for being diligent in securing the release of pupils and teachers of The Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, abducted by gunmen in his kingdom last week Monday.

The Monarch praised Oyebanji for instantly deploying an ambulance and six medical personnel to administer medical treatments for the victims immediately they were freed and for sending a delegation to sympathise with the family of the slain driver, Mr. Taiwo Olugbaye, who was murdered in the kidnappers 'den. 

Meanwhile, the Government delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Chief ( Mrs) Monisade Afuye, has visited Olugbaye's family, the driver of The Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure Ekiti, who was killed in the kidnappers' den, with an assurance that the state government would not relent until those abducting and killing innocent citizens are arrested and punished.

The monarch spoke in his palace at Emure Ekiti, on Sunday, while receiving a government's delegation, led by the Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, who came on a sympathy visit to the town in respect of Olugbaye's painful death. 

Also on the government's delegation, who had earlier visited the family of the slain driver, was the Chairman of Emure Local Government , Hon Adedayo Tosin Adedigbo.

Olugbaye, who was abducted with six other school children and teachers of the private institution last Monday, was killed while being held hostage by the kidnappers. 

Addressing the delegation, Oba Adebayo, described the driver's death as highly excruciating, but expressed delight that eight out of the nine victims were rescued alive.

Specifically, the monarch praised Governor Oyebanji for caring for the victims and for being resolute in his promise to rid the state of criminals, describing these as product of the Governor’s exemplary leadership and love for the citizens.

"Immediately these children and teachers were released, Governor Oyebanji deployed an ambulance and six medical personnel here to take care of the pupils and their teachers. This showed that he was so caring and lovely. The fact that he sent his Deputy here to sympathise with us shows that he is a caring governor. 

"I am not also unaware of the various steps he had taken to make sure that criminals are not given any breathing space in Ekiti. In fact, all these are commendable efforts. We are really pleased with what Governor Oyebanji is doing and we want to assure that my town will support whatever measure he puts in place to make Ekiti safe.

"Though, we lost Mr. Olugbaye to these criminals, but we thank God that eight others, including the pupils and teachers were brought back alive".

Addressing the monarch and his chiefs , the Deputy Governor disclosed that the Governor has held strategic interfaced with security chiefs, where various strategies to further secure Ekiti were mapped out. 

Mrs Afuye said strategic security actions are now in full throttle to comb all the forests across the state and smoke out criminal elements. 

Expressing the condolences of the state government to the victim's family, Mea Afuye said the only honour the state can do the dead is to devise ways of arresting the killers, the task he assured the government will accomplish with vigour and determination.

The Deputy Governor promised the support of the state government for the deceased's family, saying they won't be neglected at this harrowing phase of their lives.

"We are here on behalf of Mr Governor to sympathise with you. We know what it means to lose a loved one. We feel your pains and anguish, but we are not resting and sleeping. We will fight hard until those kidnappers and killers making Ekiti looks unsafe are dealt with.

"We have taken all the necessary steps. We have met with the Security Chiefs and traditional rulers. We have taken strategic decisions that will stop all these senseless killings.

"As a government, we are really pained by this gruesome killing. But what is left now is how to help the family. We are going to support you. Governor Oyebanji will surely look for the right way to lessen your burden".

Speaking on behalf of the deceased's family, Mr Fatai Oseni, appreciated the Governor for the visit, appealing to the government to offer permanent jobs to some of the deceased's children in order to to sustain the widow.

Oyebanji visits rescued Ekiti School pupils, teachers in hospital.

Oyebanji visits rescued  Ekiti School pupils, teachers in hospital.                                                 “We shall get the assailants and deal with them”. he assures. 

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji on Sunday visited the rescued pupils and teachers of Apostolic Faith Nursery and Primary School, Emure -Ekiti, at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti, where they were receiving treatment. 

The students and their teachers were brought to the hospital from Emure Ekiti by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Oyebanji Filani and some ministry officials, following the Governor’s directive shortly after their release. 

Governor Oyebanji who arrived the hospital a few hours later, had brief interaction with each of the students and their teachers at the Accident and Emergency Ward of the hospital. 

The Governor was received by the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Filani; Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Prof Kayode Olabanji: and a member of the House of Assembly representing Emure Constituency, Alhaja Mariam Ogunlade and some government officials. 

While congratulating the students and their teachers for regaining freedom from the abductors, the Governor assured  that the perpetrators of the crime would be fished out and punished accordingly. 

He urged  the medical team at the hospital not to be in a hurry to discharge the students, stressing the need for them to be properly managed, given the trauma they went through. 

Speaking with journalists shortly after the visit, the Governor praised the resilience of the children and expressed gratitude to God for their safe return.

He expressed gratitude to  President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his intervention in the matter. He also thanked  heads of security agencies in the country for their swift response to the development. 

He assured the people of the state that his administration will not rest on its oars in ensuring that criminal elements are flushed out of the state.

The Governor said he remained committed to the security of lives and property of citizens of the state and would continue to collaborate with relevant security agencies and the traditional institution in the war against criminals. 

“ We thank God for their safe return. I am excited and I give glory to God. I also thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift response and for giving specific directives. His intervention made the difference and I am thankful to him on behalf of Ekiti people. I am also thankful to the security chiefs for their support. They all put resources together and mobilized men and materials to ensure we rescue the children. All I can say is that we shall go after the criminals and we shall get them”.  He added. 

Expressing his condolences  over the death of the bus driver of the abducted pupils, Mr Taiwo Olugbaye who was reportedly killed by the kidnappers, the Governor said government will not leave any stone unturned in the bid to apprehend  the criminals as well as those involved in the killing of our two traditional rulers.

“It is very sad. My condolences to the family. I have directed the Deputy Governor to pay a visit to the family and to the Elemure to commiserate with them. But what I can assure Ekiti people is that we will go after the criminals.”

The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr Filani who also confirmed that the the pupils and their teachers were in stable condition, said they were being attended to by a multidisciplinary team of medical personnel.