Oyebanji’s interventions will curb health workers’ migration — NMA.

Oyebanji’s interventions will curb health workers’ migration — NMA.

The Ekiti State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association has said that the interventions by Governor Biodun Oyebanji in the health sector would help to reduce the migration of doctors and other health workers.

The NMA hailed the Governor for repositioning the health sector by accepting to implement the recommendations made to him by the body.

NMA state Chairman, Dr Babatunde Rosiji and Secretary, Dr Moses Dada, stated this in a statement jointly signed and released in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday.

The NMA said, “We strongly believe that these will slow the velocity of both internal and external migration of doctors and other health workers from the state.”

The NMA listed the governor’s interventions to include approval of hazard allowance and pay parity for clinical workers and approvals of the Medical Residency Training Fund.

Others, the NMA said, included the release of funds for capital projects across hospitals and the recent increase in the subvention of Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital alongside other tertiary institutions in the state.

Rosiji and Dada jointly said the interventions in the sector would bring lasting solutions to the recurring financial problems in the institutions, adding that they would “in no small measures boost the morale of health workers in the state”.

They stated, “Following the meeting he (Oyebanji) had with our association in November 2022 shortly after inauguration where NMA presented the problems bedeviling the health sector in the state and proffered possible solutions, Mr Governor said he identified with the challenges and promised to actualise the recommendations we made to him.

“He emphasised the premium his administration attaches to the health sector and promised to do everything possible to make the workers happy. We are delighted that less than a year after the reassurances, the promises he made have become a reality”.

The NMA, urging Ekiti people to join hands with the government towards building the state, appealed to citizens of the state “to show understanding with health workers while seeking treatment across the hospital network in the state.

“While we promise to offer the best healthcare services possible, we advise citizens not to resort to the barbaric practice of assaulting health workers as we experienced recently”.

The doctors also condoled the governor and Ekiti people on the murder of the driver of the Apostolic Faith Group of Schools and two traditional rulers in the state.

They stated, “We want to commend the governor and security operatives on the role played in the rescue of the recently abducted school children and we believe they will leave no stone unturned to identify the perpetrators of these gruesome and barbaric acts and others promoting crime and violence in the state.

“While we use this opportunity to also appreciate the security agencies for the hard work they are rendering to keep the state safe, we call on them to do more,” the NMA stated.

Lagos, Netherlands partner on food security.

Lagos, Netherlands partner on food security.

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his government’s willingness to expand its relationship with the Netherlands in different sectors, especially the agricultural sector to ensure food security in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Kadri Hamzat, while receiving the Netherlands Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Geoffrey Leeuwen, and his contemporary in Migration, Eric Burg, at his official residence in Ikoyi, on behalf of the governor, stated that the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Netherlands had existed for over 400 years.

This is according to a Tuesday statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (Media), Office of the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Tunde Alao.

Sanwo-Olu said his administration was ready to strengthen the existing relationship with the Netherlands in different sectors like agriculture, technology, health care, circular economy, and energy among other sectors.

“We are willing to implement some of the lessons we have learnt from the Netherlands, particularly to enhance food production, storage, amongst others,” he said.

On his part, Leeuwen said the Netherlands government was committed to working on transitions that were crucial to the economy and business opportunities in both Netherlands and Nigeria, with specific interest in Lagos.

“We are looking forward to continuing our excellent economic cooperation with the governor and his cabinet. We will continue to bring high-level visits and trade missions to the Center of Excellence,” he said.

As part of its drive for food security, the Lagos State Government last month said it was activating plan for the state red meat Initiative with the establishment of a feedlot system, a butchers’ academy and a meat shop in the state.

FG plans sanction for hospitals rejecting gunshot victims.

FG plans sanction for hospitals rejecting gunshot victims.

The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, on Tuesday, expressed concern over the continued rejection of gunshot victims by hospitals in the country.

This, the ministry said, was against the provisions of the Gunshot Act 2017, “which mandates all medical facilities to provide for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots and related matters.”

In a statement by its Director of Information, Patricia Deworitshe, the ministry called on medical facilities to comply with the Act, noting that “strategies are being put in place by the ministry to ensure compliance to the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities.”

The statement quoted the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, as stressing that gunshot victims must be attended to by hospitals because they “come under medical emergencies that require urgent attention to save the life of the patient or victim.”

The Compulsory Treatment and Care for Victims of Gunshot Act, 2017 was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Act stipulates that every hospital in Nigeria, whether public or private, shall accept or receive, for immediate and adequate treatment with or without police clearance, any person with gunshot wounds.

It also mandates all citizens, including security agents, to render every possible assistance to and ensure that a person with a gunshot wound is taken to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment.

However, the health minister on Tuesday noted that in recent times, the country had witnessed a rise in the loss of lives of gunshot victims and those who escaped from one-chance kidnappers as a result of the refusal of health facilities to attend them on the excuse that the victims failed to present police reports.

Deworitshe said, “It has come to the knowledge of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, of the slow or non-compliance by most medical facilities going contrary to the Gunshot Act 2017, which mandates all medical facilities to provide for the compulsory treatment and care for victims of gunshots; and related matters.

“In line with this mandate, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare is concerned about the spate of gunshot incidences and the refusal of some of the health facilities to administer treatment and care for the victim or patient without a police report.

“The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Pate, therefore calls on all medical practitioners to comply with this national law by providing prompt treatment and care for these victims to prevent death while, strategies are being put in place by the ministry to ensure compliance to the Act by Nigerian healthcare facilities.”

The Minister also urged the police to comply with and enforce the provisions of the Act with promptness.

He reassured health facilities in the country that treatment of gunshot victims is not illegal.

Insecurity: Tinubu inducts two combat helicopters.

Insecurity: Tinubu inducts two combat helicopters.

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s commitment to fighting the insecurity plaguing the country.

The president stated this when he inducted two T129 Attack Combat Helicopters and one King Air Beechcraft 360ER mobility aircraft for use by the Nigerian Air Force.

Represented by his Vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, the president said that the acquisition of the helicopters and the induction symbolises the commitment of his administration to the nation’s security.

The induction ceremony was held at the 131 Engineering Group Hanger, Nigeria Airforce Base, Makurdi.

The president said that the acquisition and induction of the new platforms would now improve NAF’s airpower in the ongoing war against terrorism.

The President acknowledged that since its establishment in 1964, “NAF has been playing a critical role in the nation’s security, international operations, and humanitarian needs.

“Let me commend the Chief of Air Staff, Officers, and men for their commitment to enhancing national security, I assure you that the Tinubu administration will continue to support NAF and another military, indeed, the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards combating terrorism, oil theft and other criminal activities.”

The president said that substantial progress had been achieved in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts but noted that there should be no cause for celebration yet until the security challenges are fully addressed.

The president called for a change in mindset, strategy, and tactics in addressing the menace.

Earlier in his speech, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, said that NAF had taken delivery of no fewer than seven aircraft.

He listed the new aircraft to include two Diamond 62 surveillance aircraft, 2 T-129 ATAK helicopters, and a King Air 360 ER.

The CAS, however, expressed assurance of NAF’s plan to induct 46 new aircraft of various types over the next 18 months

The CAS disclosed that currently, 170 NAF Pilots and 533 technicians are undergoing training locally and internationally.

In his remark, Minister of Defence, Mohamed Badaru, commended Tinubu for his foresight and dogged support of Nigeria’s armed forces.

He said the induction of the newly acquired aircraft is the testimony of the President’s resolve to tackle the problem of insecurity in the country and charged the personnel to handle them with care and always maintain them for efficient air operations.

Experts at the event said that the T129 ATAK is a twin-engine, tandem-seat, multi-role, all-weather attack helicopter based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta platform, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries in partnership with Leonardo SPA.

The helicopter, it is understood is designed for armed reconnaissance and attack missions in hot and high environments and rough geography in both day and night conditions.

Highlights of the event were the signing of the handing over documents and aerial display by the T129 Attack Combat Helicopter.

Afenifere asks S’West govs to equip Amotekun.

Afenifere asks S’West govs to equip Amotekun. 

The pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Tuesday said the rising cases of killings, abductions and other heinous crimes pervading the country and the South-West zone required a different approach, especially from the governors to protect citizens’ lives and property.

Afenifere also called on South-West governors to adequately equip Amotekun Corps to be able to checkmate the marauders perpetrating various evils in the zone.

This was as Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State called on the Afenifere leaders to close ranks.

Afenifere leaders made this known in Ado Ekiti during a visit to Governor Oyebanji over the killing of two traditional rulers and kidnapping of five school children and teachers of Apostolic Nursery and Primary School, Emure.

The leader of the Afenifere delegation, Chief Korede Duyile said, “We are here in Ekiti on the instruction of our leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, to deliver the message of Afenifere and to commiserate with the governor and people of Ekiti on the killing of our revered traditional rulers and the abduction of school children.

“We are for the interest and progress of Yoruba people, including those in Kwara and Kogi states and we are bound to show concern at this difficult period.

“In this precarious situation in our region and country, our governors must cooperate among themselves to tackle the invasion of our land by these criminal elements.

“It is obvious now that the Amotekun Corps must be fully armed to be able to confront the enemies. The governors should ensure that Amotekun operatives are given sophisticated weapons to tackle the marauders,” he said.

Duyile spoke on the need for President Bola Tinubu to engineer the process of true federalism, saying, “This measure will enable the governors to take charge of their respective states, especially in the area of security.”

Oyebanji, who praised Afenifere leadership for the visit, described as sacrilegious the killing of the two traditional rulers and assured that those behind the killings and abduction of the school children and teachers would be arrested and prosecuted.

He assured the group that governors in the region would soon come up with a workable plan that would ensure the security of life and property across the state.

He said, “We have listened to you, we will look inward to defend our people, even though we know the legal constraints of Amotekun as regards arms and ammunition, but we will do our best for the people.”

The governor challenged Afenifere to close ranks, saying, “Afenifere must be united at this period to defend our people. We need your ideas and suggestions for us to protect our people. You can’t be here and some people are bringing war, it should not be happening.”

Solutions ahead to cost of living crisis, say CBN, ministers.

Solutions ahead to cost of living crisis, say CBN, ministers.

The Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, have assured Nigerians that the high cost of living being witnessed by Nigerians is currently being addressed.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Olayemi Cardoso, Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Zacch Adedeji, joined the ministers to allay the fear of Nigerians about the current inflation.

They all spoke when they appeared at the sectoral debate organised by the House of Representatives for the finance sector and stakeholders on the current cost of living at a Plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

Speaking, Edun, who is also the coordinating minister of the economy, said “Where we are as a nation is a much better place than we were in on May 29, 2023.”

He added that Nigeria as a country was on the road to economic disaster by way of subsidy on fuel, adding that it was expected that there would be challenges as a result of subsidy removal.

Edun said that inflation had increased and the cost of living had spiked, but stated that President Bola Tinubu was committed to protecting the poorest and the vulnerable.

“As things improve, there will be further intervention on behalf of the vulnerable to assist in the cost of living.

“Let us be confident, calm, and assured that Nigeria will change in terms of economic management and that there will be intervention in every sector.”

According to him, there is a need to tackle inflation because full inflation accounts for 33 percent of the consumer price index.

He said there was a need to return to production, adding that industry, however, required energy to function optimally and that the President was also committed to using state power to subdue vested interest in the oil sector.

On his part, Bagudu said the president was committed to national development, adding that the President reckoned with the challenges of the living conditions of the people.

“What is happening in our country is obvious to someone visiting a construction site; we are very clear that we are on the right path and the challenges of the moment are being tackled.

“We are getting support from international partners, and they are all acknowledging the commendable steps that the president is taking.

“We have seen investments in the rail sector, the NNLG, and we assure you that we will overcome the challenges of the moment and sustain the economic growth as promised by the President,” he said.

In a related development, Cardoso expressed confidence that positive outcomes from the administration of Tinubu were already emerging and would further emerge in the near future.

“The concern as per the cost of living is genuine, and the urgency of the matter is not lost on us at the CBN, and we are working tirelessly to bring up a lasting solution.

He said inflation was expected to decline in 2024, adding that this would be aided by improved agricultural productivity.

He said that the challenges of the exchange rate had been tackled, adding that they were fueled by speculation, increased forex demand, increased capital outflow, excess liquidity, and increased demand, among others.

He said the CBN was addressing the forex demand by clearing forex operations and adjusting the remuneration standard deposit, among others.

Speaking, the FIRS boss, Mr Adedeji, said the service was not a revenue-generating agency but a revenue-collection agency, adding that the agency was doing a lot to increase the nation’s revenue base.

According to him, the target for 2023 revenue was N10 trillion, and we achieved N12.3 trillion because of the decision taken by the president.

Adedeji said the president took the decision to rectify the distortion in the economic parameters and remove the fuel subsidy.

According to him, we have overperformance from VAT collection and company income tax. We have the target of collecting N19.2 trillion in 2024.

The chairman added that the N19.2 trillion target was based on the fact that it would not collect new taxes but bring more people into the tax rate.

He said less than 60 companies, as of today, contribute less than 60 percent to the nation’s company income tax.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, said it was imperative to recognize the urgency and importance of the agenda before it.

He said, “We must also confront the stark realities of the economic, fiscal, and revenue challenges that our beloved nation, Nigeria, is currently facing.

“In the face of global economic shifts and domestic challenges, it is clear that robust reform measures are not just beneficial but imperative.

“We are at a pivotal moment where the decisions we make and the policies we implement will impact the lives of millions of Nigerians”

He said the reform should not only address immediate needs but also lay a resilient and dynamic framework that would adapt to future challenges and opportunities.

According to him, these measures should stimulate growth, foster innovation, and uplift the lives of every Nigerian.

(NAN)

Burna Boy’s debut performance at Grammys ranks No. 6 – Billboard.

Burna Boy’s debut performance at Grammys ranks No. 6 – Billboard.

Grammy-winning singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy has ranked No. 6 on Billboard for his debut at the 66th Grammy.

Recall that Burna Boy performed for the first time at the Grammys on Sunday, February 4.

The acclaimed ‘African Giant’ ranked No. 6 out of all the performances during the 2024 Grammys.

He performed “Sittin’ on Top of the World” while accompanied by Brandy and 21 Savage.

During his production, he put on an impressive performance with infectious energy and charisma.

Billboard in a statement, said: “For the first Afrobeats performance at the Grammys, Burna Boy pulled out all the stops. Backed by Brandy’s gorgeous vocals and 21 Savage’s detached, confident cool, Burna sang “Sittin’ on Top of the World” and demonstrated that is precisely where he belongs.

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“The lush, expansive stage — depicting a residential city block – and clever costume design (the colour red tied all three performers together, despite their disparate styles) brought to mind an MGM golden era musical — and truthfully, the Nigerian star’s infectious energy and easy charm wouldn’t seem out of place in a Hollywood musical.”