Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure Across Nigeria's Six Geo-political Zones.

Tinubu Approves Immediate Upgrade Of Key Health Infrastructure Across Nigeria's Six Geo-political Zones. 

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.

Upgrading health infrastructure and equipment is a top priority of President Tinubu's Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. To advance this landmark effort, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare in collaboration with the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) will carry out the comprehensive upgradation of cancer-treatment infrastructure and other critical developments in six tertiary hospitals across several geopolitical zones, in addition to the full renovation and expansion of prior investments to improve broad-based access to high-quality healthcare in all six geo-political zones of the federation.

The following teaching hospitals across geo-political zones have been marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres per facility as part of President Tinubu's bid to ensure that world class cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country:

(1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital

(2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital

(3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital

(4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina

(5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital

(6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital

The following ten critical health care service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization will be carried out in ten hospitals across all geo-political zones:

(1) North-West: Reference Hospital, Kaduna — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology)

(2) South-East: Medical Diagnostic Centre Complex, Enugu — (Radiology, clinical pathology, medical & radiation oncology)

(3) North-West: Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

(4) South-West: University College Hospital, Ibadan — (Diagnostic and intervention radiology, clinical pathology, and cardiac catheterization)

(5) South-South: University of Uyo Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

(6) North-East: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

(7) South-South: Federal Medical Centre, Asaba — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

(8) North-Central: Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre Complex, Ilorin — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

(9) North-Central: Jos University Teaching Hospital — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

(10) North-East: Federal Medical Centre, Nguru — (Radiology and clinical pathology)

These critical projects, set to be delivered within 12-18 months, will improve screening and diagnostics for communicable and non-communicable diseases; reduce mortality rates and improve outcomes for non-communicable diseases; create considerable employment opportunities for clinical, administrative, and managerial personnel across Nigeria's six geo-political zones, all while building the capacity of clinical personnel in advanced procedures, diagnostics and treatment modalities, in accordance with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

Gov Oyebanji Extends Free Bus Service to Ikere Ekiti, Easing Economic Burdens on Residents.

Gov Oyebanji Extends Free Bus Service to Ikere Ekiti, Easing Economic Burdens on Residents.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Beginning on Monday 19th February 2024, residents of Ikere Ekiti will benefit from a new initiative as directed by Ekiti State Governor, H.E. Biodun Oyebanji. The directive entails the extension of the free bus service, initially designed for students and workers, to include the community of Ikere Ekiti. This move comes as part of the governor's proactive measures aimed at alleviating the impact of the prevailing economic challenges on the populace.

The decision to extend the free bus service to Ikere Ekiti reflects Governor Oyebanji's commitment to addressing the welfare needs of the people across various regions within the state. By providing this service, the government seeks to ease the transportation burden on students and workers, thereby enhancing their access to educational institutions and places of employment.

Furthermore, the free bus service extension underscores Governor Oyebanji's responsiveness to the evolving needs of the populace, particularly amidst the ongoing economic challenges. By implementing targeted palliative measures such as this, the government aims to mitigate the adverse effects of economic hardship and improve the overall well-being of the people.

The initiative is poised to offer significant relief to residents of Ikere Ekiti, who will now have access to convenient and cost-effective transportation options. This extension aligns with the governor's overarching goal of fostering inclusive growth and development while ensuring that no community is left behind in the state's progress trajectory.

The inclusion of Ikere Ekiti in the free bus service initiative signifies a proactive step towards promoting social equity and enhancing accessibility to essential services for all residents. It also reflects the administration's dedication to prioritizing the welfare of the citizens and fostering a conducive environment for sustainable development.

As the free bus service commences in Ikere Ekiti, residents can look forward to enjoying the benefits of reliable and accessible transportation, thanks to Governor Oyebanji's directive. This initiative serves as a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to uplifting communities and enhancing the quality of life for all Ekiti State residents.

Gov Oyebanji Engages World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri for State's Economic Growth.

Gov Oyebanji Engages World Bank Country Director, Shubham Chaudhuri for State's Economic Growth.

By Olamide Akinwumi.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State embarked on a significant discussion on Friday, February 16th, with the Country Director of the World Bank, Shubham Chaudhuri, and his team at the Bank’s office in Abuja. The meeting, which saw the presence of the Commissioner for Finance, Akintunde Oyebode, focused on various aspects of the state’s partnership with the global financial institution, alongside updates on ongoing World Bank-assisted projects in Ekiti.

During the deliberations, Governor Oyebanji underscored his administration's unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth and development within the state. The meeting served as a platform to explore opportunities for collaboration and to strategize on maximizing the benefits of existing partnerships between Ekiti State and the World Bank.

Discussions ranged from the progress of ongoing projects to the identification of potential areas for further intervention and support, all geared towards advancing the socio-economic landscape of Ekiti. Governor Oyebanji reiterated his administration's determination to leave no stone unturned in its pursuit of sustainable development for the people of Ekiti.

The engagement highlighted the importance of effective collaboration between government entities and international development partners in driving progress and achieving developmental milestones. It showcased Governor Oyebanji’s proactive approach to governance and his dedication to advancing the welfare of the citizens of Ekiti State.

As the state continues its journey towards development, such engagements with key stakeholders like the World Bank remain crucial in ensuring that Ekiti realizes its full potential and thrives in various sectors. Governor Oyebanji’s leadership exemplifies a proactive and strategic approach towards achieving economic prosperity and sustainable development for Ekiti State.

The meeting with the World Bank Country Director reaffirms the commitment of the Ekiti State Government to leveraging partnerships and resources for the collective benefit and upliftment of the state and its people.

Ekiti Commences Repair Of Roads, Filling Of Potholes.

Ekiti Commences Repair Of Roads, Filling Of Potholes.

Ekiti State Government has commenced the filling of potholes and general road repairs in Ado Ekiti, the state capital as part of efforts at ensuring that all roads in the State are motorable and potholes-free before the raining season.

The State Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun who made this known in Ado Ekiti, said that the rehabilitation works are sequel to the directive of Governor Biodun Oyebanji that all roads in poor condition be rehabilitated before the raining season.

Rt. Hon. Olatunbosun reiterated the commitment of the present administration in the State to a free-flow of traffic that would engender easy transportation of goods and services, particularly agriculture products, stressing that it is better to take advantage of the dry harmattan season to fix the roads as it would be almost impossible and definitely more expensive to do same during the raining season.

Olatunbosun highlighted the selected township roads currently undergoing repairs in the State capital to include Mathew – St Paul Anglican road, Mugbagba – St Paul Anglican road, Basiri – Nova Junction Adebayo road (opposite chicken Republic), Olukayode Stadium – Okuta Gbokutaleri road, Okebola – Access bank road via Little by Little plaza and Atikankan – Isato road.

Other roads being attended to are Oke Ila – Housing Corporation/Afao road, Oja Oba – Post Office road, Ijigbo Roundabout – Ilawe road, Mobil Rounabout –Ekute junction, Adebayo – AB Hotel – Housing Corporation junction road, Ajibade Lane – Orita Blessing road, Oladele Street in Awedele area, Oke bola – Union Baptist road, Oke Ila – Afao road extension as well as St Paul Anglican – Ado Grammar School road, NTA – New Iyin road and Adebayo road – Opposite Teaching Hospital.

The Commissioner urged road users to exercise patience and obey traffic rules and diversions, stressing that the development is in their best interest as the resultant good road would make up for the slight inconveniences that may arise as a result of the construction work

NYC Chair Ekiti State Chapter, Adedara Temitope Urges Government to take deliberate action to Address Nation's Hunger Crisis.

NYC Chair Ekiti State Chapter, Adedara Temitope Urges Government to take deliberate action to Address Nation's Hunger Crisis.

In a passionate plea to the Nigerian government, the Chairman of the Nigerian Youth Congress, Ekiti State Chapter, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses, has called on the government to take proactive measures to alleviate the prevailing hunger crisis gripping the masses.

In a message addressed to all Nigerians, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses highlighted the dire state of affairs, emphasizing the alarming prevalence of hunger across the nation. He underscored the adverse impact of the recent fuel subsidy removal, which has exacerbated the cost of living for citizens nationwide.

"The situation of things today in the country, Nigeria, is alarming as hunger is on the face of the land, and the effect of the fuel subsidy removal has necessitated a high cost of living for everyone in the nation," remarked Chairman Adedara.

Expressing concern over the potential consequences of unchecked hardship, he emphasized the urgent need for tangible solutions to avert unrest and social upheaval. "This calls for urgent and hands-on solutions, for it is about time, that the people started to express their grievances in the most unpalatable way," he cautioned.

The Chairman urged the government and stakeholders to prioritize efforts aimed at eradicating hunger and poverty to forestall potential unrest. "I urge our government and concerned people to put an end to hunger and poverty on the faces of all and sundry in the Nation to avoid unwarranted and avoidable troubles," he urged, citing the adage, "a hungry man is an angry man."

Drawing attention to the plight of the youth, the Chairman stressed the importance of addressing their needs, noting that they represent the pulse of the nation. "Salaries, in the name of minimum wage, are no longer enough to meet basic needs," he lamented, calling for urgent intervention to safeguard the interests of the youth and the nation as a whole.

In conclusion, Aare Adedara Temitope Moses reiterated his commitment to youth development and urged for swift action from the government to address the pressing challenges facing the nation.

The message from the Chairman underscores the urgency of the situation and serves as a clarion call for concerted efforts to tackle the hunger crisis and safeguard the well-being of all Nigerians.

God bless NIGERIA.

Ekiti First Lady Gives Palliative Materials To Market Women.

Ekiti First Lady Gives Palliative Materials To Market Women. 

....Says Hard Time Will Soon Be Over.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, on Thursday reached out to market women with palliative materials to cushion the effects of the economic challenges facing them and their families.

Dr. Oyebanji stormed the Irona Market, a popular neighbourhood market in the state capital with food items and cash support which she gave out to not less than 120 traders to identify with them.

The Governor's wife urged the traders not to relent in prayers for the administration of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and the Federal Government led by President Bola Tinubu assuring that hard times will soon be over in the state and the country.

Dr. Oyebanji who took time to visit the beneficiaries in their stalls and shops and personally handed out the largesse said the administration of her husband identifies with every segment of the population and would be ready to ease their pains.

A total number of 60 indigent petty traders selling items like vegetables, okra, locust beans, ponmo (cow skin) received cash support of N15,000 each while another 60 aged beneficiaries received food packs containing rice, beans, garri, salt and additional cash support of N5,000 to purchase soup ingredients.

Many other traders whose names were not captured in the prepared list of beneficiaries also received various forms of cash support from the first lady to ensure that the largesse spread wider in the market.

Dr. Oyebanji described the Irona Market as the neighborhood market in the quarter where she was born, recalling with nostalgia that her mother used to send her to the market to purchase items for the family use.

She appreciated the traders for their support for her husband in the last governorship election which brought him to power urging them to always pray for and stand by the government to succeed in the task of making Ekiti better.

According to her, the people of Ekiti State have already seen the impact made by Governor Oyebanji since he came to power in October 2022 noting that more of such support would be needed for greater turnaround in the state.

Speaking on the prevailing economic situation, Dr. Oyebanji stressed that "these hard times will soon past," urging the people to keep hope alive as efforts are being made to provide solution and bring them succor.

She said: "We know that things are difficult presently, but let's be patient. This hard time will not last. This difficult period will soon fizzle out.

The governor's wife promised to look into the traders' demands for the construction of a new borehole.

Earlier in her remarks, the Iyaloja (market leader) of Irona Market, Chief Felicia Abiola, hailed the first lady for visiting the traders and reaching out to them noting that her gesture is unprecedented.

Mrs. Abiola said the major problem faced in the market is water scarcity, noting that provision of water facility would go a long way to ease their pain. 

The Odoloro of Ado Ekiti, Chief Michael Omotoyinbo, urged the first lady and her husband to continue their good works, noting that the impact is being felt in all parts of the state.

Dr. Oyebanji was accompanied to the market by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Bolaji Olagbaju; wife of the Speaker, Mrs. Adenike Aribasoye; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mrs. Tosin Aluko-Ajisafe and other officials.

Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

Report Rates Ekiti High in Investment Promotion, Human Capital Devt, Job Creation, Others.

....Ranks third in Nigeria, first in Southwest.

....Predicts future economic boom for Ekiti.

A prestigious Business Management Consulting Firm, Philips Consulting Limited (Pcl), has scored Ekiti State Government high in investment promotion, human capital development and prudent financial management, describing these as factors that are catalysing the state's economic transformation.

The consulting firm, established in 1992 and headquartered in Nigeria, said Ekiti has done exceedingly well in the areas of job creation, inclusive governance and  laying of solid  propitious business environment, with high  propensity for speedy attainment of economic recovery for its citizens.

The ratings were contained in the firm's State Performance Index report released for all the 36 states of the federation for the 2023 fiscal year.

As contained in the report, Ekiti stands out as the 3rd overall best-performing state and the top performer in the Southwest region, largely attributed to its  strengths in provision quality basic education, healthcare, robust public institutions, preservation of social and cultural values, and healthy Capital Expenditure to budget ratio.

Despite its limited resources, the report stated that Ekiti demonstrated exceptional efficiency in deploying these resources for socioeconomic development, which vividly reflected in the state's rank of 8th regarding socioeconomic development performance.

In the report released by the consulting firm, Pcl remarked that the positive economic outlook for Ekiti State is underpinned by several promising factors, which also encompasses stability in governance  and political alignment with the Federal Government.

Other standpoints catalogued  by the respectable body that are setting Ekiti on a faster pace of economic  rebirth include promotion of inclusive governance, investment in Human Capital Development, job creation, and prudent resource utilisation.

The report rated the state highly in promotion of  liberal democracy that accommodates all shades of opinions  and declared that the personality of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, largely perceived to be a rabid believer of participatory governance, is also adding value to governance and political participation.

The report posited that though the state has history of political unpredictability, but still maintains relative stability and occasional alignment with the federal government, which tend to reduce election-related violence, attract federal presence and enabling a smoother succession planning process.

The report averred further that  Ekiti State had distinguished itself from many other states in Nigeria by effectively engaging with its residents and indigenous population, which it said helped in fostering a  sense of satisfaction among the state's inhabitants.

 

The report expressed the fact that Oyebanji's Economic Team , comprising individuals with proven integrity  and strong business orientation, will bridge the noticeable  economic knowledge gap in the system for expeditious attainment of the deserved height in economic development.

 

The report said: "Ekiti State is strongly committed to investing in health and education. This investment serves as a catalyst for the security of lives and properties while driving development across various sectors of the economy.

"Job creation is critical to socioeconomic development. Ekiti State has shown a commitment to managing the risk of unemployment effectively, as indicated by a high score in this regard. This commitment to job creation positively impacts the lives of residents and their dependants, fostering social and economic well-being.

 

"Ekiti State's ability to make the most of its limited resources stems from the necessity to innovate and manage resources effectively. This culture of innovation ensures that the state is managed efficiently, even with relatively fewer endowments than other states.

"Ekiti State is characterised by electoral outcomes that closely reflect the wishes and aspirations of its populace. This democratic environment compels the

government to work diligently, addressing the concerns of its citizens. It encourages politicians to offer constructive criticism and gain public support for electoral victories.

"Governor Biodun Oyebanji's profile highlights a history of service to humanity. While he may need more in-depth economic and wealth creation knowledge, forming a solid economic team can compensate for this limitation, thereby spearheading the state's economic transformation.

"The road ahead for Ekiti State is undoubtedly promising. With a combination of efficient resource utilisation, a solid commitment to human capital development, and a liberal democratic environment, Ekiti is well-positioned to continue its trajectory of growth and development", it stated.

However, the report urged the state to identify and eliminate impediments to conducting business within its borders, implement tax reforms and create an enabling environment for businesses and investments for enhanced internally generated revenue (IGR).

For the actualisation of the expected economic and business status, the report  advised the government to focus on human capital development, enhance citizen engagement, explore opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with states that have excelled in similar socioeconomic conditions.

Meanwhile, the state is already responding to the business constraints identified with the approval of the Business Enabling Reform Action Plan and inauguration of the Board of Ekiti State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (EKDIPA).