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President Tinubu priortises health care -Minister

Fola Badmus05 mins

The Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako has charged health Institutions to remain steadfast to President Bola Ahmed’s vision of ensuring qualitative healthcare for Nigerians. Dr. Salako dropped this hint during his Familiarization visits to agencies and parastatals of the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare. On his entourage were top management staff of the Ministry which included the Director of Hospital Services Department, Dr. Salaudeen Jimoh mni. At the Nigeria Institute for Pharmaceutical & Research Development (NIPRD) at Idu Industrial layout Abuja, the Honourable Minister led by the Director General, Dr. Obi Adigwe took an assessment tour of various departments of the institute. During a round table interactive meeting with the management staff, Dr. Salako stated that the institution is very pivotal to unlocking the health care value chain agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the country. To this end, he admonished the Director General of NIPRD, Dr. Obi Adigwe and his team to consider business venture partnerships that will develop some of its products, with a possibility of assessing USD1bn on the table from the AFREXIM Bank. Dr. Salako further buttressed this innovative proposition by assuring support of the Ministry towards projecting many of NIPRDs products on the table of Physicians. NIPRD, he stated, is considered by the Ministry as a very important agency in its agenda of ensuring universal health coverage for Nigerians and, commitment to reversing the direction of medical tourism. Meanwhile, at the Nigerian Institute for Cancer Research & Treatment NICRAT; the Honourable Minister of State for Health & Social Welfare Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako urged the Director- General, Dr. Usman Malami Aliyu and his team to prioritise research around prevention, services around prevention and, advocacy around prevention as a key element of its agenda. “We know that whether we prevent, people will still come under with the disease. So we must also be prepared to provide qualitative care for people with the disease. To catch them very early through screening services. “This is a very important disease or diseases that we must, all of us, sit down to frontally address. Which means that our efforts, our strategy need to be optimally tailored towards prevention and control, towards increasing awareness, towards improving the health literacy of Nigerians. Because quite a number of these cancers are preventable”; Dr. Salako pointed out. To achieve maximum advocacy and preventable strategy therefore, he strongly urged both the Cancer programme in the Ministry and NICRAT to synergize and collaborate for one World Cancer Day Celebration next month February. On federal government’s initiative for Cancer health fund, the Honourable Minister explained that it is a fund set apart to assist and support people who need cancer care but cannot afford it. “It is currently operating in some centres and, it’s targeted at specific cancers, not all cancers. “So this is an initiative to ensure that care is made available to vulnerable Nigerians who cannot afford it.We are hoping that during this budget cycle, we can expand the Cancer fund and make it more robust. “And then, if there are more resources available, we can bring on board more centres and, more cancer types”; the Minister further stated.

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Marwa seeks more NASS support, defends N67.5B 2025 NDLEA budget

Fola Badmus08 mins

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) has expressed appreciation to the National Assembly especially the Senate and House Committees on Narcotic Drugs for their commitment to the nation’s fight against substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking while he appealed for their continued support to enhance the capacity and capability of the Agency to deliver on its mandate. Marwa made the appeal on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th January when he led his management team to defend the 2025 budget proposal of the Agency before the House Committee on Narcotic Drugs and Senate Committee on Drugs and Narcotics respectively. He equally thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unrelenting encouragement to the NDLEA. “I wish to first appreciate the honorable chairman, the deputy chairman, and distinguished members of this esteemed committee for your invaluable and consistent support throughout the 2024 fiscal year. This committee, under its able and dynamic chairman, has demonstrated remarkable courage and commitment towards the war against drug abuse. In particular, your effort towards the amendment of the NDLE Act is also highly appreciated. “And I respectfully ask your good offices to continue to assist in our area of critical needs during the appropriation process. Our commands across the federation are contending with significant challenges, particularly lack of accommodation. “I cannot overstate this matter because it all comes to my desk when you get these reports of attacks on our officers and so on and so forth, killing personnel and their families. So, we know that we trust that this esteemed committee will do its best. And we know that there are compelling demands from other MDAs, but the barracks project is critical to the operational efficiency and success of NDLEA. “I must not forget to seize this opportunity to also appreciate President Bola Tinubu for his continuing support and encouragement to the agency. I also wish to reaffirm the agency’s unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with the National Assembly, in particular this esteemed committee, to advance our shared vision of a drug-free Nigeria. With your support, we are confident in our ability to enhance our operations and fulfill our mandate of safeguarding the security of our nation”, Marwa stated in his remarks while pleading for budgetary provision for the ongoing barracks accommodation for the personnel of the agency to enhance their security, dedication and performance. In the budget proposal for 2025 fiscal year, the agency was allocated Sixty-Seven Billion Five Hundred and Twelve Million Five Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand Sixty-Three Naira Eighty Kobo (N67, 512, 564, 063.80), with recurrent personnel cost taking N47, 159,240, 496.80; recurrent overhead N3, 384,332, 017.00 and capital expenditure N16, 968, 991, 550.00. He explained that the recurrent personnel cost reflects the nominal roll of the agency’s staff strength totaling over 14,038 officers, men and women, while the recurrent overhead cost covers the operational expenses of intelligence gathering, arrests, seizures, investigations and prosecutions. The NDLEA boss called for the enhancement of the N16 billion provided for capital expenditure, which has zero allocation for the ongoing barracks project component to enable the agency continue with the provision of secure accommodation for its workforce across the country. Justifying his plea, Marwa said “the agency faces growing challenges, including sophisticated drug cartels, drug abuse and inadequate critical infrastructure. To address these issues, NDLEA has embarked on reforms, including constructing barracks to accommodate its personnel, improve operational integrity and ensure security. Currently, many commands operate from rented facilities, which are inadequate for effective administration. Proper accommodation will enhance staff morale, ensure security, and strengthen the agency’s capacity to execute its mandate” In his remarks, House Committee Chairman on Narcotic Drugs, Hon Abass Adigun assured of their commitment to adequate funding to enhance NDLEA’s operational successes. “This committee recognizes the critical role the NDLEA plays in safeguarding our communities from the scourge of narcotics and illicit substances. As we engage in today’s deliberations, we remain committed to ensuring that public funds are allocated efficiently, with a focus on measurable outcomes, transparency, and accountability. I urge all participants to contribute thoughtfully as we work together to ensure the NDLEA is well-resourced to fulfill its vital mandate in the new year”, the lawmaker stated. Speaking in the same vein on Tuesday 14th January 2025, Senate Committee chairman on Drugs and Narcotics, Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo congratulated the agency for its outstanding performance in 2024. “We’re all witnesses to the good work you are doing and we are proud of your performance”, the committee chairman stated, assuring of more support to enable the agency function effectively in the new year.

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Eguavoen, Chelle hit Ikenne-Remo for Eagles B, as draw holds Wednesday

Fola Badmus03 mins

Technical Director of the Nigeria Football Federation, Coach Augustine Eguavoen, has arrived at the Ikenne-Remo camp of the Super Eagles B alongside new Super Eagles’ Head Coach Éric Sékou Chelle and the latter’s agent, Sidibe Abraham Brehima. The trio flew aboard a ValueJet Airline CRJ 700 aircraft from Abuja to Lagos on Tuesday morning, and then headed for the Remo Stars’ Sports Institute in the fabled Ogun State town. On Monday, at Chelle’s unveiling, President of NFF Ibrahim Musa Gusau had clarified that Chelle will only be with the Eagles B in supervisory role, while the trio of Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu and Olatunji Baruwa who qualified the team for the African Nations Championship will remain essentially in charge of the team’s preparation and participation at the tournament. Meanwhile, the draw for the final tournament of the 8th African Nations Championship will take place in Nairobi, Kenya on Wednesday evening. Super Eagles’ Team Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, is on ground in Nairobi ahead of the ceremony that will hold at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre from 6pm Nigeria time. CAF’s Director of Competitions, Mr. Samson Adamu will be assisted at the draw by Uganda’s Hassan Wasswa, Tanzanian Mrisho Ngasa and Kenyan legend McDonald.Mariga. The names of a total of 19 countries, viz joint-hosts Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, Nigeria, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Algeria, Niger Republic, Congo, Sudan, Rwanda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, Angola and Madagascar will be in the pots for the draw ceremony.

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CAF postpones CHAN 2024 to August 2025

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) on Tuesday announced the postponement of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 to August 2025. Good progress has been made in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda with the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities for the hosting of a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. However the CAF Technical and Infrastructure experts some of whom have been based in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, have advised CAF that more time is required to ensure that the infrastructure and facilities, are at the levels, necessary for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment and the good progress that has been made in building and upgrading the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for hosting a successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024. “I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals and other infrastructure and facilities will be at the requisite CAF standards for hosting, in August 2025, a very successful African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024.” CAF will be conducting the Draw of the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 in Nairobi, on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 20h00 Nairobi Time. The exact date in August 2025 of the commencement of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda 2024 will be announced by CAF in due course.

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NFF unveils Super Eagles new head coach

Fola Badmus05 mins

Super Eagles’ head coach, Eric Sekou Chelle has categorically stated that football is solely played for goals scoring. Chelle pointed this out at his unveiling ceremony at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium Stadium, Abuja on Monday. “I want to thank my agent, the NFF, the NSC and indeed all Nigerians for this big opportunity. Coaching the Super Eagles of Nigeria is an amazing job; I do not take this appointment for granted. I am elated and will do my utmost best. “Football is about scoring goals, so I favour an attacking style. I know the expectations of Nigerians and I will settle down and work diligently with assistants towards the goal of qualifying the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.” The President of NFF, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau reiterating his call for Nigerians to come together and support the gaffer, while promising that the football-ruling body will give Chelle all the support to succeed in his assignment. Gusau said he is enamoured by the confidence and surefootedness that Chelle has shown in their interactions over the past few days, and is banking on him imbibing the Super Eagles with the same go-go attitude to turn around their fortunes in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying series. “I see in the new Head Coach the right spirit and the right attitude, and I have faith that he will take the Super Eagles to the next level. He sees the job of leading the Super Eagles as his dream job, and that is a huge motivation in itself. “Coach Chelle recognizes and appreciates what is ahead of him, and he says he loves the challenge. We will be there giving him the necessary support all the way.” Gusau disclosed that the tactician has signed a two-year contract, with the option of another year, if he qualifies the Super Eagles to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals. Chelle has also come into the job with three assistants, and will work with the crew on ground to enhance the Super Eagles’ brand. He will be with the Super Eagles B – which is preparing for the upcoming 8th African Nations Championship – only in a supervisory role. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko affirmed the NSC’s support for the Franco-Malian, stating that he was satisfied with the process that led to his recruitment by the NFF. “Football is that one factor that unites all Nigerians and gives them tremendous joy. On our part, we are satisfied with the process leading to Mr. Chelle’s appointment and will support the NFF to ensure he has the most conducive atmosphere to do his job. “The task of earning the World Cup ticket is for everyone, as the Government is fully ready to provide support, not in the form of any individual or group taking over the job of the NFF. The NFF is saddled with that responsibility; the Government will only support it with resources. I wish Coach Chelle the very best in the job.” Chelle, who won five caps for the Aiglons of Mali in a playing career that also saw him playing for FC Martigues, Valenciennes, Lens, Istres and Chamois Niortais, said he is excited to land the job of coaching one of Africa’s biggest football names.

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Edun pushes for smarter investments at ISDB retreat in S’Arabia

Fola Badmus02 mins

Minister of Finance Wale Edun has delivered a decisive call for action during the Islamic Development Bank Governors’ Retreat in Al-Madinah on Sunday. His remarks were part of the bank’s ongoing efforts to gather input and build consensus on its upcoming 10-year strategy to achieve greater developmental impact. Edun emphasised the need for the IsDB to rethink its approach to development financing in response to current economic realities. He called for transformative, high-impact projects in infrastructure, agriculture, rail, and energy, urging the bank to focus on investments with strong returns to ensure sustainable financing. He also highlighted the importance of innovative funding solutions tailored to national priorities and debt dynamics, stressing the urgent need for a concessional financing strategy that balances development goals with minimal debt accumulation. The retreat also featured key contributions from Algeria’s Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Governors, H.E. Laaziz Faid, and Saudi Arabia’s Finance Minister, H.E. Mohammed Al-Jadaan, who opened the discussions. Responding to the bank’s call for input Edun also stressed the need for robust monitoring systems to evaluate the real impact of the bank’s initiatives. His remarks reflected Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the IsDB’s role in delivering greater results for its member states. The retreat served as a forum for governors to provide ideas and feedback on the IsDB’s 10-year strategy (2026–2035), which aims to chart a clear path for addressing pressing development challenges in a rapidly changing global landscape.

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Obasanjo: Jimmy Carter visited Abacha to seek my release from prison

Fola Badmus05 mins

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo said Jimmy Carter was the only leader outside Africa who visited Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, solely to plead for his release from prison. Obasanjo stated this in a tribute to Carter, the late American president, who passed on December 29, 2024, aged 100. The tribute, titled “Jimmy Carter: The Departure of a Titan”, was read during a memorial service held on Sunday at the Chapel of Christ the Glorious King, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun state. Obasanjo was arrested, tried, and sentenced to prison by the Abacha junta in 1995 over alleged involvement in a failed military coup. Obasanjo narrated how Carter visited Nigeria and got Abacha to release him (Obasanjo) from prison, and he was placed on house arrest. He said that although many others intervened to seek his release, Carter was the only one who had visited Nigeria solely for that purpose. “President Carter was one of my foreign friends who stuck their necks out to save my life and to seek my release from prison. On President Carter’s visit to Nigeria, he got Abacha to agree to take me from detention to house arrest on my farm. But that did not last for too long,” Obasanjo said. “Many other friends and leaders intervened, but President Carter was the only non-African leader, according to my information, that paid a visit to Abacha solely to plead for my release. “I would remain ever grateful to all who worked for my release from Abacha’s gulag. Abacha ensured that I would not be released. Within a week of his death, though, I was released by his successor, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who also facilitated my going around Africa and the rest of the world to thank all those who worked for my release.” Obasanjo further said he was surprised when Carter told him that Ted Turner, CNN founder, had offered to take care of him and his family upon his release. “I was touched and moved to tears. I immediately went to Ted, who expressed to me the same sentiment that President Carter expressed,” Obasanjo said. The elder statesman said he and Carter shared some similarities, including their military backgrounds and being born into farming families that instilled discipline in them. “He beat me though in one respect; there was a road to his settlement, and there was no road to my village. We walked to every place or, at best, we were carried on bicycles,” he said. Obasanjo said he would miss Carter, “a great and true friend but I know we shall meet again in paradise”. Speaking during an interactive session with young African leaders at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library OOPL during the weekend, Obasanjo said his refusal to keep quiet on national and international issues landed him in detention during Abacha’s tenure.

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