Buhari Commissions Ultramodern Reference Hospital In Okene, Kogi

December 29, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has commissioned a multipurpose ultramodern Reference Hospital in Okene, Kogi State.
The newly built hospital, an extension of the age old Combined Hospital, was commissioned by the President today, December 29, with the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello. The hospital is almost opposite the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim.
The commissioning of the hospital was one of the projects executed by the Yahaya Bello-led administration and commissioned today by the President.
The state government had earlier declared today, Thursday, a public holiday in order to ensure a hitch free reception for president Buhari.
The Reference Hospital has been described as a first class Medical Institution that will re-write the story of medical practice and access to medical facilities in Nigeria.

The hospital will radically change the face of healthcare delivery in Kogi and Nigeria, as many will now have access to excellent medical facilities and services.

The hospital is intended to end medical tourism abroad. What Nigerians travel abroad to access medically are available at the Reference Hospital, Okene. This will also help reduce capital flights abroad.
The Reference Hospital, Okene will serve as Teaching Hospital to the newly established Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara. It will ensure that Medical Students from the school are top notch.
The state-of-the-art hospital will drastically reduce maternal mortality rate.

The hospital has its own Oxygen Plant to permanently solve the problem of inadequate oxygen in the entire North Central and some parts of South East, South South and South West.
Okene is bordered by Edo and Ondo State. Many of the states around Kogi will depend on the Oxygen Plant at the Reference Hospital, Okene.
Also, the traffic to the medical facilities in the FCT will come down drastically now that same facilities are readily available in Kogi State. People living in some West African countries will find Kogi State closer than Europe and America.
In all, the Kogi State Reference Hospital will address health needs, economic needs and also ensure national, sub-regional and regional integration.
One of the major concerns of medical activists has been how the common man will be able to afford such first class medical services. But Kogi State under governor Yahaya Bello is also planning ahead.
The State Government has launched a Health Insurance Scheme, known as BelloCare.
The State Government has initiated a Bill to establish a Health Insurance Agency.
Today, that Bill has not only been signed into Law, the Governor has ensured a fully functional Health Insurance Agency is fully in operation under the leadership of an Executive Director.
Today, thousands of Kogites and residents have been on board the Health Insurance Scheme.
Many people said that the hospital “is more than a Reference Hospital,” appreciating what Governor Yahaya Bello has done to stir a revolution in the healthcare sector.

3 Die, 1 Survives Explosion In Okene, Hours To Buhari’s Visit

Greenbarge Reporters

December 29, 2022

Three people have been confirmed dead instantly and one other person survived with burns in Okene, Kogi State some hours to the official visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the area.
The explosion occurred at about 8.45am today, December 29, right in front of the Palace of the Ohinoyi (Paramount ruler) of Ebira land, Dr. Ado Ibrahim, around GRA.
Reports reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, said that one of the dead persons and the injured one were commercial motorcyclists.
The cause of the explosion has not been established as at the time of posting this report.
President Buhari is scheduled to visit Okene, among other places in Kogi State today on the invitation of the State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to commission some projects which he had completed.

Late yesterday, December 28, Chairman of Okene Local Government Area, issued a statement restricting vehicular movements for the purpose of Presidential visit.
One of the numerous projects President Buhari is scheduled to commission is the multipurpose, multi billion naira Reference Hospital.

The roads that are blocked are Agasa junction, Okengwe/Obehira junction, Obangede junction at Ogaminana and Check Point at Okene.

Late Obiozor Worked To Unite Nigeria Beyond Geo-Political Consideration – Buhari

Greenbarge Reporters

December 29, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sense of loss on the death of Professor George Obiozor, the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, worldwide.
In a condolence message today, December 29, Buhari described his death as an immeasurable loss to the country.
He said that Professor Obiozor, who was Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United States, High Commissioner to the Republic of Cyprus, Ambassador to the State of Israel and former Director-General, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) exemplified leadership skills and values as a thoroughbred diplomat.
Buhari acknowledged the late diplomat’s determination in actively embracing the ideas geared towards uniting Nigeria beyond geo-political considerations.
The President recalled fond memories of meeting Professor Obiozor on several occasions where he displayed endearing sense of patriotism.
The President said that the contributions of the unique leader and strong proponent of peace and a stable polity, who also held other strategic public positions, will never be forgotten.
President Buhari praised the former diplomat who he described as a statesman that commanded great respect among his peers in the academia and foreign policy arena.
Buhari extended heartfelt condolences to Obiozor’s family, the government and people of Imo State as well as Ndigbo, at home and in the Diaspora.
He prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased.

When De Club 10 Gathered For AGM In Kogi

Greenbarge Reporters

December 27, 2022

President Leramo and new Secretary, Ochi Momohjimoh

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the 42 Years old De Noble Club 10, Kogi Central was held yesterday, December 26 in Okene, Kogi State at the residence of the Editor-In-Chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, Yusuf Ozi Usman, in Nagazi.

The AGM returned the executive members, headed by President Alhaji Abdulrazak Leramo, Director in the Federal Capital Territory Administration, for a second term of two years in office.

Nnamdi Kanu Calls For End To Violence In Southeast, Says Violators’re Criminals

Greenbarge Reporters

December 27, 2022

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has called for an end to all the violence in the Southeast.
A statement, yesterday, December 26 by spokesperson for the group, Emma Powerful, quoted Kanu as ordering the Eastern Security Network (ESN) to stop all forms of violence across the Southeast and ensure the region is safe for everybody.
He said the people of the South East must be allowed to enjoy the Christmas season in peace.
“Our leader issued a stern warning to those who are contracted and bought by the criminal believing that he is IPOB member and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s disciple to foment trouble in the eastern region, to desist from being agents of destabilisation because they cannot succeed. He said anybody causing problems in the region must be dealt with, no matter how high the person’s level may be, anytime, any day.
“Kanu said nobody should disturb or threaten our people this festive season.
“Our enemies’ plans are to destabilise Igbo land using IPOB and ESN’s names as enemies of the Biafra struggle, but they have failed woefully and can’t resurrect again because we have defeated them completely.
“He urged IPOB leadership to ensure that our land is peaceful and ESN operatives should focus on making our land peaceful and crime-free this festive season.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ordered that anybody seen or caught kidnapping, snatching people’s cars or terrorising our people in any way should be dealt with.”

2023: AU Devt. Agency Charges Nigeria on Violence-free Elections

Editorial staff

December 26, 2022

A continental body, AFRICAN Union Development Agency, AUDA-NEPAD, has urged Nigeria to conduct violent-free elections in 2023.

The national Coordinator/Chief Executive Officer of AUDA-NEPAD, disclosed this in Abuja, today, 26 2022 while interacting with journalists.

According to her, the agency had begun the implementation of a national action plan on violence free election across the six political zone.

She said: “Buhari has promised free election, we should all support him. We have no other country except Nigeria.

“Do not allow personal interest or quest for whatever that won’t support the peace of this country to come to play during the 2023 election.

“Therefore, we need to join hands to campaign for violence-free elections.”

Akobundu added that the expectation of the agency was that the media would act professionally to avert breach of peace through their reportage before, during and after next year’s general election

Consequently, she admonished journalists to report the truth concerning the elections.

The AUDA-NEPAD boss also observed that as part of the organisation’s mandate, it would support the president’s vision of pulling 100 million poor Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years.

She, however, said limited resources, especially funding has been a serious challenge as more Nigerians continue to fall below the poverty line.

Source: Vanguard

Army Go Offensive, Kill Over 100 ISWAP/Boko Haram Fighters In Borno

Editorial staff

December 26, 2022

Reports reaching us in Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper said that multiple airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force fighter jets have killed several Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State with the possibility of having eliminated two of their leaders.

In a statement issued on Sunday 25, 2022 in Abuja by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet said that the terrorists were neutralized after intelligence revealed that they had assembled at Mantari village in Gezuwa general area, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

He said that among those neutralised were terrorist kingpins Khalid Tukur, Maimusari, and Bakura Jega.

Gabkwet said that the attack followed intelligence report that a Boko Haram terrorist commander, known as Ikirima had moved to Mantari village with his gun trucks, and was joined by terrorists on motorcycles from other locations.

“Subsequently, the authorisation for an air strike was given leading to the elimination of several of the terrorists and structures in the area.

“After the first wave of air strikes, some surviving terrorists found their way back to the same location to evacuate the bodies of those neutralised in the air strike.

“This provided an opportunity for a follow-up strike on the same location which has been confirmed very successful as over 100 terrorists were neutralised with dozens said to be in critical condition.“

Gabkwet said that ISWAP and Boko Haram elements had perfected plans to resume active hostilities in the wake of the Yuletide and forthcoming general elections.

“The timely intelligence received on their plans especially, their attempt to attack soft targets in Bama thus helped in the successful air strikes which has reduced their will to regroup and attack innocent citizens.

“There is no doubt that the progress and gains being made especially, by the air and ground troops has greatly contained an upsurge of terrorists’ campaigns within the North-East zone in recent times.

“Both air and ground troops have however been cautioned on the need to remain focused on the end state,“he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and the Chief of Air Staff (CAS) have both commended their efforts and other security agencies under OPHK for the tremendous achievements being recorded in the theatre.

According to them, there has been a lot of improvement in the security situation in the region due to the ongoing operations.

The duo, however, urged the troops to continue to give in their best towards ensuring that the region was completely rid of all terrorists.

They also paid special tribute to those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and insurgency while commending the commitment and uncommon sacrifices of the troops as peace gradually returns to Borno.

While wishing them a merry Christmas, the service Chiefs extended the appreciation of President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians to the troops for their sacrifices and efforts.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that yuletide lunch between the service Chiefs and frontline troops has become a periodic routine aimed at enhancing camaraderie among troops and boosting their morale.

(NAN)

We Humbly Greet Christians On This Day

Greenbarge Reporters

December 25, 2022

We in the Greenbarge online newspaper and hardcopy magazine, being published by Greenbarge Media and Communications Limited, seize the opportunity of the occasion of Christmas today, December 25, to extend our goodwill to all Christians and their well-wishers all over the world, with particular reference to the ones in Nigeria. We wish you happy celebration and ask Almight God to answer our secret and open prayers.

Looming Strike: NAN MD Set Up Joint Management-Union Committee On Workers’ Welfare

Editorial staff

December 24, 2022

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Buki Ponle, has set up a joint management-union committee to address the issue of workers’ welfare.

This is coming on the heels of a seven-day ultimatum which the staff of the Agency issued to the management to provide them some end-of-the-year package, including rice.

Reacting to the letter from the Joint Union of the Agency, the Managing Director said that the the management

is conscious of the reality of the prevailing times and is ever determined to give succour to its members of staff where possible.

In a statement today, December 24, in Abuja, Ponle cautioned members of staff to always explore peaceful arbitration and resolutions of issues rather than resort to threats.

“Unfortunately, management’s inability to provide immediate relief to cushion the adverse effects of the prevailing economic situation gives the impression that management is rather aloof and uncaring. That is untrue.

“In view of the letter received from the Joint Union, management is setting up a joint Management-Union Committee to peruse the agency’s funds and finances and recommend ways to meet the expectations of union members.

“I hope at the end of the exercise we would have an amicable resolution of all the issues raised.

”Rest assured that management will support recommendations that will enhance staff welfare, for as long as it is reasonable and practical.”

Ponle recalled that when he assumed office in September 2020, his priority was to assiduously work to improve the welfare of members of staff.

“This was especially in the area of welfare package and review of the NAN Act.

“Although this has not yielded fruition, rigorous efforts are ongoing to make it a reality.

”In all modesty, we have been able to provide enhanced welfare in staff training, supply of equipment, office renovation, and the yearly promotion of deserving officers with full benefits paid.

”Management had consistently interfaced with the unions on the imperative of adequate funding of the Agency to meet its mandates and varied obligations.”

According to him, the joint unions of the agency have always been carried along through hybrid meetings and consultations while workers are briefed periodically on issues and concerns in the Agency.

”For instance, three foreign offices in Ethiopia , South Africa, and Cote D’ivoire are slated for reopening while the six-zonal structure will be increased to 12 in 2023.

”If we have not been able to meet certain obligations in recent times, it is not deliberate as we are still awaiting releases of monthly subvention.”

Source: NAN.

Buhari Describes Those Who Try To Intimidate Him In Office As “Clever By Half”

Greenbarge Reporters

December 24, 2022

“There are people around that think that they can intimidate me to get what they want instead of going through certain systems to earn whatever they want to earn. And they are the same people who want to be clever by half.”

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari at a special event put together by his family and close associates to mark his 80th birthday. The event held last night, December 23, at the Presidential villa, Abuja.

The President opened up on the rumour that went round a couple of years ago that he was a person from Sudan, saying that he heard all that story.

“Yes! People said I am somebody from Sudan. I didn’t bother with the name. Some Nigerians have mischievous ways of explaining themselves.

“No. It is not funny because those who made those statements, they just want to be cheeky.

“They want to distract attention from the main issue. Our main issue is to do the infrastructure, make people aware that they need to work hard to live well; they just enjoy life without earning the respect of their community and so on.”

Buhari, who leaves office early next year after eight years as President, said that he would not miss much.

“I wonder if I am going to miss much. I think I’m being harassed. I believe I’m trying my best but still my best is not good enough.”

The President stressed that he is not bothered by criticisms, most of which are wild and unfounded, insisting that he would continue to do his best in service to Nigeria.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo described the Nigerian leader as a forthright, good and kind man, as well as an exemplary leader.

He praised President Buhari for leading the nation with great courage, determination and commitment.

“I invite your excellences, ladies and gentlemen, to join me in proposing this toast to an exemplary leader, a forthright and honest man, a good and kind man, and a man who has led this country with great courage, determination and commitment for so many years.

“We pray that the almighty God will preserve his life for very many years to come and that he will live all of these many years in good health, peace, joy and with the love of all of our countrymen.”

Also eulogizing the President, Senator Ibikunle Amosun described the President as a man with an impeccable character and somebody that loves Nigeria..

“He is a man whom all of us; even his adversaries will agree that this is a man with a flawless character, a man with a good heart, very compassionate, very committed and a good listener.

“Somebody that loves his family, Nigeria; he is a nationalist. President Muhammadu Buhari will always think about others. In his own little way and even in his humorous way, he will always not just think about himself. He is somebody tha is not bothered about all these worldly things he is already a contented human being.”

Similarly, Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi described President Buhari as a detribalized person that means well for Nigeria.

“Let me say here that the President is a very highly detribalized personality. He is a man that loves this nation. Every time you meet him, he laments about the level of patriotism of our people. You will see a man that has passion for the people of this country, a man that loves every section of this country.”

The Governor used the occasion to thank President Buhari for completing the second Niger bridge, which is now facilitating the movement of people and goods to the Eastern part of the country this yuletide season.

Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who also graced the occasion, thanked President Buhari for sacrificing a lot for the progress of Nigeria.

He said: “You have been at the helm of the affairs of this country at a critical time. We have seen a life of commitment, dedication, patriotism and honesty. Mr President, you have done well for your country. Our nation has seen the difference, the leadership that you demonstrate.”

The President’s eldest daughter, Fatima Buhari, who spoke on behalf of her siblings and the entire family, used the occasion to thank her father for investing in their future by giving them the needed training and caring for their wellbeing.

“We are deeply honoured to be here celebrating the 80th birthday of our beloved father. I thank almighty Allah for his mercy and grace, for giving our beloved father long life and good health.

“Baba is someone who money cannot buy. That is one thing we know and he taught us that. He taught us humility, loyalty, integrity, dignity and honesty and he has a very good sense of humour. He gave us everything a parent will give his child; love, care, good education, shelter and many more.”

There were goodwill messages from traditional rulers, who all eulogized President Buhari as a man of integrity and a huge sense of humour.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, led other members of the President’s cabinet as they presented a giant birthday card, as they rejoiced with him on his 80th birthday.

Governors who also graced the occasion were Aminu Masari of Katsina State, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi and Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

At the event, a documentary was aired on the life of President Buhari from childhood.

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