Nigeria Govt Gives N100 Billion Loan To Boost Local Production Of Medicines, Medical Consumables

August 9, 2022

The Federal Government has disbursed a total of N100 billion to indigenous pharmaceutical manufacturers and healthcare investors as loans to expand their capital base and boost local production of medicines and medical consumables.

President Muhammadu Buhari announced this today, August 9, in Abuja while receiving the new Executive Members of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The President explained that the loan was extended through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s support to the private pharmaceutical sector.

He said that the Health Sector Reform Committee, chaired by Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, is currently exploring models for revitalizing the nation’s healthcare system, in ways that improve quality of care and the benefit package to care providers.

On brain drain in the health sector, the President said that he has directed the Minister of Health to look into ways of turning “brain drain” to “brain gain” by engaging top Nigerian medical experts in the diaspora in knowledge and skills repatriation.

He called on the Association and other stakeholders in the health sector to support initiatives by the Federal Government and work with the Committees set up to chart a fast track to a health system that best meets the needs of Nigerians in the 21st Century.

The President commended the Association, which is the umbrella body of all Medical Practitioners in Nigeria, for consistently choosing peaceful resolution of differences on matters pertinent to the National health system.

“I commend our medical professionals for their contribution to Nigeria’s exemplary management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the control of malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis, and other feats also achieved by Nigerian doctors in the diaspora.

“Our response to COVID-19 pandemic has been praised internationally and your members are key parts of this success.

“I recall that in the last quarter of 2021, the immediate past NMA Executives visited me and presented recommendations for the health sector, which included, the review and amendment of NHIS Act; upgrading and equipping existing health institutions; loans to fund hospital equipment; the repeal and re-enactment of the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Act; and Appeal for more funding for the four (4) newly established Universities of Medical Sciences.

“I am pleased to inform you that most of these recommendations have been addressed, whilst further action is being taken to study those involving cross-cutting administrative processes with legal implications.”

The President used the occasion to congratulate a former President of the body, Dr. Osahon Enabulele, the President-elect of the World Medical Association, the first Nigerian to hold the position.

While wishing him a successful tenure, the President expressed hope that Enabulele would use his position to support improvement in health care delivery in Nigeria and lower income countries.

He also wished the new Executive Members of NMA a successful tenure, urging them to earnestly continue to serve as arbiters of peace and progress.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, who led the medical practitioners to the audience, said that the doctors have been good partners with his ministry, helping to regulate the health profession as well as stressing quality service delivery.

In his remarks, the President of the NMA, Dr. Uche Rowland Ojinmah, said the new National Officers Committee (NOC) was elected on the 21^st of May, 2022.

He commended President Buhari for his steadfast war against corruption; assent to the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Act which will “improve the health indices of our nation;” the constitution of the Health Reform Committee under Vice President Yemi Osinbajo; and the various infrastructural projects embarked upon by the Buhari administration.

Dr. Ojinmah enjoined the President to ensure full and appropriate implementation of the NHIA Act; provision of “adequate work equipment, conducive work environment and necessary budget support;” as well as elongation of the retirement age for medical consultants to 70 years and 65 years for non-consultant doctors and other healthcare workers.

Others include implementation of the Hazard Allowance circularized in December 2021 with the arrears; as well as the setting up of a Health Bank.

He also requested for a representation of the Federal Government at the inauguration of Dr. Enabulele in Berlin, Germany, later in the year.

Buhari Celebrates Baba Adini Of Lagos As He Turns 100

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari is celebrating the Islamic scholar and Muslim leader, His Eminence, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez Abou, Baba Adini of Lagos, as he turned 100 years old today, August 9.

The President also congratulated a renowned editor of The Nation newspaper, Alhaji Yusuf Alli for turning 60 years old today, too.

In separate statements, President Buhari acknowledged the role of the religious leader in promoting peace, unity and progress among the Muslim community, and their neighbours, in Lagos and across the country, propagating the truth of the Holy Quran, and relating it to practical life issues, especially on leadership and national development.

The President said that the wise counsels of the scholar provides guidance to political leaders and inspires the youth on the right path to fruitful living and yielding to the will of the Almighty God, by keeping to instructions.

The President wished the Baba Adini, who is the Executive Chairman of Lagos Central Mosque long life and strength as reward from God for piety, humility and living for the good others and society.

Buhari also rejoices with Alhaji Yusuf Alli, who is the Managing Editor of the Northern Operations of The Nation Newspaper, on his 60th birthday.

He extolled the journalist for his dedication to duty, devotion to nation building and determination to promote democratic values.

The President noted the contributions of Yusuf Alli to political developments in the country, as a reporter and editor, with his regular updating of the public on germane issues with his hallmark of fairness, balance and clarity, which endear many readers to his reports.

Buhari described the celebrant as prolific reporter and editor, whose interest in humanity recently saw to his investiture as 11th President of Rotary Club of Abuja in Maitama.

President Buhari prayed that the God will guide the celebrant in his service to the nation, and bless his family.

I Hate To Call It “Retirement” But I Will Soon “Evolve” To Grow My Family – Serena Williams

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

Grand Slam 23-time winner, Serena Williams, has said that she hates calling it retirement but prefers to say that she will soon “evolve” into growing her family.

The tennis maestro, who said today, August 9, in a post on Instagram that “the countdown has begun,” added: “there comes a time in life when we have to decide to move in a different direction.

“That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun.

“I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”

“I have never liked the word retirement,” Williams wrote in a Vogue article on Tuesday. “It doesn’t feel like a modern word to me. Maybe the best word to describe what I’m up to is evolution. I’m here to tell you that I’m evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me.

“A few years ago I quietly started Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm. Soon after that, I started a family. I want to grow that family.”

Serena Williams said that she didn’t want to choose between her career and having more children, but that at nearly 41 “something had to give.

“I don’t think it’s fair. If I were a guy, I wouldn’t be writing this because I’d be out there playing and winning while my wife was doing the physical labour of expanding our family. Maybe I’d be more of a Tom Brady if I had that opportunity.”

Serena Williams announced herself on the big stage by winning the 1999 US Open, a tournament she would go on to claim five more times.

2023: Obi, Kwankwaso Adding Colours To Campaigns; Atiku Most Disloyal VP Ever – Keyamo

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

The spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, Festus Keyamo, has said that the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Peter Obi and that of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Musa Kwankwaso are just adding colours to the ongoing campaigns, ahead of 2023 elections.

“They (Peter Obi and Kwankwaso) brought colour into the campaign. That, I must admit. And I praise what they are doing. They have raised some consciousness among the electorate. But like I said in another programme, outside the South East, Peter Obi is a carpetbagger.

“I also suspect he may be a Trojan horse for Atiku Abubakar, and so we want to warn his supporters that he may be leading them to nowhere.”

Keyamo, who was answering questions in the Arise TV programme today, August 9, also described Aiku as “the most disloyal vice president” Nigeria has ever had, saying that Atiku lost his boss’ trust and was never given presidential powers during the Chief Olusegun Obasanjo-led administration.

“I’ve made this argument before. I’ve seen one of the aides of Atiku, saying, ‘the vice president is so powerful under section 153, that he’s the chairman of the economic council.’ They don’t even know how government functions. I’m a member of the cabinet.

“If you look at Section 153 of the National Economic Council, and then you go to the third schedule, Section 19 says that the recommendations of the National Economic Council are brought to the President. It’s just an advisory body. So, they have no power to take final decisions.

“It is only Yemi Osinbajo, the good Yemi Osinbajo, that has acted as President. So, I can confidently say Osinbajo has even more experience than Atiku Abubakar.

“Atiku Abubakar was not given powers for one minute. He was distrusted by his boss, he was the most belligerent, the most disloyal vice president we have ever had.”

Yes, I Have My Weaknesses, But I’m Focused On Nigeria Project – Buhari

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has made it clear that he, like any other person has his own weaknesses but that he is firmly focused on the Nigeria project and its unity.

President Buhari, who received former State Chairmen of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) at the State House, today, August 9, recalled the passion and zeal for improving the livelihood of Nigerians, which culminated in creation of the political party.

According to him, such passion and zeal have not dwindled even as he called for more steadfastness of Nigerians towards the attainment of the collective goal.

The President said the self-centeredness that led to the loss of about a million lives between 1967-1970 must not be allowed to repeat itself, and that the CPC was founded on the bedrock of patriotism and loyalty to the unity of Nigeria.

“Our main objective is the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are human beings. We have our weaknesses, but I can assure you that the patriotism in us is hard earned. We have gone through all the troubles from 15th of January 1966 to date. You know what I mean by this, we have killed a million of ourselves in order to keep this country together.

“I don’t think there can be any practical experience more than that. We are Nigerians, God willing we remain Nigerians and Nigeria will remain one.”

President Buhari urged all members of defunct CPC and political leaders to always be mindful of the larger picture by working towards preserving the unity, peace and integrity of the nation.

The President thanked former chairmen of the political party, which was merged to form the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), for always highlighting the achievements of the government, admitting that some areas will surely get more attention.

“I am delighted to welcome the forum of State Chairmen of the former Congress for Progressives’ Change to State House today. I accord great significance to this visit as it demonstrates a determination and commitment to identify with our administration.

“This visit recalls the solidarity with the successes that we have recorded in critical areas of our society. The visit also affords us the opportunity to discuss other issues of interest to the forum.

“I commend members of this forum and all members of the legacy party-CPC, for their continued dedication to the ideals of democratic governance that we all believed in.

“The doggedness with which we pursued our vision and goals that culminated into the success we recorded remain like bright stars in the history of our dear nation.”

President Buhari said that he is particularly grateful for the “unalterable belief the members of CPC and, by extension the Nigerian electorate, had and still have in me as demonstrated in their unalloyed support for our electoral struggles which reflected in the results that we consistently recorded at the polls over the years.’’

He said that it was the solid credentials that the CPC possessed that gave the party a prime place in the merger that led to the formation of the All Progressives Congress.

The President said that other political parties in the merger, include the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) along with some members from the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) and People’s Democratic Party.

The President said that efforts have been made in appointing some members of CPC in his government, including those in the Federal Executive Council (FEC) like the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Minister of Education, Minister of Water Resources, and Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

“I listened to the remarks of your Chairman which highlighted our modest achievements in diverse areas. We shall remain resolute to continue to deliver on the promises we made to Nigerians, and to ensure that we attain greater milestones in terms of economic growth, infrastructural development, provision of security, and the war against corruption, among other responsibilities of government.”

Describing the President as the “Patriarch of the CPC’’, the Chairman of Forum of State Chairmen of the defunct CPC and former Chairman of the party in Niger State, Umar Shuaibu, said the party had maintained all its structures across the country, assuring President Buhari of their loyalty, especially in the forthcoming elections.

Shuaibu commended the President for providing strong leadership over the years, particularly in remaining balanced, fair and above board in electoral issues.

“Before you, the opposition was arrested and maltreated, but it is no longer so,’’ he said, “You did not deny them what they denied you when they were in power.’’

Shuaibu thanked the President for appointing members of the defunct CPC into the Federal Executive Council, as head of agencies and members of Boards.

He said the CPC had always garnered millions of votes in elections across the country, and would support the APC Presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Nigerian Govt Complains Of Scarcity Of Healthcare Workers, Blames It On Exodus

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

Nigerian Federal Government is complaining that the country is now riddled by scarcity of healthcare workers as a result of exodus of same to America and Europe.

“Scarcity of healthcare workers is the primary challenge in the health sector today. The loss of many highly skilled and educated people from the country to the UK, Canada and Australia has become more worrisome to health authorities.”

The minister of State for Health, Ekunmankama Nkama, made the complain today, August 9, through the Medical Director in the Federal Medical Center, Ebute-Meta, Dr. Adedamola Dada, at the 16th Annual Scientific Conference and Fellows’ Congress, organized by the Post Graduate Medical College Fellows’ Association, in Lagos.

“The brain drain phenomenon in the health sector in Nigeria has been noted by the federal government and efforts are already in place to find a lasting solution to the problem.”

Nkama, however, said that some of the possible solutions to reverse the brain drain and increase the retention of medical doctors and dentists included increasing wages.

Others, he said, are improvement in welfare packages, payment of rural allowance for doctors, equipping health facilities, improvement in public infrastructure, increase in retirement age for doctors and other health professionals.

According to the minister, some of the possible solutions to reverse the brain drain and increase the retention of medical doctors and dentists included increasing wages, adding that the Buhari administration is considering special funding for the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, to assist in training specialists, the Minister of State for Health, has hinted.

He said that such measure are especially expedient to arrest the level of brain drain in the medical field, even as he said that the Federal Ministry of Health is seeking to collaborate with the college to rapidly deploy simulation equipment and support the proposed regional training centres to strengthen residency training.

In response to COVID-19 pandemic, the minister said that the government, through the Federal Ministry of Health embarked on building and equipping molecular laboratories in all federal tertiary hospitals.

He noted that the infrastructure would help to enhance the capacity to diagnose diseases.

Source: NAN.

Gov Akeredolu Surprised At Involvement Of Ebira In Owo Church Attack, Kidnapping

Editorial staff

August 9, 2022

Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has expressed surprise at the involvement of some Ebira people from Kogi State in the recent St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo and in kidnapping around the State.

The Governor, who hosted the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) at the government House, led by the Chairman of the Council, Prince Leke Adegbite, confirmed that five people have been arrested in connection to the Church attack.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Lucky Irabor had earlier announced the arrest of the masterminds of the attack. They are:

1.Momoh Ojo Abubakar,

2.Aliyu Yusuf Itopa

3.Auwal Ishaq Onimisi

4.Idris Ojo

5.Idris Abdulmalik Omeiza

Speaking on the arrest, Governor Akeredolu said that the owner of the house where the attackers stayed before the June 5 attack in Owo has also been arrested.

”Now that the military has announced it, I can tell you that five of them have been arrested now. They are still on the trail of the rest. The home where they lodged in Owo and the person that accommodated them before the attack, has also been arrested.

“We did not spare a moment. I am happy that the Chief of Defence Staff has announced it. We have known for a while but we needed not to come out with it because more works are still ongoing. I can confirm that this arrest has been made. And they are still on the trail of some of them.”

Governor Akeredolu called on leaders of the Ebira community in the state to warn their young ones not to copy the bad venture of kidnapping.”

The Governor said recent reports from victims of kidnap in the state have established that some Ebira indigenes are now involved in the unwholesome act.

He noted that the Ebiras have lived together with the people of the state peacefully for several decades, adding that they have always been supportive and hardworking.

“I want to use this medium to urge our brothers to concentrate on their farming trade. It will be unfortunate to know that the Ebiras in our midst are now involved in kidnapping.

“We are appealing to them not to copy bad thing. The traders selling by the road side should not become informants. We are not fighting them.

“We have seen their numbers, they supported and voted for us during elections. I will call their leaders and talk to them. Our brothers who were kidnapped on their way to Ikare, talk to them. They were taken to Ebira farmsteads.

“For me, we have lived together for too long for this to happen. I am ready to make any effort to ensure that the conviviality that we have enjoyed continues. But we are begging their leaders to urge them not to copy bad thing. They are in our midst , we are surrounded by them. The issue of security is key and it’s dynamic.”

Governor Akeredolu thanked the NUJ in the state for the cooperation extended to his administration, assuring them of sustained efforts at developing the state.

On the issue of Security, Governor Akeredolu disclosed that aside the recent recruitment and training of new Amotekun personnel, 20 hunters and local vigilantes will be trained by the Amotekun corps in each of the eighteen local government areas in the state.

Earlier, the Chairman of the NUJ, Ondo State Council thanked the Governor for his support for the management of OSRC and Owena Press PLC, adding that the upgrade of facilities in the two state-owned media outfits is commendable.

He equally appreciated the Governor for the approval of the Weigh-in allowance for journalists and information officers working in the State and Local government service.

Me? Join PDP? Over My Dead Body – Gov El-Rufai

Editorial staff

August 8, 2022

Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has ruled out the possibility of dumping the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) either now or in future.

The Governor reacted to insinuation by the spokesperson for the Atiku Abubakar 2023 Presidential Campaign Organization, Daniel Bwala, that he (El-Rufai) would move to the PDP before the 2023 elections.

El-Rufai, via his Twitter account today, August 8, wrote: “Thanks @BwalaDaniel but no, thanks. Never ever, not even my corpse will be found in the vicinities of your new-found political party. I still dey laugh!!! – @elrufai”

Bwala had earlier wrote too: “My attention was drawn to @elrufai laughing at a comment made about me on my past video. Hmm @elrufai is one of the finest we have from the north, I will never join issues with him, especially because I am optimistic he will be with us before the 2023 elections.”

Time For Buhari To Practically Show Terrorists That it’s All Over – Afenifere

Editorial staff

August 8, 2022

Pan Yoruba socio-political organization, Afenifere, has challenged President Muhammadu Buhari to demonstrate that he is serious about ending the antics of terrorists and bandits, resulting in spate of killings and abduction in the country.

The group, in a statement today, August 8, by its spokesman, Jare Ajayi, noted that because of the kid’s glove manner with which government is dealing with them, terrorists and kidnappers have been so emboldened that they now attack security institutions at will and malevolently go into houses of their victims to deal with fellow Nigerians, all under the watch of government and security agencies.

“President Muhammadu Buhari needs to come out and let perpetrators of terrorism and kidnapping know that he has had enough. He should let them realize that the pact he signed with Nigerians was not to come and see to the serial termination of their lives but to ensure their security, improve their welfare and move the nation to a desirable next level.”

Communications Commission Discovers New Malware, HiddenAds On Users’ Privacy

Editorial staff

August 8, 2022

The Nigerian Communications Commission’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (NCC-CSIRT) has flagged a new malware, HiddenAds, which has infiltrated Google Play Store that can impact device performance and jeopardize users’ privacy.

In its advisory of August 8, 2022, NCC-CSIRT classified the virus, first identified by the McAfee Mobile Research Team, as high in probability and damage potential.

The malware infiltrated the Google Play Store in the form of several device cleaners or optimization apps.

According to the summary provided by NCC-CSIRT “Upon installation, it can run malicious services without the user opening the app. It also spams the user with irrelevant advertisements. The apps have received downloads ranging from 100,000 to over a million.

“Some of the apps HiddenAds masquerades as are: Junk Cleaner, EasyCleaner, Power Doctor, Carpet Clean, Super Clean, Meteor Clean, Strong Clean, Windy Clean, Fingertip Cleaner, Keep Clean, Full Clean – Clean Cache, Quick Cleaner, and Cool Clean.

“When a user installs any of the aforementioned apps, whether the user has opened the app or not, a malicious service is immediately installed on the device. The app will then attempt to blend into the app tray by changing its icon to the Google Play icon that every Android user is familiar with. Its name will also change to ‘Google Play’ or ‘Setting’. The device will then be bombarded with ads in a variety of deceptive ways, severely impairing the user experience,” the advisory stated.

Anyone that installs the compromised app will experience their device performance suffering significantly, clicking on the ads may result in stealth downloads/installation of other malware, users may inadvertently subscribe to services and be billed on a monthly basis, and the privacy of users will be jeopardized.

NCC-CSIRT advised users to avoid downloading questionable apps or apps they are unsure about while those who have installed any of the identified malicious apps should immediately delete them.

It further disclosed that where the malicious app’s icon and name have changed, it can be identified by the fact that it is removable while the legitimate Google Play app cannot be uninstalled.

The advisory recommended the installation of anti-virus/anti-malware software with a proven track record for detecting and removing malware.

The Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) is the telecom sector’s cyber security incidence centre set up by the NCC to focus on incidents in the telecom sector and as they may affect telecom consumers and citizens at large.

The CSIRT also works collaboratively with the Nigeria Computer Emergency Response Team (ngCERT), established by the Federal Government to reduce the volume of future computer risks incidents by preparing, protecting and securing the Nigerian cyberspace to forestall attacks, problems or related events.

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