How Improved Security Raised Agricultural Production In Yobe, Gov Buni Gives Credit To Tinubu

July 30, 2025

Yobe state Governor, Dr. Mai Mala Buni has said that the improvement in security in the state has made farmers to have free access to their farmlands for agricultural production, attributing it to proactive measures by the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Governor, who spoke today, July 30, at the launching of the 2025 Yobe state Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, said that over 90 per cent of the state’s population are engaged in crop production, livestock farming or both.
“This becomes necessary for the government to be more committed to developing the sector for our people to migrate from subsistence farming to mechanized agriculture.”
“Let me seize this opportunity to once again appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, for piloting the affairs of our great country at this very challenging moment.
“The commitment of your administration to security is no doubt yielding the desired result with our communities having access to their farmlands for increased agricultural productivity.”
The Governor commended the security forces for their resilience and sacrifices to restore peace and security in the state.
Governor Buni said that the security has generally improved, and provided his government with the opportunity to rebuild the destructions caused by the security challenge.
“I am proud to state with a very high sense of responsibility that our administration has over the years accorded great attention to all the critical sectors including agriculture, education, Healthcare delivery, road construction, water supply, wealth Creation and employment generation to improve the lives of our people.
“This administration has carefully and systematically embarked on an all-inclusive multi-sectorial approach to make our recovery programme successful and beneficial to our people across the 17 local government areas.
“It is gratifying that this administration has prudently and judiciously managed the state resources to address the destructions caused by the protracted security challenge and other decays caused by aging, especially on structures predating the creation of the state, and it is still, a work in progress.”
Governor Buni said that his administration took a bold and deliberate step to address the infrastructural challenges facing Damaturu 34 years after becoming a state capital.
“This is to find solutions to the challenges of its growing size, increase in population, increase in the density of traffic flow, controlling the floods, and to curb the incessant menace of traffic accidents at the city center.
“We are committed to addressing these challenges to give Damaturu a befitting face-lift that is in tune with modernity, to make us all proud.”
Governor Buni recalled the gains made in the health sector “the Damaturu Specialist Hospital gained approval from the West African College of Surgeons for training of junior and senior resident Doctors in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
“Similarly, a few months ago, the Department of Community Medicine of the State University Teaching Hospital also gained approval from the West African College of Physicians for training of junior and senior resident doctors. This is in addition to the earlier approval obtained for training in radiology. This means Doctors can be trained up to the level of Consultants at the Yobe State University Teaching Hospital, and the Specialist Hospital, Damaturu.
“These achievements are indeed, products of careful and strategic planning, dedication and investment of resources in the hospitals to qualify for accreditation. This would no doubt add value to our manpower training and development to improve Healthcare delivery in the state.
“In the education sector, government remained committed to structural development and improvement in the quality content in the schools. The performances of our students both at home and abroad have been unprecedented, justifying our investment in the sector. Education in Yobe state is one of the most subsidized in the country, and yet, it is still a work in progress.”
The Governor charged the people to continue supporting the government policies and programmes “for us to collectively achieve the task of moving our dear state forward. We must not allow any element to stand on our path to development and progress.”

President Tinubu Applauds Gov Buni’s Massive Investment In Agriculture In Yobe

Greenbarge Reporters

July 30, 2025

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Yobe State government for massively investing in agriculture to guarantee food sufficiency and security in the state.
Speaking today, July 30, at the launching of the state’s Agricultural Empowerment Programme in Damaturu, Tinubu said that the Yobe state agricultural empowerment programme is in tune with the renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal government.
The President, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Political and Other Matters, Alhaji Ibrahim Kabiru Masari, gave assurance of the federal government’s partnership to improve agricultural productivity in the state.

This was even as the Yobe Governor, Mai Mala Buni, said that the state government procured 40 Massey Ferguson tractors, 1,961 Power Tillers, 1,250 Hand Push Planters, 553 Multi-Purpose Threshers, 3,410 Solar water pumps, 830 Fertilizer Applicator, 4,500 bags of NPK 20:10:10 Fertilizer and 195 Crop Residue crushers.
Similarly, 495 Crop Residue choppers, 20,000 Assorted improved seeds, Assorted Agro Chemicals, 4,000 Bunch of Cassava Stems, Assorted Certified Seeds, 50 Tricycles and 30 Motorcycles were procured for the programme.
“In line with our policy to promote agricultural development in the state, I hereby direct that, the machines, equipment and other farm implements should be distributed free to deserving farmers. Additionally, I hereby direct a 50% subsidy on the sale of fertilizer to farmers” Gov. Buni announced.

It would be recalled that Yobe state government last year procured and distributed 100 tractors, hand tilling machines, solar-powered irrigation machines, harvestors, threshers, assorted improved seedlings, and fertilizer among others.

I’ll Transform Kogi College Of Nursing, Midwifery To Global Standard, Dr. Yusuf Assures Gov Ododo

Greenbarge Reporters

July 30, 2025

The newly appointed Chairman, Governing Council of the Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede, Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahim has assured the State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo of his commitment to transforming the institute to global standard.
In a chat with newsmen in Lokoja, the state capital today, July 30, Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahim described the appointment by Governor Ododo as a great honour and a call to service, even as he pledged to bring his wealth of experience and commitment to bear in the upliftment of the College and the enhancement of healthcare education in the State.
“The Kogi State College of Nursing and Midwifery, Obangede, plays a critical role in training frontline health workers.
“I am committed to ensuring that the institution receives the support, reforms and innovations necessary to meet both local and global healthcare challenges.
“I am deeply humbled and sincerely grateful to His Excellency, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, for finding me worthy of this responsibility. I accept this appointment with utmost humility and a strong sense of duty.”
Dr. Yusuf Abdulrahim pledged to work in collaboration with stakeholders in the health and education sectors to reposition the institution as a center of excellence for nursing and midwifery education in Nigeria.
He sought the cooperation of the management, staff, students, alumni, and the host community to achieve the shared vision of progress and excellence for the college.

NNPCL Boss, Bayo Ojulari Begs Senate For Time To Investigate ₦210 Trillion Unexplained Account

Greenbarge Reporters

July 30, 2025

The Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari has pleaded with the Senate for more time to properly investigate the issues surrounding the financial discrepancies amounting to ₦210 trillion.
Appearing before the Senate Committee on Public Accounts yesterday, July 29, Ojulari requested additional time to study and reconcile the issues flagged in NNPCL’s audited financial statements between 2017 and 2023.
“I have been in office for barely 100 days and I need time to fully understand the issues.
“Given the explanation I have heard today, my perspective has changed. I need to carry out further internal review and reconciliation to provide the answers the committee requires.”
The NNPCL Boss assured lawmakers that he would assemble a dedicated team to work on the Senate’s queries.
The committee had raised concerns over ₦103 trillion in liabilities and ₦107 trillion in assets, describing both figures as troubling and largely unverifiable.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada, said that the figures were unacceptable without clear substantiation.
“The amount is mind-boggling. The liability figure cannot be substantiated and is therefore not acceptable to this committee. Even the receivables making up the asset component cannot be verified.”
He said that the ₦210 trillion in question was extracted directly from NNPCL’s audited accounts and demanded that the company should provide concrete explanations for its liabilities and assets.
Some senators criticised the company’s approach, suggesting that NNPCL had shown disregard for the committee’s oversight.
They questioned why the GCEO was unfamiliar with critical financial details despite having previously sent representatives to attend earlier hearings.
Following Ojulari’s appeal, the committee resolved to grant NNPCL 21 days to return with a comprehensive and reconciled response to address the discrepancies.
The development showcased growing scrutiny over financial transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, which underwent a transition to a limited liability company in 2022.

WAFCON: Morocco Writes CAF, Protesting Against Nigeria’s Super Falcons

Greenbarge Reporters

July 30, 2025

Morocco has filed a petition to CAF protesting the inclusion of two players in the final of the WAFCON, which Nigeria’s Super Falcons won 3-2 on July 26.
It would be recalled that Morocco, which hosted the tournament, were two goals up, going into the half time break , but a second half rally by the Nigerian team helped them to a 3-2 win, and also the title for the tenth time in their history.
Before the game, there was a protest lodged by Morocco on the eligibility of two of the Nigerian players: Ashleigh Plumptre and Michelle Alozie. Both players were born outside Nigeria but made the decision to play for Nigeria at senior level.
In their protest, Morocco said the manner of their switch of nationality is faulty, citing some irregularities in their claims to be Nigerians.
They wanted Nigeria to lose the title by virtue of fielding both players in the tournament.
Plumptre was granted approval by FIFA to play for Nigeria in 2021 after it was established that her paternal grandfather is a Nigerian. Alozie’s case is more straightforward as she was born in the USA to immigrant parents from Nigeria.
Nigerians are however not losing sleep over the protest as a top member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) termed it as dead on arrival.

Healthcare System In Nigeria Faces Collapse: Nurses Begin Strike, Doctors Give 21-Day Strike Notice

Greenbarge Reporters

July 30, 2025

Nigeria is now facing a total healthcare shutdown as the nurses and midwives embarked on a nationwide strike, beginning today, July 30, even as Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) issued a 21-day notice of total and indefinite strike over the alleged failure of the federal government to address their long-standing demands.
The Nurses and midwives, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives–Federal Health Institutions Sector, vowed to continue the strike from today until their demands are met by the government. Some of such demands include the upward review of shift allowance, uniform allowance adjustment, a separate salary structure for nurses, increased core duty allowance, mass employment of nurses, and the establishment of a nursing department in the Federal Ministry of Health, among others.
The National Chairman of NANNM-FHI, Morakinyo Rilwan, who spoke about the strike said that the government had 15 days to respond to their demands but failed to act.
The union, on July 14, 2025, issued a 15-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding immediate intervention to prevent a total healthcare shutdown.
Rilwan said: “As far as we are concerned, there has been no communication from the government to this moment. That is why we are saying the strike is going on, and nothing is stopping it.
“Even if the government calls today or tomorrow, it won’t stop the strike. They had enough time.
“Fifteen days is enough for them to call us for negotiations. It is because they are not sensitive to the welfare of the masses. That’s why they allowed 15 good days to elapse.”
Rilwan noted that the strike was initiated by members who had grown tired of poor working conditions.
“For over 40 years, we have been patient with them. They subjected us to no provision of gloves or equipment, and for the past 40 years, nurses have not embarked on any strike.
“And we gave them 15 days’ notice. Maybe they are looking at it that these people have not gone on strike for a very long time, so they are not going to go on strike. But they are wrong.”
He said that members are prepared to face any consequences, including “no work, no pay.”
“This strike is not initiated by the leadership of the union; it was initiated by the members, and they said this is what they want. So, we don’t have any option but to allow them to exercise their rights, because they are tired.
“They are not even contemplating ‘no work, no pay,’ because that is the only language the government can use, and they are ready because the money they are taking is not even enough for them. They are ready to sacrifice that as long as this strike continues.”
He said that after the seven-day warning strike, if no reasonable agreement is reached, they would give another 21-day ultimatum to the government, according to labour law, before proceeding on an indefinite strike.
“If the 21 days elapse and there is no reasonable response from the government, we would embark on a total and indefinite strike.
“Nobody is pulling out. Federal Medical Centre, Ebute-Metta and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos, have not been part of our association because of some issues.
“They have opted out of the association for the past three years, so they are not legally covered to participate in this strike because they are not legitimate financial members of the association.
“Other hospitals in Lagos and other states, including the Federal Capital Territory, are joining the strike.”
On its part, the Nigerian Medical Association had issued a communiqué at the end of its Emergency Delegates Meeting on July 26, 2025, expressed deep disappointment over the protracted negotiations with the government on issues affecting doctors’ welfare across the country.
The communiqué, signed by NMA President, Professo Bala Audu and Secretary General, Dr. Jamin Egbo, cited several unresolved issues, including the suspension—rather than withdrawal—of a recent circular by the National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), which the association had opposed.
The emergency meeting, convened by the National Officers Committee (NOC) of the association in response to the NSIWC circular on the review of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for doctors, as well as the federal government’s failure to:
Pay seven months of accrued 25/35% CONMESS adjustment arrears,
Honor previously signed Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs),
Adequately prioritize the health sector at all levels of governance.
The communiqué reads in part:
“The meeting, after extensive deliberations, unanimously condemned the federal government’s approach to the welfare of its members and the persistent neglect of issues affecting Nigerian doctors.
“The meeting issued a 21-day notice of total and indefinite strike, effective from July 27, 2025, in line with relevant labour laws, should the government fail to comprehensively address the association’s demands within this period.”
The association expressed optimism that the government would act responsibly to avert a nationwide industrial action, stressing however, the risk such neglect poses to the already fragile health system.
It advised the government to consider the health needs of citizens and the wellbeing of medical professionals.
The NMA commended the efforts of its National Officers Committee and the National Technical Negotiating Team (NTNT) in their continued engagement with government agencies. However, it lamented that none of its 19 listed demands had been fully met.
The meeting also expressed concern over:
Inadequate implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with government representatives,
Rising economic hardship affecting both doctors and citizens,
The continued neglect of the health sector, which contributes to brain drain and poor national health indices,
The increasing trend of medical tourism by government officials, which it said undermines confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare system.
The NMA appreciated delegates from the 36 states and the FCT who participated in the meeting and called on all Nigerian doctors to remain united and committed to the association’s shared vision.
The communiqué concluded with a call for immediate government intervention to prevent avoidable disruption in the country’s health services.

NUJ At 70: Tribute To Kano Correspondents’ Chapel, By Lamara Garba Azare

Greenbarge Reporters

July 29, 2025

Seven decades of ink and grit, of shared dreams no time can split. Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel — a cradle of truth, where journalistic fire burns eternal, from age to youth.
They came with pens, with passion and pride, bound not by blood, but walking side by side.
Through typewriters and tape decks, through tech and tide, they stood for truth, with honor as their guide.
We honour the pathfinders, the mighty and brave —
Halilu Ahmed Getso, Salisu Alhassan Bichi,
Late Hassan Safiyanu Gumel and Murtala Maikaba the sage, Labaran Maku, Bisi Adekunle, and Shola Lawal of Concord’s page.
There are Sani Zorro, who dared the status quo, Muhammad Garba two NUJ national Presidents, bold as morning glow.
Late Abdullahi Yakubu of New Nigerian and Leadership too, qnd Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, ever compassionate, ever true.
From Edwin Olofu’s pen that spoke with fire, to Ibrahim Garba Shua’ibu whose words inspire.
Thisday’s prolific Yakubu Musa, Suwaid bn Isa of NNN, Ja’afar Ja’afar bold, Sani Umar, voice for the voiceless, with a heart of gold.
Mohammed Ya’u of RDF, once of Sokoto’s The Path, Sani Malumfashi, whose courage would never depart, Nathaniel Ikyur, Babajide Otitoloju, Gali Sadiq the calm Ado Saleh Kankia and Amina Waziri, both bearing truth as their charm.
Haruna Aliyu Hadejia and Ibrahim Mohammed, radio’s pride; Jinge Michael, Thompson Charlie from Plateau’s side.
Ustaz M.S Abdullahi and late Bashir Umar of The Sun; Desmond Mgboh, Tina Anthony — their journalistic runs well spun.
From Radio Nigeria’s gallant crew —
Abubakar Abdurahman, Aliyu Yahaya, Professor Samaila Shehu, Abubakar Sadiq Yusuf of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo, The Kakaki of Almizan, loud and raw.
Osa Director, a champion of justice, with a heart that’s kind and true; Osedebamen Isibor, a journalist with a heart of gold too. Suleiman Anyewulechi, the kingmaker himself,
Akinola Alli, a leader who needed no help.
Umar Yari, a pen warrior full of cheer,
Late Umar Sa’idu Tudun Wada, whose voice we still hear.
Aliyu Abubakar Askira, short-lived Chairman with resolve; Ibrahim the vital link, with problems he’d always solve.
We remember the tiny Jakuskus, whose reign was enviable, late Bello Fagge, A Yau and Abuja Mirror, dependable and capable.
Na Baker uban Sumayya da Khalid — no tale more powerful, more free; Adamu Joshua Marshall, whose legacy stands firm like a tree.
Babangida Funtua, the money keeper, wise and true, late Musa Umar Kazaure, the one who always knew.
Dr. Habibi A.T Yaqoob, his journalistic heart aglow; Auwaliye bn Umar of Daily Times, fierce in pen and flow. Ubale Musa, and Patience Musa, strong and kind; Umar Suleiman, sports guru with a brilliant mind.
Bassey Inyang of Express, bold and never cold, their stories still fresh, their memory never old.
Ricardo Chidi Obi, of blessed memory who wrote for the Guardian with the jerry coil having a flair; John Alechenu of the Punch and late Augustine Maduwest — rare.
The late Cosmos Etaiyi Elaigwu, fierce and grand, his ‘brother from another mother’ Kayode Olaitan, hand in hand.
Oyelere Kola of Tribune, Kolade Adeyemi’s strategic might, Malam Ahmad Muhammad Kwalam, a VOA light.
Muhammad Salisu Rabiu of A Kori Kwalam fame, Dahiru Suleiman, of Gaskiya Ta Fi Kwabo earned him a golden name.
Ibrahim Dahiru of the legendary New Nigerian, Hussain Abubakar Mbar of NAN, Chapel Chairman again and again.
Samaila Dabai of FRCN, Isa Muhammad Inuwa of Radio Germany, Aminu Abubakar of Radio France, all writing with harmony.
Garba Lere of Voice of Nigeria, and Hisham Habib, once of Trust, Habibi, Madu Jerry — the man on top, sharp and just.
Aliyu Dankama of Radio Nigeria Kaduna, Jamilan Trust with her twin stars Ruqayya Aliyu, now Professor, and Habiba Adamu with her gentle scars.
Yusha’u Adamu, Hassan Karofi, Mustapha Kwaru the steady, Ahmed Abubakar, Giginyu, Dawud Nazifi, Mudassir Ismail ever ready.
Chika Nwabueze and Ibrahim Birnin Magaji, silent but sound; Tajuddeen Suleiman, a powerful Chair who stood his ground.
Ashahabu Lawal of NAN — quiet yet bold,
Sunday Alu, the gallant soldier with a kitchen-hardened hold.
Salihu Usman Isha, the Hotman with charisma bright, and Yusuf Ozi Usman, Chapel Chairman, guiding with insight.
Mustapha Gide and Bala Abdullahi of New Nigerian type, late ace photographer Zubairu Shaba and twin Kabiru Funtua, ripe.
The silent John Akubo, present in the ink, and many unnamed heroes who made us rethink.
These individuals, with passion, grit and grace, gave the Chapel its heartbeat and its journalistic base.
Through shadows and storms, they lit the way and still their spirits guide us today.
As we celebrate 70 years of the Kano State Correspondents’ Chapel, we fondly remember the Late Umar Sa’idu Tudun Wada, Umar Suleiman, Mike Oboh, Sani Abdullahi, Bello Fagge, Musa Baker, Jinge Michael, Cosmos Elaigwu, and Ricardo Chidi Obi, zubairu Shaba, Bashir Umar, Ted Udogu, Augustine Madu West, Ibrahim Barde— all legends eternal.
May Allah bless this noble Chapel — the famed “Galadima Bombers.”
For those not named, your legacy is part of this honor. We appreciate you all — in silence or in thunder — For the truth you wrote, and the unity you fostered under.

Lamara Garba Azare is former Chairman, Kano State NUJ Correspondents’ Chapel

Ganduje, El-Rufai… Joined Together By Politics

Greenbarge Reporters

July 29, 2025

Former Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, today, July 29, drove to the residence of his former Kaduna State counterpart, Malam Nasir Ahmed El-Rufai for possible political reunion. The two had breakfast together, quietly.

Kogi Media Group Wants Ododo To Rename CUSTECH After Ex Gov Yahaya Bello

Greenbarge Reporters

July 29, 2025

Media group under the canopy of Kogi Central Journalists’ Guild (KCJG) has called on the state Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo to rename the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara after his predecessor, Yahaya Adoza Bello.
In a statement by the National Chairman, Muhammad Tijani Abdulsalam, and the Secretary, Ozumi Abdul, the Guild said that such recognition would reciprocate Yahaya Bello’s unparalleled legacy in education, and other key sectors that propelled the state to enviable position.
The Guild recalled that education sector was in disarray before 2016 and that Yahaya Bello’s administration birthed an education roadmap through an Education Summit it convened in 2018. The summit came up with an enactment of the 2020 Education Law.
The media group listed Yahaya Bello’s administration’s achievements in education to include allocation of over 30% of the budget to education annually from 2021, surpassing the UNESCO benchmark.
“Bello’s efforts reduced out-of-school for children from over 550,000 to fewer than 87,000 by 2019, while a total of 833 classrooms were renovated as 1,800 new blocks were also constructed.”
The Guild said that the former Governor established model science schools and declared free education in public schools from primary to secondary level, and paid WAEC, NECO, and JAMB fees for students.
The media group noted that such efforts led to a sharp increase in students’ performance in national exams and culminated in the establishment of two state universities, CUSTECH, Osara in 2021 and Kogi State University, Kabba in 2023, making Yahaya Bello the only governor in Kogi’s history to achieve such a feat.
The Guild said that renaming CUSTECH after Yahaya Bello would not only honuor his vision for science and technological advancement, but will immortalize a leader who gave the state a new identity in unity, development and governance.
“Governor Ododo has a moral and historical responsibility to recognize the man who laid the foundation for modern Kogi.
“Renaming CUSTECH to Yahaya Adoza Bello University of Science and Technology will be a fitting tribute to a transformational leader.
“The appeal we make to His Excellency is consonant with international best practices, seeking to galvanize individuals with a strong sense of civic responsibility to help build a society that promotes the common good and enhances the quality of life for all.”
Meanwhile, the Guild announced the constitution of a 7-man Committee to push for the realization of its appeal.

Tinubu’s $3 Million Cash Reward To Super Falcons Is Profligacy, By Yemi Adebowale

Greenbarge Reporters

July 29, 2025

Absolute Profligacy. This is how best to describe President Bola Tinubu’s $2,950,000 gift to the Super Falcons/technical crew for winning the Women African Cup of Nations held in Morocco.
Our President sloppily ordered the release of the Naira equivalent of $100,000 to each of the 24 players and $50,000 to each of the 11-man technical crew of the team. This is clearly not how to spend funds; funds generated from struggling tax payers.
By his action, Tinubu showed that he cared less about the sweat of Nigerian tax payers. He did not even think one bit about the opportunity cost. The fund could have been added to those already set aside for tackling growing hunger, malnutrition and poverty in beloved Nigeria. The money could have been used to tackle decaying health, road and education infrastructure. Our public schools, hospitals and other vital facilities are in shambles.
Yes, the Super Falcons deserve to be rewarded for winning an historic 10th WAFCON title. Conferring national honours on them and a gift of flats in Abuja is more than enough. The additional cash gift is excessive. Besides, the Super Falcons have been decently rewarded with cash bonuses at every stage of the competition. The winning bonus at the group stage was $2000 per player. It progressed to $3000 at the quarter final stage, $4000 at the semi-final stage and $5000 in the final. The draw with Botswana attracted $1000 bonus. There was also the daily camp allowance of $100 per player. So, each player already has around $19000.
Then, for winning the trophy, CAF, Africa’s football governing body/organisers of WAFCON paid the Nigerian FA $1 million as victory prize. CAF further clearly states that 33 percent of its prize money must be shared to players and coaches. That is another $330,000 for the Falcons and their trainers. This will come to around $10,000 per player. In all, each player will take home around $30,000. Is Tinubu unaware of this? So, why the overkill with additional $100,000 per player?
Tinubu must stop spending public funds recklessly. This must not be happening in a country where many go to bed without meals and wake up not sure of breakfast. It must not be happening in a country where millions are still battling for living wages. It must not be happening in a country where scores die daily from ailments as ordinary as malaria and typhoid fever. No fewer than 4,252 Nigerians die yearly from hepatitis. I’m quoting official figures here. Nigeria is still home to the largest number of people living below poverty in this world. Tinubu ought to be worried about this emblem of disgrace. Things have not changed under this government.
Nigeria’s healthcare workers are still struggling for living wages. Just yesterday, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the umbrella body of all medical doctors in the country, gave the federal government 21 days to meet their welfare demands or face total, indefinite nationwide strike.
Nigerian nurses, under the umbrella of the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, Federal Health Institutions Sector, are set for a seven-day nationwide warning strike effective Wednesday, in protest over poor remuneration, staff shortages, unpaid allowances, and unsafe working conditions. The strike will affect 74 federal hospitals. It will paralyse services in federal medical centres, teaching hospitals, and specialist institutions.
Clearly, healthcare services across Nigeria are in crisis. Tinubu and our languid governors should be worried about this. These hopeless governors also gave a needless N350 million to the Falcons. Public funds should go to healthcare, education, roads, food, poverty alleviation, job creation for Nigerians, not excessively for sports. Enough is enough.
One more thing. England’s women football team won the European trophy last Sunday. The British government did not give them extra cash gifts. They were paid agreed winning bonuses and allowances.
Also, the Spanish women football team that won the world title last year did not get extra cash gift from the Spanish government. They were paid agreed winning bonuses and allowances. This is the global standard. Nigeria must key into this.
A good government must key into this global standard.

Adebowale can be reached through: yemiadebowale@yahoo.com or 08054699539

1...434445...2,498 Page 44 of 2,498