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  •  Agency disbursed N400m to health facilities in Borno in Q1, Q2 – Official

    Agency disbursed N400m to health facilities in Borno in Q1, Q2 – Official

     

    Disbursement

    By Yakubu Uba 

    Maiduguri, June 13, 2023 (NAN) The Borno State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (BOSCHMA) has disbursed over N400million   to 171 primary healthcare centres and nine secondary health facilities providing free treatment to vulnerable persons across the state.

    The Executive Secretary of BOSCHMA, Dr Saleh Abba,  who told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Thursday, said the disbursement was for the first and second quarters of 2024.

    “These disbursements are N396. 4 million as capitation for the primary healthcare facilities and N7.7 milliom as fee-for-service payments of Secondary health facilities for the first and second quarters of 2024. 

    The fund, he said, is aimed at supporting the healthcare services provided to 119,418 beneficiaries of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

    The BHCPF, he added, was established by the National Health Act of 2014, is a government initiative designed to enhance healthcare access for vulnerable populations in Nigeria.

    The fund, he added,  is a collaborative effort between federal and state governments, with states contributing 25 per cent of the total funding.

    Launched in 2020, Abba said, the BHCPF addresses the challenge of limited healthcare accessibility, particularly for marginalized groups.

    He said the programme seeks to address the longstanding challenge of limited healthcare accessibility for marginalised populations. 

    Abba said the initiative which covers 24 LGAs in the state, demonstrated the Governor Babagana Zulum administration commitment to improving healthcare access and equity across the region.

    He lauded Gov. Babagana Zulum-led administration’s commitment to resettlement of displaced persons  and also for efforts to scale up health care delivery for the returnees. 

    “BOSCHMA is dedicated to improving public health through strategic initiatives, partnerships, and effective healthcare delivery systems.

    “BOSCHMA focuses on improving maternal and child, and enhancing wellbeing of the citizens by ensuring access to quality healthcare services across Borno,” Abba said. (NAN)

    YMU/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Anniversary: Katsina Assembly passes 15 bills in 1 year

  • Cleric says Nigeria’s democracy mainly in favour of politicians

    Democracy
    By Christian Njoku
    Calabar, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Bishop Emmah Isong, the Publicity Secretary, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has said that Nigeria’s democracy has mainly favoured politicians.
    Isong made the statement in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar in Thursday.
    He said that the 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule in the country had no remarkable positive impacts on the citizenry.
    “Only a few Nigerians, mainly politicians have enjoyed the dividends of the 25 years uninterrupted democracy in the country,” he said.
    The PFN publicity secretary said that Nigerian politicians had used the reign of democratic rule to impoverish the masses and illegally enrich themselves.
    Isong, also the Presiding Bishop, Christian Central Chapel International, Calabar, said that the political leadership in the country had failed to prioritise service delivery.
    “They want to remain in office, they are not interested in doing any other thing, their interest is to remain in charge of public funds,” he said.
    He said that although the choice of democratic governance was in order, the absence of sincerity on the part of the leadership was the challenge.
    Isong said that there was need for some constitutional adjustments to enhance patriotism, discipline and commitment in leadership.
    “Such adjustments will definitely sanitise the electoral process too. We can’t get leadership right if the electoral process is faulty,” he said.
    He said that the political class should take deliberate steps towards promoting citizens welfare, equity and fairness in service delivery.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CBN/NCI/AZU
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    Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna and Azubuike Okeh

  • UNHCR: 1.5% of the world’s population displaced

    UNHCR: 1.5% of the world’s population displaced

    Population

    Geneva, June 13, 2024(dpa/NAN) Report from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) released on Thursday, says that more people than ever before were forcibly displaced worldwide in May due to war, conflict, violence, and persecution.

    The UNHCR said that in May, 120 million people were displaced globally, almost 10 per cent more than the previous year, and some 1.5 per cent of the world’s population,.

    According to the agency, more than two-thirds of the refugees have been internally displaced.

    Two-thirds of those who had fled abroad remain in neighboring countries, under often difficult conditions, in the hope of quickly returning to their home countries.

    In 2023, the United States and Germany were the top destinations for those seeking long-term protection, with Germany receiving the second highest number of asylum applications after the US.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HS

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

  • Enugu-Onitsha crash: FRSC rescues 25 victims alive, orders prosecution of driver

    Enugu-Onitsha crash: FRSC rescues 25 victims alive, orders prosecution of driver

    Crash
    By Ibironke Ariyo
    Abuja, June 12, 2024(NAN) The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) rescued 25 Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) victims alive from the avoidable crash that occured at Ugwu Onyeama on the Enugu-Onitsha expressway, Enugu.

    This is even as the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed called for investigation and speedy prosecution of the driver responsible for the fatal crash.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Corps Public Education Officer (CPEO) Corps Commander, Olusegun Ogungbemide on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The accident  occurred at about 1900hrs.

    The corps  said that the preliminary crash investigation report revealed that the crash was caused by speed violation.

    The FRSC said that it involved seven vehicles comprising of a black Toyota Matrix bearing the following registration details ENU742NL, a white Suzuki Hijet mini bus ENU982XY.

    This, the corps said included a Custom Toyota Highlander jeep JRV247HK, and a blue Toyota Corolla with registration number UWN16AP.

    Others are; a Toyota Rav 4, a Red Mack Tanker and a Mazda vehicle.

    The FRSC emergency rescue teams deployed to carryout rescue operations reported that the crash involved a total of 29 people comprising of 20 male adults and 9 female adults.

    “From the number, 10 victims comprising of eight male adults and two females sustained different degrees of injuries. Unfortunately, four victims were killed as a result of the crash, “the corps said.

    “FRSC investigation report indicates that of the 4 fatalities recorded, two victims were killed on the spot while the remaining two died in the hospital.

    “The injured victims were rescued to orthopedic hospital, Enugu while the dead bodies have been deposited in Park Lane hospital morgue, “the FRSC said.

    The corps  marshal reaffirmed the position of the Corps on deepening its ongoing prosecution of drivers who by their actions caused road traffic crashes in Nigeria.

    He however, noted that the driver responsible for the Ugwu Onyeama crash would not be spared.

    The FRSC boss called on the Judiciary, leadership of transport unions and other relevant stakeholders in the road transportation sector to join hands with the Corps towards restoring sanity on the roads

    This, he said would be through speedy and effective prosecution of traffic violators, especially those who caused crashes on the roads.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Corps Marshal had during his inaugural address to the mediadrawn the attention of road users to issues of imbibing moral and ethical rebirth, which have become a major issue in the country.

    NAN also reports that he warned against traffic violations citing instances where they resulted in avoidable crashes with fire outbreak, leading to wanton loss of precious lives and destruction to properties.

    According to him, there is no going back on prosecuting of erring drivers.(NAN) (http://www.nannews.ng)

    ICA/BEKl/SH

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    Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/Sadiya Hamza

  • FG working to improve health well-being of citizens – Mahmoud

    Health

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 12, (NAN) The Minister of State Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr Mariya Mahmoud, says President Tinubu-led administration is working to improve the health and nutrition well-being of citizens.

    Mahmoud stated this during the roll out of “Renewed Hope Medical Outreach” in Kuje on Wednesday, to celebrate Tinubu’s one year in office.

    The minister, who was represented by Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, FCT Administration, said that Tinubu was putting measures in place to improve the country’s health indices.

    She explained that the outreach was designed to provide free healthcare services to all residents of Kuje as a pilot area council.

    She commended the turnout of the residents to access the services, adding that service would continue at health facilities and would be extended to other area councils and rural communities.

    “Today we have six different departments – antenatal care for pregnant women, general outpatients care, paediatrics, eye and dental care, nutrition services, HIV, hepatitis tests and follow-up care among other services.

    “We also have health insurance for pregnant women to guarantee continued access to health services for the next one year.

    “We have more than 1000 people here to access various health services for free.

    “We are assuring them that our doctors will see all of them and no one will be left behind.

    “This government does not care about your party affiliation, age, sex or religion. It is a renewed hope for all,” she said.

    Mahmoud assured the residents of the commitment of the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike, to implement Tinubu’s life-changing programmes in line with Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.

    Also, Dr Babagana Adam, Permanent Secretary in the FCTA’s Health Services and Environment Secretariat, assured FCT residents of improved and sustained access to quality healthcare services.

    Adam said that FCTA would continue to work with other relevant stakeholders to reach more FCT residents with quality health services, particularly the poor and vulnerable.

    The Chairman of Kuje Area Council, Mr Abdullahi Sabo, who was represented by his Chief of Staff with same name, described the outreach as life changing.

    Sabo said that the council would continue to complement FCTA’s efforts to improve the health and nutrition well-being of the people.

    Also speaking, the Gomo of Kuje, Alhaji Haruna Jibrin, who is the traditional head of the area, described the medical outreach as the first of its kind in the council.

    “The whole place is really filled with people seeking all kinds of healthcare.

    “This is a demonstration of Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 500 gas cookers were distributed to women to promote clean air and healthy cooking. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/KAY

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    Edited by Kayode Olaitan

  • NPFL: Relief for Dogo as hosts Kwara United beat Kano Pillars

    NPFL

    By Olayinka Owolewa

    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Kabiru Dogo, the head coach of Kwara United Football Club of Ilorin, on Wednesday described their 2-0 win over Kano Pillars as a big relief to the team.

    The former Nasarawa United coach told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after the game in Ilorin that the team would give its utmost best in the remaining matches against Lobi Stars and Heartland FC.

    NAN reports that the Match Day 36 fixture in the 2023/2024 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) was played at the Main Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex.

    The encounter brought the best out of the home side which dictated the pace from the first blast of the whistle.

    A half volley by Ibrahim Dehinde in the 27th minute, as well as a well-taken penalty kick by defender Ejeh Isaiah in the 58th minute, won the maximum points for Kwara United.

    The result helped to finally ease their relegation worries.

    Emmanuel Ogbole, Wasiu Alalade and Dehinde Ibrahim’s build-up play proved too much for Pillars, neutralising the influence of veteran Rabiu Ali in the midfield.

    Ali, who was later substituted, attracted huge ovation from fans for his tremendous influence on the game.

    Also, Alao Mohammad and Issa Gata had combined to feed Alalade Wasiu in the 56th minute but he was fouled by goalkeeper Idris Ibrahim inside Kano Pillars’ box.

    Isaiah Ejeh converted the resultant penalty kick for the second goal for the home team.

    Speaking later, Ahmed Garba, the coach of Kano Pillars, said while he was disappointed by his team’s 0-2 loss, the focus of the team would shift to the President Federation Cup.

    NAN reports that Kano Pillars are presently in the semi-finals of the competition, and will take on Abia Warriors at that stage.

    Kwara United, with the win on Wednesday, are currently in the 11th position with 48 points on the league table.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OOH/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Guterres hails 60 years of UN trade, development action

    Action

    By Cecilia Ologunagba

    New York, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has commended the works of the UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) agency 60 years after its establishment.

    Guterres gave the commendation in his address to mark the diamond anniversary of the UN agency on Wednesday while addressing the UN Trade and Development Global Leaders Forum.

    According to him, the right to development is inextricably linked with trade, which the world’s poorest countries – now “mired in debt” through no fault of their own – have every right to pursue on much fairer terms

    The secretary-general, however, highlighted the multiple challenges against a more sustainable and inclusive global economy for all.

    “New and protracted conflicts are having a ripple effect across the global economy.

    “Global debt has soared while key development indicators, including poverty and hunger, have regressed,”

    On a visit to Switzerland, Guterres reprised previous warnings that the world’s international financial architecture “has been exposed as outdated, dysfunctional, and unjust”.

    ”It has ‘failed to provide a safety net for developing countries mired in debt’, the UN chief insisted.

    He also issued the worrying assessment that the international trading system faced pressure “on all sides”, to the extent that it is now “teetering on the verge of fragmentation”.

    Against this deeply concerning backdrop, and amid escalating geopolitical tensions, rising inequality and soaring debt, Guterres insisted that the role of UNTAD was more relevant than ever in working for a more sustainable and inclusive global economy, through trade and investment.

    The UN agency cannot be neutral on development problems – “just as the World Health Organization could not be neutral on malaria”, the UN chief said, referencing the famous words of Raul Prebisch, UNCTAD’s first Secretary-General.

    “Trade has become a double-edged sword: a source of both prosperity and inequality; interconnection and dependence; economic innovation and environmental degradation,” Guterres said.

    He urged greater dialogue between nations in the face of a near-tripling of trade barriers since 2019, “many driven by geopolitical rivalry, with no concern for their impact on developing countries”.

    He added: “The world cannot afford splits into rival blocs. To implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – and to ensure peace and security – we need one global market and one global economy, in which there is no place for poverty and hunger.” (NAN) (www.nannnews.ng)

    CIA/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Kano: Commission nabs 2, summons 3 Perm. Secs over alleged graft

    Kano: Commission nabs 2, summons 3 Perm. Secs over alleged graft
    Fraud
    By Aminu Garko
    Kano, June 12,2024 ( NAN) The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission has arrested two suspects and invited three Permanent Secretaries for questioning over an alleged fraud involving the sale of employment forms in the Office of the Head of Service.
    The commission’s Chairman, Muhuyi Rimin-Gado, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday that the investigation was ongoing to identify and bring to justice those responsible for the scam.
    He said that already, thousands of desperate job seekers have been affected by the fraud.
    ”Preliminary investigations have uncovered fraudulent activities at the office of the Head of Service, Civil Service Commission, Kano State Secondary Schools Board, and Health Service Management Board.
    ”The two suspects in custody are cooperating with the investigation, which has led to the shutdown of a fake employment portal.
    ”The commission is working to root out corruption and ensure justice is served in the employment fraud scandal that has defrauded thousands of job seekers,” Rimin-Gado said.
    According to him, the ongoing investigation aims to expose and bring to justice those responsible for the fraudulent sale of the employment forms.
    Rimin-Gado said,”The commission is working to prevent corruption and ensure that justice is served.
    ”The state government has mandated the commission to thoroughly investigate the matter and prosecute those found wanting.” ( NAN) ( www.nannews.ng)
    AAG/BRM
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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • H5N1 cases increase to 92 in 12 countries–WHO

    H5N1 cases increase to 92 in 12 countries–WHO

    Influenza

    By Franca Ofili
    Abuja, June, 12, (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the number of dairy herds affected by the avian influenza virus  (H5N1) has almost tripled to 92 in 12 countries.

    Also, the number of human cases has increased from 1 to 3 and the number of people being monitored has more than doubled to 500.

    Dr Tedros  Ghebreyesus, Director-General, WHO said this on Wednesday during an online media conference.

    Ghebreyesus said that since 2003, there have been 893 reported infections of H5N1 in humans, including 11 so far in 2024,  five in Cambodia, three in the U.S., and one each in Australia, China and Vietnam.

    According to him, in that time, the virus has not shown signs of having acquired the ability to spread easily among humans.

    “That remains the case, which is why, at this time, WHO continues to assess the risk to public health as low.

    “In recent years, H5N1 has spread widely among wild birds, poultry, land and marine mammals on several continents,” he said.

    Ghebreyesus said that WHO recommended that anyone working with any infected animals, in any country, should have access to, and use, personal protective equipment.

    “Follow-up, testing and care of people exposed to the virus should continue systematically.

    “Early medical care and support, and thorough and timely investigation of every human infection is essential to evaluate and interrupt potential onward transmission between humans,” he said.

    According to him, WHO is monitoring multiple avian flu viruses in humans through the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System.

    He said that surveillance of flu viruses among animals globally must also be intensified to rapidly detect any changes to the virus that could pose a greater threat to humans.

    “These systems are only as good as the timely detection and the sharing of viruses and information.

    “Collaboration, communication and information sharing between the animal and human health sectors is essential in all countries. This is the meaning of One Health,” he said.

    Avian influenza virus infections in humans may cause diseases ranging from mild upper respiratory tract infection to more severe diseases and can be fatal. 

    Conjunctivitis, gastrointestinal symptoms, encephalitis and encephalopathy have also been reported.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    FNO/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani