From Samuel James, Ilorin

The Kwara state government has pledged to invest more in critical components in Human Capital Development (HCD), for a better growth of the state.

The Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, said this in Ilorin during the weekend at a Stakeholders’ Workshop on Human Capital Development across the three senatorial districts of the state.

The workshop which was organised by the National Office of Human Capital Development, Abuja, in collaboration with the Kwara government has its theme as “From Strategy to Action: Harmonising Kwara State Human Capital Development Implementation.

Alabi, who was represented by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, said that HCD remained the cornerstone to any development, as well as essential for growth that the Kwara government is keen on.

“We believe that when we invest in building human capital, the state and Nigeria will be better for it. “HCD is essential for any nation that wants to expand its economic growth,” he added.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Yakubu Salihu, who was represented by the Chairman, House Committee on Education and Human Capital Development, Mohammed Salihu, said the workshop was timely and a welcomed development, as he also described the workshop as a step in attaining quality education.

According to him, it will help in identifying challenges and offer solutions in areas of human capital requirements to advance the state.

He said there was a need for the nation’s system of education to be futuristic, stressing that the advent of technology had made it inevitable.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Social Development, Dr Mariam Nnafatima-Imam, said human capital development is key to driving innovation.

Imam pointed out that the state government had invested hugely in critical sectors of the economy, including HCD.

“As we all know, HCD is the cornerstone of any state’s success and it is the key to unlocking full potential, driving innovation and achieving sustainable economic growth.

“For Kwara, human capital development is particularly crucial as we strive to achieve our vision of becoming a hub for commerce, industry and innovation,” she said.

By Francis Sadhere, Asaba

The Delta State Government has disbursed one billion naira to the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC) to enhance the financial stability, operational efficiency and healthcare access for enrollees in the Delta State Contributory Health Scheme.

The Director General and CEO of the Commission, Dr.

Dr. Akpoveta explained that the one billion naira has been distributed across 531 health facilities operating under the scheme, spanning all 25 local government areas of the state.

He said the funding aims to boost healthcare infrastructure, making hospitals more equipped and accessible to enrollees.

He noted that the Delta State Government’s commitment to improving healthcare was evident in recent upgrades to medical facilities and equipment, especially in the state’s 11 medical zones.

“The governor is highly supportive of this program, and as part of his commitment, he approved the release of one billion naira specifically for the healthcare of under-five children and pregnant women across the state,” said Dr. Akpoveta. “This funding has been directed to hospitals, and just last week, payments were made to cover the costs of healthcare services for these vulnerable groups.”

Dr. Akpoveta urged pregnant women and parents of children under five to register for the health scheme, noting that the government is covering the costs of antenatal care, delivery (including caesarean sections), and medical treatment for children up to five years old. “With a health card, you can access these services at no cost, either at government or private hospitals,” he said.

The CEO also praised the overseas philanthropist, who helped fund the enrollment of vulnerable individuals, and called on other well-to-do Delta natives, both at home and abroad, to emulate this generous act.

He said that such gestures could significantly ease the financial burden on disadvantaged individuals and provide them with essential healthcare.

“This commission aims to ensure that all Deltans are registered in the health scheme,” Dr. Akpoveta added. “We are particularly focused on helping vulnerable residents, and we are calling on philanthropists and organizations to contribute by purchasing insurance for those who cannot afford it. We’re grateful to Deltans in the diaspora who are supporting this initiative by sending money home to register people into the scheme.”

Paul Elumelu, speaking on behalf of the philanthropist who funded the enrollment of 150 individuals, expressed his gratitude for the program and explained that many people in the Onicha-Uku community struggle to afford healthcare. “This health insurance scheme is a lifeline for our people, and we are thankful to the governor for making it possible,” Elumelu said.

Dr. Chukwuma David, the Medical Director of General Hospital Onicha-Uku, confirmed that the funds had greatly improved the hospital’s readiness to deliver quality healthcare to enrollees, with additional medical personnel now in place to cater to the needs of the community.

The initiative has been met with optimism from health scheme enrollees, who are hopeful that the influx of funds will enhance their access to quality medical care and improve overall healthcare delivery in the state.

The Delta State Government’s strategic investment in healthcare continues to provide relief to vulnerable populations, ensuring that all Deltans, regardless of their financial situation, have access to essential health services.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

Edo state deputy governor, Hon Dennis Idahosa has eulogised President Bola Tinubu for the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), saying it has opened a vista of opportunities for the youths to pursue higher education irrespective of their background.

Idahosa who described the policy as noble, said that the president has demonstrated his passion to see the youths succeeds, and stated that one’s parents’ financial status should not be the end of their dreams.

Idahosa also commended the former speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, who sponsored the bill in the 9th Assembly and was subsequently assented to by President Tinubu.

Idahosa said Edo State government would collaborate with relevant agencies to drive the process in mobilising and sensitising all students who are bonafide indigenes of the state and qualified for the loan to embrace the concept to realise their dreams of pursuing their educational ambition to the highest levels.

He noted that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration remained committed to educational development where all students, irrespective of tribe, gender, social status, and religious affiliation, were entitled to qualitative education.

“Indeed, this remains a noble idea in our political trajectory and has thus broken the barriers of lack of funds that killed the dreams of many of our people in their quest for higher educational pursuit.

“This initiative of President Bola Tinubu’s government will unlock the potential of many youths who now have access to higher educational pursuits through the NELFUND,” Idahosa stated.

Earlier in his address, the NELFUND boss, Akintunde Sawyerr, said that the scheme was designed to address the level of drop out of school children as a result of paucity of funds.

According to him, “NELFUND is well funded by the Federal Government to enable all federal and state higher institutions to accelerate the participation of their indigenous students’ benefits from the scheme.”

He commended the president for cultivating the political will to set up the fund, adding that NETFUND had so far disbursed funds to hundreds of students in payment of school fees and enrollment for different stages of examinations.

On his part, the state Commissioner for Education, Dr Paddy Iyamu, lauded the scheme for reducing the burden on parents grappling with their children’s educational pursuit.

He reiterated the commitment of his ministry to carry out more sensitisation to enable students to have first-hand information on the benefits inherent in the NELFUND to enable them to realise their dreams of becoming future leaders of tomorrow.