From Yagana Ali, Yola

The Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has commenced a five-day capacity building workshop for frontline healthcare workers on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) under the strengthening Access to Reproductive Health (SARAH) Project.

The opening ceremony, brought together key health sector stakeholders and development partners committed to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in the state. In his opening remarks, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Saidu Bashir, emphasized the critical role of BEmONC in equipping healthcare workers with lifesaving skills to manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.He noted that the training aligns with the state government’s vision to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates through improved quality of care at the primary healthcare level.Declaring the workshop open to the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Chief Felix Tangwami, Garkuwan Mbula, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Pharmacist Zirra Mathias Bubanani commended UNFPA’s continued support to the state and urged participants to maximize the training to enhance their capacity in managing obstetric emergencies.A goodwill message was delivered by the Chairperson of the State Planning Commission, who reiterated the government’s commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages with a focus on reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.In a separate interview, the program manager EU-SARAH project Mal Ahmed Yero said the objectives of the workshop include:Strengthening the capacity of frontline healthcare workers to provide timely and effective emergency obstetric and newborn care.Enhancing early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications.Reducing delays in accessing skilled care during emergencies.Dr. Danladi Idirisa UNFPA State coordinator said BEmONC training is widely recognized as a key intervention in addressing the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality, such as postpartum hemorrhage, prolonged labor, eclampsia, and newborn asphyxia. By improving the skills of healthcare providers, the state aims to ensure more women and newborns survive childbirth-related complications, particularly in rural and underserved communitiesThe lead consultant facilitator Dr. Habiba Bakari of Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital said the workshop will feature practical demonstrations, case studies, and simulations, ensuring participants gain hands-on experience in managing emergencies and saving lives.

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said that the Federal government was committed to make Baro River Port in Niger state a vibrant inland gateway.He gave the assurance on Tuesday when he appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-Hoc Committee on Stakeholders’ Engagement on the Challenges and Prospects of the Baro River Port.

The Adhoc committee was constituted after the adoption of a motion on the need to convene a national stakeholder’s engagement on the challenges and prospects of the Inland Port. Oyetola acknowledged that the Port has been struggling to operate at capacity since its commissioning in 2019 due to gaps in supporting infrastructure and navigability.The minister however outlined concrete steps to overcome the existing challenges and unlock Baro Port’s full economic potential.According to him, the measures include improving river navigability through capital and continuous dredging, developing road and rail connections for seamless cargo movement, attracting credible private sector operators through concessions and partnerships, and instituting transparent governance systems.He informed the Committee that the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) plans to dredge up to 2,000 kilometres of inland waterways, a move that will ensure Baro Port maintains the appropriate depth for year-round operations.He added, “Our Ministry remains unwavering in its determination to transform Baro from a dormant facility into a thriving inland gateway.We are working closely with the Federal Ministries of Works and Transportation to deliver an integrated framework that combines infrastructure, operational efficiency, and private sector participation.”Oyetola noted that, Baro River Port which is located in Niger State is strategically positioned to link agricultural value chains and serve as a feeder to Onitsha, Lokoja, and Warri ports. According to him, once operational, it could significantly boost Nigeria’s trade competitiveness under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and ease pressure on the nation’s highways.In his presentation, the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, recalled that the Baro Port was first established in 1908 by Lord Lugard to facilitate the shipment of agricultural produce and livestock, serving as a major trade link between northern and southern Nigeria.He noted that the port holds significant economic potential for the country, with all necessary facilities and equipment already in place.He however identified the lack of dredging, as well as inadequate road and rail connectivity, as key challenges preventing the port from reaching full operational capacity.Oyebamiji informed the committee that the project was awarded by the previous administration at a cost of N3.56 billion, of which N3.35 billion representing 94 percent has already been paid to the contractor.He further added that arrangements are currently underway to concession the port to private operators in order to attract fresh investment and ensure its effective operationalization.Minister of Transportation Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali revealed that his ministry is developing a rail line to connect Baro Port with the rest of the country. He acknowledged funding as a major hurdle and appealed to lawmakers for adequate budgetary provisions to ensure the linkage is completed.Speaking earlier, the House Ad-Hoc Committee Chairman, Rt. Hon. Saidu Musa Abdullahi, underscored that the panel’s role is not investigative but facilitative, aimed at ensuring the full operationalization of the port. He disclosed that the current engagement will be followed by a national stakeholders’ forum to build consensus and mobilise political, technical, and financial backing for the project.Abdullahi stressed the committee’s determination to see Baro Port fully utilised, describing its strategic value to national trade, regional connectivity, and economic diversification as “immense and non-negotiable.”The Minister while responding to a question by a member of the Committee, Hon Jonathan Gaza Gbefwi said that Baro Port has been a priority, but there has been lack of funds to dredge to make it navigable early enough.After the various submissions by the Ministers and other heads of agencies, the Committee resolved that it will embark on an on the spot assessment to the Port on Saturday in order to see what would be done to make its operations a reality.

By Ubong Ukpong, Abuja

House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen on Tuesday demanded that the country must invest more in the Young Population.The Speaker, in stressing his position, reminded that the young people constituted a huge chunk of the population.

This was conveyed in his message to commemorate the International Youth Day. The Speaker said that with the youthful population being the majority, the government at all levels must prioritise policies and programmes tailored towards young Nigerians. He called for more access to quality and affordable education, while seeking skill acquisition and empowerment of the youth. This, he noted, should be considered as an investment in the future of the country.Abbas particularly urged the various stakeholders in the public and private sectors to invest more in talent hunts, entrepreneurship, and sports, stressing that this move will shield the youth from crime and other vices.While urging the youth to be patriotic and law-abiding citizens, the Speaker called on the religious and cultural institutions to continue to mould young Nigerians towards virtues, and against vices.He emphasised the need for the teeming young population to be morally upright, hardworking, disciplined, and dedicated in their endeavours.A statement through Musa Abdullahi Krishi, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Speaker, said that Speaker Abbas wished young Nigerians a happy Youth Day celebration.