By David Torough, Abuja

The federal government has promised to partner with the Association of Public Health Practitioners of Nigeria (APHPN) to improve the Primary Health Care and enhance service delivery of the citizens especially women and children.

The Special Assistant to the President on public health, Dr.

Salma Anas Kolo made the pledge at the official assumption of duty at the newly donated National Secretariat of APHPN in Abuja on Wednesday.

Dr. Kolo charged the new leadership of the association led by Dr. Terfa Kene to embark on enlightenment campaign and training of the primary healthcare workers at the rural communities to boost the capacity and breach gaps, block loopholes and strengthen the PHC across the country.

She advised the APHPN leadership to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to strengthen the primary healthcare across the country which according to her is the bedrock of the health system to accelerate service delivery and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.

On his part, president of the governing council, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Association (Alliance), Prof. Chichi Onuoha described health as critical in addressing the issue of climate change and promised to collaborate with the APHPA leadership to close gaps in the healthcare delivery.

In her remarks, member, APHPA board to trustees, Prof. Clara Ejembi tasked the new leadership to be accountable and promised necessary support for it to succeed.

Prof. Ejembi congratulated the APHPN new leadership and expressed belief that their tenure will witness transformation in the healthcare system.

Secretary General of APHPN, Dr. Augustine Ajogwu said the association is on a mission to develop and sustain excellence in public health practice by public health physicians at all levels
through world class training, mentorship, leadership, public health research and information dissemination to strengthen health systems.

Ajogwu also said the APHPN is with a vision for excellence in public health by public health physicians at all levels contributing to the attainment of better health, equity and well-being.

In his brief response, APHPN president, Dr. Terfa Kene said the association under his leadership plan to adopt at least 222 PHCs to improve their functionality.

Kene appreciated all stakeholders for their support and promised to collaborate with relevant authorities to take association to the next level of development.

This is the first time APHPN will have its leadership at the seat of power since its inception in the last 50 years.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Prosperity Cup Women’s defending Champions, Niger Delta University Queens have been ousted from Nigeria’s biggest grassroots football spectacle, the Bayelsa Governor’s Football showpiece.In a keenly contested match at the BDGS battle ground, high-scoring Ezuogha Queens defeated defending champions, NDU Queens by a lone goal to progress to the next round of the competition.

Ezougha, which had put up a ruthless performance in their opening fixture scoring eight goals against Diamond Stars, had to dig deep to find the back of their opponents net in the 67th minute through Numulayefa Princess. In the second match of the day at the same venue, Stardom Life Sports Academy of Ogboloma pipped Seaside Academy of Ovom by a lone goal. Paul Favour’s goal on 37 minutes was all the Ogboloma-based team needed to advance to the next round of the tournament.The Kpansia arena will take centre stage on Wednesday, when Jerry Queens FC of Ogbia confront Afini Ladies of Yenagoa at 3.00PM, while Crystal Stars will keep a date with Global Queens by 4.30PM.Action continues today at the same venue with Akeddei Queens from Sagbama LGA taking on Bayelsa State College of Nursing Sciences, BYSCON Queens by 3.00PM while Niger Delta Queens trade hard tackles with Golden Sun Sports Club of Yenagoa at 4.30PM.Speaking of Tuesday’s game, victorious coach of Stardom Life Sports Academy, Inemotimi Kofi, said both sides gave their best, pointing out that his team would have done better if not for some players who missed the match because of examination commitments.According to him, he knew the game was going to be tough for his team, stating that they have been in close camping preparing for the competition, which gave his team a slight advantage.He, however, expressed the hope that his full squad will be available for their next tie.Also speaking, head coach of Seaside Academy, Awusa Anthony, said in addition to the cheap goal his players conceded which demoralized them; his team’s wastefulness in front of goal was one of their greatest undoing. He said they would go back to the drawing board, correct their mistakes and come back stronger next season.

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike has commiserated with the Minister of State, FCT, Dr. Mahmoud Mariya over the death of her father, Alhaji Sani Baban Koko.In a statement yesterday in Abuja, the FCT Minister prayed for the repose of the soul of Alhaji Sani Baban Koko.

”My heart went out to you when I heard of the death of your beloved father, Alhaji Sani Baban Koko. ”I may not have been opportune to meet Alhaji Sani Baban Koko, when he was alive, but it is commonly said that by the quality of a product, one can judge the character of the manufacturer.”Going by the personality of Dr. Mahmoud Mariya, who is one of his children, I can conclude that Baba was a good man.”Though the death of a beloved father can be painful, especially at the age of 74 that Baba died, the entire Baban Koko family should be consoled by the fact that death is the end of all mortals and it must come when it will come.“It is therefore my prayer that Allah (Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala) in His infinite mercies will grant the deceased Al-firdaus and give the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” the statement said.