NEWS
FEC Approves $1.07bn for Health Sector Reform
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a total of $1.07 billion in financing for healthcare sector reforms under the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) program, as well as a N4.
8 billion allocation for HIV treatment, signaling a major investment in Nigeria’s health sector. This was contained in a statement by the Ministry of Health through the Deputy Director, Information & Public Relations, Alaba Balogun in Abuja. The statement reads, “The announcement was made by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who disclosed that the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, the International Development Association (IDA), has provided two concessional loans of $500 million each, alongside $70 million in grant funding from other international bodies.”The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, elaborated on the key components of the financing, stating that the HOPE program aligns with the administration’s agenda to strengthen human capital development.”Elaborating further, Prof. Pate explained that the funds will be directed toward improving governance in healthcare and enhancing primary healthcare services nationwide.“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said.“Additionally, $500 million is dedicated to expanding the quality, utilization, and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.””As part of broader healthcare reforms, the council also approved N4.8 billion for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months.”This initiative, Pate emphasized, underscores the federal government’s commitment to providing life-saving treatment and reducing healthcare costs for vulnerable populations.”Furthermore, the FEC discussed the implications of recent U.S. policy changes on Nigeria’s health programs, particularly regarding HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria funding”.A multi-ministerial committee, including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defense, and Environment, as well as the Governors’ Forum, has been tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan to mitigate potential funding disruptions.“This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions,” Pate assured. “We appreciate the U.S. government’s contributions over the years and remain committed to a constructive partnership while strengthening Nigeria’s healthcare system with domestic resources.”With these decisions, President Bola Tinubu’s led administration has reinforced its focus on healthcare, human capital development, and financial sustainability, setting the stage for transformative improvements in the nation’s social services sector. FTHL Unions Expresses Confidence in CMD’s LeadershipFrom Joseph Amedu, LokojaThe Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives (NANNM), Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja (FTHL), have denied the allegation of any industrial crisis in the hospital.The joint unions were reacting to the protest embarked on by the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), FTHL, demanding the immediate reinstatement of its suspended President, Dr. Jimoh Umar.The doctors claimed that the Federal Government through the Minister of Health, Prof. Ali Pate, has approved the reinstatement of the suspended President, and demanded for its implementation.However, the Chairman of JOHESU), John Umoche; Chairman of NANNM, Abdulmalik Idris and Chairman of Association of Hospital and Administrative Pharmacists of Nigeria, Dr Lawal Mohammed, FTHL, in a press Conference held in Lokoja, described the allegation as “unfortunate and inhuman”The unions collectively expressed confidence in the capacity of the current administration under the leadership of Dr. Olatunde Alabi, as the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FTHL.They noted that the unions in its emergency meeting of unit excos of JOHESU and NANNM dissociated themselves with the content of the publication in its entirety.The unions also refuted the claim that the FTHL was having only 43 doctors, stressing that the hospital currently has a total of 228 doctors.According to him, the 228 doctors comprised 49 residents, 86 consultants, 42 medical officers, 43 house officers (HOs), and 7 others.”The said publication is a complete opposite of the situation in Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja(FTHL)and the author does not mean well for the hospital and the inhabitants of Kogi State.”It is expected that every staff member of the hospital, especially the front line healthcare providers be seen to be of high moral standard and not be found wanting in this regard or be given opportunity to exhibit or continue to exhibit misconduct.”No one should be seen or be exempted so as not to create a wrong impression in the minds of other health workers which could be a recipe for future anarchy.”The hospital is being governed by the top management staff under the leadership of the CMD and decisions on issues brought before her are taken at that level after serious evaluation and consultation with the public service rules,and not by an individual.”The management of (FTHL) is doing her best within the available resources and has instilled discipline and guarantee peace and security within the hospital community.”This effort should not be frustrated as we have confidence in the capacity of the current administration under the leadership of Dr. Alabi Olatunde Oladeji.”Any individual or group who may have disciplinary issues should sort it out at the management level as it has always been with other members of staff,” the unions said.The unions, therefore warned that it would no longer condoned any act that would truncate the peaceful coexistence of members of staff of the hospital, saying, “We would vehemently resist this as no one is above the public service rules”.They called on the Minister of Health to use his good office to nip the situation in the board, adding that: “we urge President Bola Tinibu, and other stakeholders to disregard the false rumor of crisis rocking FTHL. Diri Pays Unscheduled Visit to Schools, Frowns at State of InfrastructureFrom Mike Tayese, YenagoaBayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri has expressed displeasure at the state of facilities in some public schools in the state.Speaking in Kaiama at the end of an unscheduled visit to Saint Jude’s Girls Secondary School, Amarata-Yenagoa, and the Ijaw National Academy, Kaiama in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, Diri said the government’s budgetary provisions and expenditure in the education sector do not match the reality on ground.The governor directed the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, to immediately take steps to address dilapidated structures in schools across the state.At the Ijaw National Academy, the governor noted the absence of sporting facilities as well as the uncompleted dining hall and directed the commissioner to ensure that the contractor returned to site.He restated the commitment of his administration to development of the education sector giving its importance to nation building.Diri said he will undertake more unscheduled visits to schools and other government departments to see things for himself and called on relevant officials to take more serious maintenance of public facilities.He said with the progress made by the state in external examinations such as the West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE) and the National Examinations Council (NECO), it was necessary to put the right facilities in place to enable the students to perform better.His words: “I have been to Saint Jude’s and I am here at the Ijaw National Academy. I am not satisfied with what I have seen.“If schools that are in the urban, motorable areas are in this state, how would those in the rural, riverine communities be like?”In this second tenure, I will pay unscheduled visits to our schools, hospitals and other important government agencies.“Students are very important. I am not happy with the state of dilapidation I saw at St Jude’s. We must strengthen supervision.”I have directed the Commissioner for Education to ensure that your school is rehabilitated. I have also directed that between now and Friday, the completed basketball court be handed over to the school authorities in Saint Jude’s. This is a school that has been doing well and has made our state proud many times in basketball.”The Highlight of the visit was the governor, who was a teacher, returning to the classroom at the INA to teach senior secondary students preparing for Government as a subject in the upcoming WAEC examination.
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has dissociated itself from the indefinite strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), FCT Wing, directing secondary school teachers and education officers to report to their classrooms and proceed with their normal duties.
The union’s stance was made public in a press statement issued on Wednesday by its State Executive Council (SEC) following an emergency meeting to review the industrial action called by the NUT FCT Wing.
Rejecting the stay-at-home order, ASUSS argued that the academic destiny of students should not be compromised over industrial disputes, describing the strike action as premature and detrimental to educational stability in the territory.
Addressing the specific demands raised by the NUT, ASUSS offered counter-positions on the three primary issues driving the dispute.
ASUSS stated that the vacancy requirement remains a statutory provision of the Public Service Rules (PSR) governing establishment control and financial planning, emphasizing that altering career structures requires administrative dialogue rather than coercion.
The union clarified that the administrative framework for affected teachers has already been resolved, noting that the 2025 promotion process is set to run concurrently with the 2026 promotion cycle under the FCT Civil Service Commission, as outlined in circulars released in September 2026.
ASUSS maintained that the redeployment of education agency directors to classrooms falls within management’s statutory prerogative to maintain administrative order.
ASUSS further alleged that the strike action was calculated to disrupt the scheduled 2025/2026 promotion examinations for FCT Education Officers.
In its final directive, the union urged all eligible Education Officers to participate in the upcoming promotion examinations according to the published timetable, while calling on parents and guardians across the FCT to send their children to school, assuring them that academic activities will continue uninterrupted.
Furthermore, the ASUSS FCT Chapter issued specific directives to secondary school principals, vice-principals, and education officers:
“All secondary schools must remain fully open for academic and administrative activities without interruption.
“Ensure that all teachers report to their respective classrooms to execute their normal duties and teach students diligently.
“Disregard any directives or instructions from unauthorized bodies aimed at disrupting the academic calendar.
“Monitor attendance and ensure a safe, conducive learning environment for all students who are innocent victims of unnecessary industrial disruptions.”
A senior lecturer at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State, Dr. Matthew Uwuigbe, has died under mysterious circumstances following an alleged sex romp with a sex worker in a hotel in Edo State.
It was learnt that the lecturer lodged in the hotel with the 21-year-old commercial sex worker identified as Angela Defa Jacob.
However, tragedy struck after the university don suddenly slumped and died during the encounter at the hotel located in Mosco area of Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.
The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Eno Ikoedem, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
She disclosed that three persons have been arrested in connection with the incident.
The command spokesperson said, “On October 5, 2026, at about 8 pm, the command received a report that Matthew Uwuigbe, a lecturer at Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, had lodged at a hotel in Ekpoma and engaged the services of a 21-year-old sex worker, Angela Defa Jacob.
“He subsequently sent the woman to purchase water for him, and upon her return, she found him lying dead in the room.”
She added that the hotel owner, the manager and the sex worker have been detained over the incident as investigation continues.
Ikoedem said the corpse of the victim has been deposited at the Oriaifo Memorial Hospital mortuary.
Yiaga Africa said 84 per cent of Nigerians intend to vote during the 2027 general elections, urging political parties to mobilise citizens to ensure they vote in spite of insecurity, distrust and vote buying threat to turnout.
Yiaga Africa Board Chairman, Hussein Abdul said this on Wednesday while unveiling its third National Voting Intentions Survey, based on interviews with 2,470 Nigerians across 36 states and FCT.
He said, Yiaga’s third voters’ intention study examines Nigerians’ readiness, motivations and expectations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abdul said insecurity, fears of election-related violence and low confidence in INEC, judiciary and security agencies could influence citizens’ decisions to vote.
He said the findings were not verdicts, but wake-up calls requiring INEC, security agencies, political parties, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to address identified concerns.
Abdul urged political parties to mobilise voters and strengthen civic education, saying low turnout undermines democracy in spite of more than 100 million registered voters.
The findings showed that 61 per cent of the respondents’ feared violence could prevent them from voting, rising to 78 per cent in the North-East, while 83 per cent wanted improved security.
The survey showed declining trust in INEC, with only 34 per cent confident of credible elections, while 63 per cent had little or no confidence in judicial resolution of electoral disputes.
It said 54 per cent disapproved of the President’s performance, while 71 per cent rated the economy poorly, with 49 per cent seeking leadership change as a voting motivation.
The report urged government and security agencies to strengthen election security, while INEC, judiciary, parties, media and civil society should improve credibility, voter confidence and combat vote buying.
Speaking on the report, Safiya Bichi, Head, Knowledge Management and Learning, Yiaga Africa, said: “Nigerians have not given up on democracy, but wanted votes to count.
Bichi said they see elections as their duty and they believe their votes can make a difference.
“What stands between that willingness and the ballot box is fear, distrust and money.
“Low turnout in Nigeria is a conversion problem, not an apathy problem and the responsibility for fixing it lies with the institutions and actors who control security, credibility and logistics.” Bichi said.
In a panel discussion featured at the launch, Ene Obi, Executive Director, Ene Obi Centre for Development said Nigeria would get it right and there would be more confidence if citizens vote and guard their votes.
The panel discussion was focused on ‘Intensions, Commitments and Pathways to Increasing Turnout’.
“We need to encourage citizens to go out and vote because this is their country, for civil society we are not worried about who wins but about the process, because the process must be fair and transparent.
“We must also take cognisance of those in the IDP camps and the areas they call ungovernable.”
Also speaking at the panel discussion, Chief Ezenwa Nwagwu, Executive Director Peering Advocacy and Advancement Center in Africa (PAACA), called on the media to highlight the positive side of the report of 84 per cent willing to vote.
He also called for investment in political reforms and not only electoral reforms, adding that the values and attitudes of politicians also affect election integrity.
Speaking on behalf of INEC, Victoria Efa-Mesi, Director Voter Education and Publicity called on Nigerians to do the right thing at all times, affirming that INEC was prepared for the 2027 elections.(NAN)
ASUSS Opposes NUT Strike in FCT, Urges Teachers to Ignore Stay-at-home Directive
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Chapter, has dissociated itself...
Edo Varsity Lecturer Dies after Sex Romp in Hotel
ShareA senior lecturer at the Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in Edo State, Dr. Matthew Uwuigbe, has died under mysterious circumstances...
Over 84 Per Cent Nigerians willing to Vote During 2027 Elections – Yiaga
ShareYiaga Africa said 84 per cent of Nigerians intend to vote during the 2027 general elections, urging political parties to...
PNC 2026: NCDMB, DMG Affirm Collaboration with Bayelsa, Unveil New Activities
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa As preparations intensify for the 2026 edition of the Practical Nigerian Content (PNC) Forum, slated for...
Tinubu’s $700 Billion Mineral Resources Deal With America at Whose Interest?
ShareBy Hajia Hadiza Mohammed For some time now the hottest issue of debate in the Nigeria media space has been...
Atiku’s Production Subsidy: Has politics overtaken economics?
ShareBy Kayode Oladele Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President of Nigeria and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, (ADC),...
2027: Governors’ Backing Boosts Tinubu’s Chances, says Presidency
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja The Presidency has said the growing number of governors backing President Bola Tinubu has strengthened his...
Security Operatives Rescue 20 Abducted NYSC Members in Imo
ShareBy Tambaya Julius, Abuja Security operatives have rescued 20 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were abducted...
Nigeria’s Oil Reforms will Unlock $50bn Deep Offshore Investments – Tinubu
SharePresident Bola Tinubu said recent reforms in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector are designed to unlock up to 50 billion...
Ododo Condoles Families of NAF Personnel, Armed Forces Over Ondo Crash
ShareFrom Joseph Amedu, Lokoja Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo has commiserated with the families of the Nigerian Air Force personnel...