NEWS
FG Pledges Commitment to Advance Health Security of ECOWAS Region
By Aza Abba, Abuja
The federal government has pledged its commitment towards advancing efforts at fortifying the health security of the ECOWAS region through robust partnerships, innovative strategies and an unwavering dedication to collaborative excellence.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr.
Muhammad Ali Pate stated this at the opening ceremony of a 2-day workshop on establishing a Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), organized by the ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control (RCSDC), held in Abuja on Tuesday.Dr. Pate who was represented by the Director General of the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NSCDC), Olajide Idris stated that the sweeping impacts of climate change, rapid urbanization, recurring humanitarian crises and systemic vulnerabilities within the health systems have significantly amplified the risks posed by emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases that demand a united and dynamic response.
He pointed out that the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics have made it unmistakably clear that public health security is not confined by national borders but a regional imperative which collective experiences and resilience depends on the strength of shared systems, mutual trust and capacity for rapid and coordinated action.
The health minister maintained that Nigeria has demonstrated strong leadership through a unified Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) that streamlines governance and aligns all stakeholders under one cohesive strategy.
According to him, the ministry was playing a pivotal role in the process by prioritizing critical health needs and driving transformative reforms through the implementation of the Executive Order, the National Health Sector Renewal Initiative Program (NHSRIP).
He highlighted the significance of the establishment of TAC, saying that it would be much more than a statutory body but also serve as a dynamic forum for the exchange of scientific knowledge and technical expertise, among others.
On his part, the Executive Director, ECOWAS RCSDC, Dr. Mamadou Diarrassouba said that ECOWAS health issues are crucial to regional economic integration, emphasizing that the establishment of the TAC was a strategic step to strengthen the governance of the agency in line with the ECOWAS Regulation that defines the creation and operational modalities of the RCSDC.
In his goodwill message, the deputy WHO country representative, Dr. Alexander Chimbaru reaffirms that WHO stands committed to saving lives and reducing suffering during times of crisis, whether caused by conflict, disease outbreak or natural disasters. He pledged to collaborate closely with countries and partners to rapidly identify, verify and respond to potential events of international public health concern.
On his part, the DG, Africa CDC, Dr. Kokou Alinon said that TAC is expected to be instrumental in supporting the ECOWAS Regional Center for Surveillance and Disease Control to achieve its mandate. He urged council members to provide strategic guidance, technical expertise and support to the Regional Center as they work together to strengthen regional health security.
From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Isoko South Local Government Area has passed a resounding vote of confidence on President Bola Tinubu, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori and Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, citing their exemplary and visionary leadership.
The decision came over the weekend during the party’s maiden meeting following a wave of mass defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC in Isoko South. The event, held at the country home of Senator Joel-Onowakpo, witnessed an unprecedented gathering of political heavyweights and stakeholders from the eleven wards within the local government area.Prominent figures at the meeting included Chief Lucky Esigie, APC Isoko Nation Leader; Rt. Hon. Johnson Erijo, Chief of Staff to the Delta State Governor; Odio Askia Ogeh, former DESOPADEC Managing Director; APC LGA Chairman, Comrade Egbogbo Vincent; Rt. Hon. Onwo Ferguson, Hon. Bino Obowomano, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh, and several others.In his keynote address, Senator Joel-Onowakpo emphasized party unity and clarified the leadership structure of the APC in Delta State.He stated that the APC recognizes Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as its leader in the state, aligning with the directives of the Presidency and the national leadership of the party.“The Delta State Governorship is not vacant,” Senator Joel-Onowakpo declared. “We have an administration that is focused on delivering the dividends of democracy, and we must give it the necessary support to complete its mandate.”The Senator, who chairs the Senate Committee on Local Content, further called for a unified front within the party, discouraging any form of division or discrimination between new and old members. He also tasked party organs, particularly ward chairmen, with ensuring a smooth registration process for new entrants.The highlight of the meeting was the formal motion of a vote of confidence, moved by Hon. Ferguson Onwo, Member representing Isoko South Constituency II, and seconded by Dr. Sylvester Onoyona, APC’s 2023 House of Representatives candidate. The motion received unanimous approval through a thunderous voice vote, signaling widespread support for the trio.Attendees described President Tinubu, Governor Oborevwori, and Senator Joel-Onowakpo as “leaders who have distinguished themselves at their various levels of assignment.”The meeting also served as a platform to strategize for the 2027 general elections, with calls for cohesion, grassroots mobilization, and internal discipline within the party.Other notable leaders present included Hon. Barr. Lucky Okperi, High Chief Iduh Amadhe, Hon. Austine Igbine, Hon. Benjamin Ogbalor, High Chief Lawrence Eduje, Queen Betty Efekodha, Barr. Powell Ojogho, and Rear Admiral John Kpokpogri (Rtd), among many others.The gathering reaffirmed the APC’s growing strength in Delta State and its preparedness to challenge for dominance in future elections.
From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State Government has reiterated its commitment to hosting a seamless and memorable Annual General Conference (AGC) of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) scheduled for August.The State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr.
Kingsley Udeh made this known during the first plenary session with the various sub committees tasked with organizing the high-profile legal gathering in Enugu. Udeh charged the committee members to work diligently and introduce innovative ideas that will ensure the 2025 AGC is not only well-organized but also sets a new benchmark for future conferences.He emphasized Enugu’s longstanding reputation as a pace-setter among Nigerian states in hosting major national events.Reflecting on past achievements, the Attorney-General recalled that the widely-adopted breakout session format was first introduced during Enugu’s hosting of the NBA AGC in 2003—a practice that has since become a standard feature of the conference.He also conveyed Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah’s enthusiasm about welcoming legal practitioners and judicial officers from across the country, describing the upcoming event as an opportunity to etch Enugu’s name in history once again. Udeh, who is the chairman of the planning committee and sub committees, confirmed that he will personally oversee the planning process to ensure the success of the event.With the right level of dedication and teamwork, we are confident that this event will set a new standard for professional gatherings in our state, he concluded.On his part, Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Legal Matters, Osinachi Nnajieze reaffirmed his commitment to ensure that the conference turns out to be a huge success.The Special Adviser and also Secretary of the Planning Committee, Nnajieze emphasized the importance of collaboration and dedication among members of the committee.He assured that all hands would be on deck to meet the expectations of the Attorney-General, who inaugurated the committee, said that we cannot afford to fail.“This conference has the potential to unlock significant investment opportunities for Enugu State and position us as a hub for legal and economic discourse,” Nnajieze declaredHe revealed that the committee would be strategically divided into two key sub-committees: the Secretariat and the Finance & Budget, and would work together to ensure seamless planning and execution.Nnajieze also stressed the need for every committee member to demonstrate commitment and accountability in fulfilling their assigned duties.
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Citizens of Osun State have been enjoined to ensure proper management of government assets in ensuring long-term benefits for both the present and future generations.According to the Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Osun State Assets Management Agency (O’SAMA), Alhaja Fausat Sarumi-Adebanjo while featuring as guest on the Imole Ayo programme which promotes the activities of the present administration in the state, explained that, the agency is tasked with disposing of unserviceable government assets, eliminating resource-draining property and overseeing the procurement of government assets.
The Special Adviser noted that proper asset management is a collective responsibility of all citizens as the government cannot do it alone, emphasizing that all government assets require effective management and regular maintenance to ensure their longevity.Alhaja Sarumi-Adebanjo explained that the government has regularized the documents of house owners whose property are built on government land across the state in such a way that, certain amount of money will be paid to the government coffers annually.The Ijesha born politician said, the agency resorted to regularization in order to create pain for those who had encroached government lands while warning the affected group of people to desist from the ugly act.The O’SAMA boss while urging the entire people of Osun not to relent on their efforts to ensure complete support to Governor Adeleke’s led administration said, the efforts of Asiwaju Adeleke in transforming the whole state cannot be over emphasised as betterment and welfare of the people of the state is very paramount to him.The weekly Yoruba simulcast programme is put in place by the office of the Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, to showcase the outstanding achievements of the incumbent Governor Adeleke’s led administration in Osun.
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