UNICEF Hails Bayelsa as Champion of Primary Healthcare Devt in Nigeria

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its deliberate efforts at improving primary healthcare delivery, especially in the area of immunization in recent years.

The Country Representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, gave the commendation, on Wednesday, when she led a delegation on a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.

Saeed said what she saw during her visit to some health facilities and her random interactions with some mothers in the state, corroborated the positive reports UNICEF has been receiving about Bayelsa in terms of immunization.

The special UN envoy, who described Bayelsa as champion of healthcare delivery and a shining spot in the country, noted that the state has achieved an impressive performance in its immunization indices from 2021 to date.

She attributed the improvement in the health indicators of the state to purposeful leadership, commitment and accountability being provided by the present administration.

While assuring the Bayelsa of UNICEF’s readiness for collaboration to improve nutrition for children as well as unlock resources for healthcare development in the state, the Country Rep, however, urged the Governor Douye Diri-led administration to sustain its efforts in the health sector.

She said, “We are really impressed with what Bayelsa is doing… Bayelsa State has also committed its financing of immunization campaigns from the state budget, and a special one (immunization) in-between.

“Also there is a monthly allowance and support you have continued to give from GAVI. These are some of the things that have really increased the number of immunized children and improved the performance of the state.

“In 2021, the number of children not immunized in Bayelsa was 71 percent; that means seven out of ten kids were not immunized. But between then and now, there is a big difference due to the leadership, commitment and accountability we are seeing in Bayelsa State.

“You have been a champion of primary healthcare and a champion of immunization. And I really look to have Bayelsa not only a champion of states in Nigeria but in our continent and the globe.”

In a response, Governor Douye Diri represented by his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, reaffirmed the determination of his administration to prioritize investments in the health sector.

He said plans were underway to review the state primary healthcare board law with a view to not only sustaining the extant primary healthcare funding model but also expanding it through effective private sector contributions, especially from corporate organizations operating in the state.

Diri thanked the Country Rep, Ms Wafaa Saeed, for her kind words of encouragement and also acknowledged the support of UNICEF, WHO, Bill Gate, Dangote Foundation and other development partners, noting that Bayelsa could not have recorded its present achievements in the health sector without their collaboration.

His words: “We also want to thank you profusely for supporting our programme. We thank UNICEF, the WHO, Bill Gate Foundation, Dangote Foundation and others for your support. We really appreciate what you have done for our state.

“As a government, we know where we are going. A man who knows where he is going cannot be misled. We are focused and will continue to redouble our efforts in the health sector.

“You talked about sustainability. That is very important to us, and so, we are looking at the principal law, which is the Primary Healthcare Development Board Law. We are looking at some areas of that law to bind the hands of whoever that comes after us.

“That is to ensure that even if the administration after us will not have the motivation and passion to provide leadership for primary healthcare like the present governor is doing, the law will compel them to do so.”

The UNICEF Country Representative was accompanied on the visit by the Chief of Field Service, Judith Leville, UNICEF Health Consultant, Dr. Makio Perekeme, the Chief Field Officer, Anselm Audu and a health specialist, Eghe Abe, among others.

Mutfwang Pledges Support for Minister of Defence in Fight against Insecurity

From Jude Dangwam, Jos

Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has paid a courtesy visit to the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Gen. Christopher Gwabin Musa (Rtd), assuring him of his total and unwavering support in the collective effort to defeat insecurity in Plateau State and across Nigeria.

The Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere on Thursday disclosed that the Governor has expressed delight over Gen.

Mutfwang noted that the Minister’s vast experience and proven professionalism would significantly strengthen ongoing national security interventions.

“We must now focus on finding solutions to the challenges confronting us. Whatever has happened in the past should not deter us. The time has come for all of us to join hands and holistically address our security concerns,” Mutfwang emphasized.

The Governor reiterated his support for the establishment of State Police, acknowledging concerns about possible abuses, but stressing that the nation must collectively develop safeguards and ensure operational efficiency.

Gen. Christopher Musa expressed gratitude for the Governor’s visit, assuring him of a robust and productive collaboration in addressing security concerns in Plateau State and the country at large.

He commended Governor Mutfwang for hosting the Plateau Unity Christmas Carols and Praise Festival, describing it as a unifying initiative.

By David Torough, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu yesterday said Nigeria’s ambition to achieve a $1 trillion economy is tied to boosting productivity, nurturing innovation and equipping citizens, especially the youth, with globally competitive digital skills.

Speaking at the Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Nigeria National Impact Summit held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the President, represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said national prosperity does not come by chance but through deliberate investment in human capital.

Tinubu noted that in an era defined by rapid technological disruptions, countries that take the lead are those that strategically develop the capabilities of their young population.

“Digital skills now power growth across agriculture, healthcare, finance, manufacturing, education and public service.

“A strong digital workforce creates jobs, expands enterprise and positions Nigeria to compete globally. More importantly, it shifts our role from passive consumers of technology to active creators and exporters of talent”, the President said

He described the 3MTT programme as a clear demonstration of his administration’s commitment to economic transformation.

From over 1.8 million applications received nationwide to the emergence of new startups and tech-driven job opportunities, Tinubu said the initiative has already recorded a measurable impact.

According to him, the 3MTT programme is breaking the long-standing limitations of geography by extending opportunities to young Nigerians in rural areas, restoring their confidence that they can compete and excel in the global digital economy.

The President commended the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy for its implementation of the programme and acknowledged strong support from the private sector and development partners, including IHS Towers, MTN Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria, Google, Microsoft, Huawei, Moniepoint, UNDP and the European Union.

Despite the gains, Tinubu stressed the need for continuous collaboration between government, industry and development partners to sustain the nationwide digital skills transformation.

“To the young Nigerians gathered here, and the millions you represent, we believe in your capacity and your future. Through initiatives like 3MTT, we are building genuine platforms for progress, not ceremonial commitments”, he said.

He said the Nigeria of the future must be powered by skilled hands and innovative minds capable of driving the country’s next phase of economic growth and shared prosperity.

The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr Bosun Tijani, in his presentation, said the 3MTT initiative has trained about 135,000 Nigerians in the past two years, with many securing well-paid jobs in tech firms or gaining opportunities for foreign study in countries such as China and the United Kingdom.

He revealed that over 1.8 million youths registered for the programme within its first month, demonstrating the strong interest of young Nigerians in digital career pathways.

Tijani said President Tinubu’s commitment to digital infrastructure remains unmatched, noting that the President approved the deployment of 4,000 telecom sites to rural communities to connect 23 million unserved Nigerians to the internet.

According to him, projections indicate that by 2030, about 170 million tech-driven jobs will be available globally, and Nigeria must position itself to take advantage of these opportunities.

Highlighting support from partners including Google, Microsoft, IHS, Huawei, MTN, UNDP and the African Development Bank, the Minister said 3MTT is open to all Nigerian youths regardless of background.

He disclosed that the NCC has provided N1.5 billion worth of laptops and digital devices to participants, and that 15,000 direct jobs have already been secured by beneficiaries following their training.

Tijani called for greater private sector participation, saying the programme now has community managers across the 36 states and the FCT, and over 600 facility agents working in the 774 local government areas.