NEWS
Plateau Governor Awards Contracts for Renovation of 82 PHCs
From Jude Dangwam, Jos
Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang has awarded contracts for the renovation and upgrading of 82 Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.The development he said was part of his strategic effort to revitalize the healthcare system and address pressing healthcare challenges faced by citizens of the state.
The Governor stated this while presenting cheques to various contractors on Wednesday at the Twin Theatre, New Government House, Jos, the state capital. Mutfwang reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life of Plateau citizens, particularly the vulnerable population, as part of his vision to enhance productivity and drive economic growth.The Governor disclosed that the initiative is being funded under the IMPACT Project, a comprehensive program designed to create lasting improvements in the state’s healthcare system targeting four PHCs in each of the 17 Local Government Areas in order for equitable distribution of resources and services.The upgrades will include the construction of perimeter fencing, two-bedroom staff quarters, motorized boreholes, and the installation of solar panels to guarantee uninterrupted power supply for effective service delivery.The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cletus Bako Shurkuk further disclosed names of the contractors saddled with the tasks to include; Forest Engineering Ltd., MAICAT Nigeria Ltd., HALCYON General Merchant Limited, and Hope River International Limited.He described the initiative as a transformative intervention for Plateau’s healthcare sector which will Gona long way in the anal of the history of the state.Governor Caleb Mutfwang in a related development has welcomed the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, on a courtesy visit to the state on a detailed review session.The Governor noted with delight that Plateau State had hosted the World Bank delegation twice in less than a year, saying this is a testament to the growing partnership between the state and the global financial institution.Mutfwang emphasized the importance of strategic engagements with the World Bank, both locally and internationally, to share the “true Plateau story.”He highlighted several impactful projects under discussion; particularly those targeted at rural communities, and commended the World Bank’s commitment to initiatives that foster sustainable development in the state.He reaffirmed his administrations’ resolved to collaborate with the World Bank and other reputable organizations to lift Plateau State out of poverty and drive meaningful progress.The World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop in his remarks, commended Governor Mutfwang’s exceptional leadership, describing it as instrumental in strengthening the partnership between Plateau State and the World Bank.He commended the Governor’s proactive approach in fostering a productive relationship with the World Bank, while expressing his admiration for the peaceful environment, scenic beauty, and a vast tourism potential the state has. He was reassured of the readiness of the World Bank’s in supporting transformative projects that will have enduring impacts on the lives of Plateau citizens at all times.
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Human Development Council at the Government House. He stressed that human capital remains the true wealth of any nation and a core priority of his administration. The Council is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, and includes State Executive Council members and heads of MDAs.
Also represented are the legislature, local governments, traditional rulers, church leaders, and civil society organisations. Mbah explained the Council aligns with his government’s emphasis on human development and social investment. He urged the members to take the task seriously and work towards tangible outcomes. “One of our top priorities is eradicating poverty and reducing the poverty headcount to zero,” Mbah noted. He added that the government’s philosophy prioritises human capital over natural resources. “Our last two budgets allocated over 50 per cent to social services,” the governor stated. In his response, Ossai assured the governor of members’ commitment to the Council’s goals. He emphasised that all government initiatives — from schools to roads — are people-focused. “All our projects aim to improve lives, and the Council will help us track and measure progress,” Ossai said. (NAN)
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017. He mentioned withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction. In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled. He highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University. According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale. On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples. Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable. He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity. To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. “Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said. He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle. “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. “We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said. (NAN
The Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the personal invitation to President Bola Tinubu by Pope Leo XIV to attend his inauguration as a reflection of Nigeria’s great stature in the comity of nations.Mr Emeka Nwankpa, the Chairman of TMSG, in a statement on Saturday, said Tinubu was the first Nigerian President to attend a Papal inauguration in recent memory.
“When the Presidency announced that President Tinubu would be attending the inauguration of the Catholic Pontiff, Pope Leo XIV, it did mention that the Papal invitation by the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, underscored the need for the President’s physical presence. “For us, it represents the importance that the Vatican accorded the President and the country in the scheme of things, especially as the inauguration ceremony was to be Pope Leo’s first interaction with world leaders.“Indeed, the Pope had a brief interaction with all the international leaders in attendance, including President Tinubu, US Vice President J.D. Vance and President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine,” said the group.According to TMSG, Tinubu’s presence at the Pope’s inauguration is the first time in 20 years that a Nigerian leader would be attending a Papal inauguration.“In 2005, when Pope Benedict XVI was inaugurated, there is nothing on record to show that the then President Olusegun Obasanjo, a Christian, was at the event even though Nigeria had a delegation in attendance that year.“When Pope Francis celebrated his papal inauguration in March 2013, the Nigerian delegation was headed by the then Senate President, David Mark, who delivered former President Goodluck Jonathan’s congratulatory letter to the Pope.“But in President Tinubu, we had a Muslim, who not only accepted the Papal invitation, but also attended and told newsmen that his presence was consistent with the true sense of achieving unity in diversity,” said TMSG.The group said this was reassuring, more so as some Christians in Nigeria had expressed reservations about peaceful coexistence and religious harmony as a result of the President’s Muslim-Muslim ticket in the 2023 election.“We, however, note that in the course of President Tinubu’s meeting with members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, he reaffirmed his commitment to using ‘our diversity, not for adversity but for prosperity.’“It is also a good development that the head of the Catholic Bishop’s Conference acknowledged the President’s action in facilitating their attendance at Pope Francis’ funeral as well as the inauguration of Pope Leo,” TMSG stated.The group expressed hope that many more Nigerians would appreciate the president as a fair-minded leader, contrary to the pre-election impression sold to them by the opposition. (NAN)
Enugu Govt Sets up Human Development Council
ShareGov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Human Development Council at the Government House. He...
ASUU Demands Action, Threatens Nationwide Strike
ShareThe Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face...
Pope’s Invitation to Tinubu Reflects Nigeria’s Relevance in Global Affairs – TMSG
ShareThe Tinubu Media Support Group (TMSG) has described the personal invitation to President Bola Tinubu by Pope Leo XIV to...
Land Revocation: FCTA commences takeover of 4,794 properties in Abuja
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja 4,794 properties revoked over non-payment of Ground Rent, for between 10 and 43 years. Due to...
Strike Looms as ASUU Accuses FG of Endless Agreement Negotiations, Others
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has once again raised the alarm over the Federal...
FCT Prisons: 56 Inmates Freed, 33 Shiites Convicted- NCoS
ShareJustice Husseini Baba-Yusuf, Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, has discharged 56 inmates across two custodial...
Sales Rep Docked Over Alleged Stealing Motorcycle Valued N1.2m
Share The Police on Friday arraigned a 42-year-old sales representative, Surajudeen Lawal in Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged stealing Bajaj...
Police Deny Detaining Social Media Influencer in A’Ibom
Share The Police Command in Akwa Ibom says it did not detain, Mrs Blossom Williams, an Akwa Ibom-based social media influencer...
2027: I have No Presidential Ambition – Yahaya Bello
ShareFormer governor of Kogi, Alhaji Yahaya Bello on Friday said he won’t contest against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 because...
Tiv Monarchs Give Herders Ten Days Ultimatum To Vacate Tiv Kingdom
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Tiv Area Traditional Council during its emergency meeting held yesterday in the palace of the...
Arabic
Chinese (Simplified)
Dutch
English
French
German
Italian
Portuguese
Russian
Spanish