NEWS
Tinubu Okays Setting Up of Regional Coordinating Centre of Africa-CDC
President Bola Tinubu has approved the establishment of the Regional Coordinating Centre (RCC) of the Africa Centres for Disease Control (Africa-CDC) in Nigeria.
The President is the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership.
Tinubu’s approval of the siting of the Centre in Abuja is part of his larger effort to convey Nigeria’s commitment to regional and global health security, while promoting local economic opportunities in the health care delivery value chain and enhancing Nigeria’s and West Africa’s collective capacity to respond promptly to outbreaks which is vital to the overall well-being and stability of the African continent.
The Centre will also bring with it enormous socio-economic benefits in the form of enhancing aggregate national productivity and reversing human capacity drain, even as the ability of indigenous medical professionals and scientists will be bolstered to respond adequately to old, recent, and emerging diseases, not only in Nigeria, but across the continent.
Appoints Chief Medical Directors of Two Federal Medical Centres
President Tinubu also approved the appointment of Dr. James Enimi Omietimi as Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, for an initial term of four (4) years, and the reappointment of Professor Sa’ad Aliyu Ahmed as Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, for a second term of four (4) years.
Dr. Omietimi is an accomplished medical professional. He graduated from the University of Port Harcourt in 1994 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree (MBBS), and began his medical career with specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. He has held various leadership positions, including President of the Association of Resident Doctors and Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Bayelsa State. He is a fellow of the West African College of Surgeons and the International College of Surgeons.
Dr. Sa’ad Ahmed is a distinguished Professor of Pathology at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, concurrently serving as the Chief Medical Director of the Federal Medical Centre, Abuja, for four years during his initial tenure.
He holds fellowships from esteemed institutions such as the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, the International College of Surgeons (USA), the College of American Pathologists (USA), and the Central East and Southern Africa College of Pathology (South Africa).
The President expects that the newly appointed Chief Medical Directors, leveraging their vast experience and professional competence, will facilitate the consistent delivery of quality healthcare services to all Nigerians in tandem with the Renewed Hope Agenda of ensuring that all services in federal government hospitals are world-class, people-centred, and delivered in accordance with best industry practice.
Upgrade of Federal College of Dental Technology to University
As part of his dedicated efforts to build robust human resources for the health and social welfare sector, President Bola Tinubu has also approved the conversion of the Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy, Enugu, to a full-fledged University of Allied Health Sciences.
The Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy in Enugu will now be known as the Federal University of Allied Health Sciences, Enugu, and will be domiciled under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
This presidential directive comes at a time when President Tinubu, who doubles as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health, is set to train 120,000 frontline health workers nationwide within 16 months; to double the number of primary health facilities in local communities across all local government areas of the federation from 8,800 presently to over 17,000 over the next three years, and is doubling the number of health personnel graduating from accredited nursing and midwifery institutions over the next three years in order to meet the aspirations of Nigerians for accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services across the nation.
NEWS
Fire Guts Shop Destroys Goods, Monies in Ilorin
From Samuel James, Ilorin
Goods worth millions of Naira with huge cash from sales have been burnt into ashes during a midnight inferno that occurred at Akerebiata area of Ilorin metropolis in state capital.
It was gathered that an unfortunate incident happened around 12am during the weekend at a shop where engine oil, brake fluid motor and other associated products are sold.
Ahmad Toyib, the owner of the affected shop who shares the same building with his wife who is also into tailoring materials business lost all the tailoring equipment in the severely burnt.
In addition, all the cash sales made a day before the incident and POS machine were also completely razed down.
NEWS
CNS Says Forensic, Investigative Operations Key to National Devt
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Navy to uphold professionalism by continuously improving their skills and aligning with global standards in forensic and investigative practices.
CNS Ogalla assured that the Nigerian Navy is committed towards adopting global best practices in forensic and investigative operations to support national development.
He stated this during the combined graduation ceremony for three courses for the Advanced Provost Officers Course, the Advanced Detective Investigation Course, and the Outriders Course—held at the Nigerian Navy Provost and Regulating School in Makurdi, Benue State,
Ogalla, who spoke through Rear Admiral Noel Madugu, highlighted the importance of the training, explaining that the courses were designed to enhance the competencies of the officers and ratings graduating from the Provost and Regulating Department.
CNS however commended the graduates, particularly those from the newly introduced specialist programs, as pioneers in advanced forensics and investigative fields.
“As pioneers, the Nigerian Navy is proud of the milestone you have achieved as custodians of forensics and specialist investigators within the Service.
“Our hope is that you will build on the knowledge gained here through dedication and professionalism in your assignments, striving for greater excellence” he maintained
Earlier, Navy Captain Henry Ejeh, Commandant of the School, detailed the rigorous 10-week training program, emphasizing its focus on instilling best practices in law enforcement within and beyond the military. He noted that the program employed diverse methods, including classroom lectures, practical demonstrations, and training attachments, to ensure the students were well-prepared for their roles.
The ceremony underscored the Navy’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its role in advancing national security through cutting-edge forensic and investigative training.
NEWS
Kwara NSCDC Organises Medical Outreach, Award Night
From Samuel James, Ilorin
The Kwara state command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has organized a Medical Outreach, Security Summit and Award Night to mark its end-of-year activities in the state.
The event which was organized by the Tanke Division highlighted the Corp’s commitment to community service, security enhancement and the recognition of excellence.
The event started with a Medical Outreach that aimed at improving health and well-being of elderly residents in the Tanke community, as free medical tests were conducted to demonstrate the Corps’ dedication to social responsibility and care for the welfare of citizens.
The Security Summit, which followed, focused on strategies to enlighten neighborhood safety and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. It also centered its discussions on proactive measures to tackle security challenges and to enhance collective efforts toward ensuring a safe society.
The event also culminated in an Award Night to celebrate officers and stakeholders who have shown outstanding dedication, professionalism, and contributions to public safety.
While addressing the gathering, the State Commandant, Dr. Umar J.G. Mohammed, who was represented by the Area K Commander, ACC Kehinde Adebayo, extolled the officers for their unwavering commitment to duty, and explained that recognizing hard work and dedication is not only to motivate personnel but also to inspire excellence and strengthen service delivery.
In his remarks, the Tanke Divisional Officer, SC Oyinloye Yinka, explained the importance of the event, describing it as a platform to appreciate officers for their resilience and to encourage stakeholders’ involvement while reinforcing the Corps’ mandate of safeguarding lives and property.
Oyinloye further appreciated the stakeholders for their unwavering support, acknowledging that the division’s achievements were made possible through the collaborative efforts and partnerships.
The State Command however reassured of its readiness to sustain these initiatives and to deepen community engagement, and enhance operational efficiency in the years to come.