Governors Behind Removal Of Deputies – Fmr Plateau Deputy Governor

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October 25, 2023

By Ayodele Oni

A former Deputy Governor of Plateau State, Prof Sonni Tyodern, has suggested clearly specified constitutional roles and functions for the Deputy Governor independent of the Office of the Governor to end crisis between them.

The former Deputy Governor noted that increasing fracas between Governor and his Deputy is unhealthy for Nigeria democratic growth as seen recently in Ondo and Edo States.

Delivering a paper with a theme, “Resilience, A Positive Mindset and Indefatigability as Essential Tools for The Deputy Governor,” in Jos, Prof Tyodern who is also a former Vice Chancellor, University of Jos, said the issue of succession should be handled in more democratic and transparent manner, adding that once, aspirants are given a level playing field, rather than being imposed, Deputy Governors are likely to cooperate and work with their Governors.

He pointed out that Governors should continually bear in mind, that they came into office on the same platform and a joint ticket with their Deputies, they should therefore operate as such and take each other into confidence.

“I believe that the framers of our Constitution provided for the two offices Governor and Deputy Governor because they believed that the two are relevant and necessary for the smooth running of our democracy.

“However, the extent to which the two are increasingly at each other’s throats is ease of concern, as they are becoming irritants to the smooth running of our democracy.

“The source of the friction between the two politicians varies from case to case, but invariably, they revolve round the issue of succession and what revolves round the politics of schedule of duties.

“As a newspaper editorial observed “very few governors assign their deputies supervisory roles over certain government ministries or agencies”, thus rendering them redundant and irrelevant.

“True, the constitution provides a basis of support for the office of the Deputy Governor by making a provision for its establishment. Indeed, as section187 states even the nomination of a gubernatorial candidate is incomplete without an accompanying Deputy.

“The processes of impeachment of a Deputy Governor although mainly a House of Assembly matter, the reality is that it is the Governor that pulls the strings behind the scenes particularly in determining what constitutes the critical issue “gross misconduct, for which the Deputy Governor is usually being charged.

“So much has been made about the issue of loyalty between the Governor and his Deputy to the extent that it is assumed that the decline in the loyalty of the Deputy to his Governor, is the bane of harmonious relationship between the two.

“The issue of loyalty needs to be put in context to be appreciated. More often than not, it is assessed within the context of succession plans, with a Deputy Governor who disagrees with his principal over the issue, particularly when he is interested in succeeding his principal, is seen as a betrayer who has committed sacrilege and to that extent, disloyal to his boss.

“It is usually forgotten that the Deputy Governor is also a politician and entitled to his own political aspiration. From all the above, it is clear that a Deputy Governor is only as relevant as a Governor wants him to be.”

Ekiti: Police Command Punctures Claim Of Insecurity By Students Body, Says Attempt To Blackmail Government

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Ayodele Oni

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October 25, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Police Command has faulted claim by Federation of Ekiti State Students Union, (FESSU) over security situation in the state, describing it as an attempt to blackmail the State Government.

Command spokesman, Sunday Abutu, in a statement on Wednesday said that the students body resorted to blackmail because the State Government did not yeild to their financial request.

The statement stated that “The attention of Ekiti State Police Command has been drawn to a correspondence released by the Federation of Ekiti State Student’s Union (FESSU) National body notifying their members of a change of venue for their National Congress from Ekiti State to Kwara State due to an observed security situation.

“The Command is not moved by this false, ill-conceived, unreasonable, politically motivated and selfish statement, as it is evident through available records that Ekiti State remains one of the safest States in the country till date.

“It would be recalled that sometime in August, 2023, the president of the same Union (FESSU), Mr. Abel Adewale Ajibade, in company of some of his executives paid a courtesy visit to the Ekiti State Commissioner of Police in his office where he gave so much accolades to the CP and the entire Command for the dogged and effective policing that has kept Ekiti State peaceful and safe.

“The President however, expressed their anger concerning how the Ekiti State Government has not been responding to their financial and other extraneous demands to support their members.

“He further stated that their members will embark on street protest or find alternative means of getting the attention of the State Government if nothing is done concerning their spurious and unrealistic demands.

“The Commissioner advised the team not to take laws into their hands rather, they should go through the right channel if they think they have a genuine case.

“It is therefore most ridiculous and patently mischievous for the architects of this falsehood to think this is the best way to get the attention of the government, not considering the negative implications it will have on the citizens and the entire State. The state will not in anyway succumb to cheap blackmail.

“The Command wishes to reiterate that the State is safe and never under any security threat as claimed by the organisers of this year’s FESSU National Congress.

“The Command implores the general public to disregard the misleading information as it will continue to work assiduously with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the peaceful atmosphere currently being enjoyed in the State is sustained.”

EFCC Boss Warns Corrupt Staff; Orders Them To Declare Assets

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James Orji

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October 25, 2023

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The declaration of assets is critical to fighting corruption in the country, Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has told his staff.

The EFCC boss said it’s in line with the agency’s employees to make their assets public, stressing that it’s part of international best practices.

A statement by EFCC spokesman, Dele Oyewale, quoted Olukoyede as warning staff that corrupt practices will not be allowed under him.

The commission’s boss also warned corrupt staff to desist, stressing that “dire consequences” await those caught in the act, adding that the country must show to investors that it prepared to fight graft.

Olukoyede gave the order on Tuesday at the commission’s head office in Abuja, the nation’s capital, the first major step he has taken since he was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the order is in line with the civil service regulations and procedures which require public officials to declare their assets.

According to him, “The EFCC is a creation of the law. We must do our job in line with the dictates of the law. This is standard international practice and we would ensure that it is our established norm.

“All of us are going to declare our assets; from level 17, downwards. I did mine, so there’s no reason for anyone to be afraid to do the same. Even the commission’s secretary did. You all may also have done it in the past, but there’s a need for all of us to do it again.

“We will declare our assets, and we are going to investigate it. We must live above board by setting the pace with good examples. As anti-corruption fighters, our hands must be clean, so we must declare our assets

“Investors must have confidence in the economy and we must help the country to be governed in an accountable and transparent manner. By doing this, it will offer us a new direction to redeem the image of the nation.

“Please, I beg you, let our hands be clean and put our house in order. Some may not like me, but I am going to do the right thing and treat everybody equally, irrespective of religion, ethnicity and region.”

The EFCC boss’ directive comes amidst suggestions among Nigerians that the EFCC is one of the most corrupt government agencies in the country because it’s widely believed that some of its employees have wrongly enriched themselves from assets seized by the agency.

The immediate past chairman of the agency, Abudulrasheed Bawa was accused of disposing of some assets seized by the agency, apart from serious corrupt practices under his watch.

Bawa who was sacked by President Tinubu in June, has not been charged but is currently in the custody of the Department of State Services, DSS.

Meanwhile, not a few Nigerians have demanded that President Tinubu and his vice, Kassim Shettima declare their assets, to show that they are serious of combating corruption.

The late President Umaru Yar’adua was the only Nigerian president who made his assets public while in office.

Appointments: Tinubu’s Nepotism, Worse Than Buhari- Abaribe

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James Orji

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October 25, 2023

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Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being nepotic when it comes to making government appointments.

The senator representing Abia South made the allegation on Tuesday in Abia, saying the incumbent has implemented in breech the federal character principle which says public appointments must be shared fairly among the country’s geo-political zones.

Recall that former President Muhammadu Buhari was trenchantly criticized for favouring his kinsmen from the North with juicy government appointments while in office.

Abaribe, however, stated that President Tinubu has broken the record set by the former leader.

For instance, the senator, who spoke on a radio progamme in Umuahia, the state capital stated that at least “22 critical positions” were made by the president to favour his kinsmen from the southwest part of the country.

He said; “When Buhari started this ethnic concentration of positions; I was one of the first people to shout at it. At that time in 2016, it was very clear that Buhari was going a route that nobody had seen in this country, appointing those from his ethnic divide and religion.

“But we said that this was setting a wrong precedent for the country. We continually preached against it. We said this would be an ill wind that would not blow Nigeria any good. Now this is several years later, we have seen where this has collapsed the economy. We have gotten to a situation where the present government of President Bola Tinubu which we thought was going to repair the damaged psyche of Nigerians, is actually doubling on what Buhari did.

The president has broken the record set by his predecessor, adding that other parts of the country are holding the short end of the stick when it comes to government’s critical appointments.

Abaribe stated: “The Igbo have a saying that if a bad practice stays long, it becomes a custom. It became a culture for Buhari to concentrate appointments in his zone, and now Tinubu has continued it. It is like Tinubu saying if Buhari could do it, why can’t I do, he is even doing more than Buhari did.

“Most people who come from Buhari’s place are now finding it more difficult to complain because this is what they enjoyed in their own time. I remember a friend of mine who said, to leave Buhari to appoint who he wants, even if it is going to be from one village, so long as it will lead us beyond where we are today.

“We told him it was not going to be possible. Today, the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu has done the same thing. You can count 22 critical positions, all the positions in the financial sector and too many are from his side.

“Let’s look at the federal character says that you are not supposed to govern in such a way to make every other person not have confidence and bring out a sense of loyalty to the people. There are 6 zones in Nigeria, out of the 6 zones, only South East continues to have just the constitutionally provided number of ministers. The South East has 5 because we have 5 states, but every other zone has more than what they are supposed to have. South West has up to 10 ministers; North West up to that number, South-South has about 9 ministers. You know have a bloated cabinet.

They are all there and ensuring that each zone gets far more than what they are supposed to get according to the constitution which states that each state is supposed to be represented by a minister. So, this tells us that the number of ministers we are supposed to have is 36 plus the one from the FCT which makes it 37. So, the maximum should be 37, but now we have close to 50 ministers.

“In all these excess, it is not also spread equally; the South West has preponderance, the North West too, then the North East before the South-South. The South East is left out and what everybody thinks is that you can do all these and get away with it. I’m telling you that from history when Buhari did it, it didn’t augur well for him and make the country better. Rather, it made the country worse, Tinubu’s government is following suit and definitely, it won’t make the country better. This is because you have to bring everybody together; it will also give a sense of belonging to all. Federal character makes citizens have confidence in the administration of the country.

“The federal character has been observed more in the breach. The federal character principle is a law promulgated by the National Assembly which gave birth to the Federal Character Commission.”

The Interparty Advisor Council, IPAC, rights groups and prominent Nigerian had criticised the appointments made by President Tinubu since assuming office, saying that they favoured the South Western part of Nigeria.

Tinubu Directs Ministry, Agencies To Implement Tax Reforms

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James Orji

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October 25, 2023

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed federal government agencies, parastatals to implement all recommendations by the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform Committee.

The president set up the Taiwo Oyedele-led committee in June this year, to among other things, look into how the tax-Gross Domestic Product ratio could be increased to 18 percent.

The tax-GDP ratio in Africa is 10 percent.

Speaking after receiving the report from the committee on Tuesday, the president directed concerned government officials to ensure that the recommendations are implemented.

According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president directed his Adviser on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, to liaise with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF and Oyedele to give effect to the directive.

The officials must synergize, the president said in order for the recommendation to be fully implemented.

According to him, the directive to escalate the recommendations across government’s institutions is to ensure there is effective synergy and assimilation when it comes to their implementation.

“After listening to a presentation by the committee chairman, the President directed the Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman, to liaise with the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Chairman of the Tax Policy Review Committee to ensure that the recommendations of the committee are swiftly and immediately implemented across all ministries, departments, and agencies of the federal government to ensure that there is effective synergy and to ensure that every institution of the federal government is on the same page with respect to how tax policy will be implemented.

“Henceforth, His Excellency Mr. President has also made available an opportunity for the recommendations of the tax policy review committee to be made a top most priority at the next sitting of the Federal Executive Council meeting on Monday. Mr. President will continue to emphasise the importance of ensuring that our tax authorities are not taxing the seed, but are taxing the fruit and that will continue to be the focus”, he said.

Abuja Belongs To Middle Belt

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The Source

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October 25, 2023

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By The Middle Belt Forum

In response to Sheik Ahmed Gumi’s unprecedented, provocative, diatribe against Southern Nigeria, especially as it concerns political offices in Nigeria and who are most qualified to be appointed FCT Minister, the Middle Belt Forum, in a strongly worded statement, carried in full hereunder, puts the records straight . The statement is titled:

“SHEIK GUMI’S MENDACIOUS NONSENSE”

The attention of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has been drawn to a trending video clip by Sheikh Ahmed Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic Cleric noted for making a case for killer herdsmen across the country and negotiating payment of ransom for the release of kidnapped victims. We would have ignored Gumi’s outburst, but for the following cancerous interpretations deducible from the said video clips from other clerics also rendered in Hausa:

1 That it is wrong for a Christian infidel (arne) to be appointed Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

2 That the FCT belongs to the North therefore the Ministerial slot should be the exclusive preserve of the Muslim North.

3 That Muslims should not be comfortable with non-Muslims appointed to head the security agencies as they can’t be trusted to be fair to all groups.

It is noted that several other Muslim clerics have followed Sheik Gumi in spreading this vulgarity.

For purposes of clarity, the Middle Belt Forum, an organisation comprising the ethnic nationalities of the Middle Belt Region that stretches across the middle section of Nigeria, wishes to categorically state that the FCT is a part of the Middle Belt. Also, the Middle Belt Forum serves the peoples of the Middle Belt who are multi-religious (Christian, Muslim and Traditional worshipers) living peacefully together. The FCT was originally inhabited by the Gbagyi people who were dislodged from their ancestral lands by the Nigerian State to create the Federal Capital Territory that Gumi and his gang are now laying claim to. Gumi’s vulgarity is not just insulting the sensibilities of Nigerians, but a further display of the despicable arrogance associated with Gumi’s Fulani stock who have used state power to capture, manipulate and enthrone themselves over Nigeria and its resources.

We repeat that history is unequivocal that at no time were the Fulani aborigines (original inhabitants) of the FCT. This is documented and established by all verified Historical narrations. The list of the ethnic configuration of the FCT in all known literatures does not include the Fulani as indigenous to the FCT. Thus, the current noise by Gumi and his co-travellers is a failed attempt to stand history on its head.

As a Forum, we unambiguously condemn the messages contained in these trending video clips calling for the sack of Barr Nyesom Wike as the FCT Minister on account of his faith or where he hails from. That such calls are coming from Islamic preachers is unfortunate and reflective of a nebulous and subtle agenda aimed at enthroning a State Religion on Nigeria. God forbid! President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should not allow these religiously inflamed remarks by these preachers to go unprobed. Considering the roles Gumi in promoting negotiation with agents of banditry and insurgency, he should be quickly reined in to checkmate his evil and capricious activities.

As for the issue of headship of security organisations, we all are mere survivors of the horrible results of the eight years of President Buhari when all security agencies were in the hands of Gumi’s Muslim stock. In the face of their grim failure whereby the entire North-west, North-east and North-central zones became war zones and havens for kidnappers and criminal elements, it amounts to shameless drunkenness for Gumi to state that only Muslims have capacity to deal fairly with all groups in the country. Indeed it is clear that Gumi and his band of followers are hell-bent on igniting the monster of bigotry in a nation that is already set on edge. Of course, they are not happy that the evil eight years of Muhamadu Buhari’s nepotism and religious discrimination are over. No country would survive religious crisis of the magnitude Gumi and his gang are trying hard to plunge this country into. His Excellency, President Tinubu must act quickly and punish elements determined to unleash ethnic and religious war on the people.

Our Muslims brothers, especially from the North, have always resisted the conduct of a census exercise to determine the actual number of people and their various religious/tribal inclinations in the North and in the Country at large. The National Population Commission has been frustrated by the likes of Gumi not to conduct any credible Census because of the lucrative advantage the so-called North has in the lopsided skewed figures currently deployed in the Nigerian structure that gives them undue advantage over other parts of Nigeria. Inflammatory statements like that of Gumi and his type will end if the Nation conducts a credible electronic census that will automatically RESTRUCTURE Nigeria. It is our firm belief that a viable Census will end the tribal/religious acrimony often utilised by characters like Gumi to intimidate other Nigerians when advancing sectional ideals.

In times like this when government is engaged in rescuing the country from the claws of insurgents and bandits, religiously divisive comments by preachers like Gumi is an attempt to throw the country into religious war. The Forum wishes to reiterate that every Nigerian, irrespective of religious and ethnic affiliations, should enjoy the right to be appointed into public office. Wike is eminently qualified to be appointed into his present position as the FCT Minister. He does not represent any religion or ethnic group; he represents and works for the Nigerian people. Those who are uncomfortable with his appointment should better wake up and smell the coffee and realise that the era when religion played the winning card is over.

It is characters like Gumi and his co-travellers that give oxygen to religious bigotry and endanger Nigeria’s unity. Wike is now the FCT Minister, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. Gumi should be reminded that those who call for rain must remember that they, too, shall be wet when the rain finally falls.

Signed:

DR POGU BITRUS
(National President)

The Rule Of Law And The Credibility Of Leadership

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The Source

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October 25, 2023

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By Peter Obi.

Still on the identity crisis and controversies that have continued to haunt the Nigerian citadel of power since the February 25, 2023 presidential elections. There is this saying that: “It is not titles that honour men, but men honour titles”

The lofty titles that decorate people in power have little meaning if there is a hollowness and falsehood underneath them. Such titles as “President”, “Governor” etc which decorate those in public office mean nothing if they are not original and are fake if those who bear them have no honour to support the weight of the titles they carry.

In situations where there is public doubt as to the veracity and authenticity of these titles and the claims behind them, it is the role of the judiciary, when called upon, to uphold the honour of the titles through transparent rulings. It is only through such judicial interventions that the public can be protected from the tyranny of dubious and duplicitous characters and identity fraudsters.

In such situations, the judiciary has a bounding duty in this regard to protect the value system of the society. This is one of the obligations of an impartial judiciary in a democracy.

The rule of law remains the lifeblood of democracy in all societies and by whatever definition across time. It remains the foundation for all our basic rights as humans.

It is the rule of law that binds society together. The expectation by the high and the low alike that their rights will be protected and respected by fair judges in transparent courts is what keeps citizens’ loyalty and belief in democracy. People, irrespective of their station in life, approach the courts whenever they feel their rights are assailed in the expectation that fair courts will serve them justice according to law.

However, when the fairness of the judiciary is not assured and the transparency of judiciary operatives is uncertain, the rule of law will come under severe threat. Once ordinary people lose faith in the fairness of the judiciary, the rule of law is threatened. With it, faith in democracy comes under threat as well.

A society is endangered when the rule of the powerful when the rule of the rich and the mighty replaces the rule of law. When that obtains, Justice becomes a commodity to be traded on between the rich and powerful on the one hand and a cult of corrupt judiciary operatives on the other.

When a democracy lives based on faulty justice, it opens society to obvious dangers. Governments become subject to impunity and casual violations of the rights of ordinary citizens. The rich and powerful can trample on the rights of the lowly as there are no consequences for infractions or lawless acts. This can be the groundwork for a democracy to graduate into an autocracy.

US President Joe Biden could not be more apt when he said “For any young democracy, the most difficult but important step is burying the legacy of tyranny and establishing an economy and a government and institutions that abide by the rule of law.

A two-time Governor of Anambra State was the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the February, 25th, 2023, Election

LAHA Confirms New List Of Sanwo-Olu’s Nominees

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Akinwale Kasali

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October 25, 2023

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By Akinwale Kasali

After the controversy which trailed the earlier list sent by Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu to the Lagos State House of Assembly that led to a face off between Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa and the Lagos State Governor following the failure of the Lawmakers to confirm the Commissioner- Nominees, calm has returned.

The LAHA Lawmakers on Tuesday approved a list of nominees for the State Executive Council, SEC, and some agencies and parastatals.

At a sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House, the Lawmakers approved Kemi Ogunyemi as a member of the Executive Council.

The lawmakers also confirmed Peregrine Victoria Mopelola as Chairman of the Lagos State Teaching Service Commission while Ajenifuja Kafayat Adetokunbo was confirmed as a member of the Commission.

Others confirmed include:

* Mr. Aigoro, Musiliu Alade – Member, Lagos State Audit Service Commission;

* Mr. Sosimi Olubowale Oladimeji – Member, Lagos State Local Government Service Commission;

* Mr. Olanrewaju Mojola – Re-appiontment as the Director-General, Lagos State Safety Commission;

* Mr. Olagunju Cole – General Manager, Lagos State Number Plate Production Authority;

* Mr. Rasheed Muri-Okunola – General Manager, Motor Vehicle Administration Agency.

Their confirmation, through a voice vote, followed the presentation of a report by the Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Fatai Mojeed, who chaired the ad-hoc committee that screened the nominees.

Hon. Mojeed said the nominees were properly grilled and met the criteria to serve the State.

Ondo Govt Meets Demands Of Doctors, Releases Circular On Hazard Allowance, To Be Paid From October

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Ayodele Oni

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October 25, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Twenty four hours after the Nigeria Medical Association, (NMA) Ondo State Chapter threatened to down tools over the failure of the State Government to pay allowances of its members, the State Government has released the circular to effect the payment of 100 percent Hazard Allowance to the Medical Doctors in Government payroll.

The payment of the allowance will take effect from 2nd October, 2023, without arrears.

NMA Chairman in the State, Omosehin Adeyemi-Osowe had complained to Journalists on Monday that the allowance, approved since August, was yet to be paid.

The NMA Chairman called on Ondo State Government to commence immediate implementation of health workers’ hazard allowance to avert looming strike by medical doctors working in the State Government’s hospitals.

Adeyemi-Osowe pointed out that members working under the State Government have been patient enough over the failure of the Government to implement a 100 percent Hazard Allowance for them.

He declared that the Association may not be able to guarantee industrial harmony in the health sector, if the state government failed to release a circular for the implementation of the health hazard by Tuesday.

Dr Adeyemi said the Hazard Allowance, which had been approved since August this year, is being paid by the Federal Government and some other state Governments.

With the release of the circular on Tuesday, Adeyemi-Osowe thanked the Governor for fulfilling his promise and pray for his quick recuperation. He said this will in no small measure make work interesting for the doctors.

According to him, the State Government has again demonstrated that it is committed to the welfare of health personnel in the state.

He also enjoined the Governor to as a matter of urgency direct the speed up of the recruitment process of health workers as promised .

He added that the entry point of doctors as approved by the Federal Government will help in attracting young and active doctors into Ondo state health system.

Nigeria To Vaccinate 7.7 million Girls Against Leading Cause Of Cervical Cancer

By

The Source

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October 24, 2023

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Nigeria, on Tuesday, October, 24, introduced the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine into its routine immunisation system, aiming to reach 7.7 million girls. This is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region in a vaccination drive against the virus that causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer.

Girls aged 9–14 years will receive a single dose of the vaccine, which is highly efficacious in preventing infection with HPV types 16 and 18, which are known to cause at least 70% of cervical cancers.

In Nigeria, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44. In 2020 – the latest year for which data is available – the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

“The loss of about 8000 Nigerian women yearly from a disease that is preventable is completely unacceptable,” says Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare. “Cervical cancer is mostly caused by HPV, and parents can avoid physical and financial pain by protecting their children with a single dose of the vaccine. Saving lives, and producing quality health outcomes and protecting the wellbeing of Nigerians are central to the Renewed Health Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The onset of the vaccination campaign is an opportunity to safeguard our girls from the scourge of cervical cancers many years into the future. As a parent myself, I have four daughters, all of them have had the same HPV vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer. I’d like to implore fellow parents to dutifully ensure that this generation of our girls disrupt the preventable loss of lives to cervical cancer in addition to other untold hardship, loss, and pain.”

A five-day mass vaccination campaign in schools and communities will be carried out during the inaugural roll-out in 16 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The vaccine will then be incorporated in routine immunisation schedules within health facilities. The second phase of the vaccination introduction is set to start in May 2024 in 21 states.

The vaccine is being provided for free by the Federal Ministry of Health through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency with support from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners.

With support from WHO country office in Nigeria and other partners, more than 35,000 health workers have so far been trained in preparation for the campaign and subsequent vaccine delivery in all health facilities. Vaccination sites have been established in all 4,163 wards across the 16 states included in the phase one roll-out, to ensure no eligible girl is left behind. Mobile vaccination units have also been set up to ensure that remote communities can access the vaccine.

“This is a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s efforts to lower the burden of cervical cancer – one of the few cancers which can potentially be eliminated through vaccination,” says Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria.

“We’re committed to supporting the government increase access to the HPV vaccine to protect the health and well-being of the next generation of women.”

WHO recommends that HPV vaccination is included in the national immunisation programmes of countries where cervical cancer is a public health priority, where its cost-effective and sustainable implementation is feasible. As such, Nigeria has prioritised the addition of the vaccine to the country’s routine immunisation schedule.

Global supply shortages have slowed Gavi-supported vaccine introductions. These supply issues are now easing thanks to years of market shaping efforts to develop a more robust HPV vaccine market, and the single dose recommendation. Recognising this critical opportunity to reach more girls with higher levels of global HPV vaccine supply and renewed momentum towards accelerating efforts to prevent cervical cancer, the Gavi board approved the revitalisation of its HPV vaccine programme with an investment of more than US$ 600 million by the end of 2025. With the additional funding, Gavi and its partners have set an ambitious goal to reach more than 86 million girls by 2025, aiming to avert more than 1.4 million future deaths from cervical cancer.

“Every day, cervical cancer inflicts profound loss and devastation on families across Nigeria. It also disproportionately impacts the lives of women. And yet, it is a disease that can be prevented. With the HPV vaccine now available in Nigeria for eligible adolescent girls at no cost, communities now have the most effective tool to fight cervical cancer, and the nation has an opportunity, collectively, to save millions of lives,” says Thabani Maphosa, Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi.

More than 16 million girls could be protected in Nigeria alone by 2025.To support these efforts in Nigeria and in line with its goal to build sustainable immunisation programmes, Gavi is co-financing the cost of the vaccines and providing technical support for the introduction.

UNICEF has procured nearly 15 million HPV vaccines on behalf of the Government of Nigeria. Alongside this, the children’s agency has produced informational materials, including radio and TV jingles in multiple local languages to dispel misinformation and rumours. To further the outreach, UNICEF also supported academia and researchers with two rounds of readiness assessments to understand the population’s sentiments on the HPV virus and vaccine. Additionally, UNICEF has facilitated logistical support for vaccination campaigns and distributed cold chain equipment for vaccine preservation.

“In our shared quest for a brighter future, the introduction of the HPV vaccine in Nigeria represents a monumental stride towards safeguarding our girls from the grips of cervical cancer. This vaccine doesn’t just prevent a disease; it promises a life where our young women can thrive, unburdened by the spectre of this grave health concern. UNICEF, in collaboration with the government and other partners, is proud to be a key partner in this initiative, ensuring that every eligible girl, irrespective of her location or circumstances, has access to this life-saving intervention. Together, we are scripting a narrative of hope, resilience, and a healthier Nigeria.” says Cristian Munduate, UNICEF Representative in Nigeria.

For more information, please contact:

Cirũ Kariũki

Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance
[email protected]
+41 79 913 94 41

Anike Alli-Hakeem
United Nations Children’s Fund
[email protected]

Charity Warigon
World Health Organization
[email protected]
+234 810 221 0093