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Uzodimma Celebrates Yuletide For Imolites With Free Medical Mission

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma- Governor of Imo State

As part of his largees for Imo citizens this Yuletide, Governor of Imo State, Dr. Hope Uzodimma has assembled a team of 30 medical experts from the United States of America who are collaborating with their counterparts in Nigeria to provide free medical services to the people.

Tagged the Imo Medical Mission, the free medical services will see the doctors carrying out all manner of complicated medical issues requiring surgical operations on their patients at three major locations – Imo State Teaching Hospital, Orlu, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Umugumma, Owerri and Michael Uzodimma Memorial General Hospital, Omuma.

Three other Satellite venues for the free medical services are: Ekeoba Health Centre, Owerri, Nwaorieubi Heath Centre, Mbaitoli and Orogwe Health Centre, Owerri, will serve as outreaches to attend to patients with not very complicated health issues.

The 30 health workers are led by Prof. Ngozika Nwaneri and include Internists, Surgeons, Pharmacists, Nurses, Implant Technologists, and Optometrists.

Dr Prosper-Ohayagha Success who is the Imo State Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Health Insurance and Social Services told newsmen Tuesday that the

scope of the outreach is majorly surgical.

“Fibroid surgeries known as myomectomies and all gynaecological procedures, Opthalmology surgeries, orthopedic surgeries, general surgeries, plastic surgeries, neck surgeries (goitre), neurosurgery and lumpectomies, paediatric and internal medicine,” the Commissioner said, will be carried out.

Explaining that the Medical Mission had been fully bankrolled by the Shared Prosperity 3R- Government of  Governor Uzodimma, Dr. Prosper-Ohayagha added that while the exercise will last for two weeks

(December 9 – 20), the overall aim is to meet the indigent Imo people who are challenged in one way or the other medically, at the point of their needs.

He added: “This Medical Mission has been slated by His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Hope Uzodimma to be part of the activities to mark the yuletide for Imolites this year and to cushion the catastrophic out of pocket expenditure in healthcare being experienced by Imolites in addition to the Health insurance coverage for civil servants and pensioners which he is already bank rolling.”

The Commissioner who noted that no less than 1000 patients had already registered for complex surgical operations, maintained that the exercise is completely free.

Road Construction Takes Largest Share Of Edo’s N605 Billion 2025 Budget

By
Ayodele Oni
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Governor Monday Okpebholo presents budget

By Ayodele Oni

The sum of N162 billion of the 2025 budget of Edo state for 2025 has been allocated to road construction across the state.

Governor Monday Okpebholo disclosed this on Tuesday while presenting N605. 7 billion budget estimates to Edo House of Assembly for the 2025 fiscal year, representing 25 per cent increase from the 2024 budget.

Presenting the budget christened “Budget of Renewed hope for a Rising Edo” to the Assembly in Benin, Okpebholo said capital expenditure would take N381 billion, representing 63 per cent while recurrent had N223 billion, representing 37 per cent.

Okpebholo noted that his administration planned to make huge difference in the road sector with the appropriation of N162 billion to road construction across the state.

He appropriated N48 billion for Education, while N500 million was appropriated to Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma as monthly subvention to ensure its revival.

The governor also appropriated N63.9 billion to the health sector, N1.8 billion was set aside for the Health Insurance scheme, with N4.5 billion budgeted for Agriculture sector.

He further stated that his administration recently purchased 20 patrol vehicles to assist the security personnel in their work and plan to purchase more in the coming year.

Receiving the budget estimates, Speaker of the Assembly, Blessing Agbebaku assured the governor of the house expeditious passage of the budget.

Agbebaku also assured of the house’s resolve to work with the governor for the good of Edo people.

Okpebholo had earlier before Tuesday’s budget presentation hosted the lawmakers, who are mainly members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the government house in Benin.

Ondo: Gov Aiyedatiwa Presents N655 Billion Budget For 2025

By
Ayodele Oni
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Gov Aiyedatiwa Presents Budget

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday presented a budget of N655.230 Billion for 2025 to the state House of Assembly.

Addresding the lawmakers, Aiyedatiwa pointed out that the administration has set a path to socio-economic recovery in the 2025 Budget of Recovery, with a bold resolve to break new grounds that will usher in prosperity for the people of Ondo State.

Christened Budget Of Resilience, substantial percentage of its funding is revenue from the federation account, has as its objectives among others, sustainable food security; sustenance of Human Capital Development drive of the current administration; Increased investment in infrastructure; Refocused drive on Independence Revenue (IR) generation.

“The above objectives are to be achieved by the deployment of the following strategies: Development of Agricultural value chain through easy access route and enhance rural security; Ensure provision of farm inputs and encouragement of mechanised farming; To have healthy, educated and productive citizens through strategic allocation and management of resources.

“Others are Aggressive road rehabilitation and maintenance;Grow IR by a minimum of 20% every year from 2025-2027; Prioritizing community-based utilities and transforming rural economy through massive construction of rural amenities; Combating Gender-Based Violence and give support to people with special needs;Strengthening the State’s security architecture;  Drive establishment of Port – Ondo.”

The governor announced that “in line with the long term objective to start allocating more funds for capital by year 2025, we were able to achieve that desired goal as 62% of the present budget is allocated to capital development.

“The 2025 estimate is prepared after a very deep analysis of world economic outlook as well as their implications for the national economy and ultimately of their State.

“Mr. Speaker, in arriving at our revenue Projections for the 2025 Fiscal year, we are cautious of the various challenges posed by the present economic realities that are staring us in the face, including fluctuations in global market trends, rising inflation and competing demands for limited resources, all of which necessitate prudent fiscal manage.

“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, our focus remains unchanged in our quest to have an economic template for the development of our dear State.  However, the emphasis will be on programme linkages.

“We no longer encourage stand-alone visions; we need an integrated approach.  Policies, programmes and projects from the various sectors will have to handshake with each other and build bridges towards the wholesome repositioning of the State’s economy.

“On the expenditure side, Mr. Speaker, we have taken note of the fact that the development rarely occurs in silos.

“We have, therefore, adopted an integrated approach such that each organ of government would complement others to stimulate the organic synergy required to catalyze our developmental resurgence.

“To this end, funds were allocated looking at sectoral requirements and needs with a view to minimizing overlaps and allocation inefficiencies.”

President Tinubu Woos Opponents, Sues For Peace, Says ‘They Are One’

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bola Ahmed Tinubu = President

By Akinwale Kasali

Following series of criticisms from his political opponents against his administration, President Bola Tinubu has urged them to partner with his government in bringing development, progress and stability to the country.

On Tuesday, Mr President sued for peace and unity in the country saying even though people may have different political inclinations, Nigerians are one.

He said this when he commissioned the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Technology Innovation Complex, BATTIC, at the headquarters of the  Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, in Sauka, Abuja, the nation’s Capital.

He said Nigerians are all occupants of one building who are only living in different rooms.

He urged Nigerians to shun political affiliations, religion, culture, tribe and language, but coexist peacefully and allow the nation witness tremendous development and growth.

Work On Abia Airport Finally Takes Off, Amidst Resistance

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Abia State Governor

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Baring any last minute changes, the Abia State Government has informed that it will flag off the construction of an  Airport for the State come Tuesday December 17, 2024.

This is even as opposition from the host communities  continue to grow against the site for the proposed project.

At a media briefing Monday evening December 9, Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu said Governor Alex Otti, alongside the Minister for Aviation ,Festus Keyamo, will perform the ground-breaking ceremony.

He assured that all necessary arrangements have been concluded for a smooth take off of the  airport project to be sited in Nsulu area in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government of the State.

According to him, although the issue of constructing an airport was initially not  a priority project for the administration, however, it had to partner with the Federal Government to upgrade its planned airstrip for the State  to an airport.

The Source reports that about four months ago, during an inspection tour of the proposed site for the airstrip by Aviation Ministry officials and other stakeholders in the industry, Governor Otti,  had signaled the intention of the state Government to upscale the project to a full airport.

He had explained that since there are no much differences between an airstrip and airport, it will be  germane and more economical to rather collaborate with the Federal Government to have an Airport instead.

The Source further reports that while the Federal Government will provide the cost for an airstrip, the Abia state authorities will make available a counterpart fund that will be used to upscale the project to a full a airport.

“This unique partnership will lead to the construction of the requisite runways that would land bigger aircrafts when completed” the State Commissioner for Information noted.

He further disclosed that all relevant stakeholders and authorities in the industry are on hand to ensure a successful commencement of the project.

However, while all appear set for the kick-starting of the airport construction, the small matter of how to placate the host communities  remains unresolved.

As at the time of reporting, sporadic protest marches by a section of the host communities  against the take- over of their farm lands were ongoing .

For one, the Communities are resisting the attempt by the Abia State Government to appropriate another substantial part of their farm lands after collecting large expanse of lands for the twin projects of  Nsulu Dry Seaport and the botched former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu’s airport project.

The immediate past administration initially planned to construct an airport in the same area but had to jettison the idea based on “wise counsel” according to its officials.

The earlier sum of N 10 billion earmarked for the project was diverted to other more urgent needs, they stated .

Governor Otti, and his administration, however, have since declared the budgeted  N10 billion missing in a recent forensic audit report.

The communities and their  leaders,are said to be insisting that the Government should use the earlier donated land for which Certificate of Occupancy C of O has been issued for the project.

In the alternative,the communities  are  demanding the return of the earlier donated land , before they will let go another large expanse of their  farm land for same project .

At the last count , several  prominent  personalities from the host communities  ,including Hon.Uzo Azubuike ,a former Member of the House of Representatives ,and Chief Obinna Oriaku former Commissioner for Finance during the first tenure of former Governor Ikpeazu  have written publicly to express their disapproval of yet  another round of appropriation of the peoples’ farm lands

The people said they cannot allow the Government both at the  national and state levels to continue to seize their farm lands .

But the state Government has insisted that they are engaging with the communities  and their leaders with a view to ironing out any observed areas of disagreement.

Pastor Caleb Ajagba ,Chief of Staff to the Governor informed that Government has held meetings  with traditional rulers and other stakeholders on the plan to site the airport in the area .

The Governor’s Chief of Staff ,noted that contrary to wide spread opinions, the Government at a meeting held at Palace of Eze Christopher Ebere in Umuomaifa ,Isiala Ngwa North Council obtained the nod of the community heads .

He maintained that  Government has so far tried to carry along all  stakeholders in all  the processes in the airport construction project .

According to him ,Government is not aware of any opposition from the host communities .

” There is no opposition to the project among the leaders ,but this meeting was to prepare their minds towards receiving the Government’s delegation that would be visiting to interface  with the Community starting from Tuesday December 10, 2024 .

The Government at present is cutting traces at the site ,and when completed ,would identify the real owners  of the areas chosen and would then pay compensation to them before work commences ” Ajagba assured .

Breaking: Farotimi Denied Bail, Court Adjourned Case Till December 20

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dele Farotimi

By Akinwale Kasali

The joy of Human Rights Activist and Lawyer, Dele Farotimi to enjoy freedom through bail has been cut short.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State has denied him bail.

Farotimi was arraigned in Court for alleged defamation of the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), Aare Afe Babalola.

In his ruling, at the resumed sitting on Tuesday, the presiding Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, adjourned the application of bail to December 20 after the counsel to the Police, Samson Osobu, proved that the bail application submitted by the defendant was incompetent and irregular.

It would be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Ekiti, on Monday,  granted Farotimi Bail in the tune of N50 million with the two sureties in like sum.

Details Later…..

Taraba Approaches ECOWAS Bank, ADB, Afreximbank, For N2 Trillion Loan

By
Ayodele Oni
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Agbu Kefas- Governor of Taraba State

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to make the state less dependent on allocation from federation account, Taraba State Government has moved to source for $1.5 billion (N2 trillion) from foreign banks to drive economic growth.

The State Commissioner for Energy and Economic Development, Naomi Tanko Agbu, who disclosed this, stated that the state  Internal Revenue Service (TIRS) is equally targeting an Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of N110 billion by 2029.

Speaking during an interactive session with stakeholders in Abuja, organised by the Taraba State government with critical stakeholders, Agbu pointed out that the state is facing challenges of insecurity and economy.

“One of our key steps is to engage our key partners to build critical infrastructures for opportunities and enhance economic activities. As we prepare for the 2025 budget, I want to share some insights with you. We are prioritising education, welfare and infrastructure. Every kobo spent will be accounted for.

“The challenges we face are much and so are the opportunities. Taraba is not a poor state. What we need today is collective efforts. Development requires that all hands must be on deck.”

The Commissioner said the State government has already commenced discussions with the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development; African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Development Bank to raise the funds.

Agbu explained that the funds would be channeled into key sectors of the economy, including renewable energy, agriculture, and solid minerals.

According to her, investing in power was critical to the economic survival of Taraba State.

“For the ECOWAS bank, we’ve gone to an advanced stage, and right now we’re proceeding to board approval and presentation for our approval of some of the projects that have already been detailed.

“For Afreximbank, We’ve commenced document exchange with them and for the African Development Bank, we’re going to continue with the engagement. And we will be meeting with the Country Managing Director of African Development Bank to further the progress of Taraba state.

“Across all these financial institutions, what is the target? And I had to pause, because when we begin to talk about numbers, I’ve told you about 10 megawatts, I’ve told you about 35 megawatts, and I’m telling you, it will cost me $1.5 million to get one watt.

“So across those financial institutions, our target is to raise not less than $1.5 billion which is over N2 trillion to inject into the economy of Taraba state.

“You might say the number is high, but if we don’t do it now, when are we going to do it? I, as a youth, a number of things breaks my heart that coming to my own home state, five Local Governments are not connected to the national grid.

“If we don’t do it now, we won’t be able to secure the future for our children, and I know that is what His Excellency, our governor understands keenly.”

Agbu further revealed that the State has successfully passed its own electricity law, known as the Taraba State Electricity Law 2024, which gives it power to establish its own Electricity Regulatory Commission, generation company, distribution company, rural electrification board, and electricity infrastructure provision fund.

She added that this is a significant development, given that 80 per cent of Nigeria’s power is currently generated in the South, with only 20 per cent coming from the North.

The Commissioner, however said that the current allocation from the national grid is not commensurate with the needs of Taraba State.

Court Refuses Bail For Fmr Kogi Gov Yahaya Bello

By
Ayodele Oni
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Yahaya Bello

By Ayodele Oni

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has refused to grant bail request by the immediate past Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, who is currently standing trial on corruption charges.

The court on Tuesday presided over by Justice Maryann struck out Bello’s bail application on the ground that it was filed as of the time the former governor was yet to be taken into custody by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The application was filed on November 22, while the former governor was taken into custody by the anti-graft agency on November 26 and arraigned on November 27.

On November 27, the former governor was arraigned before Justice Anenih-led court.

Bello was arraigned alongside Umar Oricha and Abdulsalam Hudu in a 16-count charge filed against them by EFCC.

In the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/778/24, the former governor was charged with criminal breach of trust in respect of the sum of N110,446,470,089, among others.

Building a Stronger Nigeria Through Health, Transparency, and Human Rights

By
The Source
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Ambassador Richard Mills - US Ambassador

By Ambassador Richard M. Mills, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria

 

Every December, we mark three international observances that are at the heart of the U.S.-Nigeria partnership: World AIDS Day, International Anti-Corruption Day, and Human Rights Day.  While distinct, these commemorations underscore a simple truth – Nigeria’s path forward requires progress on health, good governance, and human rights.  The United States remains your steadfast partner on this journey.

For two decades, the United States has stood with Nigeria in the fight against HIV/AIDS under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR).  The U.S. government has invested more than $8.3 billion in Nigeria’s health sector and provided life-saving anti-retroviral treatment to more than 1.5 million people.  These numbers represent improved life expectancy and quality of life for these Nigerians and their families.  In clinics across Nigeria, I’ve met dedicated healthcare workers who deliver HIV prevention, treatment, and care, supported by the resources of the American people.  This work has done more than save lives – using HIV as an entry point, Nigeria’s health system has also benefited.  As Nigeria’s health system is strengthened, this important work will be led by government and engagement with the private sector to sustain the gains.  This commitment was reinforced during Ambassador Nkengasong’s recent visit, where his discussions with Nigerian health officials focused on how the Government of Nigeria would sustain the HIV health programs with strengthened Nigerian leadership and local ownership.

But positive health outcomes depend critically on good governance.  When medical supplies are diverted, when healthcare workers go unpaid, when facilities buy dangerous, counterfeit medications or lack resources due to mismanaged funds, it costs lives.  This is why the United States supports numerous initiatives, not only in the health sector, to enhance transparency and accountability in Nigeria.  Our programs work directly with government agencies and civil society organizations to strengthen fiscal responsibility with the goal of the state ensuring resources reach their intended beneficiaries.

The success of these efforts rests on respect for human rights and civic engagement.  When members of marginalized communities face discrimination in accessing healthcare, when citizens fear reporting blatant corruption like the need to pay for appointments or ‘free’ healthcare, or when vulnerable populations cannot advocate for their needs, development falters.  Through our partnership with Nigeria, we promote the rights of every person to access essential services and enjoy fundamental freedoms without fear or discrimination.

These three areas – health, transparency, and human rights – reinforce each other.  Consider the results: U.S.-supported initiatives have helped strengthen pharmaceutical supply chains, reducing theft and ensuring safe medicines reach patients.  Our human rights programming has empowered civil society organizations to advocate for marginalized communities, leading to better access to health services.  Our health system investments have created platforms for transparency that benefit all sectors.  And, perhaps most importantly, according to a recent survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Nigerians are both more frequently refusing to pay bribes and reporting bribe seekers to investigative journalists and rule of law authorities.  A shift in norms is beginning to take root and must continue.

The U.S. Embassy stands ready to support Nigerian voices pressing the fight against corruption in Nigeria.  To Nigeria’s government officials, civil society leaders, healthcare workers, and citizens:  your dedication to building a stronger nation inspires us.  Together, we can continue to advance the interconnected goals of better health outcomes, good governance, and human rights for all Nigerians.  Challenges remain, but the work we’ve done together shows what could be possible on a larger scale across these crucial domains.

As we mark these December observances, let us use this moment not just for reflection, but for renewed commitment and action.  The United States continues to stand with the Nigerian people as they carry out this essential work with their elected government.

Ghana’s Democratic Triumph: A Call to Action for Nigeria’s 2027 Elections

By
The Source
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Comrade James Ezema

In a heartfelt statement released today, the Conference Of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has extended its warmest congratulations to Ghana’s President-Elect, emphasizing the importance of learning from Ghana’s recent electoral success as Nigeria gears up for its own 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by its Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Comrade James Ezema, the CNPP highlighted the need for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a leader in democratic governance in Africa.

“The recent victory of Ghana’s President-Elect is a testament to the maturity and resilience of Ghana’s democracy,” the CNPP stated. “As we celebrate this achievement, we must reflect on the lessons that Nigeria can learn from our West African neighbour.”

The CNPP’s message underscored the significance of free, fair, and credible elections, a standard that Ghana has set and one that Nigeria has previously achieved under former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. “It is high time for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a beacon of democracy in Africa,” the CNPP asserted, calling for a renewed commitment to the electoral process.

Central to CNPP’s message is the insistence that “the will of the people must be supreme in Nigeria’s electoral processes.” The umbrella body of all registered political parties and political associations in Nigeria CNPP emphasized the necessity of an electoral system that genuinely reflects the wishes of the Nigerian populace. “We must strive to create an environment where elections are free from manipulation, violence, and intimidation,” the CNPP urged, calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take decisive action to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.

The CNPP also expressed concern over premature declarations regarding the 2027 elections, stating, “It is disheartening to note that some individuals are already announcing that there is no vacancy in Aso Rock in 2027. This kind of statement not only undermines the democratic principles that our nation holds dear but also distracts from the pressing need for the current administration to earn the trust of the electorate.”

The CNPP viewed the upcoming elections as a pivotal moment for Nigeria. “The 2027 general elections present a unique opportunity for Nigeria to reclaim its position as a leader in democratic governance in Africa,” it remarked. The body called on all stakeholders — including the executive, legislature, judiciary, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civil society organiaations — to collaborate in ensuring that elections are transparent, credible, and reflective of the will of the Nigerian people.

As the most populous African country prepares for the 2027 elections, the CNPP urged all Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to democratic principles. “We must work together to ensure that our elections are free from violence, intimidation, and manipulation,” the statement stated, reaffirming the CNPP’s commitment to promoting a peaceful and credible electoral process.

In conclusion, the CNPP congratulated the President-Elect of Ghana and the Ghanaian people on their remarkable achievement. “We look forward to learning from their experience and working together to strengthen democracy in our region,” the CNPP concluded.

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