News
Aiyedatiwa Sworn – In New HOS, 6 Commissioners, 8 Special Advisers, Assign Portfolios
The Governor of Ondo State, Honourable Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has sworn-in new Head of Service, 6 Commissioners and 8 Special Advisers on Friday as new members of the State Executive Council at the International Culture and Events Centre popularly known as The Dome in Akure, the Ondo State Capital along with their different portfolios.
Addressing the new Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; the 6 Commissioners whose names are Mr Emmanuel Igbasan, in charge of the Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning; Engr Razaq Obe for the Ministry of Energy & Mineral Resources; Mrs. Omowumi Isaac for the Ministry of Finance; Mr. Olukayode Ajulo, SAN in charge of the Ministry of Justice & Attorney General’s office; Akogun Akinwumi Sowore as Commissioner to overseer the Ministry of Lands and Housing and Mr. Oyeniyi Oseni in charge of the Ministry of Environment in Ondo State, the Governor charged the new cabinet members to see their appointment as a call to service, to deliver good governance to the people of Ondo State.
The Governor also announced the portfolios for the Special Advisers as follows: Honourable Olugbenga Omole in charge of Information; Professor Simidele Odimayo for Health; Dr. Olawunmi Egbayelo-Ilawole for Education; Mrs. Olamide Falana for Gender; Abduganiyu Muhammed as the Special Duties and Strategy; Mr. Summy Smart Francis for Entrepreneurship; Innovation and Mr. Alabi Johnson for Energy and Pastor Babalola Joseph Ayoade to supervise Infrastructure, Lands and Housing.
Speaking further, Governor Aiyedatiwa commended the new Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, urging him to provide exemplary leadership and prioritize the interests of civil servants in the state.
He urged all officials to draw upon their diverse experiences to contribute meaningfully to the administration’s goals of transparency and accountability.
The governor said; “You must be dedicated, up and doing and focused in the discharge of the duties and responsibilities expected of your office. It is equally important that you see yourselves as servant-leaders and not lords in your respective MDAs. Kindly cooperate with your Accounting Officers. You are expected to work in partnership with them and ensure you are guided by relevant rules and regulations in the performance of your duties and responsibilities.
“As Commissioners and Special Advisers, you are coming on board at a very critical time. It, therefore, behoves you to come up with creative ideas and policies geared towards alleviating the sufferings of our people. We cannot afford to fail in this regard.
“This time requires us as political leaders to lead by example and be prepared to make necessary sacrifices by shunning ostentatious lifestyle. Let me use this medium to plead with our people not to mount undue pressure on these new appointees. We should let them perform their duties without let or hindrance or distraction.”
The Governor, while acknowledging the economic strain caused by high food prices which has led to high cost of living, said measures are being taken which include releasing grains from reserves and inputs for farmers.
“As part of these measures, Mr. President has directed the immediate release of about 102,000 metric tonnes of various grain types from the Strategic Reserve and the Rice Millers Association of Nigeria. It is our expectation that the positive effects of this decision will be felt across the country within the shortest time possible.
“On our own part as State Government, we have put in place the construction of rural access roads to farms across the three senatorial district of the State. You will recall that we recently flagged off the construction of the Oda Cocoa Board – Langbodo Rural Road in Ondo Central Senatorial District. Several of such roads would be constructed across the State in due course,” he added.
The governor also announced his approval of N550million for the payment of the 2024 West African Secondary School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for eligible public secondary school candidates in the state, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to education.
Governor Aiyedatiwa urged all political stakeholders to maintain peace and civility during the upcoming gubernatorial primaries and election in November. He emphasized the importance of avoiding violence, maintaining good conduct, and keeping supporters in check.
Earlier in his remarks, Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, called on the state workers to rededicate their service to the civil service as his tenure will not tolerate lateness, laxity to work and would encourage promotion based on merit.
Speaking on behalf of other commissioners and Special Advisers, Mr Emmanuel Igbasan appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the trust reposed in them, with a promise to make meaningful contributions to governance in the state.
Those in attendance included the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, the Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola, APC chairman in Ondo State, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon Abayomi Akinruntan, traditional rulers, religious leaders and party leaders.
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives at the plenary on Wednesday passed through second reading, a Bill seeking to amend the National Eye centre Act, 2004, to provide for the establishment of more specialist eye care centres.
The proposed legislation was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu, Hon. Babajimi Benson and 5 other lawmakers.
Leading the debate on its general principles, Kalu noted that the bill seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of the nation.
According to him, the proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country.
Making reference to reports, he lamented that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited.
He expressed optimism that the proposed amendments will rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He added that by doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers.
Kalu said, “I rise to lead the debate on the general principles of a Bill for an Act to amend the National Eye Centre Act, Cap N38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, which seeks to enhance access to qualitative eye care services across the six geo-political zones of our beloved nation. The proposed amendments seek to address the pressing need for more specialist eye care centres to cater for the growing population and address the rising cases of eye diseases in the country. The Bill was read for the first time on Wednesday, 20thDecember, 2023.
“As we are all aware, access to quality healthcare services, especially in specialised areas like eye care, is crucial for the well-being of our citizens. The statistics reveal that preventable and treatable eye conditions are a leading cause of disability in Nigeria, with cataracts, glaucoma, and refractive errors remaining prevalent in many parts of the country, especially the rural areas where access to specialized care is limited. Unfortunately, the existing National Eye Centre in Kaduna, though commendable in its efforts, is unable to adequately meet the eye care needs of our vast and diverse nation. This inadequacy has led to disparities in access to eye care services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
“The proposed amendments, thus aim to rectify this situation by expanding the establishment of National Eye Centres to strategic locations across the six geopolitical zones of the country. By doing so, we aim to provide a framework that will enhance and improve access to quality eye care, ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind due to geographical barriers. We hope to ensure that every Nigerian, regardless of location, can access quality eye care services. This is not just a matter of healthcare; it is a matter of equity and social justice. This Bill which seeks to enhance and improve access to quality eye care in Nigeria has the following key provisions.
“The creation of 5 additional Specialist Eye Care Centres spread across the remaining 5 geopolitical zones of Nigeria not originally covered by the principal legislation which only provided for an Eye Care Centre in Kaduna, North West Nigeria. The establishment of separate Boards to govern each centre and academic committees to oversee academic affairs. These bodies will not only ensure effective management and coordination of the Centres’ activities by overseeing their day-to-day operations, but shall also drive research and educational initiatives in ophthalmology, thereby fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in eye care. In presenting this bill, we are reaffirming our commitment to the visual health and well-being of every Nigerian. By establishing additional centers, we can decentralize eye care services, reduce travel costs for patients, and ultimately protect and preserve the precious gift of sight for all citizens. Honourable Colleagues, I urge you all to support this Bill as it represents a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria, particularly in the critical area of eye care. Together, let us illuminate the path to a future where quality eye care is not a luxury but a fundamental right for every Nigerian.”
Thereafter the bill was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, Rt Hon Tajudeen Abass, GCON who presided over the session and it was passed and referred to the committee on speciality Healthcare.
By Gloria Ikibah
Reps Pass Bill to Establish More Specialist Eye Care Centres in Nigeria
Sad! Fire destroys goods worth millions in Lagos market
Ugochinyere Lacks the Right to Speak for Rivers People – Rep Bob
Just in: Terrorists ambush military truck, kill all soldiers on board
Nigerian Dancer, Korra Obidi Attacked with acid, stabbed on stage In UK
Meet Rare Gem 16 Years Old Chiaza, CEO of ‘RUN MARKET PLACE’
-
Metro22 hours agoPopular Nigerian Governor’s Sister Shot Dead Mistakenly By Police
-
Metro22 hours agoJust in: Many Causalities As Policemen Clash With OPC
-
News23 hours agoTinubu appoints Shamseldeen Ogunjimi as AGF
-
News18 hours agoSAD! Another Okuama leader dies in military custody, days after PG’s death
-
News22 hours agoOndo Pastor Nabbed by security operatives
-
Economy13 hours agoOPEC appoints Nigeria’s Adeyemi-Bero board of governors’ chairman
-
Entertainment13 hours agoWhy I prefer younger men – Lolo, aka Adaku
-
News13 hours agoSenate passes bill to establish university of mining