News

Ramadan: Emir of Kano appeal to traders to reduce cost of foodstuff

Published

1 year ago

March 4, 2024

By Francesca Hangeior

The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado-Bayero, has appealed to traders of to reduce the cost of foodstuffs and other goods to enable the masses to observe Ramadan with relative ease.

Speaking during the lunch of a book titled “Dauloli a Kasar Hausa,” meaning ‘Kingdoms in Hausaland, by Prof. Sa’idu-Mohammed Gusau, the royal father made advised wealthy Nigerians to help the less privileged during Ramadan.

He also prayed that God Almighty protect the lives of the people so they could witness the sacred month in sound health and accept the prayers and sacrifices.

The emir commended the publisher of the book for providing details on the Hausa kingdoms in Kano, Katsina, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Zazzau, among others.

“They offerred clear explanation on the administrative system of governance deployed by each kingdom; their trades, norms and values,” he said.

The book reviewer, Prof. Ahmed Zaria of Kaduna State University, said that the 356-page book has seven chapters.

Zaria said the book provides a clear narrative and history of the Hausa kingdoms, their politics, administration, norms, and values from their inception to date.

He added that the book is a must-have copy for students and researchers in linguistics and history.

The Don, who advised academics not to relent in research activities, lamented that some academics, upon reaching the professorial cadre, abandoned research.

The publisher, Prof. Gusau, said the book was an attempt to harmonise the written history of the Hausa Kingdoms adding that most of the research at the universities was on a few kingdoms and not all.

Gusau added that the book is also an attempt to support harmony and strengthen unity among the Hausa kingdoms and other Nigerians.

News

We’re Addressing Healthcare Funding Gaps – Prof. Pate

Published

1 hour ago

March 14, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…as Reps solicit for establishment of Healthcare Trust Fund

By Gloria Ikibah

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate has reiterated that Nigeria’s is doing everything to address all funding and policies gaps in order to tackle the challenges in the nation’s healthcare system especially in the face of the cut in funding by the United States government.

The Minister gave the assurance during an interactive session with the House of Representatives Committee on AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria on Thursday.

Pate explained that though the US decision was sudden, its impact was reduced as a result of the various measures put in place earlier by the federal government through policies and interventions.

He said, “So the changes that have occurred in the landscape which brought to this conversation, particularly the adjustment in U.S. policy, certainly it’s a major shift in U.S. government policy.When we looked at it from our side, we understood that in fact it’s an opportunity for research.

“And we appreciate the contribution of the U.S. government, the billions of dollars of U.S. government and U.S. people’s resources that help, but the responsibility to provide for the country is on us immediately.

“And that while we appreciate what has happened in the past, now we have to look at how do we orient ourselves to improve and continue so that no Nigerian who is doing technical care will go without treatment for HIV, for instance, malaria or other conditions.

“This change occurred at a point when we were 18 months old. We were able to have a lot of financial support because health care was very important. So we have now found that as part of our investment plan, we have an opportunity to do this.We now have another responsibility of putting more money into the Health Sector.

“So coming to the issues of HIV and tuberculosis in Nigeria, for 20, 25 years, external parties have largely funded HIV, TB, and malaria in Nigeria.And we appreciate those contributions that they have made.Because they save lives.

“They have the laboratory capacity as well as the public health capacity.And it’s welcome.And when I mentioned external parties, this included the U.S. government through the DEFRA program, the USAID, through the malaria program.

“But there are also other bilateral partners, local health organizations, local funders and others who comprise this 10%, but those 10% largely have been outside government systems.They were contracted to external parties to deliver their assistance to Nigeria through the channels that they control”.

The Minister further stated that, prior to that the Federal Government had already initiated many programs and intereventions which have started to yield results in the healthcare sector through collaboration between the federal , State and local governments in the country.

“Most have been in place and thankfully the budget process has started and so with that understanding when this shift was announced we then went in once and did a very thorough bottom-up analysis like task force, technical government, comprising all our major agencies, NACA, Public Health, AIR program, TB program, all of the programs that are relevant to what we will take for us to fill the gap.

“We have approached multiple for HIV, for Malaria, for group reproductive health for Tuberculosis, for Nutrition and Public Health Care agencies, and to update it. So, U.S. government support was mostly heavily on HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis programs”, the minister added.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Committee Chairman, Rep. Amobi Godwin Ogah said, explained that the interactive session became necessary so as to be on the same page with the ministry and to ensure that programs and projects relating to HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria are implemented seamlessly without bottlenecks because of their critical importance in saving the lives of Nigerians.

He said, “My dear Coordinating Minister, we have always argued for increased domestic funding and less dependence on foreign funding for our health systems and as we are all aware of the withdrawal of financial support by the US Government towards funding for African Health systems.

“The Nigerian Government has equally risen to the occasion by allocating more resources to the fight against communicable diseases such as HIV, Tuberculosis and Malaria. Thus, making the decision of the US Government to appear as a blessing in disguise.

“We must also commend Prof Pate and the Ministry of Health for your leadership, determination and doggedness in making a case for increased funding for the health sector to the Federal Executive Council under the prevailing circumstances, which led to the several funds that have been allocated to the health sector in recent times. This certainly will go a long way in plugging the funding gaps that the US Government decision has created”.

In an interview with journalists after the interactive session, Rep. Ogah advocated for the creation of a Healthcare SectorTrust Fund to take care of eventualities and gaps in funding.

“A lot of countries in Africa are struggling at this moment.I just came back from Tanzania on the issue of health and materials.So I think there is need.Like we have an education fund.There is a, what is it called TETFUND.

“It’s very, very important.I think looking at the challenges we are facing at the moment, we don’t want to continue facing such challenges because it happened this way today.We don’t know the way it will happen tomorrow. If not, we have a minister who is already part of the system there, it won’t be that easy for us”, he added.

Also addressing journalists afterwards, the minister of health and social welfare, Professor Mohammed Ali Pate stated that, the lawmakers are a very important vehicle for health advocacy for improving awareness of population.

He said that, the ministry would work more closely with the national assembly members to ensure that Nigerians domesticate, internalize ideas that will help tackle malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis in the country.

He said, “there are preventive things you can do for HIV the preventive things that you can do for tuberculosis for which our first lady senator mitchinibu is the global and regional and national TV champion.

“Our parliamentarians, can educate people to get tested, for instance, and call on other parliamentarians at the state level, state assembly members, to also go to their constituents and educate their population, whether it’s water and sanitation, whether it’s nutrition,whether it’s attending primary health care, whether it’s on immunization.

“We can activate the power of the parliamentarians because they are close to the people.And that will all help us to reach the objective which Mr President has put forward that the health of Nigerians is key to human capital accumulation and is key to the prosperity that is in this country’s future”.

News

NiDCOM wants immediate probe after Nigerian TikToker dies in Kenyan apartment

Published

3 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Naijablitznews

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has urged Kenyan authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a Nigerian content moderator, Ladi Olubunmi, in Nairobi.

Olubunmi, who was employed by Teleperformance, a social media contracting firm in Kenya, was found dead in her apartment last week.

Reports indicate that her decomposing body was discovered three days after she had allegedly passed away, following her unexplained absence from work.

According to a report by the Associated Press on Wednesday, some of Olubunmi’s colleagues accused her employer of preventing her from travelling to Nigeria, despite her multiple requests, an allegation denied by the company.

In a statement signed by Gabriel Odu from NiDCOM’s Media and Public Relations Unit on Thursday, Dabiri-Erewa emphasised the importance of proper labour laws to protect Nigerians working abroad.

She stated that “proper mobility of labour laws in Nigeria would protect the rights and well-being of Nigerians employed abroad, ensuring proper documentation, monitoring, and support systems.”

She further noted that the establishment of such laws would help prevent cases where Nigerian workers abroad struggle with employment conditions, lack of mental health support, and restrictions on returning home when necessary.
“The Chairman, NiDCOM, extends heartfelt condolences to Ms. Olubunmi’s family, friends, and colleagues.

“She urges a thorough investigation by Kenyan authorities to determine the circumstances surrounding Olubunmi’s untimely passing,” the statement read.
Dabiri-Erewa also assured Nigerians that NiDCOM was in contact with the Nigerian High Commission in Kenya to monitor the situation and provide necessary support to Olubunmi’s family.
She appealed to Nigerians in Kenya to remain calm while the case is being investigated.

Reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting Nigerians abroad, she advised jobseekers to ensure they engage only with reputable organisations and to stay informed about their rights and available support structures.

This is not the first time a Nigerian has died under suspicious circumstances in Kenya. In July 2021, tragedy struck at a house party when two Nigerians lost their lives under unexplained conditions.
One reportedly fell from the 7th floor of Skyhorse Apartment in Kilimani, dying instantly, while the other allegedly slumped in the kitchen and was later pronounced dead.

News

Oil firm justifies land acquisition amid Delta community protest

Published

6 hours ago

March 14, 2025

Admin

An oil and gas firm, Axxela, has restated its commitment to global best practices in upholding legal processes, community interests, and sustainable development.

Axxela clarified while reacting to a protest by the people of the Emu-Ebendo community in Ndokwa West Local Government Area of Delta State, demanding its exit from the land it acquired in the area through another community.

The Emu-Ebendo community protested on Tuesday against the illegal acquisition of land, claiming ownership based on a 2003 Supreme Court judgment in their favour, including the portion acquired by Axxela for its business operations in the area.

The company, however, clarified a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Manager, Omolara Shitu, which was made available to journalists in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday.

Axxela said, “The land it acquired had legitimate titles, registered deed of assignment with the state governor’s consent in 2024.

“Our attention has been drawn regarding a community dispute concerning land acquired for a planned gas processing plant in Umuseti, Delta State.

“As a responsible corporate organisation, we wish to clarify the facts and reaffirm our commitment to global best practices that uphold legal processes, community interests, and sustainable development.

“The land in question was acquired following rigorous due diligence and in full compliance with all relevant legal and regulatory frameworks.

“This includes extensive consultation with the relevant family houses, engagement with related authorities and adherence to all statutory procedures governing such transactions.”

The company said further to this, it also obtained a registered deed of assignment for which the governor’s consent was obtained in December 2024.

The company expressed its commitment to stakeholders’ engagement, adding that it was open to dialogue to ensure a peaceful disposition with host communities.

“Axxela places high value on proactive and strategic engagement with host communities.

“Prior to the acquisition, we engaged in extensive discussions with key stakeholders, including family representatives, local leaders and community representatives, to ensure utmost transparency and mutual understanding.

“We remain committed to resolving any perceived community issues through dialogue with anyone who may feel aggrieved in this matter,” the statement said.

The company also cautioned against misinformation that could escalate tensions.

“We strongly discourage the spread of misinformation that could escalate tensions or misrepresent our brand’s integrity,” the statement read.