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Senate confirms seven ministerial nominees

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Nigerian Senate has screened and confirmed the appointment of seven ministerial nominees forwarded to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The nominees were confirmed after several hours of screening during plenary in Abuja
However, some of the nominees who had served the nation in different capacities in the past, and were confirmed by the Senate, were simply asked to introduce themselves and then take a bow and go.
The ministerial appointees who were screened and confirmed are: Dr Nentawe Yilwatda, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Muhammadu Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment and Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State and, Foreign Affairs.
Others are Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Industry, Trade and Development, Idi Maiha, Ministry of Livestock Development, Yusuf Ata, Minister of State, Housing and Dr Suwaiba Ahmad, Minister of State for Education.
The Senate on Wednesday gave a clean bill of health to Bianca wife of former governor of Eastern Nigeria, Odumegu Ojukwu, and six other minister-designates forwarded to it by President Bola Tinubu.
In her presentation, the nominee from Anambra, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, lamented the state of the country’s embassies abroad.
She said that poor funding had put the posts in “deplorable conditions that do not represent Nigeria’s standing in the comity of nations.”
It is imperative to renovate the buildings and make the surrounding suitable for lawmakers to use when you come to these countries, and to interface with foreign partners”.
She said that among the country’s challenges was commitment to service, adding “if we are committed to serving this nation with the focus of finding peace, we shall succeed.”
A few senators who spoke during the exercise commended Tinubu for bringing in nominees in spite of party affiliations.
The nomination, according to Sen. Eyinnaya Abaribe (APGA-Abia) highlighted the administration’s focus on the unity of the country.
He said, “The President must be commended for nominating someone across party lines, even someone from APGA, and the wife of my former party leader, late Chief Odumegu Ojukwu.
“By this, the President has started a unity government and the process of national integration”.
For his part, Sen. Victor Umeh (LP-Anambra), described her nomination as a healing process for the country
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Lagos police uncover baby factory, nab three suspects

The Lagos State Police Command has uncovered a baby factory in the Ijegun area and rescued 10 people.
According to the spokesperson for the command, Benjamin Hundeyin, also shared that three suspects were nabbed on Monday.
Hundeyin disclosed the illegal activity was exposed after the police received a tip-off last Saturday.
He added that the officers swift into action to the location and arrested the main suspect, Mariam Vincent, aged 35, along with two others – Orie Ruth, 23, and Ujunwa Ifeanyi, 18.
During the operation, the police found and rescued several victims, including three children aged seven, five, and two.
In conclusion, seven adult women and three children were rescued.
Among the adult victims were Precious
(24), Magdalene (25), Adaobi (23), Princess (22), Ifeanyi (25), and Amaka (26).
The rescued children are Destiny (7), Miracle (5), and Success (2).
All the rescued people are now getting proper care and support.
Hundeyin said the suspects admitted during questioning that they kidnapped the victims from different places in the state to run the baby factory.
He added that the investigation is still ongoing and the suspects will face charges in court.
While giving updates on police efforts over the past two weeks,
Hundeyin said, “A total of 39 suspects who engaged in various crimes, including murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, rape, child stealing, vandalism, illegal operation of a baby factory, illegal possession of firearms, and illicit drugs were arrested.”
In another case, police officers rescued two kidnapped people in Igbe Alagemo, Ijede area of Ikorodu.
The kidnappers had attacked the community at night on March 26, 2025.
The police said the victims were safely rescued on March 29 after a joint effort with local teams and security forces.
A distress call had been received around 9 p.m. on the night of the attack.
Hundeyin explained, “Armed kidnappers invaded the quiet community, forcefully entering the residence of a 40-year-old man identified as Dare. The attackers shot and killed his security dog before abducting him.
“Not stopping there, the kidnappers proceeded to a neighbouring house, where they seized a second victim, 25-year-old Rodiat, under similarly violent circumstances.”
He said the police and other security teams worked non-stop for three days before rescuing the victims at about 11:56 p.m. on March 29.
“The victims were immediately reunited with their families, and the area is now relatively calm.
“Surveillance continues, and an investigation is underway to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of the crime,” he added.
News
OERAF Executive Director Dr Akpodiete, Held Memorial lecture on Essence and benefits of health insurance+Photos

…Enrolled over 400 indigents into Delta state health insurance scheme
In a very unique and significant way of tackling health challenges in our society, the ever passionate and health insurance ambassador (HIA), Executive Director of Olotu & Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Foundation (OERAF) Dr Otemu Olotu Akpodiete held memorial lecture on essence and benefits of health insurance in Nigeria in honour of his late grand father, Late Chief Ekuogbe Rowland Akpodiete Ph.D
Speaking during the event at both Okparabe and Otor-Udu respectively yesterday, he noted that health insurance is very important to every family in the society.
Akpodiete explained that, Sometimes there might be an emergency and if you don’t have health insurance, you will spent alot before you can be attended to by Medical organizations. But if there’s health insurance card with you it get easier.
“He further commended the Delta state government led by His Excellency, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Oborevwori, for brining this good initiative and it’s very affordable, just with seven thousands naira, you get enrolled unlike the federal government that is almost forty thousand per person.” he added.
The Director General (DG) of the Delta State Contributory health commission, Olorogun Dr. Isaac Akpoveta ably represented by Mr. Emmanuel Akpofure, thanked the sponsor Dr Akpodiete for being the first person across Ughelli/Udu Federal Constituency to register indigents for the scheme. He called on other wealthy individuals to emulate this young man.
Dr Akpodiete also received commendation from several beneficiaries of the scheme, they said that to enrole over 400 persons in this program so far is not a joke, each person is seven thousand naira and Dr Olotu Akpodiete is not the most wealthiest before doing it. He is a man with so much passion for humanity and we prayed God to grant him his heart desires.” they concluded.
Other highlights of the event was presentation of health insurance ambassador (HIA) award to the sponsor.
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