News
Tinubu makes a vow to extinguish terrorism and banditry in Nigeria
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu has vowed that terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping will soon be relics of the past in Nigeria. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to confronting these serious issues and other forms of criminality head-on.
Speaking at the 9th convocation ceremony of the Federal University, Dutsinma, in Katsina, the President emphasised that combating insecurity is a shared responsibility.
He urged citizens to actively support security efforts by providing crucial information to law enforcement.
Represented by the Vice Chancellor of Federal University, Dutste, Jigawa State, Prof. Abdulkarim Mohammed, President Tinubu also encouraged young people to take advantage of a loan scheme that has already disbursed over N70 billion to empower their ventures.
‘Governance goes beyond the presidency or those in leadership positions. It involves all Nigerians working together to improve our country,” he stated.
“I assure all Nigerians that our government is fully committed to defeating terrorism, kidnapping, banditry, and other criminal activities.”
In his remarks, the President called on all Nigerians to collaborate with the government by reporting suspicious individuals and activities to security agencies.
Regarding the graduating class, he urged them to serve as ambassadors for their institution and the nation in all their future endeavours.
The Vice Chancellor of Federal University Dutsinma, Prof. Armaya’u Bichi, addressed the challenges faced by the university, particularly the persistent issue of insecurity.
During the ceremony, FUDMA conferred degrees upon 297 postgraduate students, including 18 PhD holders, 226 with Master’s degrees, and 53 with professional diplomas and postgraduate diplomas.
Katsina Governor Dikko Umar Radda, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, highlighted the state’s substantial investments in education and its ongoing efforts to improve access to quality higher education.
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
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