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Acting CMD FTHL, Sunday Ojochide Ebune receives recognition for outstanding performance and disability-inclusivity in recruitment

The National Association of Applicants and Workers with Disabilities, Kogi State Chapter, has honoured Acting Chief Medical Director of Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja,, Dr. Sunday Ojochide Ebune, for his remarkable efforts in promoting disability-inclusive recruitment practices.

President of the Association, Mr. Samuel Mark while presenting the award in Lokoja commended Dr. Ebune for absorbing individuals with disabilities into the hospital’s workforce, citing examples such as an albino, a deaf individual, and a lady with physical disability among others as a way of reducing unemployment among persons with disabilities.

Mr. Mark highlighted Dr. Ebune’s achievements, including the organisation of a landmark town hall meeting that brought together staff and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and patient management. He also noted the revitalisation of the X-ray section and renovation of dilapidated hospital sections, showcasing Dr. Ebune’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.

Dr. Ebune’s leadership has prioritized productivity, demonstrating a deep understanding of human capital value and investing in the growth of Kogi State Hospital. His approach to patient welfare, staff reorientation, and resource mobilisation has improved staff morale and productivity, with personal resources deployed for ‘Emergency Funds’ to facilitate quality service delivery.

The association has appealed for Dr. Ebune’s confirmation as substantive CMD, citing his dedication to inclusivity and commitment to upholding the 5% job reservation law for persons with disabilities.
Responding ,Dr. Ebune expressed appreciation for the recognition, emphasizing his commitment to creating a more accessible environment and promoting equality and inclusion for persons with disabilities.
The acting CMD thanked the body for the recognition, saying he’s just doing his part to create a more inclusive environment. “Disability is a universal risk, and it’s our collective responsibility to ensure equal opportunities for all,” he said, urging continued support for inclusive practices.

He reaffirmed his commitment to upholding the 5% job reservation law for persons with disabilities, ensuring FTHL remains a hub for excellence in healthcare delivery, research, and training.

UKOMU Igala Targets N500m Fundraiser For Community Development Projects

Maryam Aminu

The UKOMU Igala Organisation has announced plans to raise N500 million through a fundraising dinner aimed at financing major development projects for Igala and Bassa communities.

The fundraising event, scheduled for March 21 in Abuja, is part of broader efforts under the Igala/Bassa Renaissance Project, an initiative designed to mobilise resources and support long-term socio-economic development in the region.

In a statement issued on Saturday and made available to journalists, the organisation said the dinner will hold at the Armed Forces Officers’ Mess, Asokoro, and is expected to attract prominent members of the Igala and Bassa communities, as well as other stakeholders and supporters.

According to the group, the initiative seeks not only to generate funds for critical community interventions but also to strengthen unity and collaboration among the people.

The statement noted that the organisation is optimistic about meeting its N500 million fundraising target, which will be channelled into programmes aimed at advancing development priorities and sustaining the renaissance agenda for the communities.

It added that traditional rulers, professionals, community leaders, and well-meaning Nigerians have been invited to participate in the event and contribute toward the success of the initiative.

The organisers expressed confidence that the fundraiser will serve as a platform to rally collective support for transformative projects that will benefit Igala and Bassa communities in the years ahead.

Former Labour Party Candidate Abdulmalik Sani Resigns Party Membership In Kogi

Maryam Aminu

Abdulmalik Sani, who contested the Olamaboro State Constituency seat under the Labour Party in the last general election in Kogi State, has formally resigned from the party.

Sani, popularly known as “Gabaidu,” announced his decision while speaking with journalists in Imane, a community in Olamaboro Local Government Area of the state.

He said the move followed extensive consultations with his political associates, supporters and key stakeholders across the constituency.

According to him, the decision became necessary to allow him pursue his political aspirations more effectively while continuing to serve the people of Olamaboro.

The former candidate expressed gratitude to members of the Labour Party who supported his ambition during the last general election, noting that their commitment and sacrifices would not be forgotten.

Sani also reassured his supporters that his exit from the party would not diminish his commitment to the development and progress of the constituency.

He stressed that his political journey remains focused on promoting good governance, unity and sustainable development for the people of the area.

However, the politician did not disclose the political platform he intends to join next.

Political observers in Kogi State say the development could reshape the political dynamics in Olamaboro constituency ahead of future elections.

FG Flags Off Emergency Food, Nutrition Support in Yobe, Reaffirms Commitment to North-East Recovery

In a renewed push to tackle hunger and humanitarian distress in Nigeria’s conflict-ravaged North-East, the Federal Government has launched a fresh emergency food and nutrition support programme in Yobe State, targeting thousands of vulnerable households struggling with the lingering effects of insurgency and climate shocks.

The intervention, flagged off on Wednesday in Damaturu, forms part of the Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Support initiative designed to cushion the impact of food insecurity and strengthen the resilience of communities affected by years of conflict and economic hardship.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of State for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, described the programme as a deliberate and strategic response to the protracted humanitarian crisis in Yobe and the wider North-East region.
Sununu explained that years of insurgency and violent extremism have displaced thousands of families, disrupted livelihoods and weakened household resilience across the region.

He added that climate-related challenges, including desertification, erratic rainfall and periodic flooding, have further reduced agricultural productivity in the largely agrarian state, deepening food insecurity and poverty.

The minister stressed that despite reduced support from some international development partners, the Federal Government remains determined to protect vulnerable Nigerians from the effects of funding shortfalls.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising social protection and humanitarian interventions under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the programme reflects a strong commitment to safeguarding the welfare and dignity of poor and vulnerable citizens.

Sununu also commended the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala Buni, for strengthening collaboration with the Federal Government to ensure effective implementation of humanitarian programmes.

He further acknowledged the role of the Emir of Damaturu, Shehu Hashimi II Ibn Umar El-Kanemi, in promoting peace, transparency and community mobilisation.

In his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Olubunmi Olusanya, explained that the intervention includes the distribution of food items, nutrition commodities and essential medical supplies.
According to him, the programme is specifically targeted at internally displaced persons, vulnerable returnees, women-headed households, malnourished children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

Olusanya assured that the ministry has put in place transparent systems in collaboration with the Yobe State Government to ensure proper targeting of beneficiaries and effective feedback mechanisms.

He noted that beyond providing immediate relief, the broader goal of the intervention is to stabilise affected households, promote early recovery and build long-term resilience in conflict-affected communities.

In his remarks, Governor Buni expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its continued support toward Yobe’s recovery and development.

He disclosed that the state had taken significant steps to address displacement and humanitarian challenges, including launching Nigeria’s first State Policy on Internally Displaced Persons, which is backed by budgetary commitments and integrated into the state’s 25-year development plan.

Buni further revealed that the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, in partnership with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency, recently conducted a registration exercise for asylum seekers in Geidam Local Government Area.

The exercise, he said, documented 488 households comprising 1,699 individuals.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to data-driven humanitarian coordination and continuous registration of vulnerable persons to ensure that no one is left undocumented or unsupported.

He also urged beneficiaries to use the distributed items responsibly and called on stakeholders to uphold integrity, compassion and unity throughout the implementation of the programme.

The ceremony ended with the official declaration of the distribution exercise, signalling renewed collaboration between the Federal Government and Yobe State in advancing food security, resilience and sustainable poverty reduction.

FG Moves To Tackle Hunger In Adamawa, Rolls Out Food, Nutrition Support To 35,000 Persons

Emmanuel Daudu

In a decisive push against hunger and malnutrition, the Federal Government on Tuesday flagged off the distribution of Presidential Emergency Food and Nutrition Assistance to vulnerable households in Adamawa State, marking a critical step toward strengthening social protection and poverty-exit pathways.

The intervention, spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, took place in Yola and targets communities devastated by insurgency, displacement, flooding, and climate-related shocks.

Leading the exercise, the Honourable Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr. Bernard M. Doro, described Adamawa as a state with complex humanitarian needs, stressing that the initiative goes beyond temporary relief.

According to him, beneficiaries will be enrolled into the Ministry’s reform framework, the One Humanitarian One Poverty Response System (OHOPRS), designed to transition families from emergency assistance to sustainable livelihoods. Through the framework, affected households will be linked to conditional cash transfers, livelihood restoration programmes, skills acquisition, agricultural support, and micro-enterprise financing.

The Minister disclosed that 7,000 households covering approximately 35,000 persons will receive essential food supplies. In addition, 13,000 malnourished children and 7,000 pregnant and breastfeeding mothers will benefit from Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), while Tom Brown supplements will be distributed to moderately malnourished children and mothers across the state.

Representing the Governor of Adamawa State, His Excellency Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri the intervention as timely and in alignment with the state’s humanitarian priorities, assuring residents of a transparent and equitable distribution process.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Health and Focal Person on Nutrition conveyed the goodwill message of Vice President Kashim Shettima, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment to improving food systems and strengthening nutrition outcomes nationwide.

The traditional institution, represented on behalf of the Lamido of Adamawa, pledged its support to ensure accountability and transparency at the community level throughout the exercise.

As part of the flag-off ceremony, the Minister conducted a symbolic distribution of medical supplies to boost healthcare delivery in the state.

The initiative underscores the Federal Government’s resolve to build a responsive, accountable, and resilient humanitarian system that restores dignity, strengthens livelihoods, and ensures that no Nigerian is left behind.

NiMet’s DG Bags Prestigious African Public Sector Leader Of The Year Award In Accra

Emmanuel Daudu

In a moment that places Nigeria’s meteorological leadership firmly on the continental map, the Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been named African Public Sector Leader of the Year at the 2026 African Leadership Persons of the Year Awards in Accra, Ghana.

The honour, conferred on Saturday, February 28, recognises Professor Anosike’s transformational stewardship of NiMet and his strategic push to elevate climate services, modernise early warning systems, strengthen aviation meteorology standards, and reposition the Agency as a critical driver of national development.

The high-profile ceremony formed a key side event of the 2026 African Leadership Conference themed “Reimagining African Governance and Development: New Pathways for Economic Transformation and Institutional Renewal.”

The gathering drew Heads of State, senior government officials, development partners, and institutional leaders from across the continent to deliberate on governance innovation, climate resilience, and economic transformation.

Organised by African Leadership Magazine, a leading pan-African publication and policy platform committed to promoting leadership excellence and sustainable development, the annual Persons of the Year (POTY) Awards spotlight leaders delivering measurable impact within their institutions and countries.

Professor Anosike joined an elite list of continental trailblazers honoured at the event, including John Dramani Mahama, named African of the Year; Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, recognised as African Political Leader of the Year; and Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, who received the African Inspirational Leader of the Year award.

Under Professor Anosike’s leadership, NiMet has undergone significant institutional reforms, enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery while embedding transparency, automation, and data-driven systems into its core processes.

The Agency has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most digitally compliant public institutions, strengthening its credibility both locally and internationally.

Beyond institutional reforms, NiMet’s expanded role in climate intelligence and aviation safety has reinforced Nigeria’s resilience in the face of increasing climate variability.

From improved weather forecasting accuracy to strengthened collaboration with aviation stakeholders, the Agency has continued to assert its relevance in safeguarding lives, supporting economic activities, and advancing national security.

The continental recognition not only celebrates Professor Anosike’s leadership but also underscores NiMet’s rising stature as a strategic institution at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa.

Global Alliance For Peace And Unity Commends Tinubu, Hails Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim’s Iftar Initiative in Keffi

Maryam Aminu

The Global Alliance for Peace and Unity (GAPU) has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued confidence in Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim, describing her leadership as a wonderful gift to Nigerian women and the nation at large.

Her ongoing dedication to service and advocacy is evident in her organisation of the Renewed Hope Iftar programme in Keffi, Nasarawa State, which brought together Muslims from across the state in a celebration of faith, peace, and unity.

In a statement issued by its President, Dr Solomon Pevkyaa, GAPU highlighted that the Iftar initiative reflects both the Minister’s commitment to fostering harmony among communities and the inclusive vision of the Tinubu administration, which seeks to champion unity, social cohesion, and equitable development for all Nigerians.

R-L President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu with the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim

According to Dr Pevkyaa, the event also symbolises the administration’s focus on leveraging faith and dialogue to strengthen national peace and mutual understanding.

He further commended Imaan Suleiman-Ibrahim for using her platform to advance Muslim advocacy for peace and empowerment, noting that her work in the Ministry of Women Affairs continues to positively impact women, children, and vulnerable groups across the country.

The Global Alliance for Peace and Unity therefore reaffirmed its support for the Tinubu government, describing the Minister’s Iftar programme as a testament to the administration’s commitment to inclusivity, social harmony, and national development.

Boyo Hails First Lady Tinubu’s Homecoming to Delta, Calls for Unity Beyond Politics

Maryam Aminu

In a stirring display of cultural pride and bipartisan goodwill, prominent Delta leader and business executive, Doghor Boyo, has warmly welcomed Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to her ancestral homeland during her official visit to Delta State.

Describing the visit as both symbolic and historic, Dr. Boyo said the First Lady’s return to her roots transcends political divides and underscores the enduring bond of shared heritage. Though a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he stressed that cultural identity remains a stronger unifying force than party affiliation.
“I welcome our sister, Senator Remi Tinubu, to her motherland, Erubooooo,” he declared. “Though we may belong to different political parties, we are joined together by our mother tongue and our shared Delta heritage. We are proud of you.”

The visit drew enthusiastic receptions from sons and daughters of the soil, who gathered to celebrate what many described as a defining moment for the state.

For Dr. Boyo, the homecoming represents more than ceremonial symbolism; it offers an opportunity for renewed federal attention and meaningful development across Delta communities.

He expressed optimism that the First Lady’s presence would translate into tangible benefits, particularly in areas aligned with her advocacy, including women’s empowerment, youth development and social welfare initiatives.
“We are hopeful that your visit will bring positive changes to our communities and to Delta State at large,” he added.

Dr. Boyo concluded with a strong affirmation of cultural pride and national unity, invoking traditional reverence and patriotic sentiment.
“Long live the Olu of Warri. Long live Warri Kingdom. Long live Delta State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

FG Moves To Mainstream Eye Health In Youth Development Agenda

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Government has pledged to strengthen the integration of eye health into Nigeria’s youth development framework, declaring that clear vision is critical to education, productivity, innovation, and national competitiveness.

The commitment was reaffirmed at a high-level roundtable themed “Seeing the Future: Advancing Eye Health for Youth Development,” held at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development in Abuja. The event brought together youth leaders, optometry professionals, policymakers, and development partners to deepen collaboration and advance youth-focused eye health initiatives.

Speaking at the forum, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, stressed that poor eyesight among young people often results in frustration, anxiety, social withdrawal, and diminished academic confidence.

Represented by the Director of Youth Mental Health and Psychosocial Affairs, Emmanuel Essien, the Minister underscored the strong connection between visual health and mental and psychosocial wellbeing.

He noted that the Ministry’s participation was intentional and aligned with the mandate of its Department of Youth Health, Mental and Psychosocial Affairs to promote policy advocacy, sensitisation, partnerships, and integrated programming that support holistic youth development.

Highlighting that young people constitute over 60 per cent of Nigeria’s population, the Minister said harnessing the country’s demographic dividend requires ensuring that youths can “see clearly both physically and metaphorically.”
“Clear vision empowers clear ambition. Clear sight supports clear opportunity,” he stated, urging participants to move beyond dialogue toward actionable commitments, practical recommendations, and a clearly defined roadmap aligned with national youth health priorities and global best practices.

The roundtable and workshop were organised by the Nigerian Optometry Students Association (NOSA) in collaboration with the Ministry.

In his remarks, NOSA President, Mr. Oke, described the meeting as a historic milestone and a strategic step toward positioning eye care as a vital pillar of national youth development.

He said the engagement signalled a transition from symbolic partnerships to purposeful action aimed at improving youth outcomes through accessible healthcare.

A cross section of participants at the event.

According to him, millions of young Nigerians are affected by uncorrected refractive errors that significantly impair learning, skills acquisition, and long-term productivity.
Many youths, he explained, struggle academically or vocationally without realising that their challenges stem from correctable vision problems, describing the situation as a silent but serious development concern.

Under the proposed partnership framework, NOSA will provide clinical expertise, professional training, and outreach capacity, while the Ministry will facilitate structured access to youth populations nationwide.

The shared objective, he added, is to ensure that every young Nigerian whether in formal or informal education, skilled trades, creative industries, or technology has the visual capacity required to thrive.

The keynote address was delivered by Professor Tuwani Rasengane of the University of the Free State, who advocated the integration of eye care into educational systems as a strategic pathway to strengthening youth development outcomes.

The roundtable concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration, policy alignment, and measurable interventions to advance eye health as an essential component of Nigeria’s youth development agenda.

FG Seals Strategic Pact With Stratcomm To Drive Youth Empowerment, Innovation

Maryam Aminu

In a bold move to reposition youth development at the heart of national transformation, the Federal Government has sealed a strategic partnership with Stratcomm Consulting to strengthen youth empowerment initiatives across Nigeria.

The partnership, formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development and Stratcomm Consulting in Abuja, signals a renewed push toward research-driven policy formulation, strategic communication, and sustainable youth-focused interventions.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, described the collaboration as a forward-looking initiative designed to harness innovation, build institutional capacity, and deliver measurable outcomes for young Nigerians.

He stressed that the partnership goes beyond climate-related interventions and will focus on broader development priorities, particularly strengthening evidence-based policymaking and communication strategies.

R-L Honourable Minister, Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande with the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro

The Minister, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Maryam Keshinro, emphasized that effective communication remains critical to ensuring government programmes achieve visibility, impact, and long-term sustainability.

He noted that data-driven decision-making would play a central role in shaping responsive youth migration and development strategies.

According to him, the agreement aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which prioritises public-private partnerships and inter-ministerial collaboration as key drivers of national development.

He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting youth-led initiatives, advancing strategic communication, and deepening evidence-based engagement in youth development programmes.

Also speaking, the Director of the Youth Migration and Climate Action Resilience Department, Oyekan Adeoloyin, explained that the department was established in response to growing national and global challenges related to youth mobility, economic migration, and environmental sustainability.

He noted that Nigerian youths are among those most affected by climate change and migration pressures but remain critical drivers of innovative and sustainable solutions.

Adeoloyin described the collaboration with private-sector partners as timely and strategic, stressing the need for coordinated action across ministries, sectors, and development partners to strengthen migration governance and climate resilience.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Stratcomm Consulting, Dr. Kayode Olanorin, commended the Ministry’s innovative communication approach, noting that traditional and repetitive engagement methods are no longer sufficient to capture youth interest.

He described the partnership as essential in addressing emerging youth development challenges through collaborative and creative strategies.