Pate, Salako, Regulators Set for Groundbreaking OneBarrow Health Equity Conference

Adejoh Bilkisu

Nigeria’s healthcare sector is set for a historic moment as the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, his deputy, Dr. Iziaq Salako, and all 13 national healthcare regulatory councils prepare to headline the 2025 Health Equity Conference in Abuja.

The high-profile event, convened by OneBarrow International Limited in collaboration with regulators and private sector leaders, is scheduled for Thursday, October 16, 2025, at the Nigerian National Merit Award Hall.

With the theme “From Access to Impact: A National Agenda for Equitable Healthcare,” the conference will, for the first time in Nigeria’s history, bring together all statutory health councils to chart a bold national agenda for equitable healthcare delivery.

OneBarrow’s Public Relations Analyst, Maryam Aminu, said the forum represents a unified call to place preventive healthcare, regulatory clarity, and stronger public-private partnerships at the heart of national reforms.

Chief Executive Officer of OneBarrow International Limited, Yemi Ajao, stressed that the conference goes beyond access to healthcare, explaining that the goal is to translate access into real and sustainable outcomes for every Nigerian community.

He further stated that discussions would focus on national strategies to expand preventive health assessments, strengthen regulatory oversight, and extend healthcare services to underserved and rural communities.

According to him, participants from pharmacy chains, laboratory networks, hospitals, medical suppliers, and corporate organizations have been invited to join policymakers and regulators in shaping the agenda.

The initiative, he added, reflects President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes affordable and accessible healthcare as a central pillar of development.

Organizers emphasized that the conference is designed to move the country from dialogue to delivery, with outcomes capable of transforming healthcare access for millions of Nigerians.

RMAFC Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to Reposition Commission

Maryam Aminu

Chairman of the Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, has restated his determination to reposition the Commission for greater efficiency and effectiveness in carrying out its mandate.

Dr. Shehu gave the assurance in a keynote address delivered at the opening of a three-day retreat for members of the Central Bank Monitoring Committee (CBMC), which opened in Kano on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

He was represented at the event by the Committee Chairman and Commissioner representing Ebonyi State, Engr. Nduka Henry Awuregu.

Group photograph of the committee members, other participants, and resource persons

He explained that the retreat was organised in recognition of the Commission’s expanded monitoring mandate under the new RMAFC Act, 2025, and stressed the importance of strengthening oversight of revenue accruals and disbursements from the Federation Account domiciled with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“The CBN is an important and cardinal institution that the Commission must relate with in carrying out its monitoring function of revenue accruals and disbursement from the Federation Account,” Dr. Shehu said.

He urged members to actively engage in the sessions and pledged his leadership

Made in the North Festival Returns with Bigger Stage for Culture, Creativity, and Commerce

Maryam Aminu

Northern Nigeria is gearing up for the much-anticipated second edition of the Made in the North Festival and Trade Fair, an electrifying showcase of culture, creativity, and commerce.

Created to spotlight the region’s rich heritage while unlocking fresh economic opportunities, the festival is positioning the North as a hub for fashion, film, art, trade, tourism, and technology.

This year’s edition promises to outshine the debut, with more performances, exhibitions, and high-impact networking sessions.

Organizers say lessons learned from the maiden outing have inspired stronger logistics, deeper partnerships, and wider community participation.

From cultural parades, traditional events, and food fairs to fashion shows, concerts, poetry, photography exhibitions, and talent competitions, the festival is blending heritage with modern innovation to give participants an unforgettable experience.

Already attracting government endorsements, corporate sponsorships, NGO partnerships, and international collaborations, the festival is gaining traction as both a cultural highlight and an economic catalyst.

Looking ahead, the organizers are not just thinking locally. By 2030, the Made in the North Festival aims to become a global cultural and creative economy brand, touring major cities across Nigeria and the world to showcase Northern talent and woo international investors.

With its powerful mix of culture and commerce, the Made in the North Festival is more than just an event, it’s a movement to put Northern Nigeria on the global creative map.

Nigeria, China Deepen Defence Ties at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

Emmanuel Daudu

Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, is in Beijing for the 12th Xiangshan Forum, where he has opened fresh talks with China on defence technology cooperation.

On Thursday, Badaru held a high-level bilateral meeting with China’s Minister of Equipment and Development, Air Chief Marshal Xu Xueqiang, focused on practical collaboration in defence technology, local military production, and joint capacity building.

According to Mati Ali, PA (Media & Publicity) to the Honourable Minister, the discussions zeroed in on strengthening industrial partnerships between Nigerian and Chinese defence manufacturers, building technical capacity, and exploring sustainable technology transfer in line with Nigerian laws and international standards.

Both sides also agreed to pursue cooperative training, exchange programmes, and potential joint projects that could boost Nigeria’s defence self-reliance and technological growth. Relevant agencies from both countries have been tasked with carrying out follow-up studies to translate proposals into concrete programmes and formal agreements.

The Xiangshan Forum, one of Asia’s biggest defence and security gatherings, brings together military leaders, experts, and officials from across the globe to debate pressing regional and global security issues. Nigeria’s active participation signals its growing commitment to international defence diplomacy and strengthening national capacity through strategic partnerships.

Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru Joins World Leaders at Beijing Xiangshan Forum

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, is in Beijing, China, where he is representing the country at the 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, which officially opened today, Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Confirming his participation, Mati Ali, Personal Assistant (Media & Publicity) to the Minister, said the high-profile event has drawn defence and military leaders from more than 100 countries, including Singapore, Russia, France, Vietnam, Brazil, and Nigeria, alongside international and regional organisations.

This year’s edition is themed “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development.” Discussions are structured around four plenary sessions and eight breakout sessions, tackling issues such as global security governance, Asia-Pacific cooperation, safeguarding international order, and building regional peace.

The Forum continues to serve as a strategic platform for countries to deepen military diplomacy and strengthen collaboration towards global peace and stability.

RMAFC Pushes Digital Transformation, Trains Staff on Performance Management

Maryam Aminu

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has taken a bold step toward digital transformation with the launch of staff training on a new Performance Management System (PMS).

The Chairman of RMAFC, Dr. Mohammed Bello Shehu, OFR, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to boosting productivity and service delivery through technology. Represented by Hon. Ismail Mohammed Agaka, Federal Commissioner for Kwara State, Dr. Shehu explained that the PMS will replace the outdated annual performance evaluation report.

He noted that automation and digital tools will streamline processes, reduce errors, and consign the analog system to history.

Urging staff to embrace the change, he remarked, “If you do not shake into the system, the system will likely shake you out.”

Speaking at the opening session, the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Nwaeze Joseph Okechukwu, described RMAFC as one of Nigeria’s most strategic institutions and stressed that digital transformation would equip officers with vital new skills.

He encouraged staff to “learn, unlearn, and relearn,” while also upholding professionalism through good dressing and punctuality.

A cross section of the Participants at the training

In his goodwill message, Mr. Emmanuel Ohiro, PMS Consultant from Reliefline Nigeria Limited, praised the initiative and urged participants to take the workshop seriously, describing it as a pathway to improved service delivery.

The training, organised by RMAFC’s Administration and Human Resources Department in partnership with Reliefline Nigeria Limited, kicked off on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, and will run until Wednesday, September 24, 2025.

The announcement was signed by Maryam Umar Yusuf, mnipr, Head of Information and Public Relations Unit, RMAFC

CODE Acting CEO Selected for Prestigious Global Advocacy Accelerator Program

Maryam Aminu

Connected Development (CODE) has announced that its Acting Chief Executive Officer, Hyeladzira James Mshelia, has been selected to join the second cohort of the Advocacy Accelerator Program, an initiative of the Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI).

Confirming the development, Nankpak Cirfat, Communications Officer -Media Relations, CODE, noted that the recognition further affirms the organisation’s leadership in advancing health sector accountability and amplifying citizen voices in Nigeria and beyond.

Hyeladzira was chosen from a pool of 618 applicants worldwide and joins 24 exceptional advocates across Africa and Asia who will benefit from the highly competitive program. The initiative arrives at a critical time when low- and middle-income countries are under increasing pressure to mobilize sustainable domestic health budgets.

Backed by funding and mentorship from GHAI and supported by Resolve to Save Lives, the program will equip participants with advanced tools to drive budget advocacy for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as tobacco control, mental health, cardiovascular health, road safety, and drowning prevention which collectively claim more than 43 million lives annually but attract only 1- 2% of global health funding.

For CODE, the program presents an opportunity to push for increased and sustained domestic budget allocation to Nigeria’s health sector, boosting the country’s preparedness for health emergencies and prevention of avoidable deaths.

Speaking on her selection, Mshelia said “What excites me most about this accelerator is the opportunity to sharpen my skills and those of CODE in advancing budget advocacy, especially learning how better to translate technical fiscal data into compelling, people-centered narratives while leveraging this opportunity to scale our advocacy and push for improved service delivery in Nigeria’s health sector.”

Also named among the selected participants is CODE’s Program Officer, Abdulaziz Hussaini, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities and ensuring Nigeria’s health systems receive the resources they urgently need.

Acting Chief Executive Officer CODE, Hyeladzira James Mshelia

I’ll Develop Table Tennis in North-Central if Elected- Ibrahim

Maryam Aminu

Barrister Hamidu Ali Ibrahim, a lawyer and seasoned civil servant, has declared his ambition to contest for a seat on the board of the Nigeria Table Tennis Federation (NTTF), pledging to make grassroots development his top priority, with special focus on the North-Central region.

Ibrahim, who has twice served as chairman of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Table Tennis Association, told journalists in Abuja on Tuesday that his passion for the sport and proven leadership track record positioned him to drive meaningful change.

“At least as a member of the board of the National Table Tennis Federation, I should be able to develop table tennis in North-Central Nigeria in particular,” he said.

He emphasized the importance of discovering and nurturing young talents through consistent local competitions, lamenting the dominance of players from only a few regions.

“Table tennis is a sport Nigerians are naturally good at. Sadly, most of the stars we see at the national level are from the Southwest. My plan is to take the game to the grassroots, organize competitions, and raise champions from other parts of the country, especially the North-Central,” he explained.

Reflecting on the outgoing NTTF board, Ibrahim commended their efforts but said more could be achieved. “They have done well, but there is always room for improvement. We will build on their achievements to take the sport to greater heights,” he noted.

Highlighting his achievements as FCT chairman, including the successful hosting of the North-Central Table Tennis Championship, Ibrahim reassured stakeholders of his commitment: “Anything I say, I do. By God’s grace, we will deliver.”

He further stressed the need to groom fresh stars who can eventually succeed Africa’s table tennis icon, Aruna Quadri. “We must support those already excelling internationally and deliberately raise the next generation of champions. Table tennis should unite Nigerians, just like football does,” he added.

Looking to the future, Ibrahim expressed optimism about Nigeria’s medal prospects on the global stage. “Why not? With our abundant talents and the right leadership, Nigeria can compete for Olympic medals,” he declared confidently.

SDP Chieftain Dr. V.C Commiserates with Family of Late Mrs. Okafor, Pledges Monthly Support for Twins

Maryam Aminu

A frontline chieftain of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and senatorial hopeful for the FCT in the 2027 elections, Dr. Victor Chukwuma Imuka, popularly known as Dr. V.C, has paid a condolence visit to the family of late Mrs. Chidinma Okafor, who tragically passed away during childbirth in Kagini, Abuja.

Mrs. Okafor left behind twin babies, and during the visit on Saturday, Dr. V.C not only consoled the grieving family but also pledged to provide a monthly stipend to support the welfare of the children.

He also presented them with a cash gift to assist in their immediate needs.

“It is indeed a painful loss. We cannot bring back our sister, but we can stand by her children and ensure they do not suffer,” Dr. V.C said.

The widower, Mr. Emmanuel Okafor, expressed heartfelt gratitude, praying for God’s blessings on the senatorial aspirant. Community leaders in Kagini also lauded the gesture, describing it as a show of true compassion.

Members of the New Frontier Movement, a support group backing Dr. V.C’s senatorial ambition, turned out in large numbers to welcome him during the visit.

The visit ended with prayers for the repose of Mrs. Okafor’s soul and words of encouragement for the bereaved family.

58,820 Youths Register for Data Protection Training – Youth Minister

Maryam Aminu

The Federal Ministry of Youth Development has announced the close of registration for the Youth Data Protection Awareness & Training (YDPAT) programme, which attracted 58,820 young Nigerians within just 53 days.

The initiative, organised in partnership with the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and Globe Takers Foundation, drew participants from all six geopolitical zones, underscoring the growing interest of Nigerian youths in digital literacy, data protection, and personal development.

Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, hailed the massive turnout as proof of the commitment of young people to nation-building.

He assured that every registrant would benefit from the Ministry’s broader youth development agenda.

According to the Minister, the training will commence with an initial cohort of 5,000 participants, selected to ensure fair national representation. Other applicants will be engaged through complementary programmes to guarantee inclusivity.

The training is designed in a hybrid format, combining virtual and physical sessions to ensure nationwide accessibility. Selection and accreditation of participants will run through September, with announcements expected in October. Virtual classes are scheduled to begin in November, while physical training sessions will follow in December 2025.

The Ministry also called on development partners, state governments, and private sector stakeholders to support the YDPAT programme, stressing that collective effort would help expand its reach and impact.

“The Ministry is committed to raising a digitally aware and empowered generation one capable of safeguarding their rights in the digital age while contributing to Nigeria’s data-driven economy,” Olawande said.