NSIPA Strengthen Commitment To Delivering Impactful Programmes For Vulnerable Nigerians

NSIPA strengthen commitment to delivering impactful programmes for vulnerable Nigerians The acting NSIPA CEO said this at a capacity-building workshop on Result-Driven Performance Assessment for Programme and Departmental Managers in Abuja.

Abdullahi Alhassan Imam, the acting national coordinator and chief executive officer of
The National Social Investment Programme Agency says it remains committed to delivering programmes that directly impact vulnerable Nigerians.

Mr Imam, who is also the national programme manager of the National Cash Transfer Office, said this in a statement on Thursday.

The acting NSIPA CEO said this at a capacity-building workshop on Result-Driven Performance Assessment for Programme and Departmental Managers in Abuja.

The workshop focused on reviewing and adopting the Central Results Delivery Coordinating Unit reporting framework, as applicable to the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction and NSIPA.

It also provided a platform for identifying and validating high-impact deliverables and performance indicators expected to guide the agency’s operations in 2026.

Mr Imam, who was represented by Hamza Baba, national programme manager of the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme, said that the exercise was critical to improving institutional performance and ensuring measurable outcomes.

According to him, strengthening accountability and service delivery by aligning its 2026 deliverables with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“The CRDCU framework provides a clear structure for tracking progress, improving accountability and ensuring that presidential priorities translate into tangible results,” he said.

The head of planning, research, and statistics, Binta Ibrahim, described the CRDCU framework as a strategic tool for monitoring outcomes rather than a mere compliance requirement.
According to her, clearly defined targets and indicators are essential for assessing the effectiveness of social investment programmes across ministries, departments and agencies.

NSIPA Strengthen Commitment To Delivering Impactful Programmes

She urged participants to use the workshop to strengthen collaboration, promote innovation and enhance service delivery.

Participants resolved to finalise NSIPA’s 2026 deliverables and performance indicators for submission through the CRDCU reporting cycle and to establish follow-up mechanisms to monitor progress and address implementation gaps.

The workshop brought together programme managers, departmental heads and CRDCU focal officers, who reviewed operational challenges and developed actionable solutions to improve programme implementation.

Cardiologist Warns: Sugary Drinks Increase Risk Of Heart Disease In Children

Cardiologist warns: Sugary drinks increase risk of heart disease in children. WHO noted that sugary drinks offer no nutritional benefits and are neither essential nor desirable parts of people’s diets.

A Gombe-based cardiologist, Abubakar Sani, says excessive consumption of sugary drinks increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases in children.

He said excessive consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages might predispose children to the risk of heart disease, hypertension and Type 2 diabetes.

Mr Sani, a consultant cardiologist at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, said this in an interview on Monday.

He cautioned against excessive consumption of sugary drinks, given the prevalence of non-communicable diseases linked to their consumption.
According to Mr Sani, more attention needs to be paid to the health impact of such drinks on children’s heart health.

“Many parents regularly include numerous sugary juices and other SSBs in their children’s school lunch, which are unhealthy for them.

“Children consuming too many sugary drinks can also expose them to serious risks like obesity and severe tooth decay.

“As schools resume across the country, I advise parents to cut down on sugary drinks for their children, especially when going to school and keeping the drinks out of the home too,” he said.

He encouraged parents to give their children water, highlighting that water remained the best choice for hydration.

Cardiologist

According to the World Health Organisation, SSBs are all types of beverages containing free sugars, including carbonated and non-carbonated soft drinks, fruit/vegetable juices, and other drinks.

Others include liquid and powder concentrates, flavoured water, energy and sports drinks, ready-to-drink tea, ready-to-drink coffee and flavoured milk drinks.

WHO noted that sugary drinks offer no nutritional benefits and are neither essential nor desirable parts of people’s diets.

Governor Alia Vows To Pay Outstanding Pension, Gratuities In January

Governor Alia Vows To pay outstanding pension, gratuities in January, says “bear with me, I’ll pay outstanding pension, gratuities in January”.

In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” Mr Alia said.

Governor Hyacinth Alia has promised to clear outstanding pensions and gratuities of retired civil servants in the state accrued between 2023 and 2025.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Tersoo Kula, on Sunday. According to the statement, the governor promised to do so before the end of January 2026.

Mr Alia said his administration has treated the welfare of civil servants with utmost seriousness, stressing that salaries, pensions and gratuities have been paid consistently since he assumed office.
“We’ve been paying gratuities because I have taken the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously.

In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” the governor said.
Mr Alia explained that while priority was initially given to clearing approved arrears, deliberate steps are now being taken to ensure that all retirees during his administration receive their entitlements.

“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” Mr Alia stated.

He noted that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue based on available financial inflows.
Mr Alia said that his government was determined to maintain a healthy flow of funds while meeting its obligations to workers.

“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently,” said Mr Alia.

On the ongoing national strike by resident doctors, the governor urged dialogue and negotiation, describing conflict resolution as the best path to resolving labour disputes.

Mr Alia acknowledged that there may be genuine reasons for their agitation, including outstanding commitments by previous administrations, which he said must be honoured, as government was a continuum.

Benue Governor

The governor expressed confidence that resident doctors in Benue would not have joined the strike but for its nationwide nature, noting that the disruption of medical services posed grave risks to families and communities.

“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” Mr Alia said, appealing to striking doctors to reflect on the humanitarian consequences of the action.

Describing medical practice as a special vocation, Mr Alia commended resident doctors and other health workers for their dedication and sacrifices and called for a reconsideration of the strike in the interest of saving lives.

He expressed optimism that the impasse would soon be resolved, adding that the federal government was working round the clock to address the issues raised.