Economy
Senate Seek Major Health Reforms As Akpabio Laments Low Funding
Senate Seek Major Health Reforms As Akpabio Laments Low Funding
Senate seek major health reforms as Akpabio laments low funding. Senate President Godswill Akpabio says funding for Nigeria’s health sector remains far below the commitments the national assembly has made at continental and global levels.
Akpabio spoke on Monday at a public hearing organised by the senate committee on health (secondary and tertiary) in Abuja.
The hearing considered five health-related bills, including the sickle cell disorder research and therapy centres (establishment) bill sponsored by Sunday Katung, senator representing Kaduna south.
Other bills were the national health act (amendment) bill sponsored by Ipalibo Banigo, senator representing Rivers west, which seeks increased funding for the sector; and the orthopaedic hospital establishment bill sponsored by Isa Jibrin, senator representing Kogi east.
Two additional bills sought to establish national eye care centres in Plateau and Benue states and were sponsored by Diket Plang, senator representing Plateau central, and Titus Zam, senator representing Benue north-west.
Represented by Mohammed Monguno, senate chief whip, Akpabio said the amendment to the national health act aims to strengthen the financial framework supporting primary healthcare, disease prevention, workforce development and emergency response.
“Increased funding is not an expense — it is an investment in national security, economic growth, and human capital,” he said.
Akpabio added that each bill responds to real health challenges affecting millions of Nigerians across the country.
“Nigeria has the highest burden of sickle cell disease in the world. Every year, thousands of our children are born with sickle cell disorder, and many do not survive to adulthood due to inadequate diagnosis and poor access to therapy,” Akpabio said.
He said the sickle cell bill would establish research and therapy centres to advance scientific knowledge, improve patient care, and reduce mortality.
Akpabio noted that the national assembly remains committed to strengthening the country’s health architecture and ensuring that legislation reflects citizens’ needs.
Banigo, who chairs the committee and sponsored the national health act amendment bill, said the proposal seeks to raise the basic healthcare provision fund allocation from one percent to two percent of the consolidated revenue fund.
“This is necessitated by the abysmally low current allocation, which cannot meet national health needs,” she said.
Akpabio Laments Low Funding
In his presentation, Katung said the sickle cell disorder bill proposes seven specialised centres — one in each geopolitical zone and one in the federal capital territory.
“These centres represent our commitment to providing Nigerian children living with sickle cell disorder with the same standard of care available elsewhere in the world,” he said.
Katung added that Nigeria records about 150,000 babies born with the condition annually and that the new centres would serve as hubs of excellence offering specialist care and counselling for families.
Economy
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party, Others Brought Insecurity, Hunger, Says Atiku
ADC is Nigeria’s only reliable political party, others brought insecurity, hunger, says Atiku. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubukar says the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is the only reliable political party in the country, noting that others have brought insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment.
Speaking in Jalingo, the capital of Taraba state, during the official opening of the ADC state secretariat, Abubakar said the party is ready for a 2027 victory but urged Nigerians to unite to rescue the nation.
He also asked Taraba residents to take part in the ongoing continuous voter registration exercise, adding that their participation is crucial to reversing Nigeria’s worsening hardship.
“I am in Taraba to inaugurate our new party office of the ADC, and I want you to hold the party with integrity,” Channels Television quoted Atiku as saying.
“Do not allow anybody to deceive you with any other party, because we have tasted other political parties, and they brought nothing but insecurity, hunger, poverty and unemployment. “The youths and women should know that we are doing this for them to have a better future, and I am holding on to their promise. “ADC will win Taraba state and win Nigeria as the only reliable political party.”
ADC Is Nigeria’s Only Reliable Political Party
Abubakar, who formally joined the ADC on Monday—17 months before the 2027 general election—said his experience across political platforms convinced him that the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and other parties lack the capacity to rescue the country.
He resigned from the PDP on July 16, citing “irreconcilable differences” within the opposition party as his reason for leaving.
Akwa Ibom Governor Pledges Commitment To Tourism, Blue Economy Development
Akwa Ibom governor pledges commitment to tourism, blue economy development… commends Editi Effiong for projecting State’s tourism potentials
As part of his effort to encourage tourism and enhance the State’s blue economy, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to encourage and reward young professionals who are willing to collaborate with his administration in promoting the positive image of the State through the ARISE Agenda.
The Governor made this known while fielding questions from Government House correspondents shortly after embarking on inspection of a locale of a movie, “The Black Book 2” (Old Scores), at Ishiet Beach/Market in Uruan Local Government Area.
He commended the movie Producer and Director, Mr. Editi Effiong, for his talent, vision, inspiration, and creative ability to project the tourism potentials and boost the economy of the State.
Governor Eno charged young Akwa Ibomites to shun divisive tendencies, be inspired, and emulate the creative effort of successful Akwa Ibom sons and daughters by joining hands to develop the tourism and blue economy of the State.
“The impression is amazing, seeing that we have one of our own trying to pull the world down here.
“I would love to thank and encourage him, and to let our young people see that Akwa Ibom has what it takes to drag the world’s attention.
“It depends on what you see. Someone can see this place and write one story about a swamp that has been abandoned and make all the noise. Another person sees this place and makes a great movie out of it that will market this place to the world and is able to attract the attention because of the work he has done here,” he said.
The State Chief Executive pledged his encouragement, support, and collaboration with Editi and other young Akwa Ibomites to enable them rise to the zenith of their calling.
“We are going to work with him. Editi is a young man I have known very well. This is one thing I say to our people in the diaspora, let’s partner. Come back home, whatever you see out there, bring it back here, and let’s work together.
“I think that is the story, and I am really impressed. If you know the number of people that have visited this State in the course of this film, the talents, and the caliber of artists that have been here, then this young man deserves an award and our support,” he added.
Ibom Deep SeaPort
On his part, the movie Producer and Director, Effiong, appreciated Governor Eno for his visionary leadership and passion for tourism development.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for creating a hospitable and tourism friendly ecosystem to enhance talent exploration through the provision of good road network and quality modern facilities which distinguished the State as one of the most treasured locations in the country.
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
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