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Renewed Hope Agenda Drives Healthcare Transformation Nationwide – Minister

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Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda is making world-class healthcare a reality, with six state-of-the-art treatment centres planned across the country, three of which are already operational.

Idris made the statement while leading a high-powered delegation to inspect the newly established Oncology Centre in Enugu, which he described as “world class” and “proof of the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to delivering life-changing health infrastructure to Nigerians.”

During the visit, the delegation met patients receiving care, including a woman who had previously travelled long distances for treatment but can now access top-quality services in Enugu.

“This is democracy delivering tangible dividends. Our visit allows us to hear directly from citizens, see the impact for ourselves, and ensure these facilities are maintained for public benefit,” Idris said.

Highlighting the President’s achievements, Idris stated: “Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda in policies and programmes has revolutionised the health sector that treatments of cancers can now be done here in Nigeria.

“There are six treatment facilities in the six zones of the country with similar machines found in other parts of the world; and experts have been trained to handle them.

“So, anyone that wants to go out of the country to treat cancer is doing so base on choice and not that we don’t have facilities and experts to treat the person.

Read Also: Kaduna Launches Health Insurance Card Distribution Drive

“We must give credit to President Tinubu for the people he put in place to revamp the health sector.”

Turning to the economy, the Minister assured Nigerians that the President’s vision of a one trillion-dollar economy is within reach. He described Tinubu as “a courageous leader, passionate of nation and human development,” noting that initial scepticism about his reforms has given way to visible progress.

“At first, there were skepticism and compliant from some people did not really understand, but two years down the line, you can see that a lot of successes have been recorded. 

“Now, all state governments have more funds to work and deliver dividends of democracy to their people. That bold decision has freed up resources needed to execute humongous capital projects. 

“Now that people are enjoying the benefits of Tinubu’s bold decision, nobody is asking why fuel subsidy was removed.

“In the past, about 97 percent of our budget was used to service and pay debt. Imagine that you have a family, how would you manage the three per cent looking at all the demands of school fees, house rent, other bills. 

“Tinubu has demonstrated courageous leadership, he is working and his plans to make Nigeria a one trillion dollar economy is in sight. It is like the take off of a flight. It has already take off,” Idris said.

He further noted that President Tinubu has enhanced coordination among security agencies, resulting in improved national security. Idris also commended the Governor of Enugu State for building on the policies and programmes of his predecessor.

 

Nollywood Blockbuster ‘The Serpent’s Gift’ Hits Cinemas Aug. 29

“The Serpent’s Gift”, a thrilling Nollywood drama, is set for release in cinemas on Aug. 29, its producers have said.

Ace filmmaker and producer of the film, Winifred Mena-Ajakpovi, announced the date of release  in a post alongside its trailer on her instagram page.

The post reads: “Who can you trust when blood means nothing? Secret surface. Loyalties shift. True colours begin to show. The storm is coming.”

“The Serpent’s Gift”, directed by Kayode Kasum and distributed by Nile Entertainment, is a mystery-drama that explores themes of love and legacy.

The ensemble cast includes ace actors Chico Aligwekwe, Tina Mba, Stan Nze, Beverly Osu, Daniel Etim Effiong, Tracey George, Inem King, Ric Hassani, and Uche Chika Elumelu, among others.

Set in Eastern Nigeria and rich with Igbo traditions, the movie follows the gripping aftermath of the sudden death of Nduka Sylvanus, a revered businessman whose passing leaves a vacuum and a storm.

Shot in lush, Igbo-styled locations and rich in traditional aesthetics, with immersive visuals and vibrant costumes the film blends the suspense of a legal thriller with the emotional weight of family drama.

At the heart of it all is Ijeoma, played by Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, a graceful yet enigmatic young widow who unexpectedly inherits his vast empire.

However, her ascension unsettles more than just the family; it awakens old wounds, buried truths, and for power.

The intrigues that follow is what makes”The Serpent’s Gift” a thriller to watch.

The star-studded blockbuster, has been nominated for Best African Film and Best African Actor categories at the prestigious Septimius Awards in the Netherlands.

NAN / Foluke Ibitomi

 

Don Gifts N1.5m Prize to Best Students of Agriculture

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Prof. Sidiqat Aderinoye-Abdulwahab of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, University of Ilorin, has gifted N1.5 million prize for the best male and female students of agriculture in the institution.

Aderinoye-Abdulwahab made the endowment during the 289th Inaugural Lecture of the institution, delivered by her on Thursday, saying that the donation was her way of giving back to the society.

The lecture delivered had as its theme: “Sustainable, Smart and Safe Pastoralism in Nigeria”.

READ ALSO:NSIA Builds Over 90 Fertiliser Plants to Boost Agriculture

“As a way of giving back to the society and encouraging future generations of womenfolk, I pledge N750,000 for the next ten years to the best male graduating student.

“This is in honour of my husband for his unwavering spirit, unflinching support and overwhelming dedication towards my success,” she said.

The don also donated N750,000 to the best graduating female student in agriculture in memory of Hajiya Fauziyah Ali for directing her towards the acquisition of a PhD that culminated her achievement.

Aderinoye-Abdulwahab advised the Ministry of Livestock Development to promote safe pastoralism by educating and enlightening pastoralists as well as create conflict mediation units that will serve the need of pastoralists.

She urged policy makers to formulate and implement relevant pastoral policies that would enhance the implementation of existing grazing reserves and ranching.

The expert said that the practice of herding and grazing ruminant animals has a long and varied history and could be traced to Stone Age period.

“The story of Cain and Abel’s conflict is proof that farmer/herdsmen conflict and altercations have a history rooted in ancient period.

“It serves as a timeless metaphor for struggles between different livelihoods, cultures and identities. Correspondingly, today’s clashes between farmers and herders stem from deeper tensions of competition for scarce resources,” she said.

Aderinoye-Abdulwahab explained that migration could occur either because the environmental quality of a habitat has become unliveable or migrant’s economic outcome was better in areas with greater resource availability.

“One basic feature of herdsmen is migration but the effects of migration on host communities’ farms includes pressure on land, cultural and social differences, over population and social disorganisation, which are conflict triggers.

The expert said that the complex interplay of livelihood, environmental and social insecurity challenges facing pastoralism in Nigeria requires a multifaceted solution.

“As we strive for an aggregation of sustainable, smart and safe pastoralism in Nigeria, I will like to leave us with the words of our creator, who reminds us thus:

“And He created the cattle for you; in them is warmth and numerous benefits and from them you eat,” she quoted.

NEPC Partners Lawmaker, Empowers Farmers in Akwa Ibom

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The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in collaboration with Mr Paul Ekpo, the member representing Etinan Federal Constituency, has distributed oil palm seedlings and money to 50 farmers in the area.

The Etinan Federal Constituency is made of Etinan, Nsit Ibom and Nsit Ubium Local Government Areas.

According to reports, each of the 50 farmers received 100 stands of oil palm seedlings and N100,000 to enhance palm oil production.

In her address, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, NEPC’s Executive Director, said that the Federal Government was committed to empowering citizens in oil palm production business.

Represented by Mr Ben Etegbe, the South-South Regional Coordinator, Ayeni said that the empowerment was a deliberate move to position the country as a leading producer of palm oil.

She urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of emerging opportunities in oil palm production, and described it as a lifetime investment.

READ ALSO:Akwa Ibom Government Moves to Implement Tree Crops Development Plan

The executive director further said that palm oil and its derivatives remained a huge investment opportunity, especially when processed for export.

“It is estimated that as the population of people and industries that use palm oil and its derivatives increase, the demand for palm oil will also increase.

“In Nigeria, palm oil production is an age-long occupation, particularly for the people of South-South and South-East regions.

The business is sometimes passed on from one generation to another,” he said.

Ayeni said that Nigeria currently produced about 1.2 metric tons, which he said was grossly inadequate to satisfy the domestic annual consumption of over 2.5 metric tons.

“Although Nigeria has huge potentials in palm oil to reclaim the leading position in terms of production and export, the potentials are not being harnessed effectively,” she said.

She said that the council would continue to work with critical stakeholders to reposition the industry, and to return Nigeria to being a net exporter of palm oil.

In his remarks, Ekpo thanked NEPC for its commitment to ensuring the success of the empowerment programme for members of his constituency.

Ekpo said that the empowerment programme aimed to step up the palm oil business from local to international market.

“Palm oil production is the mainstay in agriculture, and you have a choice whether to produce and earn in naira or in foreign currency.

“There is something in oil palm that most people do not realise, no part of oil palm is a waste. The oil palm you are seeing today will bring millionaires from among you tomorrow,” he said.

He urged beneficiaries not sell the oil palm seedlings, but to plant them and believe strongly that they would multiply in several folds.

Rivers State Begins Pensioners Re-Verification Exercise

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Pensioners in Rivers State South-South Nigeria, came out in their numbers for the ongoing re-verification exercise for workers and pensioners.

The exercise which began on Thursday 24th July 2025 had in turn, attended to staff of ministries, agencies, parastatals and the tertiary institutions at designated centers in the state and beyond.

Thursday 14th August was slated for the commencement of pensioners in the re-verification exercise at the Ministry of Justice and the Main Bowl of the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Center, both in Port Harcourt Township.

The Administrator of the State, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ette Ibas approved a seamless re-verification procedure and also for the upgrade in the refreshment package for pensioners (from snacks to main course meals) to enhance the comfort of pensioners during the re-verification process.

The Rivers State Government has also provided coverage of transportation cost of retirees participating in the verification exercise as well as buses to take them to their nearest bus stops.

This exercise is providing the necessary data that will enable them to get enrolled in a free health care insurance scheme courtesy of the Rivers State Government.

The Office of the Head of Service of Rivers State, Dr Iyingi Brown meticulously assembled dedicated personnel to power the process seamlessly.

Pensioners have until the 20th of August 2025 to appear before the panel for their re-verification on their scheduled days which is determined from their banks.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Jigawa Youth Group Plants 1,750 Trees 

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The Maigatari Youth Foundation, in Maigatari Local Government Area of Jigawa, has planted 1,750 assorted tree seedlings to combat desert encroachment.

The Secretary-General of the foundation, Mr Abba Sale-Wakili, said this in an interview with Newsmen on Thursday in Dutse.

Sale-Wakili said the seedlings including 150 of economic trees were planted with support of the Gumel Emirate Foundation and a philanthropist, Mr Kabir Yusuf.

READ ALSO:UJAA Plants 100 Trees to Celebrate Unijos at 50

He said the trees had been planted at places of worship, graveyards, schools, strategic and residential areas.

The scribe listed the tree species to include neem, African locust bean, umbrella, guava, bitter lemon, pawpaw, among others.

He urged residents of the area to safeguard the trees and nurture them to maturity.

Nigeria Receives 11 Citizens Repatriated from Central African Republic

The Nigerian Government has received 11 stranded Nigerians from the Central African Republic.

The Nigerian Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency,NEMA, received the returnees who were accompanied by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Central African Republic, Babagana Ahmed.

The returnees arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport,Abuja at exactly 4:50 PM, via Flight Asky B -B 747-200 with registration ET-AXO, on Thursday, 14th August, 2025.

Director General, NEMA, Zubaida Umar while briefing journalists, restated the government’s commitment to the safety and welfare of citizens in distress, as demonstrated in the dignified return of the eleven Miners.

Safe return

Represented by the Director,Search and Rescue in the Agency, Air Commodore Kenneth Oyong, the Director General NEMA also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser to the President, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Nigerian Embassy in Bangui, for taking the initiative and ensuring the safe return of the stranded Nigerians.

The swift action of these agencies is a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s vision of ensuring that every Nigerian who is in a difficult situation anywhere in the world is of course, attended to, and is brought back home.”

“We in NEMA, immediately we got the instructions, we have provided them with meals upon landing, for refreshment. Subsequently, we are going to provide for them transportation and, of course, lodging. So that by tomorrow, they can safely depart and rejoin with their families.”

The Nigerian Ambassador, Babagana Ahmed was instrumental to the rescue of the Nigerian Miners in CAR, following a plea they made on the 24th of July, 2025 via a video that went viral on the social media.

Abandoned by their employers

Ambassador Ahmed said the Nigerians were recruited to work at mining sites and were subsequently abandoned by their employers in a remote forest area for about 8 months.

According to him, following the sweep intervention by the embassy in collaboration with relevant authorities and their employers, the stranded Nigerians were successfully rescued and evacuated to Bangui, capital city of the Center African Republic, on 28th July 2025.

Since their arrival, the mission has provided them with accommodation, feeding, medical care and other necessary welfare support.”

The Team-lead for the returnees, Mr Freeborn Igorigo, an indigene of Delta State in South -south Nigeria, while narrating their ordeals, told journalists that the company is owing them eight months wages.

Pay them their wages

Mr Igorigo, therefore, pleaded with the Federal Government to ensure that the company pays them their wages in full to serve as a deterrent to other nationals taking advantage of Nigerians in the human capital management.

Though it was a very traumatizing experience, we are happy that we are home. But the battle is not yet won,this is just the first step. Because all of us that are here now have left our family, left the country for a year. And as I’m talking to you now, I’m telling you, we don’t know what we are going to meet at home because there was no payment.”

“The company tried their best to just pay some people two months, some people one and a half months.Now imagine having wives and children, old age, mothers and everything to cater for. And you go home empty handed. So we are pleading to the authorities. We are pleading to those involved, DSS or ministers of mining or the federal government to please help us.”

He further disclosed that Some of the returnees have also developed medical conditions due to exposure to hazard and accidents at the mining site.

Another, returnee,Oluyemi Peter, from Kogi State, in North-central Nigeria, who was elated to be back home, commended the Federal Government for listening to their plea.

Thorough enquiries

Mr Oluyemi , however, cautioned young Nigerians who desire to migrate to other countries, to always make thorough enquiries before leaving.

The Miners were evacuated from Senye , a village in Bambari Region in the Central African Republic, which is about 840 Kilometres away from the capital city, where they worked for DENACO ERADO Mining Company.

The reception was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Immigration Service, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigerian Custom Service, Nigerian Air Force and Department of State Services.

Lateefah Ibrahim

Kaduna Launches Health Insurance Card Distribution Drive

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Kaduna State has launched the distribution of Health Insurance Identity Cards to 15,000 vulnerable residents under the Kaduna State Health Insurance Scheme, aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare.

The flag-off ceremony, held at Hotel Seventeen in Kaduna, brought together senior government officials, development partners, and traditional leaders, including the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli.

Representatives from UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) were also in attendance, alongside beneficiaries from across the state.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, representing Governor Uba Sani, described the event as “a day of purpose, promise, and progress.”

She reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is denied quality medical care due to financial barriers.

Read Also: Over 1,500 Cholera Infections Recorded in Zamfara – NGO

“This is not just about distributing cards. It is about delivering care, compassion, and commitment—offering health for all, hope for all, and help for all,” she said.

Balarabe highlighted the revitalisation of 255 Primary Health Care facilities and General Hospitals, equipped with modern technology, skilled personnel, and solar power, since Governor Sani took office.

These upgrades, she noted, have improved maternal care, reduced child mortality, and protected families from out-of-pocket medical costs.

She commended CHAI for enrolling over 20,000 vulnerable people—mostly women—into the scheme and praised traditional rulers for mobilising community support for health programmes.

She also urged corporate organisations, philanthropists, and community leaders to sponsor more residents, calling the card distribution a transformative step towards a healthier future for the state’s most vulnerable.

 

Nigeria Promotes Open Governance to Strengthen Citizen Participation

The Nigerian Government has called on the government at all levels to work in synergy through open dialogue with Nigerians for meaningful development in the country.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, made the call at a town hall meeting with Enugu State citizens in the state Capital, as part of the South-East citizens’ engagement tour activities.

According to the Minister, the initiative aims to create awareness on the activities of government to ensure a better life for Nigerians.

We are here to listen, to share progress, and to ensure that government policies reflect the realities of our people.Our goal is simple to bridge the communication gap between government and citizens, block the spread of misinformation, and strengthen participatory democracy through open dialogue,” he said.

Freed up more funds

Idris stated, also highlight key interventions, while maintaining that the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates have freed up more funds for infrastructure and social investments nationwide.

In the South-East, these resources are already delivering projects, including the Eastern Railway Corridor, a world-class oncology centre in Enugu, and over 1,000 rehabilitated primary healthcare centres” that the region is benefitting from business support funds, expanded student loans, consumer credit schemes, and electricity market autonomy,” he stated.

Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji said: “Through the dedicated work of the federal ministry of Innovation science and Technology , And our sister agencies, we have delivered over seventy tangible projects touching every senatorial district of Enugu State. These projects are more than infrastructure, they are life line”, he noted.

The Special Adviser to the president on communication and a strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga said the government is very much aware and so the next phase of the government program is to address those problems that is being raised.

The government is targeting one thousand people in every ward, to make sure the problem of poverty is addressed,” he noted.

The team is to move to Ebonyi state for citizen engagement and Town Hall meeting with the locals.

The Citizens engagement and town hall meeting was attended by both Traditional and Religious along side women graded.

Lateefah Ibrahim

African Union Calls for Accurate Map of Africa’s Size

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In a bid to end the use of inaccurate Africa map sizes, the African Union has backed a campaign to end the use by governments and international organisations of the 16th-century Mercator map of the world in favour of one that more accurately displays Africa’s size.

The map, created by cartographer Gerardus Mercator for navigation,  distorts continent sizes, enlarging areas near the poles like North America and Greenland while shrinking Africa and South America.

“It might seem to be just a map, but in reality, it is not,” AU Commission deputy chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi said, adding that the Mercator fostered a false impression that Africa was “marginal”, despite being the world’s second-largest continent by area, with 54 nations and over a billion people.

Criticism of the Mercator map is not new, but the ‘Correct The Map’ campaign led by advocacy groups Africa No Filter and Speak Up Africa has revived the debate, urging organisations to adopt the 2018 Equal Earth projection, which tries to reflect countries’ true sizes.

“The current size of the map of Africa is wrong,” Moky Makura, executive director of Africa No Filter, said. “It’s the world’s longest misinformation and disinformation campaign, and it just simply has to stop.”

Fara Ndiaye, co-founder of Speak Up Africa, said the Mercator affected Africans’ identity and pride, especially children who might encounter it early in school.

“We’re actively working on promoting a curriculum where the Equal Earth projection will be the main standard across all (African) classrooms,” Ndiaye said.

She hoped it would also be the one used by global institutions, including Africa-based ones.

Haddadi said the AU endorsed the campaign, adding it aligned with its goal of “reclaiming Africa’s rightful place on the global stage” amid growing calls for reparations for colonialism and slavery.

The AU will advocate for wider map adoption and discuss collective actions with member states, Haddadi added.

The Mercator projection is still widely used, including by schools and tech companies. Google Maps switched from Mercator on desktop to a 3D globe view in 2018, though users can still switch back to Mercator if they prefer.

‘Correct The Map’ wants organisations like the World Bank and the United Nations to adopt the Equal Earth map. A World Bank spokesperson said they already use the Winkel-Tripel or Equal Earth for static maps and are phasing out Mercator on web maps.

The campaign said it has sent a request to the UN geospatial body, UN-GGIM. A UN spokesperson said that once received it must be reviewed and approved by a committee of experts.

Other regions are backing the AU’s efforts. Dorbrene O’Marde, Vice Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, endorsed Equal Earth as a rejection of the Mercator map’s “ideology of power and dominance”.