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Budget: FG Lauds Zulum Over 15% Allocation To Health
The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, has commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, for allocating 15% of the state’s budget to the healthcare sector in compliance with the Abuja declaration of 2001.
“I join my voice to thank you, Your Excellency, for the progress being made despite the challenges. Thank you for the increased allocation to health and thank you for being innovative. I also thank you for your support for health workers in rural areas which is so critical to achieving the gains that we so desire in healthcare,” the minister said.
The minister made the commendation on Monday in Maiduguri while delivering a keynote address at the opening session of the North East Commissioners of Health Forum meeting with the theme “Addressing Key Health Challenges Affecting Northeastern States of Nigeria.”
The minister was represented by the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina.
In 2023, resulting from the unprecedented performance by Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, Borno emerged winner of the maiden Primary Healthcare Leadership Award both at the national and regional levels for the year 2022.
The Primary Healthcare Leadership Award was organized by the Nigerian Governors Forum in collaboration with UNICEF, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation and the National Healthcare Development Agency.
The award was to honour and recognise states that have achieved noteworthy strides in providing primary healthcare services.
In their separate remarks, the World Health Organization (WHO) country representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, and the FAO rep to Nigeria and Ecowas, Koffy Dominique Kougcou, commended the Governor for the success achieved in five years.
Declaring the meeting open, Governor Zulum highlighted the success he has recorded since 2019 when he assumed leadership of the state.
The governor noted the efforts on human resources, increased allocation to the health sector, provision of free maternal drugs, reconstruction of destroyed health facilities, construction of new health centres and providing improved working conditions for health workers among others.
Zulum also stated that in order to address the challenges of manpower, his administration will establish two new schools of nursing in the state.
The governor also urged participants at the meeting to come up with a framework that can address challenges faced in the health sector, particularly in rural areas.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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