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UNICEF and Kaduna State Hold Health Retreat for Local Government Chairmen

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By Kabiru Basiru Fultan

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government, concluded a two-day health retreat aimed at orienting local government chairmen towards their responsibilities in improving health care delivery in their respective LGAs. The event, which took place in Kano, was facilitated by Dr. Idris Bawa, the health specialist overseeing UNICEF interventions in the Cardinal Field Office, and was attended by key state officials, including Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe and Commissioner of Health Umeki Ahme.

“The essence of this meeting is for us to begin to orient our local government chairmen towards their responsibility as the number one citizens in their respective local governments,” Dr. Idris Baba stated.

“Health is one area that we can’t stop talking about. It’s one area that we must deliver on because it is the fulcrum around which human survival hinges.”

Dr. Baba emphasized the importance of involving local government chairmen in changing the current health indices in Kaduna State. “The whole objective of the meeting is to have them on board as quickly as possible so that they know where to invest their resources moving forward,” he explained. He added that UNICEF’s role was to convene the meeting and provide technical support, while the Deputy Governor of the state played a more significant facilitating role.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe highlighted that the retreat focused on service delivery in health, particularly primary health care services, which she described as the foundation of the healthcare system. “We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve also recorded some gains. We realize that if we get it right at this level, we will get the other levels right as well,” she said.

The retreat organized attendees into three groups to discuss key issues: motivation for health workers, maternal health issues, and child health issues including nutrition. “One group was talking about how health workers can stay motivated to do their work better, another group discussed maternal health issues, and another focused on child health issues including nutrition,” Deputy Governor Balarabe noted.

Commissioner of Health Umeki Ahme reiterated the state’s commitment to health as a priority under Governor Uba Sani’s administration. “The local government chairmen are the gatekeepers of the local government. Our hospitals, from primary health care centers up to the secondary health facilities, need to work hand in hand with the local government chairmen to ensure quality and accessible health care,” Ahme said.

Ahme also mentioned the involvement of various health agencies including the Primary Health Care Board, Kaduna State Contributory Health Agency, Kaduna State Drug Supply Agency, and CADBUSA. “We are doing this to ensure that we provide quality and accessible health care to our people at the grassroots,” he added.

The retreat emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to tackle health challenges, improve service delivery, and ensure sustainable development in the health sector across Kaduna State.

 

 

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President Tinubu Appoints Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as Acting Accountant General of the Federation

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation (AGF). This appointment will take effect immediately following the pre-retirement leave of the current AGF, Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein.

In a statement released by the Presidency, it was announced that Ogunjimi’s appointment is part of President Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to ensure continuity and efficiency in the nation’s financial management. “YORUBA LOKAN: President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mr. Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi as the Acting Accountant General of the Federation,” the statement read.

Mr. Ogunjimi, a seasoned financial expert, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has previously served in various capacities within the Ministry of Finance, demonstrating a strong commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management. His appointment is expected to bolster the government’s efforts to enhance fiscal discipline and improve the management of public funds.

Dr. Madein, the outgoing AGF, has been commended for her service and contributions to the nation’s financial sector. Her tenure saw significant reforms aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the country’s financial management systems. “Her leadership has been instrumental in driving key financial reforms, and her legacy will continue to influence the sector positively,” the statement noted.

The transition is expected to be smooth, with Ogunjimi taking over the reins to continue the implementation of ongoing financial reforms. “His appointment will take effect immediately after the pre-retirement leave of the current Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Dr. (Mrs.) Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein,” the statement confirmed.

President Tinubu expressed confidence in Ogunjimi’s ability to lead the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) effectively. “Mr. Ogunjimi’s extensive experience and dedication to public service make him well-suited for this critical role,” the President remarked.

The appointment has been well-received by stakeholders in the financial sector, who anticipate that Ogunjimi’s leadership will bring about further improvements in the management of the nation’s finances. “We look forward to continued progress under his stewardship,” a senior official in the Ministry of Finance commented.

 

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3 Brigade team wins Nigerian Navy logistics college sports competition

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The 3rd Brigade Nigerian Army Team (3 Stallion) on Monday emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 Nigerian Navy Logistics College Sports Week in Kano.

The event, which was held at the Nigerian Navy Logistics College in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government featured teams from the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, Police, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The competition featured various sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, scrabble, chess, badminton, table tennis, tug-of-war, and track and field athletics.

This paper reports that at the conclusion of the competition, Three Stallion secured the top spot with an impressive haul of 10 gold, six silver, and four bronze medals.

Speaking at the event, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Tukur, Commander of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, expressed pride in the athletes’ perseverance, exceptional performance, and dedication.

He assured them of the Brigade’s continued support and presented a token of appreciation in recognition of their achievement.

Tukur also commended other participants for their performance and sportsmanship.

He further lauded the Nigerian Navy for organizing the competition.

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Minimum Wage: Kano Water Board Staff Embark on Indefinite Strike

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Kano State Water Board staff have embarked on an indefinite strike over the non-implementation of the new minimum wage.

The Chairman of the Kano State Water Board Union, Comrade Najib Abdussalam, stated this during a chat with Nigerian Tracker.

Comrade Najib said all parastatals in Kano have received their minimum wage, with the exception of Kano Water Board staff. As such, they are embarking on the indefinite strike.

Comrade Najib added that they entered into an agreement with the Managing Director of the board, Engineer Ahmad Garba Bichi, to delay the payment in order to effect it on the 20th of December. However, they just woke up today and saw the old minimum wage.

When asked about the fact that Kano Water Board is a revenue-generating agency and there is no tariff water review, there is a way for the government to help them have the salary before the tariff review, but to no avail.

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Comrade Najib added that if they are to wait to be paid the minimum wage from the revenue they generate, the majority of Kano residents are not consuming water from the Kano State Water Board.

 

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