Declaring the indefinite strike, “It becomes imperative to inform you that since the federal fovernment is yet to meet these demands, our members have been directed by the JOHESU National Executive Council (NEC) to proceed on an indefinite strike upon the expiration of the ultimatum by mid-night of May 25.
metro
Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
Indefinite Strike: JOHESU insists on pharmacists consultant cadre
The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) has insisted on the immediate and unconditional implementation of the approved Consultation Cadre Circular of Pharmacists in all federal health institutions (FHIs) before it called off the ongoing indefinite strike.
The union’s vice chairman, Dr. Ogbonna Chimela, who explained some of the reasons the professionals under the auspices of the JOHESU) and Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) embarked on the indefinite strike, decried what he described as “disgraceful methodology” with which Physicians with the support of the Health Ministers have suppressed efforts of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, he said, ‘’One of the areas that has showcased the reign of tyranny of Physician – Health Minister in contemporary times is the disgraceful methodology with which they have suppressed every attempt of non-physician health professionals to diversify and expand their knowledge base by refusing to accord them recognition when they bag Post-graduate Degrees and Fellowship,’’ he said.
“In 2021, the minister of health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, gave directives to the UCH, Ibadan Board to terminate the Consultant status of all non-physician health professionals.’’ He explained that the ‘’Pharmacists went through the entire gamut of due process having secured approvals of the National Council on Establishment as far back as 2011 for their consultant cadre.
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“In 2020 and 2021, official circulars were issued from the Office of the Head of the Civil service of the Federation (OHCSF) who is also a Physician and the Federal Ministry of Health through its immediate past Permanent Secretary who was rated as one of the most seasoned bureaucrats of his generation to further boost the Consultant cadre in pharmacy practice,” he said.
According to Chimela, “The Niger State government introduced the consultant cadre in pharmacy practice as far back as 2013. Other states such as Edo and Osun have followed suit. Two pharmacist consultants were appointed at the Aso Rock Villa Clinic in May 2023.”
He noted with regrets that Enahire had conformed with the precedence of the inglorious era of Prof. Christian Chukwu and Prof. Isaac Adewole to insist that only physicians can be consultants in federal health institutions by issuing a ridiculous Circular through the infamous Department of Hospital Services that ties the appointment of Pharmacists Consultants to vacancies which must be created by the Federal Ministry of Health.’’
He declared that ‘’JOHESU/AHPA has critically appraised this development and moving forward demand in tune with the official circulars for consultant cadre in pharmacy practice in the public sector, that all the federal health institutions must appoint at least 15 pharmacists consultants in each teaching hospital, while the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) and its equivalents must have at least 10 pharmacist consultants.’’
He decried social injustice and discriminatory adjustment by the Federal Ministry of Health in favour of physicians and to the disadvantage of other health workers.
Chimela, while declaring the commencement of the indefinite strike, also highlighted the failure of the Federal Government to adjust the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) for health workers, as was done with the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for physicians.
JOHESU/AHPA called for the immediate approval and Implementation of the Technical Committee report on CONHESS adjustment by the government.
He demanded the payment of all withheld salaries of its members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Owerri, Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH), Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH); outstanding April and May 2018 salaries of members in Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Azare and payment of health workers excluded in the payment of new hazard allowances.
metro
Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi
Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi
The Lagos State Government has removed traders operating on the rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi, following a viral video that raised concerns about public safety.
The announcement was made by Tokunbo Wahab, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, on Monday.
The clearance was done in collaboration with the Nigerian Army from the nearby Ikeja Cantonment.
Wahab’s statement read: “Following the viral video on social media, we’ve removed traders from the rail tracks at Bolade, opposite Arena Shopping Complex, in collaboration with Nigerian Army personnel from Ikeja Cantonment.”
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The viral video, originally shared on X (formerly Twitter) by a user identified as @dipoaina1 on December 28, depicted scenes of buying and selling taking place perilously close to the railway tracks.
The footage showed an NRC train on the Lagos-Ibadan rail track passing by as people continued their activities undeterred. The post highlighted the dangers posed by the lack of barriers, with @dipoaina1 suggesting the railway route be fenced with barbed wire to prevent such risky behavior.
The government’s swift response underscores its commitment to ensuring public safety and maintaining order around critical infrastructure. This move also aligns with broader efforts to address safety challenges associated with urban rail transportation in Lagos. However, the incident highlights the need for sustained proactive measures rather than reactive actions to prevent future occurrences.
Lagos govt clears traders from rail tracks at Bolade, Oshodi
metro
Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year
Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year
In less than 12 hours, countries around the world will be celebrating a New Year – 2025.
However, there are some countries that will not join in the celebration as their calendars differ from the rest of the worlds’.
Ethiopia, Nepal, Iran, and Afghanistan are four countries that won’t be celebrating New Year’s Day 2025.
Ethiopia is a land of ancient traditions and unique cultural identities, including its own calendar system. The Ethiopian calendar, based on the Coptic calendar, comprises 13 months—12 of which have 30 days, while the 13th month, Pagumē, has five or six days depending on the leap year.
The Ethiopian New Year, known as Enkutatash, falls on Meskerem 1, which corresponds to September 11 or 12 in the Gregorian calendar. Interestingly, Ethiopia is about seven to eight years behind the Gregorian calendar, meaning that as the rest of the world enters 2025, Ethiopia will still be in 2017.
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Nepal embraces two traditional calendar systems—Vikram Samvat and Nepal Sambat—making it one of the most unique timekeeping cultures globally. Vikram Samvat, a lunisolar calendar, is the official calendar of Nepal and is approximately 57 years ahead of the Gregorian calendar.
Additionally, the Nepal Sambat, a lunar calendar, is used by the Newar community and runs on its own timeline, adding another layer of distinction to the nation’s calendar traditions. The official New Year celebration in Nepal, called Bisket Jatra, typically falls in April. Hence, January 1 is not a significant date in Nepal.
Iran follows the Solar Hijri calendar, which is one of the most accurate solar calendars in the world. This system begins with the vernal equinox, marking the first day of spring. The Iranian New Year, known as Nowruz, falls around March 21 and is celebrated with elaborate customs and rituals that date back over 3,000 years.
For Iranians, January 1 is an ordinary winter day, with their focus firmly set on the arrival of spring and the renewal it symbolises.
Afghanistan also uses the Solar Hijri calendar, aligning its timekeeping closely with Iran. Similarly, Nowruz marks the New Year in Afghanistan, celebrated with feasts, family gatherings, and cultural events.
Afghanistan’s rich history and adherence to its traditional calendar reflect its cultural pride and resistance to adopting the Gregorian system, making it one of the few nations where January 1 holds no special significance.
Four countries that won’t celebrate New Year
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Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO
Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO
Social media was set abuzz on the cusp of the new year when Isaac Fayose, the entrepreneur and younger brother to former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose, claimed he had donated a staggering N50 million to the NGO of popular activist VeryDarkMan.
In a post that blended philanthropy with a touch of mischief, Fayose teased followers with the declaration, describing it as both a “prank” and a “blessing.”
However, the announcement didn’t land smoothly with everyone. While some praised Fayose’s generosity, others demanded proof of the hefty donation.
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“Show us the evidence,” a skeptical follower urged, echoing the sentiment of many. “Without proper investigation, it’s wrong to just believe such claims.”
The skepticism grew as other comments poured in. “Send a receipt, even if it’s fake, before we Ekiti people fall for this prank,” one user joked, while another humorously quipped, “Statement of account or no deal!”
Some followers, however, leaned into the fun side of the announcement. A playful comment from one admirer read, “I’m proud of you, baby. I’ll donate my kidney to you!” Meanwhile, others took a more serious tone, questioning why Fayose didn’t spearhead his own initiative instead of supporting another.
Fayose’s post, now a viral topic, continues to draw both laughter and criticism. While the jury is still out on the truth of the donation, one thing remains certain—Isaac Fayose knows how to get people talking.
Social media abuzz over Fayose claim of N50m donation to VeryDarkMan’s NGO
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