BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence

The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, 1st of October 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate the Nation’s 64th Independence Day Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion.

In a statement signed Saturday in Abuja, by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, the minister praised the patient and hardworking Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu makes new appointments
• Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses
• Troops capture 2 bandits while receiving treatment at Kaduna hospital

Aligning himself with the theme for the Anniversary, the Minister reiterated the need for Nigerians to reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.

While wishing Nigerians a Happy Independence Day Anniversary, Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.

BREAKING: FG declares Tuesday public holiday to celebrate 64th Independence

Tinubu makes new appointments

President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant step toward establishing the North West Development Commission (NWDC) by submitting the names of its inaugural Governing Board members to the Senate for approval.

This action follows the President’s recent signing of the North West Development Commission Bill into law on July 24, further advancing the Commission’s formation aimed at the socio-economic development of the region.

According to a statement released by Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Tinubu has nominated Amb. Haruna Gindau from Jigawa to serve as the Board Chairman. Additionally, Prof. Abdullahi Ma’aji from Kano has been selected as the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer (MD/CEO).

READ ALSO:

• Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses
• Troops capture 2 bandits while receiving treatment at Kaduna hospital
• FBI begins manhunt for two Nigerians in $13m fraud

Other key nominations for the Board include Dr. Yahaya Umar Namahe (Sokoto), Hon. Aminu Suleiman (Kebbi), and Sen. Tijani Yahaya Kaura (Zamfara). The President also nominated Hon. Abdulkadir S. Usman (Kaduna), Hon. Engr. Muhammad Ali Wudil (Kano), Shamsu Sule (Katsina), and Nasidi Ali (Jigawa) as members of the Board.

The newly appointed members are expected to bring their experience and knowledge to advance the Commission’s mission of driving development across the North-West region.

The NWDC aims to promote economic growth, social development, and empowerment within the region. The statement emphasized the President’s dedication to supporting the Commission in achieving its development goals.

Tinubu makes new appointments

Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has announced plans to recruit 900 healthcare workers to strengthen staffing in its hospitals.

The decision was disclosed by Dr. Babagana Adams, the Permanent Secretary of the Health and Environment Services Secretariat (HESS), during an awards dinner hosted by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives (NANNM) FCT Council.

The event, which served as the conclusion of the 2024 FCT Nurses Week, began with Jumaat prayers on Sept. 20 and culminated with the awards night.

Adams revealed that FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has given the green light for the recruitment of the healthcare personnel.

Additionally, approval has been granted for the hiring of 342 other health professionals, with recruitment efforts expected to commence shortly.

In further remarks, Adams stated his intention to submit a proposal advocating for the establishment of a dedicated village for health professionals before the end of the current administration.

READ ALSO:

• Troops capture 2 bandits while receiving treatment at Kaduna hospital
• FBI begins manhunt for two Nigerians in $13m fraud
• Adamawa man arrested for impersonating officer, extorting tricycle operators

He also indicated that plans were underway to enhance transportation for nurses, with discussions already initiated with WEMA and Zenith banks to facilitate this support.

He emphasized that the forthcoming proposal would include a seamless payment system for these initiatives.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Jama Medan, Chairman of the NANNM FCT Council, called for the expansion of hospitals across the FCT, noting that many districts lack adequate healthcare facilities. He highlighted that the growing population in the FCT has far exceeded the capacity of existing hospitals, underscoring the need for more infrastructure and medical equipment.

Medan encouraged nurses to remain dedicated to their profession despite the challenges of heavy workloads, urging them to resist the temptation to migrate abroad or switch careers. He praised Minister Wike’s efforts to improve conditions in the FCT, expressing optimism that the hard work of healthcare professionals would soon be rewarded.

“The minister has already made significant strides, beginning with the approval of a 25% salary increase and other benefits for nurses,” Medan noted.

During the event, the award for the Best Nurse in the FCT was presented to Rosemary Okoroafor from Karshi General Hospital. The honor was bestowed by Dr. Esther Osunluyi, representing the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America.

Wike approves recruitment of 900 health workers, okays 25% salary increase for nurses