Search
Subscribe

Massive Blasts In Beirut After Renewed Israeli Air Strikes

Africaprimenews
-
0
Massive Blasts In Beirut After Renewed Israeli Air Strikes

Apparent Israeli bombing has caused large explosions just outside Beirut’s international airport during a further night of air strikes targeting Hezbollah in the city.

It is not clear what was the target, but the airport borders the Dahieh area – Hezbollah’s stronghold in the capital.

Elsewhere, the Lebanese army said two of its soldiers had been killed in the country’s south as Israeli forces pressed on with their invasion against Hezbollah and ordered another 20 towns and villages to evacuate.

The Israeli military has not commented, but did say its troops had killed Hezbollah fighters near the border. Hezbollah said it had targeted Israeli troops on both sides of the frontier.

The two fatal attacks on the Lebanese army soldiers were just hours apart on Thursday, the third full day of the invasion.

In the first incident, the army said, one soldier was killed and another was wounded “as a result of an aggression by the Israeli enemy during an evacuation and rescue operation with the Lebanese Red Cross in Taybeh village”.

The Red Cross said four of its volunteers were also lightly wounded, and that their movements had been co-ordinated with UN peacekeepers.

The army said that in the second incident another soldier was killed “after the Israeli enemy targeted an army post in the Bint Jbeil area”.

“The personnel at the post responded to the sources of fire,” the Lebanese army added, marking a rare involvement in a conflict in which it has not engaged.

Map showing southern Lebanese towns and villages affected by Israeli military evacuation orders (3 October 2024)

The news came as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) told residents of another two dozen towns and villages in the south, including the regional capital of Nabatieh, to leave immediately for their own safety.

Unlike the communities ordered to evacuate on Tuesday, they are all located north of the Litani river, which lies about 30km (18 miles) from the border.

Before the invasion, Israel had demanded that Hezbollah’s withdraw to the Litani, in accordance with a UN Security Council resolution that ended their last war in 2006.

Speaking to the BBC from Beirut, the World Food Programme’s country director in Lebanon, Matthew Hollingworth, described the situation there as “horrific”.

“There is black smoke billowing over the southern suburbs and we see it each morning when we come to work and we see it all day long. And there’s a striking number of people who are displaced around the city.”

“There are these cars everywhere that are from people that have fled the fighting in the south of the country and the southern suburbs. There’s traffic everywhere, people sleeping outside.”

Juan Gabriel Wells, Lebanon country director with the International Rescue Committee, said nearly half of displaced people surveyed by his organisation in shelters run by the government were children under the age of 15.

Israel’s latest air strikes on Beirut come 24 hours after a residential building in the centre of the capital was hit. A civil defence agency linked to Hezbollah also said seven of its first responders were among nine people killed in the strike.

Lebanon’s health minister later said more than 40 paramedics and firefighters had been killed by Israeli fire in the past three days.

The Israeli Air Force carried out air strikes during Thursday against targets it said belonged to Hezbollah including the group’s intelligence headquarters, weapons production sites, weapons storage facilities.

Two weeks of Israeli strikes and other attacks targeting Hezbollah have killed more than 1,300 people across Lebanon and displaced more than one million, according to local authorities.

Israel went on the offensive after almost a year of cross-border hostilities sparked by the war in Gaza, saying it wanted to ensure the safe return of residents of border areas displaced by Hezbollah rocket, missile and drone attacks.

Hezbollah is a Shia Islamist military, political and social organisation that wields considerable power in Lebanon. It is designated as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the US, the UK and other countries.

The IDF also announced on Thursday that its aircraft had struck 200 Hezbollah “terrorist targets” in southern Lebanon and elsewhere overnight, including weapons storage facilities and observation posts. About 15 Hezbollah fighters were killed when the municipality building in Bint Jbeil was hit, it said.

Later, it said a structure housing three Hezbollah commanders had been destroyed during a joint operation carried out by the air force and infantry.

Hezbollah said on Thursday evening that its fighters had “repelled failed attempts” by Israeli commandos to advance into some border villages during the day.

The group also said it had targeted “enemy gatherings” and homes on the other side of the frontier, while also continuing to fire rockets deep into northern Israel.

The IDF said more than 230 projectiles had been launched into Israeli territory over the course of the day. Most were intercepted or fell in open areas, and there were no casualty reports.

The communities sitting along Israel’s northern border fence are now a closed military zone.

Dean Sweetland, a former British soldier who moved to Israel eight years ago, is one of the few people still living in a near-empty kibbutz within sight of the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil.

He told the BBC that his house shook several times a day with rocket and anti-tank missiles fired from Lebanon, some of them intercepted by Israel’s air-defences overhead.

“We can’t continue this for another year, having Hezbollah sitting on our border just waiting to do an October 7th on us,” he said, referring to Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel last year that triggered the Gaza war.

“But my son is in the army, and do we want our kids to be in there, slaughtered, where Hezbollah has been waiting for us to go in for nearly 20 years?”

“It’s not going to be pretty,” he continued, “but if that’s what it takes, then that’s what it takes.”

BBC

South Africa ”Deepening Conversation” On Draft IRP 2023

Africaprimenews
-
0
South Africa ”Deepening Conversation” On Draft IRP 2023

South Africa says it is “deepening the conversation” on the draft Integrated Resource Plan (IRP 2023).

“We are doing a review. [IRP 2023] had gone out for public consultation; received 4000 submissions; 250 of those have been substantive – and I said to the team, we will sit with those who have made substantive contributions so we are not re-opening the window of public consultation. We are simply deepening that conversation because some of the submissions raise issues around the assumptions and the modelling and therefore how you arrive at the aggregate of the [energy] mix,” the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, said on Thursday, in Cape Town, at the 2024 Windaba Conference.

“It is in our interest as government to listen to the sector and the experts…because beyond these ones who adopt it, it’s an IRP that represents the country,” he added.

The minister noted that those engagements sought to address “quantitative expressions” in some aspects of the plan.

Turning to the renewable energy sector, Ramokgopa emphasised that the department is engaging with all stakeholders in the energy sector, to find solutions for South Africa’s energy ambitions.

“It is our intention to ensure that we scale up the renewable energy share of the energy mix in the country. We have had conversations with the nuclear sector. We have had conversations with the gas players. We have had conversations with those in the renewable energy space [and] we will have conversations with those in the coal space.

“It’s important that we move away from an idea that the one solution is better than the other,” he said.

With regard to South Africa’s commitment to lowering carbon emissions, the Minister said the country wants to “green the South African economy”.

However, that transition must take into cognisance the effects it may have on certain sectors.

“There’s the socio-economic elements. So, as we do this, we’re looking to broaden the floor of industrialisation – reskilling people; skilling people so that there’s justice in the Just Transition.

“You don’t want to decimate an economy because you want to transition; put people into conditions of abject poverty because they are unemployed as a result of the displacement of certain technologies being replaced by others and not taking account of what are the implications from a socio-economic point of view,” Ramokgopa said.

South Africa To Host Conference Of Ombuds Institutions For Armed Forces

Africaprimenews
-
0
South Africa To Host Conference Of Ombuds Institutions For Armed Forces

By Jacobs Botha, Johannesburg

South Africa is set to host the Seventieth International Conference of Ombuds Institutions for the Armed Forces (17ICOAF) conference next year.

South African Military Ombud Lieutenant General (Retired) Vusumuzi Masondo said the ICOAF gathers representatives of ombuds institutions for the armed forces from around the world, which exist in various names and models.

To date, representatives of ombuds institutions of over 50 states have participated in the ICOAF initiative.

This as Masondo and a delegation attended the 16ICOAF which took place in Berlin, Germany, from 30 September to 02 October.

The Military Ombud addressed the conference on how ombuds institutions can uphold and enhance the various systems of care and support for veterans, especially focusing on supporting veterans with physical and mental health concerns.

Masondo shared with his peers that veterans who served in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) since 1994 have access to the necessary physical and mental health care they may require.

However, the Office has identified that a great number of military veterans who fought for South Africa’s liberation are excluded from the mandate in law and have little if not limited physical and mental health care support.

“A lesson for us involved in furthering the democratic order would be to remember to include all soldiers involved in such a struggle in future veterans’ dispensations. I found it serving the purpose of the Office to forge strong and reliable relations with stakeholders impacting veterans’ health,” said Masondo.

In sharing best practices and experiences, Masondo presented several case studies the Office dealt with regarding military veterans’ benefits.

In one case, the fund administrator decided to terminate the membership of a veteran because he failed to pay subscription fees. The member only learned about the membership termination after a claim he submitted was rejected by the fund administrators.

The member approached the Office to complain, and the Office assumed jurisdiction on the matter.

Upon investigation, the Office ascertained that prior communication by the fund did not reach the complainant, as he had changed cell phone numbers and no trace of informing the complainant was found.
The fund ultimately reinstated his membership and reimbursed him.

Masondo mentioned that the Office reaches out to veterans through the Outreach Programme that helps the Office to note the increase in complaints trends from veterans relating to health services post their careers as soldiers.

The objectives of the 16ICOAF were to raise awareness, facilitate and foster peer-to-peer exchange of knowledge and best practices.

Three Hamas Leaders Killed Months Ago – IDF

Africaprimenews
-
0
Three Hamas Leaders Killed Months Ago – IDF

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that, three months ago, it killed three senior Hamas leaders in Gaza.

Among them is Rawhi Mushtaha, identified by the IDF as the head of the Hamas government in Gaza, along with Sameh al-Siraj and Sami Oudeh, who were responsible for security in Hamas.

The IDF said they were hiding in an underground compound in northern Gaza and were killed by air strikes.

Israel said Hamas did not announce the deaths “in order to prevent loss of morale and functioning of its terror operatives”.

In a statement, the IDF said Rawhi Mushtaha was “one of Hamas’s most senior operatives and had a direct impact on decisions relating to Hamas’s force deployment”.

The deaths announced on Thursday add to the list of prominent Hamas leaders killed in the last year, since Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on 7 October and the ensuing war in Gaza.

In August, the Israeli military said it shot dead Hamas’s leader Wissam Khazem, during a major operation in the West Bank.

Separately, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an explosion in the Iranian capital, Tehran, in July. Iran blamed the incident on Israel, but Israeli officials did not claim it.

The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) later said that Iran’s missile attack on Israel on Tuesday was retaliation for what it called the “violation of Iran’s sovereignty and the martyrdom” of Haniyeh.

South Africa: Suspects Linked To Extortion, Murder Killed In Shootouts With KZN Police

Africaprimenews
-
0
South Africa: Suspects Linked To Extortion, Murder Killed In Shootouts With KZN Police

By Jacobs Botha, Johannesburg

Three suspects, wanted for a string of extortion and murder cases in the eThekwini district, were shot and fatally wounded in two separate incidents of shootouts with police in KwaZulu-Natal on Wednesday afternoon and the early hours of Thursday.

On Wednesday afternoon, police followed up information regarding the whereabouts of a suspect, who was wanted for at least four cases of extortion and another four counts of murder, which he allegedly committed in the KwaNdengezi and Mariannhill areas.

When police arrived at a house at Gilebe in Inanda, the suspect fired shots at the police and during the shootout, the suspect was shot and fatally wounded. He was found in possession of a 7.65 pistol with four rounds of ammunition.

In another incident Thursday, police operationalised intelligence which uncovered the hideout spot of two suspects, who were also wanted for extortion and murder cases.

The suspects were cornered at Edabe informal settlement in Tshelimnyama, Mariannhill, and the suspects shot at the police from inside the house.

In self-defence, police returned fire and during the shootout, the two suspects were shot and fatally wounded. They were found in possession of two firearms.

All recovered firearms will be taken for ballistic testing to ascertain if they are linked to other crime scenes.

The three deceased suspects had linkages to the six suspects, who were shot and fatally wounded in a shootout with police at a holiday accommodation in South Beach, Durban, in the beginning of September 2024.

Nigeria @64: New Old National Anthem As Our Heritage Of National Unity, By Patricia Adenike Balogun

Africaprimenews
-
0
Nigeria @64: New Old National Anthem As Our Heritage Of National Unity, By Patricia Adenike Balogun

The day I learnt that Nigerians had returned to singing “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” as its National Anthem instead of “Arise, O Compatriots” was one of my favourite moments as a Nigerian.

During my formative years, I recall reciting the National Anthem (“Nigeria, We Hail Thee”) at school assemblies until it was modified in 1978. Although I didn’t fully comprehend its meaning or intent at the time, the composition and wordings resonated with me in unanticipated ways. In 1978, Nigeria chose “Arise, O Compatriots” as its new national song, and society continued onwards.

The reintroduction of the ancient hymn “Nigeria, We Hail Thee” on May 29, 2024, after President Bola Tinubu signed into law a motion passed by the National Assembly was a joyful déjà vu. I’ve sung the song to myself several times, declaring its words as a prayer for Nigeria long before it was readopted.

With enthusiasm, I looked up the Nigerian Independence Day anthem.

Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land,

Though tribes and tongues may differ, in brotherhood we stand

Nigerians all, and proud to serve our sovereign Motherland.

 

Our flag shall be a symbol that truth and justice reign,

In peace or battle honoured, and this we count as gain,

To hand on to our children a banner without stain.

 

O God of all creation, grant this our one request:

Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,

And so with peace and plenty Nigerians may be blessed.

 

According to Wikipedia’s definition, the National Anthem serves as a reminder of the country’s rich heritage and splendour, as well as an expression of its people’s patriotism and pride.

Here is my perspective summarising Nigeria’s National Anthem.

  • History: “Nigeria, we hail thee, our own dear native land” highlights Nigeria’s rich historical heritage, from before colonial times with powerful empires such as the Benin Kingdom, Oyo Empire and Kanem-Bornu Empire, to the era of colonisation under British administration. It represents our struggle for self-determination, which resulted in the emergence of an independent country free of colonialism.
  • Culture: “Though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand” emphasises Nigeria’s own cultural identity, whereby diversity is valued. Nigeria has about 250 ethnic groups, each with its own language, traditions, and customs. The anthem’s reference to “tribes and tongues” refers to our diverse society, wherein the integration of many cultures strengthens our country’s social framework.
  • Religion: “O God of all creation, grant this our one request” means that Nigeria is an extremely religious nation, with Islam, Christianity, and traditional African religions all significantly contributing to the country’s identity. Nigeria’s vibrant spiritual base is recognised in the anthem, which acknowledges God as the Creator. The influence of religion is apparent in every aspect of Nigerian life, including politics and daily interactions. The anthem’s appeal to divine guidance demonstrates the unifying power of religious faith among Nigerians, despite the country’s division into Muslim-majority North, Christian-majority South, and indigenous beliefs. This encourages Nigerians to seek divine support in our collective national journey, as the anthem carefully portrays religion as one of our binding forces.
  • Patriotism: “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed” is the section in which the anthem expresses our aspiration for a society that values freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for every citizen. This is a call to action for justice, equality, and an end to all injustices.
  • Unity and National Identity: “And so with peace and plenty, Nigeria may be blessed.” Despite our struggles, our national identity is anchored in our desire for togetherness and growth. The National Anthem asks for unity among our people and echoes the idea of Nigeria as a light of hope and promise in Africa. Our National Anthem encapsulates the optimism and faith in Nigeria’s future, which can be translated into national prosperity through our abundant natural resources, human capital, and resilience. The vision of unity is indicative of our nation’s ongoing efforts to achieve progress and unity in the face of economic, political, and ethnic challenges.

The complex nature of Nigeria as a country, with its rich tapestry of history, culture, and values, is exemplified by the now-former anthem, “Arise, O Compatriots, Nigeria’s call obey.” The people of Nigeria remain steadfast in their patriotism and optimism for a brighter future. It serves as a reminder that Nigeria’s history has been influenced by hard efforts for unity, sovereignty, and growth. It recognises the historical sacrifices made by our freedom struggle leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Obafemi Awolowo, who advocated for Nigeria’s Independence and growth. It also demonstrates Nigerians’ deeply religious character, as we seek divine guidance in our daily affairs and national aspirations.

Readopting the anthem “Nigeria, we hail thee, Our own dear native land” demonstrates Nigerians’ deep bond with their country. The themes of togetherness, peace, fraternity, and service, with a prayerful ending, are critical components of reforming values and culture among people in our social, economic, and political environments. The concluding spiritual anthem represented the many religious beliefs of Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity. Nigeria is a religiously diverse country, as seen by the anthem’s respectful tone towards all Nigerians. It expresses the concept of unity in variety, with the notion that, despite variations in ethnicity, language, and culture, we Nigerians value our nation and stand together in brotherhood.

Despite the challenges presented by our complex diversity, we are filled with hope for unity and progress. Each ethnic group—whether it is the Yoruba’s rich cultural heritage, the Igbo’s artistry, the Hausa-Fulani’s agricultural roots, or the traditions of the minority groups—adds to the fabric of Nigerian culture. In this time of economic crisis and social instability, our anthem’s words, “Help us to build a nation where no man is oppressed,” convey a strong sense of belief in justice and equality, a cry for fairness and inclusion that is much needed in Nigeria today.

As a religiously diverse nation, declaring our spiritual National Anthem on each day would assist in fostering hope for prosperity, peace, and unity in Nigeria, a virtue valued at this time of economic hardship and insecurity. The richness of our diversity is depicted through the lens of our national song “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” as does our unified yearning for national unity and prosperity. Our national song celebrates our dynamic history, deep cultural roots, religious variety, and unwavering patriotism of our people. We value our diversity while calling for unity, justice, and a future in which Nigeria flourishes on its strengths to build a peaceful and prosperous nation for everyone.

As we commemorate Nigeria’s 64th year of Independence, citizen reorientation and positive engagement are critical in our efforts to achieve our potential as a great and powerful country in the world. We must work together in unity and peace to make Nigeria’s future brighter for all citizens and future generations.

Happy Independence to All Nigerians

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Balogun sent this piece from the UK via foboagwina@gmail.com

Nigeria: Kaduna Showcases Its Health Sector Transformative Agenda

News Editor
-
0
Nigeria: Kaduna Showcases Its Health Sector Transformative Agenda

….To Inaugurate 300-bed Specialist Hospital At Millennium City Before End of 2024

By Our Correspondent

The Kaduna State Government Wednesday outlined its vision towards revolutionizing the health sector to achieve Universal Health Coverage and promote healthy lives for all .

The vision is structured around Five strategic objectives which are , enhancing health infrastructure, improving service delivery, strengthening human resources for health, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing sustainable health financing.

The State Commissioner for Health, Hajia Umma K. Ahmed who unveiled this at a news briefing in Kaduna, explained that the objectives were not just goals, as they represent a transformative agenda designed to significantly improve the health outcomes of the people.

As a practical demonstration, the Commissioner said, the State made health sector the 4th in ranking among other sectors through the 2024 budget allocation of N71.65 billion, representing15.6% of the state budget).

Here is the full text of the briefing

Distinguished members of the press, ladies and gentlemen, it is a privilege to share with you today the outstanding advancements made in the health sector of Kaduna State under the dedicated leadership of His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani. Since taking office on 29th May, 2023, Governor Uba Sani has shown an unwavering commitment to revolutionizing healthcare delivery, driven by his SUSTAIN manifesto, which emphasizes the critical importance of investing in human capital development.

Vision for Health:
Governor Uba Sani’s ambitious vision for the health sector aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage and promote healthy lives for all residents of Kaduna State. This vision is structured around five strategic objectives: enhancing health infrastructure, improving service delivery, strengthening human resources for health, ensuring the availability of essential medicines, and increasing sustainable health financing. These are not just goals; they represent a transformative agenda designed to significantly improve the health outcomes of our citizens. The 2024 budget allocates N71.65 billion (15.6% of the state budget) to health, marking a significant investment in the sector. This made the health sector the 4th in ranking among other sectors in the State. The SUSTAIN Agenda of His Excellency, The Governor’s administration has further provided a platform for the judicious utilization of these funds.

1. Infrastructure Development:
An ambitious program has been initiated to complete and inaugurate the 300-bed specialist hospital at millennium city before the end of 2024. In the last quarter of 2024, we shall be inviting you to attend the august occasion to commission the facility that boost of state-of-the-art medical equipment aiming to transform and reform the State health care delivery while also reducing medical tourism. This center also has an oncology unit for the research, diagnosis and treatment of cancers. Our investment in infrastructure cut across the spectrum health that is the primary, secondary and tertiary facilities we have in the state.

This is done to ensure every level of care is transformed to provide the best care for our people. In this vein therefore, the government is upgrading 9 secondary facilities, 3 each in the senatorial districts. The hospitals are GH Maigana with 72% completion, GH Rigasa with 69% completion, GH Gwantu with 65% Completion, GH Ikara with 47% completion, Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital Kafanchan with 43% completion, General Hospital Giwa with 45% completion. The newly awarded hospital of Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital, Lere, GH Sabon Tasha and RH Kachia were handed over to the Contractors who are currently mobilizing to commence work. These facilities are currently at various stages of extensive reconstruction, re-modelling, and equipping as part of the Kaduna State Government’s initiative to improve healthcare infrastructure.

Additionally, the State is upgrading 30 high-volume healthcare facilities into “centers of excellence,” ensuring that residents, particularly in rural areas, have access to modern healthcare services.

2. Enhancing Service Delivery:
To improve service delivery, His Excellency, Governor Uba Sani has approved the distribution of modern medical equipment worth over 3 billion naira to 290 upgraded PHCs, significantly enhancing their capacity to provide quality healthcare services. Additionally, the State intervention in nutrition is designed to ensure that malnutrition is treated and prevented by ensuring children receive adequate nutrients for sustained growth and development even after recovery. Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) plays a crucial role in addressing malnutrition, particularly in children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. His Excellency, the Governor has just directed the distribution of 31,000 cartoons which is equivalent to 4,650,000 doses of RUTF.

3. Training and Capacity Building of Healthcare Workers:
Over 2,000 healthcare workers have received training in vital specialties like nutrition, health promotion this is aimed at ensuring that our communities receive skilled and compassionate health care personnel. Additionally, 1,354 Community Health Influencers, Promoters, and Service Providers (CHIPS) were engaged across 14 Local Government Areas to extend healthcare reach and bring essential services closer to the people.

4. Renewal of Memorandum of Understanding with Pharmaceutical Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria:

The Memorandum of Understanding between the State and the Pharmaceutical Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria has been renewed. This aims to ensure that quality medicines and health supplies are consistently available, affordable, and equitably distributed to meet the health needs of the population. In addition, distribution of medicines and other health supplies by Kaduna state Health supply management agency (KADHSMA) to health facilities is now 100%, thereby enhancing universal health coverage in the State.

5. Upgrading of the State Medical Stores at KADHSMA to Pharmagrade Standard:
In partnership with the Global Fund and the Federal Ministry of Health, the State Medical Stores at KADHSMA have been upgraded to Pharmagrade standards. This ensures best practices in storage, warehousing, and inventory management of medicines and health commodities. The upgraded warehouse include a laboratory for testing the quality of stored medicines, ensuring that only quality medications are dispensed to patients.

6. Establishment of Medical Oxygen Plants:
The State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has established an additional Medical Oxygen Plant at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital, Tudun Wada, demonstrating a commitment to closing the medical oxygen gap in our healthcare system. This initiative, alongside the existing plant at Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital, Kafanchan, aims to save lives and improve healthcare quality. Plans are also underway for two additional Medical Oxygen Plants in the State. Notably, Kaduna State is the first in the country to establish a Medical Oxygen Framework for the smooth operation of the Medical Oxygen System.

7. Establishment of Neonatal Centre at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital:
In partnership with UNICEF, a fully equipped Neonatal Centre has been established at Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital. This significant initiative aims to reduce neonatal mortality and morbidity by providing specialized care for premature babies and those with medical conditions requiring intensive monitoring. The center will also serve as a training facility for healthcare professionals to enhance the quality of care and ultimately improve infant health outcomes in the State.

8. Review of Service Level Agreement and Resumption of Aerial Drone Delivery:
Under Governor Senator Uba Sani’s guidance, the Service Level Agreement with Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited has been reviewed to enhance delivery of medicines, vaccines, blood products and other health supplies to hard-to-reach locations. Aerial drone delivery offers a just-in-time logistics solution, ensuring that essential medical supplies are available to remote health facilities across the State.

9. Maternal and Child Health Initiatives:
The health sector’s initiatives in maternal and child health, supported by Governor Sani, have transformed lives. Over two million children have received vitamin A supplementation, and more than 300,000 women and children have benefited from Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) interventions. Maintaining low vaccine stock-out rates and achieving over 90% coverage during Supplemental Immunization Activities.

10. Support for Vulnerable Communities:
His Excellency, the Governor commitment to vulnerable communities is unwavering. The State has reached over 18,500 individuals with primary healthcare interventions in nine security-compromised Local Government Areas and successfully vaccinated over 102,000 children during special outreach interventions. These efforts demonstrate our dedication to providing essential healthcare services to marginalized populations.

11. Digital Health Initiatives:
Governor Sani believes in the power of digitalization in the healthcare system for improved service delivery. The State has digitized 95% of State Primary Healthcare Board (SPHCB) staff data, marking a significant modernization in health system management. This innovation enhances our ability to monitor and improve health service delivery, benefiting citizens of th state.

12. Electronic Medical Record (EMR):
The EMR Initiative is a milestone in the digitalization of the State Medical Record System. Its implementation at BDTH has transformed healthcare delivery, offering improved patient care and safety. Governor Sani has approved plans to pilot EMR in nine (9) Secondary health facilities of Gambo Sawaba General Hospital Kofan Gayan Zaria, General Hospital Rigasa, Dr. Gwamna Awan General Hospital Kakuri, Sir Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa Memorial Hospital Kafanchan, Yusuf Dantsoho Memorial Hospital Tudun Wada, General Hospital Sabon Tasha, Dabo Lere Memorial Hospital, Saminaka, Jibrin Mai Gwari Memorial Hospital, Birnin Gwari and Rural Hospital Kachia, with the EMR through PPP arrangement in order to harness the advantages and prospects therein.

13. Substance Abuse Initiatives:
His Excellency, the Governor efforts in addressing substance abuse and mental health through KADBUSA have led to the establishment of 17 PHC-based Drop-In Centers. These centers provide screening, brief interventions, counseling, and supportive care for substance use disorders and mental health issues, benefiting over 2,095 individuals, alongside four Community Prevention Centers for out-of-school children and adolescents.

The state have created Innovative Systems like KdCHAMPS in collaboration with UNODC, trained 390 Secondary School teachers on the Unplugged School-based life and social skills training program currently serving 32,500 students in 65 secondary schools, and trained 34 community football coaches who are currently implementing the Line Up Live Up (LuLu) Sports-based drug abuse and delinquency prevention program for 1020 children in 8 vulnerable communities in the State. Additionally, we have kicked off the Alternative to Incarceration (ATI) program by training 54 Judges and 40 Case Care Managers and Law enforcement officers on the ATI program.

14. Health Financing:
His Excellency, the Governor, through the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA), has significantly expanded health insurance coverage. This includes 10,000 vulnerable individuals in the Vulnerable Population Programme and 83,367 under the Basic Health Care Provision Funds. The recent approval to enroll an additional 70,000 poor and vulnerable individuals into the Social Health Insurance scheme highlights the administration’s commitment to accessible and affordable quality healthcare for all.

15. Project 10 Million Mass Screening of Hypertension, Diabetes, and BMI:
The Governor, has approved the Project 10 Million initiative to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes over a week in October 2024 a project initiated by the HCH forum. This project aims to promote early detection and control of cardio-metabolic diseases, emphasizing the slogan “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers.” Teams of trained healthcare workers have begun screening staff from various ministries, with plans to deploy 278 teams to communities across all 255 wards in the State. Kaduna is targeting to screen over 400,000 people. The screening is available for everyone aged 18 and above, creating awareness for timely health decisions and reducing complications.

16. Commissioning and Handover of 46 motorcycles and two Hilux trucks:
The Governor had just commissioned and distributed 46 motorcycles and two Hilux trucks to the LG TB, leprosy and Buruli Ulcer supervisors to support their task of conducting active community TB and HIV case finding in the state. This event will also include the dissemination of key policy documents like the Kaduna State Public Health Law and the One Health Strategic Plan.

17. Dissemination of policy documents;
The governor had also unveiled 3 strategic health policy documents and a public health law that will positively impact the health and lives of all citizens of Kaduna state, strengthen our human resource for health, epidemic preparedness and response as well as cater for the health of mothers, children, adolescents and the elderly. These policy documents when implemented will lead to the reduction of mortality and morbidity due to health related conditions. Kaduna state is the first state in the country to finalize and disseminate a one health strategy plan and present a roadmap to achieving harmonization of disease control by utilizing the one health approach. We will be at the forefront of the battle to tackle emerging and reemerging diseases affecting diseases globally.

18. Establishment of Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS):
Following the onboarding by the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS), the establishment of KADSEMSAS has just begun. This initiative will enhance emergency response and healthcare delivery through 24/7 access to care, improved patient outcomes, and better coordination during disasters. It aims to reduce mortality rates and create employment opportunities while strengthening the health sector infrastructure.

It also plays a vital role in saving lives, improving healthcare delivery, and building a resilient and responsive healthcare system for the people of Kaduna State.
18. Public-Private Partnership in Health:

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) involve collaborative agreements between government agencies and private entities to deliver healthcare services. Governor Uba Sani has implemented mechanisms for PPP that enhance access to healthcare, improve quality, and increase efficiency.

Agreements were signed, through Memoranda of Understanding and Service Level Agreements, with many organizations and Donor Agencies including international organizations like United nation Children fund (UNICEF), Dangote Foundation, Bill and Melinda Gate Foundation (BMGF), Clinton Health Initiatives (CHAI), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Group of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (PMG-MAN), the World bank, Fly Zipline International Nigeria Limited, Lafiya health Programme, The Global Fund(GF), Society for Family Health (SFH) among others. The interventions, some of which I mentioned above, holistically cut across all health strata to improve health outcomes with the overall aim of improving the health status and index of the good people of the State.

Conclusion:
These achievements reflect His Excellency, the Governor’s vision and efforts to enhance the health status of the people of Kaduna State. As we progress into 2024-2027, our focus will be on improving service delivery, strengthening human resources, ensuring medicine availability, and securing sustainable health financing. The administration is committed to making quality healthcare accessible to all, with notable advancements in primary healthcare and specialized services. I encourage all stakeholders to review the detailed fact sheet prepared, which outlines our transformative work in the health sector.

Thank you for your continued support of our mission to improve the lives of the people of Kaduna State.

God bless Kaduna State. God bless Nigeria,” She concludes.

Nigeria: Tinubu Seeks To Repeal FIRS, Establish NRS In Tax Reforms Move

Africaprimenews
-
0
Nigeria: Tinubu Seeks To Repeal FIRS, Establish NRS In Tax Reforms Move

By John Ameh

President Bola Tinubu is seeking to restructure the country’s tax system in new reforms that will scrap the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and replace it with the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS).

Ealier, Tribune Online reported that Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas on Thursday confirmed receipt of four tax reform bills transmitted by President Bola Tinubu for consideration and quick passage.

Abbas who presided over the plenary, explained that the proposed bills were designed in line with the objectives of the present administration explained that the Nigeria Tax Bill 2024, seeks to provide the fiscal work for tax in the country and tax administration bill which will provide clear and concise legal framework for all taxes in the country and reduce disputes.

A bill to repeal the FIRS Act and establish the NRS was forwarded by the President to the Senate on Thursday.

It was one of four tax reform bills Tinubu sent to senators in a letter the President of the Senate, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, read to his colleagues during plenary in Abuja.

The proposed NRS, according to the letter, will “assess, collect and account for revenue accruable to the government of the federation.”

There is also the Nigeria Tax Bill, which the President said “provides a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria.”

A third bill, “The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, “provides a clear and concise legal framework for the fair, consistent and efficient administration of all the tax laws to facilitate ease of tax compliance, reduce tax disputes and optimize revenue.”

Another bill, The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill”, seeks to establish “the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of The Tax Ombudsman for the harmonization, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria.”

Tinubu’s letter reads partly, “I write to forward herewith the Fiscal and Tax Reform Bills by the Federal Inland Revenue Service for consideration and passage by the Senate.

“i. The Nigeria Tax Bill: provides a consolidated fiscal framework for taxation in Nigeria;

“ii.The Nigeria Tax Administration Bill: provides a clear and concise legal framework for the fair, consistent and efficient administration of all the tax laws to facilitate ease of tax compliance, reduce tax disputes and optimize revenue.

“The Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill: repeals the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, No. 13, 2007 and establishes the Nigeria Revenue Service to assess, collect and account for revenue accruable to the government of the federation;

“iv. The Joint Revenue Board (Establishment) Bill: establishes the Joint Revenue Board, the Tax Appeal Tribunal and the Office of The Tax Ombudsman for the harmonization, coordination and settlement of disputes arising from revenue administration in Nigeria.

“The proposed tax bill presents substantial benefits to a library, government connectives and economic growth by enhancing taxpayers compliance strengthening fiscal institutions, and

fostering a more effective and transparent fiscal regime

“I am confident that the bill when passed will encourage investment, boost consumer spending a s stimulate Nigeria economic growth.

Curled from Nigeria Tribune 

1...192021...1,691Page 20 of 1,691

Currency Exchange Rates

USD - United States Dollar
ZAR
0.06
EUR
1.06
CAD
0.72
ILS
0.27
INR
0.01
GBP
1.27
CNY
0.14

About us

Africa Prime News is an online news platform whose mission is to provide high-quality journalism to Africans. We strive to ensure that every article you read here is thought-provoking, exciting and excellent by all journalism standards.

Company

The latest

Nigeria Plans National Modernized Land Administration

Governance 0
Nigeria in collaboration with the World Bank is set...

South Africa Cracks Down On “Water Tanker Mafia” Amid Lesotho Highlands Water Project Maintenance

Governance 0
By Jacobs Botha As maintenance of the Lesotho Highlands Water...

Healing Through Knowledge: South Africa’s Crusade Against Deadly Food Contamination

Feature 0
By Jacobs Botha In the heart of South Africa, a...

Subscribe

© 2024 Africa Prime News. All Rights Reserved.

Africa Prime News

News The African Way

Skip to content ↓

Enable Notifications OK No thanks