Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate says the health challenges outlined in Nigeria’s Country Health System and Services Profiles (CHSSP) report are surmountable.
Pate, represented by Dr Kamil Shoretire, the ministry`s Director, Health, Planning, Research and Statistic, stated this during the official unveiling of Nigeria`s CHSSP on Wednesday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria`s CHSSP is the first edition of the African Health Observatory Platform on Health Systems and Policies (AHOP) which are comprehensive reviews of African countries’ health systems and services.
Nigeria’s profile was published by the Health Policy Research Group, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which serves as the Nigerian National Centre for AHOP.
He said tackling the challenges required multi-stakeholder efforts, adding that the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII) was conceived by President Bola Tinubu’s administration to address them.
He said the initiative provides a unified roadmap to transform Nigeria’s health system through improved governance, reduced financial barriers, and systematic capacity building.
According to him, the Federal Government is addressing the challenges of low expenditure of government in the health sector, over dependence on private health facilities and high out of pocket expenditure through its reforms.
“We launched in the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in August 2024 with a 1.2 billion U.S. dollars investment.
“The SWAp initiative ensures that all stakeholders – government, development partners, civil society and the private sector – operate under a single, unified strategy (One-plan, One-Budget, One-Conversation, One-M&E and One-Report).
“This coordination is essential to maximise efficiency and impact,” he said.
Pate said the government, in its drive to achieve universal health coverage by 2030, had increased enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme from 16.7 million to over 19.4 million within the past year.
He added that the government was strengthening primary health care through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, disbursing N80 billion in 2024 and increasing it to N298.42 billion in 2025.
“Through the Presidential Initiative for unlocking the Health Care Value Chain, we have created a N5billion U.S. dollars project pipeline and attracted N2 billion in foreign investments,” he said.
In his remarks, Prof. Obinna Onwujekwe, Director of Nigeria’s National Centre for AHOP, said that Nigeria`s CHSSP aims to provide standard evidence for informed policy making in the health sector.
Onwujekwe, also the Coordinator of the Health Policy Research Group, said the report assessed Nigeria’s health system performance and service delivery against Africa’s benchmarks to guide appropriate action.
NAN reports that according to the CHSSP, Nigeria’s health system is performing at only 45 per cent, below the African regional average of 56 per cent.
It revealed that Nigeria`s health system performance outputs, including access to, demand for, and quality of health services, had improved over the last decade but remain insufficient to achieve universal health coverage by 2030.
It said in spite of progress, Nigeria’s absolute coverage of essential services was relatively low at 1.7 per cent below the African regional average.
The report stated that private health providers currently deliver 70 per cent of all health services, in spite accounting for only 35 per cent of health facilities.
It further stated that about 80 per cent of Nigeria’s health infrastructure was dysfunctional, impeding health care delivery and resulting in losses of one billion U.S. dollars annually to outbound health tourism.
The report stated that out-of-pocket expenditure accounts for 75 per cent of total health spending, with only one in ten Nigerians having access to health insurance or risk-pooling schemes.
The Nigerian Union of Retired Police Officers under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) has rescheduled what it described as “the father of all peaceful demonstrations” for October 14, 2025, at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Union, which comprises the Kaduna State chapter and 35 others including the Federal Capital Territory, had earlier fixed the mass protest for September 29, but the exercise was suspended following the National Assembly’s recess.
In a statement signed by its Kaduna Chairman, Retired CSP Mannir M. Lawal Zaria, and other members of the protest organizing committee, the Union lamented that the CPS has condemned thousands of retired police officers to untold hardship, poverty, and avoidable deaths.
According to the statement, many retired officers can no longer feed their families, afford medical treatment, or pay school fees for their children—forcing withdrawals from institutions ranging from nursery to tertiary level.
The Union further claimed that rising costs of living have worsened the plight of members, leaving many to die “rampantly” due to neglect.
“With all these challenges, we have no option but to stage this demonstration to appeal to lawmakers to exit retired police officers from the Contributory Pension Scheme,” the statement read. The retirees added that they and their families would remain at the National Assembly “until further notice” after the protest begins.
The Union has therefore called on all retired police officers nationwide, along with their families, to turn out in large numbers on October 14 at the National Assembly, Abuja, for what they termed “the father of all peaceful demonstrations.”
UN Women and the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC) have launched Nigeria’s NDC Gender Integration Toolkit and Strategy to enhance gender equality in national climate governance and policymaking.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, described the launch as a major step toward inclusive climate governance.
She said the initiative marked a milestone in aligning Nigeria’s climate commitments with gender-responsive and equitable development priorities.
“Today is not just the unveiling of a technical resource; it is a reaffirmation of our commitment to inclusive, equitable, and effective climate action for all Nigerians,” Eyong said.
She stressed that gender equality must be seen not as an add-on, but as a vital driver of climate resilience, innovation, and sustainable national development across all sectors of society.
“We cannot achieve our climate targets without putting women at the centre of climate action, decision-making, and policy implementation,” Eyong emphasised.
Eyong said sectoral training sessions would be held to strengthen the capacity of federal and state actors, enabling them to effectively apply the toolkit in their various areas of climate responsibility.
She also announced the development of a Trainer-of-Trainers (ToT) model, alongside a monitoring and evaluation framework, to support toolkit implementation in both digital and print formats nationwide.
“With strong political will and collaboration, Nigeria can lead Africa in proving that climate action and gender equality are two sides of the same coin,” Eyong said.
Director-General of the NCCC, Dr Salisu Dahiru, said integrating gender into climate policy was central to building national resilience, noting that climate change impacted women and children disproportionately.
“The launch of this toolkit signals a critical shift from commitment to institutionalisation. We must move beyond promises to real, measurable, gender-responsive climate actions across every sector,” he stated.
Mrs Grace Obi-Ukpabi, Director of Social Development at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said the initiative would strengthen national planning and promote gender-responsive budgeting in climate programmes.
“Sectoral training workshops are scheduled from Oct. 7 to Oct. 17, aimed at equipping government actors at all levels with the knowledge to implement gender-focused climate initiatives effectively.
“The toolkit introduces eight sector-specific guides and a cross-sectoral Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) and Climate Finance Toolkit to support results-based tracking and funding strategies.
“It will provide Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) with practical tools to turn gender and climate commitments into measurable action across energy, agriculture, water, transport, health, and more.” (NAN)
Great leadership is not, cannot, has never been; and should never be measured sorely in statistical terms. Great leadership, particularly under democratic dispensation, must pass the scrutiny of decorum, decency, consistency, integrity, transparency, accountability, adherence to the rule of law and respect for the preferences of citizens, whose interests must be the ultimate. When individuals decide to view things solely from their parochial prism, often shaped by ego, arrogance and self-acclaimed righteousness that sounds the death knell for democracy and all it represents.It is little wonder, therefore, that not a few share the sentiments that the worst democracy is better than the most benevolent dictatorship.
Simply put, there is far more that democracy offers to humanity than mere physical infrastructural development. Democracy by itself, does not bring about good governance. While it creates the environment, it is the quality of the human elements that consist of an entity: how enlightened, cultured and cultivated they, that consist of the motif force that bring about good governance and define an enviable trajectory for nations. Sadly, it would seem obvious that in our own part of the globe, all these values have been thrown overboard with a sense of arrogance and impunity that is unprecedented in history. How else do we explain the shameful political gymnastics playing out, all in the name of political dexterity or wizardry by dramatis personae such as the former Governor of Rivers State and current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike and his cohorts.For many years, 2009-2015, I held up Barr. Wike as Learned friend and an ideal, leader, as well as beacon of democratic ideals. I had even wished he had emerged the PDP presidential flagbearer in the 2023 Convention. My assessment of his person was purely premised on his performance as Honourable Minister of State Education and a two-term Governor of Rivers State. I had believed that all his actions were dictated by altruistic considerations and the quest for the common good. He had on occasions, stepped forward, supposedly, to protect the interest of any person from Rivers State when the need arose.
The cases of Mrs. Mary Peter Odili (now a retired Justice of the Supreme Court) whose house was under siege in the dead of the night by security operatives, and Barr. Joy Yimebe Nunieh, a former Managing Director are still fresh in our minds. His performance in constructing over-head bridges and network of roads in Rivers State, which earned him the name of “Mr. Project”, an appellation he still enjoys in the Federal Capital Territory, also shaped my adoring impression of him. Wike’s post-governorship conduct, particularly with respect to governance in Rivers State under the watch of Siminalayi Fubara, whom he literally, single-handedly, imposed on others, has however, left me wondering if really, I had not made a grievous mistake in investing my trust and confidence in him.
Whatever seemingly impressive work Wike has done in Rivers State and that which he is doing as FCT Minister has been completely obliterated by his overtly intolerant, brash, dictatorial, caustic and uncouth behavior, firstly, towards his Rivers State political protégée, Governor Siminalayi Fubara; secondly, towards his perceived political traducers; and thirdly, towards his supposed friends. All of these have faulted my sense of judgment, rendering me a subject of ridicule before friends who had cautioned my hasty admiration of his style. Smarting from a bruised sense of judgment, I have learnt and also hope others should, not to assess leadership using a single yardstick.
Recently, Hon. Nyesom Wike, the Hon. Minister of the FCT appeared on “Politics Today” anchored by Seun Okinbaloye on Channels TV on September, 18, 2025, where he paraded himself to have single-handedly moved the National Convention of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at which he also said he single-handedly picked Senator Waziri Tambuwal as the Northern Presidential candidate without consulting with anyone, not even stakeholders from the North. While on the face of it, this appears a heroic act that ought to be commended, a critical analysis of this gesture eloquently points to the dictatorial tendencies of the person of Wike. Even worse, is the condescending implications this attitude portends towards the north. Did the North need a Wike to think and decide for it who was best qualified to represent it in a National election that was to produce the President of the country? How much of the concerns, frustrations, hopes and aspirations of the North does Wike understand? According to Wike, it took a General Aliyu Gusau, a former National Security Adviser to former President Olusegun Obasanjo to thwart his wish of single-handedly foisting Senator Waziri Tambuwal on the PDP. For this, Wike has never forgiven the former NSA, whom he claimed instructed Northern stakeholders to direct northern delegates on who to vote for. Wike claimed this scenario repeated itself in the 2023 PDP Convention where he, once again, attributed his loss to General Aliyu Gusau’s last minute intervention which swung the pendulum in favour of Atiku Abubakar in a contest Wike was equally a presidential aspirant. Assuming, without conceding, that Wike’s narrative is correct, for which he bears eternal grudge against Gen. Aliyu Gusau, how morally detestable can Gen. Gusau’s action both in 2019 and 2023, be more than Wike’s draconian acts of silencing of other governorship aspirants and the crass imposition of Fubara as the PDP governorship candidate in 2023? On what moral pedestal does Wike stand to bear a grudge against Gen. Gusau when what he accuses the General of is exactly what he set out to achieve by, according to him, “single-handedly moving the 2019 PDP Convention to Rivers and single-handedly imposing Senator Waziri Tambuwal, as the northern presidential candidature on the PDP” without recourse to anyone, not even the northern political stakeholders. What point was Wike trying to prove? While at that time, some of us failed to see through this emerging danger to our fledgling democratic ecosystem, some keen observers with foresight had realized that Wike’s behavior eloquently pointed to nothing short of the making of a political tyrant adorned in the garb of a quintessential democrat. Thanks to General Aliyu Gusau’s intervention, if at all he indeed thwarted Wike’s dangerous schemes on the two separate occasions. If truly, the General did, then, the time-tested adage that “what an elder sees while standing on a plain, can never be seen by a younger person, no matter the elevated height from which he/she stands.” The vision that informed General Gusau’s timely intervention is indeed the vision that guided the politics of our forebears – the founding fathers of our beloved nation, which they bequeathed their successors in the person of Gen. Aliyu Gusau, one of the pioneer products of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA 1), who put their lives on the line to preserve Nigeria as a corporate entity. With benefit of hindsight, one wonders what would have become of this country had Wike assumed the reins of power as President, Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Whatever reasons the General had for frustrating Wike’s inordinate ambition, as claimed by Wike himself, with benefit of hindsight, Nigerians owe the General a debt of gratitude.The number one office in the land must not be occupied by a despot, in whatever guise (in uniform of civilian dress). Construction of roads and overhead bridges must not be the sole criterion for occupying such an elevated position. Those who aspire to be President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria must epitomize our age-long cherished values of decency, decorum, morality, respect for elders, constitutionality and true champions of democratic ethos. They must not be tyrants adorned in democratic garb. The number one office of the land most not be turned into a “Fuji house of commotion”, which Wike single-handedly turned Rivers State and the PDP to. It deserves nothing less that sanity and sobriety.I am still struggling to come to terms how someone who claims he toiled to build the PDP would, overnight, turn around to be the undertaker that presides over the tragic extinction of that same party that nurtured and nourished him to political relevance, simply because he failed to fly the party’s ticket as its presidential candidate. Is it suddenly lost on Wike the Scriptures from the two Holy Books, the Qur’an and the Bible that remind us that it is the God Almighty who gives Power to whom He wishes, and when He wishes? Has Wike, so obsessed by inordinate ambition, suddenly forgotten the injunction from the Holy Scriptures that remind us that the race is not for the swiftest? Let not one act of failure make us throw caution and decency to the dogs because tomorrow surely holds greater promises.
When a friend accepts an invitation to dinner, he does so Not because he lacks food in his house, but because he cherishes friendship and fellowship. Therefore, for Wike to have gone on National Television to ridicule Chief Dele Momodu, whom he had hosted to a meal, that okra steamed down his chest from his mouth while he ate, is to say the least, not only childish, but demeaning and least expected of a person who had aspired to lead biggest black Nation on earth and the pride of the Black race. It is also a smack of betrayal of trust and utter disrespect for one’s guest and supposed friend. How could any prospective guest ever trust such a person? Should this also not be a lesson to the G-5 Governors and others alike who flock with him because they have conveniently found a safe haven under the shelter? May they never be objects of ridicule and a laughing stock Tomorrow. Wike must appreciate that politics is a marathon. He still has age on his side. He needs to do some introspection. One succeeds, not by antagonizing people on all fronts, but by reasoning together, building bridges and warming oneself into the hearts and minds of men and women across the entire spectrum of society. Wike has never lost an opportunity to accuse just everybody he has had cause to work with of betrayal. It is instructive that he should ask himself: why is he the only person who feels betrayed? This calls for introspection. Meanwhile, leave Gen. Aliyu Gusau alone. Do not drag the elder Statesman into pedestrian matters. You merely chase shadows if you think he is your problem. He is certainly not and will never be your problem because there are more important issues of higher value to humanity he has to attend to.He who has ears, let him hear and learn.
Nuhu writes from Country Chambers, Bank of Industry, Waff Road, Kaduna
In a bold and uncompromising action against the rising scourge of drug abuse and child neglect, the National Association of Seadogs (NAS), popularly known as the Pyrates’ Confraternity, has ignited its nationwide Street Child Project with a landmark campaign in Mpape community, Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Partnering with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the Galleon Bay Deck of NAS which comprises of Gwarimpa, Lifecamp, Kado, Jahi, as well as Katampe Extension and environs, took the fight to the streets with a high energy march, mass flyer distribution across markets and motor parks, and eye opening public lectures for students, parents, community leaders, and stakeholders.
The Mpape campaign is part of the Street Child Project of NAS’s flagship humanitarian and advocacy initiative, designed to confront drug abuse, homelessness, and the growing crisis of out of school children head on. With simultaneous activations across Nigeria and abroad, the project combines drug prevention, rehabilitation advocacy, and back to school initiatives to rescue a generation of vulnerable children.
According to Mr. Samuel Abhulimen, Project Execution and Monitoring Adviser of Galleon Bay Deck, Mpape was deliberately chosen because of its alarming rate of drug-related school dropouts. “Our findings revealed that Mpape has one of the highest concentrations of young people battling substance abuse in the FCT. As leaders of tomorrow, they need protection from addiction’s destructive spiral. We are here to spark awareness, rescue children from the streets, and restore hope for their future,” he declared.
Reinforcing this, Chief Superintendent of Narcotics, Mr. Nduka Augustine, Officer in Charge of Drug Abuse and Sensitisation, NDLEA Abuja Command, emphasized that parents must be vigilant. Warning signs like sudden secrecy, missing valuables, and drastic changes in friends, he said, should never be ignored. “Drug tests are available at NDLEA facilities nationwide and can give answers within minutes. Prevention, not arrests, remains our strongest weapon,” he affirmed.
The campaign’s message resounded powerfully: drug abuse is a societal time bomb that must be defused. Through sustained community engagement, nationwide advocacy, and international collaboration, the NAS Street Child Project stands as a movement of hope, justice, and opportunity, determined to replace despair with education, innovation, and purpose.
The National Association of Seadogs calls on government, civil society, communities, and parents to join this cause and build a Nigeria where no child is condemned to the streets, and no future is lost to drugs.
For more information, visit www.nas-int.org or follow the campaign on social media via Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: NASPC1952.
The Edo State Government, South-south Nigeria, has commenced construction of its first-ever flyover bridge, marking a milestone in the state’s urban infrastructure development.
The project, located at Ikpoba Hill in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, spans one kilometre and is designed to ease traffic congestion and improve vehicular movement in Benin City.
The bridge consists of 24 spans, each measuring 20 meters, and is being constructed using reinforced concrete technology.
Officials say the approach was intended to enhance durability, with the structure expected to last between 50 and 100 years. The use of concrete was also aimed at reducing long-term maintenance costs and minimizing the need for frequent reconstruction.
Nigeria’s Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, visited the construction site on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During the inspection, Umahi described the project as a landmark intervention and emphasized its potential to transform the urban fabric of the state capital.
He noted that the quality and pace of work were commendable and said the flyover could serve as a model for future infrastructure projects in the region.
“This is a 24-span structure, each span measuring 20 meters, amounting to a one-kilometre bridge. The quality and pace of work are impressive. Edo is witnessing a first, and I believe more such projects should follow in Benin City to address the heavy traffic,” Umahi said.
Umahi also contrasted the performance of contractors working on state-level projects with those handling federal assignments, noting that governors often enforce stricter oversight and discipline. He pledged to introduce tighter accountability measures at the federal level to ensure value for money and timely completion of projects.
“I commend Governor Okpebholo for insisting on concrete technology. Roads built with reinforced concrete last 50 to 100 years, saving scarce resources. Nigeria cannot continue to spend on recurring reconstruction. We must invest in durability,” Umahi stated.
Governor Monday Okpebholo, who assumed office earlier this year, has made road and bridge construction a focus of his administration. The flyover project is part of a broader strategy to modernize Edo State’s transport network and improve connectivity within urban centers.
The flyover project has attracted attention from political stakeholders across party lines. Figures from both the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have acknowledged the significance of the initiative and its potential impact on transportation and urban planning in Edo State.
The Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Salvation Center, Kaduna, North West Nigeria, Pastor Emmanuel Fakioluwa, has encouraged men to participate in physical exercise to boost their productivity in their daily activities.
Pastor Fakioluwa made the call during a football match between the Women Fellowship and Men Fellowship, organized to promote physical activities and family relationships within the church.
Both Teams in a group Photograph
The football match was a unique initiative aimed at fostering unity and camaraderie among church members. Pastor Fakioluwa emphasized the importance of physical exercise in maintaining overall well-being and productivity. He urged the teeming youth in the church to shun social vices that could hinder their future progress.
The Leader of the Men Fellowship, Bro Obaje Amidu, explained that the essence of the football match was to strengthen family bonds and promote unity among members. He noted that sports have a way of uniting people from different backgrounds and fostering love and togetherness. Bro Amidu encouraged men to prioritize physical exercise to improve their overall well-being.
The friendly match between the Women Fellowship and Men Fellowship was a closely contested one, with the Women Fellowship emerging victorious with a goal to nil. Despite the outcome, the match was a success in promoting unity and physical activity among church members.
The RCCG Salvation Center’s initiative to promote physical activity and family relationships is a commendable effort to foster a sense of community among its members. The church’s emphasis on unity and togetherness is reflected in its various programs and activities.
The Women Fellowship’s victory in the football match was a testament to the growing interest in sports among women in the church. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were evident throughout the match, and their victory was well-deserved.
The football match was also an opportunity for church members to bond and develop relationships outside of their usual church activities. The event promoted a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants.
In his remarks, Pastor Fakioluwa encouraged church members to prioritize their physical and spiritual well-being. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and seeking God’s guidance in all aspects of life.
The RCCG Salvation Center’s commitment to promoting physical activity and family relationships is a reflection of its dedication to the overall well-being of its members. The church’s initiatives are designed to foster a sense of community and promote unity among its members.
Overall, the football match was a success, and the RCCG Salvation Center’s efforts to promote physical activity and family relationships are commendable. The church’s emphasis on unity and togetherness is a testament to its commitment to the well-being of its members.
The Federation of Tourism Associations of Nigeria (FTAN), Kaduna state Chapter, has expressed sympathy to the family of Prof.Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda as they laid their mother to rest today.
Late Mrs Lydia Yilwatda
The Kaduna state Coordinator of FTAN, Tobi Bernard Thomas, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of late Mrs. Lydia Yilwatda who died at the age of 83 on Sunday, August 17, 2025, at Jos University Teaching Hospital.
FTAN, in a statement issued and made available to the newsmen on Saturday noted that losing a mother is one of life’s most profound sorrows.
” As you mark the final burial rites of your beloved mother today, the entire FTAN family across the country want you to know that our thoughts and prayers are with you,” Thomas explained.
Thomas in the statement described the late Lyndia Yilwatda as distinguished personality and patriot who in her little way contributed immensely to national development while alive.
FTAN state coordinator further said that the deceased whose life was defined by discipline, integrity was equally committed to the unity and progress of Nigeria.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the deceased and her entire family and the loved one she left behind.
This is just as he prayed God to grant the entire family of Yilwatda the fortitude to bear the loss and their mother’s soul rest in perfect peace.
Among notable sons the deceased left behind is Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)
