News
CMD decries dearth of Medical Doctors in Kogi, blames “Japa Syndrome”
***Despite approval to replace them, they’re no where to be found
By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
CHIEF Medical Director of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Prof. Isah Yahaya Adagiri has decried the dearth of medical Doctors in the state saying that despite approval to replace them, they’re no where to be found.
Prof. Adagiri who disclosed this during budget appraisal and projection on the floor of Kogi State House of Assembly in Lokoja attributed the scenario to brain drain resulting directly from “Japa Syndrome.”
He commended Governor Yahaya Bello for giving a standing approval to the management of Specialist Hospital to replace any Medical Doctor that leaves the service.
The CMD however regretted that said despite the willingness of the State Government to replace or employ new ones, “they are no where to be found.”
He stated that while a lot of Doctors were moving out of the country in droves for greener pastures, “There are lots of disadvantages in it as such workers work their ass out to earn every Kobo paid them.”
He said he could not imagined himself leaving the service to work out of the country because his corpse would be brought home.
Adagiri lamented that Kogi State Specialist Hospital recently lost a Doctor who left for Dubai to work, adding that his death could be attributed to the hazards of working in a foreign country.
The CMD noted that the hospital always liaised with the House Committee on Health and Social Services to get better welfare packages for Doctors, he advised better pay to stop the syndrome.
Speaking in same vein, the Chief Medical Director of Kogi State Hospital Management Board (HMB), Dr Ayo Olayemi called on the state government to give approval for recruitment of health personnel and staff in the newly established hospitals across the State.
Olayemi who lauded Governor Yahaya Bello’s initiative for the building of the gigantic Reference Hospital in Okene and another “fantastic one” in Gegu-Beki, noted that the hospitals are grossly under staffed.
He said that memos had been sent by the Board to the State Government on the need for proper staffing of the hospitals and urged the House to help impress on the Executive, the need to give approval for the recruitment of staff.
The CMD said the major proposal and projection for the year 2024 for the Health Sector should be focused on the need to maintain all the medical facilities established by Governor Bello and the need to renovate some of the hospitals yet untouched. (Ends)
News
Obidient Movement Denounces Fake Social Media Posts Targeting Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed
The Obidient Movement, led by Dr. Yunusa Tanko, has issued a press statement condemning the circulation of false social media posts attributed to Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed. The fabricated posts, which have gone viral, are described as part of a deliberate smear campaign aimed at damaging the Senator’s reputation.
The movement clarified that Senator Datti-Baba Ahmed does not operate any social media accounts, making all attributed posts entirely baseless. During a recent press conference, the Senator unequivocally dissociated himself from these claims and urged the public to disregard them.
“This is a targeted attempt to tarnish the Senator’s image and credibility,” Dr. Tanko stated.
The Obidient Movement has called on its supporters and the public to remain vigilant and proactive in addressing the issue. They urged people to ignore, counter, and report the false posts whenever they appear.
The statement concluded with an appeal for continued support and collaboration in combating misinformation, reinforcing the movement’s commitment to truth and integrity.
News
Senate Approves President Tinubu’s N1.767 Trillion Loan Request
The Senate has granted approval for a $2.09 billion (N1.767 trillion) loan requested by President Bola Tinubu to address the N9.7 trillion deficit in the N28.7 trillion 2024 budget. The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary, just 48 hours after the request was submitted to the National Assembly.
President Tinubu, in letters to both chambers of the legislature earlier this week, highlighted the importance of the loan for financing key projects and programs critical to national development.
Following the request, the Senate assigned its Committee on Local and Foreign Debts, led by Senator Aliyu Wammako (APC, Sokoto North), to review the proposal. Presenting the committee’s report, Senator Wammako described the loan as vital for implementing the Debt Management Strategy, reducing borrowing costs, extending debt maturity, and bolstering Nigeria’s external reserves.
The committee recommended raising the loan through Eurobonds or similar international financing instruments, subject to market conditions. It also suggested that any excess funds from exchange rate adjustments be directed toward capital projects in 2024 to support infrastructure and economic growth.
The Senate approved the loan unanimously, with no objections raised during deliberations. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, who presided over the session, commended the Wammako-led committee for its swift and thorough handling of the proposal.
This loan approval is part of the government’s broader strategy to bridge fiscal gaps while focusing on developmental priorities and economic stability.
News
Finland Detains Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges
Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.
The alleged offence reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa on Monday, November 19, marking another chapter in his history of legal confrontations.
A source confirmed Ekpa’s arrest, noting, “He was arrested three days ago. But this is not the first time. He will likely be questioned and released soon.” Ekpa was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same evening.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional suspects in connection with terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa has gained notoriety for his leadership of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to coordinate actions that resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI stated that the investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to crimes with terrorist intent.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government has continued to engage the Finnish government through the European Union (EU) to extradite Ekpa. In August, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters emphasized the dual approach of diplomatic engagement and sustained military operations against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the government’s resolve, saying, “The FG would respond appropriately to the Finnish Government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN.”
Ekpa, who has represented Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP) in local government, currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities, emphasizing the potential connection between his leadership role in the separatist movement and violent actions in Nigeria.
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