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 Press Release Basic Healthcare Provision Fund: FG Set to Release 32BN For Expansion of Primary Heathcare Services -expand affordability, emergency medical treatment, emergency ambulance and health security The Federal Government through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund BHCPF is set to release N32bn through the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to the state, local governments and more than 8,000 primary healthcare centres. Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate Coordinating Minister for Health & Social Welfare announced this during a press briefing  at the 10th Ministerial Oversight Committee meeting of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund held Wednesday 19 March, 2025. These resources, the Coordinating Minister stated, will support expansion of primary health care services, expansion of the vulnerable fund to ensure women and children get affordable access to quality healthcare. Furthermore,Prof. Pate assured that the expected resources will cater for emergency medical treatment and amb...

 PRESS RELEASE ENHANCING DEFENCE COOPERATION: NIGERIAN AND BANGLADESH TO SHARE EXPERIENCES IN AGRICULTURE, MILITARY IN AGRICULTURE AND DEFENCE COOPERATION - BADARU The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar CON, mni, has  said that Nigeria will share  experiences  in defence , agriculture  and Military cooperation with Bangladesh . This bilateral cooperation if discussed further will successfully integrates military personnel into various non-combat sectors such as agriculture, construction, and infrastructure development. This cooperation discussion aims to ensure that military personnel remain constructively engaged during peacetime, contributing to both their personal economic prosperity and the overall development of the nation. This bilateral cooperation discussion took place during a courtesy visit by H.E. Mansur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, at Ship House ,Abuja. The meeting highlighted the potential of suc...

 Press Release                                                                                                       The Commission will leverage JAMB infrastructures in its learning and planning activities -Prof. Olaopa. In his effort to scale-up the ongoing reform in the Commission and the necessity to achieve his objectives in the Federal Civil Service; the Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC), Prof. Tunji Olaopa has said that the Commission will leverage Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) infrastructural facilities to drive its recruitment processes. He stated this on Wednesday when he paid a courtesy call on the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of JAMB; Prof. Ishaq Oloyede in his office. He commen...

 PRESS RELEASE NBA SOLIDARITY VISIT TO DEEPEN RELATIONSHIP BUREAU OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT The Director-General, Bureau of Public Procurement, Dr. Adebowale .A. Adedokun, MCIPS, ACFE has stated that, there is much benefit in preventing corruption rather than waiting to fight corruption. The DG made this known while receiving the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) delegation led by its president Mazi. Afam Josiah Osigwe SAN who were in his office in Abuja to strengthen the relationship between the Bureau and NBA. Dr. Adebowale ascribe the NBA visit as game changer, historic, unique and landmark on which the law will be respected and partnership with different professional bodies will take their rightful place.  He emphasized on the fight against the misuse of contract opportunities to the detriment of Nigerian people, as he demands an agreement of signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between BPP and NBA in the areas of capacity building, contract agreement, litigation, understa...

 Press Release  FG Partnes World Bank On Land Reforms,  Administration Challenges * Aims to increase land registration process from less than 10% to over 50% in the next 10 years  * State governments key partners in achieving specific goals - Dangiwa The Federal government of Nigeria is set to intensify engagements with the World Bank to implement reforms that would unlock the potentials of Nigeria’s landed assets through the National Land Registration, Documentation, and Titling Programme (NLRDP)  The Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Arc. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa disclosed this at the workshop on National Land Registration and Documentation Programme (NLRDP), held on Wednesday March 19, 2025, in Abuja. He decried the long standing challenges Nigeria has faced in land governance which includes; inefficient property registration process which has resulted in less than 10% of land registration in Nigeria, lack of a systematic and credible, framework...

 BDC Operators Bag Sentences in Kwara Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State has sentenced one Musa Buba to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service at the rate of five hours of work per day for operating bureau de change without a valid licence.  The sentence is without an option of a fine. Similarly, he sentenced one Akinwale Olamilekan from Owena Ijesha in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State to 300 (Three Hundred) hours of community service, also at the rate of five hours of work daily for commiting internet fraud. The sentence is without an option of a fine. Both convicts were arraigned on March 20, 2025 by the Ilorin Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on separate one-count charge, bordering on illegal operation of BDC services and fraudulent impersonation, respectively. The charge against Buba reads: "That you, Musa Buba, sometime in July 2024 at Chikanda Market, Yashikira Distr...

 67,000 white South Africans have expressed interest in Trump’s plan to give them refugee status The United States Embassy in South Africa said Thursday it received a list of nearly 70,000 people interested in refugee status in the U.S. under President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate members of a white minority group he claims are victims of racial discrimination by their Black-led government, AP reported. The list was given to the embassy by the South African Chamber of Commerce in the U.S., which said it became a point of contact for white South Africans asking about the program announced by the Trump administration last month. The chamber said the list does not constitute official applications. Trump issued an executive order on Feb. 7 cutting U.S. funding to South Africa and citing “government actions fueling disproportionate violence against racially disfavored landowners.” Trump’s executive order specifically referred to Afrikaners, a white minority group who are descendants ...

 A Mississippi former pastor and current school bus driver was arrested after a teen came forward saying he forced her to have intimate relations on the school bus while he watched. Investigators say Elvis Colenburg, who was a bus driver for Jefferson County School District, is being charged with sexual exploitation of a minor.  These charges come after a 14-year-old girl came forward claiming Colenburg had forced her and a 14-year-old boy to have intimate relations while he watched.   These appalling instances happened on Colenburg's afternoon bus route.The young girl was one of his passengers, however Colenburg would allegedly pick the boy up after dropping all the other students off. The boy was not a passenger of the bus.  He would then force the two children to have sex while he watched. The young girl claims this happened around 20 times before she finally came forward.  The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Depart...

 A Louisiana mother is facing murder charges after beating her 8-month-old child until he passed away... The precious baby is pictured below. 24-year-old Autumn Harper (last picture) was taken into custody on the morning of Wednesday, March 19th, on one count of first-degree murder. These charges come after authorities were called to Riverside Medical Center approximately a week ago. At that time, staff informed police they had an 8-month-old boy who had suffered multiple severe injuries. His injuries included multiple broken bones and healing breaks from earlier traumas. The baby boy was transferred by helicopter to Children's Hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries on March 17th. After talking to multiple eyewitnesses, police were able to identify Autumn as their number one suspect in the death of the child. Autumn Harper is being held without bail.  Our deepest condolences and most sincere thoughts are with everyone who loved this precious 8 month old baby boy. Ma...

 An Illinois man says he was forced to choke his rescue dog to death after an agonizing 45 minute attack. Matt Porter, 35-years-old, rescued his pet pit bull 'Karma' only months before the fateful February 19th attack. He said when Karma wandered up behind his shop, he was encouraged by his family to adopt her in order to help him heal from a recent broken engagement.  When he found her she was so thin he could see her ribs. It is reported the pit bull possibly lived with an abusive family before Matt found her. Matt started feeding her and their relationship started off strong. He said she was sweet and caring and never left his side.  Matt said besides nipping at him when he would grab her collar to take her outside, she never showed any signs of aggression.  All of that changed on that February day. According to Matt, he was shaving when Karma jumped on him. He pushed her back and that is when his seemingly sweet dog snapped. She lunged back in and clamped down on...

 STATEHOUSE PRESS STATEMENT PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES NATIONAL ASSEMBLY FOR PATRIOTIC STAND ON RIVERS STATE EMERGENCY PROCLAMATION   President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday lauded the National Assembly for its decisive and patriotic ratification of the State of Emergency proclamation in Rivers State, a critical step to restoring stability after a protracted political crisis that paralysed governance in the state and endangered national economic security for over 15 months.   The President specifically commended the National Assembly's leadership—Senate President Godswill Akpabio, House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, other principal officers and members—for prioritising the security and welfare of Rivers State people above partisan interests and other considerations.   He further acknowledged the lawmakers' diligent review of classified security briefings, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent further escalation.   "The crisis in Riv...

 Dubai Police Honours Winners of the Archery Competition Dubai Police honoued the winners of the ‘Archery Competition’, one of the tournaments among the "Dubai Police Ramadan Games" held at Dubai Police Officers’ Club in Al Jaddaf. This vibrant event featured enthusiastic participants across various categories, including males, females, and children.  His Excellency Major General Ali Ghanem, Assistant Commandant for Community  Happiness and Logistic Support at Dubai Police, presented medals to the top winners across various categories and wished them continued success in their future endeavors. The event was attended by Brigadier Ali Al Mansouri, Director of the General Department of Community Happiness, and His Deputy Colonel Dr. Prof. Saud Al Rumaithi, and Colonel Salah Al Marzouqi, Deputy Director of the General Department of Logistic Support. It is worth mentioning that the Ramadan Games, which align with the goals of the "Year of Co...

 Lookman on Winning Africa’s Best Player Award: ‘It’s a Blessing’ Nigerian winger Ademola Lookman has described his recognition as Africa’s best player as an honor and a blessing. Lookman, who claimed the prestigious award in Marrakech, Morocco, last December, follows in the footsteps of compatriot Victor Osimhen, who won it in 2024. “It’s a blessing, a pleasure, and most definitely an honor to be among the great players who have won this award, including my teammate Osimhen,” Lookman told NFF TV. “Being crowned Africa’s best is something I hold with great respect.” The Atalanta star is currently with Nigeria’s squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe.

 SON Warns Tyre Dealers Against Sale of Substandard Products The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling the sale of substandard tyres in the country, warning dealers to prioritize consumer safety and road security. Speaking at a Tyre Stakeholders’ Forum in Apo Mechanic Village on Thursday, SON’s Director-General, Dr. Ifeanyi Okeke, stressed the need for retailers to ensure that only high-quality tyres are sold. He highlighted the dangers of substandard tyres, including compromised performance, reduced durability, and increased accident risks. Okeke, represented by SON’s North Regional Director, Dr. Marilyn Waziri, also linked the issue to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that poor-quality tyres could hurt Nigeria’s market competitiveness. “We must reduce the influx of substandard tyres. This initiative is not to push traders out of business but to ensure road safety and maintain market standards,” he said. SON’s FCT...

 A 5-year-old Texas boy was sadly struck and killed by his school bus. 5-year-old, Exodus Crockett, had missed the bus that would take him to Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy when he sadly lost his life. In an attempt to make it onto the bus Exodus ran alongside the driver side of the bus as it began pulling away. He then ran in front of the bus and was struck by the bus. Exodus was rushed to a nearby hospital where he sadly succumbed to his injuries. The bus driver has been placed on administrative leave. The entire community is mourning the loss of such a young life and a candle light vigil is set to be held at Hewlett Park in Granbury, TX. The vigil will begin at 7:30 p.m. on March 20th.  Our thoughts are with everyone involved.  Our thoughts are with the family of Exodus and the entire community as they process this devastating loss.

 Indiana authorities are asking for local residents to lock their doors after a prisoner walked away from a work crew on Wednesday .  The Indiana Department of Corrections say 21-year-old Michael Anderson who is an inmate at Edinburgh Correctional Facility escaped their custody today. According to reports Anderson was working with a crew near Vallonia Tree Nursery when he was able to walk away unnoticed.   Anderson was last seen in the Starve Hollow area on Wednesday, March 19th at around 12:45 p.m. Michael Anderson is described as 5' 8" and 184 lbs. He has black hair and brown eyes, with a rose tattoo on his right hand and a crown on his right arm. He also has a Chicago Bulls logo on his left leg. He was wearing a yellow shirt with yellow pants and an orange hat at the time he fled. He also had a Carhartt style jacket. If you see Michael Anderson please call 911 or your local police. They also suggest anyone living near the area of his escape to keep all their doors...

 DG GUARANTEES PAYMENT OF N77,000 CORPS ALLOWANCE IN MARCH  The Director General of National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu has said that all Corps Members would be credited with their new monthly allowance of Seventy-Seven Thousand Naira with effect from March, 2025. He said the Scheme and Federal Government are responsive to their welfare and would continue to ensure that their well-being is accorded maximum priority at all times. The Director General disclosed this today while interacting with Corps Members in Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. General Nafiu, who thanked the Corps Members for their selfless service to the nation advised them to remain calm, dedicated, focused and disciplined. He lauded the founding father of the Scheme for conceiving the vision, while he advocated that all and sundry should rally round the Scheme. General Nafiu added that NYSC is a beautiful Scheme that is building bri...

 SDP Condemns Suspension, Recall Process Against Senator Natasha Akpoti The Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Kogi State has strongly criticized the suspension and recall process initiated against Senator Natasha Akpoti, describing it as politically motivated and excessive. In a statement signed by factional Kogi SDP Secretary, Isaiah Davies Ijele, the party accused the state government of orchestrating the move to silence Akpoti, who represents Kogi Central Senatorial District. "While the Senate has rules for addressing misconduct, the actions against Senator Akpoti are unjust and politically driven," the statement read. The party praised Akpoti’s dedication to addressing key issues such as poverty, unemployment, and infrastructure deficits, insisting that the recall effort aims to undermine her commitment to public service. The SDP vowed to resist what it termed a "blatant disregard for due process" and called on supporters and citizens to reject the attempt to sil...

 Congo rebels dismiss ceasefire calls, capture strategic town The leader of Rwandan-backed M23 rebels in eastern Congo said on Thursday that a call by Kinshasa and Kigali for an immediate ceasefire "doesn't concern us" as his forces pushed deeper into Congolese territory by capturing the strategic town of Walikale, Reuters reported. Walikale is the farthest west the rebels have reached after fighting on Wednesday with Democratic Republic of Congo's army and allied militias. The town of about 15,000 people, is in an area rich in minerals including tin. Its capture leaves the rebels in control of a road linking four eastern Congo provinces and within 400 km (250 miles) of Kisangani, Congo's fourth-biggest city. Three Walikale residents and two M23 sources said the rebels were in full control of the town. Congo's army did not respond to requests for comment. "The rebels are now visible in the centre of the city," said Fiston Misona, a civil society acti...

 LAGOS EXPANDS OVERSIGHT ON BASIC HEALTHCARE FUND IMPLEMENTATION … As State Government Strengthens Monitoring, Accountability … Commissioner Inaugurates Expanded SOC Committee Lagos State has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare delivery through the effective implementation of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF). This was the highlight of the State Oversight Committee (SOC) meeting held yesterday at the Folarin Coker Staff Clinic Conference Room, State Secretariat, Alausa-Ikeja. The meeting, chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, brought together key stakeholders in the health sector. Among those in attendance were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi; Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Mustafa, mni; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Permanent Secretary, Lagos He...

  President Bola Tinubu is currently meeting with a delegation of South-South monarchs, led by the Asagba of Asaba, Delta State, Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, SAN, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The meeting comes amidst heightened tensions in the South-South region following the recent declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. The state of emergency, declared by President Tinubu, resulted in the suspension of Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara, his deputy, and the entire members of the House of Representatives for an initial six months. Additionally, the President appointed Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, former Chief of Naval Staff, as the sole Administrator of the state. Obi Professor Epiphany Azinge, who is the 14th Asagba of Asaba, was crowned the Obi on August 26, 2024. He is accompanied by other royal fathers, suspected to be members of the Obi-in-Council, in the meeting with President Tinubu. The discussions are expected to address the current situation in Rivers ...