Headlines
Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
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Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
The Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria has extended the ultimatum earlier issued to the Federal Government to address all pending issues by six more weeks.
MDCAN made this known in a communique issued at the end of its National Executive Council meeting held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State on Sunday.
The communique which was read during a press conference was signed by its President, Prof Mohammad Mohammad and Secretary-General, Dr. Daiyabu Ibrahim.
Recall that there was an ultimatum handed to the Federal Government by the association in 2023 which was to expire on January 31, 2024, and the decision to go on strike was to be taken at the Uyo NEC meeting.
However, the association decided to extend the ultimatum by six more weeks to allow for consultation with the government.
The association said it would no longer guarantee industrial harmony if its demands were not met after the expiration of the six weeks grace.
The NEC expressed dismay that despite its numerous engagements with relevant government agencies on the demands of the association, much is yet to be achieved.
It also observed that the issue of shortfall in salaries/income loss by Honorary consultants (Clinical lecturers) occasioned by the failure of the government to implement universal applicability of CONMESS to all medical and dental officers in public service and increase (harmonisation) in retirement age of hospital consultants, among others are yet to be addressed fully.
The communique read in part, “NEC resolved to extend the ultimatum earlier given to the government by six weeks (up to 10/03/2024), to address all pending issues between government and the association. MDCAN cannot guarantee industrial harmony after the expiration of the above ultimatum if its demands are not met.”
NEC also observed that budgetary allocation to the sector has remained at less than 5% of the budget of the country adding that Per Capital spending on health has also shown a marked decline
It also observed that health Care delivery has become more expensive as a result of the inflationary trend and health insurance coverage is very poor.
The communique added, “Government at all levels should endeavour to improve on its budgetary allocation to Heath sector towards attaining the Abuja Declaration of at least 15%.
“Consequently, the government should put strategies in place to improve the economy of the nation to improve the Per capita spending on health of the population.”
While calling on the National Health Insurance Agency to improve its enrollment to accommodate the vulnerable population, NEC advised the government to take steps to mitigate factors responsible for the increase in mental health disorders among medical professionals.
It further advised the government to prioritise Emergency Response Response Services across the country to address issues of morbidity, mortality and the burden of emergency cases.
NEC commiserated with the families of the Ibadan blast and the Oyo state government and called on the government to ensure that rules and regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation and storage of explosives are strictly adhered to.
It further advised all Nigerians particularly health workers to have high suspicion of Lassa Fever and observe necessary precautionary measures.
“MDCAN commiserates with the families of the victims of the Ibadan blast and the Oyo government, the government should ensure rules and regulations concerning the acquisition, transportation, storage and the use of explosives are strictly adhered to and also encourage Nigerians to be more vigilant in their areas of residence to ensure the safety of life and property.
“NEC advises all Nigerians, especially health care workers to have a high index of suspicion of Lassa Fever, and observe Universal Precaution, and the use of PPE”, the communique further stated.
Medical, dental consultants issue fresh six-week strike notice
Defence
Victory Against Terror: Troops Eliminate 152 Terrorists, Rescue 91 Hostages in Nationwide Crackdown
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Victory Against Terror: Troops Eliminate 152 Terrorists, Rescue 91 Hostages in Nationwide Crackdown
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday that troops had successfully neutralized 152 terrorists, arrested 109 suspects, and rescued 91 kidnapped hostages during operations conducted across the country in the past week.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided the update during a briefing in Abuja, noting that significant blows were dealt to terrorist strongholds in Katsina and Kaduna states. Key operations targeted two notorious terrorist commanders, Sadiku and Alhaji Yusuf, leading to the decimation of their enclaves.
“Sadiku’s base was located at Tsora Hill in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, while Alhaji Yusuf’s stronghold was at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” Buba revealed.
In addition, two female terrorist collaborators, responsible for negotiating ransoms with the families of kidnapped victims, were apprehended. Troops also recovered an impressive cache of 183 weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, including 95 AK-47 rifles, locally made guns, and other heavy arms.
“On the whole, the gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to take pride in putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety and security of citizens,” Buba stated, calling for continued support from the public in the fight against terrorism.
In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, 63 terrorists were eliminated, 38 suspects were arrested, and 35 hostages were rescued. Buba added that between August 28 and September 4, a total of 196 terrorists surrendered, including 19 adult males, 70 adult females, and 107 children. A successful airstrike on August 31 also killed an ISWAP spiritual leader, Goni Sanda, along with several other terrorists in Borno State.
Meanwhile, in the North Central, troops under Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized three extremists, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 28 hostages. In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji forces killed 105 terrorists, arrested 21, and freed 36 hostages.
In the Niger Delta, under Operation Delta Safe, troops destroyed 58 illegal refining sites and recovered over 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel. Additionally, 36 suspected oil thieves were arrested.
In the South East, under Operation UDO KA, two violent extremists were apprehended, and two hostages were rescued.
All arrested suspects, recovered items, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, Buba confirmed.
Headlines
EFCC Warns Businesses Against Aiding Criminals, Urges Compliance with Money Laundering Act
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EFCC Warns Businesses Against Aiding Criminals, Urges Compliance with Money Laundering Act
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has called on Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) to ensure full compliance with the Money Laundering Prohibition and Prevention Act of 2022.
This warning was issued during a sensitization programme organized by the EFCC’s Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering (SCUML).
EFCC’s Acting Director for Lagos, Michael Wetkaz, highlighted the global efforts to combat terrorism and warned businesses not to provide a safe haven for criminal elements. “The financial institutions have been regulated, and terrorism has become a global concern. Nations have tightened measures to ensure criminals have no space to operate,” Wetkaz said.
He urged DNFBPs, which include casinos, real estate agents, dealers in precious metals and stones, lawyers, and other professionals, to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. “If you allow these criminal activities to pass through your businesses, it will worsen the insecurity situation in the country,” he cautioned.
Aminu Ahmed, an Assistant Commander of the EFCC, reminded operators to report currency transactions above N5 million for individuals and N10 million for corporate bodies. He emphasized the importance of appointing compliance officers and adhering to anti-money laundering regulations.
The training also covered topics such as beneficial ownership, financial sanctions, and reporting requirements for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs), with ACE II officer Folasade Oluwasanya stressing the importance of awareness in curbing financial crimes.
Agriculture
Minister pledges sustained investment in agricultural production in FCT
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Minister pledges sustained investment in agricultural production in FCT
Dr Mariya Mahmoud, Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has pledged the FCT administration’s commitment to sustaining investment in agricultural production in the territory.
Mahamoud said this at the inauguration of the disbursement of grants to beneficiaries of the 4th batch of the FCT Fadama Covid-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) Programme, on Thursday in Gwagwalada.
She said the initiative is aimed at reducing poverty and improving livelihoods for the poor and vulnerable agricultural households in the territory.
The minister said the FCT Fadama CARES Programme would increase food security and the safe functioning of the food supply chain in the FCT.
She said the programme was designed to support the recovery of livelihood activities of the poor and vulnerable persons engaged in the agricultural value chain, with consideration to women and youths.
According to her, it is gratifying to note that within the first year of the current administration in the FCT, the Fadama CARES programme has disbursed grants to 3,150 beneficiaries under the third batch.
Mahmoud said the programme would provide grants to an additional 6,020 new beneficiaries under the fourth batch.
She said that 9,170 beneficiaries would benefit from the programme during the first year of the current FCT administration.
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