Cloned Nigerian Anchor

Author: Doris Israel Ijeoma

  • FG Bans Leave of Absence for Health Workers Relocating Abroad 

    FG Bans Leave of Absence for Health Workers Relocating Abroad 

    The federal government has placed a ban on leave absence for heath professionals relocating abroad. 

    The Minister of State for Health, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the ban on Saturday, stressing that the era of health workers exiting to other countries in search of better offers after applying for a leave of absence is no longer acceptable.

    The Minister reiterates that the Federal Government had directed that health workers going abroad to seek greener pastures must henceforth resign their appointments before embarking on such journeys.

    According to Alausa, the ban on the leave of absence for health workers emanated from the executive order issued by President Bola Tinubu as part of drastic steps to combat the challenge of brain drain fondly called ‘Japa Syndrome’ confronting the nation’s health sector.

    He also revealed that the FG has commenced the production of manpower in the health sector such that the annual enrolment of nurses which used to be 28,000 is now 68,000 and that by the end of this year, it would have gone up to 120,000.

    The minister stated this on Saturday during his visit to the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    He said that the President considered the biggest asset of the country to be the people and has not only vowed but has taken proactive actions to ensure the health sector is in good shape so that the health of the citizens won’t suffer.

    Speaking on the challenge of manpower shortages across the FG-owned health institutions, Alausa said, “The government is not unmindful of the Japa effect on our manpower in the health sector and the President has ordered for massive production of manpower such that when people go, there will always be replacement.

    “It is against this background that we are working intensely on the enrolment of our nurses. What used to be 28,000 is now 68,000 and our intention is to take it to 120,000 by the end of the year, so there will always be abundant skilled manpower to take over from those leaving the job.

    “We have equally doubled our enrolment for doctors, dentistry, pharmacists among others

    “Again, we didn’t say anyone who wants to move or japa to the UK or Australia to take up appointments there should not go, it is a free world.”

    The minister continued, “However, you cannot eat your cake and have it. If you are going, just resign your appointments with the Federal Government, rather than applying for leave of absence, that is the Presidential executive order that has been communicated to all the Chief Medical Directors of Federal Government-owned health facilities to implement.

    “The problem with the leave of absence is that such a fellow is out there in the UK or Australia working, making money but his name still appears on the payment roll of the government and so to replace him is difficult because he is still being considered as a staff whereas he has left the country.

    “So, to solve this problem, the President has directed that health workers going abroad to work should just resign their appointments and not apply for leave of absence. This way, you won’t be blocking others who want to work and of course piling burdens for your colleagues that you left behind.”

    Responding to some of the demands of the hospital such as increased funding, infrastructural development, among other welfare packages, Alausa said that the ministry would leave no stone unturned to do all that is necessary to improve the fortunes of the health sector in the country.

    Speaking earlier, the Provost and Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Paul Agboola, lauded the Minister for his selflessness and passion to turn things around for good in the health sector.

    The CMD said that as a result of the approval given by the Minister, his administration had started projects such as the Institute of Psychiatric for the hospital which had been in the pipeline for about 40 years, amongst others.

  • Late Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe’s Father Slumps, Hospitalized

    Late Access Holdings CEO, Herbert Wigwe’s Father Slumps, Hospitalized

    Shyngle Wigwe, the biological father of billionaire business mogul and late former Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings, Dr Herbert Wigwe on Saturday slumped and was rushed to a nearby hospital for immediate treatment. 

    This was made known by a popular influencer on X(formerly Twitter), Tony Ogbuagu who denied the purported death of the late billionaire’s father. 

    He wrote: “Herbert Wigwe’s father is not dead please. He only slumped and has been taken to the hospital. Make una slow down with all these bad news.”

    Dignitaries, guests and hundreds of mourners arrived at the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Isiokpo in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State for the funeral service of Wigwe, his wife, Doreen, and son, Chizzy

    Wigwe who died in a helicopter crash in the United States alongside his wife and son were buried on March 9, 2024 after a combined funeral service at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Lion of Judah Parish, Isiokpo.

    Wigwe and his family members died when a chopper heading to Las Vegas crashed near a border city between Nevada and California in February. 

  • Bandits Invade Nigerian Mosque During Jumat Prayers, Kill Worshippers

    Bandits Invade Nigerian Mosque During Jumat Prayers, Kill Worshippers

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have attacked a mosque at Anguwar Makera in Kwasakwasa community of Birnin Gwari local government area of Kaduna State.

    The bandits killed two worshippers during Friday’s Juma’at prayer.

    The incident happened around 2pm, according to locals in the area.

    A community leader, Hudu Kwasakwasa, who confirmed the incident, said the bandits opened fire on worshipers during the Juma’at prayer.

    “The two worshipers killed were among other Muslims attacked at the Juma’at Mosque in Angwar Makera when the bandits opened fire on them and abducted others today (Friday). The victims have been buried at Old Kuyello cemetery,” he said.

    He said the people were in the second raka’at of the salat when they were attacked, which forced other worshippers to run for their lives.

    He added that a few days ago, the same bandits abducted about nine people at a community called Angwar Kanawa under the same Kwasakwasa area.

    He appealed for help from authorities concerned, saying the bandits were raiding the communities unchallenged.

    The latest attack on the worshipers came less than 24 hours after bandits abducted over 287 students in the neighbouring Chikun local government area of the state on Thursday morning.

  • Anambra Governor Soludo Appoints Yoruba Man As Permanent Secretary

    Anambra Governor Soludo Appoints Yoruba Man As Permanent Secretary

    Anambra State Governor, Charles Chukwuma Soludo, has appointed an Osun State indigene, Bayo Ojeyinka as a Permanent Secretary in the state civil service.

    The appointment, which was based on merit, was commended by civil servants in the state, describing it as deserving.

    According to Business Day, Ojeyinka has been in the Anambra state public service system since 1995, after completing his National Youth Service Corps scheme (NYSC) in the state.

    He received the award as the best-serving corps member during his service year and was subsequently retained by the state government.

    Speaking on his promotion, Ojeyinka expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo and promised to increase his productivity, transparency, and fairness in his work.

    He said, “I am so excited to be considered. I don’t see this as a right but rather a rare privilege because so many brilliant officers also merited the promotion.

    “I thank Mr Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo for this honour, and Ndi Anambra for all their love, kindness and support in my 29 years of living in Anambra State.

    “I will repay the state with increased efficiency, productivity, transparency and fairness in my work.

    “I thank my colleagues to, the Head of Service, Her Honour, Barrister Mrs Theodora Igwegbe for her wonderful support. I promise to live up to the great expectations.”

  • PDP May Present Female Presidential Candidate For 2027 Election

    PDP May Present Female Presidential Candidate For 2027 Election

    National chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Umar Damagum, has expressed optimism about Nigeria potentially electing its first female president in 2027. 

    He said this at an event marking the 2024 International Women’s Day celebration in Abuja.

    Damagum, represented by PDP national secretary Samuel Anyanwu, voiced his belief in the capability of women to lead, highlighting the disappointment in current male leadership.

    Damagum underscored the significant role of women, particularly mothers, in society, stressing the need for increased female representation in political leadership. 

    He praised the PDP for providing opportunities for women to advance without financial constraints, positioning the party as a champion of women’s rights and political participation.

    Echoing Damagum’s sentiments, PDP National Woman Leader, Amina Divine Arong, emphasized the importance of gender equality in political participation and leadership for achieving sustainable development goals by 2030. 

    Arong highlighted the positive impact of women in leadership roles, citing their resilience during times of financial crisis and their contributions to economic, social, and political progress.

    Arong called for continued advocacy and support to encourage women to pursue leadership roles, emphasizing the need for training and preparation to ensure their success. 

    She urged women already in leadership positions to facilitate access to opportunities for growth and development, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

  • Kaduna Govt Begins Negotiations For Release of Abducted Pupils, Teachers

    Kaduna Govt Begins Negotiations For Release of Abducted Pupils, Teachers

    Kaduna State government has begun negotiations for the release of the recently abducted 287 pupils and teachers in the state.

    The pupils were abducted from the Government Secondary School and LEA Primary School, Kuriga 1, in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. 

    According to investigations carried out by Punch newspapers, a highly influential private negotiator who has been involved in negotiating several abductions with bandits in the past, has been contacted by the state government for the assignment. 

    A highly placed source in the Kaduna State Government House, who is close to the negotiations but pleaded anonymity due to security reasons, confided in newsmen said the state government had reached out to the bandits through a private negotiator (names withheld) for the release of the pupils and their teachers.

    The source said, “The military has begun combing the forests in search of the children kidnapped by the bandits. Security agents have cordoned off the area and they have started searching for the abducted pupils.

    “The government is doing all it can for the speedy release of the abducted school pupils.

    “The government has established contact and reached out to the bandits for negotiation through a popular bandit negotiator. The negotiator was the one who worked for the return of some of the students abducted some years back.

    “He (the negotiator) had negotiated the return of so many abductees in the past. He negotiated the return of those students abducted in Katsina State years back.”

    Two other government officials also confirmed the development secretly to newsmen, but insisted on not being identified because of the sensitive nature of the issue.

    They also refused to provide additional information as they insisted that doing so might frustrate the ongoing efforts to secure the victims’ release and put them in harm’s way.

    Bandits, on Thursday, shortly after the assembly gathering at around 8.30am, stormed the LEA Primary School, Kuriga, abducted the pupils and some staff members of the schools.

  • Grant Thornton Applauds Aba Integrated Power Plant For Boosting Industrialization

    Grant Thornton Applauds Aba Integrated Power Plant For Boosting Industrialization

    Grant Thornton Nigeria has congratulated the Abia state government and Geometric Power on the successful launch of the Aba Integrated Power Plant.

    This milestone marks a pivotal moment for industrial growth in Africa, especially in Aba, known as the “Taiwan of Africa.”

    The Aba Integrated Power Plant is a cutting-edge energy facility, including a 141 MW gas-fired power plant, a 27-kilometer gas pipeline, and a distribution utility.

    This autonomous system generates and distributes its power supply, boosting local industry.

    Led by Professor Bartholomew Nnaji and supported by Professor Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the project is hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy sector.

    Grant Thornton Nigeria’s CEO, Dr. Ngozi Ogwo, emphasized the importance of uninterrupted electricity for business growth and innovation.

    The plant’s 24-hour operation is expected to enhance productivity, attract investments, an

  • ‘Enough is Enough, Kidnappers deserve death penalty, Remi Tinubu fumes

    ‘Enough is Enough, Kidnappers deserve death penalty, Remi Tinubu fumes

    Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has said that anyone convicted of abduction deserves capital punishment.

    The first lady stated this in her reaction to the news of 200 women who were kidnapped in Borno State, and over 280 pupils and teachers kidnapped in Kaduna State.

    Remi Tinubu, also described kidnappers as cowards, saying “Whoever is kidnapping young people is sick, cruel, and a coward.

    “Enough is enough and I call on the state governors that once we take hold of them, they deserve capital punishment.

    “Why don’t they take people their size? Why are they torturing our children? What they are trying to do is kill our future.

    “We all know parents, when we are old we rely on our children.

    “Why would you go and take them from schools? Right now, I think enough is enough. As a former lawmaker, I believe that any one of them captured deserves capital punishment.

    “They (kidnappers) are animals, they are evil and we should take them out of our midst.

    “The state governors and the lawmakers should do something.”

    Recall that about 200 women were reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram terrorists in the Gamboru-Ngala and Dikwa local government areas of Borno State.

    The women, who were Internally Displaced Persons, were said to have been kidnapped while they went into the bush in search of firewood.

    Also, over 280 pupils and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits on Thursday, triggering national outrage.

    The bandits reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away at least 280 of the pupils and teachers from both schools.

  • Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou set to clash in heavyweight boxing match

    Anthony Joshua, Francis Ngannou set to clash in heavyweight boxing match

    Former World heavy weight champion and Nigeran-Britidh boxer, Anthony Joshua is set to clash with Francis Ngannou in a heavyweight boxing match happening in Saudi Arabia tonight.

    The power-packed boxing fight between the two fighters will see them earn massive prize money and fight purses.

    The fight is organized by the head of Saudi’s General Entertainment Authority (GEA), Turki Alalshikh, who is driving efforts to make Saudi the new home of boxing.

    It was gathered that Joshua is set to bank a whopping $50 million [£39 million] from this fight, not including pay-per-view sales. 

    While Ngannou is reportedly set to receive $20 million [£15.6 million], which is twice the amount he received for his highly praised debut fight against Tyson Fury last October.

    This is Ngannou’s second time boxing in the ring and he is sure to provide a stiff test for Joshua, who is fighting for the fourth time in under a year.

    The involvement of Saudi Arabia in boxing’s biggest fights has given rise to Joshua’s calibre of fighters benefitting from huge fight purses.

    The money involved is a testament to the growing commercialization of boxing, although the focus will, of course, remain on the in-ring action. 

    The fight will take place at Kingdom Arena in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh.

    The undercard is expected to start at 11:00 a.m. ET / 4:00 p.m. GMT, and the ring walk for the main fight is anticipated to take place at 6:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. GMT.

  • Herbert Wigwe’s Daughter Under Attack For Reportedly Disrespecting Vice President Shettima

    Herbert Wigwe’s Daughter Under Attack For Reportedly Disrespecting Vice President Shettima

    Tochi Wigwe, the daughter of late Herbert Wigwe, has come under social media fire for failing to stand and greet Vice President, Kashim Shettima.

    An X user identified as Sadiq Jibrin Gadah had taken to the platform to call out Tochi for failing to show her respects to Shettima during one of the events organized to mourn her father, Herbert Wigwe, mother, Chizoba Wigwe, and brother, Chizzy Wigwe, who died in a helicopter crash on their way to the Super Bowl.

    The netizen shared photos of former VP Yemi Osinbajo and businessman Aliko Dangote standing to shake hands with Shettima.

    He wrote: “Same Man, different regard. Whoever that girl is,she lacks proper home training. You don’t shake a person old enough to be your father while seating down.”

    Some netizens however disagreed with Sadiq.

    Abubakar wrote: “You don’t need to have opinion on everything sir, she might be wrong but I’m sure Mr.VP will understand that she’s at her lowest moment,she has of recent loss both her parents and the reason for him being their is to commiserate with her and the family, let’s avoid judging people”.

    Nabilah wrote: “Do you people think at all? This lady just lost 3 of her family and you are here chasing clout over her not standing up to greet someone”.

    Phoenix wrote: “When you lose your parents and a sibling in one day, you can greet people the way you like at their funeral service. Apoda!”

    Lagos Cinematographer wrote: It appears she was about to get up but she got caught in the process, which is why you’ll notice their hands haven’t made contact”.