The Federal Executive Council, FEC, has approved the memorandum seeking Nigeria to obtain 1.07 billion dollars from the International Development Association, IDA, to enhance primary healthcare delivery and primary education.

The Co-ordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, who stated this in Abuja while briefing State House correspondents on the approval, explained that the fund would be divided equally between the two sectors.

The grants, which are in two parts of 500 million dollars each, are concessional loans set aside for Nigeria since September, last year, by the World Bank’s concessional financing arm, the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity, Hope, programme.

As part of broader healthcare reforms, the Minister said FEC had equally approved 4.8 billion Naira for the procurement of 150,000 HIV treatment packs over the next four months, explaining that another 70-million dollars grant has been secured from other international bodies.

“This financing will support recruitment, training, and retention of healthcare workers and teachers at the subnational level,” Pate said. “Additionally, $500 million is dedicated to expanding the quality, utilization, and resilience of the primary healthcare system, including emergency maternal and child health services.The Minister explained.”

Professor Pate said FEC had set up a committee to find appropriate ways of mitigating the likely effects of changes in the US policy on Nigeria’s health programmes.

“A multi-ministerial committee, including representatives from the Ministries of Finance, Health, Defense, and Environment, as well as the Governors’ Forum, has been tasked with developing a transition and sustainability plan to mitigate potential funding disruptions.This administration is committed to ensuring that those receiving treatment do not experience interruptions,he emphasised”

He said Nigeria was appreciative of the U.S. government’s contributions to Nigeria’s health sector, adding that Nigeria remains committed to a constructive partnership that will strengthen her healthcare system with domestic resources.

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja tomorrow, Sunday, for Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to participate in the Africa Heads of State Energy Summit on January 27-28, this year.

The Summit, hosted by the Government of Tanzania in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group and the World Bank, aims to advance ‘‘Mission 300,’’ an initiative to provide electricity access to 300 million people in Africa by 2030

In Dar-es-Salaam, African leaders, private sector leaders, development partners, and civil society groups will strategize to accelerate energy access across the continent.

The Summit will provide a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and resources to address Africa’s energy challenges.

Discussions will focus on accelerating energy access in underserved regions, renewable energy, energy efficiency, and mobilizing private sector investment.

On the first day, at the ministerial level, participating countries, including Nigeria, will present their national energy strategies, termed compacts, detailing their approaches to achieving universal energy access within five years.

On the second day, Heads of State will endorse the Dar-es-Salaam Energy Declaration, outlining a unified roadmap for Africa’s progress towards the Mission 300 objectives.

According to a statement, President Tinubu will deliver a national statement reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to achieving universal access to energy and its leadership role in Africa’s energy sector.

He will also highlight Nigeria’s ongoing clean energy initiatives and its strategy to drive integrated energy delivery in the continent.

Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, and other senior government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.

Signed by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the statement says that President Tinubu will return to Abuja after the summit.

The Director General of the National Youth Service Corps, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed
says his administration will continue to partner with stakeholders that are ready to empower Corps Members towards self-employment.

This was as stated in his five-point policy thrust, that his administration would leave no stone unturned in reducing the number of unemployed graduate youths in the country.

General Ahmed disclosed this when Five Corps Members received a business grant from the Founder of Activate Success International Foundation, Mrs Love Uloko, at the NYSC National Directorate Headquarters, Abuja.

The Corps beneficiaries are; Enwemeka Blessing FC/24A/5897, Abdumalik Ibrahim FC/24A/6157, Akande Olaitan Sunday FC/24B/3856, Blessing Ijeoma Omachi FC/24B/5031 and Emmanuel Ali FC/24B/0603.

While the first three received Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira each, the last two received Five Hundred Thousand Naira each.

Their business ideas revolved around fashion, food and confectionaries, and horticulture among others.

In her address, Mrs Uloko said the beneficiaries were selected through a rigorous, transparent, and merit-based process, adding that they have demonstrated creativity, resilience, and a clear vision for the future with good potential.

“As of today, we have supported 53 Corps Members through this initiative. We are investing in dreams, nurturing potential, and sowing seeds of success that will flourish for years to come.

For over seven years, Activate Success International Foundation has partnered with the NYSC to bring transformative opportunities to Corps Members across the country to pursue their gifts, discover their talents, and build purposeful lives.

Through this program, we are creating a ripple effect of growth and innovation by building a generation of self-reliant leaders who are equipped to contribute meaningfully to society”, she added.

She commended the NYSC Director General and his Management team for their unwavering partnership and dedication towards empowering Nigerian youths.

PR