Connect with us


BIG STORY

Reps To Meet Medical Directors Over Healthcare Waste Disposal

Published

on

The House of Representatives has condemned the indiscriminate disposal of waste from healthcare facilities, charging the government at all levels to design and enforce a standard healthcare waste management system.

The House consequently mandated its Committees on Healthcare Services, Health Institutions, and Environment to interface with the Chief Medical Directors of University Teaching Hospitals, Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres, and other Health Facilities in Nigeria which produce healthcare waste and other relevant stakeholders.

The stakeholders’ meeting is to “determine possible government and institutional interventions that will promote proper healthcare waste management in Nigeria, and develop and propose a permanent and sustainable solution to the current challenges of healthcare waste management.”

The committee, which was empowered to “issue further directives as deemed expedient in the circumstance to ensure compliance with the resolutions,” is to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.

A member of the House, Gboluga Ikengboju, at the plenary on Wednesday, moved a motion titled ‘Need to Ensure Proper Healthcare Waste Management in Nigeria,’ which was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers.

Ikengboju noted that Healthcare Waste (HCW) constitutes a distinct category of waste, as it contains potentially harmful waste materials and, as such, is of critical concern globally, especially in developing countries.

The lawmaker also noted that the inappropriate handling and disposal of healthcare waste poses huge health risks to health workers who may be directly exposed, and to people near health facilities, particularly children and scavengers who may become exposed to infectious wastes and its attendant risk of diseases.

He said a recent study posits that the current practices adopted for the management of healthcare wastes are generated at many healthcare facilities such as teaching hospitals and primary healthcare centers.

Ikengboju said, “The House is worried that there are no sustainable national and institutional framework and monitoring plans and strategies for existing laws, policies and work plans especially at primary healthcare facilities in the country.

“The House is cognizant that one of the most important responsibilities of the government is to protect the lives of citizens and ensure a sustainable environment for future generations.

“The House regrets that if no urgent action is taken to curb the menace and hazardous effect of poor management of medical waste in Nigeria, it may lead to the continued spread of diseases such as Hepatitis and all types of fever, with a serious negative impact on the health profile of most Nigerians.”

BIG STORY

2025: President Tinubu’s Reforms Will Unlock Nigeria’s Potentials — First Lady To Nigerians

Published

on

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has expressed optimism about the nation’s future, describing 2025 as a year of “prosperity and abundance.”

In a New Year message to Nigerians posted on X on Wednesday, she called for unity and renewed efforts toward building a thriving nation.

Tinubu emphasised the need for collective investment in rebuilding societal bonds and fostering inclusivity across all regions and demographics.

She urged Nigerians to rise above divisions and work toward mutual respect and understanding.

“As we journey through 2025, let us rise above our differences and rebuild the bridges that connect us—bridges of love, respect, and understanding.”

“It is a year to invest in one another; to nurture our youth and protect the dignity of our elders; to create a country where every Nigerian can thrive, regardless of where they are born, what they believe, or what language they speak,” she said.

The First Lady highlighted the administration’s commitment to ongoing economic reforms aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast potential under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.

She stated, “I assure you all that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR is truly committed to and is already undertaking deepening reforms that will unlock our nation’s economic potentials.”

Senator Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to stand together and support one another, pledging that the government remains steadfast in its vision for a prosperous nation.

“Together, we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Together, we will. Happy New Year, Nigeria,” she added.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Federal Government To Establish Credit Guarantee Company, Targets 15% Inflation In 2025

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will establish a National Credit Guarantee Company before the end of the second quarter (Q2) of 2025.

Tinubu spoke on Wednesday during his New Year speech.

The president said his administration would consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“In 2025, our government is committed to intensifying efforts to lower these costs by boosting “food production” and promoting local manufacturing of essential “drugs” and other “medical supplies,” he said.

“We are resolute in our ambition to reduce inflation from its current high of 34.6% to 15%. With diligent work and God’s help, we will achieve this goal and provide relief to all our people.

“In this new year, my administration will further consolidate and increase access to credit for individuals and critical sectors of the economy to boost national economic output.

“To achieve this, the federal government will establish the National Credit Guarantee Company to expand risk-sharing instruments for financial institutions and enterprises.

“The company—expected to start operations before the end of the second quarter—is a partnership of government institutions, such as the Bank of Industry, Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Agency, and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated, the private sector, and multilateral institutions.”

Tinubu said the initiative would strengthen the confidence of the financial system, expand credit access, and support underserved groups such as “women” and “youth.”

The president also said the company would drive growth, reindustrialisation, and better living standards for Nigerians.

Continue Reading

BIG STORY

Your Sacrifices Of Past 19 Months Won’t Be In Vain — President Tinubu To Nigerians

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigerians for their sacrifices since he took over the reins on May 29, 2023.

The president has implemented a raft of reforms that have left huge holes and dents in millions of pockets and bank accounts — culminating in Nigeria’s worst economic crisis in decades.

In August of 2024, Nigerians took to the streets to protest biting hunger, poor governance, and galloping inflation.

In his New Year message, Tinubu said there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Dear Compatriots, I urge you to continue believing in yourselves and keeping faith in our blessed country,” he said.

“Let me use this New Year’s message to urge our governors and local council chairpersons to work closely with the central government to seize emerging opportunities in “agriculture”, “livestock”, and “tax reforms” and move our nation forward.

“I commend governors who have embraced our Compressed Natural Gas initiative by launching CNG-propelled public transport. I also congratulate those who have adopted electric vehicles as part of our national energy mix and transition. The Federal Government will always offer necessary assistance to the states.

“To all citizens, your sacrifices have not been in vain over the past 19 months. I assure you they will not be in vain even in the months ahead. Together, let us stay the course of nation-building.

“The New Year will bring us closer to the bright future we all desire and the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The president also said his administration will “continue to embark on necessary reforms to foster sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.”

“I seek your cooperation and collaboration at all times as we pursue our goal of a one trillion-dollar economy. Let us stay focused and united,” he added.

“We are on the right path to building a great Nigeria that will work for everyone. Let us not get distracted by a tiny segment of our population that still sees things through the prisms of “politics”, “ethnicity”, “region”, and “religion.”

Continue Reading



 

Join Us On Facebook

Most Popular