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Bill Gates Urges FG To Prioritize Healthcare Spending To Revamp Economy

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American billionaire and philanthropist, Bill Gates, stated on Wednesday that Nigeria’s economy has stagnated, noting that: “Nigeria’s revenue-to-GDP ratio was better 15 years ago than now.”

Gates advised the Federal Government to prioritize healthcare spending to revitalize the economy.

At the National Executive Council meeting in Abuja, Gates emphasized: “investing in Nigeria’s most valuable asset, its people,” while addressing economic challenges.

He acknowledged Nigeria’s financial constraints but stressed: “the health of the populace must be prioritised.”

Gates said, “Nigeria’s economy has stagnated. Earlier this year, your debt exceeded 50 per cent of your GDP for the first time since 2001. And while your revenue-to-GDP ratio has grown, it’s still lower than what it was 15 years ago. The result is that Nigeria spends less per-capita on its people than other African countries with a fraction of your wealth.

“I understand this is a politically sensitive area. Nigerians are struggling. Incomes have fallen. Prices have soared. And like in many other countries, people are protesting.

“Taxes are never popular. That’s true in America too. But they’re part of a social compact. People are more likely to pay them when they see the government spending that money to give Nigerians a better life.”

He stressed the need for the government to invest in human capital, beginning with increased healthcare spending.

He said, “After all, priorities without funding are only words. And I know that right now, it’s impossible to give every priority the funding it needs. That’s why it’s more important than ever to focus on the areas you know will make the greatest difference.

“I’ll start with health, because without health, there can be no opportunity.

“Primary care is the first—and sometimes, the only—point of contact most patients have with the health system. Yet Nigeria spends just 3,000 naira on primary health care per person, per year. 70% of your spending goes to secondary and tertiary care, compared to just 30% for primary care. That ratio should be reversed.

“Last year, the Federal Government launched an ambitious HPV vaccination campaign. In one month, Nigeria immunised more girls than 40 other Gavi countries combined did the entire previous year. In total, Nigeria reached more than 12 million girls with this life-saving vaccine.

“That’s genuinely incredible. And I hope you carry the lessons from that campaign to future efforts.”

He said that he had been visiting Nigeria for over two decades, noting that over the years, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had invested over $2.8bn in Nigeria, the largest such investment in Africa.

Gates stated, “ I have been coming to Nigeria for over two decades now. In that time, I have seen performances by Afrobeats legends. I have formed friendships with leaders across sectors. And I’ve met with innovators who are changing the world.

“I am also proud to support their work. To date, our foundation has invested over $2.8bn in Nigeria. It’s our largest commitment in all of Africa.”

He stated that while President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda was ambitious, it faces resource constraints.

Bill Gates said despite common knowledge that that nutrition is crucial for public health and that agriculture plays a vital role in ensuring proper nutrition, “Nigeria has the second-highest rate of food insecurity on earth.”

“You’ve seen how the problem has grown worse as climate change has accelerated. Arable land has disappeared. Pests have wiped out harvests. And prices for staple foods have soared.

“But there are some ways to address this crisis I hope you’ll consider.

“First, Nigeria needs more funding for extension workers, to advise and support farmers; fertilizers, to make sure the soil is healthy enough to grow more crops; and infrastructure, so that farmers have roads to bring their goods to market.

“One key solution is to embrace the new generation of innovative crop varieties that have shorter growing periods, higher yields, and greater resistance to pests,” the American said.

BIG STORY

Sanwo-Olu Congratulates His Deputy, Obafemi Hazmat At 60

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  • Says DG is a trusted, committed partner

 

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, on his Diamond birthday, describing him as “a trusted, committed and dedicated partner.”

He saidDr. Obafemi Hazmat, who clocks 60 on Thursday, is a brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos agenda.

The Governor noted that the cordial relationship between him and his deputy has led to good governance and the delivery of dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians in the last five years.

Dr. Hazmat, a former Lagos State Commissioner for Science and Technology, as well as Commissioner for Works during former Governors Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fashola administrations, will clock 60 tomorrow, Thursday, September 19.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a congratulatory message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Wednesday, praised Dr. Hamzat for his long years of dedicated and meritorious service to Lagos State and Nigeria.

Sanwo-Olu, further described Dr. Hazmat as a genius, team player and brilliant administrator, saying that the Deputy Governor’s supportive and positive contributions are evident in the many achievements so far recorded by the current administration.

He said: “On behalf of my family, the government, and the people of Lagos State, as well as the Governance Advisory Council (GAC), leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I celebrate my dear friend and brother on his 60th birthday.

“Dr. Obafemi Hazmat, who I have known for over two decades, is a genius, administrator per excellence, seasoned technocrat and politician. He is a reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive, trustworthy and committed partner in the Greater Lagos agenda of our administration.

“The deputy governor’s Diamond birthday is worth celebrating because of his immeasurable contributions to Lagos State and Nigeria, having served passionately in different private and public offices locally and internationally for over three decades.

“As Dr. Obafemi Hazmat joins the league of sexagenarians, I pray that God will increase his good health to enable him to render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria.”

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Adron Games 2024 Unveiled: ‘Fit To Be The Biggest’ With Sports Icons Daniel Amokachi And Mutiu Adepoju Leading The Charge

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Adron Homes & Properties is excited to announce the official unveiling of the 7th edition of the Adron Games, tagged “Fit to Be the Biggest”. The 2024 edition is set to take place at the renowned Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, from November 29th-30th, 2024, marking the second time the city of Ibadan will host the prestigious sporting event.

The Adron Games is a national platform designed to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Having previously held successful editions in Ogun and Lagos states, the 2024 edition is expected to attract over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across Nigeria.

The theme of this year’s Adron Games, “Fit to be the Biggest”, perfectly captures the spirit and ambition of the event. It signifies both the physical and metaphorical journey to greatness, where athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and even spectators are encouraged to embrace the challenge of becoming their best selves, physically, mentally, and competitively.

The theme also promotes the idea that fitness is essential to achieving greatness, whether through competitive sports or in everyday life. It motivates participants to push their boundaries and excel, whether on the field, court, or track, and ultimately reminds them that the journey toward fitness and excellence never stops.

This year’s games will feature a wide array of sporting disciplines, including Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and the fan-favorite Tug of War.

In a special highlight, Nigerian football legends Daniel Amokachi and Mutiu Adepoju have been announced as the official ambassadors of the event. Both are renowned for their contributions to Nigerian football and are expected to inspire athletes and spectators alike with their presence.

Key Event Highlights:

• Event Dates: November 29th-30th, 2024

• Venue: Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan

• Ambassadors: Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Vanessa Jones and MC Relax

• Sporting Events: Football, Basketball, Volleyball, Athletics, Table Tennis, Snooker, Shot Put, Long Jump, E-sports, and Tug of War

• Special Guests: Sports icons, fitness personalities, and celebrity appearances

• Participants: Over 10,000 athletes and fitness enthusiasts

• Prizes: Cash prizes, trophies, and awards for winners in various categories

Speaking at the unveiling, Daniel Amokachi emphasized the importance of corporate sponsorship in fostering young Nigerian talents, praising Adron Homes for their commitment to promoting sports.

He said “Sports in Nigeria need more support from businesses and brands to help discover and nurture talents among our youth. Organizations like Adron Homes, through their consistent support of sports, are boosting Nigeria’s global sports performance,” Amokachi said.

Meanwhile, Mutiu Adepoju lauded the unifying and transformative power of sports and commended Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Group Managing Director of Adron Homes, for his unwavering commitment to organizing this event annually. “Sports is a powerful tool for unity and fitness, both physically and mentally. I commend Aare Adetola Emmanuelking for his continuous support of sports by organizing this prestigious event. His dedication is vital to the development of sports and the empowerment of youth in Nigeria,” Adepoju remarked.

it will be recalled that, Adron Games is an annual sporting event organized by Adron Homes & Properties to promote physical fitness, wellness, and community engagement through sports. Since its inception, the event has grown into a major national platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, corporate teams, and fitness enthusiasts in the spirit of competition and fun.

Adron Homes, through this sporting event, encourages everyone to view fitness and sports as key to unlocking personal and communal growth, building healthier lifestyles, and fostering unity across different regions, backgrounds, and demographics. “Fit to be the Biggest” represents not only the size and scope of the event but also the opportunity for everyone involved to elevate themselves and inspire others through the power of sport.

For more information, sponsorship, vendor registration and inquiries, please contact: Abiodun 08138432335.

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BREAKING: Yahaya Bello Not In EFCC Custody — Spokesman

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has said that the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, is not in their custody.

The commission, in a statement on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, said that Bello is still wanted and has an outstanding arrest warrant.

He said, “Media reports today that a former Governor of Kogi State, Mr. Yahaya Bello is in the holding facility of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is incorrect. The Commission wishes to state that Bello is not in its custody.

“Bello, already declared wanted by the Commission for alleged N80.2billion money laundering charges, remains wanted with a subsisting warrant for his arrest.”

 

More to come…

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