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Ooni Unveils International Hospital, Diagnostic Centre, Urges End To Foreign Medical Tourism [PHOTOS]

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The Arole Oduduwa & Ooni of Ife, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR Ojaja II, has unveiled the Equity Health Group; a pioneering healthcare conglomerate dedicated to transforming the landscape of healthcare delivery, with a mission to provide accessible, high-quality medical services globally, fostering wellness and medical excellence within communities. The facility which will be opened for public use on Monday, July 1st, 2024, will be launched officially by 15th and 16th July, 2024 in Lagos State.

Via this initiative, the Ooni wishes to establish that premium must be placed on humanity and life in particular by ensuring no patient will be denied qualitative healthcare due to financial constraints especially in time of emergencies.

This development is sequel to His Imperial Majesty’s involvement and immeasurable investment in Nigeria’s health sector since becoming the Arole Oduduwa, particularly as demonstrated when the COVID-19 pandemic disease broke out through the formation of a team of professionals and bringing together reputable medical research outfits, laboratories and other institutions to ensure that Nigerians are safe.

Addressing newsmen on the motivation for the healthcare conglomerate, the Ooni said, “the last pandemic drew my attention to a lot of untapped medical potentials of we black people especially here on the throne of Oduduwa, these stuffs (Herbs and its likes) are what saved us from experiencing major challenges faced by most developed countries when no one regardless of riches or status could travel to seek medical attention abroad.

“I had to constitute a team of scholars particularly in the medical profession and veterans in the business/practice of the ancient herbal and alternative medicine who brainstormed on exploiting the best in our local herbal medicine, and this led to the discovery of potent solution through which beneficial products with which we combated and defeated the pandemic were discovered. I must hail the collaboration with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID) and frontline medical research institutions in the country which brought us this far.

“I remember developing an initiative, called “Pan African Foundation for Indigenous Medical Research and Development (PAFIMERD)” in 2020 during the celebration of African Traditional Medicine Day. All these activities have now snowballed into Equity Health Group; an international hospital and diagnostic centre with a lot of interlinked arms of medical solution including drug manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and vaccine production among others. The best part of it is that this facility will source its ingredients locally, thereby strengthening the Naira while boosting the country’s productivity.

“Equity Health Group stands at the forefront of healthcare innovation, encompassing a diverse portfolio of subsidiaries. Through these subsidiaries, we endeavor to revolutionize healthcare delivery and promote well-being globally. At Equity Health Group, we believe in patient-centered care, innovation and integrity.

“Our watchword is to dignify human life by attending to all emergencies immediately regardless of the patient’s financial status. We will work to save lives first and not asking for papers or money from a dying patient.”

On his involvement, the Ooni revealed that, “to the glory of God, I co-own the company with a young visionary entrepreneur – Dozy Mmobuosi who has a very clear and similar vision to take the black race out of over dependence on the Western world for medicine. We combined efforts to make it a world-class medical institution and diagnostic centre.

“I am pleased to inform you that the company has three subsidiaries. The first is the Equity Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre; a comprehensive hospital and diagnostic service that focuses on advanced medical technology and personalized care. Presently, it is situated in Lagos State with plans for expansion to other parts of the country and the United Kingdom. The second arm is the Equity Pharmaceuticals; a company that will leverage innovative technology to provide quality pharmaceutical products and services. The last but not the least is the Equity Vaccine Laboratories; an arm that focuses on research and development of vaccines for global health security. With this, we aim to pioneer vaccines to tackle pressing global health challenges and ensure a safer future for all.

“In actualizing the purpose of this outfit, we shall bring on board our higher institutions of learning particularly the medical arms of reputable universities including the Ojaja University, Eyenkorin, Ilorin, Kwara State which I own. This will cement the “town and gown” relationship, thereby enhancing the productivity of our graduates.”

Ooni Ogunwusi who is the Co-Chairman, National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria concluded that the advancement in health facilities in the country especially with the involvement of private sector like the Equity Health Group, will provide a convenient spot for Nigerians to abolish the culture of foreign medical tourism.

“Aside from the provision of unequaled medical services for Nigerians in line with best global practice, Equity Health Group is structured to actively participate in global medical research especially in the area of vaccine production/development to safeguard global health. As the giant of Africa, Nigeria should be at the forefront in vital global medical conversations like the development of vaccines against malaria disease upon which we cannot afford to be dependent on the Western world.

“While I am neither a medical doctor nor a pharmacist, I passionately believe that we have what it takes to change the narrative of over dependence on medical tourism to the developed countries. Beyond the area of research, Africa and indeed Nigeria can be a major powerbroker in the global pharmaceutical and medical industry.” The Ooni said.

BIG STORY

Rejoinder To Daily Trust Article: President Tinubu Positioned For Victory In 2027 — By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare

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President Tinubu is well-positioned to secure victory in the 2027 elections. His achievements, leadership experience, and the significant strides made across key sectors of governance solidify his place as the frontrunner.

  • Key Achievements and Factors for Victory

1. Direct Funding to Local Governments:

For the first time in Nigeria’s history, the 774 local government chairmen will receive funds directly from the federal government starting this month. This bold move decentralizes resources, empowers grassroots development, and strengthens loyalty to the man who initiated this transformative policy—President Tinubu.

2. Empowering Citizens:

President Tinubu’s administration has rolled out impactful programs, including student loans, consumer credit initiatives, and direct cash transfers. These initiatives have touched millions of lives and earned him unwavering support from beneficiaries who recognise the positive impact of these policies.

3. Political Dominance:

APC remains the most dominant political party in Nigeria, controlling more states than any opposition party. APC governors will rally behind Tinubu in 2027, leveraging the party’s expansive structure to consolidate support.

4. Regional Strength:

South West:

President Tinubu will sweep all six South West states. APC currently controls four states, and Tinubu’s win in Oyo during the 2023 elections further demonstrates his stronghold. By 2027, even Osun, which narrowly escaped APC control, will fall back in line.

South-South:

Tinubu will likely secure Cross River, Rivers, Edo, and Delta while achieving the required 25% in other states. APC’s current control of Edo and Cross River further reinforces this projection.

South East:

The establishment of the South East Development Commission has endeared Tinubu to the region. He is expected to win Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi while securing 25% in Anambra and Abia. APC governs Imo and Ebonyi, and with strategic campaigning, Anambra might surprise everyone in 2027.

North West & North East:

These regions remain APC’s strongholds, and Tinubu’s track record ensures that they will deliver the necessary states.

North Central:

States like Abuja, Kogi, Nasarawa, and Plateau are expected to align with Tinubu, given his strong rapport and ongoing development efforts in the region.

5. Resilience and Leadership Experience:

Tinubu’s journey from private sector success to public service is unparalleled. He served as a lawmaker, a transformative governor, and now a results-driven president. His international experience in oil, gas, and finance, coupled with his fearless leadership style, makes him a standout leader. Tinubu is the only president in Nigeria’s history to take bold steps like subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity

6. Economic Reforms and Policies:

Tinubu’s tax reforms exempt minimum wage earners and small businesses (earning less than ₦25 million annually) from federal taxes. By 2027, Nigeria will become a major exporter of refined petroleum products, with all four refineries operational.

The federal government’s agriculture policies, in collaboration with states, will yield significant results.

Security will improve, potentially with the full implementation of state policing.

Electricity management, now involving states, will lead to a more reliable power supply.

Mass transportation systems, including local, state, and federal rail services, will transform mobility.

With growing FDI, increased earnings from oil and gas, and direct investments, Nigeria will witness unprecedented progress under Tinubu’s leadership.

7. Broad-Based Support:

Tinubu’s influence transcends party lines, garnering support from private enterprises, public institutions, and even opposition leaders. Some PDP governors from the East may align with Tinubu’s vision in 2027, recognizing his ability to unify and deliver results.

8. Legacy of Leadership:

Tinubu’s record of governance in Lagos—one of Africa’s largest economies—is unmatched. When he assumed office in 1999, Lagos generated ₦400 million monthly against expenses of over ₦600 million. By the end of his tenure, Lagos’ monthly IGR had risen to ₦8 billion. This same transformational leadership is now evident at the federal level, with Nigeria’s reserves growing and states receiving triple their previous allocations.

Under Tinubu, local governments will receive significant funds. If each of the 774 local governments spends ₦2 billion monthly, the ripple effect will transform communities and improve lives nationwide. Without constitutional reforms, Tinubu is restructuring Nigeria by empowering states and local governments while maintaining harmony with governors, legislators, and the judiciary.

9. Strategic Reallocation of Subsidy Funds:

Funds from subsidy removal on petrol and exchange rates are now being redistributed across federal, state, and local governments. The judicious use of these funds will catalyse development, creating visible progress that further cements Tinubu’s leadership legacy.

10. A Leader for the Future

By 2027, Tinubu’s achievements will speak louder than promises. Nigeria will see improved security, stable electricity, a revitalized economy, and a robust transportation system. His reforms will deliver real, measurable results, leaving opponents to merely speculate on what they could do better.

If God grants him life and strength, and he chooses to contest in 2027, President Tinubu’s re-election will not just be a possibility—it will be a certainty. His vision, achievements, and widespread support make his victory inevitable.

 

By Prince Adeyemi Shonibare .

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BIG STORY

JUST IN: Fuji Icon K1 Loses 105-Yr-Old Mother Days After Wife’s Death

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Nigerian Fuji legend, Wasiu Ayinde, popularly known as “K1 de Ultimate,” is in mourning following the death of his mother, “Halimotu Anifowoshe,” just days after the passing of his former wife, “Hafsat,” at the age of 65.

It was gathered that the mother of the music icon was declared dead by medical professionals in her hometown, “Ijebu Ode,” Ogun State, where she resided.

A family source revealed that the centenarian passed away in the early hours of Saturday, causing the entire community of “Ijebu Ode” to mourn her loss.

It was further gathered that the deceased would be buried in accordance with Islamic rites later that day in her hometown.

According to a source, the Fuji musician has been deeply affected by his mother’s death, as they shared a close bond. He often praised her during his stage performances.

The centenarian’s death followed the artist’s earlier revelation that he inherited his musical talent from his mother, who, despite her own potential, was not permitted to pursue a career in music.

He explained that his mother was the daughter of a king, and her parents did not allow her to sing because they wanted her to marry.

K1 added that his mother was highly talented, but her parents feared that her career in music would delay her marriage.

“I was blessed with the gift of music from a young age, I was born into music. My mother was a singer before she got married. She had the gift of music and she was a princess.”

“She was not allowed to sing back then because she was a princess, and her parents were worried that allowing her to be a musician would delay her from getting married sooner. Her parents said my mother won’t be allowed to sing because she is the daughter of a king.”

It should be noted that the singer’s former wife, “Hafsat,” passed away after battling an undisclosed illness and was buried following Islamic traditions at “Abari Cemetery,” Lagos State.

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Nigerians Recruited As UK Prison Officers Sleep In Cars, Camp Near Jails

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The United Kingdom’s prison service has started recruiting prison officers from Nigeria and other countries to address staffing shortages.

However, many of these new recruits, including Nigerians, are facing accommodation difficulties, with some resorting to sleeping in their cars or camping near prisons to save on housing costs, according to a report by The Telegraph on Thursday.

This is the first time the UK prison service is sponsoring skilled worker visas for international recruits, following a rule change in 2023 that added prison officers to the list of eligible professions.

Many of the new recruits are Nigerians, including some who transitioned from other visa routes to the prison service.

The Prison Officers Association (POA) has reported cases of Nigerian recruits arriving at UK prisons under the assumption that accommodation would be provided.

Mark Fairhurst, the president of the POA, shared an example of a recruit who commuted 70 miles daily from Huddersfield to Nottingham, eventually deciding it was cheaper to sleep in his car outside the prison.

At another location, some officers set up a camp in a wooded area near the prison after learning they would need to arrange their own housing.

“We have got problems with people who turn up at the gates with cases in tow and with their families saying to the staff: ‘Where is the accommodation?’,” Fairhurst stated.

Sources from the Ministry of Justice in the UK indicate that approximately 250 foreign nationals have been recruited into the UK prison service after Zoom interviews and vetting.

In 2023, a significant portion of the 3,500 monthly applicants were from Africa.

Tom Wheatley, the president of the Prison Governors Association, attributed the influx to word-of-mouth promotion by Nigerians already working in the UK.

“It’s turned into an approach that has been promoted online by the expat Nigerian community,” Wheatley noted.

However, he acknowledged challenges, including language barriers and the difficulty of integrating foreign recruits into rural communities.

Despite these challenges, the UK prison service insists its recruitment and training processes are thorough.

A spokesperson for the Prison Service told The Telegraph, “all staff – regardless of nationality – undergo robust assessments and training before they work in prisons. Our strengthened vetting process roots out those who fall below our high standards.”

The reliance on virtual interviews has also raised concerns, with some questioning the suitability of officers recruited this way.

Fairhurst has called on the prison service to return to face-to-face interviews, stating that six weeks of training is insufficient for recruits to manage prisoners effectively.

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