News
FG to hold dialogue on power in health sector, inaugurates committee
The Federal Government has announced plans to convene a national stakeholders’ dialogue aimed at addressing the persistent energy challenges faced by Federal Tertiary Health Institutions. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako, made this known on Friday in Abuja during a media conference, where he also inaugurated a committee to oversee preparations for the dialogue.
Salako emphasized the urgent need to tackle high energy costs and unreliable power supply in public hospitals. He noted that despite initiatives such as a 50% electricity subsidy and solar mini-grid installations in selected hospitals, these measures have not sufficiently resolved the crisis.
“The current situation requires a collaborative, whole-of-government approach as we work across sectors to resolve many challenging issues that are beyond the purview of the health sector,” Salako stated.
The minister highlighted past efforts by some health institutions to adopt alternative energy solutions. However, he pointed out that these attempts lacked a coordinated policy framework, leading to challenges such as fire outbreaks, battery malfunctions, theft, and maintenance issues.
Salako stressed that the time had come to rethink energy strategies for hospitals, urging medical directors to explore Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models and attract private sector investment in renewable energy solutions.
“We can no longer afford business as usual in the face of mounting energy bills. This is the time to be creative and innovative as we move to develop and adopt smart energy solutions,” he said.
The upcoming dialogue will assess the current power policy landscape and explore sustainable solutions, drawing from experiences in other low-middle-income countries. It will also identify practical strategies for integrating renewable energy, strengthening public-private partnerships, and ensuring efficient power supply to healthcare institutions.
Key stakeholders from the health and power sectors will participate in the event, with discussions culminating in a communiqué outlining policy recommendations and a Collaborative Plan of Action to ensure implementation.
The minister tasked the newly inaugurated dialogue implementation committee with convening the discussions, mobilizing resources, and attracting investments to ensure sustainable electrification of public healthcare facilities nationwide.
The Anambra State Police Command has refuted reports of casualties following an early morning fire that engulfed a two-storey building storing textile materials on Ifejika Street, near Main Market, Onitsha.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed in a statement on Friday that no lives were lost in the incident. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), he reiterated that earlier reports of fatalities were false.
During a media briefing in Awka, the Commissioner of Police for Anambra, Ikioye Orutugu, expressed sympathy for the victims of the fire, noting that the incident could have been avoided with proper precautionary measures.
“However, no lives were lost. The Command appreciates the support of the Fire Service and well-meaning individuals in ensuring the fire was extinguished. The police have taken over the scene to investigate the cause of the fire and prevent hoodlums from exploiting the situation to commit crimes,” Orutugu stated.
The Fire Chief of the Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Chukwudi Chiketa, also confirmed that no fatalities were recorded. He urged the public to dismiss a viral video claiming otherwise, labeling it as fake and an attempt to discredit security agencies.
Authorities have assured residents that investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing while urging traders and warehouse owners to adopt better fire prevention measures.
News
You are “Aare Ona Kankafo” of all political and democratic struggles – Keyamo hails Tinubu at 73
As President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, marks his 73rd birthday on Saturday, March 29, 2025, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has praised him as a bold reformer, master strategist, and champion of democracy.
In a glowing tribute, Keyamo highlighted Tinubu’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic journey, particularly his role in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), which fought against military rule. He recalled Tinubu’s emergence as the Governor of Lagos State in 1999, where he led legal and political battles against the then-ruling party.
Keyamo also noted Tinubu’s influence in forming the All Progressives Congress (APC), which ended the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections. He further acknowledged Tinubu’s struggles to secure the APC presidential ticket in 2022 and his eventual victory in the 2023 general elections, describing it as a testament to his resilience and commitment to national transformation.
According to Keyamo, Tinubu’s economic policies, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the floating of the Naira, demonstrate his willingness to address difficult issues. He expressed optimism that these reforms would drive economic growth, job creation, and the revival of Nigeria’s middle class.
“Now, we are clearly headed in the right direction as a country,” Keyamo stated, predicting that the reforms would yield positive results in the coming years.
While acknowledging ongoing political challenges, Keyamo urged Nigerians to celebrate Tinubu’s leadership and contributions to democracy.
“For now, let us pay tribute to this enigmatic and bold reformer, this quintessential democrat, this master of political consensus, this exemplary President, and this ‘Aare Ona Kankafo’ of all political and democratic struggles,” he said.
Dr. Emana Ambrose-Amawhe, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Cross River State during the 2023 general election, has resigned from the party.
In a letter dated March 28, 2025, and addressed to the chairman of Edem Odo Ward in Akpabuyo Local Government Area, Ambrose-Amawhe announced that her resignation was effective immediately.
She stated that the decision was not made lightly but emphasized her continued commitment to serving Cross River State and Nigeria in other capacities.
“I am writing to formally resign my membership from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) with immediate effect,” she wrote. “I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me over time to contribute my quota to the growth of the party and the chance to serve as the Deputy Governorship Candidate in the last general elections.”
Ambrose-Amawhe expressed gratitude for being part of the PDP’s vision and engaging with the people but cited recent reflections on the state of affairs within the party as the reason for her departure.
“This decision was not made lightly, but I remain committed to serving my community and contributing to the progress of our state and nation in other capacities,” she added.
Ambrose-Amawhe was the running mate to Senator Sandy Onor in the 2023 Cross River governorship election. She also previously contested for a seat in the House of Representatives, representing Bakassi/Akpabuyo/Calabar South Federal Constituency under the PDP.
Her resignation adds to the shifting political landscape in Cross River State ahead of future elections.
No casualties recorded in Onitsha fire incident – Police
Our ongoing investigation not linked to Atiku, Sanwo-Olu – EFCC
