Bayelsa Prioritises Special Needs Education

...Students Get Free Tuition, Immediate Employment For 12 Teachers

Bayelsa State government has said it will give more attention to the education of children with special needs in the state.

It has also commenced free tuition, feeding and provision of uniforms for students in the state-owned special needs school. 

Governor Douye Diri stated this on Monday in Government House, Yenagoa, when he received a delegation that included 12 graduates trained in special needs education at the Ignatius Ajuru University of Education in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, by the Bayelsa State Education Trust Fund (EDTF). 

Governor Diri told the delegation, which included the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Gentle Emelah, and the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo, that the training of the teachers was one of his administration’s policies in the education sector not to leave anyone behind in the state. 

This was contained in a statement by, Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor, Daniel Alabrah, 

He expressed satisfaction with the government’s investment in the training of the special needs teachers, who he said will in turn impart the knowledge gained on children with impairment in the state.

The governor directed the immediate employment for the teachers, noting that they were the first set to be trained in the sector and urged them to contribute their quota to development of education in the state.

He appreciated the EDTF Executive Secretary and the board members, saying the laudable scheme was inherited from the immediate past  administration.

He said: “The training of these teachers adds to the policies of this government not to leave anyone behind in the education sector of our state.

“I am happy that you have all graduated and now also want to contribute to the growth and development of education in Bayelsa State.

“Having satisfied the requirements to be teachers in our special education sector, I hereby direct the Ministry of Education to employ all 12 of you.

“Also, the school for the special needs students will now begin to enjoy the free tuition, free feeding and free uniforms policy that is already in place in all of our science and technical colleges across the state as well as our model schools.

“Already, four of the technical colleges at Ekeremor, Sagbama, Yenagoa and Kolokuma-Opokuma have been completed and commenced academic activities, while that of Ogbia and Nembe are near completion. Next year, Brass and Southern Ijaw local government areas will get theirs.”

In her remarks, the EDTF Executive Secretary, Dr. Alice Atuwo, said 15 teachers of the state origin were enrolled by the board for the training but 12 have graduated. 

She stated that following the training, which lasted five years, the state now has its own trained teachers in its special needs school.

Shodan Pharmaceuticals Introduces Sitfine toilet-seat sanitizer To address Sanitary Infections

By Blessing Bature

A fast growing Pharmaceutical industry,  Shodan Pharmaceuticals has introduced Sitfine toilet seat sanitizer, a product designed to ensure hygiene and safety in the Nigerian public and private restrooms.

The Chairman, Shodan Pharmaceuticals, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, made this known in a press briefing on Monday, that his organisation is passionate about contributing to the growth of the Nigerian economy by championing locally-made products.

He said despite the numerous challenges involved in producing in Nigeria, the organization remain dedicated to supporting local industries and reducing dependency on imports.

According to him, Shodan Pharmaceuticals Ltd. was established in 2023 with a clear vision to provide quality healthcare products to the masses, and has since been committed to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians by offering innovative and effective products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety.

Expressing confidence on the product Shosanya said Sit Fine is clinically tested and approved by NAFDAC as toilet seat sanitizer spray in the form of a quick-drying aerosol that protects against 99.99% of germs on the toilet seats.

Also, Mr Daniel Okeoma, Vice President of Excid Healthcare Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd said, "using a toilet seat sanitizer spray like Sitfine is an effective way to maintain personal hygiene and protect yourself from germs and bacteria when using restrooms, adding that the product gives maximum protection against germs and bacteria, neutralizes every bad smell and odour in the restroom and gives it a better fragrance".

He informed that under the leadership of our esteemed chairman, Mr. Seun Tola Shosanya, Shodan Pharmaceuticals is poised for growth. We are driven by a desire to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of our community.

NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Disregard False List Of Beneficiaries

 

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to certain lists circulating in the social media, purportedly representing selected beneficiaries of the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme.

The fraudsters spreading false information about the youth internship scheme are also demanding personal information and payment of an acceptance fee.

In statement on Tuesday signed by Director, Corporate Affairs, Seledi Thompson-Wakama stressed that the NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme.

We wish to clarify that no such list has been collated, approved or released and any claim to the contrary is false. Those who registered for the scheme should note that the process of selection is on-going.

The final list of beneficiaries will be drawn from the NDDC’s official database and only those that were duly registered between August 5, 2024, when the registration was formally launched and August 31, 2024, when it closed, will be considered.

We advise members of the public, especially our youths who are eagerly waiting for the completion of the selection process, to ignore any unauthorised list and seek information only from the NDDC official channels.

We assure all our stakeholders that we remain committed to transparency and fairness in all our activities, including our youth empowerment programmes.

It is indeed disconcerting that some mischievous individuals are trying to take advantage of our youths who are seeking ways of being gainfully engaged in legitimate activities. In the light of this unfortunate development, we urge our youths to be wary of these scammers.

Meanwhile the NDDC noted that for inquiries about its empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng] and social media handles.

Senator Banigo advocates for global Health standards, technological integration in Nigeria

Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary) and a member of the ECOWAS Parliament has advocated for Nigeria to adopt international best practices to enhance its medical sector. 

Senator Banigo shared this perspective following her participation in the Delocalised Meeting of the ECOWAS Health Committee in Conakry, Guinea, where the role of telecommunications and information technology in promoting health services across the ECOWAS region was a key focus.

In a statement made available to media, Senator Banigo underscored the urgent need for Nigeria to leverage technology to improve healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of embracing global standards to strengthen the nation’s health system.

Reflecting on the recent discussions, Senator Banigo explained that the critical issue of technology in healthcare was also a central theme at the 5th Legislative Health Summit, which she hosted in her capacity as Chair of the 10th Senate Committee on Health (Secondary and Tertiary). 

“It marked the first comprehensive discussion on this issue in the Nigerian Health sector, paving the way for unlocking the full potential of telemedicine as a valuable means of delivering health education and improving our healthcare outcomes in achieving Universal Health Coverage.” She noted.

Senator Banigo disclosed that as part of efforts to promote health services within the ECOWAS region, the committee visited two tertiary hospitals in Conakry, Guinea the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire and the National Hospital Donka. She highlighted the importance of these visits in assessing best practices that could be adapted to improve Nigeria's health system.

At the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, a 400-bed facility staffed by 300 health professionals and originally built in 1902, Senator Banigo was struck by the well-maintained condition of the hospital, despite its age. 

“What struck me was that despite the hospital's age, it appeared well-maintained, neat, and clean,” she explained. 

She noted that the hospital administration had appealed for infrastructural support and better equipment. 

"We shared this observation with the Director General and his team, offering words of encouragement," she said, emphasizing the need for similar practices to be adopted in Nigeria.

Moving on to the National Hospital Donka, a modern facility completed just two years ago and run under a concessionary agreement with a Canadian NGO, Senator Banigo pointed out the state-of-the-art infrastructure and equipment that the hospital boasted. 

“The National Hospital, with its state-of-the-art buildings, has 631 beds and first-class equipment, with each ward accommodating only two beds,” she disclosed. 

She highlighted how these best practices could serve as a guide for improving oversight and administration in Nigeria's healthcare system.

Meanwhile, Senator Banigo further stressed the urgent need for Nigeria to draw lessons from such facilities to develop a more robust healthcare framework that prioritizes efficiency, quality, and accessibility. 

“It was interesting to observe best practices and consider how these can inform more robust oversight as we move forward,” she said, urging policymakers and stakeholders in Nigeria to embrace innovations that could transform the health sector.

She however reiterating her commitment to driving legislative reforms that will position Nigeria's health sector on par with international standards, noting that collaboration across the ECOWAS region would be vital to achieving this goal.

 "We must learn from each other, adopt best practices, and ensure that our health systems can adequately serve our people," she stated.

Disclaimer NDDC Youth Internship Scheme: Beware of Fraudsters

The attention of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has been drawn to the fraudulent activities of scammers claiming to represent the NDDC Youth Internship Scheme. 

Please, note that the registration for this scheme closed on August 31, 2024. 

We received reports that several persons have been getting unsolicited messages stating that they have been selected for the NDDC Internship Scheme, accompanied by requests for personal information and an acceptance fee. 

The NDDC does not require any fees or payments for the placement of qualified youths in its internship programme. 

We want to clarify that the NDDC is not associated with this fraudulent selection process. Official communications from us will always come from our verified websites and social media accounts. 

If you receive a message similar to the one described, we urge you to disregard the fraudulent message and report it to the appropriate authorities. 

Your safety and privacy are our priority. 

For legitimate inquiries about our empowerment programmes, please contact us directly through our official channels. 

We also encourage beneficiaries of our programmes to verify facts on the NDDC's official website: [www.nddc.gov.ng]. 

Seledi Thompson-Wakama Director, 

Corporate Affairs September 6, 2024.

Tinubu’s 3MTT Programme Aims To Address Unemployment With 3 Million New Jobs - Information Minister

 

 

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Tinubu Administration has set up the structures to create three million jobs for the Nigerian youth through the 3 Million Technical Talent (MTT) Programme.

 

The Minister stated this in Abuja on Monday at the Nigeria Police Youth Summit with the theme “Enhancing the Nigerian Youth Value for National Security Intelligence”.  

 

Represented by the Director General of the Voice of Nigeria, Mallam Jibrin Baba Ndace, the Minister said the 3MTT Programme, being driven by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Technology, is an incubator for the education and skills desired to enhance the capacity and value of the youths in national security intelligence. 

 

 “The 3MTT Programme is an affirmation of President Tinubu’s vision of factoring youth development into the overall national development strategy. To lay a formidable framework towards achieving this, the administration is also prioritizing the economic security of Nigerian youths, towards building a more secure and prosperous country,” he said.

 

Idris said the enactment of Nigerian Education Loan (NEL) Fund, which is currently providing loan and financial support for Nigerian students, is one of the notable initiatives under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at making significant impact on the educational pursuit of the youth.

 

While speaking on the high cost of transportation in the country, the Minister said the introduction of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) policy by the President, seeks to leverage the nation’s sufficiency in gas to bring down the cost of transportation by about 70%.

 

Idris, therefore, enjoined the youth to latch onto government policies and explore them for personal comfort, economic growth and empowerment.

 

The Minister also stressed the need for the youth to imbibe the necessary morals and values in order to play their expected roles in national security intelligence.

 

“Better still, the renaissance identified with the crucial national security intelligence role for our youths cannot come without the necessary value reorientation. The expected Nigeria's Values Charter initiated by this administration, spearheaded by the National Orientation Agency (NOA), will serve as a blueprint for a national value system, defining us as Nigerians and strengthening our personality and roles as citizens,” he said.

 

The Minister, however, warned the youth on the national security implications of spreading fake news, disinformation, and misinformation, saying this nefarious conduct, is a flagrant abuse of the freedom expression, which the present administration upholds.

 

“Where much is given, much is expected. We must acknowledge that disinformation intersects with significant national security threats, including incitement over anarchy and instability, transnational crimes, terrorism, banditry and their financing, violent extremism, and malicious cyber activity,” he stated.

Kwara United Coach Dogo: Douye Diri Pre-Season Tournament Reveals NPFL Season Insights

In a testament to the visionary leadership of the Director-General, Amb  Ono Akpe and his exceptional staff, the Douye Diri preseason tournament has set a new benchmark for excellence in Nigerian football. The Government of Bayelsa State deserves immense praise for their unwavering support and commitment to hosting a world-class tournament.

Coach Kabir Dogo of Kwara United FC was effusive in his praise for the tournament, saying, "The caliber of teams and players in this tournament is a clear indication of the high level of competition we can expect in the upcoming NPFL season." The tournament, held at the state-of-the-art Samson Siasia Sports Stadium in Bayelsa State, features the crème de la crème of NPFL teams competing in intense group stages.

After Kwara United's thrilling goalless draw against Rivers United, Coach Dogo lauded the tournament's standard and quality, saying it "provides a fascinating preview of what the 2024/25 NPFL season holds." He suggested a minor adjustment to the scheduling to accommodate teams representing Nigeria in CAF competitions, a testament to the tournament's growing reputation.

Dogo expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Bayelsa State Government and organizers for hosting a tournament that has become a cornerstone of Nigerian football. He assured that Kwara United will capitalize on the opportunity to fine-tune their strategy and build a formidable squad for the NPFL.

The tournament continues to captivate fans with Kwara United facing Krusaders FC on Wednesday at 2:30 pm.