The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate on Friday said the enrolment quota in medical, nursing, and other health professional schools has been increased from 28,000 to 64,000 yearly.

Prof Pate said this at the sectoral ministerial press briefing to mark the first anniversary of President Bola Tinubu in office in Abuja.

Over the years, health workers in the country have always moved to other countries to practice, but experts say the recent increase in emigration is worrisome.

Experts identified the push factors as inadequate equipment, worsening insecurity, poor working conditions, and poor salary structure.

Data from the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria showed that about 1,056 consultants left the country to seek greener pastures between 2019 and 2023.

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors also revealed over 900 of its members left for Europe between January and September 2023.

Pate, however, said, “We have doubled the intake, the enrollment, the quotas of medical schools, nursing schools, and other health professionals’ schools from an enrollment target of 28,000 a year to 64,000 now. 

“That is just the first step, the education sector will have to play its role. The states will have to play in to improve the infrastructure, the training, and the tools to produce more healthcare workforce because we need to produce more healthcare workforce given that we’re losing some so that we can serve the population of this country.”

On the Primary Health Care Centres, the minister noted that at least 1,400 centres can now provide skilled birth attendants.

According to him, more than 2,400 health workers – doctors, nurses, and midwives are been recruited in facilities to provide essential health services to Nigerians in rural areas.

He also highlighted that the Federal Government has disbursed the first tranche of N25bn of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the National Health Insurance Authority.

“We put a condition that states that will access those have to comply with the fiduciary guidelines that have been provided, responding to lapses that have been observed over here so that the resources go to Nigerians.

“Twenty-three states have received those funds, and I believe that the rest of the states are just about to complete and receive their financing to channel through the PHCs.”

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Tunji Alausa had in October 2023 said the government had put in place strategies to increase admissions into medical and dental institutions.

Dr Alausa noted that the 3,000 doctors produced annually in Nigeria was inadequate.

He highlighted that the mass exodus of licensed doctors and other health professionals to more developed countries would be discouraged by making the healthcare environment more attractive.

Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka said the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi is “unfit” to lead Nigeria.

Soyinka stated in an interview with Noble Eyisi on Thursday.

Recall that Obi finished third behind Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2023 presidential election.

Soyinka said he hopes that Obi does not vie for the presidency in the 2027 election.

He said, “I hope for the sake of the nation that he doesn’t express interest in the next election because for me as a leader, if there was any proof that he was unfit to lead that country, it’s in the conduct which he encouraged among his followers.

“I know for a fact that he was in control of those forces,” he added.

The Nobel prize winner added that dishonest political leaders are encouraging the “divisive actions of the group.”

He said “one of these days, they would turn on them and teach them a lesson”.

Soyinka said, “It has to do with education. I didn’t read all these insults from Obidients but of course, some links were sent to me, especially when facts were being manufactured.

“I know that there is a relay mechanism, which is triggered into action by those who control what we call the trolls of the internet, and so my disgust and contempt.

“I just went about my business, you know, because nobody, anybody on this earth who thinks they can stop me telling the truth as I see it needs to have his or her head examined. It’s as elementary as that.

“But it is depressing to see those who wanted to be political leaders encouraging that kind of action, that kind of attitude in the youth.

“And my mind went to the expression: ‘They don’t know what they’re doing’. Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind.

“One of these days, they would be astonished, they would turn on them and teach them a lesson.

“And so, my attitude was very blasé but it is for me a sad phenomenon, especially for those who want to lead a multi-textured (society) — different religions, different ethnic groups, different worldviews — who actually want to preside over such a group as one.

“It means that they have already declared themselves incompetent to lead such an entity.”

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has presented a letter of appointment to the reinstated Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II.

Earlier, Governor Yusuf stated the reason why the Kano State government reinstated Sanusi II as the 16th Emir of Kano.

The governor said Sanusi was victimized in 2019. He added that the emirate council law 2019 by the immediate past governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, balkanised the old Kano Emirate.

Yusuf called on the reinstated Emir to use his leadership to unite the emirate and the state as a whole.

The 16th Emir of Kano, Sanusi II, had initially ruled as the 14th Emir.

Dethroned, banished

Recall that in 2020, the Kano House of Assembly passed a bill to split the Kano Emirate Council into five emirates. They were mainly under Sanusi’s control. So the division lowered his influence.

He had had a fallout with the former governor. Ganduje is now National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

Sanusi was dethroned and banished on March 9, 2020. The former Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, governor was then flown to Lagos and quartered by one of his friends, the late Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank.

Then Sanusi was replaced by the recently deposed 15th Emir – Aminu Ado Bayero.

16th Emir

However, yesterday, Governor Yusuf approved the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II. This was after assenting the Kano State Emirates Council (Amendment number 2) Bill, 2024 passed by the House of Assembly.

The new law repealed Ganduje’s Kano Emirate Council Law 2019, Kano State Emir’s Appointment and Deposition Amendment Law 2019, and Kano State Emirate Council Amendment Law 2023.

Not that it was the latter that created five emirates in Kano, and paved the way for the deposition of Sanusi.

Today, Sanusi was given the letter of reinstatement, and then turbaned the 16th Emir of Kano.

The coronation of the former CBN governor took place at the Kano state government house. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Yusuf said: “By the powers conferred on me by the Kano Emirate Council Law of 1984 and 2024, and supported by the recommendation of the kingmakers, I have the singular pleasure of confirming the reappointment of Muhammadu Sanusi II as the Emir of Kano and the head of the Kano Emirate Council.”

Also, he said Sanusi’s reappointment was “based on his competence, credibility, and popularity.”

Furthermore, the governor urged the new Kano Emir “to be guided by the principles of Islamic teachings and to use his position to unite the emirate, fostering harmony among the Islamic sects in the state.”

High court…

Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Kano has granted an order stopping the Kano State Government from enforcing the Kano State Emirate Council Repeal Law.

Justice Mohammed Liman granted the order in an application by Alhaji Aminu Babba Dan Agundi, the Sarkin Dawaki Babba of the Kano Emirate.

The court papers regarding the case have since gone viral.

The judge, Mohammed Liman, asked the government to “suspend” and “not give effect to the Kano State Emirate Council (Repeal) Law, 2024, as they affect all offices and institutions of the Emirate Council created pursuant to the provisions of the Kano State Emirate Council Law, 2019″.

Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka has again taken a swipe at the Labour Party's presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, who he says is ‘’unfit'' to rule Nigeria.

In a recent interview, Soyinka claimed that Obi encouraged his followers addressed as ‘Obidients’ to attack him and others with opposing views online in the build-up to the 2023 presidential election.

When asked what he thinks about the movement, he said;

“It has to do with education. I didn’t read all these (insults by Obidient Movement) but of course, some links were sent to me, especially when facts were ‘being manufactured’.

“When I read these things, I was disgusted. There’s no other word for it. I really was disgusted and I know that it was orchestrated.

“I know that there is a relay mechanism, which is triggered into action by those who control what we call the trolls of the Internet, and so my disgust and contempt. I just went about my business, you know, because nobody, anybody on this earth who thinks they can stop me telling the truth as I see it needs to have his or her head examined. It’s as elementary as that.

“But it is depressing to see those who wanted to be political leaders encouraging that kind of action, that kind of attitude in the youth. And my mind went to the expression, ‘They don’t know what they’re doing’. Those who sow the wind will reap the whirlwind.

“One of these days, they would be astonished, they would turn on them and teach them a lesson. And so, my attitude was very blasé and it is for me a sad phenomenon, especially for those who want to lead multi-textured (society)- different religions, different ethnic groups, different worldviews - who actually want to preside over such a group as one. It means that they have already declared themselves incompetent to lead such an entity.”

Speaking further, Soyinka added;

“I hope for the sake of the nation that he doesn’t express interest in the next election because for me as a leader if there was any proof that he was unfit to lead that country, it’s in the conduct which he encouraged among his followers.”'

The Chairman, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, Dr Samuel Nwanosike, has dared governor Siminalayi Fubara, saying he will not vacate his office at the end of his tenure on June 16.

Nwanosike directly addressed the state governor in a video, stating his intention to remain in office beyond the stipulated date.

He cited an extension of tenure by state lawmakers under the leadership of Martin Amaghule as justification due to the state government’s failure to conduct local government elections.

Nwanosike asserted that he would continue in his role and warned that the people of Ikwerre LG would resist any attempt to remove him from office.

He declared, “Let them come and try to remove me if they dare. The countdown begins—23 more days to go.”

He added, “Who are you to say Martins Amaewhule is not the Rivers House of Assembly Speaker? If Amaewhule says that because the governor of Rivers State failed in his duty to conduct local government elections.

“And that, I, Dr Nwanosike Samuel, whose tenure by the oath of office I took and the certificate of return I was issued when I contested my second tenure election should remain in office. So shall we remain in the office in Rivers State!

“We are sending a message to those who are threatening them to wear their jeans – do like this, don’t do like that. We don’t wear jeans in Ikwere local government. We wear white, we tie wrapper we wear Ogbakata. Come and disobey the law, we will wait for you. The law of Nigeria is the law passed by Martin Amaewhule. If dem born you well, show your face. Thank you.”

Comedian AY Makun has finally addressed the swirling rumors that he is expecting a child with BBNaija ex-housemte Alex Unusual, setting the internet ablaze.

The rumors, which spread like wildfire, alleged that AY and Alex were having an affair and that she was pregnant with his child. These claims surfaced shortly after AY and his wife, Mabel Makun, publicly came out clean their marital issues.

Following an extended break from social media, Alex Unusual broke her silence in a compelling video posted on her page.

Although she didn’t directly confront the rumors, her response was anything but subtle. In a clever and sophisticated manner, Alex indirectly dismissed the allegations, underscoring the importance of facts over fiction.

The BBNaija star went a step further by reciting Nigeria’s cybersecurity laws, reminding everyone of the legal repercussions of spreading false information online.

In a swift and unexpected move, AY Makun ignited a social media storm by dropping a bombshell comment on Alex Unusual’s post.

He cheekily instructed Alex to take good care of “his baby” she was rumored to be carrying, alluding to the swirling rumors. Adding a razor-sharp edge to his remark, he mentioned that they must entertain the idle minds concocting these fabrications online.

Ay wrote;

“Above all. Please don’t do anything to my baby that you are carrying. We must entertain all the jobless people on social media”

SEE SCREENSHOT BELOW 

This comes in the wake of an unconfirmed report by gossip blog Gistlover, alleging that Alex Unusual was carrying AY Makun’s baby, had a miscarriage, and then became pregnant again.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos State, has adjourned the child custody proceedings between Queen Mercy Oyekanmi and Promise Anagbogu, aka Lord Lamba, to July 18 for hearing.

This comes after the skitmaker allegedly failed to show up in court on Thursday, May 23.

It was gathered that his lawyer, who was also absent, sent a representative, who told the court she had no idea why the skitmaker was a no-show.

According to a source:

“Today was the court hearing and Queen was there but her baby daddy didn’t show up. His lawyer didn’t come; instead, he sent his assistant to represent him. Because he didn’t appear in court, his lawyer requested a new date, so it was adjourned to 18th of July for hearing.”

It was earlier alleged that Lord Lamba filed a child custody petition without giving Queen Mercy Atang’s notice.

Allegedly, the matter had been presided upon twice, without Queen Mercy Atang’s knowledge. Upon investigation by her Lawyers, Queen Mercy Atang was made aware of the court date, and Lord Lamba didn’t show up.

The drama between Lord Lamba and Queen Mercy Atang first unfolded, when she made the news of her engagement public.

Shortly after Queen Mercy Atang’s engagement announcement, Lord Lamba posted pictures of himself and their daughter on Instagram, for the first time ever since she was born in 2022.

Lord Lamba’s post raised a lot of brows, with netizens calling him out for being jealous over Queen Mercy Atang’s engagement.

After he made the post featuring his daughter, Queen Mercy Atang posted a skit featuring herself and Nasty Blaq. The storyline of the skit looked similar to her current situation, and this left netizens baffled.

The drama with Lord Lamba didn’t stop Queen Mercy Atang from marrying her U.K based husband. It was a huge hit in the media, and it had a lot of coverage on social media.

During her wedding, a lot of BBNaija alums showed up and supported her. It was a glamorous all-white event that featured a lot of reality television stars.

The huge show out during her wedding proved just how much influence Queen Mercy Atang held in her hands.

Despite the fact that she’s influential, the drama with Lord Lamba is one of her first and only public spats. Queen Mercy Atang has maintained a low profile that has kept her out of trouble.

Grammy award-winning singer, Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed the reason behind the delayed release of her debut album.

In a recent interview with the New York Times, Tems shared that a “serious illness” caused her to postpone the scheduled release of her debut album in 2021.

According to her, the illness led to her undergoing surgery and six months of recovery, forcing her to put her album on hold.

Instead of her debut album, Tems stated that she decided to release her sophomore extended play, ‘If Orange Was a Place’.

She revealed that during her recovery journey, she found inspiration for her new music, describing it as a reflection of embracing life as a warrior.

Tems said:

“Being a warrior is about not giving up,” she said. “Even if they cut your leg, you walk on your knees, you fight on your knees using what you have — and that’s good enough.”

Tems’ much-anticipated debut album, ‘Born In The Wild’, is set to drop on June 7.

In addition to her album release, Tems will also kick off her first headline world tour in June.

In another story, South African singer, Tyla reveals how Tems opened doors of global recognition for African female artists.

In a recent interview with Kiss Fresh UK, Tyla confessed that collaborating with Tems on her debut album was an absolute delight, citing Tems’ extraordinary talent and great energy.

According to Tyla, Collaborating with Tems was an incredible experience, noting that her talent knows no bounds.

She said:

“Working with Tems is amazing. She is so talented. She is literally a force. I’m so honoured to have worked with her. She has opened so many doors for us (young African female artists).”

Tyla and Tems joined forces on the hit single “Number 1” from Tyla’s self-titled debut album, released earlier this month.

Tyla gushed about their collaboration, saying, “We made such a beautiful song with such a beautiful message. It is a song for the girls and it is made by the girls.”

Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie has once again voiced her discontent, this time targeting actresses involved in amorous relationships with married men.

Through a series of Instagram story posts, she hinted at revealing names of actresses who sleep with married men and still have the guts to drop comments on their wives’ pages.

Angela, who has faced criticism for her outspoken nature, stated that she’s often misunderstood and unfairly maligned.

She urged her followers to be patient as she prepares to expose the truth and dismantle what she describes as the “stronghold of the devil.”

Having previously criticized fellow actors, Zubby Michael and Mercy Johnson, Angela claimed she possesses substantial evidence against them and others.

She confidently asserted that they cannot challenge her due to the proof she holds.

In her words:

“All this actresses self una Dey sleep with people husbands still Dey comment for the wife page. I don’t know how y’all do it but realness no go gree me live that kind life kaiii. I Dey come first I won go chop basmati rice first.

“Y’all might think I like trouble but this muderfu*kers been given me bad name for a long time,evil, atrocities,hate, Lies Have been done unto me. So this period make una manage me cos I am ready to pull down every strong holds of the devil

“Zubby no fit deny anything or mercy J Proof yakpa I no kuku send anybody. Their left yansh their nonsense people.”

Refer to her posts below:

The Federal Government has highlighted President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s plan to mitigate the cost of living and enhance Nigerians’ financial well-being.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, made this declaration on Thursday in Abuja during a Ministerial briefing marking the first anniversary of Tinubu’s administration.

Idris emphasized that Tinubu’s administration operates under the Renewed Hope Agenda and has initiated measures to establish a robust foundation for improved livelihoods.

Key initiatives such as the Consumer Credit Corporation, the Nigeria Education Loan Fund, the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas, the N200 billion Presidential Grant, and the Students Loan Scheme highlight the government’s commitment to this cause.

Furthermore, efforts in agriculture, food security, infrastructure development, electricity sector reforms, fiscal policy adjustments, and negotiations for a new national minimum wage are all aimed at positively impacting the lives of millions of Nigerians.

Idris reiterated Tinubu’s dedication to reducing the cost of living and enhancing business operations by bolstering citizens’ purchasing power. He underscored Tinubu’s success in attracting local and foreign investments and improving national infrastructure.

“We remain resolute in our commitment to delivering genuine Renewed Hope to all Nigerians,” Idris affirmed.

He noted that the first-year anniversary commemoration provided an opportunity to present the government’s achievements to Nigerians and demonstrate the progress made thus far.