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France Invests €3 million Annually in Nigeria’s Health Sector, Says Envoy
France Invests €3 million Annually in Nigeria’s Health Sector, Says Envoy
By: Michael Mike
France annually invests €3 million in health in Nigeria as part of its collaboration towards assisting in the wellness of Nigerian, the Chargé d’Affaires a.i. of France to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Jean Francois Hasperue has said.
Speaking at the weekend during a breakfast debate in Abuja hosted by the French Embassy in Nigeria to mark the World Health Day, Hasperue said France sees health as one of the fundamental rights of human being and must be enjoyed by all without discrimination and in that light contribute massively towards the Global Health Fund.
He said: “We are already working with Nigerian government on health issues. Firstly, France is the second country in the world with the most contribution to the Global Fund on Health, it gives you an indication how we care about health across the globe.
“In Nigeria for example, France invests €3 million in health in Nigeria every year, we still did that last year, we are working with Nigerian government on different aspects, on humanitarian aspect and infrastructure as well.
“At present we have a project on building and renovation of hospitals in Oyo state, and we are planning to multiply this kind of project with government towards development of network of health infrastructure. Not only that, we have private companies investing in health, we have a French company in a joint venture to produce medication in this country as well. We try to mobilize our collaboration with the government and private companies towards improving health care in Nigeria.”
He noted that Nigerian government is not unaware of the importance of investing in the health sector as it is one of the sector it gives priority to
The envoy said: “The government of Nigeria is surely interested in the health and well being of its citizens for they have asked us to partner with them in this sector. I believe health should be at the centre of the plan of a nation. It should be the topmost on government plan for it is basic need.”
He added that: “Health and security are very important. People need to thrive and develop their activities in a country and once you have good health and secured environment you are on the right track. With good health and creativity of Nigerians, you can be whatever you want.”
On the choice of students for the debate to commemorate the World Health Day, he said: “We want to have an event to mark the event and we thought instead of having debates by specialists we feel we should give the floor to students, the ones who own the future of this nation and as well as France. We wanted to ask them want they think about health.”
The debate with the topic: “Access to healthcare: a fundamental right or duty?” was anchored by Gloria Tameko, Aisha Gueye, Rayan Saimua and Oriane Boa, all students of Lycee Francois Marcel Pagnol in Abuja and moderated by Dr. Andrew Marbell, the Nutrition and Health Programme Manager with Action against Hunger, Nigeria.
Key points of their submission is the need to make health accessible to all without prejudice and the need to improve healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
France Invests €3 million Annually in Nigeria’s Health Sector, Says Envoy
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
By Zagazola Makama
The Nigerian Army has commenced pre-event activities for its Combat Arms Training (CAT) Week 2026 with a free medical outreach for residents of Birnin Yaro community in Kaduna State.
Security sources said the outreach, which held on May 2, was flagged off by the Chief of Integrated Combat Arms, Maj.-Gen. G.M. Mutkut, as part of preparations for the CAT Week scheduled to take place at Jaji Military Cantonment from May 4 to May 8, 2026.
The sources disclosed that the programme provided free medical consultations and treatment for members of the host community, as well as personnel and their family members.
According to the sources, the initiative was designed to strengthen civil-military relations while improving access to basic healthcare services for underserved communities.
They added that senior officers, including the Principal Staff Officer from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre and members of the Central Organising Committee for the CAT Week, were in attendance.
The sources noted that the event was conducted peacefully and without any incident.
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested two suspected terrorists during a patrol operation in Ngamdu town, Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 5:35 p.m. on May 2 by troops of 154 Battalion while on routine patrol within the area.
The sources disclosed that the suspects were intercepted and arrested during the patrol.
According to the sources, items recovered from them include one mobile phone, one keypad phone, a power bank, charms and other sundry items.
They added that the suspects are currently in military custody for further interrogation and investigation.
The sources noted that further action will be taken after profiling, while patrols in the area have been intensified to maintain security dominance.
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
By Zagazola Makama
Four persons have been killed and three others injured following an attack by unknown gunmen at an illegal mining site in Barkin-Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 1:30 p.m. on May 2 at Mazat mining site, where the victims were reportedly engaged in unauthorised mining activities.
The sources disclosed that the assailants opened fire on the victims, killing four on the spot while three others sustained varying degrees of gunshot injuries.
According to the sources, the injured victims—two females and one male—were rushed to a nearby hospital for medical attention and are currently receiving treatment.
They added that the corpses of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.
The sources further noted that security operatives were mobilised to the scene, while additional deployments have been made to track down the perpetrators.
They reiterated that night mining activities remain prohibited in the state, stressing that investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Four Killed, Three Injured in Attack on Illegal Mining Site in Plateau
NA CAT Week: Army Flags Off Free Medical Outreach in Kaduna Community
Troops Arrest Two Suspected Terrorists in Borno, Recover Phones and Charms
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