Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia

By: Michael Mike

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the demise of the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia as a great loss to the nation.

A statement on Tuesday by the acting spokesperson of the ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, read: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received with shock and profound sadness, news of the passing of former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia. The former Minister according to his family died on Monday 10th March 2025, aged 73 years following a brief illness.

“Chief Dubem Onyia, the pioneer Minister of State for Foreign Affairs was a trailblazer who contributed immensely to Nigeria’s global standing, advocating for peace, cooperation, and the advancement of Africa’s interests on the international stage. His unwavering commitment to national development and his exemplary service to the nation will forever be remembered and cherished.

“The late Chief Onyia, hailed from Enugu Ngwo in Enugu State, had a distinguished career in politics and public service. Elected to the House of Representatives in 1999, he resigned to serve as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration from 1999 to 2003.

“The departed former Minister was a seasoned diplomat and politician and held strategic positions such as Chairman of the International Technical Commission for the National Boundary Commission, Chairman of the Nigeria Economic Joint Commission, and Chairman of the São Tomé and Príncipe Joint Boundary Commission. He also served on numerous corporate boards and government committees, earning multiple national and international acclaims. More so, Chief Onyia was a trustee of the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Foundation, contributing to national development initiatives.

“The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and associates of the late former Minister of State and prays to God to give them the fortitude to bear this great loss.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mourns Dubem Onyia

FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING

By: Mohammad Sani

It is evident to all Nigerians that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, along with the 36 state governors and members of the National and State Houses of Assemblies, has been elected to provide good governance and leadership for a term of four years. Following this period, all Nigerians will partake in elections to either select new leaders or retain the incumbents.

The Association of Good Governance in Nigeria observes with great concern the detrimental impact of political disputes and Machiavellian strategies on critical governance issues, particularly within the first two years of this administration. Nigeria is currently facing significant challenges, including high inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and various socio-economic issues. Addressing these challenges necessitates good governance and innovative solutions.

We are concerned about the recent developments in Rivers State following the Supreme Court’s verdict, as well as the altercation between Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. Additionally, there is the worrying issue of the kidnapping of Retired Brigadier Mahrazu Tsiga and Professor Abubakar el-Jumma from the Nigerian Army University, Biu. This is not the time to focus on who is leaving or joining the ruling APC; instead, we should prioritize providing good governance.

The country is in urgent need of governance defined by accountability, efficiency, inclusivity, and equity, rather than political maneuvering. We earnestly urge the President and all elected officials to prioritize the delivery of good governance and to defer political activities until the appropriate moment arises.

FOCUS ON GOOD GOVERNANCE RATHER THAN POLITICKING

Biu: Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School

.. Orders construction of 5 general hospitals

.. ‘Borno first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones’

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum on Tuesday inaugurated the state-of-the-art eye and dental hospitals as well as a mega secondary school in Biu Local Government Area in the southern part of the state.

The newly inaugurated 40-bed capacity eye jospital, equipped with advanced diagnostic and surgical facilities, is to address the growing need for ophthalmological care in the southern region of Borno.

The governor has also approved the appointment of a team of highly trained medical doctors and specialists who will offer treatments for cataracts, glaucoma and other vision-related ailments.

Similarly, the 30-bed capacity dental hospital will provide comprehensive oral health services, including preventive care, orthodontics and restorative treatments, ensuring that residents no longer have to travel long distances for dental care.

Zulum, during the inauguration ceremony, emphasised his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for Borno’s citizens. 

He said, “Healthcare is one of the cardinal pillars of the Borno State’s 25-Year Development Plan and the 10-Year Strategic Transformation Initiative. Reflecting on this commitment, we allocated 15% of the state’s budget to health sector in the 2024 and 2025 fiscal year in line with the Abuja declaration recommendation for healthcare financing to prioritize health and well-being of our people.”

In his remarks, the Chief Medical Director of the Borno State Hospital Management Board, Professor Abubakar Ali Kullima, said the two centres are not only for patients’ service but also for the training of healthcare professionals.

The CMD also stated that immediately after the inauguration, the hospital would be opened for free ophthalmic operation for citizens in the southern Borno catchment zone.

The governor also commissioned mega secondary school at Miringa, 10 km from Biu town. The school is designed to accommodate over 1,300 students.

The school consists of 60 classrooms, an ICT centre and four laboratories among other facilities that enhance teaching and learning activities.

Governor Zulum also distributed text and exercise books, uniforms, school sandals and a bicycle for each of the enrolled students to ease movement from the nearby villages.

.. Orders construction of 5 general hospitals

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has approved funds for the construction of new general hospitals in five local government areas of Askira Uba, Magumeri, Gubio, Mafa and Dikwa.

He announced the approval on Tuesday at the commissioning ceremony for two hospitals in Biu town.

He said, “to enhance health infrastructure, the Borno State Government has awarded contracts for the construction of modern General Hospitals in Uba, Gubio, Magumeri, Mafa and Dikwa.”

The governor expressed commitment to addressing the manpower needs in the healthcare centres in order to provide optimal service to the people of Borno.

He said: “We recognize that the development of a resilient healthcare system necessitates more than just physical infrastructure. The availability of skilled healthcare professionals is equally crucial.

“To address this shortage of manpower, we are launching a multidimensional initiative, incorporating a range of measures to attract, train, retain, develop skilled healthcare professionals and talents and collaboration with educational institutions among others.”

.. ‘Borno first to get eye/dental hospitals in all senatorial zones’

The Borno State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Baba Mallam Gana, stated that Borno is the first state in Nigeria to construct eye and dental hospitals in each of its senatorial zones.

According to him, the facilities have specialists who have the capacity to handle advanced ophthalmological and dental health cases and cater for patients beyond Biu and its environs.

Biu: Zulum Inaugurates Eye, Dental Hospitals, Mega School