News
World Bank tasks Gombe communities to utilise 169 upgraded health facilities

World Bank tasks Gombe communities to utilise 169 upgraded health facilities
The World Bank has urged Gombe communities to ensure effective utilisation of the 169 revitalised health facilities to enhance access to quality healthcare services.
Dr Onoriode Ezire, Task Team Lead, World Bank IMPACT project, said this on Saturday during the inauguration of one of the revitalised facilities in Akko community, Akko Local Government Area of the state.
The World Bank, through its IMPACT project in collaboration with the Gombe state government has revitalised and upgraded 103 Primary Healthcare facilities and 66 clinics to “Level 2 Status.”
The project is designed to improve quality and utilisation of immunisation, maternal/child health services, and malaria control, to reduce under-five mortality rates in the state.
Ezire urged the benefiting communities, traditional leaders and stakeholders to ensure maximum use of the facilities towards improving health services at the grassroots.
He said the common dream that no woman would die while giving birth could be achieved with the new facilities provided, hence the need for women, men and other groups to access the facilities.
The World Bank official said effective utilisation of the facilities by members of the communities would guarantee that the investments and resources committed in the upgrade project didn’t go to waste.
“We are excited that these have been done but my comments will go to the communities for whom these facilities have been built.
“I can guarantee you that quite some monies have been spent to upgrade the facilities to its new level.
“These were done through collaboration effort of the World Bank and Gombe state government to ensure that you have access to quality healthcare.
“If these facilities are here and you are not accessing them, then it is a disservice to everybody. I challenge our women and men to take advantage of these facilities and access quality healthcare.
“What you need to access quality healthcare have been provided, so use this place,” he said.
Ezire lauded Gov. Inuwa Yahaya for the proactive and results-driven approach towards strengthening primary healthcare delivery via the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.
He also hailed the governor’s exceptional leadership in securing the state’s inclusion in the multi-state intervention, in spite of Gombe not being originally listed among the participating states.
Yahaya reiterated commitment to the improvement of health and wellbeing of the people of the state.
Represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau, the governor said that his administration’s commitment resulted in the consistent increase in funding for healthcare in the state’s budget from 3.5 per cent in 2019 to 15 per cent in 2025, in line with the Abuja Declaration.
“We have revitalised 103 Primary Health Centers and an additional 66 Health Clinics with the support of the World Bank through IMPACT project.
“These facilities are now equipped with solar power, water supply, basic equipment, and staff accommodation, ensuring that our citizens receive quality healthcare services.”
World Bank tasks Gombe communities to utilise 169 upgraded health facilities
News
Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud

Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud
By: Zagazola Makama
The Police Command in Lagos State has arrested a serving officer over alleged fraud involving N915,000 in a failed rice supply deal.
Sources said the case was reported on Sept. 11 at about 2:34 p.m.
According to sources, it was alleged that a Complainant (name witheld) in January 2024, gave a Police Inspector attached to Lagos State Command, the sum of N915,000 to supply 20 bags of rice.
“Ever since she received the money, she went into hiding until she was traced to her residence at Olusosun area of Ojota and brought to the station,” said the sources.
The sources added that on interrogation, the officer admitted to the crime and had been detained for appropriate disciplinary action.
The sources said investigation into the case was ongoing.
Police arrest officer in Lagos over alleged N915,000 rice fraud
Crime
Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings

Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings
By: Lazarus Balami
The University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) has recently faced concerns regarding the allegedly restricted access of patients’ relatives to hospital wards due to security issues.
Earlier reports, including one by Zagazola Makama, have suggested that the gates at the hospital have been closed to limit entry.

NEWSng, however, reports that this summary of the situation does not fully represent the complexities involved that informed the measures taken.

The primary reason for these measures relates to rising security incidents within the hospital. It has been reported that thieves, posing as patients’ relatives, have managed to gain unauthorized access to the wards and steal phones and other valuables of patients and their relatives.

These individuals have exploited the vulnerabilities in the hospital’s entry protocols to commit theft and other illegal activities.

Such incidents have understandably raised alarm among hospital management and staff, prompting them to take action to ensure the safety of all patients and visitors.

Another source from the hospital confirmed that it was in response to these security breaches that the hospital security team took a proactive measure.
They have implemented stricter security measures, including monitoring the entrances more closely and conducting regular patrols within the hospital premises.

The situation has improved after security personnel apprehended several suspects involved in these criminal activities.
These individuals were handed over to the Gwange Police Station for further investigation and legal action.” The source said.
NEWSng reports that the actions taken by the security team demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to not only providing medical care but also ensuring a safe environment for its patients and their families.
It is, therefore, crucial to clarify that access to wards has not been entirely closed off. The hospital continues to prioritize patient care and recognizes the importance of having family members present to support their loved ones.
Security measures are designed not to alienate relatives but to protect them and the hospital community. Procedures may be more stringent, but they aim to safeguard both patients and visitors from potential harm.
Communication is vital in these situations. The media should seek clarity of information before reaching out to the public.
The hospital administration is also doing the necessary to ensure that information reaches the public effectively, alleviating concerns about restricted access.
Transparent communication can help foster understanding among relatives, patients, and hospital staff, thereby reinforcing trust.
Addressing Security Concerns at UMTH: Clarifying Misunderstandings
News
Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun

Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation MESA have intercepted nine suspected illegal immigrants in Ogun State.
Sources who confirmed the developments to Zagazola said the interception took place on Sept. 11 at about 6:00 a.m. when Op-MESA Team 9, led by ASP Vincent Ohilebo, was on duty at the Laderin pin-down point near the Immigration office.
“The nine intercepted persons, all male, confessed to being illegal immigrants.
“They were immediately handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service through its officer, Prince Omotola Adefemi, for necessary action,” said the sources.
The sources added that security agencies remained on alert to check the influx of irregular migrants into the state.
Troops of Op-MESA intercepts nine illegal immigrants in Ogun
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