News

FG Announces Free Caesarean Sections For Women

Published

7 months ago

November 7, 2024

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced on Thursday that free caesarean sections would be provided to Nigerian women in need.

Pate made this announcement at the ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, during the launch of the “Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative.”

According to him, the initiative represents a commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria.

A tweet posted on the official X handle of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare stated, “In a powerful move, Coordinating Minister @muhammadpate just announced that Caesarean Sections for all Nigerian women who need them will now be FREE!”

The minister reportedly said, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”

The objective of the Joint Annual Health Review is to conduct a thorough assessment of Nigeria’s healthcare system, identifying challenges and implementing impactful solutions to ease both the physical and financial burdens on Nigerians.

Pate, on his X handle, noted that a pivotal feature of the initiative is the provision of free caesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women who meet eligibility criteria, covering services provided through both public and private facilities empanelled by the National Health Insurance Authority.

He said, “By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost. Maternal mortality remains unacceptably high, with 172 local governments contributing to over 50 per cent of maternal deaths.

“By focusing resources on these high-burden areas, MAMII will address the greatest areas of need. The NHIA, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and state health insurance agencies, will manage the reimbursement process, ensuring that providers across both sectors can deliver these essential services sustainably.”

He added that community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with the President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 additional health workers to support primary care across Nigeria.

According to him, these workers are essential in generating demand for maternal care services within communities, educating families on the importance of antenatal care, and ensuring that mothers are informed about available services.

“In rural and underserved areas, where accessing healthcare facilities remains a challenge, community health workers act as vital links between families and the healthcare system, bringing lifesaving information and support to their doorsteps.

“In these same areas, the National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System @Fmohnigeria has been revitalised to provide timely transport for emergencies, bridging a key gap in both maternal and newborn care by bringing emergency services closer to those who need them most,” he added.

The minister emphasised that this announcement would not have been possible without the critical support of development partners, whose resources, expertise, and alignment with Nigeria’s health priorities have been instrumental.

“Their commitment exemplifies a shared dedication to health equity and the well-being of every Nigerian. We also call on all stakeholders—state governors, healthcare leaders, community members, and health workers—to actively support and drive the success of this initiative.

“The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative represents an immediate, determined response to Nigeria’s maternal and newborn health challenges. Through demand generation, expanded primary and emergency care, and the removal of financial barriers, we are advancing a healthcare system that is truly accessible, affordable, and effective for all Nigerians.

“Together, we are building a future where no mother or child is left behind in accessing the quality, affordable care they deserve,” he said.

News

Idahosa Hosts NBA, Assures Of Government’s Collaboration

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

Edo State deputy governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has assured of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration’s desire to reduce crime and criminality in the state while also upholding the rule of law.

According to a press statement by Friday Aghedo, the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Idahosa gave the assurance when he played host to members of the Benin branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Benin on Tuesday.

During the interface with the body of lawyers, also referred to as “Lion Bar,” the deputy governor solicited their collaboration to help rid the state of violent crimes.

“Indeed, the state we met was plagued with security challenges such as kidnapping, cultism and its related issues, and other vices for which the governor needed to take decisive action to address these menaces which plagued society.

“To the glory of God and with your support, we have done reasonably well at reducing crime in Edo State,” he stated.

He informed the lawyers that their collaboration with the administration would assist at stamping out crimes and criminality and boost investors confidence in the state.

Idahosa also promised the government support to the lawyers in whatever capacity to assist in carrying out their functions efficiently.

Speaking earlier, the Benin NBA branch, Idemudia Osifo, congratulated and commended Governor Okpebholo, his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, on their inauguration and efforts at eradicating security challenges in the state.

He said the NBA maintained cordiality with the seat of power in order to form a solid partnership geared towards the delivery of dividends of democracy to the people of the state.

He further commended the Okpebholo-led administration for appointing members of the Bar to key positions of his government.

Speaking on the rule of law, Osifo said that the Bar believed that the administration would deliver, especially against the background of swearing in the three judges denied the same action by the immediate past administration

“That singular action showed the willingness of this administration to reposition Edo State in terms of Justice delivery and the rule of law,” he stated.

He expressed the willingness of the Benin Branch of the NBA to support the government to fight crime and criminality

News

Police Quiz Pastor Paul Adefarasin Over ‘Gun-like Object’ Video

Published

8 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that Pastor Paul Adefarasin, founder of the House on the Rock Church, has turned himself in for questioning over a viral video that appeared to show him holding a gun-like object during a roadside encounter.

The Command, in a post shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, stated, “No one is above the law!

“Pastor Paul Adefarasin has turned himself in at the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters, Ikeja and is currently being interrogated by detectives who have commenced investigation on the case since a video surfaced online showing the pastor holding a gun-like object against another road user, while driving in an unregistered vehicle.

“The outcome of the investigation will be made public.”

The video, which surfaced earlier, shows Adefarasin holding a metallic object while speaking to a passerby who appeared to be recording him.

The clip has since gone viral, with several social media users alleging that the object was a firearm.

Responding to the allegations, Adefarasin in a message to his congregation posted on his verified social media pages, he denied brandishing a weapon.

He described the incident as a misunderstanding.

According to the cleric, the object in question was not a firearm, and at no point was it pointed at anyone.

News

How Trailer Sent To Kill Me Fell Flat, Dented — Iwo Monarch

Published

12 hours ago

June 17, 2025

Editor

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi, said the trailer that was sent to kill him upon hitting him fell flat and got extremely dented.

The Osun monarch made the revelation while testifying to the power of God in a now-trending video on Tuesday.

While Oba Akanbi didn’t give details or the location of the incident, he noted that after the trailer hit him, he saw some angels of God dragging it.

“A trailer that was sent to kill us, hit us and fell flat and extremely dented. It was dragged away by angels of God. Except you do not choose God. Don’t have doubts while trusting God.”