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Jonathan Calls For A Church-led Health Revolution In Nigeria

Published

1 year ago

August 14, 2024

Editor

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the Church to take the lead in the crucial role of advancing Nigeria’s healthcare system.

Jonathan said this in his keynote address at the maiden edition of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion Health Summit in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former President, who was was represented by the former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), Prof. John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the Church’s historical contributions to health and education sectors.

While reflecting on the 2014 Ebola crisis, Jonathan acknowledged the bravery of healthcare workers, like doctor Stella Adadevoh, who lost their lives in the line of duty.

He also acknowledged the passage of the National Health Act signed into law during his administration, which he said had significantly improved healthcare access for millions Nigerians.

“The National Health Act 2014 established a framework for the provision of essential health services, the management of health resources, and the protection of patients’ rights.

“Today, over 10 million Nigerians across our various states have access to health insurance provided by the various state social health insurance schemes,” he said.

Accordimg to him, despite the progress, gaps remain, and I call on the Anglican Church to spearhead health insurance enrollment and bridge disparities in healthcare access.

He urged faith-based organisations to leverage their community influence to advocate for equitable healthcare policies and foster partnerships with both the government and private sector.

“The Church must harness its platforms and resources to lead a transformative health initiative that ensures that no Nigerian is left behind in the quest for quality, affordable healthcare,” he said.

The Primate of All Nigeria Anglican Church, Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, outlined a visionary framework for integrating holistic health into the Church’s mission.

Ndukuba emphasised the Church’s historical role in pioneering healthcare in Nigeria, and recalled foundational efforts in establishing clinics and hospitals since the 19th century.

He called for a renewed commitment to comprehensive healthcare, blending physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in alignment with Biblical teachings and modern health standards.

According to him, there is the urgent need for the Church to address Nigeria’s healthcare challenges, exacerbated by corruption and inadequate government response.

The Primate proposed a series of strategic initiatives, including the establishment of the Church of Nigeria Health Commission to streamline and standardise healthcare services.

He also called for the establishment of a Health Maintenance Organisation (HMO) to cater to the healthcare needs of Nigerians.

He advocated for the development of pharmaceutical production and a fellowship for healthcare professionals to bolster the Church’s medical outreach.

Highlighting the Church’s potential to lead in healthcare and transform community well-being, Ndukuba urged Christian healthcare professionals to seize this “Kairos moment” for impactful service.

His address set the stage for the summit’s mission to develop a comprehensive health policy and blueprint for advancing the Church’s role in holistic health ministry.

On his part, Mr Peter Nmadu, Chairman of the National Steering Committee, emphasised the importance of healthcare in the church’s mission.

Nmadu acknowledged the challenges faced, including recent health crises and the need for a coordinated response.

He expressed gratitude to the church leadership and participants, urging collective effort towards a healthier future for the church and society.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the summit aims to assess the church’s historical contributions to healthcare, develop strategies for improvement, and establish a comprehensive health policy.

News

Group Throws Weight Behind Benin Monarch’s Decision On Iyaloja

Published

14 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

Group known as Edo Art and Cultural Heritage Institute (EACHI) has thrown its weight behind Oba of Benin, Ewuare II, on the royal father’s stance on the traditional leadership of markets in the Benin Kingdom.

A statement isdued by Okpioba Osaro Idemudia, on behalf of the group, said the “institute aligns with the Oba’s stance that the Iye-Eki is the only recognized traditional head of the markets, and we believe that this position should be respected and preserved in accordance with our cultural heritage.

“EACHI stands firm on the ground that the Iye-Eki holds a significant and revered position in the Benin Kingdom, serving as the main market traditional head. We believe that any attempts to impose external leadership structures that contradict our cultural norms and traditions would undermine the rich heritage of the Benin people.

“We are proud of our royal rather, for his unwavering commitment to upholding the cultural values and traditions of the Benin Kingdom.

“EACHI reassures the people of Edo State and the broader community that we will continue to support and promote the preservation of our rich cultural heritage.”

The group, while calling on Edo sons and daughters in home and in diaspora to “stand in unity to support our royal father Oba Ewuare II’s disapproval of IYALOJA,” commended
Edo market women for talking a bold stand against the imposition of IYALOJA

News

JUST IN: Tinubu’s Minister Resigns Amid Allegations

Published

15 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Geoffrey Nnaji, has resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet amid controversies surrounding his academic records and allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, who was appointed in August 2023, announced his resignation in a letter to the President on Tuesday, expressing appreciation for the opportunity to serve.

Confirming the development in a statement on Tuesday, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has accepted the resignation of Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, the Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, following some allegations against him. President Tinubu appointed Nnaji in August 2023.

“He resigned today in a letter thanking the President for allowing him to serve Nigeria. Nnaji said he has been a target of blackmail by political opponents. President Tinubu thanked him for his service and wished him well in future endeavours.”

Nnaji’s resignation comes amid a lingering controversy over alleged certificate forgery and questions surrounding his academic qualifications from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji and the Enugu State Government had traded words over allegations that he presented forged certificates.

The dispute intensified after the Federal High Court in Enugu rejected Nnaji’s bid to stop the University of Nigeria from releasing his academic records.

The court had ruled that the institution was within its rights to release the minister’s academic details in response to a freedom of information request, a decision that fuelled further public scrutiny.

Nnaji, however, maintained that he was being blackmailed by political opponents determined to tarnish his reputation.

News

UNIBEN Bans Students’ Sign-out Celebration

Published

15 hours ago

October 7, 2025

Editor

The University of Benin (UNIBEN) has prohibited all forms of sign-out celebrations by graduating students.

The ban is contained in a circular by the university’s Registrar, Mr Ademola Bobola, on Tuesday in Benin.

In the circular addressed to members of the university community, the management warned that violators risk severe disciplinary actions, including rustication, expulsion, or withdrawal of certificate.

Bobola said the decision was reached at a meeting on Monday, where it reaffirmed an earlier resolution of the university’s Senate banning such activities on campus.

“The management declared that no sign-out celebration of any kind, including signing on T-shirts and playing of music, will be tolerated,” he said.

He stated that the university would not condone any form of disorderly conduct or unauthorised gathering during or after examinations.

“Indiscriminate parading around the campuses in any brand of vehicle will not be permitted,” the circular warned.

According to him, unauthorised vehicles will not be allowed into the campuses all through the last week of the second semester examination.

“The management also prohibited large gatherings around faculties, schools, or institutes after examinations.

“Photographers will not be permitted to put up photo stands or galleries for the purpose of such celebration,” he said.

He said the management equally cautioned parents and guardians of final-year students against visiting campus premises during the final days of examinations.

“Parents and guardians of final-year students are advised to stay away from the Faculty, School, or Institute premises, especially on the last day of examination,” he said.

Bobola emphasised that the university’s stance was aimed at maintaining order, discipline, and academic decorum on campus.

“Members of the university community are kindly invited to note the above position for strict compliance.

“Any violation will attract severe disciplinary sanctions, including withdrawal of certificate, rustication, and expulsion of violators,” he warned.