News

Zulum approves N1.3b scholarship for 997 nursing, midwifery students, disburses N201m bursary allowance to 2,010 students

Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved N1.3 billion scholarship for 997 nursing and midwifery students who are indigenes of the state.

The scholarship programme received about 1,080 nominations, 40 from each of the 27 local government areas of the state. However, after an entrance examination, 997 passed and qualified to benefit from the scholarship.

The governor launched the scholarship programme on Wednesday at the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri.

Zulum noted that with the scholarship, the beneficiaries would, on graduation, bridge the workforce demands in the state’s healthcare service delivery due to the increasing population growth.

He said: “The government has allocated a total of ₦1,305,189,000 for scholarships, with a breakdown of ₦124,149,000 earmarked for tuition fees.

“The remaining ₦1,181,040,000 will be disbursed as a monthly stipend of ₦30,000 to each beneficiary throughout their studies.”

Governor Zulum further stated that his administration was constructing two colleges of nursing, one in the northern part of the state and the other one in the southern part.

The governor assured that the two colleges would be completed and opened for academic activities this year.

Highlighting the government’s efforts, the Commissioner for Education, Engr Lawan Abba Wakilbe, disclosed that from May 29, 2019 to date, Zulum’s administration had approved over N6 billion for scholarship with N2.7 billion of that amount approved from May 29, 2023 to date.

Meanwhile, Governor Zulum has awarded N201 million bursary allowance to 2,010 students of the Maiduguri College of Nursing who had not benefited from the scholarship.

The governor directed that each of the 2,010 nursing and midwifery students be credited with the bursary allowance of N100,000.

Zulum also commissioned a lecture theatre complex and a 3,000 people-capacity multipurpose hall for the College of Nursing and Midwifery, Maiduguri.

The governor also announced automatic employment for the 997 beneficiaries and other nursing students who had excelled academically, on completion of their studies.

The Nursing Council of Nigeria (NCN) has commended Borno State Governor.Babagana Umara Zulum for his commitment to improving nursing practice in Borno, noting that the scholarship awarded by the governor on Wednesday was the first of its kind and so far the largest in Nigeria.

The Registrar of the Council, Dr Farouk Umar Abubakar, who was represented by the Director of Standard and Accreditation, Alhassan Ndagi, gave the commendation while delivering a goodwill message at the flag-off of the N1.3 billion scholarship for nursing and midwifery students in Maiduguri.

The register applauded the performance of the nursing students from Borno, stating that every year at the national examinations, students from Borno score more than 90 percent.

News

16 travellers die in Enugu road accident

Six travellers have died in a lone fatal motor accident that occurred at Ekwegbe, along Enugu/Opi/Nsukka Road, in Enugu state on Tuesday, April 30.

The accident claimed the lives of yet-to-be-identified fourteen males (14) and two (2) females who burned beyond recognition.

The accident involved an 18-seater white-coloured Toyota Hummer bus with a Bauchi State commercial registration number DAS 215 XA and the inscription “Masha Allah.”

The bus which was said to have been driven at high speed, lost control and plunged into the fence of Maduka University along the road.

A preliminary investigation by the police revealed that the vehicle unfortunately burst into flames burning beyond recognition, the sixteen (16) deceased individuals, were taken to the hospital and confirmed dead.

However, two (2) other passengers were rescued alive and taken to the hospital for medical attention by police officers, soldiers and public-spirited citizens, who immediately responded to the incident.

The preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle, loaded with edible vegetables, other food items, and the luggage of the passengers, was heading towards Nsukka from the Enugu axis of the road.

However, the actual point of take-off and final destination of the vehicle have not been ascertained. Nonetheless, the items have been recovered by the Igbo-Etiti Police Division.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the command, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, in the company of officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps, has visited the scene to assess the situation. Uzuegbu described the accident and the carnage therein as sad, commiserating with the yet-to-be-traced family members, friends, and associates of the deceased.

News

May Day: Gov Bago felicitates workers, organized labour

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has felicitated all workers and organized labour in the state as they join their counterparts across the country to mark this year’s Workers’ Day.

In a congratulatory message by his Chief Press Secretary Bologi Ibrahim, the Governor applauded the organized labour officials and the entire workers in the state for their resilience and understanding in the face of the harsh economy and security challenges bedevilling the state.

While acknowledging the significant role of workers in nation-building, the Governor described Civil Servants as pivotal to policy implementation of any administration.

He stated that a vibrant workforce is essential and critical to achieving good governance.

Governor Umaru Bago thereby expressed the determination of his administration to continue to evolve strategies to make the civil service more efficient and effective in service delivery.

On the new minimum wage and other welfare of workers, the Governor assured them of his commitment, stressing that the provision of a conducive working environment for better performance would not be compromised.

Governor Bago also reminded the workers of the need to ensure professionalism and keep to the ethics of the civil service, even as they remain focused, dedicated and committed to the discharge of their duties.

News

First lady, Remi Tinubu felicitates workers on May day

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu felicitated Nigerian workers, emphasising the importance of reflecting on ways to enhance productivity within the workforce.

In a statement personally signed and shared with the press, Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude for the invaluable contributions of workers to the nation’s progress.

Acknowledging the dedication, resilience, and innovation exemplified by the nation’s workforce, Mrs Tinubu paid tribute to various professionals, including teachers, farmers, healthcare workers, engineers, and countless others who contribute their skills and efforts to the advancement of Nigeria.

She urged for a moment of introspection on Labour Day, encouraging workers to not only celebrate their contributions but also contemplate strategies to become more efficient and effective in their roles.

“I acknowledge the immense contributions of our nation’s workforce, which is renowned for its dedication, resilience, and innovation.

“I, therefore, salute the teachers who nurture young minds, the farmers who cultivate our land, the doctors and nurses who safeguard our health, the engineers who build our infrastructure, and countless others who dedicate their skills and energy to building a better Nigeria.

“Today, let us not only celebrate work but also reflect on how we can be a better and more productive workforce.

“On this Workers’ Day, I celebrate the spirit of work with pride. May it continue to be a source of strength, prosperity, and national progress for Nigeria,” she said.