This call was made during his remarks at the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024, held at the Headquarters of the 8 Division, where a public speaking engagement took place with students of Sani Dinyadi Unity Secondary School in Sokoto.

The event, conducted on July 2nd across selected schools nationwide, aimed to inspire and educate students about the various opportunities within the Army, emphasizing its positive contributions and achievements.

Lagbaja, represented by Colonel Aliyu Musa, Acting Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Workshop, stated, “This engagement is part of the Army’s initiatives to create unique opportunities for students to interact with Nigerian Army personnel. It aims to foster positive perceptions of the Army among younger generations, encouraging them to consider joining this noble profession.”

He highlighted that the Nigerian Army provides substantial opportunities for individuals to achieve their life goals, extending beyond combat roles.

The various services and roles played by different Corps within the Army were also discussed, showcasing how they contribute to society.

Students were provided with insights on topics including the selection and recruitment process, the requirements for joining the Army, and awareness on the dangers of drug abuse.

They were also informed about the numerous life-enhancing benefits available to Army personnel.

The event featured a 20-minute video clip on the evolution, disposition, and prospects of the Nigerian Army, along with the donation of writing materials and souvenirs to the school, and concluded with a group photograph.

Akintunde Sawyerr, Managing Director/CEO of the Nigeria Education Loan Fund announced this during a pre-application sensitisation press conference in Abuja on Monday.

Sawyerr revealed that the first phase of the programme will include students from federal universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and technical colleges.

President Bola Tinubu signed the Student Loans (Access to Higher Education) Act (Repeal and Re-Enactment) Bill, 2024, into law on April 3, following considerations by the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Steps to Apply for the Loan:

1. Visit: www.nelf.gov.ng
2. Click: “Apply Now”
3. Click: “Get Started”
4. Answer: the questions and click “Yes, I am a Nigerian”
5. Verify: your educational information by selecting your school and providing your matric number.
6. Click: “Verify with JAMB” and enter your JAMB details (or NIN if not registered with JAMB).
7. Create an account: with your email, password, and confirm password, then click “Create Account”.
8. Verify email: by clicking the link sent to your email.

How to Complete Your Profile:

1. Login: with your email and password.
2. Click: “Proceed to Contact Details” and update your contact information.
3. Click: “Proceed to Educational Details” and update your higher institution and matric number.
4. Click: “Proceed to Account Details” and verify your BVN by entering your BVN, bank name, and account number.

How to Apply for the Loan:

1. Click: “Request for Student Loan” after logging in.
2. Choose: if you want an upkeep loan or just institutional charges, then click “Continue”.
3. Upload: supporting documents (admission letter required, student ID and institution invoice optional).
4. Agree: to policy and declaration, then click “Continue”.
5. Read: loan overview, agree to Terms & Conditions and GSI Mandate, then click “Submit Application”.
6. Check status: by clicking “Loans” to view your application status.

The detailed step-by-step process aims to ensure easy access to the loan for eligible students, enabling them to pursue higher education without financial burdens.

This call to action was made in a press statement by NHS President, Simeon Isezuo, in commemoration of World Hypertension Day on Friday.

World Hypertension Day, observed every May 17th, aims to raise awareness and promote hypertension prevention, detection, and control.

Hypertension, defined as blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg or higher, often goes unnoticed until it causes serious health issues.

“The aim is to raise awareness and promote the prevention, early detection, and treatment of hypertension. This is particularly significant in Nigeria where one of every three adults has hypertension. Hypertension has no symptoms until serious damage has been done to the body,” Isezuo said.

He highlighted that many Nigerians with hypertension are unaware of their condition, and even those on treatment often fail to achieve normal blood pressure levels due to irregular medication intake.

Hypertension remains the leading cause of stroke, heart failure, chronic kidney disease, and heart attack in Nigeria, affecting people in their economically productive years.

Isezuo pointed out that hypertension was rare among native Africans before Western civilization, suggesting it is preventable.

He attributed the rising burden of hypertension to obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and diets high in salt, fats, and sugar.

“I therefore recommend consumption of traditional African food derived from roots, stem, and leaves, regular exercise, and optimum weight for prevention of hypertension. Unhealthy foods should be taxed to discourage their consumption. Legislation should be enacted to enforce appropriate labels of salt, fat, and sugar contents on food packages.

“I encourage traditional African physically active lifestyles including frequent trekking, gardening, and native African dances. Cycling should also be encouraged as a means of short-distance transport. Vehicle parking space should be located at a fairly far distance from places of work.

“Where prevention of hypertension is not possible or feasible, the emphasis should be on early detection. This requires regular blood pressure checks which is not possible without sustained public enlightenment to improve awareness about hypertension. The critical roles of the media in these regards, especially, in correcting widespread socio-cultural and social media propagated misconceptions about hypertension cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

The President further urged health workers to utilise contacts with patients and clients as opportunities to check blood pressure, irrespective of the reason for the consultations.

“Home blood pressure monitoring should similarly be encouraged. Blood pressure measurement requires appropriate apparatus. I urge the health industries to continue to improve in making this equipment affordable and user-friendly.

“I also encourage governments at all levels and the private sector to develop a policy of rewarding employers with blood pressure apparatus. Friends and relations should develop the habit of using this equipment as favoured gift items.

“I commend the Federal Government, her partners, and the Nigerian Hypertension Society for introducing new initiatives in the control of hypertension. These include, among others, the incorporation of care of hypertension into the primary health care programme, training, and supervision of non-physician health workers, the use of standardised simple treatment protocol, and essential medicine policy in the treatment of hypertension at the primary and secondary health care levels,” he said.

He, however, said the rising cost of medicines for the treatment of hypertension, a long-life disease is a major concern and potential threat to the gains that may be derived from these initiatives.

He urged healthcare providers to cautiously use the most affordable and available effective and safe medicines for the treatment of hypertension.

He also tasked the government to take necessary measures to bring down the prices of medicines.

“In the long term, local manufacturers of medicines should be encouraged and government at all levels should prioritise universal health coverage. I also encourage the private sector, philanthropists, and religious organisations to support the less privileged people in funding their treatment and endow funds for enrolling them into health care insurance schemes.

“Finally, hypertension is an inheritable disease that may affect multiple members of the same family. I therefore advocate that Nigerians should strengthen the traditional African family system in the control of hypertension. These include sharing information about hypertension, promotion of native African diet, and involvement in physical domestic activities instead of living them exclusively for house-helps.

“Where prevention of hypertension is not possible or feasible, the emphasis should be on early detection. This requires regular blood pressure checks which is not possible without sustained public enlightenment to improve awareness about hypertension. The critical roles of the media in these regards, especially, in correcting widespread socio-cultural and social media propagated misconceptions about hypertension cannot be overemphasised,” he stated.

The President further urged health workers to utilise contacts with patients and clients as opportunities to check blood pressure, irrespective of the reason for the consultations.

“Home blood pressure monitoring should similarly be encouraged. Blood pressure measurement requires appropriate apparatus. I urge the health industries to continue to improve in making this equipment affordable and user-friendly.

“I also encourage governments at all levels and the private sector to develop a policy of rewarding employers with blood pressure apparatus. Friends and relations should develop the habit of using this equipment as favoured gift items.

“I commend the Federal Government, her partners, and the Nigerian Hypertension Society for introducing new initiatives in the control of hypertension. These include, among others, the incorporation of care of hypertension into the primary health care programme, training, and supervision of non-physician health workers, the use of standardised simple treatment protocol, and essential medicine policy in the treatment of hypertension at the primary and secondary health care levels,” he said.

He, however, said the rising cost of medicines for the treatment of hypertension, a long-life disease is a major concern and potential threat to the gains that may be derived from these initiatives.

He urged healthcare providers to cautiously use the most affordable and available effective and safe medicines for the treatment of hypertension.

He also tasked the government to take necessary measures to bring down the prices of medicines.

“In the long term, local manufacturers of medicines should be encouraged and government at all levels should prioritise universal health coverage. I also encourage the private sector, philanthropists, and religious organisations to support the less privileged people in funding their treatment and endow funds for enrolling them into health care insurance schemes.

“Finally, hypertension is an inheritable disease that may affect multiple members of the same family. I therefore advocate that Nigerians should strengthen the traditional African family system in the control of hypertension. These include sharing information about hypertension, promotion of native African diet, and involvement in physical domestic activities instead of living them exclusively for house-helps.”

Dr. Iliyasu Gashinbaki, the Pioneer President and Chairman of the Governing Council, announced this during a meeting with the leadership of the National Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Abuja on Tuesday.

The institute will collaborate with IPAC to authenticate documents of aspirants before the primary elections in the 2027 general elections. “Politics is too important to be left in the hands of politicians,” Gashinbaki stated, emphasizing the need to strengthen the electoral management process through the use of forensic tools to prevent electoral fraud and subsequent embarrassment for the country.

Gashinbaki cited the example of Bayelsa, where an elected governor’s election was nullified due to certificate forgery. He stressed the importance of preventing such situations to avoid the decline of governance and the rise of impunity, which has led to multiple coups across Africa.

To address these issues, the institute is setting up two laboratories critical for the 2027 general elections. These labs will ensure that no forged documents, such as NYSC certificates, tax clearance certificates, or academic certificates, are submitted by politicians.

“We’ll work with IPAC to help in authentication of the documents of candidates that would stand elections before the primary elections,” Gashinbaki reiterated.

Alhaji Yusuf Dantalle, Chairman of IPAC and National Chairman of the Allied People’s Movement (APM), supported the initiative, saying, “This partnership, for me and the council, is a welcome development. It must be encouraged and consolidated.”

He expressed hope that Nigerians will agree on the need for a better system and take the necessary steps to address the country’s problems.

After 11 years of tariff stability, the industry is facing significant increases in operational costs and investments in network expansion and upgrades.

In a joint statement from the Association of Licensed Telecom Companies of Nigeria and the Association of Telecom Companies of Nigeria obtained on Thursday, the associations urged the Federal Government to facilitate constructive dialogue with industry stakeholders.

They aim to address pricing challenges and establish a framework that balances consumers’ affordability with operators’ financial viability.

The statement reads, “Despite the adverse economic headwinds, the telecommunications industry remains the only industry yet to review its general service pricing framework upward in the last 11 years, primarily due to regulatory constraints.”

ALTON and ATCON expressed concerns over willful vandalism, theft, and other challenges hindering the sector’s growth.

They called for the protection of assets and network infrastructure, urging the government to pass legislation designating telecommunications infrastructure as critical national infrastructure.

Telecommunications infrastructure plays a pivotal role in Nigeria’s national security and socioeconomic growth. The country faces multiple security challenges that require urgent actions, and attacks on cell towers, fibre optic cables, and other critical assets disrupt telecommunications services, resulting in significant financial losses for operators.

Regarding infrastructure deficits, ALTON and ATCON highlighted challenges such as multiple taxation, prohibitive right-of-way charges, inadequate electric power supply, and vandalism of telecommunications infrastructure.

On regulatory independence, the groups demanded the sustenance of independence in the regulatory landscape to safeguard against undue influence.

They stressed that regulatory neutrality and independence were crucial for a thriving telecommunications sector.

The associations reaffirmed their commitment to working collaboratively with the government to address the challenges facing the telecommunications industry in Nigeria.

The statement concluded, “By fostering a conducive regulatory environment, prioritising infrastructure development, enhancing security measures, and facilitating pricing adjustments, the government can unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s telecommunications sector, driving economic growth and societal development.”

Meanwhile, investments in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector decreased to $134m in 2023 from $456.8m in the corresponding year, representing a decline of approximately 70.5%, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. Experts warn that depleting investments in the sector could challenge telecom companies to maintain or enhance the quality of their services.

The minister stated this in an interview on CTV’s Question Period.

Miller emphasized the need for discussions with provincial governments to address the “disconcerting” volume of international students, stating that the system had become “out of control.”

The move comes after Canada raised the “cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants,” impacting international students, from $10,000 to $20,000 starting January 1, 2024.

Miller acknowledged the criticism faced by the Canadian government for the surge in both permanent and temporary residents amid a housing shortage.

Internal documents obtained by The Canadian Press revealed warnings from public servants two years ago that ambitious immigration targets could jeopardize housing affordability.

The government aims to bring in 485,000 immigrants in 2024, with targets of 500,000 in 2025 and 2026.

Miller indicated that a potential cap on international students would be explored in the first and second quarters of the year to address housing demand.

He emphasized the need for federal-level discussions before delving into specifics at the provincial level and considering the impact on academic institutions profiting from increased international student enrollments.

While housing is a concern, Miller highlighted that a cap on international students wouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all solution and that workforce demographics, particularly reducing the average age, must also be considered.

The federal government is actively considering a cap on international students, with discussions ongoing around negotiating tables with provincial counterparts and taking into account the financial needs of academic institutions.

Speaking during the combined convocation ceremony of the Federal Polytechnic, Oko, Anambra State, Tinubu urged graduates in technical and technological fields to ensure that Nigeria keeps pace with global technological advancements.

The 19th convocation of the institution celebrated graduates spanning the academic sessions from 2010–2011 to 2020–2021.

Tinubu highlighted the transformative impact of science and technology on the labor market, with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence as a global player presenting new challenges.

In his address, “We live in the era of Science and Technology. With technical revolution and innovations in science and technology, labour-market needs have significantly evolved.

“Artificial Intelligence has emerged as a new global player and has thrown up new challenges. As a nation we must ensure our relevance in the global landscape and set the stage for long term progress and prosperity. We cannot afford to lag behind in the global technological development.

“I therefore call on you as graduates in technical and technological field to rise up to the challenge.”

He noted that the Nigerian government is not relenting in developing the science and technology base of the nation.

“As a government, we are aware of the role and impact of quality education with respect to science and technological development.

“It can never be overstated that education is the key to this. This informed governments unwavering commitment to the educational growth of our nation. Government has made giant strides in the funding of education and will continue to do so,” the President added.

Earlier, the Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr Francisca Nwafulugo, had enumerated some of the challenges facing the institution.

The report highlighted that the removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates had intensified the cost of living pressures, leading to an increase in the number of Nigerians living in poverty.

Despite acknowledging the Federal Government’s “bold reforms” as necessary to rescue Nigeria from a fiscal cliff, the World Bank noted that the current hardships were temporary.

The report emphasized that Nigeria is on the path to recovery but not yet out of the woods due to ongoing policies implemented by both fiscal and monetary authorities.

The World Bank urged the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to publicly disclose its statement of accounts and transparently reveal its revenue inflows.

The report specifically called for detailed financial statements and revenue flows from NPPC to safeguard fiscal savings from subsidy reform and ensure that oil revenues contribute to the Federation Account.

Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, highlighted that between N300 billion and N400 billion were spent monthly on fuel subsidy.

He expressed the expectation that NNPCL should have been contributing such amounts to the Federation Account, which has not been the case.

Chaudhuri emphasized that the petrol subsidy and forex management reforms are crucial steps in improving Nigeria’s economic outlook, calling for coordinated fiscal and monetary policy actions in the short to medium term.

The statement, released on Thursday, specified that the new financial requirement will be implemented starting January 1, 2024.

“Starting January 1, 2024, the cost-of-living financial requirement for study permit applicants will be raised so that international students are financially prepared for life in Canada.

For 2024, a single applicant will need to show they have $20,635, representing 75% of LICO, in addition to their first year of tuition and travel costs.

“This change will apply to new study permit applications received on or after January 1, 2024,” the statement reads in part.

For close to two decades, study permit applicants for international students have remained at $10,000.

This review, which takes effect from January 1, “will help prevent student vulnerability and exploitation,” the statement added.

This endorsement came as a response to the launch of the Niger State Government’s green economy blueprint during the state’s inaugural green economy summit, hosted by Governor Mohammed Bago.

Mohammed highlighted the significance of the summit, asserting that it should serve as a pivotal moment not only for Nigeria but also for Africa as a whole.

The continent is grappling with shared challenges such as escalating living costs, food insecurity, and the effects of climate change.

The Deputy Secretary-General stressed that the days of relying on oil-based energy growth are numbered, urging Nigeria to break its dependence on fossil fuels and pave a new way forward by investing in the transition to clean energy derived from renewable sources.

Mohammed underlined Niger State’s potential to blaze a trail in this direction, emphasizing that investing in the green economy would unlock a wave of human and sustainable development.

While commending the Niger State Government for the green economy initiative, she said, “These challenges have no boundaries and have numerous cross generational impacts. So as we examine opportunities to build green economic pathways, we need to keep in mind that most of the world’s natural resources are in Africa. And in Niger State, you are blessed with an abundance of mineral resources. Niger is uniquely positioned to be one of the first movers to engaging green growth and to become a leader by investing in energy.

“But these must include bold investments into the state’s strongest assets, which are its people. People are not just the key target of development, they are also the agents of its change.

“Dear friends, this would require leadership, commitment and partnership to identify integrated solutions that respond to the complex issues. Allow me to focus on one area. Energy.

“The days of oil driven energy growth are numbered. While our global progress on meeting the climate emergency is still too slow, the direction of travel is unambiguous. There is no long-term future for oil.

“Globally we need to end our addiction to fossil fuels, while building baseload and expanding access to reliable, clean and affordable energy for everyone. In Nigeria we face a situation where 36 percent of households do not have access to the electricity grid and where we remain almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for electricity generation.

“Nigeria must set a shift and chart a new way forward that leaves no one behind by investing in the transition to clean energy from renewable sources. Niger has the potential to be the trailblazer on this path. Investing in the green economy would unleash the next great wave of human and sustainable development, particularly for our youths,” she said.

According to her, together, Nigeria has a unique opportunity to make progress and crucial contributions to the sustainable development goals and agenda 2063.

“Let’s continue this journey together to ensure that people, especially women and planets thrive, building a just and sustainable and resilient world that leaves no one behind. Let us take that journey together,” she said.