Folarin Kehinde

…. urges govt to create more neuro rehabilitation center

The Spine and Brain Foundation Africa has solicited for more funds to project public awareness and education against cases of spinal cord and brain injury due to road accidents.

The Founder and Executive Director Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa while speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the National Brain and Spine Injury Conference 2023 stated that the
the dream of comprehensive intervention and funding appears distant, and those affected find themselves grappling with neglect in the broader healthcare discourse.

Okwuolisa noted that the suffering of survival serves as a testament to the life-altering nature of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries—not just for the survivors alone but for their families and the communities that bear Witness to their struggles, hence the need for more funding.

She explained that Brain and spinal cord injuries are not mere statistics but they are profound disruptions to lives, families, and communities in which behind each incident is & narrative of pain, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit and as such the need to find innovative solutions, foster awareness, and fortify their emergency response mechanisms.

“We also aim to enhance the effectiveness of our emergency rescue systems, recognizing the profound truth that in the realm of brain injuries, every passing minute can reshape a life.

“Urgently, we call for funds to amplify public awareness and education. Collaborations and training programs must be prioritized as we work towards a future where the prevention of these injuries becomes second nature.

“Our motivation extends beyond the present generation; we undertake this responsibility for our future generations because, in the unpredictable course of life, nobody is immune from its events.”

Similarly, Okwuolisa lamented the few numbers of neuro rehabilitation centres and mass exodus neurological professionals but urged the government to create more neuro centers and improve the welfare of neuro professionals to cater for victims of brain and spine injury.

“We need a comprehensive neuro rehab center in Nigeria, everyday 24 people die from road accident according to data from the FRSC and 34 million sustain brain injury but the only way to reduce it is to continue to educate people because the only key to preventing road accident is through education and sensitization.

“Let us not forget the harsh reality that our country faces a scarcity of neuro professionals. The current harsh economic conditions have triggered a mass exodus of medical professionals to nations where their welfare is prioritized.

“This mass departure accentuates the critical need for the prevention of neurological emergencies, especially considering the inadequacy of our primary healthcare to stabilize patients and transport them to facilities equipped to manage such cases.”

She however appeal to all Nigerians to take preventive measures always especially to avoid road crashes which is the only antidote to being a victim of brain and spine injury.

Corp Marshal, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Dauda Ali represented by the Corps Medical Officer, Dr Davidson Okuobeya stated that due to the large population of Nigerians and soaring number of road crashes, the FRSC need a staff capacity of 500,000 to respond adequately to road crashes.

Biu assured that with collaboration with other sister agencies, ambulances manned by trained paramedics from FRSC will soon be made available nationwide to respond cases of road crashes and reduce the cases of brain and spine injury.

A branch of the Celestial Church of Christ in Lagos State has come under fire for inviting Fuji singer, Pasuma, and street-hop artiste, Portable, to its praise night event.

The flyer for the event was posted on the church’s Facebook page on Wednesday, and netizens took to the comment section to slam the church for inviting secular artistes to its event.

A Facebook user, Bolanle Bamidele Adewuyi, wrote, “This is disheartening… Is this what you turn the Church of God to? It’s hilarious.”

Another commenter, Festus Olanrewaji Ojo wrote, “This is a shame! Shame and a very big shame.”

“This is totally nonsense,” BU KO LA commented.

Ayo Ife wrote, “The artists are not complete yet Una for kuku add Naira Marley so that the soul winning can be complete!”

Edafe Oghenebrume said, “This is a sacrilege in the Celestial Church of Christ. It is disheartening, pathetic, shameful and disgraceful. I wonder about the spiritual orientation of your Shepherd-In-Charge and the congregation.”

Becky Wunmi Hassan Ayoade added, “There is nothing they will not turn celestial church to.”

However, some netizens noted that they would be present for the event.

Abike Ade said, “I will surely be there.”

Another Facebook user, Abike Garment, wrote, “I must be there make I come dance away my sorrow.”

President Bola Tinubu has presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, urging lawmakers to expedite its passage by January 1, 2024, to ensure the smooth functioning of his administration.

Themed “Budget of Renewed Hope,” the 2024 budget prioritizes human capital development, poverty reduction, and internal security reforms.

In his address to a joint session of the National Assembly, Tinubu emphasized the importance of timely budget passage, stating, “I urge the National Assembly to ensure the passage of this budget by January 1, 2024, to enable our government to function properly and deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.”

The president noted that the 2024 budget proposal allocates significant resources to education, healthcare, and social protection programmes with the aim of addressing the challenges of poverty and inequality that hinder Nigeria’s progress.

President Tinubu also highlighted the need to strengthen the country’s internal security architecture to confront the security threats that have plagued the nation over the years.

Present during the budget presentation were Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganjude; amongst others.

President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, November 29, presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion at the National Assembly.

The appropriation bill which was christened the “Budget of Renewed Hope” was presented before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives

Details to come……

President Bola Tinubu today presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, outlining his administration’s priorities for the upcoming fiscal year.

Themed “Budget of Renewed Hope,” the proposed budget focuses on national security, job creation, economic stability, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security.

Addressing the joint session, President Tinubu said the nation’s internal security architecture will be overhauled to enhance law enforcement capabilities with a view to safeguarding lives, property, and investments across the country.

He said the proposed budget prioritizes human capital development, with particular attention given to children, because human capital remains the most critical resource for national development.

“To improve the effectiveness of our budget performance, the government will focus on ensuring value for money, greater transparency, and accountability. In this regard, we will work more closely with development partners and the private sector.

“To address long-standing issues in the education sector, a more sustainable model of funding tertiary education will be implemented, including the Student Loan Scheme scheduled to become operational by January 2024,” the President affirmed.

Speaking on the economy, President Tinubu said a stable macro-economic environment is crucial in his administration’s bid to catalyze private investment and accelerate economic growth; hence, his government shall continue to implement business and investment friendly measures for sustainable growth.

“We expect the economy to grow by a minimum of 3.76 percent, above the forecasted world average. Inflation is expected to moderate to 21.4 percent in 2024. In preparing the 2024 Budget, our primary objective has been to sustain our robust foundation for sustainable economic development. A critical focus of this budget and the medium-term expenditure framework is Nigeria’s commitment to a greener future.

“Emphasizing public-private partnerships, we have strategically made provisions to leverage private capital for big-ticket infrastructure projects in energy, transportation, and other sectors. This marks a critical step towards diversifying our energy mix, enhancing efficiency, and fostering the development of renewable energy sources. By allocating resources to support innovative and environmentally conscious initiatives, we aim to position Nigeria as a regional leader in the global movement towards clean and sustainable energy.

“As we approach the COP28 climate summit, a pivotal moment for global climate action, I have directed relevant government agencies to diligently work towards securing substantial funding commitments that will bolster Nigeria’s energy transition. It is imperative that we seize this opportunity to attract international partnerships and investments that align with our national goals. I call upon our representatives to engage proactively to showcase the strides we have made in the quest to create an enabling environment for sustainable energy projects.

“Together, we will strive for Nigeria to emerge from COP28 with tangible commitments, reinforcing our dedication to a future where energy is not only a catalyst for development but also a driver of environmental stewardship,” he said.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that both old and new naira notes will remain legal tenders.

The court ordered that the old N200, N500, and N1000 notes continue to co-exist till further notice.

The apex court ruled that the old and new notes remain in use until the Federal Government puts a process in place for its replacement or redesign after due consultation with relevant stakeholders.

Details later…

…….. receives father’s blessings

Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, the son of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has unveiled his own ministry.

Isaac disclosed this when he shared a YouTube video titled “Unveiling of the Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries” on his X account on Tuesday, November 28.

In the YouTube video, Bishop Oyedepo, not only ministered but also prayed for Isaac and his wife, Ayomitide, as they both knelt.

Bishop Oyedepo was heard saying in part, “As hands are laid on you, I pray for unusual grace for sustainable connectivity that will keep you going without sweat.

“I pray that impact will be your goal not good preaching but great impact and I pray that your life will interpret your message in the name of Jesus.

“As you step into this new phase of your assignment, may you be clothed with humility. I have never begged, yet I have never lacked, I have never borrowed yet I have never lack.”

The younger Oyedepo had in October clarified that there were no complications in his relationship with his family, particularly his father, and he remained a steadfast member of the Living Faith Church.

Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara has been warned to prepare for a tough battle ahead, following his face-off with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.

The warning came from the Spiritual Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, who said that Fubara’s second-term ambition will be “tough” and that he will face similar challenges to those faced by former Lagos State Governor Akinwummi Ambode.

Ayodele urged Fubara to seek God’s help, as only he can change Wike’s mind and ensure that Fubara is not impeached. He also warned the governor to be careful of moles in his camp who are working to remove him from office.

According to Ayodele, “He will still face impeachment, but I see him surviving it. The house will continue to be troubled. They will make him uncomfortable and make his first term miserable, but he will survive it if he turns to God for help.”

“There is no amount of what he does; it is only God that can fight for him. There will be so many moles in his camp. It’s unfortunate that this is happening at a time when Fubara is willing to work.

“They won’t appreciate his efforts and they will want to mess him up. Those who are against his governorship will also add to it. The governor must be careful, put his security together and be very prayerful,” he added.

The rift between Wike and Fubara began less than six months after Fubara took office. Wike’s loyalists in the Rivers House of Assembly moved to impeach Fubara, but the governor vowed to resist such a move.

Last week, Wike accused Fubara of burning down the state House of Assembly and described the governor as an ingrate.

The federal government has ordered airline companies in the country to pay travellers compensation for delayed and cancelled flights.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made the declaration during a meeting with the heads of agencies under the ministry

Keyamo insisted that defaulting airlines must pay compensations for flight cancelations and delays.

“We are not deaf to the cries of Nigerians about delays and canceled flights. The law is there and we are looking at how to enforce those laws for compensation of Nigerians who bear the brunt of cancellation of flights and disrupting the activities,” Keyamo said.

“The process of grounding the airline or taking the airlines to court will create more problems.

“So if the reason for the delay and cancellation of flight is their fault they must pay compensation. And what I am suggesting is that if they don’t get cash back they must get some rebate when they buy next ticket.

“I have set up a committee to look into it such that they can generate a code that they can use when they want to purchase the next ticket.

“We are concerned about the passenger satisfaction and the safety of the air travelers,” he added.

Keyamo directed the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority to prepare a weekly catalogue of cancelled flights.

He also directed the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau to conclude all incidents of air accidents and mishaps in the next 10 days.

He said: “For the recent incidents that happened recently, some minor, and others classified as serious incidents although there were no fatalities.

“The NSIB is investigating these incidents and I have directed them that within 10 days from today they must submit their report of the incidents and what actually transpired.”