By Veronica Dariya

Some residents of Bwari Area Council of the FCT, have decried their inability to access primary healthcare services, following a three-month strike by the council workers.

The residents, in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), appealed to the FCT administration and the council chairmen to put an end to the lingering action.

NAN reports that the joint unions of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in March, directed its workers across the six area councils to embark on “sit-at-home”.

The action was to demand the implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage and other entitlements by the area council administrators.

The strike has resulted in the closure of primary healthcare centres and schools, significantly impacting access to essential services.

Mrs Liyatu Adamu, a resident, said that the situation has not only left residents stranded and faced with significant economic difficulties but also hindered them from accessing proper medical assistance.

“My two children have been ill for over two weeks now. Usually, I would have rushed them to the Primary Health Centre (PHC) in our area for treatment but with the strike, that is not possible.

“We cannot afford to go to big hospitals or the private ones because we have no money and cannot afford their services; now we are left with Over the Counter (OTC) treatment at pharmacies.

“The OTC is not cheap either,” Adamu said.

She appealed to the FCT and the council administrations to make efforts to settle the workers and prevent the residents from the negative impact of the industrial action.

Similarly, Mr Luka Ango, another resident and civil servant, said the action by the healthcare workers and other public workers in the council had affected the community significantly.

According to him, the disruption of essential health services to residents has a significant impact on the local community and it can lead to a high rate of mortality.

He added that the strike has left many families spending more to access healthcare services in the city centre.

He said: “You can see that getting treatments for common illnesses have become difficult, even maternal and child health services like antenatal care, immunisations and deliveries have been suspended.

“This is not good at all. I know that the workers are fighting for their rights, therefore, governments should do the needful so that our communities do not continue to suffer the negative impacts.”

Another resident, Mrs Ruth Aboyi, a teacher, described the situation as unfortunate and disheartening.

She said that the action has left those suffering from chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension helpless and may worsen their condition if not properly managed.

“Patients with urgent medical needs may not receive timely care, resulting in avoidable deaths or complications.

“It has interrupted medication schedules that can lead to disease outbreaks or worsening conditions. So, they should please, consider all these and resolve the issues,” she said.

Aboyi added that nearby secondary hospitals have become overwhelmed by patients adding that remote communities without alternatives have become vulnerable.

On his part, Mr Emmanuel Ishaku, NULGE Chairman, Bwari, told NAN that no positive resolve had been reached even after several meetings with stakeholders.

He, however, stated that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), FCT Chapter, had taken over the matter and written to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, giving him a seven-day ultimatum to resolve the matter.

He said, if nothing positive comes out within the time range, the union will not hesitate to picket the FCT Minister’s Office as soon as they are directed by its leadership. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Rotimi Ijikanmi

By Alex Enebeli

The Enugu East Council Chairman, Mr Beloved-Dan Anike, on Saturday inaugurated the Enugu East Land Mediation Centre, a move to foster peace and development within communities and address land issues.

Signing the bill into law during a ceremony attended by dignitaries and local officials in the council headquarters in Nkwo Nike, Anike said, “The establishment of this centre is crucial, especially given the rising significance of land as a vital asset globally.

“With the influx of residents and investors into our urban area, we have seen a corresponding increase in land disputes that often escalate into lengthy court battles”.

According to him, the centre aims to provide an Alternative Dispute Resolution platform, allowing individuals to address land-related issues amicably without the need for court intervention.

“I am optimistic that this centre will significantly reduce land disputes, conserve our resources, and foster better relationships among our community members,” Anike added.

He, however, extended an open invitation to anyone experiencing land disputes to approach the centre for assistance, assuring them of a peaceful resolution process that would safeguard their investments.

He stressed that the centre would mark a turning point in the management of land disputes, ultimately contributing to a more peaceful and prosperous council area.

In a remark, Justice Okey Anike of the Enugu State High Court, praised the initiative, stating that the mediation centre would serve as a beacon of hope for many who have felt trapped in protracted disputes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Enugu East Local Government Area is one of the urban councils in the state and has witnessed numerous land disputes due to its location. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

By Kazeem Akande

Ayobo Ipaja Local Council Development Area (LCDA), on Monday empowered 1000 traders, artisans and other residents with N100million.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)reports that beneficiaries were given N100,000 cash grant each, to support their businesses.

Speaking at the empowerment programme held at the council secretariat, Chairman of the LCDA, Mr Ladi Oluwaloni, said that his administration was committed to fostering economic prosperity and uplifting lives in the council area.

“Today we are here to launch Ajumose Season 1, the Growth Together Entrepreneur Empowerment Grant.

“This is not merely an event; it is a bold declaration of our administration’s unshakable commitment to fostering economic prosperity, uplifting lives, and building a vibrant, inclusive Ayobo-Ipaja LCDA.

“Today, we take a historic step by empowering over 1,000 hardworking entrepreneurs across our wards with non-repayable grants to strengthen and expand their businesses.

“These grants are more than financial support;they are a testament to our belief in your ingenuity, resilience, and determination.

“They are seeds of opportunity, planted to cultivate a harvest of sustainable livelihoods, job creation, and community progress,” he said.

He said the beneficiaries included tradesmen and artisans, members of transport unions, Community Development Association officials and others.

The chairman said the empowerment was informed by the council’s belief that small and medium-scale enterprises are the soul of any thriving economy and community.

He said the grants would promote, innovation, create employment, and break the chains of poverty in the area.

“We are nurturing a culture of enterprise, paving the way for financial independence, and ensuring that every citizen has a stake in our collective growth.

“This is not just a programme; it is a movement to transform lives and re-write the economic story of Ayobo-Ipaja,” the chairman said.

Speaking, a traditional ruler, Oba Ahmed Orelope-Laka, Elegbeda of Egbeda, thanked the council boss for his development initiatives.

He said Oluwaloni had impacted many lives since he assumed as chairman of the council a few months ago.

“Let me also say here categorically that this type of empowerment is new to me in this Ayobo/Ipaja Community.

“This is first of its kind for a chairman to empower the residents with this huge amount of money to support businesses.

“We really appreciate this gesture by the LCDA chairman and I have no doubt that this will go a long way in supporting businesses,” he said.

Mr Wole Aina, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Chairman in the LCDA, also commended the council chairman for impacting lives in the area.

“This is the first time this large number of people are benefitting from an empowerment programme.

“Let us support the chairman and participate actively in the coming local government elections to bring about more development.

“The primary election is approaching, let us imbibe the spirit of sportsmanship, no matter the outcome.

“At the same time, we appeal to you to use these grants for your businesses and not for unimportant things,” he said.

Mrs Taibat Awosika, one of the beneficiaries, thanked the council chairman, saying the money would go a long way to grow her trade.

Awosika added the N100,000 would be used to stock her shop with goods. (NAN)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

By Thompson Yamput

The sons and daughters of Yagbaland in Kogi, under the aegis of ‘Apapo Omo Yagba Organisation’ has tasked their community on unity and peaceful coexistence to ensure meaningful development.

The group made the call in a communique signed by, Mr Ayodele Osasona and Mr Philip Orebiyi, Chairman and Secretary respectively, on Sunday after its 2025 Unity Summit held in Mopa, Kogi.

The summit had the theme:”Unity in Diversity: Building a Brighter Future for Yagbaland”.

According to the communique, the summit aimed to discuss the challenges facing the Yagba people and propose solutions.

“Our unity is non-negotiable and must be prioritised to overcome challenges, boost our economic fortunes and achieve the desired development,” it stated.

It noted the terrible state of Federal Roads in Yagba land, which they said was no longer acceptable.

“All elected and appointed political office holders in conjunction with Yagba sons and daughters with capacity should immediately interface with relevant agencies of governments to ensure that our roads are fixed.

“All Local Government Chairmen and Royal Fathers should interface with Gov. Ahmed Ododo to provide more funds to local councils to address security issues and encourage investment in Yagbaland,” it added.

The communique urged the local government chairmen to keep the peace by ensuring that local securities collaborate with conventional security agencies to fight insecurity.

It added that regular town hall meetings should be organised as a way forward.

“Strengthening the security system is crucial due to the security challenges posed by mineral resource exploration going on in our land.

“For infrastructural development, we strongly call for the establishment of federal institutions, such as universities and polytechnics, in Yagbaland,” it read.

The communique also highlighted the need to prioritise quality education and healthcare services in order to enhance the lives of Yagba people.

On security funding, the communique advocated for the creation of a separate account for security trust funds with a strategy put in place to make the collection and spending of such funds transparent.

It also said that regular town hall meetings should be organised to engage political office holders and get feedback from the electorate.

“A lobbyist committee should also be constituted to identify opportunities for development and create employment opportunities for youths,” it added.
(NAN)(www.nannnews.ng)

Edited by Edith Bolokor/Isaac Ukpoju