Tag Archives: Health

Defence Ministry Permanent Secretary Applauds MoD-HIP on HIV/AIDS, COVID-19 Response, Pledges Stronger Support

The Permanent Secretary of Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence, Mr. Richard Pheelangwah, has lauded the leadership and staff of the Ministry of Defence Health Implementation Programme (MoD-HIP) for their sustained dedication and professionalism in combating HIV/AIDS and other public health challenges, particularly among Armed Forces families.

Pheelangwah gave the commendation during a familiarisation visit to the Programme Office in Abuja, where he underscored the critical role of family health in enhancing the operational effectiveness of the military.

He noted that the well-being of Armed Forces families remains a strategic priority, adding that a healthy support system directly contributes to improved performance and readiness within the military.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening the governance framework of the MoD’s health initiatives to ensure effective implementation and scalability, with the potential to extend benefits beyond military communities to the wider Nigerian population.

While acknowledging the Programme’s remarkable progress within a relatively short period, he urged the management to deepen strategic partnerships and prioritise investment in digital health solutions to further improve service delivery.

In his remarks, the Director-General of MoD-HIP, Brigadier-General Babatunde Solebo, described the visit as a demonstration of purposeful leadership, noting that the Programme was honoured to receive the Permanent Secretary.

Solebo, who earlier presented an overview of the Programme’s activities, explained that MoD-HIP operates across 18 states, including the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on public health preparedness. He stated that while the Programme initially targeted HIV/AIDS interventions, its scope has expanded to include COVID-19 response and mental health care services.

He added that MoD-HIP is also actively engaged in research and maintains strategic collaborations with key institutions, including the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), the Nigeria Customs Service, and the United States Embassy, among others.

The Director-General further highlighted the Programme’s role in preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS, as well as its support initiatives for vulnerable children, particularly within military families, through scholarships and skill acquisition programmes.

To enhance sustainability, Solebo identified key priorities such as the absorption of 300 Health Implementation staff, the establishment of a stable budgetary framework, infrastructural upgrades, and the creation of an Armed Forces College of Medicine.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Country Director of the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research Africa (WRAIR-Africa Nigeria), Mrs. Helina Meri, commended the strong collaboration between the United States and MoD-HIP. She noted that the partnership spans both administrative and technical domains, contributing significantly to the success of the Programme.

The event was attended by directors from the Ministry of Defence, officials of MoD-HIP headquarters, and other staff members.

CP Martins Nwogoh Extends Season’s Greetings As Police Airwing Reassures Nigerians of Yuletide Surveillance, Pledges Professional Policing

The Commissioner of Police, Police Airwing Department, CP Martins Nwogoh fdc, psc, mnips, has extended warm Yuletide goodwill to Nigerians while assuring the public of continued professional, intelligence-driven and rights-compliant policing throughout the festive season and beyond.

In a press release signed by the Police Liaison Officer to the Commissioner of Police Airwing, DSP Usman Elizabeth, on December 24, 2025, the Police Airwing Department said it was fully committed to safeguarding lives and property during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

According to the statement, “The Police Airwing Department, under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, CP Martins Nwogoh, extend warm compliments of the season to the good people of Nigeria as the Yuletide festivities are celebrated.”

The release disclosed that the Airwing had intensified its operational readiness in line with the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM, as conveyed through NIGPOL DOPS. It stated that the directive had been fully complied with through strategic deployment of aerial assets.

“In compliance with the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun PhD, NPM, directive as conveyed through NIGPOL DOPS, the Commissioner of Police, Airwing has successfully deployed helicopters for aerial surveillance and security operations during the Christmas and New Year festive period,” the statement said.

The Commissioner of Police further reassured Nigerians of the unwavering resolve of the Airwing Department to deliver effective security services anchored on professionalism and respect for the rule of law. The release quoted CP Nwogoh as affirming that “Airwing remains steadfast in its commitment to the protection of lives and property, the enforcement of the rule of law, and the delivery of professional, intelligence-driven, and human rights–compliant policing.”

Emphasising the standards guiding Airwing operations, the statement noted that, “Through strict adherence to due process and lawful investigative procedures, the Department continues to uphold professionalism, discipline, and integrity in all its operations.”

The Commissioner also called on citizens to actively support security efforts during the festive period by remaining vigilant and cooperative with law enforcement agencies. According to the press release, “The CP further urges members of the public to remain security-conscious, law-abiding, and cooperative with law enforcement agencies,” stressing that “timely and credible information from the public remains vital in supporting efforts to prevent and combat crime, especially during and after the festive period.”

As celebrations continue across the country, the Police Airwing assured Nigerians of its readiness to maintain peace and security into the New Year. The statement concluded with the assurance that “as Nigerians celebrate the season, the Commissioner Airwing assures the public of its continued dedication to justice, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities and a crime-free New Year.”

ALGON National Organizing Secretary and Delta ALGON Chair Honoured for Excellence in Governance Milestones

The National Organising Secretary of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the Executive Chairman of Okpe Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, Hon. Isaiah Esiovwa (KSM, JP), has again been recognized for his outstanding achievements in good governance, accountability, and service delivery to the people.

The State Executive Council of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) presented him with an Award of Excellence, to the ALGON Chairman in Delta State.

The award which came after painstaking and rigorous process of selection is a testament to Hon. Esiovwa’s sterling qualities and overwhelming endorsements from across the state.

These qualities could be seen in his judicious deployment of council funds on projects and commitment to transparency as well as innovation which have combined to earn him numerous accolades.

Recently, the ALGON National Executive Council elected him as its new National Organizing Secretary during its 51st NEC meeting.

As a decorated Justice of Peace (JP) and member of the Honoured Order of Knights of Saints Mulumba (KSM), Hon. Esiovwa has made significant contributions to the Okpe Kingdom.

His leadership has led to notable rural infrastructural development, earning him the rare traditional title of ‘Odonjerenren of Okpe Kingdom’.

In his response to the award, Hon. Esiovwa expressed gratitude to God and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, acknowledging the Governor’s unique leadership style.

He acknowledged the Governor’s unique leadership style which includes but not limited to openness, massive construction of roads, bridges, houses, rural electrification, job creation, health care services, massive Agricultural projects, educational development as well as provision other social safety nets which have promoted service delivery and good governance in the state.

He dedicated the award to the state Governor and the people, urging all ALGON-member chairmen in the state to emulate the Governor’s leadership qualities, particularly regarding the payment of the new minimum wage.

On his part, Comrade Ezeko Okwudi, the Delta State President of NULGE, commended Governor Oborevwori for his transformational strides in the state and promoting synergy aimed at delivering democratic dividends.

He commended the governor for his responsiveness to the requests made by labour organizations, NULGE, ALGON, NLC, and TUC and pledged to work together for inclusive growth in the state.
He pledged to work together for inclusive growth in the state.