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FCTA resident doctors confirm partial implementation of demands, insist indefinite strike continues

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The Association of Resident Doctors, Federal Capital Territory Administration (ARD-FCTA), has confirmed the payment of some outstanding salary arrears and allowances owed to its members.

The doctors, however, said the ongoing indefinite strike in solidarity with the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors will continue until all demands peculiar to its members are fully met.

ARD-FCTA president Dr. George Ebong disclosed this in a statement to Ekwutosblog on Wednesday.

The association confirmed that 28 doctors who had been owed salary arrears ranging from one month to one year were paid two nights ago.

It added that some doctors received their Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF), though 47 of the 150 doctors who were due for the allowance are yet to be paid.

Dr. Ebong commended the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as the beginning of the implementation of their demands.

However, he stressed that resolving only a portion of the issues is not enough to call off the strike.

Ebong noted that the association remains open to dialogue and acknowledged ongoing engagements with the National Assembly and FCTA management.

“Two nights ago, the 28 doctors who had been owed their salary arrears for more than two years, ranging between 1 month to 6 months to 1 year, were paid.

“Also the MRTF of some doctors was also paid. Out of 150 doctors owed by the MRTF, only 103 were paid; there is a remainder of 47 doctors not yet paid.

“Salaries were also paid yesterday (Tuesday) starting from the morning time.

“We are indeed grateful to the Honourable Minister for the beginning of the implementation of demands.

“These demands are very pertinent to this strike and are also the prerequisite to the suspension of this strike both at the NARD level and also at the ARD-FCTA.

“While we are grateful for the dialogues that we have been involved in at the National Assembly and the FCTA management, we hope to find a lasting solution to the lamentable situation of our healthcare system.

“Finally, the management and the government should not always wait for a strike to occur before scampering to listen to our yearning.

“Our sincere appreciation once more to the HM FCT, Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and commitment to our country as we continue to work together to ensure that we continue our commitment to the welfare of our patients while we as health professionals are not neglected (again).

“However, the indefinite strike will continue until the rest of our demands are met,” he stated.

The association outlined several conditions that must be met before the strike can be suspended both at the national level (NARD) and within the FCTA. These include:

Immediate payment of MRTF for the remaining 47 doctors.

Payment of salaries owed to external resident doctors for 6–7 months.

Settlement of longstanding skipping arrears.

Payment of overdue promotion arrears.

Payment of post-Part II conversion arrears.

Implementation of the CONMESS 25 percent /35 percent adjustment is already in effect in federal institutions.

Payment of the approved wage award.

Settlement of 13 months’ hazard allowance arrears dating back to 2021.

Immediate employment of additional healthcare workers.

Improvement of working conditions across FCTA health facilities.

Indefinite strike

DAILY POST reports that ARD-FCTA joined NARD in an indefinite industrial action since Saturday, November 1, 2025, over unmet demands.

ARD-FCTA recently lamented the implementation of its demands despite the approval by FCT Minister, Wike.

Health

I’ve Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer – Blessing CEO Confirms Cancer Battle, Solicits Financial Help (Video)

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Nigerian social media influencer and self-proclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has shared an update regarding her health.

In a post on her Instagram page, the relationship coach revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and that doctors have recommended urgent surgery to remove one or both breasts to stop the disease from spreading.

She explained that making the decision to undergo surgery was very difficult, describing the emotional toll and challenges she faces.

She also disclosed that her resources have been stretched, prompting her to seek financial help to cover the cost of the operation.

This development follows her earlier announcement that she would sell some of her personal belongings, including her car, wigs, and Lagos mansion, to raise funds for treatment.

She shared an account number in the video to receive contributions and asked her followers to support her in any way they can.

She said: “My name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka and I’m popularly known as Blessing CEO. I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, an urgent surgery is needed for amputation to stop the spread or to know how far the spread has gone.

“If they’re taking off one of the breasts or both of it, trust me, it was a very hard decision to come here. But the truth is, when predicaments like this come for you, you become powerless. I might not be able to do anything, work, influence, resources has gone into this.

“And that’s why I’m here pleading. If I have ever touched you before, if my words have ever shown any positive in your life, if you ever say Blessing CEO I love you, this is the time to show it.

“Thank you so much for the love. My phone is buzzing. God bless every one of you. Nothing is too small. I just want to be fine. Thank you so much. I’m going to put an account number on this video, hoping to start up the surgery as fast as possible. Thank you so much to those of you who reposted, shared. God bless every one of you.

“Thank you so much. I love you guys. I need all the love, all the advice I’ve given to you guys. You’re going to have to give it back to me. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I have never been this clueless all my life.

“I thought I was a jagaban. I thought I was so strong. I thought I was so strong. Being strong is now my biggest weakness. Thank you so much. God bless you.”

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Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Policy On Members

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Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced an update on their long-standing position on blood transfusions.

In a video published on the group’s official website on Friday, the church stated that members are allowed to make personal decisions on the use of their own blood during medical procedures.

A member of the Governing Body, Gerrit Lösch, said the clarification is intended to help adherents navigate medical choices without departing from biblical teachings

The church, however, maintains that the prohibition on receiving another person’s blood still stands.

He explained that while the doctrine requiring Christians to abstain from blood remains unchanged, the scriptures do not directly address the use of one’s own blood in clinical settings.

“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.

According to him, members are now free to decide whether to permit procedures where their blood is temporarily removed, stored, and later returned to the body.

“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.

He noted that practices such as blood testing, dialysis, and the use of heart-lung machines have already been widely accepted among adherents.

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Nigerian MSc Nursing student arrested for fra¥d in India

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Meerut police in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a major cyber fra¥d racket involving Nigerian students, arresting one suspect, Saifu Mayana Umar, an MSc Nursing student.

Victims across India were reportedly duped with promises of high returns through investments in foreign companies and stock markets. Investigations have linked Umar and his associates, including a Nigerian national named Yusuf, to at least 16 cyber fra¥d cases.

The gang allegedly used an organized network to lure victims, quickly withdrawing transferred funds through multiple bank accounts and ATMs to avoid detection. Authorities have traced transactions totaling approximately ₹45 lakh in Umar’s bank account, connected to cases mainly from southern states.

The probe involved cyber units from Telangana and Tamil Nadu, who coordinated with Meerut police to apprehend Umar from his hostel. During searches, police recovered electronic devices, ATM cards, bank passbooks, a SIM card, a passport, a cheque book, and mobile phones, all sent for forensic examination to trace the wider network.

Investigators noted that one associate attempted to des+roy banking documents, but some financial records were recovered for scrutiny. Transaction details are also being traced to follow international money flows.

During questioning, Umar admitted that some funds in his account were deposited by Yusuf and subsequently withdrawn. Other names have emerged in the investigation, and warrants are being sought, including potential international cooperation.

Umar has since been released on notice, with his passport confiscated and confinement to the university hostel.

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