Delta State Government Thursday received $400,000 (four hundred thousand United States dollars) from the Primary Healthcare Leadership challenge organized by the Nigerian Governors forum in collaboration with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for outstanding performance in primary health care management.

The award, which was organized by the Nigerian Governors Forum NGF, Federal Ministry of Health. Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF was in recognition of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s initiative in the health sector for the past one year in line with the MORE agenda of his administration.

Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and chairman of the Governors Forum, Alhaji AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq, who is also Governor of Kwara State, were present during the handover of the prize and money to Delta State officials.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme and Director General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr Isaac Akpoveta were on ground to receive the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori.

The award, started in 2019, was to shore up performance at the primary health care level so as to make health more accessible to people at the grassroots.

It is the first time since the inception of the awards that Delta will be considered for mention in any category of recognition. It has never won any prize money.

Speaking after collecting the award on behalf of Governor Oborevwori, Dr Onojaeme said that the award was proof that the administration’s MORE agenda was on course and yielding positive results.

He disclosed that Governor Oborevwori’s determination and commitment to revamp the health sector was not in doubt, adding that the recent approval for the renovation of over 150 primary health care centers (PHCs) must have been pivotal to receiving the award.

Delta State was considered for award after a visit of the technical committee set up to assess the state of PHCs in all 36 states and Abuja, the Federal Capital.

The committee comprised of representatives of the Federal Ministry of Health, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, World Health Organisation (WHO), World Bank, United Nations Food Programme (UNFPA), among others.

Ekwutosblog has gathered that Director-General of National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Brigadier General YD Ahmed, has called for collective efforts in the search for Yahaya Farouk, a corps member, who went missing in Ikuru Town, Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The NYSC chief, during his visit to the community, yesterday, urged residents, including youths and elders, to support security agencies in locating the missing corps member.

Ahmed also inspected the scene of the incident and emphasized the shared responsibility of host communities to ensure the safety and welfare of corps members serving in their domains.

He reiterated his administration’s dedication to advocate better security measures for all NYSC participants across the country.

He said: “The essence of my coming is to appeal to assist us in getting the corps member, who came for national service from another state.

“My administration will continue to appeal for adequate security and welfare of Corps members at all times. It is also the responsibility of residents of Corps members’ host communities to provide security and welfare package for corps members serving in their domain.”

At a meeting held during the visit, the Youth President, Etete Jerb Anthony, and the Ward Secretary, Paul Friday, disclosed that the community had made significant efforts to locate Farouk, who disappeared while at a Chinese mining company within the area.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to continue search and rescue operations.

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Command has reiterated its commitment to facilitating trade and ensuring regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Speaking during a press briefing at the Command’s headquarters on Tuesday, 10 December 2024, the Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Seriki Usman, highlighted the Command’s achievements from January to November 2024. He noted that the Command successfully managed the import and export of goods within the free trade zone, ensuring seamless operations for licensed enterprises.

Comptroller Usman detailed the export of key products, including refined sugar, fertiliser, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and crude oil, from major facilities such as Bundu Sugar Refinery, Notore Chemical PLC, and Bonny Island.

A notable achievement of the Command was its record-breaking revenue collection of ₦53.98 billion. “This figure represents a 2.3% increase over our annual target for 2024 and a remarkable 98.6% rise compared to the ₦26.80 billion collected in 2023,” Comptroller Usman stated.

He attributed the success to collaborative efforts with stakeholders, including the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, emphasising the importance of maintaining the momentum for trade growth and innovation within the zone.

Comptroller Usman also expressed gratitude to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, for his leadership and guidance.

Assuring Nigerians of the Command’s dedication, Comptroller Usman pledged continued efforts to enhance regulatory compliance, facilitate trade, and generate revenue. He affirmed the Command’s commitment to improving service delivery and contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth.