A bill aimed at increasing the retirement age and years of service for health workers in Nigeria has successfully passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.

Sponsored by Wale Hammed (APC-Lagos), the legislation proposes to raise the retirement age from 60 to 65 years and extend the service years from 40 to 45.

During the debate, Hammed highlighted that the Harmonised Retirement Age for Health Workers in Nigeria Bill, 2024 was initially presented on October 10.

Advertorial

He emphasized that the bill could significantly transform the healthcare sector by establishing a new mandatory retirement age and service duration for health professionals.

Hammed argued that increasing the retirement age would help retain experienced healthcare workers, enabling them to continue contributing their valuable expertise amidst a growing shortage of skilled professionals in the field.

Advertorial

He noted that Nigeria’s healthcare system is grappling with a depletion of qualified personnel, primarily due to two factors: the migration of health workers seeking better opportunities abroad and the current mandatory retirement age of 60, which drives experienced professionals away.

“While we cannot control the migration of health workers, we can address the retirement age issue through this bill,” Hammed stated.

He also referenced precedents where the Federal Government had previously raised the retirement age for various public service categories, including judges and educators.

Advertorial

The bill’s provisions state that health workers in Nigeria would be required to retire upon reaching 65 years of age or completing 40 years of pensionable service, whichever comes first.

Additionally, any existing public service rules mandating a 60-year retirement age or 35 years of service would not apply to health workers.

Hammed urged his colleagues to support the bill, highlighting its potential to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians and bolster the country’s economic growth.

Advertorial

Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu referred the bill to the relevant committees for further consideration and legislative action.

Advertorial

Lawmakers from Ekiti State are facing backlash for organizing an international retreat in Brampton, Ontario, Canada, scheduled for November 2024.

A letter from the Clerk of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Titilope Agbede, revealed that the retreat aims to enhance legislators’ skills in navigating complex policy issues and includes engagement with the Ekiti Kete Association in Canada.

Advertorial

The letter, dated October 18, 2024, addressed to Barrister Adesina, the President of Ekiti Kete Canada, stated that the event seeks to equip lawmakers with knowledge to tackle policy implementation challenges.

The letter outlined the plan: “Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly and Officials, led by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Adeoye Stephen Aribasoye, will attend an Executive Legislative Leadership Retreat in Brampton, Ontario. As part of our visit, the House intends to have a courtesy meeting with the Ekiti Kete Association to promote cultural development and governance.”

However, the announcement has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with many Nigerians condemning the timing of the trip amidst ongoing economic struggles in the country.

Reactions include:

@imOlatunj suggested, “Instead of this trip, why not enroll them in Afe Babalola University for leadership courses? Many politicians seem unaware of their responsibilities.”

@teebabah commented, “Let’s just say that Ekiti as a state is not thriving.”

Advertorial

@djokaymegamixer highlighted, “The poverty in Ekiti is stark, and yet state resources are being used for this trip. It’s unfortunate that self-serving leaders continue to govern.”

@AdekunleOderind questioned, “How can this travel be justified? They could easily have online training, especially when people are struggling to make ends meet.”

@enitioluwafe expressed, “If true, this is a gross misuse of limited resources. For a governor who claims the state can’t meet the minimum wage, this is simply cruel.”

Advertorial

@godblezme added, “Taxpayer money is being wasted. In 2024, these conferences could be held remotely, yet they choose to travel. It’s clear what’s happening here.”

@tarimartins10 remarked, “People in Ekiti sold their votes for N5k, so they must accept the consequences.”

@wilex_williams raised concerns about the inclusion of officials’ spouses on the trip, asking why they would accompany their partners on a government-funded visit.

Sunday Dare, the Special Adviser to the President on Public Communications and Orientation, has asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari would not have become Nigeria’s leader in 2015 without the backing of President Bola Tinubu.

In an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today, Dare emphasized that his current appointment is not a demotion but an opportunity to contribute positively to the Tinubu administration during a crucial period of reform.

Advertorial

Dare, who previously served as Minister of Sports under Buhari, stated, “This is a call to duty to support the administration at a time when necessary reforms are underway. My experience as a former minister should not diminish the importance of my role now. Historically, past presidents have called on Nigerians to contribute, and President Tinubu has also brought in others with significant experience.”

He elaborated on the continuity of governance, noting, “Governance is a continuum. You inherit challenges and work towards reforms to ensure the country functions effectively.”

Advertorial

Dare reiterated the importance of readiness among Nigerians to answer the call for duty, emphasizing his commitment to work alongside the current team under President Tinubu.

Moreover, he reaffirmed the pivotal role Tinubu played in Buhari’s election, stating, “Without Tinubu’s involvement in forming the party and establishing a viable platform, President Buhari would not have been able to emerge as president.”

Advertorial

The Labour Party (LP), under the leadership of Julius Abure, has reported its former National Treasurer, Ms. Oluchi Oparah, to security agencies for alleged impersonation.

In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, in Abuja, Oparah is accused of falsely claiming to be the LP’s National Woman Leader in an effort to extort party members.

Ifoh stated, “The Labour Party leadership has discovered that Ms. Oluchi Oparah, previously our National Treasurer, has been fraudulently posing as the National Woman Leader.”

Advertorial

He added that Oparah was suspended indefinitely from the party in November 2023 due to anti-party activities, and that suspension remains active.

The statement clarified that Oparah has never held the position of National Woman Leader, nor has she ever run for it.

The official National Woman Leader of the LP is Mrs. Dudu Manuga, who is tasked with overseeing the party’s female membership both nationally and internationally.

Advertorial

According to Ifoh, Oparah’s misrepresentation has brought considerable embarrassment to the LP, necessitating this public clarification.

He noted that Oparah has attended various events while claiming to represent the party, seeking financial benefits under false pretenses.

The LP has warned organizations, including the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), The Kukah Foundation, NGOs, political groups, the National Assembly, and security agencies, to be vigilant regarding Oparah’s activities.

Advertorial

The statement urged any organization approached by her to report her actions to the police immediately.

Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has urged the newly elected Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, to prioritize governance over investigating his predecessor, Governor Godwin Obaseki.

Ganduje’s remarks came during Okpebholo’s thank-you visit to the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) on Thursday.

Advertorial

He emphasized the importance of moving forward, stating, “The ideals of democracy were upheld, and the election was successfully conducted. Instead of dwelling on the past administration, focus on the future and the manifesto you developed. A progressive government should concentrate on socio-economic development, build bridges, and foster good relationships with stakeholders.”

Ganduje encouraged Okpebholo to maintain the proactive approach he exhibited during his campaign, assuring him that the party would support his administration.

Advertorial

He highlighted the need for functional party offices at all levels and announced the establishment of a progressive institute to train local government personnel and address the needs of the Nigerian populace.

In response, Okpebholo expressed gratitude to Ganduje for his support and acknowledged the challenges of the recent election.

He noted the chairman’s commitment to the campaign, stating, “It wasn’t an easy journey. The chairman’s presence in Edo before the election made a significant impact.”

Advertorial

He also thanked President Bola Tinubu for ensuring a peaceful election in Edo State, where there were no reported incidents of violence on polling day.

Okpebholo celebrated the election victory as a new beginning for the people of Edo, expressing hope for a prosperous future under his leadership.