… Vows to reduce the cost of living, saying efforts will dovetail into greater farming and bumper agricultural harvests

President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said that Nigerian security forces have eliminated more than 300 commanders of the Boko Haram terrorist group in the last year.

Also eliminated are many commanders of other banditry groups, especially in the North-West and North-East.

Tinubu gave the security update in his National Broadcast to mark the nation’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

“I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry.

“Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

“As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home.

“It is an unfinished business, and our security agencies are committed to ending it as quickly as possible.

“As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms.

“We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this,” he said.

In the meantime, President Bola Tinubu has stressed that his administration is taking appropriate measures to reduce the cost of living.

The President said this in his Independence Day broadcast on Tuesday.

“The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.

“My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home,” said the President.

He commended the governors of Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest governors that had embraced the agricultural production programme of his administration.

“I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertiliser and making available tractors and other farm equipment.

“Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months,” he said.

He added that the energy transition programme being implemented by his government was on course.

“We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players.

“The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation. 

“Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion,” he said. 

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, says the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested 2,254 vandals, and oil bunkerers, in the last year.

The minister, made this known during a High-Level Media parley organised by the ministry to mark his one year in office on Friday in Abuja, that
550 of those arrested were under, prosecution and 122 were convicted.

Tunji-Ojo said that in the Federal Government’s fight against vandalism and the protection of critical infrastructure, the NSCDC had been relentless in tackling the menace, headlong.

“Over the past year, we arrested 2,254 vandals and oil bunkerers, with 550 currently under prosecution and 122 convictions already secured.

“In addition, the NSCDC disrupted organised crime networks by destroying 150 illegal refineries and 64 illegal oil dumps,” Tunji-Ojo said.

On the reform of the private security sector, Tunji-Ojo said that the reform had so far yielded impressive results.

He added that 115 licensed companies were now legally operating and in the process of licensing an additional 178 companies.

“Moreover, a total of 3,394 private security guards have undergone rigorous training, while the sector generated an impressive revenue.

“In alignment with our economic diversification goals, we launched the Mine Marshal initiative in partnership with the Ministry of Mines and Steel to combat illegal mining and boost national revenue.

“This is just one example of our commitment to reducing dependency on the oil industry,” he said.

The minister said that the personnel of the service had, over time, received extensive training to maintain combat readiness in the face of evolving security challenges.

“Over the past year, 21,383 senior officers and 2,551 junior officers were promoted, while 818 junior officers were upgraded to senior officer cadre.

“This is to, ensure a motivated and capable workforce.

“We have also prioritised the National Plan on Safe School initiative, providing a secure environment for our children to learn without fear,” he said.

…Akin Fagbemi says recruitment would address the staffing shortages plaguing State hospitals 

 The Chairman of the Oyo State Hospitals Management Board (OYSHMB), Dr Akin Fagbemi, has announced the successful conclusion of the recruitment process for doctors, nurses, and other essential healthcare personnel across the state’s hospitals.

Fagbemi said in a statement on Saturday, that the initiative aimed to bolster the healthcare workforce and improve medical services available to the residents of Oyo state.

According to him, the recruitment drive, which attracted a large number of qualified applicants, is designed to fill critical vacancies in various specialities.

Fagbemi highlighted that the new hires would not only strengthen the healthcare system but also address the staffing shortages that had plagued many hospitals in the state.

He emphasised the importance of having a robust medical team to provide quality care, particularly in the wake of recent challenges faced by the healthcare sector, including the global pandemic.

He remarked that well-trained and adequately staffed facilities were crucial for delivering timely and effective medical services to the community.

Fagbemi stressed that the OYSHMB was committed to ongoing professional development for the new recruits, ensuring they received the necessary training and resources to excel in their roles.

This focus on continuous education Fagbemi says, is expected to enhance the quality of care provided to patients and foster a culture of excellence within the healthcare system.

He expressed gratitude for the support received from Gov. Seyi Makinde, whose administration he said, prioritised healthcare improvements as part of its broader developmental agenda.

The OYSHMB Chairman lauded the governor’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery systems, which he believes is vital for the overall well-being of the population.