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Governor Sets New Standard: Kogi Arms 10,000 Health Workers in Fight Against Hunger and Malnutrition
Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has flagged off the training of 10,000 health workers across the state in a sweeping initiative aimed at tackling acute malnutrition among children and other vulnerable groups.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Speaking through his Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ali Bello, at the official launch of the Training of Trainers on Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) on Monday, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to improve maternal and child health through sustainable nutrition programmes.
He explained that the training is a strategic effort to equip frontline health workers, community volunteers, storekeepers, and other key personnel with the skills and resources needed to detect, treat, and prevent malnutrition in every part of Kogi State.
Ododo underscored the importance of early-life nutrition, noting that the first 1,000 days—from conception to a child’s second birthday—are critical for long-term health and cognitive development.
“To fulfil our promise of better health for our children, we have made significant investments in nutrition and health interventions, including the purchase of therapeutic foods worth hundreds of millions of naira, to be distributed to all referral centres in the state,” he said.
The governor further revealed that three new IMAM Stabilisation Centres have been approved to handle severe malnutrition cases, complemented by community-level outreach programmes across all local government areas. He also directed the Kogi State Health Insurance Agency to cover the cost of treating children with co‑morbidities referred to these centres.
He urged local government councils, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community-based organisations to mobilise residents—especially families with children aged six to 59 months—to take advantage of the nutrition and healthcare services on offer.
“Additional interventions include the creation of nutrition departments in all line ministries, dedicated budgetary provisions for nutrition programmes, and the training of over 10,000 women on homestead gardening, with improved seedlings and farming tools distributed to boost household food security,” Ododo added.
Earlier, Dr. Ayo Olayemi, Chief Medical Director of the Kogi State Hospital Management Board, described the six‑day IMAM training as a critical step toward reversing poor nutrition indicators in the state.
He acknowledged that despite previous investments in child health, malnutrition remains a major challenge, stressing that the renewed focus led by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulazeez, marks a decisive shift toward better nutrition outcomes for Kogi’s children.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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