Day: October 16, 2023

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Pate, has urged actions to improve immunisation rates and strengthen healthcare systems in the country.

Pate, who was represented by Director of Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Dr Chris Isokpunwu, said this on Monday in Abuja.

He spoke at a strategic retreat of the seven health committees of the National Assembly under the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU).

Pate expressed concerns about low immunisation rates among children in Nigeria.

The minister said that only 10 per cent of children received any form of immunisation.

According to him, this poses a significant risk to the children’s health as they grow.

He called for urgent actions in the health sector to address the issue.

Pate said that children who received one dose of immunisation still faced multiple health challenges that could lead to high mortality rate.

He said that the healthcare system had been identified as a key area that should be strengthened to tackle the challenges effectively.

He also noted some challenges faced by healthcare centres, listing them to include inadequate human and material resources.

“To address these challenges, collaborations between different stakeholders, including healthcare workers, government officials and the community, are deemed essential.

“Adequate resources must be provided to maintain and improve the infrastructure of healthcare facilities, ensuring that they are fully functional and meet the needs of the population,” he said.

The minister emphasised the importance of innovative financing options to ensure that all Nigerians would have access to adequate and quality healthcare services.

“This may involve exploring health insurance state mandates and finding ways to provide care for vulnerable populations,” he said.

He also said that, while the government could spend on healthcare, there was a need for alignment between priorities and objectives.

“This will ensure that funds are directed towards achieving specific goals and improving health outcomes for the population,” he said.

Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, World Health Organisation Country Representative to Nigeria, emphasised the role of the National Assembly and the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU) in improving healthcare.

Mulombo said that successful immunisation campaigns in the past could provide context and demonstrate the potential for improvement.

“It is also important to address the challenges faced during these campaigns, such as vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues and cultural barriers,” he said.

He stressed the need for increased education about the importance of immunisation to shed light on the underlying factors for low immunisation rates.

“This could include addressing misconceptions, providing accurate information and engaging with communities to build trust in the healthcare system.

He said that there was the need for the country to explore any existing collaborations or potential partnerships with international organisations and partners that could showcase support and resources availability to address immunisation challenges.

“This could include funding, technical assistance and knowledge sharing.

“ There are specific initiatives or policies that the government has implemented or plans to implement to improve immunisation rates can demonstrate commitment to addressing the issue.

“This could include funding allocations, legislative changes or targeted campaigns,” he said.

He said that increased disease outbreaks or long-term health implications were potential consequences of low immunisation rates.

“Projections or goals for future immunization rates can provide a roadmap for improvement and hold the government accountable for achieving these targets,” he said.

Sen. Ipalibo Harry Banigo, Chairperson of the Senate Committee for Health, said that the legislative retreat was aimed to strengthen the country’s primary healthcare system toward achievement of Universal Health Coverage.

Banigo said that the retreat would have an overview of the status of Nigeria’s health sector, highlighting challenges and areas for improvement.

The lawmaker added that it would give an update on the implementation of previous legislative health agenda, including progress made, gaps identified and next steps.

Banigo also said that it would discuss key issues and challenges in the health sector, such as financing, social protection and implementation of health initiatives, as well as feature discussion on the roles and responsibilities of legislators in addressing the challenges.

She said that the retreat would also discuss collaborative efforts between National Assembly health committees, Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and other stakeholders to achieve health reform objectives.

She said that planning and agreement on modalities for the upcoming legislative summit on health and universal health coverage would also be discussed.

She emphasised the importance of accountability, transparency and responsibility in the health sector.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi as the Mandate Secretary for the newly created Women Affairs Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA).

Mr Anthony Ogunleye, Director of Press, Office of the Minister of the FCT, Mr Nyesom Wike made the disclosure in a statement in Abuja on Monday.

Ogunleye said that Benjamins-Laniyi would play a pivotal role in the FCTA’s commitment to promoting the well-being and empowerment of women and children in the Federal Capital Territory.

He expressed optimism that her appointment would further strengthen the formidable administrative team led by Wike and the Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud.

Ogunleye added that Benjamins-Laniyi, born in 1965 from Ogun, was appointed for her exemplary qualifications and dedication to public service.

“With over 35 years of experience as a communications consultant, social entrepreneur, international mentor, and environmentalist, Mrs Benjamins-Laniyi would bring a wealth of knowledge to her new role.

“She attended Queens College, Lagos, for her secondary school education and a 1989 graduate of English from the University of Ibadan.

“She has made significant contributions to society as a prominent compere and renowned motivational speaker.

“Her passion for social issues, particularly those affecting women and children, is evident in her remarkable work.

“She has also showcased her commitment to women’s political participation by aspiring for a senatorial position in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2022,” he said.

Ogunleye added that as the Grand Matron of “Hope Again for FCT Women in Politics”, Benjamins-Laniyi had played a vital role in encouraging and mentoring women in the political arena.

According to him, her deep understanding of the political landscape and her ability to navigate complex policy challenges will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of women’s rights and well-being in the FCT. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Civil servants in the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), have commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for securing approval for the establishment of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Wike had, on Friday, announced President Bola Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of a Civil Service Commission for the FCT.

The elated workers in their numbers gathered in front of the minister’s office on Monday, praising Wike and President Tinubu for taking the bold step to implement the FCT Civil Service (Establishment), 2018.

President of the Joint Unions Action Committee, JUAC, the umbrella body of FCTA and Federal Capital Development Authority, Mr Korede Matilukoro, said that the action had put smiles on the faces of the workers of the FCTA.

Matilukoro, who reflected on the protracted struggle for the FCT Civil Service Commission for the past 20 years, said that the collective efforts and prayers of the staff had finally yielded results.

He regretted that workers of the FCTA had stagnated, not because they were incompetent or failed the prerequisite examination, but because of legal and administrative constraints.

This, according to him, made it impossible for Directors to rise to the position of Permanent Secretaries.

“We just want the Minister to know that we are so excited; we are so happy, and we are saying thank you sir.

“The approval came to workers as a big surprise.

“Coming from the weekend, we decided to bring a DJ to stand by and you will see banners all over the place.

“It is just to surprise you back and to say, “to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said.

He said that President Tinubu had done a beautiful thing, describing it as a hope renewed, in line with his agenda.

“He said he has a vision for Nigeria; he said he knows what he wants to do.

“We believe him now because even without asking, within a twinkle of an eye, he is able to feel our pulse; he is able to deliver on it and put a smile on our faces,” he added.

While pledging the commitment and support of FCTA workers to the Federal Government, Matilukoro sued for improved performance from the workers.

Responding, Wike said the operation of the FCT Civil Service Commission would take effect from next week.

He explained that the implementation of the FCT Civil Service Commission was a demonstration of the renewed hope agenda of Tinubu in the FCT.

“I told Mr President; these people have lost hope. Renew their hope. Tell them that everything’s not lost and the only way you can assure them is by making them grow to the apex of their career.

“That hindrance to the workers’ career development has been removed with this development,” he said.

Speaking on the withdrawal of the FCTA from the Treasury Single Account, the minister said it would allow the administration to better utilise its Internally Generated Revenue for development.

He pointed out that all the projects he did in Port Harcourt were possible because he was able to source for funds and use the state’s internal revenue as collateral. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has launched a groundbreaking research project on Mpox formerly known as Monkey Pox in the country.

The Director General, of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa, who made the disclosure at the launch on Monday in Abuja, said that it would pave the way for a healthier future.

Adetifa emphasised the importance of knowledge, unity, and determination in tackling the challenges posed by pox.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Mpox, is the most important global human orthopoxvirus infection since smallpox was eradicated in 1979.

Since the virus re-emerged in Nigeria in 2017, we have continued to experience annual outbreaks of the virus.

From 2017 till date, we have recorded 2,668 suspected cases, 975 confirmed cases and 14 deaths with Lagos and Rivers States accounting for the highest burden of the disease.

Adetifa said that the project, which involved collaboration with dedicated researchers and institutions, aimed to unravel the unknowns of mpox and bridge the gap between clinical and One Health studies.

He said that this marks a significant step forward in mpox research and demonstrates the NCDC’s unwavering commitment to protecting the health of Nigerians and the world at large.

The DG highlighted the power of research and the strength of collaboration in combating infectious diseases.

“By working together, we can move closer to a world free from the threat of mpox and ensure the wellbeing of future generations.

“This research project represents a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address public health challenges.

“It serves as a testament to the country’s commitment to leveraging scientific knowledge and partnerships to safeguard the health of its citizens and contribute to global health security,” he said.

As the project progresses, he said, it was expected to generate valuable insights into mpox, paving the way for improved prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies.

“With the dedication of the NCDC and its partners, a brighter and healthier future free from the threat of mpox is within reach,” he said.

He said that the research project would be completed over two years and would cover thematic areas namely;

The clinical characteristics and natural history of mpox disease, the essential epidemiological parameters and factors associated with infection and transmission.

“The experience of people infected with mpox and those close to them.

To address the thematic areas identified, two studies on mpox will be done.

“The Clinical Study which will help address knowledge gaps in the clinical understanding of the virus and the natural history of infection.

“The One Health Study would help to increase understanding of the dynamics of infection and transmission in the Nigerian context,” he said.

Dr Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, Commissioner for Health, Rivers State, said that the launch marked a significant milestone in the country’s mission to improve its understanding and provide evidence to strengthen mpox outbreak prevention, response and control in the country.

Oreh said that similar endemic settings of the mpox virus through the research project titled “Epidemiological and clinical investigation of mpox in Nigeria: A multi-disciplinary research project to inform case management and outbreak prevention and control” was commendable.

Prof. Gwenda Hughes, co-project lead, Deputy Director for Research, UK-Public Health Rapid Support Team (UK-PHRST), said the team was delighted to be part of the collaboration between NCDC and other partners to better understand the clinical characteristics, a pattern of infection and spread of mpox in Nigeria.

Hughes, who is also Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said that MPOX disease has greatly affected Nigerian communities, especially in recent years.

“The UK-PHRST will support Nigerian colleagues to answer important scientific questions through this extensive research programme and will also help deliver training of local laboratory staff and field teams.

“Our microbiology specialists have already provided lab equipment and shared expertise to help build local diagnostic capabilities for mpox.

“Ultimately, through co-creation and by taking a partner-led approach with our Nigerian colleagues, we aim to support improved case and contact management and inform the development of effective control measures for mpox both in Nigeria and globally,” he said.

Dr Alao Mitchell, Veterinary Officer, a representative from Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, called for the equipment of relevant agencies to carry out their functions efficiently.

He said it would help in mapping out wildlife disease hotspots, organizing the sale of bushmeat and wildlife artefacts, formulating effective policies, enforcement of existing wildlife laws and even making new ones where they were necessary.

Mitchell, however, said that the battle to prevent and control Mpox was on, and all hands must be on deck to achieve success.

“The government cannot achieve these laudable plans by itself, and many in this room, including other partners, will have to support in the spirit of collaboration, which is very evident here today,” he said.

Dr Chinwe Lucia Ochu, co-project lead from the NCDC said, “The mpox outbreak in Nigeria had a profound impact on lives, particularly among key populations, emphasizing the vulnerability of marginalized communities.

Ochu said that the NCDC played a pivotal role in mitigating this crisis.

“This collaboration underscores the critical importance of surveillance and understanding transmission within the One Health space, where collaboration across human, animal, and environmental health is imperative to protect our global well-being,” she said.

She said that the 2022 global outbreak which affected over 100 countries, coincided with the country’s largest outbreak with 762 confirmed and over 2000 suspected cases.

“Though the increase is likely attributed to improved reporting and testing capacities, there remain important gaps in clinical and epidemiological knowledge of mpox in the Nigerian context,.

“These include the loss of protection from routine smallpox vaccine, that has hampered the development of effective control measures and led to annual outbreaks,” she explained.

NAN, recalled that the 2022 global outbreak of the virus, NCDC, the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), the Pandemic Sciences Institute at the University of Oxford, UK-PHRST

An innovative partnership between the UK Health Security Agency and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, funded with UK aid by the UK Department of Health and Social Care),

Amongst others were stakeholders in Lagos and Rivers States agreed to collaborate on a multi-disciplinary research project aimed at addressing knowledge gaps on mpox that would improve the public health response to the virus in Nigeria and beyond. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Some stakeholders in the health sector, on Monday, called for increased financing of the sector and accountability to address critical challenges.

They made the call in Abuja at a Strategic Retreat of the 7 Health Committees of the National Assembly under the Legislative Network for Universal Health Coverage and Health Security (LNU).

Dr Olumide Okunola, Senior Health Specialist, World Bank Group, said that the rates of maternal and infant mortality in the country were still alarming.

Okunola said that accessing healthcare in the country often required high out-of-pocket expenditure, leading to financial burdens and difficult decisions for families.

He said that the responsibility to address high out-of-pocket expenditures lay with decision makers, specifically those in positions of power who could provide public funding for healthcare.

Okunola said that without sufficient public funding, the situation would not improve.

“Nigeria’s large population is seen as a potential strength, but the country needs to reduce the number of births and child mortality to truly benefit from the demographic dividend,” he said.

He said that neglecting basic healthcare issues such as malaria and diphtheria had led to a growing population with hypertension and cancers.

“These further strains the healthcare system and calls for attention to preventive measures and early interventions,” he said.

He urged leaders to prioritise healthcare financing and called for better utilisation of available resources.

He said that there was the need to consolidate funding from various sources into a unified pot to improve the effectiveness of healthcare spending.

“This approach requires transparency and accountability from the government.

“Despite the current challenges, we express hope for the next four years and acknowledge the capabilities and dedication of our lawmakers,” he said.

Mr Emmanuel Alhassan, Nigeria Coordinator of Prevent Epidemics, Global Health Advocacy Incubator (GHAI), said that decisions made during the retreat would shape successes in the next one year to four years.

He highlighted GHEI’s systematic approach to advocacy which, he said, was aimed to deliver successes in low and middle-income countries.

He also highlighted collaborative efforts of lawmakers and the Global Health Advocacy Incubator in shaping the legislative agenda for the next four years.

The Chairperson of the Health Sector Reform Coalition, Mrs Chika Offor, called on legislatures to improve resources to address the challenges and gaps in the country’s health sector.

Offor also called for collaboration between legislatures, civil society organisations and the media to step up advocacy to ensure accountability and transparency in the health sector. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Advocacy for Women and Girls with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) has called on the media to protect and promote issues associated with reproductive rights of women with disabilities in Nigeria.

Mrs Patience Ogolo-Dickson, the founder of AWWDI, said this on Monday during an interactive session with newsmen to create awareness on sexual and reproductive health rights of women with disabilities in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was aimed at engaging the media to set an agenda for the public and health workers on the best way to give attention to women and girls with disabilities.

NAN also reports that the event was organised by the Advocacy for Women and Girls with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) in partnership with other NGOs, such as Hivos People unlimited and We Lead.

Represented by the Programme Manager of AWWDI, Mr Kolawole Jayeoba, she said the aim of the event was to engage the media on proper way to report issues of women and girls with disabilities.

”Especially, as it relates to their sexual and reproductive health rights because over the years media has played a major role in shaping the mind, the thinking and thought of the public.

”We want them to be fully aware of what women and girls with disabilities are going through as regards to their sexual and reproductive healthcare rights.

”Our expectations after this training is that we want these group of people to be properly addressed and the media to report their experiences as it is, especially in healthcare centres ” She said.

Ogolo-Dickson also expressed the need for the public to change their mindset towards women and girls with disabilities, adding that, there is ability in disabilities.

” Some people must change their mindset about them because some of this people have wrong perception about women and girls with disabilities and we need to a better way of addressing this issues.

”It is unfortunate that some of this discrimination against women and girls with disabilities happen in hospitals, so we want the healthcare workers accommodate them and be more inclusive.

” It may interest you to know that some of this hospitals are not accessible because there are no walkways for women and girls with disabilities, especially those in wheelchair ” she said.

She also expressed her concerns over the negative attitude of some healthcare workers towards women with disabilities when seeking for attention during child birth.

According to her, some of the languages used against them by some nurses is not encouraging.

” Women and Girls with Disabilities by virtue of their condition expirience double discrimination which placed them at high risk Gender Based Violence including sexual abuse and neglect in some cases”She said.

Participants who spoke at the event, want stakeholders to ensure a robust engagement with the media to ensure that issues affecting women with disabilities are brought into the limelight. (NAN).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Utsev, has called for collective action from all stakeholders to encourage the culture of handwashing in all parts of the country.

Utsev made this call at an event to commemorate the 2023 Global Handwashing Day with the theme, “Clean Hands are within our Reach” on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the Federal Government has, over the years, demonstrated its commitment to the hygiene promotion with the development of the Nigeria Roadmap to Hand Hygiene for All, launched in 2022 to chart the path to a sustainable hand culture.

He said for people to be able to practice hand hygiene, they needed access to hand hygiene facilities that were conveniently located and easy to use, saying people were more likely to use them when available.

Utsev noted that investment in hygiene infrastructure and products must be accelerated in schools, homes, healthcare facilities and the public places.

“These facilities should also be adapted for the use of people with disabilities to ensure accessibility; we should strive to eliminate existing disparities and inequalities in access as we promote effective hand washing through policy, programme and advocacy at all levels.

“Doing this will require sustained financing, the leadership of governments, support of the development and private sector partners, contribution of researchers as well as community-level action.

“On the part of government, there has been increased prioritisation of hygiene programming and deployment of needed resources,” he said.

Utsev, who was represented Mrs Elizabeth Ugoh, Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation in the ministry, said the inclusion of sanitation in the ministry’s nomenclature would solve the institutional loophole hindering the sector.

He, however, pledged his commitment to drive lasting change in the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, saying collective action from all stakeholders would raise the needed hand washing awareness.

The minister added that he would lead to the needed behavioral change for a healthy and economically-viable nation.

On his part, the representative of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Peters Ojonuba, said every child had a right to quality education, access to drinking water, and WASH services while at school.

He said good hygiene practices helped children to be healthy so they could attend classes to learn, adding that hand washing with soap under running water had been found to help reduce school absenteeism.

Ojonuba said his ministry had emphasised the child to child approach in promoting hygiene activities by ensuring that school children became hygiene agents of change anywhere they found themselves.

He urged all tiers of government to show high political will by improving budgetary provisions to address WASH issues and to ensure hand hygiene.

Dr Jane Bevan, UNICEF Chief of WASH, said there was need for behavior change on hand washing at critical times, saying this was the simplest and cost-effective ways to disease prevention.

Bevan noted that the hand hygiene roadmap had been incorporated into the Clean Nigeria Use the Toilet Campaign, urging young people to demand for hand washing facilities at all times.

More so, Mr Kolawole Banwo, WaterAid Nigeria representative, said the year’s theme, `’Clean Hands are within our Reach” was an expression of optimism that countries must have the necessary actions and investments to institutionalise hand washing.

According to him, there is the need to rethink behavioral change approach to get more people to wash their hands, by moving from awareness to action.

“The disparity between knowledge and practice must be closed urgently because the results we want to achieve lies therein,” he said.

Banwo said the Nigeria Roadmap to Hand Hygiene for All must be comprehensively costed to reflect new funding realities, adding that subnational governments must be supported to develop easily implementable plans through ownership and participation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day, celebrated annually on October 15, is aimed at increasing awareness and understanding the importance of handwashing with soap as an effective and affordable way for disease prevention.

Highlight of the event were quiz competition among school students, and a symbolic demonstration of effective hand washing among others. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has called on UN agencies to give account of donor funds and make public their account books to justify spendings on programmes targeted at Nigerian women and children.

The Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, made the call at a media briefing in Abuja on Monday.

She said that the ministry is writing a letter to all UN agencies, asking them to justify the millions of dollars collected on behalf of Nigeria’s vulnerable groups even as poverty level is on the rise.

According to her, UN agencies spend the money on frivolous projects such as meetings, advocacies and oral technical support which have little or no impact on the lives of poor Nigerians.

She added that “the people that have been in charge of sourcing funds from donors to help Nigerians are mainly the UN agencies but are they using it to help us; are we feeling the impact?.

“I want Nigerians to understand that the UN raised these monies in your name to help us, on behalf of the women and children of this country, I am asking UN for account of these monies.

“I stand here as the minister of women affairs to demand from all UN agencies, account of all the monies they sourced from donors in Nigeria’s name.

“From Oct. 16 to Nov. 15 if we did not get those reports published for Nigerians to see, we are heading to court.”

The minister, therefore, urged the UN agencies to provide the necessary information public to assure Nigerians that funds collected were channelled appropriately.

“Nigerians have every right to look at this and we are giving them one month from today, the 16th of October 2023 to November 15th 2023.

“If by Nov. 8, we did not hear anything from them, we will write a pre-action letter from this ministry on behalf of Nigerian women and children,” the minister said. (NAN)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Agbu Kefas of Taraba has called on the Armed Forces of Nigeria to increase its presence in the border towns between Nigeria and Cameroon to protect the citizens against activities of criminal elements from Cameroon.

Kefas made the call when he paid courtesy visit to the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, on Monday in Abuja.

He said the Cameroonian Ambzonian rebels in the past few month had been terrorising border towns in Kashimbila Local Givernment Area of the state, adding that it was important that the military increases its presence in the area.

He said the people of the state desired to live in peace and continue to maintain good relationship with the neighboring countries to be able to carry out their business activities with them.

According to Kefas, the rebels are committing atrocities and killings daily.

“So, we want you to look into that and see how we can increase presence of troops so that we will be able to curtail their excesses, so we can talk of how we can make the lives of our people better,” he said.

The governor commended the efforts of the military in addressing the security challenges that had confronted the state over a period of time.

He expressed confidence in the ability and commitment of the CDS and other service chiefs to deal with the challenges and restore peace to the country.

He said the troops in Taraba had in recent time embarked on serious operations to clean up the presence of bandits, especially in the ungoverned spaces within the states.

Kefas said the suspension of all mining activities in the state was also yielding the desired result coupled with the presence of the military in the state.

“We are here to let you know that we are ready to cooperate with armed forces to ensure security in Taraba and by extension to the northeastern part of of Nigeria and also Nigeria.

“So, if we are able to take charge and make our state safe for investors to come in, I believe that at the end we will be making progress,” he said.

Responding, the CDS, Gen. Musa, commended the efforts of the governor towards addressing the security challenges in the state and promised to ensure that the state and the nation in general become peaceful.

He said the importance of Taraba to the nation could not be over-emphasised, describing it as “a gold mine in terms of natural endowment”.

According to him, security is always number one priority of any government, and it is a must to ensure that people are provided with security.

“We want to assure you that we will do everything that is required to ensure that Taraba state remains peaceful because the state is highly blessed with human, mineral, natural and everything you can look at.

“I want to assure you that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is fully behind you, fully behind Taraba State, and to ensure that there is proper peace.

“I believe when there is peace in Taraba and other areas, it will transcend down to other states, especially in the North-East,” he said.

The CDS thanked the governor for the continuous support for the military in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: News Agency of Nigeria