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High drug cost: Oyintiloye begs Tinubu for urgent intervene

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An urgent plea has been directed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene promptly in the surge in the prices of essential drugs across the country. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, a notable member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, conveyed this appeal during a conversation with journalists in Osogbo on Sunday.

Oyintiloye emphasized that a significant number of Nigerians were currently unable to afford essential drugs due to exorbitant prices. He attributed the escalating costs to various factors, including the withdrawal of GSK, a major pharmaceutical industry player, high inflation rates, and the devaluation of the Naira, among other influences.

The APC chieftain highlighted that these factors collectively contributed to rendering drugs such as amlodipine, augmentin, paracetamol, exforge, Coartem, and other vital medications financially out of reach for the average citizen. He pointed to a report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) revealing a 68% increase in the value of imported medicines to Nigeria, reaching N81.8 billion between July and September 2023.

Oyintiloye commended President Tinubu’s efforts in revitalizing the economy but stressed the urgent need to intensify actions in the health sector. He expressed concern about the financial strain on individuals and families grappling with the harsh economic conditions, particularly those dealing with chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and tuberculosis.

In proposing solutions, Oyintiloye suggested addressing forex challenges, eliminating duty taxes on medications, promoting local production, and fostering a more favorable environment for pharmaceutical companies. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate, in engaging with representatives and CEOs of pharmaceutical firms to seek resolutions.

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While commending Pate’s assurance that the federal government was working on policy measures to alleviate the high prices of medicines, especially for vulnerable Nigerians, Oyintiloye emphasized the critical importance of prompt and effective interventions to prevent an increase in the death rate in the country.

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Maiduguri flood: Ogun Govt donates N200m to Borno State

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The Ogun State Government has donated N200 million to the Borno State Government in response to the severe flooding that recently devastated the area, causing significant property damage and displacing thousands of residents.

The flooding was triggered by the collapse of the Alau Dam in Maiduguri on September 10.

Reports indicate that at least 414,000 people have been displaced, with 30 lives lost due to the disaster.

Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun had previously sent condolences to the people and government of Borno, praising the state government’s swift actions and the support from the Federal Government.

Kayode Akinmade, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, stated on Saturday that the donation aims to aid flood victims and provide immediate relief. He noted the unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Borno State caused by the flooding and called on all Nigerians to help those in need.

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Ekiti: Gov Oyebanji appoints over 300 board chairmen, members

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Ekiti State Governor Biodun Oyebanji has approved the appointment of chairpersons and members for various government agency boards and parastatals.

This initiative aims to facilitate the efficient operation of government activities and improve service delivery.

The announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode.

The appointments, which include both full-time and part-time roles, will take effect on Monday, October 7, 2024.

Governor Oyebanji congratulated the new appointees, highlighting that their roles present valuable opportunities for public service. He encouraged them to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ethical behavior in their duties.

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Nigerian govt mobilises contractor to F107 Road, collapsing bridge in Abia

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Users of the Umuahia-Bende-Arochukwu-Ohafia road will soon heave a sigh of relief as the Federal Government has mobilized a new contractor, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), to begin work on the collapsed sections of the road.

The mobilization of the new contractor followed a viral video by ABN TV titled “How Your Area,” which highlighted that the Onu Uduma Bridge, commonly known as Nmuri Bridge on the federal road, was on the verge of collapse.

The critical bridge, previously rehabilitated by the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), has come under severe pressure due to repeated downpours and the movement of heavy-duty vehicles, which exposed it to structural threats.

The Federal Executive Council approved additional funds for the project, supplementing the money initially approved in 2018.

The arrival of CCECC equipment at the affected site on Wednesday has brought hope to the people of Ohafia and all users of the road. This follows the termination of the previous contractor, Heartland, whose contract was revoked due to issues concerning the quality of work.

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Speaking on the arrival of the new contractor, the member representing Arochukwu/Ohafia Federal Constituency, Ibe Okwara Osonwa, stated that the progress was a result of his engagement with the Minister of Works, David Umahi, through the Abia State Government, to ensure repairs on the road and the Nmuri Bridge to prevent total collapse.

He expressed gratitude to Governor Alex Otti, his deputy, and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu for their swift response to the road’s condition, but urged host communities to offer maximum cooperation to the contractor to ensure smooth and timely completion of the work.

CREDIT: DAILY POST

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