Obiano Hits Milestone with Anambra Health Insurance Scheme

Obiano Hits Milestone with Anambra Health Insurance Scheme

The governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano has recorded a great feat in public health with the rapidly growing enrolment of over 90,000 beneficiaries in the medical insurance scheme of Anambra State Health Insurance Agency (ASHIA).

Out of this figure, over 30,000 beneficiaries are from the grassroots, made up mostly of farmers, petty traders, rural dwellers and low income earners who were hitherto cut off from the circle of good healthcare but who are now able to access quality healthcare services with a meager one thousand naira (N1000) only under the ASHIA scheme.

This was revealed in Awka on Tuesday by the Executive Secretary of Anambra Anambra State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, at the weekly ‘Meet the Media’ forum organized by Governor Obiano’s Media Team.

Speaking at the forum, Dr Onyemaechi revealed that to ensure effective coverage of the state, his Agency had accredited over 200 hospitals pointing out that “with one thousand naira per month, you can access quality healthcare in Anambra State. This means that with N12,000 only, anyone resident in Anambra State can enjoy quality healthcare service for a whole year.”

According to him, in its short history of existence, the Agency has become a model of healthcare insurance in Nigeria with eight states of the federation sending delegations to understudy its operating manual. States like Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Plateau, Nasarawa and Gombe have sent their teams to Anambra to understudy ASHIA in the well-known tradition of borrowing from best practices.

“What we have on our hands is another National Health Service (NHS) in the making. In the years to come, Obiano will be remembered as someone who instituted something similar to NHS,” Dr Onyemaechi remarked and further revealed that a distinguishing feature of the Anambra State Health Insurance Agency is its revolutionary “Philanthropist Adoption Model” which has drawn applause from Nigeria and overseas.

The Philanthropist Adoption Model allows public-spirited individuals to subscribe to the scheme for thousands of beneficiaries as a special intervention that offers quality healthcare delivery to citizens who ordinarily could not afford it. Dr Onyeamaechi revealed that the model was widely applauded at an international conference on public health in Liverpool, England in 2019.

The public health specialist observed that it was clear to him from the start that for ASHIA to fulfill its mandate, it must find a strategy that would take health insurance from the elite to the poor. “This is because every country that has made progress relied heavily on health insurance,” he observed and further revealed that the Agency covers up to 15 days of admission for account holders in its partner hospitals a year.

Other health concerns covered by ASHIA policy range from outpatient cases like malaria to serious surgeries like caesarian operation, appendectomy, tuberculosis, glaucoma, cataract and a host of other ailments.

By James Eze.

Patanmi, Danbatta, others set for 2020 Virtual Internet Governance Forum

Patanmi, Danbatta, others set for 2020 Virtual Internet Governance Forum

The Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other key players in the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector are set for the 2020 virtual Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (vNIGF).

The 9th edition of the annual event, which will hold virtually this year due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is scheduled for September 23-24, 2020 with the theme “Achieving Inclusive Digital Economic Development in the Post-COVID19 Era.”

The vNIGF 2020 will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Istifanus Musa.

In a statement, the organisers observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the critical importance of digital technologies in fostering inclusive national development and this has necessitated the thematic focus of the conference, where Nigeria Internet Governance Forum Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF-MAG), the body of organisers of the event, will come together to chat the way forward, as a community of Nigeria’s Internet ecosystem.

The theme of this year’s event amplifies how the focus of the NIGF-MAG, from both the business and policy communities, is shifting from shaping a resilient Internet for societal sustainability to understanding the effect and impact of COVID-19 on individual and corporate lives and activities, especially with regard to women and youths.

While the NIGF-MAG has assured of a good virtual experience at the programme, it said that that the virtual conference will be preceded by the Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) and Women IGF (WIGF) on September 23, 2020, while the main event at which Dr. Pantami will deliver a keynote address on the theme holds on September 24, 2020.

Aside Pantami and Danbatta, organisers have also confirmed a lineup of eminent speakers for the vNIGF 2020 who will participate at high-level panel discussions on the thematic focus of “2020 to 2030 Digital Economy Strategy.”

The speakers are Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke; Chair of the Global IGF MAG, Anriette Esterhuysen; Coordinator, West Africa IGF, Mrs. Mary Uduma; Prof. Adenike Osofisan of University of Ibadan; and Dr. Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo of Swansea University.

Others include a digital policy expert at Google, Mrs. Titi Akinsanmi; President and Chief Executive Officer, High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youths, Dr. Wunmi Hassan; Coordinator, YouthIGF-NG, Uffa Modey, among others. 

Members of the public from the private sector, government, civil society organisations and inter-governmental organisations, academia as well as Internet end-users are encouraged to register and attend the event live on the NIGF event website on https://2020.igf.ng and across its social media platforms, @NigeriaIGF. 

According to the organisers, registration and attendance is free. Upon registration, participants will receive the event notifications and updates, free access to the digital edition of the event’s report and more.

The NIGF-MAG comprises stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE), NCC, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Internet Society Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG), DigitalSENSE Africa Media (DSA), in partnership with other local Internet stakeholders.

GOVERNOR UGUANYI, OTHERS EXCITED AS IBOM AIR COMMENCES ENUGU FLIGHT OPERATIONS

GOVERNOR UGUANYI, OTHERS EXCITED AS IBOM AIR COMMENCES ENUGU FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Lawrence Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Monday joined dignitaries to celebrate the commencement of Ibom Air commercial flights operations at the Akanu Ibiam International airport, Enugu.

The Governor who was represented by his deputy, Hon. (Mrs.) Cecilia Ezeilo, applauded Ibom Air for finding Enugu conducive as its takeoff point into the South East market.

Akwa Ibom State-owned Ibom Air, on Monday commenced daily flight operations from the newly-upgraded Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, Enugu state.

Also at the inauguration event were other members of the State Executive council,a including Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Greg Nnaji, his information counterpart, Nnanyelugo Chidi Aroh, the Enugu Airport Manager, Mrs. Cecilia Oguama, and the Chief Operating Officer, Ibom Air, George E. Uriesi.

Ibom Air will now fly into Enugu daily from Lagos and Abuja.

Ibom Air established by the administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State started with few routes in Nigeria, including Uyo to Abuja, Uyo to Lagos, Abuja to Uyo, Lagos to Uyo and increased it to include Lagos to Abuja and Abuja to Lagos.

Recently, the airline commenced operations at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport in Calabar.

Governor Emmanuel had two weeks ago, during the launch of the fifth aircraft in the fleet of the airline emphasized on his determination to make Akwa Ibom the hub of aviation development in the country.

CompletionAgenda

akwaibomstate

UdomEmmanuel

School Resumption: Oyo State Staggers The Method As The Schools Resume

School Resumption: Oyo State Staggers The Method As The Schools Resume

Oyo State Government approves resumption dates for Public and Private Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde has approved the resumption dates for Public and Private Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Institutions in the State.

The resumption date for 2020/2021 academic Session for Public / Private Primary and Secondary Schools as announced by the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology will commence on Monday, 21st September, 2020.

The revised Guidelines for Primary and Secondary Schools now include the followings:

a. Schools will now operates morning and afternoon shifting for pupils and students of primary and secondary schools as stated below:

Primary 1 – 3 (8.00 am – 11.00 am)

Primary 4 – 6 (12 noon – 3.00 pm)

JSSS 1 – 3 (8.00 am – 11.00 am)

SSS 1 – 3 (12 noon – 3.00 pm)

b. It becomes mandatory for all Schools, Public and Private to constitute Covid-19 Task force to be headed by Heads of Schools with Two members of Staff

c. School Heads are advised to make temporary use of spaces like Laboratories, Libraries and examination hall as classroom where it is necessary in order to observe social distancing.

d. Pupils / Students should be attached to Chairs and Tables as well as discouraging sharing of items.

In another development, the Governor has also approved the re-opening of State owned Tertiary institutions and Private Institutions for regular academic activities to commence from Monday 28th September, 2020
Academic Boards and Senate of institutions are expected to fixed their date and comply strictly with the guidelines on re-opening .

SIGNED
Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye
Honourable Commissioner For Education, Science & Technology

NIMC:OKOWA HARPS ON THE NEED FOR RELIABLE DATA COLLECTION

NIMC:OKOWA HARPS ON THE NEED FOR RELIABLE DATA COLLECTION

Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa highlighted the need for reliable data collection and coordination for national planning and development.

Governor Okowa, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Mr. Kingsley Otuaro, disclosed this when the management of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), led by its Delta State Coordinator, Mrs. Henrietta Okolo, came on a courtesy visit to the Government House in Asaba.

“It is important that we have appropriate data so we can improve our national planning and development. NIMC has to do more to sensitize the people on the importance of registering for the national identity card so that we can have reliable data for our development,” Otuaro said.

Patanmi, Danbatta, Others Set for 2020 Virtual Internet Governance Forum

Patanmi, Danbatta, Others Set for 2020 Virtual Internet Governance Forum

The Hon. Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, and other key players in the country’s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector are set for the 2020 virtual Nigeria Internet Governance Forum (vNIGF).

The 9th edition of the annual event, which will hold virtually this year due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, is scheduled for September 23-24, 2020 with the theme “Achieving Inclusive Digital Economic Development in the Post-COVID19 Era.”

The vNIGF 2020 will be chaired by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Mr. Istifanus Musa.

In a statement, the organisers observed that the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the critical importance of digital technologies in fostering inclusive national development and this has necessitated the thematic focus of the conference, where Nigeria Internet Governance Forum Multi-stakeholder Advisory Group (NIGF-MAG), the body of organisers of the event, will come together to chat the way forward, as a community of Nigeria’s Internet ecosystem.

The theme of this year’s event amplifies how the focus of the NIGF-MAG, from both the business and policy communities, is shifting from shaping a resilient Internet for societal sustainability to understanding the effect and impact of COVID-19 on individual and corporate lives and activities, especially with regard to women and youths.

While the NIGF-MAG has assured of a good virtual experience at the programme, it said that that the virtual conference will be preceded by the Youth Internet Governance Forum (YIGF) and Women IGF (WIGF) on September 23, 2020, while the main event at which Dr. Pantami will deliver a keynote address on the theme holds on September 24, 2020.

Aside Pantami and Danbatta, organisers have also confirmed a lineup of eminent speakers for the vNIGF 2020 who will participate at high-level panel discussions on the thematic focus of “2020 to 2030 Digital Economy Strategy.”

The speakers are Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MainOne, Ms Funke Opeke; Chair of the Global IGF MAG, Anriette Esterhuysen; Coordinator, West Africa IGF, Mrs. Mary Uduma; Prof. Adenike Osofisan of University of Ibadan; and Dr. Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo of Swansea University.

Others include a digital policy expert at Google, Mrs. Titi Akinsanmi; President and Chief Executive Officer, High Tech Centre for Nigerian Women and Youths, Dr. Wunmi Hassan; Coordinator, YouthIGF-NG, Uffa Modey, among others.

Members of the public from the private sector, government, civil society organisations and inter-governmental organisations, academia as well as Internet end-users are encouraged to register and attend the event live on the NIGF event website on https://2020.igf.ng and across its social media platforms, @NigeriaIGF.

According to the organisers, registration and attendance is free. Upon registration, participants will receive the event notifications and updates, free access to the digital edition of the event’s report and more.

The NIGF-MAG comprises stakeholders from the Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy (FMoCDE), NCC, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NiRA), Internet Society Nigeria Chapter (ISOC NG), DigitalSENSE Africa Media (DSA), in partnership with other local Internet stakeholders.

Signed

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde
Director, Public Affairs

FEMI ADEOTI, INLAKS BOSS RECOGNISED AT THE NEXT BULLS AWARDS

FEMI ADEOTI, INLAKS BOSS RECOGNISED AT THE NEXT BULLS AWARDS

Inlaks, an indigenous information technology with emphasis on bespoke software Solutions for organisations was recently recognized by Businessday and Nigerian Stock Exchange at the recently held Next Bull awards. This is a testament and confidence the public has shown on them for their contribution into the country’s IT ecosystem.

Speaking on the award,the Chief Executive Officer of Inlaks,Femi Adeoti said “I am deeply honoured and grateful for receiving the Next Bulls award from Businessday and Nigerian Stock Exchange. Our collective efforts has resulted to us getting this award. It is therefore an achievement to each team member. “

Inlaks is an Information Technology Company that offers core banking, fraud management, cybersecurity, cloud, data center, enterprise risk solutions.

Established in 1982, Inlaks is an Information Technology Systems Integrator specialized in the deployment of dynamic and highly scalable ICT Infrastructure Solutions. Our customers cut across various segments including Banking, Telecommunication, Oil/Gas, Power, Utilities and the Distribution sectors of the economy.

Nnamdi Chukwuemeka

KEY INTO VARIOUS NITDA PROGRAMS, DG NITDA ADVISES YIN MEMBERS

KEY INTO VARIOUS NITDA PROGRAMS, DG NITDA ADVISES YIN MEMBERS

Members of Young Innovators of Nigeria, an umbrella body that coordinate the activities of young Nigerians who are blazing the trails by providing IT solutions in country have been enjoined to key into various National information Technology Development Agency’s (NITDA) programs in order to get the necessary supports and patronages for their solutions.

This advice is handed down to them by the NITDA Director General, Mallam Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi, CCIE when the members of the organisation paid him a congratulatory visit today at the Agency Corporate Headquarter, Abuja.

Mallam Abdullahi stated that NITDA is not oblivious of the challenges facing start-ups in the country but “a lot is being done to provide a level playing field for the startups to compete favourably with the established organisations.”

“I know the procurement law is not favourable to the startups but the outbreak of COVID 19 has changed the narrative because some of the big companies too are affected by the pandemic. I want challenge you to take the advantage because the pandemic has given you opportunity to grow with the big company,” he counseled.

While assuring them of the commitment of the Agency to protect the startups, the DG affirmed that the Agency is interested in formulating policies that will protect them. “We are focused to build a startups nation where innovative ideas and solutions provided by the youths are given high premium and introduce to government agencies.

The DG however advised them to key into programs like National Adopted Village for Smart Agriculture and innovative challenges that the agency is planning to commence every quarter.

Earlier, the President of the YIN, Mr. Muyiwa Ajiboye said the organisation was at the Agency to felicitate with Mallam Abdullahi over his achievements in the short time at the saddle of the affairs in the Agency.

He said, “We came to officially congratulate and bring you a news of good tiding that we are not unaware of what you have achieved in this short time in the saddle of affairs at Agency. Your impact has been felt beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Mr. Ajiboye disclosed that “a lot is going on out there to complement what NITDA is doing to place the nation among comity of countries that are developing their economies through digital skills. He assured the DG that his members would continue to come up with solutions that can impact on the economy positively.

NCC Holds First Virtual Bi-Annual Meeting with Telcos on Complaints Management

NCC Holds First Virtual Bi-Annual Meeting with Telcos on Complaints Management

–         Renews discussion with on Compensation Policy

The regular bi-annual meeting of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and Senior Executives of telecommunication companies on complaints management held recently, and for the first time virtually, in compliance with COVID-19 management protocols instituted by the Federal Government.

At the meeting, which focused on consumer relations and complaint management processes, the NCC and the telecom service providers agreed that the compensation policy should be revisited and complied with at all times. This is to ensure full compliance with the new Complaint Categories and Service Level Agreement (CC/SLA) consented to by the NCC and the service providers in the telecommunication ecosystem.

Additionally, it was decided that the Commission and telecom service providers will hold follow-up discussions on “Fair Usage Policy” on unlimited data bundles/data rollover, in order to provide a clearer explanation and better understanding of the processes and procedures of the policy for the benefit of the consumers.

NCC slams N74m fine on telcos for infractions – Punch Newspapers

The Commission hereby wishes to restate that its direction of June 2018 to service providers to commence implementation of data rollover from 26 June 2018, remains in force. In other words, a subscriber’s unused data must be rolled over to his/her subsequent data subscription. Therefore, the Commission urges service providers to continue to inform and educate subscribers on the procedures and processes for data rollover.

Service providers also agreed to ensure that senior-level customer relations officers support their respective complaints management teams, to resolve complaints that were not resolved to the satisfaction of the consumers when such complaints were first reported. The service providers also promised to ensure that complaints are resolved in both the letter and spirit of the recently-reviewed Service Level Agreement (SLA).

Tee Mac Iseli | Listen To Him About Data Fraud By Telcos In Nigeria

With respect to services subscribed to through third parties (such as banks), which are not rendered, the meeting resolved that telecom service providers should explore initiating service level agreement with banks to ensure uniformity and speed in the resolution of complaints relating to billing.

All parties to the meeting equally agreed that telecom service providers will carry out pervasive consumer education and enlightenment campaigns about their products and services to ensure their subscribers have the information they require to make informed decisions and get value for money spent.

The commission wishes to state that it was very pleased with the impressive attendance, participation, and the quality of decisions taken at the bi-annual meeting. The NCC is, therefore, determined to continue to work closely with the service providers and other stakeholders in the Nigerian telecom sector in order to improve on the quality of service, and by implication, the quality of consumer experience.

The bi-annual meeting, which has held regularly since 2018, focuses on ensuring improvement in Quality of Service (QoS) and Quality of Experience (QoE) in the telecom industry. It has served as a veritable platform for the Commission and service providers to discuss and agree on measures that will enhance prompt and effective consumer complaint resolution in telecom service provision in Nigeria.

Signed:

Dr. Ikechukwu Adinde

Service providers also agreed to ensure that senior-level customer relations officers support their respective complaints management teams, to resolve complaints that were not resolved to the satisfaction of the consumers when such complaints were first report

MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

MORGAN ORTAGUS, DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON

The United States is a steadfast supporter of Nigerian democracy. We commend all those Nigerians who participated in elections throughout 2019 and have worked to strengthen Nigerian democratic institutions and processes. We remain committed to working together to advance democracy and respect for human rights and achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations. We condemn the acts of violence, intimidation, or corruption that harmed Nigerians and undermined the democratic process. As the Edo and Ondo State off-cycle elections near, we urge all stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, the political parties, and the security services, to uphold the tenets of democracy and facilitate genuinely free and fair elections, conducted in an appropriately transparent and non-violent manner.

In a statement on January 24, 2019, the U.S. Government said we would consider consequences – including visa restrictions – for individuals responsible for undermining the Nigerian democratic process or for organizing election-related violence. In July 2019, we announced the imposition of visa restrictions on Nigerians who undermined the February and March 2019 elections. Today, the Secretary of State is imposing additional visa restrictions on individuals for their actions surrounding the November 2019 Kogi and Bayelsa State elections and in the run up to the September and October 2020 Edo and Ondo State elections. These individuals have so far operated with impunity at the expense of the Nigerian people and have undermined democratic principles.

The Department of State emphasizes that the actions announced today are specific to certain individuals and not directed at the Nigerian people. This decision reflects the Department of State’s commitment to working with the Nigerian government to realize its expressed commitment to end corruption and strengthen democracy, accountability, and respect for human rights.

By U.S. Mission Nigeria