Tinubu to Duru's Family: May God grants you strength to bear the painful loss...

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Francis Duru, at 57, describing it as a painful loss to the Nigerian film industry and the creative community.

This is contained in a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, on Friday in Abuja.

Tinubu extended his condolences to the actor’s family, colleagues, fans and the Nigerian film industry, acknowledging his contributions to the growth and development of Nollywood.

The President said veteran actors such as Duru played important roles in shaping the industry’s artistic identity, nurturing emerging talents and projecting Nigerian stories, culture and values to audiences at home and abroad.

He noted that the contributions of artists, who devoted their lives to entertaining, educating and inspiring society would endure long after their passing.

Tinubu said Duru’s contributions would remain part of Nollywood’s rich history and Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

The President prayed for the peaceful repose of the actor’s soul and asked God to grant his family, friends, colleagues and admirers the strength to bear the loss.

He reaffirmed his administration’s recognition of the contributions of the arts and entertainment industry to national development, cultural preservation and Nigeria’s global image.

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Find Solutions to Brain Drain in Health Sector, Tinubu charges Medical Professionals

President Bola Tinubu has urged medical professionals to develop practical solutions to medical brain drain across West Africa, warning that the migration of skilled personnel continues to strain healthcare systems.

Tinubu made the call on Thursday after taking the oath as a Fellow of the West African College of Physicians (WACP) at the State House, Abuja.

He urged the college’s leadership to use its forthcoming conference to develop practical and sustainable solutions to the persistent challenge of medical brain drain across the sub-region.

“We are more challenged in Africa than anywhere else; you know, and with the outbreak of Ebola now we’re looking for a preventive action that will eliminate all these problems and infections.

“So, I wish you the best. I will continue to do whatever I can do for this honourable profession,” the President said.

Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to comprehensive health sector reforms aimed at making healthcare delivery more accessible, affordable and efficient for Nigerians.

He commended the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, for driving the country’s health sector reforms.

“We as a government are doing everything possible. Please help me congratulate the reform-oriented physician, Pate, who has been doing a very good job,” he said.

The President acknowledged medical professionals’ contributions to humanity through research, disease prevention, life-saving interventions and efforts to build resilient healthcare systems.

He thanked the college’s leadership for considering him worthy of the prestigious honour.

The WACP Council conferred the fellowship on Tinubu in recognition of his contributions to health sector reforms and medical development in Nigeria.

The College President and Chairman of its Board of Trustees, Dr Mamadou Mourtala Ka, said the fellowship was reserved for presidents whose contributions had significantly improved healthcare delivery across the sub-region.

“This award is given only to presidents who have made a mark in health care delivery and affected the health of the West African people,” he said.

Prof. Musa Dankyau, WACP Secretary-General and spokesperson for the delegation, said the award reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to far-reaching health sector reforms.

Dankyau said the college had conferred the fellowship only eight times in its 50-year history, beginning with former Gambian President Dawda Jawara.

He said former Nigerian Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, received the honour in 1991.

“So, this is the second time we are coming back to Nigeria to present to you, Mr President.

“The Council has noted your significant contributions to health infrastructure, improved access to care and emergency care, and massive investments in primary health care and universal health coverage.

“At the last count, more than 2.2 billion dollars had been invested in that area for the health of the Nigerian people.

“We’ve also seen significant strides in disease prevention, immunisation and public health preparedness,” Dankyau said.

The WACP also informed Tinubu of its 50th anniversary celebration and Annual General Scientific Meeting, scheduled for October 26 to 28 in Abuja.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, among others.

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FG warns against vandalism of Power Infrastructure as REA ends 16 years of Darkness in Kano Community

The Federal Government says it is targeting 24-hour electricity supply in three energy zones across the country to boost industrial activities and economic growth.

The Minister of Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi-Tegbe, spoke on Thursday in Kano at the inauguration of the Walambe 2x40MVA, 132/33kV Transmission Substation.

This is one of the four electricity projects inaugurated in the state.

The minister said the three energy zones cover the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano, Lagos-Ogun-Benin and Enugu-Port Harcourt axes.

“The government is conducting technical audits across the zones to identify infrastructure gaps and determine interventions required to improve electricity supply.

“To ensure that we do not spend money and resources on wrong things, we are currently conducting technical audits across these three zones,” he said.

Olasunkanmi-Tegbe explained that the audits would help identify causes of electricity supply challenges and ensure that resources were directed towards necessary interventions.

According to him, Kano is a strategic hub in the Northern Energy Zone because of its industrial and commercial importance.

“The Walalambe substation will provide an additional supply point, ease pressure on existing facilities and improve flexibility of the transmission network.

“The facility will provide alternative supply arrangements for Mariri, Jogana, Farm Centre and Zaria Road,” he said.

The minister also highlighted the provision of a dedicated 33kV feeder to Lee Group of Companies, which had operated off-grid for more than 30 years.

He said connecting the company to the national grid demonstrated the importance of transmission infrastructure in supporting industrial development.

“Our electricity system must be able to serve productive businesses and give them the confidence to plan for the future.

“Therefore, we urge the host communities to protect electricity infrastructure against vandalism.

“Attacks on power facilities disrupt businesses, reduce productive hours and affect livelihoods,” Olasunkanmi-Tegbe stated.

He said President Bola Tinubu had directed the ministry to prioritise the development of three energy zones to promote balanced electricity supply across the country.

The minister pledged to work with the Kano State Government and relevant power sector stakeholders to harmonise interventions and avoid duplication of projects.

He commended the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), Atlantic Engineering and Construction Company Limited and the World Bank for their contributions to the project.

Olasunkanmi-Tegbe described the project’s completion as an important milestone in efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure in Kano.

Similarly, the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir-Yusuf, said: “Kano requires 1,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to meet its growing industrial and commercial demand.”

The governor, represented by the Commissioner for Power and Renewable Energy, Gaddafi Shehu-Sani, said the state currently receives about 300MW or less, underscoring the need for improved electricity supply to support industrial growth and economic activities.

According to him, reliable electricity supply will strengthen Kano’s position as a major commercial centre and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

The governor commended the federal government, the minister of power as well as the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) for their efforts to improve electricity infrastructure in the state.

He said the Kano state government had also undertaken interventions in the energy sector, which include the rehabilitation of a 10MW hydropower plant, completion of a 6MW Chalawa hydropower plant and distribution of transformers to various communities.

Kabir-Yusuf explained that the state had diversified its energy sources through renewable energy projects, including the 10MW Haske solar power plant, which he said, “is operational.”

He added that the state government had paid N2 billion in compensation and allocated land to 750 people affected to resolve a longstanding dispute over right-of-way issues along a transmission corridor.

The governor expressed optimism that ongoing electricity infrastructure projects linking Kaduna and Kano would further improve supply to the state when completed.

Kabir-Yusuf said increased electricity supply would support industrialisation, stimulate economic activities and improve residents’ quality of life.

For his part, Mahe Bashir, Walin Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, said the development would add value and sustain the economy of Kano.

Other transmission substations inaugurated include 2x40MVA, 132/33kV at Walambe, 1x300MVA, 330/132kV and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformers at Kumbotso, 1x100MVA, 132/33kV at Dakata, and 1x100MVA, 132/33kV power transformer at Dan’Agundi.

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