NNPC Foundation hands over MRI Machine to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital

NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over a fully installed 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Anambra State. 

The intervention, which is in furtherance of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria, is expected to significantly improve access to advanced diagnostic imaging services for millions of Nigerians across the South-East (Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi States) as well as neighbouring Delta State. 

The intervention involved the delivery, installation, calibration, testing, and commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine alongside critical supporting infrastructure, including RF shielding systems, chillers, backup UPS systems, electrical installations, specialized imaging accessories, ventilation systems, CCTV and oxygen monitoring systems, intercom communication facilities, and other patient comfort technologies designed to ensure optimal operation of the facility. 

Prior to the intervention, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced prolonged waiting periods, exorbitant costs, and the burden of travelling long distances in search of functional imaging centres. 

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, NAUTH Permanent Site, Anambra State, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte, Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as a strategic investment in healthcare access, diagnostic precision, and improved patient outcomes, noting that the facility aligns with the Company’s commitment to building sustainable systems and impactful national institutions. 

“The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies. This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity," the GCEO stated. 

‎He described the Company’s social investments as viable currencies that strengthen the relationship between the Company’s core mandate of providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting stakeholders’ expectations. 

‎In his remarks, Anambra State Governor, Charles Soludo, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Afam Obidike said the intervention would enhance safe and precise diagnosis and treatment for patients across the South-East region. 

‎He also commended NNPC Foundation for donating the MRI facility to the state, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people. 

‎Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., Sophia Mbakwe, who was represented by Chief Supply Chain Officer, NNPC Ltd., Isokariari Telema reiterated the Company’s commitment to responsive and equitable social investments aimed at positively impacting the lives of Nigerians. 

‎“In over forty years of its existence, NNPC has stayed the course in impacting lives positively across Nigeria – supporting with infrastructural development, social amenities, educational sponsorships, and a host of other projects and initiatives that have underscored our values of Integrity, Excellence and Sustainability.” 

‎For his part, the Chief Medical Director, NAUTH, Joseph Ugboaja, lauded the leadership of NNPC Ltd. for recognising the strategic importance of healthcare to national prosperity and well-being, while assuring the Foundation of the hospital’s commitment to maximizing the MRI facility for public benefit. 

‎"For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distance to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs. With this installation, we will eliminate that burden. NNPC Foundation has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is not just a policy statement but a lifeline for the institutions like ours." he concluded. 

Credit NNPCL PR

Nigeria needs Attack Helicopters urgently to overwhelm Terrorists, that is my priority now - Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has welcomed aircraft manufacturer Airbus’ proposal to establish maintenance and hangar facilities in Nigeria to position the country as a regional aviation services hub.

The president also stressed Nigeria’s urgent need for modern helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft to support security operations, logistics and national development priorities across the country.

Tinubu stated this during a meeting with an Airbus delegation led by Head of Regional Business Growth Africa and the Middle East, Thierry Cloutet, on the sidelines of the just concluded Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.

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

Tinubu told the delegation that his administration was determined to deepen relations with Airbus by leveraging the company’s comparative advantage in military aircraft and aerospace development.

The president also called for the accelerated delivery of three Apache helicopters already ordered by Nigeria to strengthen ongoing security and counterterrorism operations nationwide.

“Nigeria needs attack helicopters urgently that can be used to confront and overwhelm terrorists. That is my priority now,” Tinubu said.

Discussions at the meeting also focused on Nigeria’s acquisition of the Airbus C-295 platform and broader defence aviation cooperation between both parties.

The talks further covered aircraft leasing and financing models, including export credit arrangements, sale-and-lease-back structures and long-term financing solutions to improve airlines’ access to aircraft.

Tinubu also discussed the possibility of establishing an aviation leasing company to unlock value across Nigeria’s aviation value chain and improve financing access for domestic operators.

Cloutet commended Tinubu’s economic reforms and efforts aimed at stabilising Nigeria’s aviation sector and improving investor confidence in the economy.

He reaffirmed Airbus’ commitment to supporting Nigeria’s long-term aerospace development objectives and expanding cooperation across strategic areas within the aviation industry.

In support of the administration’s aviation modernisation agenda, Cloutet proposed what he described as a “360-degree engagement” model with Nigeria.

According to him, the proposed engagement would cover commercial aviation, military aircraft cooperation, human capital development, sustainability initiatives, operational hubs and maintenance infrastructure.

The Airbus executive added that the partnership would also include collaboration on satellite technology and Earth observation systems to support Nigeria’s broader development and security objectives.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline

Identity Crisis? No ambiguity regarding Neutralised ISIS Leader, DHQ clarifies

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified concerns over the identity of a terrorist commander, Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki, recently neutralised in a joint operation with the United States Africa Command.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba in Abuja.

Uba stated that the clarification became necessary following media reports referencing a similar operation in 2024 involving a terrorist commander bearing the same name.

He explained that the use of identical names, aliases and nom de guerre is common among ISWAP and Boko Haram fighters, often as part of strategies to obscure identities.

According to him, the Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki eliminated on May 16, 2026 has been positively identified through credible human intelligence and technical surveillance.

He described the neutralised commander as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network with direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding and operations across the Sahel.

“There is no ambiguity regarding the identity of the individual neutralised in the recent operation,” he said.

Uba noted that the operation marked a significant milestone in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with international partners.

He urged the public and media to rely on verified information from official sources to avoid confusion arising from name similarities.

The defence spokesman reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to dismantling terrorist networks and sustaining pressure on insurgent groups across the region.

Credit NAN: Texts excluding Headline