Hy Our Correspondent

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has built and renovated 61 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state’s 18 local government areas in less than two years in office, driving accessible and quality healthcare closer to underserved residents.

The initiative introduces free malaria testing and free delivery services at these facilities, easing financial burdens for families and eliminating long travel to urban centres for basic care.

Benefiting communities include Idogbo Health Centre in Ikpoba Okha, Usih in Egor, and New Era in Oredo, Urhonigbe Heath Center in Orhionmwon, Iguoriakhi Health in Ovia South West, among others within the Edo South Senatorial District, marking a major improvement in the quality of life for local communities.

For many beneficiaries, the renewed health centres represent not merely newly Constructed buildings, but a significant improvement in their quality of life.3

Residents who spoke to newsmen expressed appreciation for the intervention, saying the availability of functional healthcare facilities within their communities has reduced the stress, cost and risks associated with seeking treatment far from home.

A resident whose wife delivered earlier in the day confirmed that she received the free delivery service, describing the initiative as a welcome relief for families.

Another beneficiary said she was particularly impressed by the quality of service and professionalism of the healthcare workers. “I am happy that we have something like this in our community. I love it and love the professionalism of the staff there, the way they attend to me and treated me. I am really happy,” she said.

Mr. Victor Okonta, a resident in one of the communities, noted that the transformation has become especially valuable during emergencies. “Having a health centre in our community is a good one for us. We don’t have to go through the stress of going to the city centre anymore, especially during emergencies at night. Before, this place was not okay, but since the renovation, everything is back to normal and the community people are using it,” he said.

Beyond healthcare, the renewed facilities are also stimulating economic activity in surrounding communities. Mrs. Helen Ebhogiaye, a trader at Iwogban Community, said the transformation of their formerly dilapidated health centre had increased patronage for local businesses.3

“Before, this health centre was in a very bad state and people hardly come here for treatment or delivery. But today, since the government intervention, here is booming and it is a plus for us traders. I sell food, and because the place is always busy, I now have many customers patronising me,” she said.

A staff nurse at one of the facilities, Mrs. Omorodion Victory, said the centre operates round the clock, providing immunisation, maternity services, treatment and family planning.

“We render 24-hour services. Delivery is 100% free here. The benefit of this place is that it provides healthcare for community people at an affordable cost and is accessible 24 hours,” she said.

Across the facilities, patients, nursing mothers and other beneficiaries have continued to recount their experiences, commending the government for restoring healthcare services closer to their doorsteps and praising ther dedication and professionalism of the health workers.

For communities that once endured long journeys, high medical bills and poorly functioning facilities, the renewed centres are increasingly being seen as a tangible return of essential public healthcare to the people.

By our correspondent

Governor Agbu Kefas has approved the appointment of Prof. Demo Joab Usman Kalla as Vice-Chancellor of the Taraba State University of Tropical Agriculture, Science, Technology and Climate Action, Gembu.

The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Chief Gebon Timothy Kataps, Esq., on Monday in Jalingo, the state capital.

Until his appointment, Prof. Kalla served as Director of the TETFund Centre of Excellence on Dairy Research and Development at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, ATBU, Bauchi, and as a member of the Presidential Livestock Reforms Implementation Committee.

The statement describes Prof. Kalla as a prolific scholar with an impressive record of high-quality research publications in reputable local and international journals.

“His contributions to the field of Animal Science have earned him wide recognition within academic and professional circles,” it stated.

Governor Kefas expressed confidence that Prof. Kalla would bring his wealth of experience in academia, research, leadership and administration to bear in providing visionary leadership for the new institution.

According to the governor, the university is expected to be positioned as a centre of excellence in tropical agriculture, science, technology and climate action.

He wished the new Vice-Chancellor a successful and impactful tenure, and urged him to work diligently with relevant stakeholders to realise the university’s mandate.

Governor Kefas also charged Prof. Kalla to drive advancement in education, research, innovation and sustainable development in Taraba State and beyond.

The university, located in Gembu, Sardauna Local Government Area, is one of the flagship higher education projects of the Kefas administration aimed at expanding access to specialised education.

By Our Correspondent

In a bid to foster effective and tech-driven workforce, the Federal Government has introduced an interactive e-training platform designed to expand knowledge access for National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) personnel.,

The Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande launched the new portal in Abuja on Monday during the 2026 Batch ‘C’ Pre-Orientation Workshop, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting the NYSC, according to a statement by Information Director Caroline Embu.

Praising the NYSC leadership, Olawande expressed delight at how technology is currently transforming the agency’s operations and driving higher institutional efficiency.

He noted that increased access to information has enhanced the professionalism of the NYSC workforce
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In the words of the Minister,, “this platform would also help to build more efficient, knowledgeable and responsive workforce. We are committed towards making the Scheme get better, let us work together and embrace technology”, Olawande said.

He also said that with the growing trend across the globe, academic qualifications alone cannot solve the problems of unemployment.

“Our Corps Members must learn practical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, critical thinking, problems-solving.”

“They must also understand the importance of discipline, integrity, and tfr responsibility. Every Corps Member must be encouraged to make meaningful impact”, Olawande stated.

He also reiterated that the service year should be an opportunity for graduates to serve, lead, and contribute to national development

The Minister disclosed that Skills Acuisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) remains the most important content in the NYSC as at date.

Also speaking, the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu said societal changes has made it imperative for the Scheme to constantly review its Orientation Course contents for more relevance.

He added that the Workshop theme; “Reimagining the NYSC Orientation Course: Building Resilient, Responsible and Service-Oriented Corps Members for a Changing World”, was chosen to shape the the Corps Members’ character, mindset, skills and civic awareness.

He added that the success of the Orientation Course depends largely on the effective collaboration of all stakeholders.

In his words; “I encourage everyone to keep building the partnership and trust needed for the security and welfare of Corps Members wherever they are posted across the country”.

“Management remains committed to working with security agencies to access risk, take preemptive steps and make Corps Members safe throughout service year”.

The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr Nura Umar, in his address, appreciated Comrade Olawande for his passion for youth development.

He stated further that the Orientation Camp is the first contact of every Corps Member to kick-start the service year, adding that there was the need to shape their character, values and understanding of National responsibility.

Umar also said it is necessary to “rebuild and modernise the contents, methodology and delivery of the Orientation Exercise to ensure that it remains focused and align with contemporary realities.”

He challenged participants to use the workshop to build stronger stakeholder relationships by prioritizing corps members’ welfare, camp discipline, leadership growth, and skills development