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Reps ask FG to purchase more air ambulances for NEMA

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The house of representatives has asked the federal government to purchase more air ambulances and helicopters for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

The lawmakers said the facilities will enhance the search and rescue operations of NEMA and ensure swift mobilisation to disaster-stricken areas.

The lawmakers passed the resolution during the plenary session on Wednesday after the adoption of a motion sponsored by Idris Wase, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker from Plateau.

BACKGROUND

In 2015, NEMA introduced its first air ambulance for emergency health care.

The aircraft, which was launched at the Trauma Center of the National Hospital, Abuja, was for quick transportation of patients with emergency cases.

Ibrahim Mamman, the then director, research and rescue of NEMA, said the project was part of the transformation agenda of former President Goodluck Jonathan at the time.

However, in 2019, operations of the air ambulance service were grounded due to repair and spare parts issues.

In August 2022, NEMA announced the resumption of its air ambulance services, noting that all the regulatory requirements were met.

THE MOTION

Moving the motion titled ‘Urgent need to enhance the capacity of the National Emergency Management Agency for swift and effective responses to national emergency’, Wase said there is an uptick in the “frequency and severity” of natural disasters, pandemics, and other emergencies in Nigeria, posing a significant threat to human life, livelihoods, and national security.

The lawmaker said there is a need to enhance NEMA’s capacity to effectively respond to these increasing challenges.

He said recent incidents showed a significant gap in NEMA’s emergency response capabilities, particularly in search and rescue and medical evacuation.

“The current fleet of air ambulances and helicopters is inadequate to cover our country’s vast and diverse terrain,” Wase said.

“This limitation hampers the agency’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, particularly in remote and inaccessible areas.

“With the rise in natural and man-made disasters, including floods, earthquakes, and industrial accidents, the demand for rapid response and medical evacuation has surged.

“Our current capabilities are stretched thin, leaving many vulnerable citizens without timely assistance.

“In emergencies, time is of the essence. Delays in search and rescue operations or medical evacuations can result in increased fatalities and injuries.”

The legislator said enhancing NEMA’s air capabilities will “significantly” reduce response times, saving lives and mitigating the impact of disasters.

The Plateau lawmaker said NEMA currently had one air ambulance and one Bell 429 helicopter, which were procured in 2014 from funds appropriated by the 7th assembly.

Wase said there is an “urgent need” for NEMA “to acquire additional air ambulances and helicopters to enhance its capacity for search and rescue operations”.

He said the Air Force and the police have taken over the air ambulance and helicopter from NEMA, which has further “depleted the agency’s assets and compromised its ability to respond effectively to emergencies”.

The motion was adopted when it was out to a voice vote by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the house.

Consequently, the house mandated the committees on appropriation and disaster preparedness to liaise with the budget office of the federation to “take necessary measures to ensure adequate funding is provided” for NEMA in the 2025 budget.

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Okpebholo nominates Cyril, Oshiomhole’s son, as health commissioner

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Monday Okpebholo, governor of Edo, has nominated Cyril Oshiomhole, a medical doctor, as the commissioner of health.

Cyril is the son of Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo, now a serving senator.

The commissioner nominee earned his bachelor’s degree in medicine and surgery (MBBS) at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He has a master’s degree in public health and majors in environmental health, toxicology, and disaster management.

Fred Itua, Okpebholo’s spokesperson, said in a statement on Tuesday that the governor also nominated Samson Osagie, a former member of the national assembly, as the attorney-general and commissioner for justice.

“On the new state attorney-general, Dr. Samson Osagie is a private legal practitioner having been called to the Nigerian Bar on March 22nd, 1995,” the statement reads.

He is also the current vice president of the African Bar Association (West African Region),” the statement reads.

“He was a two-term member of the Edo state house of assembly and also the house of representatives, where he rose to the position of the minority whip.

Itua said the Osagie and Oshiomhole’s names would be forwarded to the Edo state house of assembly for confirmation.

He added that Okpebholo also announced the appointment of Musa Ikhilor as the secretary to the state government (SGG).

“Barrister Ikhilor has over 11 years of experience in legislative drafting, parliamentary administration, lawmaking procedure and processes, constitutional drafting and amendment, and general legislative governance issues working in various capacities at the national assembly,” Itua said.

“Barr. Ikhilor is active in business, corporate legal practice, and social works, where he serves as the managing partner of Springfield Legal Consult and as the executive director and board of trustees member of the Amana Legacy Foundation.”

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Okpebholo, Idahosa sworn in as Edo governor, deputy

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Monday Okpebholo has been sworn in as the governor of Edo State after months he was elected to take over from Godwin Obaseki, who has completed his second term in office.

The Chief Justice of the state, Daniel Okungbowa, administered the oath to the governor and deputy governor at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, where they pledged to uphold the constitution and work for the well-being of the people of Edo State.”

Dignitaries including vice president Kashim Shettima, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor of Edo, and other governors from the APC were in attendance as Okpebholo took the oath of office.

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Nigerian Defence Academy opens applications for 77th regular course

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The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has officially opened online applications for the 77th Regular Course, providing opportunities for both male and female Nigerian candidates to enroll in military and academic training programs.

The application window, which began on November 6, 2024, will remain open until April 30, 2025 and successful applicants will undergo both academic and military training as Officer Cadets at the NDA for a period of five years.

Upon completion, cadets will be awarded a Bachelor’s degree in their field of study and will also receive a Presidential Commission into the Nigerian Armed Forces.

NDA is partnering with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for the admissions process hence applicants must also register for the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by JAMB, selecting the NDA as their first-choice institution.

“Candidates applying for admission into NDA must also apply to the year 2025 Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board and select NDA as their first choice institution,” they said.

Only candidates who meet the required UTME scores will be considered for further assessment. A score of 180 for Arts, Social Sciences, and Science programs, and 210 for Engineering courses.

Screening test 

The NDA screening test serves as the first phase of the Post-UTME assessment, will be conducted on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Eligible candidates are expected to bring the following documents to the test center:

  • Acknowledgment form
  • Screening Test Admission Card
  • JAMB result slip
  • Two passport-sized photographs (3.5 x 5 inches), showing only the chest upwards with essential candidate information written at the back

Candidates can begin the application process by visiting the NDA application portal at ndaapplications.net and selecting the “Purchase Access Code” option. For more enquiries visit the website here.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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