Amid an ongoing ceasefire agreement, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages.

“Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages during the first phase of an emerging ceasefire agreement,” CNN reported on Tuesday, citing two Israeli officials familiar with the matter.

It added, “Israel believes that most of the 33 hostages are alive, a senior Israeli official told reporters on Monday, but the bodies of deceased hostages will also likely be among those released during the initial 42-day ceasefire.”

This development comes amid ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire in Doha, Qatar.

Hamas had taken 94 hostages during the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, which left around 1,000 people dead.

The attack sparked hostilities between Israel and Palestine, leading to Israeli forces killing two Hamas leaders in quick succession.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian would sign a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement following their talks in Moscow on Friday, the Kremlin said on Monday.

“At the end of the talks, Vladimir Putin and Masoud Pezeshkian will sign the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement between Russia and Iran, as well as make media statements,’’ the Kremlin said in a statement.

During the talks, the two leaders are expected to discuss prospects for further expanding bilateral cooperation.

The bilateral cooperations are to cover the above areas and beyond, it said.

A magistrates’ court in Isabo, Abeokuta, has remanded 47-year-old twin brothers, Taiwo Yemitan and Kehinde Yemitan, for allegedly killing one Darasimi.

The brothers were arraigned on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder, but their pleas were not taken.

The magistrate, I.O. Ogunfemi, ordered the defendants to be remanded at the Ibara correctional centre, pending legal advice from the state’s Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

He thereafter adjourned the case until March 17 for mention.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Solomon Babalola, urged the court to remand the defendants at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending advice from the state director of public prosecution (DPP).

He said Mr Taiwo and his herbalist twin, Kehinde, committed the offences on December 21, 2024, at 2:00 a.m. at Toyin Modupe Street, behind Atinsola Filling Station in Abeokuta.

Mr Babalola told the court that the defendants conspired with others now at large to kill one Darasimi, whose surname and age were not provided.

He alleged that the deceased was Mr Kehinde’s girlfriend.

The prosecutor told the court that the defendants spiked the late Darasimi’s food and drinks when she visited them.

“After eating, she slept off, and at about 12:00 a.m., Taiwo and Kehinde held the hands and legs of the deceased while one Kazeem, who is now at large, used a white handkerchief to cover her nose, and they then slaughtered her,” he said.

Mr Babalola told the court that the offences contravened sections 319 and 316 of the Criminal Code Laws of Ogun 2006.

Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday impeached Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, accusing him of multiple statutory and financial infractions.

Mr Obasa was subsequently replaced by his deputy Lasbat Meranda. Mrs Meranda, who represents Apapa Constituency 1, was also a former chief whip of the House.

The removal came days after The Gazette reported how Mr Obasa oversaw the withdrawal of N43.5 billion for back up vehicles for lawmakers, as well as other controversial activities.

Peoples Gazette understands that Mr Obasa was in Atlanta when he was impeached.

Mr Obasa, 52, was first elected Speaker on June 8, 2015, resuming office alongside former one-term governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Repeated charges of fraud and political thuggery have marked his speakership. In 2020, The Gazette published a series of investigations detailing how Mr Obasa diverted Lagos funds to his personal firms and bank accounts. Sahara Reporters at the time also uncovered Mr Obasa’s assets across Lagos.

He was invited to be questioned by the EFCC after the anti-graft office became overwhelmed by media reports of Mr Obasa’s mismanagement. He denied all allegations, and no charges were filed after he met with detectives.

Details shortly…

The Oyo State High Court has granted a former wife of Ooni of Ife, Naomi Silekunola, and two others, being prosecuted for murder and manslaughter, N10 million bail each.

Also granted bail are Oriyomi Hamzat, a broadcaster and CEO of Agidigbo Radio FM, Ibadan, and Abdullahi Fasasi, the principal of Islamic High School.

The three defendants are being prosecuted for the deaths of 35 children during a stampede at a Christmas funfair programme on December 18, 2024, at Islamic High School, Orita Basorun, Ibadan.

The defendants were, on December 24, 2024, arraigned before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, manslaughter and negligence.

The defendants were subsequently remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre.

Counsel to the defendants subsequently filed applications for bail at the state High Court.

Delivery ruling on the bail application on Monday, Justice Kamorudeen Olawoyin admitted the ex-queen and her co-defendants to N10 million bail each, with two reliable sureties.

Mr Olawoyin said the magistrate court lacked jurisdiction to hear the case due to the murder charge contained in the charge sheet.

He said there was no place for holding charges in the constitution, and keeping them in custody would amount to an infringement of their rights.

The judge said the stampede was not a premeditated act, so the defendants were entitled to bail.

The judge directed that the defendants submit their international passports to the court and not grant any press interview on print or social media during the trial.

The Lagos government has warned all unapproved and unregistered private schools across the state to register immediately with its Office of Education Quality Assurance or face sanctions.

The warning was announced in a statement by Remi Abdul, the coordinating director of the Office of OEQA, on Monday in Lagos.

According to the statement, the state commissioner for basic and secondary education, Jamiu Alli-Balogun, gave the directive.

It said the decision was in an effort to ensure that all education institutions below the tertiary level would meet the required standards and provide quality education to learners.

It said that registration was mandatory for all private schools, adding that failure to comply would result in sanctions.

“All unregistered and yet-to-be-approved private schools should submit their applications as of the 13th of January, 2025, to avoid consequences.”

It said that registered schools would get the state government’s recognition and interventions as well as access to technical and financial support.

It added that such schools would stay informed about emerging policies and initiatives from Lagos State and the federal government.

According to the statement, the growth in the number of private schools in the state necessitated proper registration and documentation to ensure effective monitoring.

It said that the Lagos government remained committed to ensuring that all learners would receive quality education.

“Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education through the OEQA is committed to ensuring that all learners receive quality education, and we will not hesitate to take action against any institution that fails to register,” the statement said.

The Police in Lagos on Monday charged a 41-year-old man, Patrick Onyegbule, before the Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over alleged defilement of his toddler.

The defendant, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on a two-count charge bordering on defilement and unlawful penetration.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Insp. Ayodele Adeosun told the court that the defendant committed the offence between August and November 2024 at Shapview Plaza, Alaba International Market in Ojo, Lagos.

He alleged that the defendant had carnal knowledge of his toddler, left under his care.

“The defendant had an issue with his wife, which made the wife pack out of her matrimonial home, leaving her daughter behind.

“It was during her visit that she discovered that her daughter had been defiled,” he said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravenes sections 137 and 261 of the Criminal Code, Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The chief magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, granted the defendant N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.

He ordered that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed.

Mr Adekomaiya adjourned the case until March 5 for trial.

Actor and comedian AY Makun has addressed the misconstruction of his personality and challenges of life.

Sharing a pictures with his eldest daughter and brother, Makun wrote a lengthy note about the power of grace in navigating life’s obstacles.

He reflected on how societal expectations, personal struggles, and judgments from others have impacted his life, but emphasised that he has learned to grow through these experiences.

Makun noted that people often form opinions about him without knowing his full story, but he has come to understand his worth beyond external validation.

According to him, his struggles are stepping stones that have fortified his character and shaped his identity.

He expressed his gratitude for the guidance of grace and the importance of love, perseverance, and self-acceptance.

He wrote: “In the journey of life, grace is a quiet yet powerful force that propels us forward, even in the face of adversity. It is the invisible hand guiding us through turbulent waters, allowing us to rise above challenges that often seem insurmountable. As I reflect on my experiences, I recognize that grace has been the cornerstone of my resilience, enabling me to navigate obstacles with courage and determination.

“Challenges are an inevitable part of life. They come in various forms—personal struggles, societal expectations, and the weight of judgment from others. Too often, people form opinions about us without truly knowing our stories. They see only the surface, making assumptions based on incomplete narratives. Yet, it is through these experiences that I have learned the importance of self-acceptance. Understanding my worth, independent of external validation, has been a liberating journey. While others may see my struggles as weaknesses, I choose to view them as stepping stones that have fortified my character and shaped my identity.

“With grace as my guide, I embrace each day as a new opportunity to rise, to grow, and to inspire others along the way. In this beautiful dance of life, I am reminded that grace, love, and perseverance will always light my path forward”.

South Korea’s Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials said Monday it requested the defence ministry and the presidential security service to cooperate ahead of the second attempt to arrest impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol.

The CIO said it sent letters to the ministry and the security service late Sunday asking for their cooperation and warning of legal consequences should they fail to comply, according to the Yonhap.

In the letter to the defence ministry, the CIO said any soldier obstructing the execution of Yoon’s arrest warrants and search the presidential residence could receive criminal punishment or face claims for damages in the event of human or material damage, according to the report.

In a separate letter to the presidential security service, the CIO warned of similar consequences for security personnel obstructing the investigators’ operation, in addition to possible loss of status as a public servant and restrictions on rehiring and pension receipts.

The CIO also said security service employees will not face disadvantages for defying illegal orders to block the execution of the warrants, said the Yonhap.

The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service has announced a deadline for all employers to file their annual tax returns for the 2024 financial year on or before January 31, 2025, in line with the Personal Income Tax Act (PITA) Cap P8 LFN 2004 (as amended).

In a statement on Sunday, LIRS warned that defaulters would face sanctions as required by law, stressing that meeting the deadline is a legal obligation.

“Employers must prioritise the timely filing of their annual income tax returns to avoid penalties”, the statement quoted the Executive Chairman of LIRS, Ayodele Subair. “Submitting returns on or before the deadline ensures compliance with the law and supports accurate revenue tracking, which is essential for Lagos State’s fiscal planning and sustainability.”

The statement instructed employers to file their tax returns exclusively through the LIRS e-Tax portal at https://etax.lirs.net, describing the platform as secure, user-friendly and convenient.

The agency announced the deployment of staff across its offices to provide guidance on using the e-tax portal and address related concerns.

It also reminded all employers to include the payer ID of all employees in their returns, advising employees without ID to generate it immediately on the e-tax platform to prevent disruptions during the filing process.

The Vatican has approved new guidelines for seminaries in Italy, permitting gay men to pursue the priesthood as long as they remain celibate.

The guidelines emphasise that sexual orientation should not be the sole factor in evaluating a candidate’s suitability for the priesthood.

“If a candidate remains chaste, his sexual orientation should not disqualify him from entering the priesthood,” the Vatican document stated.

Seminary directors are encouraged to consider homosexuality as just one part of a candidate’s personality and to assess it within the context of their overall character and vocation.

The guidelines mark a significant clarification on an issue that has sparked debate within the Catholic Church for decades.

They reaffirm the Church’s position that celibacy remains a non-negotiable requirement for all priests but move towards a more inclusive perspective by addressing the treatment of gay candidates.

The Vatican’s decision follows years of criticism over its handling of LGBTQ+ issues, including remarks made by Pope Francis at a May 2024 conference.

During the meeting, the Pope firmly rejected the idea of allowing gay men into the Church, stating that seminaries were already “too full of frociaggine,” a derogatory Italian term roughly translated as “gay behaviour.”

According to the New York Times, Rev. James Martin, a prominent advocate for a more inclusive Church, said, “This is the first time I’ve seen a Vatican-approved document suggest that the discernment of whether a gay man may enter the seminary cannot be based solely on his sexual orientation.”

Governor Seyi Makinde has presented the Staff of Office to the new Alaafin of Oyo, Abimbola Owoade.

The governor made the presentation at his office in Ibadan, the state capital on Monday.

It was reported that Owoade is scheduled to receive his appointment letter and staff of office on Monday.

“He (Prince Owoade) is in town. He will get a letter of appointment from the state government tomorrow (Monday) so that he can resume work as Alaafin,”.

Makinde approved Owoade’s appointment in an announcement made in a Friday statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.

A trial opening on Monday in which plaintiffs want more than one billion pounds is set to answer that question.

The complaint, filed in May 2021, accuses Apple of breaching European and UK competition laws by “its exclusion of any other app stores from iOS devices” like iPhones and iPads.

It claims that some 20 million Apple users may have been overcharged by the company “due to its ban on rival app store platforms.”

The complainants say a “30 per cent surcharge” that the company “imposes” on apps purchased through Apple’s App Store comes at the “expense of ordinary consumers.”

The case, which Apple has called “meritless”, has been brought by Kings College London academic Rachael Kent and the law firm Hausfeld & Co.

The trial is set to last seven weeks at the Competition Appeal Tribunal in London.

At the heart are accusations that Apple used the App Store to exclude competitors, forcing users to use its system and boosting profits in the process.

“The 30 per cent surcharge relates to most of the applications that you’re going to be using when you’re downloading and making in-app purchases on the App Store,” Kent told AFP, citing dating platform Tinder as an example.

However, it does not apply to applications offering physical products, such as the delivery services Deliveroo and Uber Eats, the academic specifies.

Any user who purchased applications or subscriptions in the British version of the App Store between October 1, 2015, and November 15, 2024, may be entitled to compensation from Apple, believes Kent, a lecturer in the digital economy.

The claim seeks total estimated damages of £1.5 billion ($1.8 billion).

According to British law, in this type of class action, all potentially affected persons are included in the procedure by default and may benefit from possible compensation, unless they voluntarily opt out.

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Elela Monday, for allegedly killing his 14-year-old son at Ajowa Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area of the state.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Afolabi, said Monday was among the suspected criminals being arrested by the men of the state command recently.

The suspect was said to have buried the deceased in a shallow grave.

This was contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the commissioner.

The police boss said, “On the 30th of December, the police received an anonymous call that one Elela Monday living in Ajowa Akoko killed his 14-year-old son named Tope Elela and buried him in a shallow grave under a banana tree behind his house.

“The suspect was arrested, and during interrogation, he said the boy was always involved in criminal activities and was embarrassing him, so in order to put a stop to the disgrace, he and his wife decided to kill the boy.”

On the cult clash that occurred in Owo town last week, Afolabi also disclosed that no fewer than 25 people had so far been arrested in connection with the incident where four persons were allegedly killed.

“We have arrested 25 individuals in connection with the recent crisis in Owo. Some of the suspects have been identified as having direct involvement in the criminal activities. One Olamide Ogunseyila, 28-year-old, confessed to being a member of a cult group.

“The remaining suspects are currently undergoing thorough interrogation to ascertain their roles in the crisis while the command is intensifying efforts to apprehend Steven Dada (alias “Ogodo”) and any other individual connected to these criminal activities.”

The new police commissioner, who reiterated his commitment to the protection of lives and property of the people of the state, urged the residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the police and other security agencies around them.

An evening fire has burnt some parts of the building of Practicing Primary School, located inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State.

Although there was no casualty recorded, it was gathered that the fire was caused as a result of bush burning, which occurred late on Saturday and affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks.

Some eyewitnesses around the vicinity told our correspondent that the fire burnt for several minutes until men of the state fire service arrived at the scene and stopped it from further escalation to other structures.

When contacted, the head of the Media and Publicity Unit of the Anambra State Fire Service, Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on Sunday.

Chiketa said a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were immediately deployed to the scene when it received the distress call, and the fire was fought and contained.

He said, “On Saturday, January 11, 2025, at about 4:40 pm, the Anambra State Fire Service received a distress call reporting about a bushfire outbreak at the Practicing Primary School, located inside St. Stephen Anglican Church, Umubelu, Awka, Anambra State.

“Immediately, a crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene, and the fire was fought and contained.

“The bushfire outbreak affected some parts of the roofing materials of the school’s classroom blocks but was stopped from further escalation by the Anambra firemen.

“There was no casualty recorded. The firefighters left the scene at 5:45 pm on the same day.”

He cautioned that due to the dry season, people should avoid anything that could cause fire. He noted that people should clear the bushes/grasses in or surrounding their homes, offices, shops, factories, business areas, schools, and churches, among others

Similarly, there was a fire outbreak that occurred at the Lord’s Plaza, in the Onitsha Main Market, by Emeka Ofor, opposite the United Bank of Africa.

Although the cause of the fire could not be ascertained, it was gathered that two lock-up attachment shops on the ground floor of the plaza were affected.

The state fire service chief, who confirmed the development, said, “Earlier in the morning at 6:10 am, a tensed-up woman ran into one of the Anambra State Fire Service Stations situated in Onitsha Main-Market and reported the ongoing fire outbreak at the above-mentioned plaza.

“A crew of firefighters and firefighting equipment were immediately deployed to the scene, and the fire was contained.

“Two lock-up attachment shops on the ground floor were affected. There was no casualty. The firemen departed the scene and returned to the station at about 7:58 am the same morning.

“Be fire conscious. Fire kills, but we can prevent it.”

The state Media and Publicity Unit also confirmed a case of a fire outbreak behind the Security Office, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Campus, Awka.

It said the call was received at about 04:05 pm on Friday, adding that a crew of firemen on duty and firefighting equipment were deployed to the scene immediately, and they contained the fire outbreak.

“No damage nor casualty was recorded. The firemen withdrew from the scene at 05:09 pm on the same day.”

The Nigerian Police Force has issued a stern warning to citizens, emphasising the importance of cooperating with public officers in the discharge of their lawful duties.

In a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, and shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, the police highlighted relevant sections of the Criminal Code Act and the Police Act 2020 that outline penalties for resisting or obstructing public officers.

According to Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act, anyone who obstructs or resists a public officer engaged in their duties can be imprisoned for up to two years.

Additionally, Section 42 of the Police Act 2020 states that citizens are bound to assist judges, magistrates, police officers, or other authorized persons in arresting or preventing the escape of suspects.

The police also cited Section 98 of the Police Act 2020, which stipulates that assaulting, obstructing, or resisting a police officer in the discharge of their duty can result in a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for six months, or both. Furthermore, Section 99 of the same Act emphasises that refusing or neglecting to aid and assist a police officer in danger can lead to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for three months, or both.

Adejobi wrote, “Section 197 of the Criminal Code Act in Nigeria. Resisting public officers

“Any person who in any manner obstructs or resists any public officer while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of the duties of his office under any order, Act, law, or Statute, or obstructs or resists any person while engaged in the discharge or attempted discharge of any duty imposed on him by an order, Act, law, or statute, is guilty of a misdemeanour and is liable to imprisonment for two years.

“Section 42 of the Police Act 2020: A person is bound to assist a judge, magistrate or police officer or other person reasonably demanding his aid in arresting or preventing the escape of a suspect whom the the judge, magistrate, police officer or other person is authorized to arrest.

“Section 98 Police Act 2020: A person who assaults, obstructs or resists a police officer in the discharge of his duty, or aids or incites any other person to assault, obstruct or resist a police officer or other person aiding or assisting the police officer in the discharge of his duty commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N500,000 or imprisonment for a term of six months or both.

“Section 99, Police Act 2020: When a person is called upon to aid and assist a police officer who is, while in the discharge of his duty, assaulted or resisted or in danger of being assaulted or resisted, and the person refuses or neglects to aid and assist, the person commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine of N100,000 or imprisonment for a term of three months or both.”

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has confirmed the deaths of four individuals following an attack by suspected terrorists on its facilities at the Kangiwa border, Kebbi State.

This is contained in a statement by the service public relations officer, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration (DCI), Kenneth Udo, on Sunday in Abuja.

Mr Udo said the attack occurred around 7:20 p.m. on Friday, January 10, resulting in the deaths of a local watchman and three contractors.

“The service regrets to announce a recent attack by a suspected terrorist group on our facilities and contractors on-site, at the Kangiwa border in Kangiwa local government area of Kebbi State.

“The attack led to the death of four persons, including a local Watchman and three contractors. We also recorded substantial damages on our security facilities. No immigration officers were killed during the attack,” he said.

He, however, extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts were underway, in collaboration with sister agencies, to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Mr Udo also reiterated the NIS’ unwavering resolve to continue its core mandate of securing the nation’s borders and enhancing national security.

“The service remains resolute and undeterred in carrying on with its core mandate of border security in tandem with the goal of securing the nation,” he said.

The Orile-Agege Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Lagos State has secured 50 Acres of farmland in Ogun for the 2025 farming season and beyond.

Johnson Babatunde, the executive chairman of the LCDA, disclosed this in an interview with journalists on Sunday.

Mr Babatunde said that over 50 acres of land at Obada Oko in Abeokuta North Local Government area of Ogun would be given to interested residents for crop and animal farming to cushion the effects of food challenges.

He said that the council would assist interested residents of Orile-Agege in farming on the land using modern technologies.

“The project will also usher in new creativity, imagination, and skills in planting crops and raising animals with modern production methods,” the council chairman said.

Mr Babatunde said the efforts were meant to empower Orile-Agege youths and other residents interested in farming, noting that the project would ensure surplus food.

He said the project was part of the council’s unwavering commitment to community empowerment, with a special focus on youth development.

“By investing in agriculture, we are fostering an environment that encourages young people to explore opportunities in farming, entrepreneurship, and innovation,” he said.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has lauded the appointment of Alaafin-elect Abimbola Owoade.

He also congratulated the Alaafin-elect on his appointment as the new custodian of the timeless heritage of Oyo town.

Mr Ogunwusi said this in a statement on Saturday.

He lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for providing an enabling environment and supporting the smooth transition that resulted in the emergence of the Alaafin-elect.

Mr Ogunwusi also applauded kingmakers, the royal families and the people of Oyo for the patience and maturity displayed throughout the sacred process, which lasted over two years.

According to him, the decision heralds a new era of prosperity, unity, and cultural preservation for the people of Oyo.

“Historically, Oyo and Ile-Ife share an unbreakable bond rooted in divine origin and cultural preservation. Oyo remains a very important crown jewel in Yorubaland.

“This interconnected lineage emphasises the significance of the Alaafin’s throne, which remains a vital pillar in the structure of Yoruba traditional governance and heritage.

“The appointment of Prince Abimbola Owoade signifies the continuation of this sacred bond and the unwavering strength of the Yoruba cultural legacy,” the Ife monarch said.

Mr Ogunwusi noted that Mr Owoade’s ascension was a testament to the resilience of traditions and the shared aspiration for progress across the Yoruba race.

He called on the sons and daughters of Oyo to rally around the new Alaafin and work together to uphold the glory of Oyo town.

The Kogi government has committed N7 billion to upgrade 88 additional primary healthcare centres across the state.

Governor Ahmed Ododo announced this on Saturday in Lokoja during the official handing over of sites to contractors to upgrade the 88 PHCs.

Mr Ododo explained that these new PHCs would complement the ongoing upgrade of 70 existing PHCs into functional Level-two facilities.

He described the initiative as a significant step toward enhancing healthcare delivery and achieving universal health coverage for citizens.

Mr Ododo said that, with the invaluable support of the World Bank, the Kogi government had committed more than N7 billion to this project, reflecting an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of citizens.

“Today, we hand over these project sites to contractors who have successfully navigated a rigorous procurement process,” stated the governor.

He urged contractors to maintain high standards of professionalism and complete the projects within the stipulated four-month timeframe. Mr Ododo also emphasised the importance of engaging local communities, collaborating with local leaders, and adhering to social and environmental safeguards.

Mr Ododo thanked President Bola Tinubu for his leadership and support for healthcare at the grassroots level, noting that the president’s engagement had strengthened the commitment of international partners to Nigeria’s healthcare goals.

Musa Muazu, the executive director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, commended the government’s efforts to upgrade PHC facilities, particularly in rural areas, and reiterated the state’s commitment to improving healthcare services.

Mr Muazu said the scheme was a testament to the state government’s dedication to improving the well-being of its people.

Four contractors will handle the upgrade of the 88 PHCs across the state, including INKNUEL Ltd, Multipurpose Erand Ltd, QSA Nig Ltd, and Base-SAN Ventures.