The Senate has today passed the bill sponsored by Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) on the establishment of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Igboora, in concurrence with the House of Representatives.

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Thursday in Ibadan.

With the Senate’s approval, the bill will now be sent to the President for assent, bringing the long-awaited medical facility closer to the people of Igboora.

This development marks a significant step toward improving healthcare access for the people of Igboora and its surrounding communities.

Senator Alli expressed his excitement over the passage of the bill, which he sponsored on the floor of the Senate.

He emphasised that the establishment of the FMC in Igboora would drastically reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to Abeokuta, Ibadan, or Ogbomoso to receive medical attention.

Senator Alli said that the FMC would serve as a critical health institution in Oyo State, addressing the healthcare challenges faced by the community.

The lawmaker said that many citizens had previously suffered due to the lack of access to quality healthcare facilities in their vicinity.

“The establishment of the FMC in Igboora will ensure easy access to medicare for our people, saving time, reducing expenses, and ultimately improving health outcomes,” he said.

He lauded the commitment of both chambers of the National Assembly in making the bill a reality.

In a bid to empower 5,000 girls with menstrual hygiene education and essential resources, Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) is sponsoring the second season of the ‘Flow with Dignity School Tour.’

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Ibadan.

The ‘Flow with Dignity School Tour’ is an initiative by the Women for Greater Good Foundation in celebration of the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.

The expanded program focuses on crucial areas such as menstrual hygiene and sex education, providing young girls with the tools to navigate adolescence with confidence and dignity.

Senator Alli’s sponsorship reflected his strong commitment to the well-being and development of young girls in the district, reinforcing his dedication to improving the quality of life and future prospects for the youth.

Through his support, the lawmaker is fostering a more inclusive and empowering environment for girls to ensure they are equipped for a brighter future.

A key highlight of this year’s tour will be the distribution of menstrual materials and educational handbooks.

These resources aim to support girls’ health and educational success, reducing the barriers that often prevent them from attending school during their menstrual cycles.

Meanwhile, the impactful initiative builds upon the success of last year’s event, which reached 800 girls across Oyo South Senatorial District.

The 2024 Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s Football League in Oyo state is set to kick off anytime from now, featuring 39 teams from across the state.

The league which was sponsored by the Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland and a gubernatorial hopeful in the state will be played across various zones in Oyo State.

The logo of the tournament was unveiled on Monday, by the Oyo State Football Association at the Mini Conference Hall of Ilaji Resort.

According to the organizers, the participating teams have been confirmed, and the stage is set for an exciting competition.

The teams include Brightville FC from Ibadan North LG, Arole FC from Ibadan North East LG, 3SC Team B from Ibadan North West LG, Atico Football Academy from Ibadan LG, Nistre Sports from Akinyele LG, Oyo Mesi FC from Oyo, Rehoboth FC from Oyo West LG, Ilaji FC from Ona Ara, and Oye Olohun FC from Saki West LG.

Other participating teams are AA Aztec FA from Akinyele LG, Kedopeach FA from Egbeda, Docman FC from Ibadan South West LG, RFO Football Academy from Akinyele LG, Taiwo Adebimpe FC from Ibadan North LG, FC Young Stars International from Ibadan South West LG, Paramount FC from Kishi Irepo LG, Adeyemi Football Club from Akinyele LG, Laha United FC from Kisi Irepo LG, Agbele Sporting from Olorunsogo LG, Iwalewa FC from Saki West LG, and Saki United FC also from Saki West LG.

The league also features Cornerstone FC from Egbeda LG, Iseyin United FC from Iseyin LG, White Eleven Football Academy from Ago Are Atisbo LG, New Starlets FC from Ibadan Oluyole LG, Wesley Ambassador FC from Ibadan South East LG, The Healers FC from Ibadan North East LG, Ona-Ara Selected FC from Ibadan Ona-Ara LG, Isale Effi United FC from Saki West LG, Bomarrah Foundation Football Academy from Ibadan South East LG, Adescorpion Football Club from Oluyole LG, Balogun FC from Iseyin LG, Dominion FC from Ibadan Lagelu LG, Future Stars FC from Ibadan Egbeda LG, and Nuclear Football Academy also from Ibadan Egbeda LG.

Additionally, Attitude FC from Ibadan North West LG, Revolution Machine FC from Iseyin LG, White Lion FC from Awe, AFIJIO LG, and Ayinle FC from Itẹsiwaju LG will also compete in the league.

The league promises to showcase talented footballers from across Oyo State, promoting grassroots football development and healthy competition.

Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi remains committed to the upliftment of Oyo State and its people, using sports as a unifying force for talent discovery and empowerment. This initiative aligns with our shared vision to build a stronger, more vibrant Oyo State that nurtures young athletes and creates opportunities for the future.

”You can attest to the fact that nobody in this state has assisted sports development than Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi. He has football academies, he sponsors sports. He is just committed to anything that will discover and sharpen talents. He also believes that when people are engaged and empowered, the society will be better. Sports is one of the ways he believes youth restiveness and unemployment can be tackled.

“We are excited to host this year’s JDS Football League. We expect thrilling matches and exceptional displays of skill from all participating teams” said one of the organizers.

President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s leadership has led to significant improvements in public services in Nigeria. One notable achievement is the remarkable reduction in processing time for Nigerian International Passports. For example, a Nigerian citizen in the UK recently shared their experience of obtaining their daughter’s passport in less than 24 hours after biometric capturing. This showcases the Nigeria Immigration Service’s efficiency and the leadership’s commitment to transforming the system.

Over the years, there have been widespread concerns among Nigerians, both within the country and abroad, regarding the slow and inefficient processing of international passports. The extended waiting periods and bottlenecks at different stages of the application process have been a source of frustration. Nevertheless, the Tinubu administration has demonstrated its dedication to improving public services by introducing reforms across various sectors, immigration included. The swift issuance of this passport in the UK indicates a more proactive and efficient approach by the government as a whole.

Reforms in the Nigeria Immigration Service

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has made significant strides under the leadership of key officials, implementing reforms that have not only improved operational efficiency but also resulted in faster service delivery. By prioritizing the adoption of modern technology and enhancing customer service, the agency has achieved tangible outcomes. These initiatives align with President Tinubu’s overarching goal of revitalizing hope for all Nigerians through the provision of accessible and effective critical services.

The NIS has made remarkable strides in improving passport processing, a key area of its responsibilities. Infrastructure enhancements and process streamlining, including the implementation of electronic processing systems and the reduction of bureaucratic hurdles, have all played a pivotal role in this positive transformation. Emphasizing customer satisfaction has also been a driving force behind these improvements

The UK Case: Speedy Service in Action

On the 4th Friday of October 2024, I encountered a significant improvement in the process of obtaining travel documents for Nigerians residing abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom. In this instance, I received my daughter’s international passport less than 24 hours after capturing it, showcasing the administration’s commitment to enhancing efficiency. The expeditious processing time exemplifies the Nigerian Immigration Service’s (NIS) heightened operational capacity to cater to the needs of Nigerians overseas. It underscores the administration’s emphasis on resolving the challenges encountered by the Nigerian diaspora, who depend on timely access to governmental services, specifically passport issuance.

A Boost for the Nigerian Diaspora

The Nigerian diaspora plays a vital role in the country’s progress, making significant contributions and proudly representing Nigeria worldwide. Efficient access to essential services empowers Nigerians abroad to pursue their professional and personal aspirations without hindrance.

The faster processing times for passports during the Tinubu administration show a genuine commitment by the Nigerian government to the well-being of its citizens living abroad. This improved service will not only bring comfort to Nigerians overseas but also help to build stronger connections between the diaspora and the homeland, nurturing a deeper sense of belonging and unity.

The Role of Technology and Innovation

The success of this initiative can be attributed to the effective integration of technology in the passport processing system. The NIS has implemented cutting-edge innovations including online application portals and biometric identification systems. These advancements have significantly minimized the reliance on paperwork, expedited the verification procedures, greatly enhanced overall efficiency and eliminated the inefficiencies associated with manual handling. These advancements have drastically reduced the turnaround time for passport issuance, enabling the NIS to serve citizens both at home and abroad more effectively.

In the case of passport issuance in the UK, it is clear that these technologies, combined with an enhanced focus on customer service, have made a positive impact. The NIS continues to optimize its processes to ensure that Nigerians, wherever they are, can access the critical services they need promptly.

A Future of Efficient Service Delivery

The reforms being witnessed today under the leadership of President Asiwaju Tinubu and the Nigeria Immigration Service signal a bright future for public service delivery in Nigeria. With a clear focus on efficiency, innovation, and responsiveness, the government is paving the way for a public sector that meets the expectations of the people, both domestically and internationally.

As Nigeria continues to evolve, it is reassuring to see the federal government and its agencies rise to the occasion and deliver on their promises. The speed at which passport services are now being rendered, particularly in the UK, is a significant milestone that deserves recognition and praise. It reflects the broader vision of a government that is committed to making life easier for Nigerians everywhere.

Additionally, we appreciate the Nigerian government for the good news of online passport processing and I would also like to appeal to the government to allocate more office spaces in order to alleviate the burden on individuals commuting from Wales and other areas to London.

The expedited processing of Nigerian International Passports, exemplified by passports being issued in less than 24 hours in the UK, demonstrates the promising outcomes of the ongoing immigration sector reforms. President Tinubu’s administration and the Nigeria Immigration Service warrant praise for their dedication to achieving this milestone. It is essential to maintain this progress and extend it to other government services, thereby ensuring that Nigerians, both at home and abroad, receive the advantages of a proactive and efficient government.

In a bid to improve access to healthcare for residents of Oyo State, a gubernatorial hopeful and Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, has expanded his free medical outreach to Oke Ogun, Ibarapa, and Oyo zones.

The outreach, an initiative of the Jubril Dotun Sanusi Actualisation Team, has brought relief and succor to thousands of beneficiaries in Iseyin, Eruwa, Iresa Pupa, and Oyo.

The medical outreach is a response to the economic hardships faced by many residents, particularly market men and women, who often struggle to access basic healthcare services.

According to the Coordinator, Prince Adeyemo Amosun, due to economic hardship, market men and women are usually not chanced to do medical checkups.

His words: “We recognized that economic challenges prevent many from seeking medical attention. Our team decided to take the outreach to markets across the state, ensuring that those in need receive essential medical care.

“We are committed to supporting the less privileged and vulnerable members of our society. This medical outreach is our way of giving back to the community and ensuring that everyone has access to quality healthcare.”

The outreach has received widespread praise from beneficiaries, who expressed gratitude to Chief Sanusi for his kindness and generosity.

Residents of the benefiting communities commended the Ilaji Hotel and Resorts owner for his commitment to giving back to the community.

The beneficiaries also prayed for the actualization for Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi’s gubernatorial dream in the 2027 gubernatorial election in Oyo state

This medical outreach is part of Chief Sanusi’s broader efforts to improve healthcare accessibility in Oyo State.

Previously, his team organized a similar outreach in Ogbomoso, benefiting numerous residents. The Jubril Dotun Sanusi Actualisation Team’s initiatives demonstrate a strong focus on enhancing the well-being of the people.

The outreach has not only alleviated the suffering of many but also demonstrated Chief Sanusi’s dedication to the welfare of Oyo State residents. As the team continues to reach more communities, its impact is expected to be felt across the state.