Politics
Blindness: Nigerian govt may establish Federal Institute for Vision, Optical Research across six geopolitical zones – Rep Obuzor

Published
2 weeks agoon
By
Ekwutos Blog
The House of Representatives member representing Ahoada West/Ogba Egbema/Ndoni, Victor Obuzor, has disclosed that the Nigerian government may subsequently replicate the establishment of the Federal Institute for Vision and Optical Research in Rivers State across the six geopolitical zones of the nation.
The Rivers lawmaker, who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the Institute, addressed journalists on Monday, saying the support the bill received during and after the public hearing recently held at the National Assembly was encouraging.
“The House is delighted with the bill and has asked that the Institute, since it’s one of its kind, should be replicated in the six geopolitical zones,” he said.
He called the establishment of the proposed institute an urgent necessity.
“As guardians of public health, we must address the escalating prevalence of vision impairment, particularly in underserved communities,” he added.
With an estimated 50 million Nigerians currently affected by visual disabilities and over seven million already blind, the need for decisive action has never been more pressing.
“The proposed institute represents a crucial step towards mitigating this growing public health challenge and ensuring a brighter future for our citizens,” he stressed.
Earlier in his presentation at the public hearing, he explained that “vision disorders are reaching epidemic proportions in Nigeria, exacerbated by limited access to ophthalmic care, particularly in rural locales,” adding that projections by the World Health Organization suggest that the current figure may double by 2050 without the right interventions.
On the proposed bill to establish the Federal College of Optometry to provide courses leading to the award of designated degrees, diplomas, and certificates in Optometry and related courses, which he also sponsored, he said the desire of any government is to have a population of healthy citizens.
“This is why governments all over the world, including Nigeria, continue to fund health-related infrastructure as well as basic health and eye care services to ensure that health sector objectives are actualized.
“The impact of optometric care is growing worldwide, and countries have devoted huge resources toward the development of infrastructure and human capital to ensure that this vital organ of the human body is given its pride of place, because without the eyes, life and living would be difficult,” he stated.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, had during the hearing assured that the bills, if considered and passed into law, “will address the current low-level scientific research and development in vision healthcare and ensure a phenomenal increase in the number of qualified professional manpower and the establishment of more specialized eye care facilities across the country.”
Also in his remarks, Chairman of the Committee on Specialty Healthcare, Hon. Alex Egbona, while expressing support, said the bills generally seek to increase public access to healthcare for Nigerians in the area of eye care, vision, and optical health.
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Politics
Nothing new to reveal – Presidency reacts to US court order on Tinubu’s records

Published
9 hours agoon
April 13, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Presidency on Sunday, reacted to the United States, US, District Court of Columbia ordering the Federal Bureau of Intelligence, FBI, to reveal President Bola Tinubu’s information.
Tinubu’s spokesman, Bayo Onanuga said there was nothing new to reveal about the case.
Onanuga said reports by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA have been in the public space for more than 30 years.
Reacting to questions from journalists, Onanuga said the reports did not indict the Nigerian leader.
Ekwutosblog had reported that Judge Beryl Howell gave the order on Tuesday.
The development followed a motion by Aaron Greenspan, an American who is seeking a reconsideration of an earlier ruling.
Howell said protecting the information from public disclosure is “neither logical nor plausible.”
Greenspan had accused the FBI of violating the Freedom of Information Act, FOIA, by failing to release within the statutory time “documents relating to purported federal investigations into” Tinubu and one Abiodun Agbele.
Tinubu was claimed to have forfeited $460,000 to the American government in 1993 after authorities linked the funds to proceeds of narcotics trafficking.
Reacting, Onanuga posted on X: “Journalists have sought the Presidency’s reaction to the ruling last Tuesday by a Washington DC judge ordering the US FBI and DEA to release reports connected with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Our response is as follows:
“There is nothing new to be revealed. The report by Agent Moss of the FBI and the DEA report have been in the public space for more than 30 years.
“The reports did not indict the Nigerian leader. The lawyers are examining the ruling.”
Politics
Gov Nwifuru didn’t sign any agreement to relinquish power in 2027- Ebonyi APC

Published
10 hours agoon
April 13, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, has said that there was no agreement reached at any point that the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position in 2027 after serving a single term of four years.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.
According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.
POLITICS
Gov Nwifuru didn’t sign any agreement to relinquish power in 2027- Ebonyi APC
Published
on

The Ebonyi State chapter of the All Progressives Congress,APC, has said that there was no agreement reached at any point that the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru would relinquish his position in 2027 after serving a single term of four years.
In a statement issued on Sunday, by the state Publicity Secretary of APC, Ogbuatu Chidi Simbad, the Party made it clear that such a claim was false and misleading.
According to Ogbuatu: “Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.
“There was never any agreement to stop a man who is fulfilling destiny. Let this be clear: Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is not leaving after four years. There was no agreement to the contrary, and any such claim is false and misleading”.
“It is a fact that since the creation of Ebonyi State, no governor has ever ruled for just one term. History supports continuity, and today is no different”.
“Now, a few individuals who once watched from the sidelines are trying to distract and confuse the people. But their imagination only reveals the content of their own minds. Ebonyians know better”.
He stressed that the party would not succumb to any intimidation or force from any individual or group.
The APC spokesman said: “the strength of the APC in Ebonyi was not built through intimidation or force. It was built on unity, humility, peace, and most important “Good governance”. The government’s unwavering commitment to fulfilling its promises has earned her the trust and love of the people”.
The Party further commended Governor Nwifuru for his visionary leadership and commitment to good governance in the state.
“It is no longer news that Ebonyi State, under the dynamic leadership of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru is on the right path to greatness. Governor Nwifuru’s led administration is focused on building a stronger, better state, one that is greater than it was met. Governance is a continuum, and this present government is committed to sustaining progressive policies for lasting economic and infrastructural growth, Ogbuatu added.
He noted that the State APC under the chairmanship of Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha has met will aggrieved members during his tour across the 13 Council areas and 171 wards, and assured them of reconciliation, peace and inclusiveness.
Politics
House of Representatives Forms 19-Member Ad-Hoc Committee to Oversee Rivers State Amid Political Crisis

Published
10 hours agoon
April 13, 2025By
Ekwutos Blog
The Nigerian House of Representatives has established a 19-member ad-hoc committee to oversee the administration of Rivers State following President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency.
This decision comes amid a political crisis in the state, primarily driven by a power struggle between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike.
The committee’s formation aligns with the Senate’s resolution to invoke Section 11, Subsection 4 of the Nigerian Constitution, granting the National Assembly authority to set up an oversight body for Rivers State’s governance during the emergency period. Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas was sworn in as the sole administrator of the state, effectively sidelining local governance structures.
The House’s action has sparked debate, with some questioning the constitutional process, including claims of insufficient votes and lack of communication with Speaker Tajudeen Abass.

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