By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Contributory Health Agency (NiCare) has initiated a free enrolment program for approximately 1,000 retirees into its health insurance scheme.
During the flag-off ceremony at the NiCare office in Minna, Dr. Bello Tukur, the Commissioner for Secondary and Tertiary Health, highlighted Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago's commitment to supporting retirees who have dedicated their productive years to the state. He emphasised that this initiative is part of the administration's broader efforts to consistently pay retirees' gratuities, now in its seventh batch.
Dr. Tukur noted that the retirees have significantly contributed to the state's development and should not worry about healthcare in their retirement. "We want them to have peace of mind, knowing their welfare is secured and they can access healthcare at any enrolled facility," he said.
Sulayman Abu-Bakr, the Executive Secretary of NiCare, stated that the governor mandated the agency to care for all citizens, including retirees. He described the free enrolment as a token of appreciation for the retirees' decades of service. The agency aims to achieve universal health coverage, starting with enrolling 1,000 retirees in the first phase and scaling up to 2,000.
Abu-Bakr revealed that NiCare has already enrolled about 100,400 people and is currently adding 15,000 vulnerable individuals, funded by the governor's counterpart fund for the basic healthcare provision fund. The agency's goal is to cover children, women of childbearing age, and the elderly to reduce maternal mortality and ensure comprehensive healthcare access.
The state head of service, Alh. Abubakar Sadiq, represented by Permanent Secretary A'ishatu T. Usman, praised the initiative and Governor Bago for his support. Engr. Abubakar Salisu, a beneficiary and former Head of Service, expressed his gratitude, noting that the program is a significant innovation by the governor to enhance the system.
This initiative is a testament to the administration's dedication to the welfare of its retirees and its broader goal of achieving universal health coverage in Niger State.  

By Suleiman Yakubu

Federal Government Girls College (FGGC) Bida celebrated its 50th Golden Jubilee Anniversary on October 14, 2024, at the college's multi-purpose hall.
In her welcome address, the principal, Mrs. Ilegbemi O. A., highlighted the school's significant milestone since its establishment on October 14, 1974. She emphasised that the anniversary is a time to reflect on the vision, dedication, and hard work of the founders, celebrating the achievements since the school's inception.
The theme of the anniversary, "Celebrating 50 Years of Milestones Set and Surpassed: Together, We Keep Creating New Greatness for the Girl Child," encapsulated the essence of the celebration. Mrs. Ilegbemi reiterated that the institution has shaped and moulded the lives of thousands of girls, who have grown into women of substance, leaving their footprints in various sectors of society.
She acknowledged the brilliance, eminence, and distinction that have marked these five decades of nurturing the girl child, supported by state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The federal government has maintained these through capital projects, a qualified teaching workforce, proper character moulding, and astute administration.
The celebration also provided an opportunity to rekindle the togetherness shared by the Old Girls during their school years. It was a time to come together, share experiences, and reinforce a sense of unity and purpose, in line with the college motto: Pro Unitate.
In her appreciation, Mrs. Ilegbemi applauded the Federal Ministry of Education for its consistent support in ensuring the school remains true to the vision of its founding fathers. She also commended the Old Girls for their resilience and determination, despite harsh economic realities, in giving back to their alma mater and creating new greatness for the girl child.
The Royal Father of the day, Etsu Nupe, and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar CFR, expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the school's five decades of existence and prayed for continued blessings on the institution and humanity at large.
The wife of the Governor of Niger State, Hajya Fatima Umaru Bago, who was the Mother of the Day, advised the students to embrace education with passion, reminding them of their potential to shape the future.
Highlights of the occasion included the cutting of the school cake, the launching of the school magazine, presentation of awards and the commissioning of some projects.