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Bono, ONE Campaign Commend Saraki, 8th NASS Over Healthcare

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Co-Founder of the ONE Campaign, lead-singer of the Irish multi-award winning rock-band, and philanthropist, Mr. Paul David Hewson, also known as Bono (U2), on Tuesday, thanked the 8th National Assembly for including a clause in the 2018 budget that guarantees the use of 1% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation for primary healthcare.

In a statement signed by Olu Onemola, the special assistant on New Media to the President of the Senate, Bono gave the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to the President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, in Abuja.

He stated that he was in the National Assembly to commend the legislators for being the first National Assembly in the history of Nigeria to get the 1% clause passed.

“You made it happen,” Bono said to the President of the Senate, “People were, and have been talking about it for many years, but nobody was doing anything about it.

“But you made the 1% for healthcare happen. Nobody wants earmarks, but you made it happen. Its going to be really important for people’s lives. The decisions made in this building are decisions of life and death in this case, so, we thank you for making the decision for people that we may never even meet.”

Responding, Saraki, who received the visitors in the company of Senate Minority Leader, Senator Biodun Olujimi and Senator Dino Melaye, stated that he had his colleagues from both the Senate and the House of Representatives to thank for the passage of the 1% appropriation for healthcare in the 2018 budget.

Saraki also told his visitors that as a medical doctor, he saw the improvement of primary healthcare across Nigeria as a necessity and hoped that moving forward, the efficient implementation of the 1% for Primary Healthcare would be addressed.

The President of the Senate said: “The issue now is to get the 1% allocation out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) operational, so that we can begin to improve our primary healthcare system across the country.

“What we need to consider now is to see how that fund can be seed capital for the private sector to come in and expand the system. Depending on government to build these healthcare centres and make them functional on a long-term basis is not going to work.

“I have had the opportunity to be a Governor for eight years, where I pushed the health insurance scheme in partnership with the private sector, so I have seen it work.

“Let the private sector be responsible for sustaining this because they can do it better than government. Let’s say the 1% out of the CRF adds up to a N1 trillion for example, government should make that their contribution, then, we should get the private sector to come in, make their own contributions and manage it.

“Otherwise, we will find out that every year, we will have the same budgetary provisions for this 1% Clause for Healthcare and that we have not moved forward in improving our primary healthcare system,” he stated.

The U2 lead singer was accompanied on the visit by Gayle Smith, the president and CEO of the ONE Campaign; Tom Freston, chairman of the ONE Campaign; Kathy McKeirnan, director of Communications; Innocent Edache, Communications and Advocacy Manager of the ONE Campaign; Douglas Alexander, chairman of the Board of UNICEF UK; John Spears, chief of staff to the President of the ONE Campaign; and Serah Makka, the Nigeria Country Director for the ONE Campaign

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Dominican University Hails Peter Obi on 65th Birthday

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The Dominican University, Ibadan, has paid glowing tribute to its Pro-Chancellor and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, on his 65th birthday, describing him as a visionary leader whose commitment to education, youth development and national progress continues to inspire generations of Nigerians.

In a goodwill message issued on Sunday, the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Jacinta Opara, lauded Obi’s enduring passion for quality education, noting that his consistent investments in human capital and advocacy for educational excellence have strengthened institutions and offered hope to young people across the country.

According to Opara, Obi has, through his public service and private engagements, remained a steadfast champion of education, making it a cornerstone of his vision for national development.

She said his words, actions and unwavering support for learning had reinforced the conviction that education remains the most effective instrument for building a prosperous, inclusive and sustainable society.

The university also expressed appreciation for Obi’s contributions to the institution as Pro-Chancellor, describing his leadership, generosity and guidance as instrumental to its growth and development.

The statement noted that under his stewardship, Dominican University has continued to pursue academic excellence while remaining committed to its mission of producing morally upright and globally competitive graduates.

It read in part: “As a university founded a decade ago on the rich 800-year educational heritage of the Order of Preachers (Dominicans), we remain profoundly grateful for your visionary leadership, generous support and invaluable contributions as our Pro-Chancellor.”

The institution joined family members, associates and well-wishers in celebrating Obi’s milestone, praying for continued good health, wisdom, strength and divine guidance as he continues to advocate good governance, human dignity, hope and national development.

The message, signed by the Vice-Chancellor, reaffirmed the university’s pride in its association with Obi, whose dedication to education, integrity and selfless service, it said, continues to leave a lasting impact on the nation and inspire future generations.

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Ooni of Ife Loses Elder Brother Prince Adetunji

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The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has announced the passing of his immediate elder brother, Prince Adetunji Ogunwusi.

The monarch made the announcement in a statement released on Sunday through the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, Sodiq Lawal.

Describing the late prince as a respected businessman and compassionate leader, the Ooni said Prince Adetunji lived a life dedicated to service, humility and the wellbeing of others.

According to the statement, the death of Prince Adetunji has left a deep void in the Ogunwusi family, the Ojaja Royal Dynasty and the entire Ile-Ife Kingdom.

Prince Adetunji, who was born on December 8, 1967, was a member of the Ojaja lineage of the Giesi Ruling House in Ile-Ife. He was also the Group Chairman of Primewaterview Holdings, where he earned recognition for his contributions to business development and entrepreneurship.

The Ooni noted that his late brother built a reputation as an innovative entrepreneur and visionary leader. Through his business activities, he created opportunities for many people and contributed to economic growth in different sectors.

The monarch further stated that beyond his achievements in business, Prince Adetunji was known for his generosity, kindness and commitment to humanitarian causes. He was said to have quietly supported many individuals and families, offering assistance, guidance and encouragement whenever needed.

The statement added that Prince Adetunji’s influence extended beyond the corporate world, as he remained deeply connected to his roots and maintained a strong interest in the progress and development of Ile-Ife and its people.

The Ooni described his late brother as a dependable adviser, a loving family member and a man whose legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

Family members, friends, associates and well wishers have continued to pay tribute to the late prince, remembering him for his humility, wisdom and positive impact on society.

The palace said further details regarding funeral arrangements and other ceremonies would be announced by the family in due course.

Prince Adetunji’s death marks a significant loss to the royal family and the people of Ile-Ife, who will remember him for his service, leadership and dedication to humanity.

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Harakati Za Holds Pan-African Conference on Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms, Regional Integration in Accra

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More than 200 delegates from across Africa are expected to converge in Accra on July 24, 2026, for an international conference on “Economic Restructuring, Political Reforms and Integration for Sustainable Development in Africa.”

The conference, organised by Harakati Za Muungano, will take place at the GNAT Hall and will bring together policymakers, academics, business leaders, traditional authorities, civil society organisations, youth leaders and development partners to explore practical solutions for accelerating Africa’s development through deeper regional integration.

Harakati Za Muungano, a Swahili phrase meaning “Union Movement,” is a pan-African movement committed to promoting African unity, economic transformation and governance reforms that support sustainable development.

The organisation believes that Africa’s vast human and natural resources can only be fully harnessed through stronger regional cooperation, enhanced intra-African trade and governance systems that place the continent’s long-term development at the centre of public policy.

Since its establishment in November 2023, the movement has expanded its operations to 17 African countries, engaging governments, regional institutions, traditional leaders, professionals, youth groups and community organisations.

Its work focuses on policy advocacy, research, civic engagement and humanitarian initiatives aimed at fostering inclusive development, strengthening regional cooperation and encouraging reforms that improve the quality of life of Africans.

The conference will provide a platform for participants to deliberate on critical issues affecting the continent, including constitutional reforms, economic restructuring, regional market integration, industrialisation, governance continuity and sustainable financing models for development.

Organisers expect the discussions to produce practical recommendations that can inform policy decisions at both national and regional levels.

A major focus of the conference will be the movement’s vision of a more integrated Sub-Saharan Africa where barriers to trade and movement are reduced, economic collaboration is strengthened and governments adopt policies that encourage long-term planning, investment and shared prosperity.

The organisation believes that greater integration will unlock new opportunities for businesses, create jobs, promote industrial growth and enhance Africa’s global competitiveness.

Organisers say the conference represents an important opportunity for African leaders and stakeholders to collectively examine bold and innovative approaches to the continent’s future.

With over 200 delegates expected from across the continent, the event is anticipated to foster meaningful dialogue, strengthen partnerships and advance a shared vision of an economically resilient, politically stable and fully integrated Africa.

-Overseeronline.com

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