WAFFI TV | Feature

Buhari Could Have Lived If Treated At Our Facility~ ABUAD Hospital’s CMD

The Chief Medical Director of Afe Babalola University Multi-System Hospital (AMSH), Dr. Akinola Akinmade, has asserted that former President Muhammadu Buhari might have survived had he received treatment at the institution’s state-of-the-art medical facility. Speaking confidently about the hospital’s advanced technology and highly trained personnel, Dr. Akinmade said AMSH has the capacity to sustain critical health conditions and keep patients like the late president alive and functional. Addressing journalists in Ado-Ekiti over the weekend, the CMD decried the persistent culture of medical tourism among Nigeria’s elite, particularly political leaders. He emphasized the urgent need for government to invest in domestic healthcare infrastructure, citing ABUAD Hospital as a prime example of what is possible locally. Describing AMSH as arguably the best-equipped hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa, Dr. Akinmade highlighted its cutting-edge equipment and a robust team of international medical professionals. He credited the visionary efforts of the hospital’s founder, legal luminary Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), for assembling the resources and expertise necessary to create a facility capable of delivering world-class healthcare to all Nigerians, regardless of social or economic status. “Only late last year, the hospital, under the visionary leadership of our founder, went a step further by going into a formal collaboration with Marengo Asia Hospitals, a leading medical group, based in India. “This partnership was established to deepen surgical excellence and expand the scope of specialized procedures available to patients, right here in Nigeria. Since the commencement of this collaboration, the Marengo Asia surgical team, working alongside our dedicated Nigerian clinicians, has completed nine kidney transplant procedures here at AMSH. “In addition to to transplant services, our Renal Centre is equipped with 27 modern dialysis machines, including dedicated machines for patients with infectious conditions, such as hepatitis and similar ailments. As we speak, the centre conducts minimum of over 400 dialysis treatment sessions each month, thereby making it one if the busiest and most comprehensive dialysis programmes in the country”. Dr. Akinola Akinmade noted that the hospital’s numerous medical achievements recently earned it national recognition with an award for “Redefining Standards in Hospital Management, Clinical Delivery, Patient Experience, and Innovation within Nigeria’s Healthcare System” by the National Healthcare Excellence Awards Group. He emphasized that true independence for Nigeria would only be achieved when the country can deliver quality healthcare to its citizens without depending on foreign medical services. Dr. Akinmade made these remarks in response to a recent comment by Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, who claimed the late president would have died years earlier had he received treatment in a Nigerian hospital. It will be recalled that Buhari passed away on July 13, 2025, at the age of 82, while undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness in a London clinic. He was later buried in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State. Reinforcing his position, the CMD stated, “A country that cannot treat its own ailments is still colonized. We must be able to care for our people here at home.” “Our hospitals have to be able to take care of our people, and we cannot always resort to running outside the country for health care. It is important for us to develop our capabilities, and these things don’t happen overnight. “In terms of that, ABUAD Hospital has been described as the best-equipped hospital in Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond that, our hospital is staffed with some of the best clinicians in the country. “One thing that is different about us is that we fight for every life. So, I can assure you that if we had been the ones attending to the former president, we would have done everything possible to keep him alive and functional”. The CMD also called on the government to urgently fix Ado-Ijan road, describing it as a critical access route that poses a threat to emergency patients, transport and hospital partners. He reaffirmed the Hospital’s commitment to delivering world-class healthcare, training future health professionals and driving innovation that meets the real needs of Nigerians.

7/21/2025, 8:33:31 AM

Doctors To Begin Nationwide Strike Thursday

With the expiration of its 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government fast approaching on July 23, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has threatened to shut down medical services nationwide if its demands are not met. NMA President, Prof. Bala Audu, confirmed this during an exclusive interview with our correspondent on Sunday, stating that the association is ready to take decisive steps should the government fail to respond appropriately. According to Prof. Audu, the NMA's demands are essential for preserving Nigeria’s healthcare system and ensuring the welfare of medical professionals across the country. The ultimatum, issued on July 2, was in response to a circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which revised allowances for medical and dental officers in the federal public service. The association rejected the circular, saying it contravened existing agreements. As part of its ultimatum, the NMA called on the government to withdraw the circular and meet other outlined demands to prevent a nationwide industrial action in the health sector. “We have made our position clear. The ultimatum ends on July 23, and if the Federal Government does not address our demands, we may have no choice but to proceed with a strike,” he said. According to him, the circular contains provisions that were not mutually agreed upon and which undermine the remuneration and welfare of medical professionals. “We have rejected that circular outright. We expect that any new directive affecting our members should be the outcome of mutual consultation, not something imposed,” he stated. Prof Audu disclosed that the NMA had been engaging with the Federal Government to avert a crisis. “The last meeting happened two weeks ago and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Pate; the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Iziaq Salako; the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Hospital Services, and the representative of minister of labour were at the meeting, and some affiliate of the NMA were present, and I was part of that meeting as well. “The minister appreciated us, then he spoke about the issues as contained in the list of demands from the NMA. “However, he felt that we should go for a further meeting, and another meeting was slated for last week, unfortunately, in the week, we lost the former President Muhammadu Buhari, so the meeting couldn’t be held. “However, the next meeting is supposed to happen between us, the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, which issued a circular that we feel is obnoxious, and we have rejected it. We would also meet with the Ministry of Finance and representatives from the Ministry of Health,” he added. The NMA president expressed concern that time was running out, adding that unless the meeting was held within the next few days, the association may be left with no other alternative but industrial action. “We expect that after the funeral ceremonies, government stakeholders will reconvene with us, hopefully by Monday. Otherwise, the 21-day ultimatum still stands. “If the government fails to prioritise this matter, a strike may be inevitable,” he added. The Katsina State NMA branch, in a communique issued after its State Executive Council meeting, expressed “grave disappointment” and “unequivocal condemnation” over the circular. The meeting, held in Katsina, on Saturday, noted that “NMA Katsina State branch hereby rejects National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission’s (NSIWC) circular (SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646) dated 27th June, 2025 on review of allowances for medical/dental officers in the federal public service and demands urgent government withdrawal action and fulfillment of all the demands.” The communique, made available to newsmen on Sunday, was jointly signed by the Chairman, NMA Katsina, Dr Muhammadu Sani and Secretary, Dr Yahya Salisu. The association warned that it could not guarantee non-disruption of health services if their demands were not met.

7/21/2025, 8:05:41 AM

Army Arrests 183 Suspected Internet Fraudsters In Warri

Troops of the 63 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with Sector 1 of the Joint Task Force (South-South), Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have apprehended 183 suspected internet fraudsters during a major raid in Warri, Delta State. The raid, which took place on Saturday, July 19, 2025, was based on credible intelligence indicating that the suspects were operating from apartments allegedly serving as a cybercrime training centre. “The Nigerian Army remains committed to combating cybercrime and other forms of criminality that threaten national security,” the statement added.

7/20/2025, 6:50:17 PM

Bayelsa Proposes 25 New LGAs, State Police, Constitutional Reforms

Bayelsa State has submitted far-reaching proposals in the ongoing review of Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution, including the creation of 25 additional local government areas—raising the number from 8 to 33. At a public hearing in Yenagoa, the state’s Attorney General, Biriyai Dambo (SAN), said the existing LGAs are overstretched and that the state has the capacity to sustain more councils. The state also advocated for the establishment of state police, full ownership and control of natural resources by states, and a new revenue-sharing formula that allocates 60% to states and 40% to the federal government. Governor Douye Diri emphasized the need for a Constitution that promotes equity, justice, and addresses the developmental aspirations of states and regions. Additional proposals from Bayelsa include electoral and judicial reforms, as well as enhanced autonomy for local governments. The hearing drew participants from Bayelsa, Delta, and Edo states, including traditional rulers, legislators, and other stakeholders.

7/20/2025, 1:40:19 PM

Ogbe Ijoh Youths Reject INEC Ward Proposal, Demand For Eight Wards

7/19/2025, 7:55:27 PM

Senator Natasha Akpoti~Uduaghan Vows To Resume At Senate On Tuesday

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has affirmed that she will resume at the Senate on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in compliance with the court’s judgment, despite an appeal filed by Senate President Godswill Akpabio. “I have pretty much two months more before the six months expire. However, I have written to the Senate again telling them that I’m resuming on the 22nd, which is on Tuesday, by the special grace of God,” she said. “I will be there, because the court did make the decision on that. Now, they argue that it’s an order — it’s not an order, but it is a decision.” Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is in her constituency for a training programme to empower her constituents, says even though her suspension did not stop her from working for her constituency, it hampered a major part of her responsibilities, which is to sponsor bills and motions on the floor of the Senate. She said, “I did mention that every senator has three major functions. Legislative — which is the creation of laws and review of treaties. Then we have oversight — which is to oversee ministers and agencies. And then the third is representation — which I’m doing. “Whereby I identify the problems and the challenges of my community, and I make sure I present them and have them captured in the federal budget. And I have done pretty well with that. Of course, I do miss putting up my bills there, but it didn’t stop me from working.” The lawmaker said she has communicated her intentions to resume on Tuesday in a letter to the Senate.

7/19/2025, 7:26:24 PM

18 Serving Governors Currently Under Investigation~ EFCC Chairman

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has revealed that 18 serving governors are currently under investigation by the agency for various alleged financial misconduct. Olukoyede made the disclosure on Friday at a public awareness event in Lagos focused on curbing the misuse and abuse of the naira. He explained that although the EFCC can begin probing public officials while they are still in office, some actions are delayed until they leave office due to constitutional constraints. “We don’t wait until governors complete their tenure before we begin our work. Right now, the EFCC is actively investigating 18 sitting governors. Once their tenures are over, we will proceed accordingly,” he stated. Sharing a related anecdote, Olukoyede recounted a case involving a former Nigerian governor who fled the country immediately after handing over power to evade EFCC arrest. The ex-governor, he said, traveled to the United Kingdom, where he hosted a lavish birthday party in a hotel. During the celebration, the former governor allegedly began spraying British pounds in denominations of £10 and £50, which startled the hotel staff. Concerned by the unusual behavior, the hotel manager contacted emergency services, fearing the guest might be mentally unstable. “When the Metropolitan Police arrived, they prepared to detain him, even calling an ambulance, believing they were dealing with a psychiatric episode,” Olukoyede said. He added that two other Nigerian governors and close associates of the former governor, who had travelled to the UK for the event, intervened and clarified the situation to the authorities. “The hotel manager had never seen such conduct before and mistook it for a sign of mental distress. It was only after his friends explained that the situation was defused,” Olukoyede noted.

7/19/2025, 5:58:33 PM

Constitutional Review: Arogbo Ijaws Renew Demand For Toru~Ebe State

The Arogbo-Ijaw people of Ondo State have once again reiterated their longstanding demand for the creation of Toru-Ebe State, citing years of systemic marginalization, ethnic division, and the consistent denial of their right to self-determination. This renewed appeal was made during the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital. Speaking on behalf of the group, Chief Francis Williams stated that the push for the creation of Toru-Ebe State is driven by the "historical and ongoing injustices" faced by the Ijaw ethnic group spread across Delta, Edo, and Ondo States. Williams said, “Our request is hinged on the complete lack of fairness, justice, equity, and non-compliance with international conventions, laws, and declarations concerning the Ijaw ethnic nationality within the Nigerian nation-state.” According to him, the Ijaw people, with over 8,000 years of uninterrupted history in the Niger Delta, have been “balkanised, marginalized, and rendered politically vulnerable.” He traced the origin of their struggle to colonial-era decisions that divided the Ijaw people between the Eastern and Western Regions, resulting in their status as minorities in several states. This fragmentation, he argued, has weakened their political voice and cultural cohesion. Williams referenced various national conferences and conventions—from Patani in 1991 to Kaiama in 1993—where demands for homogenous Ijaw states were made, yet continuously ignored. Citing international frameworks such as the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Arogbo-Ijaw group affirmed their right to exercise control over their land, culture, governance, and resources free from external interference. “We are invoking global declarations and charters to which Nigeria is a signatory. The Ijaw people deserve a state of their own—not just as a matter of political restructuring but as a fulfillment of their right to self-determination,” Williams declared. The group also referenced iconic Nigerian figures such as Chief Rotimi Williams and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, who had previously warned against the splitting of ethnic nationalities into minority enclaves. “It is immoral to split one ethnic group into two,” Chief Williams had said, while Dr. Azikiwe stressed the importance of ethnic unity within states as a prerequisite for genuine self-determination. While acknowledging the creation of Bayelsa State in 1996 as a positive step, the Arogbo-Ijaws noted that their counterparts in the western flank of the Niger Delta remain “politically stranded.” As the constitutional review process progresses, the group urged the National Assembly to correct what they termed a “historical injustice” by recommending the creation of Toru-Ebe State from parts of Delta, Edo, and Ondo States. Concluding their submission, Chief Williams stated, “Our heroes past are on the same page with us in the demand for the creation of Toru-Ebe State. We rest our case.

7/19/2025, 5:16:04 AM

Three South West Governors Advocate True Federalism, State Police In Constitution Review

Three governors from the South-West—Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo, Senator Ademola Adeleke of Osun, and Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti—have called for true federalism and the creation of state police as part of the ongoing constitutional review process. Speaking at the South-West Centre B Public Hearing of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review held in Akure, the Ondo State capital, the governors described Nigeria’s current centralized policing system as unsustainable in the face of escalating insecurity. Governor Aiyedatiwa, in particular, urged the National Assembly to amend the constitution to allow for the establishment of state police. He highlighted the success of the Amotekun Corps in community policing, crime prevention, and intelligence gathering across the region. He also pushed for a review of the country’s revenue allocation formula, proposing that states should retain at least 50 percent of the revenue generated from the federation. According to him “Ondo State aligns with the progressive aspirations of the South-West Geo-political Zone in advocating for true federalism that reflects socio-political, cultural and economic realities of the federating units. “This would be in tandem with true fiscal federalism where states have full control over their resources and revenues, while remitting about 40 percent of their revenues to the Federal Government. “Still on fiscal federalism, it will serve the cause of fairness and justice to have a review of the current revenue allocation formula which is skewed in favour of the federal government. ” Ondo State is of the opinion that not less than 50 percent of revenue from the federation should be allocated to the states.” He proposed that Section 44(3) of the Constitution be amended to remove control over minerals, mineral oils, and natural gas from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent Legislative List. This, he said, would enable state governments to harness their mineral wealth for local development. “It is an understatement that State Governments and the people experience a lot of agonies from the activities of miners, including illegal miners, quarries and others that engage in mineral exploration activities. “This is because state governments have little or no control over this sector. “It hinders State Governments, especially oil-rich States from harnessing their mineral wealth for local development, while illegal mining continues to flourish due to weak Federal Government oversight and poor local enforcement mechanisms.

7/18/2025, 3:00:20 PM

RCCG Pastor Allegedly Absconds With $8,000 To US, Marries New Wife

Pastor Folu Adeboye, wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor E.A. Adeboye, has alleged that a pastor of the church absconded with $8,000, abandoned his wife, and remarried in the United States. She made the disclosure during her ministration at a men's programme organised by the church. A video capturing her account of the incident has since gone viral. According to Pastor Folu, the pastor, who hails from Ekiti State, was serving in Cape Town, South Africa, at the time. The $8,000 he allegedly fled with was meant for the purchase of a permanent site for the parish. Pastor Adeboye recounted the matter with concern for the pastor’s deserted wife: “The woman she abandoned in South Africa is presently in a terrible state now, almost running mad.” She continued with a stern charge to the men of the church: “RCCG men, what are we going to do? Are we going to continue with such a lying spirit, a deceitful spirit to the God of the kingdom?”

7/18/2025, 1:52:03 AM

Subscribe to our newsletter

advertisement