
The Federal Government has instructed newly appointed Medical Directors of Federal Medical Centres to prioritize patient care and prevent industrial disputes that could disrupt healthcare services. This directive was issued in a statement by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace within hospitals for effective service delivery and urged the new appointees to engage health workers and unions consistently through an open-door policy. Salako also warned against denying patients access to care and announced the establishment of a task force on clinical governance and patient safety, directing Medical Directors to implement similar systems. Regarding staffing, he encouraged them to utilize the Federal Government’s fast-track waiver system for recruitment. The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Daju Kachollom, represented by Kamil Shoretire, acknowledged existing gaps in the health sector and called for improved performance. Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed Medical Directors, Evinly Nzeribe of FMC Okigwe pledged commitment to improving healthcare delivery, while Adamu Atterwharmie of FMC Birnin Kudu, representing those reappointed, promised loyalty to government directives. The appointed Medical Directors include Adamu Atterwharmie FMC Birnin Kudu, second term, Evinly Nzeribe FMC Okigwe, Umar Musami FNPH Maiduguri, Mu’azu S.I FMC Kumo, Omo Ekeneam
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
BreakingOver 5,000 people died in the twin earthquakes that hit Venezuela last month, according to National Assembly chief Jorge Rodriguez. The 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude quakes, which occurred within a minute of each other on June 24, primarily affected the coastal state of La Guaira, north of Caracas. Rodriguez stated that 5,069 people were killed, with most fatalities in the coastal region. The number of injured remains at 16,740, with many already discharged from hospitals. Approximately 20,000 individuals were displaced by the quakes and are now residing in overcrowded camps, many of which lack adequate water and sanitation facilities.

Troops from Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation WHIRL STROKE, in collaboration with the Benue State Civil Protection Guard, neutralized two suspected terrorists and rescued three kidnapped victims in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. The operation, which began on July 16 and concluded on July 17, involved troops advancing through Takum in Taraba State to Tse Togo and Utenge communities. During a fierce gun battle, two criminals were killed, and three abducted individuals were rescued: Mr. Nyityo Abraham, a teacher; Mr. Uzuegwu Chukwuemeka Decency, a spare parts dealer; and Mr. Terhember Tavarshima, a farmer, all from Katsina-Ala LGA. Other captives reportedly fled during the exchange of gunfire. The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, a G3 rifle with an optic sight, a pistol, 19 AK-47 magazines, 181 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 40 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, nine rounds of 7.62mm Tavor ammunition, a Moniepoint Point-of-Sale device, and two pairs each of desert and woodland camouflage uniforms. Maj. Gen. Moses Gara, the Force Commander, Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, commended the troops for their resilience, courage, and professionalism, reaffirming his commitment to ridding the Joint Operations Area of criminal elements.
Must ReadDidier Deschamps is set to conclude his 14-year tenure as France's coach after the World Cup third-place play-off against England. Deschamps, 57, aimed for a third World Cup triumph but France was defeated by Spain in the semi-finals, ending their bid for a third consecutive final. Reflecting on his time, Deschamps stated, "I had the privilege of experiencing moments that were magical, and others that were difficult. But life goes on. I’m a positive person, and I know things will be good, too. It’s the best thing that ever happened to me." He led France to victory in the 2018 World Cup and has guided the team to at least the semi-finals in five of his seven major competitions. His coaching career also saw disappointments, including losses in the Euro 2016 final and the 2022 World Cup final. Zinedine Zidane, Deschamps’ former teammate and a former Real Madrid star, is widely expected to be named the next head coach. Zidane, 54, has expressed his dream of managing France and has been preparing for the role since leaving Real Madrid in 2021. French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo noted the need for a leader who "ticks every box and who everyone in France can get behind."