Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has flagged off a five-day Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas medical mission, a free medical outreach organised by the state government in collaboration with ANPA, holding in Aba and Umuahia, the state capital.

Declaring the medical mission open on Tuesday, Otti thanked ANPA for returning to Abia for its 2026 medical mission, just two years after its last outreach in the state.

“We are proud to have found a team of reliable development partners in ANPA, who have not only come to lift the burden of difficult health conditions for several members of our community but also to offer hands-on training and mentorship to hundreds of healthcare professionals working here.

“We also appreciate the team of ophthalmologists from our sister state here in Nigeria who have joined this mission to attend to the critical healthcare needs of our people. Thank you for volunteering your much sought-after expertise,” Otti stated.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising healthcare, noting that his policies have consistently been driven by the desire to enhance the social and economic well-being of the people.

He emphasised that infrastructure development must align with the broader governance agenda of improving citizens’ welfare.

Otti used the occasion to call for more structured and long-term collaboration with ANPA, directing the State Ministry of Health to initiate discussions toward a formal partnership framework.

“We want ANPA to be involved in the entire spectrum of our healthcare delivery efforts, from remote consultations and advisory services through our soon-to-be-launched digital health services portal, to other support systems that will enable the state to benefit extensively from their global exposure and reach,” he said.

The governor noted that the overarching goal remains improving the health and well-being of Abians, especially vulnerable groups, including pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns, and infants.

“We are committed to exploring every opportunity to improve our health indices because quality healthcare delivery is central to the wealth and prosperity of our population and the restoration of human dignity,” he added.

He further disclosed that he had directed the Commissioner for Health and his team to open further negotiations with Dr Cliff Eke and ANPA leadership to develop a structured partnership framework between the state and the association.

Also speaking, the Deputy Chairman, House Committee on Health, and member representing Ikwuano State Constituency, Boniface Isienyi, said the House was pleased with the governor’s efforts in the healthcare sector.

He commended Otti for providing a conducive environment for the programme and thanked ANPA for returning to Abia.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, described the medical mission as a testament to the state government’s strategic approach to health sector reforms through global partnerships.

He said, “Abia’s healthcare reforms have led to a significant increase in hospital patronage and improved health indices, positioning the state as a national leader in healthcare delivery.

“This medical mission targets at least 1,500 consultations and over 100 free surgeries, while encouraging residents to take full advantage of the opportunity.”

In his speech, the President of ANPA, Dr Cliff Eke, described the initiative as part of a broader diaspora-driven health intervention aimed at strengthening healthcare systems across Nigeria.

He noted that this was the first time ANPA was conducting back-to-back medical missions in the state, attributing it to the governor’s commitment to healthcare.

Eke added that ANPA’s intervention goes beyond medical services to include capacity building, knowledge exchange, and long-term system strengthening through partnerships and telemedicine.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Chairman of the Medical Mission Committee and Director-General of the Abia State Agency for the Control of AIDS, Dr Uloaku Ukaegbu, expressed appreciation to the governor for his consistent support for healthcare development.

She described the outreach as a major step toward achieving equitable access to healthcare, noting that over 15,000 residents benefited from similar missions in the past year, with more than 300 surgeries successfully conducted.

She further highlighted additional components of the mission, including a youth-focused sexual and reproductive health programme scheduled to be held at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Quantus Medical Foundation, Dr Nnenna Ihekorommadu, highlighted the forthcoming Abia Healthcare Rebirth Initiative, aimed at promoting compassionate care, accountability, and excellence in healthcare delivery across the state.

She noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers through training and value reorientation.

The flag-off event was attended by stakeholders in the healthcare sector, including senior appointees of the state.

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Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is to embark on a four-day diplomatic blitz to Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey on Wednesday, Islamabad’s foreign ministry said, as the country engages in feverish diplomacy ahead of a possible second round of US-Iran peace talks.

“Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif will undertake official visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar and the Republic of Turkiye from 15–18 April 2026,” the ministry said in a statement, using Turkey’s official name.

The visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar would be conducted “in the bilateral context”, while in Turkey, Sharif will participate in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum and will hold bilateral meetings with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and other leaders on the sidelines, the statement said.

Washington and Tehran held their first face-to-face talks in decades in Islamabad over the weekend, with efforts underway to end the more than six-week war that began when the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

The war has plunged the Middle East into conflict, with Iran’s retaliation targeting US allies in the Gulf — including Saudi Arabia and Qatar — and blocking energy exports from the region.

While the Islamabad talks ended without an agreement to end the conflict, US President Donald Trump said Tuesday that negotiations could resume this week in Islamabad.

A fragile ceasefire remains in place until next week, despite the United States ordering a naval blockade of Iran.

Sharif would be accompanied by Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar — one of the mediators during the US-Iran talks — and other senior officials on his visits.

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share close ties, and Islamabad’s finance ministry announced on Wednesday that Riyadh would provide Pakistan with $3 billion to help bolster the country’s foreign reserves.

That support came days after Pakistan said it was returning billions in loans to Riyadh’s ally-turned-rival the UAE.

The finance ministry added that an existing $5 billion Saudi deposit would also be extended for an unspecified period.

AFP

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President Bola Tinubu has promised support for the families of 11 security personnel killed in a bandit attack in Shanga Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

The President, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, delivered the message on Tuesday during a visit to the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.

He also condoled with the government and people of Kebbi State over the killing and the death of the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Muhammad Usman-Zuru.

Tinubu described the twin tragedies as “profound and painful.”

Condemning the attack, Tinubu said the killing of the security personnel was “a barbaric act,” while commending their courage and sacrifice in the line of duty.

“We commend you for your efforts. The Federal Government is doing everything possible to support you in all ramifications.

“We are here to express our deep sympathy to the families of the fallen soldiers and the affected communities.

“We are also here to condole with you over the demise of the Speaker, Kebbi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Muhammad Usman-Zuru,” he said.

Responding, the governor said the President’s visit demonstrated solidarity with the state in its moment of grief.

“This visit clearly shows your compassion and shared grief with the people of Kebbi State. We deeply appreciate it,” the governor said.

Idris disclosed that the slain security personnel were ambushed while responding to a distress call in Shanga LGA, underscoring the dangers faced by operatives on the frontlines.

He also revealed that the late speaker had been flown abroad for medical treatment but eventually died despite efforts to save his life.

“We made every possible effort to ensure he received adequate medical attention, but we have submitted to the will of Almighty Allah,” he added.

Also speaking, the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Sanusi Mika’ilu, commended the state government for supporting victims’ families and affected communities.

The visit comes amid renewed concerns over insecurity in parts of Kebbi State, with authorities pledging intensified efforts to curb banditry and restore peace.

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