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NCPC To Partner Nigeria’s Medical Laboratory Scientists For Improved Health Of Pilgrims
By Ebriku John Friday
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that the Commission would partner with the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria (AMLSN) for improved health of pilgrims during pilgrimage.
Rev Pam made this disclosure while receiving delegation from the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria in his office at the NCPC Corporate Headquarters in Abuja on 2nd December, 2021.
Rev.Pam intimated his guests on the mandate of the Commission as the only Christian faith based Agency that is saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and organizing Christian Pilgrimage to any Holy Sites in the world, according to him, “it is an operation that involves the services of the Medical Laboratory Scientists.
The NCPC Boss said that the Association is a platform that is very important to the existence of not only Nigerians but also humans because of how sensitive the platform is. He charged the Association to ensure they have an improved and good service delivery, which will result to uplifting the good name of the Association and our great country Nigeria.
He however expressed his dissatisfaction on the high cost of conducting a PCR test in Nigeria and even globally. He called on the Association to use their good offices to advocate for the supply of booster for citizens that have received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine so that it could help to enhance the pilgrimage exercise process.
Earlier, the Leader of the delegation who is also the 14th National President of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Prof.James Garba Damen thanked the Executive Secretary for the opportunity given to the Association to pay him a visit. He also congratulated him on his well deserved appointment as the substantive Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission.
Prof. Damen hinted that the Association has keenly followed the ways the NCPC Boss has been piloting the activities of the Commission since his appointment as the Executive Secretary. According to him,“ they are impressed with his leadership style, he further stated that, they are aware that the duty of the Commission is to Cater for the physical and spiritual wellbeing of Nigerian Pilgrims as well as the health status when they embark on pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
According to him, “the purpose of their visit was to introduce themselves as the current National Executive Officers of the Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria and also convey their intentions to collaborate with the Commission towards strengthening the healthcare system in Nigeria.
Prof. Damen disclosed that the Medical Laboratory Scientists are the backbone of the modern medical practice, in his words, “it is mostly through medical laboratory investigations that your health status is detected. He recommended a periodic check up for staff of the Commission to ensure physical wellbeing of staff and pilgrims.
He stated that the Medical Scientists are not fully integrated into the services of the Commission; he however solicited for the inclusion of more Medical Laboratory Scientists in the Medical team of the Commission to ensure the health status of the pilgrims is determined and monitored.
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NDDC At 25: Cross River’s Cynthia Oloko, 19, Emerges Second Place Winner At Miss Niger Delta 2025
...Deputy Governor, APC Chairman, and Senators Celebrate Her with Generous Cash Gifts
Miss Cynthia Iyowogoga Oloko, a 19-year-old from Cross River State, has emerged as the first runner-up (second place) at the Miss Niger Delta 2025 beauty pageant. The event, held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, was part of the 25th Anniversary celebrations of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Cynthia, a final-year student of Rivers State University of Science and Technology, where she studies Human Anatomy, competed alongside nine other contestants representing the nine states of the Niger Delta—Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo, and Rivers.
Crowned with the title “Pride of the Niger Delta”, Cynthia received a cash prize of ₦7.5 million for placing second in the pageant.
In recognition of her achievement and the pride she has brought to Cross River State, several political leaders and dignitaries extended their support. The Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Rt. Hon. Dr Peter Odey, gifted her ₦3 million, the APC State Chairman, Barr. Alphonsus Ogar Eba, Esq., JP, contributed ₦1 million, while the state’s two Senators jointly supported her with another ₦3 million—bringing her total cash reward to ₦14.5 million.
According to the organisers, all nine contestants underwent intensive training and were empowered with skills and starter kits to help them become self-reliant and impactful in their communities.
The Miss Niger Delta pageant is designed not just as a beauty contest, but as a platform to empower young women across the region. It aims to nurture leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development among participants. The initiative is rooted in the belief that empowering women is key to building stronger families, communities, and society at large.
Many past participants have gone on to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders. The programme, sponsored by the NDDC, is part of its commitment to identifying and nurturing young talents in the region.
This year’s overall winner received a brand-new car and ₦10 million, while the second runner-up (third place) received ₦5 million. The remaining six contestants each received ₦1 million as a consolation prize.
Miss Cynthia Oloko was born in 2005 to Engr. and Mrs Cosmas Oloko Ekawu. She attended Trailblazers Academy in Gwarinpa, Abuja. Her hobbies include swimming, running, networking, and travelling. She aspires to build a career in entrepreneurship and politics, with a strong passion for leadership and community development.
Congratulations Miss Cynthia
The Chairman of Yala Local Government Area, Cross River State, Hon Dr Fred Okem has dissolved all revenue agencies operating in the Council with effect from 31st December 2024.
Hon Dr Fred Okem, Chairman Yala Local Government Area
This was contained in a release on Monday 6th January 2025 by the Chief Press Secretary, Emmanuel Unah.
The Chairman also cautioned that anyone who flouts the directive would be handed over to the security agencies for proper action in line with relevant laws.
The local government helmsman is expected to reposition the revenue agencies with the aim of boosting internally generated revenue in the council for adequate measures towards the development of Yala in line with the People First Agenda of the State government.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, Ms. Grace Ike, has been named Nigeria’s Media Personality of the Year 2024. This prestigious recognition was conferred by the Editorial Board of Good Governance Today Nigeria at a grand ceremony held at the National Merit House, Abuja.
NUJ FCT Council Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike
In addition to the honour, Ms. Ike was inducted into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame—a testament to her exemplary contributions to leadership and professional journalism in Nigeria.
The award acknowledges Ms. Ike’s uncommon leadership qualities and her unwavering commitment to advancing journalism as a tool for national development. Her selfless service to humanity, her state and the nation has made her a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Speaking at the event, the organiser and the managing editor of Governance Today , mr Sylvester Abudu Omose commended Ms. Ike’s visionary leadership and her remarkable strides in reshaping the landscape of journalism in Nigeria. Her relentless dedication to using journalism to advocate for transparency, justice, and public enlightenment was described as both inspiring and transformative.
“Ms. Grace Ike’s achievements transcend the ordinary. She has redefined what it means to serve humanity through journalism. Her work exemplifies the power of the media in fostering societal progress and governance,” the board stated.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Ike represented by one of her media aides, mr Ademola Adepoju expressed her gratitude for the recognition and attributed her success to the collective efforts of her team at NUJ FCT Council and the support of stakeholders in the journalism community. She reiterated her commitment to promoting ethical journalism and upholding the values of truth, accountability, and service to humanity.
“This award is not just a recognition of my efforts but a call to do even more. Journalism is the lifeline of democracy, and we must continue to use it to uphold justice and transparency for the betterment of our society,” Ms. Ike remarked.
The event was attended by dignitaries from the media, government and civil society, who lauded Ms. Ike’s achievements and pledged continued support for initiatives that promote good governance and ethical journalism in Nigeria.
As Ms. Grace Ike steps into the Good Governance Today Nigeria Hall of Fame, her legacy as a leader, journalist, and advocate for humanity continues to inspire a new generation of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities and the nation at large.
