Clement Idoko, Author at Tribune Online

...says visa processing now within 48 to 72 hours President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 50 doctors and 100 nurses to cater for the medical needs of inmates in correctional centres across the country. Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced this on Thursday in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Alao Babatunde, in Abuja. Tunji-Ojo, according to the statement, has also secured presidential approval for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to post medical doctors to correctional centres for the service year, in realisation of the need to protect the rights of the weakest in society. The Minister also announced the approval of the extension of service beyond retirement age for existing medical personnel under the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) to cover for shortfalls in the short term. "Before his appointment as Minister, a state like Rivers State lacked an adequate number of medical personnel to cater for inmates, hence the need for employment intervention. "The Minister notes that the recruitment exercise would alleviate unemployment, as it will become a continuous exercise," the statement added. Meanwhile, the Minister announced the completion of the renovation of the Kuje Correctional Centre, noting that the facility has experienced a facelift from what it used to be into a befitting edifice. "It is entirely new; from the cells to the water supply, to the hospital, amongst others, as we are making sure Mr. President's magnanimity is felt across all areas. "For the President, it is about building a system that will stand the test of time, as he is not just providing short-term solutions to long-term problems. "He is not providing long-term solutions to short-term problems, but providing short-term solutions to short-term problems and long-term solutions to long-term problems, which is encouraging," he stated. In addition, the Minister disclosed that presidential approval has also been obtained for the establishment of a National Paramilitary Academy, reinstating the need to establish a degree-awarding institution where young citizens will be trained in paramilitary engagement. "We need a degree-awarding institution, like the Nigerian Defence Academy, that will train young persons after securing admissions through the University Tertiary Matriculation Examination. "When they come out, they come out as officers, properly trained to contribute their quota to national security," he said. On visa issuance, the Minister noted that the process is taking a new dimension, adding that all Nigerian visas will now be applied for online and processed (approved or rejected) within 48 to 72 hours. On the security of lives and property, the Minister reiterated government efforts in sanitising the Private Guard sector. "We are ensuring that the sector is structurally built in such a way that it can add value to the security architecture of the country. We are in the process of deploying what we call the Guard Management System for the automation of processes along that line," he said. "The Minister acknowledged the support of the President and father of the Nation, His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) in achieving the mandates of all agencies under the ministry," the statement added. ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE