The presidential running mate of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has said the 2027 election is between oppressed Nigerians and those responsible for their oppression.

Kwankwaso made the remark while faulting the Presidential Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement he signed, the former Kano State governor wondered if members of the council signified a new beginning or the continuation of hardship for Nigerians.

According to Kwankwaso, “I have taken note of the recently constituted APC Presidential Campaign Council, whose composition offers Nigerians a clear picture of the choice before us in the 2027 general election.

“The council brings together many of the same political actors who have supported, defended or participated in the present administration.

“Their coming together raises a fundamental question: what exactly are they asking Nigerians to vote for in 2027: a new beginning or the continuation of the same system that has brought severe hardship to our people?

“The truth is, I see the 2027 election as a struggle between the oppressed Nigerian masses and those who have benefited from, defended and sustained the system responsible for their hardship.

“It is concerning to all well-meaning Nigerians that across the country, families are struggling with the rising cost of food and basic necessities.

“Young Nigerians face unemployment and diminishing opportunities. Farmers and businesses are struggling to survive, while millions continue to live with insecurity. Our education, healthcare and other essential public services remain under enormous pressure.”

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commenced Basic Life Support (BLS) training for health workers in seven public hospitals, as part of efforts to strengthen emergency response and reduce preventable deaths in the territory.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Saturday.

The four-day American Heart Association (AHA)- certified training is being held at the Conference Hall of Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, following the National Council on Health’s approval to implement the National BLS Training Programme nationwide.

Health workers from Asokoro, Maitama, Wuse, Gwarinpa, Kuje, Kubwa and Nyanya hospitals are participating in the training.

The programme is designed to equip health workers with the skills required to respond quickly to medical emergencies and provide basic life-saving care while patients await further medical intervention.

FCTA plans Code Blue, teams

The Mandate Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat (HSES), Dolapo Fasawe, while declaring the training open, said the programme would strengthen emergency services in FCT hospitals and help reduce avoidable deaths.

Ms Fasawe said the FCTA was also working towards establishing Code Blue teams across hospitals in the territory to ensure that patients requiring urgent attention receive prompt care.

“Our goal is to record success stories from ‘no pulse to resuscitation consistently’. When people know that they can receive timely and proper emergency care in our hospitals, it will also build their confidence and trust in government hospitals to respond swiftly and manage their loved ones,” she said.

She said the training would also help health workers remain up to date with global practices in emergency care.

According to her, participants would be expected to share the knowledge they acquire with their colleagues and the public to support the National Community cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Initiative.

Ms Fasawe added that the training would be extended to other hospitals in the FCT, with the necessary basic equipment and other requirements provided to strengthen emergency response and patient care.

Training to include bleeding control
The training coordinator, Rosemary Nwokorie, a consultant anaesthetist, said the exercise was being conducted in batches.

She said the first batch was scheduled for 21 and 22 August, while the second batch would be held on 4 and 5 September.

The training also includes a Stop the Bleeding course, which teaches participants how to control severe bleeding in trauma patients before definitive medical care is provided.

Onyedika Okoye, a trauma surgeon at the Trauma Centre, National Hospital, Abuja, leads the team of instructors.

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Participants will undergo an assessment at the end of the training, with certificates to be awarded to those who meet the required standard.

‘Timely intervention can mean the difference between life and death’

The Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Oluseyi Ashaolu, described the training as necessary and timely, saying it would help health workers keep pace with developments in emergency care.

Mr Ashaolu said the knowledge and skills acquired would help curb avoidable deaths, particularly in situations where immediate and appropriate intervention could determine whether a patient survives.

The FCTA said the programme was part of its broader efforts to improve emergency care and ensure that health workers are adequately prepared to respond when patients require immediate attention.