Joje Abebe Fertility Center has dismissed as false and defamatory a series of allegations circulating on social media against its Chief Medical Director, Dr. John Abebe, and the hospital.

In a public statement released by its management, the Abuja-based fertility center said the publications were “deliberately orchestrated and defamatory,” alleging that they were sponsored by one Adamu Hassan Turaki and his associates.

The management described the claims as “spurious, malicious and reckless,” insisting that they were calculated attempts to damage the institution’s reputation and erode public confidence in its services.

“For over a decade, Joje Hospital has built an impeccable reputation for clinical excellence, ethical medical practice and strict patient confidentiality,” the statement read, adding that its records speak for themselves and that it has not engaged in any conduct to justify the allegations being circulated online.

The center further stated that the widespread publication of the claims across multiple social media platforms was a calculated effort to mislead the public and cause reputational and commercial harm to its operations.

While declining to comment extensively on the substance of the allegations, the management confirmed that the matter is currently before a court of competent jurisdiction and that steps have been initiated to clear the hospital’s name.

The fertility center assured patients, partners and the general public of its continued commitment to high professional standards, ethics and patient care. It also expressed confidence in the judicial process, noting that its legal team is working to ensure that all relevant facts are presented before the court.

The statement concluded with an appreciation to patients and members of the public for their continued trust and support.

In a decisive step toward strengthening social protection and institutional accountability, the Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Barrister Oluwaseun Faleye, on Thursday paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Governor of Taraba State, Agbu Kefas, at the Government House in Jalingo.

The engagement, held on February 26, 2026, was far from ceremonial. It formed part of a deliberate institutional strategy to build structured partnerships with progressive state governments committed to advancing workers’ welfare and strengthening governance systems.

At the centre of the dialogue was the effective implementation and expansion of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS). Addressing the Governor and senior state officials, Faleye underscored that the Scheme is not merely a statutory obligation but a vital social protection instrument that safeguards dignity for workers and stability for employers.

“When a worker is injured, disabled, or loses his life in the course of duty, the response of the government defines public trust and reinforces confidence in leadership,” he stated.

The NSITF helmsman commended Governor Kefas for his administration’s welfare-driven posture, noting that expanding ECS coverage aligns directly with the state’s commitment to protecting its workforce. However, he emphasized that beyond policy conversations, the focus must now shift to measurable and time-bound outcomes.

To achieve this, Faleye proposed practical steps aimed at expanding ECS compliance across state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), intensifying sensitization of major employers and contractors operating within Taraba, and strengthening awareness of workplace safety and compensation obligations across the state.

For structured coordination and accountability, he recommended the designation of a focal ministry or official to interface with the Fund. He further proposed the immediate establishment of a joint technical interface between the state’s designated team and the NSITF to develop a short implementation roadmap within weeks. According to him, the Fund has already instituted an internal Strategic Inter-Agency Coordination (SIAC) framework to track timelines and deliverables arising from such high-level engagements.

Highlighting the broader institutional benefits of strengthened ECS compliance, Faleye explained that robust implementation would protect workers, reduce employers’ litigation exposure, promote industrial harmony, and reinforce the administration’s commitment to structured social protection.

In a forward-looking recommendation, he advocated the integration of the ECS Compliance Certificate into Taraba State’s public procurement and contracting processes. Under this framework, companies bidding for state contracts, seeking pre-qualification for projects, registering or renewing contractor status, or engaging in public-private partnerships would be required to provide evidence of NSITF compliance. He clarified that this would not create new obligations but would reinforce existing statutory requirements, ensuring that companies benefiting from public funds are also compliant in protecting their workers.

As the engagement drew to a close, Faleye sought clarity on the state’s preferred coordination structure and formally conferred on Governor Kefas the title of Ambassador and Advocate of the Employees’ Compensation Scheme in Taraba State and across the Northeast.

Responding, Governor Kefas warmly welcomed the delegation and affirmed Taraba State’s readiness to key into the Scheme for the betterment of its workforce. He assured that the state would work through the Office of the Head of Service, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ministry of Local Government to ensure effective implementation.

The Governor expressed appreciation for the recognition of his administration’s efforts and highlighted recent strides in meeting pension obligations, revealing that the state had paid ₦5 billion to pensioners. He expressed optimism that outstanding entitlements would be cleared before the end of the year.

Reaffirming his commitment to the ECS mandate, Governor Kefas pledged that Taraba State would fulfill all obligations under the Scheme in furtherance of its dedication to workers’ welfare. Demonstrating immediate resolve, he approved the constitution of a high-powered committee to interface with the NSITF and drive the state toward full compliance.

The meeting concluded on a note of strategic alignment and shared responsibility, marking a significant milestone in deepening institutional collaboration and embedding structured social protection across Taraba State and the wider Northeast region.

The Network of Advocacy for Positive Impact Initiative (NAPII) has called for an independent and transparent investigation into a series of allegations raised by members of the public concerning Ezeh Lawrence Ozoemena, the Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology.

In a statement issued on Thursday and signed by its Executive Secretary, Comrade William Bassey, the civil society organisation said its demand was driven by the need to uphold due process, accountability, and the rule of law.

The group stressed that the allegations remain unproven and that all individuals are entitled to the presumption of innocence as guaranteed under Nigerian law.

According to NAPII, it has received complaints and petitions in recent months from individuals and community representatives alleging irregularities in land transactions and disputes involving properties said to be connected, directly or indirectly, to the commissioner or associated entities.

One of the petitions, the organisation said, concerns a disputed property in Port Harcourt, reportedly gifted by a father to his daughter but allegedly sold without her consent to a third party.

The matter, said to involve members of the Woherem family, has reportedly deepened intra-family tensions.

NAPII noted that aspects of the dispute are currently before the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, with a hearing scheduled for March 11, 2026. It emphasised that the issues should be resolved strictly through lawful judicial and investigative processes.

Beyond land-related concerns, the organisation said some petitioners have also alleged instances of intimidation or undue pressure linked to the disputes. It maintained that such claims, if substantiated through lawful inquiry, would warrant serious legal consequences.

The group further referenced public allegations of possible financial impropriety but clarified that it is not in a position to verify such claims. It therefore urged relevant statutory bodies to examine any formally submitted petitions in line with due process.

Specifically, NAPII called on the Federal Government, the Enugu State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and appropriate land administration authorities to conduct a fair and evidence-based review of all formally submitted land-related complaints.

It also urged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to assess any financial misconduct allegations where jurisdictionally appropriate.
In addition, NAPII called for adequate protection for all parties involved — including complainants, witnesses, and the subject of the allegations — to ensure safety, fairness, and respect for constitutional rights throughout any investigation or court proceedings.

“Allegations alone do not constitute proof of wrongdoing,” the organisation stated, adding that credible claims raised by citizens deserve lawful scrutiny while the rights and reputations of all individuals must be safeguarded until competent authorities determine the facts.

NAPII reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance, peaceful dispute resolution, and public confidence in democratic institutions, noting that Nigeria stands to benefit when concerns are addressed through transparent and lawful channels.