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Author: Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

  • PCC to enforce CSR obligations compliance in Anambra

     

    CSR

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Public Complaints Commission (PCC) says it will start enforcement of  compliance with corporate social responsibilities (CSR) obligations by private companies in Anambra.

    Mrs Emelda Nwajiofor-Okoli, the PCC’s Federal Commissioner in Anambra,  made the assertion at a town hall meeting in Awka on Saturday.

    The meeting had the theme – “Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Compliance to Corporate Social Responsibility by Private Companies in Anambra State”.

    Nwajiofor-Okoli said the commission had received many complaints from residents and communities on environmental degradation, air and noise pollution, administrative injustice  and maladministration.

    She noted that many of the complaints would have been avoided if the companies complied with their CSR obligations to their host communities.

    “Companies should  take responsibility for the social, environmental and economic impacts of their operations.

    “In Anambra, we have seen the positive effects of CSR initiative in areas of education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability.

    “However, we also recognise the need for more rigorous monitoring and enforcement to ensure that these initiatives are not just promises, but actions that bring about real change in host communities.

    “Our role at the PCC is to oversee and ensure compliance with CSR obligations to enhance CSR practices in Anambra.

    “Together, we can create an environment where businesses and communities thrive together, thereby fostering sustainable future for all,” she said.

    Also speaking, Mr Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, Chief Commissioner, PCC, said the commission was empowered by law to investigate complaints of maladministration, including those related to CSR.

    Ayo-Yusuf, who was represented by Head of Legal Unit, Mr Gabriel Eze, said the law empowered the commission to hold companies accountable and ensure that their CSR activities aligned with the needs and expectations of the host communities.

    In his address, Mr Charles Ekwunife, the Director of Investigation at the commission, urged the state government to establish a CSR unit to promote and monitor CSR compliance as well as drive community development.

    He said the public should be aware that companies located within their communities had an obligation to give back to them.

    The Anambra Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, described CSR as a form of public-private-partnership to support government in the areas infrastructure and community development as well as job creation.

    In his remarks, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area, commended PCC for enlightening them on the need for CSR compliance by companies located in their communities.

    According to him, with such awareness, community leaders can hold the companies accountable to foster good relationship that will benefit both parties.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

     

    LCO/ISHO/VIV

     

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    Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Vivian Ihechu

  • NSCDC arrests 4 illegal miners in Anambra

     

    NSCDC arrests 4 illegal miners in Anambra

    Arrest

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Anambra Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has arrested four suspects involved in illegal mining activities in the state.

    NSCDC Commandant in the state, Olatunde Maku, parading the suspects on Friday in Awka, said they were arrested on Thursday at Ogbunike in Oyi Local Government Area.

    According to Maku, the arrest was in collaboration with Federal Mines Officers of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development in charge of Anambra.

    He said that the team arrested the following suspects: Nnamani Chidubem, Ekemezie Ifeanyi, Okolie Patrick, and Onyedika Somtoo.

    “These suspects were caught mining Laterite without approval from the relevant authorities, causing environmental degradation in the area.

    “Exhibits recovered from the suspects include a truck-load of Laterite, with registration number LAGOS T- 13038 LA, nine heavy-duty batteries, one heavy duty hydraulic jack and four fuel filters.

    “This arrest is an indication and a strong signal to those illegal miners that it is no longer business as usual,” he added.

    The NSCDC commandant said that illegal mining constituted economic sabotage and posed environmental risks in the state.

    He commended the Solid Minerals Unit for sustaining efforts aimed at stamping out illegal miners in the state.

    Also speaking, Mr Henry Bolarinwa of the Federal Ministry of Solid Minerals Development urged miners to operate with valid licenses and in approved mining sites.

    Bolarinwa said that the warning was necessary to block revenue leakages and prevent environmental hazards associated with illegal mining activities. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

  • Regular hike in food prices not our fault – Anambra traders

     

     

     

     

    Regular hike in food prices not our fault – Anambra traders

    Food

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Some foodstuffs dealers at Ose Okwodu market in Onitsha North, Anambra, say they are not to be blamed for the regular hike in food prices.

    The traders said this during an interactive session with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), who visited the market on Thursday, to identify factors contributing to the regular hike in food prices.

    They identified insecurity, high cost of transportation due to fuel subsidy removal, climate change and inadequate attention to agriculture as some of the major factors escalating prices of food items across the country.

    Mr Cyprian Onyejekwe, Secretary, Ose Okwodu Traders’ Union, said that farmers who were the primary producers of food supply were scared to go to their farms due to insecurity.

    Onyejekwe said that the safety of farmers, who were the primary suppliers of food was no longer guaranteed in the country as they were either kidnapped killed or their farms destroyed by cattle rustlers.

    “Even the traders who go to buy from the farms are usually attacked on the road and even pay over N1 million to settle ‘Agberos’ along the way. This is really affecting farming and food supply.

    “Usually, we spend about N1 million to transport goods from farm to markets, but now we spend more than N10 million to N15 million.

    “So, traders are not to blame for the hike in food prices. It is about law of supply and demand; and it is only government that can address this problems.

    “If government can urgently address insecurity, and strategise on mitigating the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, supply will increase and prices will decrease and stabilise,” he said.

    Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Ndubuisi, Chairman, Grain Seed Dealers, said that droughts due to climate change destroyed and decreased farming output, especially grains, in 2023.

    Ndubuisi said that Niger and Borno States, which were major producers of grains could not produce enough to feed the nation.

    “After planting season last year, at the rate of growth, drought damaged the crops, which resulted to low harvest.

    “Before now, lorry load of grains are offloaded three times every week but due to scarcity, we offload once a week and it affects the cost of grains.

    “A 100kg of beans rose from N100,000 to N220,000 and N260,000; a bag of maize rose from N45,000 to N120,000; groundnut rose from N90,000 to N189,000 and a bag of bambara nut now sells for N240,000,” he said.

    Other dealers in tomatoes, pepper, onions, fish, potatoes, yam and other food items, urged the Federal Government to invest and increase budgetary allocation to agricultural sector.

    Addressing journalists, Mr Jude Akonam, Zonal Coordinator, FCCPC, South-East, said that the market survey showed government’s willingness to address the hike in food prices, and amelioration of the sufferings of Nigerians.

    “Ose market is popularly known as food hub because most consumable from across the nation is being offloaded here, and from here they are distributed across the states.

    “We have interacted with the market leaders and traders to find out the reason for price instability of foodstuffs and the solutions they have proffered will help government take necessary steps to address the problems.

    “People cannot plan and buy in bulk anymore due to spiral change in prices of food and FCCPC has a mandate to protect Nigerian consumers,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/FON/MNA

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    Edited by Florence Onuegbu/Maureen Atuonwu

  • Invest more in healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks – Obi urges FG

    Healthcare

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, has called for more investment in healthcare to prevent disease outbreaks and improve life expectancy.

    Obi made the call at the 6th Public Lecture of the Board of Fellows, Pharmaceuticals Society of Nigeria (PSN) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University NAU, Awka on Wednesday.

    The lecture with the theme, “Access to Quality Medicines in an Opinion unstable Environment’’.

    He said that catering for the health of the citizens should be one of the major priorities of government to drive desired development.

    “The most critical measure and driver of development in any country is improved life expectancy which is health. That is the number one thing, because your health is your wealth.

    “It is only when people are healthy that they can become productive.

    “According to the measurement of life expectancy, Nigeria is number 157 over 190 countries measured. That means we are low, and this is because access to healthcare is low.

    “Under the sustainable development goals, health is a fundamental human right, meaning that every human being must have access to healthcare known as health equity but the reverse is the case in Nigeria,” he said.

    Obi decried the rising cost of essential drugs in the country, urging the Federal Government to partner with local pharmaceutical industries for the manufacturing of high quality drugs.

    He said that many Nigerians had resorted to prayers whenever they fall sick to secure spiritual cure, than go to the hospital.

    “Our government needs to increase budgetary allocation to health and invest more in healthcare. When we do that, outbreaks such as cholera will not emerge.

    “There is need for Nigerian to have access to medical care especially the poor, this can be done by providing health insurance to all the citizens.

    “There should be a deliberate policy by government to ensure local manufacturing of drugs and medicines in the country to avoid over-dependence on importation of drugs,” he said.

    Also speaking, Dr Afam Obidike, Anambra state Commissioner for Health, said Gov. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration acquired 5,000 hectres of land at Ogboji in Orumba South to build a Pharmaceutical Industrial City.

    According to Obidike, the idea of the pharmaceutical industrial city is to change the known concept of importation and selling to manufacturing and exportation of drugs.

    “It will be the biggest pharmaceutical distributors’ hub in West Africa,” he said.

    Earlier in his address, Dr Joel Adagadzu, Chairman, Board of Fellows, PSN, said the recommendations from the lecture would help the leadership of PSN to continue the dialogue with government on finding equitable solutions to access to quality medicines for the teeming population. (NAN) www nannews.ng

    LCO/OIF/MNA
    Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Maureen Atuonwu

     

     

  • Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – says Dermatologist

     

    Fake, ineffective sunscreens increasing cases of skin cancers in Nigeria – Dermatologist
    Albinism
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 25, 2024 (NAN) A Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Folakemi Cole-Adeife, says  fake and ineffective sunscreens in the Nigerian markets are contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases.
    Cole-Adeife of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, made the assertion at a Stakeholders Advocacy for Skin Cancer Prevention in the Albinism Community, organised by La Roche-Posay, from L’Oreal International.
    The programme had the theme: “Introducing Anthelios for People with Albinism and Mela B3 Serum for Sub Saharan Africa”.
    Anthelios has the most efficient Ultraviolet (UV) filter against the most insidious UV rays and offers ultimate protection against deep skin cell damage.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that  people with albinism are advised to use sunscreens labeled SPF(sun protection factor) of 20 to 30, hence Anthelios and Mela B3 Serum come highly recommended.
    Cole-Adeife described albinism as a genetic disorder that causes a decrease in the production of melanin in the skin, hair, and eyes, which affect both male and female of all races as well as plants and animals.
    According to her, albinos in sub-Saharan Africa are a thousand times more likely to develop skin cancer due to partial or complete absence of melanin, than a person with normal dark skin colour.
    “Since their skin has no melanin to protect them from the sun, they develop sunburn easily and the most dreadful is their increase risk of having several types of skin cancers.
    “This is why they are always in need of sun protection in the form of sun hats, sunglasses, sun protective clothings, umbrellas, and sunscreen lotions to prevent sun damage.
    “But a major problem is lack or limited access to sunscreens. There is the need for access to effective skin care product that is affordable.
    “Fake, low-cost and ineffective sunscreens that are prevalent in our environment is contributing to the massive increase in the number of skin cancer cases we see in our clinics.
    “There was this cheap, fake and ineffective sunscreen in the market. Everybody especially persons with albinism were using it.
    “They ended up with burns and early skin cancers,” she said.
    Cole-Adeife urged persons with albinism to go for regular health and skin check, use effective sunscreens in addition to sun protection clothings, hats, sunglasses and umbrellas to prevent skin cancers.
    “If the skin is well managed, people with Albinism can live a comfortable, healthy and beautiful life,” she said.
    Cole-Adeife appreciated the Lagos State Government for supporting the Albinism community by providing free umbrellas, hats, skin cancer creams, sunscreens and free skin cancer surgeries.
    She urged other state governments to emulate the gesture to make the albinism community feel a sense of relief and belonging.
    Also speaking, Mrs Beatrice Eneh, La Roche-Posay representative in Nigeria, said the organisation had been partnering Nigerian dermatologists to promote skin care and health of the albinism community.
    “We work and carry our researches with dermatologists in Nigeria to come up with medications that will prevent skin cancers, especially in the Albinism community,” she said.
    In his remarks, Mr Jake Epelle, Founder, The Albino Foundation (TAF),  said persons with albinism in Nigeria always have to contend with some health challenges due to the genetic condition they have.
    He appreciated La Roche-Posay and Nigerian dermatologists for prioritising the health of persons with albinism. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/VIV
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • No Cholera outbreak in Anambra – Health Commissioner

    No Cholera outbreak in Anambra – Health Commissioner

    Cholera

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The Anambra State Government, on Tuesday, said it has not recorded any case of Cholera in the state.

    The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka that the ministry has nevertheless activated Emergency Response Teams across the 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs).

    Obidike said the proactive measures and heightened vigilance in the state followed reported confirmed cases of cholera in neighbouring states of Imo, Abia, and Delta.

    “Although Anambra has not yet reported any case of cholera, but we have activated the state’s Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers across the 21 LGAs in response to cholera outbreak in Nigeria.

    “Emergency response teams are also actively conducting surveillance in communities in the 21 LGAs to promptly identify and contain any potential cases.

    “We have commenced public education campaigns to raise awareness about cholera and emphasise on preventive measures in homes and communities.

    “The media has been engaged to disseminate crucial information and educate the public about the signs, symptoms, and preventive strategies for cholera,” he said.

    The commissioner described cholera as an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    According to him, the bacterium poses significant health risks due to its potential to cause severe dehydration, vomiting, and, in severe cases, death if left untreated.

    Obidike said that the transmission of cholera was primarily through the consumption of contaminated food or water.

    He urged residents to imbibe clean, hygienic and safe health practices and be vigilant of happenings within their environment.

    “As of January 2024, Nigeria has been grappling with a significant cholera burden, with 1528 suspected cases and 53 reported deaths across 31 states and 107 LGAs.

    “So, the collaborative efforts of health authorities, emergency response teams, and community members are crucial in containing the spread of cholera and mitigating its impact on public health,” the commissioner said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/AOS

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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

     

  • Downpour stalls judgment in case of theft at NAN

     

     

    Downpour
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A downpour in Awka on Monday stalled judgment in the case of  burglary and stealing  at the Awka Office of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    A 35-year-old welder, Chukwuebuka Ike, is standing trial before a chief magistrates’ court in Amawbia for burgling the office and stealing window profiles.

    He, however, pleaded not guilty.

    Trial ended on June 3 and Chief Magistrate Mike Anyadiegwu reserved judgment  until Monday (June 24).

    Although the case was on the court’s  cause list for Monday,  the judgment could not be delivered  due to heavy rain which prevented the defendant and some others from coming to the court.

    The chief magistrate  adjourned the judgment until June 25.

    NAN reports that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on April 21 in  contravention of Sections 380(b) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Anambra State, 1991. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/OJI/IGO
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    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Ijeoma Popoola

  • Sickle Cell Disorder, neglected health challenge – Mrs Soludo

    The Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo

    Health

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo, says Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) remains one of the most largely neglected health challenge in the society.

    Soludo, Founder of Healthy Living Initiative, made the assertion on Wednesday to commemorate the World Sickle Cell Day marked on June 19 annually.

    She said there was the need to raise awareness about the disorder and deliberate on the challenges faced by persons living with sickle cell disorder.

    “Today, as we join the global community to mark the World Sickle Cell Day, it is essential to note that sickle cell disease remains the most neglected health challenge in our society today.

    “We need to think of what we have been able to do or what more we can do to help them through the whole journey.

    “We have a responsibility to care for and support these special people, whether in our homes, workplaces, and larger communities,” she said.

    Soludo advocated increased campaign on genotype education and provision of basic platforms for persons living with sickle cell disorder to succeed in their own ambitions.

    She also urged Nigerians to stop stigmatising persons with sickle cell disorder as it was not their making to live in such health condition

    “Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo will intensify public enlightenment on sickle cell disorder and how it can be prevented.

    ”The initiative will as well support persons living with the disorder to ensure a healthy living,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    LCO/DE/VIV

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    Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Vivian Ihechu

     

  • Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder

    Sickle cell, worst of all health disorders – Group

    Sickle Cell

    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu

    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Mrs Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, National Co-ordinator, Association of People Living with Sickle Cell Disorder says that sickle cell is the worst of all health disorders.

    Edward-Maduagwu made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, to mark World Sickle Cell Day.

    World Sickle Cell Day is observed every June 19, to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and highlight the challenges that patients and their caregivers face.

    The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Hope Through Progress: Advancing Care Globally’.

    She described sickle cell disease as a genetic disorder in which the red blood cells were shaped abnormally, thereby affecting blood flow, causing pain and tissue damage in the body.

    She said: “Sickle Cell is the most serious and worst disorder out of all the health disorders but it is sad that it is not getting adequate attention in our society.

    “How come more attention is given to cancer patients than sickle cell whereas we go through the same pains?

    “Our government and the society at large need to pay adequate attention to sickle cell disease.

    “This is because the patients go through pain and spend so much to stay alive or survive the pains inflicted in them by others,” she said.

    Edward-Maduagwu lamented the rate of stigma in the society as persons living with sickle cell disorder were seen as not marriageable, not adoptable and not employable.

    “The society is mean and insensitive to the plight of persons living with sickle cell. They are intellectually and academically sound, but no job opportunities for them.

    “Our organisation will continue to educate the public on the adverse effects of genotype incompatibilities, and ensure that people get tested for genotype, especially intending marriage couples,” she said.

    She commended Gov. Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, for free enrolment of 71 persons living with sickle cell into the state’s health insurance scheme, to reduce the burden of medical bills on patients and their families.

    She urged well-meaning individuals and the government to donate a permanent and central sickle cell centre in Anambra.

    “We are appealing for support to acquire a centre for moral, psychological and emotional management as well as rehabilitation of vulnerable sickle cell patients,” she said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

    LCO/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

     

     

  • CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme

     

    CSO urges FG to include poor, unemployed in national health insurance scheme
    Tuberculosis
    By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
    Awka, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Civil Society for the Eradication of Tuberculosis in Nigeria has urged the Federal Government to include the poor, less privileged and unemployed in the National Health Insurance scheme.
    Mrs Ifeyinwa Unachukwu, the society’s Coordinator in Anambra state, made the call at a news conference on AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria (ATM Network project), on Wednesday in Awka.
    The project is for Community-Based Organisations implementing COVID-19 Response Mechanism (C19RM) in Awka.
    Unachukwu said that including vulnerable groups in the scheme would reduce the burden of diseases and drive universal health coverage in the country .
    She said the poor, less privileged and unemployed were usually vulnerable to diseases due to their inability to pay for the high cost of drugs and treatments and often lack  access to healthcare services.
    “Many Nigerians cannot afford the out-of-pocket payment for healthcare services and this has made them vulnerable to illness and disease.
    “The inclusion of these vulnerable groups will increase their health-seeking behavior and access to quality healthcare, which will help reduce disease burden in the country,” the coordinator said.
    Unachukwu said that the project was aimed at increasing services in AIDs, TB and Malaria treatments in preparedness for future pandemics and epidemics.
    She called on Anambra state government to invest in disease control, eradication, and other evidence-based intervention programmes to boost healthcare delivery in the state.
    Also speaking, Prof. Dennis Aribodo, South-East Zonal Coordinator, Civil Society in Malaria Control, Immunization and Nutrition, called on the state government to make treatment of AIDs, Tuberculosis and Malaria free.
    According to him, making the treatment of these diseases free, especially Malaria, would not only assist in poverty reduction, but eliminate the disease from the state.
    “In that way, you are leaving families with more resources to address other needs.
    “That is one of the ways countries like Algeria eliminated Malaria in 2020. I’m sure Anambra can achieve that also,” he said
    Earlier, Mr Onyekachi Ololo, Programme Officer,TB Network project in Anambra, urged government to fund disease control and elimination to drive sustainability.
    According to Ololo, dependency on donors has had negative impacts and it is not sustainable.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
    LCO/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni