Tinubu congratulates Delta governor Oborevwori on birthday
Congratulation
By Salif Atojoko
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu extends his warm congratulations to Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta on his birthday.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, said in a statement on Wednesday, that President Tinubu joined family, friends, and the people of Delta to celebrate Oborevwori on this special occasion.
“The President commends the governor for his pursuit of development-focused governance, particularly his prioritisation of education as a means of addressing fundamental societal challenges.
“The President wishes Oborevwori good health and renewed strength in the service of Delta,” it noted. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Abuja, June 19, 2024 (NAN) President Bola Tinubu extends his heartfelt condolences to the Asholyio people in Southern Kaduna, Kaduna State, on the passing of Dr Tagwai Sambo, the Chief of Moroa.
The President conveyed his condolences in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the late traditional ruler was on the throne for 58 years and is regarded as one of the longest-reigning traditional rulers in northern Nigeria.
He played a pivotal role in the establishment of Kaduna State University, serving as its pioneer Chancellor.
“President Tinubu pays tribute to a lifetime of selfless service, dedicated to education, peacebuilding, and community development.
The president prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for the family and those whose lives the Royal Father touched.
NAN reports that Sambo’s demise was announced on Saturday in Manchok by the Palace Secretary, Mr Iliya Avong.
The first-class traditional ruler was 88 and had spent 58 years on the throne.
NAN reports that Sambo was born on Dec. 24, 1936, and ascended the throne at 30 in 1966.
Until his appointment, he was the Commissioner for Works and Housing in the then North Regional Government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Asaba, June 19, 2024 (NAN) The Speaker of the Delta House of Assembly, Mr Dennis Guwor, has congratulated Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori as he marks 61 years birth anniversary.
The Speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Nkem Nwaeke, on Wednesday in Asaba, said Oborevwori had been a beacon of hope, whose love for God and humanity brought him thus far.
Guwor, who is also the National Treasurer, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, described Oborevwori as a remarkable leader.
He prayed God to open a new chapter of wisdom, strength, and joy as the governor marks his birthday.
Guwor said that the governor’s selfless service and dedication to the development of the state were truly inspiring, and expressed optimism of a greater progressive state.
According to him, today marks yet another milestone in the life of a great and personable Boss, His Excellency, Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta.
”His Excellency’s life has been that of testimonies and thanksgiving. I pray for greater accomplishments in the years ahead.
”I also pray to God to grant him sound health, happiness, peace and love to experience many more birth anniversaries.
”On behalf of my family, constituents, friends, and political associates, I join millions of well wishers across the globe to wish him a glorious birth anniversary. ”
Kwara Gov. commiserates with ex-Gov. Saraki over mother’s death
Commiseration
By Bushrah Yusuf-Badmus
Ilorin, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara has sent his condolences to the Saraki family on the death of their matriarch, Chief Florence Saraki, which occurred on Tuesday, June 18.
A statement from his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Rafiu Ajakaye, on Wednesday noted that the governor particularly commiserated with the former Senate President Bukola Saraki and the rest of the family on the sad development.
‘The governor urges the Sarakis to be consoled by the fine legacies of their matriarch.
“‘He prayed to God for the repose of her soul and to uphold the family,” it stated. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
BAY/PUO/YGA
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Edited by Perpetua Onuegbu/Gabriel Yough
Port Harcourt, June 19, 2024 (NAN) A Port Harcourt-based hunan rights lawyer, Henry Ekini, has urged the Federal Government to intervene in the ongoing local government leadership crisis in Rivers.
Ekini, the National Legal Adviser, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.
He said that it had become ‘very expedient’ for President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to intervene in order to avoid total breakdown of law and order in the state.
NAN reports that local government council chairmen, aligned with former governor, Nyesom Wike, have vowed to remain in office after the expiration of their tenure on June 17.
The chairmen are citing a legislation passed by the 27 pro-Wike lawmakers which extended their term of office by six months.
Ekini said that the development was already having negative impacts on free movement and economic activities in the state.
He expressed worries that local government chairmen would refuse to vacate office after the expiration of their tenure.
Ekini said that it was illegal to extend the tenure of elected council officers, saying, “their insistence to remain as chairmen is ridiculous”
“It shows disregard for the rule of law, It is embarrassing, it is a threat to democracy.
“It is important for the Federal Government to intervene and ensure that the constitution is followed religiously, this will help to resolve the matter,” he said.
Speaking recently in the matter, the state ALGON Chairman, Allwell Ihunda, said that the amended Local Government Service Law in the state, empowered the chairmen to remain in office for another six months.
Ihunda, also the Chairman, Port Harcourt City Local Government Council, said that the chairmen would resist any attempt to remove them from office.
NAN reports that Gov. Siminalaye Fubara has already declared that the tenure of the council chairmen has elapsed, and directed Heads of Local Government Administration to take charge of the councils.
The governor has also released a list of caretaker committee chairmen and members for the 23 local government councils in the state for screening and appointment.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 18, 2024(NAN) The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), on Tuesday said it had rescued two adults, who were severely injured in a road accident involving a van and a truck.
The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
He said the agency received a distress call via its emergency toll-free number, saying there was a road accident at a Mobil filling station after Otedola Bridge inward Alausa at about 06.56 hrs.
“We responded from our command and control centre within 10 minutes.
“On arrival at the scene, it was observed that a green van, registration number MUS 919 YA, laden with crates of eggs, was involved in a head-on collision with a truck, registration number unknown.
“The van was on top speed, resulting in significant damages and injuries to the van and its occupants.
“Further investigations at the scene revealed that the van’s excessive speed reportedly led to the accident, which caused substantial damage to the frontal parts of the van and destruction ofthe crates of egg,” he said.
He said two adult males suffered severe injuries and no fatalities were recorded.
“The injured victims received pre-hospital care from the agency’s paramedics and LASAMBUS before being transported to the nearby hospitals for further treatment.
“The accident vehicle was recovered with the aid of a tow truck and taken to the nearest police station for safekeeping and prevention of any secondary incidents.
“The slippery contents of the broken eggs spilled on the road and the sides were flushed off by the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, to further prevent secondary incidents.
“In attendance were LASEMA, the agency’s pre-hospital care teams, LASAMBUS and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service,” he said. (NAN)
Cholera: Lagos commissioner assures of infection prevention, control in schools
Cholera
By Millicent Ifeanyichukwu
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government says it will apply Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures in schools in an effort to prevent and control spread of communicable diseases.
Mr Jamiu Alli-Balogun, Lagos State Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, gave the assurance in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.
The assurance followed cholera outbreak in some local government areas of the state.
He urged that schools should call hotlines in the event of any suspected cholera cases or other health emergencies.
He gave the numbers as 08023169485, 08137412348 and 767/112.
He said, “The goal of IPC in schools is to minimise the risk of infectious disease outbreaks in the school community and ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for students, teachers and other members of staff.
“As primary and secondary schools in Lagos resume tomorrow from the mid-term and Sallah break, the state government urges parents, guardians and school authorities to adhere to precautionary measures.
“These include hand hygiene – handwashing with soap and water before meal and after using the restroom – cleaning and disinfection, health screening and communication, daily health checks and physical distancing.”
He also said that the measures included vaccination.
“Ensure your child’s vaccinations are up to date, encourage a balanced diet to boost your child’s immune system,” he said.
The commissioner called on managements of schools to ensure that food handlers would observe strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination and spread of diseases.
He said that oral rehydration salts must be made availability in school clinics or bays to manage dehydration cases promptly, while handwashing facilities must provided.
“The WASH facilities in washroom exits, food preparation areas, entrance of classes, entrance of canteens/halls and at exit to toilet facilities must be functional,” he added.
Alli-Balogun advised students to stay safe and be vigilant.
“Together, we shall create a safe and healthy environment for our children as they return to their educational activities,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera is a bacterial disease that commonly presents with episodes of diarrhoea with or without vomiting or fever.
Patients may become very dehydrated within hours if not treated. Children are often at highest risk. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LASG floats smart health information platform for patients’ data management
Pic: From left: Managing Director, Eclat Healthcare Ltd., Dr Wallace Ogufere; Group Managing Director of Interswitch Ltd., Mr Mitchel Elegbe; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Pedro Lawal; and Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, during the signing of the Concession Agreement for the Implementation of the Smart Health Information Platform, at the Lagos House in Marina on Tuesday
Agreement
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Lagos State Government has signed a concession agreement for Smart Health Information Platform (SHIP).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that SHIP was created to transform data transmission and management across all state-owned healthcare facilities.
It is aimed at creating a backbone for seamless movement of patients’ data and to enhance digital transformation in the state’s healthcare system.
It was designed by the state government in collaboration with eClat, a health technology company, and Interswitch Ltd.
The signing ceremony held at the Lagos House, Marina, on Tuesday.
Digital Health Platform Ltd. — a special purpose vehicle comprising Lagos State Ministry of Health, Interswitch and eClat – will drive SHIP operations.
Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu supervised the signing of the concession agreement between the state’s Office of Public Private Partnership and Digital Health Platform Ltd. ahead of the full deployment of SHIP in the state’s health sector.
Sanwo-Olu said at the event that SHIP was a transformational step in simplifying data collection and usage in the state’s health sector.
“We made a bold move in leveraging technology to enable efficient health delivery.
” This will enable proper allocation of resources and empower decision makers to analyse and evaluate the impact of interventions in the sector.
“We have seen a global trend in using technology as a backbone to manage healthcare delivery and to assess changes in lifestyle of the population.
“We have seen the transformation technology has brought to banking, transportation and education,” the governor said.
He said that SHIP was a bold step of the government to transform healthcare and ease cumbersome data processing in public hospitals.
“This transition has taken us about two to three years of building a robust platform that will secure and protect patients’ data.
” During this journey, we were able to identify best partners that will deliver and help us realise our vision for the transformation of services in our hospitals.
“This is the beginning of full information technology reform in our healthcare system,” he said.
Sanwo-Olu assured the public of full protection of the database, adding that there would be maintenance of privacy of the data collected through the platform.
“As the technology is being rolled out, I believe the state will see the benefits of the decision we are making today.
“We hope to see how this will strengthen and enhance access to healthcare, enable us to analyse the health needs of the people, and guide our interventions in the sector,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that general hospitals alone generated seven million contact data.
The commissioner said that managing the data required a robust digital infrastructure that would enable elimination of repetitions and errors.
Abayomi said that SHIP would empower the state government to plan and coordinate health services across all levels.
” We can use the data for policy formulation and use the data to apply resources to certain places.
“The platform is not only for the care of patients, it is also for policymaking,” Abayomi said.
The Group Managing Director of Interswitch, Mr Mitchell Elegbe, said that SHIP would not only allow free flow of data from one health institution to another, but would also provide seamless payment options for patients.
He gave the assurance that the platform would not compromise patients’ data and other information stored in it.
“This partnership is something we won’t take with levity,” he said.
The agreement signing was also witnessed by the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Lawal Pedro.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON) has urged the Lagos State government to accept and adopt its Collective Agreement for Platform Workers in Nigeria.
Kolawole Aina, the South-West zonal chairman of AUATON, said in an interview on Sunday in Lagos that the union made the collective agreement to ensure that its members would be regulated and have their welfare well taken care of.
AUATON is a registered trade union under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and an affiliate member of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
Its members include e-hailing or online transport drivers, app-based bike and bicycle food delivery and courier delivery workers (dispatch), app-based bike passenger workers, and app-based bus passenger workers in the online sub-sector of Nigeria’s transport industry.
“As a union, we saw the problems, created solutions and presented the solutions to government. It was accepted by the federal ministries of transport and labour, but the Lagos State government did not give us a listening ear.
“The document, which we call the collective agreement, is about how the government, app-based companies, drivers, and riders can have a fair share of responsibilities in the industry.
“It will be a system where each ride can be monitored by all the four communities, and each community can mutually benefit,” he said.
According to the AUATON executive, before the creation of the union in 2023, there had been a series of agitations among various groups of drivers, with many app-based companies alleging maltreatment.
He recalled a conference held in Lagos with attendees from Oyo, Abuja and Ondo, stating that the agreement addressed insecurity, insurance and the app-based companies’ policies.
“The issues of insurance and security have become very important. I cannot remember the number of drivers that have died on the job this year alone or lost properties to their customers or riders,” Aina said.
He regretted that the association’s deputy president died of fatigue inside his car this year, also noting that “Criminally-minded customers, sometimes, order rides, and during the ride, they kill the driver and steal the car and sell it.”
“This is where insurance comes in. All trips will be insured; the driver, riders, property in the cars and the car itself will be insured,” said Mr Aina.
Mr Aina said the agreement also addressed low pricing, high commission, and the activation and deactivation of drivers at will by app-based companies.
He decried algorithm management instead of human management in app-based companies, saying that machines are making decisions that humans should make.
“The policies of app-based companies can sometimes be rather harsh,” the union leader said.
The union leader urged the Lagos State government and app-based companies to partner with it to ensure the welfare of its members.
He said any government regulation in the industry could only work if the union were properly carried along. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
LASG wants pupils to maintain good hygiene as schools resume
Hygiene
By Aderonke Ojediran
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Ahead of schools’ resumption from mid-term and Eid-el Kabir breaks, the Lagos State Government has called on public and private school administrators to ensure pupils’ hygiene in order to curb cholera outbreak.
The state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, made the call at a press briefing at the Lagos House, Marina.
” The children are resuming school, universities too are resuming; so, we are working very closely with our two commissioners in education, to make sure that we sensitise teachers and school clinics.
“When there is severe vomiting, it is crucial to start the first aid.
“We are still on high alert, we are not relaxing in anyway so that we protect our children.
” Don’t collect treatments on streets, don’t go and take antibiotics, you may not need to, you may just need rehydration,” he said.
Abayomi disclosed that since the cholera outbreak in the state, not less than 15 persons had died because they started treatment late.
“We lost not less than 15 persons within five days, which is sad. Most of those people were brought in dead or died soon after arrival because they left it too late,” he said.
According to the commissioner, cholera is associated with diarrhoea and vomiting.
“When you have diarrhoea, you can revive yourself by drinking water, but with vomiting you dehydrate easily and the system shuts down.
” It is a contagious disease; so, the same principle applies: good sanitation and use of water.
“Be sure of the water you are drinking and the source of food you are eating,” the commissioner said.
He also advised residents of the state to go to general hospitals and primary health centres to access free treatment, if they suspected the disease, to avoid more fatal cases.
” If you develop symptoms, come quickly so we can address it.
“Also, bear in mind that during a public health crisis, all treatment is provided free by the government. That is the only way we can bring people in quickly.
” We are still anticipating the problem because the bacteria is still in the community.
“It is either in the water or people are still recovering from cholera and they are potentially contagious,” he added.
Abayomi, however, said that there had been progressive decline in the number of cases.
“The numbers have come down. We actually have not recorded any case of cholera since yesterday,” Abayomi said.
The professor said that there was need to nip it in the bud by collecting environmental samples.
“We are working with the ministry of environment and water resources by collecting environmental samples.
“The moment we picked up, through our surveillance, the increasing number of cases of severe gastroenteritis and vomiting, we realised that there was a sudden spike.
” On the 10th of June, we saw about 140 cases in Lagos Island, Lekki and Kosofe.
“We realised that something was happening. We activated what we call emergency operation centre, which has multiple pillars, to investigate what was happening across the state,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
