Category: General News

Cholera

By Ijendu Iheaka

Umuahi, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Abia Government says that there was no confirmed case of cholera in the state, though it recorded 109 cases of stooling and vomiting in six of its 17 Local Government Areas.

Dr Orie Agomoh, Director, Public Health and Disease Control in the Ministry of Health confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Umuahia.

Agomoh said that the 109 cases of stooling and vomiting suspected to be cholera outbreaks were recorded between January and June.

She noted that two earlier samples collected and tested using Rapid Diagnostic Testing (RDT) showed positive results.

However, a repeated test of the samples sent to the National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, were confirmed negative for cholera.

She said that one case each was recorded in Ohafia and Osisioma local government areas, while Arochukwu, Umunneochi, Bende and Ikwuano recorded 42, 39, 17 and nine cases respectively.

“The State Ministry of Health emphasizes that Abia State has not recorded any confirmed positive case of cholera within the period under review.

“Nevertheless, because of ongoing outbreak reported in some states, the Ministry has instituted response measures towards prevention and identification of any suspected case and appropriate treatment.

“As part of the intervention, citizens are advised to continue to observe preventive measures to stay safe,” the director said.

The preventive measures, she listed, included ensuring access to safe drinking water, practicing sanitation including proper hand-washing and maintaining personal hygiene.

Others are handling food safely, washing fruits and vegetables properly before consumption and cooking food properly before eating same.

The ministry also warned residents to avoid roadside foods and drinking of untreated water.

The director urged citizens to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of cholera while promising further updates where necessary.

She supplied the phone and email contacts of Dr Orie Agomoh, Director Public Health and Disease Control and Mr Elezuo Elezuo, State Epidemiologist, for residents to reach out to the ministry.

The phone numbers and email addresses of the officials are as follows Dr Agomoh – 08168440992, email: drprincessorieagomoh@gmail.com and Mr. Elezuo Elezuo, 08030960031 email : eoelezuo@yahoo.com.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

IEI /MNA

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

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Education

Foundation

By Sylvester Thompson

Abuja, June 18, 2024(NAN) Amb. Hajiya Hadiza Umar, the founder of Hajiya Hadiza Foundation, has called on the government at all levels and the international community to intensify efforts to end the insurgency.

Umar said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

She said that the insurgency had put democracy under serious tension by raising the level of uncertainty.

According to her, insurgency has affected the economy while leaving the populace disillusioned and disenchanted.

She said that the foundation was established to honour the memory of Mamman Vatsa, a former general of the Nigerian Army, with a mission to empower women and vulnerable groups, especially widows among others.

Umar said she drew inspiration from the challenges she faced in her early life, urging Nigerians not to give up hope in the Tinubu-led administration, as there was light at the end of the tunnel.

She recalled how she lost both her mother, father and 13 siblings, leaving her with an only surviving brother.

Umar said that she was able to survive the traumatic experiences and daunting challenges life threw on her while finding meaning in her sufferings.

She noted that establishing a foundation to cater for women’s empowerment, education of children and enriching communities was a way of giving back to society. (NAN)

SET/DE/AWA
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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Olawunmi Ashafa

Food security: Veteran actor advises S/West Govs
Farmers
By Adeyemi Adeleye
Lagos, June 18, 2024 (NAN) A Veteran Yoruba actor, Lere Paimo, popularly known as Eda Onile Ola, has urged South-West governors to collaborate and take measures to restraint killer herdsmen to ensure food security in the region.
Paimo, the Oyo State-born Nollywood actor and a National Awards holder, who made the plea in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, spoke on the way out of the current socio-economic, inflation and food crisis in the country.
The octogenarian said that with adequate security, infrastructure, and motivation for farmers, the South-West has the capacity to feed its people and the entire nation.
“Let every South-West governor control activities of herders, who always clash with farmers. This has sent many away from their ancestral farms, and the attendant hunger is staring us in the face.
“The herders have brought a lot of losses to many farmers by making their cattle to feed on farms while some farmers have also lost their lives in the process. Many have left their farms over this.
“This is very bad. Each governor has the authority and power in their various states to ensure that herders are tamed for people to have confidence to go back to farm without fear of any loss.
“People are suffering and hungry because many people have deserted farms because of security. If we want food security like before, we need to do something in the direction.
“Let each governor in the region take it as a personal responsibility to ensure stiff penalties for any herder who leads his flock to feed on people’s farm,” Paimo said.
The actor advocated ranches for herders as part of efforts to turnaround current food crisis.
“We must take actions now to ensure security in the region especially for farmers to enhance food security.
“South-West has enough arable land to growth its food and also feed the entire nation.
“The herder-farmer clashes is creating a lot of fears for the farmers in the region and our leaders must take urgent action before it will be too late,” he said.
According to him, since cattle rearing remains personal business of individuals or groups of people, efforts should be made by the government to ensure farmers are not affected.
He said that the government must provide a place in each state or local government for herders to rear their animals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AYO/OJI/IKU
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Tayo Ikujuni

Condolences
By Bolanle Lawal
Ado-Ekiti, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti has expressed shock and sadness over the passing away of Elemure of Emure-Ekiti, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo.
Oyebanji, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode, described the royal father’s demise as a sad development, given the fact that he did not exhibit any sign of illness during the recent meeting of traditional rulers.
He described the late Oba Adebayo as a loving and dependable traditional ruler, who loved and cared for his people and showed tremendous interest in their welfare as well as the development of Emure-Ekiti.
Oyebanji condoled with the late monarch’s family, the Elemure-in-Council and the people of the town over the exit of the royal father.
He urged them to be consoled by the fact the late oba lived an impactful life of service to the town, the state, Nigeria and humanity in general, for which he would remain unforgettable.
“My condolences and that of the government of Ekiti State to the immediate family of the late Kabiyesi, the Elemure-in-Council and the good people of Emure-Ekiti on the demise of the Elemure, Oba Emmanuel Adebayo.
“The late Oba Adebayo was a great leader of his people, a lover of development and a patriot, who devoted his early life to the service of the country.
“As a police officer, he rose to the position of Commissioner of Police before ascending the throne of his forefathers, where he also made his mark as a traditional ruler, whose reign attracted huge development to his town.
“Our prayer is that the good Lord would grant the dear departed monarch eternal rest and comfort the family and the good people of Emure-Ekiti,” the governor said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
FFB/OJI/WAS
Edited by Maureen Ojinaka and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Award
By Olajide Idowu
Osogbo, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has bagged the fellowship award of a socio-cultural group, Ede Unique Club of Nigeria, in recognition of the various infrastructural development projects embarked upon since his assumption of office.
Spokesperson for the organisation, Prince Wale Ojetimi, said in a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo that the investiture of the fellowship award would hold in Ede on Thursday, as part of the organisation’s 40th anniversary celebrations.
Ojetimi said that the award was a testimonial to Adeleke’s personal achievements and his progeny’s remarkable contributions to the socio-economic and political development of Osun and Nigeria at large.
He said that the governor would also perform the inauguration of the N5.5 million solar-powered facility donated by the club to the State Hospital in Ede.
The spokesperson said that the solar-powered facility was part of the organisation’s corporate social responsibility component of its 40th anniversary.
He said that the event, to be presided over by the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal, will feature an anniversary lecture to be delivered by a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Prof. Mojeed Alabi.
According to him, among the prominent individuals to receive special recognition awards at the event is a retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Wale Abass.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Abass recently retired from Nigeria Police Force (NPF) as AIG after 35 years of service to the country.
NAN also reports that the club is a non-partisan, socio-cultural organisation of leaders in business, academia, the professions and public service who have excelled in their various chosen fields and are contributing positively to the society, both in Nigeria and the Diaspora.
The organisation, established in 1983, engages in human capital and social development, focusing particularly on development of young people. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ID/VE/WAS
Edited by Victor Adeoti and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Ododo hails ex-governor Bello’s  exemplary leadership, extraordinary vision

Felicitation

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) Gov. Usman Ododo of Kogi has commended the former governor Yahaya Bello for his exemplary leadership and extraordinary vision that led to the transformation of the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lokoja by Ododo’s Special Adviser on Media, Ismaila Isah, on Bello a 46th  birthday.

Ododo also described Bello as quintessential leader of repute as he felicitates with him on the occasion of his 49th Birthday Anniversary.

According to him, Bello is a quintessential leader of men and women and a pathfinder who lifted children of the less privileged to prominence and led the state to a prosperous pedestal in the eight years of his administration in the

“On the occasion of the 49th birthday of my leader and mentor,

”I am filled with gratitude for the courage you exemplified, the sacrifices you made for us to be where we are today and the legacies you bequeathed on our state and our people.

“I wish you many more years in good health and prosperity as you will be surrounded by your children and the children of many people whose lives you have transformed as you celebrate the anniversary of your birthday”, he said.

The governor prayed to God to  protect the life of the former governor, wishing him a fulfilled life out of office. ,(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/SH

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edited by Sadiya Hamza

Kogi govt. bans traditional procession in Koton Kafe

Ban

By Thompson Yamput

Lokoja, June 18, 2024 (NAN) The Kogi Government  has banned  Traditional procession in Koton Kafe in Kogi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state for security reasons.

The Commissioner for Information, Mr Kingsley Fanwo, announced the ban in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lokoja.

Fanwo said  that security reports indicated that all was not well in Koton Kafe community, following alleged plans by  some people to forment trouble in the area.

He said that the ban was aimed at maintaining   peace in Koton karfe and its environs in Kogi Local Government  Area (LGA)

“The proactive ban is aimed at curbing plans by some elements in the area to disturb the peace of the ancient town.

“Gov. Usman Ododo has reiterated his administration’s commitment to peaceful co-existence among all Koton karfe people.

“He will always leave his doors open to listen to complaints and grievances rather than resort to violence, ” he said .

The commissioner  urged all concerned to strictly abide by the ban, warning that violators would be treated as enemies of peace and the state.

He said that the decision by the government was aimed at protecting the rights of the Koton karfe people and all citizens.

Fanwo urged law enforcement agents to enforce the ban in accordance with the laws of the land.

According to him, Koton karfe people should  be committed to peace and harmony as  government was prepared to protect them from violence.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that for mer Gov. Yahaya Bello on Jan. 8, removed Alhaji Abdulrazaq Isah-Koto as the Ohimege-Igu Koton-Karfe.

Isah-Koto  was also the Chairman, Lokoja/ Kogi Local Governement Area  traditional council.

NAN  reports that Isah-Koto, who was removed and deposed to Rijau Local Government Area of Niger, was replaced with Alhaji Saidu Akawu-Salihu. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TYC/DE/JPE

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Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh