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  • Eid-el Kabir: NSCDC tightens security in Kwara, deploys 3,000 personnel

    Security
    By Mujidat Oyewole
    Ilorin, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kwara Command, says it has deployed more than 3,000 security personnel in preparation for the upcoming Eid-el Kabir celebrations.
    The command’s Public Relations Officer, Mr Ayoola Shola, stated this in a statement issued on Thursday in Ilorin.
    Shola said that the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Umar Mohammed, said that the personnel were deployed to support other security officers in providing adequate security before, during and after the Sallah celebrations.
    Mohammed also said that additional officers were deployed across the 16 local government areas of the state, with special attention given to high-risk areas with frequent criminal activities.
    He urged Area Commanders, Tactical Commanders and Divisional Officers to conduct continuous patrols and ensure intensive deployment to guarantee smooth and safer celebrations.
    He also issued stern warning to miscreants, vandals and other potential mischief-makers planning to disrupt the peace and order during the festive period to stay clear from the state.
    “The command is fully prepared and equipped to enforce the law and ensure that offenders face the full consequences of their actions,” he said.
    The commandant congratulated Muslim faithful on the upcoming Eid-el-Kabir, urging them to support security agencies by reporting any suspicious individual or activity that could threaten peace and stability in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    MOB/MZM/DCO/WAS
    Edited by Okon Okon/Deborah Coker/’Wale Sadeeq

  • Ogun NMA tasks journalists on accurate health reportage

    Ogun NMA tasks journalists on accurate health reportage
    Report
    By Yetunde Fatungase
    Abeokuta, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) Ogun state chapter, has expressed its partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to promote credible and accurate reporting of health-related issues.
    The partnership aims at bridging the information gap between journalists and healthcare practitioners.
    Speaking at a meeting of the committee set up to champion the course, NMA Chairman Dr. Kunle Ashimi underscored the need for accurate reporting and appealed to journalists to verify information before publishing.
    He also enjoined journalists to avoid misinformation and to feature qualified medical professionals as resource persons in their programmes.
    Also speaking, Dr. Kehinde Sowole, a committee member, reiterated the association’s commitment to eradicating quackery in the health profession and advocated for health insurance to make healthcare more accessible and affordable.
    NUJ Secretary Mr Bunmi Adigun commended the NMA for the partnership and assured the association of collaborative reporting.
    He suggested more  symposiums for journalists to enhance their knowledge and foster unity.
    “This partnership promises to enhance the quality of health reporting in Ogun State, promoting accurate and reliable information for the public,” Adigun said. (NAN)
    YAF/EAL
    ====
    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Cholera Outbreak: NCDC warns against contaminated water sources

    Cholera Outbreak: NCDC warns against contaminated water sources

    Cholera

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 13, 2024(NAN) The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) has warned Nigerians against the potential spread of cholera through contaminated water sources.

    Dr Jide Idris, the Director –General of NCDC, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    NAN reports that Cholera is a deadly disease caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, associated with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

    It has also been found in seemingly clean places, including affluent neighbourhoods, hotels and restaurants with poor hygiene practices among others.

    Idris said that recent reports of increase in cholera cases in some states prompted the agency to alert state authorities and citizens to take immediate precautions.

    “The contamination typically happens due to inadequate sanitation and poor infrastructure, which allow sewage to infiltrate drinking water systems,” he said.

    The NCDC boss advised states to ensure proper treatment of water before consumption.

    “Boiling water and using water purification tablets can significantly reduce the risk of infection,” he said.

    He said that the centre will   continue to monitor the situation closely, and is collaborating with state governments to implement measures to control the spread of the disease.

    “Public awareness campaigns are also underway to educate people on the importance of safe water practices and hygiene.

    “Cholera is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe dehydration and even death if not treated promptly.

    “Symptoms include diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle cramps. Early detection and treatment are crucial in managing the disease and preventing fatalities,” he said.

    Idris said that as the rainy season approaches, there was a need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard public health.

    He stressed the importance of community efforts in maintaining clean water supplies and proper waste management to combat the spread of cholera.

    He said that between Jan. 1 to June 11, 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera with 30 deaths were reported in 96 Local Government Areas in 30 States.

    Idris said  Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos States, contribute 90 per cent to  the burden of cholera in the country.

    He said that the multi-sectoral National Cholera Technical Working Group, led by the NCDC and other partners have been providing support to the affected states.

    He said that this support includes risk communication, active case search, laboratory diagnosis, case management, provision of response among others.

    NAN reports that Cholera outbreaks have affected 18 countries in Africa over the last two years.

    In southern and eastern Africa, more than 6,000 people have died and nearly 350,000 cases have been reported since a series of outbreaks began in late 2021.

    According to the centre, cholera can occur when sewage mixes with drinking water supplies leading to severe health risks.

    Prevention relies on safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and the use of oral cholera vaccines. In 2017, a global strategy aimed to reduce cholera deaths by 90 per cent by 2030 was launched.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    AIR/GOM/JPE

    ===========

    Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Joseph Edeh

     

     

     

     

     

  • Court remands 2 over alleged unlawful possession of gun, attempted murder

    Remand
    By Raji Rasak
    Badagry (Lagos State), June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos on Thursday ordered the remand of two men in a correctional centre over alleged unlawful possession of gun and attempted murder.
    The police charged Azeez Sodiq, 28 and Taiwo Hassan, 24 with felony, unlawful possession of firearm, attempted murder and also belonging to an unlawful society.
    The Magistrate, Mr A.J. Aina, directed the police to return the case file to the office of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.
    He, thereafter, adjourned the case till Sept. 30.
    Earlier, the Prosecutor, Insp Edet Ekpe, told the court that Sodiq, Hassan and others, now at large, committed the offences on May 27 at No. 3, Yahaya Close, Check-point, Badagry area of Lagos.
    Ekpe said that the suspects conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: unlawful possession of locally-made pistol.
    He said that the defendants were arrested with one life cartridge.
    “The defendants and others, at large, unlawfully armed themselves with locally-made pistol, one life cartridge and attempted to murder one Risikat Wahab, the complainant,” he said.
    The prosecutor said that the duo and others, at large, belonged to unlawful society known as Eye Confraternity.
    According to him, the offences contravene the provisions of Sections 411, 51, 42 and 230 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 51 carries two years imprisonment for unlawfully displaying arms in public. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    ROR/DEB/WAS
    Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • Student jailed 1 year for swindling Chinese woman

    Student  jailed 1 year for swindling Chinese woman

    Sentence
    By Uche Bibilari

    Gwagwalada (FCT), June 13, 2024 (NAN) A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwagwalada, on Thursday sentenced a 21-year-old student, Adakole Peter to one year imprisonment for swindling a Chinese woman of 50 dollars.

    The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), had arraigned the convict on two counts of cheating by impersonation and pretending to be a military personnel.

    He pleaded guilty to the charges and begged the court for leniency.

    Delivering judgment, Justice Aliyu Shafa, also gave him an option of fine of N150, 000.

    Shafa ordered the convict to depose to an affidavit of good behaviour, adding that the Redmi cellphone being instrument used for the crime be sold and, the proceedS deposited in the Federal Government’s account through the EFCC.

    He also ordered that the 50 dollars recovered from the convict be paid into the account of the Federal Government.

    Earlier, the convict in his plea for mercy promised the court that he has realised his mistake and would not repeat such again.

    “I have repented and realised my mistakes, I plead with the court to tamper justice with mercy”, he pleaded.

    The Defence Counsel, Bridget Abang in support of the allocutus by the convict pleaded with the court to tamper justice with mercy.

    Abang pleaded with the court to consider the plea of the convict and his age, adding that he was a first time offender.

    The Prosecution Counsel, I.D Iloakasia, told the court that the convict and his counsel had entered and signed a plea bargain on June 10.

    Iloakasia said that the convict between April and May within the jurisdiction of the court deceived his victim while pretending to be Steve M Marks a military personnel.

    He said the convict carried out an illegal act to which he induced one Ruth Novick, a Chinese citizen to deliver to him the sum of 50 dollars worth of gift cards.

    He said that the convict sold it via the internet at the sum of N20, 000.

    The prosecutor said the offence contravened the provision of Section 321 of the Penal Code Act, Laws of the Federation Abuja, 1990 and punishable under Section 324 of the same Act.

    The prosecutor had earlier prayed the court that the money and instrument recovered from the convict be forfeited to the Federal Government through the EFCC. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    UU/DCO/SH
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    Edited by Deborah Coker/Sadiya Hamza

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • China blasts ‘indiscriminate’ U.S. sanctions on Russia’s war economy

    China blasts ‘indiscriminate’ U.S. sanctions on Russia’s war economy

    Blast

    Beijing, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The Chinese Foreign Ministry sharply criticised a new package of U.S. sanctions targeting the Russian war economy, including Chinese companies accused of aiding the invasion of Ukraine.

    “We call on the United States (U.S.) to stop the indiscriminate, illegal, unilateral sanctions,’’ said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing on Thursday.

    She said that China was neither a party nor the cause of the Ukraine crisis and that Beijing would act to protect the rights of Chinese companies and citizens.

    China has forged strong ties with Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

    Washington said that while Beijing may not directly provide weapons for Moscow’s campaign, it has become a critical lifeline for Russia’s sanctioned economy and its military.

    On Wednesday, a day before G7 leaders gathered in southern Italy to discuss Ukraine, the Biden administration announced it was imposing 300 new Russia-related sanctions.

    Among them were multiple Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies, with the U.S. alleging some of them sent dual-use items that could be used in Russian military equipment? (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/AMM
    ========

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Abiemwense Moru

  • Far-right group rejects Germany’s AfD in spite dropping Krah

    Far-right group rejects Germany’s AfD in spite dropping Krah

    Rejection

    Brussels, June 13, 2024 (dpa/NAN) The far-right Identity and Democracy (ID) group in the European Parliament currently has no plans to readmit the Alternative for Germany (AfD).

    In spite of the exclusion of controversial politician Maximilian Krah from the party’s parliamentary delegation would not readmit.

    An AfD spokesperson confirmed a report by Politico on Thursday, stating that France’s National Rally party along with other ID representatives had made the decision at a meeting in Brussels.

    Last month, the ID group had expelled the AfD over scandals involving their top election candidate Maximilian Krah shortly before the June 6-9 European Parliament elections.

    After last week’s election, the newly elected AfD members of parliament decided by a majority on Monday not to include Krah in their delegation.

    Excluding Krah from the delegation was seen as part of an effort by the AfD to patch things up with the other far-right parties in the European Parliament that form the ID bloc.

    Krah described the decision as a mistake and predicted that it would not change the ID’s mind.

    Krah has been battered by several scandals, including allegations of accepting funds from Russia and China.

    A former top aide to Krah was separately arrested on allegations of having spied for China.

    Krah also made highly controversial remarks to an Italian newspaper in which he said that members of the notorious Nazi SS paramilitary were not all criminals. (dpa/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/EAL
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Ekemini Ladejobi

     

  • Experts urge FG to invest in ICT sector to boost GDP

    Investment
    By Simon Akoje
    Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Some experts have urged the Federal Government to invest more in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and manufacturing sector to boost Gross Domestic Products (GDP)
    They gave the advice on Thursday in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
    Prof. Bright Eregha, a Professor of Economics, at the Pan Atlantic University, said the government should accord more priority to the ICT sector to accelerate more growth in the second quarter.
    “The sector has the capacity to facilitate immense economic growth due to the fifth generation network being operated currently.
    “This is achieved where business transaction and the impact of artificial intelligent have simplified contemporary complex issues in the society,’’ Eregha said.
    He noted that the government could ensure more GDP growth in the preceding quarter of the year, by investing in domestic manufacturing.
    “The government should initiate more Public Private Partnership (PPP) schemes that will fix key infrastructure to drive the manufacturing sector because of the impact to our economic development.
    “Countries such as South Africa have been able to revamp their critical infrastructure to boost the productive sector of their economy and Nigeria should not be an exemption,” Eregha said.
    Also, Mr Boniface Okezie, President, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said the government should fully implement its all year farming schemes to catalyse economic growth.
    “More efforts should be made to mechanise its farming practices and address the insecurity that is negating the sector.
    “Then, the sector can return to the largest contributor to GDP growth and create employment opportunities for the teaming youths in the hinterland,”Okezi said.
    He said that the Federal Government should also harness the enormous prospects in the solid mineral sector to grow the economy.
    “The solid minerals sector is yet to be exploited commercially for our public good particularly in the North Central zone where there are many minerals and other precious metals in commercial value,” Okezie said.
    According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria has recorded a 2.98 per cent growth in GDP in the first quarter of the year.
    This represents a 0.48 percentage point quarter -on-quarter decline in GDP growth when compared with 3.46 per cent growth recorded in the fourth quarter of 2023.
    This growth rate is higher than the 2.31 per cent recorded in the first quarter of 2023 and lower than the fourth quarter of 2023 growth of 3.46 per cent. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    AST/ADA
    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • Cholera: Data collection underway, outbreak contained in Lagos- Commissioner

    Cholera: data collection underway, outbreak contained in Lagos- Commissioner

    Cholera

    By Abujah Racheal

    Abuja, June 13, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government is actively collecting data on the recent cholera disease outbreak in the state.

    Abayomi disclosed this in interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Abuja

    NAN reports that in the last 72 hours, there has been a significant increase in severe gastroenteritis cases in Lagos State, particularly in Eti-Osa, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, and Kosofe.

    The outbreak has led to 60 hospitalisations and five deaths, primarily due to late presentation with extreme dehydration.

    Authorities have heightened surveillance and response efforts, with investigations into a possible water contamination source in the Lekki and Victoria Island areas.

    There is a suspicion of a cholera outbreak, with samples taken for confirmation.

    Recent rainfall has exacerbated the situation, especially in urban slums and crowded areas with poor sanitation.

    Cholera, a highly contagious and potentially life-threatening disease causing severe diarrhoea, poses a significant health risk in regions with inadequate water treatment and sanitation.

    While acknowledging the presence of the disease, Abayomi assured the public that measures have been effective in preventing a large-scale outbreak.

    “We have successfully contained the situation and prevented it from exploding.

    “An update with detailed information and statistics is expected to be released later today,” he stated.

    He said that the state had continued to monitor the situation closely and was implementing strategies to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.

    “The public is advised to stay informed and follow recommended health guidelines,” he advised.

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), said that cholera spreads through contaminated food or water and poor sanitation practices, including lack of handwashing.

    Symptoms include severe watery diarrhoea, vomiting, rapid dehydration, muscle cramps, fever, and sometimes collapse.

    Treatment involves oral rehydration salts for mild to moderate dehydration and intravenous fluids for severe cases under medical supervision.

    Preventive measures include ensuring safe drinking water by boiling, chlorinating, or using bottled water, avoiding ice from untreated water, maintaining proper sanitation, and practising good hygiene such as regular handwashing with soap and clean water.

    Citizens are advised to follow food safety guidelines and rely on health authorities for updates and guidance.

    Suspected cholera cases should be reported via emergency hotlines 08023169485, 08137412348, or helplines 767 or 112.

    The Lagos State Ministry of Health is committed to keeping the public informed and ensuring citizens’ health.

    As of April 28, Nigeria had reported 815 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths across 25 states.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    AIR/AMM

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    Edited by Abiemwense Moru

  • Security: Army trains digital citizens in Zamfara