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  • Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

    Implement public health laws, Enugu judge urges federal, state govts.

    Health

    By Ifeoma Aka

    Enugu, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Justice Chinyere Ani of the Enugu State High Court has appealed to the federal and state governments to implement public health laws to protect the well-being of Nigerians.

    She made the appeal on Tuesday in Enugu during the inauguration of the National Association of Health Educators and Practitioners (NAHE&P), Enugu State chapter.

    Ani, the guest lecturer at the event, said “Nigeria does not need to enact new laws but should rather, implement the already enacted ones,” adding that the country has enough laws on public health.

    She regretted that the right to health as enshrined in Section 260 of the 1999 Constitution is not justiciable, noting that Nigerians can only qualify with public health when the section is justiciable.

    The judge cautioned against doing something that would endanger peoples’ health, including burying loved ones in a house where people are living, pointing out that Section 246 of the Criminal Code outlaws such act.

    Ani urged the people to form the habit of burying their loved ones at the cemetery to avoid outbreak of disease, and challenged the association to educate the people effectively.

    Earlier, the National President of NAHE&P, Prof. Raheem Adarama, revealed that the major thrust of the association is to empower individuals, communities and nations to take control of their health and well-being.

    Adarama, who was represented by the Anambra President of the association, Chrysantus Onwurah, declared that health education is a fundamental human right.

    According to Adarama, every individual deserves access to accurate information, resources, and support to make informed decisions about their health.

    He said “as health educators and practitioners, we play a vital role in shaping the health landscape of our country.

    “We are the catalysts for positive change, the champions of health promotion, and advocates for health equity.

    “Our work has the power to transform lives, break down barriers and build a healthier future for all.”

    In her remark, the Enugu State President of the association, Prof. Ngozi Ani, said that the group would embark on massive public health education to encourage  people to prevent themselves from contacting diseases.

    Ani hinted that the association would partner hospitals and health institutions in the state to ensure that health education gets to the people in the rural communities.

    She said that the association would be vibrant and active in carrying out its responsibilities.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IFO/OJI/HA

    Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Avian influenza outbreak no threat to Australia’s egg supply

    Avian influenza outbreak not threat to Australia’s egg supply

    Outbreak

    Canberra, June 11, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Australia is not at risk of an egg shortage in spite of an outbreak of avian influenza, the agriculture minister has said.

    Murray Watt on Tuesday said there was no reason for Australians to be worried about a national shortage of eggs after the highly pathogenic H7N3 strain of bird flu.

    Watt said the flu was detected at five farms in the state of Victoria.

    He told state media Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) television that 1 million hens have been euthanized or otherwise affected by the outbreak, representing approximately four per cent of Australia’s national flock of egg-laying chickens.

    In response, Coles one of Australia’s two largest supermarket chains had limited the number of eggs customers can buy to two cartons in all stores across the nation except in Western Australia (WA).

    However, Watt said there was no cause for alarm about the supply of eggs.

    “Every day Australia produces 18 million eggs and there’s no risk to that supply stopping any time soon,’’ he said.

    Watt said that the outbreak would have affected more farms if not for a quick quarantine response from the Victorian government but said he could not guarantee that it has been entirely contained.

    “I can’t rule out that it’d be spreading further, but obviously every effort is being put in by the Victorian government, backed by ourselves,’’ he said.

    He said the strain of avian influenza that has been detected in Victoria is not the deadly strain that has been detected elsewhere in the world and said Australians can continue to eat eggs safely. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey

    08053114137

  • World Cup qualifiers: Super Eagles need psychology motivation to qualify—Fuludu

     

    World Cup qualifiers: Super Eagles need psychology motivation to qualify—Fuludu

    Qualification

    By Kazeem Akande

    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Edema Fuludu, ex-Nigerian international said that members of the Nigeria`s Men`s national team, the Super Eagles needed psychological motivation to win their remaining matches to qualify for the world cup.

    Fuludu, who stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos, said the team`s challenges were beyond coaching.

    According to him, the team needs psychological motivation to win matches rather than focusing on coaching challenges.

    “The real magic Super Eagles can make now is to win their next matches and play professionally, that’s the only magic the team needs.

    “I think the Eagles should rise up and play professionally, speed up the game and have the desire to win,” he said.

    The ex-international said Finidi George, the national team coach needed to apply an aggressive effective style and formations to tackle his opponents.

    According to him, formula and formations at times determine the outcome of a match with the players’ determination to win.

    “I urge Finidi to motivate the players to play professionally and have the determination to win their next matches.

    NAN reports that the Minister of Sport Development had demanded a detailed technical report from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), on the Super Eagle’s disappointing results in the 2026 world Cup qualifiers.

    The Eagles managed to secure one point from a possible six  by drawing 1-1 with South Africa in Uyo and losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in its third and fourth game in the qualifiers series. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AKA/JPE

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    Edited by Joseph Edeh

     

     

  • Reps urge NASS to intervene in Plateau Assembly impasse

    Reps urge NASS to intervene in Plateau Assembly impasse

     

     

    Members-elect
    By Femi Ogunshola
    Abuja, June 11, 2024(NAN) The House of Representatives has urged the Leadership of the National Assembly (NASS) to intervene in the crisis that has bedeviled the Plateau House of Assembly.

    They also want NASS to ensure that the remaining members-elect of the Plateau House of Assembly were sworn-in for equity, fairness and justice.

    The resolution followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Ahmed Wase (APC-Plateau) during plenary in Abuja on Tuesday.

    Wase in the motion said that the Plateau State 2023 Election Tribunal took a decision which resulted in the nullification of Certificates of Return of 16 sitting members of the Plateau House of Assembly.

    He said that the tribunal had ordered the issuance of new certificates of return to the new members by the Independent National Electoral appellate

    He said that the members-elect of the Plateau house of assembly  met all the requirements of the law as contained in Section 94 (1) of the 1999 Constitution and Section 72 (1) of the Electoral Act, 2022.

    Wase however regretted that some of the new members were selected and sworn-in by the Speaker, while the others were left out.

    He added that some members-elect of the assembly were compelled to submit letters of resignation by the Speaker, with accompanying Court Affidavit.

    “This move contradicts the principles of fairness and justice that the electoral laws sought to uphold.

    “Failure to address the delays or biases in the swearing-in of these new members-elect is a total denial of the voices of other constituencies in Plateau.

    “It also undermines commitment to justice, fairness, and the principles of democracy and poses a threat to security in the state,” he said.

    Adopting the motion, the House urged the Leadership of the National Assembly to intervene and ensure that the remaining Members-Elect of the Plateau House of Assembly were sworn in. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CEO/SH

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    Edited by Chidi Opara/Sadiya Hamza

  • Famzhi CEO, Mariam Suleiman jailed 5 years for defrauding investors

    Famzhi CEO, Mariam Suleiman jailed 5 years for defrauding investors

    Judgment

    By Taiye Agbaje

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, sentenced the Chairman and Managing Director of Famzhi Interbiz Ltd, Mariam Suleiman, to five years imprisonment without option of fine for allegedly defrauding investors to the tune of over N2 billion.

    Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment, found Suleiman and her company guilty of the allegations preferred against them in counts one and two by the Federal Government.

    “Upon the provisions of Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act and Section 56(6) of the Securities and Investment Act being read to the defendants, for understanding of the terms of punishment therein.

    “And upon hearing the allocutus of the learned counsel for the defendants and considering same, I am minded not to impose the full punishment on the 1st defendant (Suleiman) particularly,” he said.

    Justice Ekwo, consequently, sentenced Suleiman to three years imprisonment in count one and two years imprisonment in count two which would run concurrently from the date of the order.

    He equally ordered the company to be wound up and all its property to be forfeited to the Federal Government.

    “The said property shall be sold and the proceeds there of used to compensate the victims of this crime,” he declared.

    Earlier in the judgment, he said: “It is clear that the 1st and 2nd defendants conspired among yourselves together with their other staff to do an illegal act.

    “That is, to lure and offer for subscription an unregistered investment collective scheme valued over N2 billion to the unsuspecting general public.

    “On that note, I find that the offence of conspiracy in count one is proved as required by law and I so hold.”

    Justice Ekwo also held that by the evidence of the prosecution witnesses and the exhibits tendered, it was established that the defendants “ran a scheme in pursuance of which members of the public were invited or permitted to invest money in a portfolio for a participatory interest.

    “This evidence was never controverted by the defendants.

    “The position of the law as settled in many authorities is that evidence adduced in court, that is relevant to the issue in controversy, and has neither been challenged nor successfully debunked becomes good and credible evidence, which ought to be relied upon by a trial judge.”

    He said it was also pertinent to note that the MD herself admitted both in her evidence-in-chief and during cross-examination of running the scheme.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) had sued Suleiman and her firm as 1st and 2nd defendants.

    Although they were arraigned on Dec 8, 2021, on two counts bordering on alleged N2 billion fraud, the defendants pleaded not guilty.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    TOA/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • FG, stakeholders re-commit to ending FGM in Nigeria by 2030

    FG, stakeholders re-commit to ending FGM in Nigeria by 2030

    FGM

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have re-committed to ending the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria by 2030.

    They made the commitment on Tuesday in Abuja at the Annual Technical Consultative Meeting of the UNFPA–UNICEF Joint Programme on Elimination of FGM.

    The meeting had “Delivering the Global Promise” as its theme.

    FGM is a practise that involves altering or injuring the female genitalia for non-medical reasons.

    Emphasising Federal Government’s stance about the practice,  the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate, said “the nation remains steadfast to its regional and international commitments to uphold the dignity of women and girls.”

    Represented by Dr John Ovuoraye, a Director in the ministry’s Health Department, Pate said “Federal Government undoubtedly sees FGM as a human rights violation.

    “FGM is a severe violation of the rights to health, security and physical integrity,  the right to be free from torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment, right to freedom from discrimination and the right to life of women and girls.”

    Pate also said that FGM must be addressed for the attainment of SDG Five, especially target 5.1, aimed at ending all forms of discrimination against women and girls everywhere.

    He explained that “target 5:3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and FGM, while target 5.6 is to ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and rights.”

    He, however, said that over the years the country has recorded significant achievements, including a declining national FGM prevalence rate, implementation of the National Policy and Plan of Action for the Elimination of FGM in Nigeria (2021-2025).

    Also, the operationalisation of the National Protocol on the Management of Complications from FGM in Nigeria (2020), enactment of legislation both at the federal and state levels such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act.

    The minister added that though there have been some achievements, Nigeria is still a long way off the mark.

    He noted that “the reduction of prevalence still means that Nigeria contributes about one-tenth of the 230 million women and girls FGM survivors globally, placing the country the highest with FGM burden in Africa.

    “We recognise that Nigeria must continue to play a critical role in the elimination of FGM to ensure global efforts are accelerated and goals achieved.

    “We commit to ensuring the catalytic role that the UNFPA-UNICEF joint programme since its inception in Nigeria in 2014 has played will be met with  sustained effort on our side.”

    The UN Regional Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr Mohammed Fall, said no country can tackle FGM alone because it knows no boundaries, and transcends cultures, regions and generations.

    Represented by Dr Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Representative in Nigeria, Fall said “it is a global issue that demands collective attention.”

    According to him, there is a worrying trend that more girls in Nigeria and in many parts of Africa, are subjected to the practice at younger ages, many before their fifth birthdays.

    “This calls for increased investment in proven and evidence-based prevention focused strategies to curb the practice occurring in the first place, especially targeted at key decision makers at the household levels well before the birth of a child.”

    He, however, reiterated UN’s commitment to sustain the gains recorded and collaborate to eradicate the harmful practice.

    He said “as we gather here today, let us remember that our actions can have  profound impact on the lives of millions.

    “I call for strengthened international cooperation and renewed commitment from each one of us to join in efforts to end FGM globally through investments in data and evidence, increased funding, technical support, and awareness-raising efforts to accelerate our collective progress.

    “Furthermore, we, as UN agencies, remain steadfast in our commitment to ending the practice through collaborative efforts like the UN Joint Program on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

    “Our united stance and joint actions underscore our dedication to creating safe and equitable environment for every girl and woman in Nigeria.”

    Speaking about the significance of the meeting, UNICEF’s Chief of Child Protection, Mr Ibrahim Sesay, said that with over 110 participants from 17 countries, it is aimed at creating a platform to share information, best practices and learn from each other.

    It is also to ensure that global investment toward ending FGM is consolidated.

    He also said that it was very important to galvanise efforts from stakeholders to end the crisis.

    Essay said that in the case of Nigeria, there has been a decrease in terms of the prevalence of FGM of about three per cent over a period of eight to 10 years.

    “So, which means we really need to double our efforts if we are supposed to really achieve SDG pertaining to ending FGM and other harmful practices.

    “It is a very huge challenge, but it’s doable, because it has been proven that with significant investment, political commitment, the enforcement of the legal frameworks that we have is doable.”

    The three-day meeting, which opened on Tuesday, would end on Thursday. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/HA

    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Commercial market for women opens in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan

    Commercial market for women opens in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan

    Market

    Kabul, June 11, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) A commercial market was opened for women to run their businesses in Afghanistan’s central Bamiyan province, state-run media outlet Bakhtar news agency reported on Tuesday.

    The market opened in the Family Park region of Bamiyan City, the provincial capital of the province, and has facilitated women to sell their products in 18 shops, the media reported.

    According to news agency report, women can exhibit their products to include  handicrafts, minatory arts, carpets and other crafts in this market.

    Commercial markets for women have been opened in several provinces of Afghanistan, including Herat, Balkh, Badakhshan, and the national capital of Kabul. (Xinhua/NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HS
    ======

    Edited by Cecilia Odey and Halima Sheji

     

  • Electricity subsidy drops from N3trn to N1trn -Minister

    Electricity subsidy drops from N3trn to N1trn -Minister

    Subsidy

    By Femi Ogunshola

    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adebayo Adelabu, Minister of Power, said that the introduction of band A with a higher tariff has reduced electricity subsidy to N1 trillion from about N3trillion.

    The minister said this at the public hearing on electricity tariffs in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The hearing was organised by the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Power, Commerce, National Planning, and Delegated Legislation.

    Adelabu said that without an increase in electricity tariffs the expected subsidy would have been close to N3 trillion.

    He said the Federal Government could not afford to pay N3 trillion in subsidies

    The minister said that instead of piling up debt for the government, the ministry came up with the model for customers to pay for subsidies on band A.

    According to him, this will compensate for the fuel and diesel that consumers are using.

    He said that what consumers spend now is cheaper compared to fuel and diesel, even with the increase in electricity tariff.

    “We are still about the cheapest, even in sub-Saharan, in spite of the tariff. Our neighboring countries pay higher. So the price isn’t comparable.

    “Band A is cheaper compared to other sources of generating power. It is almost 50 per cent cheaper to connect to band A of the national grid than to run on fuel and diesel.

    “So when we complain about the higher tariff, it is cheaper for any business to pay for a grid connection than to individually generate power,”he said.

    He said President Bola Tinubu`s administration  meant well for  Nigerians, adding that he would not aggravate an already bad situation in the country.

    “We are out to make things better for Nigeria and to create industrial development through our local manufacturing, and energy is needed to do this,”he said.

    The minister said the increase in tariff was not targeted at making life difficult for Nigerians but to make life affordable for the people.

    Rep. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, said that the decision by the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to increase electricity tariffs had sparked widespread discontent.

    He said the justification provided for this tariff hike as outlined by NERC, was to address the industry’s mounting debt and ensure continued functioning of the power sector.

    Kalu said  it was evident that the move had not been well-received by the citizenry, adding that the fears expressed by many were valid.

    He added that such a sharp increase in electricity tariffs would only exacerbate the economic hardships already faced by our people.

    “There are genuine concerns that higher utility bills resulting from this tariff hike can have ripple effects on operational costs for businesses, potentially leading to increased prices of goods and services,“he said.

    Kalu said lawmakers are committed to work closely with the executive to transform the power sector into a model of efficiency, and sustainability as outlined in the legislative agenda.

    “We are dedicated to providing legislative support to efforts of  the Tinubu’s administration in reforming the power sector by addressing all legal and legislative impediments,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ODF/CHOM/JPE

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joseph Edeh

  • Why I defected from PDP to APC – ex Edo commissioner 

     

    Defection

    By Usman Aliyu

    Benin, June, 11, 2024 (NAN) Mr Charles Idahosa, a former commissioner for Information in Edo, on Tuesday said that Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s disregard for leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) forced him out of the fold.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Idahosa, who has moved to the APC, also resigned his membership of the PDP Board of Trustees.

    Speaking with NAN in Benin, the former commissioner said he played a critical role for Obaseki to secure his second term ticket and his subsequent victory at the 2020 governorship election.

    Idahosa had defected to APC from PDP in 2020 after claiming that he could not stand and watch Obaseki being oppressed and badly treated by APC leaders who had denied him a return ticket.

    “I stood up against former governor Adams Oshomhole, who was then the APC national chairman. I had worked with him in various capacities before the 2016 governorship election.

    “So, because I saw that Obaseki was being victimised, my supporters and I decided to move with him to the PDP where he eventually secured the ticket and returned as the governor for the second time.

    “Unfortunately, when he came, he wasn’t fair to the people and party leaders that helped him to power.

    “He keeps saying that people are angry with him because they wanted him to share state money with them and I have challenged him to mention names so that the whole world will know them.

    “So, I just got frustrated and left the party because he has not been fair to party leaders and the people that stood for him in 2020 when he had problems in APC, ” Idahosa said.

    The former PDP chieftain also added that besides the ill-treatment, the state had not experienced development in the last seven years.

    He explained that the projects being counted as achievements were projects executed decades ago which he renovated.

    “This government has not done well in all ramifications. The state Secretariat, Ogbe Stadium, which he counts as achievements, were built by Dr Samuel Ogbemudia of blessed memory; the structures were only renovated.

    “All the promises he made in 2016, he has not fulfilled any. He promised Edo Galegale seaport, he promised to build 18 mini stadiums, Edo North international Airport and Benin-Auchi railway line and may more.

    “All these promises have not been fulfilled. Only the civil servants have benefited from this government and I ask, what is the population of the civil servants in the state? very small,” he added.

    According to him, the much talked-about EdoBEST is for selected schools.

    “We contribute money to pay teachers in my local government, Uhunwode.”

    “I totally disagree with the policies and programmes of this government, so I just left.

    “But I have heard people complaining about my leaving the party and I wonder when it became an offense to leave a party.

    “There is no law saying you should not move if you are not comfortable where you are. Defection also happens in advanced countries because there is freedom of movement and association.

    “My movement will not affect anything because I am a founding member of the APC and the PDP, we just had to leave the party on various occasions we felt mistreated.

    “I can tell you that this time, I am not leaving the APC for any other party again. I just feel that after 70 years of age, I need to retire.”

    He said he would not contest for elective position because he had held many positions in and outside the state.

    “So, I have no reason to be afraid to tell the truth ,” Idahosa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    AUO/CHOM/JI

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Joe Idika

     

     

     

  • Trade modernisation project’ll ease technology transfer to NCS personnel- official

    Trade modernisation project’ll ease technology transfer to NCS personnel- official

    Technology
    By Martha Agas
    Abuja, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Trade Modernisation Project(TMP), of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), is designed to ease the transfer of technological knowledge to NCS personnel, its General Manager, Mr Ahmed Ogunshola, has said.

    Ogunshola told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), on Tuesday in Abuja that the project was applying technology to ease export and import clearances, and payment of duties and the release of goods.

    “We are deploying modern technology for its implementation; we are working with NCS personnel from the beginning of the process until its completion, to ensure sustainability.

    “Our feeling is that if there is no sense of ownership, honestly, at the end of the day, it will be jettisoned.

    “We jointly designed and developed these solutions, so there is 100 per cent knowledge transfer in everything that we are doing.

    “From the day the first code of the software was written, NCS officers were in the room with us. It was designed, developed and is being deployed from this room (modernisation hub). This has been on since July 2023,” he said.

    NAN reports that TMP Ltd is the concessionaire of the NCS trade project.

    It is a 20-year concession agreement which has three phases with phase one covering year one to six; phase two, seven to 13, and phase three from 14 to 20.

    The agreement was signed on May 27, 2023 between the Federal Government of Nigeria, represented by NCS Board, and the Trade Modernisation Project Ltd.

    TMP is the automation of the business processes of the NCS to simplify, and enhance, the experience of stakeholders in the trade value chain.

    Ogunshola said that during the third phase of the project’s implementation, the concessionaire would step back from management it, leaving NCS to handle it for full six years.

    “NCS will continue to perform all its activities and operations; none of its statutory mandate has been concessioned to anyone, and they will continue to man all their stations.

    “All we are doing is to provide systems and platforms as well as services that enhance those functions and activities of NCS.

    “ We believe that by the end of the project, NCS will be a pride among its peers,” he said.

    NAN reports that the project is expected to generate in excess of 250 billion dollars for the Federal Government over the life of the concession.

    The concessionaire is expected to invest 3.2 billion dollars to deliver the project over the 20-year period.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    MAA/ETS

    =≈======