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  • 3 housemaids docked over alleged theft of employers’ money, property

    Theft

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Three housemaids, Munirat Idris, Abibat Aliyu and Salamatu Aliyu, were on Friday, arraigned before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, for allegedly stealing money and property belonging to their employers.

    Idris, 35, Aliyu 17, and Aliyu, 19, whose addresses were not provided, are being charged with conspiracy and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Insp Oladejo Balogun told the court that the defendants committed the offence at about 5.30p.m on May 16, at Adenike Olufadewa Street, Alegongo, Ibadan.

    Balogun said that the defendants who worked as housemaids, stole money and property belonging to their employer, Mrs Comfort Gbadeyanka, after receiving their salaries.

    He said that the defendants stole N560,000 cash, food stuff worth N60,000 and kitchen utensils valued N45,000, belonging to Gbadeyanka.

    The prosecutor further said that after leaving Gbadeyanka’s house, the defendants were employed as housemaids in another house, belonging to Mr Harrison Akinsulie.

    He said that while working at the house located at Odo-Ona Elewe, Ibadan, the defendants again stole N712,000, a set of wrapper, food stuff and other valuables.

    He said that the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

    The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair granted the defendants bail in the sum of N500,000 each, with two reliable sureties each in like sum.

    She adjourned the case until July 9 for hearing.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    CC/AZU

    ======

    Edited by Azubuike Okeh

  • SFH supports govt’s plan to curb spread of cholera- Official

     

    SFH supports govt’s plan to curb spread of cholera- Official

    Cholera

    By Folasade Akpan

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) Society for Family Health (SFH), says it is supporting government at all levels in its efforts to curb the spread of cholera in Nigeria through its SFH ACCESS programme.

    The Managing Director of SFH ACCESS, Dennis Aizobu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that cholera, a severe diarrheal illness caused by consuming contaminated water, has claimed numerous lives and continues to pose a significant public health threat.

    Aizobu said that the organisation’s support was in light of the recent cholera outbreak, adding that SFH ACCESS was committed to playing a pivotal role in mitigating the impact of the public health crisis.

    “Access to clean and safe water is a fundamental human right, and in these times of crisis, it is essential to act swiftly and effectively,”

    “We are fully committed to supporting the fight against cholera and ensuring that everyone has access to safe drinking water and health products.

    He said that the mission of the programme was to ensure the healthy lives and well-being of communities, and in this critical time, it was supporting stakeholders with proactive solution measures to support affected areas and prevent the further spread of cholera.

    According to him, the organisation has prioritised the distribution of Point of Use water treatment solution such as Waterguard Tank Disinfectant,Waterguard Plus and Procter and Gamble water purifier to  ensure safe and clean water.

    He also said that the products were made available at subsidised rates to communities most at risk, ensuring that everyone has access to safe drinking water.

    “In the last two weeks, our Point of Use water treatment solutions have treated over 50 million litres of water.

    “These are mainly in the most affected states and other parts of the country. We are also ramping up production to meet the need of Nigerians in addressing this public health challenge,” he said.

    Aizobu also said that SFH ACCESS was actively engaged in an extensive public awareness campaign to educate communities on the importance of using clean water and maintaining hygiene.

    He also said that through various media channels, the organisation provides crucial information on how to use the water treatment products effectively and the best practices for preventing cholera.

    “Our campaign also includes demonstrations to ensure comprehensive understanding.

    “We are partnering with government, local health authorities, Non Governmentral Organisations and Civil Society Organisations to ensure a coordinated response through community awareness and sensitisation.

    “By working together, we can reach more people and provide the necessary resources and support to those in need.

    “This collaboration aims to strengthen local health systems and improve response times,” he added.

    To enhance community engagement and support, Aizobu said the organisation’s teams were on ground in the most affected areas, conducting community engagement sessions to demonstrate the proper use of the solutions.

    He also said that SFH was also providing support to healthcare workers including Primary Health care Centers, pharmacies and drug stores to enhance their efforts in controlling the outbreak.

    “SFH ACCESS is committed to monitoring the situation closely and evaluating the effectiveness of our interventions.

    “We will continue to adapt our strategies as needed to ensure maximum impact and will provide regular updates on our progress.

    “This continuous feedback loop allows us to respond dynamically to the evolving situation.”

    NAN reports that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has issued a public health alert, urging citizens to take necessary precautions.

    According to the NCDC, 10 states: Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos bear 90 per cent of the burden in the country, with 579 and 25 cases recorded in Lagos and Ogun states respectively and a current death toll of 53. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FOF/EAL

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    Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

  • Squash: PSA ranked tournament good for players development

    Squash: PSA ranked tournament helps elevate rankings, Falase says

    Squash

    By Aderonke Ojediran

    Lagos, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Tomi Falase, Lagos State Squash Association (LSSA), said that the third edition of Prime Atlantic Squash Open would improve the world ranking of participating players.

    Falase said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Friday.

    PSA is the world governing body of squash saddled with the responsibility of ranking players based on their performance at PSA approved tournaments.

    NAN reports that the third edition of the Prime Atlantic Senior and U-16 championships will serve-off at the Teslim Balogun Stadium from July 15 to July 20.

    “Organising regular tournament is good for the players, but making it a PSA approved championship is the icing on the cake..

    “What this will do is to improve the rankings of our players internationally; it will put them on the same pedestal to make their mark like their foreign counterparts.

    “This third edition promises to be an exciting one. The players are in good form, I see some of them train. So, it’s going to be the battle of the fittest,” Falase said.

    NAN reports that both male and female players will play in the senior and U-16 categories. Interested players are expected to register for the tournament online @nigeriasquashfed.com/event.

    The Tournament Director, Wasiu Sanni, said equal prize money will be given to both men and women.

    He further said that the essence of the tournament was to avail players the opportunity to be competitive.

    ” We believe that our female players put in as much work as their male counterparts, so the cash prize will be equal.

    “Training without putting what you have learnt into practice is effort in futility, and we as the custodians of these players, need to observe them and know where they need improvement.

    “I’m excited about what’s to come. Prime Atlantic has been a great partner in progress and I hope these players make the best of this opportunity,” he said.

    NAN reports that Onaopemipo Adegoke had maintained dominance in the two previous editions while Rofiat Abdulazeez and Busayo Olatunji have taken turns to win.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    OAF/JPE

    =======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • JGSG directs LG chairmen to handover as tenures expires

    Tunure

    By Muhammad Nasir Bashir

    Dutse, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Jigawa Government has directed all the Directors, Administration and General Service (DAGS) in the 27 local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state to take over the affairs of their respective LGAs.

    This is contained in a statement in Dutse on Friday by Mr Najib Umar, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Ministry for Local Government and Community Development.

    Umar noted that the directive followed the expiration of the tenure of the local government elected officials.

    He added that all other appointed officials including; secretaries, supervisory councillors, special advisers and assistants of all the 27 LGAs, are equally relieved of their appointments.

    “Following the expiration of the tenure of Local Government elected officials, the Jigawa State Ministry for Local Government and Community Development has directed the Directors Administration and General Services (DAGs) of all the 27 LGAs to take over the affairs of administration of the Local Government from today, June 28, 2024.

    “Therefore, all appointed officials, including Secretaries, Supervisory Councillors, Special Advisers and Assistants of all the Local Government Councils are equally relieved of their appointments,” Umar said.

    He quoted the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, Mr Ahmad Garba, who spoke on behalf of Gov. Umar Namadi as congratulating the outgoing officials on the successful conduct of their tenures.

    The PRO added that the commissioner also thanked them for their immense contributions to the development of their respective areas and the state in general.

    According to him, the commissioner has directed them to hand over all governments’ belongings in their possession immediately.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Jigawa State Independent Electoral Commission (JISIEC), had announced the postponement of the local government elections in the state earlier scheduled to hold in June 2024 to June 2025. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MNB/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • Lagos to convert General Hospital to eye centre

     

    Lagos to convert general hospital to eye centre

    Retina
    By Oluwafunke Ishola

    Lagos, June 28,  2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says the state government will designate one of its general hospitals as a centre for ophthalmic specialty to improve care for patients with eye conditions.

    Abayomi said this during the 4th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society on Thursday in Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was themed, “Upscaling Retinal Services in a Resource-Constrained Economy.”

    Abayomi said the centre would provide a world-class diagnostic, medical, surgical and ophthalmic services in Lagos and Nigeria.

    He stressed that the state would prioritise eye health, noting that the state was working on developing screening capacity of all its primary healthcare facilities to detect eye diseases early.

    “The conditions that affect the eyes very much reflect the conditions of the community in which you live. HIV, for example, was a major problem in South Africa, and I certainly experienced the impact of HIV on our day-to-day medicine and practice.

    “Here in Nigeria, we have other things. We have hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell, and lots of trauma. These are the kinds of things that we see in our clinics here in Lagos and in Nigeria.

    “We need to be able to understand how these prevailing conditions really affect us,” he said.

    The commissioner further said that efforts are ongoing to promote eye screening, especially in schools, starting with the training of teachers to detect students exhibiting challenges with their vision.

    He added that the state would leverage the social health insurance to screen, detect and treat eye diseases as patients presents at health facilities.

    The commissioner further said the state would strengthen public awareness and understanding on eye health, especially glaucoma and visual acuity.

    Abayomi disclosed that the state through its Ministry of Health had forged a partnership with the Chagoury Group
    to develop a specialist eye hospital in Lagos to boost access to eye services.

    He acknowledged that ophthalmology was equipment-intensive, stressing that government would pay attention to that and human resources to enable practitioners make appropriate diagnosis, and treatment to reverse medical tourism.

    Earlier, Prof. Linda Visser, Head, Division of Ophthalmology Stellenbosch University, South Africa, called on policy makers to formulate policies that would integrate eye screening into diabetes care from the primary healthcare level, noting that cases of diabetic retinopathy was on the increase among Africans.

    Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a chronic progressive disease of the retinal capillaries (small blood vessels) associated with prolonged raised blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

    Visser cited data from International Diabetes Foundation that showed that 537 million adults aged 20 to 79 years are living with diabetes globally, a number that was predicted to reach 1.3 billion in 50 years.

    “The high prevalence of type 2 diabetes continues to rise worldwide and is particularly rapid in low- and middle income countries.

    “Most of these countries have limited availability and affordability of healthcare services for screening and treating diabetes-related complications, such as retinopathy, to prevent vision loss,”

    According to her, all persons with diabetes are at risk of developing DR, however, those with poor blood glucose and blood pressure management and hyperlipidaemia are most at risk.

    Visser, Past President, Vitreoretinal Society of South Africa, emphasised that early detection would lead to timely treatment of DR, which could prevent 95 per cent of vision impairment and blindness.

    Also, Dr Asiwome Seneadza, Chairman, Africa Retina Society, said that the theme was timely and critical as efforts are made to navigate the complexities and challenges in delivering advanced retinal care across the continent.

    Seneadza said, “That’s why we are advocating for improved diabetes care and regular retinal screening made available and accessible for every individual living with diabetes,” he said.

    Similarly, Prof. Bassey Fiebai, Chairman, Vitreo Retinal Society of Nigeria, said the meeting was critical to proffering solutions to the challenge of offering standard retina care, improving outcomes and reducing visual loss from retina related disorders among low to medium income countries.

    Fiebai said that the government plays a critical role in providing funding, training of personnel, provision of equipment to improve screening, detection and treatment of retinopathy disease.

    The professor noted that retina specialists are few in Nigeria, placing the figure at about 100, stressing that it was inadequate to cater to the teeming population who require eye care.

    “Right now in the country, we have just a little over 100 retina specialists. And we know that the population of Nigeria is about 230 million.

    “So we’re looking at a situation in which one retina specialist is supposed to cater for 2.3 million people. How does anyone cope?” she queried.

    NAN reports that the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the Africa Retina Society which began on June 26 to June 28, had participants from various African countries brainstorm on enhancing retinal care. (NAN)

    AIO/VIV

    ====

    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • C’River: NDLEA secures 19 convictions, seizes 525.6kg of illicit drugs

    Conviction

    By Ehigimetor Igbaugba

    Calabar, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Cross River command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), says it secured no fewer than 19 convictions for drug-related offences between January and June.

    The commander, Rachel Umebuali disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Calabar on Friday.

    She said that a total of 142 persons were arrested for various drug-related  offences across the state within the period under review.

    The NDLEA official further said that 16 persons were currently under prosecution, and that none of the accused persons was discharged during the period.

    Umebuali said that the command seized a total of 525.6kg of different illicit drugs within the past six months.

    She disclosed that illicit drug dealers were constantly devising diverse ways to perfect their trade without being caught

    The commander listed cannabis sativa, methamphetamine, psychotropic drugs, heroin, cocaine and tincture as the most trafficked and abused drugs in the state.

    “These drug peddlers mostly conceal the drugs in bags and convey them to buyers with motor vehicles,” she said.

    Umebuali said that the command’s operations were hugely affected by lack of adequate logistics such as vehicles.

    She however, restated the agency’s commitment to religiously undertake its duty of tackling drug trafficking, addiction and abuse in the state.

    “Whether we like it or not, illicit drug intake has consequences on security, economy, and the overall welfare of the populace.

    “It has an undeniable connection to the rise in insecurity, and impacts negatively on peace and development,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    ESI/NNO/AZU

    ==========

    Edited by Nick Nicholas and Azubuike Okeh

  • Kaduna pilgrims agency urges against excessive luggage 

    Luggage

    By Mohammed Tijjani

    Kaduna, June. 28, 2024 (NAN) The Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has warned pilgrims against carrying excessive luggage during the outbound flight to Nigeria because weight limits will be strictly enforced.

    Its Public Relations Officer, Malam Yunusa  Abdullahi, who gave the warning in a statement in Kaduna on Friday, stated that the recommended weights for both small and big bags remained eight and 32 kilograms respectively.

    He recalled that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier given the warning during its post-Arafat meeting in Makkah.

    He said the reminder had become necessary as pilgrims were being given their carry-all bags.

    “The Agency also warned pilgrims against packing prohibited items in their hand luggage, which include sharp objects such as knives and scissors, toy guns, firearms, explosives, inflammable materials, meat cleavers, and razor blades.”

    He advised pilgrims not to pack Zamzam water in their main luggage, to avoid being impounded by the Saudi authorities during inspection at the airport.

    He, however, assured the pilgrims that each pilgrim would be given five liters of Zamzam water upon arrival in Kaduna. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    TJ/NNO/ADA

    Edited by Nick Nicholas/Deji Abdulwahab

  • Eid-el Kabir: 17 die in 16 road crashes in Ogun

    Eid-el Kabir: 17 die in 16 road crashes in Ogun

    Crashes

    By Ige Adekunle

    Sango-Ota (Ogun), June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun Command of  the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), said that 17 persons died in 16 road crashes during Eid-el Kabir celebration in the state.

    Mr Anthony Uga, Sector Commander of FRSC, gave the figure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Ota, Ogun.

    Uga said that 45 persons also sustained various degrees of injuries from the crashes.

    The sector commander said that most of the accidents were caused by excessive speed, dangerous driving, night travel and tyre burst, among others.

    “We are appealing to motorists to adhere to traffic rules and regulations to prevent unnecessary loss of life, especially during this rainy season.

    “In addition, they should exercise patience and reduce their speed to reduce disaster on our highway,”he said.

    The sector commander said that the special patrol just concluded also helped to minimise road crashes, because the corps was able to check excesses of motorists.

    He said that FRSC would continue to sustain the special patrol, especially on Lagos-Ibadan expressway, and others part of the state to ensure that lives are safe on the road.(NAN)(www nannews.ng)

    IGE/JPE

    ======

    Edited by Joseph Edeh

  • Lack of access prolonged Karu market fire, says FEMD

    Fire

    By Philip Yatai

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Emergency Management Department (FEMD) says lack of access caused a delay in putting out the fire at the Karu old market in Abuja on Thursday.

    The acting Director-General of the department, Mrs Florence Wenegieme, made this known in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

    Wenegieme underscored the need for access to market, public and private buildings by fire service personnel and trucks during fire outbreak for quick interventions to reduce losses.

    She said that the fire started around 6:30 p.m. but was brought under control by the combined team of FEMD, FCT Fire Service, Federal Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service.

    According to her, the efforts prevented the fire from spreading to surrounding houses.

    She, however, explained that it was not the new Karu Market currently under construction that was engulfed by the fire, but an informal market and settlement behind the new market.

    She said: “there are Fire Stations at two locations in Karu; we have the Karu Fire Station, and a Fire Station and firefighting truck in the new Karu Market under construction.

    “Firefighting trucks arrived at the scene of the fire on time but could not get access to the market to put out the fire on time.

    “We had to break walls to pass the firefighting water horses through, to be able to put out the fire,” the acting D-G said.

    She added that goods worth millions of naira were lost, but no life was lost to the fire.

    She further said that personnel of the Nigeria police, Nigeria army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were also on ground for crowd control.

    Wenegieme thanked the Department of Engineering, Federal Capital Development Authority for activating Julius Berger Fire Service to provide the needed support.

    She said that investigation was ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    FDY/SH

    =======

    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • CBN to implement more policies to tackle cybersecurity challenges  

    Financial

    By Funmilola Gboteku
    Lagos, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) says it will continue to implement more policies to tackle cybersecurity challenges, foster innovation to ensure stability and integrity of the financial system.

    The Deputy Governor, Financial Systems Stability at CBN, Mr Philip Ikeazor, said this during a two-day Financial Institutions Training Centre (FITC) Fintech Conference held in Lagos.

    The  theme of the event was: “Building Trust in the Digital Age: Balancing Performance with Compliance.”

    According to him, issues such as cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and digital fraud are persistent concerns that could erode consumer confidence in the system.

    Ikeazor said  the apex bank, in addition to existing measures is working on new regulations to further enhance performance and compliance.

    He said the new regulations would focus on two key areas; corporate governance and licensing requirements.

    “The new regulation is crucial to mitigate the risks of the digital era,” he said.

    He  explained that the new regulation was  aimed at improving the level of compliance and corporate governance practice by fintechs in the country.

    Ikeazor said the digital banking platforms have made financial services more accessible to millions of Nigerians, fostering greater financial inclusion and convenience.

    He, however, said that digitalisation also brought challenges that could  erode trust if not properly managed.

    “Every organisation should conduct its business processes in compliance with the law and the various regulations. Financial institutions need to take the compliance function as extremely important.

    “Corporate governance is also very critical. Organisations need to have the right structure and be effective transparent and accountable in the administration of their affairs,” he said.

    Also, the Chief Convener and  Chief Executive Officer of FITC, Mrs Chizor Malize, said the emergence of fintech has revolutionised financial services, shifting consumer behaviour toward digital consumption and away from traditional brick-and-mortar establishments globally.

    Malize said that the rise of companies such as PayPal and Square, alongside innovations like blockchain technology and mobile payment systems had demonstrated the immense  potential of fintech to disrupt traditional banking models and enhance consumer convenience.

    She noted that Africa stood at the forefront of this fintech revolution with companies like Interswitch, Flutterwave, Moniepoint, and others leading the charge.

    Malize added that  Nigerian banks such as Providus Bank, GTBank, and Stanbic IBTC and others were embracing fintech innovations to meet evolving consumer demands.

    “These initiatives showcase Africa’s potential to drive financial inclusion and economic growth through digital innovation.

    “With the widespread mobile technology adoption and a growing demand for financial services, these platforms have transformed digital payments, financial inclusion, and banking services, contributing significantly to Africa’s fintech revolution.

    “As we strive for peak performance and efficiency, we must uphold the highest standards of compliance and integrity,” she said.

    Malize added that strong regulation and compliance were  essential for ensuring financial system stability, which was  the focus of this conference.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the FITC is a not-for-profit professional organisation, which has the CBN, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation, and all licensed banks in Nigeria as members.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    FOG/JNC
    ========
    Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma