Blog

Healthcare: FG pledges support for innovation guarantying quality services
By Mustapha Sumaila
Innovation
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Mr Ife Adebayo, the Special Assistant on Innovation and Entrepreneurship to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, says the Federal Government under the present administration will support any innovation that will guarantee quality services Nigerians.
Adebayo stated this at the “Innovating for Health’’ event organised by Health Innovation Hub, an NGO, in Abuja on Friday.
He explained that the government would not stand in the way but would stand along the way to achieving any innovation that would impact on the lives of Nigerians.
He said that the current administration had launched and supported various innovative projects in different sectors to make businesses and lives easier for people.
The special assistant urged those seeking for innovation to get legislative backing to ensuring that such was legalised by the constitution.

“Anybody seeking for any innovation should collaborate with the National Assembly to have legal backing,’’ he said.
Dr Kunle Kakanfo, a Founder of the hub, had earlier said there was need to try innovation in health sector to make healthcare services accessible and available to people.
Kakanfo explained that such innovation would eliminate the process of timing and unnecessary delay in health facilities.
He said that his NGO which had done a lot on capacity building had started working with other organisations to achieve innovation in health sector.
“We need to widen space for stronger action and opportunities, use of technology is one of it but not the only way to improve the healthcare services, it involves mode of service delivery.
“Customer is a king they say; and it is also in the health sector therefore we must do everything possible to satisfy our clients.
“There is no point of waiting for innovation on new drugs and vaccines from Europe; we can do that ourselves here in Nigeria.
“India has done it; that is why the country is a health tourism destination today,” he said.
Kakanfo assured that his organisation would collaborate with governments and private sectors to open conversation to drive this change. (NAN)
MS/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Douching can’t prevent HPV, cervical cancer – Expert
By Lydia Ngwakwe
HPV
Lagos, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Dr Kin Egwuchim, a medical officer with Mass Medical Mission, has advised women to stop washing their private part with unhealthy chemicals as preventive measures for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).
Egwuchim, who is the National Coordinator, National Cancer Prevention Programme (NCPP), said that douching cannot prevent HPV or its related infection like cervical cancer.
He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos at the medical screening organised for the staff of the agency.

The programme was organised by the NCPP, an initiative of Mass Medical Mission, a non–governmental organisation.
“There is a common practice some women do that is unhealthy to the female genitals; mixing Dettol and salt inside water to wash the Virgina.
“This is wrong and not advisable because it encourages the spread of infection like HPV, HIV and other sexually related infections.
“They can only do so only when it is recommended by a doctor and for special reasons, not that you just go and begin to douch’’ Egwuchim said.
According to him, HPV is the most viral infection of the reproductive tract and it spreads from man to woman during sex.
He advised women to regularly screen and take vaccine to prevent HPV related diseases like cervical cancer, saying no douching could help.
He said HPV vaccine could be taken from age nine, even before a woman becomes sexually active.
He said: “HPV is mainly transmitted through sexual contact and most people are infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity.
“HPV is a group of viruses that are extremely common worldwide and there are over 100 types, of which at least 13 can cause cancer.
“Two HPV types, the type 16 and 18 are known to cause 70 per cent of cervical cancers and precancerous cervical lesions: there is also evidence linking HPV with cancers of the anus, vulva, vagina and penis.
“While cancer is not infectious, various viruses have been implicated in cancer cases, such as the HPV.’’
The expert said cervical cancer could take up to 15 to 20 years or five to 10 years to develop, depending on the immune system and other existing infections. (NAN)
LED/AAB/MST
Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NSE market capitalisation hits N21b

Shares
By Lilian Okoro
Lagos, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Trading activities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Friday sustained a positive growth for the second consecutive day as the market capitalisation appreciated by N21 billion.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the crucial market indices appreciated further with 0.18 per cent growth, following price gains by some blue chips.

Specifically, the market capitalisation hits N21 billion or 0.18 per cent to close at N11.879 trillion against N11.585 trillion recorded on Thursday.

Also, the All-Share Index rose by 59.28 points or 0.18 per cent to close at 32,540.17 compared with 32,480.89 posted on Thursday.

Seplat led the gainers table during the day, gaining N22 to close at N622 per share.

Nestle followed with a gain of N19.50 to close at N1, 400, while Nigerian Breweries added N4 to close at N93 per share.

PZ Cussons improved by N1 to close at N13.50, while International Breweries appreciated by 95k to close at N30.95 per share.

On the other hand, Dangote Cement topped the losers chart, shedding N5 to close at N205 per share.

Forte Oil trailed with a loss of N1 to close at N21.50, whille ETI declined by 50k to close at N18 per share.

Cadbury was down by 35k to close at N9.05, while Mansard Insurance lost 20k to close at N1.86 per share.

NAN reports that investors traded a total of 523.44 million shares valued at N3.12 billion in 2,778 deals, representing 131.58 per cent increase in volume.

This was against the 226.027 million shares worth N2.34 billion exchanged in 2,873 deals on Thursday.

GTBank was the most active stock, exchanging 08.54 million shares worth N1.89 billion in 171 deals.

Zenith Bank followed with an account of 82.47 million shares valued at N279.19 million in 287 deals while UBA traded 66.14 million shares worth N438.03 million in 153 deals.

Access Bank sold 61.52 million shares valued at N4.19 million exchanged in 107 deals, while JAIZ Bank exchanged 12.15 million shares worth N172.67 million in 22 deals. (NAN)
LUC/AOM/GY
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Edited by Abdullahi Mohammed/Grace Yussuf

Peace

By Modupe Adeloye

Ibadan, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Former Head of state,  Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, on Friday said he will forever be an enemy of anyone that tried to hinder the democratic development of Nigeria or plunge Nigeria into crisis.

Abdualsaslami said this at the Maiden Edition of General Abdulsalami Abubakar Foundation Peace Lecture, organised by the staff and students of the Abdulsalami Abubakar Post Graduate Students’ Hall of the University of Ibadan. The lecture was titled; “Collaborative Peace Building in Nigeria,”

He cautioned politicians against disrupting the 2019 general elections, saying “we have no other place to run to should the country be engulfed by fire”.

According to the former head of state, Nigeria cannot be that great nation we all want,  except we all agree to collectively work together and collaborate on peace.

“Peace is not absence of disagreement. Every society must have disagreements. This is because we are not born alike, even twins do not operate in a like manner,” hence there is nothing wrong with people having disagreements.

“What is expected is that when we have disagreements we would find peaceful solutions to the issues, ” he said.

He said there can be no sustainable development where people find it difficult to deal with the problems around them peacefully.

“It is therefore, my honest opinion that we are going nowhere until we have a national consensus to work for peace.

“What our politicians should focus upon at a time like this is to be working with professionals on how to make a difference in 2019.”

The former head of state stressed the need for Nigerians to focus more on addressing the escalating development crisis in the land.

“No matter how good those managing INEC are, if things are not well managed as they are, it might be difficult for us to have credible elections in 2019,” he said.

He advised the students to reject being used in the forthcoming elections and not be allowed to be dragged into electoral malfeasance and violence.

He also appealed to politicians to be more conciliatory in their relationship and public utterances.

“INEC must be an unbiased umpire. The security agencies in the country must be fair to all, people must be free to vote their leaders”.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof Idowu Olayinka, praised the former head of state, adding “it is very rare for a military head of state to say he has to grant the wishes  of the people for a democratic government.

“This is the kind of things we need in Nigeria for our leaders to forge peace in the country,” he haid.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the University presented a peace award to Gen. Abdulsalami, while a cafeteria was built in his honour.

Some Dignitaries at the event included former minister of Petroleum, Tam David West, the GOC, 2 Division, Fidelis Azinta,  former Executive Secretary, TETFund Prof.  Suleiman Bogoro and the state governor, Abiola Ajimobi. (MAM)

MAM/AAB/

Edited By Adeboye Ajayi

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Peace
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Commandant, Peace Corp of Nigeria (PCN), Mr Dickson Akoh on Friday urged youths to be advocates of peace and avoid ethno-religious and socio-political tension.

Akoh said this in a media statement signed by the Public Relation Officer, Mrs Millicent Umoru-Osakwua to commemorate the International Day of Peace.

The theme of the International Day of Peace is: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70”.

Akoh said that conflict prevention and peace building should be the cornerstone of a thriving democracy and sustainable development, involving all-governments, groups and individuals.

“There is need for our leaders and indeed Nigerians to be guided by national interest rather than allowing primordial and sectional interest to dominate good reasoning.

“Since the return of democracy in 1999, the various governments, groups and well-meaning Nigerians have yearned for peace, realising that peace is a requisite for sustainable development.

“Despite good efforts from the Muhammadu Buhari-led government and international border support, Nigeria is still circumnavigating around the fixed axis of religious intolerance, socio-political insecurity and economic quagmire,” it said.

He said that the tragic incidence of kidnapping, cattle rustling, terrorism and youth restiveness had unquestionably taken the nation some steps back in development and search for peaceful co-existence.

Akoh said that the organisation was of the view that only in a peaceful environment would young people realise their full potential.

He said that peace was absolute for youth development, undeniable for survival and a prerequisite for humanity.

”As Nigeria navigates into the timeline of electioneering campaign in 2019; goodwill and national interest must hold sway over selfish interests.

“The electorate holds the key to effective and appropriate elective processes debarred of conflict and irregularities.

“If every man upholds good morals; engender peace and conscientiously support decent electoral processes, we shall again witness an election not shredded with bloodshed and unending legal suit,’’ he said.

Akoh, however, called on Nigerians to uphold fairness and peace, saying the country would be a better place for citizens and foreigners to co-exist and flourish in business.

He, however, advised individuals, communities, nations and governments to embrace genuine forgiveness and reconciliation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the International Day of Peace is celebrated every year Sept. 21as directed by the General Assembly of the UN in 2002.

This day provides the opportunity for individuals, organisations and nations to create practical acts of peace on this shared date. (NAN)
OEO/AAB/ GY
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Edited By Adeboye Ajayi/Grace Yussuf

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Over 150 competitors, 20, 000 people to attend skills festival in Abuja
Festival
By Diana Omueza
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) iCreate Skill Fest, organisers of Africa’s biggest technical and vocational skill competition has said that over 150 competitors and about 20,000 people would visit the competition in Abuja in October.

Mr Bright Jaja, Chief Executive Officer, iCreate Africa, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Jaja said that the estimated number of visitors across the country would include students from primary, secondary and higher institutions, Government parastatals, private companies, international organisations and delegates from embassies present in the FCT.

“We estimate that about 20,000 people will visit the competition including students, government and private companies, international organisations and delegations from embassies present in the FCT,’’ he said.

The chief executive officer said that the exhibition would showcase the services, products, innovations and ideas from companies ranging from small and medium enterprises to national and multinational organisations in Nigeria.

He said it would comprise Skills competition and Industrial exhibition for the purposes of elevating discourse on technical and vocational skills as an important tool for employ-ability, wealth creation, industrialisation and national economic development.

He said that the competition would be facilitated in collaboration with a delegation from World Skills Barbados and the Industrial Training Fund (ITF).

Jaja noted that the progress of any country was determined by the quality of its people and that Nigeria had one of the youngest populations in the world.

He added that skill acquisition could be of tremendous economic benefits when explored.

He appealed that more focus should be on empowering young energetic minds to be more active and productive in Nigeria.

“Nigerian youths if and when encouraged will be the greatest country in the world competing with countries like China.

“We believe that it is possible and that is why we are taking this laudable step to give young people a platform to showcase, learn, innovate and create,’’ Jaja said.

He also noted that as part of the competition, the event would be rounded up with an award ceremony, where the emerging winner from over 150 competitors would be addressed as Nigeria’s Skill champions.

He said that the competitors would be from across 17 skill sets, including Carpentry, Plumbing, Hairdressing, Tailoring, Art, Photography, Web design, App development, Graphics design, 3D Animation, Robotics and others.

Jaja said that the winner would be awarded with medals, cash prizes and would become ambassadors of its various partners.
“The winners will be representing Nigeria at the world Skills Competition in Russia Kazan in 2019.

“The skillfest will be a journey that will open doors and give them opportunities for a better life while contributing to national development,’’ he said.

iCreate is a project designed to serve as a sustainable solution to Nigeria’s high youth unemployment, skills shortage and industrialisation.

It is organised in conjunction with ITF, OXFAM and World skills as part of activities for Nigeria’s largest skills festival and exhibitions. (NAN)
DOM/AMM/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-
Death
Omu-Aran (Kwara) Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The Omu-Aran Traditional Council of Chiefs in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara on Friday says it received the news of the death of Retired Brig.-Gen. David Bamigboye with shock and disbelief.

Chief Jide Adebayo, the Eesa of Omu-Aran, who spoke on behalf of the Chiefs and the Olomu-In-Council, described Bamigboye’s death as not only a big loss to Omu-Aran but Kwara State as a whole.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Bamigboye, who was the first Military Governor of Kwara, was said to have died in the early hours of Friday in Lagos after a brief illness at the age of 78.

Bamigboye’s death was confirmed to NAN by his younger brother, Retired Col. Theophilus Bamigboye, a former Military Administrator of Bauchi and Osun States, on the telephone.

The council said Bamigboye, while alive, represented a symbol of unity and cohesion of the historical ancient community of Omu-Aran.

According to the council, his tenure at the helm of the state’s affairs witnessed tremendous progress coupled with landmark achievements.

“By his own efforts and providence, he brought Omu-Aran into prominence when Omu-Aran was made the headquarters of Igbomina and Ekiti Divisions of Kwara State.

“We will forever appreciate Gen. Bamigboye for his contributions to the development of our community and the state in general.

“In Omu-Aran, he will be seriously missed by the people and we will continue to remember him for his great worth as an embodiment of honesty and community leadership,’’ the council added.

Also speaking, Chief Bisi Adeyemi, President, Omu-Aran Development Association (ODA), said the association was still in a state of shock and disbelief over the sudden death of Bamigboye.

Adeyemi described the deceased as an epitome of honesty, generosity, diligence and always with strong passion toward contributing his quota to the development of the community in spite of his health challenges.

According to him, the community, especially members of the association will miss his fatherly role and advices.

Adeyemi prayed to God to give the family, the state and the community the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, people across the community had continued to throng the residence of the deceased around Omoniyepe area, along Omu-Aran-Ilofa Highway, to sympathise with the family over the incident.

Madam Adetutu Lambe, a junior sister to the deceased, was seen being consoled by family members when NAN correspondent visited the premises around 3p.m. on Friday.

Mrs Raliat Oyinloye, Directress Omoniyepe Hotels, Omu-Aran, a senior sister to the deceased, said Bamigboye’s demise was a collosal loss to the family.

“We can only look up to God for His Comfort over the tragedy that befell our family,” she said.

Bamigboye, who was the title holder of Esinkin Olomu of Omu-Aran was the first Military Governor of Kwara State between May 1967 and July 1975.

Born on Dec. 7, 1940, he was credited with establishing the Kwara State Polytechnic, former Kwara State School of Technology in 1972, among his landmark achievements. (NAN)
ISHO/AJA
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Edited by Adeleye Ajayi

Sen. Uzodinma calls for direct primaries to end APC Imo crisis

Primaries
By Cecilia Ijuo
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Sen. Hope Uzodinma, representing Imo West Senatorial District, has called for adoption of direct primaries in Imo to end crisis and ensure victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2019 general elections.

Uzodinma told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Friday, that direct primaries, as encouraged by the National Working Committee, would bring the various factions of the party in the state together.

He commended the National Chairman of the party, Adams Oshiomhole and the National Working Committee for the role they played in reconciling the various factions of the APC in Imo.

“The national leadership of the party, the National Working Committee, met with the representatives of the various factions of the party in the state and the National Chairman, whom we respect a lot, in his wisdom, was able to talk sense into all of us.

“Also, in view of the various litigation in court and to protect the interest of our candidates, he has approved the use of direct primaries for Imo State.

“The party in its wisdom has seen that, that is what will bring solution to the problem in Imo,” he said.

The lawmaker, who is a governorship aspirant for the 2019 election in the state, urged all party members to be in the spirit of sacrifice and reconciliation.

He also urged all party members to accept the party’s recommendation and adopt direct primaries.

He stressed that direct primaries would allow for all-inclusiveness, thereby making the general elections easier.

According to him, direct primaries will allow those who participate in the nomination to own the process and ensure commitment of all APC candidates.

Uzodinma further said, through the intervention of the national body, an agreement was reached to open up the party structure by giving the governor a chunk of the structure.

He said, “The governor and his group have been given up to 50 per cent of the party structure and we were given 45 per cent.

“Though it is small but in obedience to the party, we agreed to that so that we can work together.

“This is because elections are by the corner and the earlier we begin to come together as a people, begin to forgive one another and begin to put the interest of the party first, the better for us all.

“I think it is a win-win situation. I do not think there is any need for further crisis or disagreement.”

Uzodinma explained that what was termed as bickering between him and Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, was only a communication gap, adding that they only had different interests.

He also explained that he joined the party to add value and not to create problems.

According to him, the whole idea is for us to work together, defend the party and convince our people that APC is the party to beat.

” I do not think there is any conflict. The governor is the Chief Executive of the state and the implication is that he is the leader of the party in the state.

“Nobody is contesting that but then we are saying that the party should be able to accommodate more people, new members, so that the stronger we are, the better for all of us.”

On statements credited to Imo State APC Chairman, Mr Daniel Nwafor, that he was not a member of the party, the lawmaker said he believed the chairman was quoted out of context.

He expressed optimism that he would win the election, adding “I have a goodwill that will speak for me when the time comes.”(NAN)
CJM/AMM/AFA
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Edited by Abiemwense Moru/Felix Ajide

Ajimobi
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Friday in Ibadan, announced his intention to contest the Oyo South Senatorial seat on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor made the announcement at the maiden Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar Foundation Peace Lecture held at the Trenchard Hall of University of Ibadan.

“You know I am running for the Senate. So, I went to Abuja for the screening exercise of our party and just returned yesterday,’’ Ajimobi said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oyo South Senatorial District comprises nine local governments namely: Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-East.

Others are Ibadan North-East, Ido, Ibarapa Central, Ibarapa East and Ibarapa North.

NAN reports that Ajimobi, a two-term governor of the state had from 2003 to 2007 represented the same senatorial district in the National Assembly on the platform of Alliance for Democracy (AD).

The governor is expected to contest the ticket with Dr Fola Akinosun, while the other contender and incumbent, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi, was reported to have dumped the APC for African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Ajimobi at the event, described the former Head of State, Retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, as a man of peace, integrity and honour, saying he handed over peacefully.

The governor described Oyo State as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, adding that the foundation of his administration was based on peace and security.

Ajimobi also used the opportunity to highlight the tremendous achievements of his administration in the last seven years.

He described the University of Ibadan as the best in Africa, saying the institution had graduated reputable and renowned Africans.

“Unarguably, University of Ibadan remains the best in Africa. It is a world class training institute for postgraduate studies. It has graduated reputable and renowned Africans.

“It is known for human capital development and has above all, been supportive to Oyo State Government in our educational programmes, ’’ he said. (NAN)
TAA/FF/AJA
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Edited by Fela Fashoro/Adeleye Ajayi

Arrest
By Mustapha Sumaila
Abuja, Sept. 21, 2018 (NAN) The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has arrested a Nigerian based in Sweden for allegedly buying a two month old baby.

The NAPTIP’s Director of Investigation and Monitoring, Mr Josiah Emerole made this known in Abuja on Friday, explained that the case involved a 43-year=old Stephany Bassey who lives in Sweden.

He said that NAPTIP was notified of the case by the officers of the Intelligence and International Cooperation (IICU), adding that the suspect was nabbed after she was handed over by the Embassy of Sweden in Nigeria.

“The suspect went to the Embassy to procure travel documents for a two month old baby boy whom she claimed was her child.

”She claimed to have become pregnant for her husband in Sweden but that medical examinations could not detect the pregnancy over there.

“Then she was advised to return home to Uyo, Akwa Ibom state where the pregnancy will be detected and she will be assisted to deliver safely.

“According to her, on her return, the baby was detected by a midwife in Uyo and that due to too much fat in her body, scan and other medical examinations did not detect the baby therein,” he explained.

Emerole added that the suspect did not breastfeed the baby and the DNA conducted showed that there was no biological relationship between the suspect and the baby.

The spokesperson disclosed that another suspect, Mrs Ifeoma Obinwa was also nabbed for allegedly inflicting grievous body injury on her 14 year old house help in Dutse Alhaji, Abuja.

He said that the victim who had lived with her since 2015 was not enrolled into school and was always being physically and emotionally abused.

According to him, the victim is always being beaten by the suspect with sticks, wire and sharp objects and such treatment had left wounds and scars on her body including her head.

“The last incident that led to the suspect’s arrest happened on Sept. 12, 2018 when the suspect who accused the victim of beating her child allegedly placed a knife on fire until it became very hot and then placed it on the victim’s thigh and buttocks.

“And that caused grievous body injuries and the victim was also left untreated until operatives of the agency rescued her.

Emerole also told newsmen that one Mrs Sandra Obiosio from Rivers state, who lives in Jabi, Abuja was also arrested for maltreating her 14 year old house help who was brought from Nasarawa.

He said that the little girl who looked malnourished was allegedly subjected to all manner of abuse and ill treatment.

He added that the victim narrated that “she goes to bed 1am to 2am and wakes up at 4am daily” and the suspect did not enroll her in school as promised before she was engaged.

The director noted that all the cases were contrary to various sections of the trafficking in persons enforcement and administration act 2015.

He said that as soon as the investigation was concluded, the cases would be charged to court.

Speaking to newsmen, one of the suspects, who was allegedly involved in buying of baby, insisted she gave birth to the baby claiming that her pregnancy could not be detected in Sweden because it was ectopic until she came to Uyo.

On why she did not breastfeed the two month baby, the suspect claimed she had no breast milk to give to her child.

Another suspect, Obinwa admitted to the allegation of using hot object on her house help, saying that she did that out of anger.

The third suspect, Obiosio, however, vehemently denied maltreating her house help. (NAN)
MS/IS
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