380,000 HIV infections occur annually among young women – Foundation

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Women

Abuja, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) The Aids Healthcare Foundation (AHF), an NGO, on Friday said that 380,000 new HIV infection occur annually among young women and girls globally.

The organisation said that the cases were recorded among women between the ages of 15 to 24 years.

Ms Kemi Gbadamosi, Senior Manager, Public Relation and Communications of the foundation, disclosed this at the flag off Girls Act Campaign against new HIV infection in Abuja.

According to her, statistically, the prevalence of new HIV infection globally was higher with young women and girls as a result of transactional sex and poverty.

Others include lack of information and education, traditional practices such as female genital mutilation, sexual violence and rape, adding that such reasons exposes young girls to the risk of HIV.

“Statistics from UN reveal that about 380,000 new infections occur annually among young women and girls of 15 to 24 years in Sub-Saharan Africa.

“Also about 1 in 3 women and girls have suffered some form of sexual or gender based violence which is an alarming statistics by any standard,’’  she said.

Gbadamosi explained that the mobile campaign targets young women and girls with HIV and sexually transmitted infection, while providing testing, personal hygiene, menstrual hygiene and psycho-social services.

She said the goal of AHF was to reverse the trend of high new HIV infections among girls of 15 to 24 years by empowering them with information.

Gbadamosi added that such information would enable them make informed choices and decisions with respect to their health and overall well-being.

“The campaign has two objectives which include keeping young women and girls who are negative to remain negative and those who are positive live a life of dignity.

“The campaign is also to create a friendly environment for young women and girls and to bring the services closer to them because they don’t go to health facilities.

“We want them to feel comfortable asking questions about their reproductive health and wellness without being judgmental or any form of prejudice.

“If we replicate this in all states there are chances that we will be able to break the circle of new HIV infections among young girls as it continues to grow,’’ Gbadamosi said.

She urged the Federal Government to make available youth friendly centres in every state, driven and led by young doctors and nurses who could relate freely with the younger population.

Gbadamosi added that more funding and safe programmes should be provided to make youths more comfortable and safe about their reproductive health. (NAN)

TIM/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Gov. Ayade halts traditional medicine fair in Calabar
NAN-HG-15
Stoppage
Calabar, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Friday ordered the immediate stoppage of the Traditional Medicine Trade Fair at the Cultural Center in Calabar.
The Director of the Cultural Center, Mr Gabriel Arikpo, told journalists that following the governor’s directive, the board rdered the traditional doctors to vacate the premises with immediate effect.
“We have carried out the directive with immediate effect”, Arikpo said.
He described the fair as illegal and unhealthy to the general public.
One of the participants, Mr Ogedenbge Fabiyi, told NAN that contrary to insinuations, their business was genuine and in the interest of the general public.

“We tried to showcase the efficacy of traditional African herbs and many people have accepted it as very effective and curative’’, Fabiyi said.

A resident, Mrs Theresa Akpet, who said she had patronised the fair, lauded the action of the government, saying that the traditional healers were only out to dupe the public.
“I bought some traditional drugs for cancer for my aged mother. She died later.
“So, they should go, they are doing nothing good but bather they are harming the public”, Akpet held. (NAN)
BEN/ORO/IEA
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Edited by Razak Owolabi/Idahosa Asowata

NAN-ELS-11

Theft

Lagos, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) Mr Tope Babayemi, Interim Chairman of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos chapter on Friday described the alleged theft of nine iPhones by Oluwaseun Olasunkanmi as shameful.

Babayemi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the law must take its course if he is tried and found guilty.

NAN reports that Olasunkanmi popularly known as “Seun Egbegbe’’ was alleged to have stolen nine iPhones/ at the popular “Computer Village’’in Ikeja.

“For me, it’s an example of bad practice and by extent it’s an example of the kind of thing we as a society are working hard to discourage.

“At the level of the guild and association, because we are not a hundred percent settled, there are court cases and issues at the national that are affecting issues at the state chapters.

“My position as interim chairman is that no formal request has been made to us for assistance in anyway.

“As such what you do in that kind of situation is you allow the law to take its course, because law and order is paramount in building society.

“If he has been found to commit that offence, the law must take its course.’’

Babyemi advised upcoming artistes to desist from engaging in acts that could tarnash their image as well as that of the association. (NAN)

OUU/ERO/EEE

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Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Lydia Beshel/Ese E. Ekama

FMC Keffi dismisses report on alleged kidney removal

NAN-H-9

Kidney

By Awayi Kuje

Keffi (Nasarawa State), Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) Dr Giyan Joshua-Ndom  the Medical Director, Federal Medical, Centre, Keffi, Nasarawa State, has dismissed reports that a patient’s kidney was allegedly removed in the hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that an aggrieved patient, Mr Barau Mohammed, has alleged that one of his kidneys was removed in the centre during an operation to remove a tumour growth in his abdomen.

Reacting to the development in his office in Keffi, Joshua-Ndom told NAN that the report, which has gone viral, was not only unfounded but false.

He advised journalists and members of the public to always cross check information especially on the centre with the management before spreading such reports in the interest of peace and national development.

“When I heard the news that one Mohammed Barau said that his kidney was removed by a doctor in my centre during his abdomen operation, I then sent the Chief Security Officer of the centre to confirm who this patient is.

“It is from the investigation that we knew that it was one Mohammed Barau that said his kidney was removed and it is through investigation that we have his file to know his health situation.

“So, we have his report and for now, I am going to be silent on the reports until when we also appear at Brekete Family Radio so that we can present the public the report or to any health expert to see what was done and to see what was removed from the said person’s abdomen.

“The story is highly unfounded, a lie and we will not say the details now until we go to Brekete Family Radio so that the public can confirm. There is no hiding of information, who has confirmed that one of his kidney was removed and such person (patient) can also surrender himself to be checked again,” he said.

According to him, the centre is keeping with its vision and mission of excellence.

“We have been commended for that and many hospitals have come to borrow our experience. I urge the public to always give the centre their maximum cooperation to enable us succeed,’’ he said.

Besides, Joshua-Ndom that workers at the centre have been up and doing in discharging their duties.

“Many staff had been commended for their hard work and some have been dismissed and have their appointments terminated for various offences.’’

The medical director restated the commitment of the management of the centre to continue to deliver quality and efficient medical services.

Joshua-Ndom added that FMC Keffi would sustain policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of the people of the state and Nigeria at large. (NAN)

AKW/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Turkey to reinstate some 6,000 teachers who were suspended by decree

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Teachers
Istanbul, Nov. 25, 2016 (dpa) Turkey will reinstate some 6,000 teachers who were suspended in recent months by decree, under the country’s sweeping state-of-emergency laws.

A according to a key teachers’ union citing letters dispatched to the local governor’s offices, plans for the reinstatement has been concluded.

The teachers were suspended after involvement in protests and union activities, according to the Egitim-Sen union, which also calls for its remaining members to be returned to their posts. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Julius Enehikhuere)

NAN-H-56

Judgment

By Martins Odeh

Abuja, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) Absence of Justice Gabriel Kolawole of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday stalled judgment in a suit filed by Shiite leader Ibraheem El-zakzaky for the enforcement of his fundamental rights.

An official of the court, who pleaded anonymity gave Dec. 2 as the new date for the judgment.

The official explained that the judgment was not delivered because the court did not sit.

“It is obvious that my lord is not in court at the moment. He has asked us to tell parties to return on Dec. 2 for the judgment,’’ the official said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls, however, that the court on its last sitting directed the parties to explore an out-of-court settlement.

Kolawale had held that the court would step in to deliver its judgment on the application if attempts on settlement by the parties failed.

While adopting his address on the motion, Mr Femi Falana (SAN), had told court that the Federal Government was not prepared for amicable settlement.

Falana submitted that the continuous detention of his client by the Department of State Service was a clear violation of the constitutional rights of his client.

He, thereafter, prayed the court to order unconditional release of El-zakzaky from detention.

Falana, who said that his client was nursing severe injuries from multiple gun shots, argued that El-zakzaky was being held against all known laws.

But Counsel to the government, Mr Tijani Ghazali, urged court to discountenance Falana’s arguments.

Ghazali argued that El-zakzaky was being held in protective custody, due to unpleasant intelligence reports concerning the safety of the fiery cleric.

It was at that point that Kolawole advised parties in the suit to explore the possibility of resolving the matter through the alternative dispute resolution approach.

The judge, therefore, slated judgment to be delivered on Nov. 25, should the parties not agree on resolving their differences amicably.

The Shi’ite leader, who had been in detention since Dec. 14, 2015, applied for the enforcement of his fundamental rights to life, personal liberty and dignity of human person.

He filed the suit to challenge his incarceration without trial.

NAN recalls that Zakzaky’s detention followed a violent clash between his followers and the convoy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai, in Zaria on Dec. 14, 2015.

Subsequently, the Kaduna State Government outlawed the activities of the Islamist movement after conducting a judicial inquiry. (NAN)

OMO/SN

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Ondo 2016: APC chieftain killed in Owo

NAN-H-35
Murder
By Tayo Ikujuni
Akure, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) Mr Afolabi Olaposi, a chieftain of All Progressives Congress (APC)  in Owo, Ondo State, was killed by unknown gunmen on Thursday night in Owo.

The Party said in a statement issued by its Publicity Secretary, Mr Abayomi Adesanya, on Friday in Akure that Olaposi was shot dead on his way home after attending a meeting of the party in preparation for the governorship election.

“Olaposi, who is one of the leaders of our party in Igboroko Ward 1, Owo, was also an ardent supporter of our Governorship Candidate, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

“He was a perfect gentleman who was committed to the development of the party in Owo and Ondo State in general.
“The assailant also went to the house of Chief Jamiu Ekungba, an APC aspirant in the Sept. 3 Primary, and vandalised seven vehicles in his compound.
“Ekungba was not to at home during the attack.
“We believe those calling for the postponement of the election and threatening a repeat of 1983 violence were behind these dastardly acts.
“We call on security agents in the state to fish out those behind these acts and ensure the protection of our people before, during and after the election,’’ Adesanya said.

Speaking in a telephone interview, the Spokesperson for Ondo State Police Command, DSP Femi Joseph, said: “ I don’t have the details of the incident now, but the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of the election will speak about it later’’.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has fixed Ondo Governorship Election for Saturday, Nov. 26. (NAN)

IKU/TA
Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

Women lawyers hold rally to enlighten society against women violence

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Women
By Martha Agas
Jos, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) The International Federation of Women lawyers (FIDA) on Friday organised a rally in Jos, to draw society’s attention to the plight of women that suffer all forms of violence in the country.

According Mrs. Halima Nshi, Chairperson, Plateau chapter of the International Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), the rally is part of the activities to mark the international day for the elimination of violence against women.

She said that the rally, held at the Terminus market Jos, was to enlighten the public on the ills of such violence and work out ways to end them.

“Some women and children keep suffering in their husband’s houses; Plateau has even more serious cases because we currently have five cases at the courts,” she said.

The FIDA official said that the group was always willing to handle cases of violence against women and children, and called on those affected to come forward.

“Our focus is to ensure justice for every women; whoever feels victimised should not hesitate to complain,” he said.

In her remarks, Mrs. Tongnaan Bawa, Secretary, National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ), North-Central Zone, said that the rally was also to enlighten women to fight for their rights and report abuses to FIDA.

“ Wife battering is on the rise in our society; women are human beings that need love and care, the beatings cause psychological and health effects on the woman and the children,’’ she explained. (NAN).
MAA/ETS

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Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

NAN-H-42
Election
By Monday Ijeh
Abuja, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) The Ondo State Chapter of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.
Mr Agbejoye Adetoye, the Chairman of the movement made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

He advised INEC to maintain neutrality in the conduct of the election in enhancing the credibility of the election .

According to him, conducting free, fair and credible election in the state will further strengthen the hope and trust of the people on INEC.

However, the chairman condemned the Niger Delta Avengers for blowing up oil installations in the region.

“We believe that dialogue should be employed in settling any agitation or grievances instead of destroying oil installations,” Adetoye said.

The group called on the Federal Government to embrace and sustain the use of dialogue in resolving the issues to end the activities of the avengers.

Adetoye, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for fulfilling part of his campaign promises to short list 200,000 youths in the first batch of his administration’s empowerment scheme.

The body appealed to Buhari to constitute the Ondo state representatives in the board of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for proper representation in the board.

“We want to appeal to the Mr President to consider the input of the Niger Delta Youth Movement (NDYM) in the nomination of the Ondo state representatives.(NAN)
IMC/MO

Edited by Morayo Omolade

NAN-H-43

Contractor

By Desmond Ejibas

Port Harcourt, Nov. 25, 2016 (NAN) The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has directed its contractor handling the 23.58 kilometres Igwuruta-Etche road project to return to site immediately.

Mr Samuel Adjogbe, the Commission’s Executive Director, Projects, gave the directive when he led officials of the commission to inspect road projects in Ikwerre and Etche Local Government Areas on Friday.

He said the commission was ready to engage relevant stakeholders and contractors with focus on the need to complete abandoned projects scattered across the Niger Delta.

“The contractor handling Igwuruta-Etche road project can confirm that payment has been made while the design issues like the low filling point had been addressed.

“The original scope of work for the project will be maintained and an additional drainage system will be introduced.

“It is no longer going to be business as usual as stakeholders should play their parts to give a sense of belonging to the people of the Niger Delta,” he said.

According to Adjogbe, the road has a 60-metre bridge which when completed will boost economic activities in communities in Ikwerre and Etche councils. (NAN)

DES/OIF/EEE

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Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Ese E. Ekama