Blog

NAN-H-63
MOU
By Isaac Aregbesola
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The U.S. on Monday said it had signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Sokoto State Government to support its education sector.

A statement by the U.S. Embassy, Abuja, said the MoU was signed by the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Mission Director, Michael Harvey and Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State.

Harvey said the five-year MOU set out the shared and individual commitments for collaboration in the education sector to be made by both USAID and the Government of Sokoto.

The MoU, he said, provided a framework for mutual accountability for education activities in Sokoto State.

According to him, the MOU supports the Sokoto State Government’s goals and targets in its education sector’s strategic plans and establishes a preliminary plan for joint monitoring and evaluation of progress.

“The United States commends Sokoto State for its extraordinary efforts to provide greater learning opportunities for its children.

“This MOU will expand the partnership between USAID and Sokoto State to improve its primary education,” Harvey said.

He added that USAID supported Nigeria’s efforts to improve the quality of and access to basic education.

According to the mission director, presently, USAID implements two activities that support the state government’s efforts to improve its education sector.

He said the activities included the Northern Education Initiative Plus and the Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy and Development (LEAD).

“These activities build state and local government capacity and systems that will teach approximately two million primary school children how to read.

“They also allow nearly 500,000 children the opportunity to attend classes in community-based learning centres by the year 2020,” Harvey said. (NAN)
IAA/COF/YAZ
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare/Yusuf Zango

Only 1 doctor to 9,000 people in Niger – NMA laments
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NAN-H-G-12
Doctors
By Amen Gajira
Minna, Nov. 14, 2016  (NAN) The National Medical Association (NMA) in Niger says the ratio of doctors to patients in the state was one to 9,000, as against one to 600 as recommended by the World Health Organaisation(WHO).

Dr. Mustapha Yahaya, NMA Chairman in‎ the state, made the disclosure on Monday in Minna, when members of the association paid a courtesy call on the House of Assembly Committee on Health.

“We have always drawn the attention of the government to the fact that doctors are inadequate‎ in Niger.

“We have always made reference to WHO, which recommends one doctor to 600 people. Here, it is one doctor to 9,000 people” he explained.

According to him, there are currently 450 doctors in the state, with many of them already leaving “due to poor remuneration”.

He urged the state government to fully implement the National Health Bill passed into law in 2014, saying that it would guarantee universal health access to all.

Yahaya further advocated 15 per cent budgetary allocation to the health sector, in line with WHO’s recommendation, so as to improve the poor health indices in the state.

In his response, the Committee Chairman, Mr John Bahago, promised to facilitate the establishment of a medical school in one of the tertiary institutions in Niger, to bridge the manpower gap.

“We need more indigenous trained manpower and one way to achieve that is to establish a faculty of medicine in any of the higher institutions in the state.

“But before then, ‎we will do everything possible to ensure that the doctors in the state are well motivated to stay and work here,” he said.

Bahago ‎tasked the association to weed out quacks from the profession, and promised full support toward an improved working environment. (NAN)

AMEN/AOS/ETS
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni and Ephraims Sheyin

NAN-AE-9

Materials

By Kudirat Ogunyemi

Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The West Africa Agricultural Productivity Programme (WAAP), said it assisted no fewer than 2.5 million farmers to access genetic materials of improved crops, seeds and fingerlings across the country.

National Project Coordinator, WAAP-Nigeria, Mr James Apochi, disclosed this at ongoing wrap-up meeting on its implementation support mission in Abuja on Monday.

Apochi said that WAAP had recorded tremendous achievements in support of Federal Government’s agricultural agenda in different areas.

“ WAAP has facilitated over 2.5 million farmers’ access to genetic material in improved crops, seeds and fingerlings and pilot new models of advisory services with adoption of improved technologies in 500 schools.

“ It implemented climate smart agriculture through the multiplication and distribution of drought-tolerant and early-maturing seed varieties and supported the Restructuring of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria.

“ The project supported human and infrastructural capacity development of National Agricultural Research System and National Agricultural Seed Council and imported technologies from the sub-region to help curtail wastages and post-harvest losses,’’ he said.

Apochi commended the efforts of the ECOWAS member-states and West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF/WECARD) to increase agricultural productivity, food security and reducing poverty in their regions.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, said that the WAAP’s objective of increasing agricultural production through the generation and dissemination of improved technologies was commendable.

Represented by Mr Shehu Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Ogbeh praised the ECOWAS Commission for its initiative in coming up with the project to address problems in the agricultural sector.

“The Federal Government is giving agricultural sector the priority it deserves in the ongoing national development efforts.

“ The priority of government over the years is the achievement of self-sufficiency and excess in our local staples like cassava, rice, maize, sorghum, wheat, fruits and vegetables, poultry, beans, soya, oil-palm, fish and milk.

“Through the cooperative efforts of all key stakeholders in the agricultural sector, we are expecting development partners to key into this vision and help us to actualise it,’’ he said.

According to him, the vision of the ministry is to grow Nigeria’s agricultural sector to achieve a hunger-free Nigeria through an endeavour that drives income growth, food and nutritional security.

He said this would assist, “ to also transform Nigeria into a leading player in global food markets to grow wealth for millions of our farmers.

“ The roadmap recognises the key roles of both the smallholder farmers and the large-scale farmers in maximising agricultural output, to achieve increased efficiency of agricultural operations and practices through private sector engagement.

“ The private sector is saddled with the responsibility of creating linkages with small holder farmers by availing them of better organisation methods, technological access, financial services, linkages to input supply chains and markets.’’

The minister added that the implementation of the Green Alternative would reduce the estimated 32 billion dollars spent by Nigeria on food importation annually.

He said that this would enable agriculture to start earning the needed foreign exchange for the nation’s goods and services.

“ Linkages and multiplier effects enable growth originating in the agricultural sector to spill over into other sectors e.g. processing, input supply industries, etc.

“ Effective demand for outputs of agricultural and non-agricultural sectors as rising incomes of rural farming households generate demand for a wide range of goods and services,’’ he said.

Ogbeh said that agriculture contributed to wider economic growth through three key channels of Technical Innovative change which rapidly transforms traditional agriculture through adoption of science-based technology and increasing productivity gains. (NAN)

ROK/MOL/OPI

Edited by Mustapha Lamidi and Olisa Ifeajika

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NAN-S-3

Gudelines

Lagos, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The President, Nigerian Olympians Association (NOA), Henry Amike, says the various sports federations are still waiting for the release of the guidelines for the conduct of elections to executive positions.

Amike told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Monday that it was only when the guidelines are released that elections in the federations could hold.

Cue in audio (Amike)

“As far as I’m concerned I don’t think anything is going on until we know that there is a guideline.

“There must be guidelines for an election; there must be a way forward in the federations.

“For the ministry and Olympic Committee nothing has been done yet.

“Until these things come out before we can know whether there is going to be election or not.

“Up till now – this is November – nothing has come out yet.

“So, we are still awaiting the guidelines or the constitution from federations so that we can know who and who are eligible, to contest for the presidency or board member of the federations.

“As of now, nothing of such has been made known to us yet.’’

Cue out audio

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tenure of the executives of the various federations has almost expired, but the NOC or Sports Ministry has yet to issue guidelines for the election of new officials to pilot the affairs of the federations. (NAN)

OAF/ERO/OSA/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Shittu Obassa/Emmanuel Yashim ============================================

NAN-HE-8

Shares

By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Lagos, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The All-Share Index of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Monday dropped to 25,000 mark due to persistent sell pressure and exit of foreign investors.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the index shed 184.07 points or 0.70 per cent to close at 25,986.81 compared with 26,170.88 achieved on Friday.

Similarly, the market capitalisation shed N64 billion, declining to N8.945 trillion against N9.009 trillion posted on Friday as a result of profit taking.

NAN reports that major blue chips recorded price depreciation and this was led by Forte Oil with a loss of N10.18 to close at N94.32 per share.

CAP came second on the losers’ chart with a loss of N1.65 to close at N33.75 and Guinness shed N1 to close at N89 per share.

PZ Industries was down by 72k to close at N15.77, while Zenith Bank depreciated by 63k to close at N14.50 per share.

On the other hand, UACN recorded the highest gain to lead the gainers’ table, gaining 9k to close at N17.76 per share.

Access Bank followed with a gain of 6k to close at N5.36 and May & Baker increased by 4k to close at 89k per share.

Mansard Insurance improved by 3k to close at N1.87 and Live Stock Feeds appreciated by 2k to close at 82k per share.

MTI emerged the most active stock in volume terms, accounting for 33 million worth N16.50 million.

It was trailed by UBA with an exchange of 23.31 million shares valued at N100.23 million, while Wema Bank accounted for 10.52 million shares worth N6.62 million.

Guaranty Trust Bank traded 9.91 million shares valued at N214.59 million, while Diamond Bank exchanged 9.24 million shares worth N9.29 million.

NAN reports that investors bought and sold 160.91 million shares valued at N1.12 billion transacted in 2,431 deals.

This was in contrast with 2.26 million shares worth N2.63 billion traded in 3,346 deals on Friday. (NAN)
JNC/SOA

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Diabetes – Expert recommends regular screening

NAN-HG-4

Diabetes

By Talatu Maiwada

Abuja, Nov.14, 2016 (NAN) Dr Ogugua Osi-Ogbu, Consultant Physician Geriatrician at the National Hospital, Abuja, says regular screening for diabetes is crucial in ensuring early diagnosis and treatment, thereby reducing the risk of serious complications.

Osi-Ogbu said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja in commemoration of the World Diabetes Day.

According to her, diabetes is a common chronic condition where the body cannot convert enough blood sugar (glucose) into usable energy.

She said diabetes was a growing burden in the country and a multi-systemic disease that was not curable, but highly controllable hence the need for early diagnosis.

“Screening for diabetes complications is an essential part of managing all types of diabetes.

“One in two people with diabetes remains undiagnosed, which makes them particularly susceptible to the complications of the condition, causing substantial disability and premature death.

“Delayed diagnosis means that many people with type 2 diabetes will suffer from at least one complication by the time they are diagnosed with diabetes.

“Some of such complications are blindness, stroke, kidney failure and amputation of the lower-limb,’’ she said.

The consultant said that early detection and timely treatment of diabetes could prevent vision loss and reduce the impact of the disease on individuals, their careers and society at large.

Osi-Ogbu said 70 per cent of type 2 diabetes cases could be prevented or delayed by adopting healthy lifestyle, stressing that maintaining life style recommended by a physician is key in managing the condition.

“The management of diabetes involves a lot of education for the patients and their care givers particularly on eating habits like qualitative food such as fruits, vegetables and less of starch.

“Lifestyle modification such as dieting and compliance with medication is indeed a big part of the management of diabetes in all patients.

“We recommend complex starches like yam, potatoes which goes through a break down process compared to drinking a bottle of coke which the sugar goes quickly into the blood stream.

“I tell my patients, you have to confront this disease like a general at war,’’ the consultant added.

Osi-Ogbu further described diabetes as a metabolic condition that could result from a reduction of the insulin level in the blood.

She said excessive blood glucose in diabetic patients produced symptoms like frequent urination, excessive thirst, hunger and weight loss.

However, she noted that Type 1 diabetes was more common in children, stressing that the body immune system gradually destructs insulin producing cells of the pancreas.

The consultant listed symptoms of Type 1 diabetes as extreme thirst, blurred vision and infections, among others.

She added that Type 2 diabetes was predominantly a lifestyle disorder and was highly associated with obesity, lack of exercise, unhealthy diet or due to family history.

The nutritionist also advised those susceptible to diabetes to avoid excessive alcohol intake and abstinence from smoking.

Osi-Ogbu stressed that the screening and management of diabetes and its complications in all primary healthcare centres across the country was important in achieving optimal health and a healthy society.

NAN reports that the 2016 World Diabetes Day has its theme as “Eyes on Diabetes’’.

It seeks to promote the importance of screening to ensure early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes and treatment to reduce the risk of serious complications.

The World Diabetes Day is commemorated on Nov. 14, annually. (NAN)

TIM/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NAN-HG-11

Diabetes

By Lucy Osuizigbo

Lagos, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has said that the earlier Nigerians go for routine medical check-up, the earlier non-communicable disease such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer will be detected.

Adewole gave the advice in his remarks at the 2016 World Diabetes Day.

The theme of the Day is: “Eyes on Diabetes’’.

The minister said that early detection of such ailments would go a long way in helping to tackle them.

Cue in audio 1 (Adewole)

“Diabetes is one of the NCDs that we have, (Non Communicable Diseases) which also includes hypertension, chronic chest problems, cancers, and so on.

“So, the earlier we do medical check-up, the earlier we report complaints the better.

“We are also saying that nothing stops you routinely; even just checking your urine.

“Even if you pour your urine on the floor, you go back there in an hour time to see if ants are there.

“In fact, that is the simplest test you can do.

“Just a little bit of urine on the floor and come back in one hour, if there are ants there, that is sugar.’’

Cue out audio 1

The minister observed that there are no statistics on the number of Nigerians living with non-communicable diseases.

Adewole said that in 2017 the ministry would prioritise the conduct of a survey aimed at collecting data on the burden of non-communicable diseases in the country.

Cue in audio 2 (Adewole)

“Data is one thing that we want to make our priority in the coming year because with data you can track success.

“You can then allocate resources and measure the impact of your intervention that you are putting in place; so, data is a key issue.

“Because diabetes is not only the NCDs, cancer is NCD, hypertension is NCD; but then, as I have said many of them are really lifestyle issues.

“If you watch your weight and watch what you eat, diabetes can be managed and hypertension can be controlled and so on and so forth.’’

Cue out audio 2

He said diabetes belonged in a group of metabolic diseases emanating from high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time due to inadequate insulin production in the body.

NAN reports that the World Health Organisation in Nov. 1991, created the International Diabetes Federation in response to the growing concerns over the threat posed by diabetes. (NAN)

LCO/ERO/LAB/YEE Edited by Emmanuel Okara/Lydia Beshel/Emmanuel Yashim

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NAN-H-56
Ajudua
By Sandra Umeh
Ikeja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) An Ikeja High Court in Lagos, on Monday, fixed Jan. 12, 2017 for the re-arraignment of a Lagos socialite, Fred Ajudua, on charges bordering on fraud.
Justice J.E. Oyefeso fixed the date following Ajudua’s absence in court to answer to the charges preferred against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC).

Ajudua is charged on 28 counts bordering on conspiracy and obtaining money by false pretence.

When the case was called on Monday, defence counsel, Mr Allens Agbaka, informed the court that he only became aware of the case in the morning.

He told the court that he had tried to contact the defendant but was informed that he was hospitalised.

Agbaka prayed the court for an adjournment to enable the defendant attend court, promising that he would ensure his presence when next the case comes up.

Consequently, the court fixed Jan. 12, 2017 for the re-arraignment.

In the charge, Ajudua, alongside others who are now said to be at large, were alleged to have committed the offences in December 2004.

He was alleged to have obtained the sum of one million dollars from Lt. General Bamaiyi by falsely representing that it was part payment of the professional fees charged by Chief Afe Babalola to handle his case.

He was also said to have, on Dec. 27, 2004, obtained the sum of 350,000 dollars from Bamaiyi, also on the pretence that it represented part payment of the professional fees of Babalola, to secure his representation.

The offence is said to have contravened the provisions of Section 1 (3) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act No. 13 of 1995 as amended by Act No. 62 of 1999. (NAN)
UNS/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

NAN-AE-8
Arrest
By Vivian Emoni
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) said on Monday that it arrested 38 mentally deranged persons on the street, and had taken them to rehabilitation centre.

Mr Samuel Musa, Assistant Head, Public Relations Officer, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), that the effort was in collaboration with Social Development Secretariat, (SDS) FCT.

Musa said that the board monitors FCT neighbourhood to ensure that such people are captured and handled over to SDS, for rehabilitation and repatriation to their original destinations.

He said that the effort was to achieve a healthy environment in the FCT.

He said the board was committed to remove such people from the street, saying AEPB patrol team would continue to monitor the city in collaboration with other sister agencies.

Musa said that the board had pilot Life Camp District in Integrated Solid Waste Management project in the FCT.

He said that one of the objectives of the project was to improve the treatment and final disposal of municipal solid waste.

He added that the project was in collaboration with Japan International Cooporation Agency, (JICA) adding that it was a positive development that would promote waste management in the city.

Musa said that the board had enlightened residents on proper ways to use their bins at all times.

“This is part of sensitisation, educating the residents how waste can be managed.

“We have started with Life Camp; we will ensure that we get to all the FCT communities with our sensitisation programme.

“This effort will help the board to achieve its goal of keeping the city clean,’’ he said.

He, however, urged the residents to always ensure a prompt payment of their environmental service bills and make proper use of bins to promote healthy environment.

Musa said that the board would continue prosecuting residents, who refused to pay their service management bills.

According to him, the prosecution would go a long way to encourage the residents to comply with the environmental laws and regulations. (NAN)
VOE/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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Promoting peace and security not the job of military alone – CNS

NAN-DS-3
Peace
By Maureen Okon
Abuja, Nov. 14, 2016 (NAN) The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS),Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas, says promotion of peace and security in the country is not the job of the military alone.

Ibas, who was represented by Rear Adm. Jacob Ajani, made the statement at the 100th Anniversary Remembrance Day for Nigerian and British soldiers who died in the 1st and 2nd world wars.

The event took place at the British High Commission, Abuja.

According to him, the day was celebrated amongst the Commonwealth countries across the globe in remembrance of the lives of soldiers that were lost in the two wars.

“The day is celebrated among Commonwealth countries, those who are formally the colonies of the United Kingdom.

“In remembrance of the precious lives of soldiers that were lost during the two world wars and other skirmishes in promoting lasting peace across the world.
“Really the job of promoting and maintaining peace is not for the military alone, but to answer you directly; in the military we do not only train.

“Because we know that training, especially, such as to promote understanding, good relationship, good neighbourliness and respect for human rights, are things we could apply and advance so that they wouldn’t be war.

“And where there is war, you treat people humanely, so at the military level we apply that a lot.

“So as I said earlier, promoting peace and security is the business of everybody, governments at all levels and across all countries promote peace and security to prevent war,’’ he said

Colonel Done Fletcher, the Defence Advisor of the British High Commission, said that the day signified two things: the part Nigerian military played in first and second world wars and the fight for democracy and freedom.

According to Fletcher, 2,800 Nigerian soldiers lost their lives in the course of both battles.

“This day signifies two things, first is the recognition of the part the Nigerian military played in both first and second world wars and they lost 2,800 soldiers in the course of both battles.

“So, this is a very fitting time, particularly when Nigeria has its own security challenges and also an important time for us to remember the sacrifices that Nigeria has made in the fight for democracy and freedom,’’ he said

He narrated the importance of the day from a personal perspective of the 12,000 servicemen and women who fought since 1945, and recently.

“But also from personal perspective as a military man, this is a very important day for me as the member of the British military.

“To remember British servicemen who lost their lives in the curse of conflict not only in the first and second war, but more recently in Afghanistan and Iraq.

“With 12,000 servicemen and women of the British Army who lost their lives since 1945.

“So, it is not just about the past but also about the future and it is very important that we gather here on a hot but beautiful sunny morning and remember our war death.

“We are in partnership with the Nigerian military, we have long historic ties with Nigeria, so, we have a British military advisory training team.

“Which they are assisting with capacity building with the Nigerian military , very much Nigerian military led, but where we can, we assist.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this year marks the 153rd anniversary of the Nigerian Army Raised originally as the Hausa Constabulary in1863.

This occasion is marked concurrently in Lagos by a ceremony in Yaba Commonwealth war Grave cemetery. (NAN)
ETIM/AMY/AMY
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Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf