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Nigerian women ignorant of menopause symptoms – Specialist

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Menopause

By Esenvosa Izah

Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) A Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Dr Jumoke Ogunro, says an average Nigerian woman is ignorant of basic symptoms associated with menopause.

Ogunro, who works at a Lagos-based hospital, Alpha Assisted Reproductive Klinic, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

She said that lack of awareness about menopause was the major reason many women did not visit gynaecologists to consult on menopausal symptoms.

‘’Menopause is a normal condition that all women experience as they age,” she said.

The medical experts describes menopaouse as any of the changes a woman goes through, either just before or after she stops menstruating, marking the end of her reproductive period.

“In Nigeria, we need to first educate women about menopause.

“The average woman knows that one day, she will stop menstruating but most are not aware of symptoms associated with this normal process that every woman will have to cope with.

“Medical community has also neglected this sub set of women in the community.

“In developed countries there are menopausal societies that help to educate women and also the health care professionals regarding menopause and its management.

“In Nigeria, the menopausal woman is left to cope all by herself; our women must receive the right information about menopause, and how to cope with it,“ she said.

According to the specialist, menopause is a normal process and not a disease.

She said that the symptoms experienced are as a result of a fall in the levels of the female hormones including the oestrogen and progesterone.

“Once menopause is attained, there is a drastic drop in the level of these hormones.

“Symptoms associated with menopause include hot flushes, vaginal dryness, itching, pain with sexual intercourse, leakage of urine.”

The medical practitioner said that because the protective effect of oestrogen on the bone is lost, this development could result in osteoporosis (thinning of the bones).

“Menopause is also associated with some emotional and cognitive symptoms. “

The gynaecologist said that ideally, hormones replacement therapy (HRT) was used to replace the hormones that were lost during menopause.

She said, however, that the use of HRT was associated with an increased risk of stroke, breast and endometrial cancer.

“HRT is used for the shortest time possible and the benefits must outweigh the risks.

“As a result of this, other medications such as anti-depressants and clonidine have been used to treat hot flushes.

“Vaginal moisturising agents have been used to manage vaginal dryness and painful intercourse.

“It is important to note that some of the symptoms can be managed with simple lifestyle changes. “

Ogunro said that the average age of menopause was 51 years, but that menopause could occur in women between 45 to 55 years.

According to her, in Nigeria, the age range has been between 46-48 years from studies reviewed.

“It can occur early or later in some women; when it occurs before a woman is 40-years-old, it is called premature ovarian failure, “ she said. (NAN)
EEI/DUA/MZA
Edited by Dada Ahmed and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed
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Acquisition
By Yunus Yusuf
Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO) on Wednesday announced the acquisition of 60 per cent stake in the downstream operation of Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON).

Mr Venkataraman Venkatapathy, the NIPCO Managing Director, disclosed this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) after signing the deal.
He said that the acquisition was agreed on after the execution of a Sales and Purchase Agreement with Exxon Mobil.

According to him, NIPCO will start the transition period and initiate the process of obtaining regulatory approvals from the requisite federal agencies.

“The transition period will also enable NIPCO plc to effectively manage a smooth and successful completion of the transaction.

”We will initiate the process of getting approval from the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC) and Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and others.

“NIPCO considers this acquisition an important synergy.

“It is part of our strategic move to support NIPCO’s continuous growth and expansion of its Nigerian retail footprint.

“We are confident of adding tremendous value to MON and likewise MON will add a huge value to NIPCO,’’ he said.

The managing director said that NIPCO would continue to maintain the Mobil brand on its retail outlets as well as continue to blend and sell its lubricants under branding licence(s) from Exxon Mobil.

He expressed the company’s profound gratitude and appreciation to Exxon Mobil for selecting NIPCO as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of MON.

“We will ensure full brand compliance with ExxonMobil’s global standards as well as rigorously sustain and follow ExxonMobil’s code of conduct/ethos and operational excellence,” Venkatapathy said.

He said that NIPCO’s expansion trend reinforced its implicit confidence in Nigeria’s future.

The managing director promised that NIPCO’s indigenous downstream oil and gas company would ensure stability, prosperity, sustainability and growth for the company and shareholders. (NAN)
YO/IS/TA
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz/Tajudeen Atitebi

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Stealing
By Elusogbon Dorcas
Ile-Ife (Osun), Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) A 22-year-old man, Lanrewaju Abiodun, who admitted entering into another person’s farm to steal cocoa beans, was on Wednesday remanded in prison custody by a magistrates’ court in Ile-Ife.

Magistrate Risikat Olayemi ordered the remand of the accused in prison custody following his plea of guilty to the charges of conspiracy and stealing preferred against him.

Olayemi then adjourned the case to Oct. 20 for the presentation of facts and sentencing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Abdullahi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on Oct. 18 at Ita-Abiye near Ile-Ife.

Abdullahi said that the accused conspired with others at large to commit felony by forcibly entering into the cocoa farm and stole cocoa beans valued N60, 000, property of Rufai Elusanmi.

He added that the offence was contrary to Sections 82, 383 and punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11, Laws of Osun, 2003. (NAN)
EDA/YMU/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye

Chinese vice premier defends steel production amid dumping criticism

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Steel
Brussels, Oct. 19, 2016 (dpa/NAN) China’s Vice Premier Ma Kai insisted in Brussels on Tuesday that his country leading in its production of steel.

He said this amid long-running criticism from the European Union that Beijing is dumping cheap steel on the international market.

Ma made this known after talks with the European Commission adding that over-capacity was a global problem exacerbated by the financial crisis.

“Trade protectionist measures will not represent a solution,”he said.

The commission is currently drafting anti-dumping proposals ahead of an EU summit on Friday, during which the heads of its member states are to discuss the issue.

European Commission Vice President Jyrki Katainen stressed that the bloc would pursue a free yet fair market.

“If there are dumping or subsidised prices in the market, then we cannot talk about free trade,” he said. (dpa/NAN)

(Edited by Damilola Oyewole/Julius Enehikhuere)

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Rice
By Chiazo Ogbolu
Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) Dr Gloria Elemo, the Director General, Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi (FIIRO), says lifting the ban on rice importation will have negative impact on local rice production.

Elemo said this during the official unveiling of Rice De-Stoning Machine designed and fabricated by the Nigerian Association of Technologists in Engineering (NATE) in Lagos.

She said that the machine came at a proper time when government was aiming at diversification the resource base of the economy economy from oil to other sectors like agriculture.

“Lifting the ban on rice importation will negate all efforts being put in place to see that local rice production and processing in the country are increased.

“Rice is a palatable food if eaten with convenience, without stones and so today history is being made with the unveiling of rice de-stoning machine by NATE.

“The machine will be a commercial success in the country because of the favourable market and the policy on patronising made-in-Nigeria products.’’

Elemo said that farmers in Kebbi with the support of Federal Government and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were able to produce one million metric tons of rice in 2015, a feat the lifting of ban would negate.

She, therefore, called on stakeholders to come together to promote technological advancement for the nation’s growth.

Mr Emmanuel Adesina, the Vice President (South-West) of NATE, said that the production of the machine was an initiative of the association to enhance the growth and development of engineering infrastructure.

He said the machine would also help to develop the capacity of engineering personnel which would go a long way in employment generation and reduction of poverty.

“Today’s technological advancement holds enormous promises to reduce farmers unit cost, enhance management ability, reduce environmental footprint and enable superior information management to benefit the entire value chain.

“Mechanisation is often overlooked in analysing challenges of feeding the country, if well utilised, it will bring about massive employment opportunities and boost the country foreign exchange.’’

Adesina urged the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to see engineering innovation as proof of competence which allowed for equal authority in engineering designs and consultation.
Mr Kasim Ali, the COREN President, said that knowledge resided in everyone and would yield good results once it was put together.

Ali said if Kebbi could achieve the feat of one million metric tons of rice in a year, the state would go far with the invention of rice de-stoning machine.

He said that lifting the ban on importation of rice would have negative impact in the processing and production of rice in the country.

“If people are afraid to eat local rice because of stones, they should fear no more because NATE has come with the solution,’’ he said.

Mr Ahmed Yabagi, the NATE National President, said the solution being sought by Nigerian rice processors for affordable machine for rice production had been provided by NATE.

“The cost of importing foreign rice de-stoning machine is N2 million, but now NATE has made it available with N600, 000 in Nigeria.

“Once commercial production of these machines commences, the presence of stones in our local rice will soon fade away and Nigerians can gladly embrace local rice varieties.

“The advantages will come in form of drastic reduction in importation of rice and consequent foreign exchange savings and increase in local rice production.’’ (NAN)
CAN/MO/TA
Edited by Morayo Omolade/Tajudeen Atitebi

Money laundering: Fani-Kayode, Usman, get new trial date

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Adjournment
By Sandra Umeh
Lagos, Oct. 19, 2016 (NAN) The absence of Justice Sule Hassan of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday stalled the trial of a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, over money laundering.

Fani-Kayode, who was also former Director of Media and Publicity, campaign committee of ex- President Goodluck Jonathan, is charged alongside a former Minister of Finance, Nenandi Usman, and Danjuma Yusuf.

Also charged is a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nig. Ltd.

They were arraigned on a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail.

On Wednesday, the trial of the accused could not proceed due to the absence of the trial judge, who is said to be away on official assignment.

The trial of the accused was, however, slated for Oct. 21 for continuation.

In the charge, the accused were alleged to have committed the offences between January and March 2015.

In counts one to seven, they were alleged to have unlawfully retained over N3.8 billion which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of the proceeds of an unlawful act of stealing and corruption.

In counts eight to 14, the accused were alleged to have unlawfully used over N970 million which they reasonably ought to have known formed part of an unlawful act of corruption.

Meanwhile in counts 15 to17, Fani-Kayode and one Olubode Oke, who is said to be at large, were alleged to have made cash payments of about N30 million.

The amount is said to be in excess of the amount allowed by law, without going through a financial institution.

Besides, Fani-Kayode was alleged to have made payments to one Paste Poster Co (PPC) of No 125 Lewis St., Lagos, in excess of amounts allowed by law.

All offences were said to have contravened the provisions of sections 15 (3) (4), 16 (2) (b), and 16 (5) of the Money laundering (prohibition) (Amendment) Act, 2012. (NAN)
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(Edited By Edwin Nwachukwu/Maharazu Ahmed)

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Apology
London, Oct.19, 2016 (Reuters/NAN) Tom Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson got apologies and retractions on Tuesday from two U.S. tabloids which claimed the Hollywood couple was divorcing.

The tabloids had alleged that Hanks was in love with his co-stars Meg Ryan or Felicity Jones.

The National Enquirer and Star Magazine, both properties of American Media Inc ([AMRCM.UL), issued statements, changed their online stories and will run corrections in their upcoming print editions.

Hanks and Wilson, who have been married for 28 years, said in a statement that in the past they had laughed off tabloid stories about their “soon-to-be acrimonious divorce because those stories were so far from true.”

But with their 29th anniversary coming up in April, the couple said they considered marriage to be “the foundation of our family” and that such stories were “lies we would not put up with any longer.”

Hanks starred with Ryan in hit 1990s movies like “Sleepless in Seattle” and “You’ve Got Mail.”

While British actress Jones is his co-star in the new adventure movie “Inferno.”

“We did not intend to report that Tom Hanks was having any kind of an inappropriate relationship with Meg Ryan.

“Or that he and Rita Wilson were divorcing,” the National Enquirer said in a statement on its website.

Its Oct. 10 issue had run a report saying, “$400 million marriage crumbling over Hanks’ love for Ryan.”

Star Magazine apologised for an Oct. 3 report, saying “we did not intend to report that Tom Hanks was having any kind of an inappropriate relationship with Felicity Jones.

“Or that he and Rita Wilson were divorcing.”(Reuters/NAN)
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(Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)

1. Nigeria Air Force briefs journalists in Katsina on the 2016 NAF Sports Festival coming up in Katsina.

2. Commissioner of Police, Zamfara Command, holds news conference in Gusau on the rate of violence in the state.

3. Head of Operations, South-East Zonal office of EFCC addresses news conference on activities of the commission in the region.

4. Gov Al-Makura of Nasarawa State meets with manufacturers willing to invest in the state.

5. Kogi House of Assembly considers Bill for the amendment of Local Government Law in the state.

6. Taraba Commissioner for Commerce and Industry addresses journalists on measures by the state government to encourage growth of SMEs.

7. Super Falcons commence training at the National Stadium ahead of the African Women Championship in Cameroun in November.

8. The Draws for the 2016 FCT Principals Cup hold at the FCT FA Secretariat, Area 10, Garki at10 a.m.

9. Two games are slated for play at the Area 3 Football Pitch in the second phase of the ongoing FCT Super League.

10. Chief of Army Staff tour of military formations in the South-South continues.

11. The opening ceremony of the Nigerian energy alternative expo holds at Yar’Adua centre, Abuja.

12. Federal High Court continues hearing in alleged armed robbery case filed against four men.

13. The National Industrial Court hears a case of alleged termination of appointment filed by an aggrieved officer against Federal Road Safety Commission.

14. An FCT High Court, Apo, hears a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and forgery filed against three men

15. An FCT High Court, Kubwa, hears a case of alleged criminal conspiracy and criminal breach of trust filed against Kabiru Jauro.

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Library
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Oct. 18, 2016(NAN) A member of the Oyo State House of Assemby, Hon. Afeez Adeleke, has advocated the need for every school and household to have a library.

Adeleke (APC-Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency) told newsmen in Ibadan on Tuesday that the non-availability of libraries in schools and homes contribute to the poor performance of students in external examinations.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Adeleke is the Chairman of the assembly’s committee on Education.

He enjoined schools and administrators to reach out to their alumni associations for donation of new approved books for their libraries.

Adeleke also called on students to cultivate the attitude of reading.

He urged parents to create shelves at home for their wards to be able to access books for reading during their study times

Adeleke said that this would go a long way in changing students’ attitude to education while improving their overall academic performance.

“Show me a brilliant student and I will show you a good library.

“We discovered that many books distributed by state and local governments are being kept in Principals and Heads of Schools’ offices instead of creating libraries.

” This trend must change and pupils allowed access to the books and other research facilities.

“Schools Alumni should be contacted to donate new and used books while our students should be encouraged to go to the library.

“This will at the end help encourage reading and eventual improvement in performance by students in public examinations,” he said.(NAN)
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Benin crown prince to announce coronation name Thursday

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Name

By Imelda Osayande and Monday Ajogun

Benin, Oct. 18, 2016 (NAN) Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa on Tuesday chose his coronation name after defeating Edigin N’Use in the traditional Akhue game( marble seeds).

Erediauwa, will however, officially announce his name during his coronation on Thursday at Urho-Okpota in Benin.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the crown prince entered the shrine at the Edigin’s Palace, after playing the game of Akhue with HRH Kelvin Ekpe Edigin, the Edigin N’ Use and thereafter chose his coronation name.

Abieyuwa Edigin, a highly placed family member in the Edigin Palace told NAN that the Akhue game was the climax of all the coronation ceremonies.

He said the Akhue game was cultural and traditional requirements that must be fufilled by the crown prince before he could be crowned as Oba.

Abieyuwa explained that the former  Oba also played the Akhue game with Kelvin’s father, Robert Edigin, before choosing the name “Erediauwa’’( I have come to strengthen and prosper my people) .

He said the tradition started in 1200 AD during the period of Oba Eweka, whose maternal grand-father, Ogie-Egor, lived in the nearby  village of Egor, in the present Egor Local Government Area of Edo.

According to him, when Prince Oromiyan left Benin, he left his pregnant wife in the care of her father the Ogie (Duke) of Egor.

He said Oromiyan’s wife delivered a male child who was dumb from birth and was sent to the maternal grand-father at ‘Use’ for treatment.

“But as the child could still not talk after, words were sent to his father at Uhe, who then sent seven magical Akhue with which the dumb prince participated in the popular village game known as Akhue.

“And with only one seed remaining on the ground after every other player had failed to strike it, the young prince used the magical Akhue from his father and struck the last seed.
“In his excitement, he spoke for the first time and exclaimed the word `Owomika’ (my hand has struck it) later corrupted to Eweka,’’ he said(NAN)
AJOM/IMEL/KOO/OU
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Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Obike Ukoh