Blog

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Enrollment

By Polycarp Auta

Jos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) The Plateau government says the enrolment of children in public primary schools in the state increased by 13 per cent between 2014 and 2015.

Prof. Mathew Sule, the Chairman, Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB), made this known on Thursday in Jos at the 16th quarterly meeting of the management of the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the chairmen of  SUBEBs from the 36 states and the FCT.

According to Sule, the monitoring and supervision of teaching and learning activities by PSUBEB management contributed immensely to the increase in the rate of enrolment.

He added that support from the state government helped encourage parents to enrol their children in school.

The PSUBEB chairman said that the state government’s deliberate efforts at encouraging public school enrolment, had led most parents to transfer their children from private schools to public schools.

“There is an apparent upsurge in the enrolment of children in Plateau schools by 13 per cent.

“Between 2010 and 2011, 489,421 pupils enrolled in public primary schools, and from 2014 to 2015, the number increased to 552,359.

“What surprises me most is that a high percentage of children enrolling in public schools are from the private schools.

“This means that parents and stakeholders have once more started to appreciate the environment of the public schools as conducive for learning.

“Although some experts in the education sector have argued that the massive exodus may be because of the downturn in the nation’s economy,  I wish to say that quality education is highly considered by Nigerians before monetary value,’’ he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting was `Strategic Planning: An Essential Tool for Effective Implementation of Basic Education in Nigeria’.

Sule further said that the rate at which children dropped out of schools in the state stood at 1.2 per cent, while the gender ratio in terms of enrolment had drastically reduced from 2 per cent between 2010 and 2011 to 0.5 per cent between 2014 and 2015.

He, however, said that the increasing movement to public schools and the drop in the rate of out of school children had brought to the fore the challenge of lack of classrooms for pupils.

He expressed regret at the overcrowded nature of most public schools, citing UNESCO’s report that the state had a ratio of one teacher to 80 pupils per class, as against its standard of one teacher to 40 students per class.

The board chairman, therefore, called on the state government to facilitate the speedy completion of the ongoing construction and renovation of classrooms across the state to address the classrooms shortage. (NAN)
AZA/YMU/ECN/YEE

Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Emmanuel Yashim

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Environmentalist wants penalty against open defecation

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Defecation

By Ajibola Olaniyi

Osogbo, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) An environmentalist, Dr Deji Akinolu has called for penalty against those who defecate in open places thereby polluting the environment.

Akinolu said defecation in open places in sub-sahara Africa remained a great threat to the environment and healthy habitation.

He said such penalty would curb the habit of polluting the environment by defecating in open places.

According to him, open defecation exposes human population to dangerous bacteria which can threaten the life of the people in the long run.

Akinolu said the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) report on the menace of open defecation in sub-sahara Africa was alarming.

He called for continuous and comprehensive enlightenment of the people about the dangers inherent in the habit.

“The enlightenment and sensitisation should be all-inclusive to curtail such act.

“Government at all levels should make building without toilet a criminal act for the purpose of making the environment habitable for all.” (NAN)

DOO/ADA/IEA
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Editor: Deji Abdulwahab
Controller: Idahosa Asowata

Holding back urine can damage kidney, doctor warns

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Kidney

By Ajayi Toba

Ilorin, Oct.6, 2016 (NAN) A medical doctor, Okoye Chukwuka, has warned against holding back urine in the bladder, warning the habit can cause kidney damage.

Chukwuka gave warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ilorin on Thursday.

The doctor, who works in Sabo-Oke Medical Centre, Ilorin, said holding back urine for long could result in bladder infection or lead to bladder rupture, a serious health condition.

“Pass out urine as much as possible without any delay. Don’t be too busy to have time for urine. Delay of urine may later have lasting negative effect on the kidney.

“I attend to frequent cases of urinary tract infection. The disease has become common in the country and I want to urge the public to desist from the unhealthy act.

“People should be visiting the nearest toilet to ease themselves at the right time,” Chukwuka said.

He listed the symptoms of kidney infections as headache, high fever, frequent urination and passing out of small amount of urine.

The expert advised Nigerians to always visit the toilet whenever they were pressed.

Chukwuka also advised that those experiencing any of the symptoms should visit a doctor.

Besides, he urged commercial drivers against haste and endeavour to give passengers chance to pee on time while travelling.

“A little delay of urine can cause severe and everlasting health challenges. Ministries of Health should orientate the public on this,” he said. (NAN)

LEX/EMO/MST

Edited by Ejike Obeta and Muhammad Suleiman Tola

NGO advocates women participation in political processes

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Women

Abuja, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Ms Inimfon Etuk, Founder, `SHE Forum Africa’, a pan-African NGO, has advocated for women participation in politics in order to promote entrepreneurship and women’s business initiatives in local communities.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mrs Beatrice Yeye-Adekunle, Head, Media Unit of the organisation, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.

It quoted Etuk as saying the NGO is seeking to promote women development, leadership and lifestyle.

The founder said the forum would organise its 3^rd edition conference in Abuja at a yet to be announced date to deepen its advocacy.

The statement said the conference would focus on promoting conscious participation of women in democratic processes in Nigeria.

“The heart of our organisation’s focus is the burning need to promote conscious participation of women in democratic processes.

“Also to create partnerships, financing new enterprises, and encouraging strategic involvement in leadership, governance and entrepreneurial programmes.

“However, it is important for us to strengthen our shared value for a global society where everyone lives, works and thrives in their chosen endeavour without perceived or real stereotypes,’’ she said.

On the theme of the conference tagged “REGROUP, REBOOT, REMOVE THE MASK’’, Etuk explained that it would refresh women ideas through target strategies and commitments to building a better Africa.

She added that the event was committed to creating healthy spaces for women to network, learn, support and grow with each other.

According to her, the Lead Presentation on the Forum would be delivered by Mrs Bisi Fayemi, a renowned Gender and Development Specialist and wife of former Ekiti state governor.

The line-up guests include the Ambassadors of Denmark, Torben Gettermann, EU Ambassador Michel Arrion, and a host of representatives from development organisations, civil society and entrepreneurial organisations across Africa. (NAN)

TIM/MST/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Monarch advises LG bosses to exploit tourism for grassroots development

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Tourism

Lagos, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Oba Akeem Adesanya, the Alara of Ilara, in Eredo Local Council Development Area, has urged council bosses to exploit tourism potentials at the grassroots to boost revenue.

Adesanya told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, on Thursday, that there were lots of tourism potentials at the grassroots that needed to be exploited.

“Tourism is a tool that can be used to develop the well-being of people in the rural areas.

“Tourism will also help to expand and improve commercial activities at the grassroots where people find it difficult to transact businesses on a regular basis,” he said.

The monarch noted that there was no local council area that did not have tourism potentials that could be utilised to boost revenue earnings.

He said it included areas of culture, heritage, cuisines, edifice, beach, eco and aquatic tourism potentials peculiar to their people.

Adesanya said that utilisation of tourism assets would help create employment, boost revenue, generate investment and alleviate poverty.

He commended Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State for developing and utilising tourism assets and potentials across the city.

NAN reports that Adesanya is the oldest monarch in Lagos State, having ascended to the throne in 1960. (NAN)

SIO/ECN/MZA

Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye and Controlled by Maharazu Ahmed

Surgeon wants Nigerians to stop medical tourism

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Surgery
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Dr Douglas Okor, a Consultant Neurosurgeon, Spine Fixed in Abuja (SFIA), has called on Nigerians to trust local surgeons as they are capable of conducting complex surgeries done outside the country.

Okor made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Thursday.

According to him, 70 to 75 per cent cases of brain surgery can be done in the country.

He said that lack of trust within the public health system, competence, skills and knowledge had made many to seek medical help in other countries.

Okor said Nigerian doctors formerly based in the Diaspora were back to transfer their knowledge in daily medical practice and to boost the healthcare sector in the country.

“One of the significant brain and spinal surgery can definitely be done in the country; going out of the country for medical surgery could be expensive compared to undergoing it here.

“Hotel accommodation, accompany doctors if the patient is in a critical stage, getting a visa, feeding and many others could add up to the expenses if one seeks medical help outside the country,’’ he said.

Okor said 70 per cent to 75 per cent cases of brain surgery can be done in the country especially in the economic recession.

He said trauma, accidents or heavy fall could cause internal or external injuries to the brain, saying some have a bleed in the brain or inflammation of the brain from bruising.

Okor said there are some tumours that are not cancerous and infections in the brain that could warrant brain surgery.

“There are some surgeries that should be done within few hours otherwise the patient could die. Such surgeries cannot be done abroad,’’ said the surgeon.

However, the medical expert said communication, cooperation and collaboration between the public and private sectors would boost the healthcare delivery in the country. (NAN)
OEO/HS/MST

Edited by Halima Sheji and Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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Terrorism
Maiduguri, Oct. 5, 2016 (NAN) The Nigerian Army is getting closer to ending the Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast going by successes recorded in recent operations,  Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, has said.

Irabor, the Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, gave the assurance while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri on Wednesday.

He said that the capture of the terrorists’ last stronghold in Northern Borno was a pointer to the level of success recorded by the army.

“As you know, Malamfatori is in our kitty; our troops are consolidating on the capture of Malamfatori, Abadam and Gashigar.

“The last time we met I told you that we were looking forward to capturing these areas which were the last strongholds of the Boko Haram terrorists, that we have done successfully,” he said.

Irabor said that since the Sept. 27 capture of the areas, the army had consolidated its position by keeping the place safe.

He, however, expressed regret that the army lost few equipment during the battle for the areas.

“Let me state that our capturing the area is not without cost, we have lost both lives and equipment.

“But what I can tell you is that even though we lost a few soldiers, those wounded are in stable conditions in hospital, the few of the equipment damaged have been repaired and returned to service,” Irabor said.

He attributed the loss to the use of Improvised Explosive Devises (IEDs by the terrorists.

“In the cause of the operation, we have the issues of IEDs which the terrorists used on the road which cost damage to our vehicles.

`By and large we have cleared them from the area,” Irabor said.

He said that the success did not imply that the Boko Haram terrorists had been cleared finally.

“But that does not mean that we will not hear from the Boko Haram terrorists again.

‘’No; there are other areas that we have not completed our operations, places like the Sambisa Forest.

“Of course there are several aerial bombardments going on right now that I will not want to talk about, there are other areas our troops are carrying out operations too,” Irabor said.(NAN)
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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi/Chukwudi Ekezie

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NAFDAC

By Ajibola Olalniyi

Osogbo, Oct.5, 2016 (NAN)  The Osun  Governor, Mr  Rauf Aregbesola, on Wednesday applauded the efforts of  National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC),on the fight against fake and counterfeit drugs. .

The governor made the commendation while playing host to the Acting Director-General of the Agency, Mrs Yetunde Oni, at the Government House, Osogbo.

Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori,  the governor urged the agency not to relent in its sensitisation of the public to the evils of fake drugs.

He noted that the agency was set up to rid the country of fake drugs and save the people from drug-related diseases and untimely deaths.

Responding, Oni said she was on an advocacy visit to Osun as well as to further enhance the existing  relationship between the agency and the state government.

She expressed  NAFDAC’s commitment  toward preventing the proliferation of counterfeit drugs, unwholesome foods and  substandard products.

Oni identified some of the challenges facing the agency as  shortage of operational vehicles and constant harassment of its personnel.

She, however, said  farmers in the state needed to be sensitised to the appropriate use of pesticides to avert soil toxicity. (NAN)

DOO/OSA/JCE

(Edited by Shittu Obassa/Chukwudi Ekezie)

NAN-H-132
kidnap
By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna Oct. 5, 2016,(NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State on Wednesday confirmed the release of the immediate past Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Malam, and her husband, Pius.

The couple was abducted along Bwari/Jere axis on Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday evening.

The Command’s spokesman, ASP Aliyu Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna that the two regained their freedom on Wednesday evening.

“They were rescued at Jare through the effort of the security operatives,’’ he said.

Usman said no one had been arrested in connection with the incident but added: ‘’we are doing everything possible to arrest the suspects so that they can face the law.

“The ex-minister and her husband have united with their family.’’

Usman said that the abductors took away the former minister and her husband but released their driver unharmed.

” We call on the public to always give police useful information so as track criminals in our society,’’ he said.

NAN recalls that the abduction of high profile individuals in the country has been on the increase in recent times.

Early on Wednesday the police in Oyo State confirmed the shooting of a former Vice-Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Prof.  Olufemi Bamiro, by persons who allegedly attempted to kidnap him.

On Saturday, Oct. 1, the abductors of Margaret Emefiele, the wife of the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele, released her after three days in captivity.  (NAN)

TJ/JCE

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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

1. Police confirm release of ex-minister of Environment,  husband

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   kidnap

   By Mohammad Tijjani

   Kaduna Oct 5,2016,(NAN) The Police Command in Kaduna State on Wednesday confirmed the release of the immediate past Minister of Environment, Mrs Laurentia Mallam and her husband, Pius

   The command’s spokesman, ASP Aliyu Usman, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kaduna that the husband and wife regained there freedom this evening.

   “They were rescued at Jare by effort of the security operative.”

   Usman said no arrest was made so far, but “we are doing everything possible to arrest the suspect so that they will face the law.

   “The ex-minister and her husband have united with there family.

   NAN recalled that they were allegedly abducted along Bwari/Jere axis on Kaduna-Abuja highway on Monday evening.

   Usman said that the abductors took away the former minister and her husband, but spared their driver unharmed.

   “We call on the public to always give police useful information so as track criminals in our society.”(NAN)

   TJ/OFN

   Edited by Felix Nwadioha