Blog

NAN-H-77
Police
Yola, Sept. 27, 2016 ( NAN) Mr Musa Kimo on Tuesday assumed duty in Yola as the new Commissioner of Police posted to the Adamawa Police Command.
SP Othman Abubakar, the command’s Public Relations Officer, made this known in a statement in Yola.

Kimo took over from Mr Ghazzali Mohammed.

Abubakar said that the Kimo, until his appointment, was the Commissioner of Police in-charge of Logistics and Supply at the Force Headquarters, Abuja.

“The new commissioner solicited the cooperation of the people of the state, and called on all residents to be law abiding and have confidence in the security apparatus of the state,” Abubakar said.

NAN reports that Kimo had also served as the 35th Commissioner of Police in Rivers.

He joined the Nigeria Police in 1986 as Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police and rose through the ranks to his present rank of Commissioner of Police.

He is a holder of bachelor degree in Political Science obtained from the University of Sokoto.

Kimo had served in various capacities in the force including Second in Command, 19 PMF Port Harcourt, Commander 11 PMF Calabar, 28 PMF Umuahia and 26 PMF Uyo.

Other positions he held are Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations) Oyo State and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Department of Logistics and Supply, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

He was the Commissioner of Police, Federal Special-Anti robbery Squad, Force Headquarters, Abuja.

Kimo, a happily married man, has attended various development courses both at home and abroad.

He is a versatile police officer with impeccable track records and has cheerful giving and reverence to all mankind as his hobbies. (NAN)
AMA/DO/GOK
(Edited by David Onilede/controlled by Olagoke Olatoye)
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NAN-HE-22
Recession
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) An industrialist, Alhaji Shittu Sani-Marshal, on Tuesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to provide palliatives to cushion the effect of the current economic hardship in the country.

Sani-Marshal, a Kano-based businessman, told newsmen in Kano that the appeal was necessary due to difficulties many Nigerians faced from the economic downturn.

“With the Nigerian economy reeling in the ropes of severe recession, there is urgent need for Buhari administration to initiate some immediate palliatives to alleviate the sufferings of the people,” he said.

The businessman also called on Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs and political inclination, to continue to support the government in its effort to restore sanity in the country.

Sani-Marshal expressed optimism that the country would come out of the prevailing economic challenges.

“What the country needed most is prayers and with continuous prayers, things will be better by the grace of Almighty God,” he added. (NAN).
MTM/AOM/IA
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(By Mohammed Abdullahi/Idris Abdulrahman)

NAN-S-20
Sports
By Kabir Muhammad
Abuja, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) FCT Minister Muhammad Bello has pledged his administration’s continued support for sports in order to productively engage youths as well as engender national development.

Bello said this on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the National Executive Officers of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) led by the President, Mr Honour Sirawoo.

He noted that FCT had for long been a sporting arena and requested SWAN’s assistance in identifying  and developing areas of comparative advantage.

Bello said FCT and SWAN officials would strategise on how the territory could excel in national and international events.

On SWAN’s request for land to build its headquarters, the minister advised the association to apply and promised to offer the necessary assistance.

Earlier, the SWAN President told the minister that sports had not only been a unifying factor for Nigerians, but also a source of wealth creation for players, their families and countries.

According to him, Cristiano Rolando earns 56 million dollars weekly, being the world’s highest paid footballer while the highest paid Nigerian footballer, Kelechi Iheanacho, rakes in 85,000 dollars over the same period.

Sirawoo informed the minister that the association was currently operating from a temporary office at the National Stadium provided by the Minister of Sports in July.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the SWAN Deputy President, Umar Said, Secretary-General Olawale Alabi, FCT chapter Chairman Kayode Adeniyi and Zonal Vice Presidents were part of the delegation. (NAN)

KM/DE/NKO

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(Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Nkechi Okoronkwo)

NAN-H-76
Tourism
By Lucy Osuizigbo/Dapo Udom
Lagos, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to provide a framework for the development of tourism industry as part of the nation’s recovery steps from economic recession.

Ambode, represented by his deputy, Dr Idiat Adebule, spoke at the National Tourism Conference held at Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

The one-day national conference was organised by the Federal Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism to mark the 2016 World Tourism Day Celebration commemorated every Sept. 27.

Theme for 2016 is: “Tourism for All- promoting Universal Accessibility.”

He said this could be achieved by creating an enabling environment to attract foreign investors and open up the sector through attractive incentives, infrastructure and friendly policies.

According to him, the conference could not have come at a better time than now when the nation is faced with the stark reality of economic recession.

“Lagos State and other states in the country are blessed with natural tourism sites, which if well developed, can generate more wealth and create jobs for people.

“A recent study by the World Travel and Tourism Council projected that the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria, would contribute 1.6 per cent directly to the nation’s GDP by 2024.

“The study also projected that the industry will support employment to the tune of 1,194,000 in the next decade.

“Lagos State, as a coastal location, is blessed with an unbroken 283 kilometres of coastlines apart from other tourism potential for development.

“Our determination is to fully exploit the tourism potential of the state, which has been demonstrated with the creation of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world,’’ Ambode said.

In his remarks, Mr Ronald Chagoori Jr, the Vice-Chairman, Eko Atlantic City, said that the city was being designed to become a new gateway to Africa to drive tourism in Nigeria.

Chagoori said that the city, which occupies 10 million square metres of land, was 100 per cent privately funded and would accommodate 450, 000 residents and 300, 000 commuters.

NAN reports that the idea of commemorating the day is to foster awareness among the international community on the importance of tourism and its social, cultural, political and economic values. (NAN)
OUU/ LCO/ERO/GOK
(Edited by Emmanuel Okara/controlled by Olagoke Olatoye)
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Gov. Dickson’s wife tasks traditional birth attendants

NAN-HG-7

Birth

By Christian Ogbonna

Yenagoa, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Bayelsa Governor’s Wife, Mrs Rachael Dickson, has charged Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the state to adopt best practice to reduce infant mortality rate, especially in the rural areas.

Mrs Dickson, who gave the charge on Tuesday in Yenagoa at the opening of a two-day workshop for TBAs, was represented by her Senior Special Assistant on General Duties, Mrs Vivian Odiowei.

According to her, TBAs, as people endowed with natural skills, are of great importance to the society.

“It is true that government should provide hospitals in all communities but I still believe that you people are so important to the society; that is why God has kept some of you near the people.

“The reason is that you people have empathy for pregnant women; I urge you to take advantage of this workshop which is also designed to address issues like HIV/AIDs and other related issues.

“We have observed that new born babies sometimes die due to lack of proper care, resulting from the materials you use.

“So, it is high time you sought best practice because the more training you get, the more experience you will gather,” Mrs Dickson said.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Ebiere Adeh, said the training was part of the state government efforts to reduce maternal and neo-natal mortality rate in the state.

“TBAs, until they are replaced by sufficient skilled birth attendants, remain an option for rural women in our state and country at large,” Adeh said. (NAN)

OOC/NKO/NKO

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(Edited by Nkechi Okoronkwo)

Edo poll: Benin residents in Beer palour debate
NAN-H-86
Debate

By Kevin Okonzua

Benin, Sept. 27, 2016(NAN) Many holidaying residents of Edo have turned Beer palours and restaurants into political debate centres ahead of Wednesday’s governorship election in the state,the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports.

The State Government had declared Tuesday and Wednesday public holiday to enable civil servants to travel to the centres where they registered to participate in the poll.

Our Correspondent reports that many of the residents are holding the discussion at Beer palours and eateries around the National Independent Electoral Commission(INEC) on Ikpoba hill and the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ) Press Centre, GRA, Benin.

They are debating the credibility or otherwise of the the governorship candidates and the achievements and failures of their respective political parties.

Some of them, Mr Peter Isi and Obakpolor Jude, said the holiday had given the opportunity to discuss ideas that might help them to make informed choices during the election.

The owners of these centres told NAN that they had been recording huge sales since the holiday started.

INEC has cleared 19 political parties to participate in the election(NAN)
KOO/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

NAN-H-87

Policy

By Kate Obande

Abuja, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) Stakeholders in the education sector have advocated for the development of National Safe School Policy to address the issue of insecurity in Nigerian schools.

The stakeholders made the call at the “Safe School Summit’’ organised by the Nigeria Safe School Association (NISSA) and Safe School Academy International (SSAI) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the summit was “Mainstreaming Lessons of Successful Anti-cult and Safe School Initiatives into School Security Best Practices’’.

In his address, Maj.-Gen Mathias Efeovbohkan (rtd.), the Chief Executive Officer, Consultancy Unit, Nigeria Defence Academy, said that there was an urgent need for the formulation of a policy on the protection in schools.

According to him, Nigeria is among the highest in school attacks in the recent times.

Efeovbohkan said that the policy would address the insecurity challenge and increase security consciousness among Nigerians.

He underscored the urgent need to address the perpetration of terrorism in schools.

“Our Children are our cash cows for tomorrow; but unfortunately, our children are the least looked after in this country.

“Children are kidnapped, children live under bridges and many children are not in schools.’’

According to him, reports show that eight million Nigerian children roam the streets, which poses a serious threat to the nation.

“Children are missing everyday; 30 per cent of attacks on schools are not reported; therefore, we have to make security our culture.’’

He added that between 1970 and 2013, there were more than 3,400 attacks targeting educational institutions.

He expressed concern that schools had become vulnerable to terrorists.

Earlier in his remarks, Mr Ike Onyechere, the Chairman, Examination Ethics Marshal International, said that attacks and violence in schools at all levels was worrisome.

Onyechere explained that a National Safe School Policy would go a long way in addressing the menace, citing the kidnap of Chibok girls and cult activities in campuses as examples.

He said that the summit was organised to address and proffer solution to the issue of cultism as cases of cultists’ activities were on the increase.

Onyechere called on lawmakers to pay attention to the issue by reviewing extant laws and promulgate new laws that would simplify enforcement and prosecution processes.

He, however, assured Nigerians that NISSA would play strategic roles in promoting safe schools and stop the spread of cult activities. (NAN)

KTE/MO/NKO

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Edited Morayo Omolade/Nkechi Okoronkwo

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NAN-HG-6
Health
By Modupe Seriboh
Ibadan, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) The wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, has urged residents of the state to always go for regular medical screening.

The governor’s wife made the plea on Tuesday in Ibadan during a walk organised by the Access to Basic (Medical) Care Foundation  to create awareness on cancer.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that ABC Foundation is a pet project of Mrs Ajimobi.

The walk took off from the ABC Clinic at Ibadan South East Local Government Council and ended at the Recreation Club at Adamasigba area of the state.

NAN reports that the occasion was to commemorate the third year anniversary of the foundation.

The governor’s wife called for regular screening, saying people must refrain from living in self denial.

” The best way to avert the consistent and continued pattern of cancer claiming lives is early detection through check up such as the mammogram, sonogram and pap smear.

” Early detection increases the chances of survival and preserves many more lives,’’ she said.

The Chief Operating Officer of the foundation, Mrs Dolapo Oyedipe, called on residents to explore the opportunity of free medical checkup provided by the foundation, saying that it had attended to more than 35,000 people at no cost  to them.

NAN reports that the week-long anniversary programme will continue till Friday with several programmes lined  up such as symposium and free medical screening. (NAN)
MAM/OJO
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(Edited and controlled by Mufutau Ojo)

NAN-HG-4
Collaboration
By Omowunmi Alake/Esenvosa Izah
Lagos, Sept. 27, 2016 (NAN) An Associate Professor of Nursing, Dr Florence Adeyemo, on Tuesday called for improved inter-professional collaboration to enhance the nation’s healthcare delivery.

Adeyemo made the call at a seminar organised by the West African College of Nursing (WACN) in Lagos.

Theme of the seminar is: “Advancing Nursing and Healthcare: The Emerging Possibilities.’’

According to her, a good working relationship between physicians and nurses is a critical factor toward improving better patients’ outcomes and more efficient use of resources.

“Nurses are in the position to coordinate care among the various healthcare providers across various healthcare settings.

“This will assist in developing well-functioning team as delivery care is becoming complex, with different professional perspectives in training and philosophy.

“It becomes more beneficial if the different healthcare providers can collaborate in the care of patients from their professional perspectives,’’ Adeyemo said.

She also said that achieving significant growth in community health services would require widely accessible and sustainable healthcare system.

“For decades, the focus of the Nigerian healthcare system has been on curative services in spite of the introduction of primary healthcare, which predominantly focuses on treating acute illnesses, communicable diseases and injuries.

“It is pertinent to note that acute illnesses and injuries will never disappear, because most healthcare problems facing the nation today relate to chronic conditions such as mental health and diabetes.

“Another problem is health disparities which are inequities in the burden of diseases, injuries, or deaths experienced by socially disadvantaged groups.

“Advancing healthcare coupled with the changing economics and general changes in the workforce call for reforms of the healthcare systems.

“Stakeholders need to focus on community setting and provide integrated and effective services for the patients’ need,’’ the expert said.

Adeyemo said there was need for patient-centered care built on the principle that individuals should be the final arbiters in deciding the type of treatment and care they received.

According to her, studies have shown that involving patients more directly in the management of their own condition results in significant improvement in health outcomes.

“The current practice in our healthcare organisations is that healthcare service is usually organised around what is most convenient for the providers and not for the patients.

“Patients are given appointments to fit the needs of the system.

“If primary care is introduced into our healthcare system, the needed information, counselling, education and coaching to help patients make informed decisions will be given sufficient attention,’’ she said.

Also, the Executive Secretary of WACN, Mrs Henrietta Okedo, urged nurses to focus on new technologies in healthcare education and service in Nigeria.

“It is necessary for nurses to be up to date with new technological innovations that will enhance their service delivery methods.

“There is need for senior nurses to be involved in the planning and implementation of new healthcare technology to ensure that it is appropriate and practical for frontline workers,’’ Okedo advised. (NAN)
AOI/EEI/VIV/GOK
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(Edited by Vivian Ihechu/controlled by Olagoke Olatoye)

NAN-ELS-12

Staff

Bayelsa, Sept.27, 2016 (NAN) Dr Barclays Ayakoroma, the Executive Secretary, National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), has urged members of staff of the organisation to work as a team to ensure better service delivery.

Ayakoroma said this at the South-South Zonal office of NICO in Yenagoa during a one-day working visit to the zone and to witness the rehearsal of the Bayelsa State Art Council cultural Troupe.

According to him, the rehearsal is in preparation for the 2016 edition of the National Festival for Arts and Culture (NAFEST) festival scheduled to hold at Uyo from October 2 to October 8.

He charged the officers to be hardworking, dedicated, and develop their intellectual capacities for greater task ahead.

“You should not see the Institute as your last bus stop, but rather a stepping stone to greater heights in your careers.

“You must work as a team and collaborate with other sister agencies in the state to make the South-South Zonal Office an exemplary one.’’

Responding, Mr Nelson Campbell, the Director/Zonal Coordinator NICO South-South commended the executive secretary for his visit.

“We commend the Chief Executive for always working towards taking the Institute to the next level of greatness and we assure you of the zone’s commitment and cooperation.’’ (NAN)

EPA/EEE

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Edited by Ese E. Ekama