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  • Nigeria recorded 75,000 new HIV infections in 2023 — NACA

    Nigeria recorded 75,000 new HIV infections in 2023 — NACA

    Stakeholders at a two-day National HIV Prevention Technical Working Group (NPTWG) meeting organised by National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) on Wednesday in Abuja.
    HIV
    By Justina Auta
    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Dr Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said 75,000 new infected HIV cases and 45,000 HIV-related deaths were recorded in 2023.
    She made this known at a two-day  National Prevention Technical Working Group (NPTWG) meeting organised by NACA in Abuja on Wednesday.
    She said although there is gradual reduction in new HIV infections, there is need to implement the recommendations made at the 2024 Nigeria HIV Prevention conference and ongoing meeting to eradicate HIV/AIDS by 2030.
    She added that “it is disheartening to know that in 2023, we had as much as 75,000 new infections and 45,000 HIV-related deaths.
    “This is a cause for concern. And we also know that even in our Mother-To-Child Transmission, we are just about 35 to 40 per cent as against the 75 per cent target. So, we know we have a lot of work to do.”
    Prof. Muhammad Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, therefore, urged stakeholders to discuss progress on actions and strategies taken toward preventing HIV transmission.
    Pate, who was represented by Dr Bashorun Adebobola, the National Coordinator, National AIDS/STI Control Programme (NASCP), said: “we should strengthen our communication strategies in such a way that we can pass the right message.
    “Even though we have made impressive gains, it does not mean that we are still not at risk or threat of a rebound of the infection and this is where  communication needs to be strengthened so that we can achieve that overall goal before 2030.”
    Dr Leo Zekeng, UNAIDS Country Director and Representative in Nigeria, noted that the nation, and many countries, are not on track to meeting the 2025 prevention target.
    He said that ” in spite of remarkable progress, prevention of new HIV infections is still a challenge, as many countries, including Nigeria are not on track to meeting the  2025 prevention target.
    “We are here as UNAIDS and UN system in support and solidarity to government’s efforts to address HIV prevention and appreciate the renewed and continued leadership of NACA on HIV prevention.
    “From the 2023 estimates, 45,000 deaths and 75,000 new infections is huge.
    We still have a lot to do.”
    Zekeng suggested that the roadmap to be developed should include quarterly performance framework for accountability and progress monitoring.
    On his part, Mr Abdulkadir Ibrahim, the National Coordinator, Network of People Living with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN), stressed the need for HIV treatment as best option for prevention.
    He said “once someone is living with HIV, he/she must adhere to medications, then definitely the chances of transmitting HIV to another person is zero.”
    Evans Emerson, Deputy Country Coordinator, U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), emphasised the inclusion of youths, key populations and others to eliminate HIV as a public threat.
    Emerson reiterated the commitment of the U.S. to support with funding to implement innovative strategies and approaches to HIV prevention and treatment in Nigeria.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NACA director-general also unveiled the 2024 HIV Prevention Conference Technical Report and Communique. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    JAD/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Germany reports rise in drug-related crimes, deaths

    Deaths

    Berlin, June 26, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Germany has seen an increase in drug-related crime in 2023, with figures for trafficking, consumption, and deaths all rising.

    This is according to a report published by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) on Wednesday.

    The report says that a total of almost 347,000 drug-related offences were recorded, 1.8 per cent more than in the previous year.

    While it says that consumption rose by 1 per cent and trafficking by as much as 6 per cent.

    Trafficking of hard and soft drugs via social media is on the rise, with increasing availability for young people, according to BKA.

    However, the number of drug-related deaths in Germany has risen continuously in recent years and had reached 2,227 in 2023.

    “An effective fight against internationally organised drug-related crime requires a holistic approach,” said BKA vice president Martina Link in a statement, adding that state institutions, law enforcement authorities, and the private sector must pull together.”

    Cannabis, which was recently partially legalised in Germany, remained the drug with the most offences in 2023, accounting for two-thirds of all cases.

    A total of around 24.6 tones of the drugs marijuana and hashish which are produced from the plant were seized.

    Europe’s North Sea ports “have become the most important gateways for the import of narcotics,” Link said.

    “Increasing escalation of violence, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, shows us the many dangers this poses to the state and society,” she warned.

    To curb the import of drugs by sea, the European Union had established a port alliance at the beginning of the year.

    “We want to achieve tougher and internationally coordinated action against trafficking in cocaine and other drugs,” said German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser in January. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HS

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

  • Let’s rally round Tinubu to salvage Nigeria – Shettima

    Nigeria

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday called on the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other appointees of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rally round the president to salvage the country.

    The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha in a statement, said Shettima spoke when he received a high-powered presidential delegation in Kano to condole with him over the loss of his mother-in-law.

    The vice-president , who reiterated the president’s genuine leadership, maintained that Tinubu meant well for the nation.

    He said, ” I want to register my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending such a high-level delegation to condole with us over the sad demise of our mother. That portrays the purity of heart and empathy of the President.”

    ” I wish to call on all of us to rally round him and see to it that we salvage this nation together.

    ” It’s not a game of apportioning blame. It’s a game of making this country work and if Nigeria works, Africa works. No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn.

    ” We are facing security challenges across this country, but the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership and determined to address the problem of insecurity facing the entire nation.”

    Shettima expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Kano State for hosting him and members of his family for the past three days.

    “Everyone that has come here is welcomed by the Governor. We have gone beyond politics. We are now in the phase of governance and what binds us together triumphs whatever that divides us,” he added.

    On arrival in Kano, the delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was received by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano.

    While delivering the president’s condolence message to Shettima, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu felt saddened about the passing of Shettima’s mother-in-law and sent his deepest sympathy and prayers.

    ” The President has sent us to commiserate with you and your family. He sends his best wishes, his prayers, his thoughts to you and your wife and the entire family of the deceased.

    ” Mr President has asked that we convey to you his deepest sympathy and his prayers that the Almighty Allah grant our mother Aljannah Firdaus and forgive her sins.

    ” It’s indeed saddening that she died. We commiserate with you on behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the government and on behalf of his cabinet and the whole federal government of Nigeria,” he said.

    Other members of the delegation included the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Transport, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,  Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo,  among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

    ===============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • GBV: WRAPA trains volunteers in Northeast

    GBV: WRAPA trains volunteers in Northeast

    Training

    By Hajara Leman

    Gombe, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Women Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA), has held three days training, aimed at building the capacity of its newly recruited volunteers for effective documentation of Gender Based Violence (GBV) Cases.

    Mr Mohammed Maifada, Community Mobilisation Officer of WRAPA, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Gombe on Wednesday.

    Maifada said WRAPA, as a non-profit organisation, was committed to increasing women’s access to justice through legal means.

    He said the organisation recruited 60 volunteers across the six states in the North East.

    “In this region, Borno, Yobe and Taraba states were not as effective as Bauchi Gombe and Adamawa, hence the need for us to strengthen their capacity for effective coverage.

    ” This is because the volunteers are the ones to identify problems at the community level to support survivors and victims of Gender-Based Violence to secure justice.

    “ Also to ensure that women and girls are not left behind in decision-making, peace building, Social and gender inclusion,” he said.

    Hajiya Lami Buba, the Zonal coordinator of WRAPA, said the meeting was made possible by the grant given to the organisation by the Ford Foundation, to assess its progress and challenges.

    Buba said even youth volunteers had joined the meeting.

    ” This is because we want them to mobilise the public to create awareness and ensure acceptance of WRAPA activities in their communities.

    “ From the beginning, the organisation had hurdles from mainly males because of their domination of women.

    “We want the participants to understand WRAPA very well so that they will mobilise support from the communities;” she said.

    According to her, discrimination against women and girls starts from birth, because most families choose to send only male children to school, while on the other hand, some men also prevent their wives from working to earn a living.

    She said some of the achievements recorded were the establishment of women centres in various places to take care of women who were being discriminated against by their husbands or in-laws.

    Buba said WRAPA also took legal measures to ensure that no girl was prevented from going to school.

    Mrs. Anita Dogo, Gombe State coordinator of WRAPA, said the organisation was doing well and making impact in Gombe.

    ” We have fought Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP), and now working on Violence Against Women and Girls,” Dogo said.

    The coordinator said WRAPA had sponsored and won legal cases for victims of rape in the state. (NAN)

    HUL/DOR
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    Edited by Nyisom Fiyigon Dore

  • Abure/Apapa reunion: LP wants NLC to resolve differences with party chairman

     

    Abure/Apapa reunion: LP  wants NLC to resolve differences with Chairman

    LP

    By Adeyemi Adeleye
    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The decision of the  Alhaji Lamidi Apapa-led faction of the Labour Party  to back Mr Julius Abure as the National Chairman is a commendable step.

    National Deputy Chairman of LP, Dr Ayo Olorunfemi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

     

    He said the faction had taken  the path of wisdom by recognising Abure.

     

    According to him , LP is waiting for the party’s parent body, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to resolve its differences with stakeholders in the party,particularly the chairman.

     

    “It (Apapa/Abure reunion) is a welcome development and we are expecting NLC to also take the same path of wisdom.

    “Now ,Nigerians can now understand that all the allegations levied against our National Chairman are politically motivated.

    “I must tell you that some of the elements fighting him (Abure) from NLC are doing so on the strength of that same allegations.

    “It is now over and the need for a united front is now,” Olorunfemi, the Ondo State LP governorship candidate in the forthcoming gubernatorial poll, said.

    On the transition committee set up by NLC, the LP chieftain described it as an exercise in futility.

    Olorunfemi, a former labour union leader, said ,”The union is guided by its constitution and there  is no provision in the LP constitution that grants NLC any power to do what it is doing.”

    “Concerning the national convention, NLC, just like TUC, has only 3 delegates out of over 200.

    “Everything before and during the convention were done in line with the party ‘sconstitution and the Electoral Act.

    “It will be good for NLC too to follow the path of honour and nominate its statutory representative  to join the NWC.”he said

    NAN recalls that the LP was engulfed in leadership crisis shortly after the 2023 general elections,leading to the factionalisation of the party along  the Apapa-led National Working Committee (NWC) and the incumbent Abure-led NWC.

    A court later  restrained  Abure and three others from parading themselves as national officers of the party.

     

    Abure ,supported by the NLC ,fought fiercely to reclaim his seat and was later affirmed as the party Chairman .

    However, Abure later fell out of favour with the NLC, following a contentious national convention held in Anambra, that returned him and all loyal members of his faction to office  on March 27. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AYO/BHB

    Edited by Buhari Bolaji

  • FG set to boost livestock business, strengthen PPP drive

    Livestock

    By Muhammad Nasir

    Sokoto, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has embraced the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiative to enhance productive and commercially-viable livestock production, aiming to boost the economy.

    Mr Sanusi Abubakar,  National Coordinator of the L-PRES World Bank Project in Nigeria, made the  assertion during a tour and assessment exercise in Sokoto State on Wednesday.

    L–PRES is a six-year project with a ‘Project Development Objective (PDO)’ to improve livestock productivity, resilience, and commercialization of selected value chains.

    Abubakar stated that the PPP drive aimed  to encourage, boost, and sustain entrepreneurial activities within the livestock sector of agriculture.

    “The Federal Government is committed to the responsive implementation of its plans. This visit is to assess the state’s preparedness in achieving the project’s objectives,” he said.

    He emphasised that the government’s commitment included ensuring an enhanced PPP drive for reliable and profitable utilisation of key drivers and components.

    “Today, we visited the state’s modern abattoir and dairy plant, among other critical facilities.

    ”We learnt about their production capacities through various stages of the process, from start to finish.

    “I assure you that we are determined to strengthen both the quantity and quality of production through sustained intervention,” Abubakar explained.

    He further said that Sokoto state has reached stage two of the positive driver, allowing L-PRES to advance its mission.

    Abubakar highlighted that finance remained  a crucial component of the project and assured that access to funding would be facilitated for those in the business.

    He commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu for his efforts in repositioning all aspects of agriculture for viability.

    Earlier, Malam Abdullahi Mijinyawa, the State Chairman of the Livestock and Butchers’ Association, extolled the L-PRES intervention in the state.

    He said that more cows, camels, and meat would be produced in larger quantities for both commercial and local consumption, including by-products.

    Mijinyawa added that their members have the capacity to meet public demand, adding, “modern abattoir facilities and installations are available to fast-track production levels.

    “All we need is sustained intervention to enhance the business for economic prosperity in our state and beyond.”  (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    BMN/CHOM/BRM

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    Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Bashir Rabe Mani

     

     

     

  • Court remands 2 who allegedly strangled, dismembered woman

    Court remands 2 who allegedly strangled, dismembered woman

     

     

     

    Remanded

    By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

    Ibadan, June 26, 2024 (NAN) An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Wednesday, remanded two men – Temitope Arinola, 45, and Mufutau Kola, 42 – who allegedly strangled and dismembered a woman.

     

    The defendants, who have no fixed address, are charged with conspiracy and murder.

     

    The Magistrate, Mrs Adebola Adeola, did not take their pleas for want of jurisdiction.

     

    She directed the police to return the case file to Oyo State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

     

    She adjourned the case until July 30 for mention.

     

    The prosecutor, Insp Iyabo Oladoyin, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on May 17, about 1.30 p.m. on Akinyele- Ojoo Expressway, Ibadan.

     

    She alleged that the defendants unlawfully caused the death of one Mrs Eniola Shakirat by strangling and dismembering her.

     

    She said that the offences contravene Sections 516 and 324 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

    CC/IGO

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    Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

  • Nigerian athletes for Paris Paralympics begin camping in Abuja, Lagos

    Camping

    By Vivian Ibobo

    Lagos, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Sunday Odebode, President, Paralympics Committee of Nigeria (PCN), on Wednesday in Lagos said their athletes for the upcoming Games in Paris had started camping ahead of the event.

    Odebode added that the para-athletes and para-badminton players would be in Abuja for their camping, while the para-powerlifting and para-table tennis athletes would be in Lagos for the exercise.

    ”As you are all aware, the paralympic games is around the corner, and we at PCN are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure adequate preparations for our athletes, hence the decision to commence camping in earnest.

    ”This will put the athletes in good shape during the games where we hope to excel and make the country proud,” he said.

    The PCN President also said its other federations would soon begin their camping once venues were secured.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the paralympic games will hold from Aug. 28 to Sept. 8 in Paris.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    IZU/DOE
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    Edited by Dianabasi Effiong

  • Myanmar burns seized narcotics to mark World Drug Day

    Narcotics

    Yangon, June 26, 2024 (Xinhua/NAN) Myanmar authorities on Wednesday burnt seized narcotics in Yangon, Mandalay, Taunggyi and over 20 townships to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

    The Information Team of the State Administration Council reported.

    The report said that a total of 77 kinds of narcotics and chemicals were burnt on the occasion.

    It said the burnt narcotics included 1,366 kg of opium, 2,178 kg of heroin, 239 million stimulant tablets, 23,393 kg of ICE, 1,775 kg of kratom powder.

    Others include 1,257 kg of cannabis, 4,165 kg of ketamine and 12 kg of brown opium powder.

    Chairman of the State Administration Council, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in his World Drug Day message,said Myanmar is facing challenges related to opium poppy cultivation, synthetic drug production and drug abuse.

    He said that to address the narcotics issues, the Central Committee for Drug Abuse Control has been established, and its tasks are carried out as a national duty.

    He added that Myanmar has been actively engaged in fighting against drug activities in collaboration with neighboring countries. (Xinhua/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    HS

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    Edited by Halima Sheji

     

  • Drop your arms, embrace dialogue – COAS advises agitators, others

    Drop your arms, embrace dialogue – COAS advises agitators, others

    Arms

    By Ahmed Kaigama

    Bauchi, June 26, 2024 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja has advised Nigerians bearing arms against the country to drop their arms, seek dialogue and other reasonable means to address grievances.

    He made the call in Bauchi on Wednesday during the inauguration of the newly constructed Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Headquarters complex, reunion and pulling out parade of some retired senior officers.

    Lagbaja said that it was only in a peaceful atmosphere that the economy of any country could thrive, hence the need for all to embrace peace.

    “My appeal to Nigerians who have taken up arms against the state is that they see reason that it is only in an atmosphere of peace that people can experience progress and all those things that they deserve from the government, the states, can be realised.

    “I appeal to them that they should drop their arms, seek dialogue and other means through which grievances can be addressed,” he said.

    Lagbaja also sezed the occasion to charge the troops to continue to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to the task that the army has been charged with.

    He urged the officers and men of the Nigerian Army not to relent, adding “regardless of the challenges that we face in all the theatres, they must continue to remain resolute till we accomplish peace and security in the nation”.

    The COAS explained that his presence in Bauchi was also to interact with the troops as they formed the backbone of the fighting force as well as the bedrock of the things the Nigerian Army do.

    He said that all challenges raised by the troops ranging from promotion, non-payment of salary, personnels accounts domiciled in  Heritage bank, participation in peacekeeping among others, would be addressed in no distant time.

    “Most especially, those challenges that border on their pay and allowances and that’s why I asked them to send messages directly to me because it is of utmost importance to me and they will be addressed,” the COAS assured.

    Also speaking, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Sa’ad Abubakar III, urged the Nigerian Army not to allow tribalism into their affairs, stressing that it could divide the army and the country at large.

    “You are in the military now and so many things have been geared towards where you come from, who is a Muslim, who is a Christian, who is Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba in the country.

    “We never knew these things so many years ago.

    “Please, don’t allow this thing to creep into the army for that would be the one thing that will divide the army and even the country,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other projects inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff included the newly constructed Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Fire Service Station and Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Filling Station.

    Also lined up as part of activities during the visit of the COAS to Bauchi is the pulling out of 11 senior officers of the Armoured Corps, comprised of seven Major Generals and four Brigadier Generals. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    MAK/AOS
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    Edited by Bayo Sekoni

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