Blog

Health officials reiterate commitment on HIV/AIDS response
By Talatu Maiwada
HIV/AIDS
Abuja, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Cross River Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, and other State Health Officials, have reaffirmed their commitment to support and scale up funding in HIV and AIDS response.
They renewed their various commitments at the 2018 stakeholders’ strategic review meeting on HIV/AIDS, organised by AIDS Health Care Foundation (AHF), on Monday in Abuja.
Asibong said the state has designed a sustainability road map for HIV and AIDS response to ensure that every aspect of the programme was adequately funded.
“The HIV prevalence rate in Cross River has declined from 12 per cent in 2003 to 6.6 per cent currently; this has been made possible by the government and support from AHF and our partners.
“The state has also commenced its Domestic Resource Mobilisation due to the dwindling funds by international donors and has increased its health budget from 3.5 per cent to 10 per cent this year.
“The state also has budget line for HIV and AIDS, this is important because some persons living with the virus are indigent, and it is our responsibility to care for them,’’ Asibong said.
She commended the effort of AHF as a credible partner providing free HIV and AIDS services and media advocacy in the state.
On his part, Dr Humphery Okoroukwu, Director Public Health, Health and Human Services Secretariat, FCT, commended the Administration as well as AHF for their immense support to HIV/AIDS in the FCT.
Okoroukwu said that AHF are presently working in 17 health facilities in five Area Councils across the FCT, with about 3,620 clients in care and 3,496 clients in treatment.
Dr Jonathan Terna-Kur, Director Public Health, Benue Ministry of Health, said that the Fast Track Initiative by the federal government to place 100,000 clients on treatment was a laudable one.
He said the project which commenced in 2017, was to increase the number of clients on treatment who have tested positive in order to reduce the prevalence of HIV in the country.
Terna-Kur added the state has a prevalence rate of 15.4 per cent, while appreciating AHF for its immense and consistent support over the years in providing free HIV/AIDS services in the state.
Mr Eric Akoji, Kogi AIDS Programme Coordinator, said the state government has made commitment to partners and was providing an enabling environment for stakeholders to ensure that HIV/AIDS programme was sustained.
Akoji explained that key stakeholders in the state have established an HIV fund to raise requisite funds through individuals and organisations.
He said the fund would be invested through a sustainable plan to push the AIDS response.
Dr Uchechukwu Onyejimbe, Director, Public Health and Diseases Control, Anambra Ministry of Health, affirmed that the impact of AHF work in providing free HIV services has helped in the decline of its prevalence.
“Presently, AHF is our dominant partner in the state, and we commend them for their consistent commitment in providing care for our people.
“Our sustainability plan for the state has been clearly stated; currently we have increased our health budget from 30 million to 300 million, part of which will fund the HIV response.
“We will also ensure there is no gap in providing drugs, maintaining health facilities, training of health personnel.
“The effort will help build the capacity for a sustainable HIV response in the state,’’ Onyejimbe said. (NAN)
TIM/VOE/MST
Edited by Vivian Emoni/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Nations Cup

France, Sept. 3, 2018 (Reuters/NAN) France will return to the football pitch for the first time since being crowned World Cup champions without their captain and goalkeeper Hugo Lloris.

They will face a Germany team looking to recover from their humiliating early exit in Russia.

France coach Didier Deschamps said the injured Lloris would be replaced on Thursday by Montpellier’s Benjamin Lecomte.

“Lloris is out for the next two matches,” Deschamps told a news conference without saying who his captain would be.

A young France team beat Croatia 4-2 in a pulsating final that suggested a changing of the guard in world football.

Antoine Griezmann lived up to his star billing and Kylian Mbappe became the first teenager to score in a World Cup final since Brazilian Pele 60 years ago.

Les Bleus will face Germany in the opening match of UEFA’s Nations League, a new tournament designed mainly to replace friendly internationals.

Deschamps announced his 23-man squad last week, keeping faith in the youthful group that won France’s second World Cup 20 years after Les Bleus lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998.

His team will still be “riding the wave”, he said before cautioning that life moves on.

“It’s what happens on the pitch that counts. They did what they did. It was sublime.

“ But now there’s a new adventure with the Nations League and then in March with the Euro 2020 qualifiers,” Deschamps said.

Deschamps defended star striker Mbappe who was sent off in the closing stages of Paris St Germain’s weekend game against Nimes.

The teenager lost his cool after a poor challenge and shoving Teji Savanier to the ground.

“Kylian makes his opponents suffer. He knows he plays a game that revolves around his speed, his explosive acceleration. And so he is more exposed,” Deschamps said.

“He’s been punished, he’s still young, it’s situations like that where he has to control himself.”

Germany were knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage for the first time since 1938. (Reuters/NAN)

KIA/AFA

Edited by Felix Ajide

Religion

By Victor Adeoti

Osogbo, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Prof. Afolorunsho Dairo of the  Redeemer’s University in  Ede, Osun, has called on the Federal Government to establish a Ministry of Religious Affairs.

The don said that the ministry should also be saddled with the responsibility of settling religious crises rearing their heads across the country.

Dairo, a professor of Biblical Studies and African Christian Hermeneutics, made the suggestion while delivering the 5th Inaugural lecture of the university on Monday in Ede.

He spoke on the theme: “Postmodernism and Contemporary Understanding of Biblical Interpretation: A reflection on African Biblical Hermeneutics.’’

Dairo said that states and local government council areas should also work toward establishing such ministry so as to put an end to religious crises in the country.

He said, “Instead of spending so much in settling religious crisis which is a fire brigade approach, the Federal Government must establish a ministry of Religious Affairs and put people of integrity in charge.

“Not those who will be there to favour a particular group of people or religion or serve the interest of those who put them there.

“This will help in settling religious crises in the country”.

Dairo speaking on the post modernism interpretation of the scriptures, said that it was painful that many pastors were misinterpreting the bible for selfish reasons.

He said, “Most members in the church rely mainly on pastors’ interpretation of the scriptures.

“Unfortunately, many of the pastors lack theological education; they only claim reliance on the spirit of God which they don’t have.

“In most cases, one is left to wonder whether the Bible used in those days is still the same bible being used today.

“What makes the difference is the interpretation and the watering down of the message of the scripture which can hardly be detached from struggle for power, leadership position and to become proprietors or proprietresses of churches”.

Dairo said as a result of contemporary biblical interpretations, the spiritual value of Christianity had been lost.

“In the olden days, sinners went home weeping or sober but today, sinners go home rejoicing.

“The ancient people were going to church with their bodies covered with clothes and focused on inner beauty.

“But the modern people wear mini-skirts to show their nakedness and in fact, everything on her is artificial.

“All these boil down to post modernism interpretation of the scriptures,” Dairo said. (NAN)

VE/CHOM/PAD
=============

Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Peter Dada

Expert urges FG to address manufacturers’ challenges to boost economy
Manufacturers
By Lilian Okoro
Lagos, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) A financial expert, Mr Boniface Okezie, on Monday called on the Federal Government to tackle the challenges facing manufacturers to grow the nation’s Gross Domestic Products (GDP) to enhance the economy and the capital market.
Okezie, who is also the President of Shareholders Association of Nigeria (SAN), made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.
According to him, manufacturers are the major drivers of economic growth, and if they can operate optimally, there will be employment opportunities and this will boost GDP, the economy and invariably the capital market.
“There is no magic that will strengthen the naira and ensure availability of dollars when the country has been import-dependent.
“The manufacturers are suffering from inability to source dollars for raw materials due to high exchange rate, epileptic power supply and economic instability among others.
“The way forward is for the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for the manufacturers to operate effectively,” he said.
The expert said an enabling environment and stable policy would encourage foreign investors to bring hard currencies into the economy and lower the exchange rate.
Meanwhile, an analysis of transactions in the capital market last week showed that a total of 1.533 billion shares worth N23.026 billion were traded by investors in 17,009 deals.
This was in contrast with a total of 968.947 million shares valued at N10.246 billion exchanged in 9,654 deals the previous week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by turnover) led the week’s activity chart with 1.218 billion shares valued at N12.634 billion traded in 10,132 deals.
The Conglomerates Industry followed with 70.807 million shares worth N120.611 million in 803 deals.
The third place was occupied by Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 58.505 million shares worth N3.422 billion in 2,624 deals.
The All-Share Index during the period lost 577.72 points or 1.63 per cent to close at 34,848.45 against 35,426.17 posted in the preceding week.
Also, the market capitalisation which opened at N12.933 trillion shed N211 billion or 1.63 per cent to close at N12.722 trillion.
NAN reports that 34 equities depreciated in price, lower than 45 equities of the previous week.
IkejaHotel topped the losers’ chart in percentage terms by 18.64 per cent or 52k to close at N2.27 per share.
First Aluminium trailed with a loss of 15 per cent or 6k to close at 34k, while Glaxosmith shed 14.38 per cent or N2.20 to close at N13.10 per share.
Conversely, Portland Paints led the gainers’ table in percentage terms by 20.65 per cent or 15k to close at N2.98 per share.
AIICO Insurance followed with a gain of 17.14 per cent or 12k to close at 82k, while PZ Cussons appreciated by 14.94 per cent or N1.95 to close at N15 per share. (NAN)
LUC/GOM/SA

Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Salif Atojoko
==================================

Assessment

By Kelechi Ogunleye

Abuja, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, the Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on Monday urged officers of the Corps to be transparent in the assessment of the corps’ performance.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Boboye made the call while declaring the 3^rd Quarter 2018 Corps Marshal Strategy Session opened at the FRSC Headquarters in Abuja.

He said that the success of any purpose-driven organisation lied in its prowess to diligently, transparently and truthfully assess its performance on a regular basis.

He noted that this was the only way the organisation could retain relevance or continue to add value to the lives of the citizens.

“As has become our tradition, since the beginning of the year, we have continuously monitored our performance and evaluated them on quarterly basis.

“Today, for the third time in the year, we are gathered to see how well our efforts have taken us in delivering on our commitment and to exploit new ideas to surmount issues that have confronted our operations.

“This is to ensure value addition to the corps operations for the rest of the year.

“More so, as these are the critical EMBER months usually characterised by all the dynamics of Road Safety, and to harmonise them for deployment,’’ he said.

The corps marshal stressed that his administration operated on a standard bearing of a set of organisational style, adding that these values have guided the operation of the corps.

“As you are all aware that at the beginning of this administration, I did commit the corps to a standard bearing of organisational style whose bedrock was a tripod Consultation, Reward and Punishment.

“This session is in continuation of the first value of the tripod.

“You will also recall that at the beginning of the year, we did assign to ourselves quadruple strategic goals to accomplish within the year 2018 after going through a rigorous strategy planning session.

“These goals which include; enhancement of communication, social media and technology, improvement of enforcement and rescue services, reduction in road traffic crashes by 15 percent and fatality by 30 percent.

“Enhancement of professionalism and promotion of ease of doing business as well as stakeholders cooperation, have guided our operation,’’ he said.

He therefore urged officers and men of the corps to continue the good work by remaining committed to the National and International development goals, including the Nigeria Economic Recovery and Growth Plan and Sustainable Development Goals.

He appreciated the Federal Government for its logistics, moral, legislative and budgetary support to the corps.

“This kind gesture has indeed inspired the corps to better performance and there has been no other way to reciprocate than to continue to improve on daily basis on its approach to ever dynamics of FRSC in Nigeria.

“Another area the federal government has demonstrated its believe in the corps is the recent renewal of the tenure of the corps marshal

“This resound impact is on every individual member of the corps as having contributed to the novel, since inception of the corps in 1988,’’ he said.

NAN also reports that in attendance at the strategy session were 12 Zonal Commanding Officers and 37 Sector Commanders. (NAN)

KAYC/AMY

Edited by Abdullahi Yusuf

4 commercial banks donate N980m to Police in 2017
Contributions
By Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
Lagos, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Four commercial banks donated a total of N980 million to the Nigerian Police Force in 2017 to support its activities, with the banks incurring the wrath of their shareholders.
Checks by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) indicated that the banks were United Bank of Africa (UBA), Guaranty Trust Bank, FCMB Group and Fidelity Bank.
A breakdown of the figures contained in the commercial banks’ 2017 annual reports obtained by NAN showed that UBA gave the sum of N300 million during the review period.
Guaranty Trust Bank also donated N300 million, FCMB and Fidelity Bank contributed N180 million each.

Speaking on the contributions, Mr Moses Igbrude, Publicity Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said that the donations were not voluntary but imposed on banks in the name of improving security.
Igbrude said the donations should be voluntarily and not by force, noting that it was not the duty of the banks to fund the Police Force.
“While I have no problem with corporate bodies contributing or donating toward improving or assisting the NPF it should not be by force or seen as if it is the banks’ duty to fund the Police Force.
“Anything that increases expenses and reduces the value of an investment is not what shareholders will support,” he said.
Igbrude said the burden on banks was so much, and that they provide everything for themselves despite the taxes they paid to the government.
“A branch of a bank is like a local government, it provides water, light, security and other things necessary to run that branch.
“You want banks to create employment, to kick start the economy by providing funding yet they are burdened with various impediment like AMCON levies, among others.
“So what is the role of government in all these?” Igbrude asked.
He said the government and the regulators should allow the managements of banks to contribute to security through their individual corporate social responsibility initiatives rather than by compulsion.
Mr Boniface Okezie, National Coordinator, Progressive Shareholders Association of Nigeria, said there was nothing wrong with the donations provided it was channelled for specified purpose.
Okezie said banks should identify urgent needs of the police such as accommodation or provision portable boreholes.
He said the provision of basic amenities would be preferable instead of donating cash.
Okezie said shareholders should not be shortchanged, and that every fund was important when it had to do with return on investment.
Also speaking, Mazi Okechukwu Unegbu, former President, Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, said it was the responsibility of the government to provide security for its citizens and to make the business environment right for businesses to thrive.
He said the donations by banks were meant to secure banks facilities and the environment around the banks, noting that the support started a long time ago.
Unegbu said the question remained whether the police utilised the money for the purpose it was meant.
He said the banks were trying in terms of support but could not control the police or do more than contributing the money.
According to him, in other countries banks do not fund the Police because they have good security environment contributed by various police divisions unlike Nigeria where it is centralised.
He, however, called on banks to sponsor specific projects that would affect the lives of the police instead of donating funds.
Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella, Professor of Economics, Olabisi Onabanjo University Ago-Iwoye, told NAN that banks, just like any organization, must engage in corporate social responsibility (CSR).
“Since the Police assist the banks in security matter, it is important that part of the CSR be spent on them as organisations not individuals.
“For example, purchase of vehicles for operations can be taken up under CSR, not building police station.
However, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo, Fidelity Bank Managing Director, told the shareholders recently that it was an initiative of the Bankers’ Committee aimed at supporting the Nigerian Police.
Okonkwo said that the committee agreed to support the police by equipping them and as well as provide other things needed to make their jobs easier. (NAN)
JNC/SA
Edited by Salif Atojoko
================

Beggars

By Sunday John

Lafia, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa has tasked Islamic teachers (Malams) to stop sending their students to the streets to beg.

He said that the increasing rate of child beggars in the state was becoming worrisome.

The governor expressed this concern in Lafia on Monday while addressing the newly employed 2,140 graduates and NCE holders as teachers.

He decried the rate at which children continued to loiter the streets of major towns begging, saying that such would no longer be tolerated.

The governor, however, said that in the interim, the state government would not sanction any child found begging.

He said that the government would do everything possible to take them off the road.

He said that the government would soon put into use the “Almajeri’’ School that the Federal Government built in the state.

“In addition to the “Almajeri’’ School, our government will also discuss with Islamic teachers (Malams) to see reasons with us and stop sending their students to the streets to beg.

“Even, if it means the state government giving the Islamic teachers in the state little allowances every month to keep their students off the streets,” he said.

Al-Makura explained that government would take it upon itself to train those discovered to be interested in different skills.

He also assured the citizens of the state that his government would continue to improve their lives through the implementation of positive policies until his last day in office. (NAN)

SDJ/KOLE/PAD

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

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Peter Dada

Over 10m uncollected PVCs: INEC partners NCC to send sms to owners

PVCs
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, Sept. 3, 2018 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it is partnering with the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) to send messages to owners of the uncollected Permanent Voter Cards (PVC).

A National Commissioner of INEC, Mr Soyebi Adedeji, made this known on Monday in Abuja at the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room Dialogue Session on Osun Election.

Adedeji said that the measure became imperative in order to remind Nigerians of their civic duty so as to ensure a successful electoral process.

He said that the number of uncollected PVCs with the commission was of great concern, adding that this number could determine who wins or loses elections.

“The Continuous Voter Registration has come to an end and INEC has other things to concentrate on since election is a matter of a chain of events.

“Before the end of the CVR the commission as at last week had 10 million uncollected PVCs in its possession, now with the end of the CRV there are additional 14 million registrant cards to be processed within 165 days.

“People need to come and collect their PVCs; it is not just about registering, collection is the most important thing. When people register, the collection is always less than 50 per cent.

“We need to find a way to see what we can do about collection so we have decided to partner with NCC to alert Nigerians on the status of their cards,’’ the commissioner said.

Adedeji said that 46 political parties out of the 91 registered had notified the commission about their primaries and when their activities would pick up.

He urged CSOs to partner with INEC to monitor the activities of political parties to ensure that parties played the game according to the rules.

He said there was need for the parties to follow and respect their rules since they made it to ensure internal democracy and respect for their constitutions, stressing that it was the basis of democracy.

The commissioner said that the call for parties to respect the law they made in their parties was necessary in order to forestall too many legal cases after elections.

Adedeji said that between the last election and September 2018, INEC had appeared in court 1000 times due to lack of internal democracy in parties.

He said that INEC has trained ad hoc staff and had made relevant preparations for the Osun election, adding that the secrecy of balloting was also being looked at.

Mr Clement Nwankwo, Convener, Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room, a coalition of civil society organisations, assured INEC of its support in ensuring free, fair and credible elections.

Nwankwo said that the legislation on electoral offences should be passed if executive was serious about good governance and called for the passage of other bills relating to elections to strengthen the process.

He also called for the neutrality of security agents during elections, adding that a partisan law enforcement organisation could undermine credible election process.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was supported by the British Department for International Development (DFID) and the UKaid to promote credible elections in Nigeria. (NAN)
ATAB/AOS/AFA
===========
Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Felix Ajide

By Talatu Maiwada

Intervention

Abuja, Sept.3, 2018(NAN) The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) on Monday urged Government and stakeholders to scale up their commitment to eliminate mother-to-child transmission of HIV and end AIDS as public health challenge in the country.

Dr Lydia Buzaalirwa, Director of Quality Management, AHF Africa Bureau stated this at the 2018 stakeholders strategic review meeting on HIV and AIDS, on Monday, in Abuja.

Buzaalirwa said it was important that Government at all levels are committed to keeping the promise on funding for HIV response while creating an enabling environment for clients and partners to work effectively.

She mentioned that the strategic review meeting was a significant event as it enables stakeholders to review the effectiveness of the programme over the months and identifying areas for quality improvement.

She further commended the states present for their collaborative efforts thus far, while urging state governments and stakeholders to be more committed in maintaining health facilities and the welfare of health professionals.

Dr Echey Ijezie, Country Programme Director, AHF Nigeria stated that AHF, which began operation in 2011, has extended its services to no fewer than 16,000 clients in Nigeria.

Ijezie said AHF works in partnership with government at all levels while ensuring that it delivers cutting-edge medicine and advocacy regardless of client’s ability to pay.

“The states are our strategic partners and we appreciate them for creating an enabling environment for us to work.

“We are hopeful to also `keep the promise’ to all our clients and stakeholders as well as achieve a significant expansion in our programme across the states,’’ he said.

Dr Emmanuel Nwabueze, Medical Director, AHF Nigeria, appealed to state government to prioritise the health needs of its citizens while ensuring that gaps are not created in HIV intervention as donor funds are declining.

“On our part, we are committed to quality service delivery across the states where we work.

“AHF services are at no cost to clients including: HIV testing services, Anti-retroviral therapy, diagnoses and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases,’’ he added. (NAN)

TIM/SH

======

edited by Sadiya Hamza