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  • Cholera death toll rises to 29, infections 579 in Lagos

    Cholera
    By Oluwafunke Ishola
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, says fatalities from the state’s cholera outbreak have risen to 29 deaths and 579 suspected cases across multiple local government areas in the state.

    Abayomi announced this during a state multiagency news conference and update on cholera outbreak on Monday in Lagos.

    The commissioner also announced laboratory confirmation of 43 cases, noting that Lagos Island, Kosofe and Eti Osa, recorded the highest numbers of infections.

    “Most of these deaths were caused by patients presenting very late at a stage where we could not resuscitate them because they had severe dehydration, and many patients were actually brought in dead.

    “Out of all the samples we were able to collect, we were able to identify vebrio cholera.

    “So, this is indeed a confirmed case of the cholera outbreak by a subtype O1 that is known to us to be very contagious and to cause significant sickness in those that contract it.

    “Many children came down with cholera, many students, lots of traders, and artisans, those were the predominant cases and these we suspect are people that are in crowded areas,” he said.

    He said that the state recorded severe cases that led to fatalities due to severe dehydration, while some were resuscitated at the Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba.

    “Some of these cases their kidneys had shut down from the severe dehydration and at that facility, we had access to renal dialysis; so, we were able to wake the kidneys back up with renal dialysis and rehydrate them.

    “Those are the kinds of cases that we still have on admission because they were very, very severe. We were able to rescue them from dying,” he said.

    The commissioner further said that 30 patients were left on admission as of June 23, noting that the cases were declining in the state.

    Speaking on the distribution of cases based on visitation to health facilities, Abayomi said that 209 visited general hospitals; 193 primary healthcare centres; 152 private hospitals, military/police hospital 14, eight tertiary hospitals and 12 unknown health centres.

    Abayomi advised citizens to seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise and fever.

    He stressed that immediate action on rehydration was key to survival, adding that oral rehydration salts (ORS) should be promptly introduced.

    The commissioner added that treatment for cholera was provided free of charge at all public health facilities in the state.

    On prevention measures, Abayomi advised citizens to drink safe water that’s boiled, treated, or bottled and eat food that’s thoroughly cooked and hot, and avoid raw foods.

    He advised citizens to maintain high hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water regularly and using proper sanitation facilities and disposing of waste properly.

    The commissioner stressed that the state was intensifying its public health prevention campaigns to prevent a resurgence.

    Abayomi reiterated the state government’s commitment to ensuring that residents of the state receive quality and affordable health care.

    According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.

    Cholera can cause severe acute watery diarrhea and the severe forms of the disease can kill within hours if left untreated.

    The health agency confirmed a cumulative death of 194, 897 deaths and 1,932 cases globally as a result of cholera outbreak in 24 countries. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    AIO/VIV
    ======
    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Edo Assembly recalls suspended lawmaker, Iyamu

    Recall
    By Nefishetu Yakubu
    Benin, June 24, 2024 (NAN) Edo House of Assembly on Monday announced the recall of one of the three suspended lawmakers, Mr Bright Iyamu.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Iyamu (PDP-Orhionmwon South) was suspended on May 6, alongside two others over alleged plot to impeach the speaker and other principal officers of the assembly.
    The two lawmakers, who are still on suspension, are Donald Okogbe (PDP-Akoko-Edo II) and Adeh Isibor (APC-Esan North-East I).
    Announcing the lifting of the suspension during plenary in Benin, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said that the house had found Iyamu to be remorseful.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that shortly after Iyamu’s recall, other lawmakers took turns to appeal to the speaker to consider lifting the suspension of the two remaining lawmakers.
    The speaker, in his reaction, however, said that Isibor had taken the matter to court.
    One of the lawmakers, Nicholas Asonsere (PDP-Ikpoba-Okha), thereafter, passed a vote of confidence in the speaker and an unalloyed support of the assembly to him. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
    NY/CEO/WAS
    Edited by Chidi Opara and ‘Wale Sadeeq

  • LASG flags off Land Use Charge payment campaign

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi,  (middle), during launch of sensitization/awareness for payment of Land Use Charge with the theme: “Operation Payers Activation” on Monday in Lekki.

    Charge

    By Grace Alegba

    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Lagos State Government has unveiled a sensitisation campaign to promote the payment of the Land Use Charge (LUC) in the state.

    It also engaged 500 adhoc staff for awareness advocacy.

    The Commissioner for Finance, Mr Abayomi Oluyomi, at the flag-off the campaign, urged property owners to pay their LUC to support the government’s development initiatives.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the campaign began in Lagos Island, Iru Victoria Island, and Eti-Osa Local Government/Local Council Development Areas.

    Oluyomi said, “”Operation Payers Activation” campaign is crucial for increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to fund substantial infrastructural projects.”

    He also said that LUC taxes were a vital source of revenue for providing socio-economic infrastructure and amenities.

    “The development of any society relies on its residents adhering to tax payments.

    “I appeal to property owners to support this initiative, come forward, and be counted. This is essential for Nigeria’s development.”

    Oluyomi noted that the 2024 budget anticipates expenditures of approximately N2.2 trillion, with nearly 70 per cent of the IGR funding the state’s budget.

    He stressed that LUC is a significant revenue source, and compliance is necessary for driving development.

    While providing a history of the LUC, he noted that even after 23 years, many wealthy individuals were not compliant with payments.

    Oluyomi, however,  said that such payment is a civic responsibility.

    He noted that it is unfair for some people to consistently refuse to pay while others comply.

    The commissioner said that a 15 per cent discount had been attached as incentive to encourage payers.

    NAN reports that during the campaign, the commissioner and ad-hoc staff distributed reminder bills to properties in the Eti-Osa Local Government area.

    Oluyomi instructed the staff on how to handle their assignments positively.

    The campaign will be conducted daily across all councils for one month, with legal action threatened against non-compliant property owners.

    The Special Adviser to the Governor on Taxation and Revenue, Abdul-Kabir Ogungbo, appealed to property owners to cooperate with the ad hoc staff.

    The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mr Temitope Hundogan, said that the sensitisation aimed to ensure compliance with LUC payments.

    He mentioned that, unlike previous administrations that penalised defaulters, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration replaced sanctions with incentives.

    He encouraged property owners to take advantage of the approach to pay up. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    GA/BEN/AWA

    ===========

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu/Olawunmi Ashafa

  • Agent docked for allegedly defrauding accommodation seeker of N500,000

    Agent
    By Olaitan Idris
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) A 39-year-old estate agent, Moses Ayere, on Monday, appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly defrauding an accommodation seeker of N500,000.

    Ayere, who resides at No 17, Ekololu St., Surulere, Lagos, is facing a two count charge of obtaining money by false pretences and stealing.

    The Prosecutor, Insp. Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences sometime in May, at No 24, Falolu St., Surulere, Lagos.

    Ekhueorohan alleged that Ayere obtained the sum of N500,000 from the complainant, one Abiodun Moshood, on the pretext that he would rent out a three-bedroom apartment to her.

    He told the court that the defendant knowing his presentation was false, allegedly converted the money to his personal use and failed to provide the complainant with the said desired accommodation.

    According to Ekhueorohan, the offences contravene Sections 287 and 314 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 314 attracts 15 years for obtaining under false pretenses.

    The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Otitoju, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.

    Otitoju adjourned the matter until June 27 for mention.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
    IOI/KOO/JNC
    ===========
    Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

  • Absence of BRT driver stalls murder trial

    Absence of BRT driver stalls murder trial
    Trial
    By Chinyere Omeire
    Lagos, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The absence of a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominnikoron, charged with rape and murder of his passenger, Oluwabamise Ayanwole, on Monday stalled his trial.
    Ominikoron, 47, is charged with five counts of rape, conspiracy, sexual assault and murder.
    The Lagos State Government had accused him of the rape and murder of a 22-year-old fashion designer, Ayanwole.
    At the resumed hearing on Monday, counsel to the defendant, Mr Abayomi Omotubora, told the court that his client was absent in court due to a leg injury.
    He told the court that the defendant fell in the bathroom and sustained an injury on his left leg.
    The trial Judge, Justice Sherifat Sonaike, however, summoned a prison warder to explain why the defendant was not present in court.
    The warder explained that the defendant sustained an injury on his left leg and was receiving treatment.
    The judge ordered the Director for Public Prosecutions, Dr Babajide Martins, to ensure the presence of the defendant in court at the next sitting.
    She adjourned the case until Oct. 17 for continuation of trial.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the prosecution counsel had said that the incident occurred on Feb. 26, 2022, at  7.00 p.m., near Lekki- Ajah Conservation Centre, Lekki-Ajah Expressway, Lagos.
    The prosecution alleged that the defendant had forcible sexual intercourse with  Ayanwole, before killing her.
    The prosecution said that the offences contravened Sections 165, 223, 260 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
    Ominnikoron pleaded not guilty. (NAN)
    OCC/SH
    =======
    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Flooding: KDSG, ACReSAL desilt 160km drainages in Kaduna

    Flooding: KDSG, ACReSAL desilt 160km drainages in Kaduna

    Desilting

    By Ezra Musa

    Kaduna, June. 24, 2024 (NAN) The World Bank-supported Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), on Monday began a 160-kilometers drainage desilting project across the state to mitigate flooding.

    Abubakar Buba, Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, who inaugurated the exercise in Kaduna said it would be conducted across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

    Buba pointed out that ahead of the rainy season, the drainages needed to be evacuated to allow free flow of water and prevent floods beginning with Kaduna, Kafanchan and Zaria metropolises.

    He said that blockage of drainages was partly responsible for some of the past incidences of flooding in some parts of the state.

    “As you may be aware, most drainages in major towns in the state have been taken over by refuse, sand plastics and other debris.

    “As part of our proactive measures under the ACReSAL project, we want to clear them and ensure that the rain flows seamlessly into major drains and into River Kaduna,” he said.

    The commissioner said sensitisation was ongoing by officials of the ministry, solid waste service providers as well as religious and community leaders.

    He said that the sensitisation was key to ensuring that people desist from the bad habit of dumping refuse in drainages, adding that the effort was receiving tremendous support from the people

    “All we want to see is for people to imbibe the habit of dumping their refuse in designated places and disposing of it in the prescribed manner,” the commissioner said.

    On his part, ACReSAL Project Coordinator, Mr Jibril Dahiru, said that the effort was part of the project’s strategies to prevent erosion, land degradation and mitigate climate change.

    Dahiru explained that ACReSAL was designed to address the menace of gully erosion and land degradation.

    He pointed out that relevant agencies have already warned of impending heavy downpours.

    “This means we have to take proactive steps to prevent flooding in Kaduna State, and we can do this by clearing our drainages and sensitising people against dumping of refuse in drainages,”  Dahiru said.

    He appealed to the residents to support the state government’s efforts in managing the environment. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    EMZ/BRM

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

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • EU ministers approve €1.4bn Ukraine military aid using Russia assets

    EU ministers approve €1.4bn Ukraine military aid using Russia assets

    Aid
    Luxembourg, June 24, 2024 (dpa/NAN) EU foreign ministers approved 1.4 billion euros (1.5 billion dollars) in military aid for Ukraine, with the package to be financed for the first time by proceeds from frozen Russian Central Bank assets.

    Top EU diplomat Josep Borrell said this on Monday, ahead of the ministers’ meeting in Luxembourg that the funds needed to reach Ukraine quickly and “avoid any blockage.’’

    The approval came as a welcome boost for Kiev amid Hungary’s ongoing opposition to other packages from an off-budget fund called the European Peace Facility (EPF) worth more than 6 billion euros.

    Each EU member state has a veto on EPF payments and Hungary has been blocking some disbursements related to Ukraine for nearly a year.

    A 5-billion euros support fund is also blocked.

    EU diplomats were not expecting a breakthrough on the EPF deadlock with Hungary.

    As a result, Ukraine military aid from the proceeds is a useful alternative means of support. Careful legal footwork to enable aid

    EU member states first gave their approval to the use the proceeds to buy arms for Ukraine in May however it was unclear when the first payments would flow due to Hungary’s veto.

    A legal analysis noted that as Hungary abstained on the decision to use the frozen assets for Ukraine, and that the new aid is derived from the Russian Central Bank assets and not EU funds.

    Budapest’s veto did not apply.

    Borrell said on Monday that the finances cannot get stopped.

    “It has to be used. We have a legal procedure in order to avoid any blockage.’’

    Hungary opposed military aid for Ukraine fearing an escalation of the conflict with Russia and expresses doubts about Western support for Ukraine, preferring instead to call for a ceasefire.

    However, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has previously linked decisions on aid for Ukraine to freeing up EU funds for Hungary that have been frozen due to concerns about the rule of law.

    Military and financial aid for Ukraine

    The military aid for Ukraine uses the interest and other profits from the assets, but not the underlying assets themselves, which will remain frozen.

    A total of 90 per cent of the money will fund military aid, while 10% will go directly to Ukraine as financial aid.

    Under the agreement, Germany and the Czech Republic have been selected as the first to use the proceeds to provide Ukraine with air defence equipment and artillery shells, EU diplomats said.

    Other EU member states may administer the proceeds in the future.

    According to the European Commission, around 210 billion euros worth of Russian Central Bank assets are frozen in the EU.

    The Brussels-based financial institution Euroclear, which held the lion’s share of the assets, recently announced that the assets had made around 4.4 billion euros in interest in 2023.

    Russian LNG targeted in EU sanctions first

    EU foreign ministers also adopted new punitive measures to crack down on sanctions evasion and stop Russia from obtaining Western technology for making weapons.

    A further 69 individuals and 47 entities linked to the Russian invasion of Ukraine have been sanctioned with an asset freeze and a travel ban to the European Union.

    The new salvo of sanctions target Russia’s multi-billion dollar liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector for the first time.

    These punitive measures ban ports such as Zeebrugge in Belgium from shipping Russian LNG to countries outside the EU after a nine-month transition period.

    Also targeted is Russian President Vladimir Putin’s so-called shadow fleet used to avoid sanctions including 27 specific vessels.

    German opposition to the 14th sanctions package needed to be overcome, EU diplomats said, as Berlin was concerned the 14th sanctions package went too far, especially for subsidiaries.

    EU diplomats said a compromise was reached, allowing measures halting exports to Russia the so-called No Russia clause to not apply to subsidiaries for the time being.

    The issue is to be revisited.

    Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba briefed his EU counterparts on the war situation via video call.

    Western Balkan foreign ministers were also invited to discuss foreign policy. (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    COO/HA
    ========
    Edited by Cecilia Odey/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

     

  • Cholera: Ogun records 1 death, confirms 9 new cases

    Cholera: Ogun records 1 death, confirms 9 new cases

    Cholera

    By Yetunde Fatungase

    Abeokuta, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Ogun government has confirmed one person dead from the recent Cholera outbreak while nine new cases have been recorded in the state.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, made this known, while addressing journalists on Monday in Abeokuta.

    She said that there were 25 suspected cases in seven Local Government Areas of the state.

    Coker said that the Federal Government had provided technical support to contain the outbreak but warned that cholera vaccines were no longer available in the state.

    She advised residents to adhere strictly to precautionary measures in order to contain the disease.

    She emphasised the importance of personal hygiene, proper handling of food items and clean water consumption to prevent the spread.

    “The government has distributed cholera test kits and treatment consumables to all Local Government Areas (LGAs) and designated treatment centres.

    “High-risk areas have been identified and public toilets are being constructed across the state to prevent open defecation,” she said.

    Coker urged the citizens to report any suspected case to the designated phone numbers, and assured them that cholera treatment was free in all the government facilities across the state.

    Coker said it was no longer news that Cholera had spread to 30 or more states, including the neighboring states.

    She said that Ogun was prepared to protect the lives of residents and to minimise the impact of the cholera outbreak compared to many other states in Nigeria.

    “As of today June 24, 2024, Ogun state has recorded 25 suspected cases of Cholera in seven local government areas namely, Adoodo/Ota, Remo North, Odeda and Sagamu.

    “Others are Ijebu North, Ewekoro, and Obafemi Owode with nine (9) confirmed cases and unfortunately, one (1) death,” she said.

    According to her, to support the state response, the state Epidemiology unit is on high alert, while all LGA disease surveillance and notification officers have also intensified surveillance across all 20 LGAs.

    “Our expectation from the public is proper personal hygiene, particularly hand hygiene, washing food/fruits/vegetables properly before eating and drink only clean water (boil if the source is not trusted).

    “Also discourage open defecation, cook food thoroughly, go to the nearest health facility if you pass watery stool more than twice within 8 hours and report any suspected case in your locality,”Coker said.

    She also disclosed that cholera test kits and other consumables needed for treatment have been distributed to all LGAs and designated treatment centres to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.

    The commissioner listed some of high risk local government areas and hotspots to include Abeokuta South, Abeokuta North, Ijebu North, Obafemi Owode, Ifo, and Adoodo Ota.

    The Commissioner for Environment, Mr Ola Oresanya, said the Ministry had mandated all eateries, banks, malls, and fuelling stations, to make their toilets available for public use to prevent open defecation.

    Oresanya, who warned them to cooperate with the state government, disclosed that the state had begun construction of 100 public toilets across the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    YAF/BEN/

    ========

    Edited by Benson Ezugwu and Abiemwense Moru

     

     

     

  • ANAN assures participants of security ahead of MCPD programmme in Adamawa

    Security

    By Talatu Maiwada

    Yola, June 24, (NAN) The Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN), Adamawa branch, has assured the participants of security ahead of its upcoming third session of the 2024 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MCPD) Programmme.

    Association’s Branch Chairman, Dr Titus Obadiah, during a news conference in Yola on Monday, said the security situation in Adamawa had greatly improved.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the MCPD programme with the theme: “Sustainable Accounting and Economic Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting’’, is scheduled to hold from July 1st to 3.

    Obadiah, who was represented by Mr Tyona Terkimbi, Chairman, Local Organising Committee, restated the association’s commitment to collaborate with security agencies in providing a safe and secured environment.

    “The event is expecting to host over 2000 participants from across the country, with some visiting the state for the first time.

    “At a time when all-over the state is branded as Boko Haram area where no human being exists, but now the security situation in Adamawa has greatly improved.

    “We have engaged in meaningful discussion with the security agencies towards confidence building and sensitisation on the security implication of the stay of our numerous participants in town.

    “We are satisfied with their response and participants are enjoined to exercise minimum level of caution without fear as security agencies are in control of the situation, “Obadiah assured.

    He said the objectives of the association aimed at
    advancing the science of accountancy by determining the standard of knowledge and skills of persons seeking to become registered members of the profession.

    According to him, association carries out its mandate through two organs, firstly, the Nigerian College of Accountancy as the training arm for advancing the science of accountancy, thereby ensuring broad training like law and medicine.

    “Secondly, the MCPD programme is aimed at continuous development of existing professional accountants knowledge on current issues and developments in the profession.

    Obadiah listed activities line up for the event to include courtesy call to the Adamawa State Governor, gala Nite, technical sessions and induction off new members, among others. (NAN)(wwwnannews.ng)

    TIM/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • 2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges

    2024 World Drug Day: NDLEA in Sokoto State commits to curbing challenges

    NDLEA
    By Muhammad Nasir
    Sokoto, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Sokoto State Command, has reaffirmed commitment to address the myriad of drug-related security challenges in the state.

    The agency’s Commander in the state, Mr Adamu Iro, gave the assurance during a news conference to
    commemorate the 2024 International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in Sokoto on Monday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day is annunally observed on June 26 as a global reminder to the urgent need to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking.

    Established by the UN in 1987, the day is also to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve the goal of an international society free of drug abuse, thorough comprehension of the social, economic and health consequences of drug use.

    This 2024 edition of the global observance id “The Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.”

    The Sokoto commander, therefore, said “NDLEA is fully engaged with renewed vigour to support government efforts in tackling the insecurity affecting not only Sokoto but Nigeria as a whole.

    “In Sokoto State, the successes we have recorded so far are directly linked to our awareness of the state’s security challenges.

    ‘“We firmly believe that there is a connection between drug abuse and crimes such as banditry and kidnapping.”

    He warned those allowing their premises to be used for drug trade and consumption, adding that such properties would be investigated and possibly forfeited to the Federal Government.

    Iro emphasised that under the leadership of Retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, the NDLEA had undergone significant transformation to address drug-related challenges.

    “This is evident in the increased arrests, seizures, convictions, sensitisation programmes, strategic restructuring and partnerships, which garnered national, regional and international recognition and commendation,” he said.

    He highlighted the importance of the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, saying that the day’s objective is to strengthen action and cooperation to achieve a world free of drug abuse.

    He urged husbands to monitor their wives and children to ensure that they were not influenced by individuals involved in drug abuse.

    He called on the state government to resuscitate the Drug Control Committee in Sokoto, emphasising that the state was lagging in this area.

    The commander appealed to stakeholders to see themselves as NDLEA ambassadors in the fight against drug abuse.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng.com)

    BMN/DCO/HA
    ============
    Edited by Deborah Coker/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu