Former National Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olumide Akpata has been declared winner of Edo Labor Party (LP) Governorship primary election.
The Deputy governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, who is the returning officer for the poll made the declaration after collating the results.
Akpata scored 316 votes to win the exercise held in Benin City, the Edo State capital, on Friday.
Source : Nation Newspaper
he Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention said it has recorded 2,621 Lassa fever cases and 84 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.6 percent.
The NCDC said 476 cases were confirmed from the suspected cases from 23 states across 84 Local Government Areas, as of February 18, 2024.
The Director-General of NCDC, Dr Jide Idris disclosed this on Friday at a press briefing in Abuja.
Dr Idris said, “The NCDC was notified yesterday by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health of the report of deaths from suspected viral hemorrhagic fever at the 44 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital in Kaduna. Following this notification, the NCDC has been working with both institutions to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the suspected cases as well as ramp up response activities.
“Four of the six blood samples from suspected cases sent to the Bayero University Teaching Hospital in Kano have been confirmed for Lassa fever. Furthermore, twenty-five close contacts of all these cases are now under follow-up and placed on prophylactic medicine.
“The State Ministry of Health has also activated their Incident Management System with all the response pillars including intensified risk communication and community engagement for the prevention and control of Lassa fever in the affected communities.
“As of February 18, 2024 (end of week 7), 84 Local Government Areas in 23 states of the country have reported a total of 2,621 suspected cases, 476 confirmed, and 84 deaths with a case fatality rate of 18.6 per cent. Our condolences go to the families and friends of those (including the health workers) who lost their lives to this disease across the country.”
Lassa fever is an acute viral haemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. The natural host organism for the virus is the Mastomys natalenced rodent (commonly known as the multimammate rat or the African rat). Other rodents can also be carriers of the virus.
The virus spreads through direct contact with droppings ( urine, faeces, saliva, or blood) from the infected rats; contact with objects, household items, and surfaces contaminated with these droppings; consuming food or water contaminated with these droppings; and person-to-person transmission can also occur through direct contact with an infected person’s blood, urine, faeces, vomits, and other body fluids.
The disease initially presents like any other common illnesses accompanied by a fever, such as malaria. Other symptoms include headache, general body weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea.
Meanwhile, the NCDC boss said the activated multi-sectoral multi-disciplinary Incident Management System has distributed medical supplies for case management, infection prevention and control, laboratory diagnosis, etc. in all Lassafever treatment centers in the country, among others.
He urged Nigerians to always keep their environment clean, and block all holes in their house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents.
“Cover your dust or waste bins and dispose of your refuse properly, communities should set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes, safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc., in tightly sealed or well-covered containers.
“Avoid drying food stuff outside on the ground or roadside, where it is at risk of contamination, discourage bush burning as this destroys the homes and food sources of rodents and drives them to migrate from the bushes to human residences to find food, eliminate rats in homes and communities by using rat traps and other appropriate and safe means.
Governors on Thursday denied a claim by Senate President Godswill Akpabio that the Federal Government disbursed N1.08tn to states to address the food crisis in the country.
During the inauguration of the renovated central mosque in the Iseyin area of Oyo State on Thursday, the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, said as the Vice-Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, he could attest to the fact that state governors did not receive N30bn each as claimed by the Senate President.
Also, officials of Lagos, Zamfara, Benue, Osun, Katsina, and Enugu states told The PUNCH on Thursday that their state governments did not receive N30bn.
State governments had in September 2023 received N2bn each out of the N5bn loan offered to them by the Federal Government as a palliative to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy.
The economic reforms, including the subsidy removal implemented by the Federal Government, had precipitated a cost of living crisis across the country following higher transport costs, food inflation, and the plummeting value of the naira.
Speaking during the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio said an unconfirmed report indicated that state governors received N30bn each from the Federation Account to ameliorate inflation and the high cost of food in their respective states.
“I must say that unverified report has it that each of the state governments in the last few months has received additional N30bn from Federal Inland Revenue Service outside their normal allocations from the Federation Account to assist them in ameliorating the food situation,” he reportedly said.
Akpabio challenges govs
The senate president, Akpabio, advised the governors to utilize the funds judiciously to reduce the high cost of food items and other challenges facing the country.
“We believe that every state government should utilize the funds received towards ensuring that food is available in the country.
“So, the state governments have a lot to do. They are closer to the people and I do not want to mention local government because most of the local governments are controlled by the state governors.
“My belief is that if the state government does what is needed, then the local government will be involved in sharing to make sure that these things get to the people. But we must not overlook the fact that Nigerians are not going to be interested in stories.
“Nigerians want to see action. Nigerians want to eat and we will provide food for them, there is no excuse. Despite what we met on the ground,” Akpabio added.
However, the Vice-Chairman of the NGF, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, at Iseyin, denied receiving N30bn from the central government.
Speaking on behalf of other governors, Makinde, wondered why the President of the Senate would rely on an unconfirmed report.
Makinde said he could speak for himself and other state governors said no such money was disbursed to any state.
According to him, the FIRS could not give such funds to any state, adding that all revenues go directly into the federation account, where allocations will be given to all the tiers of government.
Source : Punch Newspaper
Anambra State Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr Patrick Aghamba, has emphasized that the “1 Youth 2 Skills” program of the Soludo administration will help to realize the 130, 000 private sector jobs, and 1000 youth millionaires annually as envisioned by the Governor.
Mr Aghamba stated this in Awka while addressing the media on the targeted impact of the youth empowerment program.
According to the Youth Development Commissioner, the program has expanded the skills from 21 as captioned in pilot phase to 47 in the coming phase.
He noted that more youths will be trained, empowered to create businesses, employment opportunities, as well as empower others.
The Commissioner maintained that those who benefited from the phase one has opportunity to access loans through Anambra State Small Business Agency to improve their capacity and expand their business scope.
Mr Aghamba noted that the Soludo administration is determined to building productive youths that will contribute to the growth and development of the state, and improve their families well-being.
While assuring that the ministry of youth development will ensure the that best is given in terms of training and mentorship, the Commissioner called on the beneficiaries and potential ones to maximize the opportunity.
The Founder of Ide Global Movement, High Chief Dr Azubuike Austin Ekweozor, Rff, has described the “Sun Investor of the Year Award” received by High Chief Dr Christopher Ndubuisi as a well-deserved recognition for a visionary leader who has positively impacted the youths and the entire society through his investments.
He spoke on the sidelines of the 21st Sun awards organized at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday to celebrate Nigeria’s leading lights in all walks of life.
Chief Ekweozor said the award is a prestigious accolade that befits Ikenga Umuawulu’s remarkable contributions to the investment landscape, and reflects not only his exceptional expertise, but also his unwavering dedication, astute decision-making and ability to identify and seize lucrative opportunities.
Describing Ikenga Umuawulu as not just an investor, but also a philanthropist who has transformed Umuawulu community, and has continued to reach out to the needy Ide Umuawulu expressed confidence that the award will serve as an encouragement to continue his remarkable trajectory of success.
The psychology in fighting crime is incomplete without mentioning a mental/sound health. This aspect of human thought can not be over emphasized.
When a man is healthy and strong, the attendant outcome is an impressive production. Hence, a fantastic policy framework and implementation is a reflection of a healthy mind and body.
This goes to compliment the saying that a healthy man, is a wealthy man. It is to say that wealth goes with health. When the country security architecture is unhealthy, it affects wealth creation and development.
The task before the police is so enormous and complicated on daily basis, considering the growing need for survival. Population explosion, Urban migration, unemployment, and technological challenges further frustrate the ability of the Police in curbing incidents of insecurity, thereby, increasing crime wave and leaving citizens at the mercy of poverty, hardship, and vulnerable.
The Police chief(001) should bring in physical fitness exercise as a program for all personnel of the force from 6am to 7am everyday which will inturn reduce health challenges that the personnel of the force faces and as well, strengthen them physically to do the job.
Many times police personnel lost their life because of the inability to navigate difficult terrain as a result of over-weight, pot belly(afo ukwu), and health complications occasioned by lack of fitness exercise.
Therefore, when fitness is being observed, practice, and inculcated as a routine before duty, it would help in building a strong, vibrant, and responsive Police force ready to face the day challenge with vigor.
Sports department should not be limited to competitions but everyday activity and six months of the Nigeria Police Fitness Test (NPFT).
The Nigeria Police Fitness Test(NPFT) as coined by me; should be used to examine and evaluate a Police Officer physical fitness. The test should consist of (5) Five events, administered in the following order:
1. Three Repetition Maximum Deadlift
2: Standing Power Throw
3. Push-up
4.Two-mile run
5. Plank…all as will be stipulated for your age.
We have observed during many occasions where officers slump and died in office, along the road, inside car, bedroom/bathroom, and in combat operation, thereby, putting untold burden on their immediate dependents and family at large. Hence, the significance of fitness cannot be over emphasized.
There is utmost need to breach the gap created by societal complicity which seem to undermine police mandate in maintaining peace and orderly society, focus is mostly targeted at preventing crime, neglecting fitness that drives the body, mind,and soul.
Physical fitness is often an integral aspect of any group that is sensitive with it’s human potential. Because the human potential pilot every other structure of the society.
The security organization in other parts of the country, sees physical fitness as number one priority and every day activity.
Thank God for the Inspector General of Police IGP KAYODE EGBETOKUN, ph.D, NPM. whom i can best describe as a man with a difference, his superb body build up and brilliant personnel driven policy making, is a testament of a sound mind, and could be liken to that of the Rtd IGP M.D.Abubakar.
It is in my humble opinion that you make policy that would encourage and promote physical fitness within the Nigeria Police Force. Let every personnel be a replica of your body build and sportsmanship, it would go along way in guaranteeing personnel mental and physical health.
Just #Negodi 001🤭
Written by Nwode Nkeiruka.
February 20th, 2024.
Anambra State Government has declared wanted the suspect that used masquerade to kill a seventy-one year old man, one Chief Shadrach Okoye, in Umuawulu community, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to the incident, the Anambra State Commissioner for Culture, Entertainment and Tourism, Comrade Don Onyenji, stated that it is a criminal offence for any one to murder another.
On the twenty-fifth of December 2023, a nineteen year old boy was alleged to have used masquerade to kill Chief Okoye while the victim was seeing his visitor off, and sccording to reports, the suspect has been on the run since the incident occurred.
Gab Alokwe of the Ministry of Culture, Entertainment and Tourism said that Commissioner Onyenji, who called on the police to investigate the matter to ensure that justice prevails, made it clear that the state government has made a statement on the conduct of masquerades during festivals, which mandated masquerades to entertain people at community squares, and in a civil manner.
He appealed to the Traditional rulers and Presidents General of various communities to monitor their masquerades to ensure they do not obstruct the roads or tax people to pay them money.
While sympathizing with the family of the deceased, the Culture Commissioner said he has discussed the issue with the Traditional ruler of Umuawulu, Igwe Joel Egwuonwu.
Paris St-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe has agreed to join Real Madrid this summer. The France captain, 25, has told PSG he intends to leave the club with his contract expiring in June.
Mbappe wanted his future sorted before March, so on 13 February, before training, he met PSG president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and told him he was leaving and joining Real.
After reports emerged last Thursday that he would leave, Mbappe was left out of the starting line-up for Saturday’s match against Nantes, but came off the bench to score a penalty as PSG went 14 points clear at the top of Ligue 1.
He is set to sign a five-year deal with Real, earning 15m euros (£12.8m) a season, plus a 150m euro (£128m) signing-on bonus to be paid over five years, and he will keep a percentage of his image rights.
Real manager Carlo Ancelotti has already thought how he will use Mbappe in his team, with England midfielder Jude Bellingham playing a deeper role, Brazilian Vinicius Jr playing on the left and Mbappe playing left of center.
If Croatia midfielder Luka Modric leaves this summer, then Mbappe would inherit the number 10 shirt he wears for France.
PSG are 2-0 up against Real Sociedad after the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie, while Real lead RB Leipzig 1-0.
Source : BBC News
The Indigenous People of Biafra has banned protests against hunger in any South-East territory, adding that any Nigerian agent who dares to organize any protest in Biafraland will regret it.
The pro-Biafran group stated this in a press statement issued by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, stressing that the current hardship in Nigeria should be the concern of Nigerians, not Biafrans.
IPOB said anyone who organized any protest against economic hardship in the South-East would put Ndigbo in danger.
The statement read partly, “Following the unprecedented hardship in Nigeria, IPOB ably led by the leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, hereby cautions the people of Biafra not to join any protest against hunger in Nigeria in any South-East territory.
The current hardship in Nigeria should be the concern of Nigerians, not Biafrans. Biafrans are no longer interested in the affairs of Nigeria. Biafrans were abused, intimidated, beaten, and killed and denied voting rights during the election of this present government. Ndigbo were told to wait and that it was their turn to rule, not the turn of Ndigbo.
“Anyone who organize any protest against economic hardship in Biafraland will put Biafrans in danger. During the #EndSARS protest, the Federal Government accused Ndigbo of attempting to destroy Nigeria with violence. We don’t want such profiling and targeting to repeat because Ndigbo participated in any Nigerian mass protest.
“Ndigbo should leave the current economic hardship in the contraption called Nigeria for Nigerians to deal with because this hardship is what God Almighty has in store for Nigeria for the crimes they have committed against Biafrans between 1967 to 1970 and up to date.
“We understand that Ndigbo is equally affected by the economic hardship arising from the reckless and thoughtless economic policies of the government, but God is still seeing Biafrans through. We are worried about the suffering of other tribes, but there is nothing we can do. The current situation is why Biafrans are fighting for freedom. Nevertheless, we must apply wisdom.”
The group further said anyone or group that wants to organize a protest for Nigeria’s hardship should kindly go to Northern or Western Nigeria and stage such a protest there.
Source: Punch Newspaper
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced its readiness to distribute confiscated food products to alleviate the current hardships faced by Nigerians.
Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, revealed plans on Tuesday for the agency to donate confiscated food items to Nigerians in response to the serious problems of food security and the skyrocketing prices of basic food items in the country.
