Nation
THE STATES
Borno
The Defence Headquarters last Sunday described the Armed Forces’ medical outreach as part of the Forces’ constitutional responsibility of securing lives and property of Nigerians.
The Director, Defence Information, Maj Gen. John Enenche said in a statement issued in Maiduguri that there were no sinister motive behind the Armed Forces medical outreach exercise.
Enenche dismissed as misrepresentation and smear campaign against the military regarding the Monkey Pox disease outbreak in parts of the country.
He said that the Armed Forces had been conducting medical outreach during operations and routine training exercises such as the war against the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East and Egwu Eke II in the South-East.
“Categorically, the practice of reaching out to the general public medically is akin to the key task of securing the lives and property of Nigerians; therefore, it can never be done with ulterior motives,” he said.
FCT
The Acting Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Mathew Ashikeni last Friday refuted speculation of polio outbreak in the territory.
Ashikeni told newsmen in Abuja that there was a reported case of polio compatible in Abuja not polio virus.
He explained that the reported case was recorded at Rugan Baraje village in Kwali Area Council of the FCT.
According to him, the polio compatible has same symptoms of polio virus but the one reported was not.
He disclosed that a team of experts were deployed to the area and there were series of tests that confirmed no result indicated polio virus.
Kaduna
A non-governmental organisation on Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) has urged the Kaduna State Government to accelerate efforts for the passage of contributory health insurance bill.
This is to bring healthcare delivery closer and accessible to the people.
The NGO gave the advice in a document made available to newsmen last Friday in Kaduna.
It said that accelerating the passage of contributory health insurance bill would reduce pocket spending in accessing healthcare.
It also called for the modification of family planning messages to stress the importance of child spacing rather than limiting the number of children.
Katsina
Unknown gunmen last weekend attacked the residence of former Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Coomasie, killing a mobile policeman and injuring another.
Our correspondent learnt that two attackers on a motorcycle opened fire on the two policemen stationed at the gate of the residence at about 8pm, but did not gain entrance into the house.
The attackers were, however, said to have escaped with the rifle of one of the policemen.
A neighbour told newsmen on condition of anonymity, that the former IGP and his family members were safe.
The corpse of the deceased policeman has been deposited at the mortuary of Katsina General Hospital, where the other injured mobile policeman was receiving treatment.
Kogi
Three operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have been shot dead by gunmen in Okene.
The Commandant of NDLEA in Kogi State, Alhaji Idris Bello told reporters last Sunday in Lokoja that the three operatives were gunned down while on patrol.
He said that they were killed at about 8:30 p.m. on October 13 by the gunmen, “who emerged from nowhere’’.
Bello said that gunmen came on foot and that the incident occurred close to the main gate of the Federal College of Education, Okene.
He identified the operatives killed as Nicholas Onwumere, Ebun Peters and Abdulrahman Musa.
Kwara
The Ophthalmology Society of Nigeria (OSN) has called on Nigerians to embark on frequent eye-screening as a preventive measures against blindness.
The society made the call last Thursday in a statement signed by Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, the General Secretary OSN, Kwara State Chapter in Ilorin.
The statement was issued in commemoration of the 2017 World Sight Day.
Abdullahi said that as the World Sight Day was being marked globally, there was a need for people to be eye conscious and screen their eyes at least once yearly at notable eye hospitals.
He, however, warned Nigerians against patronising quacks and traditional eye medications.
Lagos
Two medical practitioners last weekend called on Nigerians not to wait until disease outbreak before imbibing the culture of regular hand washing.
They gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Lagos ahead of the commemoration of the 2017 Global Hand Washing Day which held on October 15.
The theme of this year’s event was, “Our Hands, Our Future.”
A Consultant Microbiologist, Dr Bamidele Mutiu told journalists that hand washing would reduce transmission of infectious diseases by over 90 per cent.
Mutiu, who works at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, said that the outbreak of monkey pox should be a clarion call for Nigerians to adhere to regular and proper hand washing.
Niger
Niger State Environmental Protection Agency (NISEPA) last weekend decried the indiscriminate noise pollution in some parts of the state, warning that defaulters would henceforth be penalised.
General Manager of NISEPA, Mr Lucky Barau who issued the warning in Minna told newsmen that owners of musical studio and operators of grinding machines would no longer be allowed to operate in residential areas.
He disclosed that the state government had purchased noise metre machines that would help track unwanted noise.
“There are many problems associated with noise pollution such as stress related illnesses, sleep interruption, hearing problems and loss of productivity, amongst others,” he said.
Ondo
The Ondo State Government says it has adopted a proactive measure to forestall outbreak of monkey pox in the state.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr Taiye Oni made this known to newsmen last Friday in Akure.
“We have started sensitisation by putting on field responsive surveillance team to make sure that any perceived case would be tackled.
“We should not forget about what we learnt on Lassa fever about personal hygiene and necessary precaution.
“The same procedure applies to the issue of monkey pox because we cannot prevent our people to travel,” Oni said.
Oyo
Striking doctors of LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, Oyo State have appealed to the State Government to pay them their 12 months salary.
They made the call in a statement signed by the branch’s President and General Secretary of the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Drs Sebastine Oiwoh and Ayobami Alabi and made available to newsmen in Ibadan last Saturday.
Our correspondent recalls that the doctors had 75 days ago embarked on industrial action over their unpaid salaries and poor working condition.
The ARD said that their members had indefinite withdrawal of services, saying the management, board and the state government were fully aware of the industrial crisis.
It said that their members were being paid twenty-eight per cent salary since January 2016 with twelve months salary being owed.
Plateau
Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has vowed to identify and prosecute those behind the resurgence of terror attacks in the state.
Lalong made the pledge last Sunday while reacting to Saturday night attack by unknown gunmen on Tagbe Village, Jebbu Miango, Bassa Local Government Area, where six persons were killed and five others severely injured.
The governor, in a statement by the Director of Press Affairs, Mr Emmanuel Nanle, warned that government would not relent in its renewed efforts at identifying and prosecuting all those behind the heinous crimes.
He said that the killers and their sponsors seek to take the state back to the dark days of violent conflicts and vowed not to let that happen.
According to the statement, the criminal elements perpetrating the spate of vicious attack within the Irigwe Chiefdom of Bassa, were finding refuge among the inhabitants of those areas.
Sokoto
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has signed collaboration agreement with Usmanu Danfodio University Sokoto (UDUS) on knowledge and experience sharing to ensure practical implementation of projects.
UNICEF Chief Field Officer in Sokoto, Mr Mouhuiddini Muhammad said the initiative was conceived for maximal utilisation of the university expertise toward addressing projects implementation challenges in various communities.
Muhammad said university community hosted chain of scholars, research fellows and academic works that when involved in UNICEF activities would surely harness success and overcome hitches at implementation levels.
He said the initiative named, “Partnership and Cooperative Agreement for Research and Knowledge Sharing,” was aimed at holistic involvement of university expertise into UNICEF experiences for the benefit of all people.
He explained that UNICEF conduct variety of activities on educational development that comprised enhancing enrolment, women education and facilitates curriculum development as well as addressing religious, cultural, social norms and barriers in the society.
The Movement for the Survival of the Izon Ethnic Nationality in the Niger Delta (MOSIEND), Eastern Zone, has applauded the appointment of Hon. Benibo Anabraba as Secretary to the Rivers State Government (SSG) by His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara,
The Socio Cultural Organisation described the appointment as a masterstroke of leadership and wisdom.
MOSIEND in a statement by the Acting Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Gibson, and the Assistant Secretary, MOSIEND Eastern Zone, Dr. Tams Longjohn hailed the appointment as a reflection of Governor Fubara’s Eagle-eyed discernment, belief in merit, and unwavering commitment to building a peaceful and people-centered administration anchored on excellence and integrity.
“Hon. Anabraba is a statesman in every sense, an accomplished lawyer, a tested grassroots politician, and a man of Peace whose record of service stands tall,”
The statement noted that “from his days as a grassroots politician to his election as a legislator, his tenure as Minority Leader in the Rivers State House of Assembly, and his service as a Commissioner, Hon. Anabraba has remained a model of maturity, courage, and dedication to the Rivers project.”
MOSIEND expressed confidence that Hon. Anabraba will bring his trademark calmness, intellect, and wealth of experience to bear in his new role, assuring that the people of Rivers State will feel the positive impact of his leadership.
The group commended Governor Fubara for his strategic and inspiring commitment to peace, stating that the appointment once again demonstrates the administration’s preference for competence, loyalty, and results over political convenience.
“We are proud of this choice,” MOSIEND affirmed. “It signals continuity, stability, and a renewed focus on people-oriented governance.”
The organization congratulated Hon. Benibo Anabraba and prayed for divine guidance, good health, and strength as he takes on this vital assignment in service to Rivers State.
Chinedu Wosu
Nation
HYPREP Remains Steadfast In Adhering To International Standards—Zabbey …As Regulators, Asset Owners Hail Project
The Project Coordinator of Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project(HYPREP), Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, has said that the Project remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols, contending that it would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently to achieve set goals and targets.
This is even as regulatory stakeholders, regulators and asset owners have expressed satisfaction with the work so far being carried out by the Project in Ogoniland, commending it for sustaining the momentum of the ongoing cleanup project.
Zabbey, who gave the indication during the third quarter meeting of HYPREP with regulators and asset owners in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, said as an interventionist and community-based project, HYPREP would continue to engage all stakeholders transparently, as it addresses challenges that may arise during project implementation.
To this end, he noted that the continuous support and constructive feedback of regulators and asset owners remains vital in helping the project coordination office overcome challenges and sustain the momentum of progress.
Zabbey said the quarterly meeting with regulators and asset owners serves dual purpose of providing a platform for the Project to share updates on the status of the cleanup project, highlighting areas where further support is required; and allowing “regulators and asset owners to provide constructive feedback that would help our collective approach.”
According to him, the meeting is ultimately designed to catalyse deeper collaboration and synergy between HYPREP and its regulatory stakeholders.
While appreciating and recognising the invaluable roles of the regulators and asset owners in the project’s Quality Assurance and Quality Control(QA/QC) framework, the Project Coordinator said their consistent oversight, technical input, and commitment to upholding standards have remained essential to the integrity of the Ogoni cleanup efforts.
He noted with a sense of satisfaction that Quality Assurance and Quality Control are being given increased attention at all levels of the cleanup project, and solicited for the continuous support of the regulators and asset owners.
“QA/QC considerations are a key part of HYPREP’s policy framework, from the Governing Council decisions to field-level work,” he said, emphasising that this focus ensures that HYPREP’s interventions and activities are executed professionally, safely, and in compliance with national regulatory standards and global best practices, guaranteeing value for money.
“As we continue to consolidate the gains made so far, I want to reassure you that HYPREP remains steadfast in adhering to international standards, processes and protocols”, he said.
Zabbey announced that considerable progress is being recorded across various thematic areas of the cleanup project, including remediation of hydrocarbon-impacted sites; mangrove restoration; provision of potable water; public health interventions; the Ogoni power project; and the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; among others.
He said these coordinated interventions are gradually restoring confidence in the cleanup effort and bringing renewed hope to Ogoniland.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of the performance status of the cleanup project by HYPREP’s Evaluation and Monitoring Unit, which put the construction of the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration at 92.5 percent completion, among other legacy projects.
In their response, the regulators and asset owners were unanimous that HYPREP has recorded remarkable improvement so far in the cleanup efforts, and solicited for more support of the project.
Environmental Resource Manager of the Centre for Environment, Human Rights and Development(CEHRD), Mr Meshack Uyi commended the Project Coordinator and his team for the remarkable improvement recorded so far in the area of environmental remediation and mangrove restoration, describing the Ogoni cleanup as one of the most robust in Africa.
He applauded HYPREP for its human capacity building initiative, saying, building the capacity of Ogoni people and training them to become mangrove vanguards are boosting their economic wellbeing.
Uyi said what is going on in Ogoniland is a learning process for the Niger Delta, saying, “those who think that nothing is happening in Ogoniland, they should come closer and see that a lot is indeed going on, and this can impact on Nigeria, the Niger Delta and Africa.”
He called on people all over the world to come on board to support HYPREP to achieve far greater milestones.
Also, the representative of the Rivers State Ministry of Water Resources and Rural Development, Mrs Doris Wilcox Balafoma commended the Project for doing very well, working and collaborating with its partners, saying, “We are always with them in the field.”
She scored HYPREP 90 percent for its cleanup efforts, insisting, however, that the abandonment of some ongoing water facilities in some Ogoni communities is due to cost variations.
For the Executive Director of the Society for Women And Youth Affairs(SWAYA), Dr Stella Amaine, HYPREP has recorded a great improvement in the area of women inclusion and livelihood restoration.
She, however, noted that she looks forward to the realisation of the 45 percent empowerment quota for women as promised by the Project Coordinator.
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