By Doris Esa

The Federal Government has expressed determination to ensure that the country was free of dog- mediated human rabies to achieve zero rabies target by 2030.

Speaking at a workshop in Abuja, to validate a National Strategic Plan for Elimination of Dog Mediated Human Rabies in Nigeria, Dr Maimuna Habib, the Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria (CVON), said the target was a global agenda.

Habib, who is also the Director of Veterinary and Pest Control Services, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said that rabies was one of the deadliest zoonosis in the world.

She was represented by Dr Peter Umanah, Chief Veterinary Officer, Animal Health Division.

She said that the virus was caused by neurotropic RNA virus of the genus Lyssavirus.

Habib said that dogs were the main reservoir of the diseases and remained the commonest 99 per cent means of transmission to humans.

She, however, said that in spite of the associated high fatality, rabies is 100 per cent preventable.

In Nigeria, dogs are predominately the major reservoir of rabies with over 1, 000, 000 persons at risk of exposure to rabies virus through dog bite annually as majority of dogs are unlicensed, unvaccinated and roam freely in the environment, she said.

Habib said that the country, in the past few months had witnessed increasing cases of Rabid Dog bites which had resulted in deaths.

Habib reiterated the need to institutionalise and consolidate the One Health Initiative in the country.

She said that zoonotic diseases like rabies could only be eliminated by concerted and collaborative efforts of relevant stakeholders.

She said that the Federal Government had stepped up measure to align with the global agenda of achieving freedom from dog mediated human rabies by 2030.

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in collaboration with the Ministries of Health and Environment, and Nigeria Centre for Disease Control as well other relevant stakeholders produced a draft National Strategic Plan for elimination of dog mediated human rabies, she said.

In a goodwill message, Dr Guy Kouame, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), representative, said that rabies was an deadly disease and had devastating effects in terms of mortality.

It requires that all hands must be on deck to ensure the fight against rabies is effective.

The FAO pledged their support toward the control and eradication of rabies in Nigeria, Kouame said.

Also, Dr Olayinka Umar- Farouk, Deputy Project Director, Risk Communication Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria (BA-N), said the scourge of rabies in Nigeria is one that is preventable.

Umar- Farouk who was represented by Dr Obinna Onuoha, BA- N, said the zero rabies by 2030 was achievable, and called on all health stakeholders to really dig in and put in the work required to end rabies.

Dr Dorcas Mernyi, Programme Manager, Zoonotic Programme, ministry of Health, said rabies is a worrisome disease that requires all to collaborate and end it.

She said stakeholders would ensure that a document was produced to eliminate rabies in the country in 2030.

The WHO representative, Dr Kikeope Oluwarore, said the organisation is supporting Nigeria to eliminate rabies from the country.

The Head of Epidemiology, NCDC, Dr Abubakar Jafiya, said the Centre would continue to work to ensure that dog- mediated human rabies is eliminated.

The Director AU- IBAR, Dr Nick Nwankpa, said rabies had recorded the highest number of outbreaks from 2015 to 2020 in Africa when compared to other zoonotic diseases.

Also, Dr Samuel Anzoku, Chief Veterinary Officer, Public Health, said eradicating rabies by 2030 was part of the global agenda.

Meanwhile, the National Technical Working Group on Implementation for elimination of dog- mediated human rabies was inaugurated by Habib.

The Chairman of the Technical Group is Dr Habib.

Some of the terms of reference included, facilitate implementation of the National Strategic Plan(NSP) for elimination of dog mediated human rabies.

It will also advocate and create awareness on the NSP across the three tiers of Government and other stakeholders. (NAN)(www.nanews.ng)

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Edited by Isaac Aregbesola

Source: NAN News

By Gabriel Agbeja

Aero Contractors, Nigerias oldest aviation company, has taken delivery of a second Dash-8 (Q-400) aircraft on Tuesday at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

The Nigerian registered aircraft owned by UMZA Air would be operated by Aero Contractors under a joint venture agreement between both parties.

The Dash 8 aircraft is one of the most fuel efficient and modern aircraft in the market and has a capacity of 74 seats.

The Managing Director of the Aero Contractors, Capt. Abdullahi Mahmood, after taking the delivery of the new aircraft, said Nigerians ought to expect efficient, prompt and reliable services when the airline resumes operation soonest with the second Dash-8Q400 Bombardier.

Mahmood, who was represented by Mr Daniel Adah, the Head of Aero ContractorsYou can afford to sell your ticket a bit less because you are consuming less fuel, Abubakar said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Benson Iziama/Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Angela Atabo

The European Union (EU) on Monday advised Nigerian politicians to engage in issue-based campaigns, shun violence and hate speech, ahead of the electioneering campaign which starts on Sept. 28.

Ms Samuela Isopi, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said this at the EU Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) Programme Closure of Phase 1 and Launch of Phase 11 in Abuja.

The EU SDGN testifies to the continued partnership with Nigeria that has grown in mutual respect and benefit since Nigerias return to democratic rule in 1999, Isopi said.

She said the rule of law; human rights and democracy were the founding principles of the EU.

The electoral campaign will start in two weeks; as a friend of Nigeria, we would like to see peaceful and issues-based campaigns and we would like to encourage all stakeholders to take a firm stance against violence and hate speech.

As the largest democracy in Africa, elections in Nigeria matter, they matter to Nigeria and Nigerians, they also matter for Africa as their outcome will be watched and felt well beyond its borders.

Nigeria has the responsibility to lead and inspire other democracies on the continent six months ahead of the 2023 General Election, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment in the process.

Who wins the elections is for the Nigerian people to decide; as a longstanding partner, the EU shares Nigerias interest to see a solid process leading to peaceful, free, fair and credible elections, she said.

Isopi said the EU would also want all Nigerian voters to peacefully and freely cast their votes to choose their leaders and contribute to strengthening the countrys democracy and good governance.

She added that the EU was particularly keen to see greater participation of youth, women and people with disabilities.

She said that the mobilisation being witnessed across the country especially among the youth to register in view of next elections was a strong sign.

It is a message from the Nigerians, from the youth in particular, that they believe in democracy.

It is also a sign of trust in the electoral process that has made tremendous progress over the past few years and months.

Thanks to the reforms and the technical innovations introduced by INEC to make elections more transparent and more credible, and to reassure voters that their votes will count and will be respected, she said.

Isopi said EU firmly believed that only a functioning democracy could address citizens needs and build prosperous, resilient and strong societies.

She said it was with that belief in mind that the support to electoral processes was key element of the EUs cooperation policy with its partners.

She said that the EU provided technical support to key electoral institutions and stakeholders since Nigerias return to democratic rule in 1999, with over a 150 million euros committed so far.

She said that the Phase I of the EU-SDGN programme contributed to the reform of the electoral process by building capacities, strengthening institutions, strengthening the role and participation of civil society, contributing to the reform of the legal framework.

She added that building on the success of the first phase, the formulation of phase II was done in consultation with the Nigerian Government and key stakeholders such as the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and civil society organisations.

She said the overall objective of the programme was to foster a functioning pluralistic, inclusive, participatory and representative democracy in Nigeria.

Even though today marks the official launch of the programme, implementation started five months ago in April 2022, a month before the end of Phase 1.

The programme of which the total amount is 39 million euros will be implemented until 2027, with a focus on six specific components, she said.

Isopi said the programme was aimed at improving the quality of electoral administration in Nigeria and strengthen capacities for legislative and judicial reform in compliance with democratic principles and standards.

She said it would enhance pluralism, internal democracy and equality of opportunity in the political parties and the political party system and empower the media to promote fair and ethical coverage of the electoral process and combat hate speech.

She said the programme also aimed at tackling disinformation, enhance participation of women, youth and other marginalised groups in the political process and empower CSOs and relevant agencies to demand greater transparency and accountability in the electoral and decision making process, and promote greater citizens participation.

Isopi said the European Union would continue to provide targeted support by building on the successes of the past electoral cycles and taking forward the very significant lessons learned within the period.

She called on Nigerians to support and respect the fundamental and independent role INEC as it fulfils its constitutional mandate and should be allowed to operate free from outside pressure, and in turn must demonstrate full neutrality and professionalism.

She said the new electoral act was a major step forward and its full implementation by INEC have the potential to make 2023 general elections a milestone in Nigerias democratic history.

She however, said for this to happen, everyone has to do his part.

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, the chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), commended the ambassador for the closure of Phase I and launch of Phase II of the European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (the EU-SDGN) Programme.

Yakubu said the closure of the Phase I and simultaneous launch of Phase II of the EU-SDGN Programme was a further affirmation of the enduring commitment and support of the European Union towards the strengthening of democratic institutions and the consolidation of democracy in Nigeria.

He said INEC was a key beneficiary of the first phase of the EU-SDGN Programme conceived under the National Indicative Programme 2014 2020.

The support went a long way to complement the Commissions efforts at strengthening our organisational and planning capacity, a major achievement is the progressive provisions of the Electoral Act 2022, especially the deployment of technology at polling unit level, he said.

Yakubu reassured that the commission would work together with the consortium of partners to implement the support to its component of the EU-SDGN II.

He said the choice of the partners signified a vote of confidence in their capacity to undertake actions and implement activities that are critical to promoting the institutionalisation of democratic norms in our country.

He said INEC would work with the implementing partners for free, fair, credible and inclusive elections.

He added that the commission would continue to welcome the deployment of international and domestic election observers in line with INECs guidelines.

This, he said was because the commission considered the deployment of such election observation missions as a means of enhancing public confidence and trust in Nigerias elections. (NAN)(nannews.ng)

Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Source: NAN News

By Femi Ogunshola

A Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CSOs) has commended the National Chairman, All Progress Congress (APC), Sen. Abdullahi Adamu for appointing Mr Ben Duntoye, a Special Adviser on Civil Society of the party.

This is contained in a statement jointly signed by some of the CSOs on Monday in Abuja.

Mr Charles Ibiang, the National Coordinator of the Civil Society Coalition for Good Governance said Duntoyes pedigree, commitment to national development, credible records within the Civil Society space gave him the leeway.

He described Duntoye as a man with strong faith in the ideals of the APC, adding that this must have been responsible for his appointment.

Ibiang said: Adamu is the first political party chairman in Nigeria to recognise the role of civil society in this manner, as a way of deepening democratic governance in Nigeria.

Mr Jubril Muregi, the National Chairman of the Arewa Young Leaders Consultative Forum (AYLCF), said Duntoyes appointment was a clear demonstration of Adamus belief in the potency of the civil society

According to him, Adamu deserves commendation for this historic and strategic appointment of a seasoned personality.

The Civil Society Community sincerely appreciates him for his leadership and commends him for this gesture. He was quoted as saying.

In a related development, a foremost Youth Leader, Mr Blessing Akinlosotun, President Nigerian Youth Congress, extolled the virtues of Duntoye, describing the appointment as the right step.

He said that Duntoye was former President of Pan-African Youth Union (PYU) and a former President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN).

He said Duntoye was a member of the Civil Society, Youth and Women delegation to the National Political Reform Conference 2005 and the head of the Youth Delegation to the National Conference 2014.

He said Duntoye was equally one of the Civil Society Representatives in the Nigeria Vision 2020 Steering Committee and was a former Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kwara State. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Ruth Oketunde

The UK group, IA-Foundation says the Nigerian government should enact a law to punish parents and guardians, using their children to engage in economic ventures during school hours.

The Chief Executive Officer of IA-Foundation, Mrs Ibironke Adeagbo, gave the advice in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.

Adeagbo was speaking against the backdrop of a report released recently by UNESCO, which put the number of out-of-school children in the West African country at 20.2 million.

The report, released on Aug. 18, alarmed Nigerians, who have been expressing their disgust on the development as well as the continued closure of public universities in the country.

Public universities in the country have been shut for more than 200 days, due to a face-off between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the federal government.

The Nigerian government needs to enact a law to punish parents and guardians using their children and wards for economic ends, rather than sending them to school, said Adeagbo, who has sustained a campaign to tackle Nigerias out-of-school crisis.

British-born Adeagbo said that Nigeria was having about eight per cent of the estimated 244 million out-of-school children in the world.

She suggested that the issue of out-of-school children should be made a standing agenda in the weekly federal executive council meeting of the federal government.

Nigeria should demonstrate the political will to tackle the out-of-school crisis because the problem is indeed, a time bomb.

She said that 17 states in the country were having high numbers of out-of-school children with 14 of the states in Nigerias north.

Adeagbo pointed out, however, that governments intervention might do little to resolve the problem, unless the pervading insecurity in the country was tackled decisively.

She expressed her regrets that people in tertiary institutions in the country were also dropping out of school because of endless strikes by university teachers.

The education rights campaigner advised Nigeria to invest in information technology to bring education closer to the masses, especially in rural communities.

Education is under siege in Nigeria and government must do the needful to save he future of Africas most populous nation, said Adeagbo.

She re-stated her advice to the federal government to seek foreign assistance to address challenges in the country, especially in tackling insecurity and the education sector.

Education in Nigeria, which is Africas top crude oil exporter and one of the largest economies in the continent has been in turmoil in recent years.

The development has made millions of kids to stay out of school with university students in public institutions also forced out of classrooms, due to persistent strikes by teachers.

But the federal government has been making strident efforts to resolve contentious issues with the university teachers, to get the institutions to re-open. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Silas Nwoha

Source: NAN News

By Gami Tadanyigbe

Pupils and students resumed in some private and public schools within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, who visited some schools within Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils saw students in their large numbers in their classes.

NAN reports that parents were bringing in students in some schools namely Madona Nursery and Primary School, Demonstration Primary School, St. David Nursery and Primary school in Gwagwalada Area Council.

At the Girlcrest Nursery and Primary School and Arada International College in Kuje Area Council, the schools security personnel were checking temperatures of pupils and they were made to use hand sanitisers before entering their classes.

Mrs Evlyn David, a parent, appealed with schools to be considerate with tuition and other fees, especially with the hard economic situation in the country to enable students resume school.

David said that her childrens school had a sharp increase in the fees when she went to pay for their school fees and other fees were also increased.

Another parent, Mrs Dorothy Zakaria, said she was happy that both the school and parents had provided necessary safety equipment for students resumption.

She called on the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and the Federal Government to reach a workable and speedy resolution to enable university students go back to school.

One of the students at Arada International College in Kuje, Mohammed Mani, expressed delight with the resumption, saying he is happy to continue with his studies after two months at home.

Also, Miss Joy Ukari, another student said she was excited that the school had finally reopened; adding that she was fully prepared for the resumption. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo

Acting Corps Marshal Dauda Biu of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has charged Commanding Officers to ensure that Staff under their purview maintain political neutrality, as well as avoid any form of participation in political rallies and campaigns and also avoid piloting political convoys.

In a statement by ACM Bisi Kazeem, Corps Public Education Officer on Monday in Abuja, he disclosed that this was to put their operation in perspective as activities for the 2023 general elections gather momentum across the country.

Biu gave the directive in reference to the FRSC (Establishment) Act which stipulates the status of the Corps as a public service agency that does not have any political affiliation.

He said that the FRSC was solely established to provide essential services to all citizens, irrespective of their political interests or representation.

The Corps Marshal, however, directed the Commanding Officers to be sensitive to the plight of road users and prepare to tackle any traceable traffic gridlock that could arise as a result of the political activities.

He added that they should ensure adequate deployment of personnel for ease of movement in form of traffic controls and traffic calming.

Biu reassured the public of the Corps readiness and commitment to making the roads safer at all times and admonished them to always abide by established road traffic regulations.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Nigerias Ekanem Ekwueme has been unanimously voted into the board of the All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) Ladies Association as the Trustee in charge of the West and Central Africa region.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the announcement of the result took place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Tanzania.

The result saw Ekwueme unanimously voted in by all the West and Central African delegates.

Juliet Monyei-Inyere, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), who confirmed Ekwuemes victory to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, said she was voted unopposed during the associations Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Dar es Salaam.

A hearty congratulations to our past LGAN President, Ekanem Ekwueme on her unopposed election into the Board of the AACT Ladies Association.

She was voted into the board as the new Trustee in charge of all the West and Central Africa region during the AGM in Tanzania on Friday.

It was indeed an overwhelming and well deserved victory for one of our own.

Here is wishing her a very successful tenure of four years. We are proud of her, she said.

Ekwueme, who is also the only certified female World Handicap System (WHS) Course rater in Nigeria, told NAN that she was elated to have been voted into the board.

She added that she would bring all her experience to bear in the discharge of her duties for the next four years.

I am really delighted and elated to have been unanimously voted into the board of the AACT.

Indeed this is not just a victory for me, but also a big one for Nigeria and the whole West and Central Africa as well.

I hope to bring all the experiences I have been able to gather over the years to bear in the discharge of my duties in this highly exalted office for the next four years, she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Nkiru Ifeajuna/Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News

By Victor Okoye

Team Nigeria finished in an impressive seventh position out of 20 countries which participated at the just concluded prestigious All Africa Challenge Trophy 2022 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the International Golf tournament is a biennial continental ladies golf championship in Africa that had its inaugural edition in May 1992.

Nigeria hosted the 1996 and 2010 editions at the Ikoyi Golf club, Lagos and the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

Each participating country is represented by three players and a non-playing captain.

Using Eisenhower scoring, the best two scores per round count towards the daily team score in the 54-hole stroke play format.

NAN also reports that Nigeria ladies golf team scored 488 gross to settle for 7th place out of 20 countries in this years championship which was the 15th edition.

Amina Wilfred and Evelyn Oyome were the players on the Nigerian team.

South Africa ladies team won the 2022 Golf Championship at the Gymkhana club in Dar es salaam, Tanzania.

The victors who have now won the title for a record 12th time, had a combined total score of 444 gross in three rounds, five strokes better than North Africans, Morocco.

South Africas team had Brown Bobbi, Gabrielle Venter and Bronwyn Leigh Doeg.

The trio were impressive throughout the three rounds of action.

Morocco (449), host Tanzania (455), Kenya (458), Zimbabwe (476), Uganda (480), Nigeria (488), Zambia (496), Ghana (498) and Gabon (517) completed the championships top 10 leaderboard of the best three scores in 54 holes.

Egypt who has one title to its name, settled for the 11th spot, Ivory Coast (12th), Mauritius (13th), Malawi (14th), Botswana (15th), Cameroon (16th), Rwanda (17th), Mali (18th), Burundi (19th) and Togo (20th).

Juliet Monyei-Inyere, the President, Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN) who confirmed the result to NAN on Sunday, said it was the best performance by Team Nigeria in more than a decade.

I want to congratulate my able Nigerian Team who went with me to the All Africa Challenge Trophy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania 2022.

I can proudly say that we went, we saw and we conquered.

Even though Nigeria featured two players instead of three (due to travel document issues), we were able finish seventh out of 21 countries, which is our best performance in over a decade, she said.

She noted that the trip was hugely successful as Nigeria also won the position of the AACT Trustee for the West

By Mohammed Tijjani

The Police Command in Kaduna State says its operatives have rescued three kidnapped victims, recovered arms, ammunition and operational vehicles in two different locations.

The Commands Public Relations Officer, DSP Muhammad Jalije, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna.

Jalige said, the Inspector General of Police, (IGP) Usman Babas directives on rigorous visible patrols and domination of public space by Police had continued to yield the desired outcome.

According to him, these accomplished feats were against the backdrop of a complaint received on Sept. 4, that one Yusuf Abubakar of Dorayi quarters in Kano State has been abducted.

On the same date at Barde village in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State, the abductors were demanding for N50 million ransom.

On receipt of the complaint, the Commissioner of Police Kaduna State, Mr Yekini Ayoku, directed the Divisional Police Officer Ikara to spread his operational dragnet to ensure the victim was rescued unhurt and culprits arrested.

Consequently, on Sept. 9 at about 2015hrs, Police Operatives attached to the Division while on intensive purposeful crime prevention patrol along Ikara- Tashan Yari road, intercepted a motorcycle conveying three persons riding in a suspicious manner.

The operatives promptly caught up with the motorcyclists after a high-speed chase and two of the riders on sensing Police pursuit jumped off the motorcycle and fled into the bush, he added.

Jalige said the operatives upon search of the motorcycle, recovered a concealed AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of live 7.62 X 39mm ammunitions.

He said the identity of the rescued man was later discovered to be the Yusuf Abubakar of Dorayi whose report of kidnap was earlier received by the Division.

The victim and the exhibits were moved to the Police Station for further investigation while the fleeing culprits are being trailed for arrest.

The victim has been medically evaluated and reunited with his family, he said.

Jalige also said on Sept 9, at 0245hrs, operatives of the Command attached to Hunkuyi Division, while on aggressive patrol on Zaria Kano expressway, intercepted a suspicious Ford Mini Bus with Reg No. ZAR 532 XR and the occupants rather than heed the police order to halt for search, engaged the Operatives in a gun duel.

The operatives responded gallantly and in the ensuing melee, the hoodlums fled with varying bullet wounds leaving behind two female occupants of the said vehicle who were rescued.

Upon search of the vehicle, an AK47 Magazine loaded with 30 rounds of live 7.62 39mm ammunition were recovered.

He said the preliminary investigation revealed that the two female occupants were the wives of one person at Kwanar Dangora, Kano State who were earlier abducted by the hoodlums.

The CP commended the officers for the achievements and tasked them to do more, to reduce crime and criminalities to the barest minimum in the state, Jalige said.

He equally called on the public to be security conscious at all times and alert security agencies on noticing any suspicious movement and activities around them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Idris Abdulrahman

Source: NAN News