By Franca Ofili

The World Health Organisation, (WHO) has called for an urgent investment of resources, support, care and information into the fight against Tuberculosis (TB).

The organisation made the call in a press release on Tuesday, ahead of the 2022 World Tuberculosis Day, annually marked on March 24.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the day was fixed by the UN to raise awareness about the deadly infectious disease and its devastating health, social and economic impacts on people around the world.

March 24 marks the day in 1882 when Dr Robert Koch, a German Physician and Microbiologist, announced that he had discovered the bacterium that causes TB, which opened the way toward diagnosing and curing the disease.

The day is, therefore, observed as World Tuberculosis Day and has Invest to End TB. Save Lives as its 2022 theme.

The World Health Organisation, which stated that although 66 million lives were saved since 2000, the COVID-19 pandemic had reversed those gains.

It added that the 2022 theme conveys the urgent need to invest resources to ramp up the fight against TB and achieve the commitments made by global leaders.

It said that the ongoing conflicts across Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East further exacerbated the situation for vulnerable populations, adding that global spending on TB diagnostics, treatments and prevention in 2020 were less than half of the global target of 13 billion dollars annually by 2022.

For research and development; an extra 1.1 billion U.S. dollars per year is needed.

The WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Ghebreyesus, said urgent investments are needed to develop and expand access to the most innovative services and tools to prevent, detect and treat TB that could save millions of lives each year, narrow inequities and avert huge economic losses.

These investments offer huge returns for countries and donors, in averted healthcare costs and increased productivity.

Ghebreyesus said the investments in TB programmes demonstrated benefits not just for people with TB, but for health systems and pandemic preparedness.

According to him, building on lessons learnt from COVID-19 research, there is a need to catalyse investment and action to accelerate the development of new tools, especially new TB vaccines.

He said 20 million people were reached with TB treatment between 2018 and 2020, adding that this is 50 per cent of the five-year target of 40 million people reached with TB treatment for 2018 to 2022.

During the same period, 8.7 million people were provided TB preventive treatment. This is 29 per cent of the target of 30 million for 2018-2022, he said.

Ghebreyesus said the situation was even worse for children and adolescents with TB.

He said in 2020, an estimated 63 per cent of children and young adolescents below 15 years with TB were not reached with or not officially reported to have accessed life-saving TB diagnosis.

Ghebreyesus said that almost two thirds of eligible children under five did not receive TB preventive treatment and therefore remained at risk of illness.

He said COVID-19 had a further negative and disproportionate impact on children and adolescents with TB or at risk, with increased TB transmission in the household, lower care-seeking and access to health services.

According to him, WHO is sounding the alarm on World TB Day, for countries to urgently restore access to TB services, disrupted due to COVID-19 pandemic for all people with TB, especially children and adolescents.

Dr Tereza Kasaeva, the Director of WHOs Global TB Programme, also said children and adolescents with TB are lagging behind adults in access to TB prevention and care.

The WHO guidelines issued today are a game changer for children and adolescents, helping them get diagnosed and access care sooner, leading to better outcomes and cutting transmission.

The priority now is to rapidly expand implementation of the guidance across countries to save young lives and avert suffering.

She said that he had updated guidelines for the management of TB in children and adolescents released by WHO and highlighted new patient-centred recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Kasaeva said that the most recent recommendations were diagnostic testing that expanded to include non-invasive specimens such as stools.

Others are rapid molecular diagnostics being recommended as the initial test for TB diagnosis for children and adolescents.

Children and adolescents who have non-severe forms of drug-susceptible TB are now recommended to be treated for four months instead of six months, as well as TB meningitis, where a six-month regimen is now recommended instead of 12 months, he said.

She added that such would promote a patient-centred approach that would reduce the cost of TB care for children, adolescents and their families.

The director said that the two of the newest TB medicines to treat drug resistant TB (bedaquiline and delamanid) were now recommended for use in children of all ages.

She said it would make it possible for children with drug-resistant TB to receive all-oral treatment regimens regardless of their age.

She explained that the new models of decentralised and integrated TB care were also recommended, which would allow more children and adolescents to access care or preventive treatment, closer to where they live.

TB remains one of the worlds deadliest infectious killers.

Each day, more than 4,100 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease.

Ending TB requires concerted action by all sectors. On World TB Day, WHO calls on everyone individuals, communities, societies, donors and governments to do their part to
end TB.

Source: NAN News

The United Nations General Assembly is set to meet Wednesday in a bid to agree on a fresh resolution on Russias war against Ukraine.

A draft resolution regarding the humanitarian consequences of Russias war in Ukraine is expected to be widely approved in the largest UN body with 193 members.

It is likely but not entirely certain, that a vote could also take place at the meeting, diplomats said.

According to diplomats, the aim is to achieve at least 141 yes votes, as was the case with an earlier resolution condemning Russias war which was adopted by the General Assembly early this month.

The first draft demands among other things an immediate cessation of hostilities by Russia against Ukraine, in particular all attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

It also calls on Moscow to withdraw its armed forces from Ukraine immediately.

There is also a competing draft resolution from South Africa that makes no mention of Russias aggression.

It is unclear whether this text will also be put to a vote.

Source: NAN News

The Ministry of Education in Afghanistan which has been ruled by the Islamist Taliban since last summer, has announced that all schools in the country will resume lessons on Wednesday.

For the first time since the Taliban took over, girls over the sixth grade will be allowed to return to their classes but under certain conditions.

Ministry spokesperson, Aziz Ahmad Royan, said that special arrangements would have to be in place in order for girls over the age of 12 and female teachers to return to school.

The conditions include separation of school buildings, observance of hijab and teaching by female instructors for the girls, he said.

Royan added that in areas where the segregation of schools is not possible due to the lack of appropriate buildings, the studying times for boys and girls willbe staggered.

Earlier, only girls at the elementary level were allowed to return to their classes.

Secondary schools were open for girls in a few provinces but in most provinces, including the capital Kabul, girls are essentially confined to their homes and deprived of education.

Under widespread national and international pressure, the Taliban had promised to allow all girls to return to classes when the new school year begins.

With the chaotic withdrawal of the international forces from the country and the collapse of the previous government, the Taliban imposed wide restrictions on daily life, especially for women, including the closure of schools.

The hardliners oppose mixed education and as a result, they have already separated the classes of men and women in universities.

Source: NAN News

By Sylvester Thompson

Prof. Abdullahi Mustapha, the Director-General, National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA), says that the National Bioethics Documents will soon be transmitted to the Federal Executive Council for President Muhammadu Buharis approval.

Mustapha disclosed this at the NABDAs Bioethics Educational Programme in Abuja on Monday.

He said that the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, already signed the National Bioethics Federal Executive Council Memo.

According to him, Nigeria is a signatory to the 2005 UNESCO Declaration on Bioethics and Human rights.

As a signatory to the declaration, Nigeria is expected to develop the National Bioethics Framework and Policy Documents that will lead to the establishment of a functional national bioethics committee.

Article 23 of the Declaration affirms that member states should endeavour to foster bioethics education and training at all levels as well as encourage information and knowledge dissemination programme about bioethics, he said.

The NABDA director-general noted that the process of establishing the National Bioethics Committee began in 2009 with UNESCO organising the first national bioethics stakeholders meeting.

He said the second was also organised by UNESCO in 2017 while NABDA in collaboration with the National Commission for UNESCO (NATCOM) organised the third in 2019.

Mustapha pointed out that the three meetings were all geared towards drafting the National Bioethics Framework and Policy Documents which were vital documents required for the establishment of a National Bioethics Committee.

The National Bioethics Documents are to serve as guide for the establishment and proper functioning of the National Bioethics Committee, he said.

He stressed that there were numerous advantages to be drawn from the establishment of the committee.

However, he noted that as giant of Africa, Nigeria should take the lead in bioethics for the rest of the continent to follow.

Dr Chitu Princewill, Deputy Director at the NABDA and Desk Officer of Bioethics unit, said three major components were required for the establishment of National Bioethics Committee in Nigeria.

First is the development of a national bioethics framework and policy documents, second is the bioethics educational programme and the third is inauguration of the members.

The inauguration will come after the approval of the National Bioethics programme and Policy Documents by the Federal Executive Council headed by the President, Princewill said.

She said the educational programme wasa continuous process due to the rapid advances in science, medicine and societal changes in the environment, local and international laws.

The Bioethics Desk Officer said that the objectives of the educational programme were to give participants the basic knowledge of bioethics as well as to understand the core principles of bioethics.

Prof. Adefolarin Malomo, a professor of Neurology and trained Bioethicist, said that bioethics would affect how Nigerians look at issues that affect human lives using different background theories, understanding and principles.

Speaking in an interview on the sideline of the event, Malomo said bioethics in a country such as Nigeria had to take advantage of all aspects of social life to strengthen everybody.

Doing good is something that should occur at all levels, if you are a husband, a boss and above, its your obligation to continuously seek and do good to those who are below you.

Bioethics is something that will beef up our understanding of ourselves because as human beings we are gifted and talented about the light we get, he said.

High point of the day one educational pogramme saw five lectures delivered on Introduction to Bioethics and Theories of Bioethics by Prof. Peter Omonzejele.

Others were, Evolution of Human Research Protection and Principles of Biothics/Informed Consent by Prof. Adefolarin Malomo.

Prof. Omokhoa Adeleye also delivered a lecture on Research Misconduct and Integrity.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ismaila Chafe

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved deployment of additional security personnel to unravel the perpetrators of violence in Imo and ensure peace in the state.

Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo, made this known when he briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of his summon to Presidential Villa, Abuja, by the president on Monday.

According to the governor, the president has agreed to his request for more security personnel to address the security challenges facing the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the governor was summoned following the latest attacks in Imo targeting the home of Prof. George Obiozor, and some police assets.

Obiozor is the President General of the Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo, and a leading voice of moderation in the affairs of the country.

Uzodinma, who confirmed that the meeting was on the insecurity in his State and the South East, said:

Generally, it is the subject of insecurity in the South East and what is required to ensure that is properly controlled.

We discussed that and he took seriously my recommendations and indeed I tell you, he immediately gave approval to all that which includes increase in manpower of security agencies and then logistics supports ranging from additional arms and ammunitions.

On his efforts to meet aggrieved parties as promised, he said his administration has continued to reach out to aggrieved politicians in the state in a bid to carry them along so that they could contribute their quota to the growth and development of the State.

He said: Since Jan. 2020, when I came to office, one of the things I initiated was quarterly stakeholders meeting.

As a matter of fact, I have had six stakeholders engagements. And the purpose of that engagement is to create a platform where the stakeholders will meet and will also act as an opinion poll to involve people in governance and that has yielded a lot of positive results.

Arising from that, we have also done one on one engagement with some critical stakeholders.

For those who are aggrieved, I dont know if those grievances are against government or against individuals.

But those who think are part of the political system that are not contributing positively to the current administration, were also reaching out to them.

Of course, I know if anything is to go by, some of the reasonable ones have started coming back.

If you have been following the politics of Imo of late, given the evolution we have just deployed to rescue the infrastructure, that were almost absent and our achievements so far, it has attracted a lot of support from our people.

Leaders from Imo are together and united in commending our efforts. And if you can go to Imo State and be on ground, apart from some dissenting voices that are on your social media, I think the state is almost recovered and were doing very, very well.

So, theres no need at this point in time for people to be aggrieved over what is not in existence.

The governor, therefore, urged the people to be part of the growing concern, and contribute their quota towards the development of the state and support the government of the day to deliver democratic dividends.

We need to unite ourselves, we need to be realistic with ourselves, we need to be proactive in making sure that our tomorrow is better, he added.

Uzodinma also dismissed the allegation that he was culpable in some cases of insecurity in the state.

According to him, his administration with all the paraphernalia of office does not engage non-state actors in its attempt to keep peace.

If anything is to go by, we are a God fearing government. That is why we have not used force as the only way of controlling the violence in Imo State, he said.

However, the governor, who lamented that progress could not be achieved in a chaotic situation, called on the aggrieved individuals and organisations to lay down arms and engage in the dialogue initiated by the state government.

NAN reports that the president had on Sunday condemned the spate of violence in Imo in the aftermath of the destruction of buildings and assets of the Police and the home of Prof. Obiozor, President-General of Ohaneze Ndigbo.

He pledged to review the security situation in southeast part of the country.

The president, who also summoned the Minister of Power Abubakar Aliyu, had also voiced his concern over the frequent power outages, apologising to Nigerians and assuring a quick relief to the situation.

Aliyu, who spoke to State House correspondents after the closed door meeting with the president, reassured that the current epileptic electricity supply nationwide would soon be stabilised.

He said the problem was caused by the activities of vandals, inadequate gas supply, and maintenance of some electrical machinery. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Ibironke Ariyo
The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says it is committed to the complete eradication of road crashes and its attendant fatalities in the country.

The Corps Marshal, FRSC, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi said this in an interview with newsmen on Monday in Abuja.

He said that over time the Corps was able to reverse the abysmal data about the figures of death recorded on Nigerias roads by both local and international bodies.

Oyeyemi said that one of such reports was that which states over 100 persons to die in Nigeria per day through road crashes.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Health Organisations (WHO) global status reports on road safety in 2018 gave the figure.

Despite progress, road traffic deaths continue to rise, with an annual 1.35 million fatalities. Road traffic injuries are now the leading killer of children and young people aged 05-29 years.

The risk of a road traffic death remains three times higher in low-income countries than in high-income countries, with rates highest in Africa (26.6 per 100,000 populations) and lowest in Europe (9.3 per 100,000 populations).

Every year, over 39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes, the WHO 2018 Global Status Report on Road Safety report says.

Oyeyemi said that the estimated figures from WHO were not true, adding that if it was so, it would have resulted to a state of emergency.

The last report was 39, 000 dies in Nigeria yearly. We have been on this for a while. The last meeting we had was before COVID and we know there was need to improve no doubt.

But there is need for us to get WHO to sit down and see those efforts government have made so far. The Government has made so much effort in road safety management and administration.

So it cannot be the same old story and the funniest part of all this report is that there was no mention of the effort at the World Bank towards improving the road safety management in Nigeria.

World bank has invested so much on the data management. A lot of efforts have been made so far but WHO still sticks to their own report, he said.

Oyeyemi said that there was need to invite the country director and all the key stakeholders and sit down so that WHO would state the gaps to be filled.

The Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi also said that the reports from WHO was a true reflection of current situation on road safety and administration in the country.

Amaechi said I disagree with WHO when they showed me the report on the numbers of people that die daily in Nigeria.

The reason is that the moment you say 39,000 persons have died in Nigeria, that 100 persons per day and thats huge, even COVID-19 wasnt as serious as this.

Because the moment it gets to 100 deaths per day, it becomes an emergency for the government to address, he said.

Reacting, the Minister of Health, Mr Osagie Ehanire, also said that the ministry would engage WHO country representative and have a conversation.

Ehanire said that the conversation would be based on what it counts as data of road traffic accidents.

We shall start a conversation. We will also set up teams as well. But we will engage the Country rep. first and then set up a teams to look at the issues, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has lifted per travel testing requirements for COVID-19 vaccinated Nigerians and visitors.

Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman PSC on COVID-19, on Monday in Abuja, said that the revised International Travel Protocols, would take effect from April 4, 2022.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria joined other countries in adjusting its COVID-19 regulations.

Some leaders are keeping some restrictions on travel and gatherings, while other countries are easing their restrictions.

The World Health Organization has urged countries to follow science rather than imposing flight bans in a bid to contain the new Omicron coronavirus variant.

According to Mustapha, In-bound (fully vaccinated) passengers arriving in Nigeria will no longer be required to take a pre-departure PCR COVID-19 Test.

He said that on arrival, for fully vaccinated passengers, a sample would be taken at the airport for rapid antigen test by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC ), within the arrival hall of all the countrys point of entries and airports.

Passengers who are unvaccinated or partially vaccinated shall take a COVID-19 PCR test 48 hours before departure, or do a Day 2 and day 7 test on arrival. Such passengers will be expected to pay for their PCR tests through the travel platform.

Fully vaccinated passengers will not be charged for arrival rapid antigen tests at the airport;

Rules that apply to fully vaccinated adults also apply to children aged 10 18 years; they will not be required to have pre-arrival PCR tests but will have a sample taken at the arrival hall but not charged.

All passengers travelling out of Nigeria are encouraged to be fully vaccinated and to fully comply with COVID-19 protocols and requirements in their country of destination, he said.

The SGF said that the PSC continues to strongly recommend the use of face masks in enclosed environments, adding that in open spaces, the use of face masks is discretional.

The SGF disclosed that the country still has the National Response in place as it continue to monitor global trends and adapt them with the situation in country.

He stressed that there had been a consistent decline in number of cases around the world but that does not give Nigerians the leverage to let their guards down yet.

Mustapha said there were predictions of rebounds as seen in China, South Korea, Germany, Vietnam, France, and Hong Kong.

In fact, China has reintroduced lockdowns in some cities due to the spike in cases.

So far, the world has recorded over 471 million confirmed cases, 6 million deaths and over 11 billion vaccine doses administered, while in Nigeria, we have recorded 255,103 cases and 3,142 persons have died.

We have vaccinated over 20 million persons with at least the first dose. This number is not very encouraging, hence, the need for all eligible Nigerians to come out and be vaccinated, he stated.

He disclosed that the Port Health Services have so far screened about 2,357 Nigerians evacuated from Ukraine for COVID-19 out of the over 8,000 residents or students living in Ukraine.

He said that out of these passengers, 193 tested positive to COVID-19 and were managed according to the countrys protocols.

He warned Nigerians to be mindful of scammers especially in Dubai and Saudi Arabia, who come to assist them in accessing the NITP and in the process, register them as children to avoid paying post arrival test.

According to him, the PSC wishes to put Nigerians on notice that two major religious festivities (Easter and Sallah) are approaching and we shall be experiencing increased passenger traffic in and out of the country.

While the PSC prepares to escalate surveillance and other control activities, we urge the States and all Nigerians to also increase their vigilance and take measures to moderate activities.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ginika Okoye

First Bank of Nigeria Ltd. has rewarded 300 customers with the sum of N4 million at the banks ongoing Verve Card campaign.

The bank said this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by its Group Executive, e-Business

By Philomina Attah

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to support the anti-graft agencies in the country in contributing to the AUs efforts at preventing and combating corruption on the African continent.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, stated this at the 5th Annual General Assembly Meeting of the Network of National Anti-corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA) in Abuja on Monday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 2-day event is with the theme, The Role of Regional Economic Communities in the Implementation of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.

NAN also reports that the event was jointly organised by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Onyeama said that the need for law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies in the West African sub-region to play more involving roles in the preventing and combating corruption underscores the importance with which the event was viewed.

He said the Federal Government would continue to provide the necessary material and capacity support to its agencies saddled with the responsibility of dealing with corruption and other related crimes.

The Nigerian government believes that the West African sub-region has always being at the forefront of the fight against corruption and as such NACIWA shall be supported to achieve its objectives.

We are confident that deliberations from this meeting will come up with recommendations that shall assist Heads of State and Government of the sub-region with strategies to deal with the issue of corruption,he said.

Mr Bolaji Owasanoye, Chairman ICPC, said that the event would offer the anti-corruption institutions the opportunity to reflect on their obligation to talk directly to one another in the spirit of Art.

The ICPC boss said an organisation such as NACIWA could encourage Member States to criminalise corrupt practices and adopt legislative, police and technical measures for the prevention and detection of corrupt practices.

Owasanoye added that the theme was significant because it underscores the fact that, regional Economic Communities such as ECOWAS are vital in the implementation of the laudable objectives of the Convention.

We are all aware that corruption is a significant contributory factor to Africas under-development.

This realisation informed the adoption of the convention, and I dare say, the formation of NACIWA.

One can surmise that the inability of our institutions to fully implement our individual mandates and by implication the regional treaty obligations is a contributing factor to the resurgence of unconstitutional take over of government within the West African sub region.

I have no doubt that we will all rededicate ourselves at this conference in our discussion in fighting corruption as the common enemy which is threatening the stability of our countries,he said.

On his part, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, Chairman, EFCC, said that the Commission had secured an unprecedented conviction record of 2220 cases in the past one year.

He added that the commission also recovered in excess of N152 billion, 386 million dollars, among other recoveries.

He said the commission had also embarked on several reforms aimed at strengthening the institution, including the launch of a reporting application known as Eagle Eye.

The anti-graft boss explained that the Eagle Eye application would ease the reporting of incidences of economic and financial crimes by the public.

The EFCC has further developed a five year Strategic Plan that guides its operational approach in law enforcement action.

ECOWAS sub-region is threatened by existential security challenges which may not be unrelated directly or indirectly to corruption.

We must therefore intensify efforts to stem the spate of illicit financial flows within the sub-region including illicit flows by Politically ExpoPersons (PEPs).

We must also continue to amplify effective collaboration and intelligence sharing in our quest to rid the sub-region of economic and financial crimes while collectively addressing the security challenges prevalent in the sub-region, Bawa said.

The President of the ECOWAS Commission, President Jean Claude Kassi Brou, said that corruption remains a major problem in the overall governance process across ECOWAS Member States.

Brou, who was represented by Prof Femi Ajibawa said, in recent times, corruption crisis has led to a loss of trust and confidence between the citizenry and government.

He added that it was an issue which has partly contributed to democratic reversal that the ECOWAS region was currently facing.

A coherent, coordinated and renew commitment to fight corruption and promote integrity is now crucial to restore citizens confidence.

This will also pave the way for democratic consolidation, inclusive development and sustainable peace in the region,he said.

On his part, the President, NACIMA, Francis Kaifala, said the network has been very active in Anti-corruption drive in the sub-region.

He emphasised that the recent cases of coup had affected NACIMAs mission and vision in West Africa.

The work of our membership have been useful in coordinating our activities to ensure that we conduct borderless investigations and support each other, addressing money laundering and other financial related crimes plaguing the region. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Jacinta Nwachukwu

Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development (MHADMSD) says it will deworm no fewer than one million pupils, alongside the school feeding programme, for improved health.

National Coordinator, National Social Investments Programme (NSIP), Dr Umar Bindir, said this at a five-day Planning Meeting and Development of Information Education Communication (IEC) Materials, on Monday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was organised by Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development under its NSIP.

NAN also reports that one of the objectives of the meeting was to review and harmonise the integrated IEC materials on schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis with National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, among others.

Bindir, who was represented by Safiya Sani, Deputy Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, stressed the need to deworm the pupils so as to improve their health condition.

As we are feeding them, there is also the need for us to deworm them so that the food could work properly in their system in order to improve their health conditions.

We will be doing this regularly because some of the food items might have some chemical agents or germs in them. So if we deworm them, they will be healthier, while their brains will function better, he said.

Bindir said that the deworming exercise would be for pupils from Primary One to Primary Six, particularly those in public schools, adding that it was not for only the beneficiaries of the home-grown school feeding programme.

According to him, the national home-grown school feeding programme is one of the Federal Governments National Social Investment Programme, aimed at providing one free rich nutrient meal every school day for pupils in primary one to primary three in public schools.

He said that in line with its multi-sectoral nature, NHGSFP had embedded adjunct school health and nutrition activities in its effort to maximise the benefits of the free school meals on the health of pupils.

The main objective of this five-day interaction is to outline the modalities for the deworming exercise, which include: sensitising the partners and ensuring their commitment.

It will also develop and harmonise the IEC materials and reporting template for the nationwide exercise, he said.

Bindir, therefore, appealed for robust collaboration by all government and non-government stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the exercise and ensure its success.

In his remarks, Dr Nse Akpan, the National Coordinator, Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), Federal Ministry of Health, said that deworming a child was critical to his/her development.

She stressed that any child, who had deficiency in any essential vitamin or nutrient, would not do well academically.

If a child is not well-dewormed, no matter how you feed that child, he/she will still surfer malnutrition, Akpan said.

Source: NAN News

By Francisca Oluyole

The Ministry of Mines and Steel Development (MMSD) said on Monday that it contributed N7.8 billion to the countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2021.

The Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining (ASM) Department in the ministry, Mr Patrick Ojeka,made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

Ojeka said the N7.8 billion was realised by the ministry through its agencies and departments.

According to him, the Mining Cadastra Office (MCO), an agencies of the ministry, contributed substantially to the amount.

NAN recalls that MCO, at a news conference recently, revealed that it made N4.3 billion as revenue in 2021.

MCO is an autonomous agency of government saddled with the responsibility of managing and administering mineral titles.

Ojeka said that the ministrys contribution to the GDP in 2021 was unprecedented compared to its past contributions.

The ministry in its effort to put the sector in its rightful place came up with a Road Map, inaugurated by the former minister and incumbent Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi.

The road map made the sector attractive to investors and has placed the sector on the path of growth and development.

Fayemi also accessed N30 billion for the ministry. It was a great achievement; the fund helped to upscale the performance of the sector to a higher level, he said.

The director said that the current ministers in the MMSD had also done well since they assumed duty, adding that the ministry had never contributed up to the amount to the GDP in the past.

According to him, the ministry will soon begin to capture the biometrics of more 2000 artisanal miners that registered in cooperatives across the country.

He said the essence of the biometrics capturing was to know their locations and monitor their operations.

The biometrics will help to locate and apprehend artisanal miner that commit offence; it will help in locating where they are conducting mining operations.

Currently, the ministry has formalised the operations of over 2000 artisanal miners that registered into different cooperatives. We want to go beyond formalisation; we want to have their biometrics.

We have procured biometric equipment that will soon be deployed to the field for the exercise and we will issue them Identity Cards.

We noticed that some artisanal miners have been formalised several times due to their movement from one field to another, but the biometrics will henforth prevent double formalisation.

The Federal Government do not call artisanal miners illegal miners; they are miners that are scratching the surface of the land to earn their living. We call them artisanal miners.

As far as they have been formalised into cooperatives, they can access small scale mining licences from the MCO to conduct full mining operation, he said.

Ojeka said that agreement had been reached with artisanal miners operating on tenament (land) that belong to mining investors to sell minerals mined on the tenament to the investors.

Source: NAN News

By Ikenna Osuoha

Save Our Heritage Initiative (SOHI), an NGO, has called on the Federal Government to devise policies for the preservation of forest reserves for not only tourist attraction, but foreign exchange income.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the group, Ms May Ikokwu, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja in commemoration of the 2022 World Forests Day.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that March 21 is a day set aside by the UN as World Forests Day to raise awareness about the values, significance and contributions of the forests to balance the life cycle on the earth.

NAN reports that in 1971, World Forestry Day was established at the 23rd General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture.

Ikokwu, therefore, said that government at all levels should rise up to the occasion of protecting trees and woods from destruction.

She said the more people are allowed to fell trees illegally, the more government loses revenue, especially foreign exchange that comes through tourism, and the more desert encroaches.

Forests are not only sources of wood, but have the capacity to break winds and prevent water erosion, so we need to preserve them, she said.

The culture advocate, who described forests as an important component of nature with protective characteristics against the onslaughts of wind, said it was time for Nigeria to improve on its preservation.

Many trees and plants in the forest have medicinal values, yet unknown to some herbalists.

The fact that we are unaware of their medicinal properties is no reason to destroy them, she added.

According to her, forest reserves such as Shasha River Forest in Ogun, Anara forest reserve in Kaduna, Edumanom forest reserve in Bayelsa, Okomu forest reserve in Edo, and others, should be given more attention now for economic benefits.

Ikokwu expressed the determination of her initiative to continue to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to preserve gifts of nature, especially forests.

She said that continuous and reckless felling of trees was responsible for deforestation and desert encroachment, inimical to nature and national development.

Source: NAN News

By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko

The Hoteliers Association Of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, has called on the state government to rescue the industry from prevalent multiple taxation and outrageous bills in the state.

The associations President, Mr Ayodele Ogundele, made the appeal in Ibadan, while briefing newsmen on Monday.

According to Ogundele, paying multiple taxes and outrageous bills to the state government has worsened the situation of the members of the association.

He said that after managing to survive the challenges of COVID-19, the sector had experienced massive inflation and shortage of staff.

Ogundele expressed dissatisfaction that the industry had experienced serious downturn due to the global economic situation, following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He added that the latest increase in fuel, diesel and total lack of electricity supply in the country had also affected their businesses, that were now on the verge of total collapse.

We once asked the Oyo State Government to harmonise our bills, we negotiated with them, they gave us bill in January, February, every year and latest by July we paid.

But, in a bid to raise revenues, with the setting up of Local Council Development Area (LCDA), we now pay taxes to the state government, local government and also to the LCDA.

Also, since the last administration, we had been paying for generator emissions even for generators that we are not using; making generating electricity an expensive part of our business.

All hoteliers are currently running at below 50 per cent of our capacity because of the cost of electricity generation.

We are no longer generating enough money to pay and take care of our staff and many of them are leaving even when we need them most, because we can no longer pay their salaries.

We really need the help of the government at this critical time, before our businesses collapse, he said.

Ogundele said the tourism and hospitality industry was one of the largest employers of labour in the country and should not be allowed to collapse because the sector could not pay its staff and even make profit.

The hospitality industry contributes a lot, especially in the area of job creations; our industry is not the type government should watch to suffer at all, because it would affect all sectors, including the food sector.

Tourism depends a lot on infrastructural development such as health, security, road construction and others, so that government at all levels should strive to provide an enabling environment for tourism to thrive in the country, he said.

Members of the association present at the briefing included Chief Joseph Emoabino (Vice President), Dr Yemisi Bhadmus, Mrs Anna Anjorin (Welfare Officer) and Mr Kunle Adesanya(PRO). (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Hussaina Yakubu

The Zamfara government says peace is gradually returning to the state in spite of the activities of unpatriotic conflict entrepreneurs in the State.

Conflict entrepreneurs are a group or individuals who promote conflict for profit.

This was made known at a joint press briefing in Kaduna on Sunday by the Zamfara State Commissioner for Information, Ibrahim Dosara, andthe Commissioner for Security and Home Affairs, retired DIG Mamman Ibrahim Tsafe, on the state of affairs in Zamfara.

They said that, as part of the measures,the state government has recruited 4,200 Community Protection Guards (CPG), comprising of ex-servicemen, volunteer able bodied men and other patriotic citizens.

The commissioners said the CPG will be supporting the state security operatives to confront the bandits in their enclaves, with a view to curtailing their menace.

It may interest you journalists to note that these 4,200 CPGs have already commenced the basic training and are now collaborating with security operatives chasing the bandits, they said.

According to them,in spite of activities of unpatriotic conflict entrepreneurs, Zamfara State would soon reclaim its lost glory as one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria.

Unknown to many Nigerians, bandits apart, there are some unpatriotic, conflict entrepreneurs politicians hell bent to sabotage peace process out of their selfish desire either to gain power or to deter the successes of the governor forZamfara State and its citizenry.

We wish to announce that, Insha Allah, Zamfara State will soon regain its lost glory as one of the most peaceful statesin the federation.

It may interest you to also note thatthere is relative peace in almost all the northern parts of the state, with some few skirmishes here and there. I hold the belief that to succeed 100 per cent in making a crime-freestate, will never be a one-day affair, the commissioners said.

According to the commissioners, the government and people of Zamfara are nowadays very hopeful as peace returns to their communities gradually.

To buttress this claim, the Zamfara State Government recently hosted a mammoth crowd in Gusau, the state capital, from within and outside the state who came and lived in Gusau for a week without a single act of banditry against our visitors.

Interestingly, not a single visitor was troubled either on his way coming or going back to their destinations, they added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Diana Omueza

Mr Malik Ado-Ibrahim, a Presidential aspirant under the Young Progressive Party (YPP), has promised to run a government that would bedrock on service to humanity if elected in 2023.

Ado-Ibrahim made the pledge at the YPPs stakeholders summit which was held on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that it was enough of mediocrity in Nigeria and that his party and he were out to bring back the lost glory of Nigeria where service to humanity in the previous years was invisible.

According to him, I am out by the mandate of the YPP, operating on the rules of service to the people.

A lot of harm had been done to the country in the last three weeks where the queue for the Petroleum Motor Spirit (PMS), electricity breakdown had now become the order of the day.

The country needs to put all these pitfalls in order in choosing the right leaders who will have the mind of sacrifice in rendering humanitarian services to Nigerians.

I am saying this because YPP is capable of leading this country; we need change in leadership. The bar is on the ground, we only have to step over it but we are going to set it so high.

We are going to set an example, we are going to show what our party can do which the members believe. Power is earned by people who have vision.

Some motivate their people with disregard but you can also motivate your people with vision.

I want to tell you my vision so that you dont think I am trying to win a popularity contest or trying to be something I am not.

My head is full of ideas for a better Nigeria which I hope you will all join in trying to manifest it through your love for nation, position, through your drive for a country that desires to take its place on the global stage again, he said.

Ado-Ibrahim added that YPP and he would also run an inclusive government where everyone would be carried along and would be free from religious sentiment.

Mr Debo-Ranti Ajayi, a Governorship aspirant under the same party platform in the June 18, Ekiti State Governorship election pleaded with Nigerians to allow fresh leadership into the country on the platform of YPP.

Ajayi alleged that the country did not have leaders but dealers who were using the country to advance their personal interests and agenda against general interest.

According to him,YPP as a party has qualified and tested individuals who can run leadership position very well.

He said this was the reason he was running for the governorship position in Ekiti State under his party platform.
I have been tested. I am a former Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning.

Back in 2013, I was the Commissioner for Trade Investments and Innovations and I already saw the future of Ekiti, it is a knowledge economy worthy of true leaders.

And if given the opportunity, Ekiti will be transformed for good, he said.(NAN)(Www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Philip Yatai

Sen. Danjuma Laah (PDP-Kaduna South), on Sunday inaugurated the Catholic Archdiocese of Kadunas Lenten Season Campaign toward mobilising resources to support the poor and vulnerable in the society.

Laah inaugurated the campaign in Kaduna at Our Ladys Chaplaincy, Sabon Tasha Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna.

He explained that the Lenten campaign was an annual event of the Archdiocese designed to mobilise resources to support widows, orphans, the less privileged and other poor and vulnerable people in the communities.

He added that the resources would be used to equip poor and vulnerable people with self-sustaining skills and support rural communities with clean water.

The senator called on Christians to use the Lenten season to extend hands of fellowship to the needy.

He also called on residents of the state to be law-abiding and strive toward promoting peace and unity.

He pledged his untiring commitment to the service of God and humanity, particularly the people of Southern Kaduna Senatorial District.

The Chairman of the occasion, Mr Samuel Aruwan, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, also called on Christians to love one another as God commanded.

Aruwan equally advised residents to be security conscious and support the governments efforts to tackle security challenges.

Earlier in his remark, Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Kaduna, Most Rev. Matthew Nmanso-Ndagoso, appealed to well-meaning individuals to support the campaign.

The Bishop explained that the Archdiocese usually mobilise resources at the beginning of every Lenten season for pro-poor interventions throughout the year.

He called on the privileged few to use the Lenten season to assist the less privileged in the society by shouldering some of their responsibilities. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

The Ijegun-Egba Tankfarm Owners and Operators Association has committed to the supply of 40 trucks of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), otherwise called petrol, to the Federal capital Territory (FCT) daily.

The programme would begin from Monday all through the week and beyond.

The association also announced that its members collectively had 106 million litres of PMS in stock, which it had agreed to load and truck accordingly.

These were some of the resolutions reached at an emergency meeting of the owners/chief executive officers of the association held on Sunday in Lagos.

A communique at the end of the meeting was signed by the chairman of the association, Mr Adebowale Olujimi and the associations secretary, Eshiet E. Eshie.

The association resolved that: in line with our transparent posture, we wish to put it on record that we collectively have approximately 106 Million litres in stock and will load and truck same accordingly.

That all Tankfarms within the Ijegun-Egba axis are committed to load and supply 40 trucks of PMS per day to Abuja, FCT to address and augment energy supply and energy security in Federal Capital Territory.

They also resolved that: The Owners/CEOs, having considered the energy situation in the country, committed themselves as credible businessmen and women to work assiduously with the Federal Government and their Agencies to ensure effective and efficient distribution of petroleum products in the nation.

The Meeting commended the effort of the Government in addressing the energy situation in the country, especially in making PMS available despite the volatility of same globally.

That in line with our collective corporate values, all members of Ijegun-Egba Tankfarm Owners will continue to maintain and ensure full compliance with government regulated and stipulated price of PMS, and as such no Tankfarm should sell or price PMS above the Government regulated price.

Any Tankfarm within the Ijegun-Egba axis that defaults or fails or neglects to operate in full compliance with the regulated price should be sanctioned accordingly.

To underscore transparency and our good faith in ensuring effective product distribution across the Nation, we are committed to work with and cooperate with all Government Agencies and Security Agencies regarding our members operational plans, loading plans and pricing.

The association pledged to avail the regulatory agencies with its members books for scrutiny whenever same is required.

It also stated that members are collectively expecting consignments in the next few days, and would load and truck to ensure energy stability and security.

To further complement Governments efforts, plans and policies we commit ourselves to work 24 hours to ensure seamless loading, trucking and distribution of petroleum products, especially PMS from the Ijegun-Egba axis.

That Tankfarms will run and continue to run their operations transparently, openly and will account for their operational plans, loading and pricing to the Government at all times.

It laude governments effort to address the volatility in product distribution and agreed that any Tankfarm that sabotages the governments plans or policies by pricing above the government regulated price should be held responsible.

To ensure and guarantee effective implementation of the agreed resolutions, the Meeting mandated the Chairman, either on his own or through officers of the Association or agents to monitor the operational activities, loading and pricing by the Tankfarms.

The Chairman was further mandated to exercise this oversight function in conjunction with the regulatory or security agencies.

Members of the association in attendance include Alhaji Auwalu Abdullahi Rano GMD, A.A.Rano Ltd; Engr Johnson Oboh Peters GMD, Menj Oil Ltd; Chief Peter Chinedu GMD, Chipet Oil Ltd; Dr Gabriel Ogbechie GMD, Rainoil Ltd; Mrs Judith Ogbara CEO, Stallionaire Ltd; Mr Olutayo Awogboro MD, Aipec Oil Ltd; and, Princess Adedoyin MD, First Royal Oil Ltd.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Lizzy Okoji

Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, says Nigeria must promote its national interest positively to be accepted globally.

Gambari made the call on Saturday in Abuja at the book launch of a Nigerian Former Ambassador, Mohammed Ibrahim titled With Heart and Might: 33 Years In the Nigerian Diplomatic Service.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the book, a memoir of Ibrahims life as a Foreign Service Officer highlights some of the challenges in the Foreign Service, Nigerias Foreign policies with recommendations for improvements.

Gambari commended the author for the initiative, urging Foreign Policy experts to articulate Nigerias Foreign Policy to promote the countrys interests, stands on global issues which must be interdream with national policies.

Foreign policy is not just about theories but an external projection of the values we have as a nation, it is also a promotion of our national interest and our world views.

Therefore, we need to continue to struggle to build a national consensus behind the articulation design, defense of our national interest in the new millennium.

Which is based on the promotion of peace and security, sustainable development as well as the development and democratization at home and abroad.

In this regards, Nigeria must continue to establish both in principle and in practice that it is no longer enough to see what the country can do for others.

But what we can do together with others in the pursuit of our common interest.

It is our duty at the diplomacy to persuade others that it is in their own interest to try to support us with what we promote and propose as our national interest.

If you do not agree with this, just look at what Israel has managed to do with the United States, they made their interest the interest of the United States in the articulation and promotion.

Because you are adding to your prestige when other countries adopt as their interest what you decide.

And, that is why you have to recruit the best and the brightest to not only define your interest but let other people define their interest in your own interest, Gambari, said.

He said that building African Institutions like the Lake Chad Basin Commission, ECOWAS, the African Union, African Development Bank had become a distinct feature of the Buharis Administrations Foreign Policy and our Countrys diplomacy.

The biggest asset we have as a nation today is the credit and credibility that President Muhammadu Buhari enjoys in our subregion, in Africa, the middle East, and the world at large.

So, how do we take advantage and try to institutionalize that credit and credibility which he has brought to our nation even beyond his tenure.

Because he has warned that come 2023 after may he is going to lead by example.

So, when he frowns at extension of term limits, when he frowns at amendments of the constitution to suit particular persons in office, he is leading by example, Gambari said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno said that all great nations have clearly defined foreign policies, which entail the Defence of the territorial integrity of the nation.

Zulum who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Isa Marte said that defined Foreign policies also entails the protection of the interests of her citizens both within and outside the country.

He, however, lamented the lack of national passion and commitment in the Countries Foreign Policy Foray in present days.

This he noted were some of the challenges highlighted by the writer which should be urgently addressed as a nation.

For the first three decades of her independence, apart from the protection of Nigerias territorial integrity, there was no foreign policy issue that Nigeria had pursued with unrelenting commitment.

As the fight against colonialism in Africa and ending Apartheid in South Africa.

Since successfully bringing these inhuman vices against Africa and the Blackman to an end, Nigeria has not taken up any foreign policy foray with the same national passion and commitment.

This continues to be one of the major challenges of our foreign policy, Zulum said.

Ibrahim told NAN that the book sought to spur young Foreign Service Officer to use their position to take Nigeria back to its place of prestige in the Sub-region, continental and global pedestal.

NAN reports that also present at the event was the Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero, Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Amb. Zubairu Dada, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Gabriel Aduda, retired Ambassadors, amongst others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

By Florence Onuegbu

A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Into Skills for Care and Corporate Ltd., on Saturday called for improved elderly and child care services in Nigeria.

Its Director, Ms Titilayo Shonubi, made the call in Lagos during the unveiling of Care Academy and the graduation of trainees for care services.

Shonubi decried the lack of professional care services in Nigeria, and suggested that it was high time Nigeria and Nigerians adopted professional care services, especially for the elderly, so they could live more meaningful lives.

She said that the firm, in collaboration with care organisations in the United Kingdom, were training Nigerians on acceptable care standard for the elderly and children.

In Nigeria, we see keeping our elderly ones in a care home as a taboo, but that is wrong. It is high time we begin to see the advantages in doing so.

Most people engage in different works; when they leave their elderly ones just sit at home bored, but when in a care home, they will relate with their peers on the same level and continue with activities they love to do.

These activities will help to stimulate their brains and earn them more active years.

I believe we need more of professional care homes in Nigeria to also ease the stress of caring for the children. That is why Into Skills for Care is training people to become professionals in this field.

We train you on the 15 standard care certificate, which is the minimum certificate needed to work in the UK, Shonubi said.

Another Director in the company, Miss Tomi Banjoko, said that the firm was especially using the tier two visa opportunity given by the UK for healthcare professionals to give more Nigerians the opportunity to relocate to the UK.

Banjoko said the firm was training interested persons to prepare them to become skilled care workers in the UK standard.

She said that the training was to help Nigerians get into the UK easily by becoming care givers.

According to her, the UK recently launched its tier two visa, where it is bringing in healthcare professionals from all over the world, because there is shortage of healthcare staff.

We are not only training people, but we also help with other important aspects of the relocation. We work with about five care firms in the UK, looking to recruiting and link our trainees with them.

These firms cater for whatever is needed for the relocation, including an initial three-year stay and work visa, one month accommodation, health insurance, among other benefits.

The six weeks training is based on UK standard, so our trainees are familiar with questions when they attend interviews.

We also work on their curriculum vitae, so they are relevant to the positions being applied for and are more attractive to prospective employers.

About 32 persons were trained in the first batch, while the training for the second batch of 30 candidates is ongoing, and another class will start on April 16, she said.

One of the trainees, Ms Linda Papo, said that the training had exposed her to the care world, especially for the elderly.

It was through this training that I was able to properly care for my mother, who had dementia and diabetes. I have had three placements so far, and now I can say I have a career in the care field, Papo said.

Another trainee, Mr Tobi Cole, said the training had showed him that he could make money through his personal traits of having passion for people.

Cole said that care service entailed perseverance and empathy for people, looking beyond oneself and putting people first. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Source: NAN News

The Argentinianwas absent from training on Saturday due to flu, and PSG have confirmed he is out of their plans for the fixture.

PSG came into the weekend with a 15-point lead over nearest rivals Marseille and Nice at the top of Ligue 1.

Already this means Messi remains on course to land a major trophy in his first season at the Parc des Princes.

However, the former FC Barcelona captain, who scored a record 672 goals for the Catalan giants, has struggled to make the impact he would have wanted in the French capital.

To date, he has only two Ligue 1 goals from 18 appearances, although he has managed 10 assists and hit the woodwork eight times in the competition.

Injuries and illness have hampered Messis progress, and now PSG will hope his latest absence is a short one.

Without Messi, PSG still have a substantial attacking threat.

Kylian Mbappe, who began his career at Monaco,has scored nine goals in eight games against his former employers in Ligue 1, netting more only against Dijon (11).

Indeed, Mbappe has scored PSGslast five goals against Monaco in the competition.

Head coach Mauricio Pochettino is set to take charge of his 50th game as a coach in Ligue 1.

He averages 2.29 points per game in the French top-flight.

Only his two predecessors at PSG, Unai Emery and Thomas Tuchel, havea better points-per-game record in the history of the league.

This is based on a win being worththree points, and both are with 2.37 points per game.(dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng

Source: NAN News