By Lizzy Okoji

Gov. Yahaya Bello of Kogi has urged Nigerians to reflect on the significance of Easter, love one another, be religious tolerant with renewed vigor for a better and prosperous Nigeria.

Bello made the call in his Easter messagemade available by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Onogwu Mohammed on Sunday.

According to the governor, the lesson of Easter as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for the salvation of mankind, should be a template for human existence.

He stressed that the significance of Easter hinged on sacrifice and love, should be modeled by leaders and citizens, urging Nigerians to place premium on national interest as against individual aspirations.

The lesson of Easter as exemplified by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who laid down his life for the salvation of mankind, should be a template for human existence hinged on sacrifice and love.

These godly attributes should be modeled by leaders and citizens.

The important message of Easter is love for mankind and this Christ-like virtue should be converted into citizens drive toward national integration and harmony amongst various religious and ethnic sections in the country.

Kogi, under my watch is more united than ever and we have created an atmosphere of equity, fairness and justice, where every religion is mutually respected and with such in place, any society will thrive in all spheres.

Bello while assuring citizens of a peaceful Easter celebration, reiterated governments continuous efforts toward a secured and peaceful state.

He added that, it had become imperative to ensure residents of the state were safe and his governments relentless commitment to pushing for a more unified confluence state where everyone would see himself first in the spirit of humanity and love.

Bello, however, urged Christians as well as other Nigerians to use the occasion of this blessed period to pray for the peace and progress of Nigeria.

Source: NAN News

Pope Francis hasurged countries to quicken the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, particularly to the worlds poor.

The pontiff described armed conflict and military spending during a pandemic as scandalous.

He gave the advice in his Easter message on Sunday.

I urge the entire international community, in a spirit of global responsibility, to commit to overcoming delays in the distribution of vaccines and to facilitate their distribution, especially to the poorest countries, he said.

Coronavirus has meant this has been the second year in a row that Easter papal services have been attended by small gatherings at a secondary altar of St. Peters Basilica, instead of by crowds in the church or in the square outside.

After saying the Mass, Francis read his Urbi et Orbi (to the city and the world) message, in which he traditionally reviews world problems and appeals for peace.

The pandemic is still spreading, while the social and economic crisis remains severe, especially for the poor.

Nonetheless and this is scandalous, armed conflicts have not ended and military arsenals are being strengthened, he said.

Francis, who would normally have given the address to up to 100,000 people in St. Peters Square, spoke to fewer than 200 in the church while the message was broadcast to tens of millions around the world.

The square was empty, except for a few police officers enforcing a strict three-day national lockdown.

The Pope asked God to comfort the sick, those who have lost their loved ones and the unemployed.

He urged authorities to give families in greatest need a decent sustenance.

He praised the medical workers, sympathised with young people who are unable to attend school and said everyone was called to combat the pandemic.

There are still too many wars and too much violence in the world! May the Lord, who is our peace, help us to overcome the mindset of war, Francis, who has often called for disarmament and a total ban on the possession of nuclear weapons, said.

Noting that it was International Awareness Day against anti-personnel landmines, he called such weapons insidious and horrible devices how much better our world would be without these instruments of death!

In mentioning conflict areas, he singled out for praise the young people of Myanmar committed to supporting democracy and making their voices heard peacefully.

More than 550 protesters have been killed since a Feb. 1 military coup in Myanmar, which the Pope visited in 2017.

Francis called for peace in several conflict areas in Africa, including the Tigray region of northern Ethiopia and the Cabo Delgado province of Mozambique.

He said the crisis in Yemen has been met with a deafening and scandalous silence.

He appealed to Israelis and Palestinians to rediscover the power of dialogue to reach a two-state solution where both can live side by side in peace and prosperity.

Francis said he realised thatmany Christians were still persecuted and called for all restrictions on freedom of worship and religion worldwide to be lifted. (Reuters/ NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Amen Gajira

As Nigerians celebrate Easter, Mr Peter Averik, Chairman of Jemaa Local Government in Kaduna State, has advised Christians to reflect on the nations challenges and seek Gods intervention.

Averik, while felicitating with Christians, restated the need for Nigerians to live in peace and always forgive one another.

The Chairman, in an Easter message on Sunday in Kafanchan, said that the Easter period provided an opportunity to reflect on the numerous challenges confronting the country and seek divine intervention.

This Easter has again afforded us opportunity to deeply reflect on our twin challenges of insecurity and poverty and honestly beg God for his mercy and healing.

I am happy that this years Easter has come at a time we are seriously working to entrench peace and harmonious coexistence among our diverse communities.

I hereby invite you all lovers of peace and progressive compatriots to join us in this work for peace, he added

He enjoined Christians to imbibe the lessons of love and sacrifice as exemplified by Jesus Christ, and demonstrate same in their lives.

Easter is a glorious climax of Jesus Christs redemption work in which mankind was saved through the death and resurrection of Christ after three days in the tomb.

We should, as people of faith, inculcate the useful lessons of the spiritual season which are love, prayers, forgiveness and charity, especially for the poor.

I pray that we all may be influenced with the grace of the Easter season to embrace one another in love, irrespective of our ethnic and religious differences, he added (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Monday Ajogun

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, on Sunday, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for considering merit above everything in appointing the new Auditor General of the Federation, Mr Adolphus Aghughu.

Obaseki gave the commendation in Ewatto, Esan South East Local Government Area of the state, at the Thanksgiving Mass at St. Anthony Catholic Church on the appointment of Aghughu, as the Auditor General of the Federation.

Dignitaries at the church service included, the Senator representing Edo South, Sen. Matthew Urhoghide, Sen. Clifford Ordia, representing Edo Central, and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mr Clem Agba, among others.

Obaseki said he was going to thank the President for considering merit above everything else, explaining that Aghughu had certain values like honesty, hard work and diligence, that earned him the job, and that he would do well to continue to maintain those values.

I am very proud that we have produced the Auditor General of the Federation. This is the doing of the Lord, because he has been applying for this position since 2018 and he is more than qualified, but the Lord, in his own time, has made it possible.

He achieved this position not through any godfather, but through hard work. And I am a witness to it, I am a witness to the setbacks and the frustrations.

You are not in office on your own account, you are not there to represent your community Ewatto, and you are not there to represent Edo, but you are serving the Federal Republic of Nigeria and with that goal you are serving all of us.

Nobody put you there, it is God that put you there, so continue to do only that which is pleasing in the eyes of God, the governor said.

Speaking on the infrastructural development of the state, the governor said that his administration would fulfill all the promises it made during the electioneering campaign.

For my administration, I can always assure you, that we do not say what we cannot do, whatever promises we make by the Grace of God, we will fulfill all those promises to our people before we leave office, he said.

Earlier, the officiating Priest, Most Rev. Donatus Ogun, called on all leaders to allow the masses feel their presence during their tenure in office.

So, I speak on behalf of our sons and daughters, lets us feel you, if you are afraid that they will kill you, let them kill you, and you die because you are doing good, its better to die a better death in doing good, than to die doing evil, or not doing anything at all.

He thanked the governor for constructing the road to Ewatto, saying, we may have voted for different parties, during the gubernatorial election, but for rest part of the administration, all of us are on the same boat, its our state, it is our land, let us work together for the success of our dear state.

As for the various security challenges we are experiencing currently, let us not get tired of praying for our government, when you pray for those in government, you are giving them an obligation to be better, he added.

Ogun congratulated the newly appointed Auditor General of the federation and prayed to God to grant him wisdom, just as he urged him to put the people he is representing first.

Responding, the new Auditor General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu, assured that he would be transparent and accountable to the people of Nigeria. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has congratulated Christians in the state and worldwide on the occasion of the 2021 Easter celebration, urging them to embrace more love and forgiveness.

Makindein a statement issued in Ibadanon Saturday by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, urgedChristians to, in the spirit of the season, continue to be their brothers keepers and to forgive others.

The governor expressed gratitude to God for sparing the lives of residents of the state, especially the Christian faithful to witness the Easter season.

He charged Christians in the state not to take lightly the price that Jesus Christ paid for their salvation and to continue to remain connected to Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ has paid the price for us. So, we should keep on supporting the government and should in the spirit of the season, be our brothers keepers.

If anyone has offended you, this is the period to forgive. This is the period also to get connected to our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, who died so that we may be saved, Makinde said.

The governor urged residents of the state to continue to support his administration and to remain steadfast. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Abujah Racheal

The Nigeria Center For Disease Control (NCDC) has re-emphasised the need to avoid non-essential travels during the Easter and Ramadan celebrations to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General, NCDC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday that it was very important to adhere to public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

As Nigerians plan to celebrate Easter and begin Ramadan, it is very important to remember the public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

It is very important to remember the public health and social measures required to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19.

Chikwe also emphasised the need for sustained testing as an effective public health response to detect, isolate and treat cases of COVID-19.

Testing is one of the key components in Nigerias response to the pandemic.

The benefits of getting tested include ascertaining the incidence of COVID-19 in the community, opportunity to break the chain of transmission in the community and tracking of mutation of SARS-CoV-2 in the country.

He said that the number of collection sites and laboratories had increased in the country making testing more accessible and effective.

The capacity for testing has increased in Nigeria since the outbreak began, from four laboratories to 129 functional laboratories. Of these, 48 are private laboratories and eight are corporate laboratories.

Each state and the FCT have several sample collection sites with at least one molecular laboratory to test.

Samples are tested daily to ensure results are communicated to the clients, patients and/or managing team for optimum care, he explained.

The NCDC boss noted that it was, therefore, important that Nigerians to utilise these resources to enable control of the spread of COVID-19.

The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, difficulty breathing, sore throat, sneezing, loss of smell and taste among many others.

It is important to get tested when you have any of the symptoms in the case definition or if you are a close contact to any confirmed case.

If in doubt on how to get a test, call your state emergency line or call 6232, the NCDC Connect Centre toll free number.

Some individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes COVID-19, may never develop symptoms as in asymptomatic cases.

Others may have very mild disease pauci-symptomatic, or they may develop moderate to severe COVID-19 disease, he told NAN.

Ihekweazu added that it was also important to note that co-infections of SARS-CoV-2 with other pathogens have been reported, thus a positive test for another pathogen does not rule out COVID-19 and vice versa.

He noted that in the last two weeks, the number of samples collected and tested had reduced, despite the availability of sample collection sites and public health laboratories.

The NCDC boss, therefore, urged Nigerians who meet the criteria to get tested. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Isoken Omo, an official at the ongoing 20th National Sports Festival (NSF), on Saturday in Benin assured of accommodation availability for all athletes, officials and visitors throughout the games period.

Omo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), however, that those not listed to be accommodated by the organisers would have for themselves pocket-friendly accommodation.

She disclosed that the committee was working in partnership with a number of hotels in the city for the purpose of the festival.

Omo, a Project Manager with the Accommodation Sub-Committee of the festivals Local Organising Committee (LOC), disclosed that visitors would enjoy a 30 per cent discount with LOCs partner hotels.

The Acommodation Sub-Committee for the festival, just like other sub-committees, is ready for the festival.

We have been ready for the games for over a year now, and we have been waiting for this day.

What we have done is to arrange for hotels close to the venues, so that people will not find it difficult commuting between their hotels and venues for games.

Though I cannot say for now the exact number of rooms we have ready for our visitors, but I can assure that nobody will face any accommodation issue. There is enough to accommodate all.

The games have national and international impact because we have those coming to see what is happening.

For instance, we got a call from some Koreans who are coming just to observe, she said.

NAN reports that the 20th NSF tagged Edo 2020, had suffered several postponements before it was finally fixed to hold from April 2 to April 14.

While the festivals opening ceremony has been scheduled for Tuesday, contingent from the states have however started arriving in Benin since Friday.

NAN reports that 8,000 athletes, a figure scaled down from the initial 14,000, are expected to participate in the two-week festival. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Igbaugba Ehigimetor

Thirteen States out of the 15 that arrived Benin on Friday for the 20th National Sports Festival (NSF), tagged Edo 2020, have passed the COVID-19 screening.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC) for the festival, Mr Philip Shaibu, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Benin on Saturday.

He also revealed that two states, Oyo and Taraba, failed the screening as they did not adhere to the guidelines given to the states to qualify them to participate in the nations biggest sports fiesta.

Shaibu, who is the States Deputy Governor, said the guideline must be strictly adhered to to prevent the outbreak and spread of coronavirus at the games.

Shaibu also confirmed that two athletes tested positive to COVID-19 after the instant PCR test on arrival and have been taken to the Stella Obasanjo Hospital Isolation Centre.

According to him: The contingent of Oyo and Taraba stands disqualified from the 20th NSF unless the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 gives a counter directive as both states failed to meet with the COVID-19 guidelines of the games.

We have to be strick with the guidelines so as not to use the games as an avenue to spread COVID-19 in the state, which has already been flattened.

Even if the PTF gives approval for both states to be admitted, the teams have to go through strict COVID-19 screening and testing before they will be allowed into camp. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Olayinka Owolewa

Team Kwara on Saturday left for the 20th National Sports Festival in Benin with a 233-man contingent, 128 more than the states team to the 2018 festival in Abuja.

The contingent has 166 athletes, who will compete in 27 events, coaches, secretaries, protocol officers, cleaners, security, helpers, and other accompanying officials.

The officials are from the states Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, led by the Permanent Secretary, Iyabo Banire.

The 27 events include athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, chess, cricket (male), darts, scrabble, squash, tennis, para-tennis, karate, taekwondo, judo, wrestling, cycling and table tennis.

The rest are golf, volleyball, deaf and blind athletics, power-lifting, weightlifting, wushu kungfu, kick-boxing, para-table tennis and para-athletics.

While briefing newsmen before their departure for Benin, the Director of Sports, Atanda Alarape, said the 166 athletes across the 27 events were carefully selected, based on merit and strength.

Our target is to go to Benin and win medals, as we have mapped out our strategies to maximise participation, especially in areas of our strength.

By doing so, we cut down on some areas, as we are not going for a jamboree, and not to complete numbers, Alarape said.

He commended the Kwara governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, for raising the stakes, especially approving money for both open and closed camping, as well as for the festival proper.

Alarape also commended the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development, coaches and secretaries and the other officials, for their understanding throughout their preparation for the festival.

He charged the athletes to put the interest of the state at heart, and be good ambassadors of the state by competing fairly for medals at the festival. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ishaq Zaki

Alhaji Sanusi Maradun, a former Commissioner for Social Welfare in Zamfara, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Maradun who announced his defection in Gusau on Saturday said he decided to join APC because of its efforts towards developing the state.

I am in politics because of development of my people. l decided to join APC base on the partys successes in retaining grassroots politics in the state.

Anybody who want to development in politics, must embrace APC under the leadership of the former governor of the state, Alhaji Abdulaziz Yari.

I served in Yaris cabinet as a commissioner and I know the kind efforts he made during his tenure to promote the state in both human and infrastructure development.

The APC is the only vibrant political party in the state considering the fact that the party has more grassroots support in the state, Maradun said.

He commended the state APC caretaker committee under Alhaji Lawal Liman and partys stakeholders in the state for the recent reconciliation of warring factions in the state.

Maradun expressed optimism on APCs victory at the 2023 governorship election in the state. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Nathan Nwakamma

Bilabiri community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa has called on the state and Federal Governments to help in restoring normalcy after the sack of residents by criminals.

Mr David Bazigha, Chairman, Community Development Committee (CDC) for Bilabiri 1, coastline settlement, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Yenagoa on Saturday.

Bazigha said that the call had become imminent following the rise in criminal activities in the area which led to the death of a former Council Chairman.

The development compels residents to flee the area. We are appealing to the state and Federal Government to salvage the Bilabiri Kingdom from criminal elements holding sway in the area and attacking residents.

We lost the former Chairman, Aliebiri Rural Development Authourity, Bilabiri Hon. Frank Seide and two others and this led to the entire settlement taking refuge elsewhere leaving the area desolate.

The community leadership as we speak are all in exile and the criminals have chased residents away while they engage in their nefarious activities, that is why we are sending a distress call to the government.

We had raised concerns earlier on the activities of these miscreants in a letter the CDC Chairmen of Bilabiri 1 and 2 wrote alongside the monarch to security agencies dated March 19, he said.

The chairman said the community appealed to the security agencies to wade in and sanitize the area by helping to flush out the undesirable elements amongst them, as things have degenerated.

The loss of lives would have been prevented and now those of us who championed to end criminality have become their targets and we have to flee, Bazigha said.

He recalled that the community leadership on March 19, written a letter to the security agencies and urged them to flush out criminals from its fold.

He noted that in a letter, the community appealed to the Joint Task Force deployed to protect oil facilities in the Niger Delta, to deploy its surveillance boats to the area to fish out miscreants.

The letter was signed by Chief Peter Pinne, Amananawei (Paramount Ruler) in Bilabiri 1 and Chief Minna Fun, Amananawei of Bilabiri 2.

Other signatories are Mr David Bazigha, Community Development Committee (CDC) Chairman, Bilabiri 1 and Mr Esau Joshua, CDC Chairman Bilabiri 2.

The letter stated that the community leadership had resolved to rid the area of pirates, militants, oil thieves and kidnappers who brought the name of the area to disrepute.

It added that the development is an expression of the people of Bilabiri to support governments efforts at maintaining a peaceful atmosphere for legitimate economic activities, Bazigha said.

When contacted, Spokesman for the state Police Command, SP Asinim Butwat, said he was awaiting details on the incident.

However, the Joint Task Force Headquarters in Yenagoa, declined comments and said that only the defence Headquarters had the mandate to comment on their operations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Somali National Army (SNA) said on Saturday that relative calm has been restored in two bases after foiling a dawn attack by al-Shabab militants in the southern region.

Odowa Yusuf Rage, the Somali Army chief, told Somalia National Television that several al-Shabab fighters, including their leaders, were killed after launching simultaneous attacks on SNA bases in Awdhigle and Bariire in the Lower Shabelle region.

Rage said that the government forces were in control of the Bariire and Awdhigle regions and that the situation was calm in those regions.

He added that, although no casualties have been reported on the SNA sides.

Rage said the military forces defeated the terrorists who later fled with dead bodies and other equipment to nearby bushes.

He said the Somali soldiers pursued the terrorists who had engaged the government forces in daily attacks to areas where they could be hiding.

The militants had earlier claimed to have raided military bases in Bariire and Awdhigle, the two strategic agricultural areas recently seized from the terrorist group by the allied forces.

The militant group said it later bombed army bases in Janale, Sabiid and Anole villages following the attacks early on Saturday.

SNA denied the claims, saying its forces thwarted multiple attacks and killed several al-Shabab fighters while others escaped with serious injuries.

Al-Shabab often launches gun and bomb attacks on officials, Somali security forces andAfrican Union Mission inSomalia (AMISOM) facilities in an effort to topple the government and create its own brand of government in Somalia. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Joan Nwagwu

The Federal Government has faulted the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) rejection of the Memorandum of Action (MoA) signed on March 31 in spite of meeting the demands of the association.

The Minister of Labour and Employment,Sen. Chris Ngige said this in a statement by Mr Charles Akpan,Deputy Director,Press and Public Relations of the ministry on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the resident doctors had threatened to commence strike on April 1, alleging that the Federal Government had reneged in the agreements entered with the doctors.

The aggrieved doctors agitations include the non-payment of salaries of three to five months of some house officers and non-recruitment of house officers.

Others are abolishment of the bench fees for doctors undergoing training in other hospitals, non-payment of National Minimum Wage and hazard allowances.

Ngige said that government was faithful to the agreement entered with the aggrieved resident doctorsby the President of NARD, Dr Uyilawa Okhuaihesu

Ngige said that the Federal Government had substantially met the demands of NARD.

He explained that some of the demands by NARD were made in error as some of the issues were already conciliated and implemented hundred per cent.

He,however, said that the outstanding issues which came up at the last conciliation were time-lined along a month life span of implementation,adding that they were still work in progress.

The minister,however,faulted the unilateral repudiation of the MoA by NARDs President, describing it as unknown in labour negotiation.

He did not participate in most of the discussions last Wednesday because he fell ill not quite after the meeting started and had to excuse himself.

He handed over to his deputy, the Secretary-General and other officers of the association, who fully participated. We spent seven hours and by the time we put our signatures to the papers, it was eight hours.

Disowning the MOA duly negotiated is unknown to labour. The two parties to the negotiation signed the MOA. Four officers from government and three from NARD signed the document.

The president who was not at the meeting but fully represented by deputies went to NARDs NEC and disowned the paper because they were signed by his deputy and secretary general.

There is what is called transmission of power. He as the President fell sick and his deputies continued with the meeting. Thats allowed, he said.

Ngige saidthat it was wrong for NARD to impose a fait accompli on the Federal Government while negotiation wasongoing.

According to him, when a trade dispute has been apprehended, no party imposes on the other, a fait accompli.

We signed a memorandum that says NARD will go back to its members to educate them on what has been agreed, the timelines placed on them, with a view not to disturb the industrial milieu in the health sector.

We also agreed to reconvene after four weeks, the minister said.

The minister added that the four weeks was given to allow enough time to implement the issues in the timeline, some of which would take three weeks, before reconvening.

He further expressed disappointmentthat NARD made a detour and mobilised members into action on the Eastertide, whenChristians were observingthe holiest week in their universalcalendar.

He dismissed as untrue, allegation that doctorsin the public health institutions across the country, were not insured.

On this note, he said the Federal Governmentspent N13.3 billion in 2020, on Group Life Insurance not just for doctors and health workers but also for workers in the federal civil and public service.

He stated that the reason for the composite exercise was to stop a situation where ministries and agencies of government workedin silos in payment of death benefits to workers and with lapses in some cases.

This N13.3b was paid to thirteen insurance companies and brokerage firms to administer.

And this is not the first time that NARD and teaching hospitals have been told to send in names and make claims for memberswho have lost their lives.

It is an insurance that runs for one year and it is still on tillMarch that just ended and even at that,the new payment is now being processed, so that it becomes a continuous thing, he said.

The minister added that NARD was again remindedof the development while signing an MoA on March 31, 2012 toput up claims through the Ministry of Health to the Head of Service of the Federation.

This, he said was the only basis for payment of premium to the beneficiaries.

He further said that the procedure was for all health workers in the Federal Government employee, noting thatFederal Government fast-tracked the insurance cover last year in anticipation of casualties attendant upon COVID-19 outbreak.

He said that unionisation for the welfare of workersshould not be only for the purpose of strike, rather, going the extra miles toexploit all opportunities provided by government for the welfare of the workforce.

So, NARD should make claims for the seventeen of their members it confirmeddead as result of COVID-19.

They have the right to make a claim on behalf of their members. The insurance company only needs to verifythe claims and pay.

They can similarly make claim under the Employee Compensation Act for any of their memberswho has suffered injury in the course of his or her work or hazard in the course of work, he said.

Speaking on theMedical Residency Programme which is the major reason for fresh action by NARD, the Minister declared that the progrrammehas been working hitch-freesince it came up in 2019.

He said that the House of Representatives had to do a supplementary appropriation to accommodate it in 2020 COVID-19 budget and the funds, fully releasedby the Federal Ministry of Finance.

He therefore urgeddoctors to respect the Hippocratic Oath which makesthe wellbeing of patients cardinal. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Antswen

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has expressed optimism that Nigeria will overcome its current security and economic challenges and achieve the desired development.

The governor stated this in his Easter message issued by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr Terver Akase, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Makurdi.

Ortomexpressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current economic and security challenges, thus paving way for unimaginable development.

According to him, it is only when citizens support the leadership in building a crime-free society that governments efforts at improving the standard of living can be fully achieved.

He urged Nigerians to continue to show love to one another, as Jesus Christtaught His followers.

As the world celebrates this years Easter, my administration will continue to place priority on the security of lives and general welfare of the people.

I am confident that the current economic and security challenges facing Nigeria will be overcome for the country to move to the next stage of development, the governorsaid.

He added that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as symbolised by Easter,was a period when Christians should draw closer to God so that they couldreap from His grace and mercy in the face of adversities.

Ortom encouraged the people of the state to sustain the support they had been giving to his administration to enable it provide greater development in various sectors of the economy.

He reaffirmed his administrations resolve not to surrender the state to criminalsand gave assurance that the long arm of the law would certainly catch up with bad elements.

Ortom wished the people of the state and Nigerians generally, home and abroad, joyful Easter celebrations. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday expressed sadness over the death of Afenifere Spokesman, Mr Yinka Odumakin, describing his death as shocking.

Jonathan in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Ikechukwu Eze, in Abuja, described Odumakin as a courageous patriot and rights crusader who contributed so much to the development of the nation.

In a message titled A Great Voice for Equity is Gone, the former president said that the deceased played active roles in the years of activism that birthed and stabilised civil rule in our country.

I received with sadness the news of the death of Odumakin.

He was a courageous patriot and rights crusader who gave his all to the struggle for a better Nigeria.

He was a great asset for just causes whose considerable contributions to the growth of civil society is not in doubt.

He also acquitted himself as a seasoned journalist and columnist who promoted egalitarianism and social well-being, in his regular essays, he said.

Jonathan said that Odumakin exited the world with rich democratic credentials, having played active roles in the years of activism that birthed and stabilised civil rule in our country.

As a cultural enthusiast, Odumakin lived his short life as a force to be reckoned with in propagating and protecting the interest of the Yoruba people in the larger Nigeria social space.

This is not a time to lose such a strong promoter of the ideals that would progress our nation in the desired direction of a united, just and equitable society, he said.

Jonathan condoled the wife of the deceased, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, other members of his family, the Afenifere sociocultural association and the entire civil society.

I pray God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and bless Dr Okei-Odumakin with the strength of spirit to bear the loss and sustain the crusade for a just society, he said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians, especially the Christian faithful to take time to pray for unity and peace of the country, as they celebrated Easter.

Abubakar in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to love one another, adding that the essence of Easter celebration was not merely to merry but toreflect on the purpose and meaning of love and sacrifice.

Love, because God says we should love our neighbours as ourselves. And sacrifice because love is hardly practicable without an intention to make a sacrifice.

Therefore, on this occasion of Easter celebration, I urge all Nigerians to take time to pray first of all for peace to return to the country and also for unity.

Nigeria is at the precipice of insecurity, poverty and, most unfortunately, disunity. These are challenges, not impediments.

The way to surmount these challenges is to learn from the world when super power countries who are rivals suspended politics to face a common threat in COVID-19.

I believe that when we approach our challenges with a heart of forgiveness and love, humanity will always triumph. This is the lesson that Jesus taught us, Abubakar said.

The former vice president while wishing the Christian faithful a happy Easter celebration, urged them to pray for the military personnel, who were keeping the vigil of daily sacrifice to keep citizens safe.

Abubakar, however, said that 2021 Easter celebration was significant, as it would be the first major national festival to be celebrated after the commencement of the administration of vaccines against the dreaded Corona Virus.

He recalled that during 2020 celebration there was a global lockdown as most countries of the world required that citizens stay indoors and celebrate in low-key, for the first time in many generations.

But the story this year is slightly different.

Now, there are several certified vaccines and Nigeria, having given nearly a million of our population their first doses of vaccination, has joined the league of countries that are pushing back the virus.

But we are not anyway near the safety threshold.

Abubakar, however, urged Nigerians to stay safe by adhering to all the COVID-19 safety protocols of washing hands, wearing face-mask, avoiding crowded places and observing social distance.

Abubakar also stressed the need to appreciate health workers, who like the example set by Jesus Christ, sacrificed their time and in many instances, their lives in the fight against the deadly virus. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Vivian Ihechu

Nestl Nigeria Plc says there is urgent need to tackle iron deficiency in the country as incidence have shown it to be high enough to be a public health issue.

Victoria Uwadoka, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Manager, Nestl Nigeria, made the disclosure at the concluding session of a three-week virtual training workshop organised for journalists covering Health, Nutrition, Environment and Business.

The programme, which was organised by Nestl Nigeria in partnership with Pan Atlantic University had as its theme:Advancing Nutrition, Health and Environmental Awareness through the Media.

Uwadoka said that iron deficiency is serious issue because iron helps form and oxygenate blood cells and haemoglobin; haemoglobins primary role is to transport oxygen from the lungs to body tissues to maintain basic life functions.

According to her, one needs blood to carry nutrients all around the body and being deficient in that results to poor absorption of food nutrients, lack of energy, anaemia and others.

As part of efforts to tackle iron deficiency in Nigeria and ensure good life for all, Uwadoka said that Nestle Nigeria had concluded plans to unveil a new campaign tagged Live Strong With Iron (LSWI).

The campaign is aimed at educating the public on the need to eat nutritious foods.

The launch comes up on April 7, 2021, in commemoration of this years World Food Day.

We are going to call out the fact that iron deficiency is a public health issue; all stakeholders should be involved to tackle this.

So it is important that we frame the problem, call attention to the problem, and then remove that challenge of low awareness.

Because once we have done that, then we are able to call out the solution, which is the second thing that the campaign wants to do, she said.

Uwadoka said that available statistics in their possession showed that 68 per cent of children under-five years were iron deficient and 37 per cent were stunted.

Also, 58 per cent of women within the representative age of 15 to 49 years were also shown to be iron deficient.

She said the objective of the campaign is to reach at least 50 per cent of Nigerians with increased knowledge and awareness in order to reduce incidence of iron deficiency.

At Nestl, we are committed to enabling people to lead healthier, happier lives by continuously improving our products, providing affordable nutrition for everyone.

Beyond delivering tasty and nutritious products to consumers, we work alongside stakeholders to build strong communities and supply chains while improving livelihoods in communities directly connected to our business activities.

Our Creative Shared Value (CSV) focus areas in Nigeria include Nutrition Education, Building Thriving Communities, Youth Empowerment and Preservation of the Environment, she said.

Also, Akua Kwakwa, Nutrition, Health and Wellness Manager for Nestl Central and West Africa, highlighted the importance of iron and impact of iron deficiency.

Oxygen is the fuel for our bodies. It is responsible for transporting the oxygen from our lungs to all our cells in the bodies to use as fuel.

So, if we dont have enough iron, we are breathing all right, but we are not transporting enough oxygen to our cells for them to do their different functions to produce enzymes to give us energy for our brains work.

Iron deficiency is the most common micronutrient deficiency both globally and locally and the impact on a childs growth and development is devastating.

Its usually irreversible. The impact on our productivity, on our life expectancy, especially at the time of childbirth is devastating.

It also drives what we call hidden hunger, whereby we still continue to function and see things as normal but we have frequent headaches, weakness, fatigue, and the inability to concentrate.

And when it gets extreme, it can even cause hair loss and dull skin. So the impact of iron deficiency, cannot be underrated, she said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Adeoti

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has described the death of Mr Yinka Odumakin, the Spokesperson of the pan-Yoruba group, Afenifere, as a great loss to Yorubaland and the nation.

Oyetola, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, in Osogbo on Saturday, commiserated with the Afenifere,the wife of the deceased, the children and the entire family.

The governor saidthe contributions of the deceasedto the enthronement and growth of democracy in Nigeria would not be forgotten.

According to the governor, the late activist was an advocate of justice, fairness, good governance and a better Nigeria.

He said: On behalf of the Government and good people of the State of Osun, I commiserate with the Afenifere Group over the demise of Mr Yinka Odumakin.

I also condole with his wife, Dr Joe, his children and the entire Odumakin family over this tragic occurrence.

The death of Mr Yinka Odumakin is a great loss to Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.

His contributions to the enthronement and growth of democracy in the country will never be forgotten.

It is my prayer that God Almighty will comfort his family and loved ones and grant his soul eternal rest. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Grace Alegba

Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has given a one-month notice extension to those encroaching underneath the Third Mainland Bridge to vacate the Right of Way (RoW).

While inspecting the bridge and other road projects in Lagos State on Saturday,Fashola warned that the encroachers risk forceful eviction after the extension.

He also gave immediate vacation order to mechanics, artisans, businesses and one advertising company constructing a gantry on the RoW of the bridge.

The minister noted that an initial vacation order served on various businesses under the bridge had lapsed.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister, on arrival under the bridge,sensitised block moulders and other artisans on the dangers their activities posed to the infrastructure.

However, leaders of the block moulders and mechanics appealed to the Minister for an extension to enable them to sell off their goods and move out of the place.

He advised Mr Jacob Fayehun, Lagos State Chairman of the National Automobile Technicians Association, to ensure that the vehicles were not returned to the RoW of the bridge.

Consenting, Fashola directed the leader of the Lagos State Task Force on eviction enforcement to release all the defaulting vehicles towed away unconditionally to the mechanics.

He also yielded to the appeal of Mr Olasukanmi Ismail, Chairman of the Block Makers Association to sell-off produced blocks within the extended period before vacating the area.

The minister was, however, furious with a communication company constructing a billboard gantry on the Adeniji end of the bridge,without approval.

Fashola ordered the workers constructing the gantry to close the site and leave to avert legal action.

He advised the foreman to ask the owner of the communication company to resolve the permit issues with the Federal Ministry of Works in Lagos.

He stressed the need to recover the RoW to save the bridge from danger and also prevent illegal activities that are breeding ground for crimes.

The entire right of way of the bridge is not just the top of the bridge but all of the adjoining land that it is sitting on, which was acquired.

By the Federal Highways Act, all of these are under the control of the ministry in charge of public works.

So, any activity on this type of land is a violation of the law if you dont have approval, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes the minister as saying.

Speaking on encroachment on the Iganmu Bridge being used by petroleum tankers as sales depots, Fashola said they had earlier been removed, but they returned and solicited media support to solve the problem.

He said media support toward creating awareness would elicit voluntary compliance which was a better measure toward taming the problem.

On the ongoing rehabilitation under the Third Mainland Bridge, the minister said that work was going on under the water on various components on the foundation of the bridge.

What remains to be done on the bridge is a lot of under-water works, a lot of pile repairs and a lot of concrete repairs some of which may be unseen by those just driving through, he said.

The minister hinted that the rehabilitation of the bridge is part of the National Infrastructure Maintenance Programme to repair bridges nationwide.

Also speaking, Mr Emmanuel Adeoye, Director, Highway Bridges and Design said that work on the superstructure that is, top of the bridge had been completed but repairs underneath the bridge would continue for nine months.

We intend to work on the piles that are carrying the bridge.

We have the piles, the pile caps and then we have the piers.

We have identified areas where there are defects and we are going to do a lot of substructures works under the water, he said.

NAN reports that the 11.8km third mainland bridge is the longest of the three bridges connecting Lagos Island with the Mainland.

The bridge was reopened to traffic on Feb. 27,after undergoing another round of repairs from July 2019.

The bridge began from Oworonshoki, linked to the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway and the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, ending at the Adeniji Adele Interchange on Lagos Island.

Constructed in 1990, the bridge was adjudged as the longest in Africa until 1996 when a 20.5km 6th October Bridge in Cairo, Egypt was completed. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Oluwatope Lawanson

Human Rights and Political Activist, Mark Adebayo, has urged governors of Southwestern (SW) states and the Federal Government to immortalise the late Yinka Odumakin by naming worthwhile monuments in his memory.

Adebayo, who made the call in a statement on Saturday in Lagos, expressed shock and sadness over the death of the late Afenifere Renewal Group spokesperson.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Odumakin died on Saturday at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital at age 59.

The human rights activist is the Executive Director of Secure World and Liberty Initiative for Peace (SELIP), and also Co-National Spokesman for the Coalition of United Political Parties CUPP.

He said that the governors of SW states and the Federal Government could also establish an annual event in his honour, adding that he deserved it and even more.

Hesaid the news of Yinkas passing was not only shocking and unbelievable but utterly devastating.

The Yoruba nation and the entire Nigeria as a country have lost one of the most brilliant stars in the African constellation. Its sunset at noon.

Yinka was a committed fighter for justice and equity in Nigeria, a cause to which he dedicated himself to up to his last breath.

Let the sun dim its ray, let the breeze still its air, let the sea hold its peace, let the birds chirp in low tones, let the music stop, let mother Africa mourn for she has just lost one of her sterling offspring.

Nigeria, cry for you are bereaved. Yorubaland, wail your heart out for a great son has been taken away from you never to be seen again, he eulogised.

The activist said he was devastated, confused and still in a state of denial but reality could be bitter.

According to him, I have lost a dear friend, an irreplaceable colleague and amotivator.

He noted that the late Odumakin left at a critical junction of Nigerias volatility when his invaluable experience, incredible intelligence and tireless commitment to the noble causes of humanity are desperately needed.

I am yet to think of any worthy replacement to fill the humongous hiatus of honor that your sudden departure has left gaping.

As you have transcended to higher climes, I can only wish you a peaceful journey to yonder, he said

Adebayo gave his condolences to his wife and immediate family, praying that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

It is our loss as Nigerians and our loss as Yoruba nation, its our loss as activists, as friends and colleagues. Yinkas death is a loss to all of us.

Although we mourn now and we will mourn for a long time to come, but Yinka lived a fulfilled, noble, productive and blessed life. His life is worth celebrating.

On this note, l call on all the governors of southwestern states and the Federal Government to immortalise him by naming worthwhile monuments in his memory or establish an annual event in his honour.

He deserves it and even more.

Yinka came, he saw and was more than a conqueror. Journey well, my dear brother and friend, the activist paid his tribute to Odumakin. (NAN)

Source: NAN News