WHO

Many African countries have demonstrated commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) amid disruptions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, a World Health Organisation (WHO) official said on Saturday at the UCH Day.

Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, said that UCH had gained policy and financing traction in the continent to help tackle a growing disease burden.

The attainment of UHC is a high priority in African countries and reforms are happening to make more services available, to more people, with stronger financial risk protection, Moeti said in a statement issued in Nairobi.

Moeti said that with the theme of this years UCH Health for All: Protect Everyone resonated with the urgency to cushion vulnerable demographics from COVID-19 shocks.

She said that robust government industry linkages have enhanced access to quality health services in Africa, adding that in Eswatini, Malawi, Rwanda and Equatorial Guinea, the access gap was narrowed significantly between 2017 and 2019.

Efforts to improve financial risk protection are underway through health insurance coupled with increases in government spending, for example in Cote dIvoire, Ghana and Zambia, said Moeti.

Statistics from WHO indicate that the universal health coverage index across Africa improved from 46 out of 100 in 2017 to 48 in 2019 but fell short of the global average of 66.

In addition, an average of seven per cent of households on the continent are suffering from prohibitive health expenditure while only 14 out of 47 countries were on track to achieve universal health coverage.

Moeti said that resource constraints escalated by COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases like Ebola, Measles and Yellow Fever had slowed down progress towards attaining health for all goals in Africa.

To reach the UHC goals for 2030, accelerated action is needed. Realising health for all requires investments and action by all stakeholders, said Moeti.

She said that African countries should leverage on reforms, innovative financing, digitisation and capacity building in order to hasten progress towards attaining a universal health coverage agenda. (Xinhua/NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops not to be distracted by the move by International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes against Nigerian forces in the north eastern part of the country.

Buratai made the call in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, on Saturday in Abuja.

He said that the call followed the Friday statement from ICC prosecutor, alleging that there were reasonable basis to believe that members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF) had committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

According to him, the ICC statement is immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria, demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.

Buratai said there was no doubt that such statement and instigation could distract the Nigerian troops with its demoralising effects.

He said it could have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all Nigerias internal security operations.

The COAS also enjoined troops to ignore what he described as wicked and unnecessary distractions, directing them to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight.

He also charged the troops to work hard and be guided by the constitution of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.

According to him, the Nigerian army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally.

Our professional conduct over the years and most recently, during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian armys posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.

The Nigerian army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria, he said.

Army spokesperson, Musa, disclosed that Buratai was currently on self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 infection.

Musa said that the COAS would soon join the troops in the north eastern part of the country at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving them the desired leadership and support.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

We can now tackle sexual harassment on campus, say university students

By Femi Ogunshola

Some University Students say they can now tackle the menace of sexual harassment on campus, following a symposium on the prevention of campus sexual violence in tertiary institution across the country.

The symposium was organised by a Non- Governmental Organisation (NGO) Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF) on Saturday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium was initiated by the European Union and United Nations, with the theme: Spotlight Initiative to Eliminate Violence Against Women and Men.

Miss Michel Williams, a 400 Level, Biochemistry Student of Nile University, Abuja,said that with the setting up of response team in the universities, students could now heave a sigh of relief.

She said that with a toll free line where sexual harassment could be reported pronto, tackling the menace of sexual harassment had now been made easy on campus.

Now I know that as a student, when you are being confronted by a lecturer asking for sex for grade, you can nowfind someone to talk to.

That is why they have created the response team in institutions to be able to locate one of them and report, she said.

She said that although she had never experienced sexual harassment, but stories of such menace abound on campuses and in the media.

It is not a good thing to be sexually harassed and there has to be a way to stop it because I know that it affects victims both psychologically and physically, she said.

Miss Favour Amarachukwu, a100 Level Medical Laboratory Student, UniAbuja, said that with the symposium, she was equipped with a new revelation on how to tackle the menace.

Today, I got a new revelation on how to stop gender based violence and sexual abuses on campus and how we can handle it as students and victims.

Now we have a hotline where we can call freely and you can be kept anonymous in case you are scared of your identity being revealed.

So if I fall victim of that with the exposure I have gotten, it will be easier for me to open up now that I have gotten this idea, she said.

Mr Felix Ayeyemi, a 300 Level, Computer Student, UniAbuja, said though he had not been sexually harassed but heard stories in the media relating to sexual harassment.

Ayeyemi said with this training and the free toll line dedicated for sexual harassment, students would now have the courage to call the response team.

He said that,students in collaboration with other partners would keep fighting to curtail the menace of sexual harassment on campus.

Damilola Adebisi, the Lead Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, WARIF, said that the symposium was to increase awareness and engage students on campus prevention of gender violence and sexual harassment.

Adebisi said that students now knew that they could speak out and get help, adding that the bottom line was to tackle the culture of silence and assured them that there was a place they could get help.

This, according to him, is by speaking out and talking about their issues and that they should not be scared.

We want them to speak out on rape and other gender violence as much as possible and the students are happy that they can get help even with the setting up of the response team on campuses, he said.

Source: NAN News

Okowa mourns Leadership newspaper publisher, Nda-Isaiah

By Ifeanyi Olannye

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has condoled the family, management and staff of Leadership Newspapers over the death of the publisher, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

Nda-Isaiah died on Friday in Abuja after a brief illness at the age of 58.

The governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Olisa Ifeajika, on Saturday in Asaba, also commiserated with members of Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) the media and All Progressives Congress (APC) on the death of the respected entrepreneur, politician and philanthropist.

Okowa said the late publisher would be greatly missed by all stakeholders in the media industry, especially for his invaluable contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

On behalf of the government and people of Delta, I condole with the Nda-Isaiah family, NPAN, entire staff and management of Leadership and National Economy Newspapers over the passing of a great Nigerian, Mr Sam Nda-Isaiah.

He was a committed Nigerian, a publisher of repute, an astute politician and philanthropist whose commitment to the realisation of a great and truly democratic Nigeria is discernable, he said.

According to the governor, late Nda-Isaiah was a leading pro-good governance advocate and a consistent voice on contemporary and national policy discuss.

As we mourn his painful departure, I pray that God will bring solace to his family and members of staff of his media conglomerate who will miss him the most, and grant him eternal rest, the governor said.

Source: NAN News

Gov. Sheyi Makinde

By David Adeoye

Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday handed over 25 operational vehicles fully equipped with communication gadgets to security agencies in the state.

Makinde, while handling over the vehicles to the agencies, promised that his government would continue to prioritise the welfare of security personnel serving in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the handing over was done at the frontage of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.

Ten of the vehicles were donated to the Swift Response Squad (SRS) a unit of the Nigeria Police Force, while the remaining 15 were given to Operation Burst a state-backed unit comprising the Military, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

The governor said that government would remain committed to supporting police officers and security personnel serving in Oyo State as well as members of their families.

He said this was notwithstanding the fact that it had been a challenging year; Coronavirus pandemic from the beginning of the year, then economic meltdown and #EndSARS protests.

Well, the way I look at it is this, we would not say that because of those challenges, we will not continue to do what we are supposed to do.

I just want to use this opportunity to let the Nigeria Police Force, especially officers and men serving in Oyo State Command, know that under my watch, we will continue to support them and their families, Makinde said.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Mr Fatai Owoseni, said that security was one of the pillars of the Makinde administration.

He said the government had been closing the infrastructure gaps in the security sector to make the state safer and secure for all and sundry.

These operational vehicles will further strengthen the infrastructure of the two outfits, he said.

In his remark, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Joe Enwonwu, appreciated the governor for the gesture.

Enwonwu promised that police personnel in the state would sustain the security status of Oyo State and provide conducive atmosphere for both local, institutional and foreign investors.

I want to assure you that with this new set of vehicles, the Police, on its part, will do their best to reinforce security and make sure that people can confidently come out, do their businesses and sleep with their two eyes closed.

During the operational tour of the IGP, he spoke to the officers and made it abundantly clear that we should all come out confidently to give the best of security to the people of Oyo State.

And we should put behind whatever had happened during the #EndSARS protest that led to the loss of lives. We have actually taken that in our strides.

As I speak, we are presently doing training and retraining in our two mobile platforms of MOPOL 4 and MOPOL 72, Ago- Are, with a view to reinforcing and rebuilding confidence in the officers and men of the command in Oyo State he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

Late Sam Nda Isaiah, Publisher Leadership Newspaper

By Rita Iliya
Gov. Abubakar Bello of Niger and chairman North Central Governors Forum has received with shock the news of the demise of the Founder and Chairman of Leadership Newspaper, Sam Nda-Isaiah.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary Mary Noel-Berje said an iroko tree in the pen Profession has fallen and Niger State has once again lost a passionate and dedicated citizen.

Bello described the deceased as an exceptional media mogul who demonstrated courage in his write ups, adding that he was also a successful entrepreneur and politician who will be greatly missed.

The governor prayed for Gods comfort on the All Progressives Congress (APC), people of Niger State, the Media industry, family and close associates of Nda-Isaiah.

Late Sam Ndanusa Isaiah, popularly known as Sam Nda-Isaiah, was the Chairman and Founder of Leadership Newspaper.

Born in Minna on May 1, 1962, late Sam was a passionate newspaperman and pundit, his column, Last Word with a footnote, Earshot, was a must read.

He started the column as special writer and editorial board member of Daily Trust, before he founded Leadership Newspaper.

He served as a committee member in the Kano State government to revive The Triumph Newspapers owned by the Kano State government.

The deceased was also a pharmacist and entrepreneur with many successful businesses.

He was also a founding member of the APC and aspired for presidential ticket under the same APC for 2015 elections.

He was a the Kakakin Nupe, a traditional title in the Nupe Kingdom.

Source: NAN News

Gunmen

By Suleiman Shehu

The Police have confirmed the murder of Dr Fatai Aborode, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, by unknown gunmen.

Aborode was allegedly killed in his farm along Apodun road, Igangan in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of the state on Friday.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed the incident in a text message sent to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Ibadan.

NAN gathered that the PDP chieftain was the Chief Executive Officer of Kunfayakun Green Treasures Limited.

The PPRO confirmed that the deceased was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen at about 5.50 p.m.

At about 1750 hrs of 11/12/2020, along Apodun road Igangan, one Alh Fatal Aborode m of Igangan, was robbed and shot by four unknown gunmen.

The victim was rushed to Olugbon hospital, Igboora where he was confirmed dead.

Effort is on to arrest the fleeing assailants, the statement read in part.

NAN gathered that the deceased, along with his manager, was attacked when they were returning home.

The manager escaped gunshots as he reportedly fled the scene when the gunmen attacked.

NAN recalled that Aborode was the House of Reps candidate under the platform of Accord Party in 2015.

He, however, defected to PDP recently. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Sen. Orji Kalu

By Ikenna Uwadileke

The Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Orji Kalu, has commiserated with people and government of Imo over the passing of Nigerias Ambassador to the United States of America, Amb. Sylvanus Nsofor.

In a condolence message on Saturday in Abuja, the former governor of Abia noted that the late Judge played key roles in nation-building in various capacities.

Kalu described the deceased as upright, courageous and fair in his professional endeavours.

He urged family members, friends and associates of the renowned judge to uphold the good deeds of the deceased.

He also prayed for strength and peace for the widow, Mrs Jane Nsofor during the period of grief.

The demise of Justice Sylvanus Nsofor, former Justice of the Court of Appeal and NigeriasAmbassador to the United States of America (USA) is a huge loss to the nation.

The late jurist was known for his forthrightness, boldness and fairness.

He served the country in different positions locally and internationally.

The late envoy, who contributed to the social, political and economic development of Nigeria, will be greatly missed, Kalu said.

He prayed to God to rest the soul of Nsofor and urged the deceaseds family to take solace in the fact that their late patriarch lived a remarkable life.

Nsofor, a former Justice of the Court of Appeal, died at the age of 85. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Mali

The Malian national workers union (UNTM), the countrys largest trade union, on Friday confirmed it will go ahead with its five-day strike.

The strike is to be observed from 14-18 December after failed negotiations between it and the government on Thursday afternoon.

The executive board of the Malian national workers union informs workers, as well as the populations of the beginning of a strike from 14 to 18 December 2020, said the trade union in a statement issued in Bamako.

The UNTM on Monday, 23 November, 2020, notified the government of its intended strike action.

Among other points, the trade union is demanding the resolution of the situation of its workers in the 80s, the harmonization of wage grids for government workers and the granting of premiums and compensations.

On 18-20 November, 2019, the UNTM launched a 72-hour strike, largely observed across the country, for the same demands.

According to estimates, the three-day strike cost the Malian government 7 billion CFAF. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News

African Union logo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has deposited its instrument of ratification of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples Rights.

This was announced by the Court on Friday at the African Union Headquarters.

The instrument was deposited in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 8 December 2020, the Court said in a statement.

DRCs ratification of the protocol, meaning its passing of laws recognising the Court, brings the number of AU Member States that have ratified the Protocol to 31.

The DRC has taken another grand step to safeguard human and peoples rights.

I strongly encourage the central African country to take one more bold step by making the Declaration (under Article 34(6)) to allow NGOs and individuals to access the Court directly, said Justice Sylvain Or, President of the African Court.

He reiterated to other AU Member States that have not yet done so, to ratify the Protocol and deposit the declaration.

The other States which have ratified the Protocol are: Algeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Chad, Cte dIvoire, Comoros, Congo, Gabon, The Gambia, and Ghana.

Others are Kenya, Libya, Lesotho, Mali, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritania, Mauritius, Nigeria, Niger, Rwanda, Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic, South Africa, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia and Uganda.

As of to date, only six of 31 State Parties to the Protocol have deposited the declaration recognising the competence of the Court to receive cases directly from NGOs and individuals.

The six States are: Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Mali, Malawi and Tunisia.

The African Court was established by virtue of Article 1 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights on the Establishment of an African Court on Human and Peoples Rights, to complement the protective mandate of the African Commission on Human and Peoples Rights.

This is with a view to enhancing the protection of human rights on the continent.

In addition to the ratification of the Protocol, States have to make a Declaration required under Article 34(6) of the Protocol to allow individuals and NGOs to bring cases directly before the Court.

Without such Declaration, the Court would have no jurisdiction over cases brought by individuals and NGOs.

The Protocol was adopted on 9 June 1998 in Burkina Faso and came into force on 25 January 2004.

The Court officially started its operations in November 2006 initially in Addis Ababa and a year later moved to its permanent seat in Arusha, Tanzania. (PANA/NAN)

Source: NAN News