The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has donated firefighters tunic worth N6.5m to the Bauchi State Government.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thefirefighters tunicis made fromfireresistant, synthetic fabric which retains its structural strength afterfireexposure, and resists cuts and tears.

It provides a good level ofprotectionwithout exacerbating the metabolic heat stress of thefirefighter.

The Controller General of the FFS, Mr Ibrahim Liman,made the donation when he visited Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State on Friday.

Limansaid that each of the tunic donated was worth N650, 000.

He urged theBauchi state government to complement firefighters efforts in the state to achieve good response time to fire outbreaks, also fire stations should be established across the state.

We cannot be at the headquarters and spread to every part of the state in good time.

Let us establish more stations in all areas in the state to make fire service response time more effective.

Fire service assets are for the state because they are serving the people. We need your financial support for the maintenance of these trucks, he said.

He noted that training of fire men across the country did not take place in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Plans are ongoing to ensure training begin across the federation in the first quarter of 2021, he said.

Responding, Mohammed restates the commitment of the state government to partner with the FFS to ensure that men of the service put in their best.

We will do good procurement in a manner that you can use your connection with other development partners and governments to help us.

Our fire service is not doing well and we are tackling the issue, he said.

Source: NAN News

Ebonyi govt to create ranches in 13 LGAs

By Christian Ogbonna

The Ebonyi Government says it will establish ranches for local herders in the 13 local government areas of the state.

Mr Cletus Ofoke, State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice disclosed this on Saturday in Abakaliki at a security meeting with some stakeholders in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the stakeholders include state committee on herdsmen/farmers matters, members of Miyetti-Allah Cattle Breeders Association on Nigeria (MACBAN) and Ebonyi Local Government Advisory Committee.

Others are the 13 local government Chairmen and Technical Assistants and Supervisors on herdsmen/farmers matters.

Ofoke said that establishment of the ranches was part of governments efforts to prevent local cows from going into extinction.

Yes, the state governor has mandated the establishment of ranches for our local cows. You know our local breed are already going into extinction.

We want our people to breed our cows the same way the herders are doing it.

When we breed, we sell and make money from there, he said.

The Attorney-General disclosed that the state governor, Chief Dave Umahi had appointed Technical Assistants and Supervisors including herders in all the 13 Local Governments in the state.

He said they would mediate between herdsmen and farmers matters in the state.

The Governor have made appointees, including the herders in all the 13 local government areas of the state.

The meeting is very significant and it was to familiarise with the new appointees and the state committee on herdsmen/farmers matters, Ofoke said.

Alhaji Gidado Sadiq, Chairman of MACBAN in the South East zone, commended Gov Umahi for appointing some of his members as aides.

I urge my people to be law abiding and tolerant and that is the first thing to do. Always be tolerant and always report to us, who are their leaders, on any matter before acting, Sadiq advised. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

NAS advocates free, compulsory prostate cancer test for Men Over 40

By Angela Atabo

Members of the National Association of Seadogs (Pirates Confraternity), Sahara Deck Abuja, on Saturday advocated free and compulsory prostate cancer test for men over 40 years of age in Nigeria.

The members of the association made the call during the associations Prostate Cancer Awareness Walk in Abuja.

Dr Joseph Oteri, a member of the Sahara Deck, said that the prostate gland is a small walnut-sized gland in men located below the bladder, in front of the rectum , produces seminal fluid and transports sperm.

According to him, the prostate gland, if not maintained with a good lifestyle, has a chance of becoming cancerous.

Prostate cancer is one of the killer diseases that affect men above 40 years of age in the past.

But recently, there has been cases of people dying or having prostate cancer even earlier than 40 years, he said.

It is something that people can actually discern; there is something we call Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), so men who are 40 years and above should do a PSA at least twice in a year.

The PSA is supposed to reveal the levels of protein produced by the prostate that when elevated, can indicate if one is going to have enlargement or cancer.

Most men hardly go for the test, even doctors hardly do.

So, there is a department in charge of cancer research at the Ministry of Health where we can advocate that they find a means to make the PSA test free and compulsory.

If you are going to marry, they will tell you to bring your genotype result to know if you are compatible with your spouse to avoid risk of bearing children with sickle cell.

So, let us also say that as you are recruiting workers, ask them for PSA test, or on a yearly basis ask the workers to do their PSA. In some offices, they do that, of which is good , he said.

Oteri said that the prostate gland if enlarged, would affect urine flow and when it gets cancerous, it would move to the bones, from the bones to the lungs and result to death.

On the risk factors , he said: The incidence of prostate cancer is not very high but once men get to 40 years and above, the risk would start multiplying.

The risk is even more if ones father had history of prostate cancer or enlargement.

Oteri advised wives to encourage their husbands to go for PSA test, eat good diet and also maintain a good lifestyle.

He advised that eating of fruits especially tomato could regulate the prostate glands.

Also, taking of vitamins, exercising and reduction in the intake of alcohol and cigarette would help in fighting prostate cancer, he said.

Also, Mr Victor Ofili, Capoon, Sahara Deck, said that the primary goal of prostate cancer screenings was to reduce deaths rate through early detection and prompt management .

Ofili said that the purpose of the awareness walk was to sensitise adult males about prostate cancer and the available screening tests.

He called on governments at all levels to make provisions for affordable routine checks for prostate cancer and improve the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) for accessible and affordable healthcare.

The associations medical team have highlighted some predisposing factors to prostate cancer to include ones family history of cancer ,high-fat diet and obesity ,smoking living a sedentary lifestyle.

Ofili advised men above the age of 40 to go for regular medical screening consisting of digital rectal examination, PSA, urinary and blood tests, biomarkers screening andalso to be conscious of their diet.

According to him, if tested positive, early treatment should commence.

Mr John Oke, Executive Director, Spiritual and Welfare, NAS, said that the organisation was at a point where the average age of its member was around 35 and 40, thus the need to create awareness on prostate cancer.

Oke said that beyond the confraternity, the association was also looking at how to raise awareness about prostate cancer among Nigerians to know the available treatment options as prevention is cheaper and better than cure.

He said that the association recently visited the Karu General Hospital made donations of test kits and held health talks to sensitise people on the scourge and prevention of prostate cancer. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Victor Adeoti

Gov. Gboyega Oyetola of Osun, on Saturday, joined the protest against the activities of the disbanded Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in the state.

The otherwise peaceful protest, held from Oke-Fia to the popular Olaiya junction in Osogbo, however, turned violent when some hoodlums attacked the convoy of the convoy.

While the governor, who had joined the protesters, was rounding off his speech, some hoodlums, welding dangerous weapons, attacked his convoy and damaged several government vehicles.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the hoodlums also injured many of the protesters.

The governor was, however, immediately ferried away from the scene, while those who sustained injuries were taken to a nearby hospital for medical attention.

The governor, while addressing the protesters before the attack, said that the youth had spoken loud and clear, adding that government would continue to protect their interest.

Oyetola, who apologised to the protesters for coming late to address them, said he had been away from the state and only came back shortly.

He said: I want to tender my unreserved apology to the youths for my inability to address you before now. This is simply because I was out of the state, he said.

The governor, who commended the protesting youths for displaying the Omoluabi ethos for which the state was known by comporting themselves in a peaceful manner, said he was in support of the protest against police brutality and human rights abuse.

The excesses of the SARS personnel are too much and they have to be checkmated. So I agree with you and we understand your plights, Oyetola said.

He, however, dismissed the rumours making the rounds that he was the one who sent the hoodlums to attack the protesters, saying there was no way he could have done such. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Gov. Kayode Fayemi, Ekiti State

By Ariwodola Idowu

Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has commiserated with the family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, over the death of his first daughter, Rev. Omotola Oyediran.

The late Oyediran, 79, was until her death the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN), Plc; Publishers of the Tribune Newspapers.

The Governor comiserated with the family In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode,in Ekiti, on Saturday.

He described Oyedirans death as a huge loss not only to the Awolowo and Oyediran families but also to the entire progressives family.

It is a personal loss to me in particular, he said.

The late Oyediran, according to the Governor, was an embodiment of love, integrity, courage, compassion and piety, virtues that defined her inter-personal relationships in her lifetime.

Mrs Oyediran radiated love, warmth and was a mother figure not only to members of the Awolowo dynasty, but also to everyone that came her way.

She was a loving mother and dutiful wife of our respected Prof A.B. Oyediran, former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

She was a virtuous woman and distinguished leader whose life was an inspiration to many.

My Condolences also go to the management and staff of the Tribune Newspapers for the loss of their indefatigable Chairman, whose management skills had helped to reposition the newspaper.

On behalf of myself, my wife and the good people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the Awolowo and Oyediran families, the government and good people of Ogun State on the passing of Mrs Oyediran, one of their illustrious daughters.

Her death was a huge loss, no doubt, but we are consoled by the fact she lived an impactful life and left behind a legacy of honour. Our prayer is that God grants her eternal rest and grant the children and the entire family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss, Fayemi said. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Ariwodola Idowu

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has signed into law, a bill backing the upgrading of the State College of Education Ikere-Ekiti to the University of Education, Science and Technology, Ikere-Ekiti.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the Governors Chief Press Secretary, Olayinka Oyebode, as saying on Saturday that the signing of the bill is part of activities marking the second anniversary of the administration.

He said the Governor signed the bill into law in Ado-Ekiti, in the presence of the Deputy Governor, Chief Bisi Egbeyemi, Wife of Governor, Mrs Bisi Fayemi, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye, Deputy Speaker, Hakeem Jamiu, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the executive councils and representatives of Ikere-Ekiti community.

Others present are the Chairman, Governing Council of the College, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, and the provost, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa.

According to him, the College of Education Ikere-Ekiti (formerly Ondo State College of Education) was established by an Edict on December 5, 1977.

He explained that the development is in realization of the administrations commitment to promoting knowledge economy in the State.

He said that Fayemi assured that the state government will continue to demonstrate commitment to the promotion of knowledge in the State.

The governor commended the Speaker and members of the State House of Assembly for passing the bill which will enhance the fulfilment of his administrations drive to improve the lives of the people, noting that the stress of passing a bill to law could be tedious and demanding, he said.

According to the Governor, the bill, which was passed independently by Members of the House of Assembly as part of their constitutional responsibilities was done in the best interest of the people of the State.

Fayemi who noted that the three arms of Government are designed to complement one another for peace and good governance, promised that his administration will continue to promote harmonious working relationship with the legislators towards maintaining their institutional autonomy.

He said; Mr speaker has already enumerated several bills that have been passed into law by the State Assembly but the one that assent is being given to today is the one that underscores the importance we attach to knowledge economy.

I have no doubt that the new legislation I am about to sign will enhance our restoration agenda and make favourable impact in the lives of our people. The three arms of government are to complement one another for good governance, peace and harmony.

I am glad that our lawmakers are living up to their constitutional responsibilities of legislation, representation, appropriation and oversight functions which they must continue to carry out with the larger interest of the people of Ekiti in mind.

Earlier, the Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly,, disclosed that the bill is one of the 32 bills passed by the sixth Assembly and signed into law by the Governor.

The Speaker explained that the passage of the bill is in response to the agitation of the people of Ikere-Ekiti to promote and sustain the legacy of knowledge economy which is one of the cardinal programmes of the Fayemi-led administration.

The provost, Prof Olufemi Adeoluwa, and the Chairman, Governing Council of the College, Chief Afolabi Ojuawo, said the event marked the realization of the expectation of the college.

They expressed readiness of the college to start on fresh note, assuring that both human and infrastructural resources needed for the smooth running of the institution are on ground.

Source: NAN News

NGO unfolds N80m humanity development projects for host community

Deborah Coker

A Non Governmental Organisation, the Rotary Club of Ekpan, says it plans to spend about N80 million on its humanity development projects in its host community.

Mr Akpodiogaga Emeyese disclosed this on Saturday in Ekpan, near Warri, shortly after his installation as the 22 President of the club for the 2020/2021 rotary year.

Emeyese explained that about N56 million would be used by the club for the purchase of land for the Ekpan rotary centre as well as the building of the infrastructure.

He said that N5 million would be expended on the clubs back-to-school project for 1,000 students, while a further N5 million would be expended to enhance the existing micro credit scheme of the club.

He also said that N10 million had been budgeted for the construction of an Ante-Natal building for the Ekpan General hospital, while N4 million would be spent on youth and women empowerment.

The president said that rotary focused on anything that could improve the overall well-being of humanity and increase or make positive impact in the society.

He said that it also welcomed support and donations from fellow rotarians, friends and well wishers toward achieving the listed projects.

He added that the projects would open opportunities to all in the society.

He noted that the club began its 2020/2021 rotary year with a tree planting project in July, in line with its seventh area of focus of rotary, which is supporting the environment.

He added that the years activities incorporated skills acquisition in line with rotarys sixth area of focus, which is economic and community development.

He also said that in August, the club organised free health services in line with rotarys second area of focus, which is disease prevention and treatment.

He further said that the club in the fight against COVID-19 in September donated customised face masks, sanitisers, and drugs in line with rotary focus on disease control, water and sanitation and promotion of rotarys public image.

Emeyese said that the club had since 1999 made several positive impacts in the host community through its service to humanity.

Earlier the immediate past president of the club, Mr Stephen Olubo, said that the club achieved a lot in the 2019/2020 rotary year, adding that among the achievements was the purchase and installation of a mamogramy machine at the Ekpan General Hospital.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that a 14-man board of the club for the rotary year was also inaugurated. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo

By Chijioke Okoronkwo

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the Federal Government is concerned about the feelings of Nigerians as the #ENDSARS protests continues.

The #ENDSARS protests, which started on Oct. 8, have continued even after the Inspector-General of Police (I-G) announced the dissolution of SARS on Oct. 11.

Osinbajo, in a series on tweets, said that the government must take full responsibility of protecting the people.

Dear Nigerians, I know that many of you are angry, and understandably so; we could have moved faster and for this we are sorry.

I fully understand how many young people feel. Many feel that we have been too silent and have simply not done enough; these feelings of frustration are justified.

There are far too many people who have been brutalised at the hands of the police and this is unacceptable; we must take responsibility for protecting young people, even sometimes from those who are paid to protect them.

Over the past week, we have been following the protests, and I have had a number of discussions with key people in the administration that you deserve to be informed about; transparency, after all, is a key tenet of government.

The Vice President said that several meetings had been held with the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, Speaker of the House Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Chairman of the Police Service Commission.

More so, he said the I-G, the Executive Secretary of National Human Rights Commission Nigeria, and governors were part of the meetings.

We understand that you want to see action from us and I am here to tell you that work is ongoing; I chaired a meeting of 36 state governors and the FCT Minister, National Economic Council(NEC), where we resolved to set up judicial panels of inquiry so we can see justice served, and fast.

The reason being that only state governors, by law, can set up judicial inquiries in their states. The hearings will be public.

With the Presidents approval, SARS has been completely disestablished, and none of its former members will feature in any police tactical units.

I am sending my deepest condolences to the families of Jimoh Isiaq, and all those who have lost their lives at the hands of wayward police officers; to those injured, I wish a full and speedy recovery.

We have proposed that each state government sets up a Victims Support Fund, which the Nigerian Government will support. This is the least that we can do to compensate for the injustice suffered at the hands of errant officers.

According to him, the government understands that the issues that being raised are bigger than just SARS.

They are deep and systemic and we are undertaking comprehensive measures that will revamp the police by addressing issues of welfare, service conditions and training.

He said that the President had reiterated his commitment to these extensive police reforms.

We will continue to update and engage with you all on these action steps and the ones to come, in the spirit of transparency, so that you can hold us accountable.

We are, after all, here to serve you and we owe you a duty to win back your trust.

Keep safe. God bless you, he said.(NAN)

Source: NAN News

COVID-19

By Oluwafunke Ishola

Lagos State Government says that 181 students and staff of a private boarding school in Lekki area of the state have tested positive to COVID-19 infection.

Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Lagos.

Abayomi said that the cases were detected during COVID-19 surveillance and case investigation in the school, adding that there were 441 students and staff in the school.

I am pleased to announce that all the infected students are predominantly asymptomatic, while some have very mild symptoms, no student has required hospitalisation, he said.

The commissioner explained that a 14-year-old SS1 female student fell ill on Oct. 3 and was sent home after receiving first aid at the school.

He added that the student subsequently tested positive for COVID-19 on Oct. 6 in one of the accredited private labs in Lagos.

The commissioner assured residents that the state government, through the incident command system, has the situation under control.

He added that appropriate steps had been taken to contain the spread and manage the positive cases.

According to him, all parents have been contacted and counselled through a zoom call on Oct. 13 to further allay their fears, adding that communication between the school authority and parents continues.

He disclosed that the zoom meeting was attended by the commissioners for Health and Education, all relevant responders and stakeholders.

There is a total lockdown and movement restriction in the school with the Epidemiology and Surveillance Pillar of the EOC and Ibeju-Lekki LGA State Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) reporting at the school daily to conduct further investigation.

Positive students and staff have been isolated on the premises and given the COVID-19 home-care treatment packs and are being monitored in isolation within the school premises, Abayomi said.

The commissioner said that the school authorities supported by the state Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education are following the COVID-19 guidelines as set out by the government.

Students are to be isolated in the School premises and if unwell will be admitted in one of the accredited isolation centres in Lagos.

Students are discouraged from going home to avoid infecting members of their families, he said.

Abayomi noted that members of the Emergency Operation Centre and counterparts in the Ministry of Education have been deployed to the school to provide strategic interventions and support to the school.

He added that the support include psychosocial support, infection prevention control, medical monitoring and risk communication experts to further enlighten and educate the affected people.

The commissioner advised residents to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, stressing that use of face mask, proper hand washing and maintaining physical distance would help prevent the spread of the infection.

COVID-19 is still very much with us and we must strive to prioritise the safety of all, including students and teachers, by adhering strictly to prevention protocols and guidelines issued by the government to prevent its spread, Abayomi said.

He urged residents to call the 08000EKOMED or 08000356633 toll-free line if they notice any sign or symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue or loss of taste or smell. (NAN)

Source: NAN News

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole has neutralised several Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) elements and destroyed their hideouts at Tudun Wulgo and Tumbun Gini in Borno.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Enenche said that the destroyed terrorists hideouts were located on the fringes of Lake Chad.

He said that the air attacks were executed on Thursday as part of a new subsidiary Operation, tagged Wutar Tabki, after series of aerial surveillance missions had indicated their locations.

According to him, the locations were being used as staging areas where some ISWAP leaders and their fighters meet to plan and launch attacks.

Accordingly, the Air Task Force dispatched a force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to engage the two locations.

The attack aircraft scored devastating hits in the target areas, destroying some structures and neutralizing several of the terrorists, he said.

Source: NAN News