The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Group restates commitment to youth optimal health, development

    Group restates commitment to youth optimal health, development

    The Society for Adolescent and Young Person Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN) has restated commitment towards optimal health, well-being and development of adolescents and young people in the Nigeria.

    The group said it was out to address critical gap in adolescent health which according to them is a strategic national platform for advancing health and development of adolescents and young people in Nigeria.

    A statement by SAYPHIN President, Prof. Adesegun Fatusi, noted that they are foremost advocate for positive youth development, quality healthcare, and the realization of individual potential of every young person in Nigeria.

    According to him: “We recognise health as a comprehensive concept that extends beyond the mere absence of disease, SAYPHIN advocates for holistic well-being, spanning physical, mental, and social dimensions. Adolescents and young people’s health and development have far-reaching implications, impacting not only individuals but also families, communities, and societies at large.

    “The upcoming 3rd Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development, “EKO 2023,” is a pivotal event aimed at convening diverse stakeholders to address key and pressing issues relating to the health and well-being of adolescents and other young people.”

    “This vital conference is set to take place from Wednesday, 16th August to Saturday, 19th August 2023, in Lagos State, Nigeria.”

    “With the theme, “Achieving 2030 Targets: Driving Innovation for Adolescents and Youth Health,” the conference willspotlight adolescent sexual and reproductive health and rights – a critical concern in Nigeria – along with mental health and other key adolescent health issue.”

    “The event will explore evidence-based policies, interventions, and solutions that can substantially enhance adolescent and youth health and development. Notably, it will underscore the role of young people as agents of transformation in the pursuit of sustainable development goals.”

    The statement stated that the strategic choice of Lagos State as the conference’s location holds immense significance, given its status as Nigeria’s largest city and the economic hub of West Africa.”

    “The conference is set to attract a wide array of stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, development partners, researchers, community leaders, adolescents, and young people living with disabilities.”

    “The association’s president, Professor Fatusi said “On this International Youth Day, we stand united as the Society for Adolescent and Young Person Health in Nigeria (SAYPHIN), fueled by our unwavering commitment to the health, well-being, and development of the youth.”

    “Our journey began with a determination to bridge the gap in Adolescent Health, and today, we are proud to lead the charge in promoting positive youth development, quality healthcare, and the realization of individual potential.”

    “As we come together to address the critical issue of adolescent and youth health and development, we are reminded that our efforts ripple far beyond the individuals themselves. Families, communities, and societies at large are all touched by the outcomes of our collective actions. It is our shared responsibility to ensure that the next generation not only thrives but also becomes the driving force behind sustainable change.”

    “The upcoming 3rd Nigeria Conference on Adolescent and Youth Health and Development (“EKO 2023”) is a powerful testament to our dedication. Under the theme ‘Achieving 2030 Targets: Driving Innovation for Adolescents and Youth Health,’ we will foster the connections between research evidence, policies, and interventions to reshape the landscape of adolescent and youth health and development.”

    Read Also: Declare state of emergency in health, MA tells Tinubu

    “Through this conference, we aim to empower researchers, scientists, leaders, advocates, learners, including all classes of adolescents and youth, to share their insights and experiences, thereby igniting a transformational journey.”

    “Lagos, the heartbeat of Nigeria, serves as the backdrop for this significant gathering. A bustling city with a pulse of its own, it reflects the vibrant energy and dynamism that our youth embody.”

    “The conference’s strategic location ensures a dynamic mix ofactors, including young people, government officials, policymakers, development partners, non-governmental stakeholders, academic and research communities, and community leaders, all aligned in our vision for change.”

    “Let us use this occasion to renew our commitment and forge new partnerships. Together, we can pave the way for universal access to health and development for young people, not only across Nigeria but also across the entire African continent.”

    “We extend our hand to you, inviting you to join us on this transformative journey. Together, let’s harness the power of innovation, knowledge, and collaboration to create a sustainable world where our youth flourish.”

  • Poor masses really passing through a lot – Erigga

    Poor masses really passing through a lot – Erigga

    Rapper Erigga has reflected on the many battles the poor have to contend with.

    He argued people of low socioeconomic status endure way too many travails.

    Paperboi explained that one who’s a friend to a rich man is never classified as being rich.

    But argued the reverse is a case of a man that’s a friend to a thief as he’s automatically perceived as one.

    Read Also: Rapper Erigga accuses Headies Award of bias

    Identifying with the impoverished, the 36-year-old musical act admitted they contend with numerous struggles

    Born Erhiga Agarivbie, he tweeted: “Friend of a rich is not a rich man. But friend to a thief is a thief. 

    “Poor man dey really pass through a lot.”

  • BBNaija All Stars: We’ll keep pushing up Seyi, Mike Edwards vows

    BBNaija All Stars: We’ll keep pushing up Seyi, Mike Edwards vows

    Former BBNaija “Pepper Dem” housemate Mike Edwards has pledge unfaltering support for his colleague in the ongoing BBNaija All Stars edition, Seyi Awolowo.

    For two consecutive weeks, Seyi got the least votes but managed to evade eviction from the show by the jurors.

    Despite having amassed 0.89% votes in the second week, he was saved by the juror comprising Mike Edwards, Bisola Aiyeola and Dorathy Bachor. 

    Princess who garnered 1.54% votes was evicted from the show instead. An event that left many wondering why the individual with the second lowest votes had to be evicted leaving behind the one with the least votes.

    The same incident panned out on Sunday, August 13. Seyi was again saved by the jurors though he had the least votes of 1.70% but Uriel who came ahead of him with 2.00% votes was evicted.

    Many anticipated Seyi’s eviction including his former evicted housemate, Tacha who specially requested his eviction via a tweet addressed to the jurors of Teddy A, Diana and Laycon.

    But they were shocked yet again as the ‘evil’ Awolowo grandson, (as referred to him by Tacha) escaped another week of eviction.

    Read Also: I will not be fooled twice, BBNaija’s Ike tells Mercy

    Practically ‘rubbing salt on the injuries’ of Seyi’s detractors, Aireyys made a post after he survived eviction for the second time in a row.

    He shared photos with Seyi and others including screenshots of their chat, bottom three voting percentage, alongside a video of Davido in an interview with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

    In its caption, the professional athlete revealed they’ll always keep Seyi afloat.

    “As e dey come down, we dey push am back up. #BBNaija #BBNaijaAllStars.”

    Earlier he tweeted: “Seyi is seyi-ing!!!”

    But his remarks earned him bashing from the online community as they accused him and other jurors of obvious bias adding they were undermining the viewers painstaking votes with their actions.

    Some called on the BBNaija organisers to scrap the new introduced jury with immediate effect.

  • Mercy Chinwo marks ‘sweetest’ one year marriage anniversary with hubby

    Mercy Chinwo marks ‘sweetest’ one year marriage anniversary with hubby

    Popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has celebrated one year of being married to her cleric hubby, Blessed Uzochikwa, describing the last 12 months as the sweetest ever. 

    Chinwo and Uzochikwa, the head pastor of The Water Brook Church in Lagos, tied the knot in court on August 4, 2022 which saw the songwriter share photos from the civil wedding via her Instagram page 

    The ceremony which took place in the Ikoyi axis of Lagos state was graced by friends and family.

    “Legally hitched. To God be the glory, great things he has done. Forever to go with you,” she captioned the post.

    They got engaged on June 23 and held their marriage introduction in July.

    The gospel minister tied the knot traditionally with her boo on Friday, August 12 tagged #MercyIsBlessed traditional in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital.

    They eventually had their utterly colourful white wedding on Saturday, August 13 with a handful of celebrities in attendance.

    Celebrating one year of living as a married couple with her gee, the gospel artist shared stunning photos with him expressing how blessed she was to have him as her partner.

    She anticipated a century by his side, admitting their first one year together has been her sweetest.

    She wrote, “Happy Anniversary to us Sweet @theofficialblessed. 

    “One year of being your wife and the sweetest year it’s been, I look forward to a 100 more by your side.

    “I’m so blessed to have you as my husband, spiritual covering and priest. 

    “Your Love for Christ made me seek God more and He will forever remain the Lord of this Home. I Love you My Gee.

    On his part, the cleric lavished praises on his wife who he described as his love jackpot and sweetest nightingale.

    He also claimed Chinwo was sweeter than the freshest honeycomb, stressing that he would love her like Christ loves the church and vowed to ‘die on top of her matter’.

    He wrote: “MERCY, When I wake up to you every day. I am reminded that I hit the love jackpot. You are the best gift God has given me. My sweetest nightingale.

    Read Also: Mercy Chinwo, husband celebrate first wedding anniversary

    “You are sweeter than the freshest honeycomb. Every day, every month, and every year… I love you more each day. Doing life with you gives my life flavor and fragrance.

    “Your faith and love is unwavering. Your joy and laughter is contagious. Your heart is so pure and good baby.

    “Loving you is the “Gospel” as I am commanded by God to love you like Christ loves the church. He gave up his life for her, so dying on top of your matter is the scripture fulfilled.

    “Loving you is a fulfilling purpose. Daily presenting you holy and blameless. My wife @mercychinwo you are perfect just the way you are.

    “I love you with an everlasting love. Thank you for yielding to God and choosing to journey with me in this life. Cheers to many more years of bliss and enjoyment.”

  • I will beat Laycon over Uriel’s eviction- Vee

    I will beat Laycon over Uriel’s eviction- Vee

    Former Big Brother ‘Lock Down’ housemate Vee has vowed to bash colleague-cum-buddy Laycon following the eviction of Uriel from the BBNaija All Stars reality TV show.

    Uriel was became the second housemate to be evicted from the season eight edition of the reality TV show on Sunday.

    Although the voting percentage of bottom three, displaying how viewers voted showed Uriel came in second place with 2.00% votes and Seyi with 1.70% votes.

    But quite shockingly, Awolowo’s grandson was saved from eviction as the jurors made up of Laycon, Teddy A and Diana sent Uriel home instead.

    A week into the show Vee unveiled her ‘faves’ in the ongoing BBNaija All Stars show.

    Via a tweet, the singer born Victoria Adeyele disclosed she had taken a liking to CeeC as well as Uriel.

    She indicated it may change but so far they were the housemates she liked.

    Read Also: Laycon reveals plans to eat at Vee’s house, puts public on red alert

    She also predicted the duo would fare very well on the show.

    “I like CeeCee & Uriel so far. I think they’ll do really well in the house,” she wrote.

    But her expectation for Uriel was aborted following her ‘unfair’ eviction which caused an uproar on social media among the viewers.

    As a result, she got crossed with Laycon who was part of the jury that decided the fate of Uriel, swearing to thrash him.

    She tweeted: “WHAT? I go beat that Laycon, Walai!”

  • FCMB offers N10 Million clean energy loan to households, small businesses

    FCMB offers N10 Million clean energy loan to households, small businesses

    Nigerian households and small businesses looking to acquire solar panels, batteries, inverters and other green energy equipment now have access to as much as N10 million to buy these assets through the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Energy Finance Loan. 

    The loan is designed to help homes and small businesses like hospitals, schools, restaurants, bars, stores, hotels, and fashion places keep life and work going by using clean energy.

    Commenting on the Energy Loan product, the Managing Director of FCMB, Mrs. Yemisi Edun, described it as “another bold intervention by the lender to unlock the potential of the renewable and clean energy sector, provide relief to Nigerians, and encourage clean energy.”

    She said: “Access to energy drives economic growth and development. The FCMB Energy Finance offering is a reaffirmation of our commitment to eco-friendly energy finance to fight climate change, drive the growth of businesses, improve the quality of life, and accelerate development through environmentally sustainable energy solutions. With the removal of the petrol subsidy, more Nigerians are focusing on alternative energy sources to power their homes and businesses.

    “We will continue to scale up our support to individuals and businesses to enable the country to take full advantage of the opportunities in these areas for the overall benefit of humanity’’.

    The Bank upgraded the product to lessen the impact of reduced subsidies on traditional fossil fuels, which has caused a rise in petrol prices across the country, given the pervasive use of small gasoline generators to power households and small businesses.

    Group Head of Business Banking at FCMB, Mr. George Ogbonnaya, said:

    “We understand the challenges individuals and businesses face in securing funding to provide clean and sustainable power. The FCMB Energy Finance loan is structured to eliminate these challenges. It is a flexible facility with two to seven years of repayment options at competitive interest rates. We urge Nigerians, especially small business owners, to take advantage of this opportunity to reduce energy costs for their homes and businesses’’.

    Applauding the product, the President of the Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria, Mr. Ayo Ademilua, said:

    “The energy finance loan is innovative and coming at the right time when the market needs alternative energy solutions mostly due to PMS price increase”.

    Read Also: FCMB reports 148% profit growth in H1

    Speaking on carbon financing, the CEO of Consistent Energy Limited, Dr. Segun Adaju, said:

    “The 2023 Electricity Act promotes private-public sector partnerships, allowing private companies to participate in the renewable energy space and catalyze investments through carbon trading. The carbon trading market has become attractive, and more parties are beginning to promote carbon trading in Africa following the Africa Carbon Markets Initiative (ACMI) established in 2022 to unlock the potential of voluntary carbon markets for financing Africa’s energy, climate, and development goals. It is heartwarming that FCMB has keyed into this by providing a platform through the FCMB Energy Finance Loan product to provide the much-needed funding to Nigerians to acquire affordable clean energy sources’’.

    FCMB has taken the lead in deepening the renewable energy space through a three-pronged approach: capacity building, providing access to funding, and opportunities to connect renewable energy developers with end-users. The Bank has supported over 50% of the key developers in Nigeria with debt financing for mini-grids, commercial, and solar home systems. It has so far disbursed over N7 billion for the execution of energy efficiency projects, cutting across mini-grids, solar energy, and other energy efficiency projects.

  • FG plans to cut salt in food by 30% in 2025, says NAFDAC

    FG plans to cut salt in food by 30% in 2025, says NAFDAC

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has stated that the Federal Government plans to reduce salt/sodium in food by 30 percent in 2025.

    It stated that this target is contained in the National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP) for the Prevention and Non-communicable Disease, 2019-2025.

    The agency noted research has shown that excessive salt/sodium in the diet has been implicated in high blood pressure, heart diseases and stroke. Also, too much unhealthy fats in the diet can raise cholesterol levels which increases the risk of heart disease.

    The Director General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, made this known during a stakeholders’ engagement with operators of hotels and quick service restaurants, popularly called Eateries, in Lagos.

    According to a statement by the agency, Prof. Adeyeye expressed grave concerns about health risks of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) associated with the consumption of foods high in salt, sugars, saturated fats, and trans fatty acids, adding that “also of concern is the misuse of food additives for enhancing the appearance of food, the colour, texture, taste, and shelf life.

    “Proliferation of many NCDs is related to the foods we eat, including other poor health conditions, such as impaired growth and development, micronutrient deficiencies,non-communicable/communicable diseases, and even mental illness.

    Read Also: NAFDAC decries danger posed by breast milk substitutes

    “Adhering to the provisions of Good Hygiene Practice (GHP) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) ensures that food prepared is safe to eat and enables businesses to protect their reputation.

    “There is a need to be constantly vigilant and mindful of the safety and quality of the food prepared to ensure the health of the public, considering the huge patronage you receive.

    “Nigeria has in the past launched her first National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan (NMSAP) for the Prevention and Non-communicable Disease 2019-2025. This policy document advocates for a multi-sectoral approach to reduce salt/sodium in food by 30 percent by the year 2025,” she stated.

  • EPL: Chelsea, Liverpool play out dull draw

    EPL: Chelsea, Liverpool play out dull draw

    Chelsea and Liverpool played out a thrilling draw at Stamford Bridge as both sides delivered a prime example of why they are doing battle over £110m Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.

    Liverpool agreed a British record deal for Caicedo but the player’s preference means he is likely to complete a move to Chelsea.

    A highly entertaining encounter showcased the attacking quality of both sides while the defensive deficiencies illustrated why Caicedo has become a prized target.

    Read Also: Chelsea complete £25m signing of Sanchez

    Liverpool dominated the early stages, Mohamed Salah striking the bar before the Egypt forward delivered a stunning pass for Luis Diaz to slide home the opening goal after 18 minutes.

    Chelsea, in their first Premier League game under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, rallied and drew level with an equaliser from new signing Axel Disasi, who scored from six yards after Liverpool failed to clear a set-piece.

    Both sides had further chances – with Liverpool keeper Alisson saving well from Ben Chilwell and Nicolas Jackson – but neither side could find a winner. BBC 

  • NAF airstrikes hit oil thieves, terrorists, others

    NAF airstrikes hit oil thieves, terrorists, others

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said it has simultaneously decimated several criminal elements in the last few days through airstrikes in various theatres of operation.

    Director, Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced this in a statement on Sunday. 

    In the Niger Delta region, Gabkwet said that airstrikes were targeted at the nefarious activities of oil thieves which had continued to adversely affect the environment of the region as well as the oil output of the nation.

    He said the air component of Operation Delta Safe on Friday, August 11, conducted interdiction missions at an illegal refining site situated Southwest of Bille, a coastal town in Degema Local Government Area of Rivers.

    Gabkwet said that similar airstrikes were the same day, extended to a well-known IPOB Camp at Orsumoghu, Ihiala local government area of Anambra State.

    According to him, intelligence had revealed that the proscribed IPOB elements in makeshift camps were sighted preparatory to an impending attack on innocent citizens when the need to effectively engage them arose.

    He said the airstrike was subsequently carried out and deemed successful.

    Gabkwet said that air strikes were also conducted the same day by the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai at a location 1.5km East of Arra, a once-deserted terrorists’ hideout near Sambisa Forest.

    He said that earlier reconnaissance on the location had revealed terrorists were regrouping there after the enclave was cleared about six months ago.

    “There were strong indications that these terrorists had fled from locations around Lake Chad after the areas came under intense bombardment by NAF aircraft.

    Read Also: NAFDAC decries danger posed by breast milk substitutes

    “The location east of Arra was consequently attacked to decimate the terrorists and deny them settling at the location and using the same as a staging point.

    “Footage of the aftermath of the strike later revealed it was successful as several terrorists were neutralized and structures destroyed, while the few surviving terrorists were seen scampering away in disarray.

    “At the end, their ability to attack friendly forces as well as innocent civilians were degraded,” he said. 

  • Man Utd’s Fred moves to Fenerbahce

    The Brazil international will make the switch to the Turkish Super Lig, after he successfully underwent a medical and agreed personal terms.

    The no.17 flew out to Istanbul on Saturday, in order to take his medical tests, following the initial announcement that an agreement for the move had been reached between Fenerbahce and United on Friday.

    The midfielder joined the club in the summer of 2018, from Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk, and has racked up 213 appearances in total for the Reds.

    Of his 14 goals, one of the highlights came this year when his strike drew us back on level terms against Barcelona, as we knocked the Catalan giants out of the Europa League.

    Read Also: Nigeria setting pace in global music industry- Freddy Poundz

    He appeared in the Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City, after helping ManU lift the Carabao Cup earlier in the campaign, and his most recent outing was in the friendly win over Lyon in Edinburgh.

    A tenacious and energetic player, Fred played in both attacking and defensive midfield roles for United during his time with the club and became popular with fans for his committed approach.