The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Cleric to political leaders: lead well

    Cleric to political leaders: lead well

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Primate of the African Church, His Eminence Julius Olayinka Osayande Abbe, has urged political leaders to be cautious.

    Speaking at the African Church Solution Camp, Sam Ewang Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State, during his New Year Episcopal visit to the church, he said Nigeria is going through an unprecedented time “and our political leaders should tread cautiously.

    As those given the mandate to lead us, our leaders should be up and doing at all times and lead us right. A government that fails in its primary responsibility of securing lives and property is calling for trouble.

    As leaders they should not allow things to get out of hand before they start talking. Our government should always do the needful when it matters. Selfish interest should be set aside for national interest to prevail.”

    Rev. Abbe added: “Nigeria is big and our diversity should be treated as strength and not be allowed to tear us apart.”

    He advised people to show love to each other irrespective of ethnic, religious or political affiliations.  Abbe said Nigerians should be hopeful and hold on to God for His mercy.

    Identifying ways to combat the rising insecurity, the Director of Missions and Evangelism, the Rt. Rev’d Jeremiah Okunlola, who is in charge of the African Church, Solution Camp, Abeokuta stressed the need to re-orientate ethnic groups to embrace peaceful and harmonious co-existence.

  • APC chieftain urges caution over second wave

    APC chieftain urges caution over second wave

    Our Reporter

     

    SECURITY expert and All Progressive Congress (APC) chieftain, Dipo Okeyomi, has advised Nigerians to embrace preventive measures against the spread of the second wave of COVID-19, particularly in public places.

    Okeyomi, who called for strict adherence to safety guidelines, maintained that the virus is spreading fast, especially in crowded places and causing illness.

    According to him, the second phase of the deadly virus must be seriously taken into consideration, making it important that the citizens practice preventive measures.

    Read Also: APC faction elects candidates for Rivers council poll

    The politician, who said some of the symptoms of the deadly virus include fever, running nose, cough, general body weakness and difficulty in breathing, advised the citizens to protect themselves and others from the virus by ensuring good ventilation and good respiratory hygiene in their homes and public places. He advised the citizens to always wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

    “They should avoid touching their eyes, noses and mouths at all times. They must maintain a distance from anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

    “No one is immune to this virus and it is circulating among people and in communities,” he said.

    He urged the citizens to always put on face masks to avoid infecting one another.

     

  • Abiodun advised to tackle herders’ menace

    Abiodun advised to tackle herders’ menace

    Our Reporter

     

    A COMMUNITY leader in Ogun State, Chief Toyin Amuzu, has urged Governor Dapo Abiodun to be proactive and rally stakeholders and security chiefs to tackle herders’ menace before it worsens.

    He was reacting in Abeokuta to suspected herdsmen, who reportedly shot a woman, Morenikeji Salami, while going to her site on Oru-Awa Road in Ijebu-North Local Government.

    The herdsmen were said to have meted out brutality to residents of Ketu-speaking villages in Yewa North Local Government. They were escorted by soldiers, to enable their cows graze in the communities.

    Amuzu advised Governor Abiodun to prioritise security of lives and property.

    Read Also: Abiodun hails NULGE over choice of president

    “The bandits are here in Ogun State terrorising our people. They are in Odeda. Those in government should stop playing politics of receiving favour from Abuja. They should protect the lives of our people. Anyone who commits crime should be treated as a criminal by the government, leaving out ethnicity and occupation. In fact, reporting them as Fulani or herdsmen is merely reducing the issue. They are either bandits, robbers or kidnappers,” he said.

    Amuzu noted that Nigerians can live in any part of the country, but advised that it was not out of place for the government to ensure profiling, Close Circuit Television (CCTV) and other security measures.

    Amuzu, who symphatised with kidnap victims, also commiserated with the families of the victims of a tanker explosion on Presidential Boulevard, Kuto, Abeokuta.

     

  • ‘Criminals among herdsmen more dangerous than coup plotters’

    ‘Criminals among herdsmen more dangerous than coup plotters’

     Robert Egbe

     

    THE Coalition for A Better Nigeria has said criminals masquerading as herdsmen pose a greater threat to the country’s existence than coup plotters.

    In a statement  by its Co-ordinator, Awa Bamiji, the group said the herdsmen crisis was becoming a blight on President Muhammadu Buhari’s peaceful reputation.

    It urged the Seriki Fulani to step up efforts to help the authorities find a solution to the problem, following the impression that some recalcitrant members of his ethnic group were behind the crisis in some states.

    The group said: “People have been pointing fingers at criminal elements among the Fulani herdsmen in various parts of the country for alleged complicity in the series of kidnapping, maiming, raping and killing of innocent souls.”

    It said there is a theory that the perpetrators are emboldened because, “the usual response is that they always claim that their kinsman is Mr President”.

    The coalition said this was “a stigma on President Muhammadu Buhari” and an attempt “to cause major uprising against the President, because there is no traditional, religious and political leader that will be happy while his subjects are being killed.

    “We expect their leader, Seriki Fulani, to make sure that Nigeria is at peace no matter how and particularly now that their kinsman is in power rather than adding to the problem of Boko Haram insurgency.”

    The group lamented that an “uncountable number of lives have been lost and yet, people are still struggling to survive by seeking alternative means through Amotekun and other security outfits.

    “The Federal, State and Local Government have not been able to arrest the dangerous trend of insecurity, for them to be able to protect lives and properties of their subjects adequately.

    “Our lives are being threatened in our individual communities on a daily basis and the host communities are now subjected to various forms of attack from these criminal elements and dangerous residents in our midst and this has been leading to one form of resistance or the other as it is now playing out in various parts of Nigeria like in Borno, Nassarawa, Ebonyi, Ondo, Oyo and Ogun states, to mention just a few states.

    Read Also: I’m coming for killer herdsmen in Ogun – Sunday Igboho

    “Nationally, the various communities are being pushed to the wall more than before and it is now logical for Mr President to take the immediate steps towards calling a peace meeting between the Seriki Fulani and their host communities and its communique should have a legal backing that the host communities must not hesitate to sack them in case they are found quilty of any criminal offence in the future.

    “This is the only way they could co – exist within the system called Nigeria.”

    It said what we’re witnessing is the “cause and effect” of decades of tolerance by host communities.

    The coalition added: “The host communities across Nigeria must also know that their kinsmen are residing elsewhere within the Fulani environments and this is more reason why we must give peace a chance at this stage with legal agreement to coexist.

    “This country can not avoid to go into any tribal or religious war at all. Continuous dialogue is the only way we can achieve peace within ourselves in Nigeria.”

     

  • UNIOSUN installs mechanised sanitising cubicles in six campuses

    UNIOSUN installs mechanised sanitising cubicles in six campuses

     Toba Adedeji, Osogbo

     

    OSUN State University (UNIOSUN) has installed mechanised sanitising cubicles on all campuses for staff, students and visitors to tackle spread of the virus. This is part of measures to stem the tide of rising infections of COVID-19 in the state. The spokesperson of the institution, Mr Adesoji Ademola, noted that the cubicles will serve three purposes of checking temperature, hand wash and full-body sanitising.

    “The Vice-Chancellor, Prof Labo Popoola, is committed to ensuring the safety of staff and students of the institution. We are indeed in perilous times as the numbers of victims are mounting day by day and these numbers are gradually becoming names of those we know. We urge everyone to commence the prevention of this scourge by accepting the realities, taking responsibilities and joining us in enforcing compliance of the COVID-19 protocols in all our campuses and beyond. As we pray for protection, let us please help the prayers by demonstrating strict obedience.”

    He explained that in the sanitizing cubicle, users will be required to check their temperature, wash hands with soap and water by matching on a pedal without using hands to touch anything. “A sprayer is also built in the cubicle that will spray all your body from head to toe to disinfect you of any virus that might be hiding in the body. If your temperature is high, an alarm will sound and you will not be able to proceed to enter the campus but if your temperature is within an acceptable limit and you have washed your hands and sanitized your body, then you will be allowed to enter the campus with your facemask.”

    Meanwhile, the alumni of Great Ife and Friends have donated equipment worth N1.2million to Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife, Osun State, to assist in combating COVID-19. The equipment donated included eight plastics bedside cabinets, six feet changing cabinet, two wheelchairs, rechargeable sprayers, six bedpans, four oximeters, four drip giving stands, 200 white light bulbs, 1000 disposable face masks, 1000 surgical gloves and 50liters of bleach.

    While donating the equipment, the Coordinator of Great Ife and Friends, Dr Bisi Anyadike, said the gesture of giving back to the school is showing their gratitude. “The COVID-19 pandemic that is ravaging the world gave us a serious concern and we have come to OAUTHC to give equipment worth N1.2million. We are impressed with the efforts put in place by the management to combat the deadly virus and we are here today to contribute to it. With the efforts of the management, we are compelled to support the hospital by raising funds to provide the needed equipment to help fight COVID-19.”

    Corroborating the Coordinator, the Director, National Population Commission, Mr Lanre Anifowose, who is a member of the alumni, said they learnt that the hospital lacks equipment and they contacted few friends, tasked themselves within a month and raised N1.2 million to get the equipment. The Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Dr Afolabi Owojuyigbe, commended the alumni and friends for the gesture. “It will foster effectiveness in their work. We are so glad and happy to receive this donation from Great Ife Alumni and Friends of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals who deemed it fit to donate these equipment to our COVID-19 ward.”

  • CSOs condemn media report on Delta Perm Sec

    CSOs condemn media report on Delta Perm Sec

    Our Reporter

    Civil Society Organisations have condemned media report on a Permanent Secretary in Delta State Civil Service and Directorate of Protocol, Delta State Government House, Edwin Ogidi Gbegbaje over alleged contract execution.

    The CSOs described the report as misleading which is geared towards defaming and tarnishing the image of Gbegbaje as a public officer over alleged painting contract of two buildings and others.

    The CSOs made this known in a statement signed by the Convener, Competent Governance for Accountability and Civic Trust, CGACT, Amb Godwin Erheriene, debunking the report by one of the online media platforms.

    According to the statement, the media report alleged that the officer awarded contract on painting two buildings at the VVIP Guest House, Asaba, purchase of 30 hampers, furnishing of Governor’s Office Annex Warri, furnishing of the Office of Her Excellency, wife of the Executive Governor, purchase of ‘golden spoons’ for godfathers and procurement of DICENTIS Wireless Conference System microphone.

    The group also pointed that those behind this were government officials working in Delta State Government House were apparently some “disgruntled officials” who are working against the interest of the State and try to take advantage of gullible citizens of the state and beyond and finds it “difficult to make their own findings on an issue.”

    The statement reads in part, “We the civil society organizations hereby wish to bring to the public on the unfounded allegation against the person of Mr. Edwin Ogidi Gbegbaje, Permanent Secretary and Directorate of Protocol Delta State Government House, Asaba. Based on our findings, on the allegations that he single handedly performed the functions of MDAs is totally misleading and geared towards defaming the officer.

    “Like the allegation of painting of two buildings at the VVIP Guest House, Asaba, purchase of 30 hampers, furnishing of Governor’s Office Annex Warri, furnishing of the Office of Her Excellency, wife of the Executive Governor, purchase of “golden spoons” for godfathers and procurement of DICENTIS Wireless Conference System microphone (BOSCH).

    “We all know the procedures awarding Government contract at all levels of Government, be it, Local, State or Federal. All contracts have to go through Government bureaucracy, which means contract has to be verified from one office to another for proper Government scrutiny, and accountability.”

    The group further pointed that, “However, we all know the protocols in Government, as Permanent Secretary in MDAs are the accounting officers and required by rules to sign cheque and disburse funds.

    “The Permanent Secretary do not have the requisite prerequisite to approve project neither do the office draw up Bill Of Quantities (BOQs)/Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation (BEME) all this requires the inputs and reports from respective MDAs as the case may be: the State Executive Council, His Excellency, the Governor, His Excellency, the Deputy Governor, Honourable Commissioner and the Secretary to the State Government.

    “Furthermore, Certificate of completion of works for the project must be issued by the affected MDA or Audit Certificate issued by the Office of the Auditor-General (State), for procurements made.

    “This being the case, how then can the office of the Permanent Secretary and Directorate of Protocol, single-handedly carry out all these activities being arrogated to him?

    “On the allegation that the VVIP jobs were not fully executed and monies misappropriated, we did our findings as a civil societies organizations, and we discovered that the VVIP burnt property renovation works was carried out by contract, after the inputs of the Ministry of Housing and the State Fire Service, which was invited on three occasions to put out fire in the facility.

    “We also discovered that jobs assessments and certificates of job completion were issued by the appropriate MDA. As Practitioners, we carry out our research before we go public.”

    The group also pointed that, “Other than the intent to defame or do the ‘let’s bring him down syndrome’, why name the Permanent Secretary, Government House as solely responsible for a job executed by contract after the input of the relevant MDAs and duly approved by the Governor? Leaks do unmitigated damage to Government and are the easiest way to destroy the reputation of persons.

    “The report published by this media house and cohort is so amateur and has failed to impress the public, except the gullible ones. They are deliberate attempt to achieve a purpose. The State Government must take care of its backyard because that is where most damaging leaks come from.

    “We would therefore advise that the reporters should not only double check their information as well as the source, but also carry out critical investigation into the person of Mr. Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje. We make bold to say this because we have also heard so many positive things about him.

    “History holds the record of everyone and as a result, we should not forget that one day we all will definitely be judged by our actions and inactions. John Adams Quincy once said, ‘duty is ours and result is God’. Time which is the revealer of all truths, will tell how far they would fare in their journey to self-destruction.”

  • Rotary performs free cataract surgeries for 100 residents

    Rotary performs free cataract surgeries for 100 residents

    Our Reporter

     

    THE Rotary District 9110 committee on blindness prevention has carried out successful cataract surgeries for 100 people in Lagos and Ogun states. The three-day “Save Our Sight” mission took place at the Ace Medicare Clinics, Ota, Ogun State.

    The surgeries, which were sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Eko Atlantic (the Lead Sponsor); Gbagada; Agege and Ota, cost over N4million. The project is geared towards highlighting the need for a Rotary Eye hospital in a community between both states.

    According to the committee chair, Dr Basirat Giwa, said Rotary D9110 embarked upon on the project to save many people from blindness. “As an organisation that is interested in humanitarian services, the District Committee on Blindness Prevention initiated the process of selecting beneficiaries of the project in November 2020. After series of medical screenings, those who benefitted were selected and notified that they have been scheduled for the surgery.”

    While commending the committee, the District Governor Bola Oyebade noted that the theme for the Rotary Year is Opportunities and he is delighted to see the partnering clubs collaborating to restore the sight of 100 persons. As a humanitarian organisation noted for doing good, the beneficiaries will be grateful for the restoration of their sights and our charge to them is to reciprocate good deeds in various ways.

    Read Also: 500 benefit from Rotary’s health programme

    “The committee has done a good job by giving their talent, time and treasure to restore the hope of these Nigerians. They have made the District proud. The ultimate aim of this mission is to establish a Rotary Eye Clinic that will provide all year-round quality and affordable Ophthalmic Services to the poor and vulnerable.”

    Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Folashade Alawode expressed her appreciation to the team for helping to restore their sights. She noted that the process of selecting the beneficiaries was devoid of any favouritism and they were well taken care of all through the period of being hospitalised. “After the surgery, my eye pads were removed, my eyes were dressed and I was given appropriate medications and instructions.”

    Other partnering institutions are Eye Institute of the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) that assembled the team of ophthalmologists, ophthalmic nurses and other support staff and Mouka Foam that donated 100 hospital mattresses.

  • Ogun moves to improve health indices

    Ogun moves to improve health indices

     Moses Emorinken, Abuja

     

    THE Ogun State Government has said that it is determined to improve the state’s health indices regarding mothers and child wellbeing through programmes that will prolong life expectancy of residents. The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, made this known during a stakeholders’ meeting on the Implementation of Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPE) and Improving Primary Health Care system in the state.

    The forum was organised for transition committee chairmen and medical officers of health (MOH) in the state, where it was emphasised that the fund was targeted at ensuring people have access to quality healthcare, particularly at the grassroots. The Commissioner, who explained that the BHCPF was the first step towards achieving universal healthcare, assured that renovation of PHCs are on-going across the state to ensure effective service delivery.

    “Governor Dapo Abiodun, as you know from the inception of his administration, has been fully committed to providing efficient and affordable healthcare services, which is one of his foremost pillars that he has been supporting. The health indices for mothers and children and prolonged life expectancy cannot change without addressing healthcare at the grassroots,” she said.

    Coker also enjoined stakeholders to support the efforts of government by ensuring judicious use of the fund and recruitment of resident community health informants and midwives for the successful implementation of the programme.

    Read Also: I’m coming for killer herdsmen in Ogun – Sunday Igboho

    In his address, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Afolabi Afuwape, said funding of PHCs is important to the overall development of the state, noting that active involvement and engagement of transition committee chairmen and MOH in the day-to-day running of the public health facilities is paramount. In his presentation, the Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, said to ensure accountability, revenue generated in each facility should be under the respective PHCs accounts, monitored and accessed by transition committee chairmen and MOH. There should also be uniform price list for PHC services in the 20 local government areas of the state, he said.

    In their separate contributions, the State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Sunday Abidoye, and his counterpart from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Victoria Adebiyi, commended the state government in its efforts at ensuring a successful take-off and implementation of the BHCPF. They promised that their various agencies would continue to support the state at improving healthcare service and delivery. On behalf of participants, Semiu Lawal, chairman of transition committee, Odeda Local Government Area lauded the initiative of the government on its move to ensure transparency and accountability in the running of PHCs. He promised that he and his colleagues would ensure proper implementation of the programme for the benefit of the people.

  • My election will improve global health sector, says Solarin

    My election will improve global health sector, says Solarin

    By Adekunle Yusuf

     

    THE managing partner of Savante Consulting, Sola Solarin, who has just been elected as President by the executive committee of the Industrial Pharmacy Section (IPS) of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), has said his election is a responsibility that has come at the right time, especially now that the world is battling with COVID-19 crisis.

    An industrial pharmacist of repute, Solarin said the presidency of the IPS coming to the global south will give additional voice and support to issues that are prominent but by no means peculiar to healthcare delivery in the global south. He will pilot the affairs of IPS section of FIP, a global body representing over 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, for the next four years. The IPS caters to the interests of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists who work in industry. They number about four hundred thousand globally and include members who work in functions like production, quality assurance, product development and regulatory affairs.

    FIP is the organisation that leads over 4 million pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists globally – a task it has been involved in since 1912. It envisions a world where everyone benefits from access to safe, effective and affordable medicines. FIP attempts to achieve its vision by drawing expertise from members who belong in different practice areas, including industries, communities and hospitals, among others. It has been in active collaboration with other healthcare professionals and the WHO since 1948. The IPS represents members of FIP who work in industrial manufacture, quality assurance, development and regulation of medicines.

    With his election as president, Solarin said it will enable him to attract attention to issues of the high cost of new medicines and development of new technologies that will enable access to healthcare to the vast majority of people. “These issues are more germane now that the world is battling a global pandemic. We have to interrogate trade policies, look for new technologies and discuss the economics of the development and provision of new medicines that will break down barriers to a healthier world.”

    According to the letter announcing Solarin’s appointment, the former president, Ulf Janzon, resigned, and Michael Anisfeld finished his term as the secretary of the Industrial Pharmacy Section and election was conducted to fill the IPS executive vacancies. Paul Sinclair, board chair of pharmaceutical practice, noted that Solarin is a former National Chairman of NAIP and has made many valuable contributions to FIP in various capacities over the years. He added that the new IPS executives will last for four years, the secretary will be Igor de Castro, the treasurer – Gabrielle (Gaby) Wiederkeh and Didier Mouliom will remain the vice-president. Sinclair welcomes the new members and look forward to the participation of the president and secretary at the upcoming BPP meetings in January and March.

  • LoadNG signs Woli Agba, Lateef Adedimeji as Brand Ambassadors

    LoadNG signs Woli Agba, Lateef Adedimeji as Brand Ambassadors

    Agency Reporter

    Bitcoin to Naira Automation Platform, LoadNG Automated systems which has been described by many industry watchers as the fastest growing Cryptocurrency platform out of Africa has announced Woli Agba and Lateef Adedimeji as brand ambassadors.

    LoadNG Automated Systems, a company founded on the core of providing bitcoin to naira automation solutions to Nigerians since 2019 have risen up the ranks to hold the baton of leadership in the Nigerian crypto niche.

    The fast-growing brand has just added feathers by signing award winning comedian, Ayo Ajewole a.k.a Woli Agba and award winning actor, Lateef Adedimeji as LoadNG brand ambassadors.

    This was done in a bid to increase the brand’s awareness and also to leverage on the platform of the new ambassadors to preach the brand’s automated service delivery to more Nigerians as LoadNG marks its first year anniversary as a fully automated solution.

    At the official signing event, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of LoadNG Automated Systems, Mr. Tunde Buremo reiterated the Company’s commitment to making cryptocurrency an easy spend for Nigerians by giving it the same privileges as the Naira. He maintained that the biggest challenge faced by crypto/bitcoin enthusiasts in Nigeria is in the numerous risks associated with bitcoin to naira or other cryptocurrency conversion via conventional methods.

    Tunde stressed “In a bid to get our seamless service delivery known to all, we have decided to bring on board, celebrities whose story is similar to our story of excellent service delivery and passion for greatness, and that is why we are proud to add Lateef Adedimeji and Woli Agba to the LoadNG family of awesomeness as LoadNG ambassadors”.

    Also speaking at a tizeti’s live webinar on “Sustaining Customer Success In The New Normal”, Tunde Buremo, who was a guest speaker at the event reiterated the choice of LoadNG brand ambassadors to be based on industry excellence and passion for craft.

    Lateef Adedimeji and Woli Agba through series of Twitter and Instagram posts announced joining the LoadNG family.

    The signing was also complemented with the release of the latest update of LoadNG mobile applications on Apple Appstore and Google Playstore, focusing on speed, flexibility and an all-inclusive mobile experience.