The Nation Newspaper

Category: autopost

  • Nigeria records more Lassa fever in 2023 – NCDC

    Nigeria records more Lassa fever in 2023 – NCDC

    The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) said the country may have recorded more incidents of Lassa fever in 2023 compared to previous years.

    According to the agency, the increasing cases of the disease, resulting in approximately 200 deaths in 2023, including health workers, have intensified the challenge of inadequate human resources for health in the country.

    The agency, in a Lassa fever advisory posted on its website on Sunday and signed by the Director General (DG), Ifedayo Adetifa, stated: “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases”.

    However, the agency highlighted that its enhanced detection and response strategies have contributed to its comprehensive approach and response to the disease nationwide.

    It reads in part: “Every year, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC’s) National Lassa Fever Technical Working Group (TWG) leads on efforts to prevent, detect, and respond to cases of Lassa fever across the country. 

    “We have continued to record a steady increase in states reporting Lassa fever for reasons not 

    limited to improved surveillance, better community awareness, environmental degradation from climate change and other deleterious human activities in the environment. 

    “In 2021, 510 confirmed cases were reported across 17 states and 68 Local Government Areas (LGAs). 

    “Whereas in 2022, Nigeria reported 1067 confirmed cases across 27 States and 112 Local Government Areas (LGAs). 

    “In 2023 alone, 28 states and 114 LGAs have reported confirmed cases of Lassa fever and as of 3rd December 2023, there have been 8542 suspected cases, 1170 confirmed cases, and 200 deaths (case fatality rate of 17.1%) suggesting 2023 may witness record numbers of cases.

    “Annual outbreaks of Lassa fever also involve the infection and death of healthcare workers. 

    “This loss of life is not just a statistic but a significant loss of a loved family member, a spouse, a parent, and often seasoned healthcare worker and team member.

    “This exacerbates the challenge of insufficient human resources for health in the country.

    “Now that the dry season is here, the NCDC’s Lassa Fever TWG has implemented strategic 

    measures to enhance coordination, collaboration, and communication, enhancing preparedness and readiness for potential surges in Lassa fever cases. 

    “These measures include: Conducting biweekly National TWG meetings to improve preparedness, readiness, and response activities for control and management of Lassa fever using a One Health approach.

    “Joint alert with the cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) TWG was sent to States to guide state- –

    level preparedness, readiness, and response activities in Lassa fever and CSM during this 

    season that both diseases share. 

    “Capacity building of some healthcare workers across all the geopolitical zones on Lassa fever 

    preparedness, readiness, and response through the pilot Lassa fever clinical management 

    fellowship.

    “Conducting a bi-weekly Lassa fever webinar series on topics covering the different pillars of 

    the TWG (case management, surveillance, IPC, Risk communication, logistics, etc.) to get all 

    actors in control and management of Lassa fever ready for the predicted surge in confirmed 

    case numbers.

    “Prepositioning and distribution of medical supplies for case management, infection prevention, and control, laboratory diagnosis, etc. in all Lassa fever treatment centres in the country.

    “An update of the national incident action plan (IAP) to take on board lessons from the last 

    outbreak and findings from the recently concluded surge preparedness workshop.

    “Publishing weekly situation reports for Lassa fever in Nigeria to guide decision-making and 

    foster further collaboration across different sectors”.

    The agency, however, advised the public to take preventative steps against the disease to always keep their environment clean; block all holes in their house to prevent the entry of rats and other rodents; and cover their dustbins, and dispose of refuse properly. 

    Furthermore, the communities are advised to set up dump sites far from their homes to reduce the chances of the entry of rodents into their homes, in addition, to safely store food items such as rice, garri, beans, corn/maize, etc, in tightly sealed or well-covered containers; and practice good personal and hand hygiene by frequently washing hands with soap under running water or using hand sanitisers when necessary.

    Healthcare workers were also advised to always practice standard infection prevention and control practices, by using gloves and other appropriate personal protective equipment while handling patients or providing care for an ill patient, among other steps.

  • Greater Lagos Fiesta countdown begins

    Greater Lagos Fiesta countdown begins

    The Greater Lagos Fiesta will start on December 29 and end on January 1, 2024.

    Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, who announced the countdown at a news conference, said adequate security measures have been put in place. 

    She said over 25,000 participants are expected at the fiesta. 

    The commissioner was supported by Special Adviser to the governor on Tourism, Idris Aregbe and Permanent Secretary Mrs. Oloruntoyin Atekoja.

    She said: “We have put a lot in place for security, we are working actively with all security apparatus of the state to ensure the entire space is secure. We will ensure our children are well taken care of and secure as well.  

    “The Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta has become an annual tradition, a celebration of music, entertainment, and the vibrant spirit of Lagos. This year, we are taking the fiesta to a whole new level, with three days of non-stop excitement from December 29 to January 1, 2024.

    “We are intentional in our focus of deliberately positioning Lagos State to favourably compete with developed cities of the world in terms of hosting tourism and entertainment events.

     ‘’As a matter of fact, the Lagos Countdown 2024 #Greater Lagos Fiesta, has been serving the purpose of discovering and nurturing new talents, exposing young talented entertainers to bigger platforms, while also serving as a mechanism for curbing youth restiveness that often characterise the festive period.

    “The three-day event, apart from showcasing the cultural activities and nurturing up-coming talented youngsters in the entertainment and creative industry, will also positively impact the state’s economy through massive sales of goods and services to fun lovers. 

    ‘’The 2023 Fiesta will feature fireworks, live music concerts, comedy, and cultural performances across the five 1BILE divisions of the state, viz Ikorodu, Badagry, lkeja, Lagos and Epe.’’

  • Oyo school wins big in raw materials competition

    Oyo school wins big in raw materials competition

    Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State came first in the 6th annual raw materials quiz competition for secondary schools in the country that took place in Abuja.

    The competition organised by the Raw Materials Research and Development council (RMRDC), under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation is aimed at creating awareness and engender innovation among the country’s teeming youths.

    Apart from Oritamefa Baptist Model School, Oyo State, HillCity College, Ilorin came second while the Federal Government College, Okposi, Ebonyi State came in third. 

    Students competed first in their states, regions and the winners in each region finally competed in Abuja fir the final prize.

    The chairman RMRDC quiz competition, Asabe Mustapha said first to third prize winners would get monetary rewards from the Council while regional winners from different states would go home with different prizes.

    She added: “The quiz competition is to catch them young, let them know what raw materials is all about and know where all the natural resources In Nigeria is found. So if they are interested in being entrepreneurs, they would know the best state to one day invest in.

    “After this we would be introducing the raw materials club which would be in secondary schools as well and partnering with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), introducing all the production flow chats of different products to educate them on it, so the students are educated and youth Corp members can take it as their Community Development Service of teaching students in schools.”

    Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC), Mr. Joseph Osanipin said the quiz competition is not just about testing the student’s knowledge of the abundance of raw materials in the country but igniting their curiosity, sharpening your critical thinking skills, and fostering a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship.

    He said: “As you navigate through these challenging questions, remember that each correct answer is a step closer to a future where you, the brilliant minds of tomorrow, harness the potential of Nigeria’s natural resources to create solutions and drive sustainable development.

    “We at NADDC are firm believers in the power of education and knowledge. We are confident that this competition will not only test your existing knowledge but also inspire you to delve deeper, to explore new avenues, and to dream big.

    “May the quiz be not just a test, but a springboard for their future endeavours, passion for science, technology, and environmental stewardship and leave them brimming with ideas and ready to contribute to a brighter future for Nigeria.”

  • Stakeholders adopt more approaches to check proliferation of illicit arms in Nigeria

    Stakeholders adopt more approaches to check proliferation of illicit arms in Nigeria

    Stakeholders across broad spectrum of the society in Cross River State have expressed concerns over the proliferation of illicit arms and light weapons in the hands of wrong persons and subsequently adopted new approaches to check and control the situation.

    The stakeholders which included market women, traditional and religious leaders, youths’ organisation, media practitioners, civil society, trade unions as well as security operatives were assembled in a one-day workshop organized by the National Center for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South zonal office in Calabar.

    Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Whole Society Approach in combating the proliferation of illicit small arms and light weapons in Nigeria, the guest of honour and Special Adviser to the Cross River State Governor on Security, Major General Okoi Obono (Rtd) noted that the small arms and light weapons in the hands of the wrong persons is one of the ills of the society that needs to be fought with in other to free our society.

    He said: “If there is a fight and you are without a weapon, when you tired you would stop the fight but if you have a weapon, you may be charged to fight on. So we need to free our society of the situation.”

    He said for the state government, a lot of initiatives have been put in place working with the various ministries and MDAs by way of their policies in synergy with the office of the Security Adviser to make sure that crime is combated. 

    “Like it’s rightly said, the society also has a role to play in the whole exercise. We have carried out a lot of sensitization and advocacies in all the eighteen local government areas in the state.”

    He maintained that the security agencies rely much on information and tip off that help identify hideouts of such arms and weapons in the state. Adding that weapon factory that was unraveled in the Akamkpa local government area of the state was based on a tip-off.

    Also speaking, the Zonal Coordinator of the National Center for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, South-South office, Major General Martins Obot (Rtd.) disclosed that the office has been able to retrieve and destroy over 3000 weapons of different sizes and shapes. Including AK47 raffles, general purpose machine guns, propel granites, locally made single and double barrels guns, some cut to size. We have also retrieved a large quantity of ammunition; more than 20,000 so far. We have carried out the destruction exercise and we are sure that other exercises for destruction will take place when due.

    Dr. Ndifon Neji Obi, a Sub-Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Calabar and coordinator of Peace and Conflict studies, emphasized the appropriateness of an intervention, such as the one carried out by the National Center for Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. 

    This, he said is particularly relevant now, as the federal government strives to create conditions where negative energies can be redirected towards peace resources, according to the guest lecturer in the workshop.

    He noted that most conflicts in communities across Nigeria are facilitated by the availability of small arms and light weapons. 

    He said that bringing stakeholders together to build consciousness is a critical point, adding thta an appropriate foundation for ensuring such weapons are laid off in communities, by the communities. 

    He said the theme of the workshop emphasized on “Whole Society approach which involves the family, the churches, schools, and various offices.

    “It therefore means as individuals and as entities we have an important role to play. If collectively we put are different roles together, the efforts to free our society of illicit arms and light weapons will be achieved”, he said.

    He emphasized that the exercise to free society of illicit small arms and light weapons is everyone’s business to share information with the Center for Control,

    He disclosed that all the communities that frequently get into the communal clash in the state may have their armory where they keep and hide their arms and ammunition, therefore there must be community engagement and dialogue to achieve the goal of freeing the society.

  • Why Wike must live with consequences of supporting Fubura, by Lukman

    Why Wike must live with consequences of supporting Fubura, by Lukman

    A former member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Moh. Lukman has advised the minister of Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike to back down and live with consequences of supporting Siminalayi Fubara as Rivers state governor in the interest of the people of the state.

    He also called on the ruling APC to take responsibility by not indulging the minister any further.

    Lukman spoke in Abuja on Sunday, December 17, with newsmen ahead of the public presentation of his book “APC and Transition Politics” billed for Tuesday in Abuja.

    The former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the governing party said all lovers of democracy should appeal to the minister, lamenting that the state is no longer talking about governance but individual interest.

    He said: “We must appeal to Wike if for whatever reason he makes the choice he made to support Siminalayi Fubara as the Governor, he must take responsibility and live with the consequences and find a way to swallow the bitter pills. Because we are not talking about governance now.

    “The more he mismanaged his relationship with Fubara, those that will be receiving the short end of the stick are the people of Rivers State. This is not going to happen at the expense of governance. You can see based on the street fight you can see an “arrangement” has been made, Fubara presented a budget in less than 24 hours the Assembly passed it. This is not democracy anymore. 

    “Leadership is about taking full responsibility, sometimes denying yourself. Is like as a father not every day I sit down here and watch things happening and say I am happy. Sometimes, I have to just swallow things so that other people in the family remain happy even when I am not happy myself. That is what I expect from Fubara and Wike and even from our party so that the people of Rivers State will be happy. Sadly, this is happening at the beginning of a tenure.

    “If this democracy is to move this country forward, we need leaders who will make the needed sacrifices so that citizens can be happy. Not to go on street fighting simply because you disagree with yourselves.”

    When asked to explain further on his call on the ruling party not to indulge the minister, the former Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) said the party’s decision to dissolve all the structures of the party in the state, was a move to pave way for Wike to have undue advantage.

    He said: “I think we should take responsibility in some ways because perhaps if as leaders of the party, we didn’t indulge Wike the way we did, he would have managed his relationship back in Rivers with the governor and other political leaders better

     “You are witnesses, I am sure when the Caretaker Committee came to pay the courtesy visit to the national chairman and shortly after that the national vice chairman South-south led APC leaders from that state to visit Wike and after that without any local problem in Rivers state the National Working Committee sat down and dissolved all structures of APC to open the door for Wike to come into the party. So, I mean you just give him license to say you are welcome whatever you do we accept it. That is what I mean by indulgence and I don’t think we should reduce politics further.”

  • I faced sexual harassment in film industry, says Moet Abebe

    I faced sexual harassment in film industry, says Moet Abebe

    Media personality Moet Abebe, has narrated how she escaped from being sexually harassed in the movie industry.

    She recalled that an encounter she had with a producer almost made her give up on her acting career.

    The thespian disclosed this in the latest episode of the Bahd And Boujee Podcast co-hosted by her and reality star, Tolani Baj.

    Abebe recounted: “When I got into the movie industry, there was a lot of sexual harassment. I walked into the office of a big producer and he just whipped out his manhood on his table. That image never left my head.”

    Tolani Baj inferred: “What did you do, Moet? How did you handle that situation?”

    Abebe: “I ran out of his office. And from that day, I never wanted to do this acting thing. Sometimes I look back and I’m like, ‘Maybe if when I ran away, I had gone to another producer, maybe I would’ve been some huge actress by now.’”

  • Mr. Ibu undergoes another leg surgery, says AGN president

    Mr. Ibu undergoes another leg surgery, says AGN president

    President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Emeka Rollas has given an update on the deteriorating health condition of veteran actor, John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu.

    According to the president, Mr. Ibu has undergone another leg amputation and is barely able to talk.

    He said the association was monitoring Ibu’s case, as it was also concerned about the deteriorating health of another veteran actor, Amaechi Muonagor.

    Recall that Muonagor is being hospitalised at the Nnamdi Azikwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Anambra State.

    According to him, the actor’s state of health is pitiable, as he is currently a shadow of his old self.

    Ibu’s family last month stated that the actor underwent several surgeries, but to keep his hope of staying alive, one of his legs was amputated, adding that he would be flown abroad for further treatment soon.

    Speaking with Vanguard, the AGN president gave an update: “We are resigning to fate concerning the two actors. As I speak with you, Mr Ibu hardly talks again and he has undergone another leg amputation.”

    “You will shed tears if you see Amaechi Muonagor now, his legs are completely paralyzed. I’m calling on all fans and well wishers of the actor to join hands with other philanthropic Nigerians to support him in this dire time”.

    He further disclosed that he had approved the sum of N250,000 to be sent to the ailing actor’s account from the AGN Trust Fund, acknowledging it was not enough.

    Rollas, however, urged young actors to endeavour to sign up for the AGN HMO and Insurance programmes.

  • Why I won’t spend money on any lady – Chike

    Why I won’t spend money on any lady – Chike

    Famous sensational singer, Chike Ezekpeazu Osebuka, popularly known as Chike, has revealed that he wouldn’t use money to woo or make a woman like him. 

    Chike emphasised that choosing a wrong partner can make him lose everything.

    The ‘Boo of the booless’ crooner also said he doesn’t pay for pleasure, stressing that he doesn’t spend money on a woman just because he wants her to be with him.

    Chike was featured as a guest in the latest episode of the Unpack Podcast hosted by NAY.

    He said: “If there is anybody I’m talking to and I’m not bringing that money. I really don’t care. I’m just being very honest.

    “I do feel alone a lot of times, but I don’t pay for pleasure. Do you understand? Like I don’t spend money on a woman just because I want her to be with me.

    “Right now, one thing I know that can make me lose everything is who I pick as a partner. I know.”

  • Rapper Blaqbonez describes fame as punishment

    Rapper Blaqbonez describes fame as punishment

    Rapper Emeka Akumefule, widely recognized as Blaqbonez, has lamented how fame consistently compels him to seek privacy in public spaces.

    He described fame as a form of punishment.

    He said “normal” people who are wealthier than celebrities don’t go through the stress celebrities go through because of fame.

    The ‘Like Ice Spice’ crooner lamented that he can’t have “actual fun” in Nigeria because he is famous.

    Speaking in the latest episode of the Afrobeats Intelligence Podcast hosted by Joey Akan, Blaqbonez said: “I think fame is a punishment. Normal people can have all the money in the world, and drive a way bigger car than I would drive. But in traffic, everybody will leave them and focus on me. Why?

    “Now, if I walk into a restaurant, everybody is on me. I can’t even do those basic things. Normal people can have 50 times my money, wear a regular T-shirt and just stroll. Nobody is checking what type of ring, or chain he is wearing or how fresh he is looking. No human being cares. They just go straight to the world to buy whatever they want. Enjoying whatever experiences.

    “I can’t even go out in Nigeria to have actual fun. I must be Blaqbonez. It feels like a crazy punishment. Other people who have way more money have a much easier life than me. I have to be hiding.”

  • Why I don’t believe in God – Seun Kuti

    Why I don’t believe in God – Seun Kuti

    Controversial Afrobeat singer, Seun Kuti, has explained why he doesn’t believe in God. 

    Seun made this known in an interview with Hiptv on Friday, December 15.

    According to him, he does not believe in the concept that God created the world.

    He said: “I don’t believe in God. I don’t believe in the concept of this guy watching everyone’s and he will judge you when you die.

    “I don’t believe in the concept that people believe in God. I don’t believe that there is something responsible for the creation of the world.

    “I mean who wants to create this? If someone actually created this, are we supposed to be giving the person credit?

    “80 percent of human beings are living in hunger and we are supposed to be his most prized possession. There is something but not the way we are told that it is.”