The Nation Newspaper

Category: News Update

  • ‘15 million Nigerians suffer from asthma’

    ‘15 million Nigerians suffer from asthma’

     

    The National President of Nigerian Thoracic Society, Prof. Greg Erhosa, said no fewer than 15 million Nigerians are suffering from asthma, tuberculosis and other chest-related diseases.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Erhosa announced this while addressing journalists at an annual national conference of the society in Ilorin on Saturday.

    Erhosa, who works with the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, attributed the high number of Nigerians suffering from asthma and other chest diseases to lack of preventive measures.

    According to him, asthma is chronic disease which has claimed lives of several eminent Nigerians and the downtrodden.

    He called for establishment of thoracic health centres in each of the six geo-political zones to address the disease and other chest related ailments.

    Erhosa urged the three tiers of government in the country to set aside fund for the prevention and care of chest-related problem among Nigerians.

    He also canvassed for the recruitment of more experts in chest-related problem who would be in charge of preventive and cure of the diseases.

    According to him, preventing the disease is not as expensive as treating it.

    He said that the society would collaborate with American Thoracic Society and Africa Thoracic Society to eliminate tuberculosis, asthma and other chest-related problems.

    The annual conference was attended by several medical doctors, pharmacists, nurses and other medical personnel from various teaching hospitals in the country.

     

  • Mexico’s new president prepares for power

    Mexico’s new president prepares for power

    Mexico’s incoming president, Enrique Pena Nieto, has named a 20-member cabinet hours before his inauguration.

    BBC says only three women will be in government as the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) returns to power after a 12-year absence.

    Mr. Pena Nieto wants to boost economic growth and cut drug-related violence.

    Mexico’s foreign minister will be Jose Antonio Meade, who was treasury minister in President Felipe Calderon’s outgoing government.

    The PRI governed without interruption for 71 years until 2000, and its opponents often accused it of being authoritarian and corrupt, and of having links to the drug cartels.

    But during his election campaign Mr. Pena Nieto, 46, was adamant that the PRI had evolved.

    “I can say categorically that in my government, there won’t be any form of pact or agreement with organised crime,” he told the BBC.

    “It’s not the path nor the route to greater security for the Mexican people.”

    The new cabinet was presented by the man selected as interior minister, Miguel Angel Osorio Chong, a close friend of the president-elect and former Hidalgo state governor.

    He will have what is likely to be one of the most difficult jobs, as Mr. Pena Nieto wants to transfer responsibility for co-ordinating the drugs war from the public security ministry to the interior ministry.

    One of Mr. Osorio Chong’s main tasks will be to reduce the country’s murder rate. More than 50,000 people have died in Mexico in the fight against drug trafficking in the past six years.

    A general, Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda, will head the defence ministry.

  • Over three million Nigerians live with HIV/AIDS – Minister

    Over three million Nigerians live with HIV/AIDS – Minister

    The Federal Ministry of Health has disclosed that over three million Nigerians are living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

    The Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja during a press briefing to mark World AIDS Day.

    The theme of this year’s event is – “Resourcing the National Response towards Getting to Zero AIDS Related Deaths.”

    The minister, who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr. Mansur Kabir, explained that the virus has claimed over 20 million lives globally, with an estimated 33 million people living with it.

    He said: “Globally, the HIV/AIDS epidemic has claimed over 20 million lives, with an estimated 33 million people living with the virus.

    “Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 25 million of these people and Nigeria is home to about 3,130,000 infected with the virus. Presently, Nigeria bears the 2nd highest burden of HIV/AIDS, next to South Africa and third in the whole world after South Africa and India.”

    To achieve this year theme, the minister explained that efforts will be stepped up towards successful passage of the HIV/AIDS and anti-stigma bill and the upscaling of awareness creation strategy.

    “The current national HIV/AIDS prevalence figure of 4.1 per cent conceals regional variations ranging from 1 per cent in Kebbi state to 12 per cent in Benue state. However, all the states are affected. In all, 17 states and the FCT had prevalence rates of over 5 per cent and young adults aged 15-29 years are mostly affected.

    “In order to achieve zero new infections, Nigeria has placed much emphasis on prevention with specific focus on prevention Mother To Child Transmission (PMTCT) which is a proven, cost effective intervention with the ability to ensure 100 per cent interruption of vertical transmission of HIV infection from a positive pregnant woman to the unborn child,” Prof. Chukwu stated.

     

  • Bomb factory found in Zaria

    Bomb factory found in Zaria

    Security operatives have uncovered a bomb making factory in Zaria, Kaduna State, recovering Improvised Explosive devices in various stages of completion and arresting a 60- year old man, Umaru Mohammed in the process.

    The raid which was carried out by a combined team of officers of the Nigerian Army, the Police and operatives of the State Security Service is coming barely four days after explosions rocked the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji.

    The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations in charge of the One Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col. Sani Kukasheka Usman, told journalists in his office that the exercise took place in the early hours of Thursday.

    He also disclosed that in line with the resolve of security agents in the country to fight terrorism, the two bedroom bungalow housing the bomb factory has been demolished while the suspect and the items recovered are in custody.

    Col. Usman said: “We invited you to inform you that following a tip off from well meaning citizens of this country, a combined team of troops of the Nigerian Army, elements of the Nigeria Police Force and Department of State Security carried out a cordon and search operation at Kwanar Shahada, Jushin Ciki, Zaria city, Kaduna State yesterday, Thursday,November 29, 2012 from 01300 -0800 hours (1.30-8.00am) local time.

    “During the operation, a two bedroom bungalow of bomb factory was discovered in which Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in stage one of readiness and several IED making components were recovered as follows: 17 sensor mechanical timers (remote controls), 11 primed suicide bombers vests, 36 IEDs in bobo cans, one military kitbag with support items like saw, hammer, cello tape and gums, two gallons of paints containing prepared IEDs, two gallons of turkey oil brand with prepared IEDs, seven rolls of wires of various lengths, one bag containing several sensors and 25 nine volt batteries.

    “A 60-year old man, Umaru Mohammed was arrested within the premises and in line with our resolve to deter terrorists, the building housing the factory was demolished. Both the suspect and the items recovered are in custody.

    “Headquarter, 1 division, Nigerian Army would like to use this opportunity to commend the efforts of the well meaning citizens that reported the matter and also reiterate our resolve to fight terrorism in this country.

    “We also wish to appeal to the general public to report any suspicious movement, establishment or persons in their environment. We wish to assure you that any information provided would be treated with absolute confidentiality.”

     

  • ‘Nigeria needs legislative library to boost democracy’

    ‘Nigeria needs legislative library to boost democracy’

    The Director General, Information Services, House of Commons, London, Mr. John Pullinger, said on Friday that Nigeria needed a well equipped legislative library to boost her democracy.

    Pullinger told the News Agency of Nigeria in a chat at the closing ceremony of the National Training workshop for Legislative Librarians in Nigeria that a sound legislative library would contribute to a well-informed democracy.

    “This means the legislature will be well informed about the business that comes before it.

    “Individual members of the National Assembly (NASS) are well informed to carry out their parliamentary duties in their constituencies.

    “The public is well informed about the importance of NASS in their national life, ‘’ the lawmaker told NAN.

    Pullinger said that there was need for the legislative library to take a leading role in democracy -wide information management activities through the indexing of materials to facilitate access to knowledge.

    He urged legislative librarians and politicians to be avid readers, so as to be well informed and equipped to manage democracy.

    He also advised them to be good role models to the youth, mentoring them to be true citizens.

    He called for frequent training and guidance to staff in the use of information, particularly online resources and Library services to position them to meet up with global best practices.

    Also speaking to NAN, Alhaji Suleiman Mohammed, Director, Library Research and Statistics at the National Assembly, said the conference was convened to create an opportunity for the legislative librarians to upgrade their knowledge.

    Mohammed said that there was need to gather legislative librarians from all the states to build their capacity so as to learn from each other and keep abreast with modern technology, especially e-library.

     

  • Ohaneze approves three international festivals

    The Ohaneze Ndi Igbo, an Igbo socio-cultural group, on Friday announced the approval of three international festivals, which it said would boost unity of Ndi Igbo both at home and in the Diaspora.

    Chief Rommey Ezeonwuka, an Ohaneze chieftain, told journalists at Enugwu-Aguleri in Anambra East Local Government Area, on Anambra during the 2012 Olili Obibia Eri Festival.

    He said that the festivals were: the Igbo New Yam festival (Iwa ji Ndi-Igbo nile), counting the Igbo Calendar (Igu Aro Igbo) and Olili Obibia Eri festival (visit of Igbo in Diaspora).

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Olili Obibia Eri festival featured cleansing of 10 African-Americans, who are from Igbo extraction at the Omabala River, from the stigma of slavery that had haunted them and their fore-fathers after the slavery trade in Africa.

    Ezeonuwka said that Ohaneze had decided to support the festivals and make them an international event, which would attract all Igbos in and outside the country as well as African-Americans of Igbo extraction.

    He said the festivals would help to further unite Ndi-Igbo culturally, since it would be staged in the three most significant communities in Igbo history and genealogy; namely Igbo-Ukwu, Agukwu-Nri and Enugwu-Aguleri.

    “We have approved the Iwa ji Igbo (New Yam festival); Igu Aro Igbo (Beginning of Igbo Calendar Year) and Olili Obibi Eri festival.

    `The three festivals will be held to unite the three principal lineages to the progenitor of all Igbos, who is Eri himself.

    “Igbo-Ukwu would host the New Yam; Agukwu-Nri would host the Beginning of Igbo Calendar Year; while Enugwu-Aguleri would continue to host the Olili Obibia Eri festival,’’ he said.

     

  • Ojukwu wills estate, monies to Bianca

    Ojukwu wills estate, monies to Bianca

    … Recognises new daughter

    The will of the late Ikemba Nnewi, Chief Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, was on Friday presented to the family with his widow, Bianca, getting the lion’s share.

    The presentation by the Chief Registrar of the Enugu High Court, Mr. Dennis Ekoh, was witnessed by Bianca, Mr. Val Nwosu, Ojukwu’s first cousin, and Mr. Mike Ejemba.

    In the will, the late Ojukwu identified one Tenny Haman as one of his children.

    Ojukwu listed the children as Tenny Haman, Chukwuemeka Jnr, Mmegha, Okigbo, Ebele, Chineme, Afam and Nwachukwu.

    The Ikemba gave the Casabianca Lodge at No. 7, Forest Crescent, GRA, Enugu, two properties at Jabi and Kuje in the FCT as well as all his money and personal effects to his widow.

    He also said that Bianca should replace him as the trustee in the family company, Ojukwu Transport Limited, while also giving her two plots of land in his village at Nnewi.

    He, however, added that if she re-married, the land should be taken away from her.

    The first son, Emeka Jnr., got the family house at Nnewi, while the newly mentioned daughter, Tenny Haman, got the Jubilee Hotel located in Zaria, Kaduna State.

    The Biafran warlord also shared other landed property in the village among all his children.

    Ojukwu listed the trustees and executors of the will to include Bianca, Emeka Jnr and Mr. James Chukwuneme.

    Reacting to the will, Bianca, who is Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, expressed satisfaction with its contents.

    “It was a fair will. This time round, he did not disappoint us,’’ she said.

    The ambassador, however, expressed shock at the disclosure of a new daughter in the family, whom she said had never been mentioned by her husband.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that none of the children was present at the presentation of the will.

     

  • Man sets self ablaze after poisoning lover

    A middle aged man (names withheld) from Onitsha-Ezinihitte in Mbaise Council Area of Imo State has set himself ablaze after poisoning his lover of many years.

    The deceased reportedly lured the unsuspecting girlfriend to a quiet place where he made her take the poisoned drink that killed her instantly.

    According to sources, the lovers have been going out for several years and had concluded plans to get married before their dream was shattered by their parents, who insisted that they were related and cannot get married.

    Frustrated by the development, the young man, who was said to have had a robust relationship with his fiancee, refused to be consoled by his close friends and relatives and went ahead to perfect his plan.

    “After the girl took the poisoned substance, she fell on the ground writhing in pain, while the man quickly soaked himself with fuel and set himself ablaze, “the sources told our correspondent.

    However, efforts to get the Imo state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Vitalis Onugu, for confirmation, proved abortive as calls to his cell phone were not picked.

     

  • Depositors get N73.5b ‘liquidation dividends’ from NDIC

    The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation said it had paid N73.55 billion as liquidation dividends to 250,119 depositors as at December 31, 2011.

    The corporation made this known in its 2011 Annual Report, saying that the payments were made to 11 banks out of the 13 liquidated banks within the period under review.

    NDIC said that it declared additional liquidation dividends to depositors of Cooperatives and Commerce Bank, Commercial Trust Bank, Commerce Bank and Ivory Merchant Bank.

    It said the capital adequacy ratio of commercial banks rose from 4.06 per cent in December 2010 to 17.71 per cent in December 2011.

    It added that the banking industry’s capital base was strong during the year under review as equity capital decreased by 11.81 per cent from N249.71 in December 2010 to N220.21 billion in 2011.

    NDIC said that banks’ reserves with the Central Bank of Nigeria increased to N2.266 billion in 2011 from N179.89 billion in 2010.

    The report, according to the News Agency of Nigeria, stated that adjusted shareholders funds increased to N1.93 trillion in 2011 from N312.36 billion in 2010.

    It said that the improvement in the banking industry’s capital adequacy was primarily due to the activities of the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

     

  • Strauss-Kahn’s maid case ‘settled’

    Strauss-Kahn’s maid case ‘settled’

    Former International Monetary Fund head Dominique Strauss-Kahn has settled a lawsuit by a hotel maid who accused him of sexual assault.

    Details of the deal, said to have been struck at the Bronx Supreme Court in recent days, are expected to be subject to a confidentiality agreement.

    Mr. Strauss-Kahn was held in New York in May 2011 after Nafissatou Diallo said he assaulted her in his hotel suite.

    BBC says prosecutors later dropped charges amid concerns about her credibility.

    The 33-year-old then opened a civil suit for undisclosed damages against the former French politician. Mr Strauss-Kahn, 63, called the lawsuit defamatory and countersued.

    Diallo’s case opened the floodgates to a slew of others sexual allegations against Mr. Strauss-Kahn, leading him to resign from his IMF post.

    It was widely seen as having ruined his chance of becoming the socialist presidential candidate in his native France.

    A court date between Mr. Strauss-Kahn and Ms Diallo’s lawyers is expected next week, although a day has not been set, reports the New York Times.

    She told police that when she arrived to clean his luxury Manhattan hotel room, he forced her to perform oral sex on him.

    Mr. Strauss- Kahn admitted to a “moral failing”, but said it was consensual.