Category: Uncategorized

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Bank have commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on the launch of the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (EdoHIP), which is aimed at making healthcare affordable and accessible to residents across the state.

Edo State under Governor Obaseki recently launched the state’s Social Health Insurance Scheme/Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) and revamped Primary Healthcare Centers under the Edo State Health Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP).

Enrollment into the Edo Social Health Insurance Scheme has already commenced for residents in rural parts of the state, notably in Ovia North East Location Government Area of the state.

Read Also: FG, WHO launch triennial plan to reduce prevalence of Noma

Officer in-Charge of World Health Organisation (WHO) in Nigeria, Dr Peter Clement, said the vision of Governor Obaseki to consolidate the PHC agenda and the BHCPF is a demonstration of strong stewardship towards the attainment of the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He urged the Edo State Government to leverage on the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund as it will go a long way in enhancing the implementation of the Edo Health Improvement Programme.

“Both the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPBCDA) gateway will be crucial in fostering social health insurance and revamping of the primary healthcare facilities respectively under Edo-HIP,” he added.

Senior Health Specialist, World Bank, Olumide Okunola praised Governor Godwin Obaseki for the commitment to improve the wellbeing of Edo people, adding that the launch of the programme will provide Edo people access to Healthcare. He urged the people to embrace the programme.

By Kofoworola Belo-Osagie

As the window for workers in the universities and colleges of Education to enrol for the Integrated Personel Payroll and Information System (IPPIS) opens on Monday, the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), has called on its members and other academics to embrace the payment system.

In a statement issued by the protem publicity Secretary, Dr Ernest Onyebuchi, the National Steering Committee of the group noted that CONUA alligned with the Federal Government’s anticorruption campaign, which the IPPIS is out to achieve.

The group, which is a rival of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), expressed faith in the IPPIS following the Accountant-General of the Federation’s explanations that the system had been designed to accommodate the perculiarities of the University system.

The statement reads: “The union noted that the Office of the Accountant General in its recent newspaper publications has publicly demonstrated it has taken care of the major peculiarities of the University system and its autonomy in the implementation of the IPPIS. “Particularly laudable is the proposed establishment of an IPPIS desk in all Federal University Bursaries across the nation to continuously attend to issues arising from the implementation in an ongoing manner.

Read Also: IPPIS: ASUU vows to fight on

“CONUA believes that any alternative payment platform for lecturers  being proposed or muted by anyone at this point in time, will definitively compromise the standard of the IPPIS payment plan template, designed to formidably stem corrupt practices and bring accountability into the Federal Government’s personnel payroll system in Universities and other agencies of Government. CONUA therefore reject the proposed selfish development of any form of alternative payment platform for lecturers by lecturers.”

The union directed all its members to enrol with IPPIS while calling on other academics not to be afraid to register as well.

It noted: “CONUA therefore mandates all its members to present themselves for the IPPIS biometric registration process by filling the forms for the purpose of enrolling into the IPPIS scheme.

“In the same vein, CONUA urges all Academics in Nigeria to shun any intimidation or call to attempt to truncate or frustrate the IPPIS scheme.

“Moreover, CONUA warns that any attempt to truncate the smooth running of the Academic Calendar of Universities by any group over the issue of IPPIS will be unacceptable. As such, members of CONUA and indeed all progressive minded lecturers across the nation should not support any retrogressive move, tactics or antics in attending to issues arising from the implementation of IPPIS.”

By Samuel Adegboyega Oyegbile

THE population of the senior citizens in our country is increasing as in the world over. According to 2006 population exercise, those aged 65 years above make up to 4.3 percent of the total population of Nigeria which was put at 140,431,790.  This group are mostly neglected by the government, the public and even the families. Many are lonely especially at 65years and above. Neglect, loneliness and lack of care lead to loss of joy and hope, which lead to premature death.

According to World Health Organisation (WHO) “Every Person  in every country in the world  should have the opportunity to live a long and healthy life. Healthy ageing is a process of developing and maintaining  functional ability which enables all to do what they value at an older age. These include basic needs to learn and grow, mobile, build relationships and contribute meaningfully to society from their wealth of experience. Environments are highly influential on our behaviour, our exposure to health risks (e.g. air pollution, violence), our access to quality health and social care and opportunities that aging brings.

Since Nigeria is a member-state of WHO, the global strategy is a step forward to contribute to achieving the vision that all people can live long and healthy lives. In Nigeria, the family structure – nuclear and extended – is changing rapidly with no safety net in place for most Nigerians.  The family traditionally was cradle of love, security and development where family needs including those of the aged were met. This bond is getting weaker and eroded due to poverty, societal materialism, competition and independence leading to lack of family support and care of the elderly. There is no social security to also bridge this gap, hence the aged are neglected and unhappy.

How could the lots of the senior citizens in our society be improved?

Healthy ageing and retirement education: Many people envisage the idea of retirement as a life stage of leisure, carefree living, relaxation and travelling. With adequate education, preparations including financial, these are possible. We have those enjoying such retirement in our society, however, they are not the majority. To have more people in this group, healthy ageing and retirement education must be organised at all levels of government, private sectors, religious organisations, private sectors, social organisations and communities. This is to be coordinated at the community level, since the senior citizen will eventually settle there after retirement.

There are some associations, foundations, NGOs and religious organisations working to enhance the quality of life and overall well-being of senior citizens in our communities. All these efforts are wonderful and commendable, but these efforts will yield desired goals if well coordinated. Therefore, coming together to harness all these efforts will be complementary to the WHO’s Global goal of “Every person  in every country of the world should have the opportunity to live long and healthy. This will bring hope and joy to the senior citizens with all the opportunities and values that they will bring to the society from all their life experiences they have mustered over all these years.

Dr. Oyegbile is a Consultant Public Health Physician, Epidemiologist and former World Health Organisation State Coordinator. Currently, he is the CEO of Partnership for Preventive Health Action (PPHA) a part of Health Peak Limited.

By Omolara Akintoye

THIS health project is a laudable one, there is no health centre here in Okun-Ajah community but this free health programme is of great importance to us because we are all benefitting from it including our husband and our children. We also benefitted from this project last year.”

These were the words of one of the beneficiaries of the free annual health outreach organised by the Committee of Friends for Humanity (COFFHA), Mrs Rose Gbenga, for residents of Okun-Ajah situated at Eti-Osa local government area.

Another beneficiary, who is also a widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Adeogo, could not hide her excitement. Her words: “I’ve been suffering from different ailments but no money to go to the hospital, but my attending this programme, doctor attended to me and they gave me free drugs.”

No fewer than 3,000 men, women and children benefited from the free health campaign organised for Okun-Ajah community, situated opposite Laguna beach, off Abraham Adesanya Housing Estate, Ajah, Lekki, which was held recently by COFFHA.

Speaking at the annual health outreach/ground breaking of the Vocational Training Centre, held in Okun-Ajah community, the president, COFFHA, Mrs. Carol Ufere, said it was a way of giving back to the society.

Read Also: Preventing Ludwig’s angina in adult

“Our project is skill acquisition centre, we don’t just want to give people fish but also teach them how to fish; to teach them different skills so that they can have sustained means of livelihood, give them starter packs as well as monitor them because a whole lot of them divert the money to other things. But this will not happen in our own case. We also know that when they acquire skill it remains with them for life.

Speaking on how COFFHA is getting funds to implement its project, Augustina Igbokwe said “We do task ourselves individually to implement these projects since we can’t go to people’s home to wipe their tears, then we decided to conceive a project where we can bring these people together and empower in all areas. That is what gave birth to these centre and our patrons and matrons and donors can see what we are using their money to do to mentor people and give back to the society. It’s a skill acquisition centre where we can empower the indigent all round and they can take care of their families.”

Present to do the ground breaking ceremony, were the former Nigeria Ports Authority boss, Bayo Sarumi, Secretary General, Abuja MOU/ Ports State Control, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, Princess Vicky Haastrup, Mr. Patrick Okonjo, among others.

Poor dental hygiene, recent tooth extraction are some of the causes of Ludwig angina among adults. In this interview with Omolara Akintoye, a permanent secretary with the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Titilayo Goncalves, explains how Ludwig’s angina can be prevented and the importance of preventive oral aid (chewing stick).

WHAT is Ludwig’s angina?

Ludwig’s angina is a bacterial infection. It is a type of bacterial infection that occurs in the floor of the mouth, under the tongue. It often develops after an infection of the roots of the teeth (such as tooth abscess) or a mouth injury. This condition is uncommon in children but in adult.

The bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus are common causes. It often follows a mouth injury or infection, such as a tooth abscess. Other causes include poor dental hygiene; trauma or lacerations in the mouth and a recent tooth extraction or tooth ache.

How can it be prevented?

You can decrease your risk of developing Ludwig’s angina by practicing good oral hygiene, having regular dental checkups, seeking prompt treatment for tooth and mouth infections. If you’re planning on getting a tongue piercing, make sure it’s with a professional using clean, sterile tools. See your doctor immediately if you have excess bleeding or the swelling isn’t going down.

You should brush your teeth twice every day and use mouthwash with antiseptic liquid once per day. Never ignore any pain in your gums or teeth. You should see your dentist if you notice a foul smell coming from your mouth or if you’re bleeding from your tongue, gums, or teeth. Pay close attention to any problems in your mouth area. See your doctor immediately if you have a compromised immune system or have recently had some sort of trauma in your mouth, including a tongue piercing. If you have a mouth injury, make sure to see your doctor so that they can ensure it is healing properly. Also use of preventive oral aid (local chewing stick) such as Aayan, Orin Ata by young people should be encouraged; this will help in keeping their teeth till old age.

What next after losing your teeth?

For those who have lost one tooth or more, hope is not lost. They can still do a lot to salvage their remaining teeth. You can have an implant; don’t brush the socket. Either way, the area may be tender at first, and brushing even with soft-bristled toothbrush can irritate it. Instead, brush the other teeth properly, but avoid those around the socket  and the socket itself  for about a day to give it time to heal.

Focus on good oral care for the whole mouth: daily oral care is the best way to protect your teeth (and sockets) and stave off any risk of plaque buildup or early gingivitis. Brush your teeth twice daily. Finally, avoid an excess of sugary snacks.

The Edo State Government has re-opened the school at the Children Correctional Centre on Welfare Road, Ugbekun Quarters, in Benin City, the state capital.

The re-opening of the school is part of events to mark the World Children’s Day.

Speaking at the event, the Edo State First Lady, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki, said the state government will not relent in rebuilding the Edo State Children’s Correctional Home.

According to her, “Governance is about the people, it is as a result of bad leadership that people are involved in various social vices, ranging from human trafficking, child labour and other illicit acts.”

She urged the inmates at the Centre to be of good conduct, tasking them to aspire to become better citizens, noting, “I will strongly support this project and I urge other staff of the ministry to rise up to the challenge.”

Commissioner for Social Development and Gender Issues, Hon. Maria Omozele Edeko, said the World Children’s Day is celebrated every November 20, to raise awareness about the problems that children face globally and to improve their welfare.

Read Also: Edo commences enrolment of residents for health insurance scheme

The World Children’s Day is also known as Universe Children’s Day, which is promoted and coordinated by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

Former Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, said the state government understands human development and is ready to resurrect the Correctional Center and improve its standard.

President, Federation of Female Lawyers (FIDA), Barr. Roseline Otoboh, said they are proud to identify with the governor in his effort to better the lives of the inmates.

She urged the inmates to cease the opportunity to learn and develop their talents.

Present at the occasion were Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon. Damian Lawani; Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General of the State, Prof. Yinka Omoregbe, Chairman, Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo-SUBEB), Dr. Joan Oviawe, and Organizing Secretary, APC, Dr. Aisosa Anadasun, among other dignitaries.

The Edo State Government has commenced enrollment of residents into the state’s primary health insurance scheme, to guarantee access to affordable and quality healthcare services in the newly refurbished health care centers across the state.

The Edo State Health Insurance Scheme and the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund are covered under the Edo Healthcare Improvement Programme (Edo-HIP), a holistic framework to overhaul and improve healthcare services in public health institutions in the state.

As modalities are being finalised for the roll-out of State Health Insurance Scheme, the Edo State Primary Health Development Care Agency (EPHCDA), has kickstarted an enrolment programme that would run from November 21 to 30, so as to galvanise the people to take full advantage of the offerings from EdoHIP.

Executive Secretary of the EPHCDA, Dr. Mrs. Mbarie Imuwahen said the team from the agency has visited communities in Ovia North East to register and enrol some of the rural dwellers in the programme so they can benefit from the government’s move to make access to quality healthcare seamless.

She noted that the state’s Ministry of Health is working assiduously to achieve the government’s directive for the efficient operation of the Health Insurance Scheme with the Commissioner, Dr. Patrick Okundia, leading the charge.

Read Also; Obaseki vs Oshiomhole: Cry my beloved Edo

According to her, “The team was in Egbatta and Odunna community in Ovia North East for registration and enrolment of residents into the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund/Health Insurance Scheme. The communities are close to the Odunna Primary Health Care Center, which is among the 20 centres that were recently reconstructed.

“These are efforts to ensure a smooth kick-off of the Health Insurance Scheme in the state. We are happy that we are making progress. The health insurance scheme will ensure that the state government deploys the requisite materials to meet the health needs of residents in the state and it is important to get accurate data towards the realization of this goal.”

The Odionwere of Oduna community, Chief Alfred Iyesogie, thanked the team for the exercise in the community, noting that they have his full support for the enrolment of members of his community for the scheme.

Pastor (Mrs) Faith Oyedepo

The family is God’s delight. When God delights in you and you delight in Him, He makes your life and your home a delightful place. If it is joy you need, He gives it to you. If it is money that is in short supply, God releases it. If it is peace that is required, He brings peace. Everything it takes for your family to succeed is made available. When God delights in your family, everyone against your family progress is silenced and you enjoy all-round security and speedy answers to your prayers.

Furthermore, when your delight is in Him, your life will always be on the increase (Psalm 18:19); God will promote you and you will enjoy abundance in every area of your life. God’s Word says: Thou shalt no more be termed forsaken; neither shall thy land anymore be termed desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the Lord DELIGHTETH in thee, and thy land shall be married (Isaiah 62:4). This is God Word’s for you right now.

Every successful home is a threat to satan’s kingdom, which is why he would do anything to destroy it.  Unfortunately, he gains entrance to many homes often through the woman. Remember, he gained access into the first home through Eve, and history always repeats itself. God’s Word says: But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ (2 Corinthians 11:3).

For this reason, men should protect their wives spiritually, to ensure that they do not engage in private discussions with hell, which can send them out of their “garden”.  Once the woman is effectively shielded from satan, he will have difficulty in trying to penetrate the home.

Women are more susceptible to the attacks of satan, because of their roles in the home.  She is usually more at home than the man; so, she is more available to satan. He creeps in on her and tells her, “What makes you different from the man? Are you a slave? Have you forgotten that you too are educated as he (husband) is? Have you forgotten your placement in your office? There is no Jew nor Greek, male or female; the same Lord is rich over all.” If unguarded, the woman would be tempted to agree with him.

Somehow, satan is able to easily secure the attention of women, particularly when they are idle.  He barrages them with all sorts of negative information, which in turn makes them unhappy. He often arrests them by painting a deadly picture of calamity and woe, which they readily accept. But unfortunately, some women claim that it was God that revealed such information to them, not recognizing that it came through “the prince of the power of the air.”

Woman, please learn to prove the source of the information that comes to you.  Find things out for yourself from the Word of God, because nothing anybody says can make the Word of no effect.  The destruction many families have experienced today came from information that had satanic sources.

Man, it is time to awake and chase satan out of your garden! Until you say, “Get thee behind this family, satan”, he will keep hanging around. As man’s eternal enemy, satan has vowed to pull down the family unit.  God’s Word says: How should one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, except their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? (Deuteronomy 32:30). He wants to stop you from destroying his kingdom.

In the covenant, one can deal with 1,000, two, especially in marriage, are empowered to put 10,000 to flight!  Satan knows this and wants to keep his kingdom; so, he launches attacks on the family, to prevent them from destroying his kingdom.  Since one family can destroy 10,000 demons, Satan aims at destroying the 10,000 capacity destroyers.  If he succeeds, he has preserved more demons to run errands for him.

Another reason the devil wants to gain entrance into families is found in I Peter 3:7; Likewise, ye husband, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.

When a man and his wife are at variance with each other, their prayers are hindered, and they are disconnected from God.  They may pray all the time, but there will be no response from heaven.  Heaven will be shut, making it impossible for them to enjoy the harvest of whatever seed they may have sown.

The man, who opens up his home to malice or discord, has blocked his access to God’s blessing.  Satan knows this, so he does all he can to see that there is rancour and strife between a man and his wife.  Anytime you sense any animosity rising within you against your spouse, know that satan is seeking an entrance.  Therefore, resist him steadfastly in the faith.  Tell yourself that since you have no intention of having another home, you will not give satan a foothold in your family!

In case you are not yet born again, this is another opportunity for you to do so today. If you want to overcome satanic loopholes in your family this year, don’t miss this golden opportunity. You can become born again by confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready for this new birth experience, please say this prayer: Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. I accept You as my Lord and personal Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for delivering me from sin and satan to serve the living God and thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.

Congratulations! If you prayed this simple prayer of faith with me, you are born again and now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily; obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21). With this, you are guaranteed all-round rest and peace in Jesus’ name! Call or write to share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org, 07026385437 or 08141320204.

For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building a Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

The Vice Chancellor, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Michael Ologunde, has called for special funding for research on Nanotechnology because of its potentials to solve the continent’s myriads of problems ranging from food production and storage, to disease control and environmental remediation.

Speaking at the just concluded 3rd edition of the annual workshop and conference by LAUTECH Nanotechnology Research Group (NANO+), themed ‘Nanotechnology in Africa: Opportunities and Constraints’, Ologunde was optimistic that the crop of scientists behind the promotion of nanotechnology as a frontier of knowledge has the wherewithal to take the University, our dear nation and indeed the African Continent to greater heights in knowledge dissemination and advancement of humanity.

The VC stated that the University would continue to invest in the provision of an enabling environment and equipment that would spur cutting-edge and translational research for the benefit of humanity.

Read Also: LAUTECH lecturers begin strike

Minister of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, represented by Kelechi Ebisike, head, Research and Development, Engineering Materials Development Institute (EMDI), Akure, noted that local content drives a nation, and build a strong GDP base for any nation.

According to the minister, President Muhammadu Buhari is interested in local content of any technology, same way the ministry of Science and Technology is interested in promoting local content. The minister however urged researchers in the country to come up with findings that will proffer meaningful and measurable solutions to problems, “the ministry of Science and Technology is open to research that would bring about developmental growth of our great nation, Nigeria.”