The Nation Newspaper

Tag: attention

  • ‘Give special attention to retirees’

    ‘Give special attention to retirees’

    Yaba Local Council Development Authority (LCDA) Chairman Kayode Adejare Omiyale has urged all tiers of government to pay special attention to retirees.

    Omiyale spoke when he received members of the Association of Local Governments’ Retirees in Nigeria.

    According to him, senior citizens worked hard for the country’s growth and must not be deprived of their retirement benefits.

    “I am mindful of the current economic recession in the country but their issue should be of great concern to all well-meaning Nigerians, at the local, state and federal levels.

    “When we fail to pay their gratuities and pensions, it sends a wrong signal to those who are still in active service. This is a clear indication why some civil servants dip their hands into the public treasury, knowing full well that they might suffer after retirement, if they would have to depend solely on what they stand to earn from gratuities and pensions.

    “Civil servants can loot and steal when this very important issue is not addressed properly. The contributory pension scheme is a beautiful idea, but let pensioners collect their gratuities on time. They should look up to retirement with joy in their hearts, not what it is in the country today.”

    The association’s secretary, Rev. Omo Ilune, asked other states to be like Lagos by paying retirement benefits promptly. He urged Lagos State to pay up the outstanding arrears agreed upon with the pensioners.

  • Attention, acting President Osinbajo

    Attention, acting President Osinbajo

    The days are evil, perilous. They are filled with stench while exhuming every indices of war, bloodbath and bloodletting; signs of bad omen.

    Old memories of injustices have been revived. Lost and past war sores have been reopened.  And scars now bear testimonies of previous adventures.

    War drums have been reinvented by the drummer boys and the moribund instruments of battle have been dusted, lubricated and set in motion once again.  Agitations of unquantifiable measures now stare us in the face while elders and supposed leaders of thoughts watch the tottering and sliding of our dear nation into anarchic and diarchic state.

    There is palpable fear of the unknown everywhere. Danger has become our companion and threats a way of life of the people. The shock in us all has been liquidated by our acculturation of abnormalities.

    Just recently, the world was jolted and brought to a standstill following the carnage visited on a group of worshippers on a Sunday morning, who had gone to worship their God and probably pray for more of his grace. In that singular incident, choreographed in Ozubulu, Anambra State, a dozen-plus was sent to their early grave for committing no other crime than attending a church service, where the source of money used in erecting such God’s edifice is still a subject of mystery.

    And what’s more?  Here and there the Fulani herdsmen harvest dead bodies like great farmers. While the Boko Haram insurgents mine dead bodies like oil wells here.

    And right here, a date – October 1 has been specially set aside by the Arewas as the D- day for the expulsion of Igbos from the North without rebuttal.

    And yet again, government has been running like everything is under control; losing no sleep and taking no actions whatsoever to reassure as well as reassert its promise of safeguarding lives and property as pledged during inauguration.

    I want to remind acting President Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, that power,  I mean political power has since been dully and constitutionally transferred to him as the custodian of Nigerians. His silence and lack of action since the threats, quit notices, war songs and hate speeches from Prof. Ango Abdullahi, Junaid Muhammed, both  elders from the North and the host other threats to our corporate existence is highly regrettable.

    By now,  I had thought the Arewa youths would have been facing trials for that treasonable quit notice on fellow Nigerians for no just cause or better still, they would have rescinded their statement with unalloyed apology. Just as I have long waited in vain for a clampdown on the northern elders who openly backed their youths for issuing a notice on the Igbo without arrest.

    Meanwhile, the new and trending female artist behind the war song must be fished out and probably get locked up and eventually prosecuted for taking us through the Rwandan routes for her thirst for the blood of innocent Nigerians.

     

    • Gwiyi Solomon,

    Enugu.

  • ‘Seek medical attention from hospitals not churches’

    The wife of Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade has urged expectant mothers to stop patronising churches for medical advice and delivery.

    Mrs Linda Ayade gave the advice yesterday at the launch of the first round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) week in Odukpani Local Government.

    Dr. Ayade lamented that increasing mortality rate of expectant mothers was due to rising patronage of faith-based organisations, instead of hospitals.

    She appealed to expectant mothers to take advantage of health facilities in their locality, as the state intensifies efforts to end maternal and infant mortality.

    “As we launch the first round of MNCH today, I appeal to expectant mothers not to be too busy when it comes to regular attendance at antenatal clinics.

    “Secondly, I advise them to seek medical attention in our health facilities, rather than in churches and prayer houses,” Ayade said.

    She called for support for the Health Insurance Scheme, tagged: Ayadecare,  aimed at delivering affordable health care services.

    Director-General, Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Betta Edu said the objective of the week was to improve health care delivery for expectant mothers and children.

    “We are grateful to Governor Ayade for making available free commodities for expectant mothers and children, as they will receive free immunisation, malaria test and drugs, free vitamin A supplement, de-worming tablets and others.

    “We have resolved to reduce maternal and newborn mortality.

    “This is why we are launching this health week to render free medical service to expectant mothers and children,” she said.

    Edu hailed the United Nations Population Fund (UNFP) and other development partners for supporting the health sector to render health care services to residents.

  • Attention JAMB!

    SIR: In spite of the benefits of Computer-based test (CBT) introduced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB), the JAMB CBT centres seem least prepared for the forthcoming examination.

    The recently conducted mock examinations threw up challenges that if left unchecked will jeopardize candidates future as failure is imminent. For instance, most computers used at some centres like LAUTECH Ogbomoso, Oyo State were problematic leaving the candidates helpless. The time for JAMB to do something is now!

     

    • Mr. Ajala,

    Lowcost, Ogbomoso. 

  • Pay attention to eye discomfort, says expert

    Pay attention to eye discomfort, says expert

    An iridologist, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, has warned against ignoring any feeling of discomfort in the eyes.  It could be a sign of the state of one’s health.

    Many Nigerians Ezengige said, were unaware of the usefulness of iridology as an alternative arm of healing. He said Iridology (also known as iridodiagnosis or iridiagnosis) is an alternative medicine technique whose proponents claim that patterns, colours, and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient’s systemic health. The practitioners are simply referred to as Iridologists. “Iridology is based on the scientific study of the iris — the coloured part of the eye. Like markings on a map, the iris reveals physiological conditions, psychological health risks, challenges and/or strengths of various organs and personality traits.

    ‘’Through iridology, we can get an understanding of your past, present, and potential future health conditions by assessing the various body systems. Your inherited tendencies compounded by toxic accumulations in various parts of your body are also revealed,” he explained.

    Dr Ezengige said this natural medicine practice examines the eyes as mirrors to the body, believing that the iris reflects the condition and function of every organ.

    “Iridologists look at the patterns, colours, and other characteristics of the iris to gather information about a patient’s health. Through tried and proven principles, iridologists use the eyes as a wonderful piece of equipment to determine the health of the body,” he stated.

    According to Dr Ezengige, Iridology can be a way of detecting signs of developing illness or disease at their earliest stage before they become problems and before clinical indicators or physical symptoms develop. Because the different markings and colours of the iris in the unique zones of the eye correspond to the organs in the body, they can indicate potential health issues.

    “Patients may gain an early advantage in the prevention and treatment of illness, before a small health problem becomes worse. Iridology can allow you to take action early and make lifestyle changes to ensure you stay healthy. An examination can help you determine many health markers including your constitutional strengths and weaknesses, nutritional deficiencies, areas of injury, inflammation or degeneration, accumulation of toxins, emotional issues, as well as identifying key risk factors in your body. The unique colour, markings, and structures of your irises can reveal valuable information about your physical, mental, and emotional state of health,” he explained.

    And the consultation is simple, painless, and non-invasive as the practitioner uses a small flashlight and magnifying glass to examine the eyes. “Iridology can be a glimpse into the condition of external processes that are otherwise difficult to gauge – i.e. degeneration, congestion, toxicity, and acidity levels. The iris is a window to the brain; with thousands of nerve endings, microscopic blood vessels, muscle and connective tissue, they reflect the inner workings of the body. Every organ is connected to the iris via the nervous system. Therefore, iridology can be viewed as the starting point of preventive healthcare.

    Iridology offers a holistic approach to assessing patient health. Combined with other natural treatments, Iridology can improve your vibrancy and energy levels. After seeing an iridologist you will be able to look at the health of your body with clear eyes,” he noted.

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Victims to get best medical attention’

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel yesterday assured the injured of the best medical attention.

    He said doctors, nurses and other medical experts had been drafted to assist in their treatment.

    Emmanuel, who worshipped at Qua Iboe Church, Ikot Ekpene Road, Uyo, with members of his executive council, said the life of every citizen is of utmost importance to his administration.

    He said: “As Christians, we need not question God on why disaster occurred but trust in his divine will in all situations and show empathy to the families whose loved ones are affected.”

    The governor, who was dressed in black to reflect the mood, said “affliction shall not occur the second time”.

    He condemned the speculation on the death toll and appealed to relations of the victims to remain calm to enable the state, ascertain the number of casualties.

    The bodies of the dead, he added, would not be released to the families until tomorrow, (after the two days of mourning).

    The Governor visited St Lukes Hospital Anua, Uyo and Ibom Specialist Hospital to sympathise with the victims.

    Preaching on the theme: “There is a Purpose”, Rev Ibub Ema acknowledged that God’s purpose in a man’s life if not clearly defined is sure to suffer abuse.

    He drew his text from Isaiah 14 verses 26 – 27 and added that “even negative experiences have a divine purpose” and urged all to seek God’s purpose for their existence.

  • Attention, NYSC!

    Attention, NYSC!

    The police have a duty in this matter involving two corps members over rejected love advances

    It looks more like some tales by moonlight; a case of the more you read; the more incredible it looks. So, this could happen in 21st century Nigeria? And in what was designed to be a uniting institution in the country — the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)? Wonders truly will never end if indeed it happened!

    A summary of the story as told by one of the parties involved in the matter, Temitope Adedewe: She said she and one Oluwabusuyi Adeola Bolarinde were undergraduates in the History Department of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State; but she always avoided him in the university “because he was the aggressive type.” Somehow, they were both posted to Abia State for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and ended up being posted to the same place of primary assignment. Not only that: they were about eight corps members (including the two of them) living in the same house. This gave Bolarinde the opportunity to press her for a relationship, which she continually turned down. This was allegedly followed by insults from Bolarinde, then threat messages.

    Late January 2015, on a particular evening, he started knocking on their common door and when she opened it, after ascertaining  he was the one knocking, he allegedly started to beat up Adedewe with the iron end of his belt and blood started oozing out of her body and face. As she was going to wash off the blood, Bolarinde allegedly caught up with her and gave her a blow; after which he went for a hammer in his room and hit her in the mouth with it. According to Adedewe, “that’s how I lost my teeth. Everything happened so fast. This was around 11pm. It was already too late for me to go to the hospital. In fact, it was later I noticed the bite on my face. I didn’t and still can’t recall the exact time he bit me.”

    It is a long story. However, she went to the hospital and incurred a bill of N18,000 initially while the doctor said she required another N300,000 to replace her teeth. The police were brought in, according to her because the nurse on duty when she went to the hospital insisted on having a police report before treating her. But the local NYSC official intervened and told the police to hands off the matter and that it would be handled administratively by the NYSC authorities. Since then, she was being tossed around by the NYSC officials at both her place of primary assignment as well as the zonal level. The NYSC officials claimed that they had dealt with the matter administratively, leading to the withholding of the discharge certificates of the two of them.

    However, while Adedewe had lost an opportunity for a scholarship due to non-release of her certificate, Bolarinde is said to have proceeded to the University of Ibadan for further studies. This is the crux of the matter. How did Bolarinde who allegedly plucked out the teeth of a fellow corps member get his discharge certificate to process his admission, whereas Adedewe could not have hers?

    All said, it is incredible that anyone who has passed through the four walls of a university and was awarded a degree after being found worthy in character and learning would behave in the way that Adedewe said Bolarinde did over his love advances that were rebuffed. This is why we want the matter thoroughly investigated. The way things stand; it does not seem the NYSC can do justice to the case. Hence, we urge the police to take it up from where they stopped. This is now beyond the NYSC not only because reports seem to suggest that its officials were complicit in the matter but also because a hammer was allegedly used to remove the teeth of the female youth corps member.

    Therefore, it is no longer a case of two youth corps members fighting; it goes beyond whatever the NYSC bye-laws stipulate. It is now purely a criminal matter because the person allegedly hit with a hammer could have died or suffered permanent disability in the process.

  • Attention, Lagos police commissioner

    SIR: This is to bring to the notice of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Fatai Owoseni, and the Lagos State government the unprofessional behaviour of some policemen presumably from the Shogunle police station stationed at the Ladipo Bus Stop area of the Agege Motor Road.

    Hiding under enforcement of traffic light rules, the policemen from the station always lie in wait around the bus stop for motorists whom they often wrongly accuse of jumping traffic light. The problem is that the traffic light malfunctions. It has no amber light to guide motorists to prepare to stop, nor does it have a digital counter by which motorists can guide themselves to stop at the traffic light.

    It is, therefore, possible to get to the traffic light exactly the moment green turns to red, and a motorist will be perfectly justified to drive across. After all, it is unrealistic for a motorist to be anticipating, without a digital counter or amber light, when to stop except the red light is already on. Consequently, there is hardly a day policemen from the station do not arrest and extort motorists because of this traffic light malfunction. The other problem is that once intercepted, the policemen interrogate the motorist right in the middle of the road in total and reckless disregard for the safety of the intercepted motorist and his passengers.

    This is an appeal to the Lagos State Government to repair the Ladipo traffic light and get it functioning properly, and for Mr Owoseni to caution his men against open and unprofessional behaviour and misconduct. Lagos needs to enforce road traffic rules in order to engender safe motoring, and it needs fine policemen to do it; but it is only those who knowingly flout traffic rules that should be intercepted. Even then such interception must neither endanger lives nor promote police misconduct.

     

    • Shegun Adebowale

    Oshodi, Lagos

  • Welfare ‘ll continue to receive priority attention, says Wike

    Welfare ‘ll continue to receive priority attention, says Wike

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has assured that the welfare of workers will continue to receive priority attention.

    In his goodwill message to Rivers workers yesterday, Wike lauded the workforce for diligently contributing to his administration’s efforts to build a new Rivers state.

    The Rivers governor, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Electronic Media, Simeon Nwakaudu, urged workers in the state to remain committed to the ideals of selfless service and development, stating that the massive development being witnessed across the state would be sustained.

    He also thanked the workers for the unflinching support for his administration, since his assumption of office on May 29 last year.

    Wike gave an assurance that Rivers workers would continue to enjoy key positions in his administration, since he considered them as critical to the attainment of set goals in the state’s development agenda.

  • More attention coming for youths, says Okorocha

    More attention coming for youths, says Okorocha

    The Imo State government will this year, pay special attention to youth employment and empowerment to check the rising incidence of youth-related crimes, especially kidnapping and armed robbery.

    Governor Rochas Okorocha gave the assurance during the dedication of his grandson, Master Jidenna Anthony Anwuka, at the Saint Joseph Catholic Chaplain, Imo State University, Owerri.

    He hinted that the interests of the youths will henceforth, be placed above that of the older ones to give them the needed platform to achieve their potentials, even as he noted that engaging the youths meaningfully would check crimes.

    “It cannot be explained why people, who are over 50 would be in the system working while those between 20 and 35 are idle, roaming the streets, even with the required qualifications. The situation does not call for celebration at all.

    “When you check those being arrested for crimes, they are always between 18 and 35. You can hardly get a man above 40 years. So we must act now to secure the future of these young ones,” Okorocha said.

    The governor noted that the “factory, factory, factory and job, job, job,” crusade and the Young Millionaires Club initiative of his administration were all targeted at getting the youths meaningfully engaged in the overall interest of the society, adding that his government would take radical steps this year to ensure that the government’s dream for the youths are realised.