The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cautions

  • Group cautions youths against depression, suicide

    A Non-governmental organisation, Mind and Soul Helpers Initiative (MASHI), has cautioned youths against depression and suicide.

    The caution was made when the NGO held a lecture at CMS Boys Grammar School in Bariga, Lagos. The theme was, “Addressing depression and suicide among adolescents”.

    MASHI Founder and Convener Prof. Hope Eghagha, who is also an alumnus of the school, noted that the lecture was crucial due to the rate of suicide being committed in the country.

    According to him, suicide is not the solution to the many problems faced by youths. He urged them never to see committing suicide as an option for any problem they may be going through, be it in the school, home or other places. He also advised them never to let depression set in, and if already set in, they should end it.

    According to him, failing an exam or relationship breakups could lead to depression and suicide.

    He urged schools to enforce rules that are against bullying, adding that the youths should always talk to the school authorities’ other people in position of authority if they have any problem rather than keeping such problems to themselves.

    The Guest Lecturer, a Clinical Psychologist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Ibiyokun Olawale,  described depression as a mental illness that affect the mind and thoughts, makes one feels loss of interest in activities and develops negative thinking which can lead to suicide.

    He identified the symptoms of adolescent depression to include chemical abuse, loss of interest in pleasurable activities and frequent complains.

    According to him, school symptoms of adolescent depression include withdrawal from school, problems with authority, restlessness and agitation.

    “Treatments to the problems listed above include, assessment, medication and psychotherapy among others,” he said.

  • APC cautions Secondus on language, conduct

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has cautioned the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, to be mindful of his language and conduct, so as not to tarnish the image of the country abroad.

    In a statement signed by its Acting National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Yekini Nabena, the party said Prince Secondus is expected to exhibit the highest sense of patriotism, decency and decorum in public conduct and discourse.

    The satement said: “Regrettably, Prince Uche Secondus has not lived up to these basic expectations.

    “Weeks ago the PDP National Chairman took the internal matters of the country’s politics to the international scene by writing letters to various international organisations. Again, soon after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the Osun State governorship election inconclusive, Prince Secondus without basis accused the electoral body of conspiring with the APC to declare the election inconclusive.

    “The APC would as a rule ignore irresponsible and baseless utterances and actions as exhibited by the PDP National Chairman, but as we prepare for the forthcoming 2019 general elections, it is necessary we give a word of caution on expected behaviour required of all political sides. Prince Secondus is respectfully advised to temper his political language and conduct.”

    His unfounded allegation on the inconclusive Osun State governorship election is not expected from such highly-placed party official. Accusing the APC of conspiring with INEC, without proof, is taking mudslinging too far.

    We advise Prince Secondus not to descend to the level unexpected of his office, less he enters the boxing ring with its attendant mud and dirt. His action will only bring him personal attacks, ridicule. A word is enough for the wise!

  • Reps caucus cautions Ndume, others over Ekweremadu’s safety

    The Southeast Caucus in the House of Representatives has warned that it will hold Senator Ali Ndume and his group responsible if Deputy Senate President Ike Ekweremadu should meet with any harm.

    The caucus, in a statement yesterday by its leader, Deputy Minority leader Chukwuka Onyema, accused Ndume of interfering in the statutory and professional job of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    It noted that Ndune’s “reckless comments”, as reported by a national newspaper on Monday, had further unmasked the real issues and those behind Ekweremadu’s ordeal.

    The statement reads: “We have closely watched events around the National Assembly, especially the ruthless attempts to emasculate the opposition and unseat the Senate leadership by all means possible.

    “We have also followed the ongoing investigation by the EFCC on the allegations levelled against Ekweremadu. Despite our doubts, we have maintained our calm, hoping that the law would take its natural cause to vindicate the innocent.

    “However, like every responsible and patriotic Nigerian, we have every reason to worry after reading the comments by the Senator Ndume claiming that the EFCC is treating Ekweremadu with kid gloves and, therefore, canvassed for Ekweremadu’s detention and indictment by the agency, despite the obvious ill-health of Senator Ekweremadu.

    “While Ekweremadu needs to be alive to face his investigation, Ndume prefers to push EFCC to compromise the health of Ekweremadu, no matter the possible outcome.

    “Indeed, reading Senator Ndume’s comments clears every iota of doubt that he and some other All Progressives Congress (APC) senators and cabals are behind the ordeal of the Deputy Senate President and that this investigation has to do with the remorseless efforts to unseat the Senate leadership.

    “It is now easier to link the hostage-taking of Senator Ekweremadu and attempted hostage-taking of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, on July 24, 2014 by agents of state on a day both were supposed to be presiding over the Senate.”

  • SON cautions on use of sub-standard products

    SON cautions on use of sub-standard products

    The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has cautioned Nigerians on the dangers of using fake products, warning that the risks associated with such unwise patronage far outweigh the benefits, if any.

    The organisation said it was carrying out sensitisation programmes across the country to educate stakeholders on the dangers inherent in the use of sub-standard products.

    SON Director-General Osita Aboloma stated these in Aba, the commercial capital of Abia State, during a general sensitisation workshop on substandard lubricants held in the city.

    Osita, represented by SON Regional Co-ordinator in the Southeast, Obi David, an engineer, said the regulatory body had before now carried out zero tolerance and total eradication sensitisation workshops for substandard products.

    He added that the agency has now decided to go for reduction in fake products all in a bid to achieve the same goal of reducing the circulation of fake goods in the country to the barest minimum.

    His words: “We’ve carried out zero tolerance for sub-standard goods; we’ve done total eradication and we are now speaking of reduction. There is no country in the world that can boost of total eradication of substandard products.

    “What we are saying now is that we want to reduce it to extreme minimum and if we can get that it will be a very big achievement. We want to start from somewhere; if we can achieve reduction, it will be as good as eradication.”

    Osita, who said SON’s sensitisation programmes were not limited to oil, but to other products, however, informed that the organisation limited the Aba programme to lubricants because of its effect on the economy and the people.

    “The use of lubricants touches on all vehicles, industrial machines of various types, hydraulic systems, electric transformers and other things. It is obvious that most of our daily activities depend directly or indirectly on use of lubricants and it is, therefore, necessary that every stakeholder be aware of good and substandard lubricant,” he said.

    Earlier in an interview, Obi said Abia was where SON was having much problem in the Southeast because manufacturers there were not organised as those in Anambra, Imo and Enugu states. He expressed hope that with such sensitisation programmes, they will overcome the challenges.

  • IG cautions on anti-grazing laws

    IG cautions on anti-grazing laws

    Inspector-General of Police Ibrahim Idris yesterday advised governors to prioritise the establishment of cattle ranches before enacting anti-grazing laws, to avert conflict between farmers and herdsmen.

    The IGP gave the advice at the Northern States Stakeholders Security Summit, with the theme, ‘National Building: Security Challenges and the Need for Inclusive Approach’, held in Kaduna.

    “It ¡s my humble suggestion that to reduce clashes between farmers and herders in Nigeria, State Governments should endeavour to establish grazing ranches in their various states before enacting laws to prohibit open rearing and grazing.

    “It ¡s when grazing ranches are established that herders can be arrested and punished for rearing and grazing on the open places.

    “Doing so, I am of the opinion that it will make the law acceptable by all the parties concerned and other critical stakeholders in that all important sector.

    “It will do us good if we avoid the hasty formulation and implementation of such laws across the country in the interest of peace and unity.’’

    According to the IGP, the crisis in Benue would have been mitigated, if the state had first established grazing ranches before prohibiting open grazing.

    Idris disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari had mandated the police to adopt “strategies effective enough to end the recurring Herders/Farmers clashes ¡n Nigeria.’’

  • PDP, CAN, knock Fed Govt as NOA cautions

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has knocked the Presidency and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over last week’s abduction of 110 female students.

    A statement by National Publicity Secretary Kola Ologbondiyan accused the Presidency and the APC of shedding crocodile tears in the abduction saga.

    “We challenge the Presidency to come out clean on issues surrounding this abduction. Who authorised the said withdrawal of troops from the area and for what purpose?

    “What alternative security measures were put in place to protect the people after the troops were withdrawn? Who controls security intelligence gathering and consequential protection action and what action was taken to guarantee adequate security in the area?

    “Furthermore, we charge the Federal Government to open up on who scripted and released the false rescue report, which frustrated prompt action that would have led to the recovery of our innocent girls? Why was that misleading report issued and whose interest did it serve?

    “Indeed, from all indications, every right thinking Nigerian has deduced that there are more than meets the eye in this ugly episode for which those in authority have a lot of questions to answer.

    The opposition party said it’s appalled by “crocodile tears” being shed by the APC-led Federal Government instead of scaling up actions on the matter.

    The Northern States chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) expressed sadness over the abduction of the school girls .

    Spokesman of the 19th Northern States CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab told reporters in Kaduna that the Christian body is deeply concerned about the “return of kidnapping of large number of girls again in Nigeria.”

    Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Dr. Garba Abari however cautioned Nigerians against making unnecessary speculations over the Dapchi abduction.

    A statement by Head, Press Unit NOA Paul Odenyi said:  “The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has noted the unfortunate incident at the Government Girls Science Secondary School, Dapchi in Yobe State and wishes to empathize with the parents of the missing children and Nigerians at large. The Agency at this time would like to caution against unnecessary speculation over the depressing incident saying at moments like these Nigerians should step up their vigilance, stand in prayers and cooperate with security agencies.

    “Director General of the Agency, Dr. Garba Abari stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has already dispatched high powered government officials, including four ministers, to the area to ascertain the true state of affairs and report back to him.”

  • Govt cautions vigilantes

    Govt cautions vigilantes

    Enugu State government has urged neighbourhood watch groups to hand over suspects to the police for interrogation and prosecution.

    Capital Development and Poverty Reduction Commissioner Mr. Obinna Mbaeke told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that vigilance groups should work with the police.

    According to him, they must remain under the supervision and guidance of divisional police officers.

    Mbaeke said: “At all times, they must apprehend and hand over any suspect to the police. They should not detain any person or operate unauthorised detention camps.’’

    He said the government established neighbourhood watch groups to complement statutorily recognised security agencies, as they were closer to the grassroots.

    The commissioner enjoined members to show integrity and operate within the ambit of the law.

    He reiterated government’s commitment to support security agencies.

    Mbaeke advised them to work with traditional institutions.

    “Vigilance group members must assist the government to achieve the set target of security and development at the grassroots.

    “Any deviation from the law establishing the programme will attract sanctions,’’ the commissioner said.

  • Don cautions against antibiotics misuse in animals

    Project Director Cassava: Adding Value for Africa Phase II (CAVA II), Prof. Kolawole Adebayo, has warned against the misuse of antibiotics in livestock, saying it can also make humans resistant to drugs.

    The food and agriculture industry is relying on antibiotics to secure the supply of food and income to farmers. However, the use of antibiotics for food production has been a major driver of antibiotic resistance, which is  threatening food security.

    Adebayo explained that antibiotics residue in animals could affect humans who   eventually consume the animals.

    He said: “The situation is worsened when there is indiscriminate and incorrect use of antibiotics; each antibiotic has a period to spend in the animal before it is safe to eat by humans.When animals are sold for human consumption before it is safe to do so, the antibiotic will continue in the human blood stream. That could be dangerous.”

    He stressed the need for responsible use of antibiotics by farmers in animals to reduce the emergence of antibiotic resistance.

    According to experts, antibiotic resistance in animal is not only threatening animal health, but also affects human health.

    The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that overuse of antibiotics in animals is contributing to growing drug resistance in humans with serious health implications.

    WHO warned that farmers must be prevented from using powerful antibiotics on animals reared for food, because of the serious risks to human health.

    New guidelines from the global body advised farmers to stop using any antibiotics routinely to promote growth and prevent disease in animals that are otherwise healthy, a common practice in some parts of the world, including Asia and the US. Such routine use is banned in Europe, though campaigners fear the rules are sometimes flouted.

    WHO reported that in some countries, as much as 80 per cent of antibiotic use is on farm animals. Even in some countries where routine use for enhancing growth is banned, more antibiotics are used on animals than on humans.

  • Labour cautions Fed Govt on N500b Paris Club refund to states

    Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has urged the Federal Government to compel states to invest the N500 billion London-Paris Club refund on projects.

    It said the measure would prevent a repeat of what happened last year when the first tranche of N388 billion  released in December was allegedly diverted into other uses, or embezzled.

    In a statement, TUC National President Comrade Bobboi Kaigama said: “We are afraid the governors might come cap-in-hand for another round in no distant time if the necessary things are not put in place.

    ”One could infer from the foregoings that the President to some extent profoundly means well but some people are determined to frustrate his effort. One would have expected that when the first tranche of money was released, salaries and pensioners would have been paid. We had expected that some meaningful projects would have been embarked upon; instead (they) the governors rolled out their drums to receive the billions for personal aggrandizement. This is not the way to go in an era of change.”

    Kaigama drew the attention of the government to what he described as the numerous cases of suicides and suicide attempts so far recorded this year, adding that workers were unable to feed their families, pay rents and school fees, let alone provide clothings.

    He said the President assured workers that his government has the welfare of Nigerians at heart but it appears not to be so. He said if governors made judicious use of the monies at their disposal, the recession would soon be a thing of the past.

    “It is, therefore, expedient the President recognises the absolute fact that the citizens of this country voted for him because of his pedigree. They voted because they trusted and believed that his administration would be just,prudent, accountable and lead with the fear of God. The cooperation we anticipated is not there as the centre appears to be going one way, while the lawmakers and the judiciary are also going separate ways. As it stands, our fate appears to be hanging in a balance.

    “We are not against government disbursing any money; what we are rather saying, is that the Federal Government should attach the money to projects. Salaries and pensions must be paid till date and in full. We will be disappointed again if we do otherwise. This time we must get our acts right,” he said.

     

  • NURTW cautions against violence

    NURTW cautions against violence

    The Chairman of the Lagos State Council of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Tajudeen Agbede, yesterday urged members to keep the peace.

    Agbede spoke at an emergency meeting of the state council in his office.

    He said various factions had been reconciled at an Abuja peace meeting, chaired by the President, Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, last month.

    “We are going to carry everybody along whenever we are trying to reconstitute the branches.

    “It is going to be continuity galore and everybody will be carried along, hence no-cause for violence at the parks,” he said.

    The NURTW chairman appealed to those with issues in their branches to bring such issues to the state council for resolution instead of resorting to self-help.

    “Please, don’t take the law into your hands if you have grievances in your place, feel free to bring such issues to the state council.

    “l promise to always do justice to all parties in the dispute. Don’t engage in self-help, as it is not the best solution.”