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Tag: lagos

  • ‘I didn’t issue statement on Lagos council poll’

    The Lagos State Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Joe Igbokwe, has urged the media and the public to disregard a statement purportedly issued by him on the state’s APC primaries.

    He said the statement was a forgery and the figment of the imaginations of its writers.

    Igbokwe said: “I read with utmost consternation, the statement allegedly issued by me, warning candidates for the forthcoming councillorship and chairmanship election in Lagos and whose names have gone to the state’s Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) that they may be changed anytime.

    “I wonder on what premise I could have issued such a horrific statement, given that I am a well-known party man who abides by the party’s rules and regulations. Even as the cowards who hacked that issued that statement did not mention me in their statement, by issuing same in the name of State Publicity Secretary, they inferred that I issued such press statement which is false, deceitful, dangerous and reckless.

    “I wonder why anybody who has any issue with the party’s primaries cannot muster enough courage to state same rather than hide under cowardly masks to issue a false statement and credit same to me. That proves that they are hideous characters who can adopt any foul means to achieve their evil intent. I denounce such tactics as it does not show courageous and faithful party men. I believe that like in any contest, primaries are bound to throw up diverse reactions but I also believe the party has enough in-built mechanisms to tackle these challenges. Why some people will be hiding behind others to manufacture and trade bare lies to achieve their detestable purposes still confounds me…”

  • Lagos local govt poll: ‘APC didn’t impose candidates’

    Lagos local govt poll: ‘APC didn’t impose candidates’

    The All Progressives Congress has denied an allegation that it imposed candidates on its members ahead of the July 22 local government elections in Lagos State, describing the allegation as a ploy devised by the opposition to snatch its members.

    Speaking in Lagos at a youth forum organised by Hon. Dipo Okeyomi, the APC chairmanship candidate for Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, Deputy National Youth Leader of the party, Hon. Sesan Sowande, said no single candidate was imposed in the Lagos local council primaries.

    Sowande said:“The APC as a party, is guided by its constitution and also has high regards for popular views among its members.

    “As a party, we had primary elections and as permitted by the constitution, we give room for complaints and once it is established that a particular complaint is genuine, we promptly address it in the spirit of justice and fairness.”

    He also debunked insinuations that certain party chieftains influenced the choice of chairmanship candidates in the party, saying, “It is a ploy devised by the opposition parties to snatch our members; knowing it is an allegation that can bring up emotions.”

    Sowande said the President Muhammadu Buhari administration would carry out all the party’s programmes designed to empower the youths, stressing, “now that we are clearing the mess that we met in the system, and that the economy is gradually stabilising, all our promises to the youths will be met.”

    Speaking, Okeyomi, the Ojokoro APC chairmanship candidate, promised to create 700 jobs for the youths in his first 100 days in office, if elected.

    “A lot of people have asked me to explain how I will achieve this but I’ll rather keep the strategy close to my chest; but once elected, rest assured that I will create 700 jobs for the youths in my first 100 days in the office,” he assured.

    Okeyomi also said he had plans to buy shoes and bags for all primary school pupils in the LCDA and also, give grants to indigent petty traders.

    Besides, he hinted that having travelled widely, he would use his influence to bring in foreign investors to establish industries in Ojokoro LCDA.

  • Ambode’s elixir for Lagos economy

    Ambode’s elixir for Lagos economy

    Confronted by seemingly scary unemployment situation, the Akinwunmi Ambode administration evolved the Eployment Trust Fund (ETF), a platform through which loans are disbursed to potential entrepreneurs. MIRIAM EKENE-OKORO writes that about 4,000 beneficiaries have accessed loans from the N25 billion provided by the scheme to establish their own businesses.

    When Governor Akinwu-nmi Ambode conceived the idea of an Employment Trust Fund (ETF); a platform through which loans will be made available to people who want to establish and grow businesses, many did not believe that the initiative would be real; as many had believed it was another gimmick by a government that seeks relevance and cheap popularity.

    But with the success story by some of the beneficiaries of the pilot scheme, through which the government disbursed N1b to 705 beneficiaries, even the opponents of the scheme have agreed that the initiative is critical in addressing the economic challenges plaguing the country.

    On Tuesday, June 13, cheques for N924.7 million were disbursed to another set of 1,438 beneficiaries to enable entrepreneurs, artisans, traders and others to have the necessary funds to boost their businesses; thereby reducing unemployment and increasing wealth creation among the people.

    So far, about 4, 000 beneficiaries have accessed funds from the N3.5 billion provided by the scheme. The state government is committed to support about 100,000 micro, small and medium enterprises and create at least 300, 000 direct and 600, 000 indirect jobs by 2019 through the initiative.

    To create more awareness and reach out to more beneficiaries, the Board of the ETF has embarked on a tour of the various local governments to sensitise the public to the importance of the scheme and to ensure that everyone benefits from it.

    Addressing some of the artisans at one of the sensitisation forums, the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund, Mr. Akin Oyebode said the N25 billion fund was established by the government in order to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and improve the skills of entrepreneurs, with a view to helping Lagos residents create a thriving SME-driven economy.

    He further explained that the fund was established by the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund Law 2016 to serve as an instrument to inspire the creative and innovative energies of all Lagos residents and reduce unemployment.

    He said the fund would raise additional N25 billion from international donor agencies to boost its programme of micro, small and medium (MSME) funding. This, he said, will bring the total amount in the Fund’s management to N50 billion; having received a take-off grant of N25 billion last year.

    Oyebode added that about 25,000 small scale entrepreneurs have been targeted to benefit from the fund to grow their businesses this year.

    “People are passionate and their zeal has challenged us to do better. We are privileged to be saddled with the responsibility to ensure the success of the objective,” he said.

    He expressed his satisfaction that beneficiaries of the pilot scheme have started paying back their loans.

    “The businesses we support must demonstrate capacity to repay our loans; be owned by Lagos residents duly registered by the Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA); show evidence of tax payments to the Lagos Inland Revenue Service (LIRS) and have valid Bank Verification Numbers (BVNs),” he said.

    The LSETF boss said in addition to MSME financing, the Board will also train unemployed residents to either take up identified jobs or run their businesses such that beneficiaries can access maximum loan of N500,000 at an interest rate of 5 per cent per annum, to be spread over 12 months.

    The business must have a minimum turnover of N20, 000 monthly. In cases where an applicant does not patronise banks, turnover can be estimated using price of applicant’s service and walk in or buying rate.

    Speaking while presenting cheques to 1,438 beneficiaries at De Blue Roof, LTV 8 Ikeja, Governor Ambode expressed delight that the government was on course to meet the objectives of the initiative, adding that it was also encouraging that the previous beneficiaries have started repaying their loans.

    Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti, Ambode made particular reference to one of the earlier beneficiaries simply identified as Jand2Gidi, saying that it was a thing of joy that they have started contributing to the growth of Lagos economy.

    “One of the success stories of this programme which I am very proud of is the achievement of one of the first set of beneficiaries, a company called Jand2Gidi, run by two young women.

    “We eagerly expect to celebrate many more success stories such as this,” he said.

    Ambode also praised the Board of the ETF for the good work done so far. He urged them to increase the pace of work and ensure that by the end of this year, about 20,000 businesses would have benefited from the scheme; a plan, he said, would ensure that the overall target of the scheme would be met by 2019.

    “It is only when you pay back your loans, and grow your businesses, that we can truly celebrate the success of this programme. Your success is our success, and together we will grow Lagos State’s economy and create jobs for our residents.

    “The initiative is another example of taxpayers’ money working for the people. I thank all taxpaying citizens for providing the resources from which the state government contributes N6.25 billion annually to the N25 billion Employment Trust Funds,” he said.

    In her opening remarks, Chairman, Board of ETF, Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui-Okauru said the event was another milestone by Ambode’s administration.

    Omoigui-Okauru also revealed a partnership between the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to improve technical and vocational training.

    Under the programme, she said, the LSETF will contribute $3 million, while UNDP will contribute $1million and the fund will be used to train  Lagos residents in manufacturing, construction, health care, hospitality and entertainment, while successful trainees will be provided with jobs at the completion of the programme.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr O.A Goriola of November 16 Nigeria Limited, commended the government for the initiative and pledged judicious use of the funds.

    With the disbursement of the fund, stakeholders are confident that the state government is firmly on the right path.

  • Lagos is my success story, says AVM Martins

    Lagos at 50 is still basking in the euphoria of success. The celebration received encomiums and commendations from distinguished personalities; one of them is Air Vice-Marshal (AVM) Olufunso Martins (rtd), the Chairman of Domart Group.

    He said Lagos is the only state in Nigeria where people feel free to pursue their aspirations, irrespective of their backgrounds.

    He expressed satisfaction with the way the state leaped forward in the past 50 years of its creation as a geographical entity. The frontline philanthropist urged Lagosians to reciprocate government’s efforts by performing their civic responsibilities with dedication.

    In retrospect, he explained that the Centre of Excellence contributed to his success story, adding that the state has clement temperament for all those who want to earn their living legitimately.

    Martins, who was born seven decades ago at Ebute Metta, Lagos to the Ekunsemi Martins family of Lafiaji in Isale-Eko, Lagos Island said Lagos is a pathfinder for many.

    He attended African Church Primary School, Ebute Metta and proceeded afterwards to African Church Grammar School, Abeokuta and later completed his secondary education at Methodist Boys’ High School, Lagos.

    After his secondary education, he proceeded to the Obafemi Awolowo University, where he studied Electronics/Telecommunications Engineering. He worked briefly for the British Petroleum as a Clerical Officer before he was admitted into the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna as an Officer Cadet in 1970.

    He later passed through several specialist courses at home and abroad and rose through the ranks to AVM in 1999. He was the Commandant of the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre, Oshodi from where he voluntarily retired in 2003; having served his fatherland meritoriously.

    During his military career, AVM Martins was seconded to Lagos State on the request of the then Military Governor. He was subsequently appointed the Executive Chairman of the Lagos State Transport Corporation (LSTC) where he took charge of over 300 buses at the inception of the Federal Government Mass Transit Programme.

    AVM Martins introduced the Graduate Driver Scheme at the LSTC, where graduates were employed to propel the scheme known as Civil Servant Graduate Drivers. At present, some of them have risen to become directors and permanent secretaries.

    He introduced 13th month salary to motivate workers in the agency, even as he developed a befitting headquarter building for the agency which is now being used as LASTMA headquarters.

    Comparing how life was at Ebute-Metta in those days to the Lagos of today, the resourceful and hardworking Martins said: “We had about 100 tenants in a compound named ‘’Ebami Dupe’’ compound at 30 Griffith Street, Ebute-Metta and we all lived together in peace. There was nothing like someone having the idea of kidnapping or poisoning my children and there was nothing like religious differences or intolerance.

    “Then, children ate together and we were our brothers’ keeper. Neighbours could correct any child that did anything wrong. But these days, it is sad that the reverse is the case. I look forward to a Lagos of one big family.”

    On the development that has taken place in the state since its creation 50 years ago, the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) said: “Lagos State being the former federal capital of Nigeria has Federal Government inputs such as the Second and Third Mainland Bridges and other infrastructure. Aside this, each of the governors of the state contributed immensely to the development of the state.

    “The state is a cosmopolitan city and urban development is increasing. I must say that each administration has kept to the vision of making Lagos State one of the mega cities of attraction in the world. In terms of infrastructural development, however, Lagos is still developing.”

     

  • Evans: I got gunshot scar after 2006 Lagos robbery

    Evans: I got gunshot scar after 2006 Lagos robbery

    Kidnap kingpin recants drug story

    Police go after another soldier

    Suspected kidnap kingpin Chukwudumeje George Onwuamadike (aka Evans) has confessed that the gunshot scar on his shoulder came from the injury he sustained during a 2006 bank robbery in Lagos.

    This is contrary to his earlier claim that he got the injury during a fracas following a drug business in South Africa in 2007.

    Evans, who was confronted with a newspaper interview that indicated the scar was as a result of a gun duel between him and his gang members at the National Theatre in Surulere, Lagos Mainland,  admitted that he lied earlier.

    According to the suspect, he and his gang members robbed a bank in 2006. While sharing the loot, there was a disagreement, which led to a fight.

    He admitted that they started shooting themselves, adding that many of the robbers died. He was seriously injured and abandoned by the others.

    The kingpin also admitted that he was arrested by the police, adding that he and two others were transferred to the Imo State Police Command, where they were released.

    The officer in charge of the Inspector General of Police’ (IGP) Intelligence Response Team (IRT), Abba Kyari, an Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), said: “Evans was confronted with the interview on Sunday and he admitted that the bullet wounds are from disagreement over sharing of loot after bank robbery in Lagos in 2006. They shot one another and many gang members died while Evans survived with bullet wounds.”

    A Superintendent of Police with the Band section of the Police College in Lagos, simply identified as Tina, reportedly sought to get the case being put together against Evans after the bank robbery dropped. Her attempt was rebuffed.

    She reportedly travelled to Owerri from where a report was sent requesting the transfer of Evans to the command because of another case he was involved in, which they claimed was under investigation.

    The kingpin was quietly released inOwerri. Tina is believed to be related to Evans’ mother.

    The Nation gathered that the police were out to fish out all those who participated in the 2006 release of Evans and two of his gang members. They are to be prosecuted.

    It was also learnt that the police have begun a manhunt for another soldier said to be a member of Evans’ gang.

    The soldier whose identity is yet to be revealed, it was gathered, was attached to one of the Army formations in Lagos.

    A source said the police had the soldier’s names and pictures, adding that they would leave no stone unturned in arresting him.

    “He should have been arrested on Saturday night but we believe he might have gone into hiding after his colleague, Victor Chukwunonso, was caught. That was why the police high command did not want to release information on the arrest of Chukwunonso because there are so many others being investigated.

    “But I know he would be caught. Our bosses will simply approach army authorities with evidence and request that he be handed over to the police.

    “It is true that they have started looking for that Tina woman and many other officers who were serving at the Imo State Command at that time that Evans was released. So many heads will roll in this matter.”

  • Lagos appeals verdict on resettlement of Otodo Gbame community

    The Lagos State Government has faulted a Lagos High Court verdict which declared illegal, the demolition of Otodo Gbame Community and some other riverine settlements around Lekki.

    In a Notice of Appeal filed at the Appeal Court, in Lagos, the government said Justice Adeniyi Onigbanjo’s June 21 judgement was capable of encouraging illegality.

    The judgement, it noted, visited the constitution.

    The government claimed that the high court erred in law and misdirected itself when it made far-reaching decisions that conflicted with the facts of the matter placed before it.

    Under the first ground of appeal, the government said Justice Onigbanjo erred when he held that the demolition was illegal when there was no demolition in Otodo Gbame before the case was filed.

    According to the government, there was a fire in Otodo Gbame caused by violent clash between two rival cult groups. The fire destroyed the community with no residents and property remaining because the burnt shanties were built with corrugated iron sheets, woods and bamboos.

    It said Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who visited the community after the incident stopped the reconstruction of the shanties and directed all those living on the riverine areas to leave for security reasons.

    The riverine areas, the government said, were known to harbour illegal bunkers, kidnappers and robbers.

    The governor’s directive, the appellant said, according to government, was pursuant to Chapter 2, Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

    The appellant accused the residents of visiting the governor’s directive which led to the demolition of Otodo Gbame and other communities when the case was referred to mediation by Justice Onigbanjo.

    The appellant claimed: “The declaration of the lower court that the demolition of March 17, 2017 is illegal and unconstitutional is misplaced and one-sided without considering the violation of the same order of court by the respondents. The demolition was to return both parties to status quo.”

    Under in ground two, the appellant said the high court erred when it held that the government should have consulted with the communities before any further evictions, and also compensate them for the demolition of their properties. The appellant claimed that in as much as Chapter 4 of the Constitution provides for fundamental rights, some rights contained provisos that made such rights not sacrosanct and absolute.

    It said: “There are abundance of uncontroverted evidence before the lower court that the structures built along riverine/swampy areas of the state are without building permit as required under the Urban and Regional Development Planning Law.

    “The respondents have constructed shanties and illegal structures without the requisite building permit/approval and the rights under the Constitution do not permit breach of a law or exempt anybody whosoever from building without first obtaining requisite approval. The respondents are squatters and deliberately failed to put the issue of title in contention.”

  • Curbing quackery among healthcare providers in Lagos

    Quackery is one of the greatest menaces facing healthcare delivery globally.  By definition, a quack is a person who pretends, professionally or publicly, to have skills, knowledge, or qualifications he or she does not possess. By extension, quackery connotes establishing or running a healthcare facility without qualified or certified personnel; or operating beyond the limits or scope of one’s specialization or expertise. In the field of healthcare delivery involving diagnosis, management and prevention of health issues, quackery can have unimaginable and damaging consequences for the populace.

    The havoc wrecked by quacks range from wrong diagnosis, misadministration of drugs and other interventions, and mismanagement of patients;  sometimes leading to extreme and irreversible damage, impairment and even loss of life. A case was recorded of a young lady who had the arm of her baby pulled off during labour by a quack midwife operating in a one room apartment in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. Of course the baby died and the mother has to live with not only the loss but the psychological effect of the incident and probable complications. Also on record is the case of a man who claimed to have studied Medicine in the Dominican Republic, but could not collect his certificate for financial reasons. He said he had his “training” under one Dr. Godwin Kanu, a retired consultant traumatologist and orthopaedist, for 14 years after his return to the country and since then had been practicing medicine. This “doctor” must have performed surgical operations on several innocent and unsuspecting citizens. Of course, many resulted in complications that had to be managed at other hospitals that later raised an alarm to prevent further debauchery by this human slab masquerading as a hospital. Security operatives recently arrested one Martins Okpeh, a 44-year-old secondary school certificate holder, for pretending to be a medical doctor for nine years. In addition, one Cosmos Daramola, who ran a health facility in Badagry, named Darcos Hospital, with a forged certificate from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife was equally arrested and prosecuted. Also, a Community Health Extension Worker (CHEW) working with Safeway Hospital, Ajah forged a nursing certificate and is presently undergoing prosecution.

    In addressing the issue of quackery and assuring the people of quality healthcare delivery both in the private and public sector, the Lagos State government established the Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) in 2006. This is part of the efforts which emanated from the Health Reform Agenda which is backed by law. The main aim of this reform agenda is to improve the performance of the health system. A vital component of this process is the regulation of the private sector of healthcare delivery being a major provider of service to over 60% of the population. HEFAMAA is charged with the responsibility of monitoring both private and public health facilities to ensure registration and accreditation of all health facilities in Lagos State. It sets required minimum standards for operations of health facilities both in public and private health sector. The agency also accredits, inspects, monitors and licenses all health facilities. It also evaluates performance based on set standards by at least a monitoring visit to every facility twice a year. Among other things, HEFAMAA collates all necessary information on registered health facilities in the state, advice the health commissioner on all matters relating to the registration, inspection and supervision of private and public hospitals in the state. More importantly, HEFAMAA enforces compliance with the provisions of the law and ensures the authenticity of credentials of personnel and ascertain the appropriateness of medical equipment and instruments used in facilities. It is noteworthy that HEFAMAA is empowered to sanction erring facility by sealing such facilities, imposing fines or initiating arrest and prosecution.

    Commissioner for Health Lagos State Dr Jide Idris recently had cause to frown at the way health care providers train auxiliary assistants in their clinics and noted that many of them have been recruiting auxiliary nurses and unqualified personnel thereby endangering the lives of innocent people who unknowingly patronize these health facilities. He explained that the ugly trend has now degenerated to a state where some of the so-called the trained auxiliary nurses and unqualified assistants now go out and establish their own outfits claiming to be professionals and in turn breed other quacks. He stressed that such a trend could lead to a long chain of terrible consequences for the health sector if not decisively addressed.

    The Commissioner also cautioned registered health facilities who practice beyond the scope or schedule for which they are registered. He noted that a situation where a health facility which is registered as a Maternity Home engages in activities beyond the schedule of a maternity home is not acceptable.  While accepting that the private sector accounts for a high percentage of health care providers in Lagos State, he guaranteed that citizens can be confident that the government is closely monitoring the health care providers to ensure that only certified professionals are allowed to operate in the state.  He also restated that the commitment of the Ambode-led administration in ensuring a healthier and happier Lagos is unequivocal and indisputable and hence no stone is being left unturned in fulfilling the mandate of qualitative healthcare to the people.

    While citing poverty as one of the reasons people knowingly patronize quacks, Idris says the issue of out of pocket expenditure is being addressed through the Lagos State health insurance scheme to protect not only the poor but also to ensure all citizens can access or seek medical help without financial constraints. . According to him, the scheme which is mandatory for all residents of the state assures everyone who registers and pays his or her premium the right to patronize a fully accredited health facility whether private or public that is captured in the scheme.

    On the question of the ease with which qualified health care providers can be accredited or registered, Idris disclosed that the state government is seriously considering outsourcing some of the regulatory functions of HEFAMAA for increased efficiency. He also revealed that soon registration can be done electronically via a website that will be created for such and related purposes.

    To fully eradicate quackery, members of the public are enjoined not to patronize any hospital, convalescence home, maternity home, clinic, diagnostic centre or laboratory not accredited by HEFAMAA. Endorsed facilities can be known by the HEFAMAA logo placed conspicuously at the frontage. To further assist government in the pursuit of its aims in this regard, citizens are encouraged to exercise their rights by sending in written or verbal complaints to the agency. Reports or petitions on unethical practices or unwholesome clinical procedures can be made to the Office of Health Facility Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA) at the Lagos State Government Secretariat in Alausa, Ikeja. These complaints or observations will be investigated and dealt with appropriately by the agency.

    The battle against quackery is one in which every well-meaning Nigerian must enlist. The next victim may be anyone or someone dear. Taking the bold step of notifying the appropriate authority may make a lot of difference between life and death.

     

    • Salako is Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Health.
  • Lagos pursues Vision 90-90-90

    Lagos pursues Vision 90-90-90

    •Pilgrims undergo HIV screening

    About 2,000 intending pilgrims in Lagos have been screened by the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. It was conducted at the Hajj Camp, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.

    LSACA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Oluseyi Temowo, who explained the rationale behind the screening,  said the exercise was in pursuant of the vision 90-90-90.

    He said the state was joining the rest of the globe’s powerful momentum, which is building towards a new narrative on HIV treatment and a new final and ambitious, but achievable target- that by year 2020, 90 per cent of those living with HIV will know their HIV status. By the same year also, 90 per cent of those diagnosed with HIV infection, will receive sustained antiretroviral therapy. Again, by the same year, 90 per cent of those receiving antiretroviral therapy will have viral suppression.

    He said: “It is not to only reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, but it is a transformative agenda for reaching people, who are left behind. By 2020, we want to have a cascading target to have at least 90 per cent of Lagosians living with HIV know their diagnosis, 90 per cent of those people to be receiving antiretroviral treatment; and 90 per cent of those on HIV treatment to have an undetectable viral load.

    “Before the intending pilgrims were screened, they were sensitised and counseled, and it is a voluntary testing. It was the Commissioner for Home Affairs and the co-ordinating Imam, Alhaji Dr. AbdulHakeem AbdulLateef, who moved the idea. We have counseled them that if they turned negative they should know how to stay negative.”

    He added: “Ending AIDS will require uninterrupted access to lifelong treatment for tens of millions of people, necessitating strong, flexible health and community systems, protection and promotion of human rights, and self-replenishing financing mechanisms, capable of supporting treatment programmes across the lifespan of people living with HIV in the state.”

    According to Dr Temowo, Lagos cannot be left behind as the world is uniting around an ambitious HIV treatment target to lay the groundwork to end the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. “Through national, regional and global-level consultations, diverse stakeholders like Ministry of Home Affairs are pledging to ensure that by 2020: 90 per cent of people living with HIV know their HIV status; 90 per cent of people who know their status receive treatment; 90 per cent of people on HIV treatment have a suppressed viral load.

    “HIV treatment is a critical tool towards ending the AIDS epidemic, but it is not the only one. While taking action to maximise the prevention effects of HIV treatment, urgent efforts are similarly needed to scale up other core prevention strategies, including elimination of mother-to-child transmission, condom programming, pre-exposure antiretroviral prophylaxis, harm reduction services for people, who inject drugs, and focused prevention programming for other key populations.

    “To put in place a comprehensive response to end the epidemic, concerted efforts will be needed to eliminate stigma, discrimination and social exclusion,”he explained.

    On how to end same in the state, he said: “Ending AIDS will require uninterrupted access to lifelong treatment for tens of millions of people, necessitating strong, flexible health and community systems, protection and promotion of human rights, and self-replenishing financing mechanisms capable of supporting treatment programmes across the lifespan of people living with HIV. And thankfully enough, the Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode has pumped money into LSACA for that.

    “He was there at the declaration of Vision 90-90-90, and he has given a marching order that all the nooks and crannies of the state should be visited for screening in pursuant of the vision.”

    A 60-year-old trader and participant, Mrs Balikisu Bakare,  said she was happy with the screening, saying: “We now know how to relate better when we get to the holy land. We won’t be scared of contracting any disease because we don’t know, who we will be staying with. Also, we will be free to share utensils without fear.”

    An education officer, Ahmed Sodiq, said it was a good initiative by the state to ensure that the pilgrims know their status. “Though it is never a crime for anybody to be living with HIV, but knowing that will assist in better management. And the FOREX is able to be manage for us other necessary screenings instead of paying N12, 000, we paid half the price,”he said.

    Mrs Silifat Abdul-Ganiyu said it was good the state conducted the screening for HIV and others because, “it will help the people concerned to prepare themselves, health-wise, to cope better in holy land.”

  • Eid-el-fitr: Osun offers free train service from Lagos

    Eid-el-fitr: Osun offers free train service from Lagos

    The Osun Government says it will provide free train ride for its indigenes from Lagos to Osogbo during the Eid-el-Fitr holiday.

    The Commissioner for Industries, Commerce, and Co-operatives, Mr. Ismaila  Jaiyeoba-Alagbada, gave the information in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo.

    Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the free train would leave Iddo terminus in Lagos to Osogbo on Saturday, June 24 by 10 am and return to Lagos on Tuesday, June 27 by 11 am.

    He said the train would also pick passengers along Ogun and Oyo corridor.

    Jaiyeoba-Alagbada said the service was in continuation of the commitment of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola’s administration to making life more meaningful for the people of the state.

    According to him,  the free train service, which commenced in 2011 during festive periods, is also aimed at facilitating a stress-free homecoming for the people during the festival.

    The commissioner urged indigenes of the state who wish to come home to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr to make use of the opportunity of the free train service.

    “We encourage holidaymakers to use this opportunity to update themselves on the developments that are taking place in the state.

    “The Aregbesola administration, regardless of the negative hate campaigns of those that are threatened by its massive pro-people policies, has created an enduring legacy of service.

    “We have taken service to the people to a new height that will be impossible to reverse. We have opened up roads and we have built schools that many find hard to believe are possible in this part of the world.

    “We have renewed our urban settlements to attract investors. These and much more would be the spectacles to behold when they visit Osun,” he said.

  • NCAA: July target for Abuja, Lagos airports certification

    NCAA: July target for Abuja, Lagos airports certification

    The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday said it was optimistic that the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be achieved by July.

    Mr. Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the certification process of both airports was going on simultaneously.

    He said the regulatory authority was working with representatives of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Western and Central Africa (WACAF), to ensure the completion of the project.

    Adurogboye explained that there were still some open items that needed to be closed before the airports could be certified.

    He said:“What happens is that the process is in phases and you move from one phase to the other and it is only when the people involved are through that you can move to the next phase.

    “We are actually in the third phase and when we are through, we will move to the fourth phase, which means we are almost getting there.

    “The certification of both airports is being done simultaneously and we are hoping to complete it by July.’’

    NAN reports that the certification of the airports is being done by the ICAO WACAF, under its implementation of the Africa-Indian Ocean (AFI) Plan Aerodrome Certification Project.

    The AFI Plan was adopted by the 36th ICAO Assembly to address the safety status of aircraft operations in the AFI Region.

    It is meant to address focal areas which are: to establish and maintain a sustainable oversight system (infrastructure/capacity building) and assist states to resolve identified deficiencies within a reasonable time.

    The plan also aims to enhance the aviation safety culture of African aviation service providers.