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Kano to propose compulsory HIV Testing bill

The Kano State Government said on Friday that it had been working to propose a bill on compulsory HIV/AIDS testing for all new couples in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Kabiru Getso, disclosed this at a news conference to commemorate the World HIV/AIDS day in Kano.

He said that the Ganduje administration had taken health as a priority and was working tirelessly to ensure quality healthcare delivery services in the state.
Dr Getso explained that the state government, in collaboration with the state Hisbah Board, had proposed the bill, which was awaiting passage at the state house of assembly.

According to him, “The state government had demonstrated concern about the care and control of HIV/AIDS by giving the scourge all the necessary attention it required’’.

Read also: Kaduna: Ganduje spends N1billion on PHC delivery

He stressed that the state government established the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (SACA), in order to record the progress and achievements so far witnessed in the control of AIDS in the state.

“The state has, however, approved the sum of over N443 million to carry out many interventions and outreach services, as well as to create awareness across the state,’’ Getso said.

The Commissioner said the government would continue to support people living with HIV/AIDS and would continue to create awareness on the prevention of the disease.

The World Health Organization has declared every December 1st to be World HIV/AIDS Day, to give succour to people living with HIV/AIDS in the state

NAN

December 1, 2017
World AIDS Day: Let’s fight the scourge
By Moses Emorinken

World AIDS Day is observed every 1^st of December. It is a day dedicated to spreading awareness about the dreadful Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ( AIDS ).

The theme of this year’s World AIDS Day is “Right to health”. The World Health Organization highlights the need for all 36.7 million people living with HIV and those who are vulnerable and affected by the epidemic, to reach the goal of universal health coverage.

Today, we join the World Health Organisation ( WHO ), United Nations ( UN ) and other global organisations to campaign for global public health.

We also remember those who have lost their lives to the disease and commiserate with those that have lost friends, colleagues and family members.

The battle against this disease is not a one-man fight but a collective battle to reduce its effect to the barest minimum.

Whether we like it or not, we all share a common destiny, and as such must contribute our quota to securing and creating a safe and healthy society that we can all be proud of.

Recent statistics from The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS ( UNAIDS ) reveal that in 2016, Nigeria had 220,000 new HIV infections and 160 000 AIDS-related deaths.

There were 3,200,000 people living with HIV in 2016, among whom 30% were accessing antiretroviral therapy.

Among pregnant women living with HIV, 32% were accessing treatment or prophylaxis to prevent transmission of HIV to their children.

An estimated 37,000 children were newly infected with HIV due to mother-to-child transmission. Among people living with HIV, approximately 24% had suppressed viral loads.

Also, globally, UNAIDS statistics revealed that:

In 2016 (June 2017) an estimated:
1. 20.9 million [18.4 million–21.7 million] people were accessing antiretroviral therapy
2. 36.7 million [30.8 million–42.9 million] people globally were living with HIV
3. 1.8 million [1.6 million–2.1 million] people became newly infected with HIV
4. 1.0 million [830 000–1.2 million] people died from AIDS-related illnesses
Major Populations most affected by HIV in Nigeria are:
1. Sex workers, with an HIV prevalence of 14.4%.
2. Gay men and other men who have sex with men, with an HIV prevalence of 23%.
3. People who inject drugs, with an HIV prevalence of 3.4%.
Nigeria’s HIV epidemic affects all population groups and geographic areas of the country. It is the second largest epidemic globally.

We need to begin to take decisive actions as individuals, organisations and government to tackle this pervasive disease threatening our collective survival. The extent to which we can extinguish this scourge depends heavily on each of us.

Although Since 2010, new HIV infections have decreased by 21% and AIDS-related deaths have decreased by 6%; there is still need for further research to improve the current available treatment plans.

Difference between HIV and AIDS:

HIV stands for Human Immunodeficiency Virus. This virus leads to infection and weakens the immune system.

It is pertinent to know that HIV can be transmitted from one person to another. On the flip, AIDS is a condition that is acquired only after a person has contracted the HIV infection, and it is the final stage of the HIV infection.

Mediums of HIV transmission:
1. Unprotected sex (anal or vaginal).
2. Sharing contaminated sharp objects like needles, syringes etc. Also, the use of unsterilized clippers for barbing and shaving hairs can be a source of contracting the virus.
3. Receiving unsafe injections, blood transfusions, tissue transplantation etc.
Treatment of HIV:

HIV can be suppressed by the administration of antiretroviral (ARV) drugs.

It cannot be cured at the moment, but its effect can be weakened, thereby strengthening the individual’s ability to resist infections.
December 1, 2017
Emefiele tasks graduates on job creation

Mr Godwin Emefiele, the Governor, Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ), has tasked graduating students of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka ( UNN ) to create jobs in order to overcome the current economic challenges.

In a statement by Mr Isaac Okoroafor, the Acting Director, CBN Corporate Communications, Emefiele gave the charge while delivering the institution’s 47th Convocation Lecture entitled: “A mindset for Succeeding in Today’s Nigeria”.

He said that the rising unemployment was the greatest challenge facing the country, warning that failure to empower the youth could boomerang against the Nigerian society.

He emphasised the need for young Nigerian graduates to change their mindset about the labour market, stressing that in spite of the challenges, Nigeria remained a land of limitless opportunities.

Emefiele, an alumnus of the university, charged the graduating students to strive to be job creators and entrepreneurs rather than being mere job-seekers.

He said the CBN, as part of its efforts to address unemployment and promote entrepreneurship, the bank had designed and formulated policies and programmes aimed at direct real sector intervention.

The CBN chief encouraged the graduating students and youths with not more than five years post-service experience to take advantage of the CBN Youth Entrepreneurship Development Programme ( YEDP ).

According to him, the programme is run in collaboration with other banks and the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ).

He tasked the graduating students to take cognisance of the opportunities in their respective environments to motivate themselves by creating innovative ideas as well as turn the ideas into profitable ventures.

Earlier in is his address, the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Benjamin Ozumba, said the convocation lecture was one of the prestigious public lectures hosted by the university.

He said the privilege of delivering the lecture was usually reserved for men and women, whose achievements would motivate and inspire graduating students and the entire university community for greater achievements.

Ozumba used the occasion to call for adequate funding of some ongoing projects embarked upon by the institution.

He said that the projects would not only boost entrepreneurship and innovation, but also help to curb youth restiveness in the country.

NAN

December 1, 2017
A better Nigeria without oil and gas

Gold Minds Growers ( GMG ) is an empowerment initiative to change the mindset of Nigerians about the oil and gas sector, and to advocate the need to refocus our policies in the direction of “non-oil sectors” of the economy.

This will be a significant step towards solving the perpetual problems of unemployment and idleness (especially amongst the youths).

The programme with theme: “a better Nigeria without Oil & Gas” by Addright Oyetunji Empowerment Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) was launched in 2013, founded by Ademola Issac Oyetunji who is also the president of GMG .

The NGO which birthed Gold minds growers works in synergy with other well-meaning Nigerians, Government, Agencies, Organization and NGOs to transform Nigeria by utilizing their comparative advantage in other sectors such as Agriculture, Real Estate, ICT, Industries, Miming, Trade and commerce for Nigeria.

Nigeria, was widely known and recognized across Africa for its economic strength, especially in Agriculture.

Agriculture was the mainstay of the country for its foreign exchange. However, after the discovery of fossil deposits (crude oil) in Oloibiri (1956), our attention gradually drifted from agriculture. The giant of Africa began to sag in stature and lose its glory.

According to Mr. Oketokun Tolulope, a member of GMG and a farmer, “I became a member three months ago and fully registered three weeks ago.

“I got to know about this organization through social media.

“It really falls in place with what I wanted because I have passion for agriculture; this seems to be an easy way to start. It gives a platform where you can do other work while other people are on your farm working for you.”

Also, another member of the organization, Mr. Oluwole Otelade said, “I have been a member for three month.

“I got to know about this GMG through bulk sms. At first I ignored it, however, the text kept coming and I show interest by calling the number.

“I later met the Director who further explained and I gave it a trial out of risk. Have always been looking for a way to start agriculture my problem has always been about time, land, fund and how to start.

“This organization has helped me a lot even when I’m not present. All I need to do is pay a certain amount, and they will in turn get people to help with the farming and monitoring.

However, when it’s harvest time I have to be there physically.

Presently I am into cassava and short term crops, like maize, melon, ugwu.

While asking the participants about the economic future of Nigeria without oil and gas, this is what they had to say:

Oketokun said, “Yes I think so we still have the coco house which was built with agricultural funds; we still have some pyramid in the north built with groundnut fund. Other infrastructures like roads were constructed with agricultural funds.

“If every Nigerian can find something doing without depending on oil and gas, Nigeria will be rebuilt by Nigerians. The future sets of Millionaires are going to be from agricultural business.”

Oluwole said, “There is something oil and gas cannot give. When you take from oil, it gradually reduces (obeying the law of nature), but when you take from agriculture you can replenish the soil nutrient; the more the farm area the higher the profit. I think agriculture is the way forward.”

Bolaji Olayinka, a staff of one of Nigeria’s financial institution – First City Monument Bank (FCMB) also explained the partnership arrangement between GMG and the bank she represents.

According to her, “this organization have a cooperate account with our bank FCMB. We grant SMA loans especially to farmers. FCMB is like a middle man between farmers and Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN ).

“Every fully registered member of GMG has an account with us which means they can be given loan for farming. Before they can grant a loan the account should be above six month. This is an opportunity for farmers to get the much needed help for a successful farming business.”

December 1, 2017
AU to set up Humanitarian agency by June 2018 – Official

The African Union ( AU ) is to set up an African Humanitarian Agency to handle emergency situations in the continent.

Mr Olabisi Dare, Head Humanitarian Affairs and Displaced Persons at the AU, told our reporter in Nairobi that the agency would coordinate all relief work on the continent.

He said already feasibility studies on the setting up of the agency have been concluded while a technical committee would meet in March next year to assess the studies.

Dare said the Heads of State were expected to adopt the report and eventually approve the setting up of the agency at their meeting in June 2018.

He said the agency would set up response teams in different regions of the continent to ensure quick response to emergency situations.

It would also use existing structures in member countries to train personnel and provide logistics for addressing emergency situations in the continent.

On funding of the agency, Dare said a donors’ conference would hold early next year while an Emergency Assistance Fund would be set to ensure constant flow of funds to the agency.

Dare said the Fund would be managed by the African Development Bank ( AfDB ) and would be replenished every year.

He said the plan was to solicit funding from the private sector instead of traditional donors which are largely governments and development partners.

Dare said he was confident that the private sector would donate to the project since adequate provisions would be made to ensure transparency in the management of the money realised.

“We have high network of rich individuals, foundations and companies in Africa who will be ready to donate.

“Much depends on your homework and how you intend to govern the funds realised. We will assure donors that there will be transparency.’’ Dare said.

Dare also said that the Heads of State are expected to ratify a Common African Position on Humanitarian Effectiveness at the AU Summit schedule in January 2018.

He said the document was expected to guide member states to effectively respond to humanitarian situations in their respective countries.

He said the document provided necessary guidelines in dealing with humanitarian situations and had addressed such issues as primary responsibilities of states, addressing root causes and providing durable solutions to humanitarian crises, role of host communities as well as protection and assistance of affected populations, among others.

Dare said the document also provided for a 10-year implementation plan which was developed through consensus, as well as monitoring and evaluation of humanitarian responses.

NAN

December 1, 2017
NMA wants more research on HIV, AlDS

The Nigeria Medical Association ( NMA ), Kwara state chapter, has solicited the support of the Federal and state governments for more research to curb the HIV and AlDS scourge in the country.

The Chairman of NMA, Dr Kunle Olawepo made the call in llorin, on Friday in a statement to commemorate the 2017 world HlV and AlDS day.

Olawepo who expressed delight that there was remarkable reduction on the outbreak of the disease, noted that more support was needed for the research to further improve on the current available treatment plans.

The Chairman added that more research on the causes of the disease would assist in the prevention, treatment and control activities.

He appealed for the provision of free and affordable treatment for all infected persons in the country.

Olawepo also urged governments to further ‘strengthen the health sector, to enable it cope with the ever increasing challenges.’

He listed the symptoms of the disease to include, persistent fever, chronic diarrhea, chronic cough, severe weight loss and rashes on the body.

He said that HIV infection occurs through sexual intercourse (heterosexual and homosexual) with an infected person, transfusion of HIV infected persons.

Olawepo advised Nigerians to go for regular medical checkup, indulge in physical exercises and avoid the use of unsterilised syringes.
The theme for 2017 world HIV and AlDS day is, ‘My Health, My Right.’’

NAN

December 1, 2017
1,295 Nigerians returned from Libya in November – NEMA

The National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ) says a total of 1,295 Nigerians voluntarily returned from Libya in November after being stranded in the volatile North African country enroute Europe.

The Nigerians returned in various batches between Nov. 6 and Nov. 30 with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration ( IOM ) and the European Union ( EU ).

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency ( NEMA ), Alhaji Mustapha Maihajja, made the disclosure while receiving a fresh batch of 150 Nigerians who arrived the country on Thursday.

The returnees were brought back aboard a Boeing 737-800 aircraft with Registration Number: 6A-DMG.

The aircraft landed at the Cargo Wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 9.15pm.

The returnees comprised of 13 female adults and one teenage girl while the male were 133 adults, two teenage boys and one baby boy.

They were received on behalf of Maihajja by the South West Zonal coordinator of NEMA, Alhaji Suleiman Yakubu .

Also on ground to welcome the returnees back home were officials of the Nigerian Immigration Service ( NIS ) , the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons ( NAPTIP ), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN ) and the Police.

NAN

Read Also: NEMA hands over relief materials to flood victims in Enugu

December 1, 2017
PTAD to begin verification of NITEL, MTEL pensioners in Jan. 2018

The Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate ( PTAD ), has announced dates for the verification of pensioners of Nigerian Telecommunications Limited ( NITEL ) and its mobile subsidiary, MTEL under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

Management of PTAD in a statement in Abuja on Thursday announced that the verification would begin from January 15 to 26, 2018.

According to it, the exercise will take place across the six geo-political zones in selected venues that will be announced in January.

PTAD said the verification exercise was in pursuant to the payment of pension benefits to eligible retirees of the agencies after receiving approval from the Ministry of Finance that appropriate benefits be paid to qualified retirees.

“Pursuant to PTAD being assigned with the responsibility, the directorate has been working with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) to get the nominal roll and other required information on qualified pensioners of the defunct NITEL.”

PTAD said qualified retirees are required to come with originals and photocopies of their required documents including their computation sheets issued by their former employer.

It said Next-of-Kins (NOK) are also mandated to obtain a Letter of Administration from the High Courts of Justice for the deceased pensioner.

It further said that affidavit for loss of mandatory documents including letter of retirement will not be accepted for the verification.

According to PTAD, issue of proxy will not be allowed in the process as security agencies will be stationed at the venues to check fraudsters, who will be immediately prosecuted when apprehended.

It said the directorate was ready to attend to the sick and infirmed at their locations, and are therefore advised to send an application for mobile verification.

It advised that the application must include pensioners’ contact details, photo copies of all documents as listed and certified Doctor’s report for such services.

For further enquires, it advised concerned persons to contact PTAD on the toll-free line 0800-CALL-PTAD (0800-2255-7823) or email info@ptad.gov.ng.

NAN

December 1, 2017
Bayelsa wins Gov. Wike National Wrestling Championship

Bayelsa has emerged the overall winner of the just concluded Gov. Wike National Wrestling Championships which was held in Port Harcourt.

The state contingent clinched 51 medals comprising 17 gold, 18 silver and 16 bronze.

Ondo came second with 13 gold, four silver and five bronze medals while Delta came third with seven gold, nine silver and nine bronze.

Lagos came fourth with six gold, one silver and three bronze.

Ondo State coach, Purity Akuh said that he was impressed with his wrestlers’ performance.

Akuh told our reporter that there was room for improvement by his wards.

“I’m happy with how they fared. We will go back to improve on their lapses and I believe next time we would perform better

“They are all open to corrections and always willing to learn,” he said.

Twenty-two states and 13 clubs took part in the five-day competition which held at the Alfred Diete-Spiff Civic Center with no fewer than 400 wrestlers taking part.

NAN

December 1, 2017
Ayade inaugurates 2017 Calabar carnival village

Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Friday inaugurated the ‘Calabar Municipal Garden’ which will serve as the 2017 Calabar Carnival village.

Ayade said the village was chosen because it was central and accessible to residents and tourists.

The governor, who was represented by Dr Inyang Asibong, the State Commissioner for Health, said the village would serve as venue for funfair and market for Christmas shopping.

He said that adequate security measures had been taken to safeguard tourists and fun seekers at the village.

“It is to the glory of God that we have witnessed the first and second dry run of the 2017 Calabar carnival.

“I wish to declare the 2017 Calabar carnival village open to all. The 2017 carnival will be better and bigger.

“We have put in place more convenient facilities in this village that would serve the taste of our expected tourists.

“I wish to assure all those coming in for the carnival of adequate security.

“Calabar carnival is the largest street party in Africa. It is time for the world to visit Calabar again for that fun fair,’’ he said.

The governor said that the carnival had promoted unity and created strong relationships between the state and others in Nigeria and the international community.

The 31-day festival begins on Dec. 1.

Earlier, Mr Ken Aklah, the Special Adviser on Event Management to Ayade, said that shops in the village had been concessioned to individuals with a view to create wealth.

“We have segment for food and drinks, recreational centre, Christmas wears and accessories, with good sanitary system and tight security.

“We also have trash cans in different spots where consumed items can be disposed’’, he said.

NAN reports that major roundabouts along the carnival routes have been decorated with sparkling colours and lightings, while shops and buildings are being painted with blue and white to reflect the state colours.

NAN

December 1, 2017