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  • How to reduce dementia’s risk — Expert

    A Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), well known as the Gabi-Williams Alzheimer’s Foundation (GWAF), has, as a prelude to the marking of the World Alzheimer’s Day holding today, held a robust public awareness campaign on how to address the universal upsurge of the devastating disease.

    The foundation kicked off the annual World Alzheimer’s Day pre-activities with a public lecture that brought together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues in the field of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

    The lecture, which was delivered with the theme, “How to Reduce the Risk of Dementia,” by Prof. Gbenga Ogedegbe – a renowned professor of Population Health and Medicine and Associate Vice-Chancellor, New York University School of Medicine, dwelled extensively on effective measures to be taken to help Alzheimer’s patients and caregivers in managing the dreaded disease.

    In the lecture, Prof. Ogedegbe described Alzheimer’s as a very dangerous disease that affects the brain, disrupting the patient’s cognitive function, causing progressive death of brain cells and heavily inflicting memory loss and confusion with time or place, among other human destructions.

    Read Also: You and your mental health (5)

    The professor, who is also Director, Center for Health Behavior Change, disclosed that there is no definite cure yet for Alzheimer’s disease, but was quick to make it clear that scientific evidence indicates that the risk of the disease can be reduced by regular exercise, eating healthy food, fruits and vegetables, staying socially active and regularly getting a goodnight sleep.

    Expressing deep concern on the increased prevalence of dementia in Nigeria and its present huge burden to patients, caregivers and healthcare system, the highly acclaimed professor revealed that dementia is a rapidly growing public health problem affecting around 50million people globally.

    Going further, he pointed out that there are nearly 10million new cases every year and that the disease has been properly identified as a major cause of disability and dependency among older people.

    In conclusion, Prof. Ogedegbe observed that the disease has become a severe economic burden on society as a whole with the cost of caring for people with dementia estimated to rise to US$ 2trillion annually.

    The lecture was rounded off with arts exhibition and auction.

    Eminent personalities present at the lecture included, Mr. Eric Duru of Mental Health and Substance Abuse- Public Health Department, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Remi Desalu former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Abisola Williams- Chairman, GWAF Board of Trustees and a host of other dignitaries.

  • APC governors to adopt uniform policies on security, education, health

    Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) plan to adopt uniform policies in their states  with a view to creating  a distinct identity for the party.

    They have already  set up a Governance Programme Steering Committee to examine how to go about the plan, advise them on improving  the governance structure in the states and at the federal level  and  ensure synergy between the states and the federal government.

    The committee is headed by the Governors of Jigawa and Plateau.

    Speaking at the inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee in Abuja yesterday, Governor Simon Lalong of  Plateau State said the APC governors needed  to aggressively settle all public debates around the distinction between the APC and other parties including the main opposition, the Peoples’ Democratic Party  (PDP).

    Read Also: APC Governors set to improve governance structure

    Lalong, who was represented by his Deputy, Prof. Sonni Gwanle Tyoden, said: “Given the challenge of ensuring that we achieve the vision of making our party, the APC, emerges as a distinctly social democratic party, the policy initiatives of all APC governments, particularly at the state levels, will be the defining credentials.

    “In addition, ensuring uniformity of policy initiatives among the APC states is a fundamental requirement.

    “Between 2015 and 2019, as Progressive Governors, we made quite some efforts to adopt common initiatives. Based on assessment of initiatives from our states and critical assessments of the challenges facing our states, the forum has already agreed to some priorities, which include revenue mobilisation, funding for security, education and health.

    “Through the work of our Secretaries of Governments of APC States, facilitated by the Governance Programme Steering Committee, the forum has already adopted Prototype Bills in the four areas mentioned above for domestication in our states.”

    Also speaking, Governor Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of  Jigawa State said the performance of the APC governors was   in line with the progressive credentials of our great party, the All Progressive Congress, and “fulfils our campaign covenant of ‘Change’ to our compatriots.”

  • Bolanle Awe, Osuntokun, Dosumu, others for Kiriji war anniversary lecture

    Yoruba leaders from all sectors of life are set to meet in Ibadan, the Oyo Sate capital, to participate in a public lecture themed Yoruba: Today, Yesterday and Tomorrow.

    The event is to mark the 126th anniversary of the Kiriji War, the civil war that engulfed Yoruba land from 1877 to 1893.

    Read Also: Nigeria may not celebrate 100th Independence anniversary – Bisi Akande

    The public lecture is slated to take place at the House of Chiefs on Monday 23rd of September will start at 10 AM.

    The event will be chaired by Historian, Prof Bolanle Awe while the keynote lecture will be delivered by Prof Banji Akintoye, the newly elected Yoruba Leader.

    The event which was organized by the Yoruba Heritage Group will witness discussants including Dr Kunle Olajide, Dr Kunle Olajide, Chief Segun Odegbami, Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosummu and Prof Jide Osuntokun.

  • Senate may review security architecture, says Lawan

    The President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has hinted that the upper legislative chamber might review the nation’s security architecture to address emerging security challenges across the country.

    Lawan however said the proposed review would be carried out in collaboration with the executive arm of government, as he stressed the urgent need for improvement in the nation’s security situation.

    The Senate President, however, did not elaborate on the scope and sphere of the pending review. He spoke with journalists in Abuja yesterday shortly after his arrival from a foreign trip.

    Lawan said: “In the Eighth Senate, we had an ad-hoc committee that I was privileged to chair, to review the security architecture of the country. We are going to look into that report and, of course, in addition, other contemporary issues that affect security in the country.

    “We intend to do those things that would ensure that the security situation in the country improves and this we would do with the executive arm of government, as this cannot be done alone.”

    The Senate President disclosed that the National Assembly had received the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), which he said was sent by the executive while he was away.

    “I have been informed that the executive arm of government has sent the request for the MTEF to the Senate, and I am sure that will be the first thing that would be looked into when we resume next week.

    Read Also: Troops kill seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    “We hope to take on the MTEF within the first legislative week.

    “Our committee on finance will be saddled with its first major responsibility; that it works expeditiously on the FSP/MTEF request of the executive arm of government, and the budget will come after that,” Lawan said.

    He also expressed the readiness of the National Assembly to receive the 2020 Appropriation Bill anytime soon, saying that the executive was working assiduously to ensure that the document is presented to the legislature by month end.

    “We are hopeful and optimistic as well as hungry and thirsty to receive the 2020 appropriation bill. I am aware that the executive arm of government is working assiduously to ensure that the appropriation bill for the year 2020 is presented to the National Assembly at the end of this month.

    “The National Assembly will work so hard to ensure that the 2020 budget is passed before we go on Christmas break.

    This is one issue that we hope to take head-on to ensure that we reverse the undesirable trend of the budget.

    “We believe this can be achieved, as doing so would make the economy better and predictable. We also think an early passage of the 2020 appropriations bill will have a desirable impact on Nigerians,” he said.

    On the xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa, Lawan said the Senate would look into the matter on resumption.

    “You recall that this issue was reviewed before we went on recess. The Senate felt as an institution, that our citizens’ diplomacy must be protected wherever they go in the world.

    “The government must be there for them, and I am happy that after the xenophobic crisis, the federal government was able to take a position.

    “We need to be much more resolute. Whatever the situation is, our citizens must be protected. If someone runs foul of the laws of a country, there are processes and procedures on how such a person can be prosecuted.

    “Therefore, we must try to protect our citizens. I also think we must be proactive to tell our citizens that if they choose to live in any country, they must ensure they stay within the limits of the laws of that country, just as we expect of foreigners in ours.”

  • Troops kill seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad

    The Nigerian Army yesterday said seven key commanders of Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the Lake Chad region following their bombardment by troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force and operation Lafiya Dole.

    It gave their names as Abba Mainoik, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu Kololo and Abor Lime, said to be an Arab.

    A statement signed by Army spokesman Col Sagir Musa named the others as Mann Chari, Abu Hamza and Dawoud Abdoulaye.

    The statement reads: “The MNJTF and the Nigerian Armed Forces are in celebrative mood today and have been basking in the successes of their combined efforts of artillery and air bombardments of suspected hideouts of erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP at the Tumbus of Lake Chad region that neutralised many including key commanders.

    “However, it was mourning and a monumental setback for the erstwhile Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters hibernating at the triangular area.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Army assures Maiduguri residents of safety

    “Reliable information coming out from the inner circles of the demented and criminal group’s enclave escaping to Sudan and Central African Republic indicates that no fewer than seven of their key commanders have been wasted by the superior forces of the MNJTF.

    “The neutralised commanders are said to be Abba Mainok, Bukar Dunokaube, Abu kololo, Abor Kime (said to be of Arab origin – likely their ISIS trainer), Mann Chari, Dawoud Abdoulaye (from Mali) and Abu Hamza.

    “All these were said to be commanders of various Tumbus controlling fighters before they were decisively dealt with and sent to the pit of hell by the military bombardment.

    “Although these names may not be real and may likely be nicknames or alias, nonetheless, it is an unprecedented feat in our quest to clear the remnants of these criminals in the area. Consequently, efforts are ongoing to get more information on their true identities.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai, had through the Theatre Commander Multinational Joint Task Force and the Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE commended the troops for this great efforts and enjoined them to do more.”

  • Motorists, commuters stranded in Lagos as fuel tanker falls on Otedola bridge

    A diesel tanker fell on Otedola Bridge, Lagos, last night causing a massive gridlock at the Lagos end of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    The brake of the tanker was said to have failed.

    Emergency workers rushed to the scene to prevent a fire outbreak.

    Read Also: Video: Tanker falls, spills fuel on Otedola bridge

    The Lagos State Traffic Management said the tanker was evacuated at 9:40 PM yesterday about   five hours after the incident occurred.

    Thousands of motorists and commuters were stranded on the route for as long as the gridlock caused by the accident lasted.

    Many commuters were seen walking to get to their destination.

  • Oshodi miscreants devise plot to escape police raid

    Suspected miscreants in Oshodi, who escaped police raid by the whiskers may have devised new plan to beat further arrest by law enforcement agents.

    No fewer than 71 suspected miscreants were arrested by personnel of the Lagos State Task Force on Environmental and Special Offences on Wednesday.

    When our reporter visited the area on Thursday evening, a number of the boys were sighted loitering around the railway line.

    Sources said the boys now come around in the evening when personnel of the Lagos Task Force are not around to apprehend them.

    Read Also: Task force nabs 71 miscreants in early morning raid at Oshodi

    It was said that a number of them who escaped the recent police raid still sleep in shacks along the railway line.

    ‘’The boys no longer come out in the morning. They would go to other parts of the state and return in the evening from 7 PM when Task Force operative are no longer around.

    ‘’They still come around to smoke Indian hemp and indulge in pick pocketing as usual. Operatives of the Lagos Task Force would need to step up their surveillance in order to discourage the boys from regrouping to further their nefarious activities like snatching people’s bags and valuables here,’’ said a source who asked not to be named.

  • Two dead after falling off moving train

    Two unidentified men died penultimate Friday morning after they fell off a moving train at the PWD area of Ikeja, Lagos.

    The deceased persons according to sources were hanging on the train when they fell down when the train was on top speed.

    Sources said the accident occurred after an excavator parked close to the railway line hit the people who hung on the train, while others were said to have jumped off to avoid being hit by the construction equipment.

    It was said that most of those involved in the accident were among those who usually hang on the train to avoid buying tickets for their journey.

    Read Also: Eight-year-old Italian boy ‘trained to deal in drugs by crime boss’

    The deceased persons were among those who fell down died on the spot while others were injured.

    One of the victims died on the spot while the other person died on the way to a nearby public hospital.

    The incident triggered some youths to protest against the indiscriminate arrangement of equipment along the rail corridor.

    Normalcy was however restored following the intervention of officials of the construction firm and law enforcement agents.

  • Woman arrested for allegedly killing three-day-old stepson

    The Police have arrested a 22-year-old woman for allegedly poisoning her three-day-old stepson with a local insecticide called otapiapia in Shakodna village, Shiroro local government area of Niger state.

    The suspect, Harela Uba, who is the first wife of one Mallam Una Saidu gave the poisonous substance to her seven- year- old daughter to administer on her step-brother.

    The mother of the deceased baby,  Fa’iza Uba had left for bathroom leaving her baby in her room only to return to meet the baby foaming in his mouth, when she returned to the room.

    Read Also: Woman arrested for killing ‘hubby’ over daughter’s birthday party

    Fa’iza raised the alarm and the baby was rushed him to General Hospital, Kuta where he was confirmed dead by a doctor who said the baby was poisoned.

    The incident was reported to the Shiroro Police Division and several people were interrogated regarding the incident.

    Hurela confessed during interrogation that she gave her daughter the insecticide to administer on the baby.

    The suspect, an expectant mother, claimed she did not know what pushed her to kill the baby.

    The Police Public Relations Officer, Abubakar Muhammad, said the case had been charged to court.

  • Woman raises the alarm over son’s safety

    A trader, Mrs Oluyemisi Adeyemi has raised the alarm over alleged harassment of her son by suspected traditionalists.

    She appealed to security operatives to save his son, Adekunle Adeyemi and his family from the clutch of suspected traditionalists.

    According to Oluyemisi, who resides in Bariga area of Lagos, some traditionalists in Omojoda (Odo Ayan) village had continued to threaten her son over his refusal to ascend a chieftaincy stool in the community.

    She said Adekunle, a computer engineer and pastor of a Pentecostal church and his family now lives in palpable fear of further attacks by the traditionalists.

    She noted that the problem started in 2010 after her son was asked to accept the chieftaincy stool, following the unfortunate occurrences that have characterised the reign of the current occupant of the stool.

    Read Also: Confessions of an alleged serial killer

    “When traditionalists in the village consulted their oracles, it was learnt that the bad development in the town was because the current occupant was wrongfully installed as the traditional ruler of the community; hence their search for my son Adekunle whose reign they believed would improve the situation in the village.

    “My son rejected the offer because of his Christian faith that goes against anything that has to do with tradition and the fact that his late father Lawrence Adeyemi had, before his demise in 1989 cautioned his children against the occupation of the chieftaincy stool of Omojoda because of the controversies that trailed the stool in the past, even as he warned of serious consequences against any erring child.

    ”The level of threat to the lives of my son, Adekunle, and members of his family and futile attempt by the suspected traditionalists to kidnap his wife and only daughter in 2018, forced them to relocate from their last residence in Ogun State to an unknown place. My worry is that despite their relocation, strange faces, and movements, continued to be noticeable at their former residence, heightening my fear that some people are still after them.”

    She disclosed that she recently received anonymous telephone calls from people suspected to be kinsmen from Omojoda village, who during their conversations with her, vowed to deal with her son, should he refuse to accept the chieftaincy title.

    She added: “I am appealing to security outfits in the country to come to my son’s aid by warning those who are after his life, to please leave my son alone, as he could not accept the offer given him by his kinsmen.’’