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Ebonyi contains spread of Lassa fever

The Ebonyi State Government on Friday said that it has contained further outbreak of lassa fever reported in the state since January 14th

Dr Daniel Umezurike, the state Commissioner for Health disclosed this in Abakaliki during a sensitization program on the disease.

Newsmen reports that the program was organised for health personnel and members of the public on ways of preventing the deadly disease.

Umezurike said that the quick intervention of the state and federal governments in the provision of logistics and manpower, with collaboration of stakeholders helped in containing the disease.

“The successful treatment and discharge of three suspected patients from the hospital on Jan. 25 signified the conclusion of our damage control in containing the disease.

“We are presently focusing on intensive enlightenment of the populace to prevent a resurgence of the disease and ensure that they are abreast with its preventive measures.

“We had six suspected cases of the disease in the state with four deaths, as nine suspected patients were admitted in hospitals over the disease,” he said.

He commended the state governor,c for releasing N5million for equipping of the Virology Centre in the state.

The commissioner added that the centre would be fully operational next week.

“The admission wards at the Specialist Hospital Irrua, Edo are filled with suspected patients, as the Federal Ministry of Health provided tents at the hospital to contain more patients.

“We intend to ameliorate the situation with experts working assiduously to ensure that all units in the virology centre become fully operational.

“The dialysis machine has been test-run and is operating perfectly, while the experts are working to ensure that the laboratory section becomes operational soon.

READ ALSO:No confirmed case of Lassa fever in Abuja – Director

“Lassa-fever tests are biologically-molecular in nature and relevant technicians undergo higher, intensive training due to the disease’s complex nature,” he said.

He urged the people to stop embalming corpses at home, engaging in traditional throat surgery, and bush burning to ensure that Lassa-fever is totally controlled.

“I urge traditional rulers, opinion leaders, Local Government Areas to relay this information at the grassroots and ensure that the people comply with it,” he said.

Dr Chamberlain Nwele, state Head of Service, also commended organizers of the program and urged the people to ensure that the disease was permanently checked.

“The people should realise that the increased rate of bush burning in our communities makes rats, the disease’s primary vector to relocate to homes.

“We should, therefore, take suspected victims to nearest hospitals and ensure that our surroundings are generally kept clean,” he said.

Dr Nnenna Ajayi, a physician at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, in her lecture entitled, “Lassa fever and the Community’’ remarked that the disease was preventable and curable.

According to him, the disease does not have minor or severe level because once it is treated; the person is free and should not be discriminated against.

NAN

January 26, 2018
FG inaugurates Committee to implement Water Resources master plan

The Minister of Water Resources, Mr Suleiman Adamu, on Friday inaugurated a 14-member Policy Advisory Committee to help in implementing the National Water Resources Master plan.

At the event in Abuja, Adamu said the committee became necessary considering the nation’s diverse and economic water resources which needed coordinated and integrated management.

According to him, continuous growth in population, urban migration, varied and increase in water demand requires well researched policies and effective planning.

“The Policy Advisory Committee shall advise the Minister of water resources concerning local and international developments in the water sector including the implementation of the National Water Resources Master Plan.

“They are to advise on climate change issues, Water Law and Policy implementation, Transboundary Water Issues, tracking of National Council on Water Resources decisions. ”

Adamu expressed hope that with the combined wealth of experience of the committee members, they would be able to meet the target before them.

He also expressed hope that the National Water Resources Bill before the National Assembly would be passed into law towards effective management of the water resources potential of the country.

The minister urged the members to brainstorm of what could be done to change the narrative of the water resources sector in the country, adding that Federal Government was more committed to improve the lives of all Nigerians.

The Chairman of the committee, Prof. Suleiman Mustapha, pledged the commitment of the team to actively engage between themselves towers better water resources management and integration.

READ ALSO: ‘Why Solid Minerals Fund was restructured’

Mustapha said the Terms of Reference highlights the urgent issues of the water resources sector, citing the issues of climate change, Lake chad receding, adding that concerted efforts was needed to reverse the trend.

“It’s an onerous task that must be done, We must shun every dishonesty and ensure that the targeted goal is met.

“Water resources over the years have not been given the necessary attention, with this committee in place, we will go forward.”

Another committee member, Mr Michael Adesina, said it was saddening to note that Water resources development has not been given priority of attention, saying more commitment was needed from all stakeholders to move the sector forward.

He cited the 2012 floods which saw some villages washed away due to the inability of the Benue basin to to accommodate the water.

He added that there was the need to keep the momentum high on the importance of water resources as it affects health, socio-economic development.

“If you go round the cities, no less than 50 per cent of hospital attendance and admission are as a result of water borne disease, we need to keep talking about these issues. ”

Others members of the committee are Prof. Ben Nwachukwu, Prof. Lekan Oyebande, Nurudeen Rafindadi, Dr Dauda Gowon, James Obong-Bassey and Musa Ibrahim.

Others are Dr Emmanuel Adanu, Tanwa Koya, Garba Iliya among others.

NAN

January 26, 2018
Man bags five strokes of cane for shouting Allah in front of barracks’ gate

A Kubwa Grade 1 Area Court on Friday sentenced one Saidu Adamu ‎to five strokes of cane for criminal trespass.

Adamu of Dutse Alhaji in Abuja had pleaded guilty to a count charge of criminal trespass.

The accused told the court that while he was in front of the gate he trespassed into, he shouted the name of `Allah’ and the gate opened wide for him to gain entrance.

The judge, Mohammed Marafa, however, warned Adamu to be of good behaviour and desist from committing crime.

The Prosecutor, Babajide Olanipekun, had told the court that ASP Ekennebe‎ Friemeya of MD Abubakar Barracks, Deidei, Abuja, reported the matter at the Kubwa Police Station on January 21.

Also Read: Brothers in court for stealing Christmas chickens

He said Adamu criminally trespassed into the camp at the said barracks and remained there with intent to commit an offence.

The prosecutor said Adamu was arrested when he attempted to escape adding that the offence contravened Section 342 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)

January 26, 2018
Brothers docked for stealing Christmas chickens

Two brothers, Sunday Ikuedowo, 35, and Olumide Ikuedowo, 25, were on Friday arraigned in an Okitipupa Magistrates’ Court in Ondo State for allegedly stealing Christmas chickens valued at N25,000.

The first defendant, a barber, and the second, a bricklayer, all of no fixed address, were arraigned on a three-count charge of conspiracy, felony and stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Ayodeji Omoyeigha, told the court that the defendants on Dec. 23, 2017 at about 4.00 a.m. at No. 21, Lareda St., Okitipupa, conspired to commit felony and stealing.

He said that the first defendant stole three chickens valued at N15,000 in a cage belonging to Olabisi Mathew.

Omoyeigha said that the second defendant also stole two chickens in another cage valued at N10,000 belonging to one Mayowa Taiwo.

READ ALSO:Judge orders trial-within-trial in illegal arms importation case

The prosecutor said that the defendants committed offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 516, 412 and 390 (9), Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol.1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against them.

The Magistrate, Mr Chris Ojuola, granted the accused bail in the sum of N30,000 and a surety each in like sum.

He said that the suretie, s who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction, must also present evidence of a year tax clearance as part of the bail condition.

The magistrate adjourned the case till Feb. 2 for further hearing.

NAN

January 26, 2018
Chinese firm set to develop Inland Container Depot in Edo

A Chinese firm, China Harbour Engineering Company (Nig.) Ltd, has indicated its readiness to go into partnership with Atlantique Marine Engineering Services, Edo Inland Container Depot, known as AMES-Edo ICD on export.

Mr Jason Wang, who led a seven-man delegation of the firm to the state on the invitation of Edo Government, dropped the hint on Friday in Benin.

Wang and his team also visited the Gelegele seaport, the operational base of the AMES-Edo Inland Container Depot to assess the work done so far.

Wang said he was impressed and that his firm would look at possible ways of collaborating and partnering with AMES-Edo to drive the project to its earliest conclusion and begin full operation.

“We are impressed with the work done here so far. China Harbour Engineerng Company ( Nig.) Ltd will look at possible ways of collaboration to drive the project to its earliest conclusion,” he said.

He said the team was in the state as a follow up to Gov. Godwin Obaseki’s business visit to the company in China about three weeks ago where an MOU was signed by the state government and the company to develop the Gelegele Seaport.

READ ALSO: Gelegele Seaport: China Harbour arrives Benin, commences work on project

Dr Charles Akhigbe, Chief Executive Officer ( CEO ) of Atlantique Marine and Engineering Services, AMES, the promoters of the AMES-Edo inland container depot, said the organisation was confident that the proposed inland container depot would reduce the cost of export of agricultural produce and increase government’s GDP.

Akhigbe disclosed that the port was just three steps from final approval for full operations to commence.

He said the project would create not less than 3,000 jobs for youths and provide the platform for exchange of knowledge between government and foreign investors.

He also said that the container depot would emerge as the pioneer full-fledged inland container depot in Southern Nigeria to commence operation and would immediately serve the need of haulage services.

According to Wang, the company has already commenced negotiation with the Federal Government to build modern railway lines as a primary mode for long distance haulage of cargo, noting that 75 per cent of Nigeria’s total export passed through Edo.

“Discussion is ongoing with the Nigeria Railway Corporation to use BOT PPP mode to construct 110km short spur line from Agbor to Edo inland container depot.

“For now the inland container depot will operate 100 per cent by road but in the next 6-10 years, 40 per cent will go by road while 60 per cent will be by rail.

“The phases one and two of the inland container depot would accommodate 12, 000 units of 40ft TEUs and 8,000 units of 40ft TEUs with a maximum of 25,000 TEUs at any given time,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant to the Edo Governor on Business Bureau, Mr. Edward Osayande, said the governor was committed to industrialising the state by encouraging public private partnership.

He said the inland container depot was the central plank of the state government’s effort at creating jobs through industrialisation.

He also stressed the need to bring the Gelegele Seaport, AMES-Edo inland container depot and Edo Industrial Park together to drive development in the state.

NAN

January 26, 2018
Sick people no longer rely on doctors’ advice – Study

Sick people are no longer prepared to rely on what the doctor tells them, while almost half of them go online to glean unverified health advice from internet, a German study has said.

According to the survey published on Friday by the Bertelsmann Foundation and based in part on in-depth interviews, some 46 per cent of people who sought information on health issues over the past 12 months used the internet.

The survey found that 58 per cent of these patients went online for information before going to their doctor; while as many as 62 per cent went onto the internet even after the doctor’s appointment.

Report says the reasons vary since patients check the advice they receive from the doctor and also look for alternative methods of treatment.

They seek to exchange ideas with others and look for emotional support, as the evaluation of 36 in-depth interviews revealed.

Some 52 per cent are “always” or “usually” satisfied with the results found, although this information is not thoroughly scrutinised.

Marion Grote-Westrick of the Bertelsmann Foundation said the in-depth interviews showed that online advice was often trusted too easily.

“Patients barely checked to see whether the information they found was scientifically based,’’ she said.

(dpa/NAN)

January 26, 2018
Nigerian businessmen intrested in Pakistan surgical equipment industry

Nigerian businessmen have indicated interest in collaborating with Pakistani industrialists in surgical equipment manufacturing, according to Pakistan Head of Chancery, Asim Khan.

Khan told the newsmen in a meeting held on Friday in Abuja that other areas of partnership being explored by the businessmen included textile, shoe making and agricultural equipment and facilities.

“The increasing interaction between Nigerian and Pakistani businessmen will open more areas of investment, create opportunities for joint ventures and further promote cordial relationship,” he said.

READ ALSO: Air Force gets five Super Mushsak aircraft from Pakistan

He disclosed that application for business visa from Nigerians visiting Pakistan had increased, assuring that the relationship between the two countries would further improve with the cooperation in the area of military material and training support.

Pakistan has also in recent past provided logistic assistance to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism with donations of military aircraft to the West African nation’s military.

NAN

January 26, 2018
Trump asked to finalise details of visit to Britain – May

British Prime Minister Theresa May and U.S. President Donald Trump have asked officials to “work together on finalising the details of Trump’s visit to the UK later this year,’’ May’s office reports.

May and Trump met on Thursday on the sidelines on the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, a day ahead of a scheduled keynote speech by Trump.

They discussed Iran and Syria, while May briefed the U.S. president on the “good progress’’ in Britain’s negotiations on leaving the European Union, Downing Street said.

“The two leaders reiterated their desire for a strong trading relationship post-Brexit, which would be in the interests of both countries,’’ it said.

Trump announced earlier this month that he had cancelled a visit to London coinciding with the opening of a new U.S. embassy on February 26, when mass protests against him were planned in London.

He said he did not like the building and thought it was a “bad deal’’ financially.

Critics said the real reason for Trump’s cancellation of the trip was the strong opposition to him in Britain.

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson on Monday blamed the opposition Labour party for whipping up anti-Trump sentiment, which risks “damaging the national interest.’’ (dpa/NAN)

January 26, 2018
Edo LG polls: Religious leaders, market women warn hired militants to stay away

Prominent religious leaders in Edo State and the leader of market women in the state have thrown their weight behind the resolve of the Edo State Government to ensure peaceful local council polls scheduled for March 3, 2018.

They urged the people planning to disrupt the local government elections to stay away from the state and called on the security agents to do all within their powers to guarantee a peaceful atmosphere for the electorates to cast their votes.

In a telephone interview, the Archbishop of Bendel Province and Bishop of Esan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Dr. Friday John Imaekhai, said: “There are rules for the conduct of elections and my advice to the candidates participating in the elections is that they should abide by the rules. The contestants should not see as it do or die affair. We do not want violence in Edo State.”

He added: “The law enforcement agents should ensure that there is an atmosphere of peace for voters cast their votes.”

The Archbishop denounced any plot by any party or individuals to cause mayhem in the state and said “we should avoid violence. Election is not a do or die affair. We must respect the dignity of the human being. We are praying for the Edo State government because so far, we appreciate the work of the state government. We are one people with a common destiny and must continue to sue for peace. No bloodshed.”

Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Edo State, Bishop Mond Igbinosa, called for a free, fair and peaceful election, stressing that “There must be no multiplicity of voting, everyone should act in a very civil manner while voting so that we can have a better Nigeria.”

In his words: “It is high time we all grew up and made Nigeria work. I am aware of the generally peaceful primary election of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo Central and we hope the exercise continues to be peaceful. It is time to make things work in the nation.”

Leader of Edo Market Women, Madam Blackie Ogiamien, challenged the merchants of violence planning to cause mayhem in the state to seek a location outside Edo State for their evil plot and said that “we do not want fight in Edo State. We are one family in the state and the man that God has ordained is the one that will emerge.”

The calls by the religious leaders and Edo market women follow similar calls by a coalition of civil society organisations led by the Concerned Citizens of Edo State (CCES) on the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) not test the will and might of Edo people, with media reports that the PDP is plotting to derail the electoral process.

“We have read news reports of a clandestine design by the Peoples Democratic Party ( PDP ) to subvert the forthcoming local government elections, using the instruments of the court and where that fails, recourse to arm youths and engage Niger Delta militias to stop the election.

“We have commissioned an independent investigation to establish the veracity of this report and a cursory appraisal of our findings validate the fears raised by the Edo State Government, that there is indeed a grand plan by the PDP to sabotage the election. We wish to put on record that we have reasons to believe the reports because the PDP had earlier kicked against the planned elections and told Nigerians of their plan to approach the court to challenge the planned local government elections,” leader of the organisation, Aghedo Ogbewi was quoted as saying by several news outlets.

He was reported to have warned that “gone are the days our youths were deceived or cowed by the PDP. Edo youths are wiser now and will resist any self-serving plot by the PDP or any other political party or group, to disrupt a process that will bring socio-economic development to the ordinary Edo people in the various local government areas of the state.”

January 25, 2018
Nigerian Prison Authority seeks voting right for inmates

Authorities of Nigeria Prison Service ( NPS ), yesterday in Kano, made a passionate appeal to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to re-structure voting system, so as to accommodate prison inmates to also exercise their civic responsibility.

The Comptroller, NPS, Kano Command, Alhaji Ahmed A. Magaji, who made the appeal said, they will like to partner, with INEC to fashion out a template that will allow those detained in prison custody to also cast their votes.

The prison boss, who spoke at the state Command headquarters of the service, during a courtesy visit by the newly assigned Resident Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC Kano, Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said, inmates are Nigerians, and should be accorded the right to determine those, who govern them.

He however flawed the current arrangement, which prevents those behind bars from casting their votes, adding that NPS authorities will be glad,: “if those in prison will be allowed to cast their votes.”

Magaji noted that as a security organ, it is committed to collaborating, with all stakeholders to ensure the conduct of credible, free and fair elections.

Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, INEC, Kano, Professor Riskuwa Arabu Shehu, said, prison inmates cannot be allowed to vote, explaining that, the inmates registered at various centres, and their freedom is restricted, “they cannot be released from custody to proceed to where they registered to cast their votes,” Riskuwa said.

He said, INEC is considering various voting options, adding that, when the existing electoral Act is repealed and electronic voting is legalized, this, he said will pave the way for prison inmates to discharge their civic rights, including those in Diaspora.

On a final note, Riskuwa urged security agencies to collaborate with INEC, so as to secure lives and properties, prior, during and after the elections.

January 25, 2018