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  • Adamawa Assembly passes law on compulsory HIV/AIDS, genotype test for couples

    Adamawa Assembly passes law on compulsory HIV/AIDS, genotype test for couples

    The Adamawa House of Assembly on Wednesday passed a law for compulsory HIV and genotype (sickle cell anaemia) test for couples before marriage.

    The law was unanimously passed after the third reading of the bill at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa.

    A motion for the third reading of the bill was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Hassan Barguma (APC-Hong), and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Emmanuel Tsamdu (APC-Madagali).

    The speaker of the house then directed the Clerk of the Assembly to make clean copy of the bill and send to the governor for his assent.

    Parts of the bill stipulated that any couple intending to marry would be subjected to a compulsory HIV/AIDS and genotype test that should be conducted in public hospitals or registered diagnostic centres one week before the marriage.

    The bill also required that the certificate of the two tests should be presented to any religious institution or the clergymen of church or mosque where the wedding would be contracted.

    “Any person or persons who have complied with this law in fulfillment of the requirement of the previous marriage shall not on this basis evade undergoing the test when contracting any subsequent marriage,” the proposed law stated.

    Part three of the bill also made case for non-discrimination of people living with HIV/AIDS and sickle cell anaemia in the state.

    “Individuals, communities, employers and employees have a mutual responsibility to prevent discrimination on basis of HIV (AIDS) or Sickle Cell Anaemia in the society.

    “No cultural practice or tradition shall encourage documented practices that exposé people to risk of HIV infection,” the bill said.

    It further provided for a penalty of N150,000 for individuals and N500,000 for organisations or imprisonment for a period not less than one year or both for any person or institution found guilty of non-compliance with the law.

    With regard to organisations, the head or representatives of the board of the organisation would be held liable, the bill said.

    NAN
  • 28% of people living with HIV in W/A not on drugs – UNAIDS

    28% of people living with HIV in W/A not on drugs – UNAIDS

    The Joint UN Programme on HIV/AIDS ( UNAIDS ) on Wednesday said only 28 per cent of people living with HIV in West and Central Africa have access to anti-retro-viral drugs.

    Dr Djibrill Diallo, the Regional Director, UNAIDS, made this known at the regional media workshop organised by the agency in Dakar, Senegal.

    The theme of the workshop is: “Informing the Messengers to Change the Face of the Fight against HIV in West and Central Africa’’.

    According to Diallo, of the 6.5 million people live with HIV in the region, only 28 per cent of them have access to anti-retro-viral drugs.

    “Eastern and Southern Africa have a little above 54 per cent access to anti-retro-viral drugs,’’ he said.

    The regional director said that UNAIDS has designed Catch-Up Plan for West and Central Africa with the aim of fast-tracking HIV/AIDS response in the region.

    Diallo said that the catch-up plan was an essential step toward the realisation of 90-90-90 UNAIDS target by 2020 and ending AIDS as a public health challenge by 2030.

    He said that 90-90-90 target means 90 per cent of the population would know their status, 90 per cent of people found to be living with HIV got enroll into treatment by 2020.

    The regional director said the last 90 refers to the 90 per cent of the people living with HIV, who were enrolled on treatment suppressed the virus in their body by 2030.

    Diallo said that the catch-up plan was an 18-month initiative aimed at enhancing HIV response in the region to the speed of those countries already on track of achieving the 90-90-90 target.

    He said that the plan aims to put additional 1.2 million people living with HIV on treatment by the end of 2018.

    According to him, the plan was adopted by the Head of States at the 29th African Union Summit in June 2017.

    “In Nigeria, because of the emergency catch-up plan, additional 100,000 people were put on treatment in the country.

    “As UNAIDS, we will work with the countries to do a strategy that will address the first wave countries in the region,’’ the regional director said.

    He said that the plan would initially be implemented in eight first wave countries in West and Central Africa which were divided into three categories.

    Diallo said that the four countries that bear the brunt of HIV infections are Nigeria, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    The regional director said that three countries, whose health systems were wiped-off due to Ebola Virus Disease, were Liberia, Equatorial Guinea and Sierra Leone.

    He said that the third category was the Central African Republic whose health systems become very fragile due to conflict.

    Diallo said that domestic funding for HIV/AIDS programmes has grown in the region including efforts in Cote d’Ivoire with 400 per cent increase and pledges by Nigeria and Senegal to increase funding HIV/AIDS programmes.

    NAN

  • Angry Oyo-Ita confronts Kyari in FEC over leaked memo 

    Angry Oyo-Ita confronts Kyari in FEC over leaked memo 

    The Head of Service of the Federation, Winifred Oyo-Ita, showed her anger on Wednesday when she reacted in a very unusual manner at the Council Chambers apparently over her leaked memo to President Muhammadu Buhari.

    This happened before the commencement of the weekly Federal Executive Council ( FEC ) meeting at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Her angry reaction was witnessed by all those who were in the Council Chambers for the swearing-in of the new Secretary to the Government or the Federation, Boss Mustapha, and the launch of the 2018 armed forces emblem.

     Many Council members were also in the hall for the Federal Executive Council meeting.

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Chief of Staff to the President Abba Kyari were seen questioning Oyo-Ita, shortly before the commencement of the event which started at 10:55am.

    Oyo-Ita, who has never lost her cool in the public, was seen angrily gesticulating while trying to make her point in what was obviously a heated argument with Kyari.

    The Head of Service went back to her seat and then rose again and headed straight to Osinbajo, who also engaged her in a tête-a-tete over the issue.

    The National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, later joined the conversation after which the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation was seen calming the Head of Service.

    She was later asked to return to her seat by the Deputy Chief of Staff Femi Ipaye, when it was now obvious all eyes were fixed on them.

    The drama, which lasted about 10 minutes, was witnessed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Chief of justice of the federation, Walter Onnoghen, the Governor of Adamawa, Jibrila Bindu, All Progressives Congress National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun, chief of defence staff, service chiefs, Inspector General of Police and other heads of paramilitary service among others.

    A national daily had quoted Oyo-Ita, in the leaked memo, as saying that Buhari was aware of the reinstatement of the former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Oyo-Ita was also quoted to have stated that she had warned the president against the controversial recall of the embattled former pension boss.

    President Buhari had ordered last week the immediate disengagement of former chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Pension Reforms, Abdullahi Abdulrasheed Maina.

    Maina was in 2013 recommended for dismissal by the Federal Civil Service Commission following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service.

    In 2012, Maina was accused of leading a massive pension fraud scheme amounting to more than N100 billion.

    He was drafted by the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2010 to sanitize a corrupt pension system.

  • Court dismisses Diezani’s bid for trial in Nigeria

    Court dismisses Diezani’s bid for trial in Nigeria

    The Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday dismissed an application by former Minister of Petroleum Resources Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke seeking to be tried in Nigeria.
    Ruling on the application, Justice Rilwan Aikawa said it was misconceived.
    He agreed with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC ) that the application was a bid by the former Minister to escape justice in the United Kingdom.
    Justice Aikawa said the Attorney-General of the Federation has the exclusive right to decide who to bring a charge against.
    “Why did she wait all this while before she came up with this bizarre application?
    “I find this application as lacking in merit and it is hereby dismissed,” the judge held.
    He added that he would not allow his court to be misused, adding that Mrs Alison-Madueke “was crying wolf where there was none”.
    The EFCC urged Court not to order Mrs Alison-Madueke from the United Kingdom to Nigeria.
    The anti-graft agency described Diezani’s prayer to be brought back to Nigeria as a ploy to escape justice in the UK, where, according to the EFCC, she is being investigated for several financial crimes by the Metropolitan Police.
    According to the EFCC, investigation by the Metropolitan Police in Diezani’s case had reached an advanced stage and her prosecution in the UK was imminent.
    It, therefore, said it would not be in the interest of justice to grant Diezani’s application seeking to return to Nigeria.
    The EFCC said this in a counter-affidavit it filed in opposition to Diezani’s application before Justice Rilwan Aikawa, wherein she is seeking an order compelling the Attorney General of the Federation to facilitate her return to Nigeria.
    In the said application, which she filed through her lawyer, Mr. Onyechi Ikpeazu, Diezani said she wished to appear before the Federal High Court in Lagos to defend a criminal charge, bordering on alleged laundering of N450m, where her name was mentioned.
  • Okorocha denies sacking Imo chairman of traditional rulers

    Okorocha denies sacking Imo chairman of traditional rulers

    Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State says he did not sack the Chairman of the state Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze Samuel Ohiri as insinuated in the social media.

    The governor refuted the report in statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Sam Onwuemeodo in Owerri on Wednesday.

    Okorocha described the report as ‘baseless’ and urged the general public to disregard the rumour.

    Some state tabloids and social media reported that Ohiri has been sacked by the governor over gross misconduct.

    According to him, if there is need to sack Ohiri or any other government official, the information will be communicated through the appropriate quarters.

    “How can I sack a top government official on the pages of newspapers?

    “I have not sacked Eze Ohiri and now that it is clear to both rumour mongers and the general public, it is left for them to say their source of information,” he said.

    NAN

  • Mourinho explains Lukaku penalty snub

    Mourinho explains Lukaku penalty snub

    Without a goal in the previous five games, Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku was quick to grab the ball when his team was awarded a penalty in the 78th minute of their Champions League game against Benfica.

    United were 1-0 up and had already missed one penalty, a soft effort from Anthony Martial saved by Benfica’s 18-year-old keeper Mile Svilar.

    But with Lukaku ready to end his barren spell and secure the win, United manager Jose Mourinho signaled he wanted someone else to take the spot-kick.

    Spanish substitute Ander Herrera showed his willingness to take the kick, but still Mourinho was not happy until his clear choice, Dutch defender Daley Blind was given the ball and drove confidently down the middle.

    It was an unusual scene but Mourinho said it was simply the boss doing his job.

    “I am paid to take decisions – good or bad. In the first half the decision was bad because the player I chose to take the penalty missed,” he said.

    “In the second half I made another decision and I don’t see the drama.

    The penalty taker for this match was Martial, he took it in the first half and missed and he was not even on the pitch for the second one.

    “Then I have to make a decision.

    “Romelu wants to take, he had the personality to take the responsibility, Herrera the same, but my decision, based on what we did in training in the past couple of days, was Blind.

    “The players respected my decision and that is it – end of story.”

    While United were far from their best, Mourinho said he was pleased to have picked up a fourth win in four games in Group A.

    “We have not qualified yet? Four victories and it is still not enough? We must get that point from the two remaining matches.

    “I am more than happy. We changed a lot of players, we broke the natural dynamic and routines of the team and we played a kid (Scott McTominay) from the academy.

    “We scored two goals, did not concede, gained three more points, more money for the club because every victory means money and did not have any significant injuries.”

    NAN

  • Kebbi steps up surveillance over Monkey pox

    Kebbi steps up surveillance over Monkey pox

    Kebbi Government has directed medical and health workers in the  21 local government councils  of the state and relevant agencies to step up surveillance over Monkey pox.

    The Permanent Sectary in the state Ministry of Heath, Hajiya Halima Dikko made this known in an interview in Birnin Kebbi on Wednesday.

    “We have informed all the local governments to designate an area within their facilities to isolate suspected cases to halt any outbreak of Monkey pox and any other epidemic in the state,” she said.

    Dikko said that the government had embarked on public enlightenment at community level and through the mass media to sensitise residents on causes and symptoms of Monkey pox.

    She added that the government had also placed emergency medical teams on high alert to tackle any outbreak.

    “We have ongoing projects of isolated centre for any outbreak of epidemic diseases in the state,” the official said.

    The permanent secretary advised residents to keep away from eating bush meat and promptly report suspected outbreak and symptoms of the disease such as  high fever and rashes to health workers.

    She urged the people to maintain good hygienic practices including regular hand washing to avoid contracting diseases.

    “We urge the good people of the state not to panic about Monkey pox and be assured of the readiness of the state government to safeguard their health,” Dikko added.

    NAN

  • Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity – El-Rufai

    Our diverse cultures, symbol of unity – El-Rufai

    Gov. Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State on Tuesday said the diverse cultures of Nigerians should be seen as symbol of unity and must be used to foster peace and development in the country.

    He stated this at the opening of the 30th National Festival of Arts and Culture ( NAFEST ) in Kaduna.

    According to him, Nigeria can become an international tourist destination if it harnesses its cultural heritage.

    The governor, who assured participants of warm reception in Kaduna State, said the festival, had been avenue to foster unity, tolerance and peace among Nigerians since inception in 1970.

    The festival started with a cultural march past by states.

    Among those participating at the week-long festival tagged ”Nigeria Peace and Unity… Our pride” are Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Jigawa, Kano, Katsina, Lagos, among others

    The Zazzau Emirate culture was on display on Tuesday as a durbar was staged for visitors.

    The Durbar was led by Wazirin Zazzau team, followed by the Emir’s mounted Troop and foot soldiers.

    The 23 local government areas of Kaduna State also took turn to showcase their cultures.

    Earlier in an opening remark, the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Olusegun Runsewe, said “the festival showed that the country was one.”

    He added that participants from all over the country showed the unity of the country.

    “There cannot be Nigeria without the different nationalities that make up the country, that is why we must all work together to keep the country as one,” he added.

    NAN

  • Anambra to increase cassava production by 2018 – Obiano

    Anambra to increase cassava production by 2018 – Obiano

    Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra says his administration will increase cassava output and processing by 2018.

    The governor said this on Tuesday during the inauguration of an ultra-modern Cassava Processing Centre and Farmers’ Business Forum at Anambra State Polytechnic ( ANSPOLY ) in Mgbakwu.

    The processing centre is a joint project executed by the institution and Harvest Plus, an organisation that improves nutrition and public health via production of bio-fortified food crops.

    Obiano said that the new strategy for improved cassava production and processing would be in full operation by 2018, adding that “Anambra Garri’’ would soon saturate the markets.

    The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Afam Mbanefo, said that the state was already a leading producer rice and exporter of vegetables.

    Obiano, who commended Harvest Plus for donating the machines for the project, said that prototypes of the machines would be installed in communities across the state during his second term in office.

    In his remark, Dr Paul Iluno, the Country Director of Harvest Plus, said that the company was partnering with the state to develop efficient farm managers, who would assist farmers in their efforts to achieve good yields.

    Iluno said that the machines of the processing centre had the capacity to process five tonnes of fresh cassava tubers of cassava or one tonne of garriper day.

    The Commissioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, urged cassava farmers to take due advantage of the processing machines to boost their production.

    The Acting Rector of ANSPOLY, Mrs Nneka Mefor, commended Obiano for upgrading the institution from a college of agriculture to a polytechnic.

    She said that the processing centre would expand the knowledge of students, lecturers and farmers in practical aspects of agriculture.

    NAN

  • 200,000 living with HIV in Oyo – NACA DG

    200,000 living with HIV in Oyo – NACA DG

    Dr Sani Aliyu, Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS ( NACA ) says an estimated 200,000 people are living with HIV in Oyo State.

    He made the disclosure on Tuesday in Ibadan during a courtesy call on Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State at the executive council chamber of the governor’s office.

    The delegation led by Aliyu, included representatives of relevant international donor and funding agencies like WHO.

    Aliyu stated that only 16,000 out of the estimated 200, 000 persons living with HIV in the state are currently on treatment.

    “We have a gap between the number of infected persons and those on treatment. We have a gap between infected pregnant women and those receiving treatment.

    “We also have issues with the number of new infections recorded,’’ he said.

    The NACA boss stated that 10, 000 pregnant women in Oyo State are living with HIV, adding that about 50 people contact HIV in the state on a daily basis.

    He stated that the state has a considerable figure in terms of new infections, commending the state government for running one of the best programmes on HIV/AIDS.

    Aliyu said that there are 1,060,000 people living with HIV in Nigeria, out of which only five percent were currently on treatment courtesy of the Nigerian government.

    The NACA boss stated that about one million Nigerians are currently on treatment on the bills of the international donor agencies.

    He said that NACA had proposed to the state government to contribute 0.5 or One percent of their federal allocation towards HIV/AIDS.

    Aliyu stated that such contribution by state governments would allow the states to put another 50 per cent of infected persons on treatment.

    “For instance, we have 16,000 already on treatment. If the state can put 0.5 percent of the allocation, the state will be able to put 8,000 on treatment,’’ he said.

    He assured the governor that they are willing to work with his government to ensure that people living with HIV across the state have access to quality and affordable treatment.

    In his response, Gov. Ajimobi assured the delegation of his administration’s readiness to partner with them to bring the figure of infected people to a barest minimum if not totally eradicated.

    Ajimobi, who was represented by his deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo said his administration would support the donor agencies with funds and human capital towards the eradication in the state.

    NAN