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Monkey pox: C/River strengthens surveillance in border communities

Cross River Government on Sunday said it had strengthened its surveillance team in border communities and all the local governments of the state as Monkey pox outbreak hits some states in South-South.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Inyang Asibong, disclosed this in an interview in Calabar.

“Cross River is not far from other states in the South-South that have witnessed the outbreak, we are working round the clock to prevent the disease in the state.

“As soon as we heard about the outbreak, we took extra precautions. Already, we have a team set up for infection, disease preparedness and control.

“We are always on alert and in constant surveillance of any disease outbreak. We have held several meetings with the state epidemiologists because we believe that prevention is better than cure.

“Currently, we are carrying out sensitisation and advocacy campaigns in communities through community leaders, town announcers and the media,’’ she said.

Asibong said that the state had also taken proactive measures by dispatching its epidemiological team to strategic areas in the state.

She described Monkey pox as a rare viral disease transmitted to humans from animals, adding that the first case was noticed in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 1970.

According to her, infection of the disease results from direct contact with the blood, bodily fluids and muscular injury of infected animals.

She said that the incubation period ranged five to 21 days.

According to her, the first five days known as `invasion period’, is characterised by fever, intense headache, swelling of the lymph back pain and others.

The commissioner also described as false, some online reports alleging that a case of monkey pox had been detected in Okuni Village in Ikom Local Government Area of the state.

The commissioner also said that security personnel on border areas across the state had been sensitised about the disease.

She said that an infected person who contacts the disease usually notices symptoms similar to chicken pox and it normally starts from the face, palms and to the sole of the feet.

“We have informed security personnel to look out for these symptoms and alert us accordingly.

“The state government is very responsive to cases of disease outbreak and we pray that the recent outbreak of Monkey Pox will not get to Cross River.’’

NAN

October 8, 2017
Adeneye urges campus editors on developmental journalism

Chief Dayo Adeneye, who was represented by Mr. Waheed Adeshina disclosed this during the convention of the National Association of Nigerian Campus Editors, NANCE at National Union of Journalists, NUJ Secretariat Hall, Oke Ilewo, Ile-Iweroyin, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Saturday, 7th of October 2017.

He urged campus editors to work hard in their various institutions in order to represents all students with their pen.

“Pen is indeed mightier than sword, you can make difference from school. Many of the mainstream media persons we have today started from school.”

“Make sure you make impact with your pen. Don’t just criticise, recommend solution, the schools authorities need people like you and when they begin to make use of your recommendation, you have done impact journalism”, he said.

Also at the event, Odunayo Adams, the head of gossip desk at Naij.com who delivered the keynote on the topic: “Open Source Journalism and New Media” said that the social media platforms are enough tools for new media.

“With social media platforms, you can get all your sources. The things needed for you as a journalist is to fact check. Don’t just use your social media platforms for uploading of pictures”, she advised.

Also, as the tenure of Lukmon Fasasi, from Obafemi Awolowo University ended on Saturday, NANCE, the umbrella body of campus editors across the country held transition process which ushered new executives with Omole Isaac from Obafemi Awolowo University, as the new President, Tomori Uriel from University of Ilorin emerged the Vice President, Jonathan Oladimeji from Ogun State Institute of Technology emerged as the General Secretary, Adejumo Kabir also from Obafemi Awolowo University was elected as the Public Relations Officer, Aladelusi Oluwatosin from Federal School of Statistics emerged Regional Head, Hamid Fatteh also from Federal School of Statistics became the Financial Secretary and Atoyosoye Abigail from Moshood Abiola Polytechnic emerged as Treasurer.

However, Mr Bakene Nurain, the Public Relations Officer of Tai Solarin University of Education admonished the new executives to work towards making the association better.

“I congratulate the new executives and I urge them to leave the association better than they met it next year by the time they as giving account of stewardship next.”

October 8, 2017
Russia 2018: Kick off World Cup preparations – Amiesimaka

Adokiye Amiesimaka, a member of the 1980 African Cup of Nations winning squad, on Sunday urged Nigeria’s football authorities to kick off preparations for the 2018 Russia World Cup.

The former left winger gave the advice in an interview in Lagos.

He said that the youthfulness of the players played an important role coupled with their dedication.

These, he said, remained the driving force of the team and should be sustained during the World Cup.

“I congratulate the team for qualifying for the World Cup, they worked hard for it and the result is evidence of the effort put into it; they have the energy and they utilised it well.

“We now need to pay attention to the next line of action, which will also depend on the teams that will qualify for the tournament; we know them and we should start studying them.

“We need to study and understand their strength and weaknesses, that’s important, you need to assess the strength of your opponents so you can strategise to neutralise them.

“Then you can capitalise on their weaknesses, so I think that’s the most important thing that should be done,’’ he said

Some of the countries that have qualified for the FIFA 2018 World Cup are Iran, Japan, Korea Republic, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, England, Germany, Russia and Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico and Brazil.

The former Enugu Rangers Football Club player further emphasised that Nigerian teams had always underestimated the need to study their opponents in international competition.

“What has been happening in the past more often than not is that we do not bother to look at the teams of our opponents, that’s a big mistake.

“We shouldn’t wait for the World Cup itself to start before looking at those issues, you do that over a period of time before the competition starts.

“That will give you a better idea of what to expect, if you know the psychology of a team, then you are in a better position to know how you are going to play against them,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the 2018 Russia World Cup is scheduled to hold between June 14 and July 15 in Moscow.

Amiesimaka, a former Chairman of Sharks Football Club of Port Harcourt, also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to organise regular top-grade friendly matches before the World Cup.

“What they need to do, if it can be arranged, whatever opportunity we have to put them together for friendly matches should be utilised so they can play together often.

“With that, we can strategise better and the players themselves will understand one another better.

“If we can do that I’m sure we will have an exciting performance at the World Cup in 2018,’’ he said.

A 73rd minute goal from Alex Iwobi ensured Super Eagles appearance at the 2018 World Cup.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Septuagenarian wins best farmer in Ekiti, gets N1m

A 73-year old farmer, Alhaji Olayinka Adeyemi, has emerged the Overall Best Farmer of the year in Ekiti state, winning N1 million prize.

Alhaji Olayinka has been in farming since 1965.

Chief Afe Babalola, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), the organiser of Afe Babalola Agricultural Exhibition code named “ABA-EX 2017” gave the prize to the winner on Sunday at the closing of the exhibition at the Afe Babalola University ( ABUAD ), Ado Ekiti.

The agric exhibition, where Adeyemi won the prize was organised by Gov. Ayo Fayose.

The Septuagenarian was among about 300 other farmers shortlisted for the government exhibition from among leading farmers in all the 16 local government areas of the state.

Two farmers each from the 16 council areas got N150, 000 and N100, 000 for wining first and second positions at the local level.

Babalola offered to start buying farm produce from farmers in the state.

This, the legal luminary said would save farmers in the state the agony of produce wastage and loss of profit on their produce due to lack of storage facilities and ready market.

Babalola, who is also a big-time farmer,said he decided on buying the farm produce to improve the well being of farmers and make farming attractive again like it used to be before the discovery of oil.

He noted that most Nigerian farmers were usually compelled to sell their produce at ridiculous prices because of lack of facilities to preserve them.

The (SAN) also identified lack of working capital, storage facilities and modern farm implements as reasons why many had abandoned farming for odd jobs in the city.

He also said lack of access to ready market for their produce contributed to farmers abandoning the occupation, thereby making them poorer.

“As from now, I wish to announce to all farmers in Ekiti State that they are free to bring their farm produce in bulk to us here. We are ready to by them and pay you appropriate prices.

“We have all the facilities in ABUAD farms to accommodate as well as process whatever volume of both cash and food crops that we have with us.

“We do not only prepare them for local consumption, we also prepare them for export.

“I am always moved to pity when I see hard-working farmers not making commensurable profits on their farms despite toiling day and night to ensure they have good harvest.

“I do not want this ugly situation to continue,” he said.

Fayose, who was represented by his deputy, Prof. Kolapo Olusola thanked Babalola for his intervention in agriculture and education sectors in the state.

He described Babalola as the best, most critical partner and a stakeholder in the running of government.

NAN

October 8, 2017
NDLEA destroys 60.5 hectares of cannabis farm in Osun

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency ( NDLEA ), Osun command, on Saturday disclosed that it destroyed a 60.8 hectares of India hemp (Cannabis Sativa) farm at Ikeji Arakeji, in the state.

Mr Samuel Egbeola, the state commandant of the NDLEA disclosed this during an interview with journalists at the agency’s office in Osogbo.

According to Egbeola, the hemp farm was discovered and destroyed on Thursday, following a tip-off from an informant.

He said the agency also seized 10 bags of already harvested cannabis which weighed 107.4kilograms.

He said two suspects found on the farm during the operation were equally arrested and that the arrested suspects were helping the agency in their investigation.

The NDLEA boss assured the people of the state that the agency would always stick to its responsibilities of ensuring a drug free state.

“We are appealing to the people of the state to always relate information on illicit drug operations, especially cannabis farms to the NDLEA.

“Our office is always open, so people with useful information are always welcome to come in at anytime so we can all work together in ensuring a drug free state.

“It is our mandate to rid the state of illicit drugs and this could only be made possible with the support and cooperation of the people.” he said

He said he was grateful for the support the office has been receiving from the public and urged for more cooperation.

The command had on Wednesday, announced that it destroyed a 16.8-hectare, Indian hemp (Cannabis Sativa) farm located in Ikoyi, Osun, on Sept.26.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Football remains the greatest unifier of Nigerians – APC

The All Progressives Congress ( APC ) has said that sports in Nigeria, particularly football, remained one of the greatest unifier of people across political affiliations, religion, gender, tribe and other divides.

Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, APC National Publicity Secretary stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Abdullahi joined millions of Nigerians in celebrating and congratulating the Super Eagles for their qualification to next year’s FIFA World Cup in Russia.

He also congratulated the Ministry of Sports, the Nigerian Football Federation, the technical crew, management, and backroom staff for securing Nigeria’s sixth appearance at the World Cup.

The APC spokesman said it was indeed a delight watching the Super Eagles defeat the Chipolopolo of Zambia in front of excited home fans at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo.

He noted that the victory put Nigeria on an unassailable 13 points at the top of Group B and charged Nigerians to take advantage of the feat to further foster harmony amongst themselves.

Bolaji, a former sports minister, however, called on the sports authorities not to rest on their oars but to begin early preparation ahead of 2018 to ensure that the Super Eagles perform well at the global tournament.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Queen Moremi Ajasoro pageant will reawaken cultural values in youths – Ooni

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has said that the introduction of the Queen Moremi Ajasoro ( QMA ) beauty pageant is to reawaken cultural values and responsibilities among Nigerian youths, especially, girls.

The traditional ruler who spoke through the ambassador of QMA, Princess Ronke Ademiluyi, ahead of the the forthcoming Queen Moremi Pageant contest slated for Dec. 3.

According to him, our youths are gradually abandoning the cherished African cultures and traditions and are replacing them with foreign cultures that are not in any way superior to ours.

“The youths of today know little or nothing about our cultural legends.”

Ogunwusi noted that values such as selflessness, courage, patriotism and discipline, which the legendary Queen Moirémi Ajasoro exhibited in her lifetime, should be the models for contemporary and future Nigerian youths.

“The idea behind organising this contest is to recreate the legacies of the revered Queen Moremi Ajasoro, impart them in our young ladies of today to prepare them for future responsibilities as wives, mothers,community and nation builders” he said.

Ogunwusi said that he had set aside N5 million as registration fees to encourage the first 1,000 would-be participants for this year’s contest who might not have the financial means to obtain the forms.

“I am, therefore, encouraging more young girls to embrace this exceptional opportunity of free registration,” he said.

Ogunwusi also said that the contest was opened to young girls from ages 18 years to 25 years.

He said for eligibility, one or both parents of any contestant must be of Yoruba lineage, from Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Kwara and Kogi states.

Also, Princess Ademiluyi,told NAN that , the new queen on emergence would become the cultural ambassador to the Ooni of Ife, and would always accompany him as part of his entourage on foreign trips.

“The 2017 winner will receive a star prize of N5 million to set up her own business, a saloon car, wardrobe allowance and other mouth-watering gifts.

“In addition, she will have access to business advice from experts to ensure the success of such business ,” Ademiluyi said.

She added that all applicants who registered for QMA contest would benefit from the empowerment forum that would take place during the auditions on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31,2017.

“The cultural contest is a way of promoting our heroic legacies of Moremi Ajasoro which will continue to endure in the chronicles of both Yoruba and world histories,” she said.

The current queen; Blessing Animasahun, a 600 – level Dental-Surgery student of the University of Ibadan, was crowned by the Ooni of Ife in 2016 in Ile-Ife.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Anambra 2017: 8,000 corps members available for poll – NYSC

The National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC ) says no fewer than 8, 000 corps members presently serving in Anambra will be available for the conduct of the forthcoming governorship election.

Mr Ebenezer Olawale, the NYSC Coordinator in the state, said this in Awka on Sunday.

Olawale said the data of corps members in the state had been transmitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission ( INEC ) for planning ahead of the Nov. 18 election.

He said more corps members would be moblilised from neighbouring states in case of shortfall.

“It is no longer news that the NYSC is partnering with INEC in the conduct of credible, fair and good elections, Anambra’s case is not different.

“My office and that of the Resident Electoral Commission have been working assiduously to ensure that corps members participate fully in the exercise.

“As we all know, corps members are supposed to be non-partisan, they are not from this state, so we expect them to be fair and they are evenly distributed across the state.

“We have no fewer than 10,000 corps members in this state but assuming that not all of them will be interested in taking part in the election, we have 8,000 available for this purpose.

“I have supplied INEC with the data of the available corps members in the state and where they are not enough, we shall mobilse from neighbouring states,” he said.

Olawale also said the NYSC was working with security agencies to ensure the security of all corps members.

He said the corps would soon embark on a tour of the state to sensitise corps members on their expected role in the election as well as allay their fears over their safety.

“Very soon, we shall commence sensitisation visits to my members to ensure that they all participate and allay their fears too because when they do their work well there is nothing to be afraid of.

“With regards to the security of my members, we have a strong inter-agency collaboration with the police and other security agencies.

“They have assured us that there would be full mobilisation of security personnel to ensure that NYSC members taking part in the election are safe.

“Moreover, Anambra is not known for election violence, they prefer to sort out their issues in the law courts rather than resorting to violence.

“I want to use this medium to call on my corps members to conduct themselves in accordance with the manner and rules set by INEC; they should be fair and just to all political parties,” he said.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Demand for good governance in tackling crimes, UNODC urges CSOs

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime ( UNODC ) has urged Civil Society Organisations ( CSOs ) in Nigeria to continue to demand for good governance from leaders to address organised crimes in the country.

The UNODC outgoing Country Representative, Ms Cristina ALBERTIN, gave the advice when she appeared as a guest in a forum in Abuja.

UNODC deals in organised crimes like drug, child and human trafficking, smuggling of fire arms, economic crimes, money laundering, corruption and terrorism base on UN conventions and protocols.

ALBERTIN explained that the roles of CSOs did not stop at the prevention of crimes by raising awareness but also ensures leaders were living up to their responsibilities.

She said that CSOs must play their roles to increase transparency in governance and ensure projects captured in budget were done in accountable manner.

The outgoing country representative stated that vulnerability remained a key factor in terms of organised, adding that because poor people who did not see opportunities in their own countries to develop were vulnerable to such crimes.

“It is important for us to attack the vulnerability as well to tackle the challenge of organised crime,” she said.

According to her, the role of CSOs in organised crimes is also enormous, especially in prevention of human trafficking.

“In fighting human trafficking, we have to go to communities where these girls and women come from, we have to work with them because they know the girls that are living and the ones missing.

ALBERTIN commended Nigeria for its effort in adopting Justice sector reform, pointing out that most of the states had set up such reforms and urged those that had not done that to do so.

She said that in the last two years, her UNODC had been working with 10 states in the country on Justice Sector reforms.

NAN

October 8, 2017
Interesting tips about Zobo, Roselle drink

Today, we will be learning about one of Nigeria’s popular drinks, family beverage and our very own local Chapman; Roselle drinks and also known as Hibiscus tea is popularly known as zobo in Nigeria.

Zobo drink is one of Nigeria’s popular drinks made from dried Roselle plant flowers. The drink is also as Roselle drink. It is mostly prepared at home as family beverage drink and also as refreshment in parties and get-togethers.

Ingredients for 5 litres of Zobo drink:

You can get more with the same quantity of ingredients depending on the concentration you want. If you will be using artificial flavours, you might want to add more water.

2 De Rica cups of dry Zobo leaves

1 clove of garlic

1 big piece of ginger

1 big, very ripe pineapple

Enough water

Preparation:

Zobo leaves are usually very dusty, so make sure you wash off the dust thoroughly. It will seem like all the flavours/colour of the zobo are being washed off but don’t worry, you would be impressed to find out that the leaves still have a lot of the colour intact when you start boiling it.

Wash, peel and cut the pineapple into thin slices. Some people add the peel of the pineapple when making the zobo drink but I don’t do this, simply because I always think that dirt sticks to the peels of pineapples.

Similarly, peel and cut the ginger and garlic into tiny pieces.

DIRECTIONS

1. Put the washed zobo leaves into a deep pot.
2. Add the pineapples and pour enough hot water to consume the contents of the pot and then some garlic at this initial stage.
3. Start cooking at medium to high heat and let it boil for about 5 minutes.
4. Now, add the ginger and the garlic, more water and keep boiling for the next 30 minutes. This is the actual time it would take for the zobo leaves to be completely soft and the pineapples tender.
5. Turn off the heat and set the pot aside to cool down completely.
6. When cool, wring out the juice from the pineapples and zobo leaves, leaving only the zobo juice in the pot.
7. Pour the juice through a sieve to take out the remaining large particles then pour it through a chiffon cloth to remove the tiniest particles.
8. Add any artificial flavour of your choice at this time and stir.
9. Pour into bottles and refrigerate. Your Roselle drinks is ready but remember that it is best-served chill.
Finally, serve with ice and sliced fruits. Enjoy with any snack of your choice.

October 7, 2017