The Nation Newspaper

Tag: people

  • Neurologists challenge people on their health

    Neurologists challenge people on their health

    Experts and a non-governmental organisation are creating awareness that neuro-surgical patients can be helped if they go to hospital early, reports Oyeyemi Gbenga-Mustapha

    Findings have shown that neurosurgical patients are not seeking   early medical attention due to myths, misconceptions and false/misleading belief systems and that is complicating their conditions.

    Neurological Surgery is a discipline of medicine that provides the operative and non-operative management of disorders of the central, peripheral, and autonomic nervous systems.This includes their supporting structures and vascular supply; the evaluation and treatment of pathological processes, which modify the function or activity of the nervous system, which  include the hypophysis and the operative and nonoperative management of pain.

    Therefore, neurological surgery encompasses treatment of adult and pediatric patients with disorders of the nervous system: disorders of the brain, meninges, skull and their blood supply, including the extracranial carotid and vertebral arteries.These include disorders of the pituitary gland, disorders of the spinal cord and vertebral column, and those that may require treatment by spinal fusion or instrumentation.

    According to a consultant neurosurgeon at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr Femi Bankole, it is high time patients accepted their health challenges on time and come to health facilities for solution  once and for all, because any delay  or   wishing the problem away or seeking solutions where there is none can  worsen the cases. “A neurosurgical condition refers to a disorder, which affects any portion of the nervous system including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system. We experts abound and are ever ready to treat patients, but they must come to the hospital to be attended to,” said Dr Bankole.

    Dr Bankole, who stated this at the one-day enlightenment programme tagged: ‘Neurosurgery: Essence of early presentation’,  organised by Dele Arigbabu Neurosurgical Foundation (DANF), said many of the neurosurgical diseases can be cured but this  should be done quickly as most of them can be done here in Nigeria if detected on time.

    Dr Bankole said: “The brain being a delicate place to perform surgery shouldn’t be left to suffer more if early presentation of the disease is detected. So the foundation is set up to raise fund for patients who needed immediate care and to further equip the unit to help more in doing their work in a better way. DANF is a foundation that is embraced universally and more Nigerians, corporate world and people should get involved to be able to support/render more services. The foundation is there for people to get involved, donate and partner with to enable address the problems the neurosurgical section faces.”

    The foundation, according to him, is set up to focus on disease or condition of central nervous system, and to increase the awareness on the available treatment options currently in the country. It also intends raising fund to help patients, who are indigent or are in emergency to access care because if there is delay in treatment, the outcome may not be good even after treatment.

    Dr Bankole, who is also a senior lecturer at the University of Lagos, and  Chairman, Board of Trustees for the Dele Arigbabu Neurosurgical Foundation (DANF) said DANF is a foundation that is embraced universally and more Nigerians, corporate world and people should get involved for it to be able to support/render more services. It is a Neurosurgery Foundation, a charitable, non-profit organisation dedicated to  promoting quality neurosurgical care to patients in Nigeria.

    On the significance of the event, Dr Bankole said it was organised because experts realised that many Nigerians do not understand the importance of an adequate public enlightenment and have limited access to neurosurgical care.

    He said neurosurgical diseases involve the brain and spinal cord and they are conditions that need immediate attention. “So, the thought of organising this meeting is to sensitise the public on the need to present early whatever is wrong in their body, especially the brain and the spinal cord, which are the most important parts of the body. They should seek the help of the medical personnel. The diseases or conditions are very common and they could be presented in the form of brain tumor, hydrocephalous, brain trauma and spine trauma,” explained Dr Bankole.

    He said early prevention/checking is better than a ton of treatment. He advised that people should not wait until things get worse. He said these diseases could have no particular cause, but could be acquired. That is, they can be caused by an accident, trauma, turmoil or growth, serious back pain etc.

    Dr Tayo Ojo, a neurosurgeon and   co-organiser of the foundation, said as experts,  they have now  realised that there is need to come to the aid of people suffering from such ailment, requiring neurosurgery services, but  unfortunately  are not well well informed or aware of such foundation.

    He said:“So, we are bringing it to the awareness of the public to come and take advantage of this opportunity and urge Nigerians to  also join in   partnering  with the organisation.

    “The foundation is to help people that don’t have money. Also children with brain tumour and adults in emergency situation at a time where they could not access their money, the Foundation is here to render help to them pending the time they will be able to access their money.

    The foundation is to source for fund not only to help the patient but to be able to get necessary equipment in the department. It does not presently have to make life better for patients and the doctors alone, it will also be here to train doctors and nurses as well.”

    Dr Ojo appreciated those, who have been partnering/supporting the foundation and sought more partners to support the foundation to make things easier in addressing all the neurosurgical challenges in the health system.

  • ‘Rivers people will not return Wike to power

    The Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, has said that the people of Rivers State will stop Governor Nyesom Wike in 2019.

    He spoke during the inauguration of Free Rivers Development Initiative at Bori, headquarters of Ogoniland, at the weekend.

    Peterside noted that Wike’s administration had underdeveloped the 23 councils.

    The governor earlier accused the Transportation Minister, Rotimi Amaechi, a former governor, who was also at the Bori rally, Peterside and their allies of attempting to create crisis in the state.

    Peterside, yesterday in an online statement by his media office, said: ”I had the privilege of seeing the Rivers State government’s records last week. They claimed by their records that they had spent N450 billion executing projects in two years and 6 months. Even by their own records, they spent less than N50 million in Khana LGA (with Bori as headquarters) out of N450 billion. There is no other sign that he (Wike) hates us with passion. We are going to stop him in his tracks.

    “You all know that I grew up here (Bori). You know my house in Court Road. You know my house at Kenule Street. You know my house at CPC Road.”

    The NIMASA chief added that when Amaechi became governor, he was appointed commissioner for Works and was given one mandate: to build all roads in Bori, stressing that Amaechi wanted to build a new city in Bori.

    He said: ”Amaechi built schools in Ogoni, he built health centres in Ogoni, his mandate was that his successor would build the new town. Somehow in words we cannot explain, somebody (Wike) came. A man who is an agent of arrested development.

    “Our leader (Amaechi) represents the vision of the legendary Ken Saro-Wiwa. I had the privilege of participating in all rallies of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP) and I can tell you that what Wike and his cohorts are doing do not represent the spirit of Ogoni and they do not represent the spirit of the founding fathers of Rivers State. All Progressives Congress (APC) represents the vision of Saro-Wiwa. We represent the vision of our founding fathers.

    “We have made a commitment to you as a party that we will represent accelerated development for Ogoni people and accelerated development for Khana people. All you need to do is to queue behind our leader (Amaechi) and from May 30, 2019, you will see accelerated development in Ogoni.”

    As the Bori rally was on, the representative of Rivers Southeast, Senator Magnus Abe, an indigene of Bera-Ogoni, and six APC lawmakers were, in Port Harcourt, holding a thanksgiving and reception to celebrate their victory at the legislative elections and Court of Appeal, after the 2015 polls and rerun.

     

  • ‘Kogi govt cannot cater for the people’

    ‘Kogi govt cannot cater for the people’

    The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) in Kogi State has berated the Governor Yahaya Bello-led administration, saying it lacks the capacity to cater for the people.

    A statement by the Chairman B.N. Okpanachi, and Secretary Haruna Yakubu, said after observing the administration for about two years, it concluded that the government lacked the wherewithal to develop the state.

    The statement reads: “Can this administration be bold to tell Kogites, as she marks two years, why it cannot get the issue of civil servants right, and stabilise the civil service?

    “The opposition parties are amazed that the All Progressives Congress (APC), under Governor Yahaya Bello, has embarrassingly refused to adopt a strategic method to stabilise the civil service, thereby making life unbearable for civil servants.

    “We are tired and sick of the cries and hues of the people. The hardship inflicted on them has made Kogites feel the pains of dispossession and the most vulnerable in the country, and the agony of those who cannot cater for their families and others.”

  • ‘I wasn’t imposed on my people’

    ‘I wasn’t imposed on my people’

    The traditional ruler of Obibi Uratha autonomous community in Owerri North Local Government of Imo State, Prof. Amaobi Uwaleke, has dismissed allegations that he was imposed against the wish of the community.

    The monarch described the allegations as malicious and unfounded, insisting that his selection strictly complied with the extant laws of the community concerning kingship matters.

    He said: “The government does not make an Eze. Eze is a traditional thing; it belongs to the people and not to the government. The autonomous community law made it very clear that the people select their Eze and present him to the local government council.

    “The governor may issue Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office, which is what the law says, but the making of an Eze starts and ends with the people. The government issues staff of office for the purpose of recognition. But with staff of office or not, an Eze is still an Eze. The government may not recognise the Eze but the people recognise their Eze.

    “In our case, as a professor in a university, a businessman and a philanthropist, I never wanted to be an Eze, but when my people persisted, I gave my consent. Then the Eze selection committee, as provided by the constitution of Obibi Uratha autonomous community, selected me and presented me to the Uratha-in-Council, which then capped me as the Eze of Obibi Uratha community.

    “I was presented to the local government council for acceptance, after which I was presented to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and then my name was sent to DSS for screening and finally to the governor for approval for a staff of office.

    “But during the town hall meeting where I was to get my staff of office, two people appeared from nowhere and said my people did not select me. It was pure blackmail and the governor said I should go and start afresh that if I win, he will give me the staff of office.

    “After that, the Obibi Uratha Selection Committee met under the supervision of the Secretary to the Government, Sir George Eche, and I was again selected without any opposition. But on the day for the presentation of staff of office again, these same persons repeated what they said before and the governor directed us to go for a plebiscite, which is the final stage in any selection.

    “We went for the plebiscite and I won with over 1,000 votes. Since the history of Imo State, there has never been any plebiscite that had such a turnout”.

    Prof. Uwaleke also debunked allegations that he confiscated and appropriated communal lands to his cronies.

    “I never took anybody’s land, but rather, I fought and the government returned some of our land, which was shared among residents, even the widows got their portion.”

  • ‘We started firm to empower people’

    The Chief Executive Officer of Genuine Deal Global, Princess Endorah Obasoanya Egwu, has said the scheme was introduced to empower people.

    Speaking to The Nation at a seminar in Lagos, Princess Egwu said members would get foodstuff, household items and cars in December.

    According to her, Genuine is different from MMM, but a multi-level referral marketing network, which builds on trust, empowerment and marketing acquisition.

    Her words: “Genuine Deal Global is all about networking; it is a multi-level referral marketing, which builds on empowerment and marketing acquisition.

    “What we are doing is about hard work, letting the people know that hard work gives food; that once you work well, you will gain well. It’s a source of investment opportunity that goes well and based on genuine transactions.

    “It came as a multi-level platform in Nigeria and now in 12 countries, and still expecting more. It is about empowerment and a network that deals with referrals and grows in stages. The benefits are in cash, skill acquisition, food and household items

    “To be a member is a onetime donation of N8,000, after which you will introduce two people; you will be paid for this. These two people will also bring two others, and you will also gain from it.”

  • ‘Why people have wrong views of Celestial churches’

    ‘Why people have wrong views of Celestial churches’

    Senior Evangelist Prophet Gabriel Salako is Shepherd of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) Ifesowapo Parish in Ota, Ogun State.
    He speaks with Sunday Oguntola on the many misconceptions about the church as well as the 25th anniversary of the parish. Excerpts:

    When and how did the church start?

    We started this church on Alade Street in Oshodi where we were living in 1991. About 10 to 15 families came together and the church started in our living apartment. By 1992, our co-tenants got angry that the church was becoming bigger. They rightly pointed out it was a residential apartment, not a church’s building.

    So, we started looking for a space. We got a land in Iyana Iyesi, Ota, in 1992 and we have been here since then. When we came here, it was all bushy. But our first service was in May 1992 and God has been helping us since then. We have over 200 adults and 250 children in the church now. So, we are celebrating our harvest/25th anniversary from next Tuesday with revival.

    We want our members and others to know what the Celestial Church of Christ really believes in so that we can reduce the many misrepresentations about us.

    Talking about perception of the CCC, some people see it as a fetish church. What is your reaction to this?

    We get to hear a lot about that. You see the truth is that CCC is founded on traditions received directly from God. There is nothing fetish about what we do. The only ‘sacrifices’ we offer are the ones ordained from God. For example, God could give a member message to go to the river for spiritual bath or pray on candles.

    Now those who don’t understand that will see it as fetish. That is because God didn’t reveal it to them. CCC is not founded on human traditions or make-ups. Whatever we do is what God ordains. However, there are a few bad eggs that have bastardised some of our traditions.

    For example, you go to beaches and see many so-called CCC prophets and prophetesses. But the truth is Baba Oschoffa didn’t ask us to do that. What he said was that we should bring beach sands and put them in the Holy Place or Land of Mercy for prayers. Once the sand is there, it is believed you have whatever you are looking for in beaches there.

    The CCC members and prophets/prophetesses you see in beaches are just wasting their time there. There is nothing they should be doing that. But those who don’t know will see them there and say all CCC members are always in the beaches.

    When Jesus was leaving, He said there were things He would have said that the disciples cannot absorb but when the Holy Spirit comes, He would teach us all things. So, it is the Holy Spirit that is teaching us what we do in CCC. Yes, there could be bad eggs but ultimately the church is founded on revealed truths and traditions.

    When someone comes to me for prayers, I tell them I have nothing to say until we have received prophetic messages through trance. It is only what God tells us to do then that we do.

    But some people say the prophets/prophetesses are mostly speaking from self-interest. How are we sure they are speaking the mind of God?

    The Bible says by their fruit, you will know them. Truly, there are many prophetesses/prophets saying what God didn’t ask them to say but then there are genuine ones. When you see them, you will recognise them.

    But those who deceive people are easy to know. You will always know they are not speaking from God. Recently, I went to a prophet with a woman somewhere here. He gave the woman many messages but when I relayed them to my wife, she dismissed him as fake. He was using diabolical means to look into the future of people. There are many like that but we know them when we see them.

    What’s the official stand of  CCC on polygamy?

    You see CCC allows men to have more than one wife but it is conditional. Look at our founder, Baba Oschoffa, he had more than one wife before he died. It was the same with our father Abraham and King Solomon. God never blamed Solomon for having too many wives but for marrying from foreign lands.

    The CCC believes if a man is capable and has the means to love all his wives equally, he is at liberty to marry more than one. If he can provide for all of them equally too, he is free. Most men don’t want more than one wife but circumstances force them to.

    So, the Church is neutral on polygamy. If it is within your powers, it is fine. If not, stay away. That is what we believe and practice.

    But why don’t you have more than one wife?

    It is my personal choice, really. This is what I have chosen to do. It does not make me right or better than others. Those who have more than one are fine too, provided they can fulfil the conditions. It is just a matter of personal choice. It is not a sin to have more than one wife.

    There are many stories on why CCC members don’t wear shoes. Some point to the biblical Moses encounter while some say it is because Oschoffa had big legs and couldn’t get shoe sizes. Which of them is right?

    The truth is it is because of the instruction by God to Moses to put off his sandals in the holy land. There is nothing like the story of Baba Oschoffa not having shoe sizes that fitted him. I saw him many times. We spoke many times. I saw his legs. They were not oversized or too big. He didn’t cover them at all.

    I attended many seminars where he taught us the fundamentals of CCC. So, there is nothing like that insinuation. It is just a rumour, a mere make-up. We are just following the scriptures.

    Are you bothered by the mass exodus of youths to new generation churches from the CCC?

    Yes, I am really bothered because I tell people that most members who leave always return worse off. I put the blames on parents because many of them do not teach our youths the fundamentals. You see when we have children in CCC, they are always christened in church. We would read Deuteronomy 28: 1-14 to the hearing of the new born.

    Those who stay put always enjoy the blessings recorded in verses 1-14 but verses 15-the end is always the experiences of those who leave. Most of our youths who leave always return when they find out their lives have been messed up.

    But the youths claim they leave in droves because the church has remained too rigid and not contemporary. What would you tell such youths?

    You see, that is where the problem lies. God says He is the unchangeable changer. He does not change. But our youths want to change everything. They want to change God, if possible. It is not going to work because God doesn’t change.

    Whatever He wants is what we want too. We cannot dictate to Him how to do things. We cannot change His traditions or methods. The possibility is when we change things, He would stop answering us. If God says resume your service by 10am and we say ‘why not earlier so that we can close early for some other things?’

    Youths don’t want to stay in church for more than one hour but we cannot go through with God without spending time. Some of them want to do things their way but God will not change and we are better off listening to Him.

    Many wonder why CCC parishes are always situated near rivers. But this church is not any close to a river. Is that just an insinuation or right observation?

    It is just an insinuation. There is nothing that says CCC parishes should be near rivers. Some can deliberately choose such locations because of quicker access to rivers for spiritual bathing. But there is no instruction or mandate to be around rivers.

    Some parishes can choose to be there because that is where they can find cheaper lands. Other than that, there is nothing that says we have to be there always.

    Is it true CCC is into money rituals too?

    The truth is we have this problem because many tie prosperity to God’s favour. I believe God can bless a man when he has served him enough. Other than that, no man has what it takes to make any other person rich. A Shepherd that assures a member of prosperity after some rituals is fake and lying.

    The only one that can make one rich is God. And He will do it at His time. Nobody can force or blackmail Him to make anyone rich. It is only when we have done enough for God that He can truly bless us.

     

  • Farewell to people’s Imam

    Farewell to people’s Imam

    The late Chief Iman of Lagos, Sheikah Garuba Akinola Ibrahim, died on September 24 at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja. He was 79.

    Sheikh Ibrahim was born on December 7, 1937 (1356AH) into the family of Ibrahim Ankuri of Isale Eko in Lagos.

    His father was Alfa Tijani Ibrahim, who was also one of the former Chief Imams of Lagos. Alfa Tijani became the Imam of Lagos 10 years after Imam Garuba Akinola Ibrahim was born.

    Alfa Tijani died in 1954, six years before Nigeria got her independence. The late Sheikh Ibrahim’s mother was Hajia Ibrahim popularly called as “Iya lle Kewu.”

    Ibrahim’s family is among those entitled to the position of the Chief Imam of Lagos. The family has a history of generations of succeeding Imams in Lagos – from Alfa (Imam) Ibrahim Ankuri to Alfa (Imam) Tijani Ibrahim and Imam Liadi Ibrahim.

    Sheikh Garuba Akinola Ibrahim is a descendant of Alfa Nafiu Gana.

    Imam Garuba grew up on Lagos Island. He attended the Ahmadiyya Primary School Elegbata in Lagos. Thereafter, he moved to Government College, Ibadan, Oyo State, for his secondary school education.

    He started elementary Arabic and Islamic education under the tutelage of Alfa Abdul Rahman Suyuti, who he joined to visit some cities in Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire.

    After acquiring sufficient knowledge, he joined the transport company of former Baba Adinni of Lagos, Alhaji Abdul Waheed Elias, called Elias Transport Service.

    He later joined the Nigeria Security Printing and Minting Company (NSPMC) in 1965. He retired after 32 years of service in 1997. While in service, he attended series of courses at home and abroad. He became a Senior Manager at the Currency Department of the company before he retired.

    He was installed the Chief Imam of Lagos on July 4 2000. He succeeded his brother, the late Imam Liadi Alade Ibrahim (OBE), who was the Chief Imam of Lagos between 1959 and 1998.

    Before he became the Chief Imam, Sheikh Mujitaba Giwa acted as the Acting Chief Imam of Lagos.

  • Ibadan obas: People ‘ll praise me later, says Ajimobi

    Ibadan obas: People ‘ll praise me later, says Ajimobi

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday expressed confidence that those criticising him for reviewing the Olubadan Chieftaincy laws will later sing his praise in the future.

    The review of the law resulted in the coronation of additional 21 kings at an elaborate event at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital.

    The governor urged the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, not to allow politicians use him.

    Ajimobi said he knew the monarch as a respectable father of all in Ibadan, adding that the opposition of the royal father to the recent review and reform of Olubadan chieftaincy system could not have been masterminded by Olubadan himself but by some politicians with vested interest in his administration.

    The governor spoke at the inauguration of the rehabilitated Mobil Junction-Are-Oluyole-Wema Bank, Apata Road in Ibadan.

    The event was also attended by the newly crowned obas.

    Ajimobi recalled that the former Premier of the defunct Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, was also abused by the people when he introduced free education in the region, before the residents and others later started praising him and describing the policy as “wonderful”.

    The governor said the recent comments on the Olubadan review were largey laden with political colourations rather than considerations for uplifting the city’s traditional system.

    According to him, he was never out to hinder anyone from achieving any ambition, but “constituted authority must be respected by all and sundry”.

    The appearance of the new kings with their crowns and staff of office at the event was to the admiration of a large crowd that attended the event, as it added colours to the event.

    The monarchs at the event included Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan; Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadan; Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Osi Balogun; Oba Eddy Oyewole, Asipa Olubadan; Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Ashipa Balogun; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ekerin Olubadan; Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan and Oba (Dr.) Kolawole Adegbola, Ekarun Balogun.

    Ajimobi said: “Those who abuse us for crowning obas now will praise us in future. Some have politicised the matter. Chief Obafemi Awolowo was then abused for introducing free education but he was praised afterwards. I did not do the crowning of obas for myself.

    “Why do I want to hinder others from becoming what they want to be? Whoever God has destined will become whatever he or she wants to be. Moreover, I am not in the race to become an oba.

    “Many administrations, since Governor McGregor, have attempted changes to the Olubadan chieftaincy. It was known as baale in the 1930s before it was known as Olubadan. I am not into any battle with Olubadan, but he should dissociate himself from those with political interests.

    “The Olubadan is a good father; I can’t disrespect the Olubadan. But I know there are those using the Olubadan’s name to promote their interests, especially those we have defeated politically. Anyone who believes in God is not interested in hindering the progress of anyone. Moreover, this honour is befitting for our kings and this event today looks more glamorous. I am glad.

    “I thank God that he used my administration to carry out Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy reform. But nobody can threaten me because I also hail from Ibadan. The Olubadan is a good father. But at times, when politicians have penetrated into the traditional institution in Ibadan, they can influence him.

    “The politicians acting behind the scene, we have beaten them many times during elections. Almighty God has sent me to do what I am doing. So, whoever opposes us will be beaten. Olubadan is not the one doing what he has been doing to oppose the reform, but the politicians who have been acting underground.”

  • Over 100 people displaced by flood in Benue, houses, others affected

    Over 100 people displaced by flood in Benue, houses, others affected

     The Benue State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said over 110,000 people in 24 communities including Makurdi were displaced by flood.

    The Executive Secretary of the agency, Mr Boniface Ortese, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Wednesday that over 2, 769 households were also affected.

     Achusa, 200 houses were affected with 5,125 persons displaced

    Idye, 217 houses were affected while 5,200 persons were displaced.

    Wurukum Market, 218 houses were affected with 1,000 persons displaced

    Genabe, 200 houses were affected with 5,021 persons displaced

    Industrial Layout, 69 houses were flooded and 4,310 persons displaced

    Demekpe, 111 houses were affected while 7,820 persons displaced

    Wadata Market, market150 houses were affected and 4,300 persons were displaced.

    Agboughul-Wadata 201 houses were affected and 5,728 persons displaced

    Katungu, 6,031 persons displaced, 137 houses were flooded

    Behind the Civil Service Commission, 200 houses were submerged in flood and 5,777 persons were displaced.

    Meanwhile, the state commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Mr Joseph Utsev has urged the Federal Government to include Benue among states to benefit from the N1.6 billion ecological intervention fund.

    Utsev said that since 2013, the state had not received any ecological assistance from the Federal Government.

    He said that if adequate budgetary provisions were made, many disasters may be mitigated since natural disasters could only be controlled.

    The commissioner said that dredging the River Benue would provide permanent solution to the recurring flood in the state.

    “Benue Government is looking for ways in which River Benue can be dredged; this is because by dredging the river, majority of the water can be accommodated and thus, prevent future overflow.

    “The ongoing research so far, shows that the preliminary study would cost about N8 billion while the main project would gulp about N300 billion.

    “And this is where we need Federal Government financial intervention to execute the project, since the funds are much,’’ he said.

  • LSACA warns people living with HIV against flouting laws

    LSACA warns people living with HIV against flouting laws

    The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), Dr.  Sunday Temowo, has warned that those living with HIV who contravene the law will be prosecuted.

    He stated this after a meeting with the Joint United Nation Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), Population Council (PC), The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), Society for Family Health (SFH), Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH).

    The meeting was aimed at re-strategising against the spread of the disease based on the revelation of the arrest and arraignment of 40 men having sex with men (MSM) in the state, with 23 of the 28 adults being HIV positive persons while three out of the minors were reactive.

    The agency said it would not protect anyone from prosecution, if he contraveneed the law, but that the agency was only concerned about public health.

    According to him, efforts must be intensified to increase residents’ awareness, so that they can get free HIV testing provided by the government to achieve the 90-90-90 initiative by 2020 and eradication of HIV by 2030.

    Temowo said the initiative was aimed at getting 90 percent of the residents counselled and tested to know their HIV status and 90 percent of those that know their status to have access to treatment while 90 percent of those on treatment have viral load suppression tos top them from infecting others.

    He called on Lagosians to get free HIV Testing Services (HTS) at the general hospitals close to their residence, adding that the agency has trucks that would move to the nooks and crannies of the state to enable  residents get free HIV testing and treatment.

    Citizens Right Director, Ministry of Justice/Chairman, and Domestic and Sexual Response team, Mrs Omotilewa Ibirogba, said there is same-sex marriage prohibition law in the state.

    “It is CAP S3 Law of Lagos State, 2015. Essentially, what that law states is that there is a prohibition of same- sex marriage within the state. The development at Ikorodu did not involve marriage per se, but rather  homosexuality. To take it a step further, even if you are married elsewhere to the same sex, those cannot come, live or stay in the state and enjoy the same right as those that are married to the opposite sex.  The state law recognises only marriage between a man and a woman.

    “For those caught at Ikorodu, the children among them have been taken before the Family Court because it has the proper jurisdiction and the adults to the law court with the proper jurisdiction,” Mrs Ibirogba said.

    Public Prosecutions Director Mrs Titilayo Shitta-Bay said it is about the contravention of the law of the state. “Nationally, same-sex marriage is prohibited in Nigeria. Same- Sex Prohibition Act came into effect in January 2014. Provisions in the criminal law/code also forbids same sex activities like sexual activities against the order of nature. Anybody that gets involved in such will be charged to court. The minors among them were charged under Section 261 in the Family Court and not in the regular court because they are under aged, and they have rights under the Child’s Right Law.”

    She advised the public , particularly operators of hotels, clubs and bars from such activities, adding: “Organising or operating gay clubs is an offence in this country. Contravention attracts 10 years’ imprisonment.’’