The Nation Newspaper

Tag: sensitisation

  • LASBCA embarks on sensitisation

    The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has reiterated the government’s zero tolerance for distressed  and abandoned structures.

    Its General Manager, Lekan Shodeinde, an engineer, spoke during the agency’s  sensitisation on the Lagos Island.

    Shodehinde said distressed buildings collapse more during the rainy season. He said the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode was determined to achieve zero incidence of building collapse, without room for abandoned buildings, and illegal developments,  among others, to ensure a better physical environment.

    Shodeinde said sustainable physical development required the participation of every Lagosian for implementation of laws and regulations. No responsible government, the LASBCA boss said, would watch her citizens die without taking precautionary measures.

    “LASBCA will come down hard with the law on defaulters who decide to break government seal, illegal contravention of building laws, construction of new buildings without approval, and non-conforming to building strategies, among others,” he said.

    Shodeinde stressed that people disregarded laws on building construction which resultant effects were worrisome.

    He advised developers to engage structural engineers, builders, architects, and other artisans before embarking on construction, adding that developers should also use quality materials.

    Head of Enlightenment Department Mrs. Taiwo Ajose said sensitisation was a re-awakening to the fact that the government and the people needed to collaborate not only to stem building collapse, but to also ensure that people built in compliance with physical planning laws.

    Lagos Island Local Government Chairman, represented by his deputy Waheed Bashorun, urged  Lagosians to comply with the laws to avoid any  embarrassment from law enforcement officers. He said  officials of the restructured LASBCA were working with the people for their safety and for a safer Lagos.

    He implored the public, particularly developers and property owners on Lagos Island, to help the government and shun sharp practices in construction.

    “We, as a people desire a better city, a smart city where almost everything works. This is attainable when the government and her citizens work together as a team,” Bashorun added.

     

  • Army embark on sensitisation against violent extremism

    Army embark on sensitisation against violent extremism

    Nigerian Army has started a 30-day public awareness against violent religious extremism in the North East, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, says.

    Buratai made this known at the launch of the sensitisation in Maiduguri on Monday.

    Represented by Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, the Chief of Training and Operations, Nigerian Army, Buratai said the sensitisation was to counter extremist ideologies and orientation in the society.

    He said the exercise would majorly focus on clerics and dangers associated with religious extremism and how the clerics could help to address the menace.

    He explained that the sensitisation was imperative to disprove the false teachings, misleading and fabricated ideologies of insurgents.

    Buratai said that the exercise was part of efforts to contain the spread of negative ideologies and bring about ideologies that promote love, peace and unity in the society.

    He added that the Nigeria Army had initiated deradicalisation programme to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration into the society of surrendered Boko Haram insurgents.

    “The Nigerian Army also engaged in various operations to ensure security, peace and unity in country.

    “Operation Python Dance II is one of them and it is ongoing and reports indicated that a lot has been achieved toward enhancing peace in may parts of the country.”

    Buratai noted that the independence visit by President Muhammadu Buhari to troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole” in Maiduguri was a morale booster to them.

    He reiterated the commitment of the Nigerian Army to be loyal and disciplined toward building a stable and peaceful democratic society.

    He said “we must work toward restoring peace in our dear country, especially in the North-East region”.

    The chief of army staff urged parents to ensure proper moral upbringing of their wards, to enable them to become responsible citizens.

    He also tasked community and religious leaders, as well as stakeholders to work together toward promoting unity and peaceful coexistence in the country.

    Dr Umar Inyass, an Islamic cleric, thanked the President for the visit.

    He said religious leaders had greater roles to play in promoting tolerance and peace building, noting that “we must desist from separatism; we must preach love, peace and unity in the society”.

    In his remarks, Gov. Kashim Shettima said the state government would continue to create an enabling environment for the military to operate in its task against Boko Haram insurgency.

    Represented by Alhaji Kakashehu Lawal, the Commissioner of Justice, Shettima said the ban on prostitution and other forms of anti social activities in the state was being enforced.

    He said those found wanting would be severely dealt with by law enforcement agencies

  • Sensitisation message towards Ramadan

    All praise is due to Almighty Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful and the Disposer of all affairs. May His peace and benediction be showered on the soul our exemplary prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him), his household members, his faithful companions and this blessed gathering, amin.

    O brethren! Here comes another golden opportunity for the seekers of Allah’s pleasure and the Garden of al-Rayyan to make strategic preparation to receive and relate with this blessed month of Ramadan. Wise and conscientious Muslims would consider preparation for Ramadan important, but ignorant folks among us will foot drag and refuse to make preparation for this precious annual visitor. Allah urges believers to make preparation thus:

    “And take provisions, but the best provision is At-Taqwa (piety, righteousness). So fear Me, O men of understanding!” Q2:197

    Ibn Kathir commented on the Hadith collected by Al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud as narrated by Abdullahi Ibn ‘Abbas that, “The people of Yemen used to go to Hajj without making enough preparation in terms of basic supplies with them for pilgrimage. They used to say, ‘We are those who have Tawakkul (reliance on Allah).’ Allah thus revealed the above Ayah instructing: And take provisions (with you) for the journey, but the best provision is righteousness.

    Before discussing further, let us look at the virtues of Ramadan.

    On the virtues of Ramadan, Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that Allah’s Messenger said: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the Gates of the Heaven are opened and the Gates of Hells are closed and the Devils are chained” (Al-Bukhari). This statement is an indication that Allah provides enabling environment for believers to maximise the bountiful rewards of Ramadan, thus attaining the desired level of Taqwa.

    In another narration Abu Huraira (RA) reported that: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said: ‘’Whoever observed salat (supererogatory prayer) on the night of Qadr (in Ramadan) with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever observe sawm (fasting) in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven” (Al-Bukhari). This narration underscores the importance of Ramadan as the month of forgiveness and compensation.

    Another virtue of Ramadan is acceptance of supplications. Let us therefore supplicate to witness this blessed month. Mu’alla bn al-Fadhl said: “Our predecessor used to supplicate for six months that Allah spares their lives to witness another Ramadan, and supplicate for another six months that all their efforts therein be accepted as meritorious deeds.”

    Yahya bn Kathir said: among their prayer is: “O Allah, spare my life to witness Ramadan, and enable us to be righteous therein and accept it from us’’.

    Further on the virtues, Allah says:

    The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan, i.e., is present at his home), he must observe fasting that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number of days which one did not observe fasting must be made up from other days. Allah intends for you ease and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.  Q2:185

    Lastly, Allah honoured Ramadan by revealing the Glorious Qur’an therein, just as He did for all other Divine Books revealed to some Prophets (Peace and blessing of Allah be upon them). The Prophet (Peace be upon him) said: “The Suhuf of Ibrahim was revealed during the first night of Ramadan. The Torah was revealed during the sixth night of Ramadan. The Injil was revealed during the thirteenth night of Ramadan. Allah revealed the Qur’an on the twenty-fourth night of Ramadan” (Imam Ahmad)

    How prepared are you? There are several aspects of preparation for Ramadan. These include:

    1. Spiritual preparation: Muslims, as fathers, mothers, matured boys and girls are implored to prepare themselves proactively before the blessed month approaches. Spiritual preparation entails cleansing ourselves from past sins, misdeeds, wrongdoings and iniquities by seeking swift repentance (Tawbah). The prevalent sins and excesses in human society especially Nigeria include adultery, alcoholism, drug addiction, peddling narcotics, fornication, gambling, fraudulent sales, dirty businesses, and dishonesty by artisans, rigging election, imposition of imbeciles as political leaders, counterfeiting, harmful businessmen and corruption by public servants. Other aspects of spiritual preparation include: constant and regular Salat, charity and Zakat, modest in dressing, shunning tribalism, envy, jealousy, backbiting, rumour-mongering, gangsters and frivolities.
    2. Physical preparation: Physical preparation entails a cursory examination by every Muslim of his/her state of health in readiness for 29 or 30 days of spiritual retreat and fasting. It is also a deliberate move to seek the advice of a honest Muslim medical doctor on fitness to fast especially by the sick, aged and those suffering from ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, fever et cetera. On this, we recommend malaria test, ulcer counseling, high-blood pressure test et cetera. A strong Muslim is better than a weak one.

    3.Organisational preparation: Islamic organisations, masajid, business organisations, NGOs, Charity-based association and Muslim Communities are all requested to have well-designed programmes and projects for implementation in the Month of Ramadan. Organisational preparation include setting up committee on Moon Sighting for Ramadan, engaging in Mosque rehabilitation/decoration, environmental sanitation, printing of pamphlets/leaflets for awareness, sponsorship of lectures on Radio/TV, establishing Fund Raising activities for public Lectures, Laylatul Qadr, Eidul-Fitri Get-together, Zakat-ul-Fitri collection, sensitization on Zakat assessment, collection and distribution. On the preparation to monitor the crescent of Ramadan, which unfortunately is one of the causes of disunity in Nigeria, we recommend the counsel of the Prophet (Peace be upon him): He said: “Do not begin fasting until you sight the moon, and do not break your fast (for ‘Eid) until you have sighted it.” (Bukhari Muslim).

    “Count well the crescent of Sha’aban because of Ramadan” (al-Tirmidhiy).

    “Start to observe fasting when you see it (crescent of Ramadan) and give up observing fasting when you see it (crescent of Shawwal) and if the sky is overcast (and you cannot see it, complete the counting of Sha’aban to be thirty” (Bukhari and Muslim)

    1. Financial preparation (Budgeting): As individuals, groups, masajid and organisations adequate financial preparation is imperative and non-negotiable. Budgeting has been defined as a financial plan embodying an estimate of proposed expenditures for a given period and the proposed means of financing them.  Financial preparation through budgeting therefore entails making adequate estimates of proposed spending in Ramadan (on programmes and projects) and how to raise the required funds would be sourced from halal channels. Allah says:

    “O mankind! Verily Allah is pure; He will not accept nothing but the pure. And verily Allah commanded the believers with the same command issued to the messengers saying: O messenger, eat from what is pure and work righteously” (Imam Ahmad)

    1. Intellectual preparation: Intellectual preparation entails readiness of Imams, Islamic scholars, Radio/Television preachers and students to acquaint themselves with knowledge, rules, regulations and jurisprudential verdicts on fasting (Sawm) and related religious issues. This is required to provide the needed guidance to Muslims. Ramadan is month on unquantifiable blessings, which can be optimised only if adequate intellectual preparation is made by the learned and learners. Allah says: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may acquire Taqwa. Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, they have a choice either to fast or to feed a poor person for every day. But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast is better for you if only you know.” Q2: 183 – 184.

    In conclusion, The Congress urges all Muslims to use this 1438 AH Ramadan, as an opportunity to sensitise the public against all the attacks and tantrums directed at Islam and Muslims in Nigeria especially issues like Hijab, Terrorism, Feminism and demonisation of Sha’riah. This is a divine responsibility that all Muslims must discharge within the scope of our knowledge. Let us also pray for our dear President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “We affirm that there is nothing strange in having a president who is sick or recovering from sickness. What matters is the handling. We urge the Federal Government (FG) not to allow mischief makers and corruption-friendly opposition parties to capitalize on the situation” (Professor Is-haq Akintola). May Allah grant President Muhammadu Buhari the required strength and sound health to be able fight corruption, terrorism, bad governance and other socio-economic ills that have captured Nigerians as hostages for years.

    O Messenger! Proclaim which has been sent down to you from your Lord. And if you do not, then you have not conveyed His Message. Allah will protect you from mankind. (Q5:67)

    Abul ‘Ala Maududi had long ago lamented our refusal to proclaim the beautiful message we have. He said: “We are surrounded by treasures, but how do we treat them? We play with them in the same way as that ignorant child who, surrounded by diamonds, regards them as stones. My heart bleeds when I see us frittering away such tremendous wealth and power through ignorance and foolishness”.

    I wish all Muslims a blessed Ramadan.

     

    • Dr AbdurRaheem is Amir of The Muslim Congress (TMC) and Senior Lecturer & Professional Trainer, Centre for Entrepreneurship Development, Yaba College of Technology Lagos (YABATECH).

  • Sensitisation on continuous medical education

    Nigerians have been urged to use the right drugs and dosages as prescribed by medical experts.

    The advice was given by the Chief Executive Officer of BOOTS Company of Nigeria, Mr Ahmed Yusuf, at a programme tagged: “Continuous  medical education of key brands.” It organised the programme to sensitise the public in Lagos.

    Yusuf said the programme was  to sustain people’s health and safety needs as well as promote good health consciousness.

    He said the company is known for using the best raw materials to produce healthcare products and cosmetics, such as nerve and bone liniment.

    Responding, the chairman of the company, Prof E.M Essien said products are available across the country, adding that their quality will not reduce because the company aims to bring the products closer to the people.

    Mr. Herbert Coker said most people do not recognise traditional medicine but orthodox medicine as such aspirin have stood the test of time.

    In his presentation entitled Pain management, he said aspirin is still relevant for managing pain.

    He said aspirin is used to treat inflammatory diseases, such as headache, migraine and ischemic stroke.

    Coker said continuous use of aspirin, can predispose a patient to asthma, adding that it does not interact with codeine.

  • Lagos takes sensitisation to Synagogue Church

    Lagos takes sensitisation to Synagogue Church

    Lagos State Government stepped up its surveillance on the Ebola virus yesterday, with its officials visiting a church in continuation of its enlightenment campaign.

    Officials of Lagos State Ministry of Health and the Federal Government visited the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), seeking the cooperation of its General Overseer Prophet Temitope Joshua in ensuring Ebola victims are not brought to his church for healing.

    The SCOAN, a  church reputed for its claims of divine healing, is a popular destination for the sick.

    Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, who led the delegation to the SCOAN, said it was in recognition that the church is an international Christian congregation whose members comprise people from all over the world, including the countries of West African sub-region already affected by the disease.

    The commissioner added that the visit is one of the state government’s strategies of sensitising faith-based organisations on the need to cooperate with the government to prevent the spread of the disease by educating worshippers to report health issues to medical experts.

    Idris said the Federal and state governments were working hard to prevent the virus from coming into the country.

    “We have our strategies that we intend to share with you. Again, we need to know the resources you have here because whether it is one or two cases, if they are allowed to get out, it is a major problem. We are here to work together on how to contain this disease,” Idris told the cleric.

    Another member of the delegation and Director, Centre for Disease Control (CDC), Professor Abdulsalami Nasidi, said the visit was to inform the church’s leadership about the deadliness of the Ebola virus and to ensure that it does not enter Nigeria.

    Nasidi, who is an epidemiologist and a virologist, said the meeting was a “positive engagement mission”. “We are here to engage you positively. We know the powers of this House and your powers and we are duty- bound to protect you and your congregation. We have no doubt the power God has given you; we can’t do that, but we want to help and make it work stronger,” he said.

    While the delegation came short of telling the cleric not to accept victims of the disease who may want to seek healing in his church, it however made it clear that the government would do everything to ensure the disease is not imported into the country under any guise, after a Liberian government official died of the virus in a Lagos hospital. He flew into the country to attend an Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)  meeting in Calabar.

    Professor Nasidi said the government is worried as the Synagogue congregation comprises of people from around the world.

    He said government would provide technical and medical expertise to help the Synagogue team deal with any suspected Ebola case. “ We have experts from the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Musa is an expert who has all the guidelines, we have Dr. Yaunti of the UNICEF, he has all the materials to work with you, to make sure your people know how to handle Ebola.”

    The experts are to work with the Committee on Technical issues and the church’s health team to “ train them on how to handle this dangerous situation, pass some materials to them, share knowledge with them and if need be provide some technical materials,” Nasidi said.

    The committee will also provide underground medical support to the Synagogue church laboratories to be able to diagnose the virus.

    The delegation also reiterated that the Ebola disease comes from a most deadly virus which “ spreads so fast from man to man especially those who come in contact with the victims, share body fluid during treatments.”

    Nasidi said: “ These are the areas we felt we should come and engage and work with you to ensure that members of your congregation, everybody in Lagos and Nigeria will be free of this disease.”

    Prophet Joshua promised to work with the government to ensure that the disease does not spread into the country. He said he would put some measures in place to ensure people from the affected countries do not enter Nigeria.

    According to the faith healer, one of such measures would be to visit any of the countries when necessary rather than allow their residents come into Nigeria. He would also suspend some of his church healing programmes for a few weeks. “I am ready to work with you, I love my country and I will be ready to work with you. Even if it is a rumour, there is need to secure our environment to ensure that it is safe,” Joshua said.

    On the team were the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Lateef Raji, his media counterpart, Mr. Hakeem Bello, and Dr. Frank Mahoney from the CDC.