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Nigerians Building Earthquake-Proof Homes With Plastic Bottles

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Plastic, one of the biggest banes of environmental conservationists, is mostly a nuisance after its contents are consumed.

Still, builders in Kaduna state, Nigeria, have found excellent ways to put the plastic to work.

Trail-brazing Nigerian engineer, Yahaya Ahmed, has used plastic bottles to build a three-bedroom house, with a toilet and a kitchen.

According to Ahmed these, plastic bottle homes are 20 times stronger than houses built with brick walls and can last up to 300 years.

The engineer said he was motivated to develop a housing initiative to reduce the volume of plastic polluting the environment.

Explaining the process of building the house, Ahmed said workers filled the plastic bottles with sand and linked them at the neck by an intricate network of strings.

This building, the first of its kind in sub-Saharan Africa, is cheaper to build as building materials are available on the streets and trash dump centers.

Even though Nigeria currently does not deal with earthquakes, houses made with mud and sand would be cooler and more conducive for our tropical climate. The combination with plastic bottles would take care of waste disposal issues facing the country.

According to Ahmed, the building is fireproof, bulletproof, earthquake-resistant and can adapt to all kinds of climate changes. Ahmed said anyone with masonry skills can be used as labour in the construction of one building, adding that his organization has trained many youths.

Plastic bottles, packed tightly with sand is reportedly 20 times stronger than bricks and concrete.

In his reaction to the building initiative, the assistant director of African Climate Reporters, Piman Hoffman, urged the Nigerian government to support renewable energy companies to save the nation from the increasing threat of waste pollution.

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Conferred With Title Of University Chancellor

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The pastor and President of Loveworld Incorporated also known as Christ embassy church, Rev (Dr) Chris Oyakhilome, DSc DSc DD, has been conferred with the prestigious titles of University Chancellor and Head of Government/Chairman of Institution at Weldios University, Republic of Benin.

The university via its website, stated that it is thrilled to announce that Pastor Chris Oyakhilome is now the Chancellor of the esteemed Institution!

“His unwavering commitment to education and inspiring leadership makes him a beacon for our academic community. Join us in congratulating Rev Dr Chris Oyakhilome Dsc Dsc DD on this well-deserved role. Together, we look forward to reaching new heights of excellence!”

In commemoration of his birthday today, Christ embassy members and followers of the man of god, trended the hashtags #PASTORCHRIS #WHYPASTORCHRISISMYPROPHET

Kwara State Commences December Maternal, New-Born Child Health

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The Kwara State Government has announced the commencement of the December Optimised Maternal Newborn and Child Health across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of Kwara Primary Health Care Development Agency, told newsmen in her office that the Week commenced Dec. 4 and continued till Dec. 8.

According to her, the week will focus on the reduction of maternal, perinatal, infant and childhood mortality, morbidity and the promotion of reproductive health, and the physical and psycho-social development of the child and adolescent within the family.

The executive secretary further explained that the campaign is set aside to provide free services, including antenatal care for pregnant women and deworming.

She also said it included distribution of iron tablets, folic acid supplementation for women, free birth registration, vitamin A supplementation, family planning, free HIV testing, and routine immunisation for all vaccine preventable diseases, among others.

Elelu stressed that the exercise is part of the numerous commitments of the Kwara Government at ensuring that people in the state have access to quality healthcare service delivery irrespective of their geographical locations.

She therefore enjoined pregnant women, nursing mothers and caregivers to visit the nearest designated health centres to benefit from all these free and safe services.

Lagos Govt. Collaborates With Stakeholders To Reduce Maternal, Child Mortality

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In a significant stride towards combating maternal and child mortality in Lagos State, officials of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos sector, recently paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Health.

Led by former National President Prof. Rotimi Akinola, an elder of the Society and Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), in company of other dignitaries and were  received by the State Health Commissioner, Prof Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi.

During discussions, critical initiatives for partnership and collaboration to address maternal mortality and improve maternal and child health were deliberated upon.

Prof. Gbadegesin, Chair of SOGON Lagos Sector, underscored the urgent need to tackle maternal mortality and enhance women’s health in Lagos and Nigeria. He highlighted SOGON’s past initiatives such as Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) and emergency obstetrics training, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of reproductive health improvement, Prof. Gbadegesin stressed the collective responsibility of various sectors in addressing maternal health challenges. He advocated for legislative support to fortify efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates.

Expressing concerns about unsafe abortions impacting maternal health, Prof. Akinola stressed the need for safe termination guidelines and SOGON’s active involvement in policy development related to maternal health.

In response, Health Commissioner Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude for reigniting the partnership, emphasising collaborative strategies to improve maternal and child health. He called for precise data classification and an efficient referral system from Traditional Birth Attendants to Primary Healthcare Centres and higher levels of care, seeking SOGON’s support in empowering healthcare practitioners.

The Commissioner addressed the sensitive topic of safe abortion guidelines, proposing a thorough review and stakeholder engagement to determine the best approach.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi stated that the renewed effort signifies a crucial moment in addressing maternal mortality. It also recognise the need for collaborative action between SOGON and governmental entities in safeguarding the well-being of mothers and children in Lagos State.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Medical Director, Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr. Femi Omololu; Vice Chairman, SOGON Lagos Sector, Dr. Yusuf Oshodi and others.

MINILS DG Advocates Increased Support For People Living With Disabilities

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Stakeholders have been urged to make concerted effort towards problems assailing people living with disabilities in Nigeria in commemoration of International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD).

This call was made by Comrade Issa Aremu, Director General of Micheal Imodu National Institute of Labour Studies in a statement issued in Ilorin, Kwara State, North Central Nigeria.

Aremu said this year’s celebration of IDPwD provides Nigeria with the opportunity  to celebrate the disability community, and  strive towards creating a better society for them.

Aremu while lamenting the challenges facing the people living with disabilities in Nigeria, noted that the institute is using the day to remind Nigerians on the importance of factoring their needs into both the national development plans and  sustainable development goals.

The Director General, however, revealed that the institute under his leadership have been including people living with disabilities in its activities in the past two and a half years.

He stressed that, “This year’s IDPwD and theme perfectly amplifies the needs and aspirations of  people living with disabilities in Nigeria and the urgency for stakeholders to collaboratively work harder to make Nigeria more hospitable, conducive and equitable for the about 27Million Nigerians living with disabilities”.

Lebanese Kids Wail As Kenyan Nanny Leaves Family 

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A video of a Kenyan lady saying goodbye to her employer and children at the airport has gone viral. 

Rozie, a Kenyan nanny, touched many hearts after the video captured her leaving her Lebanese bosses and their kids in tears at the airport as she was leaving.

Rosie obviously had a great relationship with the family which made it hard for both parties to say goodbye.

Read Also : Human Trafficking: Stakeholders Advocate Collaboration, Framework To Dismantle Trafficking Network

As seen in the video shared on social media, the kids refused to let Rosie go and shed tears while the parents struggled to keep the children away from the departing Rosie. Track up

Among those impressed by her work ethic and relationship with the kids, is the CEO of Expeditions Maasai Safaris, who offered her a fully paid holiday in honour of her excellent job. The CEO said

“The kids’ tears spoke volumes about their deep and priceless bond with Rozah. As Expeditions Maasai Safaris, we’re determined to recognize, honour and reward Rozah’s dedication,” read his post.

The video highlighted the often-overlooked contributions of migrant workers who play pivotal roles in caring for families worldwide.

Africa’s Tallest Christmas Tree Set For Unveiling In Delta State

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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, is set to commission the tallest Christmas tree in Africa, in Asaba.

The tree stands 123 feet tall.

The commissioning is one of the events put together by the organisers of Christmas In Delta, a 45-day Christmas extravaganza that kicked off on Friday, December 1.

In a statement release, the yuletide fiesta is aimed at giving Deltans and visitors alike a Christmas like no other.

The Executive Assistant (EA) to the Governor on Culture and Tourism, Dr (Mrs.) Josephine Odunze who embarked on an inspection tour of projects, noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the state governor, Oborevwori to create a festive atmosphere that captures the spirit of the ‘’Big Heart’’ state.

Odunze said that the commissioning of the giant Christmas tree is part of the 45 days of unforgettable Christmas experiences in the state, even as she commended the governor and the organisers for the event.

‘’People have asked me why the Christmas tree is positioned where it is. I tell them that we cannot be selling Delta to Deltans by positioning the tree in town. We should be marketing Delta to outsiders.

It is happening here in Delta State; 45 days of endless fun’’ she said.

In his remark, a member of the organising committee, Fred Onojeta, said that the initiative was to explore the state’s tourism potential, even as he commended the Oborevwori administration for an enabling environment for such enterprises to thrive.

‘’When the team put this event together tagged ‘’Christmas in Delta: 45 Days of Fond Memories served daily’’ it was audacious to put the tallest Christmas tree in Africa here in Asaba. We thought it was impossible’’ he said.

Meanwhile, the EA also visited other sites that will add flavour to the Christmas experience. Sitters visited include the Floating Bar and Water Park at Grand Hotel Asaba and several other facilities located at the Maryam Babangida Leisure Park and Film Village, Asaba.

Rivers State Governor Signs MOU For Construction Of 20, 000 Low-Cost Housing Units

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The Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has signed a sign memoranda of understanding with two companies to commence the construction of 20,000 low cost housing units and a spare parts market in the state.

The agreement for the development of RIV/TAF City Housing Project on 1000 hectares of land and the spare parts market were signed for Rivers by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Prof. Zacchaeus Adangor.

The Managing Director, Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mustapha Njie signed for one of the contracting firms, TAF Africa Global.

On the development of a Central Spare Parts Market, Prof. Adangor also signed for the State government while the Chief Executive Officer, Okoh Jeff and Engr. Charles signed for GOSH Project Limited.

Speaking at the brief ceremony in Government House, Port Harcourt, Fubara charged the two investors to speed up the process for the development of the state.

He said the problem of housing for low income earners in the state remained a huge concern but was being addressed with the provision of 20,000 units of affordable houses.

Fubara said though people already knew the mantra of his administration, consolidation and continuity, they also needed to understand that it included expanding the existing structure of the current city status.

He said: “We told our people that we are not limited to the vision we inherited, but included expansion, we meant it with all seriousness and you can see with what we have done today. The city will gradually start expanding, and not limited to our present structure.

“I am happy to say this, one of our greatest problems is housing for the low income earners. Our vision as at today, is to provide for those level of people. What we have done is to give our people hope.”

On the spare parts market, Fubara said during the electioneering campaigns he promised dealers at Ikoku in Port Harcourt that he would develop a modern market for spare parts to demonstrate his care for them.

He said: “It is important because by the time the spare parts market starts up, we will have a central place where businesses that have to do with vehicles; repairs, sales and other associated activities will be established for the traders. It won’t be just a market, it will also bring about a level of development within that axis.”

He charged the investors to ensure immediate commencement of the projects and to carry out the groundbreaking without delay.

Speaking for TAF Africa Global, Mr. Mustapha Njie said a subsidiary of his company called Pricewise Home Nigeria Limited would develop 20,000 housing in phases on the 1000 hectares of land and thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in them to do the project.

Chief Executive Officer of Gosh, Mr. Okoh Jeff assured that they would be dedicated to delivering a central spare part market that would accommodate all traders in that business in one place.

Lagos’ Green And Purple Rail Lines: Govt. Begins Talks With Private Investors

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Lagos State government has commenced talks with private investors for feasibility studies the construction of the Green and Purple rail lines systems to be completed in three and half years.

The Green Line is a 68 kilometers rail designed to run through Marina, Victoria Island, Lekki Phase 1, Ajah, Lekki 2, Ogombo, Elepetu, Eluju, Lekki Airport and Lekki Free Trade Zone.

It is projected to carry over 500,000 passengers per day for a start, rising to over a million in 2031.

Similarly, the Pueple line is a 60 km rail, designed to run through Redemption Camp, Mowe, Long Bridge, Isheri, Toll Gate, Omole, Ogba, Agege, Iyana Ipaja, Isheri Osun, Igando, Iba, Estate, LASU, Okokomaiko and Ojo.

Managing Director, MD, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, LAMATA, Engr. Abimbola Akinajo, who disclosed this at a briefing in Lagos yesterday, said the project was part of activities marking the 20 years of LAMATA’s operations.

LAMATA has outlined the routes and the projected daily capacity for the six rail systems designed to ease the transportation challenges in Lagos State.

According to Akinajo, the six rail systems that are differentiated by colours, namely Green line, Purple line, Yellow line, Orange line, Blue line and Red line.

He said: “The Green and Purple are the two rail lines we intend to tackle next after the Blue Rail-Line.

Nigeria Rivals China With Highest Number Of Delegates To Cop28

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The number of delegates from Nigeria attending the ongoing Climate Summit in Dubai or COP28 has generated a lot of controversies and strong social media conversations in the last 24 hours.

The Summit which means the Convention of Parties had over 97,000 delegates from more than 100 countries around the world in the 28th in the series since the issue of climate change and action took the preeminent stage in global affairs.

Read Also : EU Authorizes Bill Gates To Help Them “Block Out the Sun” To Help Combat Climate Change

Among the delegates from Nigeria are interested parties comprising government officials from both the Federal and sub-national governments, business leaders, environmentalists, climate activists and journalists are present in Dubai. Also participating. are agencies of government such as the NNPC and its subsidiaries, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, NIMASA, NDDC.

Many youth organisations from Nigeria, especially from the Northern and Niger Delta regions whose lives and livelihoods are also represented by desert encroachment and hydrocarbon activities.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council led a pan-Ijaw delegation of more than 15 people who registered as parties from Nigeria. Over 20 journalists from various media houses are also present in the delegation.

As the biggest economy in Africa, and one with a bigger stake on climate action as a country with a huge extractive economy, it is a no-brainer that delegates from Nigeria will be more than any other African country.

Among the delegates from Nigeria are UBA Chairman, Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA group, and other billionaires who are promoting sustainability and climate actions through their philanthropies.

These businessmen and women and their staff who came with them to promote their own business interests are part of the 1,411 delegates. The Federal Government does not fund their trip to Dubai.

After the opening and national statements by Heads of State which began on November 30 when the summit opened and up until Saturday, December 2, 2023, the real work of COP28 which are the technical sessions and negotiations, financing, etc will begin from Monday, December 4 till December 12 where agreements will be reached on many proposals for consideration and ratification by the parties.

The presidential candidate for the labour party in the last election said In a twist of sad irony, let me congratulate the giant of Africa, Nigeria, for matching the great China, with the same number of contingents at the ongoing COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

He added that While China’s budget for 2024 is about $4 trillion, about $2,860 per head; Nigeria’s budget is about $33 billion, about $165 per head. China has a high Human Development Index, HDI, with a ranking of 79 out of 191 countries measured, and Nigeria has a low HDI, with a ranking of 163 out of 191 countries measured.

Nigeria has more people living in ‘Multi-Dimensional’ poverty than China, despite China having seven times our population.

He said Nigeria needs to de-emphasize unnecessary ceremony and showmanship as a mode of government behavior.

We need to tie spending to necessity and national Priority.