Progress being made on Lagos-Abidjan Highway Corridor—Osinbajo

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July 4, 2022

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says progress is being made on the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor and on issues around the movement of goods and services.

Osinbajo’s spokesman, Laolu Akande, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, said the vice president spoke with newsmen after the 61st Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Accra, Ghana.

The Lagos- Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway is part of the Trans-African Highway within the ECOWAS region.

The vice president said that at the meeting, President Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau assumed chairmanship of the West African regional body, ECOWAS, alongside a newly composed Commission.

Expectations Are High For New ECOWAS Chairman- VP Osinbajo

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Henry Williams

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July 4, 2022

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Nigeria’s Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo says expectations are high from President Sissoco Embaló of Guinea-Bissau as he assumes chairmanship of the West African regional body, ECOWAS, alongside a newly composed Commission, regarding the output of the body.

Prof. Osinbajo stated this on Sunday while speaking with journalists at the end of the 61st Ordinary Session of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held in Accra, Ghana.

He said the leaders must work harder to resolve lingering issues in the region, according to the Vice President

SERAP urges Buhari to recover ‘missing N105.7b’ from MDAs for funding of varsities

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Henry Williams

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July 4, 2022

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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently recover “missing N105.7 billion” of public funds from ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to fund the Nigeria’s public tertiary institutions, improve welfare of staff members and ensure the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) returns to class without further delay.

The group also implored the Nigerian leader to redirect some of the Presidency’s budget of N3.6 billion on feeding and travels, as well as the N134 billion allocated to the National Assembly in the 2022 budget to meet lecturers’ demands.

ASUU has consistently accused government of lacking commitment to payment of academic earned allowances, poor funding of universities, continued implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System and alleged refusal to adopt the Universities Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS), among others.

Commanding Officer Charges Military Personnel To Maintain High Discipline

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 4, 2022

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The General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Nigerian Army Headquarters, Sokoto, Major General Uwem Bassey, has charged troops to always maintain discipline while discharging their constitutional responsibilities.

General Bassey made the charged at the inter-denominational church service held at the Saint Bartholomew’s Military Church, Giginya Barracks, to mark this year’s Army Day Celebration in Sokoto State.

According to General Bassey, discipline is the bedrock of all the achievements expected to records especially in dealing with terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“Discipline is the bedrock of Armed forces particularly the Nigerian Army, because if you want to remain in an institution like Army you must have discipline,” General Bassey noted.

Bassey reminded the Army that a good soldier is characterized by endurance, loyalty, discipline and tolerance.

He however called on Officers and Men of the Nigerian Army to work towards promoting unity of the country through religious tolerance for effective service delivery.

The GOC added that religious tolerance is Central to achieving peace and unity for socio-economic and security development of the nation.

“Despite ethics and religious differences, Nigeria is still standing as one indivisible nation, because of the unity and loyalty among the Nigerian armed forces who is the lifeline in the defense of the nation,” he added.

General Bassey called on religious leaders to always preach tolerance for peaceful coexistence in the country.

According to him, the ongoing insurgency in the North West would soon be over, while stressing that Nigerian Army is capable of accomplishing it’s assigned duty of protecting lives and properties of citizens of the country.

In his Sermon, the Chief Reverend of the Church, Lieutenant Elemi Clement, charged officers and men of the Army to work towards ensuring their mandate through righteousness, religious tolerance and love for one another for peaceful coexistence in the country.

Reverend Clement explained that the choice of the theme is apt and timely, ” because no other time to reflect on the defense of the country’s sovereignty than no.”

He called on Nigerian Army not to be involved in politics as 2023 general elections is around the corner.

The theme of the Sermon was “Promoting National Unity through Religious Tolerance and Peaceful Coexistence”.

10 Water Factories Closed In Ondo State

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 4, 2022

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), has sealed 10 packaged water companies in Ondo State over non-compliance with the regulation and standards.

The Ondo State Coordinator of NAFDAC, Mr. Benu Philip, disclosed this in an interview on Sunday, that the affected companies which spread across the state, had their premises sealed between January and June.

He explained that all the affected companies were operating with an expired licence and producing in an unhygienic environment.

Philip said the licence issued is not forever, adding that renewal periods should be sustained to avoid regulatory interruption.

He advised Nigerians to always look out for the NAFDAC registration number on sachets and bottled water, batch information, and date markings.

“Our mandate, specifically, is to ensure, regulate and control the manufacturing of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and chemicals, which we refer to as regulated products.

“What we do in Ondo State majorly is to engage the stakeholders to keep them abreast of our mandate, to ensure that they follow the rules.

“Most of the packaged water, popularly called pure water that I know of in Ondo State since I came on board, have been operating with an expired licence.

“The licence is the marketing authorisation that enables you to sell your product in the market as verified and safe for consumption.

“Once you have that number on your certificate, it shows that you have gone through the regulatory processes to ensure that you make safe products to the consuming public but it is not forever, it has a timeline,” he said.

He said the agency will continue to collaborate with other agencies to ensure its set goals and targets were achieved.

Governor Zulum Commissions Projects At Wulari

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 4, 2022

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The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Umara Zulum, had commissioned a 2.17 kilometre road with drainage at Wulari ward in Maiduguri. The new constructed road links from Ramat Polytechnic junction down to Wulari, with easy driving, the governor also unveiled a new 30 bed primary health centre at the same community.

The hospital is fully equipped with diagnostic equipment, a mini theatre room, solar system, water system and storage tanks, among others

The Governor urged the management under the Borno State ministry of health, to ensure delivery of medical services to citizens with functional equipment and availability of doctors, nurses and other health personnel.

The governor also ordered for the distribution of free maternal care drugs and other items worth over N300 million.

The Governor had directed the State Commissioner of Health and Human Services, to ensure none of the drugs is sold in whatever form since they are meant to be given free of charge for maternal health services.

He handed over keys of apartments to resident medical doctors quarters, which was earlier commissioned by the vice president of Nigeria, His Excellency Professor Yemi Osinbanjo.

Governor Zulum headed over the keys in company of top government functionaries, including the senator representing Borno south senatorial district, Senator Ali Ndume, the 13 blocks at the quarters have combined number of 78 flats, while another story building sited at Muhammadu Shuwa memorial hospital, has three additional flats, making 81 flats. Two out of the 81 flats were fully furnished, while 79 were yet to be furnished.

Zulum presented cheques worth N1m as furniture support to 79 doctors who were allocated the 79 unfurnished flats.

Governor Zulum said, the government would look into the possibility of providing the quarters with standby generator even though the cost of diesel is high, he urged them to maintain the facility in a very appreciable manner.

The Governor also directed for the provision of two buses to be permanently stationed at the quarters for transporting them to hospitals for healthcare services.

Kenya’s Imports From South Africa Rises to Sh17.7 Billion from Shs10.8 billion

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 4, 2022

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Kenya’s imports from South Africa more than doubled in the first three months of 2022 after rising by 64 percent to Sh 17.7 billion from Shs10.8 billion reported during a similar period in 2021.

Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics(KNBS0 indicate that overall, imports in Africa registered an increase of 24.7 percent from KSh 54.0 billion in the first quarter of 2021 to Shs67.3 billion in the period under review.

While imports from Tanzania increased by 23.7 percent compared to a similar period last year, the import bill was a decline from the previous quarter which stood at Shs14.8 billion.

The country’s total imports increased from Shs508.7 billion in the first quarter of 2021 to Shs 593.2 billion in the first quarter of 2022.

“The bulk of the import bill was attributable to Asia accounting for 67.8 percent, with China remaining the dominant

source of imports from this region, “KNBS’ quarterly Balance of Payment report indicated.

This, according to KNBS, was mainly on account of increased import values of petroleum products, animal and vegetable oils; and medicinal and pharmaceutical products.

“Expenditure on imports of petroleum products increased from Shs65.5 billion in the first quarter of 2021 to Shs100.2 billion in the first quarter of 2022, while the import bill on animal and vegetable oils and; medicinal and pharmaceutical products increased by 33.8 percent and 32.5 percent to Shs 34.6 billion and Shs 28.5 billion, respectively,” KNBS says.

Similarly, increased expenditure was recorded on imports of textile fabrics, paper and paperboard; and organic and inorganic chemicals by 50.2, 64.7, and 62.1 percent, respectively, during the period under review.

Notably, imports from Malaysia and India increased by 87.9 percent and 23.8 percent, respectively. The increase was partly due to rise in imports of crude palm oil from Malaysia, and medicaments from India.

Infertility, Miscarriage, may increase Stroke risk in women —Study

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Cleopatra Okohai

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July 4, 2022

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A new study has indicated that women who have experienced infertility, recurrent miscarriage, and loss of a baby before or during birth could be at a higher risk of stroke.

According to the researchers, early monitoring of these women, as well as healthy lifestyle changes, could lessen the risk of stroke.

The researchers conducted the study using data from eight studies from seven countries namely; Australia, China, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The researchers analysed the data from the InterLACE consortium which was established in June 2012 and provides pooled individual-level data on reproductive health and chronic disease.

The cohort study already published in the BMJ Journal consisted of 618,851 women aged 32 to 73 years with a history of infertility, miscarriage, or stillbirth and at least one outcome event, non-fatal or fatal stroke.

Data for non-fatal strokes was gathered using self-reported questionnaires or hospital records and fatal strokes were identified through death registry data.

The researchers noted that 93,119 women were excluded and of the remaining participants, 54,716 only had data on non-fatal stroke and 288,272 only had data on fatal stroke.

In addition, the researchers said factors that could have altered the results such as ethnicity, weight, smoking status, education level, and underlying conditions were considered.

According to findings from the study, women with a history of infertility were at 14 per cent increased risk of non-fatal stroke, women with stillbirth were at 31 per cent higher risk of non-fatal stroke and women with recurrent loss of a baby before or during birth were at 26 per cent higher risk of fatal stroke.

Also, recurrent miscarriage was associated with an 11 per cent higher risk of non-fatal and fatal stroke compared to women who had not had a miscarriage. The risk of stroke rose with the number of miscarriages a woman had: one, two, and three miscarriages led to a 7 per cent, 12 per cent, and 35 per cent increase respectively.

The reseachers in the study report said, “Globally, stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in women.

“In 2019, around three million women died from a stroke, and women lost over 10 million years of healthy life due to disability caused by stroke — 44 per cent higher than the number for men.”

“Current stroke prevention guidelines have identified some risk factors, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, but these are insufficient to explain the difference in risk of stroke between women and men.”

The lead study author, a professor of Life Course Epidemiology at the University of Queensland, Dr. Gita Mishra, said, “Infertility and pregnancy loss, especially recurrent miscarriages, and stillbirths, were associated with women’s later risk of non-fatal and fatal stroke.

“The risk of stroke (non-fatal or fatal) associated with infertility or recurrent stillbirths were mainly driven by a single subtype of stroke (a non-fatal ischaemic stroke or fatal haemorrhagic stroke, respectively), whereas the risk of stroke (non-fatal or fatal) associated with recurrent miscarriages was driven by both subtypes.

“These findings extend our current knowledge on the associations of infertility, miscarriage, and stillbirth with stroke, and highlight the need for future studies on the underlying mechanisms, linking the subtype, severity, and prognosis of stroke.

“A history of recurrent miscarriages and death or loss of a baby before or during birth should be considered a female-specific risk factor for stroke. Early monitoring of women with recurrent miscarriages or stillbirths and tailored healthy lifestyle interventions are recommended to lower the risk of stroke,” she said.

Lebanese Leaders Slam Hezbollah For Flying Drones Over Israeli Gas Rig

By

Elizabeth Williams

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July 4, 2022

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Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister on Monday criticized the terror group Hezbollah for sending three unmanned aircraft toward an Israeli gas installation last week, saying it was an unnecessarily risky action.

Najib Mikati’s comment came two days after Hezbollah launched three drones headed for the Karish gas field in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Israeli military said on Saturday that it had shot down the three drones, whereupon Hezbollah issued a statement saying they were unarmed and were sent on a reconnaissance mission. “The mission was accomplished and the message was received,” Hezbollah said.

Energean Israel, the company that currently operates the Karish gas field, said the gas rig was safe and that its ongoing operations had not been disrupted by the incident.

Lebanon claims the Karish gas field is disputed territory under ongoing maritime border negotiations, while Israel says it lies within its internationally recognized economic waters.

“Lebanon believes that any actions outside the state’s framework and diplomatic context while negotiations are taking place is unacceptable and exposes it to unnecessary risks,” Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib said, citing Mikati’s statement.

Israel and Hezbollah are bitter enemies that fought a monthlong war in the summer of 2006. Israel considers the group its most serious immediate threat, estimating it has some 150,000 rockets and missiles aimed at Israeli cities.

The incident in the Karish gas field took place soon after US mediator Amos Hochstein visited Lebanese and Israeli officials, as talks were advancing.

NGO Says Good Marriages, Bedrock For Strong Society

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 4, 2022

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Mrs Doreen Damisah, the Convener of Winning Women Initiative, says good marriage is the bedrock of a strong society because it provides the foundation of strong families which leads to better nation.

Damisah said this on Sunday at the third anniversary of the initiative, which has the theme “Marriage and relationship in the 21sth century”.

The convener added that strong family could lead to progress and development of any society and helped to address ills that might manifest.

She said the Winning Women Initiative was set up in 2019 to equip, empower and support women.

“The initiative has created learning platform where women are taught empowerment lessons, topical issues on health, relationships, career, business, family, ministry and other life transforming topics applicable to life situations,” she added.

Damisah said that the initiative had helped women to take control of their physically, spiritually, mental and life.

“These sessions have also helped in equipping us with wisdom, knowledge and strength to overcome challenges of our lives,” she said.

According to her, the organisation will now focus on mentorship and offering leadership coaching for members.

“Plans are ongoing to access Federal Government loans and grants as a demonstration of our commitment to truly see every woman being a winner in the economy,” the convener said.

Mrs Funmi Olubakin, a marriage coach, said it entailed responsibilities, companionship, sacrifice, commitment and forgiveness.

She spoke on the theme “Marriage and relationship in the 21sth century”.

She advised couples to shun deceit, irresponsibility and falsehood, to make their marriage work.

“Close your ears from the noise of people in the market square and face what you have come to get in your marriage.

“Little challenges and stories should not cause distraction to you, whatever battles you have to loose to make your marriage work, is worth it,” Olubakin said.

She advised couples to prioritise their marriages and focus on life time companionship.

“Reintroduce and revive cultures such as hugging, kissing, chatting, strolling, shopping together and cooking together, this simple things rejuvenate the home,” she added.

Mrs Adebola Onesi-Lawani, who spoke on ‘Parenting, children and teenagers in the 21st century’, urged parents to be abreast with the happenings in the world.

Onesi-Lawani, a family counsellor, said being abreast with trends in the society, would equip parents on various ways to advise and train the children in a more understanding and friendly manner.

She cautioned parents against negative behaviour, saying that children copied and imbibed what their parents were doing.

“Don’t concentrate on only the academics of your children; check what is influencing your child and talk about it, work it out better with the child.

“We have sexual abuses, yahoo and yahoo plus. We have what is known as LGBTQ, meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender.

“Fight for your children and protect them against wrongs, expose them to everything and speak of the dangers of indulging in such acts,” she added.

She pleaded with parents to also pray more for their children and play with them.

Mrs Esther Reng, an Etiquette coach, advised women to talk less, ensure personal hygiene and proper etiquette to sustain their marriage.

“Learning trades, crafts and indulging in empowerment programes to assist a man is necessary, as well as obidence and submissiveness were key to sustainable marriages