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It’s World Water Day!

Environment

Angel Gimalo

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March 22, 2022

World Water Day is held annually on March 22 as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources.

It is about taking action to tackle the global water crisis, in support of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.

In 2022, World Water Day is celebrated under the theme “Groundwater: Making the invisible visible”, and UNESCO is the lead UN agency.

A new World Water Development Report is released each year on or near World Water Day, to provide decision-makers with tools to formulate and implement sustainable water policies.

This report is coordinated by UNESCO’s World Water Development Programme (WWAP) on behalf of UN-Water.

The annual theme for World Water Day is aligned with the focus of the report.

UNESCO also contributes to the observance of World Water Day within the activities of its Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme (IHP), which worlds all year long to build the scientific knowledge base to help countries manage their water resources in a sustainable way.

Canadian Pacific Railway Ends Two-Day Work Stoppage

Business

Angel Gimalo

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March 22, 2022

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Canadian Pacific Railway Ends Two-Day Work Stoppage

Thousands of conductors, engineers, train and yard workers will return to work Tuesday after an agreement between Canadian Pacific Railway and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference ended a two-day work stoppage.

A work stoppage that began Sunday brought trains to a halt across Canada and interrupted fertilizer and other shipments to and from the U.S. as 3,000 workers walked off the job.

The two sides will enter into binding arbitration under a new agreement, according to Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd.

Canadian Pacific said that it will immediately begin working with customers to resume normal train operations across Canada as soon as possible.

CP is the leading carrier of potash, a plant nutrient used in the production of multiple crops.

According to investor documents, the railroad carries 70% of the potash produced in North America, all from mines in Saskatchewan.

Tunisia, Mauritania Sign MoU On Experience Sharing In Vocational Training

Education

Precious Obazee

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March 22, 2022

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Tunisia, Mauritania Sign MoU On Experience Sharing In Vocational Training

Tunisia and Mauritania have signed a memorandum of understanding on sharing expertise and experience in the fields of employment and vocational training.

The signing of the MoU was done between Tunisia’s Minister of Employment and Vocational Training Nasreddine Nsibi and his Mauritanian counterpart, Taleb Ould Sid Ahmed.

The agreement is aimed at sharing skills and covers basic vocational training and distance learning, twinning of training institutions, and development of joint training programmes between the two countries.

The agreement also provides for the establishment of a framework to define the criteria for mutual recognition of training certificates issued by the two countries, developing a system of continuous training, strengthening human resources and identifying needs to obtain quality certification in training within relevant institutions and boosting cooperation in the pedagogical training of trainers.

Tesla Opens 1st Factory In Europe, To Employ 12,000 People

Angel Gimalo

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March 22, 2022

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Electric car manufacturer Tesla is opening its first European factory Tuesday on the outskirts of Berlin in an effort to challenge German automakers on their home turf.

The company says its new “Gigafactory” will employ 12,000 people and produce 500,000 vehicles a year.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Economy Minister Robert Habeck attended the opening ceremony in Gruenheide, southeast of the German capital, with Tesla boss Elon Musk.

Habeck said the opening of the factory was “a nice symbol” that gasoline-powered cars can be replaced with electric vehicles at a time when Germany and other nations are trying to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and wean themselves off Russian oil.

Tesla began building the vast facility less than three years ago, before it received official permits to do so. Had those permits not been issued, the company would have had to level the site.

Environmental campaigners have warned that the factory could affect drinking water supplies in the region.

Tesla has dismissed those warnings. The company refused most media access to the site and the ceremony Tuesday.

Ukraine War Endangers Wheat Spplies, Farmers In No Rush To Swivel

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March 22, 2022

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Russia’s war in Ukraine could mean changes for Ed Kessel’s farm along a quiet stretch of western North Dakota.

Worldwide, farmers like Kessel are weighing whether to change their planting patterns and grow more wheat this spring as the war has choked off or thrown into question grain supplies from a region known as “the breadbasket of the world.”

Ukraine and Russia account for a third of global wheat and barley exports, which countries in the Middle East, Asia and Africa rely on to feed millions of people who subsist on subsidized bread and bargain noodles.

They are also top exporters of other grains and sunflower seed oil used for cooking and food processing.

Kessel said he may plant some more wheat and ride the tide of high prices that have spiked by a third since the invasion, helping offset losses from drought and the increasing cost of fuel, but not a lot more.

“Honestly, it probably will help us plant a few more wheat acres. We’ll put a few more acres into wheat and a few more into sunflowers,” said Kessel, also first vice president of the North Dakota Grain Growers Association.

Major grain producers like the United States, Canada, France, Australia and Argentina are being closely watched to see if they can quickly ramp up production to fill in the gaps from lost Ukrainian and Russian supplies.

That means uncertainty for countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Pakistan, Iran, Ethiopia and others that cannot grow enough wheat, barley, corn or other grains to meet their needs.

The war has raised the specter of food shortages and political instability in countries that rely on affordable grain imports.

Any extra grain exports from anywhere in the world “will likely only partially offset lower Black Sea shipments over the remainder of the current season,” the International Grains Council said in its March report.

About half of the grain the World Food Program buys to feed 125 million people worldwide comes from Ukraine.

The double blow of rising food prices and depressed wheat exports from the war is a recipe for “catastrophe not just in Ukraine, but potentially globally,” the head of the U.N. food assistance agency warned.

Australia and India have responded with increased grain exports, but there’s little room for others to immediately do the same. That’s mainly due to recurrent drought, said Arnaud Petit, executive director of the International Grains Council.

The U.S. produced around 44 million tons of wheat for the 2021-2022 season. Just two to three years ago, it was over 50 million tons. Petit pointed to drought and farmers switching to more profitable crops.

Canada, Argentina and Australia could try to ramp up wheat production for the coming season that ends in mid-2023, but it’s too early to tell if farmers are changing their planting patterns to focus more on grains like wheat.

The world has 278 million tons of wheat stock to help buffer shortfalls from Ukraine, said Petit of the International Grains Council. Half of that stock, however, is in China, which holds more than a year’s worth of supply to ensure food security for its 1.4 billion people.

Meanwhile, farmers a world away are making their own hard decisions. Tom Bernhardt, who operates a fifth-generation crop and cattle ranch near Linton in North Dakota, said no-till farmers like himself won’t deviate too much from their normal rotation and plant more wheat because it can lead to problems with soil health and weeds.

Plus, there’s no guarantee wheat prices will remain high.

U.S. Severe Storms: High Water Poses Threat To Motorists

Environment

Angel Gimalo

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March 22, 2022

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Multiple tornadoes ripped through parts of Texas and Oklahoma, causing injuries and widespread damage in areas near Austin and Dallas, officials said.

The storm system was poised to move into Louisiana and Mississippi on Tuesday, carrying the risk of dangerous tornadoes and powerful winds.

In Texas, several tornadoes were reported Monday along the Interstate 35 corridor, particularly in the Austin suburbs of Round Rock and Elgin, and in an area west-northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth.

Another reported tornado caused damage in the southern Oklahoma town of Kingston. At least four people were injured Monday in Texas, officials said.

By Tuesday morning, the system was bringing heavy rainfall and thunderstorms to parts of Texas and Arkansas, said Jeremy Grams, lead forecaster with the Storm Prediction Center in Norman, Oklahoma.

In Louisiana, high water early Tuesday posed a threat to motorists on several roads, including a stretch of Interstate 20 and several state highways after rains overnight, authorities said.

Deputies in Caddo Parish, which includes Shreveport, rescued three drivers from high waters during the night, the sheriff’s office tweeted before dawn.

The storms were expected to intensify throughout the day as temperatures rise, increasing the threat of tornadoes, hail and strong winds.

Much of Louisiana and Mississippi were at a moderate risk of severe weather Tuesday, the second-highest risk category issued by the Storm Prediction Center.

Tunisia, Algeria Mulls Ways To Bolster Cooperation Higher Education

Education

Precious Obazee

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March 22, 2022

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Tunisia, Algeria Mulls Ways To Bolster Cooperation Higher Education

Tunisian Prime Minister Najla Bouden and Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Abdelbaki Benziane have met to discuss ways to foster cooperation in higher education and scientific research.

Bouden was quoted in a Prime Ministry statement as commending the deep relations between the two countries and peoples while stressing the need to focus on the higher education and scientific research sectors in the interest of both countries.

For his part, the Algerian minister reaffirmed the common desire of both countries to continue cooperation in the field of higher education and establish an efficient partnership between the Algerian and Tunisian universities for the benefit of students in the two countries.

The meeting took place in the presence of Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Moncef Boukthir.

A cooperation agreement on networking 10 Tunisian and Algerian universities for the creation of joint research projects was signed between both countries.

Twenty-five joint projects and 6 laboratories of excellence have been selected and approved which will be funded by a joint Tunisian-Algerian Committee.v

Consuming spicy foods, alcohol increases risk of stomach ulcer, physician warns

Cleopatra Okohai

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March 22, 2022

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Consuming spicy foods, alcohol increases risk of stomach ulcer, physician warns

A General Practitioner at the Federal College of Education – Technical, Akoka, Lagos, Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, says frequent intake of spicy foods, alcohol consumption and medications such as painkillers can predispose people to ulcer.

He noted that steroids, smoking and stress are also risk factors that could make people to develop the ailment.

Dr. Rotimi, however, said confirmed causes of ulcers are recurrent infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and long-term use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs known as pain killers.

The physician advised people with ulcers to avoid eating acidic food and citrus fruits like orange, lime, lemon, tangerine, grapes, drinks and tea with caffeine, and chocolates.

Speaking in an interview with Newsmen, Dr. Rotimi highlighted symptoms of ulcers include burning stomach pain, heartburn, feeling of fullness, bloating or belching, intolerance to fatty foods, nausea, and water brash, especially in the case of oesophageal ulcers.

He said, “Ulcers may cause severe signs or symptoms as a result of complications. These include vomiting or vomiting blood which may appear red or black; dark blood in stools, or stools that are black or tarry. There could be difficulty in breathing, feeling faint, nauseous, unexplained weight loss and appetite changes.”

On the management of ulcer, Dr. Rotimi said, “The doctor would have to talk about the history or onset of the ailment with the patient. The patient needs to be examined and investigated before treatment commences. This is what constitutes the management of ulcer.

“The investigations we normally do are H. Pylori test to confirm the bacteria infection implicated in ulcers and a confirmatory test called endoscopy. The endoscopy allows the doctors to view the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, oesophagus, stomach and intestines.

“If H. pylori is found in the digestive tract, the doctor will recommend a combination of antibiotics to kill the bacterium. Proton pump inhibitors are also recommended as it helps to reduce stomach acid by blocking the action of the parts of cells that produces acid.”

Dr. Rotimi recommended frequent washing of the hands with soap and water, as well eating balanced meals daily as protection against H.Pylori bacteria.

“Regular use of painkillers increases the risk of peptic ulcer. Steps must be taken to reduce the risk. Avoid taking medications with meals and avoid drinking alcohol when taking medications, as the two can combine to increase the risk of stomach upset.

“Those that regularly take painkillers will have to take additional medications such as antacid, Proton-pump inhibitors or cytoprotective agent, which stimulate mucus production and enhance blood flow throughout the lining of the gastrointestinal tract. Those undergoing stress should manage it well as acid production increases during stress.

“People who have ulcers may get experience worsening of the symptoms or develop complications during fasting or when they skip meals. Such people are encouraged to be on medications to prevent complications if they have to fast. In essence, fasting, skipping meals or hunger strike does not cause ulcer as perceived by the public.”

Calm Returns to Liberia’s Tubman University Following Alleged Administrative Malpractices Row

Education

Precious Obazee

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March 22, 2022

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Calm Returns to Liberia’s Tubman University Following Alleged Administrative Malpractices Row

Calm returned to Tubman University in Harper City, Maryland County in Liberia following the resignation of the University’s President Dr. Elliott Wreh Wilson, yielding to demand from the Faculty Association and protesting students over alleged administrative malpractices that he denied.

In his resignation letter, Dr. Wilson thanks President Geroge Manneh Weah for the opportunity afforded him to serve the University.

He says it was indeed a great privilege and an honor for him, born in Maryland County, with parents from Picnic-Cess, Grand Kru County to serve the student constituency in his county of birth.

Dr. Wilson explains that he was constrained to resign because he does not view violence as a means of order, following adversity on the campus of Tubman University.

President Weah has accepted the resignation of Dr. Wilson and thanked him for his dedicated and compassionate services to Tubman University and the country at large.

In the wake of his resignation, President Weah has appointed Dr. Emmanuel Leon Sie-Wreh, as Acting President of Tubman University, pending vetting of candidates by the Board of Trustees for subsequent appointment of a new President of Tubman University.

On March 8 and 19, 2022, aggrieved students besieged learning activities in Harper City and erected barricades at various school entrances in demand of government’s attention to an indefinite go-slow by the Faculty Association since February.

The protesting students placed locks and chairs at major entrances of the Harper Administration building and the Harper City Hall, respectively were women groups from across the county had converged for the observance of this year’s International Women’s Day, forcing the women to relocate to the St. Theresa’s Catholic Parish Hall to observe the day.

They also disrupted a meeting of school principals at the local head offices of the Ministry of Education in the county, and disbursed students at private and public schools, forcing them out of classes.

Earlier, the Faculty Association issued several counts against the administration of Dr. Wilson, including alleged salary discrepancy, nepotism and administration lapses, among others and demanded his resignation.

World Forest Day: Benue To Preserve Existing Forests

Environment

Angel Gimalo

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March 22, 2022

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The Benue State Government says it will ensure the preservation of the existing 55 government and 75 communal forests reserves in the state as part of efforts to mitigate climate change.

Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Dr Godwin Oyiwona, made this known on Monday, March 21, 2022, in Makurdi at the end of a programme to mark the 2022 World Forest Day.

The theme of this year’s World Forest Day is “Inspire for the Future: The Role of Forests in Ensuring Sustainable Product’s and Consumption.”

Oyiwona said the government would do everything possible to ensure the preservation of all the existing forests for improved human sustainability.

He said the environment needed to be sustainable for human beings to live comfortably, adding that continuous illegal deforestation activities were causing harm to the earth, thereby resulting in climate change.

He said that reducing deforestation, which is a major cause of climate change, is a crucial mitigation step in the battle to preserve the planet.

According to the commissioner, Benue, being an agrarian state, is keen on afforestation, adding that the celebration of World Forest Day is an important milestone.