Nigeria To Host PHC Transformation Summit In Abuja

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March 16, 2022

No fewer than eleven states in Nigeria have benefited from the United Nations Children’s Fund Cholera Preparedness and Response project.

UNICEF WASH Officer, Chisom Adimora, disclosed this at the Water Sanitation and Hygiene in Emergency Working Group Meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

The project is in partnership with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The states are; Kano, Katsina, Jigawa, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe, Bauchi, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara and Kebbi states.

The intervention in partnership with the health sector has seen a total of 250,000 people having access to clean water through rehabilitation and chlorination of water sources.

She said so far, no fewer than 54,000 persons have received the WASH supplies and cholera kits as well as hygiene promotion items in these states.

The WASH Officer said through UNICEF direct support for prepositioning of supplies, a total of 2,679 HTH Chlorine, 12,060 cholera kits and 2,000 aqua tabs were distributed to benefiting states through their rural water supply and sanitation agencies.

She explained that no fewer than 150,000 beneficiaries were seen in the UNOCHA Supported Intervention in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

This, she said, was in the provision of emergency safe water supply services through construction, rehabilitation and optimisation of water facilities and reticulation.

She said the intervention also included operation and maintenance of safe sanitation facilities, procurement and delivery of pipeline WASH supplies and provision of hygiene promotions services.

Adimora called on all states to have a coordinated information platform and action plans to respond to cholera and emergencies.

The Deputy Director, WASH Emergency Response, Federal Ministry of Water Resources, Mr. Ibiyemi Olu-Daniels, said the ministry had a 75 per cent completion level for the ongoing construction of 109 sanitation and hygiene facilities in the country.

According to him, this includes the installation of solar-powered boreholes in 24 states and the FCT.

He said the ministry in partnership with UNICEF had carried out training for members of the WASH in the emergency technical working group on cholera preparedness and response.

The Director, Water Quality Control and Sanitation, Mr. Emmanuel Awe, said the Federal Government was optimistic that the new-found knowledge from the just concluded cholera training would enhance Nigeria’s preparedness as the rainy season approached.

Awe said it was expected that specific actions like finalising the development of the Cholera Preparedness Prevention and Response Plan, the 2022 work plans, identification of hotspots areas would strengthen collaborative efforts.

He pledged the commitment of the Federal Government and its partners to ensuring that the Case Fatality Ratio of cholera was brought down to the barest minimum in 2022.

Nigerian Women Urged To Pay Serious Attention To Their Health

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March 16, 2022

Nigerian women have been urged to take their health seriously for the good of the nation.

The advice was given at an event organised by the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists to commemorate the International Women’s Day, in Abuja.

In her lecture on Mental Health, Dr Theresa Anthony of Comfort Stream Foundation, said that women need to take care of their mental health to avoid breakdown.

She said that women have a lot of things in their hands that need to be taken care of, hence the need to have a sound mind.

She encouraged women to join personal development groups where they can relieve themselves of personal stress and maintain a sound mind.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Rafat Salami called on members of NAWOJ to use their reports to build the society. She noted that women need to mentor younger girls and keep them on the right track.

Women’s menstrual hygiene was also discussed at the event where Queen Aina of Tarian Sanitary pad educated women on the best menstrual hygiene process.

She also pointed out that menstrual hygiene was very important to the health of women.

The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, FCT Council, Mr. Emmanuel Ogbeche commended NAWOJ for focusing on the health of women.

He said that breaking gender biases starts from the home where parents should learn to educate their children equally.

He said that there was no need segregating between boys and girls when it comes to doing chores.

He added that the programme speaks volumes about NAWOJ’s commitment to gender issues.

The chairperson Nigeria Association of Women Journalists ( NAWOJ) FCT, Chapter Comrade Annah Daniel said that NAWOJ FCT in partnership with other organizations of like minds are saying “NO to all forms of Bias militating against Gender Equality which includes cultural, constitution, violence/discrimination, political amongst others

She called for concerted efforts among women groups to establish a new political party if possible that will support all women who desire to vie for any position in the forthcoming general election .

She noted that for a woman to excel in all her potentials, make a difference for a sustainable tomorrow from her home front to her immediate community; there is the need to advocate for a Healthy Woman

” The economic gains of a healthy woman are immeasurable as they will reduce poverty and advance the rights of women and the girl child”. She added.

Osimhen Close To Breaking Martins Goals Record

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March 16, 2022

Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, is just three goals away from breaking the all-time highest goals scored in a season in Serie A by a Nigerian, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Former Inter Milan striker, Obafemi Martins, holds the record with 11 goals in the 2004/05 season as the Nerazzurri finished third.

The 23-year-old scored a brace on Sunday to help Napoli to a 2-1 win at Hellas Verona in the Italian Serie A, taking his goals tally this season to nine in 19 games, and equaling Martin’s performance in the 2005/06 league season.

Bar injuries in the course of the season, the mission looks possible for the Nigeria international as there are nine more games till the end of the season.

Martins’ 11 goals came in 31 games, but Osimhen, who has suffered some injury challenges in the season, as well as contracting COVID-19, can only play a maximum of 28 games, which means he’s poised to break the record with lesser games.

The ex-Lille man, who joined the Naples-based club in the summer of 2020 for an African record fee of €81m, is beginning to find his footing at the club this season.

The former Sporting Charleroi man has found the back of the net 13 times with four assists in 24 games in all competitions compared to the 2020/21 season, when he only managed 10 goals and three assists in 30 games across all competitions.

In 88 Serie A games, Martins scored 28 goals, a record Osimhen will also be looking to break.

Stadium Uncertainty: Amokachi Taunts Ghana Ahead Play-Offs

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March 16, 2022

…as Ghanaian officials trade blame over match venue

Ahead of the crucial World Cup play-offs between Nigeria and Ghana, former Super Eagles striker, Daniel Amokachi, has taken a swipe at archrivals Ghana over the uncertainty of the match venue for the qualifiers, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

The Black Stars host the Eagles at the Cape Coast Stadium on March 25 before the reverse fixture slated for the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on March 29.

While the Abuja stadium is ready to host Ghana for the second leg, there’s been doubt over the Cape Coast stadium hosting the first fixture.

Following the bad state of the stadium pitch after it was used for the country’s 65th independence celebration earlier this month, reports say the Ghana Football Association has informed CAF to consider switching the venue to the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi.

According to a Ghanaian publication, ghanaweb.com, the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Professor Peter Twumasi, stated that the Ghana Football Association did not consult his outfit before choosing the Cape Coast Stadium for the play-off match.

According to him, the NSA would have advised the GFA to add either the Accra Sports Stadium or Baba Yara Stadium for the Black Stars home matches.

“We wanted the GFA to consider the Accra Sports Stadium or the Baba Yara Sports Stadium. Later we were told that the GFA had already sent the Cape Coast Sports Stadium to CAF. At least they should have informed us. The Accra Sports Stadium has been certified by CAF, Professor Twumasi said on Happy 98.9 FM.”

Meanwhile, in a video that has gone viral, Amokachi, who was at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja stated that Nigeria was ready to face the Black Stars at the said venue, while throwing a jibe at their arch-rivals, who have been left in confusion over their choice of venue.

“We are at the Moshood Abiola stadium and we are ready. Look at how beautiful the pitch is; look at how beautiful the stadium is. We are ready,” Amokachi said in the video.

He added, “And some people are still looking for a venue, some people are under confusion. You know who I’m talking about.”

NPFL Wrap-Up: Lobi Sack Coach After Home Loss As Rangers Beat Akwa

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March 16, 2022

Rangers recorded one of the two away wins in matchday 18 of the 2021/22 Nigerian Proffessional League (NPFL) as Lobi Stars sacked Eddy Dombraye after the club lost at home to Abia Warriors in Makurdi.iger

Lobi stars 1-2 Abia Warriors

Valentine Odoh was Abia Warriors’ hero as his brace helped the Imama Amakapabo’s boys to a 2-1 victory over Lobi Stars. Solomon Kwambe, however, scored a consolidation goal for Dombraye’s team.

In a swift reaction to the defeat, Lobi Star announced the dissolution of its technical crew.

“Aftermath of the home defeat by Abia Warriors. The Vice Chairman of Lobi Stars FC has just announced the dissolution of the technical crew,” a short statement on its Facebook page read. “Coach Eugene Agagbe announced interim Coach to be assisted by Goalkeeper coach Sam Addingi.”

But when contacted by TheCable, the former Nigerian international said he is yet to be informed officially by the Makurdi-based side that he has been sacked.

“I just read about my sack on social media but nothing has been confirmed to me officially by the club management,” Dombraye said.

Akwa United 0-3 Rangers Int’l

Rangers international enjoyed an emphatic away win after they outplayed Akwa United 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio stadium in Uyo.

Samuel Pam, Chidiebere Nwobodo, and Shedrack Asiegbu’s 55th, 70th, and 90th minutes goals respectively gave the away team all the points.

Sunshine Stars 2-1 Dakkada

Dakkada lost for the tenth time this season as they were beaten 2-1 by Sunshine Stars at Akure stadium.

Kwara United 2-1 Heartland

Despite Chukwudi Nworgu’s consolatory goal for the visitors, Ayodeji Bamidele and Alao Danbani’s goals helped Kwara United to defeat Heartland.

Nasarawa Utd 1-1 MFM FC

t was a 1-1 draw in Lafia between the home side and MFM.

Gombe 0-0 Rivers Utd

It was a goalless affair between Gombe and Rivers United in Bauchi.

Katsina 1-0 Wikki Tourists

Habibu Yakubu’s 17th-minute goal was all Katsina United needed to run away with all three points at against Wikki Tourists at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium.

Shooting Stars 1-0 Kano Pillars

Uche Ezeala’s 13th-minute strike was all Oluyole Warriors needed to claim all points against visiting Kano Pillars at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan.

Enyimba 1-1 Plateau United

Enyimba, 8-time NPFL champions, failed to record a victory at home for the first time against Plateau United as they drew 1-1 at the Aba Stadium on Saturday.

Niger Tornadoes 1-0 Remo Stars

Musa Wakili’s 4th-minute goal from the penalty spot for Niger Tornadoes was all the Ikon Allah Boys needed to secure all three points against Remo Stars.

Osun Government Releases Another N927million For Payment Of Pensions

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March 16, 2022

Governor of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has approved immediate release of Nine Hundred and Twenty-Seven Million Naira (N927,000,000) for the payment of pensions of retirees in the State.

Of the N927m, the sum of N877m will be used for the settlement of bonds of retired primary school teachers, local government workers and retired civil servants who are under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The remaining N50m was approved for payment of retirees under the old pension scheme.

The Head of Service of the state, Dr. Festus Oyebade, made this disclosure in a statement issued on Wednesday in Osogbo, the State capital.

According to him, the names of the retired workers selected on merit has been posted on the Notice Boards of the Local Government Pensions Bureau, Civil Service Pensions Bureau, Ministry of Information and the Office of the Head of Service.

The HoS reiterated the government’s commitment to the welfare and general well-being of citizens particularly workers in the State. “Governor Adegboyega Oyetola will always prioritize welfare of workers in Osun,” he added.

Civil Servant Gets 11 Year-Jail Term Over N66.5m Fraud

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March 16, 2022

A High Court, in Akwa, Anambra State presided over by Justice Arinze Akabua, has sentenced a former Treasurer with the State Ministry of Finance, Innocent Ezeonwuka, to 11 years imprisonment for defrauding pensioners of N66.5 million.

Onwuka, who was a Sub-Treasurer with the Ministry, was accused by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) of diverting monies meant for the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants under Aguata Sub-Treasury, Anambra State.

The Commission, in a three-count charge, averred that the convict abused his office by conferring corrupt advantage on himself when he embezzled N66,520,564.62 meant for paying gratuities of the retired staff of the Aguata Sub-Treasury.

Counsel to ICPC, Enosa Omoghibo, told the court that the convict committed the offence between June 2009 and June 2011 when he diverted the entire N66.5 million released by the state government for payment of gratuity to retirees.

The court heard that the former Treasurer was posted to Aguata Treasury office within the period and in defiance to the lawful directives issued to him by the then Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to pay gratuities of retired civil servants under the Aguata Sub Treasury, diverted the monies released to other purposes thereby leaving the affected beneficiaries in want and penury.

Justice Arinze Akabua, at the conclusion of the trial, found Ezeonwuka guilty on all three counts and therefore sentenced him to five years imprisonment on counts one and two, and one year imprisonment on count three.

The court ruled said, the sentences will run concurrently.

India 2022: Match officials arrive for Flamingos, DR Congo World Cup qualifier in Benin City

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March 16, 2022

Match officials for Saturday’s 2022 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between the U17 girls of Nigeria and those of the Democratic Republic of Congo will arrive in Nigeria on Thursday.

Beninoise official Laurande Offin Kayode has been selected by the Confederation of African Football to be referee for the match, alongside her compatriots Nafissatou Yekini Shitou (assistant referee 1), Djaria Bio Yacoubou (assistant referee 2) and Aurore Christelle Ligan (fourth official). The match commissioner is Christine Ziga from Ghana.

The encounter is one of the second round, second leg of the African series for the championship to be hosted by India in the month of October. Nigeria’s Flamingos took the wind off the sails of the Congolese in the fixture by winning the first leg in Kinshasa 3-0 on Sunday, 6^th March.

Midfielder Blessing Emmanuel, defender Tumininu Adeshina and forward Opeyemi Ajakaiye shared the goals among themselves at the Stade de Matrys, and the impression of an attack-minded squad in which anyone is capable of scoring subsists for Saturday’s game at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.

The Flamingos arrived in Benin City on Tuesday evening, with Coach Bankole Olowookere insisting his girls will go all out for victory despite the massive advantage from the opening leg.

“There is no complacency in our camp. Every match must be approached with the mentality of gaining victory. We did well in Kinshasa but the girls wasted a number of scoring chances and we have been working on that. Clinical precision is key for any team that wants to win matches and tournaments.”

The winner on aggregate after Saturday’s encounter will earn a place in the third round of the series, where the U17 girls of Egypt await, in the month of April. The final round of the qualifiers will be in May.

This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals, the seventh edition since it was launched in New Zealand in 2008, will take place in India, 11^th – 30^th October. Nigeria have missed only one edition of the tournament (the 2018 finals in Uruguay) but participated in the 2008, 2010 (Trinidad & Tobago), 2012 (Azerbaijan), 2014 (Costa Rica) and 2016 (Jordan) championships. The 2020 finals, scheduled for India, were annulled by the global coronavirus pandemic.

Ghana’s Woes Compounded! Cape Coast Stadium Declared Unfit; Nigeria To Decide Venue Of World Cup Play Off

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March 16, 2022