IWD22: Women can no longer be deprived – Buhari

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March 8, 2022

istockphoto-1197166066-612x612 — Vector illustration of diverse cartoon women standing together and holding a placard over their heads. Isolated on background.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, extolled Nigerian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day, March 8, 2022.

Buhari observed that women are not where they should be yet in different spheres of endeavour, but believed that they could no longer be deprived for too long, as they have consistently proved that they could hold their own on all fronts, and in all fields.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, disclosed this in a statement he signed on Tuesday titled, ‘International Women’s Day: President Buhari salutes womenfolk.’

According to Buhari, the celebration, under the hashtag #BreaktheBias, and the theme: Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow, is an opportunity to reflect on the vital roles women play in society, homes, governance, their professions, and in all walks of life.

He applauded the contributions of women to the current administration as Ministers, Special Advisers, Senior Special Assistants, Executive Directors, Executive Secretaries, and many others, noting that they were pulling their weights, and making it impossible for anyone to downplay their essence.

Buhari also rejoiced with women and mothers, around whom the tranquility of homes and society revolves, praying God to grant them peace, joy and satisfaction, as they celebrate today and always.

Experts say Extreme Heat May Be Fueling Mental Health Emergencies

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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March 8, 2022

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A team of researchers have alerted that there is a link between the recent extreme heat around the world due to climate change and the increase in the number of people visiting emergency rooms for mental health crises.

This was stated by some scientists led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers, stating in the ‘case-crossover study’ urged clinicians to expect to see an increase in patients requiring mental health services during the summer seasons.

The case-crossover study used medical claims data obtained from OptumLabs Data Warehouse to identify claims for Emergency Department visits with a primary or secondary discharge psychiatric diagnosis during warm-season months (May to September) from 2010 through 2019.

The study published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry found that days of extreme heat were associated with an Incidence Rate Ratio of 1.08 for Emergency Department (ED) visits for any mental health condition.

“Associations between extreme heat and ED visits were found for specific mental health conditions, including substance use disorders, anxiety, stress-related, and somatoform disorders, mood disorders, schizophrenia, schizotypal, and delusional disorders, self-harm and childhood-onset behavioral disorders,” they noted.

They added that the associations were, however, higher among men.

The researchers say it is possible that the association between extreme heat and exacerbation of symptoms for many mental and behavioral disorders is not limited to ED visits but may also include a broader group of people with mental health conditions that may not require emergency care.

“During and following periods of high temperature, mental health and emergency care practitioners may consider increasing capacity to provide necessary mental health services.

“This consideration is particularly important given the potential for climate change to increase both the frequency and severity of extreme temperatures, which may further increase demand for clinical services related to mental health and may also lead to increased direct emotional responses such as anxiety,” they noted.

While the study has some limitations, the researchers concluded that the results of the study suggest that there was an association between elevated ambient temperature and ED visits for any mental health condition and specific mental health diagnoses.

“This finding could aid clinicians who provide mental health services in preparing for increases in health service needs when the high ambient temperature is anticipated.

“Further research could investigate the implications of sustained periods of extreme heat (heat waves) for health outcomes and continue to investigate the association among different populations.

“In addition, future work could characterize the implications of elevated temperatures during cold periods for mental health outcomes and the consequences of additional meteorological characteristics and multiple extreme weather events that may occur with elevated ambient temperature or may be triggered by periods of extreme heat,” the researchers stated.

Federal Govt. Tells NLC to Call ASUU To Order

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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March 8, 2022

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The Federal Government has urged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to advise its affiliate, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to abide by the provisions of the Trade Disputes Act and call off its ongoing strike.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2022 edition of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) in Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige urged the Council to discuss as part of its agenda, a workable recipe that appropriately conciliates disputes with associations that are not properly registered as trade unions, to ensure that they fully abide by the provisions of the law.

The Minister in a statement by Deputy Director Press and Public Relations, Charles Akpan, said, “What will be the relationship with workers organizations that are not properly registered as trade unions? The labour Act is there and it says the Minister can discuss with them. But they don’t fully conform with legal provisions, especially in terms of style of negotiation and conciliation. NLAC should therefore come to the aid of the country here.

“Even though the Trade Disputes Act permits the Minister to apprehend and deal with these workers that have not been registered as unions, you can also see that when dealing with them, you encounter problems because they do not fully understand the nuisances or obey the labour laws as it should be.

“If you are a union, you give adequate notice before proceeding on strike. If you are a union too and your strike is apprehended, you go back to your work while the necessary adjustment is made to give you justice. NLAC is expected to get the workers’ side of the tripartite live up to their responsibilities in this regard.”

The Minister noted that some associations in critical sectors of health and education such as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are in actual fact, not properly unionized.

“The Nigeria Medical Association is not a trade union, the National Association of Resident Doctors is not a trade union. They are an association of workers.

“The university teachers are registered under the Academic Staff Union of Universities and are affiliated to the Nigerian Labour Congress but that affiliation is only in name. It is not indeed, because they don’t obey the Labour Act as it concerns conciliation.

‘For example, ASUU declared a month-long strike and called it a warning strike. It did not notify their employer, the Ministry of Education, nor did they notify me, the Minister of Labour, that there is a breakdown in negotiation. I know that they had some discussions which were in limbo but I should be notified properly so that I can arrest the breakdown and bring it forward for proper conciliation.

‘Now, I apprehended the dispute in consonance with the Labour Act. They came for conciliation, only for them to go back and continue the strike. This is illegal. The law is that once a dispute is apprehended, everybody returns to status quo ante. The law also says that if I arrest a dispute and the party or parties are not ready to conform, I should transfer the dispute within fourteen days to either the Industrial Arbitration Panel or to the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in line with section 17 of the Trade Disputes Act. But I’m concerned that if do this suo motu, this will not solve the problem of getting our children back to school outright

‘So, I’m using this opportunity to plead with the NLC to which ASUU is affiliated, to call them to order, make them obey the law, to let them know what the Trade Disputes Act says and as university teachers who are even teaching industrial law, to abide by the law. They should call off that strike. That strike is not appropriately instituted. I have conciliated and made sure the issues in disputes have been decisively dealt with,’ he stated.

Gov. Sanwo-Olu Appoints Ag VCs, Mgt Heads for Lagos New Varsities

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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March 7, 2022

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Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has appointed acting Vice-Chancellors for the two newly established universities; Lagos State University of Science and Technology, LASUST, Ikorodu and Lagos State University of Education, LASUED, Ijanikin and Epe.

A statement personally signed on Monday by the Special Adviser to the The governor on Education, Tokunbo Wahab, stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu has approved the appointments of Prof. Bidemi Bilikis Lafiaji – Okunneye, a Professor of Health Education and current substantive Provost, Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, as the Acting Vice-Chancellor of the LASUED, Ijanikin and Epe Campuses and Dr Nurudeen Olaleye, a PhD holder in Microbiology and current Rector, Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Ikorodu as the Ag. Vice-Chancellor of the LASUST, Ikorodu, respectively.

Prof.Okuneye, according to the statement, would be assisted by an Associate Professor and current Provost of Michael Otedola College of Primary Education (MOCPED) now University of Education, Epe, Nosiru Onibon as Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor.

On the other hand, Dr Olumide Metilelu , Chief Lecturer, Hospitality Management Technology would serve as LASUST new Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) while Dr Gbemavo, Kolawole Godonu, LASPOTECH’s current Deputy Rector (Administration) would serve as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Admin) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUST) respectively.

Wahab further stated that the two Acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads would serve in acting capacities for a period of three months (90) days effective from March 1, to May 29, 2022, pending the appointments of substantive Vice-Chancellors and principal Officers of the Universities.

Wahab explained that the appointment of Acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads pending the appointment of substantive ones became necessary to ensure that there was no vacuum in the Institutions’ leadership while peace and stability is maintained during the transition period.

He added that their appointment was also in compliance with Section 4, Subsection (1) (C) and Section 14 Subsection ( 1) ( A) and (B) of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology Law 2021 and Section 8 Subsection (1) (C) and (D) of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) Law, 2021 respectively.

The Special Adviser stated “The appointment of acting Vice-Chancellors and other Management Heads for our new Universities is not only in accordance with the laws establishing them, but it will also serve to provide academic and administrative leadership to the whole University, represent the University externally, both within Lagos and the rest of the country.”

Wahab while congratulating the new appointees on their elevation to a higher status, charged them to consider their appointments as a call to duty while urging them to use their experience and rich academic pedigrees to put the institutions on a good track.

OAU Postpones 2021/2022 Matriculation Indefinitely

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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March 7, 2022

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The management of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun, has postponed the 2021/2022 matriculation ceremony earlier scheduled for Wednesday until further notice.

A statement by the Director, Academic Affairs of the university, Murtala Agbaje said on Monday, in Ile-Ife, that a new date would be communicated to the general public, especially to those concerned in due course.

“The University’s authorities have decided to postpone the matriculation ceremony in the interest of all.

“We, therefore, apologise for any inconvenience this postponement might have caused.

“Students are hereby advised to continue attending their lectures and other academic activities,” he stated.

Anambra, Delta, Osun, Sokoto, Five Other States Record Measles Outbreak

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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March 7, 2022

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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control NCDC, has confirmed the outbreak of measles in eight states of the federation.

This was disclosed by NCDC via its official website on Friday said that the eight states affected were; Jigawa, Anambra, Katsina, Rivers, Enugu; Delta, Osun and Sokoto, which had 908 suspected cases had been reported so far.

Reports released that measles is a very contagious infection caused by a virus, and it is common among children.

The main symptoms of measles are red-brown blotchy rashes and cold-like symptoms.

Measles is spread through coughs and sneezes and is usually contracted before the symptoms fully develop.

The public health agency also stated that there was an ongoing outbreak of measles in Zamfara, which had not been confirmed due to the absence of testing reagents.

It was reported that 58.7 per cent of confirmed cases were those that had not been vaccinated, the agency added that as of 2021, a total of 15,792 suspected cases were reported across 683 local government areas across the country.

“Thirteen LGAs across eight states have recorded an outbreak of measles in 2022. The states are Jigawa, Katsina, Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Delta, Osun and Sokoto.”

“Borno, Jigawa, Katsina, Kebbi, Kwara and Anambra accounted for 55.2 per cent of the 908 suspected cases reported so far. Up to 58.7 per cent of the confirmed cases have not received a dose of measles vaccine,” it explained.

The NCDC stated that 100 per cent of cases recorded in Jigawa, Sokoto, Enugu and Katsina were not vaccinated.

The agency also said that 54.4 per cent were not vaccinated in Borno; 50 per cent in Akwa Ibom; 66.7 per cent in Delta; 50 per cent in Ekiti; 25 per cent in Lagos; 83.3 per cent in Osun; 8.3 per cent in Oyo; and 50 per cent in Rivers.

“Of the 908 suspected cases reported, 88 were laboratory confirmed, 166 clinically compatible, 148 were discarded and 506 are pending classification,” it added.

Venice Biennale Organizers Commit To Staging The Ukrainian Pavilion As Planned

By

Koko Lawrence

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March 7, 2022

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Officials for the Venice Biennale, the world’s most prominent art exhibition, have shared assurances that the Ukrainian pavilion will proceed as planned this April, despite the Russian invasion.

The war has devastated most of Ukraine’s major cities and incited a humanitarian crisis that has seen millions attempt to emigrate while countless others remain in the nation. In February, Ukrainian artist Pavlo Makov, whose work was to be featured in the exhibition, said he and his team were forced to halt preparations for the trip to Italy. All flights to and from the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, have been grounded until further notice.

“We are not in immediate danger, but the situation is critical and changes every minute. Presently, we are not able to continue working on the project of the pavilion due to the danger to our lives,” Makov and curators Lizaveta German, Maira Lanko, and Borys Filonenko previously wrote on social media.

At the time of that statement, Makov was sheltering with family in the city Kharkiv, while all three curators remained in Kyiv. Both cities are now under heavy bombardment from the Russian military.

Over the weekend, Biennale officials said that they were “collaborating and will collaborate in every way” with the Ukrainian team to safely transport them and the artwork to Venice, though the biennial didn’t specify how it would ensure this. The Ukrainian team planned to present an updated version of Makov’s 1995 wall-mounted installation, in which water cascades from 78 bronze funnels. Last week, artist Alexandra Sukhareva and Kirill Savchenkov, as well as curator Raimundas Malašauskas, resigned from the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in protest of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine. Within Russia, others have vacated posts at museums in protest of the war. Last week, the artistic director of the V-A-C Foundation in Moscow, Francesco Manacorda, shared that he had resigned due to his views on the conflict, and the deputy director of the Pushkin Museum, Vladimir Opredelenov, likewise announced plans to quit his post. Amid a crackdown by Russian authorities on antiwar protests and free speech, there has been suspicion that some art workers who are speaking out against the war are being forcibly ejected from their rol

Head Conductor At Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre Resigns

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Koko Lawrence

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March 7, 2022

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Tugan Sokhiev, the prestigious Bolshoi Theatre’s chief conductor, has resigned “with immediate effect” after coming under pressure to express his opinion on the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

“First of all I need to say most important thing: I have never supported and I will always be against any conflicts in any shape and form,” the Russian conductor said in a social media post.

But he resigned without stating his position on the conflict, and also left his post as conductor of Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse in France, where he had been pressed to clarify his views.

“Today I am forced to make a choice and choose one of my musical family over the other. I am being asked to choose one cultural tradition over the other,” he said.

He said his decision was based on being “forced to face the impossible option of choosing between my beloved Russian and beloved French musicians”.

Last week the Munich Philharmonic dismissed Russian chief conductor Valery Gergiev with immediate effect, after he did not respond to calls to condemn the invasion.

Sokhiev added: “I am being asked to choose one cultural tradition over the over. I am being asked to choose one artist over the other. I am being asked to choose one singer over the other.

“I will be soon asked to choose between Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Shostakovich and Beethoven, Brahms, Debussy.”

He added he could not “bear to witness” how his fellow artists were being “menaced, treated disrespectfully and being victims of so called ‘cancel culture'”.

Bolshoi general director Vladimir Urin told Tass state news agency he was saddened by the decision.

“I’m very sorry. His departure is a serious problem for the Bolshoi Theatre. It’s unclear how the situation will develop from now,” he said.

Gynecologist Warns Against Water Birth In Nigeria

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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March 7, 2022

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A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr. Ekiniyi Destiny Ochete, has cautioned Nigerians against engaging in water birth, noting that the delivery method could be risky.

According to the gynaecologist, Nigerians should think twice before engaging in water birth because the nation lacks the required equipment that may be needed to deal with peculiar emergencies that may occur during the special delivery.

Ochete, who is the Chief Consultant Gynaecologist at EEK Fertility Centre, Abuja, stressed that opting for a water birth in Nigeria is risky for both the mother and the child.

Recall that a Nigerian celebrity, Korra Obidi, recently shared some clips of her giving birth using the water birth method on her social media platform while in the United States.

Some of her followers while reacting to the video said more Nigerians should embrace the delivery method.

Ochete, however, warned that the delivery method should not be replicated in Nigeria because it is risky.

What is water birth?

Dr. Ochete said water birth is a birthing method in which the mother chooses to deliver inside a pool of warm water.

She explained that a lot of women choose to use water-assisted birth because they feel it aids them during pain as water is a soothing agent when in pain, adding that the process entails giving birth in a tub of warm water.

Stressing that the theory behind water birth is that since the baby has already been in the amniotic fluid sac for nine months, birthing in a similar environment is gentler for the baby and less stressful for the mother.

According to a study published in the medical journal: BMC Pregnancy Childbirth, the primary reason some women choose the water birth option is for pain relief, noting that, it provides a relaxing environment for the woman.

However, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, in a recent statement said it is not recommending birthing in water because the safety of the procedure has not been determined.

Why water birth is risky in Nigeria

Dr. Ochete noted that there are risks involved with the water birth delivery option.

According to the fertility expert, some complications occur during delivery and require immediate attention but may be missed during a water birth leading to delayed medical intervention.

In her words, “The reason why water birth is not advisable in Nigeria for me is that we have little or no equipment to handle emergencies in Nigeria.

“Even with the help of professionals, I think it is advisable to give birth where equipment is available so that in cases of emergency the mother can navigate through.”

Continuing, she said, that complications that can arise from water birth may not be effectively handled due to lack of access to immediate emergency intervention.

Speaking on the complications, she said, “Sometimes we may have breach babies and if there are no experienced hands around to help through the birthing of the baby, it could cause certain severe consequences.”

“A situation for episiotomy may also arise and then there are no professionals to stitch up the mother. Water births are not advisable in Nigeria and I will not advise any pregnant woman to consider it.”

Nasarawa passes First Reading Bill for Infectious Disease And Research Centre

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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March 7, 2022

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The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed into first reading a Bill for a Law to Establish the Nasarawa State Infectious Disease and Research Centre ( NASIDARC) and other Matters Connected Therein.

The Speaker of the House, Balarabe Abdullahi, while announcing the first reading of the bill slated 21st March, 2022 for the second reading of the bill.

Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon Tanko Tunga (APC- Awe North) , moved a motion for the bill to scale first reading.

The Minority Leader of the House, Hon Abel Bala ( PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West) , seconded the motion.

The House unanimously passed the bill into first reading.