Permanent Voter’s Card Does Not Expire- INEC

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February 12, 2022

The Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, has explained that contrary to most misconception, the Permanent Voter’s Card, PVC, does not expire.

Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, in charge of Abia State, Joseph Iloh, made the clarification while sensitising students at the 10th Matriculation ceremony of the Gregory University Uturu.

Iloh said “PVC is as valid as the voter is alive”. He further urged students of the university who were eligible for voting to arm themselves with PVC ahead of the 2023 general polls.

INEC also advocated active participation of the university community in the electoral process since the electoral umpire usually recruits its ad-hoc staff from the university environment.

The Vice Chancellor, Professor Augustine Uwakwe, in her earlier remarks, asked the 484 matriculants to focus on academic excellence and shun all forms of distractions associated with campus life.

The VC who said the university had zero tolerance for cultism, drug abuse and internet fraud, charged the students to eschew all forms of vices as anyone caught indulging in such abnormality will be decisively dealt with.

The VC who said the university was poised to break global records in many fields urged the students to take advantage of the entrepreneurial Centre in the Institution to acquire vocational skills for self reliance in addition to their certificate.

He said that the Institution had world-class facilities including library and laboratories with modern facilities comparable with those in any standard university in the world.

In a remark, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, described Gregory university as the fasted-growing university in the South East region, saying he is proud that the founder is an Abian who had shown capacity in many fields.

Ikpeazu who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Professor Anthony Agbazuere, urged the students to select their goal in life and pursue same with undivided single mindedness.

The governor who commended the university management for its special attention to entrepreneurial studies urged the staff to complement the efforts of the Chancellor by putting in their best despite the challenges of working in the private sector.

EU Begins Investigation As Thousands Of Women Report Menstrual Disorders After mRNA Covid Shots

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faith Jegede

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February 12, 2022

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Europe’s medicines watchdog today announced it will be probing reports of thousands of women suffering drastic menstrual changes after getting Covid vaccines made by Pfizer or Moderna.

The European Medicines Agency’s drug safety committee is investigating both cases of heavy bleeding and missed periods following vaccination.

It promises to look through all the reported incidents in the EU and clinical trial data, as well as review the scientific literature.

The EMA’s panel previously investigated the connection between irregular periods and Covid vaccines but could not establish a firm link. It is reopening the case after receiving ‘spontaneous reports of menstrual disorders’ more recently.

Women around the world have reported an irregular period after getting the mRNA vaccines, with some studies suggesting the issue affects four in 10 women.

While the EU remains hesitant to probe the effect of the vaccines on fertility, many women remain concerned that the vaccines will sabotage their ability to bare children or bare healthy children and this has driven hesitancy among women.

More than 50,000 reports of period changes, including late periods, have been logged in the UK alone, triggering a review by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

The assessment is being carried out by the EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC), which oversees the safety of medicines.

It will review all available evidence on mRNA vaccines and period changes among women, including reports from vaccinated women, clinical trials and studies.

They will be looking into whether the jabs triggered heavy periods — bleeding that affect a person’s quality of life — or temporarily stopped periods — medically known as amenorrhea, when a woman does not have a period for three months or more.

The UK’s MHRA is already investigating reports of period problems, as well as unexpected vaginal bleeding, post-vaccination.

Two MHRA sub-committees — the Vaccines Benefit Risk Expert Working Group and the Medicines for Women’s Health Expert Advisory Group — are also investigating the evidence around the claims.

A study of more than 4,000 women in the US found periods lasted 15 hours longer in women who had a first dose and 19 hours longer among double-jabbed.

The length of the menstrual cycle varies between individual women, but the average is every 28 days.

However, cycles as short as 21 days or as long as 40 are not considered unusual.

The NHS advises women to contact their GP if their periods are irregular in certain situations.

These include: if their periods suddenly become irregular and they are under 45-years-of-age, their periods come more often than every 21 days and less often than every 35 days, their period lasts longer than seven days, and there is a difference of at least 20 days between the shortest and longest menstrual cycle.

Irregular periods can also lead to problems when women are trying to get pregnant as it becomes difficult to accurately track ovulation, the time when they are most likely to conceive.

US-BASED NIGERIAN DECLARES FOR PRESIDENCY

By

faith Jegede

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February 12, 2022

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A Nigerian nurse based in the United States, Faduri Joseph, has declared his desire to run for presidency come 2023. He vowed to end insecurity and the face-off between ASUU and the federal government when elected President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come 2023.

He said, “When elected as the President of this country, I will put an end to insecurity in all parts of the country and stop the incessant killings of human beings because life is precious.

“Most importantly, I will end the lingering face-off between Academic Staff Union of Universities and government which had resulted in unending strikes. We will ensure that our children finished their studies when due.”

He made this statement while lamenting how he spent five years after graduation from Nigerian University without employment before he left for the US, and ventured into music and acting

“My government will address the matter squarely as well as tackle the unemployment matter that has crumbled the nation’s economy.”

The 45-year-old presidential aspirant made the promises through his Delta State coordinator, Tessy Ebegbune, during a familiarization visit to the university community, Abraka, in Ethiop East Local Government Area of Delta State.

In his remark, the President of the Student Union Government, Delta State University, Comrade Cyprian Odifili, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, to give Nigerians the best in the forthcoming general elections.

Odifili stated that Nigerian students will not hesitate to reject any political aspirant/candidate who cannot protect the interest of Nigerian students.

The students urged INEC to encourage independent candidacy, saying Nigerians are fed up with political parties, but still hopeful that sooner or later, the Moses of our time will emerge, to lead Nigerians to the expected Promised Land.

Police Orders Further Investigation Into Abba Kyari FBI’s Indictment

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 11, 2022

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The Police Service Commission (PSC) has ordered further investigation into the indictment of suspended DCP Abba Kyari by a report of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The Head of Press and Public Relations of the Commission, Ikechukwu Ani, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

He stated that the commission had also ordered that further investigation be carried out by a different panel within two weeks, half the time spent on the original investigation by the police.

Ani stated also that the commission had consequently deferred decision on Kyari’s case who until his suspension was the Officer-in-Charge of the Intelligence Response Team of the Nigeria Police.

He said the commission took the decision at the continuation of its 14th Plenary Meeting,chaired Musiliu Smith, its Chairman.

Kyari had earlier been indicted by a report of the FBI and was also investigated by a special panel set up by the Inspector General of Police (I-G).

“The I-G had earlier forwarded the FBI report to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice for legal advice,’’ Ani added.

He stated also that the PSC also considered 20 pending disciplinary matters and five appeals and petitions from the I-G and aggrieved serving and ex-police officers.

He added that consideration was also given to five promotions appeals at the meeting.

He stated also that the PSC reaffirmed its earlier decision to exonerate SP Shaaba Gboyako, former Chief Security Officer to a former I-G of unwholesome act.

“The Commission is mindful of the need to safeguard its corporate image and defend its institutional integrity and directed the I-G to implement its decision as it affects the officer without delay,’’ Ani added.

Nasarawa Polytechnic Gets 11 HND Courses Approval

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 11, 2022

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The National Board for Technical Education has granted full accreditation for seven Higher National Diploma and four National Diploma programmes at the Isa Mustapha Agwai I Polytechnic, Lafia, for a period of five years.

This was contained in a statement signed and made available to news correspondent in Lafia, on Thursday, by the Rector of the polytechnic, Justina Kotso.

She explained that the accreditation team who were in the polytechnic between 6th and 10th of December, 2021, granted full accreditation for HND in Business Administration and Management; Public Administration; Accountancy; Leisure and Tourism; Science Laboratory Technology/Microbiology option; Hospitality Management; and Urban and Regional Planning.

Others were ND in Social Development; Statistics; Library and Information; Science and Mass Communication, with effect from the 2021/2022 session.

The Rector further revealed that the NBTE also granted interim accreditation for one year to the institution, for HND in Estate Management and Valuation, and ND in Architectural Technology, while noting that the board gave approval for the commencement of programmes such as ND in Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology; HND in Science Laboratory Technology/Chemistry option and HND in Library and Information Science, with effect from 2021/2022 session.

She further said that ND in Mechanical Engineering Technology; Civil Engineering Technology; Quantity Surveying, and HND Architectural Technology, were still pending approval from the board for commencement of the programmes.

“It should be noted that twenty programmes were submitted for accreditation, out of which eleven programmes were granted full accreditation for five years with effect from the 2021/2022 session.

“Two of the programmes were granted interim accreditation for one year with effect from 2021/2022 session; three of the programmes were granted approval to begin, while four of the programmes were withheld pending remedial measures, which the polytechnic is earnestly working to effect,” the statement partly reads.

Kotso expressed gratitude to Governor Abdullahi Sule, who is the visitor of the Polytechnic, for his continued support, while thanking the Chairman of the institution’s Governing Council, Sani Bako, for ensuring an enabling environment during the accreditation process.

Expert says Cancer Can Be Genetically Determined

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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February 11, 2022

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The Medical Director, Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof. Adewale Olomu, has said there is a discovery in the management of cancer, saying some forms of cancer can be genetically determined.

Olomu stated this while speaking with newsmen in Abeokuta, adding that the solution to the ravaging cancer disease had been discovered.

He stated that with an early test for cancer, many patients can be saved, noting that, there has been a rise in the death of cancer patients as a result of late detection.

“It is possible to detect cancer through peoples’ fingerprints” Prof. Adewale said.

“Cancer is a ravaging disease and the technology we created is to detect the possibility of having cancer through fingerprint, because these fingerprints are genetically determined and when we look at the pattern of a patient’s fingerprint and compare it with a normal one, we can say the patient is likely to have cancer of the breast or cancer of the cervix in the future, so we can use that to determine and we can prevent a lot of people coming down with cancer” he said.

Prof. Adewale Olomu further stated that the solution for cancer is on the way and the new technology to predict if a person will have cancer in the future through examining the fingerprints is a right step in the right direction.

Transmission Company Of Nigeria Commences Digitisation Of Old Substations

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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February 11, 2022

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The Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, says it has commenced the digitization of old transmission substations in its network.

According to the TCN’s general manager Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, the digitization project is aimed at improving the automation system of old transmission substations and their connectivity with the proposed TCN SCADA System.

The scope of work for the project includes the supply, installation, configuration, testing, commissioning of Substation Automation Systems, SAS, as well as the control and relay protection systems in the substations.

“This project would further contribute to grid management and reduce system losses”, she added.

The digitization project is funded by the World Bank under NETAP, Nigerian Electricity Transmission Project, managed by the Project Management Unit of TCN.

In Port-Harcourt Region alone, five substations would be digitized, including Afam 1, Ahoada, Yenegoa, Owerri, and Uyo substations.

A team from TCN-PMU and the General Manager, Transmission, Port-Harcourt Region, formally handed the duly executed document on the digitization project to the contractor at the Afam 1 substation, marking the beginning of the digitization process for TCNs old substations.

HIV Trust Fund: Nigeria To Raise $100 Million

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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February 11, 2022

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The Nigerian private sector is to raise one hundred million dollars through the HIV Trust Fund for the prevention of Mothers- to -Child Transmission of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).

The fund launched in Abuja by President Muhammadu Buhari is to assist in increasing domestic funding for HIV/AIDS control in Nigeria.

The President said that his administration would continue to prioritize healthy intervention to address killer diseases and other health emergencies.

“We will continue to make good our commitment to place more people living with HIV on treatment annually, using national resources. However, strong domestic resources mobilization is required to sustain the response to HIV.“ President Buhari said.

He commended the private sector for taking the lead in the fight against HIV.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, said that the launch of the trust fund will guarantee the involvement of the private sector and lessen the financial burden on the federal government. He added that the fund will bridge the funding gap in the coming years.

According to the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Ms Winnie Byranyima, only 14% of HIV funding in Nigeria is by national contribution and Nigeria needed to do more.

She assured the Nigerian government that UNAIDS would continue to work with Nigeria to end AIDS by 2030.

Similarly, the Executive Director of Global Fund, Mr Peter Sands, said that the launch of the HIV trust fund in Nigeria was a great milestone in the fight against HIV in the country.

He noted that the launch of the trust fund is seen as an important element to sustaining HIV control in Nigeria.

On her part, the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Merrybeth Leonard, said that the launch of the HIV Trust Fund creates an opportunity to bring the dynamic Nigerian private sector into HIV control.

She said that the fund would sustain the gains achieved in HIV prevention and is critical to sustaining HIV commodities.

The Group Managing Director Access Bank and the Board chairman HIV Trust Fund, Mr Hubert Wigwe, said that the greatest challenge facing HIV control is funding.

He said that the 100 billion dollars trust fund will have a more successful impact in reducing HIV in Nigeria.

Leading Nigerian businessman, Mr Aliko Dangote, said the fund demonstrates the role of the private sector in the health of Nigerians.

The Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of Aids, NACA, Dr Gambo Gumel, said that due to the president’s intervention, NACA now purchases HIV drugs at the manufacturer’s price. He commended President Buhari’s commitment to HIV response in Nigeria.

He however said that despite these achievements, the national coverage of prevention of mother to child transmission is less than 50%, leading to about 22,000 cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV every year in the country.

The HIV Trust Fund is aimed at achieving; “A Nigeria without Mother-to-child Transmission of HIV is possible when we all play our part.“

Ondo Doctors Suspend Warning Strike Over Assault On Member

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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February 11, 2022

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Members of the Association of Resident Doctors, University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital have suspended their two-day warning strike.

According to a statement issued by the President of the association, John Matthew, on Thursday, the strike was suspended following the intervention of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Francis Faduyile.

Recall the doctors had on Wednesday embarked on a two-day warning strike following an alleged assault on their colleague simply identified as Dr. Sayo, a medical officer at the Accident and Emergency Department of the hospital, while discharging his duty. The quick intervention of operatives of Amotekun Corps saved the doctor from being injured.

The statement reads: “This is to inform you that the two day warning strike embarked upon by members of our association yesterday, 9th February, 2022 has been suspended and our members are back to work at 8am on 10th Feb, 2022.

“This decision is borne out of the assurances of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health to, among other things, address the immediate and remote cause of the barbaric act of assault against doctors and other healthcare workers in our institution.

“The congress, while appreciating efforts of the management at apprehending and prosecuting the accused person demands that all measures must be put in place to protect healthcare workers in course of their of duties and also see to it that other issues raised are promptly treated in the interest of all.

“We assure you of our continued support and commitment to the peace and growth of our institution”.

“We implore the state government to employ more doctors to address the problem. We also want the government to provide adequate security in the hospital premises”.

He urged the state government led by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu to boost the welfare of the doctors by paying their salaries regularly.

Organisation Calls For Synergy In Tackling Childhood Cancer

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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February 11, 2022

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A charity organization, Lions Clubs International has called for synergy between government and relevant stakeholders, to create awareness and reduce number casualty of childhood cancer.

The organization made the call through President of Eko Centennial Lions Club, Muhammed Oyebanjo while, briefing the press on activities line up for his investiture as the 4th president of the club.

Oyebanjo said: “80% of childhood cancers are curable. But this is dependent on early detection and progressive treatment, he further noted that only about 20% to 30% of them receive such treatment. This is often due to inhibitive costs.

“So, for us to reduce number of casualties across board in Africa , there must collaborations among all the concern stakeholders”.

Oyebanjo said lions club would not relent in champion the course of creating awareness on childhood cancer and also providing necessary support for victims.

He disclosed that every necessary arrangement has been made for this year’s International Childhood Cancer Day.(ICCD), which is slated for February 15, to be memorable and impactful.

The Theme for this year is, Better Survival is Achievable through our Hands.

ICCD raises awareness about childhood cancer and expresses support for children and adolescents with cancer, the survivors and their families. ICCD also supports the health of staff involved in caring for these children”, he stated.