UN Says 16 Local Staff Detained In Ethiopia Amid Violence

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November 9, 2021

Sixteen Ethiopian staff working for the United Nations were reportedly detained after government raids targeting ethnic Tigrayans, even as foreign envoys scramble to end the country’s year-long war.

The detentions in Addis Ababa followed the declaration of a six-month nationwide state of emergency last week after Tigrayan and Oromo rebels claimed major advances on the ground, raising fears of a march on the capital.

Humanitarian sources said, some UN staff members were taken from their homes, shortly after a senior UN envoy visited Tigray to plead for more aid to civilians.

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters at the world body’s headquarters that sixteen UN staffers, all Ethiopian nationals, remained in detention while another six were freed.

Lawyers say arbitrary detentions of ethnic Tigrayans—commonplace during the war—have spiked in the last week, ensnaring thousands, with the new measures allowing the authorities to hold anyone suspected of supporting “terrorist groups” without a warrant.

Tensions between the Ethiopian government and the UN have been high throughout the war, which has killed thousands of people and, according to the UN, pushed hundreds of thousands into famine-like conditions due to a de facto humanitarian blockade on Tigray.

Clean Energy: Rolls-Royce To Develop Small Nuclear Reactors

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Angel Gimalo

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November 9, 2021

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Rolls-Royce been backed by a consortium of private investors and the UK government to develop small nuclear reactors to generate cleaner energy.

The creation of the rolls-royce small modular reactor (smr) business was announced following a £195m cash injection from private firms and a £210m grant from the government.

It is hoped the new company could create up to 40,000 jobs by 2050.

However, critics say the focus should be on renewable power, not new nuclear.

Currently, about 21% of UK electricity generation comes from nuclear power.

Egypt Sends Aid As South Sudan Flood Victims Hit Over One Million

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Angel Gimalo

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November 9, 2021

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The government of South Sudan says more than one million people have been affected by flash flooding this year.

Disaster Management Minister Peter Mayen Majongdit announced this while receiving food aid from Egypt.

He said the donated food items that include sugar, rice, lentils and other items would be distributed to the affected people.

Cairo airlifted 12 metric tonnes of assorted food items.

Jonglei state in the east and the two oil-producing states of unity and upper nile in the north are said to be the worst affected as a result of rising waters across the country since may.

Malawian President Tasks Citizens On National Development

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Angel Gimalo

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November 9, 2021

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Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has asked each citizen to take responsibility for the country’s development rather than always demanding it from the politicians.

He said he had hundreds of messages on his phone from people asking him “to run their families for them” just because he is president – adding that mps had similar messages from their constituents.

The Malawian President asked citizens to implement plans at household level that were in line with a national development plan, which he was launching.

He gave an example of the country’s plan to improve productivity and commercialisation of agriculture – which he said could not happen “without fundamental changes at the household level”.

214 Kilowatt Solar Farm Launched By Kwara Tertiary Institution To Supply Electricity

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Angel Gimalo

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November 9, 2021

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A private tertiary institution, Thomas Adewumi University, Oko, Kwara State, has inaugurated a 214 kilowatt solar farm to serve its energy needs.

The facility, which was unveiled by its founder, Dr Johnson Adewumi, at the university campus, would also supply electricity to the neighbouring communities.

A statement from the university on Monday said the institution would only use 56kw and distribute the remainder to the neighbouring communities of Oko Irese and Omu Aran.

Apart from Adewumi, other dignitaries at the unveiling of the power facility were the Vice Chancellor, TAU, Prof K.L Ayorinde; Dean of Faculties; Prof Odebunmi and Dr J. Ishola; the engineers in charge of the project, Ilesanmi Olanrewaju, Isaac Ajah and Samuel Adeolu, together with other members of the university community.

The statement reads, “The capacity of the solar farm is about 214KW of which the university uses just about 56kw. TAU through Decrown West Africa company will also become distributor of energy to neighbouring communities; Oko Irese and Omu Aran will be the beneficiaries of this solar energy as time goes on.

“This is also an open door for training opportunities and also to encourage the innovation of energy-dependent ideas. Decrown W.A, our sponsor company has helped to put the solar power in place.

“The men, who worked on the installations are newly trained and were instrumental to the establishment of the solar farm. The aim of Thomas Adewumi University is to help create jobs and moving on, that is our focus.”

The statement said Ajah, who lead the team of engineers and technicians that worked on the installation, put the capacity of the solar panel at 120KW, which he further said can dissipate power up to about 8-9 hours daily.

According to him, an 80kw battery was provisioned to back up the inverter in time of poor radiation.

Presidential Clinic: Shehu Sani knocks politicians over love for foreign doctors

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Cleopatra Okohai

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November 9, 2021

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The former Senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has berated politicians for their love of foreign doctors and medical tourism.

Sani said this via his verified Twitter handle, stating that the Presidential Wing of the State House Clinic, which is undergoing an upgrade, would not stop the obsession with foreign doctors and clinics.

He wrote, “No matter how much is spent to upgrade and equip the Presidential Clinic, it will never change their obsession with foreign Doctors and foreign clinics.”

On Monday, November 1, the president’s Chief of Staff, Prof Ibrahim Gambari, inaugurated the construction of the State House Clinic Presidential Wing.

Before the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary, State House, Umar Tijjani, had disclosed that the President had approved the construction and equipping of a 14-bed space presidential clinic at a cost of N21bn.

Tijani stated this when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Federal Character and Inter-Governmental Affairs, to present his 2022 budget proposal for consideration.

He explained that the construction firm, Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria, is to construct the VIP clinic.

He said the physical construction would start on November 1, 2021 and would be inaugurated on December 31, 2022.

The Permanent Secretary explained that the Presidential Clinic would contain 14-bed facilities with a total area of 2,700 square metres.

He added that there would be an underground, first floor, two operating theatres, two executive suites, two VIP wards, two Isolation wards and a six-bed isolation area in the building.

Also Read: Child marriage, teenage pregnancy rising, Gombe laments

He further explained that there would be laboratory, healing garden, pharmacy, and X-ray facility in the clinic.

He said,” The project was conceived in 2012 by the previous administration and the brief was processed.

“It was estimated to cost about N21bn and the facility contains 14-bed space with a total area of 2, 700 square meters, there will be underground and first floor.

“Most of the preliminary works had been concluded. Mr President has approved the project. We have gone to the Bureau of Public Procurement to get a Certificate of No Objection.”

He told the committee that JBN was picked as the contractor because it built the State House and had been maintaining it since 1990.

“JBN has done a great job, and it was considered because of security reasons.”

He said the clinic would also be open to other African countries for medical treatment.

One of the members of the committee, Senator Nicolas Tofowomo, expressed dissatisfaction with the failure of the Permanent Secretary to show the committee any pictorial view of the hospital.

However, some other members of the committee led by the Chairman, Senator Danjuma La’ah, commended the initiative of the Federal Government for constructing and equipping the Presidential Wing of the State House Clinic.

36 African Countries Face Health Human Resource Crisis

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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November 9, 2021

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The West African Postgraduate College of Medical Laboratory Science, WAPCMLS, has stated that 36 African countries are facing health human resources crisis, adding that ten among them are facing “critical shortages.”

The organisation disclosed this ahead of its 2021 regional conference and induction, to be held next Monday in Abuja, where a total of 120 elected persons would be inducted.

WAPCMLS’s Registrar/Secretary-General, Dr. Godswill Okara, at a pre-conference briefing in Abuja,explained that the induction of the elected fellows at the three-day event that would be declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari, which will re-position the College adequately for the commencement of Fellowship Training in the region.”

Dr. Godswill said, “The acute shortage of skilled health workers means that most countries are unable to avail appropriately skilled health workers in the right quantity where they are needed. Human capacity development is critical in the provision of an effective and efficient heath care service.”

He said,”The Regional Committee unanimously adopted the Road Map for scaling up the human resources for health to improve health service delivery in Africa.

Dr. Okara further explained that,”The Regional Road map proposes strategies and actions to overcome the health workforce challenges in Africa.

According to him, “ President Muhammadu Buhari has graciously consented to declare the Conference open on the 15th November, 2021″,adding that,” It would be chaired by the Director General of West African Health Organisation, Professor Stanley Okolo.”

“The Keynote Lecture would be delivered by a foremost physician/infectious diseases specialist, Professor Idris Mohammed.

“Other distinguished subject experts from West Africa and the USA CDC would also make presentations on sub-themes of the Conference.

“Our College Fellows from all over West Africa and Cameroun would be in attendance at the three-day conference.”

State Govt. Sets Up Committee To Regulate Private Schools

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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November 9, 2021

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Niger State government in North Central Nigeria has inaugurated 15 Man Committee for the repositioning of the Private Schools Board and regulation of the activities of Private Schools in the State.

The Commissioner of Education in the state, Hannatu Jibrin Salihu who stated this during the inauguration of the committee in Minna the state capital, bewailed over the uncontrolled proliferation of Private Schools across the state.

The Commissioner according to Jibrin Kodo an information officer in the Ministry, set up the Committee to create a reliable database for regulating and streamlining the activities of private school in the state.

“The Committee which is expected to make actionable recommendations so as to reposition the Board for the effective and efficient discharge of its statutory duties and responsibilities, would also review the current processes and practices of the Private Schools Board with a view to identify operational gaps and challenges,” Salamatu added.

The Niger state commissioner for education further urged the proprietors of private schools in the state to use the opportunity of the partnership in making useful recommendations that would guarantee a conducive environment for the delivery of qualitative and functional education for the benefits of children.

Jibrin Alkali, the Chairman of the Private Schools Board in Niger state who also commended the initiative of the Ministry of education for setting up a committee to regulate activities of private schools in the state, promised that the Committee will leave nothing to chance in ensuring that the task before them is accomplished.

FUTO: ASUU Panel Confirms Pantami Appointment as Professor

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Rhoda Onuzulike

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November 9, 2021

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The panel set up by the Academic Staff Union of University, ASUU, chapter of Federal University of Technology, Owerri, FUTO, has said the appointment of the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr. Isa Ibrahim Pantami, as a professor of Cyber-Security by the university followed due process.

Recall that the panel was inaugurated by ASUU chapter of the university at its congress on September 22nd, 2021.

The panel in its report, asked the university management to protect the integrity of FUTO by taking steps to correct some misrepresentations against it.

Among other measures, the panel recommended a legal action against those who attempted to stain the reputation of the university.

Members of the committee included Prof. M. S. Nwakaudu (Chairman), Prof. G.A. Anyanwu; Prof. C. E. Orji, Prof. O.P. Onyewuchi, and Prof.T. I. N. Ezejiofor (member/Secretary).

The panel explained in detail, how Pantami applied for a professorial appointment and the steps taken by the university to grant his request.

The report stated: “FUTO in her quest to be counted in the modem trends in the fields of science, engineering, technology, etc, decided to establish new programmes, such as Forensic Science, Software Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Cybersecurity, Radiography and Radiation Science, etc.

“ FUTO advertised vacancies in the Academic and Academic Support Staff in six schools (namely SICT, SESET, SOES, SOHT, SBMS and SOBS) and 23 departments, which includes Cybersecurity

“ Vacancies advertised in the Academic Departments (including Cyber Security Department) are for Professor, Reader, Senior Lecturer, etc.

“ The advertisement appeared in two national newspapers (THE SUN and THE GUARDIAN) and interested candidates were invited to apply for the position which they qualified for.

“Dr. Isa Ibrahim responded and applied for the post of Professor of Cybersecurity. He was given a temporary appointment as Professor of Cybersecurity in the Cyber-security Department, for which he accepted in writing.

“ Dr. Isa Ibrahim’s qualifications include BSc, MSc in Computer Science and MBA all from ATBU, PhD in Computer Information System from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, UK.

“He is a Fellow and member of some foreign computer science professional societies.

“Dr. Isa Ibrahim was requested to submit details of his publications and productive works for both internal and external assessments. He complied with the request.

“Dr. Isa Ibrahim’s publications and productive works were sent to the Dean of SICT for internal assessment for the purpose of establishment of prima facie case for the professorial appointment.

“The Dean of SICT assessed the publications and productive works using the FUTO guidelines for appointment and promotion and established a prima facie case for Dr. Isa Ibrahim for him to be appointed a Professor of Cybersecurity.

“ The prima facie case for Dr. Isa Ibrahim was presented to the Academic Staff Appraisal and Promotion Committee- Professorial (ASAPC-Professorial) meeting held on 17th March, 2021. The Committee discussed the issue and recommended same for approval by the FUTO Council.

“The Council at its meeting held on the 18th of March, 2021 approved the prima facie case for Dr. Isa Ibrahim to be appointed a Professor of Cybersecurity.

“ Following the approval of the prima facie case, Dr. Isa Ibrahim’s publications and productive works were sent for external assessment.

“ The external assessment returned positive and the council at its meeting of 20th August, 2021 approved his appointment as a Professor of Cybersecurity.

“ Dr. Isa Ibrahim was given a tenure appointment as a Professor of Cybersecurity following his appointment by the FUTO Governing Council.

“Dr. Isa Ibrahim has assumed duties and is currently involved in the teaching of CYB 201 (Fundamentals of Cyber Security), via online and a lead Supervisor of one PhD Student/Staff of Cybersecurity Department.”

As part of its findings, the panel said it interacted with the following stakeholders: University Registrar; the immediate Past Chairman, Committee of Deans; the Dean, School of Information and Communication Technology (SICT); some Deans of Schools who were members of ASAPC-Professional duringthe 2020/2021 Appraisal Year; some Internal Members of the last FUTO Governing Council and the Acting Head, Cybersecurity Department.

The panel insisted that Pantami’s appointment followed due process.

We have submitted a report, NEC will decide finally, says FUTO ASUU chair
Reacting to the report yesterday, Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, Federal University of Technology, FUTO, Owerri, chapter, Christopher Echereobia, said: “You know we have a hierarchy and procedure.

“The committee was constituted at the instance of the national. We were directed to do that; we turned in our report last week.

“As I am talking to you, our colleagues from other states have arrived Owerri, we will have a zonal meeting where the report will be presented.

“On the 12th of this month, we will be arriving Abuja for our National Executive Council, NEC, meeting where the report will be looked into and decided.

‘’That is when we can say this is the position of ASUU on it.

“So, ASUU has a procedure and the committee was constituted, based on the directive from the National.

“So by the time, we present it to the NEC of ASUU, whatever NEC, decides on it will be the position of ASUU.’’

Medical Professionals seek Collaboration between Herbal, Orthodox medicine to combat COVID-19

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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November 9, 2021

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A haematology oncologist at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Edamisan Temiye, presented an interim report on ongoing clinical trials of IHP Detox Tea as possible phytomedicine for COVID-19 at the Hospital.

The Experts disclosed collaboration between herbal and orthodox medicine practitioners could lead to the effective production of medicines to cure COVID-19.

According to scientists at the 12th edition of Herb Fest 2021, which was held virtually, warned that the country should not neglect the role of herbal medicine in the treatment of various diseases.

Temiye said it was discovered during the trial, that those on Detox Tea got cured of the viruses/diseases faster than those on conventional trials. He stated that pregnant women were not included in the trial, therefore pregnant women cannot take the tea. He said coronaviruses are zoonotic diseases that are associated with the common cold pneumonia and severe acute respiratory syndrome which can also affect the gut.

The medical experts have said collaboration between herbal and orthodox medicine practitioners could lead to the effective production of medicines to suppress COVID-19.

High-profile scientists at the 12th edition of Herb Fest 2021, which was held virtually, opined that the country should not neglect the role of herbal medicine in the treatment of various diseases.

Temiye assured the audience that indeed coronaviruses are responsible for between 15 and 30 percent of common colds. He gave reasons for this study as efforts at developing a vaccine to curtail the spread of the virus.

The haematology oncologist said IHP Detox Tea contains Andrographis, Garcinia kola seed extract and Psidium guava leaf extract. He said one of the numerous purposes of the study was to determine the efficacy and safety of the product when used as an adjuvant. He added that the tea appears to have no deleterious effect on the renal and hepatic functions of those who took the tea in his study. Temiye, however, said larger samples are needed to make statistically meaningful conclusions.

Prof. Omayma A. Eldahshan from the University of Ainshams, Cairo, Egypt, in her presentation said natural products are considered safe and available repository for potential drug target modulators.

Eldahshan said some natural products, present in green and black teas are supporting supplements or nucleus for further drug design and development campaigns.

The two-day natural herbal product expo also had Dr. Elumba Prosper from Cameroon who has a degree in Nursing Science. Prosper said traditional medicine once considered quackery is making a resurgence. Also, he said, not forgetting the history and content of herbalism with the existence of man were many ancient civilizations used herbal medicine to prevent and treat cold and influenza infections.