Anyanwu unites Imo PDP, says party ready to take Douglas House

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June 30, 2023

Senator Samuel Anyanwu, Gubernatorial Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Imo state, has declared that his party will occupy Douglas House by November. Anyanwu, who is also the Party’s National secretary made this statement during a reconciliatory meeting with all the 305 Ward Chairmen, 27 LGA Chairmen, 27 LGA Women Leaders, and 3 Zone Women Leaders of the Party at his campaign office in Owerri on Thursday.

Speaking at the meeting, he said: “Those who have left the party are free to go. Those of you who have decided to remain in the party, when we win, you will not cry. You will be happy at the end of the day. “I want to thank the reconciliatory committee for the work they have done so far. We are going to take Douglas House. Every support group will work hand in hand with the Party and there won’t be any segregation or discrimination.”

“There is no way PDP will lose the elections in November”.

The Political leader also announced that the party will embark on a ‘Thank-you’ tour to express gratitude to all party faithful for their continued support over the years. Ranking Party chieftains present at the meeting include Chief Mike Ikoku, Chief Mike Ahumibe, Deputy Governorship Candidate, Dr. Jones Onyereri, Hon. Henry Onwukwe, Chief Bonny Ebili amongst several others.

VP Shettima Says FG Will Address Infrastructural Deficits in the Country

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Mana Balagbogbo

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June 30, 2023

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The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima has assured that prompt attention will be given by the Tinubu administration towards addressing the infrastructural deficits in the country. Vice President Shettima gave the assurance today when he paid a Salah homage to the Shehu of Borno, HRH, Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi in Maiduguri.

The VP who spoke in Kanuri said all the infrastructural challenges in the country would be addressed including the Gamboru Ngala, Dikwa and well as Damboa roads in Borno State. In his remarks, the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, extolled the virtues of the Vice President as a man of the people, a grassroot politician, adding that being the first visit of Vice President Shettima to the State, “the visit is very important to Borno people, and it is a home coming for their son.”

Also in his welcome remarks, the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Garbai El-Kanemi, who spoke in Kanuri, praised the Vice President of as a worthy son of Borno State, stressing that the love the Vice President enjoyed reflected in the massive support they gave to him. The Shehu solicited the support of the Bola Tinubu Administration to address the issue of bad roads and security challenges in the state and the country. He pledged the support of the people of the State to the administration.

Why I Chose to Unify Exchange Rate, Refused to Partake in Arbitrage – Tinubu

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Mana Balagbogbo

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June 30, 2023

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he could have chosen to maintain the hitherto multiple foreign exchange systems and benefit from it, but instead opted to unify the official and parallel market rates to save the country from financial hemorrhage.

Speaking at a civic reception organised in his honour by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos House, Marina, President Tinubu said he took the decision in the nation’s best interest just like he did with fuel subsidy removal.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by Dele Alake, the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications and Strategy.

The President said it was imperative to take those decisive actions in the early days of his administration.

President Tinubu said as a way of ensuring good use of available resources, the government would “re-engineer the effectiveness of the control and management of our resources in order to meet the obligations to Nigerians by political officeholders.

The President used the opportunity to solicit the support of governors present at the event to work with him in ensuring even development of the country.

An elated President Tinubu, who was thankful to the Lagos State Government for putting together the reception and to his friends and associates who attended, apologised to some of his friends in the audience who, he said, had been yearning to see him but could not, because of the demands of his office.

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was overwhelmed with joy, while appreciating guests, expressed gratitude to God for making President Tinubu the leader of Nigeria describing him as a competent manager of human and financial resources with the midas touch to turn around the economic fortunes of the country.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the forum, Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, pledged that state chief executives, regardless of party affiliations, were ready to cooperate and work with the President to ensure the country becomes better and safer for all citizens.

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, who spoke on behalf of members of the National Assembly, thanked President Tinubu for his leadership in smoothening the take-off of the 10th National Assembly.

Immediate-past Minister of Works and Housing and former Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, pleaded with governors and Nigerians that the work of remaking Nigeria should not be left alone to the President, stating that good governance must be replicated across 36 states.

Going down memory lane, leader of Lagos Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC), Pa Tajudeen Olusi, said the emergence of President Tinubu was a pay-back time for the state having contributed significantly to the political evolution of Nigeria since the colonial era of Herbert Macaulay till date.

The event was attended by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima; wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; All Progressives Congress National Chairman, Senator Abdullahi Adamu; Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of House Representatives, Special Advisers, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, and Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, among others.

Lagos Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat delivered the vote of thanks at the occasion which was also attended by serving and former govenors from across party lines in solidarity with the President.

Exploring The Royal Palace of Foumban In Cameroon

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Angel Gimalo

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June 29, 2023

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The Royal Palace of Foumban is one of the oldest still standing structures in the history of the African continent, located in the town of Foumban, within the West Region of the Republic of Cameroon.

Throughout the history, there were only Sultans, who are Kings, living in the interesting Palace, the earliest one dating from 14th century.

Built during the reign of the Kingdom of Bamum, which was a pre-colonial West African state, nowadays still serves as a seat for the Sultan who is the 19th ruler of the Bamoun Dynasty.

Due to the importance the building has, in 1917 the Royal Palace of Foumban was renovated after which the belongings of the Sultan were arranged and kept within the palace’s grounds as a tourist attraction.

Some of the major important things found in the palace include a multitude of royal gowns, arms, musical instruments, statues, jewellery, masks and colorful bead-covered thrones carved in the shapes of the men who sat on them and seat of power for the Bamoun people.

Nevertheless, the palace is notable for the red natural brick used for the construction of the palace which features three floors. There was a fire in 1913 which burned down the palace, and the then-King Njoya ordered for a new one to be build, with the same design, finishing it in 1922.

Basically what was built then we see today, where in front of the building there is a small hexagon fountain surrounded with flowers and plants, where as next to it there is an equestrian statue of one of the sultans that once ruled the Kingdom.

The entrance is a turret tower with rounded sloped roof, which has tympanum terrace, and there are additional turrets on the left and right corners of the palace, with other entrances to the building. There are two long arched terraces on the ground and first floor, however, the second floor is enclosed with ox-eye-looking windows, finishing with the roof on which two gablets can be found.

Definitely serving as an enormous monument for pre-colonial Africa, it is one of the most interesting landmarks of Foumban, which deserves better attention.

Once Upon A Time – June 29 – 1613 – Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre Burns Down During Performance Of “Henry VIII”

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Angel Gimalo

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June 29, 2023

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1613 Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London, burns down during a performance of “Henry VIII”

1900 The Imperial Chinese Court issues what is essentially a declaration of war against foreigners in China blaming them for hostilities and giving license to the Boxers for even greater ferocity

1964 Civil Rights Act of 1964 passes after an 83-day filibuster in the US Senate

1966 Vietnam War: US planes bomb the North Vietnamese capital Hanoi and the port city of Haiphong for the first time

1994 US reopens Guantanamo Naval Base to process refugees

Historical Events Today Events in 2023
Today in Film & TV
1964 NBC approves Gene Roddenberry’s script for pilot episode of “Star Trek” titled “The Cage”

Today in Music
1888 First (known) recording of classical music made, Handel’s “Israel in Egypt” on wax cylinder

Today in Sport
1958 FIFA World Cup Final, Råsunda Stadium, Stockholm, Sweden: Vavá & Pelé each score 2 goals as Brazil beats Sweden, 5-2

More Facts…
1900 World’s first female diocesan Anglican bishop, Dr Penny Jamieson, appointed in New Zealand

Famous Weddings
1822 Nephew of Napoleon, biologist and ornithologist Prince Charles Bonaparte marries cousin Zenaide Bonaparte

1854 English Novelist and author of “Jane Eyre” Charlotte Brontë marries curate Arthur Bell Nicholls

1931 Actress Mary Astor (25) weds Dr. Franklyn Thorpe

State of Birland’s President Appoints Nigerian As Minister Of Environment

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Angel Gimalo

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June 29, 2023

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The President of the State of Birland, HRM Dr. Emir Haiyawi, has appointed a Nigerian, Amb. Prof. Joseph Legend Mfon, FIMC, CMC, FIOGR, as the Minister of Environment of the State of Birland.

The President of the State of Birland issued the official decree for the appointment of His Excellency Amb. Prof. Legend on June 13, 2023, jointly signed by the Prime Minister, H.R.M Prof. Queen Eden Soriano Trinidad.

The State of Birland is Africa’s newest country and number 55th on the continent of Africa with a geographical location between Sudan and Egypt and a landmass of 2,060 hectares.

This humanitarian nation has received several endorsements and recognition by other countries.

Amb. Dr. Joseph Legend Mfon will by this appointment work towards representation and protection of the interests and nationals of the State of Birland; initiation and facilitation of strategic agreements; treaties and conventions; promotion of information; trade and commerce; technology, and friendly and bilateral relations with other countries.

The President of the State of Birland also stated that the policy on humanitarian diplomacy has been established to provide National Societies and the International Federation with a more effective framework for advancing their core objectives.

It is, therefore, an overarching policy, different from others in that it is designed to support the key messages of National Societies and the International Federation with greater visibility and influence, but not to change the substance of those messages.

The establishment of this humanitarian diplomacy policy is therefore complementary and supportive of all existing policies, programs and strategies of the International Federation.

The appointment will open series of bilateral ties between the state of Birland and other countries with the qualities, attitude and candour of the Secretary of Diplomacy.

The Government of the State of Birland is proud of having a Nigerian who is capable and highly skilled in such a sensitive office.

Oil Spillage: Eleme/Ogu Communities Seek Government’s Intervention

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Angel Gimalo

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June 29, 2023

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Immediate action required to address reported oil spillage in Eleme/Ogu Communities in Rivers State resulting from Shell Trans Niger Pipeline!

Despite the gravity of this spillage and the environmental disaster it poses.

Calls to Shell by community members have remained unanswered.

We are calling on @Shell to take immediate action to mitigate the devastating impacts this spill is having on the ecosystem, health, and livelihood of affected communities.

We are also calling on the Federal Government of Nigeria @NigeriaGov to review and strengthen existing regulations related to oil spill prevention, response, and liability. Implement stricter measures to hold responsible parties accountable.

For their actions and deter future occurrence of such incidents.

The people of Eleme/Ogu deserve better.

Anambra Governor, Chukwuma Soludo Encourages Recycling

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Angel Gimalo

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June 29, 2023

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In a bid to solidify Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR agenda on waste recycling, The Ministry of Environment ably led by Mr Commissioner Engr Dr Felix Odimegwu went on a field visit to various recycling hub in Ogbaru Local Government Area Anambra State.

The Waste Recycling hub visited are:

• Starich Recycling Technologies Co.Ltd with Mr Olaolu Olawe as the Executive Director is situated at Atani Rd Ogbaru Anambra State. They recycle pet bottles, batteries, cartoons, plastics,rubber, tyre with end- products ranging from pillows, cushion, chairs, handfan, buckets to duvet.

• Vinval Industries located at Atani rd Ogbaru Anambra State with Mr Chijioke Madumere as the Managing Director. They recycle paper waste to useful paper for printing office files, toilet tissue, cartoons, worn out woods into paper.

Mr Commissioner who was elated at the massive investment of turning waste to wealth lauded them while assuring them of His Excellency Prof Charles Chukwuma Soludo support in terms of security, smart laws and policy regulations in order to sustain their various recycling hub.

“The state gets cleaner and drainages free of encumbrances once the plastic wastes or other types of wastes are sorted out, removed and recycled”

“I call on the general public to join forces with the Anambra State Government to maximize waste in the state, by conveying any type of waste to any recycling hubs within their reach in exchange for money or an item, all we want to achieve is a clean, green, liveable, sustainable and prosperous homeland that we all will be proud of “.

“Do locate any local council near you to join in the ongoing All Anambra Community Plastic Challenge, together we will rid Anambra of plastic waste” he finalized.

Stakeholders Seek Public/Private Collaboration To Reduce Maternal Mortality

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 29, 2023

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Stakeholders in the health sector have called for the integration of the public and private sectors to reduce maternal mortality, noting that such an integration is an effective strategy for reducing the incidence in the country.

The recommendation was made during a webinar organized on Tuesday by the Nigeria Health Watch with funding from ‘MSD for Mothers’,themed, “Building Resilient Maternal Health Systematically through Private Sector Integration”.

The initiative of MSD for mothers, which is worth US$ 650 million, helps to create a world where no woman has to die while giving life.

According to reports, the webinar provided an avenue for stakeholders to advocate to policy-makers on the importance of private sector integration in Nigeria’s mixed health systems.

The webinar was also to provide actionable steps to effectively engage the private sector to build resilient and sustainable maternal health systems that deliver quality maternal healthcare services in the country.

The president of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria, Dr. Pamela Ajayi, said that progress can be made when the private and public sectors work together to improve health outcomes in the country.

She added that there was a need to invest in health systems in the country, but for this to work, there must be alignment and incentives to encourage collaboration.

According to her, the private sector broadly covers maternal health in the country, accounting for 60 to 70 per cent of services.

She said that the maternity period was supposed to be a time of joy, not anxiety.

“The private sector has a crucial role in improving maternal health outcomes in Nigeria,” Dr. Ajayi added.

According to the Acting Unit Head, Health Systems Governance and Policy, World Health Organisation, Mr. David Clarke, the Country Connector for Private Sector in Health has recorded impact in ensuring that governments achieve Universal Health Coverage, and health security for their population by harnessing the public and private health sector’s collective national expertise and resources.

Clarke also reaffirmed the commitment of the WHO Country Connector to evolve from helping countries with COVID-19 support, to assisting governments to improve on their capacities to improve health systems and outcomes.

On her part, the former Commissioner for Health, Kaduna State, Dr. Amina Mohammad Baloni, said the state government looked into private sector integration with a framework of improving the supply chain of medicines and its accessibility to benefit people living in hard-to-reach areas.

“When we talk about accessing private care in Nigeria, most citizens do this through Patent and Proprietary Medine Vendors (PPMVs),” she said.

Baloni also added that there was a need to employ quality standards across the private and public sectors to ensure efficient health delivery for all in the country.

Meanwhile, the Chief Executive Officer, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Ben Nkechika, said that there was a need for participatory cooperation among stakeholders to improve the health outcomes of Nigerians.

He said that a resilient healthcare system was one in which the patient can access the healthcare they need when they needed it, without substantial financial catastrophe.

For Mr. Temitayo Erogbogbo, Global Advocacy Director, MSD for Mothers, there is an urgent need to integrate the private sector to aid the financing of health systems and improve the health outcomes of Nigerians.

He said that a lot of attention has not been given to the quality of care and the outcomes, and that has to change in the country.

He also noted that quality matters as the country was losing more people through poor quality and lack of access to care across the country.

The Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch, Mrs. Vivianne Ihekweazu, said strengthening maternal health in the country remains a challenge, despite the fact that the country continues to account for a quarter of the global maternal deaths, according to a recent report

“These are mothers, sisters and friends who should not be dying while giving birth in the country,” she added.

Ihekweazu said if the country were to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.1, there was a lot of work for it to do to promote maternal health outcomes in the country.

Group Advocates End To Female Genital Mutilation

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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June 29, 2023

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The United Nations Population Fund has appealed to parents and community leaders to join hands together to stop the menace of female genital mutilation.

UNFPA Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Ulla Mueller, made the appeal during a sensitisation walk against FGM and Gender-Based Violence at the Ashogbon community in the Bariga area of Lagos on Tuesday.

The programme was organised by the UN organization in collaboration with Action Health Incorporated, an NGO dedicated to promoting young people’s health and development.

Female genital mutilation is a traditional harmful practice that involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia or other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

Mueller said that FGM was one of the forms of GBV deeply rooted in traditional understandings of purity and chastity but causes irreparable pain and health problems to women and girls.

She also noted that United Nations data estimated that over 200 million girls and women have undergone FGM globally.

According to her, FGM remains widespread in Nigeria with an estimated 20 million survivors, and Nigeria accounts for the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM worldwide.

Mueller added that the FGM/GBV walk aimed to increase public awareness of FGM practices, laws, and risks associated with FGM, as well as dissuade community members from FGM practices.

“There’s no health benefit in FGM. We came to the Ashogbon market and its environment to sensitise the people about the health impact of FGM.

“The community is one of the communities with the highest prevalence of FGM in Lagos State,” she said.

Mueller said that FGM has physical, and mental health impacts on women and girls, noting that it could lead to infection or future complications.

She added that FGM was a violation of women’s rights, stating that the sensitisation would empower members of the community with the various ways to respond to and prevent GBV.

Speaking also, the Executive Secretary, of Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Mrs. Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, , said Lagos has zero tolerance for FGM and GBV.

She said that the state government had demonstrated the political will to eradicate the malaise of FGM and GBV from the state.

“We have put in support systems to ensure that in the unfortunate event that it does occur, survivors are able to access quality care, however, we believe greatly in prevention.

“And one of the ways you can prevent it is by creating awareness. And that’s why we are very glad to partner with UNFPA and AHI for this programme,” she added.

Similarly, the Executive Director, AHI, Mrs. Adenike Esiet, noted that in spite of the severe short-term and long-term physical and psychological consequences of mutilation, FGM was often practised in the belief that it was beneficial for the girl.

Esiet said that changing gender and social norms that encourage FGM was critical.

“Ending GBV is a public good that benefits individuals, families and communities in many ways,” she said.

She noted that the goal of the programme was to contribute to the elimination of FGM in Lagos and Nigeria, and assist to achieve the target of ending FGM by 2030.