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Health

North East has highest obstetric fistula complications – MD

Complications

By Ahmed Mohammmed Kaigama

Ningi (Bauchi), Nov. 25, 2019 (NAN) Dr Umar Ibrahim, the Medical Director of National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi, Bauchi State, says the North East region has the highest number of obstetric complications in the country.

He made the disclosure in an interview with journalists in Ningi on Tuesday, where he said the centre was supposed to cover only the six North East states but that clients came from all parts of Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) is an abnormal fistulous tract extending between the bladder and the vagina that allows continuous involuntary discharge of urine into the vaginal vault, which occurs during child birth.

The medical director said “the North East region has the highest number of obstetric fistula cases, mostly due to prolonged labour, rape and from the complications of the insurgency in that region.

“The centre repairs between 400 and 500 fistula cases annually, with some done on routine bases, while others are gathered in groups of about 100 patients at a time.”

He added that because the repairs and feeding of patients attending the hospital are free, the centre must learn to manage the number.

According to him, the challenges of the centre include the lack of adequate infrastructure, the lack of expertise and skilled workers  and inadequate resources, which, sometimes affect services because patients are not charged for services rendered. 

He said the Federal Government is doing its best in the provision of infrastructure at the centre, noting that “we now have a new permanent site with a new ward, and a second one will soon be ready, as the theatre is  95 per cent completed.”

He urged well-to-do individuals, partners, corporate bodies to support the centre. (NAN)

MAK/ASS/HA

Edited by Saidu Adamu/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

 

Health

Canadian Govt. donate drugs, others to National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi

Donation
By Ahmed Kaigama Mohammmed
Ningi (Bauchi State), Nov. 25, 2019 (NAN) The Canadian Government, in collaboration with UN Population Fund (UNFPA), on Tuesday, donated drugs and consumables worth over 280,000 dollars to National Obstetric Fistula Centre, Ningi in Bauchi State.

Kibeza Kasubi, First Secretary for the High Commission of Canada in Nigeria, Senior Development Officer in the Health Sector, formally handed over the items to the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, who was represented By Dr Mohammmed Alkali, the Chief Medical Director,
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Ningi.

She said “Canada is financing a project called `addressing gaps in sexual based violence’, implemented by UNFPA, that is why you see inscription of Canada and UNFPA on the items donated.”

She added that the gesture was part of the Canadian Government’s contribution toward improving the wellbeing of citizens in the state and beyond.

She explained that it was their own way of giving back to the society because of the conviction that government alone could not meet the yearnings and needs of the citizenry.

She said “this is a practical demonstration of the patriotic and humanitarian spirit which prevails in Canada and makes it one of the greatest nations of the world.

“We learnt that government alone cannot meet the needs of the citizenry, there is the need for partnership to give back to the society.”

She added that the Canadian Government had made similar donations, including quality drugs, equipment to other communities in the country.

The minister of health said “health is all-inclusive services that require government, individuals, philanthropist and friendly countries’ support.

He said the donation came at the right time and it would go a long way in complementing government’s efforts toward providing effective healthcare services to the people.

He urged the management of the fistula centre to make good use of the items and to provide patients with the needed services.

Ehanire assured that the Federal Government would continue to partner with the Canadian Government and well-meaning individuals and groups toward actualising its objective of making life meaningful for the citizenry.

Dr Umar Ibrahim, the Medical Director of the Ningi fistula center, said the gesture was a big step in the development of the healthcare facility.

He said “Federal Government is the sole sponsor of the centre, taking care of infrastructure and feeding of the patients that attend the centre across the country.

“The Canadian Government’s donation of hospital beds, chairs, drugs, among others, will go a long way in managing the centre.”

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the drugs and consumables donated include hospital beds, plastic chairs, mobile blood pressure machines, bedside cabinets and medication trolleys. (NAN)
MAK/HA
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Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

 

Defence/Security

COAS inaugurates ATBU bridge, soldiers accommodation in Bauchi

Inauguration
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Nov. 25, 2019 (NAN) The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai has inaugurated the collapsed pedestrian bridge at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University and new accommodation for soldiers at School of Armoury Bauchi.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the ATBU metal bridge linking the students’ hostels and the lecture halls collapsed killing three students and injuring several others during a downpour on Aug. 5.

He also inaugurated the new 10 block of 8 apartments at Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai Village in the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps, Obienu Barracks in the State.

Buratai, represented by the Commandant School of Armour, Maj.-Gen. James Komolafe, said the construction of the bridge was part of the civil military cooperation efforts for host communities.

He said the army is very responsive in terms of improving education, welfare and security to the host Communities.

According to him, the bridge will last for over 50 years with maintenance, therefore, the wood on the bridge need to change after 10 years.

Earlier, Prof. Muhammed Abdulazeez, the Vice Chancellor, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi commended the army for committing its resources in the institution.

“We are mindful of the budgetary shortfalls in all arms of government and the army. We appreciate the level of your sacrifice in building this bridge.

“We will never forget the gesture of the army for that gigantic project so that no more deaths will occur in the institution,” he said.

On the accommodation of soldier, the COAS reiterated his commitment to the welfare of the Nigerian Army for better performance and discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

He said that the construction of the soldiers accommodation was another milestone in his drive to provide the needed welfare and good environment for the troops in order to meet the challenges of insecurity in the country.

Buratai challenged the soldiers to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities provided in the Mess and at the accommodation quarters. (NAN)
MAK/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General news

NAN reporter, others lose property in fire

NAN reporter, others lose property in fire

 

Fire

By Ahmed Mohammmed Kaigama

Bauchi, Nov.25, 2019 (NAN)  Mr  Abdul-Saheed Olaide , a reporter with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and some of his neighbours lost their property in a fire that razed their residence in Gwalameji, a  suburb of Bauchi, on Sunday afternoon.

The other victims are David Adenuga , a reporter with  The Nation Newspapers, and some students of the Federal Polytechnic, Bauchi.

The victims said the source of the fire, which reportedly started at 1.30p.m. from a bush behind the building was not known but that it destroyed nine rooms.

Olaide said that the fire burnt his work tools and other valuables but expressed gratitude to God that he was still alive.

”I thank God for my life that it did not happen at night. It happened like a joke, many things have gone which I cannot mention right now,’’ he said.

Adenuga said: ”It is like a dream. I cannot believe that everything in my room has gone. I lost all my belongings to the fire.

”There was no light at the time; we still don’t know the source of the fire.

“The fire affected nine rooms. It took the efforts of the Fire Service to put out the fire that already spread to other blocks,” he said.

Adenuga said all his certificates and other valuable were burnt in the fire.

”I don’t know where to start, what to do; I don’t have anywhere to go. I am only left with the clothes on me,’’ he said.

An  witness,  Musa Sule, told newsmen that the incident started around 1:30p.m. from one of the rooms at Tinubu Lodge.

Musa said cooking gas in the rooms might have contributed to the escalation of the fire, saying most of the rooms contained gas cylinders which exploded while the fire raged.

Another victim, Miss Goodness Okpara  a student, said she was in the church when she received a call informing her of the incident.

“Actually, we are three occupants in the room. We were able to save our mattress and some things.’’

She, however, described the incident as an act of God. (NAN)
MAK/JCE
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Edited by Chukwudi Ekezie

Defence/Security

ICPC urges youths to take ownership of anti-corruption fight

Ownership
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Nov. 21, 2019 (NAN) The Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Commission (ICPC) has urged youths to take ownership of the anti-corruption fight in the country.

Mr Laban Lakum a representative of ICPC, stated this at an engagement meeting with youth leaders on anti-corruption behavioral approach and social norms in Bauchi on Thursday.

He said that the fight against corruption would yield better results when Nigerian youth see it as their own.

Lakum said corruption is a sin, saying “therefore the youth should have a genuine fear of God in all their dealings.

“For the war against corruption to be successful, the youth must own it in all ramifications.

“ICPC was very appreciative of the overwhelming support of youth and ordinary Nigerians.

“if we have achieved success in discharging our mandate, it is because the people are very engaged with what we do,” he said

Lakum reminded the participants that the meeting was for all Nigerians to do the right thing, adding that “if we get this right, Nigeria will have gotten it right.”

Malam Jamilu Yaya, Lecturer with the Bauchi State University Gadau, also spoke on the need to root out corruption in the system.

“Each and every one of us should deploy whatever weapon we have against the monster called corruption,” Yaya said.

He observed that no community, society or country can develop when corruption is entrenched in every facet of its existence.

Earlier, Hajiya Maryam Garba, the Executive Director Fahimta Women and Youth Development Initiative (FAWOYDI) in Bauchi, said corruption were the fall out of bad leadership and lack of integrity and ethics.

”It is the bane of our development.”

She said the objective of the meeting is an effort to positively change attitudes, values and behaviours of the youth to doing the right things at all times.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the meeting was “To trigger anti- corruption actions among youth leaders”.

The participants were drawn from Taraba, Gombe, Adamawa and Bauchi states with the support of The Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice. (NAN)
MAK/ISMA
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Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

General news

RTEAN to adopt President Buhari’s accountability, transparency policies

RTEAN to adopt President Buhari’s accountability, transparency policies

Policy

By Ahmed Mohammmed Kaigama

Bauchi, Nov.19, 2019 (NAN) The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) says it will adopt the accountability and transparency policies of President Muhammadu Buhari to block leakages in the association.

Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammed, the North East Zonal Chairman of the RTEAN said this at end of Zonal Executive Council meeting in Bauchi on Tuesday.

Mohammed, represented by the Deputy National President, Planning and logistics, Mohammmed Bishara, said henceforth the association would ensure that its leadership would adopt the policies.

“We have seen a large scale of fraud and diversion of funds into personal account, collection of monies from state chairmen on the pretext of buying buses for the state.

“No state branch has benefitted from any entitlements of the association, pensions and two years salaries for those that worked above 20 years,” he alleged.

The zonal chairman said these were the circumstances in the North East that led to the emergency executive meeting to resolve how to move the association forward.

“We are, therefore, calling on the Economic Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practice and other related Commission to investigate National headquarters of RTEAN 2009 to date,”.

He reaffirmed the unflinching support to the current officials of the association due to their adherence to the Constitution of the Association in addition to dedication and commitment to service.

Mohammmed however, called on members in the zone to be law abiding pending the outcome of the National Industrial Court ruling over the leadership crisis. (NAN)

MAK/MNA

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Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

General news

223 participants for Bauchi Quranic recitation competition

223 participants for Bauchi Quranic recitation competition

Competition

By Ahmed Mohammmed Kaigama

Ningi (Bauchi), Nov. 16, 2019 (NAN) No fewer than 223 participants from 20 local government areas are taking  part in the 34th edition of the Bauchi state Qur’anic Recitation Competition holding in Ningi from Nov. 16 to Nov. 23.

Malam Mustapha Illehlah, the Chairman of the state Quranic Competition committee, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of Quranic recitation competition in Ningi on Saturday.

According to him, the participants  selected from the 20 local government areas of the state include male and female Quranic memorizers.

He assured that the state government was adequately supporting the hosting of the event.

He said prizes of  various types and cash would be awarded to the winners noting that the main essence were the participation and the inculcation of Quranic reading culture in the younger generation.

In his remark, Gov. Bala Mohammmed, represented by the Deputy Gov., Alhaji Baba Tela, assured the Quranic recitation Committee of all the necessary support.

He said quranic competition was very important for the  upbringing of the children and the youth in the State.

Mohammmed, however, charged the youth to concentrate and put in their best during the ongoing  competition. (NAN)

MAK/DCU 

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Edited by Donald Ugwu

 

Politics

IPAC cautions against negative comments on Bauchi workers’ verification

IPAC cautions against negative comments on Bauchi workers’ verification
Urged
By Ahmed Kaigama
Bauchi, Nov.16, 2019(NAN) The Inter-party Advisory Committee (IPAC) has urged politicians not to overheat the polity by making negative comments on the current workers’ verification in Bauchi state.
Alhaji Abdullahi Ibn-Mohammed, the state IPAC chairman stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Saturday in Bauchi.
He said making unnecessary comments on the exercise would promote division among the people.
He also warned politicians against hate speech and use of vulgar language.
“This could undermine the development process of our dear state,” he said.
According to him, deepening and sustaining current democratic dispensation is in the best interest of not only politicians, but also residents of the state.
“You must stop overheating the polity, as political parties you are expected to continue to promote peaceful conduct and civility in political engagements and other related issues,” he said.
Ibn-Mohammed, also the state Chairman of Africa People’s Alliance (APA), urged political parties to bury their differences for the development of the state.
He, however, advised them to make available their submissions on government policies and issues that needed urgent attention to IPAC.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) had described the verification as a deceitful mechanism by the State Government to trim down the number of workers in the state.
But the PDP insisted that it was not meant to victimise or retrench workers but to fish out ghost workers on government’s payroll in the state.
MAK/ABI
Edited by Ali Baba-Inuwa

Education

Bauchi Govt directs Principals to own android phones

Bauchi Govt directs Principals to own android phones

Directive

By Ahmed Mohammmed Kaigama

Bauchi, Nov. 13 , 2019 (NAN) Bauchi State Government has directed all public secondary school Principals and their Vice to own an Android phone.

Dr. Aliyu Tilde, the State Commissioner of Education issued the directive on Wednesday when he received officials of the Bauchi Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).

He said the directive was imperative to make the school heads ICT compliant.

“Android is the familiar terminology that is widely being used in every being’s life.

“Smartphones, tablets, gadgets, personal computers, etc are the products of smart technology that have made human life smarter, easier and accessible.

“Smart technology has not only enhanced the way of living but also became an integrated part of everyone’s life,” he said.

According to him, Information Technology has been influencing lives in recent years in the fields of education, as such remained a vital communication tool in improving learning outcomes and better teaching techniques.

He said his office had developed a software through which he monitors the daily attendance of teachers in the 214 secondary schools across the state.

The commissioner pledged to partner with CITAD in the area of ICT to transform the education system in the state.

Earlier, the CITAD Senior Programs Officer, Malam Isah Garba explained that the visit was to enhance partnership with the ministry.

He pointed out that CITAD had conducted series of activities aimed at improving the education sector in the state, including a research in 2015 on the state of education which led to the declaration of state of emergency in the sector in the state.

Garba assured that CITAD would support the ongoing reform in the education sector in the state, and appreciated the activism and reform mindset of the commissioner towards bringing positive changes to the sector.(NAN)

MAK/MZA 

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Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

 

Health

Yellow fever outbreak claims 29 lives in Bauchi

Outbreak

By Ahmed Mohammed Kaigama

Bauchi, Nov. 7, 2019 (NAN) Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (BSPHDA), said on Thursday that 29 people had died from an outbreak of yellow fever in the state.

Mohammed made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the outbreak of yellow fever in the state.

“We discovered 224 suspected cases, and 29 were confirmed dead, with 24 in Alkaleri local government, two in Bauchi local government, 1 in Darazo council area and two in Ningi local government,” he said.

Mohammed explained that the virus was first detected in Alkaleri council area in September, adding that efforts had since been on to avoid further spread.

He said that government was doing everything possible to ensure that the disease did not spread to the state capital.

“That is why government has made efforts through vaccination of people living in the prone areas.

“Already, 500,000 doses of vaccines had been administered in Alkaleri and we are expecting 600,000 doses of vaccines to be administered in Ningi community,” he said.

According to the BSPHDA chairman, yellow fever is not a communicable disease, adding that it can only be transmitted through mosquitoes.

He urged communities to give early information to the authorities, especially when they noticed unusual happenings around them.

Mohammmed also urged the residents of the state not to reject vaccines, saying that this was the only way they could be free from the dreaded disease. (NAN)

MAK/WAS

Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq