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Health

COVID-19: Lawmaker distributes face masks, sanitisers to Akure residents 

Coronavirus
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Akure, March 26, 2020 (NAN) A lawmaker in Ondo State House of Assembly, Toluwani Borokini, on Thursday distributed large quantity of face masks, hand gloves and sanitisers to residents of Akure metropolis to curtail the spread of Coronavirus.
Borokini, representing Akure South Constituency 1, said that the exercise was necessary as a way of giving back to people of his constituency, especially in trying period like this.
He decried the attitude of most owners of pharmaceutical stores in Akure and its environs by hoarding the preventive materials from the reach of people.
According to him, they considered it as something to feast on and as a means to cash out on the masses within a short period of the outbreak of Coronavirus.
He said that the pharmaceutical business since outbreak of Coronavirus in Nigeria had become a money doubling scheme.
According to him, how do we explain the outrageous prices of face masks and hand gloves in the face of COVID-19 ? How justifiable is this increase?
“A pack, which sells for #700- #1000 is now being sold for #15, 000. Why do we derive joy in making gains from pains?
“Is corruption still from above or runs in the system of every Nigerian, but with different opportunities to exploit?
“Nigeria may not get the healing we so much crave for,  if we still have the myopic thought that political office holders are the root cause of our problems.
“I have taken it as a responsibility in providing my constituents with sanitisers, hand gloves, face masks and other recommended items for prevention.
“The use of the items have become imperative as one of the preventive measures in controlling the spread of the pandemic virus.
“So far, a thousand of sanitiser, face masks and hand gloves have been distributed in my constituency.
“I am willing to do more as need for them arises and request increases, for the sake of the masses and in order not to put my constituents at higher risk of the virus,” Borokini said.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs Labake Akindeko, commended the lawmaker for the gesture.
Akindeko appealed to the citizens to make judicious use of the items to protect them against the ravaging scourge. (NAN)
OFO/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye
Health

Ondo Govt. to enforce precautionary restrictions to prevent Coronavirus — Health Commissioner

Coronavirus

By Ojo Oluwafemi

Akure, March, 26, 2020 (NAN)The Ondo State Government (ODSG) will enforce strict compliance with the restriction order and other measures it  laid out to prevent  the outbreak of coronavirus in the state.

 

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, said this on Thursday in Akure at an inter-ministerial-committee meeting to update  the members on  the latest developments on COVID-19 in the state.

The commissioner said that this was in view of the situation in the country and the fact that neighbouring states with Ondo states had confirmed  cases of COVID-19.

 

He said that this was a cause for concern and it  calls  for enforcement of  laid down rules and regulations to forestall its outbreak in the state.

He said that the government had, consequently, directed its Special Task Force and security agencies in the state to ensure and enforce compliance where people were defiant.

The  commissioner highlighted regular hand washing as a very effective antidote to forestall the outbreak.

 

He directed all offices, both public and private, to provide wash stations and alcohol-based hand sanitisers in their establishments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had ordered  the closure of all schools in the state, banned private lessons as well as religious, social and political gatherings.

The government had  also  restricted  interstate travels, closed markets and directed its civil servants  from Grade Level  1 to Grade Level 12 to stay at home.

Adegbenro said that the government was working assiduously to establish screening centres in the three senatorial districts in the state as a proactive measure to combat the spread of the virus.

He appreciated the media for doing a good job in the area of sensitisation while appealing for more in the interest of all.

The commissioner said  that the governor had directed all the members of the state executive council to go to their respective constituencies to sensitise the people on the challenges ahead.

 

He added that the governor had also appealed to the citizens  of the state to cooperate with the  government to prevent COVID-19 outbreak in the state.

He said that the governor’s Special Task force and all security agencies in the state had been saddled with enforcing the  laid down rules to forestall the outbreak of the deadly virus in the state.

The Chairman of the Governor’s Special Taskforce, Dr Doyin Odebowale,  decried the non-compliance of over 40 per cent of religious groups in the state to the precautionary measures restricting gathering for services.

He warned that the government would deal decisively with any group or individual found to be flouting any of the measures put in place.

Odebowale said that owners of some schools who disobeyed the closure of school order had been appropriately sanctioned.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Security, Alhaji Jimoh Dojumo,  likened the outbreak of COVID-19 – to a war situation, saying people’s rights might be trampled upon in the cause of safeguarding the lives and health of all.

Prof. Michael Odimayo of the Department of Virology, University of Medical Science, Ondo, said the world was in a critical situation and appealed to the  people in the state to make necessary sacrifice to forestall  the outbreak of COVID-19 in the state.(NAN)

OFO/AOS/PAD
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Peter Dada

Health

Ondo State still maintaining Coronavirus free status- Health Commissioner

Coronavirus
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Akure, March 21, 2020 (NAN) The Ondo State Government on Saturday declared that the result of the suspected case for Coronavirus in the state came out negative, hence, the state is still maintaining a Coronavirus free status.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahaab Adegbenro, made the declaration in Akure, saying that result of the blood sample of the suspected case came out negative on Friday evening.
Adegbenro said in view of this, there was no cause for panic, pointing out that all hands must be on deck to forestall its outbreak in the state.
He appealed to stakeholders to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, washing of hands regularly with soap and water, use hand sanitisers.
According to him, people should also avoid being in an environment where there are more than 10 people, avoid unnecessary travelling, especially interstate, to prevent outbreak of the virus in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the state government had earlier made some preventive measures by meeting with religious leaders to rub minds on how to prevent gathering for religious purposes.
This is part of the strategies to forestall the outbreak of the deadly virus and stem the tide if eventually there is outbreak.
The commissioner said that preventative measures, as antidote to the outbreak and spread of the Coronavirus, is of utmost necessity.
He said that nations that were being referred to as the world giants have shut down their countries, both economically and socially, because of the coronavirus, now threatening to wipe out the entire human race.
Adegbenro said that social distancing is now compulsory.
“So, heads of religious organisations should discourage gathering of more than 10 people, handshake, holding hands to pray, using the same Holy Communion Cup, amongst others,” the commissioner advised.
He called on the Federal Government to rise up to the challenge of preventing and stemming the  tide saying that the financial burden was beyond the state’s capability.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Jibayo Adeyeye, said: “it is not the will of government to inconvenient people by restricting their movement and gathering.
“But, rather it is a drastic measure that must be taken in the overall interest of all.”
He promised that the state government would not rest on its oars to protect residents by preventing the outbreak in the state.
Commenting, Bishop Olufemi Bankole, who spoke on behalf of the religion leaders, pledged their supports for the government, tasking government to be up and doing to protect the citizenry.
Bankole urged the state government to step up sensitisation on the need to play the game according to the rules.(NAN)
OFO/GOK
Edited by Olagoke Olatoye
Health

COVID-19: Invest more in science, less in religion, Mrs Akeredolu urges Nigerians

Priorities
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Akure, March 20, 2020 (NAN) Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, has stressed the need for Nigeria and Nigerians to set their priorities right by investing more in science and less in religion.
Mrs Akeredolu stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Akure.
“It is glaring that the foreign religions over which we are killing ourselves in Nigeria have failed the world in this season of anomie and only science can save mankind.
“Indeed, Coronavirus has humbled the world’s religions and Nigerians whose lives depend on praying and fasting for miracles to happen in this digital world of science and technology.
“When I said that I was more than convinced that religion is man-made and a bastion of sexism, which has subjugated women, festered gender inequality, stifled progressive thinking, retarded development and invariably added little or no value to our lives, I was called unprintable names.
“I remain unshakeable with my conviction.
”This virus has proved me right, to a large extent. Nigerians, in particular have invested so much in religion that amounted to nothing. Period!
“Now that a deadly virus is ravaging the world, where do we look up to? Science or religion?” she queried.
Mrs Akeredolu, however urged Nigerians to be hygienic and report any person showing Coronavirus symptoms to the nearest hospital for necessary treatment and also observe effective hand washing, with soap and running water, to avert the disease.
While advocating for the use of hand sanitiser, she urged members of the public to avoid contact with anybody showing symptoms of the disease. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

General news

Tributes, as Akeredolu buries mother-in-law

Tributes
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Emeabiam (Imo State), March 14, 2020 (NAN) Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, on Saturday, extolled the virtues of his mother-in-law, Madam Dora Anyanwu, describing her as an efficient teacher, dutiful wife, responsible mother, compassionate community leader, pragmatic Christian and genuine nationalist.
Akeredolu stated this during his tribute at the funeral service for his late mother-in-law at the Christ Anglican Church, Emeabiam, Owerri West Local Government area of Imo State.
He further described Madam Anyanwu as someone who exuded confidence and love, with firm disposition to dealing with issues and people.
“I have taken Mama Dora, not only as my mother in-law, but as a true mother to me, strong woman of faith and undoubtedly very fair- minded.
“I join other well-meaning individuals to celebrate a great woman; indeed an amazon, my mother and friend. It is a thing of unquantifiable joy that this woman of steely disposition played very significant roles in my life,” he said.
The governor said that he enjoyed unalloyed love and support from her late mother-in-law throughout all her life time.
The Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, in her remarks, said her late mother was a retired teacher, entrepreneur and a visionary woman, who had contributed immensely to various developmental strides and women leadership in Emeabiam.
The governor’s wife described her late mother as a hardworking, resourceful, open-minded, hospitable and intelligent woman.
She stated that her mother was an activist, a disciplinarian and an advocate for the right of women, who kicked against female genital mutilation and high bride price in Emeabiam.
“My traditional marriage was a testimony. She insisted that ‘our daughter is not for sale’. From my mother’s resourcefulness, I learnt that a woman could create wealth, have her own money and depend less on a man or her husband,” she said.
The first lady added that her mother demonstrated that female children were no less than their male counterparts, saying that their education and welfare should be on equal footing.
“My mother had so much passion for education of children and she understood the role of education in climbing the social ladder and ultimately, in getting out of poverty,” Mrs Akeredolu, who is the first daughter of the deceased, said.
The President of Emeabiam community, Chief Omeoka Herbert, described the deceased as a vibrant and committed leader, who had contributed, in no small measure, to the uplift of women in Emeabiam.
Herbert said that Mama Dora served as a conflict mediator, especially among couples and exerted her energy in building younger generation, noting that she would be greatly missed by the entire community.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Madam Anyanwu passed away on the Jan. 13 during a brief illness at the age of 89.
NAN also reports that among the dignitaries, who graced the event, were Govs. Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti Stateand Hope Uzodinma of Imo as well as members of the Ondo State Executives Council, led by the Deputy Governor, Agboola Ajayi. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

General news

Ondo gov’s wife seeks concerted efforts to end violence against women, girl-child

Violence
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Akure, March 9, 2020 (NAN) Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has called for concerted efforts among stakeholders to end violence against women and the girl child in the state.
Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu made the call on Monday at the interactive forum to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, held at the Government House ground, Akure.
She decried the increase in the way women and the girl-child were being molested in the society, saying that the development was not encouraging.
The governor’s wife stressed the need for a genuine approach to curb the menace.
Mrs Anyanwu-Akeredolu, represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Titi Adeyemi, said that the Day was an annual event aimed at promoting issues relating to the wellbeing of women.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme for this year celebration is: “An Equal World is an Enabled World”.
She explained that the theme was apt, particularly as women were still being marginalised despite many international agreements to eliminate gender discrimination and ensure equality as well as dignity for women and men.
“Women have continued to be victims of rape, domestic violence and conflicts; women and girls have continued to be undervalued; they work more but have fewer choices and they experience many forms of violence at home and public places,” she said.
The governor’s wife commended the present administration in the state for being gender-sensitive in all its programmes, and more importantly, for giving women voice in governance.
She further explained that both men and women should be given equal rights and opportunities to ensure gender equality, saying that women were key agents for achieving the transformational, economic and social changes required for sustainable development.
“We must, therefore, unlock the full potentials, achieve economic independence, access necessary health services and advocate for their rights and empowerment.
“We must entrench universal support for women in challenging poverty, reducing hunger and building healthier societies’ we must also change our attitudes so that together, we can rise against all forms of discriminations against women,” she added. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Health

5000 pregnant women to get free birth kits in Ondo this year — Mrs Akeredolu

5000 pregnant women to get birth kits in Ondo this year — Mrs Akeredolu

KITS
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Akure, March 5, 2020 (NAN) Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, on Thursday said that about 5000 pregnant women would receive free birth kits in the state this year.

Speaking on activities of Office of the First Lady of Ondo State in the past three years, Mrs Akeredolu said that the SOLAYO Birth Kits had arrived and set to reach the pregnant women.

She said that the provision of the kits would help to reduce the proportion of maternal deaths linked to unskilled birth deliveries and poor antenatal and postnatal care.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Solayo, which means “Safe delivery” in Yoruba, is an initiative of Wife of the Ondo State Governor, launched in 2019 to promote safe motherhood and reduce maternal and child deaths.

The initiative deploys Solayo kits (containing essential delivery materials required by pregnant women) free of charge to pregnant women, especially at the grassroots.

She explained that since its introduction in 2019, not less than 1080 birth kits had been distributed across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State.

According to her, the goal is to search for pregnant women from the grassroots that are unable to afford these essential birth items and empower them with the Solayo kits.

The initiative, the governor’s wife said, aimed to reach out to at least 5000 women with free birth kits before the end of 2020.

“Nigeria’s poor indices for maternal mortality is reported to be about 814 per 100, 000 live births as at 2015, a value that puts the nation second globally in terms of maternal deaths.

“A number of well researched factors are responsible for maternal deaths, top among which are poor antenatal and postnatal care and unskilled birth delivery.

“These factors and many others interplay to influence maternal mortality rates,” according to the 2016 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) data.

She said theat her pet sports programme, “Arabirin Junior Tennis Club” (AJTC), was established in September 2017 to improve the lawn tennis skill of talented young boys and girls in Ondo State.

NAN reports that the club is an offshoot of the Summer Tennis Clinic organised yearly by the Office of the First Lady of Ondo State.

She stressed that the initiative had recorded remarkable achievement and had access to two standard tennis courts with over 200 children being trained on a weekly basis.

The governor’s wife said that children with outstanding performance were frequently sponsored to go for competitions in Lagos.

“During the ‘PLAY YOUR AGE’ competition held in Abuja in 2019, Aina Henry, one of the AJTC players, was ranked the 3rd best player for the male category in Nigeria.

“Adeyemi Ronke (another AJTC player), was ranked as 3rd best player for the female category in Nigeria and Arabirin Junior Tennis Club brought victory home by clinching gold medal in the competition sponsored by NNPC.

“We are practically building the children of Ondo State to be well positioned to tap into the wealth that abounds in the world of sports,” she said. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/WOJ
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Wale Ojetimi
================================

 

Politics

Ondo Gov’s Wife tasks women to be more active in politics

Ondo Gov’s Wife tasks women to be more active in politics

Women
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Ado-Ekiti, March 3, 2020 (NAN) The Ondo State Governor’s Wife, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, has advocated for more participation of women in politics.
Mrs Akeredolu said this on Tuesday at the 4th Ekiti Gender Summit adding that the aim was to increase their number at both state and federal legislature to balance gender equality.
The summit was organised by the Office of Wife of Ekiti Governor in conjunction with Forum of Spouses of Ekiti State Officials (FOSESO) and Forum of Women in Leadership (FOWIL).
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme for the program is: “Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Post Beijing: Political Will and Impact”.
Akeredolu said that the objective of the summit underscored gender equality and women empowerment as a catalyst for socioeconomic and political development.
She stated that it would give Ekiti State the opportunity to evaluate progress made and plan for the future.
She noted that government at all levels must understand that sustainable development could not be achieved in societal frameworks where the roles of women were not included.
According to her, Women, just like men, can contribute immensely to the socioeconomic and political development of Nigeria and must be included in elective roles.
“We must strive to increase the number of women in parliament. This is the only way issues of women can be considered.
“Women empowerment must be taken seriously and all hands must be on deck to combat feminized poverty.
“Since the Beijing Declaration which marked the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, governments, civil society and the public have translated the platform into actionable steps in
individual countries.
“Undoubtedly, these changes indicate a renewed passion for the issues of women and have ushered in enormous improvements in their lives.
“Globally, more women and girls, than at any previous point in time, serve in political offices and are protected by laws against gender-based violence and live under constitutions that guarantee gender equality.
“Interestingly, this year 2020 also marks the 25 year anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on women and the adoption of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action,” She said.
Mrs Akeredolu further explained that the Platform for Action envisioned gender equality in all dimensions of life; yet, no country had yet finished this agenda.
She noted that most women in the country still earned less than men and were more likely to work in less quality jobs.
She noted that physical and sexual violence against women still happened on a daily
basis while gaps in reproductive health care left no fewer than 800 women dying in childbirth each day.
“To change this narrative and leapfrog, all obstacles currently faced by women, especially those in the grassroots require political will and which is perhaps the first step,” Mrs Akeredolu added.
She commended her colleague in gender activism, Wife of Governor of Ekiti, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, and the entire women of Ekiti for their commitment to the issues of women in the state.
Governor of Ekiti, Dr Kayode Fayemi, said his administration was ever committed to prioritising the interests of women as they remained the pillar of any development in the society.
Fayemi said that Ekiti state had larger number of women in state House of Assembly than any other state in the country and several women were holding political offices.
“This is the manifestation of our unrelenting effort in our administration, by ensuring women are actively involved in politics and we will continue in that trend,” he assured. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/DCU
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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Donald Ugwu

Health

Mrs Akeredolu tasks lecturers, medical students on curbing breast cancer scourge

Cancer
By Ojo Oluwafemi
Ibadan, Feb. 28, 2020 (NAN) Wife of Ondo State Governor, Mrs Betty Akeredolu, on Friday, tasked lecturers and students of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, to make themselves readily available in the fight against breast cancer.
Mrs Akeredolu, who spoke during the 50th annual symposium, organised by the Dokita Editorial Board of the College of Medicine, said this had become necessary in order to reduce the scourge to the barest in the society.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the symposium had, as its theme, “Non Communicable Diseases in the Nigeria Society.”
She advised both the lecturers and students of the college to imbibe selfless service in curbing the spread of the scourge through awareness and sensitisation.
According to her, “we need to identify ourselves with the problem of the society, especially for the survivors who need a lot of support.
“Breast cancer is survivable and self breast examination is very important and necessary for every woman.
“This is something that has always been recommended for under- developed countries like Nigeria,” she said.
The governor’s wife, who also survived the same scourge 23 years ago, said that she was treated at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, lamenting that there was no enabling environment for cancer management in the country.
She urged government at all levels to include cancer treatment into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), saying it would help cancer patients from experiencing unnecessary financial burden.
The Chairman of the occasion and immediate past Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, described the symposium as an annual tradition of academic pursuit, which had propelled many young medical practitioners into research breakthroughs.
Adewole, who was represented by Prof. Mayowa Owolabi, said that Non-Communicable Diseases had now become everybody’s business, which remained the hidden cause of death globally.
He, therefore, urged everyone to be involved in the fight against breast cancer, noting that curbing the scourge must involve thorough participation of all stakeholders.
The Provost, College of Medicine, UI, Prof. Olapade Olaopa, said that the Dokita editorial board was aimed at addressing the health challenges confronting the society.
NAN reports that Mrs Akeredolu, who is the founder, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN), received the humanitarian services award for her contributions to nation building through her series of programmes. (NAN)
OFO/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq

Health

No spiritual incantation, concoctions can curb cancer – Alaafin

No spiritual incantation, concoctions can curb cancer – Alaafin

Cancer

By Ojo Oluwafemi

Oyo, Feb.27, 2020 (NAN) The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Olayiwola Adeyemi lll says no amount of spiritual incantation or use of concoctions can curb cancer.

Adeyemi said this in his palace when Mrs Betty Akeredolu, Wife of Ondo State Governor, led members of Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria (BRECAN) on a courtesy visit.

The visit was to thank him for the enormous support given to the BRECAN members in Oyo state during the 2020 World Cancer Day celebration.

“No amount of spiritual incantation, concoctions or climbing of Prayer Mountains that can curb it except periodical medical check-ups and self-examination which will go a long way in reducing the mortality rate.”

He assured Mrs Akeredolu of his continuous support to fight breast cancer through consistent and aggressive awareness.

The monarch described Mrs Akeredolu as a frontline patriot, visionary and intelligent mobiliser against all forms of cancer diseases.

Adeyemi said his sister is a victim of the disease and is still receiving treatment at University College Hospital Ibadan.

“She survived it through early detection and prompt medical approach,” the monarch said.

He promised to use his position to create more awareness for people to appreciate that “breast cancer is not a deadly disease if well managed medically at early stage.”

He also assured BRECAN of continued support to drive their vision and mission.

Earlier, Mrs Akeredolu, who founded BRECAN, commended the monarch for the warm reception accorded her team and for his consistent support, especially during the 2020 World Cancer Day Celebration.

The governor’s wife said she was impressed with how the monarch showed genuine commitment in the fight against breast cancer.

According to her, “with the strong message and consistent one indeed, we will be able to convince our people that breast cancer is not a death sentence.

“And with the imperial majesty position, we will use him in breast cancer advocacy in the country.

“We BRECAN members will come back to this palace in no distance time to formally present to you “Breast Cancer Ambassador’’ title in recognition of your enormous effort against the disease. (NAN)

OFO/EPA/MZA

Edited by Ebere Agozie/Maharazu Ahmed