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Nasarawa monarch lauds association over poverty alleviation initiatives

Nasarawa monarch lauds association over poverty alleviation initiatives

By Awayi Kuje
Empowerment
Akun (Nasarawa State), Oct. 28, 2019 (NAN The District Head of Wakama in Nasarawa State, Mr Makka Nangba, has lauded Azhili Progressive Club Wakama (APCW) for distributing broilers (chicks) to widows and orphans in the area free of charge to enable them become self reliant.
APCW is a non-profit organisation in the state.
Nangba made the commendation while fielding questions from the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in his palace on Monday on the activities of the association in his domain.
Nangba, who is a former Secretary of Nassarawa Eggon Local Government Council, said that the gesture would not only improve on the standards of living of the beneficiaries but would also reduce the poverty level among widows and orphans in the area.
He urged beneficiaries to use the chicks for the purpose they were meant for by rearing them for economic purposes to improve on their welfare and that of their family members.
“I want to commend the members of the association under the leadership of Dr Sam Anzaku for the gesture.
“It was on Saturday, Oct. 26, that the association distributed the five weeks old broilers (chicks) to 500 widows and orphans.
“As the gesture will not only improve on the standard of living of the widows and orphans but will also to enable them become self reliant.
“The association deserved commendation for the gesture, hence the need of my applause in that direction,” he said.
Nangba also called on wealthy Nigerians to assist the poor and the needy in order to improve their lives in the society.
“If other wealthy Nigerians will emulate what the association has done, it will go a long way in improving on the standard of widows and orphans,” he added.
Besides, he called on Nigerians to continue to support government policies and programmes in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
The traditional ruler urged his subjects and other Nigerians to live peacefully and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations in the interest of national development.
NAN recalls that on Oct.26, the association distributed broiler birds to 500 widows and orphans in which each widow and orphan got 15 chicks with bags of feeds and drugs, among other poultry inputs, free of charge. (NAN)
AKW/ECN/MST
Edited by Emmanuel Nwoye/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association decries neglect of mental health

Association decries neglect of mental health

By Ummul Idris
Doctors
Abuja, Oct.10, 2019 (NAN) The Association of Resident Doctors have decried the neglect of mental health in the country, saying such neglect is dangerous to the health sector.

Dr Roland Aigbovo, the President of the association, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) against the backdrop of the World Mental Health Day celebration.

He noted that mental health was one aspect of medicine that had suffered neglect in Nigeria due to stigma.

He stated that to some extent the unavailability of drugs for patients of mental health also contributed to the menace in the country.

According to him, nobody wants to be tagged as being crazy but a whole lot of Nigerians are suffering from one mental illness or the other.

“With the recent surge in suicide in Nigeria, the medical community especially in our country should deem it very necessary to begin to enlighten the public on mental health and its related issues,” said ARD president.

He said that the association was collaborating with government to curtail the menace by taking cognisance of the increasing mental health issues and availing every opportunity to educate patients on mental health.

He said that the association dedicated its 2019 annual health week to enlighten the public on mental health thereby increasing awareness.

The medical practitioner said that the theme of its 2019 health week was “the neglect of mental health: a threat to our society”.

According to him, mental health involves psychological, emotional and social wellbeing, it entails how we act and respond to stress and pressures.

He stated that the menace of mental health could be reduced with increased awareness as well as seeking appropriate treatment when detected.

Aigbovo however advised Nigerians against some risky behaviour which posed high risk to mental disorders like drug abuse and misuse to reduced it. (NAN)
UMD/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association says `blood is national asset’

Association says `blood is national asset’
By Talatu Maiwada
Blood
Abuja, July 18, 2019 (NAN) The Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria (HBTSSN) has appealed to Nigerians to build a culture of blood donation to help save lives.
Mrs Uzoamaka Anoke, the Assistant Director, Medical Laboratory Science, National Hospital, Abuja, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja.
She spoke on the side line of the 2019 Haematology and Blood Transfusion Scientists Society of Nigeria (HBTSSN), FCT and Northern Region Workshop.
Anoke, a member of the society, said blood is classified as a National Asset in the country.
“It is important that citizens are aware of its importance in achieving a healthy nation,’’ she stressed.
She however decried the low level of awareness of blood donation and the desire of persons to voluntarily approach health and blood centres to donate blood.
“Blood is a National Asset, but the level of awareness and willingness for people to freely donate blood is not too fantastic and this gesture will go a long way to save lives.
“The need for blood is huge, we don’t have enough. The more voluntary donors we have the happier we will be, because people like women in labour, accident victims and babies are always in need.
“Obedience to this call will help save lives. June 14 annually is World blood donor day, but our door at the national hospital is always opened for voluntary donors,’’ she said.
Anoke listed the benefits of donating blood to include that donors do not pay any fee for their blood to be screened in any health facility.
She said both girls and boys from the ages of 17 and above are eligible to donate blood at any blood centre by getting themselves checked and screened before collection.
According to her, some health benefits of blood donation include mini medical check-up through blood screening, reduction of the risk of health complications, such as heart diseases and cholesterol.
Others are making the bone marrow work more effectively, maintaining a healthy heart and liver, and the joy of saving a human life, which is priceless.
Anoke further stated that the national hospital has acquired improved technological equipment for blood transfusion through the use of modern automation, known as Aphaeresis.
“The Aphaeresis is an excellent technique used in preparation of blood product, using modern automation.
“National hospital is the largest users. We export the products of Aphaeresis and it has helped improve patients’ care in Nigeria.
“We are creating awareness so that other stakeholders would obtain it for care of their patients,’’ she added. (NAN)
TIM/OOA/MST
Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

How to achieve peace among communities in Nigeria – Association

How to achieve peace among communities in Nigeria – Association
By Awayi Kuje
Peace
Akwanga (Nasarawa State), July 10, 2019 (NAN) Mr Mandy Abuluya, the Acting President, Eggon Cultural and Development Association (ECDA), has identified five key factors that would promote unity and peaceful co-existence in the country.
Abuluya told newsmen on Wednesday in Akwanga that Nigerians must imbibe the spirit of tolerance, forgiveness, love, justice and understanding for peace and progress to reign supreme in the society.
He explained that if Nigerians understand and appreciate their differences, tolerate, forgive, love and be just to one another, there would be permanent peace in the country.
Abuluya, who is also the Proprietor, Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, tasked the community and Nigerians in general on unity and peaceful co-existence in the interest of national development.
He assured members of the association of his determination to restore the lost unity among stakeholders and other members of the association nationwide.
“My plan is to see that we heal all the wounds among Eggon people so that we come together strongly and in unity in the interest of our people and for the overall development of the country.
“When we held our last meeting on July 6, we outlined our blueprint on how to achieve unity and peace in Eggon nation and the country at large.
“We have resolved to foster unity and peace among ourselves, the people of the state and Nigerians at large.
“My plan is also to see that all Eggon sons and daughters are united, come under one umbrella as our motto said `Eggon Kyenkyen’, meaning we are all one.
“Let’s forgive and forget whatsoever differences we have in the past as God says in his word that with Him all things are possible.
“We will not relent in our efforts toward championing the course of peace and development of the Eggon nation, the state and the country at large.
“Because peace is priceless and non-negotiable, and it is the necessary requirement for the development of any society, hence the need of my call,’’ he said.
Abuluya promised to carry every member of ECDA along so as to move the association to the greater height.
While soliciting for prayers and support to succeed, the ECDA president also called on members of the association to continue to support government programmes in order to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
Besides, he enjoined Nigerians to always respect constituted authorities, to be law abiding and tolerate one another irrespective of their affiliations. (NAN)
AKW/COO/MST
Edited by Cecilia Odey/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Environment

Association urges Nigerians to rely on registered borehole drillers

Drillers
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, Jan. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Borehole Drillers Association of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to rely only on registered drillers to forestall damages to the environment.

The President of the association, Mr Francis Uzoma, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said such damages could result from formational problems that leads to difficult drilling and total project abandonment.

According to him, indiscriminate and poor borehole drilling have negative impact on poor rural communities and cities, particularly in the dry season when alternative water sources are scarce.

‘‘Eventually the water would be exhausted forever, thus causing serious problems to the environment and human life.

‘‘We need to allow professionals to be in charge of borehole drilling in the country, so that we will have reduced numbers of abandoned boreholes in the country.

‘‘It is also important to help to promote value for money in the sector, if you engage the professionals, you will have value for money and quality of work done will be assured.’’

The president added that the impact of the unregulated drilling of boreholes or wells included creating scarcity of drinking water, vanishing moisture and fertility in the soil.

Uzoma stressed that water contamination was another consequence of indiscriminate construction of boreholes.

He added that such contamination could extend to other boreholes within the area with devastating effects on human health.

He said the group was working to carry out awareness on proper drilling practices, urging the National Assembly to pass the Water Resources Management Bill into law.

He said that the bill would facilitate efforts to prioritise issues in the water resources sector via sound policies and programmes. (NAN)
TAK/MOL/IS
===========
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Ismail Abdulaziz

Health

World Prematurity Day: Nigeria ranks 3rd with 800,000 preterm births annually – Association

World Prematurity Day: Nigeria ranks 3rd with 800,000 preterm births annually – Association
By Talatu Maiwada
Prematurity
Abuja, Nov. 17, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Olubunmi Lawal, the National President, National Association of Paediatric Nurses (NAPN), on Saturday said Nigeria ranked third with about 800,000 preterm births annually.
Lawal disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja as the world commemorates 2018 World Prematurity Day.
This year’s theme is: “Working together, partnering with families in the care of small and sick newborns”.
She said annually, 15 million babies are born premature globally out of which 60 per cent are born in Sub-Saharan Africa with one million deaths recorded.
“India ranks first, secondly China and Thirdly Nigeria with 773,600 preterm births yearly, hence the need to raise awareness on the challenges and interventions at communities, families, and to government at all levels.
“Premature birth is a common, costly and critical health problem and also the leading cause of new born death and children under the age of five globally.
“Preterm births are babies born before 37 completed weeks of gestation which are categorised as Extremely Preterm with less than 28 weeks gestation.
“Others are Very Preterm, which are babies born between 28 and 32 weeks gestation and Moderate to Late Preterm are babies born between 32 weeks and before 37 weeks gestation,’’ she said.
Lawal listed causes of preterm birth to include placenta abruption, where the placenta separates from the uterus during pregnancy, hormonal changes, which could cause stress to the unborn baby or mother, among others.
She explained that babies born too early may experience a long-term health issue that affects the brain, lungs, vision as well as lifetime disabilities than babies born at full term.
She added that 75 per cent of such complications could be prevented with adequate equipment, skilled health workers and available intensive care units in healthcare facilities.
“This is a call to action, preterm birth is critical and costly to us as a nation, and therefore we want a continuous and sustainable intervention from all stakeholders.
“To achieve Sustainable Development Goal in 2030, the Federal and State Governments must invest in education, healthcare, research, advocacy and community programmes to help give every baby the chance to survive and thrive,’’ Lawal said. (NAN)
TIM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Education

Old boys donate 50 beds, mattresses to Nasarawa school

Old boys donate 50 beds, mattresses to Nasarawa school
By Awayi Kuje
Intervention
Keffi (Nasarawa state), Nov. 13, 2018 (NAN) The Set 81 of Keffi Old Boys Association (KOBA) of Government College, Keffi, Nasarawa State, has donated 50 beds and mattresses to the school to complement government efforts in improving the standard of learning in the institution.
Alhaji Aliyu Mairiga, a member of the set, presented the items to the management of the school on behalf of his colleagues during its annual meeting on Tuesday in Keffi.
Mairiga said that the gesture was part of their contribution to the development of the school.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that on Nov. 6, 2017, the Set 81 donated 91 beds and mattresses to the college.
According to him, the gesture is also to help alleviate the plight of the students, expressing believe that it will go a long way in encouraging learning among the students.
He called on other members of the association and wealthy individuals to support the development of the education sector, adding that education is the best legacy parents and government should leave for citizens.
Mairiga also called on other members of the association to remain steadfast and resolute in providing the needed intervention to the school in the interest of development.
“The importance of this association to the development of the school cannot be over-emphasised. The provision of these beddings is part of our contribution to the development of the school.
“We hope and believe that these mattresses will improve on the standard of living of the students thereby creating an enabling environment for learning,” he said.
Mairiga called on the school authority to ensure judicial use of the materials in order to improve on the standard of education in the state and the country at large.
He also called on the students to take their studies seriously in order to excel in their academic pursuit for the overall development of the state.
Mr Sam Israel, the state Chairman of the association, commended the set for the donation and called for its sustenance.
Israel called on members of the association and other stakeholders to continue to provide educational facilities to the school, while calling on the school authority to use the mattresses for the purpose it was meant for.
Responding, Mr Ibrahim Shehu, the Vice Principal Academics, who received the items on behalf of the school, commending the set for the donation and called for it sustenance and promised to ensure judicial use of the materials.
NAN learnt that in 2017, set 74 of the school donated 111 mattresses as part of their contribution to the development of the college. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Alleged Gross Misconduct: Association renews demand for suspension of NHIS Boss

Alleged Gross Misconduct: Association renews demand for suspension of NHIS Boss
By Talatu Maiwada
Demand
Abuja, Oct. 8, 2018 (NAN) The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has called for the immediate suspension of Prof. Usman Yusuf, the Executive Secretary, National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), by the Federal Government over allegations of gross misconduct.
Mr Isaac Ojemhenke, Head of Abuja Secretariat of the association, made the appeal while addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday.
Ojemhenke noted that since the recall of the NHIS scribe on Feb. 6 he had embarked on activities capable of jeopardising industrial peace and harmony in the scheme.
This, he said, had caused division among members of staff along ethnic, tribal and religious lines.
Ojemhenke said that the aborted illegal secondment done by Yusuf, in November 2016 revealed that he brought his nephew, Hassan Kabir Yar’Adua, and posted him to Procurement Department.
He alleged that the appointment was to pave way for a possible arbitrary evaluation and consideration of his father’s company, Lubekh Nigeria Limited, for consultancy in NHIS at a contract sum of N46,798,512.
“Prof. Yusuf engaged in corrupt nepotism in November 2016 by fraudulently awarding contract to Lubekh Nigeria Limited for training of NHIS staff on capacity building at N17,500,000 in Benin, Edo.
“This is gross abuse of office, official trust and evident violation of Section 57(12) (b) of the Public Procurement Act 2007.
“On March 5, Yusuf also engaged in a clandestine attempt to move the sum of N25 billion of enrollees fund for investment before the inauguration of the NHIS governing council, but failed.
“He further moved to get an approval for a dubious investment of another N30,000,000,000, without strict compliance to due process as directed by the governing council.
“The council having discovered such gross misconduct by the Executive Secretary, issued him a query, which up to date he has refused to answer,’’ he said.
Besides, the union leader alleged that Yusuf diverted some NHIS property under the guise of setting up `Home Office’ before his suspension in August 2016, which was strange to public service rules and abuse of office.
He added that on Yusuf`s recall from suspension, `the scribe paid himself N3.6 million allegedly used by him to fuel seven vehicles attached to himself and as reimbursement for purchase of newspapers when he was on suspension.
Ojemhenke further alleged that the NHIS boss refused to refund the sum of N4.3 million which he advanced to himself for a trip to Netherlands, which the Minister of Health never approved in 2017.
“The scheme has also been directed to recover the sum of N14,158, 000 paid to Yusuf and four others for the Netherlands trip and on resumption of office chose to disregard the directives.
“An allocation of seven official vehicles to himself and payment of monthly allowance of N500,000 for fuelling with seven policemen attached to him with monthly expense of N565,000.
“All attempts by the council to make him tow the line of financial discipline and prudency in the face of dwindling resources of the scheme has been resisted by Yusuf.
“The Association is demanding that the government should do the needful as regards the case of Prof. Yusuf, he needs to be asked to step down to serve as a deterrent to others,’’ he said.
Ojemhenke added that such action was necessary in respect of the anti-corruption war of the present administration.
Reacting to the allegations on phone, Yusuf dismissed them as spurious, laughable and unserious.
The executive secretary told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the workers were merely kicking against a minor redeployment he effected last week.
According to him, the transfers were intended to rejig the scheme and not as a punitive measure.
“How can an individual perpetrate all these 12 allegations running into several billions of naira within a short span of time without insiders’ knowledge or collaboration?’’ Yusuf asked.
He challenged the workers to substantiate their allegations and advised all those fighting against the ongoing positive changes to have a rethink in the interest of enrollees and the country.
Yusuf declined further comments, saying “I am yet to see a copy of their press conference’’.
NAN recalls that Yusuf was earlier suspended from office by the Minister of Health, Prof. Adewole Isaac, over allegations of maladministration and insubordination.
But Yusuf dismissed the allegations, explaining that it is corruption that is fighting back.
According to him, serious are measures needed to weed the scheme of fraud for effective and efficient service delivery. (NAN)
TIM/JPE/MST
Edited by Joseph Edeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association urges health workers to shun unethical practices, corruption

Association urges health workers to shun unethical practices, corruption
By Awayi Kuje
Ethics
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Sept. 13, 2018 (NAN) The Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN) has tasked its members to shun unethical practices and corruption as part of their contribution to improve service delivery.
Mr Hussaini Ahmed, the National Vice President of the association, gave the task on Thursday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, while speaking at a one-day seminar on: “The Role of Health Workers In Clients’ Satisfaction: FMC Keffi in Focus”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the seminar was organised by members of the association at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Keffi.
Ahmed enjoined them to adhere strictly to their professional ethics in the interest of the health sector.
In his paper titled: “The Importance of Membership in a Union”, he challenged the members to shame their detractors and temptations that would smear profession.
He noted that unethical practices engaged by some members had affected the lives of many Nigerians negatively, hence the need for health workers to shun unethical conducts.
“For us to satisfy patients adequately, we must shun unethical and other sharp practices capable of tarnishing our image, that of the health sector and country at large,” he urged.
The labour leader said the union would continue to promote and protect the interest of members through improved welfare and working conditions.
Ahmed assured the members of the union readiness to continue to initiate good programmes that would have direct bearing on their lives and Nigerians in general.
Mr Monday Otso, the state Chairman of the union, said the seminar was organised for members to acquaint them with modern knowledge of ensuring clients’ satisfaction in the centre.
While describing patients as “kings’’, Otso urged them and other health workers to always respect the right of patients to save human lives.
More than 1,400 members of the union are expected to be trained on patients’ satisfaction for quality healthcare delivery.
NAN recalls that the association had in July 2017 organised a one-day seminar on “Work Ethics: A Panacea for Effective Service Delivery in a Tertiary Health Institution, FMC Keffi in Focus”. (NAN)
AKW/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association warns health workers against unethical practices

Association warns health workers against unethical practices
By Awayi Kuje
Ethics
Akwanga (Nasarawa State), July 25, 2018 (NAN) The National Association of Community Health Practitioners of Nigeria (NACHPN) has warned its members against unethical practices capable of affecting the healthcare delivery in the country.
Mr Abdullahi Musa, the Chairman of the association in Nasarawa State, gave the warning during a meeting on Wednesday in Akwanga, Akwanga Local Government Area of the state.
Musa said that quackery and unprofessional conducts among health workers was affecting the health of many Nigerians negatively, hence the need for collective efforts in order to tackle sharp practices and quackery in the health sector.
The chairman said that the meeting would discuss challenges facing members of the association with the view to addressing them so as to better their welfare.
He described as unfortunate the level of unprofessional acts perpetrated by some healthcare workers, threatening that the association will sanction any member indulging in such unethical acts.
Musa also urged members and all health workers in the country to adhere strictly to their professional ethics in the interest of their profession and to boost the health sector.
“We will continue to tackle quackery in the health sector considering its negative effects to the health and societal development.
“We will also continue to initiate good policies and programmes that have direct bearing on the lives of our members and Nigerians at large,’’ he said.
The chairman advised members to be united and prudent while discharging their duties.
Besides, Musa enjoined them to shun truancy and absenteeism for optimal productivity.
Mr Adamu Abdullahi, the state’s Primary Health Care Coordinator, called on members to work in accordance with the laid down rules and regulations in order to improve healthcare services.
Abdullahi also called on members of the association to be disciplined and committed while discharging their duty, adding “hard work pays’’. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola