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Nigerian Mission excited as Singapore’s Supreme Court frees Ejike from death

Nigerian Mission excited as Singapore’s Supreme Court frees Ejike from death
By Isaac Aregbesola
Freedom
Abuja, May 29, 2019 (NAN) The Nigeria High Commission in Singapore has expressed pleasure over the acquittal and release of a Nigerian, Mr Adili Chibuike Ejike, sentenced to death for drug trafficking in the country.
The Nigeria Head of Mission in Singapore, High Commissioner Akinremi Bolaji, said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.
Ejike, sentenced to death for importing nearly two-kilogramme of methamphetamine, was on Monday granted an acquittal by Singapore’s Supreme Court and released with no outstanding charges.
He said that Ejike was arrested in November 2011 and has since been behind bars till May 20, 2019, when he was discharged and acquitted.
“Ejike’s freedom from death by hanging by the court made history as the first time such a decision was made in a case involving a Nigerian.
“The acquittal of Mr Ejike has been termed locally as a miracle of God and I am elated that his freedom from death happened under my watch here as the Head of Mission,” he said.
The envoy said that Ejike’s issue called for serious awareness campaign for Nigerians travelling abroad not to accept to travel with any bag or container that they have not personally packed by themselves for the journey.
He said that the prosecution had failed to establish that Ejike knew that the drug bundles in his suitcase were in his possession.
“In other words, Ejike was not guilty of wilful blindness or deliberately shutting his eyes to the truth if his possession of the drugs.
“The trial focused on his knowledge of the substance; while the defence claimed he had no knowledge of the substance, the prosecutor claimed he knew about it.
“However, both the prosecutor and the defence agreed that he was in possession of the drugs, which was sufficient to convict him and affirm the death sentence earlier passed on him by both the lower and appellate courts.”
He said that Ejike had also said his childhood friend in Nigeria gave him the bag that contained the drugs to be delivered to an unspecified person in Singapore.
Bolaji said Ejike’s claim raised an important issue about how drug peddlers are using unsuspecting people as conduits to transport their consignments, at the risk of the lives of the possessors of such substances.
He therefore called on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to join in the awareness campaign for Nigerians travelling abroad not to accept to travel with any bags or container that they have not personally packed by themselves for the journey.
“There is the need for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to join hands with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, especially the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigerian Immigration Service to develop a framework to rehabilitate such Nigerians returning from abroad into the society.
“The Immigration Services of Singapore would release Ejike to travel to Nigeria on Wednesday, May 29, on board of Ethiopian Airlines and should be arriving in Lagos to join his family in Anambra, afterwards.
“Now, Mr Ejike is a free person and will travel to Nigeria unaccompanied, hoping he has learnt his lessons.
“That he would be wise enough not to subject himself in future to such circumstance that has kept him behind the bars for nearly eight years – from Nov. 13, 2011, to May 27, 2019,” he said.
“The envoy said the mission celebrated the release of Ejike on the eve of the swearing-in of President Muhammadu Buhari for the second term.
“The mission congratulated the president and wished him successful tenure,” he said. (NAN)
IAA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Mercury poisoning: WHO warns against gold mining in Nigeria

Mercury poisoning: WHO warns against gold mining in Nigeria
By Yashim Katurak
Poison
Abuja, May 22, 2019 (NAN) The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned about 850,690 persons are at risk of mercury poisoning in 12 states in Nigeria due to Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities being carried out in those states.
The organisation gave the warning in a statement signed by the WHO Nigeria Officer-in-Charge, Dr Clement Peter.
WHO issued the statement following a one-day health sensitisation programme held in Minna to flag-off field assessments of ASGM activities in Nigeria.
Peter said that although ASGM was a key source of income generation for many in the affected states, it was also the main source of the largest release of mercury emissions around the world.
He listed the states to include Niger, Osun, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Kwara, Borno, Kaduna, Jigawa and Yobe as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
“In March 2019, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) and WHO identified some communities in the 12 states mentioned earlier as having the highest risk of poisoning from mercury as a result of ASGM.
“In Niger state for instance, many women have complained that the waters in the community are contaminated with strange substances.
“Hajiya Khadija Balama, a Community Leader from Galadima, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger state, said they have noticed that the water has some strange particles and have since reported to the authorities.
Balama said “the taste of our water has drastically changed, the colour seems darker and the texture is thicker than usual.
“We are scared that this water can cause diseases and affect our livestock if care is not taken.
“Unknown to Hajiya Balama and the women in her community, the particles they describe are residues of mercury, popularly used in mining activities in Shiroro LGA, a very popular ASGM town in the state.
“WHO is currently supporting FMoH to conduct the assessment in two states, namely, Niger and Osun in collaboration with the ministries of Environment, and Mines and Steel Development, Global Environment Facility (GEF), United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Swiss Tropical Institute,” Peter said.
He said that in addition to the assessment in the two states, the organisation was also supporting the FMoH to build capacities of health workers on management of mercury poisoning and environmental health activities.
The WHO official said that these needed to be periodically carried out in order to monitor and reduce health risks of ASGM in the country.
Peter said that exposure to mercury posed very dangerous and toxic health effects on the nervous, digestive and immune systems, including sensitive organs such as the lungs, kidney, skin and eyes.
He said that it could also pose serious health threats to unborn babies and children under the age of five.
The WHO officer-in-charge assured that the organisation would continue to play its role of providing technical guidance to Nigeria on safe management of chemicals of public health importance.
He also assured that WHO would strengthen the capacity of the FMoH in the implementation of the provisions of the Minimata Conventions on Mercury. (NAN)
KRY/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

UNICEF says Nigeria accounts for 4m un-vaccinated, under-vaccinated children globally

Children
By Tukur Muntari
Kano, April 26, 2019 (NAN) The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) says Nigeria accounts for no fewer than four million un-vaccinated and under-vaccinated children globally.

Dr Ibrahim Ali-Mohammed, Immunisation Officer, UNICEF Katsina Field Office, stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Friday.

He said the UN fund puts the number of un-vaccinated and under-vaccinated children globally at 20 million.

Ali-Mohammed who was in Kano to attend the World Immunisation Week holding between April 25 and April  30, said the state accounted for 350,000 of the affected children in Nigeria.

According to him, the number of un-vaccinated and under-vaccinated children in Kano is the highest in the country.

The UNICEF official said that the decision to commemorate the World Immunisation Week in Kano was part of efforts to ensure that vaccines were available in the right quantity in the state.

He said the week was aimed at promoting awareness on vaccines and the role of vaccination against diseases.

“We want to ensure that vaccines come in the right quantity, right potency and at the right time to ensure that all eligible children in the state are immunised.

“UNICEF will continue to collaborate with the Kano state government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure availability of the vaccines,” he said.

He further said the UN body would continue provide support towards promoting vaccination across the 44 local government areas of the state.

In his remarks, Alhaji Rabiu Musa-Daura, UNICEF’s Communication for Development Specialist, urged the media to support the fund in advocacy and awareness creation.(NAN)
MTM/AZU/SH
============

Edited by Azubuike Okeh/Sadiya Hamza

Sport

Super Falcons climb to 38th on FIFA rankings

Super Falcons climb to 38th on FIFA rankings
By Victor Okoye
Rankings
Abuja, March 29, 2019 (NAN) Nigeria have climbed to the 38th position in the latest FIFA women’s world rankings released on the FIFA official website on Friday.
The Super Falcons maintained their position as number one in Africa after amassing a total of 1,599 points and moving just one spot upwards from their previous 39th position on the 155 team rankings.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the ranking is coming barely three months ahead of the Women’s FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to hold in France from June 7 to July 7.
The Super Falcons current position was boosted by their third place finish at a four-nation invitational tournament in China and an impressive run in a 12-nation tourney in Cyprus.
The reigning African champions ended the competition on a positive note with two wins and two defeats after beating Slovakia 4-3 and trouncing Thailand 3-0 to finish on seventh position.
Nigeria was followed on the rankings by Cameroon who maintained their 46th position with a total of 1,499 points, while South Africa dropped one spot to the 49th position with 1,485 points to finish third on the continent.
Ghana, Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Algeria, Mali, Senegal and Congo occupy the 51st, 70th, 79th, 84th, 85th, 88th and 100th positions, respectively, on the rankings to complete the top 10 on the continent.
The United States remain number one in the world after amassing a total of 2,101 points, followed by Germany with 2,072 points.
England and 2019 World Cup hosts France swopped positions as the Lionesses with 2,049 points moved one step up the rankings into third position, while Les Bleues with 2,043 points dropped to the 4th position.
Canada and Australia maintained their fifth and sixth positions, while Japan and Netherlands swopped places to finish seventh and eighth, respectively.
Sweden and Brazil maintained their positions to round up the top 10 teams in the world.
The 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals will hold from June 7 to July 7, with France up against Korea Republic in the opening match at the Parc des Princes in Paris.
The Super Falcons will open their account in France against Norway at the Stade Auguste Delaune in Reims on June 8, before matches against Korea Republic in Grenoble on June 12 and host France in Rennes on June 17. (NAN)
VO/MUYI/MST
Edited by Muhyideen Jimoh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Mrs Buhari advocates synergy to end TB in Nigeria

Mrs Buhari advocates synergy to end TB in Nigeria
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Advocacy
Abuja, March 20, 2019 (NAN) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has advocated for more synergy among stakeholders to end the spread of tuberculosis epidemic in Nigeria.
Mrs Buhari made the call at the TB Outreach Programme organised by her Future Assured initiative in collaboration with Stop TB Partnership in Nigeria, an NGO, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The programme was organised to commemorate the World Tuberculosis Day at Kobe Villa, Kuruduma District in Abuja.
The wife of the president, who led the awareness campaign to the village, urged Nigerians to go for regular tuberculosis test and treatment to ensure that TB was eliminated in Nigeria.
“TB is one of the killer diseases of our time, so there is a need to tackle the problem, some medical facilities in the FCT are designated for testing and treatment of tuberculosis.
“TB test is free, TB is curable and please visit the medical centres to get the test and treatment,’’ she said.
Mrs Buhari therefore urged tuberculosis patients to take their medication regularly as the ailment was curable.
She also called on Nigerians to go for regular diagnosis for early detection and treatment to ensure the elimination of the killer disease.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the United Nations Committee on Tuberculosis (TB) in 2018 appointed Mrs Buhari as the UN Special Ambassador to end TB in the country.
The appointment was in recognition of her selfless services to health advocacy in Nigeria. (NAN)
AMU/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Nigeria, 4th country with highest HIV/AIDS victims – Minister

Nigeria, 4th country with highest HIV/AIDS victims – Minister
By Taiye Olayemi/Ruth Oketunde
HIV/AIDS
Lagos, March 14, 2019 (NAN) The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, on Thursday said Nigeria had been ranked the 4th country with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS.
Adewole disclosed this during the presidential unveiling of the 2018 Nigeria AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS) result at the Banquet Hall of Aso Rock, Presidential villa.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the goal of the survey was to examine the distribution of HIV disease and commodities in Nigeria and assess the coverage.
Also to ascertain the impact of HIV services on the population level and to measure HIV related risk behaviours using a nationally representative sample.
The survey was conducted within nine months as it commenced June through December 2018 in the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory.
The result of the survey presented stated that HIV prevalence estimates varied across Nigeria with the highest prevalence in South South zone and the lowest prevalence in North West zone.
The survey presented for each geopolitical zone in the country for prevalence among persons age 15-64 years reads: North Central 2.1 per cent; North East 1.1 per cent; North West 0.6 per cent; South East 1.9 per cent; South-South 3.1 per cent, and South West 1.2 per cent.
Also, it was reported that almost half of people living with HIV in Nigeria achieved viral suppression.
Adewole said this improvement was possible due to the huge committee the present administration had channelled towards the eradication of the disease.
He said that South Africa, India and Mozambique were ranked ahead of Nigeria with the highest number of people living with HIV/AIDS.
According to him, the results of this survey will guide and inform government policies, strategies and programmes on HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis B and C.
“I want to appreciate President Muhammadu Buhari, public and private organisations, the U.S. Government that supported the survey and Nigerians for their cooperation during the survey.
“I want to also seize this opportunity to pay tribute to those who died during the process of the survey.
“Nigeria has moved from being the second country with the highest number of people living with AIDS which was ranked in 2014 with 3.1 million infected people but now fourth country with about 1.9 million people living with the scourge.
“From the 1.9 million Nigerians, over 1 million are currently on the live saving treatment,” he said.
Dr Sani Aliyu, the Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), said that the generated survey would be taken to state governors who would be advised to latch on it to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic in their states.
He said the survey was the best in the world because of the non-interference policy employed and the use of better quality laboratories.
According to him, NAIIS is the largest HIV/AIDS specific single country survey ever done in the world which is truly representative of the entire population.
He noted that the U.S had also assisted the organisation in its goal of eradicating AIDS in the country as it supported Nigeria with $70 million to undertake the survey.
“We will ensure that we focus our efforts on ensuring those infected with HIV achieve viral suppression, minimising the risk of HIV transmission and moving Nigeria closer to controlling the HIV epidemic.
“We truly appreciate the effort of organisations which have supported this survey and made it a reality, we look forward to more collaboration to ensure we achieve 2030 target of eradicating the epidemic.
“I appreciate Mr President for adequate funding of the survey which was done in the most efficient manner and it is the largest survey done in nine months.
“Also, we thank the United States of America for assisting us to ensure our goals are achieved,” he said.
Aliyu assured that the survey would provide programme managers and policy makers with a more detailed and specific understanding of HIV epidemic in the country.
He said this would guide the scale up of treatment and prevention services across all age groups.
Mr Michel Sidibe, the Executive Director, Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS), commended NAIIS for a job well done, noting that the result of the survey will be a game changer for Nigeria. (NAN)
PTB/MRO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

International Condom Day: Foundation to distribute 600,000 condoms in Nigeria

International Condom Day: Foundation to distribute 600,000 condoms in Nigeria
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Condoms
Abuja, Feb. 6, 2019 (NAN) The AIDS HealthCare Foundation (AHF), a Non-Governmental Organisation, says it will distribute over 600,000 condoms across the country as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Condom Day.
Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of the Foundation, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja said the day was set aside to promote the prevention of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), HIV and unwanted pregnancies.
“The commemoration is usually observed on Feb. 13 in preceding Valentine’s Day, however, the day was moved to Feb. 7 due to the upcoming general elections.
“The condoms will be distributed in Abuja, and five other states of Benue, Kogi, Nasarawa, Anambra and Cross River,’’ he said.
The Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, AHF-Nigeria, said that the Nigerian National Condom Strategy emphasised a deficit of 564 million condoms annually in the country.
He said the National AIDS and Reproductive Health Survey 2012 indicated that despite the increased awareness about condom in Nigeria, there is still low acceptance.
“Abstinence from sex, for those who can, remains very effective in preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
“AHF is however confident that when we keep reminding people about using condoms with access to free condoms, we would have helped to reduce new HIV and STIs, prevent unwanted pregnancies, while promoting healthy lifestyle choices,’’ Ijezie said.
According to Chief Global Policy and Advocacy AHF, Mr Terri Ford, condoms are still the cheapest and best option for preventing HIV and STDs, in addition to unwanted pregnancies.
“Our International Condom Day events are a fun way to bring people together and get them information about how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe and healthy.
“International Condom Day also helps remind people that there is still an HIV crisis across the globe,’’ he added.
AHF President, Mr Michael Weinstein, also said that promoting safe sex practices was also important in a time when funding for global health has remained flat for the last several years.
He said that lack of funds also includes money for condoms, adding that it is critical to stay healthy and be disease-free, particularly in countries that experience higher prevalence rates for HIV.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), the largest global AIDS organisation, currently provides medical care and services to more than one million clients in 43 countries. (NAN)
OEO/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Nigeria has 11m stunted children – UNICEF

Nigeria has 11m stunted children – UNICEF
By Tukur Muntari
Stunting
Kano, Jan. 29, 2019 (NAN) The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says Nigeria has the second largest number of stunted children in the world, with over 11 million children under the age of five affected.
Dr Annefrida Kisesa, the Chief Field Services and Operations, UNICEF, made the remark at a two-day workshop on nutrition and comprehensive dietary diversification held on Tuesday in Kano.
NAN reports that the workshop was organised by the fund in collaboration with Kano Emirate Council Committee on Health and Human Development for district and village heads from Bichi and Sumaila Local Government Areas of the state.
“Kano is the most populous state in Nigeria with 13.5 million people including 810,000 children aged six to 23 months. Stunting affects more than half (58%) of under five in Kano state,” Kisesa said.
She explained that poor infant feeding was one of the reasons for stunting and called for greater investment in nutrition in order to ensure that all children enjoy better health and nutrition state.
“The 2017 Multi-indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) also revealed poor infant feeding practices in Kano with 30 per cent of children 6-23 months consuming Minimum Dietary Diversity (MDD).’’
She said the survey also indicated that 40.5 per cent of the children were consuming Minimum Meal Frequency (MMF), while only 14.6 per cent were consuming Minimum Acceptable Diet (MAD).
“As a child rights advocates, UNICEF firmly believes that without investing in children, human development will always remain incomplete.
“It is not a favour for children, but it is their right, all of us, parents, communities, and governments at all levels, we have a responsibility to uphold to ensure economic growth and development of the children,” she said.
According to her, parents and community leaders have a critical role to play in transforming lives of their communities and children.
“The first 1,000 days of life from conception to two years represents a critical window of opportunity for the promotion of optimal growth, health and development.
The UNICEF Chief of Katsina Field Office, Padmarathi Yedla, reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to achieve child survival and development in Kano state in particular and Nigeria in large.
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, called on traditional rulers in the state to enlighten their subjects on the importance of giving children food that has nutritious value.
He urged the participants to support the programme with a view to achieving the desired objective. (NAN)
MTM/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

UNFPA initiates 3-point transformative agenda for Nigeria

UNFPA initiates 3-point transformative agenda for Nigeria
By Muhammad Suleiman Tola
Agenda
Abuja, Jan. 24, 2019 (NAN) The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has initiated a three-point transformative agenda for Nigeria.

Dr Eugene Kongnyuy, the fund’s acting Country Representative, announced this in his opening remarks at a review meeting with Implementing Partners on Thursday in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the three-day meeting would the 2018 activities and plan for 2019 interventions.

Kongnyuy explained that the three-point transformative agenda are geared toward ending maternal death, ending unmet needs of Family Planning (FP) and ending Gender Based Violence (GBV) plus all harmful practices in the country.

He added that states affected by humanitarian and natural disasters would also be supported to cushion the effects on victims.
“We (UNFPA) will continue to strengthen results of our interventions through effective monitoring.
We want something new that will enable us achieve the results; we have achieved but we want to do more,’’ the official said.
He therefore challenged the Implementing Partners (IPs)
to make meaningful contributions toward the growth of Nigeria.

According to him, the meeting will also consider the IPs work plans for 2019 under the fund’s eighth Country
Programme (CP8) to avoid the pitfalls of the preceding year.
He added that “UNFPA expect increased understanding of the CP8 priority areas, the transformative results and
the commitment, cooperation and partnership required for successful implementation.
“We also expect improved team spirit from participating IPs, as well as staff of UNFPA”.
Kongnyuy said that the meeting would develop result-oriented work plans with key indicators and milestones to track
progress in 2019.

Declaring the meeting open, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma, assured that the ministry would not fail in its coordination and supportive roles.

Represented by the Deputy Director, International Cooperation, Dr Sanjo Fanniran, said the Federal Government was keenly interested in delivering development programmes.
He urged participants to make use of such opportunities to build their individual and national capacities.
The IPs attending the meeting include Federal Ministries of Budget and National Planning, Health, Youths and Sports,
Women Affairs, FCT and Education.
Others are the National Population Commission, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and research institutes.
Similarly, some NGOs like the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Well Being Foundation Africa,
Fistula Foundation, Marie Stopes, Youth Hub Africa, C4C and EVA are also attending.
The meeting, which will end on Friday, is expected to produce actionable next steps for the development of Nigeria. (NAN)
MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

UNFPA challenges implementing partners on Nigeria’s growth

UNFPA
By Muhammad Suleiman Tola
Abuja, Jan. 23, 2019 (NAN) The UN Population Fund (UNFPA) on Wednesday challenged its Implementing Partners (IPs)
to make meaningful contributions toward the growth of Nigeria.

The fund’s acting Country Representative, Dr Eugene Kongnyuy, gave the task at the 2018 Review and 2019 Planning
Meeting in Abuja.

Kongynyu said that the three-day meeting would review the activities of the IPs against the backdrop of their successes,
challenges and how to address them.

According to him, the meeting will also consider the IPs work plans for 2019 under the fund’s eighth Country
Programme (CP8) to avoid the pitfalls of the preceding year.

He added that “we (UNFPA) expect increased understanding of the CP8 priority areas, the transformative results and
the commitment, cooperation and partnership required for successful implementation.

“We also expect improved team spirit from participating IPs, as well as staff of UNFPA.”

Kongnyuy said that the meeting would develop result-oriented work plans with key indicators and milestones to track
progress in 2019.

The IPs attending the meeting include Federal Ministries of Budget and National Planning, Health, Youths and Sports,
Women Affairs, FCT and Education.

Others are the National Population Commission, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) and research institutes.

Similarly, some NGOs like the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN), Well Being Foundation Africa,
Fistula Foundation, Marie Stopes, Youth Hub Africa, C4C and EVA are also attending.

The meeting, which will end on Friday, is expected to produce actionable next steps for the development of Nigeria. (NAN)
MST/HA
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu