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General news

NYSC tasks corps members on safety precautions

NYSC
By Temitope Salami
Sagamu (Ogun), Aug. 8, 2018 (NAN) Still mourning the loss of the nine corps members who drowned recently in a river in Taraba, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has urged corps members to be safety conscious.

Alhaji Abdulrazak Salawu, the NYSC Director of Human Resource Management, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Sagamu, Ogun, that corps members’ safety had become more pertinent following the tragedy.

Salawu, who represented the NYSC Director-General, Brig.-Gen. Suleiman Kazaure, spoke on the sidelines of his visit to the Permanent Orientation Camp in Sagamu.

Describing the drowning incident as unfortunate, Salawu urged corps members to inquire from their supervisors and local communities on apparent dangers before embarking on expeditions.

“We pray that we will not have such natural calamities again.

“It is quite unfortunate how we lost them but it is a natural calamity that no one can do anything about.

“I’m sure the corps members won’t have made that sojourn had they had a pre-knowledge of what would happen.

“There’s nothing much we want to do to prevent natural calamities because what we are supposed to do, we are already doing.

“We have always been sensitising them on how to behave and we don’t allow them to do things that will jeopardise their lives.

“We will only intensify our efforts to educate them to always inquire from their supervisors and communities the risks involved before going on such expeditions.

“We pray for the parents of those who lost their lives that God in His mercies will give them the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.

He also dispelled rumours on the increment of corps members’ allowances saying there would be an official announcement from government and the NYSC when approved.

An increment, he said, would follow the implementation of a new minimum wage structure being reviewed by the Federal Government.

Speaking on the capturing of corps members under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the NYSC boss reiterated that the agency was still working to ensure the agitation bore fruit.

He, however, said healthcare delivery to corps members was presently at the optimum through various incentives put in place to cater for their health at the barest minimum cost.

He commended the Ogun government for the effort put in place to ensure comfort for both corps members and staff.

Speaking earlier, the NYSC State Coordinator, Mrs Josephine Bakare urged corps members undergoing orientation programme to abide by the rules when posted to their places of primary assignment.

“You must integrate well with your host communities and not interfere in what does not concern you or question their norms.

“You must continue to foster unity and ethnic tolerance while contributing your quota to the development of your communities and the state in general,” Bakare said.

She warned the corps members against attending illegal night parties or social events adding that their safety should always be of paramount importance.

Bakare said a total of 2, 411 Batch ‘B’ Stream 1 corps members, comprising; 1, 258 males and 1, 153 females, registered for the orientation course which began on July 24. (NAN)
TDS/OJO
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(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

General news

(Video) NAN News Highlights for Wed., July 25, 2018

 

1. President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn-in newly appointed members of the Police Service Commission and a National Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

 

Those sworn-in by the President at the occasion which preceded the Federal Executive Council meeting, include Alhaji Musiliu Smith as Chairman of the Commission and six others as members while Mr Festus Okoye, a Human Rights activist, was also sworn in as National Commissioner of the electoral body.

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2. Nigeria has been listed among owners of man-made objects orbiting the earth and a major player in space technology, the Nigerian Society of Engineers says.

This is coming after the inauguration of a total of six satellites in the country.

Engr. Aishatu Umar, the Chairman of the Giri branch of the society, who made this known at the 60th anniversary and induction of new members of the association, said Nigeria achieved the feat through national commitment and focus on development of technology and human capital.

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3. The Institute of Disaster Management and Safety Science has called on Nigerians to be more safety conscious by avoiding any form of carelessness both at home and in the office to reduce the risk of disasters in the country.

The Registrar of the Institute, Mr. Ochagwuba Edwin, said specialised education was required to effect meaningful improvement in the global response to disaster and management.
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4. The United Nations Children’s Fund says teenagers, particularly girls, are bearing the brunt of the global AIDS epidemic with around 30 adolescents infected with HIV every hour in 2017.

The UN agency said 130,000 children, aged 19 and under, were dying from the disease in 2018, while another 430,000 – amounting to 50 people per hour, were newly infected.

It said while there had been substantial progress in the fight against AIDS in the last two decades, the failure to prevent so many new infections among children and teenagers was slowing down the process.

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5. A study published in the monthly journal, Nature Climate Change, has revealed that unmitigated rise in temperature can lead to 40,000 additional suicides in the U.S. and Mexico by 2050.

Researchers from institutions in the U.S., Canada and Chile who analysed temperature and suicide data from multiple decades in thousands of U.S. counties and Mexican municipalities found that high temperatures directly affect mental well-being, due to side effects of thermoregulation.

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Health

Abuja residents seek safer environment for children

Abuja residents seek safer environment for children
By Talatu Maiwada
Safety
Abuja, June 1, 2018 (NAN) Some parents and children in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, have called on families to provide a safe and healthy environment for the development of their children.
They made the appeal in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Saturday against the backdrop of the Global Day for Parents celebration.
The respondents said children could only arrive and maximise their potentials in a healthy and friendly atmosphere.
The Global Day of Parents proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012, is observed every June 1, and aims at paying tribute to parents around the world, for their sacrifices and commitments.
Miss Chinoye Okafor, Head Teacher, Claret International School, Abuja, appreciated parents for their unique ability and lifelong sacrifice towards nurturing, mentoring and educating their children.
Okafor however advised parents to provide a safe and healthy environment in the upbringing and development of the wards.
She said children should be protected against sexual abuse, child abuse, battering, act of hawking and exposure from social vices in the society.
Mr Suleiman Tauheed, a father and businessman, emphasised the essential role of parents in educating their children, providing basic needs of shelter, food and clothing while ensuring their protection.
He advised parents not to limit their children in relating and associating with other children, but encourage them to explore life in a healthy way.
Mrs Deborah Menegbe, a Guidance and Counselling Officer at African International School, Abuja, said the development of a child’s personality depended on his or her parents.
Menegbe said it was important to honor parents for the hard work they do of raising the next generation, to become responsible citizens in their communities and country at large.
She encouraged parents to nurture their children in the fear of God, ensuring they grow up in an atmosphere of peace, happiness, love and understanding, which would encourage wholesome personality development.
Ms Aisha Bello, a 10-year-old pupil, said her parents are the best in the world, while celebrating them for providing her basic needs and giving her education.
Mr John Auta, a 15-year-old student of Mabushi Secondary School, Abuja, also appreciated his parents for giving birth to him and providing his needs.
However, Auta called on parents to provide a safe environment for their children especially the girl-child because of their vulnerability. (NAN)
TIM/AO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Imo Assembly considers Bill to establish Food Safety Service Bureau

Imo Assembly considers Bill to establish Food Safety Service Bureau
By Ugonne Uzoma
Safety
Owerri, May 23, 2018 (NAN) The Imo House of Assembly on Wednesday passed for second reading a Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of the State Food Safety Service Bureau.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the proposed law would be charged with preventing and fighting food and water borne diseases as well other related matters.
The Chief sponsor of the Bill, Mr Uche Oguwuike (APC-Ikeduru), said the Bill “would ensure that the Bureau would help in curbing the preparation and sale of food in unsanitary environments and curb the spread of diseases’’, when passed.
He decried lack of regulations for food vendors in the state and the threats to which Imo residents were being exposed daily as a result of unhealthy foods.
Oguwuike stressed the need for urgent action to effectively fight the spread of food and water borne diseases.
Supporting the Bill, Mr Kennedy Ibeh (APC-Obowo), also pointed out the need to thoroughly screen food vendors for contagious diseases.
He suggested that those who pass the screening should be certified before they could commence their business.
Ibeh however called for more work to be done at the committee stage to ensure the bureau, if established, would have a holistic framework to guide their operations.
The Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr Ugonna Ozurigbo (APC-Nwangele), who presided, ruled in favour of the Bill after votes and committed it to an ad hoc committee to be chaired by Kennedy Ibeh for further action.
The deputy speaker directed the committee to report back its inputs on June 13. (NAN)
UOI/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

FRSC @ 30: Cleric tasks FRSC on improved public road safety enlightenment

FRSC @ 30: Cleric tasks FRSC on improved public road safety enlightenment

NAN-H-25

Enlightenment

By Kazeem Akande/Augusta Uchediunor

Lagos, Feb 18, 2018 (NAN) Pastor Emmanuel Adebiyi of The Apostolic Church, Yaba, Lagos, has urged the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to improve enlightenment on the rudiments of safety on the highways to prevent road crashes.

Adebiyi gave the advice during a Thanksgiving ceremony held at the church on Sunday in Lagos, to celebrate FRSC’s 30th anniversary.

According to him, there should be more safety education and enlightenment for motorists so that the objectives of the corps can be actualised.

“Jesus Christ commissioned the disciples to teach people ;we are the recipients of it today.

“And what does FRSC have to do? They need to teach people the rudiments of safety on highways to reduce carnage on the roads to the barest minimum by year 2020,’’ he said.

The cleric also advised motorists to abide by the traffic rules and regulations as stipulated in the word of God, that “we should obey the authority’’.

“If everybody should obey the law, there won’t be more crashes on the roads.

Also, people will be leaving in peace within the society,’’ Adebiyi said.

Mr Hyginus Omeje, the FRSC Sector Commander in Lagos State, thanked God for the successes recorded by the Corps in reducing crashes on the highways.

Omeje said that the corps was now working toward leveraging on highway technology to enforce and checkmate traffic offenders.

“ FRSC is celebrating its 30th anniversary today; it is about looking back from where we are coming from, where we are today and the future of the corps in terms of road safety.

“We all know that the rate of crashes in Nigeria was worrisome before the establishment of the FRSC.

“Since then, the corps has been working tirelessly to reduce carnage on the road to the barest minimum.

“Today we are living witnesses to the fact that the labour of our founding father, Prof. Wole Soyinka, is not really in vain,’’ he said.

Omeje said that the corps was looking forward to having a system that would be technology driven in performing its duties, rather than what was currently on ground.

According to him, technology will also be deployed to enforce the usage of speed limit device , as well use breathalyzers to detect drunk drivers on the highways.

“I advise motorists to always drive safely and obey traffic rules and regulations.

“Motorists should also shun dangerous driving, overloading and driving under the influence of alcohol and dangerous substances,’’ the FRSC boss appealed.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the defunct military government of Gen. Ibrahim Babangida established the FRSC in February 1988 through Decree No. 45 of 1988 as amended by Decree 35 of 1992.

It referred to it in the statute books as the FRSC Act cap 141 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN).

The body, which had Prof. Wole Soyinka as its first Chairman, was established to checkmate the level of recklessness and carnage on Nigerian roads. (NAN)

AKA/ANU/VIV/AMY
Editing by Vivian Ihechu/Abdullahi Yusuf

Health

GM food, feed safety assessment a collective responsibility – Official

GM food, feed safety assessment a collective responsibility – Official

NAN-HG-5

Safety

By Ebere Agozie

Abuja, May 19, 2017 (NAN) Analyses of the safety assessment of Genetically Modified foods and feeds to be consumed in Nigeria is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders, an official, has said.

Dr Rufus Ebegba, the Director-General, National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The director-general said the analysis of the safety assessment process must provide answers to questions globally raised on GM Foods and feeds.

He said the agency was open to all stakeholders who were willing to work together with the agency to make sure that Nigeria would not become a dumping ground for GM foods.

“We recently organised a workshop that encouraged effective collaboration with other regulatory Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on GM foods and feed safety assessment.

“This is part of our effort to keep Nigerians abreast of laid down internationally accepted procedures for verification of GM foods and Feed Safety; and determine the future activities to build necessary capacity in the Nigeria biosafety regulatory system,’’ he said.

Ebegba said that stakeholders’ efforts should be geared towards working in synergy for the common interest of Nigerians.

“This will help us maintain the status of Food and Feed Safety Assessment Guidelines, and local and global regulatory data requirements for commercial products when adopting new GM technology.

“We have an excellent working relationship with, and Memorandums of Understanding with agencies like NAFDAC, SON, the Nigerian Customs Services, NABDA, ARCN, Ministries of Environment, Health and others.’’

He assured Nigerians that the country was safe and there was no cause for alarm as no unhealthy GM food would be allowed into the country.

“To date, all genes used in GM crops produce proteins that have history of safe use which have also been shown to be substantially equivalent to their conventional counterparts.

“And repeated dose studies with the GM crops have shown no changes compared to the conventional crops.

“Also dietary risk assessment has been carried out to determine any potential risks of GMOs at the maximum levels consumed,’’ he said.

He said that acute toxicity assessments were carried out to ensure safety of proteins used in genetic engineering.

“Studies till date have not revealed any toxicity of the proteins or bioaccumulation of GMOs in consumers over time.

“So NBMA is fully prepared and equipped to regulate the activities of modern biotechnology and ensure its safety,’’ the director-general said. (NAN)
EPA/MOL/MST
Edited by Mustapha Lamidi/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Air Force, AIB collaborate to enhance aviation safety

Air Force, AIB collaborate to enhance aviation safety

NAN-H-46

Safety

By Adekunle Williams

Lagos, March 9, 2017 (NAN) The Nigerian Air Force and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) have agreed to explore areas of cooperation to enhance aviation safety in the country.

Mr Tunji Oketunbi, the Head, Public Affairs of AIB, said this in a statement issued in Lagos on Thursday.

He said this was a fall out of a meeting between heads of the two bodies when the new bureau’s Commissioner, Mr Akin Olateru, paid a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

Olateru, in the statement, canvassed for more cooperation in human capital development and emergency response.

“There are a lot you can do for us in training. We know you don’t joke with training in Nigerian Air Force.

“We need to have cooperation with you in developing human capital. We also need a documented emergency response plan in which you can play a very critical role,” he said.

Olateru commended the Nigerian Air Force for its formidable role in aviation and in the defence of the nation.

The AIB boss stressed the importance of a stronger relationship between the two bodies, noting that the force is strategically placed to help during emergencies with its facilities spread across the country.

Responding, the Chief of Air Staff said by working together, the force will help AIB in fulfilling its mandate of accident investigation and prevention.

Abubakar said the air force would be willing to extend its human and material resources to the bureau.

He also urged AIB management to identify its needed areas of assistance.

“Accident is what nobody wants but in aviation it happens sometimes despite every effort made to prevent it. We need to deal with issues before accident happens,” he said.

Abubakar said the force had upgraded its medical and training facilities spread across the country to boost its capacity to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies.

“Training of Air Force officers have been upgraded, especially for the pilots and engineers who are given decent accommodation to ensure they were focused on safety.

“We are providing decent accommodation for the officers flying and maintaining our aircraft. We train, provide facilities, seminars and make sure our hospitals are okay, we do medical evaluations.

“We have evaluations once quarterly for our pilots where they take written tests to make sure they are up to task. Same thing for our engineers,” he said.

The Chief of Air Staff said he invited AIB to be part of safety evaluation so as to have independent assessment from an outsider.

“We need to have simulations of accidents to see the gaps and see what to be done. You may have excellent plan but when it comes to execution, it is a different thing,” he said.

The two government bodies agreed to set up a joint-committee to explore areas of mutual cooperation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olateru has been galvanising all relevant sectors to reposition AIB towards the fulfillment of its mandate of improving safety through investigation of serious incidents and accidents. (NAN)

WAC/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Capacity building improves food safety, importation – CPC

Capacity building improves food safety, importation – CPC

NAN-H-55

Safety

By Wunmi Ashafa Lagos, Feb. 8 ,2017 (NAN) The Director-General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Mrs Dupe Atoki, on Wednesday said capacity building would provide the needed opportunity to enhance safety of foods produced in and imported into the country.

Atoki, represented by the Director, Quality Assurance and Development, CPC, said this at the just concluded 1st Nigeria Food Safety and Investment Forum in Lagos.

According to her, regulatory agencies will also have to expand their technical scientific regulatory capacity for effective regulations.

She said that no single government agency, private sector entity or consumer association could effectively ensure food safety in the globalised food supply chain.

The director-general said that could also enhance competitiveness and ensure fair practices in trade.

The CPC boss said that development of professional and scientific bases would promote the country’s export trade, increase in consumer choice, good health and value for money.

“The country should ensure harmonisation of players in food safety team as well as ensure prompt and adequate information sharing among members of the food team.

“Also, massive campaign and public enlightenment on food safety is needed for attitudinal change in consumers,” she said.

On industry responsibility and application of appropriate technology in food safety, she said that there was need to invest in physical and managerial resources to enable implementation control.

According to her, manufacturers should use modern quality management systems to ensure that food processing consistently delivers the desired level of safety. (NAN)

AWA/VIV/MST

Edited by Vivian Ihechu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Agriculture

Food safety: Expert advise operators to respect global policies

Food safety: Expert advise operators to respect global policies

NAN-H-61

Policies

By Wunmi Ashafa

Lagos, Feb. 7, 2017 (NAN)The Production Manager, Zaikas Foods Ltd.,  Mr Yogesh Boolchandani, on Tuesday advised food operators to ensure total compliance with global policies on food safety and quality.

Boolchandani, who spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, said that there were lots of opportunities in food processing in the country being the fastest and largest economy in Africa.

He, however, suggested that there should be good emphasis on food quality and security with major focus on food enzymes.

The manager said that the government on its part, in terms of policies, had been helping farmers producing quality produces through its several support programmes for the agriculture sector.

Boolchandani also said that producing quality produce had led to reduction in rejection of products at the international markets.

He said that most of the materials used by Zaikas Foods were sourced locally because the organisation was aware that Nigerian operators were doing their best to conform with international specifications.

The food expert said that the organisation’s presence at the on-going exhibition ground of the 1st Food Safety and Investment Forum was a platform to have contacts with regulatory agencies.

According to him, the drive for continuous improvement on safety and management systems training programme should be encouraged. (NAN)

AWA/ENN/MST

Edited by Edwin Nwachukwu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola