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Yobe Assembly to screen 20 commissioner nominees

Yobe Assembly to screen 20 commissioner nominees

By Mohammed Mamman
Screening
Damaturu, Nov. 5, 2019 (NAN) The Yobe House of Assembly on Tuesday confirmed receipt of 20 nominees submitted by Gov. Mai Mala Buni for screening and confirmation as commissioners and members of the state executive council.
The Assembly, which was presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Mohammed Bello, said the list was contained in a letter signed by Baba Mallam Wali, the acting Secretary to the State Government, addressed to the Speaker.
He said a commissioner was nominated from each of the 17 local government areas with three additional others from the three political zones of the state, making a total of 20 nominees.
Similarly, the governor sought the approval of the legislature for the appointment of 20 Special Advisers.
Meanwhile, the Assembly has fixed the commencement of screening of the nominees for Wednesday with former Sen. Alkali Jajere and four ex-members of House of Representatives.
The former lawmakers are Abdullahi Kukuwa, Goni Bukar, Yerima Lawan and Sidi Karasuwa.
Others slated for screening on Thursday include Messrs Garba Iliya, Mohammed Lamin, Musa Mustapha, Mala Musty and Bukar Dauda.
The screening will continue on Nov. 12 with Mohammed Gagiyo, Mohammed Lawan-Gana, Barma Shettima, Abdullahi Bego and Mohammed Idris.
The last batch of Dr Mairo Amshi, Umaru Wakili, Hajiya Hauwa Bah, Saleh Samanja and Prof. Mohammed Munkaila will hold on Nov. 13. (NAN)
MM/ASS/MST
Edited by Saidu Adamu/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics

Commissioner nominees: Nasarawa Assembly screens NUJ chairman, 8 others

Commissioner nominees: Nasarawa Assembly screens NUJ chairman, 8 others

By Mohammed Bababusu
Screening
Lafia, Oct. 21, 2019 (NAN) The Nasarawa State House of Assembly has screened Mr Dogo Shammah, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and eight others for appointment as commissioners.
The Speaker of the legislature, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, announced this on Monday during plenary after Shammah and the other nominees appeared for screening in Lafia.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Gov. Abdullahi Sule had on Oct. 16 presented 15 Commissioner designates to the House for confirmation.
The governor’s letter was read by the Majority Leader of the house, Alhaji Tanko Tunga (APC-Awe North) at the floor of the house.
The screened nominees were Ahmed Yahaya from Toto Local Government Area; Philip Dada (Karu LGA); Othman Adam (Keffi); and Abdulkarim Kana (Kokona).
Others included Obadiah Boyi (Akwanga LGA); Yusuf Turaki (Awe); Salihu Alizaga (Nassarawa Eggon); and Otaki Allahnanah (Keana).
The speaker urged the screened commissioner nominees to positively contribute their quota to the development of the state, if finally sworn in by the governor.
He specifically enjoined Shammah to tackle the issue of fake news if is posted to the Ministry of Information.
Meanwhile, the screening of the remaining six commissioner nominees has been scheduled to hold on Oct. 22.
Those to be screened are Haruna Ogbole (Obi LGA); Ibrahim Ekye (Doma); Mrs Fati Sabo (Nasarawa); Abubakar Imam (Lafia); Hajiya Halima Jabiru (Lafia), and Mohammed Aliyu (Lafia). (NAN)
BAB/KOLE/MST
Edited by Remi Koleoso/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Association conducts free HIV, hepatitis screening on 5,000 persons in Nasarawa

Association conducts free HIV, hepatitis screening on 5,000 persons in Nasarawa

By Awayi Kuje
Testing
Keffi (Nasarawa State), Oct. 3, 2019 (NAN) Mass Communication Students’ Association (MACOSA), Nasarawa State University Keffi, has commenced free HIV and Hepatitis screening and counselling for 5,000 people in the state.
This is to enable the beneficiaries know their status for the overall development of the country.
Mr Moses John, the President of the association, disclosed this in Keffi on Thursday during the flag-off ceremony of the screening and distribution of condoms to residents.
John said that the importance of health to societal development cannot be over emphasised, hence the need for the screening to enable people know their health status.
He also disclosed that the programme was in collaboration with the Nasarawa State AIDS Control Agency (NASACA) and the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria.
“The essence of this exercise is to ensure that students know their status with a view to living a life that will contribute to national development and curtail the spread of both HIV and Hepatitis viruses.
“It is when people know their health status that it will help them know how to go about getting medication or not.
“It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation, hence the need for people to always know their health status in the interest and overall development of the country,” he said.
According to him, our target is members of the university community, especially students of Mass Communication as we are targeting about 5,000 members of the university community.
John urged students and other members of the university community to avail themselves with the opportunity in order to improve on their health status.
He expressed gratitude to Prof. Suleiman Mohammed, the Vice Chancellor of the institution, for flagging off the exercise and for giving attention to the welfare of students.
The MACOSA president however solicited more support from its members and other stakeholders to make the programme succeed.
While flagging off the exercise, the vice chancellor of the university commended the association for initiating the programme.
Mohammed called on the students and other members of the university community to always give adequate attention to their health through regular medical check-up.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some beneficiaries, especially students, commended the association for the initiative and called for its sustenance. (NAN)
AKW/ZGA/MST
Edited by Zainab Garba/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Education

2019/2020 Post UTME: Nacabs poly commences screening in Nasarawa

2019/2020 Post UTME: Nacabs poly commences screening in Nasarawa
By Awayi Kuje
Screening
Akwanga (Nasarawa State), July 29, 2019 (NAN) The Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, Nasarawa State, has advised prospective students to appear for the screening of 2019/2020 academic session next week.
This is contained in a statement issued by the institution’s Deputy Registrar, Mr Usman Oga, a copy of which was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Akwanga.
It said the screening would hold between Sept. 2 and Sept. 6 at 10 a.m. daily in the institution.
“This is for all candidates who applied for admission into Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, for 2019/2020 Academic Session
“And who made the Polytechnic their institution of first or second choice and scored 120 and above in the 2019 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
“Candidates who did not choose Nacabs Polytechnic, Akwanga, but wish to effect a change, are encouraged to make the Polytechnic their first choice by contacting the relevant Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Accredited Centre for Change of Institution.
“Or contact the institution through the school JAMB Coordinator.
“For further information: Contact +2348035922831, +2347064515111,” the statement read in part.
It also enjoined the applicants to come with the following documents: original UTME slip, original `O’ Level statement of results, indigene certificate, declaration of age/birth certificate and two passports sized photograph.
“The screening form fee is N2,500 and screening fee is N2,000 while acceptance is N1,000.
“The payment is through the account of the Polytechnic with a teller issue from the bursary.
“Candidates are to complete the screening form and proceed to their departments of choice for screening,” the statement added.
Besides, the candidates are advised to strictly adhere to the guidelines stipulated above, adding that non-JAMB candidates can also attend thorough JAMB regularisation. (NAN)
AKW/GOM/MST
Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

NGO advocates mandatory prostate cancer screening by govt

NGO advocates mandatory prostate cancer screening by govt
By Chinenye Offor
Screening
Abuja, May 23, 2019 (NAN) Mr Runcie Chidebe, the Executive Director, Project Pink Blue, an NGO, has urged the Federal Government to make prostate cancer screening mandatory in all public hospitals.
Chidebe made the appeal while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
He noted that the alarming incidence of prostate cancer in the society called for urgent intervention from relevant authorities.
He recommended that once a man of 40 years and above visited a hospital it was imperative for him to undergo a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test, stressing that early detection is key for survival.
According to him, having compulsory prostate cancer test would help create awareness as well as reduce deaths associated with late detection.
He also suggested that companies should add prostate cancer screening in their insurance package and as well make life insurance mandatory just as it is for vehicle insurance.
Chidebe emphasised the need for the society to domesticate prostate cancer education materials in order to promote awareness on cancer risk factors, screening and early detection.
He further said that research conducted by his organisation found out that most Nigerian men over the age of 40 have not been screened for prostate cancer.
Chidebe decried low level of awareness as well as interest regarding the risk of prostate cancer as one of the factors that contribute to rise of the disease.
He added that only 40 percent of men who participated in the survey indicated interest in future yearly screening for prostate cancer which, he said, was not encouraging.
“There is no organised screenings or a national screening programme, what is currently available is sporadic screenings driven by non-profit and non-governmental organisations hosting medical missions in diverse communities.
“Only 13.8 per cent of Nigerian men have been screened for prostate cancer and out of 901 men only 124 have been checked for prostate cancer while 740 have not been screened.
“This result clearly explained the rationale for late detection of the disease and the increasing cancer deaths in the society.
“We found out also that most respondents make out of pocket payments for healthcare services which contributes to low screening turn out.
“Only 14.5 per cent and 4.2 per cent were covered by health insurance and their organisations, respectively,” he said.
Chidebe attributed these findings as some of the challenges faced by the Nigerian healthcare system which also slowed down the push for people to go for screening.
“This will slow the push to detect prostate cancer early as people may be discouraged from seeking professional health attention given the expected financial burden.
“In this study free PSA test was provided for all participants, however, PSA cost about N6,000 to N10,000.
“Prostate cancer treatment is a huge burden in Nigeria, a patient needs about N1.3 million to N3.3 million to treat prostate cancer and how many Nigerian men can afford it. Many of these indigent men will just decide to stay back home and die.
“With the poor national health insurance, it has become more financially stressful to cope with the burden of cancer in Nigeria because very few families can foot the bills of diagnosis, surgery and treatment,” he added.
He therefore urged the federal government to include cancer treatment in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) programme in order to reduce financial burden on families. (NAN)
CSO/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Pharmaceutical outfit conducts free medical outreach in Jos

 

Outreach

By Blessing Odega

Jos, May 22, 2019 (NAN) SunPharma-Ranbaxy Nig. Ltd., a pharmaceutical company, on Wednesday commenced a free medical outreach at Howlshe in Jos, as part of its corporate social responsibility.

The gesture, according to Mr Samson Ogunola, a senior official of the company, is aimed at assisting the poor and enlightening members of the community on emerging diseases often ignore until they become critical.

“Aside the free medical checks, we want to enlighten the public on the need for more health consciousness. We want people to make it a habit to always check their health status,” he said.

He disclosed that a consultant family medicine physician was on ground to conduct free medical consultation before the commencement of the screening.

 

“If there is prescription from the doctor, the patient will be given the drugs at discounted prices. For people who need to go to the hospital for follow up, referrals will be made.”

According to Ogunola, the free checks to be conducted include blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria.

He, however, said that the procedure to be used in the blood sugar check would not be through the regular blood test.

“What we shall do is to check the sugar level in the haemoglobin.

“The blood sugar test is not quite efficient in detecting the level of glucose in the body as it has been discovered that the level of glucose in the body is normally diagnosed in the haemoglobin,’’ he said.

Mrs. Kyen Chollom, one of the beneficiaries of the free medical exercise, who spoke with NAN, said that she was elated as the exercise had afforded her the opportunity of knowing her sugar level.

Similarly, Mr Tok Yohanna, a teacher, ex

pressed gratitude to the company for organising the free medical outreach, saying that the malaria test revealed he had malaria.

“Now I know I have malaria. I will seek prompt medical attention,” he said.

 

UBO/VIV/ETS

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Edited by Vivian Ihechu and Ephraims Sheyin

 

Health

NGO to conduct free cancer screening for 2,000 men

NGO to conduct free cancer screening for 2,000 men
By Chinenye Offor
Prostate
Abuja, May 21, 2019 (NAN) Project Pink Blue, an NGO, says it will conduct free screening for 2,000 men for prostate cancer in some selected and Abuja.
Mr Runcie Chidebe, the Executive Director of the oganisation, said this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.
Chidebe explained that in 2018, Project PINK BLUE in collaboration with Aspire Coronation Trust Foundation, inaugurated and implemented a new strategy of tackling cancer, with special focus on men’s health.
He said the project tagged ‘Men on Blue’ was designed to conduct research on the level of awareness of men about prostate cancer.
According to him, the project is also geared towards educating men in communities in Enugu, Lagos and Abuja on prostate cancer.
He added that it would also provide free Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and screening for men above 40.
“With the project, in 2018 about 1,700 men got free PSA screenings and those with abnormal values have been navigated for further investigation and necessary medical care.
“We wish to build on last year’s success, and with support from the same partner, this year, we will be taking the intervention to Rivers and Niger states.
“And while continuing where we left off in Abuja, our target this year is to get at least 2,000 men screened as well as present findings from last year’s research,” he said. (NAN)
CSO/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

250 female farmers get free breast cancer, diabetes screening in Ogun

Screening
By Temitope Salami
Ogbere (Ogun), March 20, 2019 (NAN) No fewer than 250 women farmers in Ehin Osun, Ijebu-East Local Government Area of Ogun,  have received free breast cancer and diabetes screening.

The one-day programme was organised by OLAM Nigeria Ltd, an agro-allied company in conjunction with the Action Health Incorporated, a Non-governmental Organisation.

The programme was organised in commemoration of the International Women’s Day often marked on March 8.

Speaking on the sidelines of the screening, Mr Fatai Omisanya, a local government official, said it was imperative for women to be orientated on the value of good living.

He said the initiative by the organisers was both commendable and beneficial to the women and farming community in the area.

“The programme is not only about breast cancer screening, it’s also to create awareness on how to maintain good personal hygiene daily.

“Routine checks are necessary not only to prevent them from falling ill but also necessary to curtail the spread of infectious diseases.’’

Similarly, OLAM’s license buying agent in Ijebu axis, Mr Sunday Adeniyi,  said the screening was organised to complement the efforts of the state government in ensuring women in  rural areas have access to adequate healthcare.

“When such interventions are organised, we implore our rural dwellers to always take advantage of them  because health is wealth.

“We have done enough to bring this programme to our door steps in other to have quality  health care.

“They must endeavour to make themselves available for the screening as our medical team is  fully equipped to take care of all prognosis,” Adeniyi said.

Miss Funso Bukoye, the Action Health Incorporated representative, said the NGO is tasked with promoting the wellbeing of youths and women across Nigeria.

“In line with the theme of the International Women’s Day, ‘Balance for Better’, which advocates for gender equality, there is no better way to promote such if women are marginalised in healthcare delivery.

“What is being done here today, if replicated the more, especially as relates to the scourge of breast cancer, will secure a future of fulfilled dreams for women everywhere,” she said. (NAN)
TDS/OYE/OJO
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(Edited by Celine-Damilola Oyewole/Mufutau Ojo)

Health

World AIDS Day: Coalition targets 30,000 for HIV/AIDS counseling, testing

World AIDS Day: Coalition targets 30,000 for HIV/AIDS counseling, testing
By Vivian Ihechu
HIV/AIDS
Lagos, Nov. 30, 2018 (NAN) A national advocacy campaign on HIV/AIDS says it is targeting over 30,000 persons across multiple communities in eight high risk states in Nigeria from Nov. 30.
The campaign, organised by the Red Ribbon Coalition comprising Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), Society for Family Health (SFH), Development Communications Network and convened by Coca-Cola Nigeria is part of activities to mark 2018 World AIDS Day.
The Nigeria Red Ribbon, a group of NGOs, business concerns and private sector players, was inaugurated in 2015 to contribute its quota to the National AIDS Response.
The theme for 2018 World AIDS day, which is commemorated annually on Nov. 30, has its theme as: “Know Your Status”.

Photo:

From L-R: Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh,Executive Director, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF): Funke Adewoyin of the Society for Family Health and Adewunmi Ojoye of the Society For Family Health at a News Conference to mark 2018 World AIDS Day in Lagos (NAN)

At a news conference on Friday in Lagos, Mrs Iwalola Akin-Jimoh, the Executive Director, Youth Empowerment Foundation (YEF), said there was need to intensify advocacy and campaign against HIV, especially to teenagers and young adults.
“This will enlighten them on the need to know their status, how to be guided if positive, how to reduce viral load and reduce high risk behaviour so as not to get the virus.
“On this year’s event, the coalition targets over 30,000 people across eight sites nationwide.
“HIV infection has spread over the last 32 years in Africa since it was first discovered and has continued to have a great impact on health, welfare and employment, affecting all social and ethnic groups throughout the world.’’
Photo:
She said: “It is estimated that about 3,229,757 people living with HIV in Nigeria and about 220,393 new HIV infections occurred in 2013 and 210,031 died from AIDS-related cases.
“HIV prevalence among adults in Nigeria is relatively low (3.2 per cent), yet Nigeria is an enormous country where HIV infection remains an issue that demands a systematic and highly tailored intervention.
“As of 2012 in Nigeria, the HIV prevalence rate among adults ages 15–49 was 3.1 per cent; Nigeria has the second-largest burden of HIV globally.
“The HIV epidemic in Nigeria is complex and varies widely by region.
“Nine per cent of all PLWHA globally live in Nigeria with the country accounting for about 3.2 million people living with HIV.
“There are also 220,000 new HIV infection and about 210,000 AIDS-related deaths (14 per cent of the global total), hence the need to intensify awareness and treatment,’’ Akin-Jimoh said.
Also, Funke Adewoyin of SFH said: “The number of people estimated to be receiving Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) was 747,382 with 3.0 million adult populations estimated to be living with the disease as of 2014.
“Albeit due to its population size, Nigeria has the second largest HIV disease burden in the world, with 3.2 million people living with HIV.
“This is after South Africa which has 6.8 million burden of the disease though prevalence is stable at 3.4 per cent, according to the (National HIV/AIDS Reproductive Health Survey 2012.
“This year’s advocacy campaign by the coalition targets multiple communities across eight high-risk states in Nigeria through a combination of activities.
“The activities include media awareness, voluntary counselling and testing, public education and awareness sessions, and entertainment using drama and football.
“The target for this year is to reach from 30,000 to 40,000 people across eight sites including Lagos, Oyo, FCT Abuja, Imo, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Gombe and Kano,’’ she said.
Inaugurated in 2015, the past projects by the coalition have brought together leading stars in Nigeria’s football, music, comedy, and movie industry to work together as advocates for the fight against HIV.
“Activities to commemorate the World AIDS Day campaign include HIV counselling and testing at Ajah, Lagos, by counsellor testers of the Society for Health (SFH).
“There will be a 2-week long voluntary counselling and testing session which begins on Friday, Nov. 30 and ends Dec. 15 and a Novelty Match to close out the event,’’ Adewoyin said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World AIDS Day is a day globally set aside to provide an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against HIV, show support for people living with HIV, and to commemorate those who have died from an AIDS-related illness. (NAN)
VIV/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

5,000 people to benefit from free medical outreach in Kano

5,000 people to benefit from free medical outreach in Kano
By Tukur Muntari
Screening
Kano, April 19, 2018 (NAN) No fewer than 5,000 people are expected to benefit from the second edition of a free medical outreach for Ebira community resident in Kano.
The programme is organised by the leadership of Ebira People’s Association, a socio-cultural body of Ebira Tao speaking group.
A statement by Mr Mahmud Ozigi, the Chairman, Kano chapter of the association, said the programme would be declared open by the Ohinoyi of Ebira community in Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Abdulmalik, on April 21.
“The open medical camp which is scheduled to hold at Ebira House, kilometre 10, Naibawa, Zaria Road, Kano, will attract no fewer than 5,000 people,” he said.
Ozigi explained that the targeted beneficiaries of the humanitarian gesture include adults and children from both genders of Ebira Tao extraction.
According to him, not less than 10 medical doctors, 10 pharmacists and 15 nurses are billed to conduct the programme.
He added that the outreach would focus on screening and medical treatment of common diseases or ailments.
The chairman said that there would also be five minutes pep talk on non-pharmacological or lifestyle treatment of hypertension at the event. (NAN)
MTM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola