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Council calls for unity in health sector

Council calls for unity in health sector

By Nana Musa/Amos Rebecca
Healthcare
Abuja, Sept. 3, 2019 (NAN) The Chairman, Governing Board, Medical Laboratory Scientists Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Prof. Muhammad Gwarzo, had called for unity amongst stakeholders in the health sector.

Gwarzo made the appeal at the 55th Annual Scientific Conference and Workshop organised by the association on Tuesday in Abuja.

He said althoug the country consisted of several health related arms, promoting unity is key to achieve meaningful development.

Gwarzo said: “In the health sector they are many divisions and unity is a must for us to be able to achieve our objective of detecting, preventing and responding to health needs.”

Gwarzo said that the theme of conference was timely as there are many emerging diseases which requires all hands to be on deck, to ensure early detection of and prevention.

Mr Tosan Erhabor, the Registrar of MLSCN, assured that the council would improve medical laboratory system.

According to him, the council will improve laboratory services delivery through timely response to treatment of diseases.

“We will continue to regulate the accreditation of school laboratories, inspection of medical laboratories facilities, fight against quackery and promote quality assurance in health services.

“A new dawn is here and an event like this will give room for the immediate training and contribution to quality services of our national health,” Erahabor said.

Eariler, the National President of AMLSN, Mr Bassey Enya, commended the theme of the conference titled “Global Health Security”, saying it will tackle challenges in the sector.

He said that the Medical Laboratory Agenda for the Sub-Saharan Africa was carefully chosen to reflect the current dangers posed by severe pathogens.

Enya said that pathogens have epidemic potential and role the medical laboratory could play in early detection and response.

He also said that the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA) is an effort by nations, international organisations and civil societies to accelerate progress toward a world safe and secure from infectious disease threats.

He also said that the theme is to promote global health security as an international priority and to spur progress toward full implementation of international health regulation 2005.

“To prevent another devastating event like Ebola outbreak in Nigeria, we need a resilient and inclusive health system That extend to rural areas.

“A sensitive early warning system coupled with rapid response capacity, informed and engaged communities that trust their government and health services it provides,” Enya said.

He identified poor implementation of the national laboratory policy, inadequate training of medical laboratory personnel, weak medical laboratory infrastructure and limited quality assurance, to be among other challenges facin facing the sector.

He also noted that laboratories are usually given low priority and recognition in most national health delivery systems.

Mr Joseph David, the Chairman AMLSN, Abuja branch, said the theme was to plan to establish a network to interconnect laboratories.

“I am glad to have the privilege 15 years after to host an international conference of this magnitude.”

He commended partners for making this conference a huge success, most especially the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control, the US Centre for Disease Control, the University of Maryland, the Institute of Human Virology Of Nigeria.
NHM/RAB/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

SGF urges Christian association to foster peace, unity among Nigerians

Association

By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, April 11, 2019 (NAN) Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Mr Boss Mustapha has urged the National Association of Christian Educators of Nigeria (NACREN) to continually foster peace and unity among Nigerians.

Mustapha made the call on Thursday in Abuja at an Award and Fund Raising Ceremony organised by the association for the building of its National Secretariat.

The SFG, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Festus Daodu, said that religious educators should not only be preachers of the word, but doers as well.

“You should not only be preachers of the word, but also the doers of the word.

“You should teach and do things that will engender harmony with our faith and love for one and another.

“Religious teachings of an organisation like yours, go a long way toward reducing vices among our teeming youths.

“Any organisation that comes up with a laudable programme of this nature will always be encouraged by this administration,” he said.

Mustapha described religion as an institution that fostered national unity and cohesion.

He said that the prayers and teachings of religious bodies were critical to the success of any country or government.

He added that since the purpose of the association was to influence all schools in Nigeria with a Christian perspective, restore academic excellence, godly morals and values, “it is, therefore, not out of place to state that all schools in Nigeria – both primary and secondary, require religious education.

“I am pleased to note that more than 4,000 Christian teachers nationwide belong to the association,” he said.

He, however, observed that because the association had been operating without a befitting national secretariat building, it had not been easy in terms of logistics and coordination of its activities.

Mustapha said the government would continue to support any initiative by individuals or groups with the potential to impact positively on the lives of youths.

He called on all leaders of religious organisations to work together to build a nation where peace, religious tolerance, and respect for one another’s faith would be paramount.

Mr Bagudu Hirse, a former Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, commended the association for the fund raising event.

He said that the Federal Government had made the teaching of religious studies compulsory for students, adding that the association was instrumental to the development of the curriculum.

According to him, a befitting national secretariat for the association has long been overdue.

He said that the building of a secretariat for the association would enable it to discharge its duties effectively.

Also, Ibrahim Zikirullahi, Executive Director,Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED), said that the role of Christian religious education could not be overemphasized.

He said that it was necessary for all hands to be on deck to address the decadence in the Nigerian society.

“We as individuals must do something urgently to revive the decaying society or else; we all shall be held accountable before God.

“If we are allowed to do our good work of teaching Christian Religious Knowledge, there will be no child who could be used as a hired servant to perpetrate violence in Nigeria,” he said.

The President of NACREN, Rev. Reuben Maiture, said religious education was the bedrock of any society in its quest for the attainment of meaningful and sustainable development.

“Sound morality cannot be seperated from religion. This is because religion permeates and directs human choices.

“This is what makes religious education unique and central in moral and spiritual upbringing of the child.

“It is a necessary ingredient in shaping lives of young people,” he said.

Ten dignitaries who have contributed immensely to Christian education and teachings were conferred with various awards. (NAN)

OEO/OOA/YEE

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Edited by Olabisi Akinbode/Emmanuel Yashim

General news

Sultan urges Muslim students to promote national peace, unity

Sultan urges Muslim students to promote national peace, unity
By Muhammad Nasir Bello
Peace
Sokoto, Dec. 23, 2018 (NAN) The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Sunday called on Muslim students in the country to always promote national peace and unity in their activities.
Abubakar made the appeal in Sokoto while addressing participants of the 76th National Islamic Vacation Course (IVC) organised by the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Zone A Headquarters.
The theme of the course is: “Societal Reformation: The Role of a Proactive Ummah’’.
The Sultan said that Muslims should always uphold the tenets of Islam, sacrifice to live peacefully with non-Muslims and respect leaders.
“Nigeria is a country of different religions, tribes and culture, but as Muslims we must believe that the non-Muslims are our brothers in progress.
“As such, we most uphold the tenets of our religion, live peacefully with our brothers and respect leaders for us to achieve success,” he said.
Abubakar further called on Muslims to hold their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) firmly in order to vote for candidates of their choice in the 2019 general elections.
Gov. Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State had earlier commended MSSN for organising the programme in the state.
Tambuwal pledged to support Muslim organisations across the country and announced a donation of N10,000 for each participant at the course.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Mukhtar Bunza, also urged leaders to seek knowledge to be able to establish real reform in the society.
Bunza said: “Societal reformation could only be possible with leaders, as such they must seek for knowledge to enable them change the society.’’
The commissioner added that women and youths must also be educated in order to make viable and successful change in the society.
He called on parents to always take the responsibility of sponsoring the education of their children and wards seriously.
The event was attended by participants from the 19 Northern states and Abuja. (NAN)
BMN/JPE/MST
Edited by joseph Edeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Ooni calls for Yoruba unity

Unity
By Temitope Salami
Ikenne-Remo (Ogun), Oct. 11, 2018 (NAN) Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, on Thursday in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun, called for unity within the Yoruba nation for other nationalities in Nigeria to emulate.

Ogunwusi made the call at a workshop organised by the Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) with the theme “State Of The Nation: Yoruba, Where Are We?”, held in Ikenne-Remo, Ogun.

The Ile Ife monarch, who is also patron of the group, said that disunity among Yorubas and their leaders often snowballed into crises in the nation’s polity.

Ogunwusi said that the role of the Yorubas’ in nation building could not be underestimated and called on politicians to rise above self-gratification  and ensure equity and fairness in running the nation’s affairs.

“I have one belief as Arole Oodua that the moment Yoruba unity is settled, Nigeria will progress. We are the light of the nation.

“We have allowed deception, mistrust to divide us as a nation. We should be examples for other ethnic groups in Nigeria.

“Until Yoruba unity is resolved before the nation can develop. Many leaders have destroyed their children’s future.

“The lesson we should teach ourselves is that nothing last forever, except God.

“Let Yoruba respect the human race. The moment our leaders begin to have consideration for the future, this nation will move forward,” Ogunwusi said.

Earlier, YUF Chairman, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, gave assurances that the Yoruba nation would continue to sustain the country on the path of unity and stability.

“Today, our country is being ravaged by forces of terrorism, corruption and a defective constitution. We will not shy away at this critical moment of our nation’s history.

“We believe that the Yoruba nation could do all within its powers to sustain the unity of Nigeria and put the nation back on a stable course,” Ladigbolu said.

The YUF chairman further called on Yorubas to support and vote for capable individuals who would be truthful about restructuring the country in the next political era.

According to him, the prosperity, growth and sustainable development of Nigeria can only thrive on the tripod of restructuring.

The News Agency ofoNigeria (NAN) reports that discussions at the workshop centred on security, impediments to free and fair elections, restructuring and Yoruba unity ahead of 2019 elections.

Among Yoruba leaders present were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, represented by Bashorun  of Oyo, Chief Yusuf Olayinka, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Aare Ona-Kakanfo of Yoruba Land, Chief Gani Adams.

Others were Sen. Femi Okunrounmu, Prof. Banji Akintoye, Chief Gboyega Adejumo, Mr  Yinka Odumakin and Dr Tokunbo Dosunmu-Awolowo, the Vice-Chairman of the group. (NAN)
TDS/OSA/WOJ
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Edited by Shittu Obassa/Wale Ojetimi

 

 

Health

National devt: NCWS tasks women on unity

National devt: NCWS tasks women on unity
By Dorcas Jonah
Women
Abuja, Sept. 7, 2018 (NAN) The National President, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Mrs Gloria Shoda, on Friday advised Nigerian women to be united for the development of the country.
Shoda gave the advised in Abuja at the 60th Anniversary of the council and National Summit on Sustainable Development Goals with the theme: The change Leadership and Gender Balance.
“Let me remind Nigerian women that the cloud of slur and neglect of implementation of gender affirmative agreements and treaties are disruptive war fares made to dis-empower and entrap us perpetually on the disadvantage end.
“We must use whatever positions we find ourselves to refine our positive acumen, heritage of skills, tenacity and ability to recreate the obvious image of servitude in every woman.
“We must, very strongly desist from showing scant regard for each other and conspiring against ourselves,’’ she said.
Shoda said that the council would continue to speak loud on issues of conflict resolution among women.
She said the council was also calling for a bill for an act to amend the Federal Character Commission to give married women the option choice of preferred indigeneship.
Earlier, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, on Sustainable Development Goals said Nigeria was committed to gender concerns.
She said concerted efforts must be made to ensure gender equality and women empowerment are at the centre stage of development in order to advance the Agenda 2030. (NAN)
DE/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Sermons: Nasarawa Speaker tasks religious leaders on unity

Sermons: Nasarawa Speaker tasks religious leaders on unity
By Awayi Kuje
Eid-el-Fitr
Keffi (Nasarawa State), June 15, 2018 (NAN) The Speaker, Nasarawa State House of Assembly, Alhaji Balarabe Abdullahi, has urged religious leaders to preach message of peace, unity and tolerance among Nigerians during and after Sallah celebration.
Abdullahi made the call on Thursday in his Sallah message signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Jibrin Gwamna, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Keffi, Nasarawa State.
He congratulated the Muslim faithful on the successful completion of the Ramadan fast.
He urged them to use the lessons learnt to show love to Muslims and non-Muslims for peace and progress to reign supreme in the country.
The speaker re-emphasised the need for Muslims to use the festive period to show love and care to their neighbours especially the less-privileged in the society to give them a sense of belonging.
He advised the people to ensure they reconcile with God and those they have offended for the good of all and for the stability and progress of the nation.
The speaker urged Muslim faithful to ensure they practice all that Islam preaches and teaches.
“We must maintain the God-fearing acts which we exhibited during the fasting period.
“We must sustain the lessons and change of attitude learnt during the Ramadan fast,” he said.
According to him, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) preached peace, love and unity, urging Muslims to emulate same.
Besides, Abdullahi called on Nigerians to intensify more prayers for the country to overcome its challenges especially security and economy.
He enjoined Nigerians to continue to live in peace and tolerate one another irrespective of their ethnic, religious and political affiliation. (NAN)
AKW/CEO/MST
Edited by Chidi Opara/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Emir preaches unity, peace, national cohesion

Emir preaches unity, peace, national cohesion
By Chijeoke Okoronkwo
Unity
Abuja, March 31, 2018 (NAN) Dr Idris Musa, the Emir of Jiwa, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has called on Nigerians to love one another and co-exist peacefully in spite of their ethnic and religious differences.
Musa spoke with newsmen in his palace shortly after his chieftaincy investiture and turbaning ceremony held at Government Secondary School, Jiwa, on Saturday.
The event was also part of his 17th anniversary and 66th birthday celebrations.
“I am now 66 years and today is my 17th year on the throne; so I have every reason to thank God; it is worth celebrating.
“You can see the crowd; I thank everybody that honoured my invitation; may God reward them.
“My message to those honoured today is that we should be our brothers’ keepers.
“I am asking FCT indigenes and Nigerians to embrace one another; we should love one another and live in peace.
“We do not have any other country but Nigeria,’’ said the traditional ruler.
He said that a Lebanese was among those honoured because of his contributions to wealth creation and employment in the FCT.
Musa said the Lebanese had a factory at Idu industrial park which was within Jiwa emirate.
“When I visited his factory, I discovered he employed 500 Nigerians, both men and women.
“The chairs he manufactures are exported to African countries; so, if he can do something like that in my chiefdom; I need to appreciate it.
“If he can accommodate Nigerians of every nationality there, he needs to be encouraged,’’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event attracted a mammoth crowd, while cultural troupes from different ethnic nationalities accompanied the honourees. (NAN)
CJ/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

2019: Shun ethnic, religious bias in politics – NGO

2019: Shun ethnic, religious bias in politics – NGO
NAN-H-36
Politics
By Awayi Kuje
Akwanga (Nasarawa State), Jan. 23, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of the 2019 general elections, an NGO, Yusufu Turaki Foundation, on Tuesday advised the different ethnic groups in Nasarawa State to eschew religious and ethnic sentiments in voting their leaders.
The Founder of the NGO, Prof. Yusufu Turaki, gave the counsel in a paper presentation during a public lecture organised by the Unity Forum of Ethnic Nationalities of Nasarawa State (UFENNS) in Lafia.
The paper was titled: “Myself, My People, and My Land’’.
Turaki, a Professor of Geology and Ethics, ECWA Theological Seminary, Jos, Plateau, urged that credibility and integrity should guide the people’s choice in choosing their leaders.
According to him, the people of the middle belt and Nigerians generally are so divided along ethnic and religious lines, adding that lack of unity is a major factor affecting the zone.
“Have you ask yourself what is happening in Nigeria? What is happening to your people and what is happening to our land?
“You must unite if you want to win elections and protect your land from invaders, irrespective of ethnic and religious background.
“Why are we so divided along religious and ethnic affiliations? Christians, Muslims and Pagans must sit down to discuss how to move the state forward.
“We should use our religion to bring peace and the much-needed development to our society.
“Religion is created by God for the betterment of humanity; no religion preaches violence and confusion.
“Any religion that will not promote human development is no longer a religion. Religion should unite us not divide us,’’ he said.
Turaki advised the ethnic groups not to abandon their culture and language, adding that culture promote peace and unity among the people.
Earlier, Mr Mathew Akwe, the Chairman of UFENNS, said that the forum was formed in order to promote unity and peace among the various ethnic groups in the state.
Akwe said that peace is priceless, non-negotiable and a necessary requirement for the development of any society.
He said that the forum would continue to organise workshops and public lectures on the need for all ethnic groups in the state to embrace unity, peace and tolerate one another.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public lecture was attended by politicians and traditional rulers including Sen. Solomon Ewuga, Sen. Philip Gyunka, Mr Mike Abdul and Mr Demeshi Luka.
Representatives of Eggon, Mada, Rindre, Gbagi, Afo, Ibira, Igede, Gwandara, Tiv, Alago and Migili communities were also present at the lecture. (NAN)
AKW/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Unity: Bishop advocates inter-religious harmony

Unity: Bishop advocates inter-religious harmony
NAN-H-54
Harmony
By Mohammed Lawal
Zaria (Kaduna State), Dec. 25, 2017 (NAN) Most Rev. Ali Buba-Lamido, the Bishop of Wusasa Anglican Diocese, Kaduna State, on Monday advocated for inter-religious harmony to promote national unity.

He said this in a Christmas message shortly after a Christmas Church Service held at Wusasa, Zaria.

The clergy observed that no country would record meaningful development in a chaotic atmosphere, hence the need for all to tolerate, accommodate, respect and embrace one another.

“We thank God Almighty that He has given us religions in Nigeria, but above all, let us practice our religions in truth and in honesty.

“While we do that, we should also learn to co-exist peacefully with other faiths. In Nigeria, we have Muslims, we have Christians and African traditional believers.

“Therefore, everybody is important, we must follow the tenets of our religions, love one another, live in peace, let us remember that without peace we can’t even practice our religion well,” he said.

On Christmas, Buba-Lamido said it was a period for sober reflection, showing love to one another and peace.

He admonished Christians to promote peace at all times, saying that failure to do so signifies rejection of Jesus Christ.

The Anglican Bishop advised the Federal Government to revitalise moribund industries and establish more to curb unemployment in the country.

“This is one of the best ways to solve both economic and security challenges bedeviling Nigeria, this is because our youth will be engaged.

“Those who cannot be employed as civil servants due to paper qualification, government should give them skills acquisition training.

“Others can be encouraged to engage in commercial farming activities and government should also endeavor to give others take-off capital to start businesses,” he said. (NAN)
KLM/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola