A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
DSS Bombs Magu: Why he cannot be trusted for high office By Emmanuel Aziken, Political Editor
The Department of State Services, DSS has given further justification for its opinion to the presidency on why the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC Mr. Ibrahim Magu should not have been confirmed for the position. The DSS in a letter to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami said Magu's poor sense of judgment and willingness to compromise official documents for personal interest betrayed the high level of integrity that should be watchword of the holder of such office as EFCC chairman. The letter was a follow up to the security report earlier submitted to the presidency and the Senate which formed the kernel for the Senate's refusal to screen Magu last December. The letter backing the documents was in response to an earlier letter by the AGF dated 19th December, 2016 with reference number HAGF/DSS/2016/Vol.1/7 which demanded for the basis for the security report. In the letter from the DSS signed by Folashade Bello for the Director-General of the DSS, the security service claimed to have attached 12 different documents backing its claim. The full documents were, however, not attached to the letter leaked to the press yesterday. Comrade Isah Salihu, Special Adviser on Media to the Attorney General of the Federation, said last night that he could not speak on the leaked letter until Monday when he is in the office. The DSS is yet to formally appoint a spokesman. The root of the DSS report against Magu was what it claimed as his unusual relationship with Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd.), a suspect being prosecuted by the DSS. Umar and Magu were earlier members of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Arms Purchase. Backing up earlier claims made against Magu, the DSS in the report said it provided a copy of the confessional statement by Air Commodore Mohammed Umar (rtd.), a suspect being prosecuted by the service. "The statement affirms his ownership of Valcour S.A. Nigeria Limited, a company awarded the contract of securing and furnishing an official residence for Ibrahim MAGU by the FCTA. Investigation revealed that this was facilitated after MAGU was earlier shown the residence by," a man the DSS claimed is a close business associate of UMAR, who was introduced to MAGU by the former. The DSS also presented what it claimed was a forged Memo which supposedly originated from the Office of the Vice-President and addressed to Mr. President. This was according to the report recovered from the private residence of UMAR during a search operation by this Service. The document was a request for approval to commence further investigation into the financial activities of a serving minister from the Niger Delta. The DSS also forwarded another annexure being a letter from the Office of the Vice-President affirming that the annexure supposedly from the office was a forgery. Annexure E was a copy of "Progress report with reference number SH/COS/24/A/7277 dated 25th May, 2016 on NNPC/NLG Brass Investment Accounts in Nigerian Commercial Banks from Chief of Staff to Mr. President, Abba KYARI to the Acting EFCC Chairman. The letter is an official/classified document of the EFCC which was duly received by the Commission as indicated by the stamp on the document. However, it was recovered at UMAR's residence." Annexure F are photocopies of Managers' cheques of First Bank PLC and Zenith Bank PLC, issued in favour of EFCC Recovery Funds Account on 13/05/2016 and 16/05/2016 respectively. These are all sensitive official documents of the EFCC found in UMAR's residence during the search. Annexure G represented "A classified letter from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) to the EFCC Chairman titled Re; Request to Freeze Accounts Messers Bebey; Merchant Ltd and 20 others, dated 7th March, 2016. This document was also dully received by EFCC but found in Commodore UMAR's house during the search. Annexure H represented "A document which emanated from Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and addressed to the EFCC Chairman on 6th May, 2016 with the subject, Re:Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidaries – A case for Joint Venture & NNPC Pension Funds Accounts. The document was recovered at UMAR's residence." Annexure I represented "NNPC Letter GED/F&A/08.26 dated 5th May, 2016 addressed to the EFCC Chairman and titled Re: Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries. This was also discovered during the search of UMAR's residence. Annexure J. This is a copy of NNPC correspondence with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re;Stop Debit Order on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries – Transfer of FCT Balances to NNPC's TSA Accounts, addressed to the EFCC Chairman. The document was found in UMAR's residence. Annexure K – A copy of an NNPC letter with reference number GED/F&A/08.26 dated May 5th, 2016 and titled Re: Stop Debit on all NNPC Accounts and Subsidiaries – Critical Accounts for immediate operations to the EFCC Chairman. The document was also recovered during the search of UMAR's house. Annexure L – Copy of Confessional Statement by UMAR to the Service stating that his trip to Maiduguri for condolence visit to Ibrahim MAGU, sequel to the loss of a close relative, was made on behalf of the Presidential Committee on Audit of Arms Purchase. Cross examination of the Chairman of the Committee, AVM John ODE (Rtd.) revealed that the committee did not send any of its members on such an assignment. The visit of UMAR to MAGU is therefore assessed as an expression of their close sinister relationship at the detriment of National Security interests. Upon the various documents, the DSS submitted thus: "An officer appointed as Ag. Chairman of EFCC should by all means be one of impeccable credentials, with proven integrity and capacity to lead the nation's fight against graft in high and low places. Thus far, it is evident from MAGU's antecedents that he is by no means that kind of officer. His relationship with Umar MOHAMMED which involved disclosure of very sensitive and classified official documents in his possession shows lack of professionalism and assails his integrity. Moreso, for an office who was indicted and nearly dismissed six (6) years ago, to again be involved in similar circumstances, it is clear that MAGU is a perennial offender and cannot change. "Also worthy of note is the fact that MAGU exhibited a total lack of judgment where it matters most. He accepted to move into a tastily furnished accommodation without any scrutiny of how it was furnished. This is curious and speaks volumes of his personality. "The recovery of sensitive and classified documents from the residence of UMAR further underlays his close affinity to MAGU and an apparent penchant for sabotaging official processes and administrative protocols, just to further the latter's personal material and pecuniary agenda. Such mutually beneficial relationships as with UMAR, who by his confession, approaches 'clients' for possible exploitation, favours and associated returns is unprecedented and very damming for an anti-graft top official. It has exposed MAGU as a fraudulent officer and betrays the high confidence reposed in him by Mr. President. "A further demonstration of MAGU's questionable credibility as an untainted anti-corruption official is his failed bid to settle personal scores with one Stanley Inye LAWSON by placing him on Security Watch Action. It was however discovered that LAWSON was actually working in the interest of the Federal Government and the Action was subsequently expunged. "This reinforces the view that MAGU may continue to exploit his official position, if confirmed as EFCC Chairman and indulge in other unprofessional and criminal conducts for personal aggrandisement contrary to his oath of office." Magumagu
Saudi Arabia said that the London attacker who killed four people near Britain's House of Parliament on Wednesday is not on security radar there.
The Saudi Embassy in London said on Friday that the man had spent time working in Saudi Arabia but did not have criminal record there or attract the attention of security services.
Police officers arrive with a bunch of flowers to lay in honour of police officer Keith Palmer, who was killed during the March 22 terror attack in Westminster, at the National Police Memorial in Westminster, central London on March 23, 2017. Britain’s parliament reopened on Thursday with a minute’s silence in a gesture of defiance a day after an attacker sowed terror in the heart of Westminster, killing three people before being shot dead. Sombre-looking lawmakers in a packed House of Commons chamber bowed their heads and police officers also marked the silence standing outside the headquarters of London’s Metropolitan Police nearby. / AFP PHOTO
Khalid Masood had been in the kingdom from November 2005 to April 2008 and worked as an English teacher, and also visited briefly in March 2015.
"During his stay in Saudi Arabia, Khalid Masood did not appear on the security services' radar and did not have criminal record in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,'' the embassy said in a statement on its Twitter account.
It said King Salman had spoken to British Prime Minister, Theresa May, to express his condolences over Wednesday's attack.
He said "at such a time, our ongoing security cooperation is most crucial to the defeat of terrorism and saving innocent lives."
A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed May 15 for ruling on preliminary objections to the takeover of Arik Air Ltd by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
Newsmen report that AMCON had on Feb. 8 announced that it had taken over Arik Air Ltd to "save it from collapse and in the best interest of the general public, workers, creditors and others in the aviation sector.
A legal practitioner, Mr Oluseye Opasanya (SAN), was appointed as the receiver manager of Arik Air following its takeover by AMCON.
By an ex parte application on Feb. 8, AMCON secured an injunction restraining Arik's shareholders, directors, creditors, managers, officers, employees, servants, and privies, from interfering with Opasanya's power to manage the airline.
However, four persons — Sir Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide, Chris Ndule, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide and Engr. Sangowawa Olubiyi — had filed a preliminary objection against the court's order.
Arik Air
Their preliminary objection was filed through their lawyer, Mr Babajide Koku (SAN).
They accused the lawyer representing AMCON and Opasanya, Prof. Kayinsola Ajayi (SAN), of engaging in "professional misconduct" and urged the court to void all the processes so far filed on behalf of AMCON and Opasanya.
The grounds of their objection was that Ajayi and Opasanya are both lawyers practising in the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP.
Koku argued that by virtue of Rule 17 of Professional Conduct of Legal Practitioners 2007, neither Ajayi nor any other lawyer from the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi LP could appear in a case where Opasanya is a plaintiff.
Opposing the preliminary objection, Ajayi argued that there was a distinction between Opasanya and the law firm of Olaniwun Ajayi where Opasanya works, adding that no law stops anyone from representing Opasanya.
Besides, Ajayi also filed a preliminary objection challenging the locus standi of the plaintiffs to file the preliminary objection.
He argued that they were not parties in the suit in question which AMCON and Opasanya filed against Arik and the Inspector-General of Police, describing them as interlopers, who should not be heard.
He, therefore, urged the court to dismiss their preliminary objection.
After hearing both preliminary objections on Friday, Justice Mohammed Idris, adjourned until May 15 for ruling.
Dr Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), says over $184 million in product under-deliveries recorded against three oil companies would be recovered soon.
Baru said this in Abuja on Friday in a statement signed by Mr Ndu Ughamadu, the Corporation's Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division.
He said the exercise was a product of ongoing extensive reconciliation process with the companies involved namely: AITEO Energy Resource Limited, Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, and Televaras Group of Companies.
According to Baru, the $184 is money for product under-deliveries recorded in the course of reconciliation of transactions executed during the defunct crude for product swap regime.
NNPC
"We have engaged them and positively too, so far AITEO has been very cooperative and we had extensive reconciliation across all our chains of businesses where they are involved.
"In the case of Televaras, they have agreed to make tranche payment of $10 million while Ontario has also agreed to come to the table with our team and present their repayment schedule and have pledged to repay $17 million," Baru said.
The NNPC boss said the ongoing recovery process is geared towards ensuring probity and accountability in the operations of the corporation in line with current reforms in the industry.
He emphasised the determination of the NNPC under his leadership to recover the outstanding stock of its missing petrol in Capital oil depot, noting that MRS had complied.
Baru, however, thanked the companies for their cooperation so far. Last week, the NNPC announced aggressive measures to achieve full recovery of over 130 million litres of petrol stored in the facilities of two indigenous downstream operators, MRS Limited and Capital Oil & Gas Limited, under a throughput arrangement to ensure a robust strategic reserve. Mr Henry Ikem-Obih, NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, had explained to the Senate Committee on Downstream that the violation (from MRS and Capital Oil) was discovered earlier in the year.
He said the infraction was discovered when the corporation had need to access the over 100 million litres of petrol stored at the Capital Oil & Gas depot for NNPC Retail and just over 30 million litres in MRS Limited depot all in Apapa area of Lagos.
He said though MRS had fully complied by returning the 30 million litres of petrol it expropriated, the corporation was working assiduously to recover from Capital Oil & Gas the 82 million litres of petrol, valued at N11 billion, out of over 100 million litres.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Friday offered fresh 100 million dollars at the interbank market to meet customers' demands.
However, newsmen report that the dealers were only able to pick about 81.35 million dollars.
The Acting Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, in a statement, attributed the inability of authorised dealers to pick up the entire offer of the CBN to increasing dollar supply.
He said another reason was the current sense of apprehension among dealers who anticipate a further crash in the rate of the dollar.
He reiterated the determination of the Bank to sustain its current interventions in the market.
"Those who doubt the capacity of the Bank to sustain the intervention in the FOREX market are beginning to have a change of mind," he said.
Meanwhile, the Naira has sustained its optimistic ride against major currencies, especially the United States dollar, which exchanged at about N380 in Abuja, and N385 to N390 in Lagos market.
At the Bureau De Change (BDC) window, the Naira was sold at N399 to the dollar, while the pound sterling and the Euro were sold at N500 and N400.
Forex
The Nigerian currency appreciated at the interbank market, closing at N307 to the dollar.
Traders believe that the continued intervention by the CBN have triggered further apprehension among speculators, who anticipate further losses given the continued crash of the dollar.
Some BDCs in Abuja stopped selling dollar due to the current price in order to curtail further losses, but they were opened to customers willing to sell at N370 to a dollar.
An Abuja-based BDC operator, said besides the dollar sales by the CBN, steady supply have been coming in from individuals who had once hoarded the currency for whatever purpose.
The President of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, said that appreciation of the Naira, especially in Abuja though good, was causing panic among BDCs.
He said this was because the CBN presently sells dollars to BDCs at N381 per dollar, and expects them to sell to the public at N399 per dollar.
Gwadabe called attention to the sharp difference between the Lagos and Abuja parallel market exchange rates.
He said the Abuja market was smaller in terms of demand, being dominated by civil servants, while Lagos has higher demand as it service most private businesses in the country.
Experts are of the opinion that the dollar may likely sell even lower than N380 during the weekend as the future looks dim for the rise of the currency.
A blaze that took over a Ukrainian munitions depot has been extinguished, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine Igor Pavlovsky said on Friday.
Authorities declared the end of an evacuation for four nearby villages,"Now we're cleaning up the rubble'', Pavlovsky said.
More than a thousand soldiers had been deployed to join fire-fighters in efforts to contain the blaze, which had raged for a second day at the facility where an estimated 100,000 tons of munitions were stored.
The blaze had set off munitions that hit nearby buildings and caused authorities to evacuate about 20,000 people from the surrounding area in the province of Kharkiv, which boarders Russia.
Flames of fire
A woman in her mid-60s was found dead in a severely damaged home near the depot in the town of Balakliia, another local resident was injured according to reports.
Ukrainian authorities believe the blaze was caused by an act of sabotage.
Witnesses have reported hearing the buzzing of a drone aircraft followed by two explosions that could have started the blaze.
Ukraine has been battling pro-Russian separatist militias in two other eastern regions Donetsk and Luhansk for the past three years.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has promised that the Federal Government will take urgent measures to include Abia in the amnesty programme designed for for oil-producing areas.
Osinbajo made the promise on Friday in Umuahia during a town hall meeting with representatives of different groups from the oil-producing commumites in the state, comprising traditional rulers, women and youth groups.
He said that the federal government and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs would work hand-in-hand with the state government to ensure that beneficiaries of the amnesty programme hailed from Asa, the oil-producing area of Ukwa West Local Government Area of the state.
Osinbajo was reacting to the protest by the people of the area at the meeting that the state was not included in the programme.
The people publicly disowned the purported list of 237 indigenes from the oil-producing communities alleged to have benefitted from the programme.
Vice president Osinbajo
Newsmen report Brig.-Gen. Paul Boroh, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, said at the forum that the record available to him showed that 237 people of the area had so far benefitted from the programme.
The vice president, however, expressed concern over the alleged discrepancy in the list and the agitation that Abia was excluded from the programme.
"It is clear from what happened here that somebody somewhere is doing something funny," Osinbajo said.
He therefore assured the people that there would be closer rapport between the federal and Abia governments to ensure that the state benefitted from the programme.
Osinbajo also assured the people that government would also include Asa in the cleanup exercise as was being done in other Niger Delta regions in the country.
He further said that oil-producing communities in the country, including Asa, would also benefit from the modular refineries being planned by the federal government to integrate local refineries.
He said that the federal government had ordered contractors handling road projects in different parts of the country to return to site within 30 days or face prosecution.
He restated government's commitment toward job creation and technical training for the nation's youth, saying that no fewer than 2,000 Abia youths were registered in the N-Power programme.
On the agitation for the establishment of a federal university in the oil-rich area of the state, the vice president said that it could only be achieved through collaboration between the federal and state governments along with the Nigeria Universities Commission.
He assured that the federal government would soon announce the names of the representatives of Abia and Ondo states in the boards of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
He thanked the youths of the area for their peaceful disposition and also commended the government and traditional rulers for restraining them from militancy and violent agitations.
He said that federal government was seriously committed to developing the Niger Delta region with the oil resources.
He therefore urged the people to join hands with the government to ensure that oil was utilised to better the lot of the people of the region now that the resources were available.
Osinbajo said that with the increasing decline in the demand for oil in the international market, "we must make haste and move quickly to use the oil to transform the nation".
He said that China, India and America, which were highest importers of oil from Nigeria no longer had need for oil since they had found alternative sources of fuel.
The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okey Enelama, said that Aba would benefit from the industrial parks and free trade zones being packaged by the federal government.
The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru, and Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr Ibe Kachukwu, in their separate speeches underscored the various federal government initiatives to alleviate the plight of the oil-producing communities in Nigeria.
They said that the present administration was determined to redress the problem of environmental pollution and degradation in the Niger Delta region caused by years of neglect.
On his part, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu said that "no single Abia indigene has benefited from the amnesty programme".
Ikpeazu said that he was happy with the drama that played out at the hall and called for an inquiry on the purported list of 237 beneficiaries from the state as presented by Boroh.
He also requested that the oil companies operating in Ukwa West should be made to respect the rules and laws on local content in order to give the oil-bearing communities a sense of belonging.
Representatives of the various groups in their separate speeches called for federal government's presence in the area.
The speakers include, former Senate President, Sen. Adolfus Wabara, and National Assembly members from Abia South Senatorial District, including Sen. Enyinnaya Abaribe and Rep. Uzoma Abonta.
Others were Eze Young Ogbonna, Mr Chima Nwogu, Chief Don Ubani and a former Abia representative in the NDDC board.
They also called on the federal government to address the infrastructure needs of the area.
They urged the oil companies to improve on their scholarship scheme as well as job opportunities for youths of the area to check restiveness.
Dignitaries at the meeting included the wife of Nigeria's former Head of State, Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, pioneer NDDC Chairman, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, and a founding father of Abia, Dr Anagha Ezikpe.
By Juliet Ebirim, Aderonke Adeyeri and Adetutu Adesoji
It depends on a lot of factors – Osazee Favour, Banker
Factors that could make an individual commit suicide include blackmail, emotional stress and instability. Also, when a person is overwhelmed with the pressures of life and these burdens are not shared with people. It could also be due to societal injustice or the need to conceal a dirty secret or avoid a possible public shame as a result of one's shady deals. Some people also take their own life due to insanity or spiritual manipulation especially in the African society. Notwithstanding, suicide is a highly condemnable act and a sin before God.
It is not ordinary – Olugbemi Emmanuel, entrepreneur
It is not ordinary, it is spiritual. God has a plan for us and there is no situation that could warrant taking one's life be it frustration,depression, oppression, poverty or economic problem. Anyone planning to end his or her life should go for deliverance fast.
Economic, psychological and medical problems – Chuks Ekwekwe, Social commentator
I don't see any reason for one to take his or her life. However, some factors around us could lead to that; it could be economic situation as at the time of the incident, psychological breakdown or the
person in question could be suffering from a medical problem.
Hardship and difficulties – Alexander Onuoha, civil servant
I think some people are depressed while some are facing lots of difficulties. I appeal to the government to improve the standard of living by creating job opportunities for the youths as this seems to be a trend among them.
Depression is a major factor – Leonard Chukwuma, Businessman
The most common reason for committing suicide is depression. This is as a result of hopelessness and helplessness in a critical situation that is viewed more important than life. It could also be due to fear of the unknown or anxiety over what the future holds. Suicide becomes an option when people don't seek for help. People tend to depend so much on their ability, intelligence and possession which lead to suicide, when all these things fail the individual.
Depression, as a result of hopelessness – Oluwaseun Loto, Educationist
It is depression. A person may be going through a lot of challenges and it seems there's no hope or way out. When nobody cares or shares his burden with him, he loses all hope of getting out of the situation.
When a person sees himself as a failure – Jerome Patrick,
A person could resort to suicide when he feels he is a burden on other people in his life or when he thinks he has failed the people around him. When he thinks the people in his life would be happier without him. But all these are not enough reasons to take one's life, it's unthinkable.
Frustration and dejection – Ige Emmanuel Oluwanifesimi, Civil servant
I think frustration and dejection could lead people to take their own lives. They tend to give up on themselves, thinking they are not relevant in any way.
Worry and anxiety are causes of suicide – Iloyi Iretomiwa, Student
One of the main reasons people tend to commit suicide is if they are worried about a particular issue and there is no one they can confide in.
To conceal a secret – Anonymous
It could be due to depression or frustration. An individual might resort to taking his own life in order to hide a particular secret which he feels will ruin his life Also, sometimes people could be brainwashed into committing suicide.
Displeased with his wife's conduct, a middle-aged man, Ibrahim Yusuf, on Friday pleaded with an Agege Customary Court in Lagos to dissolve his seven-year-old marriage.
He told the court that his wife, Bridget, was disrespectful and rebellious and that his life was constantly under threat.
Ibrahim, a make-up artist, who lives at No. 24, Ijaiye St., Papa Ashafa, Agbotikuyo, in Agege, said: "She is not submissive to me and has failed to take care of me and our two children as a wife and mother.
"My wife lacks respect; she is stubborn and not submissive. She is too full of herself.
"She does not give me peace of mind as she insults and fights our neighbours."
Ibrahim, who approached the court seeking the dissolution of the marriage, also accused the wife of disrespecting his parents and members of his family.
"My wife provokes and insults me at any slightest opportunity that I am irresponsible."
He said his wife's behaviour had made him to change his mind about legalising the marriage.
He added: "She keeps late nights and abandons the children at home or keeps them at neighbour's house without disclosing her whereabouts to anyone.
"Recently, my wife went out and left my children at a neighbour's shop till l came back from work at about 10.30 p.m.
"No peace in this marriage; we live like cat and rat, I don't love her anymore."
However, the wife, an indigene of Edo, denied all the allegations leveled against her by her estranged husband.
She told the court that she became pregnant for him at the age of 23 while learning fashion design when he was nobody.
"But immediately l gave birth, my husband's business started booming and his behaviour towards me changed.
"He became arrogant and stopped showing love towards me and the children," Bridget said, alleging that her husband stopped her from learning fashion design and made her a full-time housewife.
In spite of the husband's misbehaviour, Bridget still pleaded with the court not to dissolve the union for the sake of her children.
"For the sake of the children who are still young, the court should please not dissolve the marriage."
The President of the court, Mr Phillips Williams, referred the couple to the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) office for possible settlement of the crisis.
Further hearing had been adjourned until April 25.
Unilever Nigeria Plc, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Nigerian Dental Association, NDA, is raising awareness on the importance of brushing twice daily to avoid dental decay.
It is estimated that more than 1 billion people do not use toothpaste based fluoride, and over 3 billion do not brush their teeth twice a day.
Global Vice President, Oral Care , Unilever, Severine Vauleon, speaking at this year's World Oral Health Day tagged: 'Live Mouth Smart', stated: "We know that building good brushing habits in children sets them up for better oral health in the future, which in turn leads to better overall health outcomes.
"Children are powerful behaviour change advocates in their homes, often driving conversation and action with parents around issues like this. We're confident that kids will love the stories and characters and this will drive their interest and excitement to brush day and night. The result is dental decay affects nearly millions of adults and children.
"Furthermore, untreated tooth decay can have a serious and long-lasting effect on children's growth, brain development and overall health. With many children consequently missing out on school and social opportunities, they can fail to reach their full potential in life."
In his remarks, president of NDA, Dr. Bode Ijarogbe, stated: "We need to empower people to take control of their oral health – throughout life – so they can enjoy a healthy, functional mouth from childhood into old age. Maintaining optimal oral health into old age ensures you live not only a longer life, but also one free from the physical pain and often emotional suffering caused by oral disease."
The Katsina State Government says it has released N700 million for the purchase of equipment for some general hospitals in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Mariatu Usman, disclosed this in Katsina on Friday during a media summit for private media organisations in the country.
Usman said the equipment would be installed at laboratories, theaters, dental units, x-ray units, special baby care units, intensive care units, accidents and emergency and wards.
She said that the equipment would be installed at general hospitals in Katsina, Daura, Funtua, Kankia, Musawa, Baure and Jibia local government areas of the state.
Hospital equipment
The commissioner also disclosed that the government had released N60 million for the purchase drugs and commodities for the general hospitals in the first quarter of the year.
According to her, 10,000 delivery kits and 1,000 caesarean kits have been purchased and distributed to the hospitals for free delivery and caesarean section.
She said the ministry would ensure the supply of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computer Tomography Scanning machine (CT-Scan).
"The machines have been successfully installed at Gen. Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital, Katsina,'' she said.
Usman said that N1.3 billion had been earmarked for upgrading of facilities for the establishment of a Teaching Hospital at the Umaru Musa Yar'adua University, Katsina.
She revealed that N500 million was also earmarked for the establishment of School of Post Basic Nursing and Midwifery.
"All these efforts are geared toward improving healthcare delivery in the state that has poor health indices and high maternal and child mortality,'' the commissioner said.
Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra on Friday directed the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, management to free 12 indigent children treated of various ailments.
Newsmen report that Obiano visited the hospital to see a relation on admission and was compassionate after seeing the plight of the patients including amputees.
Obiano
A beneficiary of the governor's gesture, Mr Paul Ifemesi, said that they had been discharged but their parents and guardians could not offset the hospital bills.
He commended the governor for the gesture as the bills run into thousands of naira.
Newsmen report that indigent patients lined up at the entrance through which the governor went to the ward to see his relation.
Mr Kris Ngige, Director of Information of the hospital, while confirming the Obiano's gesture, said that the beneficiaries' plans had worked when they heard of the governor's presence.
"Obiano came out and learnt they were indigent patients and ordered for their bills to be computed and posted to his account,'' he said.
A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Dr Iroabuchi Nwanneka, on Friday, donated a primary healthcare centre to Gishiri community in the FCT.
Iroabuchi said the initiative came when she visited the community in search of accommodation that was close to her place of primary assignment — Maitama Hospital.
She added that during her search for a place to live in the community, she discovered that the people were facing acute lack of basic amenities and sought to find out what they needed most.
The corps member said many issues were raised during her discussion with community leaders, but she decided to start with the health centre because of its importance to health of individuals and community in general.
She said "even though I understood the country is in recession, I wrote a proposal to NYSC FCT chapter and it was approved.
"I then started sourcing for funds which was not easy for me."
Nwanneka said that even though the project had been launched, it had not achieved her dream centre and promised to work with the community to actualise her dream health post.
*NYSC members
The NYSC Coordinator, AbdulRazaq Salau, said he was impressed with Nwanneka's selfless nature and compliance with the guidelines of the Service projects.
Salau, who thanked the corps member "for bringing life to the community", also applauded the community for supporting corps members and urged them to make judicious use of the clinic.
He, however, urged the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) to assist the community by grading the road leading to the clinic.
Adamu Nuhu, who spoke on behalf of the community, said the project was a welcome development and a sign that corps members identified with them.
Nuhu said the community members always had to go to Jahi for medical service or Maitama Hospital.
Dr Adetoun Sotimehi, the Medical Director, Maitama Hospital, said she was proud of the corps member and urged others to emulate her zeal and compassion for the human race.
The centre was equipped with beds and consultation couch, among others.
The Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja, has advocated for enhanced partnership with Greece in the area of visa procurement, pilgrimage participation and economic cooperation.
Uja made the call in a statement signed by Mr Celestine Ogugua, Head Media, NCPC, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.
The NCPC boss disclosed this when he visited the Consul General, Embassy of Greece, Mr Lykourgos Antonio Kuplanis.
The NCPC boss solicited the assistance of the Consul General on visa facilitation and procurement for intending pilgrims to Greece.
He explained that because of the nature of Christian pilgrimage operations, there was need to fast track the visa processes, especially by decentralising the biometrics capturing of intending pilgrims.
A picture taken on January 1, 2016 shows the nine-metre tall statue of Jesus Christ carved from white marble, thought to be the biggest of its kind in Africa, unveiled in Abajah, southeastern Nigeria. Standing barefoot with arms outstretched, the “Jesus de Greatest” statue weighs in at 40 tonnes. More than 100 priests and hundreds of Catholic worshippers attended the nine-metre (30-foot) statue’s official unveiling in the village of Abajah in southeastern Nigeria. It was commissioned by Obinna Onuoha, a local businessman who hired a Chinese company to carve it and placed it in the grounds of a 2000-capacity church that he built in 2012. / AFP
"Our biggest challenge is how we can resolve biometrics capturing,'' he said.
The executive secretary further informed the envoy that in the coming year the Commission would begin to organise pilgrimage specifically for Greece.
He thanked the Consul General for the cooperation the Commission had enjoyed under his leadership.
Rev. Uja further stressed that the time for enhanced partnership with Greece has come and it must be holistic.
"We want to increase our interaction; we want Greece to go back to the Bible.
"We want a greater linkage; I want us to increase our work with Greece.
"Greece is the bedrock of the development of Christianity in the whole world".
Uja said that because of the strategic spiritual importance of Greece he would organise the clergy and take them to Greece to pray for the revival of the ancient city. Also speaking, Mr Kuplanis thanked the NCPC boss for the visit and assured him a better working relationship.
He explained that the only way visas could be issued fast to intending pilgrims was to plan ahead by applying early enough to avoid eleventh hour rush.
NCPC pilgrimage circle aside Israel currently covers Greece and Rome.
Pope Francis has stressed the need for pluralistic European Union (EU) based on solidarity as antidote to populism in a speech to 27 EU leaders on Friday.
The leaders attended an audience with Francis in the Vatican ahead of Saturday's celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the bloc's founding document in Rome in 1957.
He said "solidarity is the most effective antidote to modern forms of populism, which are the fruits of egotism and offer narrow-minded view of the world.
Pope Francis
"You are called on to blaze the path of a new European humanism; the bloc must pull together to invest in development, job creation, decent wages and dignified living conditions for all.
"The return to Rome must not simply be a remembrance of things of the past,'' said the pontiff, an outspoken supporter of the EU.
He said that the Union brought about "the longest period of peace experienced in recent centuries.''
He, however, cautioned that "the EU must not just be a set of rules to obey out of economic and financial necessity, but a way of life based on values and ideals.
"Wherever ideals are lost, there is fertile ground for every form of extremism," he warned.
The pontiff, a staunch defender of refugee rights, said that the immigration crisis should not be handled as if it were "a mere numerical or economic problem, or a question of security."
European Parliament Chief, Antonio Tajani, European Council Head, Donald Tusk and European Commission President, Jean-Claude Juncker, were in attendance, along with leaders of the 27 EU countries.
Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Friday flagged on the N2.3bn dualization of Kulende-UITH-Oke-Ose road in Ilorin with an assurance that the project will be completed in 18 months.
Ahmed said the federal government owned A 9 km road was a reflection of his administration's commitment to implement major infrastructural projects, boost commercial activities and uplift the people.
He explained that the state's intervention on the road had validated government's responsiveness to the plight of motorists.
The governor said the tremendous population growth witnessed in Ilorin metropolis led to increased pressure on infrastructure.
Ahmed assured that all owners of property affected by the dualization will be paid compensation once assessments were completed.
According to him, the state government will ensure that the project and others are executed in accordance with the design specifications and programme of work.
Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed
The governor called on the Federal Government to refund the monies expended by the state government on the road and other federal government's roads across the state.
According to the governor, the refund will enable the state government to have additional funds to invest on more roads and other people-oriented projects.
Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Aro Yahaya said government awarded the contract to expand the road in 2012 from Kulende junction to Oyun-bridge.
This, he said was to reduce the inconvenience experienced by commuters and motorists plying the route.
Yahaya urged the contractor and the consultant to justify the confidence reposed in them by the atate government by completing the project on schedule.
Health workers are preparing to vaccinate more than 116 million children against polio across West and Central Africa, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) said on Friday.
This campaign is in a drive to contain an outbreak of the disease in conflict-hit northeast Nigeria.
Vaccination teams are aiming to reach every child under five years in 13 countries from Mauritania to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Boko Haram insurgency in North East Nigeria had caused mass displacement, raising fears that polio outbreak could spread across borders and throughout the region.
• Success in halting the spread of the wild polio virus through immunisation is one of the significant milestones in Nigeria's health history since independence.
After two years in which polio appeared beaten in Africa, Nigeria reported four cases in August, casting a shadow over global eradication hopes and driving the GPEI to launch one of the largest synchronised vaccination campaigns on the continent.
GPEI Director, Michel Zaffran, said "the goal is to ensure that polio has nowhere to hide.
"We won't reach every child but we hope to get at least 90 per cent coverage. We will vaccinate as many as possible to ensure that the virus cannot circulate in any given community.''
The polio virus, which invades the nervous system and can cause irreversible paralysis within hours, spreads rapidly among children, especially in unsanitary conditions in war-torn regions, refugee camps and areas where health care is limited.
Health experts estimate that for every case of polio that paralyses its victim, 200 silent infections go undetected.
Some 190,000 polio vaccinators will travel house-to-house in villages, towns and cities across the 13 countries, carrying the polio vaccines in ice-filled bags to ensure they do not spoil.
The vaccination teams will reach children on the move by targeting bus and train stations, toll plazas and country borders, said Rotary International, which is part of the GPEI.
Town criers, local guides, community leaders and radio stations have been engaged to spread the word about the campaign and educate people about its importance, according to Carol Pandak, director of Rotary International's polio program.
"Through our successes in countries like India we have learned valuable lessons about how to minimise the risk of missing children,'' said Pandak, who described the polio outbreak in Nigeria as a regional public health emergency.
The GPEI, launched in 1988, originally aimed to end all polio transmission by 2000.
While there has been a 99.9 per cent reduction in cases worldwide since the GPEI launch, fighting the last 0.1 per cent of polio has been far tougher than expected.
In Pakistan and Afghanistan, the last two countries where polio remains endemic, 33 cases were reported in 2016.
Before these latest infections, Nigeria's last case was in July 2014.
Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, the Head Civil Service of the Federation on Friday in Abuja cautioned Nigerians against stereotyping people based on their tribes.
Oyo-Ita gave the warning at the send off ceremony of Mr Innocent Ogbonnaya, outgoing Permanent Secretary, Career Management Office (CMO, Head of Service.
"I want to urge Nigerians to stop stereotyping people because of where they come from or their tribe we should relate and understand people as we meet them one on one.
"Mr Ogbonnaya is from the east and does not behave like the imaginary Igbo man, he is very humble, contented, dedicated to work and loyal," she said.
Oyo-Ita said that saying good bye to the outgoing permanent secretary was emotional for her because he had been a brother and a colleague.
She noted that Ogbonnaya had maintained a good name while in active service, stressing that a good name was more precious than gold.
The head of service further prayed for God's divine blessings on him and his entire household as he continues his life's journey.
Also, Mrs Balema Wakama, Permanent Secretary, Science and Technology, congratulated Ogbonnaya on his retirement and wished him a pleasant life ahead.
She said that he came, saw and conquered, adding that as civil servant the way you exit office is significant.
She expressed her joy for him, saying he had successfully completed his service to his fatherland also describing him as humble.
In his address Mr Ndubuisi Osuji, Director Learning and Development, also described the outgoing permanent secretary as an epitome of civil service and a gentleman to the core.
Osuji said that it was with mixed feelings he was witnessing the ceremony as everything that has a beginning must have an end.
He wished Ogbonnaya all the best in his future endeavours, saying that he had left a deep foot print in the sands of time.
In his response Ogbonnaya who is clocking 60 years on March 25 thanked all the staff in the office of the head of service for their corporation during his time in service.
He urged his successors to be tolerant and carry all their subordinates along in the course of their duty.
"We all need development, I want you to use your office well to develop the younger staffers and carry them along irrespective of their tribe or religion.
"And I want you all to work harmoniously for the good of the country and God will bless all your hard work," he said.
He also begged for forgiveness from anyone he has wronged in the course of carrying out his official duties, emphasising that he does not have any enemy.
Oba Ewuare II N'ogidigan, the Oba of Benin has called on parents in Benin and abroad to encourage and assist their wards to speak and write in Benin language.
The oba made the call when he received the three pupils he awarded scholarship during his post coronation tour of Benin speaking communities and their parents in Benin on Friday.
According to Oba Ewuare, speaking the Benin language would serve as means of identification and promotion of Bini culture.
Oba Ewuare charged the parents of the awardees to guide their children to attain proficiency level in the use of Bini language and culture at all levels of education
His Royal Majesty, Omo n’Oba n’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Ewuare II, Oba of Benin holds his staff of office, after his coronation.
He reiterated that the palace was determined to revive the rich Benin cultural heritage.
Newsmen recall that Oba awarded scholarship to master Agobor Aisosa, Osakpamwan Osagumwenro and Osukhon Gift of Osaretin Primary School in Egboko village, Orhionmwon Local Government Area of the state during the tour.
The awardees had narrated an ancient Benin story in Edo language during post coronation tour to the community.
The three awardees and their families were in the palace to thank the monarch.
LAST Thursday, viewers across the country were delighted as Superstory commenced its new season, titled "Godwin", which is trailblazing because it stars Solomon Omere: a multiple-talented 26 year old man actually living with Down Syndrome.
Wale-Adenuga-Jnr
The TV drama, which has Solomon Omere playing the titular character, also stars a number of popular artistes including Kehinde Bankole, Zack Orji, Toyin Alausa, Bolanle Ninalowo, Chinyere Wilfred, Pa James, Cassandra Odita, Jide Kosoko, Georgina Ibeh, Victor Edogun, Scarlet Shotade, Paul Adams, Amara Uwakwe, Tunde Adeyemo, Patience Oseni, Emeka Darlington, Rex Maximus and many more.
Wale Adenuga Jnr., Managing Director WAP, stated that "One interesting thing about this production is that it is not about a person living with Down Syndrome begging for your acceptance; rather it is about him excelling in life and fulfilling his dreams in a way that you will be the one craving his acceptance.
According to the National Down Syndrome Society, 1 in 691 babies are born with Down Syndrome in Nigeria and Godwin is set to provide enlightenment and eradicate the prevailing stigma."
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