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Why We Should Focus More On Preventive Than Curative Health Measures – Expert

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The Source
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Onyinyechi Nwaigwe

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

An Environmental Health Expert, and Head of Public Health Department of Aba South Local Council of Abia State Mrs Onyinyechi Nwaigwe has called on Non Governmental organizations ,Government at all levels, and other Non State actors local and international to pay more attention to preventive than curative measures in combating most diseases ravaging the society.

Her appeal is coming on the heels of fears being entertained by most residents of  Aba, the densely populated commercial hub of Abia state over potent threats  posed to public health by the unhealthy and indiscriminate disposal of waste products into open streets and drainages by residents  particularly public institutions like Hotels .

The Source reports that most private and  residential buildings and hotels are built by their owners without due consideration to the provisions of  some necessary facilities such as  soakaways  and other waste disposal devices, preferring instead to channel waste such as faeces in to public drainages.

In an interactive session with the Media on Wednesday, March 13, Mrs Nwaigwe said preventive Healthcare remains the most effective and cost effective means of  maintaining a healthy condition of living.

According to her, if only non- state actors, and governmental agencies can pay as much attention to preventive healthcare ,as being accorded  curative ,the society would have gone far on the good health maintenance indices .

” Every year humongous amounts are allotted to combating such health challenges as malaria for  instance. But if you pay attention to the provision of a healthy environment and combat the breeding of mosquitoes ,then you will have less malaria infections. You will discover that ,you will be spending less in the prevention of malaria ,than its treatment.

“This is why we prefer to work towards preventive healthcare ,because when one contracts a serious disease,that is preventable, the resources and other things it will take to cure may not be readily available .

“So let government at all levels and NGO’s focus on preventive healthcare.” Mrs Nwaigwe admonished.

Mrs Nwaigwe, while calling on the public to assist them with credible intelligence on any premises encouraging and causing polution , also said that ,the Environmental Health authorities of the Aba South Council is already monitoring the alleged unhealthy waste disposal attitude of some Aba residents and business operators.

“We are determined to make this City (Aba) safe and healthy . We need the cooperation of Aba residents to end the menace of indiscriminate waste disposal.

“Such a thing can cause epidemics and put peoples, lives in danger .Epidemic is no respecter of any person  .One thing is very clear, and that is why I am advocating preventive healthcare.. Health the say is wealth .

“When one is sick, already, all attention will focus on the cure .So for the individuals contributing to this health hazard, we shall get them and prosecute them accordingly”

Uzodimma Felicitates With Paddy Obinna At 80

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The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and Paddy Obinna

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has felicitated with his former Special Adviser on Culture,  Mr. Paddy Obinna on the occasion of his 80th birthday celebration.

Mr. Obinna, who hails from Emekuku in Owerri North Local Government Area of Imo State is an art enthusiast and owner of the popular Art Gallery in Emekuku.

He is also a writer, publisher and an ambassador of Igbo culture and tradition.

A statement by Oguwike Nwachuku, Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to the Governor said Senator Uzodimma is particularly thankful to God for the life of the celebrant whom he respects as an encyclopedia of arts and culture.

Nwachuku said his Principal is excited that despite Mr. Obinna’s age, he still exudes incredible energy, displays mastery of the art sector and intellectualism that cannot be ignored by the society.

Governor Uzodimma is of the view that Mr. Obinna has remained as asset to Imo State in particular and Nigeria at large, and urged the celebrant not to relent in using what God has endowed him with to impact the society, particularly the youths in Imo State.

The statement noted that Governor Uzodimma believes there is a thin line between arts, culture, tradition and history, and challenged Mr Obinna on the need to ensure that the youths of Imo State appreciate the historical cum economic potentials of arts, culture and tourism, taking into cognisance happenings in our contemporary and digital world, and the need to tap into the sector to earn a decent living.

The Governor further reminded Mr. Obinna that the Imo State Ministry of Arts and Culture as well as related agencies of government, are always ready to partner with professionals to ensure that the citizens are served better  in the areas of arts, culture and tourism.

On behalf of his family and the government of Imo State, Governor Uzodimma wished Mr. Obinna many more years of fruitful celebrations in good health and assured that his government will continue to provide the enabling environment that will make arts and culture to flourish in Imo State.

Presidential Directives: Zamfara/Sokoto Customs Release 15 Trucks Of Grains To Owners

By
The Source
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Trucks Of Grains seized by Customs

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Following the Presidential directives for seized food items to be released to their owners, the Zamfara/Sokoto Area Command of Nigerian Customs Service on Wednesday, March 13, handed over about 15 trucks load of essential commodities to their owners.

At the official hand over ceremony held at the Command Area headquarters in Sokoto, the Comptroller, Alhaji Kamal Mohammad, enjoined the consignment owners to reciprocate the President’s  gesture by ensuring that the commodities are distributed and sold at Nigerian markets.

He cautioned against the temptation of smuggling the items outside the country, and warned that the service is on alert to frustrate such a  move.

In a statement issued on the Command’s official site,the Comptroller reiterated the readiness of the Command to fully key into the Comptroller General Bashir Adewale’s  vision of properly securing the country’s  borders ,as well as combat smuggling activities within the country’s borders.

Comptroller Mohammad stated that  through the combined efforts of Customs Intelligence Unit and the Joint Border Patrol Team, the command is set to follow closely ,and monitor the compliance level of the owners ,in selling the commodities at  Nigerian markets .

He also announced the addition of more patrol vehicles to the Command’s fleet to enable it adequately patrol and secure Nigerian Border Posts

The Source reports that President Bola Tinubu on Monday, March 11, in a move widely perceived as a direct response to the continued escalation of prices of food items , directed the release of confiscated goods to their owners.

FBNH GMD Hails Quality Leadership, As Holder Shines At Global Awards

By
James Orji
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FBN IFC Awards

Nigeria’s leading financial services group and holding company, FBN Holdings Plc, has won two awards: Best Stakeholders’ Communication – Finance – Nigeria 2023 and Best Holding Group CFO – Samson Oyewale Ariyibi – Nigeria 2023 by the International Finance, a global media outfit renowned for its comprehensive coverage and analysis of the global financial services industry, international business, oil and gas, fintech, real estate, sovereign wealth funds and the global economy at large.

 

The Stakeholders’ Communication award was won as a result of the company’s effective, robust engagement and management of  relationship practice, while the CFO’s award was based on the demonstration of exemplary leadership, prompt information dissemination and analysis of the company’s results coupled with using the globally accepted metrics in the computation and analysis of its various presentations.

 

Commenting on the awards on behalf of FBNHoldings, Nnamdi Okonkwo, its Group Managing Director said; “the stakeholders’ Communication award demonstrates the effectiveness of our communication strategy, and the recognition of our CFO is a testament to quality leadership, execution and compliance with the corporate governance principle’.

 

For over a decade, International Finance Magazine has been celebrating and recognising corporate achievements in the areas of innovation, industry talent, market leadership, industry networth and capability on an international platform across all the regions of the World. FBNHoldings has in recent time won Holding Company of the Year and Best in Investor Relations from the stable of the renowned media outfit.

 

Only recently, the share price of FBNHoldings crossed the N1 trillion market capitalization, this was after the consistent soaring of its share price. By hitting this landmark N1 trillion market cap, FBNHoldings joined the exclusive group called, SWOOTs, an acronym for Stocks Worth Over One Trillion Market Capitalization.

 

About FBN Holdings Plc

 

FBN Holdings Plc is the non-operating financial holding company of one of the largest banking and financial services organisations in Africa. A truly diversified financial services Group that offers a broad range of products and services, including commercial banking, merchant banking and asset management and insurance to millions of customers.

Unity Bank Boss Insists On Women Empowerment, As Lender Trains 1k Female Engineers

By
James Orji
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Unity Bank Inclusion

The managing Director of Unity Bank Plc, Tomi Somefun says the commercial bank is committed to empowering young women, driving inclusion, equality and diversity across sectors.

The bank’s chief executive was reacting to its partnership with SkillPaddy in its  “Count Her In” tech Programme focused on empowering no fewer than 1000 female beneficiaries in Software Engineering Training.

Somefun said the initiative aligns with the theme of the International Women Day, IWD 2024, #InspireInclusion, adding that investing in the future of “talented women: will drive innovation and diversity within the tech industry.

According to her, “As a bank committed to fostering economic empowerment and gender equality, we are proud to partner with SkillPaddy on this initiative to contribute to the training and empowerment of 1,000 female software engineers. Through this programme, we are not only investing in the future of these talented women but also driving innovation and diversity within the tech industry.

“By providing access to skills training and mentorship, we aim to unlock opportunities and create a more inclusive and thriving digital economy for all.”

The IT skill development and empowerment initiative is intended to bridge talent supply gaps while providing individuals with the opportunity to meet their training goals and launch careers in the tech industry.

About 40 young girls will receive full sponsorship from Unity Bank in the special training initiative which was conceived as part of activities to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day 2024.

With women making up just 33 percent of the tech-related workforce globally, this initiative seeks to boost women’s participation in the tech industry by delivering a sustainable, impact-driven programme that addresses gender disparity and deepens inclusion within the tech industry.

All beneficiaries of the programme will be trained on different aspects of software development and provided with mentorship and resources that they need to succeed, including learning life skills like critical thinking, communication, innovation & problem-solving.

Suswam Debunks Allegation That 2024 Budget Signed By President Tinubu Was Padded

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Following the controversy which trailed the 2024 alleged Budget  Padding to the tune of N3.7 trillion, a  former Governor of Benue State Governor, Gabriel Suswam, has said nothing of the sort happened.

The Peoples Democratic Party Chieftain who spoke in an interview on Arise Television said that the 2024 Budget signed by President Bola Tinubu was not padded.

He said, “If the budget signed by the President was not more than initial submission, there was no padding.

“The issue is that the leadership of the National Assembly normally takes the lion’s share of constituency projects, and this agitates most members and Senators,” he added.

The 2024 Budget has been a subject of controversy. Senator Abdul Ningi had alleged that the Senate padded the 2024 budget to the tune of N3.7 trillion.

Ningi, in an interview with BBC Hausa, claimed that the Federal Government is operating two versions of the 2024 budget and that the N28.7 trillion Budget passed and signed into law by President Tinubu was skewed against the North.

At the resumed plenary on Tuesday, the Senate under the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, suspended Senator Ningi for three months.

Budget Padding: PDP Urges Akpabio To Step Aside, Says It Stands With Senator Ningi

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)has advised the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio to  step aside and allow for an independent investigation into the allegation that N3.7 trillion was discreetly inserted into the 2024 budget for alleged non-existent projects.

The Party also asked that Akpabio should immediately report at the office of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the pending case of alleged looting of N108 billion belonging to the people of Akwa Ibom State under his watch as Governor of the State.

A statement on Wednesday by the PDP spokesman, Debo Ologunagba challenged theSenate President to speak out on the reported N86 billion contract scam in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) during his tenure as the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs.

The statement reads : “The PDP firmly condemns the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi by the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in the Senate without a detailed inquest into the issue of budget padding which he raised.

“The suspension of Senator Ningi is apparently a desperate move to suppress investigation, conceal and sweep the facts under the carpet.

“Moreover, the frustration of investigation by the APC Senate leadership further confirms PDP’s repeated alert that prominent APC officials in the National Assembly and a top official in the Presidency have been using ministers and other government functionaries to siphon budgeted funds from the national coffers.

“We ask, why did the APC leadership in the Senate not refer the matter to the appropriate Senate Standing Committee for an open investigation in line with the extant Rules of the Senate? What is the APC Senate leadership afraid of and what is it hiding from Nigerians?

“It is even more absurd that instead of recusing himself, the Senate President sat as a judge in the matter; a situation that has the capacity to bring the institution of the Senate to further public disrepute.

“This is especially as the issues at hand heavily border on alleged gross misconduct and criminal betrayal of public trust which are serious offenses under our laws.

“Nigerians can now see why the APC leadership in the National Assembly, especially in the Senate continues to condone the unbridled looting of public resources including funds meant for palliatives for poor and vulnerable citizens.

“This apparent inclination towards covering up sleaze in the polity is already pitching the institution of the Senate against Nigerians who are demanding for answers on the matter.

“Of course, the widely condemned suspension of Senator Ningi does not provide answers to the budget padding allegation.

“It is indeed unfortunate and a huge smear on the image of the Senate, as the highest lawmaking and probity Institution in the country, that its Presiding Officer has found himself in a quagmire of alleged sleaze and betrayal of public trust.

“Our Party therefore stands with Senator Ningi for his courage in seeking probity and accountability in the polity.

“What Nigerians expect at this moment is for the Senate President to come clean by stepping aside, allowing for an independent investigation into the budget padding allegation as well as clearing his name at the EFCC over alleged looting of N108 billion and N86 billion under his watch as Governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs respectively.”

Ekiti Govt Plan Big For Late APC State Chairman, Paul Omotoso

By
Ayodele Oni
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Paul Omotoso

By Ayodele Oni

Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji has said that his government would immortalize the late Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the State, Barrister Paul Omotoso, in recognition of his numerous contributions to the development of the State.

Governor Oyebanji, made the pledge in Ado-Ekiti while receiving representatives of the Forum of State Chairmen of the APC, who were in his office to present the Forum’s letter of condolence.

The Governor said the gesture is designed to preserve Omotoso’s legacies of service, humility and loyalty.

Emphasizing the late chairman’s unwavering dedication to the party and his selfless service to the state and humanity, Oyebanji said the deceased was a dedicated leader, unifier and highly committed party leader.

He also assured that his administration will provide adequate support for the family of the late chairman to ensure that the vacuum left is not noticed.

“This is a very tough moment for us, and like you said, Barrister Omotosho was a very straight forward person; he was loyal and humble.

“We promise you before God and man that whatever we can do as a government to ensure the family does not suffer, we will do. We will ensure, even though we cannot replace him, that whatever we can do to lessen the burden and the pain of his departure we shall do.

“God helping us, we will not stop there, we are going to immortalize him and we will give him a befitting burial.”

Earlier in his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the Forum, Cornelius Ojelabi, said the purpose of the visit was to commiserate with the Governor, the Party, and the good people of Ekiti State over the death of the late APC chairman in the state.

Ojelabi, who presented the Forum’s letter of condolence to the Governor, described the late chairman as a principled leader who worked tirelessly for the betterment of the party and the nation at large.

He maintained that the Omotosho was a solution provider and a beacon of hope for all who knew and admired him.

Southern Senators Pick Abiru As Chairman

By
Ayodele Oni
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Senator Adetokunbo Abiru

By Ayodele Oni

In an attempt to reposition for challenges ahead, members of the Southern Senators Forum have elected Adetokunbo Abiru representing Lagos East as their new Chairman.

This came barely 24 hours after the suspension of the chairman of the Northern Senators Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi. Ningi announced his resignation as forum chairman after his suspension.

Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele had told senators at Tuesday’s sitting that recent developments at the green house were targeted at the senate President, Godswill Akpabio.

This development also came as a response to the recent changes in the Northern Senators Forum and highlights the dynamic nature of political alliances within the Nigerian Senate.

Senator Adetokunbo Abiru, a former Group Managing Director of Polaris Bank and a seasoned financial expert, brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum.

His appointment reflects the confidence that his fellow Southern Senators have in his leadership abilities and his commitment to the interests of the Southern region.

As the Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum, Senator Abiru will be responsible for coordinating the activities of the forum, representing the interests of Southern Senators, and promoting unity and cooperation among the members.

This appointment comes at a crucial time for the Nigerian Senate as it navigates the complex political landscape and addresses the various challenges facing the nation.

Agitation For Military Coup In Nigeria, Product Of Ex President Buhari Misrule

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Muhammadu Buhari - Londo Trip

By Ayodele Oni

Apapo Oodua Koya, (AOKOYA), a Yoruba self determination coalition, has blamed current clamour for military takeover in Nigeria on Misrule and mis governance of the immediate past administration of President Mohammadu Buhari.

The coalition however warned that any military coup in Nigeria now will lead to organized armed resistance in the South West.

Col Abimbola Sowunmi (rtd) one of the leaders of the coalition, made the remarks in a statement issued after the group’s meeting in Ibadan, Oyo state.

The group said it has noticed the statements of some Nigerian  leaders aimed at preparing the mood of the country for a military coup.

“We want to assure anyone contemplating a coup that there will be armed resistance to such a plot.

“Intelligence analysis indicated that former President Mohammadu Buhari set several obstacles and landmines with the aim of creating chaos that would bring back the military after his exit, the exact thing Shehu Shagari did in 1983 and Ibrahim Babangida did it 1993.

“They are aware that given the balance of military infrastructure, military coup will always favour the Fulani North.

“Buhari created avenues to armed Fulani to invade Middle Belt and Southern forests. This is a Fulani agenda to take over the country.

“They created armed Fulani militia to checkmate Boko Haram in the scramble for Nigeria and also for Fulani armed men to be better placed to overrun Nigeria completely.

“This was backed by draconian economic policies like the sudden removal of oil subsidy which he implemented before he handed over power and the printing of Naira notes all aimed at plunging the post-Buhari years into economic and political turmoil and anarchy that would justify military intervention.”

The group said the plot is backed by mass kidnapping of children across the country to further fuel the conditions for military intervention.

AOKOYA pointed out that the country is passing through blood, death, misery and anguish, but that any coup at this time can only favour the Caliphate even though the plotters might use a Southerner as ring leader to delude the people.

“The military is currently controlled by the Fulani North. Even though the Chief of Army Staff is Yoruba, the commanding height, the structure and superstructure, the distribution of arms and ordinance remain skewed in favour of Fulani.

“This is why the idea of a coup is being floated. But we want to assure them that this time, they will meet more than they bargained for.”

AOKOYA maintained that “the voracious theft of public funds under Buhari was an attempt to use the stolen funds to create confusion and sponsor anarchy in tye post Buhari years.

“They are jittery of state police and restructuring  yet they fail to realize that the reality of Nigeria’s breakup is inevitable mainly due to the historic injustice they have imposed on Nigerians since 1960, no thanks to British manipulation to ensure Nigeria remains in the hands of the most backward and reactionary segment of Nigerian ethnic configuration.”

AOKOYA said its position has nothing to do with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who it described as someone who already constantly treats the Yoruba with disdain, contempt and views Yoruba self determination with cruel hatred.

“Our position has nothing to do with Tinubu who is a loyal agent of the Nigerian political hegemony. Our position is driven by the knowledge that any military coup at this time will undermine free speech, destroy the gains of the past years, stifle self determination calls and again hand over the political economy of Nigeria to the hands of Fulani military class.”

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