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The Head of Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, who was reported to be on medical leave, on Wednesday was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to witness the swearing-in of Ministers-designate.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Head of Service, who was also reported to have submitted her resignation letter to the Presidency over alleged contract scam, was seen seated on her `traditional’ position at the Council Chamber of the presidential villa.

NAN gathered that the head of service, who arrived the presidential villa shortly before the commencement of the inauguration of the ministers by the president, was seen heading towards the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari

NAN, however, observed that Oyo-Ita, who was listed as one of the speakers at the just concluded presidential retreat held between Aug. 19 and Aug. 20, was conspicuously absent at the venue of the event.

Oyo-Ita was reported to be on medical leave after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) quizzed her over an alleged contract scam to the tune of N3 billion.

NAN reports that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, who was earlier reappointed by the president, first took his oath of office during the inauguration of the Miniters.

NAN reports that the inauguration of the ministers-designate was ongoing as at the time of filing this report.

By Abujah Racheal
Dr Ikechukwu Henry, an Abuja based endocrinologist, says Hashimoto disease is depriving the human body of the necessary hormones for healthy function.

Henry told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja that neglecting to treat this condition could lead to a number of complications.

Hashimoto’s disease, also called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disorder in which a person’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.

The endocrinologist explained that the disease was named after a Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto, who discovered it.

The endocrinologist said Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis was the most common cause of hypothyroidism, or decreased activity of the thyroid gland.

According to him, hypothyroidism can cause a goitre “an inflamed and swollen thyroid gland”, which can affect human ability to swallow food or to breathe.

Other possible complications are heart disease, depression and birth defects, said the expert.

He said that myxedema was the name for severe, untreated hypothyroidism, noting that it can result in a medical crisis known as myxedema coma, in which the patient may lose consciousness as organ functions slow or shut down.

Henry said that the symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease were related to the effects of low levels of thyroid hormones.

“You may notice a swelling of the throat beneath your Adam’s apple as the thyroid gland becomes inflamed and enlarged. Hashimoto’s disease may cause mood changes, fatigue, memory problems and depression.

“Pale skin, sensitivity to cold, a puffy face and brittle nails can also be signs of this disease.

“Additionally, unexpected weight gain, muscles aches and joint pain can signal this disorder. Women may notice unusually heavy menstrual bleeding,” he explained.

According to him, Hashimoto’s disease is more likely to affect women than men.

“While this disease can appear at any age, it is most likely to set in during the middle age years,’’ Henry said.

He said that people were at greater risk of developing this disease if a family member had the disease or if they already suffer from another autoimmune disorder.

Henry explained that autoimmune disorders were diseases in which a body’s immune system goes awry and begins attacking healthy body organs or tissues as if they were foreign substances.

In Hashimoto’s disease, he said, it affects organ in the thyroid, stating that the thyroid gland is a small gland located just below the Adam’s apple.

“This gland produces and releases thyroid hormones into your bloodstream. Thyroid hormones regulate body functions such as metabolism, heart function, muscle control, brain development and mood.

“When the thyroid is attacked by your immune system, it is no longer able to produce the hormones needed for these necessary functions,” he said.

He, however, added that exposure to radiation increases chances of developing the disease.

The endocrinologist said that there were two types of blood tests used for the diagnosis of hypothyroidism, stating that the first is to test a person’s blood for Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

“TSH levels become high in the blood when the thyroid is not producing enough thyroid hormones. The pituitary gland of the brain then produces more TSH in an attempt to stimulate the production of T3 and T4,” he explained.

He stated that the second test was to determine the presence of antibodies against the enzyme Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO).

“The immune system is attacking TPO, then these antibodies will be present,” he added. NAN

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin, Convener, Women Arise for Change Initiative, Wednesday urged other state governors to emulate Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State by ensuring increased number of women in their cabinets.

Okei-Odumakin made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka, while commending Gov. Sanwo-Olu for being the first state governor to include 14 women in his cabinet.

NAN reports that the number of women in the state executive council, who were inaugurated on Tuesday by Sanwo-Olu was the highest in the history of the state.

“This is very encouraging, especially in a country like Nigeria where women, with all their potential, are the most under-tapped resource.

“I sincerely hope other state governors will consider an increased number of women, not just into the States Executive Cabinets, but also in other critical sectors of government where the women are capable of serving.

“It is also a call on our political parties to increase the number of women fielded for elective positions in our country,’’ Okei-Odumakin said.

NAN reports that Gov. Sanwo-Olu on Tuesday inaugurated 35 commissioners and special advisers into the state executive council out of which 12 were women.

One of the three governor’s nominees, who was declined confirmation by the Lagos State House of Assembly on Monday, was also a woman making the number 13.

NAN also reports that the governor had earlier appointed a woman, Mrs Folashade Jaji, as the Secretary to the State Government bringing the number of women to 14 altogether.

NAN

ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA AT THE SWEARING-IN OF SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION AND MINISTERS AT STATE HOUSE, ABUJA,

 WEDNESDAY 21^ST AUGUST 2019

 

Protocols:

 

          Today marks another milestone in the history of my second term in Office, after Nigerians overwhelmingly voted the All Progressives Congress during the 2019 general elections.  The outcome of the election was a clear testimony of the strong confidence of our people in this Administration, and we must not let them down.

2.      Over the past four years, we have made enormous progress in tackling difficult challenges faced by the country. We have exited the country from recession, restored economic growth, curbed inflation and shored up our external reserves. As a result, we have witnessed eight quarters of consistent growth over the past two-and-a-half years, providing more opportunities to more Nigerians.

3.      However, our nation continues to face tough challenges, and we are determined to build on the progress of the last 4 years in order to fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory and improve the wellbeing of our people.

4.      Today, I am pleased to inaugurate 43 new Ministers who will work with me and the Vice President in our service to the people of Nigeria. You were chosen from each of the 36 States of the Federation, and most importantly, you share my commitment to working tirelessly for the people of this country and to achieving a future where every Nigerian can reach his/her full potential.

5.      I believe you are ready to get to work. Indeed, the work has already started. For the past two days, you were with me at the retreat.  The retreat which was conducted with clear focus on the roadmap towards the delivery of Government Policies, Programmes and Projects for 2019-2023. During the period, I shared my vision for Nigeria and what our priorities will be for the next four years. These priorities are the pillars on which we can build a better Nigeria.

6.      As you are aware, the core objectives of this Administration are to improve security, achieve diversified, inclusive economic growth and fight corruption. I am convinced that we can build a buoyant economy that supports inclusive growth and creates broad-based prosperity for every Nigerian – one that will absorb the two million Nigerians entering the labour market each year, as well as reduce the backlog of over 20 million unemployed or underemployed Nigerians.

7.      We must also intensify efforts to reduce internal security threats and eliminate corruption at all levels so as to ensure that our citizens have a safe and corruption-free environment where they can live and conduct their businesses, without fear and intimidation.

8.      Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, all these are only possible if we are relentless about delivering on the priorities that are vital to our overall objectives – and on the specific actions and targets that have been identified to guide policy direction and implementation as specified in our roadmap.

9.      I am pleased to note that at the end of the retreat, we have agreed and prioritized the key strategic initiatives required to drive socio-economic growth in our country, which must be accomplished, because the people of Nigeria expect nothing less from us. We have also agreed on the appropriate Key Performance Indicators and deliverables to be achieved in the road map on Government priorities – 2019 – 2023. 

10.    Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, our primary business over the next four years is to work together towards delivering the results that the people of Nigeria expect from us.  We have a great opportunity as an Administration to build on the progress already made in order to fundamentally shift Nigeria’s trajectory on the path of steady growth and development.

11.    While recognizing the existing challenges, and the urgent need to surmount them, we must not fail to note the progress we have made since inception.  Our economic policy, which is the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan, is still robust and on course with the necessary policies and initiatives to sustain the country’s exit from recession, engender growth and promote the value chain of infrastructural development.  We believe that we can sustain our legacies and developmental strides if they are based on sustainable policies and good governance.

12.    Let me also emphasize that, as heads of your respective Ministries, and for effective implementation of your mandates, you are required to work closely with the Permanent Secretaries and Chief Executive Officers of Agencies under your purview. This has become necessary considering the fact that, the task of moving the country to the Next Level requires dedication, focus, and collective efforts.

13     I must emphasize the importance of communication and harmony within our government. You must work in harmony with your fellow Ministers. Communication – vertical and horizontal can only be ignored at a price. As I said yesterday, in terms of coordinating communication, kindly ensure that all submissions for my attention or meeting requests be channeled through the Chief of Staff. While all Federal Executive Council matters be coordinated through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation in order to speed up the process of decision-making.

 14.   We can only make meaningful progress in our national restoration efforts if we all commit ourselves to addressing the challenges confronting our nation in the best interest of our people and posterity.  We must not allow such issues as political affiliation, sectional interest, and primordial loyalties to blind us against our patriotic obligation to drive our nation’s growth, development, and prosperity in an atmosphere of enduring peace, security and stability. 

15.    Dear Honourable Ministers, as you are aware, the Federal Executive Council Meeting is held on a weekly basis. As part of efforts towards ensuring effective delivery on our priorities, I have directed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation to track the progress against what we have committed to do to achieve these objectives. He is therefore expected to report the process of implementation and outcome to the Federal Executive Council.  

16.    I am pleased to note that each of you is committed to be part of an administration that will work for all Nigerians—part of a government that will do what is right and best at all times for our people, even when it is difficult. This is therefore an opportunity for you, it is a call to serve and collectively build a safer, more prosperous, and fair nation.

17.    In conclusion, I am pleased to inform you that the Federal Ministries have been further expanded to ensure effective service delivery.  The Ministers are therefore allocated portfolios as follows:

18.    On this note, I wish to formally inaugurate the new members of the Federal Executive Council.

19.    Thank you and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.  

(FLOWERBUD NEWS) Please read this carefully and get your son or daughter to read it too.
This post is about what happened in a typical middle-class household.

The son didn’t like living in his father’s house. This was because of his father’s constant ‘nagging’;
“You are leaving the room without switching off the fan”
“The TV is on in the room where there is no one. Switch it off!”
“Keep the pen in the stand; it is fallen down”

The son didn’t like his father nagging him for these minor things.
He had to tolerate these things till yesterday since he was with them in the same house.

But today, however, he had an invitation for a job interview.
“As soon as I get the job, I should leave this town. There won’t be any nagging from my father” were his thoughts.

As he was about to leave for the interview, the father advised:
“Answer the questions put to you without any hesitation. Even if you don’t know the answer, mention that confidently.” He gave him more money than he actually needed to attend the interview.

The son arrived at the interview centre.
He noticed that there were no security guards at the gate. Even though the door was open, the latch was protruding out probably hitting the people entering through the door. He put the latch back properly, closed the door and entered the office.

On both sides of the pathway he could see beautiful flower plants. The gardener had kept the water running in the hose-pipe and was not to be seen anywhere. The water was overflowing on the pathway. He lifted the hosepipe and placed it near one of the plants and went further.

There was no one in the reception area. However, there was a notice saying that the interview was on the first floor. He slowly climbed the stairs.

The light that was switched on last night was still burning at 10 am in the morning. He remembered his father’s admonition, “Why are you leaving the room without switching off the light?” and thought he could still hear that now. Even though he felt irritated by that thought, he sought the switch and switched off the light.

Upstairs in a large hall he could see many aspirants sitting waiting for their turn. He looked at the number of people and wondered if he had any chance of getting the job.

He entered the hall with some trepidation and stepped on the “Welcome” mat placed near the door. He noticed that the mat was upside down. He straightened out the mat with some irritation. Habits die hard.

He saw that in a few rows in the front there were many people waiting for their turn, whereas the back rows were empty, but a number of fans were running over those rows of seats.
He heard his father’s voice again, “Why are the fans running in the room where there is no one?” He switched off the fans that were not needed and sat at one of the empty chairs.
He could see many men entering the interview room and immediately leave from another door. There was thus no way anyone could guess what was being asked in the interview.

When it was his turn, He went and stood before the interviewer with some trepidation and concern.

The officer took the certificates from him and without looking at them asked, “When can you start work?”

He thought ,”is this a trick question being asked in the interview, or is this a signal that I have been offered the job?” He was confused.

“What are you thinking?” asked the boss. “We didn’t ask anyone any question here. By asking a few questions we won’t be able to assess the skills of anyone. So our test was to assess the attitude of the person. We kept certain tests based on the behaviour of the candidates and we observed everyone through CCTV. No one who came today did anything to set right the latch at the door, the hose pipe, the welcome mat, the uselessly running fans or lights. You were the only one who did that. That’s why we have decided to select you for the job”, said the boss.

He always used to get irritated at his father’s discipline and demonstrations. Now he realized that it is only the discipline that has got him his job. His irritation and anger at his father vanished completely.
He decided that he would bring his father too to his workplace and left for home happily.

If you are a parent, keep on talking to your children about what is right despite their frowns. They will thank you later.

If you are teacher, kindly remember that you could be the only father’s voice that boy or girl hears, so don’t withold it from them. Talk to them about the things they are doing wrongly and shape their unconscious world for the life ahead.
Its not in vain, let’s keep on keeping on!!

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday swore in members of his cabinet made up of 35 members and assigned portfolios to them immediately. (more…)

Federal Government has confirmed the appointment of Mr Tosan Erhabour as the substantive Registrar/CEO of Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN).

This was contained in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs Unit of MLSCN, Mrs Fidelia Ginikanwa, on Monday.

Ginikanwa said the Registrar, who is 55-years-old, hailed from Edo and attended the School of Medical Technology, University of Benin Teaching Hospital in Benin City, Edo.

He received an award as the best graduating student in Hematology and Blood Group Serology and became an associate member of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technology of Nigeria in 1990 and became a fellow of the Institute in 1994.

According to her, Erhabour later got a master degree in medical laboratory science with specialty in hematology from Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma in 2003.

She said Erhabor is a seasoned medical laboratory scientist and civil servant with 27 years working experience.

He started his working career as a lecturer in 1992 at the school of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin, Edo.

In 1997, he transferred his service to the then Institute of medical laboratory science technology Lagos, as a principal medical laboratory scientist.

He rose through the ranks to become director and head of department, External Quality Assurance (EQA).

She said he became the Acting Registrar/CEO of MLSCN after the demise of late Mrs Olufunke Omotuyi, on June 15, 2016 being the most senior ranking officer as at that time.

A post he held tenaciously before his confirmation as substantive registrar of the council on Aug. 19, effective from June 9, 2019 by the governing board of the council.

He is married and blessed with five children.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appointment was renewable after four years.

NAN

(FLOWERBUD NEWS) Twitter and Facebook have accused the Chinese government of backing a social media campaign to discredit Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and sow political discord in the city.

The American tech giants announced Monday they had suspended nearly 1,000 active accounts linked to the campaign, while Twitter said it had shut down about 200,000 more before they could inflict any damage.

“These accounts were deliberately and specifically attempting to sow political discord in Hong Kong, including undermining the legitimacy and political positions of the protest movement on the ground,” Twitter said, referring to the active accounts it shut down.

Facebook said some of the posts from accounts it banned compared the protesters in Hong Kong with Islamic State group militants, branded them “cockroaches” and alleged they planned to kill people using slingshots.

Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous southern Chinese city and one of the world’s most important financial hubs, is in the grip of an unprecedented political crisis that has seen millions of people take to the streets demanding greater freedoms.

China’s communist rulers have warned they may be prepared to deploy force to quell the nearly three months of unrest, and likened violent protesters to “terrorists”.

However they have publicly largely left the city’s leaders and police force to try and resolve the crisis.

Behind the scenes online though, the Chinese government is seeking to sway public opinion about Hong Kong, according to Twitter and Facebook.

“We are disclosing a significant state-backed information operation focused on the situation in Hong Kong, specifically the protest movement and their calls for political change,” Twitter said.

It said it had pulled 936 accounts originating in China that were spreading disinformation.

“Based on our intensive investigations, we have reliable evidence to support that this is a coordinated state-backed operation,” Twitter said.

Twitter and Facebook are banned in China, part of the government’s so-called “Great Firewall” of censorship.

Because of the bans, many of the fake accounts were accessed using “virtual private networks” that give a deceptive picture of the user’s location, Twitter said.

“However, some accounts accessed Twitter from specific unblocked IP addresses originating in mainland China,” it said.

Among the handles removed were pages linking to Hong Kong-based pro-Beijing newspapers describing protesters as “rioters”.

Facebook said it had acted on a tip off from Twitter, removing seven pages, three groups and five Facebook accounts that had abut 15,500 followers.

“Although the people behind this activity attempted to conceal their identities, our investigation found links to individuals associated with the Chinese government,” Facebook said.

A huge peaceful rally on Sunday, which organisers said drew 1.7 million people to the city’s rain-slicked streets, was seen as an attempt by the protest movement to reclaim the moral high ground after escalating violence.

No arrests were made and there were none of the tear gas-framed police baton charges that have characterised recent weeks.

On Tuesday embattled city leader Carrie Lam recognised the “largely peaceful” nature of the mass rally, appearing to soften her previously hardline towards the protests.

“I sincerely wish this meant our society is moving away from violence,” she told reporters in her first reaction to Sunday’s rally.

But she did not offer substantial concessions to the protest demands for an independent probe into alleged police brutality and to officially withdraw the flashpoint extradition bill.

Experts say the protests will likely continue using both violent and non-violent means as long as there is no substantial climbdown from the government.

A widely circulated social media agenda for protesters lists peaceful actions across the week ranging from blocking metro stations on Wednesday, to forming a human chain and blockading transport routes into the airport on Saturday.