The Bauchi State Government in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has constructed 10 boreholes and six blocks of pour flush latrines in Tsangaya schools to avert cholera epidemic in the state.
Mr Garba Babaji, the Permanent Secretary, Bauchi State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (RUWASSA), said this on Tuesday at the formal handing over of keys to head teachers of the benefiting schools in Bauchi.
“This is part of government effort to control cholera outbreak in the metropolis that always cause panic among the residents.
“The government and UNICEF put up measures to prevent the spread of the water-borne disease by committing the N41, 110,479.00 to support preparedness and response activities for the epidemic.
“The water, sanitation and hygiene facilities put up includes six blocks of 31 compartments pour flush latrines in five Tsangaya schools and provision of 10 hand pump boreholes in 10 Tsangaya schools,” he said.
He said the combined efforts by the state government and other stakeholders would have impact in cholera control and prevention with the full involvement of individuals at community level.
According to him, the action was spurred by the nature of the disease and at the rate at which the waterborne disease spreads in metropolis.
“The recent reports of an outbreak call for government and residents to reinforce their commitment to keeping and maintaining their environment clean as well as adopting safer behaviours with regard to personal hygiene and indiscriminate throwing of garbage,’’ Babaji said.
He said other measures to adopt to prevent a cholera outbreak include fumigation and evacuation of filled up latrines in 25 schools, mostly Tsangaya, and College of Education, Kangere.
“The government provide drums of chlorine issued to State Primary Health Care Development Agency and Bauchi State Environmental Protection Agency for the infection and fumigation.
“So also 70 persons were on bucket chlorination and subsequently reaching 25,524 people for the treatment of house hold water supply sources.
“We need to continue investing in long-term measures that would ensure that the community has access to clean and safe water supply as well as assuring food safety,” he said.
Besides, Babaji said community health education messages and treatment of septic tanks in most communities, washing of hands with clean water and soap before and after eating foods had been created.
“Washing of fruits with clean and safe water before eating them, eating properly-cooked food will also help,” he said.
The scribe therefore urged civic and community leaders to provide leadership and play their role in the prevention and control of cholera in their respective communities.
Responding on behalf of the Tsangaya head teachers, Malam Dandada Ahmadu, commended the stakeholders efforts in adopting preventive measures against cholera outbreak.
“We are highly delighted for the initiative of UNICEF and state government to provide these latrines to control the cholera epidemic which is a menace in our communities.
“That is what we called prevention is better than cure. We will make sure that the facilities are adequately maintained and sustained,” he said.
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Cholera: Bauchi Govt, UNICEF constructs boreholes, latrines in schools
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NIHORT proffers solution to reduce tomato pest
The National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, says the installation of a Tuta Trap Tray (TTT) is one of the most potent means of reducing the menace of Tuta Absoluta in tomato farms.
Dr Abiola Oke, the Chief Research Officer, Vegetable Research Programme, NIHORT, said this on Tuesday in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan.
She stressed that a sustainable management of the Tuta Absoluta pest must target all the four developmental stages of the moth, which were egg, larva, pupa and adult.
She said that Metarhizium Anisopliae was a naturally occurring beneficial fungus in the soil, which could be cultured and mass produced to use as bio-insecticide.
“It is registered as Recharge (R) by Russell Integrated Pest Management (IPM). To use it, dilute 100g Recharge (R) in 100 litres of water per acre; apply to nursery soil at planting and transplanting on the field,” she said.
Oke, an entomologist, said that the adult population of Tuta Absoluta should be monitored, right from nursery to the field, to detect infestation of tomato farms before any damage by setting up Tuta Trap Tray (TTT) to attract and kill adult moths.
“The TTT must be placed on the soil among plants in the field, a lamp should be put on to attract adult moths in the night and at dawn when they lay most of their eggs.
“Farmers should always remove, burn infested leaves and fruits from the farm; they should weed the whole surroundings and burn debris; they should also not plant alternative hosts such as Irish potato and garden egg,” she said.
The entomologist also said that natural enemies such as parasitoid and predator were beneficial insects that could help to suppress the population of the Tuta Absoluta pest in the field.
Oke defined parasitoid as an insect which lived on or in the body of another insect called a host before killing the host eventually, while the predator was an insect that fed on other insects.
She advised farmers against using a single insecticide over a long time, saying that they should rather adopt the use of a mixture of insecticides.
“Some insecticides have widespread report of resistance to Tuta Absoluta; these are Spinosad, Bifenthrin, Cartap, Deltamethrin, Permethrin, Cypermethrin, Indoxacarb, Methamidophos.
“They also include: Diflubenzuron, Triflumuron, Metaflumizone, Lamb-dacyhalothrin and Ampligo.
“Also in Nigeria, the indiscriminate use of the insecticides has resulted in the development of resistance by Tuta Absoluta; therefore, continuous usage of insecticides must be discouraged,” she said.
Oke said that the pest was part of the ecosystem that could not be eradicated, adding that pragmatic efforts should, however, be made to manage and contain its spread.
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Budget implementation: Experts anticipate equities market rebound in H2
Financial experts on Tuesday expressed confidence that stock market would rebound in the second half of the year due to the implementation of the 2018 budget.
They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in separate interviews in Lagos that prompt implementation of the budget signed by the President in June would boost the performance of the stock market.
Prof. Sheriffdeen Tella of the Economics department, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun said the implementation of the budget would improve stock market activities in the second half of the year.
Tella said, “Federal spending has a way of jump starting the economy which is largely public sector dependent.”
According to him, the banking and manufacturing sectors will likely dominate activities during the period.
“If manufacturing picks up in output and capacity utilisation resulting in employment, the sector might rival the banking sector.
“Reforms in the South African investment environment and that of Nigeria can improve public confidence in the markets and encourage new firms entering the market as well as new investors.
“However, the outcome may be delayed to the last quarter of the year as investors are always cautious because the stock market is unpredictable,” Tella said.
Also speaking, Malam Garba Kurfi, the Managing Director, APT Securities and Funds, said the stock market would do better in the second half of the year with the increase in foreign reserves.
Kurfi said the increase in foreign reserves, foreign exchange stability and rise in the price of crude oil would likely attract foreign investors to the market.
He added that the review of the funds structure by PENCOM would increase the participation of Pension Fund Administrators in the capital market.
Kurfi also said the reversed trading policy of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) would bring new prices and more activities in the market.
He said most stocks were trading below their fair prices, especially the tier one banks, and that this would attract institutional investors into the market.
Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., urged traders and investors to take advantage of low equities prices and position in some sectors for medium to long-term gains.
Omordion called on them to position in industrial goods, banking, agriculture, consumer goods and insurance stocks with good fundamentals. -
FG REDEPLOYS THREE (3) FEDERAL PERMANENT SECRETARIES
His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has approved the redeployment of the following Federal Permanent Secretaries:
S/N NAME PRESENT MINISTRY PROPOSED DEPLOYMENT 1. Mrs. Ibukun Abimbola Odusote Awaiting posting Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment 2. Mrs. Nkechi Ejele Awaiting posting Federal Ministry of Communications 3. Alh. Abdullahi Abdulazeez Mashi Federal Ministry of Communications Federal Ministry of Health The circular conveying the redeployment was signed by the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Ekanem Oyo-Ita, and stated that the handing/taking-over processes should be completed on or before Friday, 6th July, 2018
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2018 Budget adjustments: Protesters block NASS entrance
Abuja, July 3, 2018 (NAN) A group identified as Citizens Actions to Take Back Nigeria (CATBAN) on Tuesday thronged the entrance of the National Assembly (NASS) Complex protesting the adjustments made in the 2018 Appropriation Act by the Legislature.
The protesters arrived in about 11 luxurious busses, popularly known as “El-rufai bus”, playing music and chanting songs, calling for the resignation of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki.
They carried placards which read: “Constituency projects is now corruption, it must stop”; “Nigerians are not represented in the sharing of the loot via constituency projects”; and “National Assembly not for armed runners,” among others.
The security personnel in a bid to maintain law and order, shut the main gate to the complex, preventing the protesters from entering the premises while the group tried to force their way in.
As a result, visitors and workers who were to resume their daily duties were also prevented from entering, forcing them to use alternative routes.
The convener of the group, Mr Ibrahim Wala, said that the NASS no longer represents the people of Nigeria.
He said that the many adjustments and introductions of several projects in to the 2018 Appropriation Act by the legislature necessitated the protest.
Wala said that constituency projects should be implemented in all constituencies represented by each member of the NASS.
He alleged that the members connived with contractors to collect the money and do not execute the projects that would have benefited citizens.
According to him, since 2004 to date, constituency projects have been appropriated for but nothing has changed.
“The worst of it is what we are seeing in the 2018 budget, these people inserted thousands of interns.
“We are here representing the entire citizens of this country; the crowd you see here represents the voices of Nigerians.
“Nigerians want a situation whereby when we vote individuals into office they should work with the people and not represent their own interests,” he said.
He urged the security personnel at the gate not to deprive the people of their right to access the premises in peaceful protest.
According to Wala, the group is made up of young women and men that are concerned with the cause of the nation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no member of the NASS was available to address the protesters who had been denied access into the premises.
Nan also reports that the NASS resumed on Tuesday, July 3, after a three-week recess. (NAN) -
President Buhari to holds Bilateral talks with French leader, Macron
President Muhammadu Buhari, who returned to Abuja last night from AU Summit in Mauritania, is billed to hold bilateral talks with President Emmanuel Macron of France at presidential villa, Abuja, today at 4.00p.m.
NAN reports that the French leader would discuss issues bordering on security and terrorism with President Buhari.
Macron had on Monday in Nouakchott during the closing ceremony of the AU Summit met with the Nigerian leader.
Macron will after his engagement with Buhari visit the Afrika Shrine, a nightclub in Lagos founded by Nigerian music legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti.
Social commentators believed that Macron would become the first “real president” to enter the club synonymous with marijuana smoke, sexy backup dancers and protest music.
`And he is not a stranger to Nigeria. He trained as a senior civil servant at the French Embassy in Lagos in 2004, seven years after Fela died.
Buhari on Monday night returned to Abuja after attending the 31st Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Heads of State and Government, in Nouakchott.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Malam Muhammed Bello, Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari and some government functionaries welcomed the President at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
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Mikel Obi’s father rescue from kidnappers in Enugu State – Police
The Police Command in Enugu State says it has rescued Pa Michael Obi, father of Mikel Obi, Captain of the Super Eagles, from the kidnappers’ den in a community in the state.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Ebere Amaraizu, disclosed this in a statement issued on Monday evening in Enugu.
Amaraizu said the feat was achieved by the command’s operatives from the 9th Mile Division on Monday at about 2.30 p.m.
He said that the police operatives through a well-coordinated operation, rescued Pa Obi and his driver, one Ishaya John, unhurt in Egede axis of Udi Forest of Enugu State along Old Egede Affa road in the state.
The police spokesman said that the operatives also recovered Pa Obi’s Toyota Prado jeep.
“It was gathered that Pa Michael Obi and his driver were abducted along Makurdi-Enugu Road on June 29 in the afternoon on his way from Jos in his grey-coloured Toyota Prado jeep with registration number: MUS 604 CG and taken to an unknown destination through the thick forest part of the area.
“It was further gathered that the abductors started calling to demand a ransom of N10 million before police operatives acted on intelligence information and swooped on them.
“In the process of the rescue, a gun duel ensued between police operatives and the kidnappers which forced the hoodlums to abandon their victims inside the forest and they were promptly rescued,’’ he said.
Amaraizu said that Pa Obi extolled the efforts of the police which led to their rescue.
He said that Mikel’s father thanked the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammad Danmallam, and the operatives for their efforts, saying: “I am happy with the police operatives’ performance’’.
“I am alive and healthy. I thank the commissioner of police and the police operatives for their efforts which led to our rescue,’’ Amaraizu quoted Pa Obi as saying.
The police spokesman said that a team of doctors from the police medical unit conducted medical check-up on Pa Obi and confirmed that “he is hale and hearty’’.
“The command is appealing to members of the public, particularly hospital owners and operators, to watch out for any one with injury or wound believed to be that of bullet and report promptly to the nearest police station or personnel.
“However, investigation into the incident has already commenced,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mohammed Danmallam, has lauded the efforts of the operatives as well as members of the public for their timely and useful information that led to the rescue.
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We’ll not disappoint Nigerians on Ekiti guber poll, no room for failure – INEC
The Independent National Electoral Commissioner, (INEC) on Monday said the hopes and expectations of Nigerians on the Ekiti gubernatorial election which comes up in two week time will not be dashed.
The News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) reports that the commission’s top officials, on a visit to the state, gave the assurance in Ado Ekiti, saying there would be no room for failure in the poll.
The INEC National Commissioner in charge of Ekiti, Osun and Oyo states, Mr. Solomon Soyebi and his counterpart in charge of Election Operations and Logistics, Mrs. Amina Zakari gave the declaration at a Pre-Election Preparation workshop organised for Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and Head of Departments .
Soyebi said the workshop was to tidy up things as every polling unit must be opened by 7am.
“There will be no room for excuses. Any Local Government where this happen, the Electoral Officet, (EO) will be responsible
“You must share responsibilities with your assistants to avoid one-man show. You must also watch your utterances so as to safeguard the integrity of the exercise,” he said.
Also speaking, Zakari debunked an allegation by Gov Ayo Fayose that she had been hired by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, to rig the election in favour of APC.
She challenged the governor and the Peoples Democratic Party to back their allegations with evidence, saying it was not possible for an individual to rig an election.
“They should prove that beyond reasonable doubt. I doubt it if an individual can rig an election when there are over 20,000 personnel to conduct the election.
“They should back their allegation with fact and figures. We (INEC) have nothing to hide. I see no reason why INEC would want to go back to bad old days. We are moving forward as we remained focused to ensure a credible election that Nigeria will be proud of..”
Zakari said the workshop would review work done so far and to expose officials to new ideas, processes and approach to a successful conduct of the election.
“The workshop is to ensure proper preparations for the election. This is the practice over the years. It is to ensure there is no gap between policies and implementation
“It is to aid direct interaction with departments that initiate policies and to collect ideas that will help in reshaping policies and procedure
“I have no doubt that this will be well-organised and it will be adjudged as the most successful election ever conducted,” she said.
Earlier, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in Ekiti, Prof. Abdul-Ganiyu Raji, said the workshop was to ensure information flow between policy formulators and the implementors towards a successful conduct of the election. (NAN)
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Poverty rate in Nigeria worrisome — Entrepreneur
The Citizens’ ColloquiumAn entrepreneur, Gbenga Olawepo Hashim, says that the high rate of poverty and social inequality in Nigeria is worrisome.
Hashim was the guest speaker at The Citizens’ Colloquium orgainsed by the Citizens Communications and Advocacy Centre on Monday in Abuja.
The topic of his paper is “Understanding Democracy as Instrument of Development, Integration and National Cohesion.’’
He regretted that in spite of the obvious gains of democracy over the years which had led to unprecedented development, there had been serious challenges to national integration and social cohesion in Nigeria.
“Since Independence in 1960, we have battled with the idea of national unity. No wonder then that some of our past leaders have even described Nigeria as ‘a mere geographical expression’ “the mistake of 1914” among others.
“ A civil war and other unfortunate ethno-religious and other crises have tested our national resolve.
“The lack of social cohesion in Nigeria has been caused by wide disparity between the rich and the poor.
“The figure of 87 million poor people – the largest in any country in the world, should be a great source of concern to every Nigerian.
“ When we have added to this gender inequality and the large numbers of unemployed youths about 67 million we can then know why there is no social cohesion in our country.’’
According to him, in order to achieve national cohesion, Nigerians should examine the quality of their leadership and how they ascribe to power.
He said that the people should build democratic institutions as a safeguard to dictatorship and arbitrariness.
Hashim, who is the Chairman, Transnational Energy Limited, said there was need for social programmes in education and health to improve the quality of life of the people.
“We need to engage in manufacturing and industrial development to provide economic growth, gainful employment and a modern life for the people.
“We need to encourage the private economy or informal economy and small businesses through policies and credits to engender economic growth and a better life for all citizens.
“We need unfettered freedom as provided in the Fundamental Rights Chapter of the Constitution; the rights to life, to human dignity, to expression are sacred; no nation can grow without fundamental human rights.
“We need to build a nation based on fairness and justice without regard to religion or ethnicity in order to foster national integration,’’ he said.
The business man said that Nigerians needed to apply the Rule of Law in all aspects of their lives both in the private sphere and in contracts without bias.
He added that corruption was a cancer that Nigerians must fight concertedly in order to ensure development.