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Adigwe Decries Lack Of Funding, Capacity Building For Herbal Medicine Practitioners

By
Toyin Adebayo
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The National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Director General , Dr. Obi Adigwe, has revealed that, funding and capacity building have not been robustly and comprehensively engaged on in discussions relating to herbal medicine and development strategy.

He added that, critical issue about the development of herbal medicine in Nigeria is that practitioners who require support in terms of investment.

He gave this revelation at a three-day conference which was held both physically and virtually in Osogbo, Osun State.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja noted that the conference was part of efforts of the NIPRD to step up its capacity building mandate by organising a grass roots training for phytomedicinal practitioners aimed at improving access to health and stimulating socio-economic development.

According to him, what NIPRD has decided to do was to take the phytomedicines development strategy down to the grassroots.

He, however, stated that the seven objectives the institute wanted to achieve by organising the conference included increasing the awareness of policy makers, political office holders, investors and development partners about the importance and potential of the phytomedicines sector. “The second thing is that we want to build the capacity of the phytomedicinal practitioners themselves.

“We want to build their capacity, we want to teach them how to harvest plants, teach them how to document their practices, teach them the importance of research and development in their activities, teach them how to apply for NAFDAC listing, and teach them how to partner with people in terms of bringing their products forward for marketing,” Adigwe explained.

The NIPRD Director General also stated that his institute have concluded plans to select five products from Osun state at the end of the programme that it can take to the next level.

“Products that can have NAFDAC listing that can earn revenue for the practitioners and the Government, and which would consequently contribute to the socioeconomic development of this country.” he said

Speaking on the development activities of the Institute, Adigwe said his organisation had successfully brought Research and Development to the fore of this country.

“We also ensured that products made in Nigeria are prioritised, when it comes to manufacturing of sanitiser, production of sickle cell drugs among others.

“We have also spearheaded the articulation in policies which encourage us to look inwards, strategies that encourage development of home-grown solutions have now been brought to the fore” he stated.

Covid-19 Virus Has Humbled Nations, Ehanire

By
Toyin Adebayo
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Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health

 

The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, has said the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic has exposed the fragility of most health systems across the globe.
Ehanire, made this known in his message to mark the ‘World Patient Safety Day,’ on Thursday in Abuja , noting that the pandemic also bared the deficits in infrastructure, equipment, manpower and management, stressing that the situation has humbled even those thought to be the most robust.
 The World “Patient Safety Day” was set aside in May 2019 by the World Health Assembly Resolution 72.6 on the subject “Global action on Patient Safety”, to recognise and highlight the safety of patients as a global health priority.
The theme for this year is “Health Worker Safety: A Priority for Patient Safety”, with the slogan “Safe health workers, safe patients.”
He said the theme is apt, as it fit the prevailing sentiment of the day defined by the covid-19 pandemic, and the heroic role healthcare workers at the frontlines have played, to keep everyone safe.
The Minister also added that the fatigue of overburdened care providers and the psychosocial impact of covid19 on both patients and caregivers were apparent in this period, as “They work odd hours, suffer discomfort, stigma, risk infection and even their lives. Nigeria is among dozens of countries in the world who have lost health workers to COVID-19.”
He said it is only fair that global attention and emphasis should be on the importance of safety for all health workers, especially those engaged in the COVID-19 response.
“Since only healthy and safe health workers can provide care and safety to patients, the Government of Nigeria made it a point of duty to ramp up training of health workers in infection prevention and control and supplied barrier personal protective equipment to avoid virus transmission and risk to our staff. Infected healthcare workers would face quarantine, which could mean manpower shortage and interrupt essential healthcare services.
“Despite all our sacrifices, more will be expected of us who have signed up for the healthcare profession. We shall be reminded that we have committed to serve humanity and that the lives and wellbeing of our patients are in our hands. In truth, ours is the noble profession, where the responsibility we are given for the lives of others  or for the others who have entrusted their lives to us, begins with ensuring that they are safe in our care, no matter the cost to us. It must be an article of faith.
“The Federal Ministry of Health will work on creating a specific policy on patient safety. However, the National Health Act (2014) and Patients’ Bill of Rights (2018) advocate for the safety of patients, and aspects of it are also reflected in such guidelines and measures for infection prevention and control as injection safety, firm perioperative protocols, radiation protection and pharmacovigilance.These are building blocks for consolidation into a single ‘Patient Safety Policy.”
The Minister called on all stakeholders to support the Federal Ministry of Health in ensuring the safety of health workers and patients.

COVID-19: 700, 000 Households Are Vulnerable In FCT, Report

By
Toyin Adebayo
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 …As CSOs Score FCTA High On Palliative Distributions  

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has identified over 700, 000 vulnerable households in the territory.

Just as Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) scored the administration high on the palliative distribution to vulnerable members of the nation’s capital.  

FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, this was made possible with the validation of the social register.

She made this known during the presentation of a scorecard of the palliative distribution by a coalition of COVID-19 Civil Society Organisations Emergency Intervention Group, however, acknowledged that there was more that meet the eyes during the palliative exercise.  

According to her; the scorecard would further guide the action of the administration especially during emergency situations, adding that the administration would not wait for any emergency before reaching out to the vulnerables 

Commending the Civil Society Organisations, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Youths and other stakeholders in joining hands to make the exercise a success, the minister also noted that the COVID-19 brought the real function of a mother to bear.  

She hinted that ; “During the very tough and trying period of COVID-19 pandemic, I will confess to you that it seems things have fallen apart, and the centre could not hold. Fortunately for us, we had able bodied men and women who defied all odds and show willingness to work. Honestly speaking, people may ask how much were you paid. It was done pro bono, no budget line, but you were willing to risk it across to the targeted beneficiaries.  
“We draw up our template, and a more encompassing and more reaching template with men and women of the civil society organisations and put concerted efforts to ensure that they were in all places in all the committees.  

“Many at times when you work and put in the best you can, you are not in the best position to score yourself. We are proud to say indeed some people out there did not only go out to distribute the palliative, but also make efforts to look into what we were doing without fear or favour and scored us as it is. This to you is a scorecard, but to me it is a validation of my dreams.

She continued; “This can serve as a guide to what we need to do further. With the pandemic in place, we were able to work harder, we found that the social register was validated. Today, we have over 700, 000 vulnerable households, because during the time of the pandemic, we used the definition of vulnerability to mean the very poor in the hinterland, those that are not earning anything from government revenue and without a source of income.  

“But later, it was clear to us that there is more that meet the eyes. Even the so called salary earners become vulnerable due to COVID-19 and the pressure of the lockdown. And that brought about the new template. God’s willing, we can boast that the Federal Capital Territory is used as a standard to other states”.  

On his part, the FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusade Adesola, thanked the civil society groups for not abandoning the administration in times of need, stressing that the report would not only inspire the Minister of State, but also the entire administration.  

Adesina, however, harped on team work saying; “We must join hands together to build the territory of our dreams. You cannot walk with one leg, but you need the two legs to walk. If you have abandoned the distribution of the palliative, nobody would have believed that palliative was distributed because we  live in an era where nobody believes anything. But you are our testimonial, you have spoken”.  

In her presentation, the National Coordinator, COVID-19 CSOs Emergency Intervention Group, Dr. Jophia Nanker Gupar, said though, the palliative did not get to everybody, but every community in the territory received the palliative.  

She thanked the administration for the opportunity to serve the rural people and to participate especially in an intervention programmes like the COVID-19 pandemic.    

Updated: NLC gives FG two weeks to reverse increases in electricity tariff, fuel price

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.
NLC-President-Comrade-Ayuba-Wabba.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government two weeks ultimatum to reverse the recent increase in electricity tariffs and fuel price hike or the union may be forced to embark on indefinite industrial action and mass protests.

The decision was reached at the end of the Congress’ National Administrative Council (NAC) and Central Working Committee (CWC) meetings of the Labour union in Abuja on Wednesday.

Briefing journalists at the end of the congress, NLC President , Comrade Ayuba Wabba, said the union resolved that the increase in both petroleum products and electricity tariff have had adverse effects on the citizenry and should be returned to status quo in the interest of the masses.

It would be recalled that , the Trade Union Congress (TUC) through its President Quadri Olaleye, had on Monday issued a seven-day ultimatum and threatened to mobilize for strike next week Wednesday if the Federal Government does not reverse the increases.

A meeting between the Federal Government and organized labour at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday to find common ground, ended in a stalemate as the Unions disagreed with the Federal Government, stressing the increases are a burden on Nigerian workers even as government insisted the hikes were necessary.

President of the NLC, aacondemned the fixing of prices of electricity and petrol without consultations with Nigerians, which he said have erased the gains of the minimum wage of N30, 000 signed into law by President Muhammad.

The NLC President blamed Federal Government for “transferring the “inefficiency in the subsidy regime” to the consumers which they have to pay through hike in price even as he urged the government to fix the nation’s refineries and stop the corruption inherent in the subsidy regime.

However, the government delegation led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, during the tripartite dialogue with organized labour in Abuja on Tuesday, reeled out figures which it said makes the continuation of subsidy a risk to the economy.

In the electricity tariff, the Government explained that N1.5 + trillion has been spent on subsidizing the sector since 2015, adding that the subsidy cost the Government N12 billion+ per week and N50 billion per month.

“The subsidy is a regressive subsidy as 60%of the subsidy goes to the top 10% of the population; more than 80 million Nigerians have no access to electricity and do not enjoy this subsidy,” it said.

The government said it has set aside N380 billion for the tariff subsidy in 2020 with the intent to transition subsidy to cover the poor and underprivileged.

NERC designed a service based tariff where payment is linked to better service with DISCos to own consultations with their customers; only those receiving 12 hours plus of power are experiencing increase.

“75% of the population will not be impacted by any tariff increase, Government will continue to subsidize and prioritize this population (including the poor on R1) with N400 plus billions,” the government said.

On the much controversial fuel subsidy, the government delegation said “Fuel subsidies have over the years undermined private and Public investment in the downstream sector.

“PMS subsidy reduces payment of FAAC and states allocation, leading to inability of many states to pay workers salary and develop their states.

“Government lost billions of naira every day to subsidize payment which could have been used in improving the well being of ordinary Nigerians and rebuilding the economy to generate more employment.” The Federal government said.

It added that subsidy payments to marketers were a major source of corruption and underhand dealings in the downstream oil and gas industry even as it lamented that this was one of the reasons of no new investment Refinery in Nigeria for over forty years.

The government said fuel subsidy was, responsible for restricted growth along the value chain and consequent lack of employment and revenue generation.

FG To Commence More Rail line Projects Across The Country

By
Ekaette Ibuot
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0

By Ekaette Ibuot

The Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi said that the Federal Government will soon commence more rail line projects across the country in addition to the ongoing Lagos- Ibadan railway project.

Amaechi made this Known in Ibadan at the inspection tour of the Lagos- Ibadan rail line project.

Amaechi said the project will kick start once approval is gotten from the Federal Executive Council to commence construction of three major railway projects which include Kano- Maladi, Port-Harcourt -Maiduguri and Lagos-Calabar railway.

While assuring that the December deadline for the completion of the Lagos- Ibadan rail project remains sacrosanct as the project is gradually winding up considering the level of work done.

In addition, he said more engineers have been employed from China who will help in speedy completion of the project after observing self isolation

According to him; “We are also pursing the loan for the contract which has been awarded for the Lagos to Calabar.

” We also expect that ibadan to kano will commence before the end of this year.”

Speaking on the level of work done, he
expressed satisfaction, but charged the contractors to do more as time is of essence. He said that the project will be completed by December despite a compulsory break caused by the civic 19 pandemic.

On the completion he said; “They have given us the following target- end of September, three stations will be ready, end of October, all the minor stations will be ready, end of December, everything will be ready. They are still keeping to the target of December.

” The only one they are afraid of is Apapa station because they started very late. But l am insisting that Apapa should be completed at the same time as the rest and i have told them to set up a task force just for Apapa alone and i will come by end of September to see for myself how far they have gone,” he stated

Fielding questions from journalists on the recent train accident in Lagos that claimed one life, and the alleged attack on the Abuja bound train from Kaduna, the Minister expressed regret over the loss of life but cautioned that Nigerians must be made to respect the right of way for trains or be made to face the law.

He said that; “its unfortunate that there is a loss of life. The governor and I have agreed that lagosains know that the train track is not a market. when we start running, they need to give way to the track.

” It is not true that the train was attacked in Abuja. Leave this social media propagandists alone. Young boys threw stones at d train near kubwa and broke a glass and they stopped and arrested them. Why is it always the train was shot at and someone was injured. Why is it not someone died. No body is asking why the bullets only select wounds and not deaths. These are just mischief makers repeating the same story”.

Inflation Rises To 13.22% In August, Highest In Four Year

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Tuesday revealed that, Nigeria recorded the highest inflation rate in August 2020 when it stood at 13.22 per cent, higher than the 12.82 per cent recorded in July.

The consumer price index which measures inflation rose by 0.40 percentage points between July and August 2020 on a year-on-year basis, the highest increase recorded since October 2016.

The last time Nigeria’s inflation rate was in this region was in March 2018 when the economy was recovering from the 2016 recession and inflation rate was on a decline from the 18 percent recorded during the recession.

According to the report, “On a month-on-month basis, the Headline index increased by 1.34 percent in August 2020. This is 0.09 percent higher than the rate recorded in July 2020 (1.25 percent),” the report read.

“The urban inflation rate increased by 13.83 percent (year-on-year) in August 2020 from 13.40 percent recorded in July 2020, while the rural inflation rate increased by 12.65 percent in August 2020 from 12.28 percent in July 2020.

“The composite food index rose by 16.00 percent in August 2020 compared to 15.48 percent in July 2020.”

NRC Debunks Rumour Of Bandits Attacks, Says Security Agencies Will Intervene

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) on Tuesday debunked the reports on bandits attacks on Abuja-Kaduna train KA4 between Asham and Kubwa on Monday afternoon and night was false.

The NRC Managing Director, Engr. Fidet Okhiria, said there are always hoodlums that usually throw heavy stones at the moving train along Abuja-Kaduna route,

He made this known in a statement made available to newsmen, by Mrs Taiye Elebiyo-Edeni, Media Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He, however, said that one of the suspects has been arrested stating that the corporation has reached out to security agencies to ensure that such ugly incidence would not happen again.

According to him; “There was no bandits attacks on the train, it’s just a rumour otherwise they will see the bullet all over the train. It was hoodlums that threw stones on the train and because the Police got one suspect, at night more hoodlums came out to attack the train in protest against the arrest made in the afternoon.

“NRC has, however, spoken to security agencies to help us prevent such future occurrences and intervene in the matter, so they will know how best to deal with the situation.

“We however, urged the public using the train not to panic, as the Minister of Transportation and NRC will ensure safety of Nigerians on that route.”

Also, the Manager Abuja-Kaduna Train Service, Paschal Nnorli said that the train got to Idu station yesterday and there was no bandits attack.

“The attention of Nigerian Railway Corporation has been drawn to fake online news that the KA4 train from Kaduna to Abuja was attacked this afternoon(Monday) by armed bandits between Asham and Kubwa.

“This news is false. In between Asham and Kubwa sections, some hoodlums threw stones and broke the windscreen of our locomotive. The crew and armed police escort went after them, the train, however, continued its trip down to Idu,” he said.

Edo Poll: Obaseki, Ize-iyamu, 12 Others Sign Peace Accord

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

The incumbent governor of Edo State and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Saturday election, Godwin Obaseki, and his main challenger, Osagie Ize-iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other candidates for the election on Tuesday signed peace accord and pledged to embrace peace irrespective of the election outcome.

The Peace accord signed by the 14 candidates contesting the Edo State governorship election was organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC).

Chairman of NPC, Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, Former Head of State and while addressing the contestants, urged all stakeholders to commit to the spirit of the accord.

According to him; “As we go into the election, we have been given assurance by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) that they will conduct free, fair and credible election. The rest is left for the voters to do what is right.

“We therefore call on everyone to work towards peaceful election to ensure peace reign during and after the election

In his remarks, Gov. Godwin Obaseki, appealed to the peace Committee to extend the accord to other actors who have influence in the political space to ensure that the exercise is complete.

Obaseki who restated his commitment to ensuring peaceful poll, added that he would lead by example.

“I am grateful to the Independent National Electoral Commission, Police and the Oba of Benin.

“Today, we a agree that a unique type of history has been made in Edo State where all contestants sign the peace accord for a violence-free election. As the Chief Security Officer, I have no choice than to ensure peace reign”, he said.

Similarly, Osagie Ize-iyamu, on his part promised to talk his supporters to conduct themselves in a bid to achieve peaceful poll.

“We are grateful to the peace Committee, INEC and the Police. We are also grateful to the Oba of Benin because what we are witnessing today was actually initiated few weeks ago.

Earlier, the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the assistance in ensuring peaceful poll in Edo.

Represented by the Esogban of Benin, Solomon Edebiri, appealed to Edo sons to shun violence, noting that when two people contest, only one emerges as winner.

Amaechi Says Maritime Bank Will Develop African Economy

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Minister of Transportation,Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, has said that Nigeria would proceed with the Regional Maritime Development Bank Project if only the two-third of member states accept the decision reached by the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa(MOWCA).

He made this when he declared-open the meeting of MOWCA Committee of Experts on the Regional Maritime Development Bank Project and Interim Board of Directors on Tuesday in Lagos.

The member countries of the Maritime Organization of West & Central Africa having identified the major deficit in the development of indigenous participation in the regional maritime sector and associated value chain, had via a resolution at an annual general session agreed to establish a maritime bank focused on the growth and development in West & Central Africa with a view to raising debt and equity capital of US$850,000,000.00 (Eight Hundred & Fifty Million Dollars only) and US$150,000,000.00 (One Hundred & Fifty Million Dollars only) respectively.

The Federal Government of Nigeria via the Federal Ministry of Transportation (FMOT), was then mandated to take all necessary steps to bring the Bank to actualization.

Amaechi further stated that, any decision reached at the end of the meeting won’t be taking to Mr. President until other member States indicate interest in writing to be part of the project which would develop the maritime sector in Africa.

According to him; “Whatever decision we reach here is subject to approval and confirmation of every member states in writing. I will not convene whatever decision reached here to the President until I have the binding of two-third of the members organisation because if we take it to the President and the President approves and every other person backs out, are we going to establish a maritime bank of Nigeria? And that is not the intention, the intention is to establish a maritime bank that cuts across West Africa and Central Africa.

” Nigeria is going to sign for being part of that meeting and we are willing to make our contributions but we will not make those contributions until the two-third of the member States have accepted the decision and have agreed on a timeline which they will make their contributions. I’m willing to participate, we can’t have just six countries passing a law on behalf of over 20 countries in the region”,he stated.

Edo Guber: FRSC Deploys 1,500 Personnel, 35 Vehicles

By
Ola Akinola
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0

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has deployed 1,500 of its personnel to cover the forthcoming Gubernatorial elections which is slated to hold on Saturday 19 September, 2020 as part of concerted measures aimed at assisting and ensuring a hitch free electoral process in Edo state.

According to Assistant Corps Marshal Bisi Kazeem, the Corps Public Education Officer, the FRSC team is to be led by the Zonal Commanding Officer RS5, Benin to be assisted by; Assistant Corps Marshal in charge of Federal Operations at the Federal Road Safety Headquarters, and Sector Commander RS5.1 Benin , a Corps Commander.

Kazeem further hinted that the Corps Marshal, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi equally approved that a total of 35 Vehicles, including Tow trucks, Ambulances and other Operational Vehicles be deployed to aid the electoral processes in the 18 Local Government Areas of the State.

According to him, the deployed Personnel are to engage in the following tasks: carrying out enforcement of no movement order, certification of INEC vehicles to be used to convey electoral materials, removal of obstructions and rescue operations as well as joining other sister agencies to maintain orderliness at assigned polling booths.

While expecting the elections to be conducted in an orderly manner, Kazeem Stated that the Corps Marshal admonished the FRSC Personnel to conduct themselves in a professional manner , carry out their duties diligently and ensure compliance with the Presidential Task Force Directives on Covid19 .

He stated that the FRSC 122 Emergency toll free line remains open to the general public to reach out in case of any unforeseen circumstances that may arise.

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