FG DECLARES MONDAY 27TH AND 28TH AS PUBLIC HOLIDAY FOR CHRISTMAS

22/12/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations.

In a statement signed by The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of interior, shuaib Belgore, the minister Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Aregbesola enjoins Christians to practice the doctrines of Christ, which include but not limited to faith, hope and love.

“We must emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on Humility, Service, Compassion, Patience, Peace and Righteousness, that His birth signifies. This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth”,

He also emphasizes that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity, while urging Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling the nation.

The Minister said this Yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to prevent the spread of the COVID -19 virus in the community and the nation as a whole. “Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities. Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus”.

He admonishes all citizens to remain focused and expresses confidence that the year 2022 would be a better year for us all.

ANDY UBA: TIME TO EAT HUMBLE PIE AND WALK AWAY

22/12/21

Joe C Anatune*
Writes from Awa

It bears repeating that the November 6, 2021 Anambra Governorship election has been adjudged as the most peaceful, freest and fairest election in recent times in our democratic experiment. This is one election in Nigeria where presidents of nations have congratulated the winner of a subnational election.

Curiously, the second runner-up who took a distant third position in the election, Senator Andy Uba keeps deceiving his followers that the Imo magic will happen in Anambra State. He is running against the tide of public opinion. Many keep wondering who he is listening to…search me !

When the news filtered out that an Abuja High Court has voided Uba’s candidature for the said election, the entire Anambra erupted in wild jubilation. Indeed, Ndigbo wherever they are, have been celebrating. We are not surprised at this because an opinion poll conducted by a reputable research company before the election revealed that Uba is the most hated aspirant.

Uba is our brother and we feel obliged to advise him to eat humble pie and walk away. He should join hands with Cee Cee Soludo and contribute to the transformation of Anambra into a Livable and prosperous homeland beginning with the road that takes him home.

Besides, all of us cannot be Governor at the same time or , can we?

Be of good cheer!!

*Joe C Anatune*
Writes from Awa

COVID-19 UPDATE, 418 NEW CASES CONFIRMED BY NCDC

13/12/21

DANIELS G.O

The Nigeria centre for disease control has confirmed 418 new cases of #COVID-19 Nigeria;

Lagos-314
Ogun-27
Plateau-18
Edo-17
Enugu-11
Abia-8
Delta-7
Bayelsa-5
Kano-4
Rivers-4
Osun-2
Oyo-1

217,481 confirmed
207,746 discharged
2,981 deaths

Today’s report includes:

▪️18 confirmed cases reported for Plateau state for 06th December 2021

▪️11 confirmed cases reported for Enugu state for 10th December 2021

▪️7 confirmed cases reported for Delta state for 11th (4) & 12th (3) December 2021

▪️18 Discharged cases reported for Enugu state for 10th December 2021

▪️2 Discharged cases reported for Lagos state for 10th December 2021

▪️3 states with zero cases reported: Ekiti, Ondo and Sokoto

***PLS STAY SAFE.

SIJU ILUYOMADE RECORDS ANOTHER FEAT AS ARISE COVID VACCINATION CLINIC GETS SET TO GIVE FIRST …SECOND …AND THE MUCH AWAITED BOOSTER DOSES OF COVID VACCINE

12/12/21

DANIELS G.O

THE CONVENER ARISE WOMEN CONFERENCE DR SIJU ILUYOMADE RECORDS ANOTHER FEAT AS ARISE COVID VACCINATION CLINIC GETS SET TO GIVE THE FIRST, SECOND AND BOOSTER DOSES OF COVID-19 VACCINES.

DATE,THURSDAY 16TH OF DECEMBER,2021

AND VENUE IS AT THE AT INCUBATOR COD ROAD

TIME,8.00AM

PLEASE DON’T MISS IT!

GET VACCINATED TO
BREAK THE CHAIN OF TRANSMISSION NOW!

SAVE LIVES

***THERE IS FREE FOOD FOR THOSE GETTING VACCINATED !

Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade the 111 Dies @ 95

The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi Ajagungbade the 111 has passed on

The monarch joined his ancestors in the early hours of Sunday Morning

Though The death of the monarch has not been officially announced, sources in the town, and prominent sons and daughters of ogbomoso land have been trooping to the Palace of the paramount ruler to sign the condolence register.

The monarch died at the age of 95,He reigned for 48 years.

He ascended the throne of his forefathers on October 24, 1973.

The king is set to be buried today Sunday 12th Dec,2021 by 4pm in the Palace promises.

U.S. Fulbright Experts in Oncology Share New Clinical Approaches to Patient Care

11/12/21

DANIELS G.O

PRESS RELEASE

United States Consulate General, Public Affairs Section,

2 Walter Carrington Crescent, P.O. Box 554 Lagos.

Phone: 01-4603400

W

U.S. Fulbright Experts in Oncology Share New Clinical Approaches to Patient Care

Lagos–– Over the past two weeks, the U.S. Embassy helped connect oncology specialists from the United States and Nigeria to help strengthen the capacity of cancer treatment and care in Nigeria.

As visiting Fulbright Specialists in the field of oncology pharmacy, Professor Cindy O’Bryant of the University of Colorado and Professor Donald Harvey of Emory University conducted trainings and shared best practices with their Nigerian counterparts in both Abuja and Lagos.
In the capital, Dr. O’Bryant and Dr. Harvey briefed stakeholders at the Ministry of Health, National Hospital Trauma Center, and the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital on new clinical approaches to help improve treatment outcomes and the survival rate of cancer patients. They also discussed early detection and prevention, enhanced delivery of care, and strengthening institutional support for patient-centered care models.
In Lagos, the two Fulbright Specialists conducted a workshop in pharmaceutical best practices for 34 pharmacy oncologists from across Nigeria. The training focused on managing different cancers, selecting and administering medicines, using Biosafety Cabinets and other workplace safety protocols, and safely administering chemotherapy at the Marcelle Ruth Cancer Centre and NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre.
The visit is being sponsored by the U.S. Embassy’s Public Affairs Section and Project Pink Blue, a local cancer awareness non-profit organization, through the auspices of the U.S. Department of State’s Fulbright Specialist Program. The Fulbright Specialist Program is a short-term complement to the more widely known U.S. Fulbright Scholar Program which sends U.S. faculty and professionals overseas to consult, research, and promote dialogue as subject matter experts.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Program, which since 1946 has been operational in over 160 countries to facilitate international educational and cultural exchanges among leading and accomplished students, scholars, teachers, and professionals from all fields.

###

Captions

Pix 1:

From left: Professor Cindy O’Bryant of the University of Colorado; Chairperson, Oncology Pharmacy Practitioners Association of Nigeria, Ramatu Masu’d Alabelewe; Professor Donald Harvey of Emory University and Director, Programs and Grant, ACT Foundation, Ndifreke Okwuegbunam at the closing ceremony and presentation of certificates to participants of a Cancer Treatment and Care Workshop organized for pharmacy oncologists in Lagos.
Pix 2:

Fulbright Specialists, Professor Cindy O’Bryant of the University of Colorado and Professor Donald Harvey of Emory University with participants at the closing ceremony of a Cancer Treatment and Care Workshop organized for pharmacy oncologists in Lagos.

LASG SHUTS 34 MEDICINE OUTLETS FOR NON COMPLIANCE

11/12/21

DANIELS. G.O

LASG SHUTS 34 MEDICINE OUTLETS FOR NON COMPLIANCE
Lagos State Government has shut 34 medicine outlets at Shomolu, Bariga, Gbagada and Ifako areas of Shomolu and Kosofe Local Government areas as well as Bale and Savage streets in Orile Iganmu Local Council Development area of the state for non compliance to regulatory standards.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi who disclosed this after reviewing the report of the recent monitoring, inspection and enforcement exercises carried out by the Lagos State Taskforce on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Food, explained that the affected outlets were shut for contravening regulations guiding the operations of sale of medicines in the State.
“The sealing of the affected medicine outlets was in accordance with the provisions of Section C34 of the Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods Miscellaneous Provision Act of 1999”, he noted.
Abayomi explained further that the affected premises were sealed for offences including inappropriate storage conditions of drugs, having unskilled persons handling and dispensing drugs, sale of drugs by illegal shop owners, stocking of expired drugs and sale of drugs in market places.
While noting that sale of medicines are only allowed in registered and licensed outlets, Abayomi said patent medicine vendors are authorized to sell drug products only in their original and approved pack size as produced by the manufacturing companies.
He added that the law prohibits patent medicine vendors and licensed pharmaceutical premises from operating beyond their scope.
According to him, the recent operation was a follow up to the rejigged enforcement exercise by the taskforce to sanitize the drug distribution chain in Lagos State.
“The Task Force enforcement activities in Shomolu and Bariga LGA was a follow up to previous enforcement exercise conducted in the areas in October which is aimed at compliance
“The revisit revealed a significant success in the war against fake drugs and illegal drug shop in lagos as 16 shops earlier sealed were met evacuated and are no longer involved in illegal sale of drugs.
“The November enforcement exercise at Savage and Bale streets in Orile-Iganmu LCDA was to prevent clustering of drug outlets which are haven for fake drugs. It is worthy to mention that 13 out of 14 outlets visited were sealed, one of the sealed premises was found to be stocking expired drugs which is hazardous to the health of the State Citizenry”, he explained.
Abayomi promised that the activities of the State Task Force on Fake Drugs would not only be sustained, but intensified until stakeholders in the pharmaceutical value chain appreciates the need to adhere strictly to the provisions of the law.
Speaking in the same vein, Director Pharmaceutical Services in the Ministry, Mrs. Oyebisi Omolambe said that the State Government will not relent in its efforts to stop the inherent dangers associated with the operations from unlicensed pharmaceutical outlets and drug shops.
She added that the Task Force through the Pharmaceutical Inspectorate Unit (PIU) of the Pharmaceutical Services Directorate has been re-energized to intensify the on-going war against fake, expired and substandard drugs being peddled by unlicensed and illegal premises.
“This closure is thus part of the government’s renewed efforts to sanitize the drug distribution system and curb proliferation of fake drugs in the State” She said.
The enforcement and compliance raid by the State Task force on Counterfeit, Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods was carried out in collaboration with the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Pharmacists’ Council of Nigeria (PCN), Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Federal Taskforce on fake drugs and the Police Officers from Environmental and Special Offences Unit (Task Force) of Lagos Police Command.
Signed
Tunbosun Ogunbanwo
Director Public Affairs
10th December, 2021

WANTED: STRUCTURED CONVERSATIONS ON EXPECTATIONS FROM SOLUDO (PART 1)*

Joe C. Anatune*
Writes from Awa

There is intense, healthy and variegated conversation among Ndi Anambra about what the Anambra State Governor-Elect, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo will bring to the table. However, what seems to be missing in the conversation is familiarity with or knowledge of his agenda as succinctly spelt out in “Soludo Solution: A People’s Manifesto For A Greater Anambra State.”

We believe that proper literature review of this document should be the foundational precursor in shaping public debate on the policy thrusts of the Governor-Elect. It is therefore desirable that all critical stakeholders should go through the document so that we can move from the known to the unknown. Anambra will certainly be better off when the conversation is structured.

For instance, at the celebration of the remarkable life and times of the mother of my friend and brother Christian Onyemelukwe on December 3, 2021 in Enugwu-Nanka, the conversation on the subject centred on the priority sector the incoming administration should focus on. Some said roads, some industrialisation, some education, others energy while others said health, especially now that the omicron variant of the Covid-19 virus is on the prowl. Anambra was here like an elephant being described from the angle each viewer saw it.

True, what is lacking in all the conversations is a central theme that drives the development agenda. The Manifesto document under reference has it and we think that understanding the overarching vision is imperative.

Yes, Soludo envisions a one-state Megacity that will be liveable and prosperous. Liveability is the underpinning concept here. A liveable city provides equitable access to the necessities of life such as housing, mobility, food, services, education and gainful employment. It affords all residents the opportunity to participate in the civic, economic and cultural life of the city. There are five key aspects of great livable cities namely, robust and complete neighbourhood, accessible and sustainable mobility, a diverse and resilient economy, vibrant public spaces and affordability. The city for instance should make walking a joy that is safe, comfortable and interesting. In short, a liveable city is a healthy city that promotes heath, well-being and equity.

The livability is the magnet that fascinates and attracts Ndi Anambra and the world to Anambra and engenders prosperity as people hardly invest in places where they can’t live. That’s why Soludo assures that as this grand vision is implemented, children born in Anambra will not have the lure to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

This is the game changer. Please read the manifesto and let the conversation begin as we get set to go forward together. http://www.thepeoplesmanifesto.ng

Be of good cheer!!

*Joe C. Anatune*
Writes from Awa

LAGOS TO HOLD A WEEKLONG FREE FAMILY HEALTH INTERVENTIONS

02/12/21

DANIELS. G.O

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT

MINISTRY OF HEALTH

PRESS RELEASE

LAGOS TO HOLD A WEEKLONG FREE FAMILY HEALTH INTERVENTIONS

….Restates Commitment to Reduce Maternal and Child Deaths

In its continued quest to reduce maternal, infant and child mortality and promote optimal health for the entire family, the Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second round of 2021 Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) week; a week geared towards improving the health-seeking behaviour of all citizens.

According to a press statement issued by the State Ministry of Health, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi announced that the MNCAH week is scheduled to hold between Monday 6th and Friday 10th December, 2021 in all the Primary Healthcare Centres and designated sites across the state including in 310 fixed posts, 376 temporary fixed posts and 752 mobile posts.

While noting that the MNCAH week will be flagged off by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-on Friday 3rdof December, 2021 at the Ikorodu Town hall, Abayomi listed the interventions to be provided during the weeklong health intervention to include; provision of vitamin A supplementation and malnutrition screening for children between the ages of 6 months to 59 months, deworming of children between the ages of 12 to 59 months, birth registration as well as HIV and Tuberculosis screening.

Others according to him are; counselling of caregivers on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), food demonstration classes for nursing mothers and caregivers, management of minor childhood illnesses such as malnutrition and malaria, family planning services for females and males, antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care and demonstration of hand washing techniques.

He said: “As part of the pre-implementation activities to enhance coordination and availability of essential supplies and program success, planning meetings have been held with officers from other line ministries including Information & Strategy, Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Education, Agriculture, Youth & Social Development, Economic Planning & Budget, State Universal Basic Education Board, Civic Engagement, Local Government & Community Affairs, Civil Society Organization, Development Partners and Community Leaders”.

The Commissioner added that a series of training have also been held to ensure that the over 4000 health workers and implementers involved in the exercise carry out their duties in line with the global best practices and objectives of the campaign.

Abayomi noted that the MNCAH week is an important week established in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and other Development Partners to increase access to quality Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent healthcare services and improve the health-seeking behaviour of all citizens in the state.

“Customarily, it is implemented twice yearly and being the pioneering state, we have been consistent with this laudable initiative that has done nothing else but improve our health indices across the state especially with the under-five children and women.

“In addition to improving the health seeking behaviour of citizens, this program also promotes the reduction in the fragmentation of healthcare services especially at the primary level and improves the provision of healthcare services in an integrated manner which is more sustainable, efficient, impactful and cost-effective”, the commissioner explained.

He noted that maternal, infant and child deaths are largely preventable with improved health-seeking behaviours, access to timely healthcare, and provision of life-saving commodities which the weeklong MNCAH intervention seeks to achieve.

Abayomi added that the ministry of health has rolled out series of trainings on various maternal and child health interventions such as active management of the third stage of labour, essential newborn care, contraceptive logistics management system, integrated management of childhood illnesses to both public and private health providers in the state as part of the effort to develop the institutional capacity of the health care providers in the state.

He said that over 400 health workers have been exposed to these training geared towards improving the quality of maternal and child health services provided.

The Commissioner further explained that health interventions for adolescents especially in the area of reproductive health and psychosocial support have also been in the front burner of the ministry’s activities stressing that this is in a bid to ensure their protection and providing an enabling environment for their attaining their optimal potentials.

“At the moment, there are 13 state owned specialized centres that cater for the reproductive needs of the adolescents, whilst putting into consideration their conservative lifestyles. Six of these centres take care of the teenage moms in addition to the youth friendly services offered to adolescents”, he said.

Abayomi added that the state is also making concerted efforts towards the reductionof the stunting rate from the current 17 percent of under-five children to less than 10 percent. He noted the State government has built the capacity of healthcare providers at the local level on skills for the introduction of micronutrient powder to all under-five children in the state.

“The Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health plus Nutrition Week has come a long way in ensuring free access to high impact but low-cost promotive and preventive health interventions for the mothers, children, adolescents and women that will prevent the common causes of morbidity and mortality in these population groups”, he said.

The Commissioner enjoined citizens especially women of child bearing age, adolescent, nursing mothers and pregnant women to avail themselves of the cost effective health interventions provided during the week by visiting any of the PHCs and designated sites earmarked for the exercise.

Signed

Tunbosun Ogunbanwo

Director, Public Affairs

2nd December, 2021