Day: June 19, 2023

Rep Jonathan Gaza ( SDP- Nasarawa) has assured his constituents of better representation in the 10th Assembly.

Gaza, representing Karu/Keffi/Kokona Federal Constituency, made the pledge at his Thanksgiving Service and Reception held in Karu Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Thanksgiving Service had earlier taken place at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), New Karu branch.

Addressing newsmen at the reception, Gaza said the support, faith and love shown by his constituents had only put on him a moral burden to do more for them, hence his resolve to better represent his constituents in the 10th Assembly.

“I just want to cry out to my loved ones, keen supporters and constituents to remember me in their prayers so that I will be able to satisfy their expectations, which of course, are my desires and I know with their support I will finish well and finish strong.

“I also know that by the time I am through, Karu/Keffi/Kokona will be a much better federal Constituency,” he said.

He added that he would build on the successes recorded in the 9th assembly and introduce new legislations in the 10th Assembly to improve the livelihood of his constituents, people of Nasarawa State and the country in general.

“I want them to expect more of that which allowed them vote for me to come to the 10th assembly.

“Those are the priorities I will build on. So, if I did little in the 9th assembly, I intend to do more in this new assembly. By God’s Grace, I intend to do more for them in the 10th assembly,” he said.

Also, Mr Danlami Mohammed, SDP Chairman in the state, said the fact that Gaza still won the federal Constituency election after defecting from APC to SDP, showed that he was a man loved by his people, irrespective of party affiliation.

He assured the constituency of Gaza’s determination to introduce new legislations targeted at changing their lives for the better, hence the call for them to continue to support and pray for him.

“What we have seen concerning Gaza shows that he is a man of the people, irrespective of tribe, religion or party affiliation. You can see how so many people have come to embrace and celebrate with him.

“That makes me happy. That makes the party happy because if he continues to carry his people along and represent them as they have asked him to, then that means in the next election he will win again with a landslide. Those are the kind of people we want as our representatives in any elective position,” he said.

Similarly, Mr James Thomas, Chairman of Karu Local Government Area, showered praises on the federal lawmaker for his strides in representing the constituency for the past 8 years and winning another term to the NASS.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted cloudiness and thunderstorms from Monday till Wednesday across the country.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Sunday predicted cloudy atmosphere on Monday with patches of clouds over the northern region, with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Adamawa, Kaduna and Taraba.

NiMet forecast thunderstorms in over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Borno, Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Jigawa, Gombe and Kebbi later in the day.

“Cloudy atmosphere with intervals of sunshine is envisaged over the North central region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa.

“Later in the day, isolated thunderstorms are anticipated over the entire region.

“Cloudy atmosphere is envisaged over parts of inland states of South and coastal cities in the morning with chances of isolated thunderstorms over parts of Lagos, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa,” it said.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.

The agency anticipated sunny atmosphere on Tuesday with patches of clouds over the northern region and prospect of morning thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa.

It predicted thunderstorms over parts of Katsina, Kaduna, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba stated later in the day and thunderstorms over parts of Nasarawa and Kogi.

“Later in the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Plateau, Niger, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Kogi.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the inland states of the South and the coastal areas with chances of thunderstorms over Imo, Enugu,Ebonyi, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Lagos later of the day.

“Few patches of clouds over the northern region with prospects of morning thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kaduna and Jigawa states,” it said.

The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Jigawa, Yobe, Borno, Taraba and Adamawa states later in the day.

It forecast cloudy atmosphere with sunshine intervals over the North central region in the morning hours.

The agency anticipated thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Kwara, Niger and Plateau states.

“Cloudy atmosphere is expected over the Inland states of the South and the Coastal areas with chances of thunderstorms over Oyo, Ogun and Lagos states in the morning hours.

“In the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are anticipated over the entire region,” it said.

According to NiMet, for areas where thunderstorms are expected, strong winds are likely to precede the rains and as such trees, electric poles, unsecured objects and weak buildings may be felled.

“So the public is advised to be cautious. Stay in-door especially during heavy rainfall to avoid being struck by lightning.

“All Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“Moderate to heavy rainfall could lead to flash flood. Public is advised to take necessary caution.

“Disaster risk managers, agencies and individuals should be proactive, to avert loss of lives and property during rainy season.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has committed 3 million dollars to the African Water Facility (AWF).

This is contained in a statement issued on the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) website.

According to the statement, the funding will support the preparation of water and sanitation investment projects in Africa.

It said this would be done through the provision of grants and technical assistance to African countries and regional economic communities.

The AWF, an initiative of the African Ministers Council on Water (AMCOW), is hosted by the AfDB.

It is the only African project preparation facility solely focused on addressing water and sanitation issues in Africa.

It helps African countries achieve the objectives and targets set by the water-related Sustainable Development Goals and African Water Vision 2025.

And it does this by the preparation of innovative water and sanitation projects across the continent.

It said access to water and sanitation in Sub-Saharan Africa remains poor.

”’Approximately 400 million people lack basic water supply services, while over 700 million people have no access to decent sanitation.

” Nearly 200 million people still practice open defecation, and 750 million people have no access to hygiene.

” Achieving water security and sanitation for all requires large-scale investment in water supply and sanitation, improved governance of water resources and operations, and the design of climate-resilient infrastructure.”

The AfDB explained that since inception, the facility provided 205 million euros in grant funding for water and sanitation projects in Africa.

It said it had also enabled over 1.7 billion euros in downstream investment in the water and sanitation sector.

Dr Beth Dunford, AfDB’s Vice President for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, commended the agency for the funds.

“This USAID financing affirms growing international support for the AWF as a trusted partner and resource for Africa’s water sector.

” We thank the United States for the funding commitment that will contribute to scaling up the Facility’s work and positively impacting more people across the continent.

”Under its 2022 – 2027 Strategy, USAID aims to reach 22 million people with access to safe drinking water and 22 million people with access to sanitation over five years,” she said.

The coordinator for the AWF, Mtchera Chirwa said the Facility was raising millions of euros to develop investments.

According to Chirwa, the investment will accelerate public and private sector financing of the water sector and deployment of innovation to improve service delivery.

”The support from USAID comes in the lead up to its 2023 funding dialogue in Paris this October, where the facility will engage donors, beneficiary governments, multilateral and international organisations.

”To enhance financing for water and sanitation investment projects in Africa.

“The negative impacts of inadequate access to water and sanitation and poor management of water resources are seen in many countries in Africa.

” The AWF exists to accelerate viable, climate responsive investments by providing grants, technical assistance, and developing catalytic and innovative projects to improve water and sanitation service delivery and water governance in Africa,” he added.

The Facility’s revised Strategic Plan 2017–2025 will endeavour to mobilise resources to increase the delivery of bankable investment projects in water and sanitation across the continent.

This is expected to enable access to climate-resilient and safely managed water supply for 2.6 million people and provide basic sanitation facilities to 2.4 million people.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete, has urged persons with Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) to live meaningful lives because it is not “a death sentence”.

She spoke during a sensitisation and awareness campaign organised by the Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs under “The Red Umbrella Walk for Sickle Cell Disorder’’ campaign.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awareness campaign has as its theme: “The Power of Hope: Step Up for Sickle Cell’’.

She said: “Here, we have not just Sickle Cell Foundation of Nigeria, we have other NGOs, and what we have done is bring them all under one umbrella to have what we call ‘The Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs.

“ Some member NGOs of the coalition included Crimson Bow Sickle Cell Initiative, SAMI Sickle Cell Management Initiative, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria, others.

“We want to speak with one voice to carry the information to the people that Sickle Cell is not a death sentence.

“It always used to be thought of as an incurable disease, but nowadays, we know that persons with SCD are living longer for decades. We had a female carrier who died at the age of 94.

“As long as Sickle Cell carriers are properly treated and properly managed, they can live long productive lives.

“ The walk on Saturday was a precursor to ‘World Sickle Cell Day’ , marked annually on June 19 and it held simultaneously in Lagos, Warri, Benin, Ilorin and other states in Nigeria.’’

According to the Vanderbilt University Medical Centre, Sickle Cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder. That means it is passed down from a parent’s genes. It causes the body to make abnormal haemoglobin.

“Haemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of your body. When you have SCD, your body’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen.

“Healthy red blood cells are round and move easily all over the body. With SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky. They are shaped like the letter C (and like a farm tool called a sickle).

“These damaged red blood cells (sickle cells) clump together. They can’t move easily through the blood vessels. They get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow.

“This blockage stops the movement of healthy oxygen-rich blood. This blockage can cause pain. It can also damage major organs,” the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

To avoid bearing children with sickle cell disorder, Akinsete encouraged people to go for genetic counselling and testing in order to know their genotype; whether they are AA, AS or SS.

“We counsel young people to know their genotype early enough before they begin to date or plan for marriage or begin to have a family of their own.

“Sickle Cell is a genetic disorder, so couples need to know how it’s inherited and how to avoid it,” she said.

On the treatment and management, Akinsete said the treatment and management were quite expensive as carriers had to be on medications every day of their lives.

“Sickle Cell carriers need basic medications like Folic Acid, Hydroxyurea and malaria prevention medications daily. These medications help to prevent crises in patients.

“However, there are now experimental medications such as Arbutamine, which, in the past, patients couldn’t access, but are now accessible through clinical trials,” Akinsete said

She advised patients to eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of water, avoid excessive exercise as well as avoid excessive cold and heat in order to avoid the crisis.

Also, Mrs Toyin Adesola, Executive Director of Sickle Cell Advocacy And Management Initiative and Chairperson of Coalition of Sickle Cell NGOs, said that sickle cell disease was a major public health concern in Nigeria.

She said Nigeria had one of the highest burdens of sickle cell disease in the world, with a significant portion of the population carrying the sickle cell trait.

“It is estimated that over 150,000 children are born with sickle cell disease in Nigeria each year, making it the highest number of newborns affected by the condition in any country.

“This event holds immense significance as we come together to raise awareness about sickle cell disease and advocate for better healthcare and support for individuals living with this condition.

“It is a testament to our commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by sickle cell disorder.

“Today, we stand here with our red umbrellas held high, symbolising unity and protection for those who face the daily challenges of sickle cell disease.

“Each step we take represents a step towards progress, hope, and empowerment.

“Our united presence sends a powerful message to the world—that we are here, visible, and demand change’’

“Through this Red Umbrella Walk, the 7th edition, we strive to educate the public about the realities individuals faced with sickle cell disease.

“We aim to break the stigma surrounding this condition and foster community among patients, their families, and the wider society.

“We will shatter misconceptions and build a more inclusive and supportive environment,’’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) says it has begun preliminary investigations to unravel the remote cause of the death of over 103 persons in a boat accident at Egbu village in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara.

The Director-General of the agency, Mr George Moghalu, disclosed this while speaking with the newsmen in Ilorin on Sunday after an on-the-spot assessment visit to the incident scene.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased reportedly died after the boat conveying them, while returning from a marriage ceremony, capsized in the middle of the river.

Moghalu said he was in the community to find out the cause of the unfortunate accident and put plans in place to stem future re-occurrence.

The NIWA boss, while condoling the community and the entire nation, revealed that the preliminary investigation had shown that the accident happened as a consequence of avoidable human error.

He said from the initial reports, even though investigation is still ongoing, revealed that the vessel that was involved in the accident was on water outside approved stipulated time of operation.

“There is a standard protocol that after 6 p.m, we don’t allow boats to operate on our water ways.

“Because experiences have shown that over 90 to 95 per cent of accident on our water ways happened in the night or very early hours in the morning.

“The reason is very simple, these vessels don’t have night navigation aides, the vessel in question was heavily overloaded.

“There was no reason for the vessel to carry over 250 passangers; and apart from the passangers, there were other luggages.

“Most unfortunately also, all the passangers were not wearing life jackets and it was on a very raining night and the downpour came with wind,” he said.

Moghalu also confirmed that NIWA donated life jackets to the community and pledged to provide more life saving equipment to the community.

He explained that in the course of his discussion with the people, the community made basic requests, including provision of a jetty.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria