Category: General

Dr Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), says stakeholders’ collaboration, partnerships and networking, is crucial towards mitigating the prevailing violent extremism and terrorism in West Africa.

Ochogwu stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at a women and youth training program organised by Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Accra, on Thursday, in Abuja.

He said all stakeholders must work collaboratively in partnership with institutions like ECOWAS and community-based organisations, while networking at the national and sub-national levels, to curb violent extremism and terrorism.

According to him, this is why the IPCR, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs parastatal, is partnering KAIPTC in the training program, while also collaborating with security agencies, the media and civil society.

“There is what we call collaboration, partnership and networking. The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Cen
tre has been a great ally, particularly in terms of providing the training component and we, IPCR, on the other side, in knowledge production.

“So, we’ve been joint partners in this process of preventing and countering violent extremism, not only within Nigeria but within the West African sub region and at the global level. There is a global action against terrorism and transnational organised crime and all that.

“What we are seeing here is the soft side, in terms of the non-kinetic approach, of how to engage, in preventing and countering violent extremism. There is also the military side in countering violent extremism and all that.

“So it’s a cocktail, a mix of these approaches with the kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, knowledge production and training, that enables us to mitigate the advances of violent extremist groups and criminal groups within the sub region,” he said.

Ochogwu said there was also a national action plan and framework on preventing and countering violent extremism, adding that IPCR
had been trying to open it up and follow the implementation and policy framework for prevention and countering of violent extremism.

He said that the institute had also been working with partners, like the Office of the National Security Adviser, the security services, and relevant soft agencies, stressing that there was a need to constantly mainstream and amplify it.

“We can’t work in silos to achieve results. We must work collaboratively on networking at the national level, and even at the sub-national level with other actors, as well as community-based organisations, for us to be able to nip some of these excesses in the bud.

“And that is what we are doing at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution, to ensure that it is an all of government and all of society approach on how we are able to deal with these issues, as government alone cannot do it, society alone cannot do it.

“So you need the cooperation and collaboration between the government, that is, state and non-state actors for us to be ab
le to achieve this. Also, there is a critical role too, for the media as the fourth estate of the realm, for them to be in this battle, and I’m happy that you guys are part of it, in terms of coverage,” he said.

The IPCR boss emphasised that in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism within the ECOWAS sub region, and also globally, no individual, country, or institution could do it alone, except through a cross partnership.

“You can see Kofi Annan (KAIPTC) based in Ghana, is here in Nigeria, providing knowledge in this particular area, in terms of the triggering of NGOs and civil society, particularly the vulnerable groups, that is, women and youth.

“So, it’s something we need to cascade and escalate across the sub-region, because it is not okay for one particular side to have a knowledge and the other side doesn’t have a knowledge.

“So be it Anglophone, Francophone or Russophone, all of us need to be on board in terms of preventing and countering violent extremism within the sub region,
” Ochogwu added.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Police at Noordoewer have arrested a third suspect in the N.dollars 5.5 million drug case, a 34-year-old Congolese national.

Namibian Police Force crime investigations coordinator for the ||Kharas Region, Deputy Commissioner Nikodemus Mbango in a crime report issued to Nampa on Thursday said the woman was arrested on Wednesday morning.

‘The woman and her disabled child were with the two suspects that were arrested on Tuesday night, however upon our investigations, we also arrested her,’ said Mbango.

On Tuesday around 23h00 police arrested two men, a Namibian and a Congolese national aged 33 and 35 respectively, after they were allegedly found in possession of drugs valued at N.dollars 5 554 500.

The Congolese man and Congolese woman are registered as asylum seekers at Osire Refugee Settlement, Mbango noted.

According to the police, the suspects were found with 94 parcels of cannabis, weighing a total of 111.9kg.

‘Information was received about drug trafficking via the Orange River from South Africa into
Namibia, destined for Rundu via Noordoewer. The police officers swiftly attended to the information and the suspects were intercepted after they crossed the border via the river at an illegal point of entry. Consequently, the drugs were seized, and [the first two] suspects were apprehended,’ said the police report.

The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Noordoewer periodic court on Friday.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) has donated 50 sets of HP computer laptops to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

Dr Aminu Maida, the Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, made the donation during a courtesy visit by a delegation from NCC to the NCPWD headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday.

Maida, represented by Mr Tijani Munguno, a Deputy Director in the Commission, stated that the provision of the ICT equipment stemmed from NCC’s belief that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) need these tools to thrive.

He emphasised that the equipment would enhance the digital communication skills of PWDs, enabling them to compete effectively in the ICT market.

He noted that this support would aid the commission in fulfilling its mandate and promoting inclusivity.

Maida highlighted the importance of digital technology in today’s world, stating that access to it is crucial for efficiency and quality output.

He expressed hope that the laptops would have a significant impact on the disability co
mmunity.

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary of NCPWD, expressed gratitude to the NCC delegation for their donation and support.

He affirmed the commitment of NCPWD to collaborate with NCC in advancing the digital communication skills and knowledge of PWDs.

Lalu also presented National Accessibility Manuals to the delegation, enabling NCC to familiarise themselves with accessibility standard guidelines in their various offices.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Lagos residents to make the environment friendly for the new corps members posted to the state.

Sanwo-Olu made the call at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Batch A, Stream II orientation, held on Tuesday at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) temporary orientation camp, Iyana-Ipaja, Lagos.

He also urged the corps members to make the service year have meaningful impact on the social-economic and political development of Lagos State and Nigeria at large.

‘I implore you to accept your posting to any part of Lagos and see it as an opportunity to participate in the community development programmes, impact your host community and leave indelible legacies.

‘These, your predecessors did in the areas of healthcare delivery system, educational services, social services amongst others, just as your services may be needed in the aforementioned.’

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mr Ibukun Dosunmu, Director, General Service, Lagos State Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmenta
l Relations, said that the state government would continue to recognise and reward outstanding corps members at the end of the service year.

Baderinwa urged the corps members to be good ambassador of the scheme, family and communities in their places of assignment.

She said that it was fundamental for them to obey rules/regulations of NYSC.

‘Let the team spirit you cultivated while in camp guide your conducts, set aside tribal sentiments,

‘I wish you productive service year, remember that any erring corps member will be penalised in line with the NYSC by-law.

‘As these young patriots move to the next stage of their service year, being the primary and secondary assignments, I am optimistic that they’ll perform excellently, having been properly intimated with the tenets of the scheme,’ she added.

The coordinator expressed appreciation to corporate organisations and collaborating partners.

She said that some made impactful presence in the orientation camp, sponsoring social and sporting activities which a
dded colour and variety to the purpose of the course.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some corps members and camp officials were identified for their outstanding performance during the three-week orientation course and given commendation letters at the event.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Stakeholders on the prevention of HIV/AIDS on Tuesday called for increased domestic funding to accelerate prevention and end HIV/AIDS in Nigeria.

They made the call at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Nigeria HIV prevention cconferencewith the theme ‘Accelerating HIV Prevention to end AIDS through Innovations and Community Engagement’ organised by National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in Abuja.

Amobi Ogah, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Control, stressed the need to reduce dependency on foreign aid and source for local funding to end HIV/AIDS in the country.

Ogah disclosed that Nigeria needed an estimated eight billion dollars annually to sustain the fight against HIV/AIDS.

He added that the national coverage of Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV is less than 50 per cent, leading to about 22,000 cases of MTCT of HIV every year in Nigeria.

He stressed the need to re-evaluate, rethink, and re-strategise HIV prevention i
ntervention programmes.

He added that ‘for NACA to achieve her mandate, we must all ensure increase of domestic funding, strengthen HIV interventions, mobilise community members for gender equality, social norms and care services.

‘We must also increase funding for PMTCT of HIV, support people living with the virus, campaign against stigmatisation and discrimination of persons living with HIV/AIDS.

‘Also, we need to ensure leadership action for these and key population communities among other interventions.

‘NACA will also need to scale up its treatment centres, which is about 100. I think we should increase it to at least 300 by the end of 2024 to stem the tide and sustain the fight to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat.

Dr Temitope Ilori, the Director-General of NACA, said that the theme of the conference underscores the importance of community involvement in shaping effective prevention strategies, while ensuring access to treatment for those living with HIV/AIDS.

She said ‘we must double our eff
orts to prevent MTCT and strive for an AIDS-free generation by 2030, leveraging the advancements in health technology at our disposal.

‘Prevention lies at the core of our public health interventions. Therefore, this conference serves as a platform to explore innovative approaches to empower communities, particularly those at higher risk, with the knowledge and tools to protect themselves from HIV infection.

‘Stigma and discrimination remain significant barriers to achieving our goals by 2030.

‘We must educate and sensitise people about the harmful effects of stigma and discrimination against individuals living with HIV/AIDS.

‘Our strategies must be inclusive, person-centred, and sensitive to the needs of adolescents, young people, key populations, and people living with the virus.

‘We must also focus on community-based interventions while promoting local ownership and sustainability of our response efforts.’

Dr Leo Zekeng, the UNAIDS Country Director, said: ‘everyone must be involved. We need to find ou
t at the state level how much is earmarked toward prevention, we need the political commitment.

‘Investment in condoms has reduced and data remains a challenge. So, this is the time to invest in primary prevention, and chart a new course on reducing new infections in Nigeria.’

Also, Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stressed the need to accelerate prevention of new infections, especially among vulnerable population and youths.

‘My attention will be focused on how we keep our data right, ensuring that we have solid foundation for improved ownership and sustainability of the HIV response in Nigeria.

‘I will be elated when the director-general of NACA talks to me on how we can facilitate an AIDS-free generation, where no child will be born HIV positive in Nigeria.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

SWAKOPMUND: Nestled within the community of DRC in Swakopmund lies a beacon of hope for disadvantaged youth: Venessa Kindergarten, soon to be renamed Namibian Woman and Children’s Foundation.

Founded by the determined Louisa Kativa, the kindergarten is not just a place of early education, but also a lifeline for teenagers and young mothers facing immense challenges.

Kativa, the current Swakopmund Constituency Councillor, is a former healthcare professional who noticed a dire need for support among pregnant teenage girls, often from underprivileged backgrounds.

These girls, burdened by societal pressures and lack of resources, faced bleak futures.

Determined to make a difference, Kativa embarked on a mission to provide them with educational opportunities and a path to independence.

‘During my past profession in the Ministry of Health, I encountered many young girls who dropped out of school due to teenage pregnancy or having no one to care for their babies when they wanted to go back to school. This then
prompted this initiative in 2018,’ she elaborated.

She explained that the institution operates on a unique model, catering specifically to the needs of teenage mothers, whose babies are cared for during the day, allowing mothers to attend school and breastfeed their infants during breaks while busy with homework.

‘This innovative approach not only supports the teenagers academically, but also fosters a nurturing environment for both mother and child. There are currently over 30 youth enlisted in the programme who depend on donations here and there to enable them to care and feed the needy youth and their children,’ she carried on.

Currently, there is only one caregiver and a few volunteers offering pre-primary education and daycare services.

Despite the institution’s aim to make a difference in society, the journey has not been without challenges as it faces several limitations such as dilapidated infrastructure, very limited space, and insufficient facilities.

The edu-carer at the kindergarten, Evanthia
Kazondunge, who took up the role in 2020, explained that despite the challenges posed by limited resources, the spirit of determination thrives within the walls of this modest institution.

‘The structure is falling apart, the roof is worn out, and the floor, once solid, now has to be covered with a plastic mat, causing water to pool in unexpected places when it rains or is too misty. The number of children is increasing, and they are now becoming crammed in the classroom,’ Kazondunge explained.

Despite these obstacles, the team remains steadfast in their commitment to providing quality education and support to the community’s youth.

The caregiver emphasised the potential of every child, saying they are dedicated to unlocking it, regardless of financial constraints, outlining some of the success stories at the institution.

One of the young people who has benefited and continues to benefit from this programme is 19-year-old Genesis Jafet, who is currently in Grade 10.

Jafet joined the programme last year w
hen she lost her one-year-old baby boy due to illness.

‘This programme helped me get over the ordeal of losing my baby while encouraging and motivating me to go back to school, which I was forced to drop out of as a result of falling pregnant. I did not have much support from home with my child after losing him. Joining this programme was the best decision I made for my future because I am now back in school and more determined than ever to complete my studies,’ she narrated.

Another such success story is Uakataviza Katjimune, a 27-year-old who is determined to rewrite his academic trajectory.

Despite facing setbacks after high school, Katjimune’s encounter with Venessa Kindergarten reignited his passion for learning.

He migrated from Okakarara to Swakopmund in pursuit of a better life for his parents and family back home and was then referred to the institution, which assisted him with his studies.

‘Through their financial assistance, I was able to upgrade my Grade 12, with an impressive 30 points, and
I would now like to pursue further studies in chartered accountancy. I am forever grateful to this institution for enabling me to come this far in my studies. Had it not been for them, I would not have been able to find myself on this path,’ he expressed.

Venessa Kindergarten is now seeking assistance in securing a larger plot of land to expand its facilities.

Additionally, funding is needed to sponsor university education for deserving students like Katjimune, ensuring that their aspirations are not limited by financial constraints.

Beyond academics, the school envisions a holistic approach to empowerment. Plans for a playground, though limited by space, symbolise the commitment to fostering physical well-being alongside mental growth.

Additionally, initiatives like gardening projects and entrepreneurial mentorship are needed to instil self-sufficiency and resilience within the community.

‘We do not just want hand-out assistance; we want to equip families with the tools to create their opportunities, to
build sustainable livelihoods,’ Kazondunge expressed.

The founder passionately advocated for the future of Namibia’s youth, with a clear message stating that no child should be left behind and through collective effort and support from the community, the programme will continue to be a beacon of hope, illuminating the path towards a brighter future for generations to come.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Ambassador of Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Mr KIM Pankyu, has promised to explore avenues of assisting Nigeria to tackle the security challenge in the country.

He said this at a media parley in Abuja.

Pankyu.

The envoy who had just spent about 50 days in Nigeria, pledged to work toward expanding the partnership between the two countries for mutual benefits.

He said that Korea had at different times offered capacity building programmes for the Nigerian military and other security agencies toward enhancing their capabilities.

‘I intend to expand this kind of opportunities for Nigeria. I believe that counter-terrorism courses and training programmes are useful for Nigerian military officers.

‘We will also explore ways to have Nigerian Government to keep itself with proper hardwares. The Korean navy has donated a patrol ship which will arrive Lagos in few months. I will explore ways to expand this kind of assistance.

‘I will also explore ways to deepen the security cooperation to assist the country ad
dress insecurity. I will do that by using my expertise in military and security affairs which saw me through in my 40 years in the Korea navy.

‘On this, I will also like to focus on promoting corporation on maritime security, because, securing maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea will essentially benefit many countries, including Korea.

‘In addition, I will like to expand Korean support of capacity building for Nigerian Military and security Officers,’Pankyu said.

He said that Nigeria remained a strong Korean partner in Africa, adding that the two countries can do more together.

He lauded the Federal Government for introducing reforms toward improving the business environment in the country.

‘I will explain these changes to Korean companies and encourage them to venture into Nigeria and make investments.

‘I will facilitate a people to people exchange between Nigeria and Korea because I believe that culture has the power to connect people and improve understanding among them,’ he said.

He commended t
he Korean Culture Centre in Nigeria for playing significant roles in introducing Korean Culture to Nigerians, promising to provide opportunities to Nigerians to experience the Korean content.

Pankyu also promised to explore avenues of increasing study slots for Nigerians wishing to study in the Republic of Korea.

He said that the Korean Government had provided numerous support toward food self-sufficiency in Africa through various projects like the K-Rice Belt Initiative to enhance high yield and food security on the continent.

‘We have signed Memorandum of Understanding with 10 African Countries to promote K-Rice Belt Projects. Nigeria’s joining this project is being discussed and when it is realised, it will surely contribute to its agriculture sector,’ he said.

The Envoy said that the Korea-Africa Summit slated for June in Seoul, Korea, would help solidify the relationship between Korea and Africa and also Korea and Nigeria.

‘The inaugural Korea-Africa Summit is expected to be the largest internationa
l gathering. This reflect Korea’s President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to fostering mutually, beneficial, sustainable and strategic partnership with Africa.

‘This also marks significant steps in Korea’s comprehensive strategy to engage deeply with the global South, reflecting our commitment to global inclusiveness and corporation.

‘During the Summit, we will host many side events, and provide opportunities for Nigeria and Korea to explore ways to expand their bilateral economic and cultural exchange between government and private sector.

‘I’m positive and believe that the coming Summit will set a new milestone in the relationship between Korea and Africa,’Pankyu said.

He said that Korean people were largely Super Eagles fans, as they enjoyed their superlative performance in international tournaments.

‘The Korean people know Wole Soyinka, the literary Icon and they know the role of Nigeria in peace keeping in Africa,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

WINDHOEK: Two men, a Namibian and a Congolese national, were arrested Tuesday night after they were allegedly found in possession of drugs valued at N.dollars 5 554 500.

According to Namibian Police Force spokesperson, Deputy Commissioner Kauna Shikwambi, the suspects aged 33 and 35 were found with 94 parcels of cannabis, weighing a total mass of 111.9kg.

‘Information was received about drug trafficking via the Orange River from South Africa into Namibia, destined for Rundu via Noordoewer. The police officers swiftly attended to the information and the suspects were intercepted after they crossed the border via the river at an illegal point of entry. Consequently, the drugs were seized, and [the] suspects were apprehended,’ Shikwambi said in a statement released on Wednesday.

They were arrested around 23h00.

The suspects are scheduled to appear at the Noordoewer periodic court on Friday.

Police investigations continue.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Ndigbo Unity Forum, a pan-Igbo socio-cultural group, has urged the Federal Government to recruit 500,000 additional policemen to beef up security in the country.

The Executive Director of the forum, Chief Augustine Chukwudum, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.

He said that the recruitment should be spaced over the next seven years to secure the vast majority of citizens currently being harassed by criminals.

Chukwudum said that the number of policemen was greatly inadequate to police the vast Nigerian population.

The executive director said doing so would reduce the burden on the military personnel who had been deployed for internal security operations nationwide.

‘Soldiers are trained to protect the territorial integrity of the country while it is the duty of the police to provide internal security as it is done all over the world.

‘The current abnormality is due to bad and corrupt leadership of the past that failed to uplift the Nigeria Police Force to
the level it is supposed to be,’ he added.

He, therefore, advised President Bola Tinbu to order for the ‘massive and unprecedented recruitment of 500,000 policemen within seven years.

‘There is a need to release operational money on time to police commands, formations and units to carry out their duty as required.

‘Their operational and office budget is not supposed to be delayed at all.’

On the agitation for state police, Chukwudum said it would not augur well for the country.

According to him, state governors will use it to hunt-down political opponents.

He said instead of setting up state police, governors should use their security votes to equip the Nigeria Police Force to eliminate kidnappers, terrorists and other criminals in their states.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

OSHAKATI: The Namibian Police Force in the Omusati Region is requesting its residents to be vigilant about theft of solar pump cylinders and to report any suspicious activity.

NamPol’s Omusati Crime Investigations Coordinator, Deputy Commissioner Moses Simaho, made the call during an interview with Nampa on Wednesday.

According to Simaho, this calls comes after the police confiscated a borehole pump cylinder worth N.dollars 40 000 at Tsandi last month.

The borehole pump cylinder was confiscated on 22 April 2024 and was booked in for further investigation, Simaho said.

He indicated that on Wednesday, they opened a case against a 35-year-old man on suspicion of being found in possession of the stolen property.

‘It is alleged that the suspect was found in possession of a borehole pump cylinder and failed to give satisfactory account to possess such item,’ he said.

Simaho stressed that thieves are targeting farmers and villagers and people should be extra cautious and report any suspicious activity.

He the
n stated that the suspect is expected to appear before the Okahao Magistrate’s Court this week.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd. says it has over 1.5 billion litres stock of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, which will last for over 30 days.

Mr Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd., said this in a statement on Tuesday.

The company called on motorists to shun panic buying of the product as the nationwide supply and distribution of PMS continued to improve across the country.

‘In the filling stations monitored across several states, including Lagos and the FCT, the queues have since thinned out, a development that will keep improving daily in other states.

‘The Company wishes to state that at the moment, it has over 1.5 billion litres stock of PMS, which is equivalent to over 30 days sufficiency.

‘The NNPC Ltd. is also collaborating with relevant agencies, such as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), labour unions in the sector and security operatives to address hoarding and other unwholesome prac
tices,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

OMUTHIYA: The Ministry of Health and Social Services directorate in the Oshikoto Region commemorated International Nurses Day by presenting awards to hardworking nurses in the region.

A total of 50 nurses and student nurses gathered at the Omuthiya District Hospital on Wednesday to commemorate the day in the Oshikoto Region.

The Chief Regional Nurse and Acting Regional Director, John Lumbu has highlighted that nurses are the core of health services and are recognised and appreciated for their contribution to the healing of individuals, families, communities, and the nation at large.

‘When the going gets tough, take time out and invite the Lord as a physician and healer to guide you in your ways,’ said Lumbu.

He urged management and support services to ensure that nurses and other health workers are supported and equipped to deliver quality care at all times and integrate innovations to fast-track advances in health care.

‘We know nurses and midwives make a world of difference to people’s lives, therefore
it is with humility that the Oshikoto team thank each of you for all that you do,’ said Lumbu.

International Nurses Day is celebrated globally on 12 May every year in recognition of the tireless contribution of nurses to saving lives and providing quality nursing care for their patients.

This year’s theme is ‘Our nurses, our future, the economic power of care’.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) has appealed to the Federal Government to urgently reverse the removal of the council from government funding for effective and efficient veterinary practice regulation.

VCN Vice-President, Prof. Matthew Adamu, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, said the reversal would boost operational efficiency of the council.

Adamu said that VCN was not a revenue generating agency rather a council saddled with the responsibility of coordinating and overseeing the training and practice of the veterinary profession for the well-being of humans.

He said that the removal of VCN from government funding in 2023 based on implementation of the 2022 Oronsaye’s committee report was impacting negatively on the council’s regulatory mandate with regard to wholesome practices.

NAN reports that Steve Oronsaye panel on the restructuring and rationalisation of federal agencies, parastatals and commission recommended the merging, subsu
ming and scrapping of agencies with similar functions.

The don said that staff members of the council were currently passing through hardship as they had yet to receive their salaries from January to date due to lack of personnel overhead cost and capital funding.

‘Government has been the major funder of the council; unfortunately, last year, government, through Oronsaye’s Committee report, decided to take away VCN from budgetary funding including personnel overhead cost and capital funding.

‘VCN is the oldest regulatory professional body in the country saddled with the responsibility of training and practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

‘VCN is the oldest regulatory professional body in the country saddled with the responsibility of training and practice of veterinary medicine in the country.

‘Its responsibility of training veterinary medicine in the 11 accredited veterinary schools in Nigeria and the practice of veterinary medicine across the 36 states and FCT is suffering because of lack of
funding.

‘We appeal to government to quickly bring back council to government funding so that we will be able to live safely and healthy without having diseases that will affect our animals and equally get to human population.”

Adamu said the implication of the council’s removal from the Federal Government budget was that it would affect the profession, affect human health and the environment as a whole.

The vice-president, who identified veterinarians as essential health workers, said issues concerning the council’s should be prioritised in order to guide against exposing the populace to infectious diseases.

The academic said that VCN was supposed to regulate abattoirs operation across the country.

He, however, regretted that the council staff members were unable to carry out such responsibility at the moment due to paucity or lack of government funding.

According to him, the implication of non-regulation of abattoirs and other veterinary premises is that if a diseased animal is slaughtered the health
and well-being of human will be jeopardised.

Adamu said that 80 per cent to 90 per cent of diseases affecting human emanated from animals.

‘If the country is able to take care of animal health effectively humans will live healthy and safe.

‘Government should revisit VCN’s removal from budgetary funding and reverse it as was done to Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) and other regulatory bodies.

‘The reversal will do a lot of good to the nation in terms of public health.

‘Most diseases affecting a human, that is, 80 per cent to 90 per cent of the epidemics the world has suffered in the past 40 years are from animals and if we are able to take care of animals problem human lives will be saved.

According to him, ‘One health’ is practiced globally at the moment and the principle is human, animal medicine and environment interaction because diseases do not operate in a vacuum; it is an interaction between the thr
ee.

‘Therefore, if government decides not to fund the council and we run into problem in regulating veterinary medicine practice, we are bound to run into serious challenge as a nation, ‘ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

KEETMANSHOOP: Minister of Urban and Rural Development, Erastus Uutoni, on Tuesday inaugurated a fire station constructed at a cost of N.dollars 9.5 million at Oranjemund.

The construction of the fire station funded by the ministry in collaboration with the Oranjemund Town Council.

Uutoni said the fire station will significantly improve the town’s emergency response capabilities through centralising resources and providing modern equipment, adding that the new fire station ensures that firefighters will be better equipped to respond quickly and effectively to any emergency.

‘Fire is a powerful force and can destroy lives, but if we are well equipped we can conquer these dangerous situations. May this station serve as a beacon of safety and readiness for our community, and may our firefighters always return safely from their duty,’ said Uutoni.

The minister also unveiled a new ambulance acquired by the town council to support the Ministry of Health and Social Services, amongst others by improving response t
imes in emergencies.

‘I am confident that council is better prepared to face emergencies now and that you will continue to build a safer future for all. I urge you as a community to continue working together in order to build a safer and more resilient Oranjemund,’ said the minister.

The event also served as the commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day and Uutoni told emergency responders at the gathering their work is highly appreciated.

‘The government through my ministry continues to fulfil its mandatory obligations to ensure that there are necessary mechanisms in place that will ensure your wellness and that you are operating in a supportive environment. We also remember our brave sons and daughters who have lost their lives or got injured while having boots on the ground,’ Uutoni said.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

No fewer than half of the 35.5 million population of Persons With Disabilities (PWD) across the country, require basic education to meet up with their counterpart across the globe.

James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja.

Lalu spoke when he received Mrs Rakiya Abubakar, the President of Nigeria Airforce Officers Wives Association (NAFOWA) at the Commission’s headquarters.

He noted that disability issues remained a phenomena that required all hands to be on deck to improve the quality of lives of PWDs.

Lalu said the commission was ready to partner with NAFOWA in the areas of educational advancement and other social inclusion needs of PWDs.

‘We are ready and open for collaboration with NAFOWA because one of our mandate is to improve the quality of education, healthcare services and improve general wellbeing of persons with disabilities.

‘We hope and believe that this collaboration will see to the improvement of the q
uality of life of 35.5 million persons with disabilities across the disability communities in Nigeria ‘ he said.

On her part, the NAFOWA President reiterated the Association’s commitment to strengthening partnership and advocacy towards achieving inclusive education for PWDs.

She said, NAFOWA had been in the forefront in mainstreaming disability inclusion for people with social needs.

‘It is our firm belief that everyone especially persons with disabilities deserves the opportunity to reach their full potentials.

‘ That is why we are focusing on establishing a special school for people with special needs that will offer education and therapeutic services to help PWDs unlock their potentials’ she said.

She, therefore expressed optimism that the partnership will yield the desired result in the lives of PWDs in the nation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria