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Foundation advocates the use of condom against sexually transmitted Infections

FELA OLAGUNJU
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The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), a non-governmental organization in partnership with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and UN Population Fund (UNFPA) has charged the general public on the use and efficacy of condom in combating Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV.

This was disclosed in a statement on Thursday in Abuja by Mr Steve Aborisade, the Advocacy and Marketing Manager of AHF Nigeria.

This advocacy is set ahead of the 2023 International Condom Day (ICD), which is annually celebrated on Feb.13, in conjunction with St. Valentine’s Day on Feb.14 respectively. However, this year’s celebration, is set to re-sensitize the public about the importance of the condom as a veritable means of preventing STIs, HIV and unplanned pregnancies.

Mr Steve Aborisade who quoted Terri Ford, the AHF Chief, Global Advocacy and Policy, says “condom use has significantly impacted the global HIV and AIDS response…The use of condom has averted an estimated 117 million new HIV infections since 1990 in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia and the Pacific’’ he said.

Ford also said that millions of people globally were still without access to condom due to many reasons across various parts of the world, adding that “AHF has placed condom and STIs prevention as its top global priorities.’’

He went further to disclose that the foundation has intensified efforts to get condoms to people throughout the 45
country teams where it is operating, and has planned an in-person and virtual commemorative ICD events.

“AHF Nigeria, in collaboration with NACA and UNFPA Nigeria will host a Twitter-Space and panel discussion where a creative competition on safe sex will be adjudged.”

Dr Echey Ijezie, the foundation’s Country Programme Director, said knowledge about HIV and STIs prevention among adolescents is generally low, and stressed the need for increased enlightenment.

Dr Gambo Aliyu, the Director-General of NACA, also stressed on the need for preventive measures, so as to check new cases and called for strengthened age and contexts specific programmes targeted at the youths.

Established by AHF, a non-profit organisation founded in the 1980s, ICD was a response to the AIDS epidemic, and first introduced in 2009 as a way to help people remember the importance of practicing safe sex.

NAN/Wumi

Naira swap may affect field operation of troops – NSA

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The National Security Adviser, (NSA), Major General Mohammed Mungono (rtd), says the change of currency and cashless policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), may affect operations of troops on the field.

 

He made the observation when he appeared before an Ad hoc Committee of the House of Representatives on change of currency and cashless policy in Abuja.

 

Represented by the Head of Defence Unit, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the NSA noted that even in advanced countries, such policies could affect operations of troops if not well implemented.

 

“Globally, even in first world countries, such policies, if not well properly thought out, will affect some certain military operations. Some of our soldiers are deployed in places where they cannot actually access digital means of paying for their daily subsistence; that is the main issue that NSA has been talking about,” Mungono said.

 

He also stressed the need for the committee to articulate better ways of addressing the issues.

 

The Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ado Doguwa, said the committee was interested in the implications of the policy on national security.

 

He stated that the committee would interface with major stakeholders to determine the effect of the policy on the economy.

 

Hon. Doguwa noted that from what the committee had so far gathered, the policy posed a challenge to agriculture, economy and security.

 

According to him, it is unpopular among the people, caused hardship and may affect the forthcoming election.

 

The committee is also to meet with the Minister of Finance and the leadership of Printing and Minting as well as the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Mali relieves 6 military officials of duties

Hauwa Mustapha
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The Malian government has announced that it is to release six senior military officials, including the army chief of staff and the national guard chief of staff, from their duties, according to a cabinet statement. The statement did not give reasons for the dismissal.

The director general of the national gendarmerie, “the director general of military security, the director of military engineering and the central director of the army’s health services were also replaced”.

Mali has been plagued since 2012 by the spread of jihadism and a serious security, political and humanitarian crisis.

The colonels who took power in Mali by force in 2020 broke off the military alliance with France and its partners in 2022, and turned to Russia.

Three armed groups in northern Mali that have fought the central state in the past also, at a time of tension with Bamako.

africanews

Speaker Gbajabiamila congratulates Ajaero on emergence as NLC president

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila, has congratulated Mr. Joe Ajaero on his emergence as the new president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

 

Speaker Gbajabiamila also congratulated other members of the National Executive Committee of the NLC.

 

In a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Lanre Lasisi, the Speaker said he believed Mr. Ajaero would bring his experience to bear in his new position as the president of the NLC.

Gbajabiamila wished Ajaero a successful tenure and urged the new NLC president to be innovative in his leadership.

Read Also:Nigeria Labour Congress gets new President

Nigeria Economic Summit Group partners with UNICEF on Child’s Right

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to tackle the menace of child rights infringement and poverty across the country.

Speaking at the event which took place at the United Nations office in Abuja, NESG Chairman, Mr. Niyi Yusuf, said the aim of the collaboration was to join forces with UNICEF in supporting Nigerian government’s efforts in addressing issues affecting children and reducing poverty in the country.

According to him, the partnership is geared towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in education, health and other child rights issues in Nigeria.

It is geared towards interfacing and advocating at the highest policy levels for a child-centered approach to development in Nigeria.

“From the Nigerian and NESG perspectives, our view is that the Nigerian children actually represent the greatest assets to this country.

“We keep saying that our children are the leaders of tomorrow and so it’s important that we must invest and plant the seeds to ensure that these children truly become the leaders of tomorrow.”

 

According to the Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index (MPI) released in 2022, two thirds of Nigerian children were multi dimensionally poor which means they lacked access to health, education and income, he said.

Also, that more than 50 per cent of the children of poor people have poor early childhood development.

“So, if a child suffers any negative growth in early childhood, you are laying a not so good foundation for tomorrow and for us at the NESG,” Yusuf said.

He added that the focus of NESG is to promote the modernisation of the Nigerian economy to one that is sustainable, globally competitive and promotes shared prosperity.

“We believe that urgent action is required to ensure that we do the right things to promote the development of our children and for those children to then become the leaders, consumers and workforce of tomorrow.”

Also speaking, the Country Representative of UNICEF, Ms. Christian Munduate, said that talking about children’s rights means ensuring that everybody who is not a child has a responsibility to children from where they are.

Munduate said “parents need to take care of their children, families need to have a strong network, communities have to build an enabling environment, state and Federal Governments, civil society organisations and media” all have a role to play.

Munduate added that 54 per cent of Nigerian children still faced multidimensional poverty, “meaning lack of either water or sanitation.”

She, however, said that correcting the situation required a lot of commitment from all Nigerians.

Munduate added that NESG was one of the organisations in the country that proposed social and public policies for the country and embraced a powerful network of civil society organisations and private sector.

According to her, UNICEF’s partnership with the organisation would enhance the promotion of child rights in the country.

Munduate added: “UNICEF is dedicated to protecting children’s rights in Nigeria and worldwide and helping them build a strong foundation for their future.”

Pheelz Releases New Music Album

Oluchi Okwuego
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Nigerian Multi-talented producer, singer-songwriter Pheelz, has released his highly anticipated debut project titled ‘Pheelz Like Summer’.

READ MORE: Pheelz returns with new album ‘Stand By You’

The album which has been released today February 10th, 2023 also features BNXN and Davido.

https://twitter.com/Pheelz/status/1623831980499427330?t=1wh19YlODirOgiteIq55vg&s=08

 

After a string of hit releases, Pheelz delivers his debut EP that packs the easily digestible music with which he showcases different sides of his artistry and personality.

 

The album was Produced by ‘Multiple Producers’.

 

 

 

 

Pulse/O.O

2023 Election: Kwara state monarch solicits for peace

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has appealed to residents of the state to remain calm and resolute of the fact that hard times only last for a short period of time even as he urged them to allow peace to reign before, during and after the general elections.

 

He urged parents to preach to their children and wards to be law abiding to the constituted authorities and not involve in any act capable of causing crises especially during this election period.

 

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Malam Abdulazeez Arowona, the monarch expressed concerns over the numerous socio-economic hardships orchestrated by the inadequate circulation of the newly redesigned naira notes, fuel scarcity as well as the forthcoming general elections.

 

He stressed that for the nation to enjoy democratic advancement in the face of several challenges, there is need for tolerance, perseverance and adequate support from members of the public irrespective of their social status and religious belief by standing on the path of peace and harmony in order to avoid disarray of government programmes and actions.

 

The Emir said as traditional rulers, himself and his colleagues are deeply touched and aware of the various challenges faced by the general public especially people at the grassroots level.

 

He appealed to the people of Ilorin Emirate and Kwara state at large to remain calm and patient while government is makes frantic efforts towards addressing the situation.

 

“Naira notes remain the only legal tender which allow for easy transaction of business activities while large volume of fuel is being consumed on daily basis for both domestic and industrial purposes, therefore the scarcity of both has no doubt caused unbearable hardship on the people” the emir lamented.

 

The monarch explained that it is only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that democracy can grow and therefore urged all political party stalwarts to endeavor to play the game of electioneering processes by embracing peaceful coexistence among themselves irrespective of their party lines.

 

He also enjoined voters to exercise their franchise in a peaceful manner and vote for candidates of their choice without fear and reiterated that Ilorin Emirate is peaceful, Kwara State is peaceful and they don’t want any unfortunate incidence that will tarnish their longstanding reputation as the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

 

The Emir appealed to politicians and their supporters not to overheat the polity in their quests to canvass for votes from the electorates adding that no society can grow amidst rancor and disorderliness.

 

Alhaji Sulu-Gambari also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission,  (INEC) to remain neutral and unbiased by ensuring that the forthcoming general elections is conducted in a free, fair and credible atmosphere by giving all political parties equal rights and opportunities during the contest.

Commission highlights roles of people with disabilities in 2023 election

Bilkisu Halilu Pai
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The Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, (PWDs), James Lalu, says the role of PWDs in the 2023 general election in Nigeria is indispensable.

 

Lalu announced that with a growing population of over 35 million in Nigeria, the voting strength of PWDs cannot be undermined.

 

Speaking in Abuja, Nigeria at a roundtable organized by the Policy and Legal Authority Centre, (PLAC), on the implementation of the electoral Act in relations to Persons with Disabilities, Mr. Lalu urged all PWDs who have secured their voter’s card to come out in their numbers vote in the coming elections.

 

He enjoined them to take their destinies into their hands by exercising their franchise, insisting that PWDs do not have any locus standi to complain of being marginalized when they don’t participate in the polls to elect their choice of leaders.

 

“Recall that President Muhammadu Buhari signed into law in February 2022, the new Electoral Act to govern the conduct of elections in Nigeria. This law provided the missing link for inclusion of PWDs as well as the most vulnerable in the country to have a say during the electoral cycle” he pointed out.

 

Speaking further, the NCPWD boss restated that the voter card remains the license and a veritable tool to change the narrative for the betterment of the community of PWDs across board.

 

He however, debunked the 85,000 meagre figure being circulated in media as representing the voting population of PWDs in Nigeria and urged INEC to make adequate provisions for inclusivity and accessibility for onward participation of PWDs in the elections.

 

Addressing the participants earlier, the Executive Director, PLAC, Mr. Clement Nwankwo described the platform as a means of enlightenment and monitoring of the entire process of elections in Nigeria.

 

“This is a wakeup call to all PWDs to see themselves as part of the governing process in the country without feeling less valued,” he said.

 

The programme themed: “Tracking implementation of inclusivity in the 2023 general elections” was aimed at sensitizing Persons with Disabilities across the country for visible participations at the forthcoming polls.

Nigeria achieves 75% self-sufficiency in rice production – FG

Kamila Bello
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The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, says Nigeria has achieved 75 per cent self-sufficiency in rice production through sustained investment in the value chain.

Abubakar made this known at the Rice Value Chain Validation workshop tagged: “Strengthening the Rice Value Chain in Nigeria,” on Thursday in Abuja.

Represented by Usman Bashir, Deputy Director, Rice Value Chain, Federal Department of Agriculture, he said rice value chain had been the focal point of the agricultural transformation of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration through sustained investment and other development partners.

He said, the ministry had developed and launched the National Rice Development Strategy (NRDS) 11 from 2021 to 2026 in collaboration with partners to serve as a framework for the development of the rice sub-sector in the country.

According to him, “The NRDS is a private sector driven initiative aimed at leveraging the linkages between the public and private sector to provide an impetus for the transformation of rice value chain through innovation and sustainable investment.”

He said, the measure was to achieve a competitive value chain capable of producing the rice commodity of high quality and affordable for Nigerian population and export.

He also said, the ministry had provided critical support to strengthen each segment of the commodity value chain through research and innovation by affiliated institutions.

The institutions have the mandate of the development of improved varieties and new farming technologies for rice crops among others.

Abubakar, however, said that in spite of the giant strides made by the country in the sub-sector, there were gaps that needed urgent attention by all stakeholders to achieve set objective of self-sufficiency.

“The gaps include lack of comprehensive data on all key indices and players in the sub-sector, provision of affordable mechanisation services for increased efficiency and productivity.

“Access to affordable and quality inputs such as fertiliser, seeds and pesticides, access to flexible financing among others.

“Tackling these challenges will require a concerted effort by all stakeholders in the rice value chain through constructive interaction,” he said.

The President, Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Alhaji Aminu Goronyo assured that the association would partner with financial sector to address all challenges bedeviling the industry.

Represented by Muhammad Alibaba, his Special Assistant, identified finance as key, adding that successes recorded in rice production were achieved through the CBN anchor borrower programme.

He, however, called for effective, sustained, and easily accessible financing in order to take advantage of all the challenges affecting business opportunities.

READ ALSO: Rice Production: FAO lauds Nigeria’s smallholder farmers

Nollywood Actor Nkem Owoh Commends Nigerian Movies

Oluchi Okwuego
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The Nollywood movie legend, Nkem Owoh also known as Osuofia, has described Nigerian movies’ stories as far better than that of their Bollywood and Hollywood counterparts.

READ MORE: Nollywood mourns the late AMAA CEO, holds candle night

Osuofia made the remark in an interview on Thursday with News reporters in Enugu.

According to him, Nigerian movies present real life stories and happenings around them, so it is wrong to compare the quality of Nigerian films with those coming from the advanced countries.

He said that Nigerian film producers were only using technology imported from such advanced countries.

“The storyline we take is better than any story from any woods, we don’t have the technology, but we have the story.

“We are a third world country coming up, and people should give us kudos for the level we have attained.”

“I believe, with the stories and creativity among us, if we get the needed technology, we will go places”.

The thespian stated that with the available technology in place, Nollywood had been to the next level of improvement.

Osuofia, who rated Nollywood high, said, “If you check the time and how we started, you give kudos because we are making a tremendous progress in the industry.”

“With the kind of technology we have now, I believe Nollywood has a very far distance to go positively”.

He, however, called for patience among upcoming actors, saying they should follow their progress gradually.

“If it is not your calling, move away,” Owoh said.

 

 

Pulse/F.K

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