Speaker Obasa advocates better funding for Nigeria’s health sector
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has mentioned poor funding of the health sector in Nigeria as a hindrance to the country’s attainment of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC) target of the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Dr. Obasa spoke on Thursday at a 2-day health programme organised by the House in conjunction with the Legislative Advocacy Initiative For Sustainable Development (LISDEL) aimed at enhancing the capacities of legislators and key stakeholders in the health sector of Lagos state as part of moves to help Nigeria meet the universal health coverage.
Represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshilokun-Sanni, Obasa said Nigeria is embattled with various challenges in the health sector, but that poor funding has become a major issue.
“To my mind, the biggest challenge facing the health sector in Nigeria is lack of adequate financing. This is because none of the other problems is too obscure to identify or complicated to solve.
“To solve the problems of lack of adequate financing and thereby invest in the health sector and achieve the Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria, you, the stakeholders have come up with laudable innovative ideas like the Community-based Health Intervention/Insurance.
“This initiative is largely addressing the issue of ‘out-of-pocket payments’ and would alleviate the struggles of our people in the rural areas.
“On this note, I salute the determination of the stakeholders in this sector for your efforts day and night to tackle these rather evasive but tormenting problems,” the Speaker’s representative said.
In his keynote address, the chairman of the committee on health of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Olusola Sokunle, noted that the programme would help address the basics of ensuring universal health coverage policies and objectives.
He commended LISDEL for helping legislators, clerks of various Houses of Assembly and others with capacity building in relation to health financing.
“It is targeted at strengthening the state’s health sector and deepening legislators’ understanding of health financing, universal health coverage and public health coverage objectives,” Sokunle said about the programme.
He promised more partnerships with stakeholders to make the health sector of Lagos better.
Speaking concerning the programme, the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. David Setonji, noted that even though Lagos still had a lot to grapple with, the state is doing well and taking the right steps to meet the WHO targets.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
World Health Day: Let’s Ensure Good Nutrition For Children Because#OurChildrenOurResponsibility
World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated every April 7. This is the day that commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1948. WHD aims to focus on a specific theme relevant to public health each year. This year WHO is focusing global attention on urgent actions needed to keep humans and the planet healthy and foster a movement to create societies focused on wellbeing.
Nutrition plays a very crucial role in ensuring humans are healthy. It is an important part of an individual’s overall health and development right from a very young age. Proper and balanced nutrition is directly linked to improved infant, toddler, child, and maternal health and wellbeing. It offers stronger immunity, lowers the risk of health problems such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and improves longevity. Also, healthy children are not just physically strong but also mentally sound. Having balanced and healthy nutrition also helps boost their productivity and helps create more opportunities to break the cycle of poverty eventually.
Malnutrition, in any form, poses a significant threat to human health. Not having proper and balanced nutrition can lead to malnutrition. Currently, the world faces two types of malnutrition – undernourishment, and obesity. The former tends to be more prevalent among the economically disadvantaged populations in low and middle-income countries.
Good nutrition in the early stages of life sets the stage for lifelong health. In the words of Anne Mulcahy, “Investing in early childhood nutrition is a surefire strategy. The returns are incredibly high.”
One of the keys to parenting healthy children is providing them with a healthy and nutritious diet..
Key nutrients in supporting optimal growth and development…When a child consumes a balanced diet, they can develop their physical and mental skills in the present and the future. The benefits impacted by nutrition while the child is young are:
Ensures proper development of the brain, which helps the neurocognitive process
Improves a child’s physical health and ensures an active social life as the child grows old.
Supports the immune system to ably fight against various infectious diseases
Key nutrients for brain development… Phospholipids are known to be essential nutrients for brain development. These nutrients are structural components of neurological systems (neural networks), and deficits during early life can impact brain function long-term. Long-chain omega 3s like DHA and ARA and other brain-supportive nutrients may also benefit proper neural network development and enhance visual acuity and cognition.
Key nutrients for physical growth… Proteins are the building blocks of physical growth. Dietary protein requirements are higher in children than in adults because they have faster growth and development rates due to their increased cell turnover. Inadequacy of high-quality dietary proteins can cause stunted growth, poor body composition, and wasting. Calcium and vitamin D play an important role in physical development too. Calcium is the main component of the skeleton, while vitamin D ensures calcium reaches the growing bones.
Key nutrients for supporting immunity… A variety of vitamins and minerals that include micronutrients such as Vitamin A, B, C, D, E, Iron, Zinc, Magnesium, and Selenium, among others, have vital functions in the human body. Several studies have found that children provided with foods high in these essential micronutrients improve their immune system’s response rate and help them steer clear of various immune system diseases.
Childhood is the most significant period of growth and development, both physically and mentally. Setting the foundation with good nutrition during childhood has a profound impact, even during later life, and helps develop society and the world as a whole.
Multi-nutrient fortified Growing Up Milk such as Peak 456 formulated for children ages four to six is an excellent way to ensure optimal intake of several vitamins and minerals in a child’s daily diet.
On this World Health Day, let’s take a pledge to support WHO’s initiative of #OurPlanetOurHealth by focusing on good nutrition for our children’s health which can help them grow strong and smart.
The Federal High Court has adjourned ruling on the bail application filed by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, to 18 and 26 May.
Kanu’s trial is to continue after the ruling is delivered.
Justice Binta Nyako of the court had earlier struck out 8 of the 15 count terrorism-related charges leveled against him by the federal government, leaving only 7.
Citing judicial authorities, Mike Ozekhome SAN , opined that “Until a person is tried and convicted, he should be allowed to walk free.”
He said because of the presumption of innocence, Kanu is innocent until proven otherwise.
“I humbly urge my lord to use your discretion to grant him bail subject to my lord’s condition.
“You can limit him to stay in my house and I will not allow him to move around,” he said jokingly.
But FG’s counsel, M.S. Labaran urged the court to refuse the application, adding that Kanu had allegedly violated the earlier bail granted him.
“My lord granted him bail on 2017 on health ground, but since then till date, no medical record was submitted to the court until he jumped bail.
“What we should be saying is contempt of court because he has flagrantly violated the orders of the court,” he said.
He urged the judge to be guided by her discretion vis-a-vis the circumstances of the case “and in the alternative, order accelerated hearing on this matter so that the defendant can know his fate one way or the other.”
“The case starts on 18 and 26 May, and I will deliver my ruling,” Justice Nyako said.
The embattled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has sued the Federal Government for N50 billion over alleged human rights violation.
Kanu filed the suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/462/2022 on Thursday through his counsel, Mike Ozekhome.
Defendants in the suit are the federal government and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
In the suit, the IPOB leader told the court that he was kidnapped from Kenya and brought back to Nigeria to stand trial, asking the court to award the sum of N100 million to him “as the cost of this action”.
Kanu wants the court to order his release from Department of State Service custody, and he is also seeking a ruling restraining the federal government from taking any further step to prosecute him over criminal charges.
Kanu asked the court to determine “whether the way and manner in which the plaintiff was abducted in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria is consistent with extant laws particularly the provisions of Article 12 (4) of the African charter on human and peoples rights (ratification and enforcement) Act Cap A9 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and Article/Part 5 (a) of the African Charter’s principles and guidelines on human and peoples’ rights while countering terrorism in Africa”.
The IPOB leader also wants the court to determine “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the plaintiff can be competently/legally tried for offences stated in counts 1 to 14 of the 15-count amended charge in charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which are not the offences for which he was surrendered or extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.
Kanu also wants the court to rule on “whether by the operation of Section 15 of the Extradition Act Cap E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, the defendants have the enabling powers to detain the plaintiff or subject him to be tried on charges later amended after he was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria”.
After the questions have been decided, Kanu prayed the court to give judgment on various declarations relating to the circumstances surrounding his extradition and ongoing trial.
“A declaration that the plaintiff’s abduction and extraordinary rendition to Nigeria without being subjected to extent extradition proceedings/hearing in Kenya where he was abducted, is a clear violation of Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP A9, LFN 2004,” the document reads.
“A declaration that the detention and continued detention of the plaintiff on the strength of an amended charge filed after his extraordinary forceful rendition to Nigeria, are illegal, ultra vires the powers of the defendants and a violation of the 1st defendant’s rights under Nigerian municipal laws, African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights, International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), the Convention against Torture, its operational protocol, and constitutional rights of the Plaintiff; and the UN Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), 1948.
“A declaration that the forcible abduction of the plaintiff in Kenya on the 19th of June, 2021, and his consequent forcible extraordinary rendition to Nigeria without due compliance with extant laws, were done in blatant breach of Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (Ratification and Enforcement) Act CAP, A9, LFN 2004, Section 15 of the Extradition Act CAP E25, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, Part 5 (A) (Transfer of Individuals) Principles and Guidelines on Human and Peoples Right while countering terrorism in Africa; and Article 13 of the UDHR, 1948.
“A declaration that the plaintiff shall not be subjected to any form of criminal trial or further detention upon his illegal and unlawful rendition to Nigeria, particularly with reference to the newly introduced amended charge filed in Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, between F.R.N. V. Nnamdi Kanu, after he was illegally, forcibly and unlawfully renditioned to Nigeria.
“A declaration that pursuant to Article 12(4) of the African Charter on Human & Peoples Right (Ratification and Enforcement) Act, CAP A9 LFN 2004, the forcible abduction, expulsion or extraordinary rendition of the plaintiff from Kenya to Nigeria by the defendants without a decision taken in accordance with the laws of Kenya is illegal, unlawful, wrongful, unconstitutional and amounts to a gross violation of the international human rights of the plaintiff.”
Former Burkina Faso President, Blaise Compaore has been handed life imprisonment over the alleged murder of his predecessor, Thomas Sankara.
Records have it that Compaore assassinated Sankara who was the first Burkinabe president during a coup on October 15, 1987.
The case had lingered for decades until today when a verdict was delivered in absentia of Campaore.
Naija News understands that it is 35 years already since Sankara was killed, he, however, remains one of the iconic figures in West Africa for his sweeping socialist figures and speeches.
He is called the “African Che Guevara”, referring to the Marxist revolutionary and one of the icons of the Cuban Revolution.
He changed the name of the former French colony from Upper Volta to Burkina Faso, which means “the land of the upright”.
During the ruling, two of Compaore’s former top associates, Hyacinthe Kafando and Gilbert Diendere, were also sentenced to life imprisonment, Naija News understands.
It was gathered that military prosecutors in Burkina Faso’s capital, Ouagadougou, had requested a 30-year sentence for Compaoré, who was being tried alongside 13 others.
After Compaore was unseated following an uprising in 2014, he fled to the neighbouring Ivory Coast where he was given citizenship.
The military tribunal that presided over the case handed jail terms ranging from three to 20 years to eight other suspects while acquitted three other defendants.
The management of Bet9ja has revealed that its website has been hacked by the Russian Blackcat group.
This was disclosed by Bet9ja in a statement in which it identified the perpetrators as the Russian Blackcat group, who are famous for several attacks on huge companies around the world.
The gaming site said that the group has already demanded ransom but it insists it will not accept the conditions of the hacker group.
What they are saying
Part of the statement reads, “The entire Bet9ja system has been under attack by the Russian Blackcat group who are famous for several attacks to huge companies in the world. It is a huge hacker attack by this Russian group but our people are working from yesterday without stopping for a minute to restore all the services but it is not easy.
“They are asking for ransom already but we will never accept their conditions. it is important to let you know this so that we are all on the same page. They have hit us hard but of course they cannot kill us. We will stand our ground and come back even much more stronger.
“Please do not be discouraged, we will surely restore things as soon as possible and provide update on the progress.”
Bet9ja acknowledged in an earlier social media post that user funds and winnings are safe as it is working to resolve the issue.
What you should know
According to reports, the Russia-linked cybercrime gang, BlackCat, was behind the ransomware attacks that took down a swath of and hindered payments at some German filling stations in January
It was reported that hackers using a strain of ransomware known as “Black Cat” infected computers at Mabanaft GmbH and Oiltanking GmbH Group.
BlackCat (also known as ALPHV) is a relatively new ransomware-as-a-service (RaaS) operation, which has been aggressively recruiting affiliates from other ransomware groups and targeting organisations worldwide.
Lagos State Government has appointed an ex-chairman of the state’s chapter of National Union of Road Transport Workers, Musiliu Akinsanya popularly called MC Oluomo, as the chairman of its Parks Management Committee.
Also, a former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, was appointed as the Liaison Officer between the government and the committee.
This was contained in a press statement by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, titled, “Lagos govt sets up Parks Management Committee”.
An ex-Permanent Secretary, Dr. Taiwo Salaam, was also appointed as the secretary of the committee while Sulyman Ojora was appointed as the Deputy Chairman.
The appointments were announced less than four weeks after the Lagos State Governmrnt denied plans to appoint MC Oluomo chairman of the parts committee.
The PUNCH reports that the Lagos State government suspended the activities of NURTW in all parks and garages across the state after MC Oluomo was suspended by NURTW national body.
The statement read, “The Lagos State Government has set up a committee to oversee the affairs of all motor parks and garages in the state.
“This is in fulfillment of the Government’s promise to ensure that events in the National Union of Road Transport Workers are not allowed to threaten law and order.
“The Government has, therefore, exercised its constitutional powers to ensure that no vacuum, which can disrupt the peace of our dear state,is allowed to exist in the parks. This is a duty we owe all Lagosians and visitors.
“Members of the committee, who have been selected following consultations with stakeholders in the sector, are:
Mr. Hakeem Odumosu (AIG Rtd) – Government Liaison Officer
2. Alh Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya – Chairman
3. Alh Sulyman B. Ojora – (Deputy Chairman )
4. Dr. Taiwo Olufemi Salaam (Secretary)
5. Comrade Olayiwola Lemboye
6. Alh Mustapha Adekunle
7. Alh Ganiyu Shittu
8. Alh Mukaila Runsewe
9. Alh Sulyman Yusuf
10. Alh Mufutau Mutiu
11. Alh Yinka Hassan
12. Alh Sunday Ogunleye
13. Alh Moshood Omojowa
14. Alh Ismaila Aigoro
15. Alh Ibrahim Yusuf. O
16. Alh Akeem Tijani
17. Mrs Omolabake Adelakun
18. Comrade Kazeem Hassan
19. Alh Wasiu Amole
20. Alh Ganiyu Ayinde
21. Anthony Adeyinka Adeboye
22. John Victor Owolabi
23. Saburi Salami
24. Ibrahim Onitiju
25. Odusanya Gbenga
“Members of the committee are to report to the Ministry of Transportation, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja.
“The Government on March 10 suspended NURTW operations in all parks and garages, following the tension sparked by some events in the union.”
Former President, Goodluck Jonathan escaped unharmed in a ghastly auto accident that claimed the lives of two of his security aides.
The former leader expressed sadness at the development and commiserated with the families of the deceased. Speaking on the incident via a statement signed by his media aide, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan wished the departed eternal rest.
The statement read; “Former President Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate tragic death of two police officers attached to him, in a road crash today at the vicinity of the Abuja airport, while on his way out of the airport.”
“The former President who described the incident as painful and heart-rending stated that the sudden death of the two security details has thrown him into deep mourning.”
“Dr. Jonathan noted with sadness that the deceased, Inspectors Ibrahim Abazi and Yakubu Toma, were fine officers who were dedicated to their duties and service to the nation.”
“Two other officers sustained injuries in the accident which involved a car conveying the security men. They were rushed to a hospital in Abuja where they are responding to treatment.”
“The office of the former President has offered condolences to the families of the bereaved and the Police High Command. Dr. Jonathan prayed God to grant the souls of the departed eternal rest and bless their families and the nation with the fortitude to bear the loss.”
The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) on Wednesday removed Musiliu Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, from his position as Chairman of the Union in Lagos State.
MC Oluomo was recently suspended over misconducts and insubordination by the union at the national. The Lagos transport boss though dared the national body and announced the separation of Lagos NURTW from the national body.
The national union has now directed the State Secretary, Seyi Bankole, to take over the administration of affairs in Lagos, in order to avoid leadership vacuum.
The statement signed by Tajudeen Baruwa, the National President, obtained by this newspaper reads in part: “In view of the fact that nature abhors vacuum, the state secretary of the union, Comrade Seyi Bankole, is hereby directed to take over the running of the affairs of Lagos State council pending the constitution of a caretaker committee after consultation with relevant authorities.”
