Health care: Governor Ahmed tasks private sector

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed has charged private organizations to be supportive of governments in providing affordable and accessible health care delivery to the people.

Governor Ahmed gave the charge today in Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin at the free eyes surgery programme organised by MTN in conjunction with the Kwara State Government

Burden of Fistula in Nigeria

The joy of every woman is to get married, get pregnant and deliver safely to see his or her child as a reward for the marital life. To some, their dreams come true by getting their babies delivered safely while to some the reverse is the case as a result of associated challenges with pregnancy, delivery and attendant complications.

          The associated challenges with childbirth put the lives of women at risk of either delivering the baby safely with her child alive or losing both lives while some women battle with some conditions for years as a result of issues surrounding their childbirths.

          Among the medical conditions that put the lives of women at high risk which associated with childbirth is Fistula. The condition is the occurrence of abnormal hole between the bladder or rectum and the front passage resulting in continuous and uncontrollable leakage of urine or faeces or even both.

        

  Experts say women are mostly affected with Fistula as a result of prolonged and obstructed labour, pressure of the head of the baby on soft tissues which in turn causes death of the tissues between bladder and vagina which is called Vesico Vaginal Fistula (VVF) or between bowel and front passage which is called Recto Vaginal Fistula. Other causes of Fistula include operations for child delivery, harmful cultural practices while a few cases are caused by cancers of the female genital tract.

          Across the world, it is estimated that one to two million women are affected with fistula while in Nigeria, according to United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA), eight hundred thousand women suffered from VVF annually in Nigeria.

          The Country Representative of the fund in Nigeria, Ratidzai Ndhlovu who recently disclosed the alarming rate at the graduation of 100 rehabilitated women living with obstetric Fistula in Sokoto lamented that most of the affected women often lose their babies following child birth process.

          Represented by the Assistant Country Representative, Reproductive Health, Doctor Audu Alayande, Ndhlovu said one in every ten women suffered from this condition following childbirth noted that most women who developed fistula had probably given birth at home with no assistance from skilled birth attendant, pointing out that women down with the condition cope with the foul smell emanating from their leaking urine and faeces.

          It must be noted that the phenomenon had made many husbands to abandon their wives down with VVF while some being stigmatized and ostracised by families and communities. Thus, the alarming rate of VVF in Nigeria left no one in doubt that the all hands must be on desk in order to check the rising cases of the condition.

          Already, Kwara, Oyo, Bauchi, Cross River, Ebonyi, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Jigawa states are currently being jointly supported by the United State Agency International Development (USAID), Fistula Care Plus and Engender Health to provide special care and support for women with obsteric fistula in designated health facilities in the selected states of the federation.

          It would be recalled that thirty women affected by Fistula were in June, this year undergone free screening and treatment at the Sobi Specialist Hospital, Ilorin sponsored by the USAID funded Fistula Care Plus in collaboration with the Kwara State Government and implemented by Engender Health where all the clients who turned out for the exercise went through full repair with surgical operations to properly reintegrate them into the society.

       

    Dispelling the myths and misconceptions about Vesico Vaginal Fistula at Journalists Orientation on Fistula in Ilorin, the Country Project Manager, USAID Fistula Care Plus Project emphasised the need for parents to imbibe good nutritional habit for their children, particularly the female ones right from the infancy as a precursor to building long lasting immunity for women ahead of pregnancy and other childbirth complications. 

  

     It is therefore imperative for heads of households, government at all levels, religious and community leaders to at all times encourage pregnant women to make use health facilities for ante-natal and delivery and engage good nutritional habit in order to drastically reduce the chances of being down with VVF.

          Governments, Fistula Care Plus Project and other international agencies should step up assistance towards assisting the less privilege members of the society with free medical care particularly pregnant women to check the rising cases of Fistula in Nigeria while those down with the condition already should be helped to restore their hope and rekindle their joy.

Prince Adeyeye Ogunwusi emerges 51st Ooni of Ife

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has approved the appointment of new Ooni of Ife.

Senate postpones Amaechi screening till tomorrow, set to screen Adebayo Shittu, 2 others

Senate is to screen only 3 ministerial nominees today as it scheduled the screening of former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

Senate President, Bukola Saraki

 The Senate Spokesman, Sen. Dino Melaye stated this in a short while during an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

Sen. Melaye said the remaining ministerial nominees would spend more time than those already screened.

Among those scheduled to be screened today are Adebayo Shittu, Claudious Daramola and Khadija Bukar Abba Ibrahim.

Saraki vs CCT: Appeal Court adjourns judgement indefinitely

The Court of Appeal in Abuja on Monday adjourned ruling on an appeal filed by Senate President, Bukola Saraki challenging his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal indefinitely.

Mrs Christy Haruna, one of the Court Clerks announced the postponement of the judgment at the open court.

“I have been instructed by the court to inform parties and interested members of the public that a new date for the ruling shall be communicated,’’ she said.

The appellate court had on Friday fixed Oct.19 to deliver judgment on the appeal.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Saraki is facing charges on alleged false declaration of his assets.

Justice Moore Adumein, who led two other justices of the court, fixed the date for that judgment after entertaining arguments from counsel to parties in the suit.

At that hearing, counsel to Saraki, Mr Joseph Daudu (SAN) raised five major issues for determination by the court.

Daudu averred that the Code of Conduct Tribunal erred in law by proceeding with the trial with two members instead of the mandatory three as provided by the constitution.

He also held that the Tribunal lacked jurisdiction to try criminal charges.

On his part, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the prosecution counsel, urged the court to discountenance all the grounds of arguments advanced by counsel to the applicant.

Jacobs had specifically submitted that the tribunal had criminal jurisdiction because of the use of words like “guilty” and “punishment” in the law that established it.

NAN

Take over the running of Primary schools, Kwara Gov tells FG

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has advocated the taking over of primary education from the Local Government Councils by the Federal Government in order to achieve the desired results.

Similarly, the Government suggested the possible running of tertiary institution by private sector to get desired results.

L-R: Governors of Kaduna, Bauchi, Kwara and Dep Gov of Katsina

Governor Ahmed made the suggestions today in Abuja while participating in a discussion of Northern region at twenty-first Nigerian Economic Summit organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and the National Planning Commission.

Governor Ahmed explained that the foundational level of education should not be left in the hands of local government authorities, pointing out that the cost of running primary education is beyond the local government in view of the dwindling allocation.

The governor emphasised the need for the prioritisation of intermediate vocational studies to properly equip the youths to meet manpower requirements for industries.

Governor Ahmed urged other governors in the north-central to exploit huge opportunities in the region to drive youths into getting productive ventures. 

Oyo SWAN passes vote of no confidence on National Secretary

Members of Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo state chapter has passed a vote of no confidence on the national secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, for his role in the postponed association's election last week.

This was stated in a communique issued on Wednesday backed by over 35 members in the state who signed to that effect.

Andrew Abah

The members accused Andrew Abah of degrading the exalted position of the association's national secretary and doctored the list meant for the conduct of the election.

Following the botched election of Oyo State branch of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) last Friday October 9th, 2015, held at the Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan, some members of the union reviewed the election and the important roles played by some key actors and resolved that Members of the Oyo State SWAN no longer have confidence in the National Secretary of the association, Mr Andrew Abah, following his role in the crisis that led to the postponement of the election. 

The SWAN members in Oyo state maintained that Mr Andrew Abah could not represent the national SWAN in Oyo State again to either supervise or conduct any activity of the state chapter that would be acceptable. 

Mr Abbah was alleged to have shown his compromise by holding a secret meeting with the Chairman of the association in the state, Mr. Ajayi-Obe and few other members of the executive, who are loyal to Ajayi Obe. 

It was also alleged that the electoral list was badly altered and only friends and cronies of Ajayi Obe were said to be in the list. 

They added that the reason given purportedly by SWAN national scribe to postpone the election was that only those who have submitted their membership forms were considered but the list, contained many strange names of people who have never written sport story while well known sport writers were omitted. 

The Oyo SWAN noted that even after the botched election was rescheduled to hold on October 30, after the VP Southwest Muideen Adeleke and Abah addressed the aggrieved members, Mr Abbah issued another release to announce indefinite postponement of the election.

President Buhari forwards 2nd batch of ministerial list

Senate President, Doctor Bukola Saraki has received the second partial ministerial list from the Presidency.

The List was presented to the Senate President by the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, Alhaji Abba Kyari and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang this afternoon.

Tribunal upholds Dino Melaye’s election

The Kogi State Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Lokoja this morning upheld the election of Sen. Dino Melaye.

Sen. Dino Melaye

 His election had been challenged by the former holder of the seat, Sen.Smart Adeyemi, of the Peoples Democratic Party.

The petition had been dismissed before on a technical ground that it was filed out of time but the Court of Appeal ruled that the case should be heard.

Melaye, of the All Progressives Congress, broke the news of his triumph in a tweet this morning.


Otunba Dino Melaye ‏@dino_melaye 33m33 minutes ago

Praise God.Sen Dino Melaye's election upheld and sen. Smart Adeyemi's petition dismissed for lack of merit.

Political sins of Adebayo Shittu in Oyo State

From Tajudeen Kareem

He is deep in the theory, practice and philosophy of the Islamic religion. Now I can bet that he would be laughing at the antics of his detractors or those who choose to play politics with the plan of the creator. His attitude, I dare assume, is premised on the words of Allah in the Holy Quran, Surah 3,189: And to Allah belongs the dominion of the heavens and the earth, and Allah has power over all things.

So, if I may ask: Who is afraid of Barrister Adulraheem Adebayo Shittu, the minister-nominee from Oyo State? No matter their grievances, one million petitioners cannot stop him from becoming a Minister. And to quote my late god-father, Alhaji Arisekola Alao, one billion petitions cannot stop whomsoever Almighty Allah wants to make a King.

Adebayo Shittu

 In all their grievances and petitions, no one has said that Shittu is not qualified. They cannot accuse him of being a fraudulent person, an incompetent lawyer, a womanizer or drunkard. All they have said is that he does not belong to the mainstream of the All Progressives Congress, APC. And that he is not the choice of the powers-that-are in Oyo State.

Laughable as their allegations may be, the story of Shittu should be a point of reference to many, whose political antecedents are muddled in political prostitution and inconsistency; a reproach some of his detractors may not get away from till their last breath.

From all indications, way back from his foray into politics when he was elected as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly in 1979, Shittu, a man who had been commissioner in the state with records of performance trailing his stewardship, cannot now at this point be vilified as half-hearted party man. Whatever misgivings anyone may have, Barrister Shittu is one politician with conscience, strength of character and a man of principle.

Adebayo Shittu sought to be governor of Oyo State in 2011 on the platform of the now defunct Congress for Progressive Change, one of the parties that fused into the current APC, which by the grace of God is now the governing party in the country.

As one of those parties in the trenches to wrest power from the Peoples Democratic Party, the ministerial nominee from Oyo State, on the counsel of his principal, and now the Nigerian President, Muhammadu Buhari, jettisoned his personal ambition to pursue the overall goal of the new party in the build up to the last general election by throwing his weight behind the APC-led government of Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi.

Himself not being a political neophyte, his people in Oke Ogun, which is the second largest division in Oyo State, after Ibadan, voted overwhelmingly for the success of his party, the APC; both at the presidential and governorship polls. How then can the intrigues of haters be dispatched to the refuse bin?

If the mantra of change is anchored on recovery of the nation’s values and abolition of corruption and its tendencies, and also to shift from the injustice of the past and establish an equitable order, then, Barr. Shittu stands eminently qualified for the new assignment ahead of him.

Rather than attacking his nomination, one would expect that the leadership of the APC in Oyo State, and indeed all other stakeholders in the political affairs of the state, should applaud the choice of President Buhari in seeing through the spectrum of the state to bring up a committed party man for the slot in the mold of Barrister Shittu.

The Oke-Ogun Division of Oyo State has complained of marginalization at different times, being one of the zones that had been denied the opportunity to produce a minister since the commencement of this democratic chain. They have voiced out their displeasure on how political posts often eluded them and with pleas that the imbalanced be redressed.

The late Alhaji Adekunle Aruna Elewi, from Oyo Division, served as Minister between 1999 and 2003. Thereafter, Prof. Taoheed Adedoja and Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide have served as Ministers. They are both of Ibadan extraction. The choice of an Oke-Ogun man this time by President Buhari should be situated in the right perspective. Firstly, his selection by the President should be seen as a reward for political consistency and loyalty to the vision of his principal.

In this clime, and examples abound everywhere, that only few politicians have that loyalty and patience to stand with their principals through the thick and thin of the difficult past and uncertain political future as Barrister Shittu.  His elevation should be a unifying factor for the people of Oyo State and be embraced as one justice done the once politically marginalized people of the Oyo north district.

In his choice, the scope of governance has been widened in the state. Hopefully, this will assuage the seeming disparity and neglect suffered by the Oke-Ogun people in the scheme of federal appointments.

Gongnews

Fayose to Senators, supports Fayemi's nomination

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State has called on Senators from the state to support former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was nominated among those to be in President Muhammadu Buhari’s cabinet, when the screening of the country’s ministerial nominees starts.

Ex-Gov. Kayode Fayemi and Gov. Ayo Fayose

Fayose made this known on his Twitter page, he said: “Ekiti is my number one priority, I called on all the house of reps and senators that went to Abuja from here, some people petitioned the National Assembly, stating how Fayemi sunk Ekiti into heavy debt, I have told the members not to do that,” he said.

The tweets:

1/1 Ekiti is my number one priority, I called on senators from Ekiti not to oppose Fayemi.

1/2 "Even though some people petitioned National Assembly,stating how Fayemi sunk Ekiti into debt,our senators will not oppose his nominatn."

1/3 It is God that judge people, not we. If a child would die, it shouldn't be from the mother. Our senators will not oppose Kayode Fayemi.

1/4 NO, they must never do that. An Ekiti man is an Ekiti man. I appeal to everybody, you must support Fayemi's nomination.

Issa Hayatou named Acting FIFA President

 The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou has been appointed as acting FIFA President.

Issa Hayatou of Cameroon will take over as acting FIFA President after Sepp Blatter was provisionally suspended for 90 days on Thursday by an ethics committee, soccer's governing body confirmed in a statement.

Hayatou, would take over, in accordance with FIFA statutes, as the longest-serving Vice-President on FIFA's executive committee, the statement said.

Gov Ahmed swears-in SSG, COS, HOS, others

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State today sworn-in the first set of members of the State Executive Council at the Council Chamber, Government House, Ilorin.

The include SSG, HOS, COS, DCOS and 14 Special Advisers.

(L-R) SSG, Alh. Isiaka Gold, HOS, Zahra Omar and Chief of Staff, Alh. AbdulWahab Babatunde

Senate unveils Fashola, Lai Muhammad, Shittu, Ogbeh, Fayemi, others as Ministerial nominees

Senate President Bukola Saraki has unveiled the names on the ministerial list sent by President Muhammadu Buhari.

The Senate President read the list on the floor of the Senate this morning.

Those on the list are: former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, Chris Ngige, APC National Publicity Secretary Lai Mohammed, Senator Udo Udoma Udo, Abubakar Salami SAN, Ogbonna Onu, Aisha Alhassan, Abdulrahman Dambazzau, Kemi Adeosun, Adebayo Shittu, Solomon Dalong, Audu Ogbeh, Amina Ibrahim, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Suleiman Adamu, Ogbonnaya Onu and Ibrahim Usman Jubril.

Meanwhile, the Senate President, Doctor Bukola Saraki has announced the screening of ministerial nominees on the list to commence on Tuesday, 13th October, 2015.

Ministerial List: Why the Cry Over Adebayo Shittu's Appointment?

Since Thursday, 30th October, 2015 when President Muhammadu Buhari forwarded the first Ministerial list to the Senate for screening and confirmation as Ministers and members of the Federal Executive Council in line with the provisions of the 1999 constitution, the media have been awashed with names of nominees speculated to be included in the list.

Hitherto, the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki who received the ministerial list on behalf of the Senate from the Chief of Staff to the President, Alh. Abba Kyari and the Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang had not made the content of the seal enveloped public and he did say that the enveloped would not be unveiled until Tuesday at the floor of the Senate.

In fact, there are arguments as to the source of the disclosure of the names of who is who in the list but the fact remains that all are speculations unless and until the official pronouncement is made by the Senate President. Though, for every rumour there is bound to be element of truth!

Surprisingly, however, there are already mischief makers who are selfish, self-serving and bent on retarding the progress of other individuals. They never renege in their pull him down syndrome to see that others do not rise above them. Hence they engage campaign of calumny and character assassination, all in attempts to see that others do not succeed in their match to greatness.

Without shadow of doubt, the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria empowers Mr. President to choose Ministers to reflect the federal character of the country and not to seek nomination from certain individuals or group. Indeed, it is the discretion of the President to choose his cabinet members without prejudice. Little wonder why some certain individuals are crying foul on the speculated choice of former Governorship candidate of the defunct Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) in Oyo State, Barrister Abdur-raheem Adebayo Shittu (The Bayo You Can Trust) as if he is not qualified and competent to be a member of President Muhammadu Buhari cabinet.

Barrister Adebayo Shittu, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice under Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja administration, had served the state and Nigeria in numerous capacities. Barrister Shittu at the age of 26 elected as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly between 1979 and 1983. In fact, he was the youngest honourable member in the parliament then and made quality representation as well as valuable contributions which made him a man to be reckoned with at the floor.

Also, the Saki-born lawyer had served as Oyo State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Information and Culture between October and December, 1983 and delegate to the National Political Reform Conference of 2005 under President Olusegun Obasanjo where he had outstanding proposals to his credit.

It is therefore worrisome to see sponsored advertorials and news reports in response to the recent media reports of the ministerial nominee from Oyo State in person of Barrister Adebayo Shittu. President Muhammadu Buhari and distinguished Senators should disregard the hue and cry of petitioners in confirming the appointment of the competent Nigerian.

The questions that are begging for answers are: Is Barrister Adebayo Shittu not a card carrying member of the APC? Is he not qualified to hold public office? Is Barrister Shittu not competent to be a member of the Federal Executive Council? Or are the sponsors of the Advertorial doubting the competence and judgement of President Muhammadu Buhari in nominating his cabinet members? Another important question that needs to be answered is when last was a minister nominated from the Oke-Ogun region of Oyo State? Oke-Ogun, just like other regions of the state deserves a fair representation in the political configuration of the country.

Barrister Abdur-raheem Adebayo Shittu is a man of the people, loves by masses across political, religious and regional divides within Oyo State for his boldness, team-player, dexterities, steadfastness, uprightness and integrity. No wonder Mr. President who had said his cabinet members would be people of proven integrity was reported to be settled down for Barrister Shittu (The Bayo You Can Trust).

Consequently, it will be a good omen for the fortunes of the All Progressives Congress at Oyo State, South-West region and National levels as well as contribute to the success of President Muhammadu Buhari administration in meeting the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians in the era of change if the choice of Barrister Adebayo Shittu is sail through as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Kwara Gov to swear-in SSG, HOS, SAs on Wednesday

The Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed will on Wednesday, this week swear-in the newly appointed officials of the Kwara State Government, at the Government house.

A statement made available shows that those to be sworn-in include the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Babatunde Yusuf, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Leke Ogungbe, the Head of Service, Hajia Zahra Omar and fourteen Special Advisers.

Some of the Special Advisers are:

1) Barrister Gobir Hassan Ahmed, Special Adviser, Labour Matters

2) Alhaji Aliu Zakari Gunu, Special Adviser, Local Government

3) Mr. Aanu Ayodeji Ibiwoye, Special Adviser, Agriculture and Rural Water Support Services

4) Alhaji Musa Abdullahi Mohammed, Special Adviser, Rural Energy Support Services

5) Alhaji Abdullahi Duro Muhammed, Special Adviser, Emergency and Relief

6) Mr. Amos Justus Sayo, Special Adviser, Forestry Services

7) Alhaji Manzuma Kawu Abdulmalik, Special Adviser, Environmental Services

8) Alhaji Amusa Bello, Special Adviser, Security

9) Barrister Suleiman Atolagbe, Special Adviser Legal Matters

10) Alhaji Usman Bibire-Ajape, Special Adviser-Political Matters

The formal administration of Oath of Office is a statutory requirement for all public appointments of government.

Gov Fayose to present cars to best teachers, others in Ekiti

Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State is set to present CARS to: Best teachers in public secondary and Pry schools in the state as the world marks Teachers Day.

The event is holding at the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State Capital.

Pix from Ekiti Govt House

Hajj: Nigerians won’t stone devil again, except.... – Sanusi

Nigeria’s Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi II, on Friday night said Nigerians will no longer participate in the stoning of devil ritual, except they get accommodation close to Jamrat, where the exercise will take place.

The Emir’s reaction followed the recent stampede in Saudi Arabia that killed several pilgrims, including about 70 Nigerians.

He also reiterated his earlier position that blacks, particularly Nigerians were not responsible for the stampede.

The Emir, who quoted several verses of the Qur’an, said refusal to perform the stoning of devil ritual does not in any way invalidate one’s pilgrimage.

He said, “During the era of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), he permitted pilgrims who came on camels to stay in Makkah after Arafat, instead of staying in Mina and sleeping at Muzdalifa.

“So, if the Prophet can give such grace to some people, just to protect their animals, why didn’t our scholars educate our people properly to avoid this untoward hardship and death?

“Therefore, it will be part of my recommendation to the Federal Government that, if we cannot get accommodation close to Jamrat where the Arabs reside in Mina, then this year may be the last time we will sleep in Mina and Muzdalifa because we want to stone the devil.

“If one deliberately refuses to perform the stoning of the devil ritual, all he needs to do is just to slaughter a ram. So, if this is the situation, why do we go and suffer and die instead of sacrificing a ram.”

South Africa launches National Recreation Day

South Africa has launched first-ever national recreation day as a way of fighting obesity and getting its citizens physically active.