Day: June 13, 2024

A lecturer at Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze, Dr Churchill Okonkwo, has urged lecturers to invest in academic research in order to meeting the teaching needs of the 21st century.

Okonkwo, a lecturer, in the Department of Physics at the institution, is the Vice-President, College of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU).

He said this on Wednesday in Awka during a two-day international training for guidance counselors on ecological approach to social-emotional learning.

The training had as its theme: ‘Envisioning an Ecological Classroom to Enhance Knowledge in Social- Emotional Learning.

It was jointly organised by U.S.-based NGO, Life Care Coalition Outreach (LCCO), Igwe Davison Okafor/Mercy Ikeanyi (IDOMI) and Anambra State Ministry of Education.

Okonkwo said scientific research would help teachers to improve in their teaching and learning in a changing world for impactful development.

He said teachers should also avail themselves of new teaching tools and technologies to effectively
engage in knowledge transfer in a digital age.

Okonkwo urged them to invest on research to gather more knowledge of new technologies and methods of teaching so as to be fit in transferring same to students as the world evolve.

Also speaking, the Coordinator, IDOMI, Dr Chinedu Ikeanyi, said the workshop was part of their contribution towards improving the standard of education in the state.

He said the organisation was conscious of the role of quality education in the development of any society.

According to him, the training was in response to calls by the present and previous administrations in the state for the repatriation of knowledge by those in the diaspora.

Ikeanyi said with the right teaching and learning environment, students would learn and impact positively on society.

He assured that the programme would be sustained in the same way the organisation had sustained its free medical and scholarship programmes.

He, however, said it would be evaluated to know areas of improvement.

The LCCO Coord
inator, Mrs Victoria Anago, explained that the programme would also empower counselors to act as social workers in schools while improving the education system.

Anago said it would expose the teachers to ways of improving their teaching skills and enhance their competence.

Dr Sevaughn Banks, a Professor of Social Work, California State University, Stanislaus, Thurrock, California, argued that classroom ecology could addressing students learning and educational needs while customising the school resources.

Classroom ecology is the study of how students and their teachers interact both with the classroom environment and with each other within that specific space.

One of the participants, Mrs Loretta Uzuagu from Aguata Educational zone, said she would share the knowledge gained with her colleagues in the zone.

Mrs Chinwe Chukwuemeka from Otuocha zone, commended the organisers for the training noting that it had improved her communication skills.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was g
eared towards enhancing and addressing the needs of students and teachers towards improved learning and social development.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The prevalence of smoking in South Africa remains high compared to other countries, with an average of 8.5 cigarettes smoked per day by daily smokers.

This information is based on the 2021 Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) South Africa report, released by the Department of Health on Thursday.

Based on the most recent data from GATS, sampled from 7 245 households, it was found that the prevalence of tobacco use in South Africa is 29.4%.

The data also revealed that a higher percentage of men (41.7%) are currently using tobacco compared to women (17.9%).

Lead investigator, Dr Catherine Egbe from the South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC), stated that 21.2% of adults in South Africa smoke daily, while 4.6% smoke occasionally.

The highest prevalence of tobacco is found in the Northern Cape, followed by the Western Cape, while the lowest is in Limpopo.

Shifting her focus to the age of initiation of tobacco use, Egbe said the average age of initiation was 17.6 years old among adults aged between 20 an
d 34.

Meanwhile, 20.9% of urban residents and 13.5% of rural residents initiated smoking before the age of 15.

In addition, Egbe stated that 33.9% of daily tobacco users smoke within five minutes of waking up.

E-cigarettes and hookah pipe

Meanwhile, 2.2% said they were currently using e-cigarettes, of which 3.8% are men and 0.7% are women.

Of those using e-cigarettes, 70.3% cited enjoyment, 67.5% cited flavour, 45.1% perceived it as less harmful than tobacco, while 43.5% said their use was influenced by friends or family members who use e-cigarettes.

The study also found that 3.1% of adults reported smoking hookah pipe or hubbly bubbly.

‘The mean age of initiation for those who have ever smoked water pipe was 21.1 years,’ Egbe said.

For those aged between 15 and 24, the average age of initiation was 17.3 years old.

Quitting

Among adults currently smoking tobacco, 80.9% attempted to quit without assistance, 4.1% used pharmacotherapy, and 42.9% received advice to stop from their healthcare provider.

Data also shows that 74.4% of adults who visited public places were exposed to second-hand smoke (SHS) at bars, taverns, shebeens or nightclubs.

Meanwhile, 19.9% were exposed to SHS at school, 16.0% at tertiary institutions and 11.3% in cafes.

Data indicates that men spent slightly more on cigarettes, R273.20, while women spent around R207.20 monthly.

Government interventions

The Department of Health’s Deputy Director of General Primary Healthcare, Jeanette Hunter, has noted an increase in the use of hookah, e-cigarettes and vapes, particularly among young people.

‘Studies have highlighted health risks associated with the use of e-cigarettes and hookah pipes, hubbly bubbly or shisha, even though they are aggressively marketed as healthier tobacco alternatives,’ Hunter said.

She said scientists have provided enough evidence for countries to act and put measures in place to curb the use of these new-generation products.

‘It is for this reason that we, as a country, amended the existing Tobacco Product Co
ntrol Act, Act 83 of 1993 to incorporate the control of the use of electronic delivery systems. This amendment Bill is at the stage of going through Parliamentary processes.’

Hunter also raised concerns about citizens who are now starting to smoke at a younger age.

‘Disappointingly, it reveals that a small percentage, only 42.9% of smokers, were advised by a healthcare provider to quit smoking.’

Hunter said the department has since identified the need to establish tobacco cessation programmes in primary healthcare facilities and that the feasibility of such programmes is being explored.

Hunter also highlighted the importance of the proposed ban on smoking in enclosed spaces after it was found that 44.5% of adults in South Africa are exposed to SHS.

Meanwhile, as part of the recommendations, Egbe emphasised the importance of implementing tobacco taxes, smoke-free laws, graphic health warnings, and total bans on tobacco advertising and promotion to reduce smoking initiation, particularly among young people
.

‘Effective strategies to reduce tobacco use, including putting in place more comprehensive laws that are compliant with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, should be implemented to protect more people from exposure to SHS, and provide cessation services to help more people who smoke to quit,’ Egbe said.

In addition, Egbe believes that if Parliament were to pass the Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill of 2022, it would help reduce long-term tobacco use and the burden of tobacco-related diseases.

Source: South African Government News Agency

The Nigeria Customs Service (NSC)

said it has seized 26,950 litres of petroleum products worth N19 million being smuggled out of the country into Republic of Benin.

The National Coordinator, Operation Whirlwind of the NSC, Mr Hussein Ejibunu, disclosed this on Thursday at a news conference held at the command’s headquarters in Abeokuta.

He said that the petroleum products which consisted of 978 kegs of 25 litres totaling 26,950 litres was impounded in Zone A of the NCS consisting of Lagos and Ogun.

Ejibunu said the special squad was set up few weeks ago by the Controller-General of NCS, Bashir Adeniyi, to complement efforts aimed at cracking down on criminals smuggling petroleum products outside the country.

The customs officer added that the activities of the smugglers usually aid the artificial scarcity of petroleum products in the country forcing the prices to go up for as much as N900 per litre.

He said: ‘In just about two weeks of operation, Operation Whirlwind team, Zone A axis, intercepted 26,950
litres of premium motor spirit worth N19 million.

‘121 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 3,025 litres was intercepted at Oyinkansola Global Concept along Badagry/Seme road in Lagos State on May 31.

’77 drums of PMS (616 kegs of 25 litres) equivalent to 15, 400 litres was seized on June 7 at Seayab Petroleum along Imeko/Obada road in Ogun state.

‘The means of conveyance is a truck with the registration number 95D4244D.’

Ejibunu stated further that another 100 kegs of PMS of 25 litres equivalent to 2,500 litres was impounded on June 8 along Owode/Atan road in Ogun.

‘While an equivalent of 6,025 litres consisting of 141 kegs of 25 litres was seized at Julankoly Oil and Gas along Owode-Ilaro Road,” he said.

Ejibunu said that the petrol stations involved in the criminal activities had been sealed while their owners would be prosecuted.

He said the menace posed by the unpatriotic act of smugglers on the Nigerian economy could not be overemphasised, hence the need for synergy with other relevant agenci
es to win the fight against the saboteurs.

He warned all those who were into criminal acts of sabotaging the country’s economy to either have a change of heart or get dealt with according to the laws.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Arondizuogu Patriotic Union, an Imo State socio-cultural group based in the United Kingdom and the Ireland, has sponsored 125 students for the 2024 Junior West Africa Examination Council (WAEC).

Mazi Vincent Akamnonu, President of APU, made the disclosure in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday.

The examination is known as a certificate examination written by the third class students of junior secondary schools to usher them into the Senior Secondary School.

Akamnonu said that the gesture was part of the union’s commitment to alleviate the financial burden of parents of students from the three major schools in Arondizuogu in Imo.

‘By investing in education today, we are building a brighter future for tomorrow.

‘The initiative aims to support underprivileged students and marks a significant milestone in our dedication to fostering education and empowering our community,’ he said.

Akamnonu noted that education being a fundamental right of every child, must be made av
ailable, not as a privilege but a right.

‘By removing financial barriers, we are empowering students to excel academically and pursue their dreams.

‘Many talented students face financial barriers that hinder their academic progress.

‘Recognising this challenge, APU UK stepped forward to bridge the gap to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to pursue their educational aspirations.

‘Through the generous contributions of our members and the dedication of our volunteers, we provided financial assistance to 125 deserving students, enabling them to focus on their studies without the burden of exam fees,’ Akamnonu said.

According to him, the union will host a global conference to educate young people on various training opportunities available in the Information Technology (IT) sector.

The APU president explained that the training scheduled to hold at the end of June in Imo, would provide many youths with onshore and offshore IT training and employment opportunities.

‘Together, we can create a
world where every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

‘APU UK is also expected to join thousands of Igbo communities in celebrating the 10th Igbo Festival of Arts and Culture in London in July 2024.

‘The organisation will be joined by patriotic Arondizuogu women to make this global event a success,’ he added.

Meanwhile, the Imo State government, through its Commissioner for Education, Prof. Johncliff Nwadike, has commended the UK-based group for the gesture.

In a letter to APU UK, the commissioner, who highlighted the positive impact of the sponsorship on the students’ educational career said that the commitment was commendable.

‘Following your initial offer, you generously pledged to cover the BECE examination fees for all third-year Junior Secondary School students.

‘This kind of action sets an inspiring example, and we are thrilled to have APU UK/Ireland as a partner.

‘Together, we can achieve significant positive outcomes for the Arondizuogu community,’ Nwadike said.

Source: News Age
ncy of Nigeria

Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Ebrahim Patel, has designated Hardin Ratshisusu as Acting Deputy Commissioner and Acting Commissioner of the National Consumer Commission.

The acting appointment is effective from 1 May 2024.

Ratshisusu has also served as a Deputy Commissioner at the Competition Commission since 2016.

‘Mr Ratshisusu has 20 years of experience in competition regulation, with over 10 years at the executive level.

‘He holds a BCom Economics (Honours) from the University of Venda, MCom in Economics from the University of Witwatersrand and a Master of Business Leadership from the University of South Africa.

‘He has completed the PURC/ World Bank Training Program on Utility Regulation and Strategy with the University of Florida, as well as the Senior Executive Program for Africa with the Harvard Business School.

‘He actively participates in international fora such as the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), BRICS, United Nations Trade and Development (UNCT
AD), and the African Competition Forum,’ said the National Consumer Commission.

Source: South African Government News Agency

Mr Osi Okonkwo, General Manager, FranzEnergy Ltd, says the development of renewable energy resources can significantly contribute to economic diversification in Africa, with specific policies needed for that transition.

Okonkwo spoke at a Panel Discussion on ‘Driving Economic Transformation in Global Africa: The Role of Emerging AfriCaribbean Giants”, at the ongoing 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) in Nassau, The Bahamas on Thursday.

The meetings are being monitored by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

According to him, with regards to the renewable energy storyline, if done properly, it should mean a cleaner, healthier, more financially prosperous Africa with lots of jobs.

Okonkwo said it would require going further down into the value chain, and not just pushing energy and commodities off the continent.

‘This is because there are opportunities therein,” he said.

He said some strategies could be put in place to enable renewable energy to go much further down the value chain.

‘There is a ne
ed to delve into the actual production of solar panels, inverters and batteries, on the continent.

‘There is so much more that can be done. But to do this, when you talk about strategy, a few things need to be done.

Okonkwo cited the instance of China that just launched a five GigaWatts (GW) solar farm, saying that the five GW capacity was about all of the power connected at the moment in Nigeria.

‘So, when you think about the Chinese story, and try to use that as a template, there are a few things we have to do.’

He said there was a need to lean into the transition fuels first and foremost, such as gas, then facility; and use that as a transition fuel, for a cleaner future.

According to him, coming into the renewable space, there is also a need to go a little bit deeper and depend more on the more consistent replenishable versions of renewables.

‘So, we have to think of hydro dams, geothermal where it is applicable.

‘ Lean into that first and foremost, because the run off the mill solar farms and wind
are more inconsistent,’ he said.

With regards to policy, Okonkwo said there should be fewer but clear policies which allow for meritocracy of access to resources, and funding, among others.

He also said that the platter of policies should not get to a point where they would interfere and impede private sector ventures.

Okonkwo said the private sector had a key role to play when it came to strengthening African Caribbean economies.

He, however, said there needs to be significant development, increased access to capital, steering up industrial capacity and reducing the overdependence of commodities.

Mr Jean Louis-Ekra, former President, of Afreximbank, said that it was necessary to change the structures of African economies’, shifting away from relying solely on exports.

He said basic infrastructure needed to be in place as many countries still lacked power adding that nothing much could be done on transformation without power.

‘We need to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA)
, and the issues of moving money, among others.

‘Once we have dealt with some of the basics, then we can move forward and very quickly, to exporting among ourselves and take advantage of opportunities in the Caribbean”

Louis-Ekra said that Africans had not done enough to use their financial resources.

‘ We need to generate resources before we talk about financing.

‘ I believe we have not harnessed enough of our own resources in our continent, to make it available to financial institutions so they can finance the change,’ he said.

Dr Kingsley Mordi, Director, Bono Energy, restated the importance of putting basic infrastructure in place, with particular emphasis on energy.

NAN reports that the 31st AAM2024 is being held in Nassau, The Bahamas from June 12 to June 15.

It has the theme: ‘Owning our Destiny: Economic Prosperity on the Platform of Global Africa”.

The AAM is taking place alongside the 3rd edition of the AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024).

Source: News Agency of Nigeria