Month: June 2024

With a drop in temperatures expected in various parts of the country, the City of Tshwane has appealed to residents to stay safe during the cold weather.

‘A drop in temperatures over parts of the country, including the City of Tshwane as forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), is noticeable. The possibility of thundershowers with cold and windy conditions is forecast over parts of Gauteng from the afternoon of Sunday, 02 June 2024 extending to Monday, 03 June 2024,’ the City’s Emergency Services Department said on Sunday.

The city has called on residents to keep warm but remain safe this winter by observing the following safety precautions:

If there is any fire danger exposure to dwellings like shacks or houses, vegetation or veld fires, dial the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.

Burning charcoal gives off deadly amounts of carbon monoxide so do not leave it in the house when sleeping.

Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.

Improper use of space heaters (izimbawul
a, braziers and electric, gas and paraffin heaters, among others) should be avoided.

Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning will be approved during this period).

The city said the safety tips are no exhaustive and encouraged citizens to do everything they possibly can to stay safe.

‘The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department will continue to monitor updates by SAWS and issue further notices when required,’ it said.

Floods in Eastern Cape

Meanwhile, some parts of the Eastern Cape are flooded, including the Sarah Baartman, Nelson Mandela, Amathole, OR Tambo and Buffalo City municipalities.

Two people have reported died, two are missing and 65 people have been rescued.

Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Zolile Williams said teams were on site attending flooded roads and houses.

Emergency services have been working throughout the night and are still working and searching to assist people affected by the flooding.

“We send our heartfelt condol
ences to the bereaved families,” said MEC Williams.

He said officials in the Provincial Disaster Management Centre was monitoring the situation as the rain weather is expected to continue until Monday.

Drop in temperatures

In a statement on Friday, the SAWS said that following a relatively dry and warmer-than-usual month of May, South Africans can expect the first significant drop in daytime temperatures over the coming days, with showers and thundershowers possible across most parts and even some snow over elevated areas.

The weather service said this was a result of a developing cutoff low-pressure system (the northwards displacement of a low-pressure in the upper levels of the atmosphere) over the western and southern parts of the country from Sunday into Monday.

‘Cut-off low-pressure systems are commonly associated with widespread rainfall, snowfall, strong to gale-force winds, and rough sea conditions in winter.’

The weather service added that cold temperatures, between 12 and 17°C, are expected ac
ross the western and southern parts of the country spreading to the central and eastern parts (including the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga Highveld, and the interior of KwaZulu-Natal) on Monday.

Very cold temperatures, with a maximum temperatures below 10°C, with mountain snowfalls are possible over the northern high ground of the Eastern Cape, the eastern high ground of the Western Cape, the southern high ground of the Northern Cape, parts of the Drakensberg and in Lesotho on Monday, it said.

The system is expected to weaken and exit over the country’s southern coast on Tuesday, with rainfall still expected over parts of the Western and Eastern Cape.

‘The remainder of the country will see the return of clear weather conditions, but temperatures will remain cold,’ said SAWS, adding that forecasts might change during the course of the weekend.

Source: South African Government News Agency

A civil servant, Mr Ugochukwu Nwogute and his wife, Vivian have appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu and well-meaning Nigerians for support in raising their quadruplets.

The couple, who gave birth to the four babies in a private hospital in Kubwa, Abuja on May 21, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Speaking with NAN in the hospital, Mrs Nwogute, said she got married in 2015 and had her first daughter on Nov. 5, 2016.

‘After years of waiting, I became pregnant in Sept. 2023 and was delivered of three boys and one girl through caesarean section at Vinca hospital, Arab Road, Kubwa, Abuja, on May 21.

‘When I was told I was going to have multiple babies, it was a mixed feeling for me.

‘Mixed feelings, because I was not expecting it, but was happy because we have waited for years after our first daughter. So, we were hoping on God and praying and God did more than we expected,” she said.

She added that the hospital billed them about N1.7 milli
on in the first instance, which they were still running around to pay.

‘The babies eat two hourly, they consume almost half of their Pre NAN formula which we were asked to feed them with, and a tin costs N10, 000.

‘We also have follow ups because the paediatrician said after we have been discharged, we are expected to be bringing the babies to the hospital weekly for check up,’ she said

On the babies’ health, Mrs Nwogute said that they were responding to treatment, adding that her recovery was gradual.

‘I am getting stronger because I have relapses. For example, last night I was cold all through and I have treated malaria and because of that, I cannot breastfeed my babies the way I am expected to,” she said.

The husband appealed to the government to come to their aid, financially and in the area of accommodation for a bigger apartment that can be convenient for the family.

‘The journey has not been easy, taking care of a heavily pregnant woman and the only daughter we had eight years back.

‘When the b
abies came, I was not expecting such a number, but I give glory to God for the marvelous thing He has done for us.

‘My appeal to the government and well meaning Nigerians is for them to come to our aid.

‘We need financial support to take care of the babies as well as, in the area of accommodation, because the apartment we are currently occupying cannot contain us anymore,’ he said.

Nwogute, specifically appealed to the First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, to see the quadruplets as anniversary gifts to the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

He, urged Mrs Tinubu, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmud as well as the wife of the FCT Minister, Mrs Eberechi Wike, to render assistance to his family

On his part, Dr Chiemezie Odera, an Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at the hospital said it would not be easy, taking care of the children as they would need more hands for their care because the mother would not be able to do it all alone.

Odera, therefore, urged the general public to support the couple so as to
take good care of the babies.

‘Most importantly is care and support after delivery. Any woman that has more than one baby, needs more hands to help out because she might go into depression if you allow her to stay without care.

‘So, we encourage that they have support, people should be around them to help in taking care of the children,” he reiterated.

The obstetrician said that it would not always be easy for the woman as her breast milk would not be enough for the babies.

According to him, Vinca hospital has been doing well in the area of maternal care, and the facility have had series of multiple birth.

Talking about the weight of the babies, he said, for the fact that they might not have weight like single birth, but they were still strong like any other single birth.

‘In the uterus, they shared what was available, so, you don’t expect them to have much weight.

‘But interestingly, those weights, no matter how small they appear compared to single birth, they are still as strong as those single birt
hs without any complication.

‘Though they need to be observed after delivery, but they are doing well. Even if they weigh 1.5kg, they are still as strong as 3kg and above,” he explained.

The Doctor added that there would be need for the babies to be reviewed over time by the paediatrician to see how they were faring.

Odera, while urging the nursing mother to eat well and rest, he advised her not to hesitate in coming back to the facility where the babies were delivered, in case of any issue.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

A Clinical Psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, says the Federal Government needs to implement policies and programmes that reduce tobacco consumption and protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.

Ajiboye who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

He was speaking against the backdrop of the World No Tobacco Day 2024 marked annually on May 31 with the theme ‘Protecting Children from the Tobacco Industry Interference.’

Ajiboye said tobacco was one of the top single greatest causes of preventable deaths globally.

He said smoking could lead to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cancer of the lungs, larynx, and mouth pancreatic cancer; and hypertension.

Ajiboye said the Nicotine in cigarettes could lead to addiction or substance use disorder adding that tobacco was a significant cause of miscarriages among pregnant smokers.

‘Tobacco can lead to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), t
he fetal brain’s ability may be reduced when exposed to cigarettes.

‘ Incidence of impotence is approximately 85 per cent higher in male smokers compared to male non – smokers.

He said smoking was a key factor in causing erectile dysfunction, adding that tobacco smoking led most commonly to disease affecting the heart , liver, lungs, etc.

‘Based on the health effects revealed above, the government has a huge role to play in reducing preventable deaths caused by tobacco by implementing policies and programmes that reduce tobacco consumption.

‘Also implementing policies that protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke.’

Ajiboye suggested some key roles of government to include tobacco taxation, by raising taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable and reduce consumption.

He said the government should enact laws that prohibit smoking in public places, workplaces, and public transportation, and implement standards for tobacco products, such as warning labels and ingredient disclosure.

Ajibo
ye said that there should also be awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of tobacco use and providing resources and support for individuals trying to quit tobacco.

‘There should be youth access restrictions by enacting laws to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors.

‘There should be monitoring and surveillance by the government through collection of data on tobacco use and related health effects to inform policy decisions.

‘Regulation of tobacco advertising by restricting or banning tobacco advertising to prevent promotion to youth and others.’

He said the government should also support tobacco research by funding research on tobacco use and its health effects to inform policy and treatment development.

The clinical psychologist said the federal government should collaborate with other countries to share best practices and coordinate efforts to reduce global tobacco use.

‘By taking these steps, the government can effectively reduce the health impacts of tobacco and protect c
itizens’ health.’

Ajiboye said World No Tobacco Day 2024 is a vital global event aimed at highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

He said this year’s theme emphasised protecting children from the tobacco industry’s practices, ensuring a healthier future for the next generation.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport (NASST) has honoured seven Generals and 20 other officers after 35 years of meritorious service to the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the generals honoured are Maj.-Gen. V.O Offiong, Maj.-Gen. B.N Salami, Brig. -Gen. MT Waboke, Brig.-Gen. M. Abiodun, Brig. -Gen. M.A Bolarinwa, Brig.-Gen. Idowu and Brig.-Gen. S. Umaru.

Speaking at the parade ground on behalf of the retirees, Maj. -Gen. Victor Offiong, said retirement from active service remained a natural and inevitable end.

According to Offiong, retirement begins to count from the day an officer passed out from the Nigerian Defence Academy.

‘Our joy and that of our families, colleagues and friends gathered here knows no bounds as we take a final bow from this noble Corps of great logisticians.

‘It is a day of grave emotional feelings, nostalgic memories, wholesome gratitude, unending joy and above all, a sense of unwavering fulfilment.

‘Let me on behalf of my retired colleagues, mos
t respectfully appreciate the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja and the Corps Commander, Maj. Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka for organising this memorable pull out parade in our honour.

‘Our collective gratitude goes to the other Senior Logistics, retired Generals and senior officers.

‘As we finally bid farewell to the Corps of the proud logisticians, I want to encourage all our successors not to only sustain our modest strategic achievements but to surpass them by all means no matter the challenges,’ he said.

Offiong, however, urged the Supply and Transport Corps not to rest on its oars, adding that, the entire Nigerian Army dependent largely on the support of the Corps to achieve its core mandate and mission.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government says it has secured Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) to the tune N20 billion towards facilitating local production of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).

Dr James Lalu, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

Lalu said, the need to source for investors in the manufacturing of locally made assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities (PwD) became necessary, following the high cost of the imported devices.

‘Recently, we secured a foreign direct Investment to the tune of N20 billion and the organisation is committed to starting the local manufacturing of assistive devices as an MoU has already been signed.

‘The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is going forward to make sure that we provide this opportunity to Nigeria for the manufacturing of local assistive devices.

‘This is due to the fact that 99 per cent of our ass
istive devices are imported and the prices are higher and are now getting out of the reach of the poor.

‘Even, the budgetary allocation provided may not be able to provide assistive devices to the disability community across all states of the federation,’ he said.

Lalu added that promoting local contents in the manufacturing of assistive devices will go a long way to increase patronage and boost the nation’s economy.

‘With the local manufacturing of assistive devices, it will encourage the state governments, local governments and other government agencies to procure and distribute them to the disability communities.

‘The National Commission for Persons with Disabilities is working already in the area of local manufacturing of assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities.

‘These include, wheelchairs, hearing aids and other devices for the blind and the deaf as well as persons with albinism,’ he said

The Executive Secretary disclosed that the commission was touting for talent in innovative and creative
industry to improve in the production of assistive devices for PwDs.

‘Just recently, we saw a video circulating on social media about one person in Kano, who was able to manufacture a digital eye-glass that can assist a blind person to walk around using sensors that will communicate to him through voice.

‘When we saw this, we put an invitation to the innovator to come to our head office.

‘We are expecting him at our head office on Tuesday and we are going to review his invention, to see what we can do, to partner with the Bank of Industry and NASENI to bring the innovation to reality in Nigeria,’ he said.

Lalu noted that Nigeria is a land of great opportunities, adding that the commission will scout for the opportunities in other to bring the disability community into technological era.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

An NGO, United Way Greater Nigeria (UWGN), in collaboration with Creative Colony, has trained students in Lagos schools on transforming discarded plastics into art.

Ms ‘Deola Durodola, Executive Director, UWGN, at the completion of the three-day initiative on Friday in Lagos, said the project was aimed at promoting recycling and the creative use of waste plastics to create art.

Durodola said that the initiative tagged ‘Eco Art project’ was conducted at Ilupeju Junior Secondary School and Mawumaduka School and Orphanage, Makoko.

According to her, the project engaged students in an educational and artistic experience, transforming discarded plastics into vibrant works of art.

Durodola said that the students learnt about the environmental impact of plastic waste and the significance of recycling.

She noted that they were guided by skilled artists from the Creative Colony, who taught them various techniques to repurpose waste materials into beautiful, meaningful artworks.

‘The project aimed to inspire the n
ext generation to think creatively about environmental conservation and to see the potential in everyday waste.

‘We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and creativity of the students, and it is our hope that this experience will leave a lasting impression and encourage sustainable practices in their communities,’ she said.

She added that the initiative not only highlighted the importance of recycling but also showcased the students’ creativity and artistic talents.

According to her, participants created stunning portraits of notable figures such as Tobi Amusan, celebrated Nigerian sprinter and world champion; Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Tunde Onakoya, a chess player and coach.

Also, Dr Ameera Euba, Founder, The Creative Colony, said the partnership with UWGN represents a powerful synergy of community engagement and artistic innovation.

Euba noted that by merging efforts, the organisations had not only educated young minds on the importance of recycling but also provided them with a creativ
e outlet to express their ideas and aspirations.

‘Together, we are fostering a culture of sustainability and creativity that will resonate far beyond the classrooms and communities we serve,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria