Month: June 2024

A Consultant Haematologist, Prof. Adedoye Dosunmu, has canvased the need for more Nigerians to cultivate the habit of voluntary blood donation to save lives and enhance access to readily available safe blood.

Dosunmu made the call at a lecture organised by the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH) to commemorate ‘2024 World Blood Donor Day’ on Friday in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the World Blood Donor Day is celebrated annually on June 14, to raise awareness about the need for safe blood and blood products to save lives.

The programme has the theme: Celebrating 20 Years of Giving: Thank You Blood Donors.

Dosunmu, a Guest Speaker at the event, spoke on the significance of the day, calling for more advocacy in Nigeria as most people doid not understand the need for regular blood donation.

According to him, there is an urgent need to orientate Nigerians on the importance of blood donation, especially as voluntary givers, as it s
aves more lives if blood can easily be accessed by the health institution and patients when needed.

Highlighting the benefits of voluntary blood donation, Dosunmu said that it reduced the risk of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, stroke, depression and elongates life.

The haematologist explained that regular blood donors had the opportunity of having regular medical checkup, which predisposed the individual to a healthier lifestyle.

He said that an individual could donate blood in three months intervals, which translated to donating blood up to three or four times per year.

‘The World Health Organisation explains that blood is an important resource, both for planned treatment and urgent interventions.

‘Blood can help patients suffering from life-threatening conditions live longer and with a higher quality of life and supports complex medical and surgical procedures.

‘It is also vital for treating the wounded during emergencies of all kinds (natural disasters, accidents, armed conflicts, etc.) and h
as an essential, life-saving role in maternal and perinatal care.

‘Hence, the need for more people to voluntarily donate blood to not only save lives but also help to enhance access to safe and readily available blood,’ he said.

Prof. Titi Adeyemo, a Consultant Haematologist from the Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, LUTH, said that regular blood donors stood the chance of living five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor.

Adeyemo explained that blood donation kept the bone marrow active, which in turn kept the individual younger.

She decried that Nigeria still heavily relied on family replacement donor, where relatives were forced to donate blood.

Adeyemo, therefore, urged people not to wait for an emergency before they start donating blood.

‘So, what we have decided to do this year is to also invite secondary school students so that we start identifying and building them young to be regular future blood donors.

‘As soon as they are 18 years of age, let them register
with any nearby blood transfusion service and start maintaining healthy lifestyles, be committed to regular blood donation and be saving lives.

‘It is very safe for people between 18 and 65 years of age to donate blood three or four times a year.

‘Blood donation keeps the bone marrow active and once the bone marrow is active, it keeps the individual younger.

‘And some evidence have shown that regular blood donors live five years extra than people who were not regular blood donor; because their bone marrow is continually renewed,’ she said.

The Chief Medical Director, LUTH, Prof. Wasiu Adeyemo, said the day aimed to sensitise people on the importance of having safe blood and blood products in the blood bank to assist health institutions save lives.

Represented by the Deputy Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Dr Babawale Bello, Adeyemo said the hospital partnered with a lot of organisations, communities and the society at large to encourage voluntary blood donation.

According to him, for every bl
ood donated, a life would have been saved and blood donation creates room for an individual to be tested for physical fitness.

A regular Blood Donor, Mr Olumide Omoge, said it gave him joy to save lives through blood donation.

According to him, donating blood keeps me fit and my body becomes rejuvenated.

NAN reports that secondary school students from different schools across Lagos State were present at the lecture.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Minister of Youths Development, Dr Jamila Ibrahim says artificial intelligence is pivotal to electoral development of youths.

Ibrahim said this at the unveiling of Naija Elections, a generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool, developed by Kimpact Development Initiative (KDI) with the support of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in Abuja on Thursday.

According to her, the naija electoral AI tool herald a new era in which every Nigerians can participate meaningfully in our electoral process.

‘In an era where technology and information are pivotal to ensuring our young people have the tools and knowledge to engage in the democratic process actively is essential.

‘This platform will empower our youths by giving them easy access to accurate real time electoral information enabling them to make informed decisions and participate actively in electoral processes.

‘This could not have come at a more appropriate time than when we are celebrating 25 years uninterrupted democracy in
Nigeria.

‘As we inaugurate this platform today, I wish to emphasis the government’s determination to deploy technology that will enhance our democratic processes,’ Ibrahim said.

Speaking also at the launch, Mr Bukola Idowu, Executive Director, KDI, said the tool would facilitate easy access to the Nigerian election ecosystem by youths.

‘The tool is going to combat misinformation and disinformation, enhance voter education and electoral knowledge.

‘Every information on Niaja elections is from the official sources that is, the Constitution and INEC.

‘What we have done is that we give you information that you can rely on and you can actually use the platform without signing in you just log on to the address and it does not store an individual’s data.’

Speaking more on the features he said it had the three major Nigerian languages- Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba.

He was optimistic that it would have up to 150 languages before the next election in 2027.

In her remarks, Cynthia Rowe, Development Director, FCDO said
‘for a country that is as large and diverse as Nigeria a well informed electorate is pivotal.’

According to her, an educated voter is better equipped to make informed political choices and engage in the democratic process in a way that is meaningful.

According to her, technology is bridging digital gaps in business, education , security that ensures much better efficiency.

‘As we celebrate this launch it’s important that we look at the broader context, democracy around the world is all facing exceptional challenges of misinformation and disinformation, which encourages scepticism.

‘And, it is important we know that our collective efforts in putting forward correct information using platforms like this, we are also strengthening democracy in Nigeria and contributing to global efforts on democratic values.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the App is developed by Nigerians and built to supply any kind of electoral information that concerns Nigeria and can be accessed by logging on to www.naijae
lections.ng.

KDI is an independent non-profit and Non-governmental Organisation that inspires citizens-led-democratic development anchored on principles of participation, data -driven, advocacy, strong institutions, gender equality and public policies.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The 30th General Assembly of the African Organisation for Standardisation (ARSO) would converge on Abuja to advance the cause of standardisation across the continent.

Dr Ifeanyi Okeke, Director-General, Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos to give details of the forthcoming ARSO trade exhibition.

Okeke said that manufacturers, producers and vendors across the commanding heights of the economy across the continent would go through the rudiments of standardisation excellence.

The SON director-general said that the exhibition and general assembly would catalyse transformation, propelling Nigeria and the entire Africa toward a future of sustainable growth and prosperity.

He said that the trade exhibition would strategically present innovations to a diverse audience of industry experts, policymakers and potential investors by highlighting the quality, diversity and competitiveness of Nigerian goods and services.

According to him, top tier manufacturers,
including the Dangote Group, Innoson Motors, AIG Rite Foods Ltd., Nasco Foods, Ajinomoto and others in the fast-moving consumer goods segments, allied sectors, and small businesses, have keyed into the programme.

He said that the events would take place from June 17 to June 22, at the Abuja Continental Hotel.

‘Besides, it will offer a firsthand experience of the vibrant Nigerian market, with an array of local manufacturers and producers slated to participate.

‘The exhibition promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, both for domestic stakeholders and international visitors.

‘From traditional crafts to cutting-edge technologies, the exhibition will showcase the breadth and depth of Nigeria’s economic landscape, providing valuable insights into emerging trends and investment opportunities.

‘Of course, it offers a chance to gain exposure to international markets, as the general assembly attracts delegates from across Africa and beyond, opening doors for export opportunities.

‘By showcasing the best of
Nigerian innovations and enterprises, the exhibition will underscore the importance of standardisation in driving economic development and fostering regional integration,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has stated the need for Nigerian and British businesses to leverage their strengths and explore new frontiers at the forthcoming trade mission in the United Kingdom.

Mr Ray Atelly, President, NBCC, said this at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos.

Atelly said the 2024 NBCC Trade Mission slated for June 24 to 28 has the theme: ‘Unveiling Untapped Opportunities Across the UK and Nigeria.’

He said the advice was crucial to navigate the complexities of a post-Brexit and post-pandemic global economy.

Atelly noted that the trade mission was critical, particularly at this time when the Nigerian economy needed a rebirth especially via influx of foreign direct investments.

He said Nigeria’s dynamic economy, rich in resources and entrepreneurial spirit, presented a wealth of investment opportunities for UK businesses, particularly as Nigerian banks need capital to meet the new capital threshold set by the apex bank.

Atelly added that the UK, with its advanced in
frastructure, diverse market, and robust legal framework, offered numerous opportunities for Nigerian businesses seeking to expand their footprint internationally.

‘It is certainly not just a window but a big door of opportunities thrown open to investors all over the world, the United Kingdom particularly.

‘The Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Olayemi Cardoso, has agreed to feature in the trade mission and he will be delivering a paper on his programme for the banks (recapitalisation of Nigerian banks).

‘It is, therefore, an opportunity for the financial institutions in Nigeria to join us on this mission to explore possibilities beyond borders,’ he said.

He also stated the need to explore and unveil untapped opportunities that exist within both economies.

Atelly said on the Nigerian front, opportunities existed in the transportation, educational and technology areas while for Nigeria in the UK, opportunities were in housing, food exports and culinary delights.

He stressed that Nigeria must expend effo
rts such as this to replace businesses that were being lost, noting that the net gain was in the country’s favour.

He pledged that the NBCC would continue to be at the forefront of fostering strong bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

‘This trade mission is a testament to our commitment to deepening economic ties, promoting business opportunities, and enhancing mutual growth and development,’ he said.

The Director General, NBCC, Mrs Ebere Njoku, said the trade mission would high the vast and often underused opportunities in Nigeria’s key sectors such as agriculture, technology, manufacturing, and energy.

Njoku said the knowledge exchange in best practices between business leaders would foster innovation and collaboration between Nigerian and British business leaders.

‘The UK-Nigeria relationship is built on a foundation of shared history and mutual interests.

‘This trade mission is not just about business; it is about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating a
future where both nations can thrive together.

‘As Nigeria navigates challenging economic conditions due to the decline in global oil prices, it has become imperative for us to diversify our economy and reduce our dependence on crude oil.

‘The NBCC Trade Mission stands as a beacon of opportunity, aimed at attracting foreign investments to Nigeria with a focus on our non-oil sectors,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Delta Command, has deployed 654 personnel including regular and special marshals to various locations in the state to ensure safety during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Mr Muftau Irekeola, Sector Commander, FRSC, said this on Friday in Asaba while addressing personnel of the command in preparation for the Eid-el-Kabir special patrol.

Irekeola said that a total of 654 personnel, 19 operational vehicle, one ambulance, one power bike, and others would be deployed in the state.

The sector commander, however, said that the command was partnering with private tow truck owners, saying that the command’s tow truck was not in good condition.

‘If it is more than 30 tons truck, we will call FRSC Onitsha command for towing because Onitsha is less than four kilometers away from Asaba,’ he said.

He urged motorist to drive with caution, and pay attention to other road users.

‘During rainy season, the grip of their tyres on the road is reduced because of the rain, they need to spe
ed less, in fact they are supposed to go on a reasonable speed.

‘Even the passengers should not board overloaded vehicle, they should talk to the driver and if he is not listening they should drop at the next available bus stop.

‘They can alert any FRSC officials or security agency on the road,’ he said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has started the process of reviewing the National Environmental (Permitting and Licensing Systems) Regulations, S.I. 29, 2009, to address areas of gaps in trending and emerging environmental issues.

Speaking at the expert critique meeting for the review on Thursday in Abuja, Dr Innocent Barikor, the Director- General, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESERA), said the document sought to strengthen environmental laws.

He said that the regulation also aimed at improving air quality and environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances.

‘The regulation seeks to achieve statutory environmental targets and outcomes.

‘Such as improvement in air quality, environmental conservation and avoidance of exposure to waste and hazardous substances by issuing Environmental Permits to the Regulated Community.

‘These permits have significantly aided the agency to achieve her mandate of ensuring compliance with environmental la
ws, policies, standards and guidelines.

‘However, in the course of operationalising the provisions of these regulations in the last 15 years, some gaps were identified.

‘These gaps included trending and emerging environmental issues such as climate change, marine pollution and biodiversity conservation which are of global concern.”

Barikor said that the factors necessitated NESERA to seek for assistance through the Quick Wins of its 5-Year Impact Plan from the UNEP-LEAP Small Scale Funding Agreement (SSFA).

He said this was under the Montevideo Programme V to facilitate the review of the regulation.

The director-general said that permitting and licensing regulations was the backbone that provided the necessary structure to balance growth and innovation and public safety.

‘However, as with any system, there is always room for improvement, thus, the need for the ongoing efforts to refine and enhance our regulatory processes,’ he said.

He said that the agency had so far conducted desktops reviews/documen
tations and interacted with relevant stakeholders across the six geo-political zones.

The director-general said that the agency also interacted with stakeholders from the 35 States of the federation through its zonal and state field offices.

Barikor urged stakeholders to consider the review process as a testament to the agency’s commitment in leaving a legacy of environmental sustainability for generations to come.

An expert, Mr Victor Ojogbo, said that the issue of the environment was critical.

Ojogbo, a former Director, Department of Planning and Policy Analysis, NESERA, said that the essence of the review was to examine the issues of offences, penalities for defaulters as well as enforcement by the agency.

He said that the review would also ensure that the regulators and regulated were placed on their toes for a seamless enforcement.

‘I said that the issue of the environment is not to be treated with kids glove; because if it affects me; it affects you and then the environment,’ he said.

Source: Ne
ws Agency of Nigeria