Day: September 21, 2024

NamWater commissioned the Kayengona and Shamvhura Water Filtration plants in the Kavango East Region on Friday . Speaking during the commissioning of the two water schemes , NamWater Chief Executive Officer Abraham Nehemia said the communities of the two areas are coming from a background of tolerance characterised by a daily lack of water . ‘ In as much as the community members had sleepless nights thinking of drawing water the following day infested with high levels of iron content , so did some of us , knowing that a project takes time to implement while the people are crying and calling every day for improved services ,’ he said . Nehemia said the Kayengona and Shamvhura projects , with a total investment of N . dollars 5 208 850 , are critical components of this larger strategy . He said the Kayengona Filtration Plant received N . dollars 2 483 432 , and the Shamvhura Filtration Plant N . dollars 2 725 418 . ‘ These investments are aimed at addressing urgent water supply and quality challenges in the reg
ion , where rapid population growth has contributed to an increased demand ,’ he stated . NamWater understands that water is the foundation of health , economic development , and social well – being , he said . ‘ Our projects are more than just infrastructure , they are investments in the future of Namibia . By enhancing water supply infrastructure , we are laying the groundwork for improved public health , increased agricultural productivity , and overall economic growth , particularly in rural regions like Kavango East ,’ Nehemia added . Speaking on behalf of the Governor of the Kavango East Region Bonifatius Wakudumo , Councillor of the Ndiyona Constituency Laurentius Mukoya said the primary objective of this initiative was to resolve persistent water supply and quality problems faced by the communities of Kayengona and Shamvhura . He said these areas , historically reliant on boreholes , have experienced exponential population growth , resulting in increased water demand and quality concerns , particularl
y with high turbidity and iron levels in Shamvhura .

Source: The Namibia Press Agency

The U.S. CDC says as Nigeria continues to experience multiple disease outbreaks, the need to build public health experts’ capacity in emergency preparedness and response becomes critical.

Dr Muhammad Saleh of the U.S. CDC, said this in his presentation at a media roundtable held in Lagos on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that at the event, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) presented another set of U.S. CDC-supported Public Health Emergency Management (PHEM) graduates.

NAN reports that the event highlighted the impact of the U.S. CDC-supported Public Health Emergency Management certification programme on PHEM and response at the national and sub-national levels.

It also showed how the U.S. CDC and Nigeria are collaboratively building capacity and supporting state-level disease outbreak response.

Saleh stressed that building capacity had become necessary as Nigeria continued to experience multiple disease outbreaks.

His presentation focused on the U.S. government’s investment
in Nigeria’s public health emergency preparedness through the CDC’s PHEM programme.

According to him, Nigeria has been a Global Health Security Agenda partner country since 2019 and is committed to attaining the goal of ‘making the world safe and secure from global health threats posed by infectious diseases”.

He noted that out of the 223 international PHEM fellows from 49 countries trained by CDC in Atlanta, U.S., only seven were from Nigeria, creating the need to locally expand PHEM capacity to support the operations of these PHEOCs.

He emphasised that through the PHEM programme, the U.S. CDC prioritises building capacity in Nigeria.

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‘Catastrophic events like pandemics, natural disasters and emergence (re-emergence) of high-threat disease can affect any country any time.

‘The PHEM programme contributes to achieving a stronger public health workforce that can adequately respond to health emergencies.

‘It improves public health personnel’s knowledge
, skills and attitudes toward emergencies.

‘It helps build a culture of emergency management and resiliency for stakeholders.

‘It provides specialized training in PHEM care capabilities that are critical to preparedness and response”.

According to him, since 2017, no fewer than 200 Nigerian public health staff have been trained, with 55 more graduating from the intermediate level.

He said that the programme, divided into basic, intermediate, and advanced levels, had enhanced Nigeria’s capacity to manage outbreaks, including meningitis, diphtheria, and COVID-19.

On the Return on Investment, he said the U.S. government’s investment in Nigeria had led to significant returns, including the detection and management of various outbreaks.

‘The programme has also facilitated regional and international knowledge sharing, contributing to Nigeria’s improvement in joint external evaluations from 39 per cent to 54 per cent.

‘The U.S. government has contributed over $2 million to support these efforts.

‘Since 2017
, over 200 public health staff have graduated from the PHEM programme, contributing to emergency preparedness and response.

‘Graduates have managed outbreaks such as meningitis, diphtheria, and COVID-19, leading to the detection of over 1134 cases of meningitis in Nigeria”.

He assured that the PHEM programme would continue to train and impact the country and continent, with 60 cohort members already contributing to public health.

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The U.S.CDC Nigeria leadership, led by Dr Farah Husain, U.S. CDC Division of Global Health Protection Program Director, also spoke.

Husain reiterated US CDC’s commitment to promoting strategies aimed at preventing, detecting, and responding to all public health threats, as well as working with partners to implement specialty training programs.

She emphasised on the collaboration and its impact on public health and emergency management and called for continued collaboration.

She assure
d that the U.S. government would continue to support Nigeria’s capacity building efforts, including workforce development and emergency preparedness.

Speaking with NAN on the sidelines of the event, Dr John Oladejo, Director of Special Duties at the Nigeria Center for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) in Abuja, said that the PHEM training aims to equip participants with the skills and competencies to coordinate emergency management activities during outbreaks.

He said the training covered various aspects of public health emergency management, including Incident Management System (IMS), plans, logistics, and more.

According to him, the training includes activating the Emergency Operation Center (EOC) and managing surveillance data from various states.

He said the training covered various aspects of public health emergency management, including Incident Management System (IMS), plans, logistics, and more.

‘The training included different levels: basic (8 hours), intermediate (16 hours), and a five-day
physical in-person training”.

On the importance of the EOC, he said the EOC was responsible for vigilant surveillance, activating various activities including risk assessments, sending staff to states and managing data during outbreaks

He noted that the collaborative nature of emergency management breaks down silos and enhances the capacity to defend public health in Nigeria.

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Oladejo acknowledged the support from partners, particularly USCDC, and the instrumental programme that has empowered leaders to navigate competitive emergencies.

NAN also reports that since 2003, the U.S. CDC has been a strategic partner of the federal and state ministries of health, their departments, and agencies, in improving public health outcomes in Nigeria.

The support works in critical public health areas such as HIV, TB, malaria, vaccine-preventable diseases, and global health protection.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Federal Government has reaffirmed plans to adopt global best practices in rebasing the Consumer Price Index (CPI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and conducting the Nigeria Living Standards Survey (NLSS).

Dr Vitalis Obi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, made this commitment at a dialogue with experts on Friday in Abuja.

Obi said that rebasing the GDP and CPI using global best practices would provide a more accurate picture of the economy, including emerging technologies, and enable policymakers to formulate effective policies.

He explained that the process involved updating the base year and adjusting weights used in computations.

Obi said the NLSS captured household consumption and welfare conditions.

He said that updating the basket of goods and services used in calculating CPI would improve understanding of inflation trends, informing monetary and price stability.

Obi highlighted significant structural changes in various sectors since the last rebasing exercise in 201
4, including rapid growth in technology and digital sectors: fintech, e-commerce, and digital services

‘You will recall that the last rebasing exercise in Nigeria was concluded in 2014. Before the exercise, the country’s GDP was approximately 270 billion dollars.

‘The rebasing saw the GDP surge to 510 billion dollars, positioning Nigeria as Africa’s largest economy and ranking 26th globally.

‘The number of sectors increased from 33 to 46, providing a more accurate economic picture.

‘These enabled policymakers to craft policies focused on job creation, poverty reduction, and informed investment decisions.

‘Since then, Nigeria’s economy has undergone significant structural changes, particularly rapid growth in technology and digital sectors, including fintech, e-commerce, and digital services.’

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Obi stated that the agricultural sector had experienced significant growth, marked by the emergence of new value chains, agribusinesses,
and commodity exchange, alongside advancements in renewable energy.

Additionally, he said the entertainment and creative industry had expanded, notably with the rise of skits, and Nollywood and music production gaining widespread international recognition.

‘There is also a shift into the Marine and Blue economy, as well as growth in real estate.

‘The rebasing of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will capture these sectorial shifts and place the Nigerian economy on the right trajectory.

‘The rebasing will assist all levels of government in controlling and coordinating economic and social activities, achieving development goals and aspirations for citizens.’ Obi stated.

Prince Adeyemi Adeniran, Statistician-General of the Federation, noted that the NLSS survey, conducted every four to five years, generated national poverty headline rates and other household welfare indicators.

‘The previous survey, conducted in 2018/2019 and published in 2020, revealed a poverty rate of 40.1
per cent.’

Adeniran emphasised that the current workshop aimed to inform experts, users, and stakeholders about the survey methodology and gather their input and advice.

‘The ultimate goal is to ensure that the approaches used in implementing the NLSS and rebasing the GDP and CPI are sound, aligned with international best practices, and relevant to the Nigerian context.

‘This gathering of experts represents a key segment of data users, vital for research, policy design, and programme monitoring.

‘Your input will significantly enhance the robustness and comprehensiveness of the NLSS survey and rebasing processes.

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‘Upon completion, critical stakeholders will be invited to a validation session to review and deliberate on the preliminary results before their final public release.’

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Six Nigerian youths on Wednesday participated in preparing two Korean side dishes in a cooking programme to celebrate Korea traditional festival ‘Chuseok’.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chuseok traditional festival is Korea’s annual thanksgiving holiday, which happens to be one of the biggest event in modern Korea.

Chuseok consists of making platefuls of food as well as coming together with family members to remember ancestors by showing gratitude for the past and future.

The cooking programme, which was organised by the Korean Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in Abuja, was to enable Nigerians to join in the celebration of Chuseok due to the Korean booming culture in Nigeria.

The event also aimed at making Nigerians to develop the interest of finding more and more traditional things of Chuseok that they could relate to.

The ingredients for the Korean side dish Kkochijeon(pan-fried skewers) were; Oyster, mushroom, beef, crap sticks, garlic, salt, cooking oil, eggs, black pepper, water, fl
our, spring onion and sugar.

The ingredients for Hobakjeon (pan-fried Battered Zucchini) were marrow, salt, cooking oil, eggs, black pepper, water, flour, dark soy sauce (Jinganjang).

The participants, who demonstrated their zeal and enthusiasm in preparing the dishes told NAN that celebrating Chuseok was a day to be remembered.

Deborah Olabelurin, a participant, said preparing the two Korean dishes was not really complicated, just that a lot of cutting was involved to get the desired shape.

Olabelurin, an analyst with a consulting firm, said being a Korea fan was exciting, because of the opportunity to learn some basic things like food, attires, dance among others.

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‘It is obvious that Koreans eat a lot of vegetable and beef, so I urged Nigerians to put more vegetables in their food as well as being creative with our food.

‘I can proudly say that both countries are actually doing well, the synergy between the two count
ries is very strong. I must tell you Korea is my second country,’ she said.

Another participant, Ms Gift John, said preparing the two side dishes in the food programme to mark Chuseok festival was an exciting experience.

‘I think the first attraction is their movies, because from their movies you see their food, music and every other thing, then you have no choice than to fall in love with them.

‘They have impacted me by making me to learn about most of their dishes and their health benefits,’ she said.

Ms Hauwa Ibrahim said that the programme was filled with fun and excitement due to the simple process of preparing the dishes.

‘If you observed, everybody was having fun, making the dishes without stress, coupled with the fact that it is something you can actually make on your own at home,’ she said.

Ms Sharon Yakubu, Culture and Event Officer of KCCN, said Chuseok was the Korean festival celebrated for three days.

Yakubu said that Chuseok was a time for people to have their new harvests, as well as cel
ebrate their ancestors for giving them a fruitful and good harvest.

‘In present days, its also a time to celebrate new beginnings, to celebrate family. Family get together is always cherished at this time.

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‘So people leave from their villages to the cities to see elderly ones in order to celebrate with them.

‘Certain dishes are made, one of it was what we just did, though it was actually snacks,’ she said.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Chairman, Seyi Vodi Foundation, Mr Seyi Adekunle, has donated N10 million to support Borno State government’s efforts to recover from the recent flooding in the state.

The funds are aimed at helping with the rehabilitation and rebuilding of areas affected by the disaster, which led to widespread displacement and loss of life.

During a visit to Maiduguri on Friday, Adekunle expressed his condolences to the people of Borno and commended the state’s ongoing recovery efforts.

‘Borno holds a special place in my heart, as it is where I grew up and attended school.

‘It is deeply saddening to witness the challenges faced by the state, especially following the collapse of the dam that triggered the flooding,’ he said.

Adekunle praised the resilience and humanitarian spirit of the Borno community, in spite of the hardships and widespread displacement caused by the disaster.

‘We are all aware of the impact the flooding has had on the people of Borno, but I have also seen their strength.

‘I am committed to sup
porting the recovery process and contributing to initiatives that uuplifts he people,’ he added.

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Adekunle also pledged that the foundation would continue to collaborate with the state government on this effort.

He pledged to mobilise support from his network, both within Nigeria and abroad, to assist with ongoing recovery efforts.

‘We will stand by you until the state is fully restored. You can count on us to be your partner in rebuilding Borno,’ he said.

In response, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum, expressed gratitude for the donation and assured that the funds would be put to good use.

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‘The donation we have received is quite handy, and Insha’Allah, we shall make good use of it for our rebuilding efforts.

‘We will continue to show our gratitude and appreciation, including prayers for all those who made sacrifices during our trying time.

‘Be assured that we shall continue this relationship beyond to
day,’ he said.

The team also visited the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Ibn Garbai, and donated N2 million.

A key moment of the event was the visit to the Nigerian Police Force Barracks, where Adekunle grew up.

He announced scholarships for 31 children of the barrack; covering their education from primary school to university.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Thursday flagged off the commencement of the 2024 Olojo Festival, revealing the event’s ancestral and spiritual significance.

Ogunwusi spoke at his palace at a news conference on the 2024 Olojo Festival with the theme: ‘Evolving Transformational Domestic Tourism With Community Festivals’.

According to him, the festival is significant because of the spiritual exercises that characterise it and the testimonies it attracts.

He said the celebration of the revered cultural event was held annually in the ancient city to celebrate the day of the first dawn.

The Ooni said the festival was in remembrance of ‘Ogun’, god of iron, who is believed to be the first son of Oduduwa, progenitor of the Yoruba people.

He added that the festival marked the birth of the ‘Aare Crown’.

Ooni said that several prayers rendered to Olodumare through the iconic ‘Aare crown’ during the Olojo festival had been answered with so much testimonies.

‘Olojo is the festival of dawn and th
e birth of the crown, ‘Ade Aare’, the crown of all crowns. The crown that gave birth to all crowns all over the world with all the colours of the rainbow. It is called the spectrum of rainbow crown.

‘The crown does everything humans does, it is a very spiritual crown, very sacred. I am a living example and witness. I have actually charged the crown, I have prayed with it, that I want this done, this particular time.

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‘This is my ninth year on the throne, going to my tenth year by the grace of God, I have seen a lot of testimonies.

‘I will pray with the crown worn on my head, I pray to the almighty God, Olodumare through the crown. I have never seen any failure in it. It is our strong heritage, our strong culture and tradition and we will continue to uphold it forever.

‘We are not idol worshipers, these are things our ancestors left for us that are working and it will continue to work.

‘These are things we should not joke about, It is our heritage, we s
hould not compromise it with anything. It is created by nature, by God Almighty who is the supreme being,’ he said.

Explaining the nature of the ‘Ade Aare’, Ooni described the crown as a sacred, mysterious being which bears the nature of humans.

According to him, the crown functions like humans.

‘Olojo is the time when the crown comes out for blessings. This is a crown that has life in it till date, right from time immemorial.

‘The crown changes the weather, it does not see the atmosphere except once in a year, during Olojo festival.

‘In the crown, we see everything complete, we see the day, night, four corners of the world, the northern, southern, eastern and western poles.

‘The birth of the crown is actually the first dawn pathfinded by Ogun, which is linked to our celebration.

‘Olojo is the main new year celebration and this dovetails to everybody’s new yam festival all over because what is used to bring out yams are cutlasses and hoes made with iron.

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‘This is the time we get beautiful harvests, the time we get wallnuts, bitter kola. For us in Ile-Ife, we still uphold our heritage and that is why we celebrate the first dawn,’ he said.

Ogunwusi appreciated the sponsors for the festival.

‘I want to appreciate you all, our sponsors, for everything you have been doing. For always responding to my calls. May God bless you and may our ancestors guide you all. I appreciate the state government as well,’ he said.

Earlier, Mr Abiodun Bankole-Ojo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Osun, appealed to sponsors of the Olojo festival to look into the possibility of developing some tourism sites within the state, like the Oranmiyan Groove.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Grand Finale for the 2024 edition of the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife, will hold between Sept.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria