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Reps summons UNIZIK acting VC over poor project execution, fund mismanagement

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The House of Representatives Committee on University Education has invited Prof. Carol Arinze-Umobi, the acting Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) Awka, Anambra over alleged poor project execution.

Rep. Abubakar Fulata, the Chairman of the Committee made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. The invitation followed the committee’s earlier visit to UNIZIK in Awka, adding that the invitation was not to a witch-hunt on the VC.

He said the committee would not fold their arms and allow certain things that would halt the expected progress in the nation’s universities to persist.

The committee observed that the data presented in the documents submitted by the VC did not align with the reality on the ground in terms of project execution. Fulata wondered how the management of the university would claim to have generated ₦1.5 billion in a preceding year but said it spent about ₦3 billion from the same internally generated revenue.

Fulata said spending money without appropriation by the parliament was a gross violation of the constitution. He said that the presentation of cooked figures undermines the integrity of the entire management team of the university.

The committee said the oversight visit became necessary due to the calls and concerns raised by many Nigerians that several MDAs would do better if legislators carried out their roles as expected.

The committee said there would be no justification to approve funds for any government organisation if what had been earlier approved was haphazardly utilised.

The committee said it observed several discrepancies and infractions in the documents presented, urging the VC to appear before them in the National Assembly with relevant documents for further legislative actions.

The committee noted that one of the areas of concern is 100% payment for a project that was less than 40% completed by the school management. This according to the committee is against financial regulations.

News Agency Of Nigeria


Understanding Jaundice: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

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Jaundice, a common medical condition, affects millions worldwide. This feature delves into the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for jaundice, shedding light on this complex condition.

Causes of Jaundice:

– Liver Dysfunction: Jaundice occurs when the liver fails to process bilirubin, a yellow pigment.

– Bile Duct Obstruction: Blockages in the bile ducts can prevent bilirubin excretion.

– Hemolytic Anemia: Excessive red blood cell breakdown releases bilirubin into the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Jaundice:

– Yellowing Skin and Eyes: Bilirubin accumulation causes characteristic yellow discoloration.

– Fatigue and Weakness: Jaundice can lead to lethargy and malaise.

– Dark Urine and Pale Stools: Bilirubin affects urine and stool color.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

– Blood Tests: Bilirubin level measurements diagnose jaundice.

– Imaging Studies: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans detect underlying causes.

– Medications and Surgery: Treatment depends on the underlying cause, ranging from medication to surgical intervention.

Types of Jaundice:

– Neonatal Jaundice: Common in newborns, often resolving on its own.

– Adult-Onset Jaundice: More serious, requiring prompt medical attention.

Prevention and Management:

– Vaccinations: Preventing hepatitis and other infections reduces jaundice risk.

– Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption supports liver health.

Jaundice is a complex condition requiring prompt medical attention. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatment options empowers individuals to seek timely intervention and manage their condition effectively.

Tinubu signs bill to increase salaries and benefits for judicial officers

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President Bola Tinubu has signed the judicial office holders’ salaries and allowances bill into law.

The Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Sen. Basheer Lado, announced this in a statement in Abuja on Tuesday.

“This extraordinary move underscores the president’s absolute prioritisation of the welfare of Nigerian workers above all else.

“Just like he did when he recently put on hold an ongoing Federal Executive Council meeting to assent to the new National Minimum Wage Bill of ₦70,000,” he said.

Lado said that the new act “prescribes salaries, allowances and other benefits for judicial officers to reflect the changing realities. He described the signing of the bill as a landmark achievement and a manifestation of his unwavering commitment to the welfare of Nigeria’s workforce.

“This landmark decision reflects the president’s profound dedication to ensuring that every salary earner, especially those serving in vital and strategic roles, receives the recognition and compensation they deserve.

“In Tinubu’s administration, the welfare of our workers has become a central pillar of national progress.

“His visionary policies continue to uplift the lives of millions, ensuring that the dignity of labour is upheld and that those who serve our nation are justly rewarded.

“This assent is a clear testament to the president’s tireless efforts to build a more prosperous and equitable country, where every worker is empowered to contribute to the nation’s greatness.”

Lado commended Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abass Tajudeen for their patriotic commitment to progressively improving the welfare of citizens.

He also lauded the members of the National Assembly for prioritising the welfare of the citizens by passing and transmitting the executive bill. He urged judicial officeholders in the country to redouble their efforts to ensure that justice was served speedily.

“The judiciary remains the hope of the common man and it is hoped that Nigerians seeking justice get it irrespective of their status in life,” he stated.

News Agency Of Nigeria

FG approves Sokoto-Badagry super highway, 63 dam projects

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Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, says the Federal Government has approved the first phase of Sokoto-Badagary super highway project.

The federal government also approved the construction of 63 dams to boost power generation in the country.

Idris said this at the inauguration of a two-day Sectorial Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation and its agencies, on Tuesday in Abuja.

The retreat with the theme: “Delivering on the Renewed Hope Agenda: The Role of Ministry of Information and National Orientation and her Agencies’’ was organised by the Ministry.

According to Idris, the public information organs and information departments in the ministry need to have an in-depth understanding of the efforts that the government is making to deliver dividends of democracy.

The government, he said, is not resting on its oars regarding infrastructure and social projects in the country.

“Only yesterday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the first part of the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway.

“Now, this is going to traverse about nine states in that corridor.

“And in the process, about 63 dams would be built to guarantee the enhancement of our agricultural potential, as well as also help to generate power for our people,’’ he said

Idris further explained that, at the beginning of his tenure, he outlined his vision for the ministry, to commit to transparency in public communication and build trust between the government and its citizens.

“This is paramount, because, transparency plays a crucial role in fostering and reinforcing that trust,’’ he said.

News Agency Of Nigeria


Our job is to provide student loan – NELFUND warns against fake visa sponsorship

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The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has warned the public against a fraudulent website falsely claiming to offer foreign visa sponsorship, using its name and logo.

stated that NELFUND had no affiliation with such a website or any similar scheme.

“NELFUND’s mission is solely to provide educational loans to eligible Nigerian students to further their academic pursuits within Nigeria.

“NELFUND does not offer visa sponsorships or related services, and any claims to the contrary are entirely false and misleading.”

He added that the fraudulent website was using NELFUND’s name and logo without authorisation to deceive the public, and the fund strongly advised everyone to exercise caution and refrain from engaging with the site or providing any personal information.

Ayitogo said NELFUND was taking immediate steps to address the situation, having reported the matter to the appropriate authorities for further investigation.

“We urge the public to rely solely on information provided through NELFUND’s official channels, including the website, www.nelf.gov.ng, and verified social media accounts.

“Any communication from NELFUND will be through these channels, and the public are encouraged to verify any suspicious information directly with us.”

News Agency Of Nigeria

44 surrender as troops neutralise 5 terrorists in Borno

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The Nigerian Army said its troops have in a series of coordinated counter-insurgency operations neutralised five terrorists, while 44 others surrendered to the soldiers on Monday in Borno.

The Nigerian army made this known in a post on its official X handle on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

It said the troops also recovered bombs, arms, ammunition, and rustled cattle as well as apprehended some criminal suspects during the operations.

According to the post, troops had on Monday conducted a raid operation on an Islamic West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ enclave in the Bama Local Government Area(LGA) of Borno.

“Also recovered were: One AK-47 Rifle Magazine, 23 rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm ammunition, six motorcycles, and assorted medications.

“Meanwhile, following sustained offensive operations against terrorist groups in the North-East Theatre, 44 Boko Haram terrorists and their families have surrendered to troops at Bama, Dikwa and Gwoza LGAs of the state,” it said.

The post also revealed that the troops apprehended a notorious cattle rustler, Malam Maawuya Shuaibu, at Mararaban Kantom in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau.

It said the suspect had been on the watch list of the security agencies in connection with criminal activities in the general area of Barikin Ladi, Riyom, and Mangu LGA of the state.

Army said the suspect was nabbed when the vigilant troops responded to credible intelligence on the suspect’s illicit activities and recovered 32 rustled cows from him.

In Bayelsa, it said the troops conducted raid operations into suspected criminal hideouts in Korokorosie Community of Southern Ijaw LGA and apprehended one Donald Emason.

According to the post, troops recovered one revolver pistol, and two locally fabricated guns concealed by the suspect.

In Oyo State, the post revealed that troops deployed to Akinyele LGA apprehended a suspected gun runner, Mohammed Bello (33).

According to the post, the suspect, who was picked up from his hideout, confessed to being one of the couriers supplying arms and ammunition to Bello Chikidawoje’s kidnap syndicate operating in the general area.

“These successful operations demonstrate the Nigerian army’s commitment to combating terrorism, criminality, and other security challenges across the country,”

News Agency Of Nigeria


Groups call for increased funding as Tuberculosis cases rise in Anambra

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The Gender Perspective and Social Development Centre (GPSDC), a civil society organisation, has decried the rising cases of Tuberculosis (TB) in Anambra.

Eucharia Anekwe, Executive Secretary, GPSDC, expressed her displeasure at the ongoing stakeholders’ forum under the Fund TB project, in Awka, on Tuesday.

The project which is being implemented by GPSDC in Anambra is sponsored by USAID through the Palladium Group in five South-East and South-South states, under its Strengthening Civic Advocacy and Local Engagement programme.

Anekwe said, that despite the ₦50 million budgetary allocation to TB intervention in the state in 2022 and 2023, funds released for implementation had been a major problem. According to her, commitment from the state government to domestic funding will help to reduce the burden of TB.

“Statistics show that the burden of TB is growing in the state. As we speak, many Local Government Areas (LGAs) do not have GeneXpert machines for rapid diagnostic tests for TB detection.

“For some LGAs that have the diagnostic machine, they do not have enough to cater to the people.

“This forum is to kick-start discussions on how to ensure improved domestic funding for TB interventions in Anambra.

“We appeal to the state government to increase budgetary allocations and to work towards prompt release of funds already budgeted for TB control programmes,” she appealed.

Earlier in her presentation, Chiamaka Oguejiofor, Monitoring and Evaluation Focal Person for Anambra State TB Control Programme said the annual prevalence rate of TB in the state stood at 323 per 100,000 persons. Oguejiofor added that the incidence rate stood at 219 per 100,000 persons.

From 2,300 cases detection recorded in 2018, we grew steadily to 2,449 in 2019, 3,008 in 2020, 4,946, in 2021, and 8,550, while combined data for 2022 and 2023 stand at 13,125.

“However, case detection reduced from 3,002 in the first quarter of 2024 to 2,500 in the second quarter.

“In 2023, Anambra met 95% of its TB case finding target with 90% treatment success rate. We also recorded 59% of our childhood TB case-finding target and 31% for drug-resistant TB case-finding target.

“In 2022, the state won an award in childhood TB. We judiciously used available resources but the relapse was due to withdrawal of funding by certain partners,” she said.

Also speaking, Arthur Iwuanya, Director of Planning in the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said there was a need for relevant data to justify the need for increased budgetary allocations for TB.

In her remarks, Oge Ozoemena, Programme Manager, GPSDC, said TB should be treated as an emergency public health concern in the state and appealed to the state government to understand the need for increased domestic funding.

News Agency Of Nigeria

The Buzz on Coffee: Exploring the World’s Favorite Brew

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Coffee, the beloved beverage of millions, has a rich history, diverse culture, and numerous health benefits. This feature delves into the world of coffee, from its origins to its impact on our daily lives.

Origins and History:

– Ethiopian Roots: Coffee’s birthplace and ancient traditions

– Arabian Trade: Coffee’s spread throughout the Middle East and Europe

– Colonialism and Globalization: Coffee’s transformation into a global industry

Coffee Culture:

– Coffeehouses and Cafes: Social hubs and community gathering spaces

– Coffee Rituals and Traditions: From Turkish coffee to Italian espresso

– Coffee and Art: The intersection of coffee and creativity

Health Benefits:

– Cognitive Function and Alertness: Coffee’s stimulating effects

– Antioxidants and Disease Prevention: Coffee’s potential health benefits

– Mood and Mental Health: Coffee’s impact on mental well-being

Coffee Production and Sustainability:

– Farm-to-Cup: The journey of coffee from farm to consumer

– Sustainable Practices: Environmental and social responsibility in coffee production

– Fair Trade and Direct Trade: Ensuring equitable prices and conditions for farmers

Coffee Trends and Innovations:

– Specialty Coffee: High-quality, unique, and exotic coffee experiences

– Coffee Technology: Innovations in brewing, grinding, and roasting

– Coffee and Food Pairing: Exploring the culinary possibilities of coffee

The Future of Coffee:

– Sustainability and Environmental Concerns: Addressing the environmental impact of coffee production

– Changing Consumer Habits: Shifts in coffee consumption and preferences

– Innovation and Experimentation: The ongoing evolution of coffee culture and production

Coffee is a complex and multifaceted beverage that plays a significant role in many cultures and daily lives. By exploring its history, culture, benefits, and production, we can appreciate the rich and fascinating world of coffee.

Harnessing the Sun’s Energy: The Rise of Solar Power

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Solar power, a clean and renewable energy source, is revolutionizing the way we generate electricity. This feature explores the benefits, technologies, and future of solar power.

Benefits of Solar Power:

– Renewable and Sustainable: Solar energy is abundant and replenished daily.

– Zero Emissions: Solar power generates electricity without emitting greenhouse gases or pollutants.

– Energy Independence: Solar power enables individuals and communities to generate their own energy.

Solar Power Technologies:

– Photovoltaic (PV) Systems: Convert sunlight into electricity using solar panels.

– Concentrated Solar Power (CSP): Use mirrors or lenses to focus sunlight, generating heat or electricity.

– Solar Water Heaters: Harness solar energy to heat water for residential and commercial use.

Future of Solar Power:

– Advancements in Efficiency: Improving panel efficiency and energy storage capabilities.

– Grid Integration: Seamlessly integrating solar power into existing energy grids.

– Solar Energy Storage: Developing cost-effective solutions for storing excess energy.

Innovations in Solar Power:

– Bifacial Solar Panels: Absorb light from both sides, increasing energy output.

– Perovskite Solar Cells: New materials promising higher efficiency and lower costs.

– Floating Solar Farms: Harnessing water surfaces for solar energy generation.

Solar Power Around the World:

– Global Adoption: Solar power capacity grows exponentially, with countries setting ambitious targets.

– Community Solar Programs: Enabling multiple individuals or organizations to share solar resources.

– Solar-Powered Infrastructure: Integrating solar power into buildings, roads, and transportation systems.

The future of solar power is bright, with innovations and advancements driving growth and adoption. As the world transitions to a low-carbon economy, solar power will play a vital role in shaping a sustainable energy future.

The Waffle Wonderland: A Delicious Journey Through Time and Taste

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Waffles, a beloved breakfast treat, have a rich history, diverse flavors, and a special place in many cultures. This feature explores the world of waffles, from their origins to their modern-day variations.

Origins and History:

– Medieval Roots: Waffles date back to the Middle Ages in Europe

– Dutch and Belgian Influences: Waffles became popular in the Netherlands and Belgium

– American Adaptations: Waffles evolved in the United States with new ingredients and cooking methods

Waffle Varieties:

– Classic Buttermilk and Blueberry: Traditional American-style waffles

– Belgian Waffles: Thicker, crisper, and more dense, with deeper pockets

– Stroopwafels and Liege Waffles: Thin, crispy, and caramelized, with sweet fillings

Global Waffle Traditions:

– Savory and Sweet Toppings: From fresh fruits to whipped creams, and from bacon to eggs

– Waffle Sandwiches and Cones: Innovative ways to enjoy waffles as a meal or snack

– Waffle Desserts and Treats: Decadent waffle-based desserts and indulgences

Waffle Innovations:

– Gourmet Ingredients and Flavors: Artisanal and high-end waffle creations

– Vegan and Gluten-Free Options: Inclusive and accessible waffle alternatives

– Breakfast and Brunch Trends: Waffles as a versatile meal option

Waffle Culture and Symbolism:

– Family Breakfasts and Gatherings: Waffles as a bonding experience

– Festive and Holiday Traditions: Waffles as a celebratory food

– Comfort Food and Nostalgia: Waffles as a sentimental favorite

The Future of Waffles:

– Creative Ingredients and Flavors: Experimental and innovative waffle recipes

– Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Options: Environmentally conscious waffle production

– Global Fusion and Exchange: Waffle inspiration from around the world

Waffles are a delicious and versatile food that bring people together. By exploring their history, varieties, and cultural significance, we can appreciate the joy and wonder of waffles.