Rethinking Palliative Distribution in Nigeria: A Call for Effective Measures.

Rethinking Palliative Distribution in Nigeria: A Call for Effective Measures.

By: Comr. Sunday Odunayo

In recent times, Nigeria has been grappling with the challenge of efficiently distributing palliatives during times of crisis. While the intention to provide relief to the vulnerable is commendable, the current approach has raised concerns about its effectiveness. The distribution process lacks transparency and accountability, often resulting in meager quantities of food items. This situation has led to skepticism among citizens.

The ongoing distribution of palliatives, primarily in the form of food items, has ignited a nationwide debate due to concerns over transparency, accountability, and potential misappropriation of resources. Many Nigerians have expressed disappointment in receiving inadequate relief despite the allocation of significant funds. Consequently, skepticism has arisen regarding the government's commitment to addressing the needs of its citizens.

In Pic: Comrade Sunday Odunayo.

Comrade Sunday Odunayo lamented, "It's a pity for our country Nigeria that we lack a leader capable of singlehandedly finding a lasting solution to our problems. What a shame! I urge Mr. President to reconsider how he can effectively help poor Nigerians with well-measured assistance."

To make a meaningful impact, the government should explore alternative approaches to palliative distribution. One effective strategy involves leveraging the BVN (Bank Verification Number) and NIN (National Identification Number) database. These databases contain essential information about citizens' identities and bank accounts, allowing for a more efficient and targeted distribution method. By directly crediting eligible individuals' bank accounts, the government can ensure that palliatives reach the intended beneficiaries, thereby minimizing mismanagement.

Furthermore, a comprehensive palliative distribution approach should encompass more than just food items. While food is undoubtedly important, it should be part of a broader strategy addressing diverse population needs. Initiatives such as job creation, improved healthcare access, education support, and social safety nets can provide holistic relief. This approach empowers citizens to uplift their circumstances and contribute to the nation's overall development.

Promoting financial literacy and encouraging bank account ownership can significantly streamline palliative distribution. Financial inclusion initiatives empower citizens to manage their finances effectively and access government programs seamlessly. By fostering financial education, the government helps individuals make informed decisions about saving, investing, and financial management, thereby promoting long-term economic stability.

In conclusion, the existing approach to palliative distribution in Nigeria necessitates a comprehensive overhaul. Relying solely on state governments for the distribution of food items has proven to be inefficient and inadequate. Leveraging the BVN/NIN database for direct transfers offers a more targeted and transparent approach. However, the government's efforts should extend beyond immediate relief to encompass broader socio-economic initiatives. This approach empowers citizens and facilitates lasting positive change. By rethinking the palliative distribution strategy, Nigeria can provide meaningful assistance to its citizens and achieve sustainable development.

CAF Confederation Cup: Bendel Insurance shock ASO Chlef in Algeria.

CAF Confederation Cup: Bendel Insurance shock ASO Chlef in Algeria.

Bendel Insurance FC of Benin on Saturday defeated ASO Chlef FC of Algeria 4-3 via penalty shootout to advance to the next stage of the 2023/2024 CAF Confederation Cup.

ASO Chlef on Aug. 19 lost the first leg of the encounter against Insurance by 0-1 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin.

The Algerian side, however, won the return leg, played at Mabrouki Salem stadium in Algeria by the same margin to end the game on 1-1 aggregate.

The hosts scored the only goal of the match after 41 minutes to force the game into penalties.

The Nigerian side went ahead to win the penalties 4-3 to progress to the second preliminary stage of the continental soccer competition.

Nunez leads 10-man Liverpool to comeback win at Newcastle.

Nunez leads 10-man Liverpool to comeback win at Newcastle.

Darwin Nunez struck two late goals to complete a remarkable turnaround and give ten-man Liverpool a dramatic victory against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Liverpool were battling against the odds and second best for much of a thrilling encounter, falling behind to Anthony Gordon’s 25th-minute goal after he cashed in on Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mistake, then seeing captain Virgil van Dijk sent off for a foul on Alexander Isak three minutes later.

Alisson kept Liverpool in it by miraculously turning Miguel Almiron’s shot on to the woodwork in the first half, the forward also hitting the post after the break, before Uruguayan striker Nunez was introduced to stunning effect.

Nunez ran through to rifle a shot past Newcastle keeper Nick Pope with nine minutes left, then took Mohamed Salah’s pass in his stride three minutes into stoppage time before applying an equally emphatic finish to give Liverpool an astonishing win. 

Lagos celebrates children with disabilities CWD.

Lagos celebrates children with disabilities

CWD.

Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) has celebrated over 200 physically-challenged children to mark the day of special needs children. General Manager of LASODA, Oluwadamilare Ogundairo, said the occasion was to give more credence to the government’s policy of inclusiveness.

He said: “This is a testimony of the government’s commitment to the THEMES+ Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s, where no one is left behind. Every year, we gather them from to celebrate them. It is important to give them a sense of belonging.

Guest speaker, Mrs. Bisola Olufolajimi, who spoke on ‘Embracing the Future Generation through Hygiene’, emphasised the need to protect the children from harm.

 She said: “Heath is wealth and hygiene is life. You are as clean as your life is, or the length of your life will be. We have been able to enlighten people here today on how children with disabilities should be kept safe via cleanliness at home, school or at the centres…’’

It is essential to ensure the areas they are kept are clean and protected from germs and bacteria which can cause infection and invariably death, because, children with disabilities tend to live longer and healthier in a safe environment.”

 Mrs. Olufolajimi stressed that food poisoning can happen when their food is not well cooked, stressing that taking care of their skin, oral health and washing of hands before serving them food is also very important.

She also called for consistent awareness and advocacy on the need to prioritise their health.

 A parent, Mrs. Oluchi Francis, said every child with disability needs support and must be catered for in terms of oral hygiene, food nutrition, medication and finance.

 Mrs. Francis, whose child has cerebral palsy, called for government’s intervention and proper observation, as well as provision of therapists to keep them alive.

Source: The Nation

Brace for flooding, NEMA warns Rivers, C/River, Anambra, 10 others states flood.

Brace for flooding, NEMA warns Rivers, C/River, Anambra, 10 others states flood.

Thirteen states have been put on the red alert for imminent flooding. The states on the banks of River Benue are: Adamawa, Taraba, Benue, Niger, Nasarawa, Kebbi, Kogi, Edo, Delta, Anambra, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa.

The alert was issued by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) following a notification from the Foreign Affairs Ministry that Cameroon plans to open the Lagdo Dam.

Besides the impending flooding, the agency warned that  Kainji, Shiroro and Jebba dams could overflow between now and the end of October.

The situation, according to NEMA may be worsened owing to the release of water from the Cameroonian dam.

In the letter signed by Ambassador Umar Salisu, the Director, African Affairs, the ministry urged the necessary agency to step up efforts to mitigate damages.

The envoy also urged the agency to sensitization of the areas that may be impacted by the opening of the Dam.

The statement reads: “I have the honour to inform that the ministry is in receipt of a note verbale from the High Commission of Republic of Cameroon informing that Cameroonian officials have resolved to open the flood gate of Lagdo Dam in the Benue River in days ahead due to heavy rainfall around the dam catchment area in the Northern Cameroon.

“According to the note, it is pertinent to note that when the release of water becomes necessary, the authorities of Lagdo Dams will be releasing only modulated variable small amount of water at a time in order to mitigate and avoid damages that the release may cause along River Benue Basin in both Cameroon and Nigeria.

“In view of the above, it would be appreciated if the esteemed agency takes all the necessary proactive steps and actions that will mitigate the damage as well as sensitive the people living in such areas for vigilance and all necessary precautions.”

Source: The Nation. 

Knocks for Atiku over controversial tweet on Tinubu’s academic records.

Knocks for Atiku over controversial tweet on Tinubu’s academic records.
....President graduated in 1979 Chicago varsity replies Atiku.

The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has come under fire for tackling President Bola Tinubu over the latter’s academic records at Chicago State University (CSU), United States.
The former vice president had recently approached a U.S. court for an order compelling Chicago State University (CSU) to release the academic records of Tinubu.

The Nation reports CSU had replied, confirming that President Tinubu graduated from the institution in 1979.

Tinubu’s credentials show that he graduated from CSU in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, accounting and management.

Atiku via his verified twitter account on Sunday, wondered how President Tinubu attended Chicago State University without primary and secondary education.

His tweet, however, elicited flurry of reactions.
Many of the president’s supporters rose stoutly in defense of Tinubu. They knocked Atiku for making such comments.

Atiku said: “I woke up this morning wondering how we got to this cul de sac.

“In 1999, @officialABAT claimed he attended St. John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, before proceeding to Children Home School in Ibadan.

“According to him, his next port of call in his educational journey was Government College Ibadan and, Richard Daley College and Chicago State University in the United States. Curiously, in 2023, Tinubu settled with attending only @ChicagoState. I am scratching my head.

“How is that possible? Methinks that all well-meaning Nigerians should be as confused as I am with Tinubu’s declaration that he had no primary and secondary education, yet he has a university degree. You may wish to #AskTinubu how he attained this feat so that we can learn from his ingenuity”.

Reacting, a commenter Musa Ahmad (@real_aahmad) said: “You’re not talking about winning the election now but Tinubu’s educational background. I don’t know how you suddenly retire from active politics to Twitter influencer”

Another social media user, @Balogun_Jamih, said: “Just as El-Rufai retired Shehu Sani to the club of wailer and Twitter influencers. President Tinubu has successfully retired Atiku Abubakar to the club of wailer and Twitter influencers.”

@Asakemijimi lampooned Atiku saying: “President Tinubu is really giving Atiku sleepless nights. Since when did Atiku start doing shalaye on Twitter? Sir, please try again in 2031.”

Another user, @chibuzo_mikel tweeted: “I said it that Atiku needs help. Losing four presidential elections can affect the mental state of the strongest man negatively.”

@jeffphilips1 said: “Look at that tweet again and it’ll dawn on you that Tinubu, in his first go at the presidency, not just only defeated Atiku, but he actually retired him after 32yrs in the race.”

@Egi_nupe_ tweeted: “If Atiku didn’t engage in petty and dirty politics since 2007 that he’s been contesting, I strongly doubt 2023 will make him do that.

“Atiku is the most classy and mature political figure we have ever seen. He doesn’t roll in the mud, and would never stoop so low, no matter what. So I don’t believe that he authorized that Tweet. Never!”

Source: The Nation

Lagos APC Takes Proactive Steps to Address Non-Confirmation of 17 Commissioners Nominated by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

Lagos APC Takes Proactive Steps to Address Non-Confirmation of 17 Commissioners Nominated by Governor Sanwo-Olu.

In a demonstration of proactive governance, the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has swiftly stepped in to address the recent non-confirmation of 17 out of 39 commissioner-nominees put forward by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to the State House of Assembly for screening.

Amidst the backdrop of a seemingly tense relationship between the executive and legislative branches in Lagos, the state lawmakers made a collective decision on Wednesday to withhold confirmation from a number of nominees, including former Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi, Sam Egube of the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Gbenga Omotosho of Information and Strategy, and 14 others.

In response, the APC has conveyed a message of unity, clarifying that the situation is not a confrontation but rather an opportunity for internal resolution. Party officials have indicated that they are actively engaging with the assembly to better understand the reasons behind the non-confirmation. The party remains confident that any necessary actions will be taken by Governor Sanwo-Olu to address the concerns raised during the screening process.

Speaking on the issue, a prominent party member, drawing on his experience as a former federal lawmaker, emphasized the importance of thorough checks, including considerations related to security and credentials, which might have influenced the non-confirmation decisions. He assured that these matters will be dealt with in-house, echoing the spirit of cooperation among the different branches of government.

Furthermore, there is optimism that the list of nominees could be resubmitted for reconsideration in the near future. The former commissioner for rural development pointed out that this initial non-confirmation should not be perceived as disqualification, but rather as part of the democratic process where different branches of government fulfill their roles independently.

This episode underscores the separation of powers in action, highlighting how the executive respectably presented its list of nominees while allowing the state assembly the autonomy to carry out its constitutional duty. The positive outlook is that even in cases of non-confirmation, avenues for representation and reevaluation remain open, reflecting a commitment to collaborative governance and effective decision-making.