Bauchi to eliminate HIV/AIDS before 2030

Bauchi to eliminate HIV/AIDS before 2030.

The Bauchi State Government has said that it will eliminate the HIV/AIDS scourge in the state before the global 2030 target.

Mr Sani Dambam, the Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Agency for the Control of HIV/Aids, Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Malaria (BACATMA), said this in Bauchi during the commemoration of the 2023 World AIDS Day on Friday.

WHO has set 2030 for the elimination of HIV in the world and the global strategies to achieve the feat hinged on the success of three target areas.

The target areas include identifying 95 per cent of the estimated number of people living with HIV through robust HIV testing services, enrolling 95 per cent of those tested positive on treatment and ensuring that 95 per cent of those on treatment achieve viral load suppression.

Dambam further said that the 2019 National AIDS Impact Indicator Survey showed that Bauchi had 0.4 per cent with an estimated current population of about eight million people.

According to him, the state currently is supposed to have an estimated numbet of 32,000 people living with HIV/AIDS.

He said that 31,252 of the number had been identified, representing 98 per cent coverage.

“Likewise, 30,141 of those who knew their HIV positive status are on treatment, representing 96 per cent coverage.

“However, the state was only able to achieve 93 per cent coverage by having 28,268 of the 30,141 on Anti-Retroviral Therapy that achieved Viral Load Suppression.

“Gladly, the state has gone so far in achieving a significant percentage that signifies hope of eliminating HIV because we have attained the 98 per cent, 96 per cent and 93 per cent achievements, respectively.

“This is encouraging news that Bauchi State has achieved two of the three targets and is close to achieving the last target even much earlier than 2030.

“It is also gratifying to inform you that significant advancement has been made in the development of HIV vaccine and long-acting ART of one to three monthly injection, which will hasten the elimination of HIV,” Dambam said.

The BACATMA boss further said that there were 31 Comprehensive HIV Treatment sites and 883 Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission sites in the state.

He attributed the successes recorded in the agency as a result of the concerted efforts of the state government, stakeholders and political will of Gov. Bala Mohammed.

In an opening remark, the Bauchi Commissioner for Health, Dr Adamu Sabo, lauded BACATMA for contributing immensely towards the elimination of AIDS and other diseases in the state.

The commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Alhaji Ali Babayo, said the the State Government would continue to give the agency the necessary support and enabling environment to operate.

(NAN)

Ebonyi gov considers politician as state varsity VC.

Ebonyi gov considers politician as state varsity VC.

The Governor of Ebonyi State, Francis Nwifuru, has vowed to appoint a politician as the next vice chancellor of the Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, a two-term Deputy Governor of the state, is in his final stint as the university’s VC.

Nwifuru made the declaration on Friday during the inauguration of projects funded by the Tertiary Education Fund at the university.

The governor said that Ogbu’s outstanding achievements in office could not have been attained if he had not passed through politics.

“We need someone with the political will and academic structure for the position as people must not show their strength by making noise.

“When we would be appointing the next VC, it will be from the political angle as the university belongs to all of us.

“A vice chancellor who is a politician can relate with us well and understand the political and administrative aspects to effectively manage the university,” he said.

The governor urged professors seeking to be appointed for the position to cease and concentrate on their academic works.

“I thank my predecessor who appointed Ogbu as the VC as he has ensured that the university progresses beyond bounds,” he said.

He thanked the TET-fund for instituting the projects which include an Information Communication Technology, library and faculty of education complexes.

The Minister of Works, Chief David Umahi, expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for allowing him inaugurate the projects on his behalf.

“It is important to appreciate Tinubu’s commitment to develop education in the country since assuming office as the country’s president,” he said.

He noted that, in recognition of TETfund’s role in the development of public tertiary education and funding interventions, the president approved an upward review of the education tax.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund, Mr Sonny Echono, said the three projects were executed under the 2011–15 (merged) annual and 2016–19 (merged) annual interventions.

Echono, represented by Buhari Mikailu, said that the projects costs N1.5billion and were executed in line with TETFund guidlines,” he said.

The Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof. Chigozie Ogbu, thanked TETFund for instituting the projects and pledged that they would be judiciously utilised.

NAN

Exploring Derinkuyu: Turkey's Extraordinary Underground City.

Exploring Derinkuyu: Turkey's Extraordinary Underground City.                                              Unveiled By Comr Olamide Akinwumi.

Derinkuyu, also known as Elengubu, stands as an extraordinary multi-level underground city near the modern town of Derinkuyu in Nevşehir Province, Turkey. Delving to a depth of approximately 85 meters (280 feet), this ancient marvel is expansive enough to have housed up to 20,000 people, along with their livestock and food stores. It proudly holds the title of being the largest excavated underground city in Turkey, forming part of several subterranean complexes scattered throughout Cappadocia.

The uniqueness of Derinkuyu lies in its ability to be sealed from the inside, thanks to massive rolling stone doors that can isolate each floor independently. Housing a population of 20,000, this underground refuge boasts amenities found in similar complexes across Cappadocia, including wine and oil presses, stables, cellars, storage rooms, refectories, and chapels. Of particular interest is a spacious room on the second floor, featuring a barrel-vaulted ceiling, believed to have functioned as a religious school.

A series of vertical staircases starting between the third and fourth levels leads to a church on the lowest (fifth) level. The grand 55-meter (180 feet) ventilation shaft, resembling a well, served both the villagers above and those in hiding, providing water in times of inaccessibility to the outside world.

Derinkuyu's origin traces back to the 8th–7th centuries BC when caves were initially carved into the soft volcanic rock by the Phrygians. Over time, as the Phrygian language waned, replaced by Greek, Christian inhabitants expanded these caverns into intricate multiple-level structures, adding chapels and Greek inscriptions.

By the Byzantine era, Derinkuyu became a fully-formed city, offering refuge during the Arab–Byzantine wars (780–1180 AD). Intriguingly, it was connected to another underground city, Kaymakli, through an extensive network of 8–9 kilometers of tunnels. Even during the Mongolian incursions of the 14th century, these cities continued to be sanctuaries.

In the 20th century, as the region fell to the Ottomans, the underground cities became refuges for the Christian natives against Turkish Muslim rulers. In 1923, with the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Christian inhabitants were expelled, and the tunnels were abandoned.

Rediscovered in 1963, Derinkuyu opened its doors to visitors in 1969, allowing exploration of about half of the underground city by 2016.

Derinkuyu, with its troglodyte population, became crucial during the 7th century's Arab raids on the Byzantine Empire. As the Byzantines regained control between the 7th and 11th centuries, the troglodytes emerged, creating churches carved into rock faces, solidifying Cappadocia's fame.

In the 1920s, the Christian population's expulsion led to the abandonment of the tunnels, now silent witnesses to a rich history. Today, Derinkuyu stands as a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of its ancient inhabitants, offering a captivating journey through layers of time.

Comr Olamide Akinwumi unravels the layers of history hidden beneath Derinkuyu's surface, offering a glimpse into the ingenious architecture and cultural significance of this subterranean wonder.

CBN freezes accounts without BVN, NIN April 2024.

CBN freezes accounts without BVN, NIN April 2024.

From April 2024, accounts without Bank Verification Number (BVN) and National Identity Number (NIN) will be frozen, the Central Bank of Nigeria has announced. 

These changes, impacting account holders across tiers, mark a significant shift in banking compliance and customer requirements.

The new directives announced by the CBN entail several pivotal alterations. Individuals holding Tier-1 bank accounts and wallets are now mandated to possess BVN and/or National Identification Number (NIN).

Tier1 accounts are bank accounts that require minimal documentation usually the mere presentation of a BVN and a means of Identification before opening with a maximum withdrawal limit of N50,000 daily and a cumulative balance limit of N300,000.

The requirement for BVN and NIN remains applicable to individual accounts within Tiers 2 and 3.

The account opening process will now involve electronically retrieving BVN or NIN-related information from the NIBSS’ BVN or NIMC’s NIN databases. This data will serve as primary information for onboarding new customers.

Existing individual customer accounts with validated BVNs will now be profiled in the NIBSS’ ICAD within 24 hours of account opening.

The implementation procedures are multifaceted. According to the CBN circular, opening new Tier-1 accounts and wallets without BVN or NIN is prohibited with immediate effect.

From March 1, 2024, funded accounts without BVN or NIN will face restrictions. Unfunded accounts will also be restricted until compliance. 

All BVN or NIN associated with accounts/wallets must be electronically revalidated by January 31, 2024.

The CBN has urged compliance officers to familiarize themselves with the Guidance Notes accompanying the circular as they apply to all institutions regulated by the CBN. 

Furthermore, a comprehensive BVN and NIN audit is imminent, and sanctions will be imposed on identified breaches.

The revised protocols for onboarding new customers stipulates the prohibition of manual creation of customer profiles with subsequent BVN or NIN attachment and mandatory electronic authentication using BVN or NIN details for new customers. 

Any inconsistency, the CBN warned will halt the onboarding process.

Banks are now required to profile customers’ accounts on NIBSS ICAD within 24 hours of generating an account number.

These amendments, the CBN said, are geared towards fortifying the integrity and security of the Nigerian banking system. 

The apex bank noted that compliance with these directives is imperative for all regulated financial institutions to ensure seamless operations and avoid penalties.

FG promotes over 32,300 para military personnel.

FG promotes over 32,300 para military personnel.

The Federal Government has announced the promotion of over 32,300 personnel across all cadres and ranks in its para-military Services. 

The Services are the Nigeria Immigration Service, (NIS), the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, the Nigerian Correctional Service, (NCoS) and the Federal Fire Service, (FFS)

Announcing the promotion at the Ministry of Interior in Abuja on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the exercise was conducted in line with Service rules and after examinations have been carried out in all the Services.

 He praised President Bola Tinubu for the speedy approval of the promotion, saying it was in tandem with his commitment to the welfare of all personnel serving the country in various institutions. 

Dr Tunji-Ojo was represented by the Commandant-General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Audi. He was flanked by the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, NCOS, Haliru Nababa and the Secretary of the Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire and Correctional Services Board, Alhaji Ahmed Jaafaru. 

The Minister,who described the promotion exercise as unprecedented especially in the NSCDC, urged the beneficiaries to reciprocate the gesture by re-dedicating themselves to the Service of the country. 

Dr Tunji-Ojo gave the breakdown of the promotion in accordance with the numbers of those who participated in the examinations conducted for the personnel. 

According to him out of 25,351 personnel who sat for promotion examinations in the NSCDC, 21,381 personnel were promoted to the next ranks. 

In the Immigration Service, he said 6,544 sat for examinations with 4,598 promotion, while 1680 were promoted in the Federal Fire Service out of 1698 who sat for examinations. 

The Minister said in the Correctional Service, 4498 were promoted out of over 7,000 who sat for the examinations. 

Nigeria And Germany Sign Agreement To Accelerate Siemens Power Project Implementation.

Nigeria And Germany Sign Agreement To Accelerate Siemens Power Project Implementation. 

President Bola Tinubu and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday evening in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, witnessed the signing of an accelerated performance agreement aimed at expediting the implementation of the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) to improve electricity supply in Nigeria. 

The agreement, consummated on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit, was signed by Mr. Kenny Anuwe, the Managing Director and CEO of FGN Power Company, and Ms. Nadja Haakansson, Siemens Energy's Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Africa.

The PPI, formerly known as the Nigeria Electrification Roadmap Initiative, was the outcome of the visit of former German Chancellor Angela Merkel to Abuja in August, 2018. 

An agreement was signed between the governments of Nigeria and Germany in 2019 to improve the power sector.

President Bola Tinubu, since assuming office, has consistently advocated the accelerated realization and expansion of the PPI. To achieve this, the project has been a major focal point in three rounds of bilateral discussions at several meetings between the President and the German Chancellor, in New Delhi, Abuja and Berlin.

The agreement signed today will see to the end-to-end modernization and expansion of Nigeria's electric power transmission grid with the full supply, delivery and installation of Siemens-manufactured equipment under the time line of 18 to 24 months.

Furthermore, the agreement will ensure project sustainability and maintenance with full technology transfer and training for Nigerian engineers at the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN).

Speaking after the signing ceremony in Dubai, Managing Director of the FGN Power Company, Mr. Kenny Anuwe highlighted Siemens Energy's effective delivery of crucial equipment worth over 63 million Euros to the country since the project commenced. This includes 10 units of 132/33KV mobile substations; 3 units of 75/100MVA transformers, and 7 units of 60/66MVA transformers, currently being installed by FGN Power Company at various sites across Nigeria.

The project will also focus on identified load demand centres with a particular emphasis on economic and industrial hubs nationwide; execution of new 330kV and 132/33KV substations in target load centres with economic priority, in addition to thousands of kilometres of overhead transmission lines to connect new substations with existing ones. 

Oyebanji restates commitment to security of lives, property.

Oyebanji restates commitment to security of lives, property.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated his administration’s commitment to security and safety of lives and property of residents of the state.

The Governor made this known in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday while receiving the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi and other top military officers in his office. He said his government would continue to collaborate with the Nigeria Army and other security agencies to ensure safety of lives and property of the people. 

Commending the Nigerian Army for its dedication and hard work, Governor Oyebanji acknowledged the pivotal role the military is playing in maintaining law and order in the country.

He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for their relentless efforts in tackling security threats, noting that their commitment had significantly contributed to the overall peace, security and development of the state. 

While assuring that his administration would continue to support the security architecture in the state to protect the citizens, the Governor said government would create an environment where residents can thrive without fear and contribute to the development and prosperity of the state.

“I don’t know what would have become of this country if we don’t have dedicated men in the Nigerian Army combating insurgencies upfront, I must appreciate the army and the sister security agencies for still being what they are despite of all the challenges in the country. We are extremely grateful.

“As far as we are concerned as government, we will continue to collaborate and partner Nigerian Army because it is in our interest to do so. Once a state or society is secured, development will come in. Investors don’t go to troubled zone, so it is in our interest to ensure that we keep this state secured”. The Governor stated.

Earlier in his remark, the General Officer Commanding, 2nd Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, Major General Bamidele Alabi, who thanked the Governor for his support to the Nigerian Army and for putting every measures in place to ensure there is peace and tranquility in the state, said the purpose of their visit was to formally introduce himself to the Governor and thank him for all the supports he has given to the Nigerian Army in Ekiti State.

Gen Alabi assured the Governor that the Nigerian Army would continue to work with other security agencies to ensure that the state continues to enjoy peace and security at all times.