Kakaki

8 million tones of plastics end in the sea annually–Expert

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, June 5, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Esther Akinlabi, a professor of Mechanical Engineering, Northumbria University, Newcastle, United Kingdom has submitted that about 8 million tones of plastics end in the sea annually.

Akinlabi made the submission on Wednesday in Ilorin during her paper presentation at the 2nd Faculty of Engineering and Technology International Conference (FETiCON 2024) organised by the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of Ilorin.

The theme of the conference is entitled: “Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Achieve United Nations Sustainable Development Goals”.

According to her, plastics dumped in the sea account for about 5 percent while 95 percent of plastics are submerged beneath water bodies.

The don lamented that these plastics strangle and destroy water creatures, adding that this also threatens the eco-system and cause flooding on humans.

Akinlabi however submitted that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can assist in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

Speaking on the effect of plastic and its effect on the environment, she emphasized on the need for a smart manufacturing technology, which will ensure reducing, re-using and recycling of wastes.

She explained that technology can help to transform plastic waste to wealth.

“Studies have successfully shown that AI are capable of tracking and categorizing plastic waste on water bodies,” she said.

Also speaking, Prof. Suvendi Rimer of the Department of Electrical Engineering Science, at the University of Johannesburg assert that AI has potential of improving healthcare.

She advised that African countries must be united and focus on biomedical devices tailored towards their needs.

Rimer added that the primary rule is to develop skilled workforce and practical training in development of biomedical devices such as new prosthesis.

Similarly, Mr Olufemi Arosanyin, a telecommunications expert and CEO of IHS Cameroon said technology has potential in helping on environment impact and management.

According to him, technology can solve some of the local problems in Nigeria, and that the country still have problem of open defecation.

He explained that India which had similar challenges is using technology for solutions, adding that Nigeria can also take a cue.

In his address, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin noted that the theme of the conference is apt.

He pointed out that technology can help solve some of the global challenges, including poverty, peace and justice, environmental degradation and inequality.

Earlier in his welcoming address, Prof. Jamiu Odusote, the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Technology of the University of Ilorin disclosed that the Faculty created car servicing centre to help the community and train students with practical skills on mechatronics and automobile.

Also Prof. Nazmat Bakinde, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, stated that the 2024 conference reflects the commitment to explore the transformative potential of AI in addressing global challenges.

One out of every 10 Nigerian smokes tobacco daily–Expert

Prof Gabriel Omotoso, of the Department of Anatomy of the University of Ilorin has submitted that one in every 10 Nigerian smokes tobacco daily.

Omotoso made the submission in Ilorin during his paper presentation, at the 259th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “White Matter Matters in the Search for Phytochemical Candidates for Demyenilating Disorders”.

The don who teaches in the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Science of the University quoted World Health Organization (WHO), that the latest global estimate of tobacco users is 1.25 billion people.

“Tobacco causes more than 8 million deaths yearly, out of which 1.3 million are non-smokers exposed to second-hand smoke.

“This makes it a leading cause of preventable death and disease worldwide,” he said.

Omotoso stated that every May 31 is the 2024 World No Tobacco Day, a global campaign aimed raising awareness on the harmful effects of tobacco.

He stated that the theme for World No-Tobacco Day 2024 is: “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference”.

He lamented that despite a great deal of health education and awareness on the grave implications of cigarette smoking, many people are still caught in the web of the habit.

“While tobacco companies continue to make fortune on their business ans sabotage efforts at curbing the menace .

“Hence the need for all of us to arise and protect our children from tobacco industry interference,” he said.

Omotoso postulated that his research has shown that in assessing the health risks of cigarettes smoke in animal models, a smoking chamber was constructed for exposure.

“We observed adverse consequences of cigarette smoke on different organs of the body, both structurally and functionally.

“This includes its adverse effects onale gonads and reproductive fertility. Degenerative change in the liver parenchyma, disruption of the canalicular network and lipid metabolism and other hepatocellular injuries,” he said.

He therefore enjoined the Federal Government to enforce Tobacco Production Laws, so as to protect youth from industry manipulation and prevent them from tobacco and nicotine use.

Kwara targets 9000 indigent persons for free medical outreach – Commissioner

The Kwara Government is targeting 9000 indigent persons across the 16 local government areas of the state for its Annual Medico-Surgical outreach
activities for 2024.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, made this known at a news conference in Ilorin on Thursday.

She disclosed that the free medico-surgical outreach would commence on June 6 and that the Kwara State University Teaching Hospital (KWASUTH) in Ilorin West would be the starting point.

She explained that the outreach, an initiative of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has become an annual activity that brings vital medical services to the doorsteps of least privileged residents.

She added that “this annual initiative underscores our commitment to ensure that every individual, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare.

“Throughout the state, medical consultations, eye screening and surgeries will be offered to those in need.”

According to her, this is not just about addressing immediate healthcare needs, it’s about restoring hope and dignity to those who often find themselves marginalised and overlooked.

El-Imam recalled that in 2023, over 7000 people benefitted from medical treatments, eye surgeries and hernia surgeries in the outreach.

She urged communities to avail themselves of the invaluable opportunity and enjoined parents to ensure their female children from nine to 14 years received the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine currently going on.

The commissioner emphasised that the vaccine would serve as protection for the girls against cervical cancer, which is the third common cancer among women.

Foundation partner Kwara on treatment of Clubfoot deformity

The Kwara Government in Partnership with PLAN Health Advocacy Development Foundation has partnered on special intervention programme on Clubfoot treatment and management.

Clubfoot is a congenital condition in which baby’s foot or feet turn inward. It won’t go away on its own, but with early treatment, children experience good results.

Approximately one in every 1,000 babies will be born with clubfoot, which makes it one of the more common congenital foot deformities.

Dr Amina El-lmam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health, who spoke in Ilorin, at an engagement meeting with the health development partner said the state government is commitment to strengthening health care service delivery across board.

She reiterated the resolve of the government on continuous partnership with health development partners in alignment with the restructuring the health system in the state.

The commissioner commended the new partner for choosing Kwara for the project, while describing it as a welcome development with assurance of enabling environment for quality performance.

In her address, the Executive Director PLAN Health Advocacy and Foundation, Dr Esse Nwakanma, observed the need to urgently start the Clubfoot Clinical management in Kwara.

Nwakanma said the organization is ready to partner with the state government to treat and manage clubfoot patients for five years.

She thereafter commended the government for the warm reception and assurance of conducive environment for the partnership.

L-PRESS train 200 Kwara butchers, meat sellers on hygienic practices

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-Press) on Sunday in Ilorin trained about 200 butchers, meat sellers and processors on hygienic practices in meat handling.

The programme was in collaboration with the state Ministry of Agriculture and Bolaniks Agricultural Enterprises for Food Safety/Security and Public Health Consultancy Services.

Mr Olusoji Oyawoye, Kwara State Coordinator of the L-Press stated that the role of the capacity building is to ensure excellent meat-hygiene and preventing contamination and zoonotic disease in the state.

He explained that the butchers and meat sellers cuts across the 16 local government area, adding that the training will help to upscale the activities and ensure meat that the public consume is safe and hygienic.

“The programme demonstrate commitment of Gov. AbdulRahman AbdukRazaq of Kwara, who has given full support to activities of L-Press towards development of the livestock sector in the state,” he said.

He pointed out that the objective of the project is improving livestock productivity, resilience and commercialization of selected value chains.

Earlier in her address, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, the Kwara Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development explained that the programme deals with improvement of livestock productivity.

She observed that so many factors are put in place, such as feeds and water for improved productivity and healthy cattle.

Thomas added that the training will improve those working in livestock value chain, and ensure that butchers are equipped with best practices in their job.

She enjoined people to be careful where they buy their meat and patronize only certified places.

Dr Oluwatosin Fakayode, the Director of Public Health of the Kwara Ministry of Health said disease doesnt have boundaries, and the ministry of health is collaborating to ensure the health of livestock and humans are factored.

He explained that the concept of one-health requires that all ministries and necessary stakeholders are working harmoniously to propagate good health and protection of people in the society.

Dr Idiat Aminu, the Director of Public Health and Epidemiology, Veterinary Department of Kwara Ministry of Health explained that the training will educate butchers against infiltrating the markets with unwholesome meat.

She added that they will be sensistized on the emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases in animals.

“They are being sensitized on available equipment for processing good meat.

“The state government has regularly admonished butchers against cutting corners on the issue of selling unhygienic meat to public,” she warned.

Unilorin don develops e-market place for closed system

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Prof. Omenogo Mejabi, of the Department of Information Technology of the University of Ilorin has developed e-marketplace application for a closed system such as a University.

Mejabi stated this in Ilorin while delivering the 258th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ilorin entitled: ” Game Changer of ICT”.

According to him, she took the notion of e-commerce, which is web-driven, and developed the application.

She explained that the application has features that allows sellers to register, create thier own stores and upload products for sale.

“The seller could edit a particular product’s details or delete a product entirely from their stores.

“The Homepage of the e-marketplace diaplayed a catalogue of the available products on the site including products images, prices and the seller,” she said.

The don explained further that a potential buyer could click on a product that redirects to thr product page.

She noted that evaluation of the platform confirmed it to be suitable for members of a closed community to expand their customer base.

This, she said, is by advertising business goods or services or through providing channel for individuala who need to sell new or used products or advertise personal services.

Mejabi appealed to government and organisations to prioritize investment in digital infrastructure, including broadband networks and cyber security measures.

High rate of drug abuse in Kwara is unacceptable–ACPN

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara State branch has said the association will do everything possible to reduce the high rate of drug abuse in the state.

Mrs Munirat Bello, the Chairman of ACPN-Kwara stated this on Wednesday in Ilorin during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari.

Research has revealed that drug use prevalence rate in Kwara is about 14 per cent, highest in North Central.

Bello explained that the association will partner with the Ilorin Emirate in order to intensify efforts against the high rates of drug abuse in Kwara.

She called for proactive measures in curbing drug menace by soliciting support from the Emir and other stakeholders

The chairman of ACPN said they will continue to collaborate with the traditional institutions and other key stakeholders to enable sanity in the drug distribution system in Kwara.

“We all have our roles to play to ensure a sane society. The statistics show high prevalence of drug use. There is porosity in the system, where drug is concerned, that is leading to these high rates,” she lamented.

“There must be strict enforcement system. The situation cannot continue, its an eyesore and we intend to make differennce and bridge the gap,” she said.

Responding, the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji lbrahim Sulu-Gambari, commended the association while also assuring the pharmacists that the Emirate will give the necessary support to the association.

The Emir advised the association to partner the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb the menace of drug abuse in the state.

Highlights of the programme includes presentation of medications to the Durbar committee of the Emirate.

Beware of negative On-line influences–Group warns Muslim women

A Muslim Group, Standard Bearers Islamic Organization has admonished Muslim Women to beware of the negative influences of On-line media.

The Group made the call in Ilorin during the 15th Sisters Annual Seminar themed; ” Cyber Muslimah”.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Nafisat Adedokun-Shittu, an expert in Educational Technology of the University of Ilorin submitted that as a Muslimah in the digital age, its essential to navigate the On-line world while staying true to the Islamic faith and values.

Her paper presentation was entitled: “Digital Revolution: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.”

Shittu who teaches in the Faculty of Education of the University, described digital revolution as the advancement of technology from Analogue electronics and mechanical devices to the digital technology.

The expert elaborated that the digital revolution has brought about advancement in global communication information, adding that it has improved communication and collaboration.

“The digital social platform has made connection, communication, selling and buying easier.

“You can connect with friends, families and co-workers in different worlds with tools like Zoom, Google, Meet and Skype among others,” she said.

Shittu observed that it has made life easy, as there are new opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship as a result of the digital revolution.

“As cyber muslimah you can enrich your opportunity to deepen your understanding ans connection with faith and community.

“You can build a spiritual support network and aurround yourself qith like minded Muslim women who share your values,” she said.

She also added that Muslims can discover Islamic literature, poetry and visual arts to appreciate the richness of Islamic heritage.

The don advised Muslim women to align intention to use technology for the good of human.

She however warns against using On-line media to bully and backbite other people, which goes against the tenets of Islamic beliefs.

Shittu also frowned at some sisters, who have mastered the art of online begging, adding that they go to the extent of lying and extorting different people.

Also in her presentation, Hajia Sherifah Ajibade, the CEO of Baytur Rahma Orphan Foundations, Lagos noted that Muslims must be very particular about promoting their health at all times

Ajibade who spoke on the topic titled: ” Alternative Medicine: Finding Healing from Forgotten Sources”, assert that prevention is best cure.

She added that people should seek means to attain good health and avoid sickness as much as possible.

She described health as the complete physical, mental and social well-being, not just absence of disease or infirmity.

According to her, the five pillars of health includes stress and hormones, nutrition and detoxification, movement and fitness, and also sleep.

She stated that orthodox medicine is basically currative while our forgotten sources are mostly preventive.

Ajibade added that nutrient and sleep determine most of what we are and how functional our systems are working.

She advised people to sleep between six and eight hours, adding that it restores, relive and revitalizes the body.

She pointed out that some of the forgotten medicines are water, as the about 60 percent of the body is composed of water

“The prophet Muhammad (SAW) has advised to keep one-third of our stomach free, and to eat in moderation,” she said.

Ajibade also advised on consumption of vegetables, fruits and foods rich in antioxidants, while warning against stuffs that aid accumulation of toxins such as sugar, excess oil, tobacco ans sedentary lifestyle.

Earlier in her welcome address, Barr. Aishah Adekunle, the Female Coordinator of Standard Bearers Organization explained that the Seminar seek to explore the intersection of faith, technology, and wellness.

She added that this includes exploring digital revolution and its impact on our lives as Muslim women.

Adekunle noted that in the digital world, we find ease in connectivity, access to knowledge, and global community building.

“We can harness technology to amplify our voices, share our stories, and support one another,” she said.

Muhammad Kamaludeen University matriculates 146 pioneer students

Muhammad Kamaludeen University, Ilorin on Saturday matriculated 146 pioneer students of the university in 13 academic programmes.

At the maiden matriculation held in the school premises, the Emir of Ilorin, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari was investited as the Chancellor of the University.

Also, the Pro-Chancellor, Prof. Shuaib Abdulraheem was investited connoting a succesful take-off of the University.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Rasheed Jimoh, urged the students to strive hard in ensuring excellence in their studies to get them aligned with the visions of the university.

He said within five months of take-off, the institution has gotten approval for 15 academic programmes and commencement of process to secure the approval for law amd nursing science.

The vice chancellor added that there was also an introduction of innovative courses to enable the global soft skills and entrepreneurship development initiatives.

Prof. Jimoh said as a follow-up to the course, the University shall facilitate registration of start up companies for the selected viable ideas generated by teams of students through the Corporate Affairs Commission(CAC).

The Chancellor in his royal remarks commended the management of the institution for upholding the vision of the founding father and ensuring the dreams came to reality.

He urged the pioneer students to set a good legacy for other students coming behind to follow.

The institution obtained license to practise as a private university in 2023 with 15 approved courses.

The courses are Accounting, Arabic, Business Administration, Chemistry, Computer Science, Cyber Security, Economics, English, mathematics and statistics

The remaining courses are History and International Studies, Islamic Studies, Physics with Electronics, Plant Science and Biotechnology and Software Engineering.

BEDC Announces Downward Revision to NGN 206.80/kWh

BEDC Electricity Plc is pleased to announce a tariff review for Feeder Band A, effective May 6th, 2024.

This adjustment aligns with the tariff methodology prescribed by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

The tariff for Band A customers has been revised downward from NGN 225/kWh to NGN 206.80/kWh.

This downward revision follows meticulous consideration of changes in macroeconomic parameters, particularly the appreciation of exchange rates observed over the preceding month of April 2024.

It is important to recall that in the previous month, NERC had implemented an increase in tariffs for Band A customers from NGN 68/kWh to NGN 225/kWh.

The revised tariff for Feeder Band A will be reflected in customers’ electricity bills starting from May 6th, 2024.

Band A customers, representing approximately 15 percent of total electricity consumers, are expected to receive between 20 and 24 hours of electricity supply daily.

This revision aligns with NERC’s objective of ensuring fair and sustainable electricity pricing across different customer bands.

“We understand the importance of electricity affordability to our customers, especially during these challenging times,” said Mr. Deolu, MD/CEO of BEDC Electricity Plc.

“This tariff adjustment comes as a result of careful consideration and consultation with stakeholders to ensure a fair and sustainable pricing structure for our valued customers.”

As always, BEDC remains committed to providing reliable electricity services while maintaining affordability for all consumers.