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Nigeria generates 8.9 metric tons of Agrifood wastes annually–Unilorin don

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Prof Patricia Omojasola, of the Department of Microbiology of the University of Ilorin has submitted that Nigeria generates 8.9 metric tons of Agrifood wastes every year.

Omojasola stated this in Ilorin during her paper presentation at the 261st Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Micro-organism in the Service of Man”.

She said: “Large amount of wastes are generated every year from the processing of crops and animals. Agrifoods wastes represents the edible and inedible residual biogenic fractions of crops, animal commodities and products”.

The don who teaches in the Faculty of Life Sciences of the University, postulated that these wastes are either converted to animal feed, burned or left to rot in heaps.

She observed that these waste constitute a nuisance and a source of pollution to the environment.

Omojasola listed some of the common wastes to include cassava peel, rice, sorghum and weat bran, corn corb, oil palm-fruit empty brunch and empty African mesquite pods among others.

She assert that approximately 33.33 percent of food that is produced for utilisation is wasted and fritted away on a global level.

“This is estimated as a loss of 1.3 billion metric tons per annum. These includes 30 percent cereal, 20 percent dairy products, 35 percent seafoods and fish, 45 percent fruits and vegetables and 20 percent meat,” she said.

The expert stated that these wastes being rich in carbohydrates, protein, fats and minerals makes them suitable substrates via microbial-biotransformation for production of value-added products such as bioplastic, bio fertilizers, food additives, antioxidants, antibiotics, organics acids ans enzymes.

Omojasola recommended that metabolites produced by each wates can be done at the sites of each wastes employing simple to operate bioreactors, adding that the product can then be pooled to supply bug industries.

She called on stakeholders collaboration across the food industry, academia and government on effective implementation of food preservation strategies.

Centre trains 140 CSOs on disability-inclusive programmes in Edo, Abia

The Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD)on Friday said it has trained no fewer than 140 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Public Institutions on disability-inclusive programmes and practices in Abia and Edo

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training was done in collaboration with Project Enable Africa with support from the US – Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund.

The theme of the training was promoting inclusive economic opportunities and community resilience for Persons with Disabilities.

The Four days training which was broken into two parts, also had Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) trained on Rights Advocacy and Advocacy Action Plan.

Speaking during the training in Benin, the Special Adviser to Abia state governor on PWDs, Mr David Anyaele said the center has trained 70 CSOs each in Edo and Abia.

Anyaele, who is also the Director and Founder of CCD, said the capacity building for CSOs would help them became aware of their roles and the key issues affecting persons with disabilities in the state.

“We recognized that Edo has passed disability law and for it to be implemented, the civil society must be in tune of their roles and how to go about helping the PWDs advocate for their rights.

“The disability community is made up of people who cannot walk, hear and see, therefore we are involving CSOs to appreciate the key issues concern in our efforts to promote inclusive economic opportunity and a community that is all inclusive in Edo state.

“And to do this we need to build the capacity of the CSOs and what we have done so far and the response we have gotten from here shows that the civil society in Edo are really committed in ensuring that the vulnerable group are not left behind.

Speaking on the topic, Inclusive budgeting, Anyaele said government at all levels must take proactive measure to ensure that their budgeting process recognizes the needs of vulnerable groups in the society.

“When we say inclusive budgeting, we are talking about a process of generating, interpreting, programming and designing budget that takes the critical importance of physical responsibility in government .

“What we are doing here today is to build the capacity of CSOs to champion inclusiveness of PWDs in budgetary allocations, ” he said.

Also speaking, Ms Florence Attah, the Programme officer of CCD disclosed over 29million Nigerians live with one form of disability or the other in the country.

The CCD Program Officer, who quoted the 2018 World Bank statistics, noted that the figure might have increased.

She, however, lamented that the lack of comprehensive database of PWDs had made it impossible to get the accurate data of PWDs in the country.

The Acting Director of Center CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri took participants through Policy analysis and Engagement with a charge to the CSOs to ensure policies of government were all inclusive.

Comrade Bartholomew Okoudo, President, Conference of Non-Governmental Organizations CONGOS, Aliu Akokhia, Executive Director, Sustainable Health Family and Maternal Support Initiative
commended the center for the capacity building workshop.

They noted that the training was not just only a refresher course but impacted on them those things they were not conversant with especially the Inclusive-budgeting for PWDs.

Center laments lack of comprehensive database of PWDs in Edo

The Center for Citizens with Disabilities (CCD) has bemoaned the lack of a comprehensive database for persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Edo.

The center also charged the state governments to develop and implement budgetary policies that put persons with disabilities into consideration.

The Acting Director of Center CCD, Mr Godwin Unumeri, gave the charge on Wednesday at a 2-day training for Persons with Disabilities on rights advocacy and advocacy action plan held in Benin.

Unumeri called on the Joint National Association of Persons with Disability Joint National Association of Persons with Disability (JONAPWD) in Edo to work with government to come up with a comprehensive database of PWDs to aid planning.

Unumeri while speaking on Disability-inclusive budgetting, said that state governments must ensure that PWDs were carried along in their budgets right from planning to implementation stages.

He noted that government must ensure that their respective budgets should provide for easy access to all public infrastructure.

“As at today, there is a gap, the prejudice is still there. The various state governments have to address this gaps.

” They must ensure that budgets is address the way it will affect persons with disabilities, the male the female and everything about PWDs.

“Budgets that is PWDs-inclusive must need to involve them right from the planning stage to the implementation,” he said.

“Budget is a tool that affects your lives. So PWDs-inclusive needs to involve you right from planning to the implementation.

“If you leave it to the governments alone to do, they might be inclined to budget for only those visible to them at the planning stage.

“Ensure that budgets make provisons for accessibility to all public infrastructures. Insist that everything you need are included in the budget,” he said.

On her part, the Chairperson of JONAPWD in Edo, Ann Ojugo, thanked CCD adding that, the training would help them leverage on advocacy to champion their rights.

Politics: Women demand for more representation in Kwara

Women political aspirants in Kwara and civil society groups, under the auspices of
Women Political Participation (WPP) program have called for implementation of 35 per cent affirmative action for female politicians in Nigeria.

The Group spoke at a one-day workshop in Ilorin, on Strategic Advocacy for Increased Women Participation in Politics (SURGE-UP) organized by the Women Environment and Youth Development Initiative (WOYODEV).

The programme is with the support from the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) and funded by the USAID and UKAID.

Mrs Tosin Apiriola-Ajayi, the Executive Director of WOYODEV, emphasized on the need for women to be elected in political and appointive public service positions in Nigeria as contained in the extant National Gender Policy (NGP).

She observed that Nigeria does not have a specific quota system for women in politics in terms of programmes and policies.

Ajayi stated that women make up a significant portion of the electorate in Nigeria, adding that the country’s political landscape has historically been male dominated.

“For instance, no female Governors were elected in 2023 elections, a pattern that has remained constant since the return to democracy in 1999”, she said.

The executive director thus said that the SURGE-UP project aimed to reignite gender-responsive policies
and programmes in Kwara state
with the goal of achieving a strong gender quota legislation for
women in parliamentary elections and other local elections in the
state.

She said: “Also, it aims to increase women’s participation and representation in
politics in Kwara state through high-level advocacy for gender-responsive policies and programmes towards the 2027 elections”.

Thw activist noted that the project is aimed to achieve this by building strong partnership with female and male parliamentarians, party leaders and community gatekeepers with use of strategic awareness-raising, editorials and public campaigns as veritable tools.

She also said that objectives include reigniting political will of parliamentarians in Kwara to sponsor and facilitate bills and legislations to advocate a strong quota for women in coming elections at national and state levels.

She said that the group expected such results as, “Bills that seek strong quota for women in political offices initiated in state and national assemblies.

“Bills promoting women’s participation in politics and specific financial cap for local and national elections progressed”.

Ajayi seeks sustained, stronger and supportive networks that empower women that are interested in politics and provide them with guidance throughout their political careers established and sustained.

She also calls for increased skills and knowledge of aspiring women politicians,
leading to increased participation of women in politics and higher
number of women seeking public office.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum agreed that the upcoming Local Government elections is an opportunity to ensure women emerge through party primaries in Kwara State.

2024 BECE: Private school owners back cancellation of leaked paper in Edo

The Coalition of Private Schools Association in Edo says it is in support of the State Government’s decision to cancel the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) paper slated for Friday.

The association, during a news conference in Benin, said the state government took the decision to cancel the Cultural And Creative Art (CCA) paper in consultation with the association.

The coalition is made up of the association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), National Association Of Proprietors Of Private Schools (NAPPS), and the Association Of Private School Owners Of Edo Nigeria (APSON).

The Edo Government cancelled the BECE examination paper, claiming that the question paper had leaked to the public.

In an address read by its chairman, Bishop Elakhe Imokhuede Ohis, the association disassociated itself from those seeking to undermine the effort and success of the present state Ministry Of Education in this regard.

“The Attention of the Coalition Of Private Schools Associations in Edo State has been drawn to a viral video and online report regarding the ongoing Basic Education Certificate Examination ( BECE ).

“We wish to state in strong terms that the 2024 BECE Examination which commenced on Monday, 10th June 2024 has been going on smoothly with little or no logistics challenges.

“Exam questions arrived at the centres on time, OMR (Optical Mark Recognition) sheets are coded and individualised with the students names on them.

“Supervisors have been professional and students have been engaged in the examination properly with the Coalition Of Private Schools carried along in the whole process.

“It became necessary to applaud the current Ministry of Education, Edo State and the team that put this examination activities together.

“The smooth running of the 2024 BECE is the first in the history of Edo State where such magnitude of examination will be concurrently ongoing with the eventful events of the “State Education Week” which brought dignitaries across the African Continent.

“The Coalition Of Private Schools Association in Edo State hereby dissociates from any video that seeks to undermine the effort and success of the present Ministry Of Education in this regard.

The decision to cancel the CCA formerly slated for today, 14th June 2024 was reached in consultation with the associations.

“Consequently, it was agreed that, the Practical Assessment will be used to form the Final Grades for Cultural And Creative Art,” said the association’s chair in its address.

BEDC cautions residents against unsafe practice

Ahead of the raining season, the Benin Electrical Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) has cautioned residents against unsafe practice such living and trading under high tension over-head lines to avoid electrical accidents.

In a statement, the Head of Branding/Corporate Communications of the BEDC, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen said the company gave the charge during its energy safety sensitization program for staff and members of the public.

Gbiwen quoted the Head of Safety, Health and Environment, Mr. Gilbert Nweke as saying during the sensitization exercise that “safety enlightenment are electrical safety and energy management aimed at educating the public.”

She said the caution tips are part of its commitments to “reducing electrical accidents by providing safety sensitisation for members of the public, as well as in-house to engender safety consciousness among staff.

She stated that BEDC staff where admonished to put their health and safety first, so as to make them function optimally

The statement added that “customers were also urged to avoid using electrical appliances during thunderstorms, steer clear of power lines and never to use wet appliances or turn on, off switches with wet hands.

“Besides, heavy rainfall can cause lines to fall, making them extremely dangerous. In such incidents, residents should keep a safe distance and report immediately to the company,”

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.