Kakaki

School children risk Psycho-emotional problems, if indiscriminately promoted–Don warns parents

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Prof. Yunus Fasasi, of the Department of Educational Management of the University of Ilorin has warned parents in Nigeria that school children risk Psycho-emotional problems, if indiscriminately promoted.

Fasasi made the submission in Ilorin, in his paper presentation at the 256th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Holding Education Accountable for Resources and Results”.

He said: “Parents and stakeholders should be sensitized on psycho-emotional and other consequences inherent in allowing double promotion for their wards”.

Psycho-social problems includes behavioral, emotional, and educational problems, which can severely interfere with everyday functioning of school children.

The don who teaches in the Faculty of Education of the University posited that Nigerian education system is designed in stages with a specific number of years as duration in each of the stages.

“Many school pupils are in the habit of entering primary schools before the officially approved age, while many move to another stage without waiting to complete the previous level.

“This has led to primary six classes to be phased out in many schools, especially in private schools. The same practice occurs in seniour secondary schools where many pupils decide to take SSCE examination at SS2,” he said.

Fasasi warns that the physical, mental, social and emotional developments of the pupils are affected.

According to him, admission of such pupils into schools poses challenges for effective administration and supervision.

He explained further that it also has implications for output in terms of certification and outcome in terms of employability.

The expert in education submitted that the goal of continuous nine year basic education is to ensure that Nigerian citizens acquire the necessary life skills to become self reliant and contribute to the development of society.

Fasasi emphasized the importance of educational supervision, saying it is for positive results and should be encouraged.

He asserts that a nation cannot rise above the quality of its human resources, adding that this underscores the importance of educational supervision whose objective os to ensure high quality human capital development of the nation.

Similarly, the Educationist submitted thay proliferation of educational institution does not translate to national development.

“Existing government and private educational institutions should be adequately funded to wnable them actualise the nation’s educational objectives,” he said.

May Day: BEDC MD, Ijose expresses gratitude to workers in Edo

The Managing Director of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEEN) PLC, Deolu Ijose, on Wednesday expressed gratitude to all BEDC staff across the franchise states of Edo, Ondo, Ekiti and Delta for their hardwork and care for customers.

In a statement, Ijose said the staff
hard work, empathy, and genuine care for the customers embodied the spirit of BEDC Electricity.

“As May Day dawns upon us, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have undertaken together. It’s a moment to pause, appreciate, and celebrate the remarkable efforts each of you brings to our shared mission every single day.

“This past year has been a testament to our collective strength and resilience. We have faced challenges that tested us in ways we never imagined.

” Yet through it all, your unwavering commitment and perseverance have been nothing short of inspiring.

” From the frontline workers ensuring the lights stay on, to the dedicated teams behind the scenes working tirelessly to improve our services, each of you plays an indispensable role in our organization’s success.

“Your passion, dedication, and determination are the driving forces behind everything we accomplish.

‘As we stand together on this May Day, let us not only celebrate our achievements but also acknowledge the hurdles we’ve overcome and the lessons we’ve learned along the way.

“Let us continue to support and uplift one another, fostering a culture of kindness, collaboration, and inclusivity.

“Its your humanity, your kindness, and your genuine desire to make a difference that sets us apart, ” he said.

According to him, May this May Day be a reminder of the incredible team we are and the extraordinary things we can achieve together. thank you for all that you do, today and every

Malaria: Community pharmacists treat over 200 indigent in Kwara community

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Association of Community Pharmacists of Nigeria (ACPN), Kwara State branch has organized health intervention and treatment for malaria for over 200 indigent in Bode-Sadu, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara.

The Community Outreach was part of the activities of the association in commemorating the World Malaria Day.

Speaking on the sidelines of the outreach, Mrs Munirat Bello, the Chairman of ACPN-Kwara stated that over 200 people, including children benefitted from the free malaria testing.

According to her, other health intervention includes treatment with the recommended ACT drugs, deworming, and counselling of people.

Bello explained that the theme of the day is entitled: “Accelerating the Fight Against Malaria for a more Equitable World”.

She pointed out that malaria continues to contribute to the challenges in health for the nation, adding that the outreach is part of the association efforts to reduce such challenges.

“People living in the most vulnerable situations includes the pregnant women, infants, and children under five years of age, anong others,” she said.

The pharmacist explained further that four African countries account for half of the malaria death globally.

“Malaria is a major public health concern and Nigeria has the highest burden of malaria globally,” she said.

Bello observed that the State and Federal government are at the forefront of fighting the disease, however appealed to other stakeholders to join in ending the menace of malaria in Nigeria.

She also advised people to use Long Lasting Mosquito Nets while sleeping and keep environment clean, to prevent breeding mosquitoes in thier communities.

Earlier in his appreciation remark, Alhaji Aliu Gambari, the Daudu of Bode-Saadu commended the pharmacists for the health intervention.

He appealed for the association to continue to extend thier health intervention to the community.

Immunization: Nigeria records about 2.4 million zero-dose children–GAVI alliance

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and Global Health Advocacy Incubator, has disclosed that there are about 2.4 million children that are assigned as zero-dose in Nigeria.

The organisation revealed the data during a One-day Multi-Stakeholder Technical Workshop organized by non-government organizations; Global Health Advocacy Incubator and Vaccine Network for Disease Control.

Zero-dose children are defined as not having received the first dose of diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) containing vaccines.

Speaking at the meeting, Mrs Chika Offor, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Vaccine Network for Disease Control, said the Global Health Advocacy Incubator uses the power of advocacy to reduce preventable deaths and to improve health at scale by changing policies and strengthening systems.

According to her, GAVI has been at the forefront of helping Nigeria in funding especially in areas of Primary Health Care (PHC) and immunization campaign.

She explained that the meeting is a stakeholders technical workshop to co-develop and review domestic resources, mobilization and strategies for state immunization and primary health care.

Offor stated that GAVi is supporting Kwara to ensure there is multi approach, where all stakeholders pool in resources, strategies and passion for success in further development of PHC and immunization programmes in the state.

She observed that the stakeholders at the workshop have resolved that there is need for more funding for PHC and immunization programmes across the 16 Local Government Areas of Kwara.

She explained that the recommendations made were both for short and long term approaches.

“The workshop also recommended involvement of the local government areas (LGAs) and state government in provision of fund to support primary health care centres in a phased approach,” she said.

Offor added that there is need for increase in health insurance funding, from one per cent to two per cent, at the state level.

“We also talked about increase in health budget in the state. The state is doing well with 11 per cent but we cannot stop.

“This is because everyday new vaccines are introduced. With this new vaccines being introduced, it’s money. And the state has to support the FG and the LGAs across the state,” she said.

She added that a certain percentage of Value Added Tax (VAT), should be allocated to PHCs and immunization, from both the atate and local government level, adding that it would go a long way to improve health care sector.

Earlier in her opening remark, Dr. Amina El-Imam, the Kwara Commissioner for Health commended the organizers, while stating the need to improve the number of vaccinated children in the state.

According to her, it is important that vaccine network is in the state in order to gear all stakeholders towards promotion of primary health care.

She reiterated the resolve that the state government is committed to vaccination of all children, adding that the programme aimed to improv the lives of children in the state.

Also speaking, Dr Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency emphasised the need for more funding geared towards PHC and immunization.

She reiterated the resolve of Gov. Abdulrahaman AbdulRazak of Kwara in ensuring the revamping of the health system in the state.

Fresh Online reporters abuse elements of stylistic reports in English–Unilorin Don

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Ilorin, April 19, 2024 (NAN) Prof. Victoria Alabi, of the Department of English of the University of Ilorin, has submitted that some fresh on-line news reporters abuse elements of stylisticsm reports written in English, with impunity.

Alabi stated this in Ilorin, during her paper presentation at the 254th Inaugural Lecture of the University entitled: “Cocoons of Meanings of Signs and Styles in Semiotics and Stylistics”.

The expert in English Language called on the University of Ilorin to consider short term programmes in stylistics for media practitioners to aid thier reportage.

She said: “Short-term programmes in stylistics could also be encouraged for other workers in society who write or edit letters, memos and reports in English.

“This is for effective communication with native and educated second language or foreign language users of English”.

The don who teaches in the Faculty of Arts of the University described Stylistics, as a branch of applied linguistics, and a the study and interpretation of texts of all types, but particularly literary texts, or spoken language in regard to their linguistic and tonal style.

Alabi explained that attention should be paid to imparting Stylistics right from 100 levelp students in all the department in Faculty of Arts.

“Teaching Stylistics must be sine qua non in creative writing classes,” she said.

According to her, Semiotic underscores the fact that the world is suffused with many signs in culture, literature, ethnography, biology, zoo, law and mathematics.

The expert observed that the world is full of signs amd their meanings, while advising people to be sensitive to semiotics apparatuses and the meanings that can be generated from them in written and spoken texts as well as in dreams.

Ramadan: Empower indigent muslims, rather than bankrolling hajj travels–Cleric

Alhaji Abdulkadir Salaudeen, the Chief Missioner of Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum on Sunday admonished wealthy muslims to empower indigent ones among them rather than bankrolling their travels for hajj.

Hajj in Islam is the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, which every adult Muslim must make at least once in his or her lifetime.

It is the fifth of the fundamental Muslim practices and institutions known as the Five Pillars of Islam.

Saladeen stated this while delivering his paper at the Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslims Forum organized in Ilorin.

He observed that some wealth muslims have glamourised going for Hajj pilgrimage every year, at the detriment of empowering indigents Muslims as dictated by Allah.

The cleric submitted that such funds used by wealthy muslims to sponsor indigents to Hajj could be used to empower them in their various trades and endevours so that they can equally be self sufficient and embark on Hajj too.

According to him, there are rich people around us, who will never support indigent to get empowered but they will be willing to bankroll the Hajj of some poor people who can hardly feed themselves

“Those that bankroll Hajj travels of indigent muslims dont even support them with what to feed thier families if they leave for pilgrimage.

“It is better to empower indigent Muslims, so as to be economically buoyant rather than sending for Hajj and they remain needy and indigent.

“When you uplift them, they will in-turn be in position to help themselves and also others,” he said.

Similarly the cleric cautioned against alms-begging, saying that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) has strongly warns against professional alms-begging for sustenance.

Quoting the Holy Prophet of Islam, Salaudeen said that it is better for a Muslim to scavenge for firewood and sell for sustenance, rather than engage in alms-begging.

He lamented that some muslims have become professionals in alms-begging which contradicts the dictates of Islam.

The Chief Missioner however pointed out that under Islamic constitution, the State is responsible for the welfare of the indigent, while also adding that rich Muslims must contribute the Zakat, to cater for the indigent.

He enjoined Muslims to promote what is good and forbid what is evil as enshrined by Almighty Allah.

Speaking also, Alhaji Nasrudeen Ibrahim, the President of the Forum, expressesd satisfaction with the 2024 Ramadan Lecrure of the association.

He observed that though there were constraints, the Muslim Forum has been a rallying point for unity of the Ummah.

Ibrahim enjoined Muslims to remember the lesson and spirit of Ramadan as the Eid-El-Fitr celebration approaches.

He advised Muslims to be pious even when Ramadan ends.

Wage award: MINILS D-G advise Governors to heed Tinubu’s appeal

Mr Issa Aremu, the Director General, Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, has urged the State Governors to review upward wage award for workers in their respective states to be at par with what is paid to workers in federal employment.

Aremu made the call in Ilorin at the Third Annual Ramadan Lecture of Muslim community of Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS) themed “The role of Islam in poverty alleviation in a changing and challenging society”.

He also tasked the Governors to heed President Bola Tinubu’s recent plea on the payment of the wage award so as to help cushion the adverse effects of hardship in the country.

The MINILS Director General added that workers deserve living wage to sustain them.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both the federal and state governments commenced implementation of wage award for their employees in the wake of fuel subsidy withdrawal, which precipitated hike in prices of goods and services.

However, Aremu while identifying Ramadan as a period to reflect and be spiritually devoted, appealed to each strata of government to initiate compassionate policies that would help the needy.

Speaking on the seamless transition of power in Senegal, the MINILS Director General felicitated the new Senegalese President, Bassirou Faye, and described democracy as the best form of government irrespective of the attendant challenges with it.

“Ramadan is a period I always look forward to; it is a moment of reflection and spiritual devotion. That we are alive to witness this year’s Ramadan, we need to thank Allah.

“We congratulate new President of Senegal, Bassirou Faye, on his successful election and inauguration.

“It was a peaceful transition, which shows that democracy is a government of the people. Regardless of challenges with democracy, it is capable of self renewal bringing changes in a peaceful way.

“Some African countries experienced military intervention recently, they should return to democracy. There is no shortcut to power”, Aremu said.

In his lecture, the Dean, Faculty of Humanity and Social Sciences at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Professor Lateef Oladimeji, said failure of the people to adhere to the laid down rules of engagement in Allah’s scripture was responsible for the challenges bedeviling the world.

He, however, admonished leaders to use the sacred month of Ramadan to show mercy while the wealthy should endeavour to assist the less privileged in the society.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Ramadan Lecture Organizing Committee of MINILS Muslim community, Alhaji Ibrahim Akeyede, noted that the theme of the event was apt and timely given that Nigeria was undergoing challenging moment as a result of government’s decisions.

He expressed optimism that the benefits of government policy would materialize positively and called for patience and understanding of the citizenry. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Unilorin MPH-students provide drugs, electricity to PHC centre in Kwara

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Students of Master of Public Health (MPH) of the University of Ilorin have provided drugs, health intervention and electricity to a Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) across various Kwara communities.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the students disclosed that they also repaired abandoned boreholes, and renovated some health facilities.

Prof Bolarinwa Akeem, the MPH Supervisor, who spoke on the sidelines of MPH Field Posting Reports Presentation, 2024, explained that this is part of the Statutory Posting for the MPH students of the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health of the University of Ilorin.

He stated that the Field posting expose students to community based service and research.

According to him, the three month Harmattan Semester programme also exposes the students on community diagnosis and how to identify health challenges.

“By identifying such challenges, they will ultimately provide health intervention to these communities. It is also opportunity to collaborate with both communities based stakeholders and non governmental organization,” he said.

Akeem also pointed out that the MPH programme is multidisciplinary, cutting across all discipline including lab scientist, doctors and nurses among others.

He noted that such collaboration help them to work as team and assist PHC facilities in various communities and Local Government Areas in solving health challenges.

The MPH supervisor commended the efforts of the students, saying thier presentation is very competitive.

Similarly, Akeem observed that the University has stringent admission pattern, so as to train people who will benefit the healthcare system in the country.

Akeem who also spoke on Japa syndrome, lamented that “we are teaching these doctors and they are leaving for foreign countries”.

He observed that years back Nigeria was a fovourite destination of foreign teachers and lecturers who were happy to teach in the country.

The don therefore advised the government at all tiers to make the country conducive for healthcare workers to remain.

He said that it has to come with commensurate manpower to motivate the already depleted workforce.

In his goodwill message, Prof Wahab Egbewole, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin represented by Prof Olubunmi Omotesho, the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) deacribed the MPH students as important to the University.

Egbewole stated that this is an important responsibility giving to them and also a privilege.

He enjoined them to be committed in order to uplift and develop the nation through their humanitarian career.

Speaking also, Miss Mariam Okeniyi, the MPH Class Governor, said that though the field posting was very crucial and exposed them to community based service, it was however stressful.

She added that most of the communities lack water supply, employ open defecation and have lost faith in the PHCs due to lack of drugs.

Okeniyi said they contributed their personal funds, with some contribution from other stakeholders for the various community intervention.

“We were able to provide drugs, sphygmomanometer device and repair of boreholes among others,” she said.

NAN reports that some of the Field posting communities are in Moro, Asa, Ifelodun amd Ilorin South LGAs. (NAN)

Water day: Average Nigerian consume only 9 liters of water–APWEN

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

Dr Adebisi Osim, the President Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) on Friday lamented that average Nigerian consumes only nine liters of water per day.

Osim stated this in Ilorin on Friday while presenting a paper in commemoration of the 2024 World Water Day organized by APWEN.

The theme of the day is entitled: ” Water For Peace”.

According to her, this falls below the national acceptable minimum standards of 12 to 16 litres per day.

She stated that statistics from the World Bank, approximately 70 million Nigerians do not have access to safe drinking water.

“Globally 122 million people have to collect unsafe water from streams or ponds. Two billion people lack safe drinking water and 114 million do mot have access to basic sanitation,” she said.

Osim who was represented by the Mrs Nihinlola Olawuyi, the APWEN Kwara chapter Chairman enjoined all stakeholders in utilize water as potential to foster harmony, cooperation, and peace among nations and communities worldwide.

She observed that water is not only essential for life itself, but it also has the power to transcend borders, cultures, and ideologies.

“Throughout history, water has served as both a source of conflict and a catalyst for peace. It has been a cause for dispute over shared resources, yet it has also been a cornerstone for collaboration and diplomacy.

“However, we must recognize that water also possesses the transformative power to build bridges, reconcile differences, and forge pathways to peace,” she said.

She observed that inadequate access to water and poor management practices majorly contribute to Nigeria’s water and sanitation crisis.

According to her, widespread flooding has also affected 3.2 million people in Nigeria, resulting inover 600 fatalities and displacing of over 1.4 million people.

Osim called on government at all tiers and orger stakeholders to collaborate with APWEN towards coon goals of securing water for peace.

Also in his presentation, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, the Seniour Special Adviser to Gov. AbdulRahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara, on Community Development observed the criticality pf water and sanitation in pursuit of sustainable development.

He underscored the imporatnce that the state government attached to partnership with APWEN, Organised Private Sector in Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (OPSWASH), to tackle societal challenges such as water and sanitation.

“The situation is further excerbated by the effect of climate change, population growth, rapid urbanization and socioeconomic factors.

Similarly, Dr Saheed Aremu, the Managing Director of Lower Nigeria River Basin Development Authourity emphasised on the need to utilize water for peace in our nation.

He observed that there areany challenges that confronts communities in terms of availability of water including climate change and uncontrolled population.

The Managing Director explained that there is need to make the invisible, underground water, visible and accessible to generality of the masses.

Mr Usman Lade, the Kwara Commissioner for Water Respurces, observed that water is paramount to existence, while reiterating the commitment of the state government to collaborate with key stakeholders to achieve better results.

He disclosed that the state government has achieve 74 percent success on access of water to communities, adding that the state will continue to improve on this statistics.

Lade also stated that the government had already taken initiative in training of youths on repair and maintainance of botholes in thier respective communities.

In her Lecture, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babatunde, the OPS WASH Coordinator in Kwara, submitted that APWEN commitment is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s administration on community engagement.

She explained that OPS WASH is an umbrella body conducting private sector engagement in SDG-6.

According to her, the focus is to create and source partner to make impact and accelerate the private sector coordination in Nigeria for SDG-6 and other related SDGs.

The expert explained that APWEN uplifts communities in various ways, offering career counselling session for female students in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions.

She noted that this is to increase the number of global engineering voices of women for Nigeris.

The OPS coordinator therefore calls for private sector organisation support in Kwara within OPS WASH objectives.

Babatunde also advised on better understanding of community needs, private sector support and needs among others.

Ramadan: muslim women can delay menstrual cycle to fast–Cleric

Malam Salaudeen Abdulkadir, the Chief Missioner of Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum has submitted that muslim women who don’t want to miss thier fasting can medically delay thier menstrual cycle.

Abdulkadir made the assertion in Ilorin while delivering the Annual Ramadan Lecture organised by the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Forum National Headquarters.

The chief missioner emphasized that as long as the process does not endanger the lives of the women, they can alter thier cycle to fast the complete month of Ramadan without missing any.

He explained that Islam is applicable in every era or situation, adding that experts on Islamic Jurisprudence have researched and reached the conclusion that a woman can delay her cycle if she so desire to do so.

He stated that Allah has mandated Ramadan fasting on believing Muslims, adding that this is for health and spiritual rejuvenation.

Abdulkadir who is also the Chief Imam of Olanrewaju Mosque, reminded that Allah does not overburden man beyond his capacity.

The cleric warns Muslims against following cultures that are against the practices of Islam, adding that screaming, shouting or calling Almighty Allah’s name in vain is totally prohibited.

“You do not shout the name of Allah or call his name in vain. Allah has taught us ways on calling on him and getting nearer to him

“When you obey Allah, He will hold you in high regards. You must folow his injunctions to become nearer to Allah,” he advised.

Similarly Abdulkadir also emphasized the importance of reading the Holy Quran, adding that Ramadan is the month of the Quran.

He pointed out that Ramadan is not prescribed for the very sick, and that if life is threatened as a result of fasting, then they are excused from the obligation.

He added that though other culutres came with thier own form of fasting, Ramadan fasting is unique as it is prescribed by Allah, who instructed us on its process.

Also speaking, Alhaji Nasuredeen Ibrahim, the National President of the Association enjoined Muslims on the remembrance of Allah and being grateful to him at all times and circumstances.

“Our gratefulness to Allah must be deep, because He is bountiful,” he said.

According to him, Ramadan fasting is like taking a car for repair to the mechanic, as we need Annual renewal of spiritual rejuvenation and vigour.

Speaking on the economic situation in the country, he asvised that thia is the best time to get closer to Allah for all our problems.

“We should do the little we can. Allah has not overburden us and He will accept. But you cannot reduce the mandated Ibadah,” he said.

Ibrahim explained that the Igbomina-Ekiti Muslim Association started 30 years ago with the mandate to create unity and togetherness among people of the area.

He added that though there are challenges, the association is reaching out to youth and other well meaning muslims association for develoyand.propagation of Islam.