Home Blog Page 1522

Doctors lament high cost of drugs

admin
-
0
Doctors lament high cost of drugs

Doctors under the auspices of the National Association of Public Health Physicians of Nigeria have lamented the high cost of drugs in the country.

The association said the high prices of drugs would compound the woes of Nigerians, particularly those suffering from one ailment or the other, as many of them could not afford the prices.

The association’s President, Prof. Alphonso Isara, stated this while speaking with journalists at the 40th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, held in Akure, the Ondo State capital on Tuesday.

The conference was themed, ‘Repositioning Public Health in a New Political Dispensation’.

According to him, the health sector in the country was facing a series of challenges as a result of the social-economic crisis in the country, hence the need for stakeholders to tackle the problem.

He said, “The present political dispensation in Nigeria has ushered in an avalanche of public health issues that are threatening the healthcare delivery system of the country. There are many cracks visible in the health system building blocks.

“There is drastic depletion of the health workforce occasioned by brain drain, as many health workers have emigrated in drones from the shores of Nigeria for greener pastures abroad.

“The current socio-economic challenge impedes accessing healthcare for many citizens. Medical products, including drugs, remain out of reach of the majority of citizens as a result of policies and sundry conditions that have prevented manufacturing companies from operating effectively in Nigeria.

“Healthcare, especially public health is in danger in the present dispensation. However, APHPN will continue to push for a better healthcare system in Nigeria through advocacy, dedicated service delivery, stakeholder engagements, and capacity building of its members.”

Isara however declared the readiness of the association to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, other relevant agencies and relevant stakeholders in the health sector, especially the “Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Programme” of the present government.

“For half a century of its existence, APHPN has been a major actor and player in the healthcare delivery space in Nigeria”, he noted.

During the conference, Isara stated that the APHPN members would brainstorm during the plenary sessions and scientific paper presentations to proffer solutions to the current challenges in the healthcare delivery system in Nigeria.

He said, “One of the ways to achieve this is to reposition public health services for a better, effective and efficient healthcare delivery. Repositioning public health in this political dispensation is an uphill task, but one that must be done.

“Having worked so hard for 50 years, it becomes imperative for us to celebrate our success. For this reason, a day in this conference has been dedicated to the golden jubilee celebration.”

Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

admin
-
0
Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

Our betting expert brings you Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan predictions and betting tips ahead of their Champions League clash.

Atlético Madrid vs Inter Milan Predictions & Tips

  • Inter Milan to win @ 2.52 Bet9ja
  • 1st half – under 0.5 goals @ 2.69 Bet9ja
  • 2nd half – Inter to win @ 2.81 Bet9ja
  • Martinez to score @ 3.00 Bet9ja
  • Under 2.5 goals @ 1.75 Bet9ja
  • 1st half correct score 0-0 @ 2.69 Bet9ja
  • Inter Milan to win & under 2.5 goals @ 5.35 Bet9ja

Inter Milan have the quality to beat Atletico Madrid 1-0.

Register and get a 170% Multiple Boost with CODE9JA

Inter Look Unstoppable

Inter continued their marvellous run of form when they edged past Bologna at the weekend. Simone Inzaghi’s side have won their last 13 matches across all competitions. Over that period, both their defence and attack were exceptional. Inter averaged 2.4 goals per game and conceded just 0.4 during that run.

Inzaghi’s side beat Atletico 1-0 in the first leg, but they weren’t fortunate enough to score more. Marko Arnautovic squandered a couple of golden opportunities before grabbing the crucial goal. Diego Simeone’s side were beaten 2-0 by Cadiz at the weekend. Their confidence is shaken as they gear up to take on last season’s runners-up in the Champions League. As a result, we are backing the away side to win as our first prediction in our Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan predictions piece.

Bet 1: Inter Milan to win @ 2.52 Bet9ja

boosted odds betbonanza

Inzaghi Demands Focus

Atletico Madrid failed to register a single shot on target during their trip to the San Siro. They were unable to conjure up anything to trouble a well-drilled Inter Milan’s defence. The visitors will be in no rush to take a lead and will aim to ride out the early stages. Therefore, under 0.5 goals in the first half of the match seems to be a decent bet at odds of 2.69 with Bet9ja. This bet landed in the previous head-to-head.

Simone Inzaghi’s side haven’t conceded in the first half in any of their last five away matches. They know they face a stern test on Wednesday night, so don’t expect them to make early moves that Atletico could exploit. A cagey first half seems to be on the cards, with the Italians prioritising defensive stability.

Bet 2: 1st half – under 0.5 goals @ 2.69 Bet9ja

Second Half Stats Provide Insight

The next of our Atletico Madrid vs Inter Milan predictions is for the visitors to win the second half of the match at odds of 2.81. Simone Inzaghi’s side never lose focus as games wear on, even when they are faced with hostile crowds. They have conceded just one goal in the second half across their last 10 away matches, winning seven.

Atletico Madrid will need to take risks if their score is tied in the latter stages. Pushing more players up the field will leave them vulnerable to the counter-attack. Simeone’s men have scored just one second-half goal in their last five matches.

Bet 3: 2nd half – Inter to win @ 2.81 Bet9ja

Magic Martinez Amongst the Goals

Lautaro Martinez is one of the most in-form forwards in European football. He has netted 23 goals in 25 Serie A appearances. The Argentine became the third-ever Inter Milan player to score 20 league goals in three consecutive seasons and will be a key part of any success they have in this competition.

Martinez was on the bench for Inter’s win over Bologna at the weekend, so he should be well-rested for this clash. He has netted three goals in his last three matches, making the odds of 3.00 for him to score appealing. The striker isn’t afraid to shoot and has been averaging 3.92 shots per 90 minutes this season. That puts him in the top 8% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues.

Bet 4: Martinez to score @ 3.00 Bet9ja

Register and get a 170% Multiple Boost with CODE9JA

Tinubu appoints head of service, perm secs for FCT

admin
-
0
Tinubu appoints head of service, perm secs for FCT

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries in the nine Secretariats of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, and other members of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

This was made known in a statement by Anthony Ogunleye, Chief Press Secretary to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday.

The minister had, in October 2023, announced that he had received the approval of the President for the establishment of the Civil Service Commission of the Federal Capital Territory.

Wike had also disclosed during a meeting with the directors of the FCTA and the Federal Capital Development Authority on Monday, March 4, 2024, that the commission would appoint nine permanent secretaries to oversee the secretariats.

In his statement, Ogunleye said the President approved the appointment of a Chairman, six others as Commissioners of the CSC, and the Head of Service, and nine others as Permanent Secretaries.

The statement read, “His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) has approved the appointment of the Chairman and Commissioners of the FCT Civil Service Commission.

“They are: Emeka Ezeh, Chairman; Hon. Ahmed Mohammed, North West; Chief Anthony Okeah, South-South; Mohammed Magaji Ibrahim, North East; Miskoom Alexander Naantuam, North Central; Hon. Jide Jimoh, South West; Martin Azubike, South East.

“Also, to strengthen the bureaucratic structure of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Mr. President equally approved the appointment of the Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretaries in the FCT Civil Service.

“Mr. Atang Udo Samuel is appointed as the Head of the Civil Service and the following as Permanent Secretaries: Dr Adam Babagana, North East; Wanki Adamu Ibrahim, North East; Asmau Mukhtar, North West; Dogo Aliyu Wadata Bodinga, North West; Olusa Olusegun, South West; Adetoyi Rabiu Kolawole, South West; Grace Adayilo, North Central; Olubunmi Olowookere, North Central; Ibe Prospect Chukwuemeka, South East; Okonkwo Florence Nonubari, South-South.

The appointments take immediate effect. The appointees will be sworn in on Monday, March 18, 2024.”

Similarly the President approved the appointments of heads of critical agencies of the FCTA, including, Abdulkadir Zulkarfi, as Coordinator Satellite Town Development Department; Chief Felix Obuah, as Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council; and Oladiran Akindele, as Coordinator, Abuja Infrastructure Investment Council.

Court grants suspended UNICAL dean leave to appeal no-case

admin
-
0
Court grants suspended UNICAL dean leave to appeal no-case

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, granted leave to the suspended Dean of the Faculty of Law, University of Calabar, Prof. Cyril Ndifon, and his lawyer, Sunny Anyanwu, to appeal the dismissal of their no-case submission.

The professor is currently standing trial on four amended counts of alleged sexual harassment and gratification preferred against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.

His lawyer, Anyanwu, was alleged to have harassed the ICPC’s star witness.

The defendants had through their lawyer, Joe Agi (SAN), on February 19, 2024, filed a no-case submission, urging the court to discharge and acquit them.

The trial judge, Justice James Omotosho, dismissed the application, stating that the evidence led by the prosecution established a prima facie case against the duo.

At the proceedings on Tuesday, Agi informed the court that he had filed two motions on behalf of the defendants.

He noted that the first was to seek the leave of the court to appeal its ruling on the no-case submission and a motion
directing the registrar of the court to make available the first defendant’s phones.

 

The ICPC’s lawyer, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, did not oppose the motion seeking the leave of court to appeal the no-case submission but objected to the latter.

He noted that the laboratory the defendant want his phones released to for analysis does not exist.

The ICPC lawyer said, “Yesterday when the process was given to me, I had a sleepless night. I went through all available laws. There is no such laboratory in Nigeria, with due respect.

“If they have the address, let them produce it. There is no such organisation as the National Computer Laboratory.”

The judge, however, urged him to put his objection for the release of the defendant’s phones on record through a motion.

In his short ruling, Omotosho granted the leave to appeal his decision on the no-case submission.

He, however, said the appeal would not affect proceedings.

“The leave to appeal on ruling delivered on the no-case submission is hereby granted. The leave shall not serve as stay of proceedings in the matter”, he held.

Omotosho, however, adjourned the matter till March 19.

Dortmund vs PSV Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

admin
-
0
Dortmund vs PSV Predictions: Betting Tips and Odds

Our betting expert has prepared Dortmund vs PSV predictions for this UEFA Champions League clash on Wednesday, March 13th.

This round of 16 tie is on a knife edge, following a 1-1 draw in Eindhoven last week. This season has been inconsistent for Dortmund, while the visitors enjoy a 10-point cushion at the top of Eredivisie. Both will fancy their chances of securing progress to the next round from a tie which seems tough to call.

Dortmund vs PSV Predictions & Tips

  • Draw @ 3.85 with Bet9ja
  • Penalty in the match @ 2.91 with Bet9ja
  • Under 9.5 Corners @ 2.01 with Bet9ja
  • 1X & GG in Double Chance & Goal / No Goal @ 2.01 with Bet9ja
  • 2+ cards each team @ 1.80 with bet365
  • Johan Bakayoko over 0.5 Shots on Target @ 1.90 with bet365
  • Donyell Malen to score @ 3.60 with Bet9ja

These sides are tough to split and so a repeat of the first leg, a scoreline of 1-1, is the expected outcome.

Rivals too close to split

With no odds on favourite in the winner market, it is tough to side with either team when making predictions. Therefore, I think there is value in backing the draw in the second leg.

The first leg in Eindhoven ended all square and I can see this repeating in Germany. The hosts are in transition under Edin Terzić, who described their play as sloppy after the 1-1 draw in Holland. They have also drawn two of their three home ties in this competition this season.

Bet 1: Draw @ 3.85 with Bet9ja

Malen can be Black and Donyell-ows main man

Donyell Malen proved a domestic one-game suspension hadn’t blunted his razor-sharp form over the weekend. The 25-year-old scored the opening goal in Dortmund’s 2-1 victory over Werder Bremen.

This goal marked his fourth consecutive appearance in which the Netherlands international has scored as he continues to put together impressive stats in the Bundesliga. Although the former PSV attacker only has one goal in this season’s Champions League, it came in the first leg against his old club.

Bet 2: Donyell Malen to score @ 3.60 with Bet9ja

Back Bak to hit the target

In an impressive domestic campaign, there are a few PSV players who catch the eye, but none more so than Johan Bakayoko. The 20-year-old has lightning pace, is a direct runner with the ball and presses hard. What is even more important for this bet, he likes to cut inside and have a go at goal.

With his side’s dominance in the Eredivisie, I have only focussed on the Champions League stats. Seeing he only has one goal to his name may put you off. This might seem minimal, yet his effort is evident, having fired off 21 shots in his seven appearances so far. Eight of those have been on target, with at least one in six of those seven ties, including the head-to-head in Eindhoven.

Bet 3: Johan Bakayoko over 0.5 Shots on Target @ 1.90 with bet365

Cards to fly as tensions run high

For the last of my tips here, I am backing the close nature of the game to lead to several bookings with lots at stake. This is especially evident as we approach the final whistle.

The first leg seemed to be getting out of hand with three yellow cards in the opening 45 minutes, although none were shown after the interval. Daniele Orsato is the man in charge here, one of UEFA’s most experienced referees at the Champions League level. He will not tolerate any misconduct, such as time-wasting, etc. The Italian has shown 42 yellow cards and four red in his last eight appearances with no fewer than four cards in all of those fixtures.

Bet 4: 2+ cards each team @ 1.80 with bet365

IG deploys mobile unit in Kaduna community

admin
-
0
IG deploys mobile unit in Kaduna community

Following the kidnap of pupils and teachers of LEA Primary School in Kuriga Community, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed the immediate deployment of a mobile police unit to the community.

The According reports that over 280 students of the school were kidnapped last Thursday at about 8 am, sparking national outrage.

The IGP announced the deployment when he visited the state to assess the situation firsthand, in the company of the Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Habu Sani, on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun sympathised with the people and the governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, while stating the dedication of the NPF to ensure the rescue of the abducted students, using both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches.

The statement read in part, “Following the distressing abduction of school students in Kaduna, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, along with the DIG in charge of the Force Intelligence Department, Habu Sani, DIG Department of Operations Ede Ayuba Ekpeji,, AIG Police Mobile Force Yekini Adio Ayokui, and other senior officers undertook a visit to the state to assess the situation firsthand.

“The IGP reiterated the dedication of the Nigeria Police Force to ensuring the safe rescue of all the abducted students assuring that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches are being vigorously pursued to secure the release of the students and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“In a bid to bolster security efforts, the IGP also announced the immediate deployment of a fully armed and ready unit of mobile policemen to the Kuriga Community to enhance security in the affected area and facilitate swift action towards the rescue operation”.

Responding, the Kaduna State Governor promised the support of the state government for the deployed mobile police unit while calling on members of the media to ensure responsible journalism through the period of the crisis.

As part of his visit, the IGP also met with police officers at the Police Command and the Police College, Kaduna, and addressed their concerns while assuring them of the Force’s unwavering commitment to their welfare, “to bequeath to Nigerians a police institution that is service driven, professionally competent, people friendly and rule of law compliant for a more secure environment in Nigeria”.

Egbetokun also noted the critical nature of the task ahead of the Nigeria Police Force, which he said will be carried out assiduously to ensure the safety and security of all citizens.

“He urged the public to remain calm and cooperate with the Police and other relevant security agencies in the tireless duty towards a swift resolution of the present security challenges in our dear county”, the statement added.

Police kill one in terrorists hideout raid

admin
-
0
Police kill one in terrorists hideout raid

Operatives of the Plateau State Police Command have raided a forest occupied by suspected terrorists in the neighbouring Bauchi State and killed one person in the process.

This came after suspected bandits attacked a market in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, killing about seven persons and injuring others.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer in Plateau State Command, Alabo Alfred, on Tuesday, operatives were able to confront the gunmen at their hideout in Bauchi forest and killed one person and also recovered weapons while several others fled the scene.

The statement read, “Following the case of culpable homicide reported at Zurak Village of Wase LGA where four persons were gruesomely killed and six injured on 10/03/2024 by gunmen suspected to have come from Yakari Forest in Bauchi State, police operatives attached to Bashar Division of the command led by the DPO, CSP Atiku Yahaya, in collaboration with other security agencies and security help groups, immediately stormed the forest to dislodge the bandits.

“On sighting the security operatives, the suspects engaged them in a fierce gun battle and attempted to escape to nearby Taraba State.

“However, due to our superior firepower, one Usare Madanfa male of Achali Forest was neutralised while other gang members fled with serious gunshot wounds. One AK47 rifle was recovered from the suspect.

“The operation was successfully carried out by our men. No casualty was recorded on our side. Normalcy has since been restored to the affected areas while joint patrol and intelligence gathering are being intensified.

“On this note, Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Hassan S. Yabnet, FCID, reassures all Plateau residents of the Command’s commitment towards ensuring the peace and safety of all Plateau residents.”

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

NAFDAC shuts 10 bakeries, eight water factories in Rivers

admin
-
0
NAFDAC shuts 10 bakeries, eight water factories in Rivers

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control said its officials shut 10 unregistered bakeries and eight table water factories in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The agency said the move was meant to rid the state of fake and unwholesome products, saying the shutdown was done during an operation which lasted three days with the assistance of policemen.

This was contained in a statement issued in Port Harcourt on Tuesday by NAFDAC’s Public Relations Officer, South-South Zone, Mr Cyril Monye.

Monye disclosed that some of the factories operated in an unhygienic environment, in addition to carrying the names of popular brands in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

The statement read, “In an unprecedented move to rid Rivers State of fake and unwholesome products, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control stormed Bonny Island in Bonny Island, Local Government Area of Rivers State shutting down 10 substandard/unregistered bakeries and eight table water factories.

“A detachment of policemen from Finima and Bonny Divisional Headquarters provided assistance and security to NAFDAC officials during the three-day operation.”

Speaking during the operation, NAFDAC Director, South-South Zone, Chukwuma Oligbo, explained that the move became necessary following the agency’s painstaking investigations/surveillance and complaints by consumers from the Island concerning substandard bakeries and sachet/table water factories.

Oligbo stated, “It was discovered that some of the quack bakeries were producing in ramshackle facilities made with woods and rusty congregated iron sheets with inappropriate baking equipment while the workers were not properly kitted.

“The loaves of bread were stored in a very unhygienic manner with flies perching on them. Some of the bakeries also bear the names of popular breads in Port Harcourt.”

“Most of the bakeries were not registered by NAFDAC and unregistrable because they cannot meet the minimum requirement for registration, while few that were registered by the agency have expired licenses or have relocated from their initial place of registration in Port Harcourt to Bonny Island without notifying the agency for formal documentation and mandatory inspections.”

He further said some of the table water factories which were mostly involved in the production of sachet water were not using filtration equipment and a facility that was in production of bottled and jar water was manually filling the jars with a locally improvised machine instead of an automated process, which is the acceptable standard recommended by NAFDAC.

The Zonal Director urged those who are in default of their product license renewal to use the waiver provided by the Director General from January to March and renew their licenses, adding that NAFDAC is always ready to guide producers in doing the right thing.

He however said hard times await those who intentionally flouts NAFDAC regulations.

The three-day operation took NAFDAC to the length and breadth of Finima and Bonny, both in Bonny LGA, as Pharmacies and Supermarkets were also inspected where various violations were discovered ranging from unregistered products and unsafe storage of injections, the statement added.

Otti orders reconstruction of burnt Abia market

admin
-
0
Otti orders reconstruction of burnt Abia market

The Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has ordered the reconstruction of the burnt Abia market located in Aba State.

The governor stressed how important it is that marketplaces in the state be constructed to allow for simple evacuation in the case of a fire.

Otti stated this on Tuesday when he paid an on-the-spot visit to a section of the Ehere Market, along Ikot Ekpene Road, Aba, occupied by timber dealers, which was gutted by fire Monday night.

He regretted that the way the Abia market was built, made it gullible to fire outbreaks and directed the Mayor of Obingwa LGA, Dr Eric Egwuibe, to immediately commence processes towards rebuilding the market.

He said, “What we will do is to assess the level of damage. We will also through the mayor, begin the process of rebuilding this place. I think the way the market is, makes it susceptible to fire incidents.

“We need to ensure there are fire extinguishers in all the shops around here. I am giving an instruction to the mayor to assess the level of damage and begin the process of rebuilding, bringing down all those ramshackle buildings, and building proper shops for all of you.

“We also want the shops to be properly built because. Even the way the entire place looks, it is not very decent and very inviting. So I would like you to trade in an environment that is conducive.”

The governor, who noted that upon getting information about the disaster, he quickly mobilised men of the homeland security and Fire service to put out the fire, thanked God that no life was lost in the inferno.

He assured that fire extinguishers will be procured and placed strategically in the market to enable traders to tackle such outbreaks in the future.

The governor said his vision is to ensure that traders operate in a conducive environment fit for trading and assured that the government will assess the level of damage to support them to replace their lost goods.

“The details of how it would be done would be worked out. One thing I can assure you is that if you do have a shop here, you will not lose your shop. We also know that this damage would have caused a lot of loss to the owners; by the time we do the assessment, we will see how we can support them,”  he said.

Otti also inspected an accident scene, on the same Ikot Ekpene Road, a short distance away from the market, towards the Aba Waterside, involving a trailer loaded with bags of cement.

The accident which happened Monday night, saw the trailer skidding off the main road and slamming into a business building. No life was lost in the accident as the driver of the trailer and his conductor were pulled out of the wrecked vehicle.

The Governor directed the Director General of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), Arch Uche Ukeje, who accompanied him on the visits, to liaise with the police to ensure immediate evacuation of the damaged trailer.

Angry traders set Abuja market on fire

admin
-
0
Angry traders set Abuja market on fire

A section of the Abuja Market in Wuse was set on fire on Tuesday by an angry mob and aggrieved traders after an officer allegedly shot a man who had been charged and convicted.

The officer attached to the Mobile Court sitting within the Abuja market was said to have shot the man after he tried to escape, According Online gathered.

A reliable source in Abuja Market Management Limited confirmed the alleged shooting to our correspondent, stating, however, that the market had been cordoned off by policemen to restore order in the market while officers of the FCT Fire Service were making attempts to quench the fire and prevent its spread.

The Public Relations Officer in the AMML, Innocent Amaechina, confirmed that the management’s office and several shops and vehicles in the market were lost in the fire.

Meanwhile, the Director of the FCT Fire Service, Amiola Adebayo, did not respond to phone calls, as of the time of filing this report.

Also, the Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said she was gathering facts on the matter and would revert as soon as she had more details.

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from According.

Contact: [email protected]

1...1,5211,5221,523...2,849Page 1,522 of 2,849
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv