Group Urges Herders Not To Destroy Farmers’ Crops

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December 7, 2024

· Decades on, stigmatisation, mother-to-child transmission, awareness below target

· PMTCT coverage remaining below 33 per cent

· 1.3 million new infections recorded in 2022 globally

As Nigeria joined the world in commemoration of the 2024 World AIDS Day on December 1, DAVID MAXWELL writes that even after all positive efforts and results recorded so far, it is still not yet Uhuru for Nigeria.

The first cases of AIDS in Nigeria were reported in 1986 though they were diagnosed in 1985. These index cases were a 13-year-old sexually active girl and a female commercial sex worker who arrived in Lagos State, from a neighbouring West African country.

The news of the first cases caused panic and disbelief in the country since very little was known about the ailment at the time except that it is a killer disease without a cure.

From just two, the number of people infected with HIV and AIDS in Nigeria has increased rapidly. For instance, in 1992, 367 new cases were reported, yet by 1994 that number had risen to 1,490 by 1994.

Almost five decades into the pandemic, it is not yet Uhuru for Nigeria even though some other countries including a few in Africa have made considerable and quite commendable progress.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), though gave a ray of hope. According to her, the country has made notable progress in shaping “our response and strategies to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the country.”

At a news conference ahead of the 2024 World AIDS Day, she said about two million people were living with HIV in Nigeria, with approximately 1.6 million out of them currently receiving treatment.

The 2024 World AIDS Day with the theme, “Take the Rights Path: My Health, My Right!” is a rallying cry for accessible, rights-based healthcare that empowers those affected by HIV/AIDS to live vibrant and fulfilling lives.

But despite the ray of hope painted by Dr Ilori, UNAIDS’s Country Director, Dr Leo Zekeng, painted a gloomy picture, saying the level of progress made to eradicate HIV in the country was not encouraging.

Zekeng disclosed that the world made a commitment to reduce new HIV infection by 83 per cent; that is new infections to 370,000 by 2025, “but the data for 2022 suggests that we have 1.3 million new infections.”

According to him, about 11 countries, mostly from the east and southern Africa, have attained a 66 per cent reduction in HIV infection based on pre-2025 target assessment.

He said the progress attained by the 11 countries served as a testimony and had reinforced the hope that reducing HIV infections was achievable with determination. Zekeng then noted that achieving the set target by Nigeria was achievable with renewed commitment, political will, increased funding and strengthened efforts at prevention by states and Federal Government.

One of the challenges in AIDS control in Nigeria, according to Ilori, is the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV, PMTCT, with coverage remaining below 33 per cent.

Ilori, who also referenced the stigma barrier, urged Nigerians to join hands with NACA to break the stigma, jinx and embrace equity, to drive collective action to stop HIV, especially among children. “We must empower every individual, especially women who are most vulnerable to contracting HIV, and other vulnerable populations, to access life-saving services and live with dignity.”

Also, many young Nigerians lack essential knowledge about HIV prevention, the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, NDHS, 2023-24 report reveals. It indicates that only 30 per cent of women and 22 per cent of men aged 15-24 understand effective ways to avoid the virus, thus contributing to the spread of HIV among youths who were particularly vulnerable due to limited access to accurate health information and misconceptions about transmission.

The Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, NEPWHAN, decried the high rate of stigmatisation faced by persons living with the virus. NEPWHAN’s Edo chapter chairman, Mr Christopher Osayande said stigmatisation remained a significant challenge for Persons Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in society. “Stigmatisation is still high and as a result, persons living with the virus are being denied meaningful employment. For those in business, once people know they have the virus they stop patronising their businesses,” he said.

He also cited inadequate support, lack of care and empathy, as well as lack of access to resources/finances to become self-sufficient as some of the inhibiting factors.

“There are still new cases of HIV in the state and the number of people needing care is increasing due to lack of food and transportation. As an association, we are trying to see that the viral load reduces, but because most PLWHA do not have means of livelihood, the viral load remains high,” Osayande said.

On ways to end AIDS, Dr Patrick Dakum, Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Human Virology , IHVN, advocated sustainability, renewed political commitment, and collaborative action to address the challenges ahead.

Funmi Adesanya, Nigeria Country Coordinator for the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, PEPFAR, called for the expansion of preventive efforts to end HIV/AIDS and to look beyond 2030. Adesanya stressed the need to scale up evidence-based prevention strategies, such as Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and harm reduction services to often-overlooked populations like children.

“Invest in resilient and inclusive healthcare systems that ensure uninterrupted access to antiretroviral therapy, even in crisis situations. Address social determinants like stigma, discrimination, and structural inequalities that hinder access to care, particularly for marginalised groups,” she said.

She also emphasised the importance of investing in research and development, supporting innovative vaccine development, and creating long-acting treatment regimens to improve outcomes and reduce transmission. A ray of hope in that direction is the recent proposal by the House of Representatives Committee on HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, ATM, of allocation of one per cent of the Federal Government’s Consolidated Revenue to address HIV/AIDS and other public health diseases.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Amobi Ogah, at the end of the committee’s retreat with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, said the decision was aimed at reducing dependency on foreign aid to sustain the fight against public health diseases.

Ogah also called for the amendment of the NACA Establishment Act of 2007 to restructure NACA into a multi-sector agency, enabling it to effectively coordinate responses to HIV/AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, buruli ulcer, leprosy, and malaria.

According to him, the committee is committed to reviewing the Anti-Discrimination Act of 2014 to address stigmatization. “Other key decisions reached at the retreat that will help toward the goal of ending AIDS include, promoting local production of HIV drugs, ensuring accountability of NGOs, and enhancing NACA’s oversight capabilities,” he said.

“The need to prioritise comprehensive sex education, alongside continuous community and schools sensitisation, is important,” says Dr Ehey Ijezie, Country Programme Director, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, AHF.

Prof. Oliver Ezechi, the Director of Research at Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, NIMR, advocates youth’s involvement in proffering solutions to some health challenges including HIV/AIDS. “It also serves as a platform to harness the power of young people and local knowledge to tackle some of the country’s biggest health challenges like Hepatitis B, HIV, hypertension and other diseases that are common in Nigeria.”

For Prof. Juliet Ezekwe, a Professor of Medicine from Washington DC, USA, “Empowering communities will also aid in the fight to manage and stop HIV/AIDS. Communities have the first-hand experience, the knowledge, and the resilience to combat health challenges. Experts and doctors can provide guidance, but true progress hinges on empowering communities through the youths.”

Illori said NACA had implemented various strategies including combination prevention therapy, HIV self-testing, harm reduction initiatives, treatment as prevention, and the re-evaluation of Nigeria’s HIV epidemic through the NAIIS in 2018, among others. “Among other initiatives, is the advancement of PMTCT programme in Nigeria, which is key to eliminating new HIV infections among children.

“The federal government has adopted a comprehensive approach for the implementation of PMTCT and this includes: Primary prevention of HIV infection among women of childbearing age. NACA has developed the Global Alliance Action Plan to End AIDS in children and established a national-level acceleration committee to track implementation.

“The agency has also engaged stakeholders to co-create a sustainability roadmap, ensuring that gains in the HIV response are sustained and government-mandated structures are in place. Also, a new initiative to expand Health Insurance Project access for vulnerable Nigerians including Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV) and TB patients, is on ground, to run from 2024 to 2026, across five Nigerian states, namely, Kwara, Gombe, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Lagos,” she said.

In all, it is obvious that improved multi-sectoral coordination, accountability, and adoption of global best practices in HIV response, is vital to ending HIV/AIDS and prevention of its resurgence.

American NGO Partners Chris Igbokwe Foundation For Youth Empowerment

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December 7, 2024

By Uche Onyeali

In appreciation of Chris Igbokwe Foundation to human entrepreneurship development and numerous humanitarian service, an American non-governmental organisation has expressed interest to collaborate with the foundation to uplift Nigerian youths.

The American NGO, Joshua The Next Generation Foundation, in a letter to President Bola Tinubu expressed their acceptance to collaborate with the Chris Igbokwe Foundation to further youth empowerment through sports, educational exchange programmes and more.

The organisation, domiciled in New Orleans City of State of Louisiana, United States of America, with century-old history of African youth empowerment, in the letter to the Nigerian president of said after getting certification of the humanitarian activities of Chris Igbokwe Foundation targeted at youths in complementation of government efforts to increase employment opportunities, they had no choice than to propose activation of more opportunities for youth development in Nigeria.

The partnership letter, which was copied to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Education and the National Sports Commission, reiterated their optimism that this historic partnership and collaborative engagement would add quantum value to the Nigerian existing ‘big brother’ role in Africa and at same time complement national, regional and continental effort toward realisation and sustainable development goals.

Appeal Court Sets Aside Kano Anti-corruption Boss’ Suspension

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December 7, 2024

Court of Appeal in Abuja, yesterday, set aside the order of the Code of Conduct Tribunal ,CCT, suspending Mr Muhuyi Magaji, the Chairman, Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission, PCACC.

A three-member panel of justices, in the lead judgment read by Justice Umaru Fadawu, also ordered that the matter be re-assigned to another panel of the CCT.

Justice Fadawu, in the verdict, agreed with the arguments of Magaji’s Counsel, Mr Adeola Adedipe, SAN, that the tribunal’s order was prejudicial and amounted to his client’s denial of fair hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CCT had, on April 4 in Abuja, ordered the suspension of Magaji from office.

The three-member tribunal, headed by the embattled Justice Danladi Umar, gave the order following allegations of misconduct preferred against Magaji by the Code of Conduct Bureau ,CCB.

In his ruling, Justice Umar, who dismissed Magaji’s motion, held that the tribunal had the competence and jurisdiction to hear the case.

He further directed Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State and the Secretary to the State Government ,SSG, to appoint the most appropriate officer to take over as acting chairman of the commission, pending the hearing and determination of the case.

He further held that Magaji cannot continue to discharge the duties and responsibilities of his office while facing trial, to avoid any interference with the case.

But dissatisfied with the ruling, Magaji, through his counsel, Mr Adedipe, approached the Court of Appeal, Abuja.

In the notice of appeal dated and filed April 5 by Adedipe, the senior lawyer gave five grounds why the appeal should be allowed and the CCT’s ruling be set aside by the appellate court.

He argued that the CCT erred in law, when it denied his client a right to fair trial, fair hearing and right to be presumed innocent, by making an order directing him to step aside as the chairman of PCACC, thereby determining his guilt, at an interlocutory stage.

He described the ruling as “a miscarriage of justice”.

He also argued that the tribunal erred in law, when without the requisite jurisdiction, it granted the reliefs sought by CCB, giving specific orders to Gov. Yusuf and SSG, “knowing full well that they are not parties to the present charge as constituted; it thereby occasioned a miscarriage of justice.”

He further said that the tribunal erred in law when it adjudge Magaji as capable of interfering with CCB’s witnesses in PCACC, even though no material evidence was put forward to support such a speculative claim.

The lawyer argued that the tribunal erred in law when it acted without jurisdiction and denied the embattled PCACC boss of a right to fair trial by making far-reaching findings which were speculative and prejudicial in nature.

Moreover, Adedipe submitted that the CCT erred in law, acted without jurisdiction and denied Magaji a right to fair hearing, when suo motu, it raised and determined issues of purported contradictions his counter affidavit, and further insisted he conceded to the speculative facts in CCB’s further and better affidavit.

Adedipe, in a motion on notice with charge number: CCT/KN/01/2023 dated and filed on April 5 before the tribunal, also sought an order for stay of execution of the order delivered on April 4 pending the determination of the appeal lodged at the Appeal Court.

Besides, he also sought an order of injunction restraining the CCB from executing, implementing the orders and decisions made by the tribunal, pending the hearing and determination of the appeal.

The CCB had, on Nov. 16, 2023, arraigned Magaji before the CCT on a 10-count charge bordering on alleged conflict of interest, false declaration of assets, among others.

Magaji, who pleaded not guilty to all the counts was admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million with two-surety.

However, Magaji in a motion filed by Adedipe, challenged the competence of the CCB to prosecute him.

Nigeria’s Robust Economy To Attract Foreign Investments – First Lady

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December 7, 2024

First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu says the nation’s economy is presently in a robust state to attract foreign direct investments.

Mrs Tinubu stated this yesterday in Owerri during a meeting with the State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma, the 27 Local Government Chairmen and the Council of Traditional Rulers in Imo state led by its Chairman, Eze Emmanuel Okeke, the Eze of Owerri

She said the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu is trying its best to make life better for everyone and to make them happy.

Mrs Tinubu said the administration is working tirelessly to ensure that the nation is at peace and habitable for everybody.

She urged parents to encourage their children to be innovative in order to improve the nation’s productivity and boost the economy.

“My advice is that, as parents, we should begin to teach our children how to be innovative because the world is changing.

“We are talking about Artificial Intelligence and there are lots of technologies out there. Our children should be able to think out of the box because business is no longer as usual.

“During COVID 19, some people became millionaires because they were able to do things differently.

“It is the same situation now. People must know how to think differently and adopt different approaches to doing things.

“We have mineral resources that the world needs, we should start thinking about how we are going to put it into productive use”, she said.

The first lady further encouraged Nigerians to value agriculture, stressing that people should go back to the farm.

“We should bring this Nigeria back to its glory, so that we can all have peace and security in this nation.

“When things become better, our children should be there to take over all the investment and reap the fruits we are sowing now”, she said..

Earlier, Governor Uzodinma appreciated the President, his Vice, Kashim Shettima and their spouses for always reaching out to the state.

He disclosed that the presidency had sent loads of food items to the people ahead of the Yuletide.

“Today is our smiling day in Imo because we have seen one of our own. We want to thank the President for giving 50 trailers of rice to be sold at N40,000 to Imo indigents.

“Our children have also enjoyed numerous scholarships and other benefits”, he said.

Eze Okeke, on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council also commended the First Lady for fulfilling her promise by returning to appreciate them for supporting President Tinubu.

“We thank God that you fulfill your promise of coming back to this state again.

“We have seen the way our President has been piloting this country with dynamic wisdom and we are praying to God to give him more strength.

We also pray God to protect him, so that he will deliver Nigeria and put it back in order.

My Father Raped Me From Front And Back – 11-year-old Girl

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December 7, 2024

An Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State has ordered the remand of a 38-year-old man, Moses Udoh, in prison, for the alleged indecent sexual assault of his daughter.

Udoh was arraigned by the police on a two-count charge of indecent sexual assault of a minor and threat to life.

The Police Prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, said that the defendant committed the offence on November 26, at 10.20 p.m., at his residence located at No 20 Igboniki Street, along LAO, Akure, Ondo State.

Oniyere, told the court that Udoh, on several occasions forcefully had sexual intercourse with his biological daughter.

According to him, the defendant severally threatened to kill the victim if she reported him to anyone.

According to the charge sheet, offence committed contravene Sections 25(a) and 86(2) of the Ondo State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of 2021.

The plea of the defendant was not taken due to the nature of the offence.

Police prosecutor therefore urged the court to remand the defendant to prison, pending legal advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecution ,DPP.

The trial Magistrate Temilola Olusola-Olujobi, thereafter, ordered his remand in prison.

Olusola-Olujobi also ordered the transfer of the case to the Family Court and adjourned it to December 10 for trial, because of the age of the victim.

Meanwhile, in an interview, the victim narrated how her father, severally violated her in his room and threatened to kill her if she open up to anyone.

‘He started when I turned 10’

According to her “My father has been forcefully having sexual intercourse with me through my front and my back.

“He started it when I was 10 years old and I cannot count the number of times he has done it.

“Whenever my father was sleeping with me in the night, he would increase the volume of his radio, so that my voice would not be heard by neighbours around.

“He instructed me not to tell our neighbours about it and also threatened to kill me and the person.

“When I noticed that blood was coming out of my anus, which is now causing discomfort for me, I decided to tell his sister”.

BIPC Conglomerates To Stimulate Growth, Create Jobs – Gov Alia

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December 7, 2024

By Henry Ibya, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has expressed optimism that the new factories established by the Benue Investment and Property Company, BIPC, will create job opportunities, stimulate economic growth as well as enhance an overall quality of life for the people of Benue State.

Governor Alia who made the remark Thursday, when he spoke during the commissioning of the BIPC polythene and Nylon Factories, BIPC Nails Ltd, the expanded Water and Bread Factories at different locations within Makurdi metropolis, maintained that the projects had represented a significant step towards fulfilling his vision for the state which is that of a self- sustaining, industrially diverse and resilient economy.

The Governor represented by Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Alumo Orpin, highlighting advantages of the companies said the polythene and Nylon factory would apart from meeting the growing demands for packaging materials locally, will serve as revenue generation avenue for the state, while the BIPC Nails Ltd will support the state’s construction sectors with the Bread and Water factories enhancing food production capacity by contributing to the state’s food security respectively.

He expressed delight over commissioning of the projects and commended the MD/CEO of BIPC for the initiative, stressing that the vision which places emphasis on private sector empowerment would equally attract investors to the state as well as maximize the vast potentials of the state resources.

In his remark, Managing Director/CEO of BIPC, Raymond Asemakaha, expressed gratitude to Governor Alia for his support and vision, disclosing that another brand of the company BIPC Premium Lager Beer capable of generating over 1000 jobs will hit the market by December 22.

The BIPC henchman, expressed optimism that the new brand will contribute significantly to reduction of unemployment among the youth, adding that the inaugurated projects on the other hand would stimulate economic growth which will go a long way in enhancing overall improvement in the quality of life for Benue people.

He called on Benue people to sustain support to the Alia administration to enable him continue to deliver good governance to the people.

Airlines Record 10.4% Increase Passenger Demand In October 2024 – IATA

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December 7, 2024

…as FCCPC clarifies report of Air Peace investigation

By Charles Ebi

African airlines recorded a 10.4% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand for October 2024, marking a significant recovery in the continent’s air travel industry.

This surge in demand highlights the resilience and steady growth of African carriers as they continue to rebound from the global disruptions of previous years.

Capacity in the region also grew by 5.3%, indicating that airlines responded to the increasing demand by either adding more flights or deploying larger aircraft.

The load factor the percentage of seats filled rose to 73.2%, up 3.4 percentage points compared to October 2023, reflecting the growing efficiency of African airlines in utilizing their available capacity.

The data was obtained from the International Air Transport Association ,IATA, report for international passenger markets in October 2024.

“African airlines saw a 10.4% year-on-year increase in demand. Capacity was up 5.3% year-on-year. The load factor rose to 73.2% ,+3.4ppt compared to October 2023”, the report read in part.

The global aviation sector saw strong growth in October 2024, with total demand, measured in revenue passenger kilometers ,RPK, rising 7.1% year-on-year. Capacity, measured in available seat kilometers ,ASK, increased by 6.1%.

The global load factor reached 83.9%, up 0.8 percentage points from October 2023. International demand rose 9.5%, with capacity increasing by 8.6% and the load factor improving to 83.5%, up 0.6 percentage points.

The IATA report provided the performance of international passenger markets across various regions for October 2024, showing notable growth in demand, capacity, and load factors globally.

Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region saw the highest growth in international passenger demand, rising by 17.5% compared to October 2023. Capacity grew by 17.2%, and the load factor increased to 82.9%, up 0.3 percentage points from the previous year.

European carriers recorded an 8.7% year-on-year increase in international passenger demand. Capacity rose by 7.3%, and the load factor improved to 85.7%, up 1.1 percentage points compared to October 2023.

Middle Eastern carriers saw a more modest 2.2% increase in international passenger demand, while capacity grew by 2.5%. The region’s load factor rose to 80.2%, but it was down 0.2 percentage points compared to October 2023.

North American carriers experienced a 3.2% increase in international passenger demand. Capacity increased by 2.9%, and the load factor stood at 84.2%, a 0.3 percentage point improvement compared to the same month last year.

Latin American airlines recorded a 10.9% year-on-year increase in passenger demand for international routes. Capacity grew by 11.6%, and the region’s load factor stood at 85.3%, though it declined by 0.6 percentage points from October 2023.

In a related development, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission ,FCCPC, has refuted claims making the rounds that it is not investigating Air Peace for consumer rights violation.

The Commission said the claims did not emanate from the FCCPC, and advised the public to disregard it in its entirety.

“The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated December 1, 2024, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

“As stated, Air Peace is one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on specific domestic routes.

These inquiries, being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act ,FCCPA, 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations”, it said.

The Commission explained in a statement that the inquiries are structured engagements aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, improving transparency, and protecting consumer interests.

“The FCCPC reaffirms that the inquiry into Air Peace commenced as scheduled on December 3, 2024, and remains ongoing.

“The Commission is reviewing information and responses being provided by Air Peace and other entities under inquiry. Appropriate determinations will be made, and necessary actions taken to address any identified violations.

“We urge the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC”, the statement added.

Messi Named MLS Most Valuable Player For 2024

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December 7, 2024

Lionel Messi has been named the 2024 Landon Donovan MLS Most Valuable Player following a campaign in which he captained Inter Miami to their first-ever Supporters’ Shield as top club in the regular season, the league said yesterday.

In his first full MLS season after joining Miami in July 2023, Messi had 20 goals and 16 assists in 19 matches while his club set a league record with a 74-point campaign before a stunning first-round elimination from the playoffs.

“I would have liked to receive this award in another situation, being able to play the final on Saturday”, Messi said in comments provided by MLS from MVP ceremony.

“We had a big dream of being MLS champions this year. It didn’t happen, but next year we’ll come back stronger to try again”.

For Messi, the MVP award is yet another accolade in an illustrious career that includes a World Cup winner’s medal and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best soccer player.

Arteta Wants Arsenal To Be ‘Kings Of Everything

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December 7, 2024