Lekan Paul

NEWS

COVID-19: Defense Headquarters Dismisses Torture Video

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed videos currently circulating in the social media of soldiers torturing civilians for violating the Presidential directive to stay at home over the Coronavirus pandemic as a calculated attempt to blackmail the Military.

It said that the videos are misleading and are not related to the present military engagement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

According to a statement by the Coordinator Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche,  “the attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to some video clips  trending in the media.

“Consequently, the Armed Forces of Nigeria wishes to state that the videos  were old clips of past incidents that took place in 2012 and 2013 respectively.

“The clips are being used by some mischievous elements to tarnish the image of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. Those videos are misleading, as they are not related to the present military engagement of the Armed Forces of Nigeria towards the lockdown on COVID-19”.

It added that “the Nigerian Armed Forces sees those clips as calculated attempts to tarnish its professional integrity by some mischief makers.

“Members of the public are hereby advised to disregard those videos. It is the handwork of false news propagators. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remains undaunted and would not be distracted.

“Furthermore, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is committed to performing its constitutional roles towards ensuring the protection of our territorial integrity and the lives and property of the general public”.

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NEWS

Buratai Commissions Blocks Of Flat At Ikeja Cantonment

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj Gen Olu Irefin has commissioned two blocks of 39 flats each, totalling 78 flats, at Nigerian Army Cantonment IKEJA, Lagos today the 31st of March 2020.

The commissioning ceremony was the third since the GOC assumed duty in July 2019.

While emphasising how lucky 81 Division is in terms of benefitting from the COAS’ intervention, Maj Gen Irefin noted that the COAS had yet awarded another contract for the renovation of 4 additional blocks of flats for soldiers in the Cantonment.

This he said, signified the COAS’ commitment to the welfare of NA personnel and their families, and demanded nothing less than their unwavering commitment to duty and loyalty to constituted authority.

It is heartwarming to note that the COAS has indeed deployed enormous resources to facilitate the expeditious completion of the project.

This was with a view to ensuring that the erstwhile occupants who had to squat with colleagues to give room for the renovation, return immediately to their newly renovated flats thereby decongesting their temporary refuge in the spirit of the requirement for social distancing in the face of the ravaging COVID-19.

While congratulating the beneficiaries of the beautifully renovated and tastefully furnished apartments, the COAS urged them to ensure the facilities are adequately maintained.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
31 March 2020

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PRESS RELEASE

Nigerian Army Approves New Postings And Appointments

In the rekindle spirit of professionalism, the Nigerian Army has released the postings and appointments of some affected senior officers.

The posting which was approved by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt Gen TY Buratai is a routine/normal exercise intended to reinvigorate the system for greater professional effectiveness and efficiency.

The major highlight of the posting includes – the posting and appointment of Maj Gen ACC Agundu from Special Task Force (STF) Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos to Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Abuja as Senior Research Fellow, Major General HI Bature from Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Defence Liaison Office National Assembly Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Civil Military Affairs and appointed Chief of Civil-Military Affairs, Maj Gen UM Mohammed from Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL) to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff and appointed Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu/Deputy Chairman Board of Trustees NAPL, while the erstwhile Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu Maj Gen CC Okonkwo now redeployed to STF Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos and appointed Commander, Maj Gen F Yahaya from Headquarters 1 Division Kaduna to Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) Maiduguri and appointed Commander, while Maj Gen OG Adeniyi is redeployed from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to NARC as Senior Research Fellow, Maj Gen S Idris from Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu- Yobe State redeployed to DHQ Abuja and appointed Director Liaison.

Others affected include – Maj General AA Adesope from Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management to NAPL and appointed Group Managing Director, Maj Gen MG Ali from Headquarters Theatre Command OPLD Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa State as Commander while the erstwhile Chief of Civil-Military Affairs AHQ Abuja Maj Gen US Mohammed has been redeployed to 1 Division Kaduna and appointed General Officer Commanding.

Similarly, Brig Gen HI Daniel from the Defunct Army Special Forces Command Maiduguri to Headquarters Training and Doctrine Command Minna and appointed Director Army Training Support, Brig Gen BE Onyeuko is to remain in DHQ Abuja as Acting Director Defence Media Operation, Brig Gen NM Jega from Training and Doctrine Command Minna to Infantry Corps Centre Jaji and appointed Chief of Staff, Brig Gen LA Araba from Nigerian Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty Abuja now redeployed to Sector 2 OPLD Damaturu, Yobe State as Ag Commander, Brig Gen VO Ita from DHQ, Abuja to Headquarters 402 Special Forces Brigade Azare and appointed Commander while Brig Gen JAL Jimoh from Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno to Headquarters 31 Brigade Minna and appointed Commander and Brig Gen GTO Ajetunmobi has been redeployed from 31 Brigade Minna to Nigeria Army Welfare Limited by Guaranty, Abuja as Executive Director Operation.

Others are – Brig Gen LG Lepdung from Headquarters Infantry Corps Centre Jaji to DHQ Abuja and appointed Deputy Director Procurement (Logistics), Brig Gen MO Ihanuwaze to remain in Office of the Chief of Army Staff Directorate of Audit and Financial Management as Acting Director, Brig Gen EC Obi – Osang from the defunct Headquarters 707 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi to Headquarters 401 Special Forces’ Brigade Makurdi as Commander while Brig Gen GM Mutkut is redeployed from the Defunct Nigerian Army Amphibious Command OPLD Baga to Headquarters 403 Amphibious Brigade Baga and appointed Commander and Brig Gen JR Lar from Nigerian Army School of Artillery Kachia to Sector 3 Artillery Brigade OPLD Monguno as Commander.

Also, Colonel DJ Abdullahi from the defunct Headquarters Nigerian Army Special Forces’ Command Maiduguri to Headquarters 4 Special Forces’ Command Doma Nasarawa State and appointed Acting Chief of Staff, Colonel EC Emere from Nigerian Army Archives to Nigerian Military School Zaria as Deputy Commandant and Col MO Agi is to remain in Headquarters Nigerian Army Armour Corps Bauchi as Acting Chief of Staff among others.

All the postings and appointments take effect from the 1st of April 2020.

While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the Nation and the Service.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
31 March 2020

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NEWS

Covid-19: Youth Task Force Begins Sensitisation, Distribution Of Relief Material Nationwide

A group of concerned Nigerian youths under the auspices of Nigerian Youth Task Force on COVID-19 (NYTFC) has said it will explore feasible ways and implement methods of assisting the Nigerian people in partnership with all the relevant stakeholders to contain the spread of COVID-19 and cushion the effect of the StayAtHome directive for the most vulnerable Nigerians. 

The group said it realised this target through a structure it has already set up across the nation.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the national coordinator, who is also a Senior Special Assistant to the President in Youth and Student Affairs, Hon. Nasir Adhama and the convener, Comrade Bello Shagari, said the group  will partner the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) to embark on massive sensitisation and distribution of relieve materials. 

“The Nigerian Youth Task Force on COVID-19 (NYTFC) is ready to deploy its volunteers amongst which are well trained medical personnel with vivid knowledge of the ongoing pandemic and strategies to curb its spread through proper sensitization, dissemination of useful information and combatting fake news. We have also prepared strategies to mobilize relief materials to distribute for the most vulnerable Nigerians who live from hand to mouth in order to enable them survive during the period of isolation.

“We also understand that societal partnership is crucial in combating the spread of Covid-19 in Nigeria, hence it has become imperative for the Nigerian Youths who constitute over 65% of the country’s population to step in and get involved in assisting the Nigerian Government and strategic stakeholders in limiting and eliminating the spread of the virus which does not discriminate based on age, race, ethnicity, religion or status.
“We recognize that the youth have a role to play and the community must come together in vigilante participation against the virus.

“The task force will be engaged in daily planning and discussion with a view to sharing important updates and provide guidance and communication to the members of the public nation-wide on impact of Covid-19.

“We will be in frequent contact with Federal, State and Local Governments alongside  public health agencies, to provide our inputs on policy strategies in the pursuance of our commonly shared objective.”

The NYTFC revealed  that it has a nationwide spread consisting of volunteers from community to the national level. 

“There are ward, local governments focal persons, state coordinators and zonal supervisors. The secretariat is headed by the National Coordinator and led by the Convener with an operational base in Abuja.”
While Commending the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Ministry of Humanitarian, National Disasters, IDP and Social Development, the entire members of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, the Lagos State Government, the FCT Administration and all the health workers, the youth group also commended all its volunteers nationwide and encourage them to remain on their feet in this fight against COVID -19.

“We also thank His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for taking decisive actions to put a halt to the spread of the virus. We pray to Almighty God to make COVID-19 patients recover quickly. Together, we can achieve a Nigeria that is immune of COVID-19.”

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NEWS

Ismaeel Ahmed Felicitates With Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu At 68

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Investments, Barrister Ismael Ahmed has Felicitated with the National Leader of The All Progressive Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 68th birthday celebration.

In a congratulatory message signed by him, Ismael described the celebrant as a leader per excellence with a wealth of experience that continues to inspire his personal growth and experience.

He further described the celebrant as a man who always give young people the opportunity to excel and nuture them into becoming leaders in successive years.

While applauding his style of leadership, Barrister Ismaeel recalled the day Asiwaju met and took him in and personally saw to his rise in political circle while treating him with kindness, respect and adoration as if he were his son.

However, Barrister Ismaeel also stated that Asiwaju’s contribution to politics and democracy in Nigeria will continue to have a lasting impact in the years to come emphasizing that he hasn’t just contributed to our political leadership but has also made leaders out of his proteges over the years.

Ismaeel therefore wishes Asiwaju more fulfilling years of peaceful service in good health, happiness and all round wellness while reiterating that the entire nation will always be thankful for his role in our political history.

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OPINION

Re: Pantami And Ministerial Arrogance, By Adewunmi Olaoluwatomi

“When one person makes an accusation, check to be sure he himself is not the guilty one. Sometimes it is those whose case is weak who make the most clamour.” – Piers Anthony

It is evidently and surprisingly clear that Nigerian online columnists are resorting to distortion, falsification and misuseof their God-given talents, instead of penning on government policies that make impact to citizens. Unfortunately, few and many others avail to be agents of misinformation and manipulation in their quest to gain cheap popularity. Although the Freedom of Information Act gives one chance to comment on matters affecting the nation, it also stated clearly that unfounded and baseless allegations are not to be entertained.

Last Friday 27thMarch, 2020, a faceless columnist appeared on Sahara Reporters (online newspaper) to maliciously discredit one of Nigeria’s famous and revered technocrats in person of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim (Pantami), FNCS, FBCS, FIIM. The writer, knowingly or unknowingly, failed to set aside his irrationality to at least outline the achievements of the Honourable Minister in the Information and Communications Technology sector of Nigeria.

I wish the writer of that unfounded and ill-nurtured article, Emmanuel John, is known to the Nigerian public so that his-behind-the-scene ulterior motive to engineer a rift between highly respected personalities could be revealed.

At this point in time, the likes of Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami, the Honourable Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, should be encouraged, emboldened and cheered for the wonderful job he has been doing since his appointment as Minister by Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces. The author of that piece seemed to be oblivious to the current realities at the Ministry and Parastatals it supervises. He has brought himself so low in his move to venomously undermine the personality of Dr Pantami.

The author un-assiduously claimed that the Honourable Minister blocked Professor Umar Garba Dambatta, the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), from making a complete speech during the Launching and Commissioning of some projects supervised by the Ministry. He arrogantly stated that, “the EVC’s Speech was about the complex and how it came into being.  The minister, who had earlier evidently lied to the President that it was him who built the gigantic project, could not allow the EVC to tell the President the truth.”

This assertion is false and aimed at damaging the international reputation of Dr Pantami. To set the record straight, the Honourable Minister has never claimed building the said project, but rather asseverated that it was supervised by the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy as enshrined in Nigeria’s law.

The author negated his trustworthiness (if he has any) in throwing tantrums, not knowing that it was paramount that whenever Mr President happened to be at an event, timing must be strictly adhered to. In a situation like this, speakers cling to the time allocated to them and limit their presentations.

One will be flabbergasted on the manner the author is trying to create chaos and conflict between the already established synergy among sister Agencies under the Ministry. 

In a saner society, faceless Emmanuel John lacks moral and intellectual prowess to comment on matters pertaining Digital Technology, especially to someone whose outstanding professionalism and integrity earned him the highest recognition in the global IT industry: The Fellowship of the British Computer Society (FBCS).

Dr Pantami, as a man for the job, who has served as an IT Consultant to many National and International industries, is also a fellow of the Institute of Information Management (FIIM).

Only fools will sit down and be looking at the sky, believing that it will fall. Dr Pantami’s unmatchable contribution and impact to the growth of Information Communications Technology in Nigeria, through his extensive knowledge and vast experience, earned him elevation to the position of Minister. Because of Dr Pantami’s technical-know-how style in the IT sector, saw the need and recommended to Mr President to rename the Ministry’s name and expand its mandate to align his commitment with President Muhammadu Buhari’s Change Agenda as well as be in line with global best practices. He is largely responsible for the renewed vigour and focus in the industry. He has sustained an unprecedented level of professionalism and compliance in the sector.

To say that under Dr Pantami, either the NCC or its Executive Vice Chairman is being undermined is the highest intellectual turbulence one could have ever imagined. People with accurate mindset will never make such baseless allegations with buttress.

The writer should have checked his words before going to press. His piece contained malicious and dangerous declaration that may land him in jail. Nay, personalities like Dr Pantami are always after the progress of the nation, not stooping to the level of low-key bonehead and jackass.

NCC has recorded tremendous achievements under the supervision of the Honourable Minister, only dickhead could shamelessly deny that. Since Dr Pantami was sworn-in as Nigeria’s new Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, he has been working with strict compliance and cooperation from all the Chief Executive Officers under his Ministry.This led to the directive given to the NCC to block all unregistered Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) cards.

The NCC, through its Director of Public Affairs, Henry Nkemadu, has since informed  Nigerians that the Commission has successfully deactivated over two million (2m) unregistered SIM cards across telecommunication networks in the country. This action has significantly curtailed the menace of kidnappings and other crimes perpetrated using SIM cards. This has clearly shown Dr Pantami’s working experience and synergy with Parastatals under his supervision.

In today’s world, especially at a time Nigeria is moving towards diversification from resource-based to knowledge-based economy, the need for effective teamwork is critical for the business. This is what Dr Pantami exhibited in matters relating to his relationship with all the Agencies and Parastatals under his purview. The ability to simultaneously perform as an individual and together with your colleagues or employees in effective teamwork is key to attaining growth and success.

The Minister’s achievements can be seen even by a blind man, which is why the President himself commended him for bringing the Agencies and Parastatals to work together as one, align them to work harder, cooperate and be supportive of one another. He even thanked him for the high level of synergy that has been created amongst the parastatals under the Minister’s supervision.

Nigerians are living witnesses to testify on what Dr Pantami, the Honourable Minister, is doing. He has rejigged the Ministry and realigned its work schedule, encouraged mutual support and shared goals, cooperation and provides workplace synergy among the Parastatals. With this, Agencies and Parastatals are able to feel a greater sense of accomplishment, collectively responsible for outcomes achieved and feed individuals with the incentive to perform at higher levels.

Dr Pantami has become steering wheel in leading Federal Government of Nigeria on strategic implementation of programmes aimed at diversifying the economy. Oil and gas can no longer be dependent upon because countries around the world, especially the developed ones, are switching to digitalization in almost all their means of activities, including transportation.

Dr Pantami’s unprecedented achievements in ensuring that Nigeria lifts itself to reach the required level in the Global Information Technology Development Index can never be overemphasized. He is leading a rescue mission of Nigeria’s migration from natural resource economy to ICT-based economy. As true Nigerians, it is our collective responsibility to stifle any nincompoops trying to distract the Minister; we must not let that happen.

olaoluwatomia@gmail.com

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OPINION

Understanding COVID-19 A Traditional African Medicine Approach, By Walid Moukarim

Introduction

In African traditional medical science, disease is as a result of imbalance in the naturally existing temperament of the mind, system, organs and/or tissues of the human body.

This temperament theory is the reference to understanding the level of heat and cold naturally existing in a living creature and nonliving objects. This is where treatment and management of ailments are hinged.

Looking at the current pandemic caused by the corona virus, from the perspective of the African traditional medicine practitioner we can classify the ailment caused by it as Mura mai Mashako [an exact Medical name might not come easy as this embodies the whole course of the ailment – from what is seen as a common cold to acute pneumonia.]

Mura is generally anything from a mild cold with runny nose to some serious upper respiratory ailment like bronchitis and pneumonia, depending on the suffix attached to it.

In so much as the world has maintained the use Covid-19 and not named an ailment, is in its self Zafi and a cause of the fear and panic around this pandemic.

This is a summary to bring to fore the possibilities in treating this and other ailments we are plagued with.

Sababi (Cause)

From what we have been told and reports of the manifestation of the ailment and symptoms, we see the cause as Zafi Mai Danshi (Heat with Dampness or Damp Heat)

Gabban farko da ya shafa [parts of the body first affected]

Hanchi da Makogaro (Nose [Sinuses] and Throat), these have a temperament of Sanyi mai Danshi (Cold with Dampness).

This explains why the causative pathogen incubates for a period of time until the heat level changes to Zafi kenkeshesshe (Heat with Dryness, Hot Dry or Dry Heat). As the pathogen approaches this state, it causes discomforts which could include itching, swelling and pain in the sinus and throat area.

At this point, the pathogen having become Zafi Kenkeshesshe (Dry Heat) is set to cause relatively serious damage to the lungs and digestive tract which are both cold and damp in temperament, this explains why all of a sudden, the host becomes very sick.

Gabbobin da zai sake shafa (secondary organs it will affect)

Here, we are dealing with Mura mai Masahko and Basir Syndrome (a combination of upper respiratory tract infections and unhealthy colon disease at the same time).

These preventive and Treatment protocols are based on The Temperamental Theory, The Understanding of the Body, Sickness and Medicine in the eyes of the African Traditional Medicine Practitioner, using whole plant, other material and actions for treatment and not based on Herbal medicine or active ingredients theory.

Kariya (Prevention)

Kara karfin garguwan jiki ta hanyan abunch da iyaiyan itache, improving the bodies immunity through food and fruits.

The herbs with appropriate temperament that are used in the treatment of Mura mai sababin zafi when used as tea or a decoction would help in the prevention and initial treatment of suspected cases.

Sirache (Steaming) with herbs that carry the correct temperament will also be of immense value to treatment and recovery.

Keeping warm and exposing self to the morning and evening sun, this helps in body immunity.

Magani (Treament)

This will depend on the stage of the ailment, as there has to be a temperamental balance of the herbs used to match the stage and organs most affected.

The herbs and their combination will depend on the stage and symptoms of the patient, this will also be varied to match the body type [Hawa’i, Turabi, Ma’i, Nari]

The general health history of the patient will be of importance here, with reference to some of the following.

Allergies, Hawan Jin [Hypertensive], Chiwon Sugar [Diabetic], Shawara [Hepatitis], Basir [unhealthy Colon], and more as these will inform the combination of herbs.

Traditional Medicine Practitioners [TMPs] using the temperamental theory would use a wide variety of leaves, tree barks and roots in single or multiple herb combinations to achieve the same results.

This was the Chinese approach and method.  https://www.healthcmi.com/Acupuncture-Continuing-Education-News/2010-acupuncture-and-herbs-covid-19-coronavirus-findings

We are open to questions.

  • Walid S. Moukarim
  • BAIS, Higher Dip Hijama Therapy, Dip ATMP, Proficiency Certificate TCM
  • TMP, IPHM2305. MITBCCT 1234/1912/2401
  • @walidsmoukaim – facebook
  • @ShifahHolisticC – twitter
  • @shifahhhc1 – Instagram
  • Shifah Holistic Health Care – shifahhhc@gmail.com
  • Tel: +2348099331855
  • ©18-03-2020
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NEWS

GMO: Experts Seek More Safety Response From Government

The Director, Health of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), Mr. Nnimmo Bassey has faulted the federal government on the establishment of National Biotechnology Development Agency, before setting up a biosafety agency.

The Federal government had in April 2001 approved the establishment of the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA). The Agency was established under the aegis of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology to implement the policy that is aimed at promoting, coordinating, and setting research and development priority in biotechnology for Nigeria.

At a stakeholders’ Conference on “Agricultural Technofixes And The State of Biosafety In Nigeria,” in Abuja on Monday, Mr. Bassey argued that the establishment of NABDA before a biosafety agency is a disaster waiting to happen. According to him, NABDA may have been compromised in discharging its duties due to the incessant influx of Genetically Modified Organism (GMO) foods in the market.

GMO is an organism that has had its DNA altered or modified in some way through genetic engineering.

“Nigeria took the wrong step by setting up a biotechnology promoting agency before setting up a biosafety agency. By the reason of the promoter midwifing the biosafety agency and consolidating this scenario by law, separating the two has become a herculean task,” Bassey explained.

He added further that NABDA and the regulatory National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) lack capacity to handle technicalities in both the mainstream and new fields of extreme technofixes. The way forward to making things right in the biosafety field according to him “will be through legislation and through having a biosafety agency that is neutral, regards the opinion of citizens and accepts the basic biosafety plan if precautionary principle.”

Earlier, the Minister of State for Environment, SSharon Ikeazo, in her remarks, noted that the federal government in its effort to ensure international best practices in the application of modern biotechnology has put in place the necessary legal and policy instruments to guide its development and use.

He explained that the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA) was established in 2015, to provide regulatory framework for safety measures in the application of modern biotechnology in Nigeria with a view to prevent any adverse on human health, animal and the environment.

“Few years after the establishment of NBMA, the agency has issued permits for trials, commercial release and importation for processing of various genetically modified crops, ranging from those modified to confer insect or pest resistance to those modified to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as drought and those bio-fortified with various minerals and vitamins,” the Minister said.

The Minister in his speech pressed on that “each of these permits was issued after carrying out a mandatory environmental impact assessment of the potential risk the GMO poses to human health, animal or the environment in Nigeria.”

However, experts at the conference argued that GMO food is not safe for human consumption and government should look inward and advocate for more organic processed food.

“The manipulation of genetic makeup of living organisms to engineer crops to make them act as pesticides is a call for pandemic like the country is currently experiencing. When toxic herbicides are produced to kill all other crops except the ones genetically engineered to withstand them, nature responds by offering super weeds,” Bassey noted.

Tutfeng, an expert in the Biosafety sector posited that he current adoption of GMO is causing more havoc in the agricultural sector and exposing farmers to severe health challenge

His words: “The onus rest on the regulators to do the right thing. They need to tell us what they are doing. When it comes to labelling, it is difficult. We need to take some time and read some of these things. For others like beans and other commodities we may have to be more careful when buying them.

We need to keep engaging the farmers on why they should discard GMO. Our laws do not protect us from genetically modified products and we don’t have capacity to contain the unforeseen contingencies that come with it. Some of the GMO promoters are the ones writing our laws.”

A participant at the conference advised that “the first caution is for everyone to make up his or her mind to apply information that are scientifically sound and socially correct. The promoters of GMO do it for financial gain and not in the interest of the society. We should not take everything that comes to us free.”

“Promoters of GMO claim that what they are coming with is scientific and clinically proven which is untrue. You must be very diligent in checking what you eat and in buying your food,” another participant added.

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OPINION

COVID-19 Lock Down And Home Stay, By Walid Moukarim

So here we are coming to terms with the realities on ground, that there are many aliments larger and more potent than this “Flu Like” ailment with the pathogen COVID-19 is not news, However COVID-19 has taken the day and brought the high and mighty to their knees.

So what can we do

What we should do is Objectively see this in all the possible lights, lenses and filters we can see through.

Holistic health calls for the treatment of Mind, Body and Soul to successfully manage and recover from any ailment.

For the mind and soul, we have our user manuals equipped with maintenance, trouble shooting and repair guides; The Quran, The Hadith, The Bible and a host of other religious books.

Unfortunately these guides have been greatly discarded and used minimally, there is an Urgent need to visit these manuals that we may operate at our prime.

As for the relationship between the mind, body and soul, we will look at it another day, for now it will surface to say there is nothing but falsehood after the truth, more so “wanda bai ji bari zai a ji woho” (Hausa proverb)

Now that we have our kids home, with limited socializing and interactions, it is time for us to look inward to making the best of a bad situation in anticipation of brighter days to come.

First build our body’s immunity

Eat right and smart, greens, fruits and traditionally known healthy foods.

Eating right and smart means looking at the functionality of foods first before we look at ease of preparation.

I would recommend soups like Okazi, Ugu, Kuka, Miyan Zogale, Miyan Karkashi, soups using Bitter leaf, Sweet Potato leaf and so on, these should go with the likes of tuwon Dawa, Tuwon Gero, Pounded Yam, and so on. Tailor to your locality.

If you are a rice person then add salads to your meals, your salads should have greens of choice [lettuce, cress, parsley, Mint (na’na), celery, ++] and be generous with onions and tomato

Encourage your children to eat steamed Spinach [Alaifo]

Spice your tea or other beverages with Cloves, Masora (black peper), Ginger, Fennel, Coriander, bay leaf, Sage, others of choice, you can use

Secondly

Maintain good hygiene, keep hands clean, cover your mouth them in combination.

when you yawn (use back of right hand, back of left hand or in of right hand, Never use in of left hand).

Shield your nose when you sneeze, Do Not try to stop your sneeze the result could be lethal. 

Avoid body contact unless necessary.

Thirdly

Quality time, you have been availed that time you never had to now spend with your wife, your wives, your husband and your kids, use it wisely!

Play with your kids, rekindle with your spouse, do homework, cook together, build closeness, rest your phones and pray together.

THIS IS NOT A SCORE SETTING TIME, IT IS A LET’S MAKE IT BETTER TIME

Fourthly

Reach out to help the needy, this might just be our last chance, while we are limited in movement we should not limit our kindness and generosity.

Lastly

Some General Preparations for Prevention and Treatment of Suspected Cases. These are tailored to work based on the temperamental theory as understood by the Traditional African Medicine Practitioner

Sirache

  1. Ganyen Tulare (Eucalyptus leaf)
  2. Tyme and Lemon Grass

Kurkura (Gargle)

  1. Decoction made from Na’na (Mint Leaf)
  2. Decoction made from Ganyen Tulare
  3. Decoction made from Ginger and Cloves

Sha

  1. Kurkur (Tumeric), Chitta (Ginger), Tafranuwa (Garlic), Albasa (Onion) make smooth paste add honey and doses 2 tablespoon per adult and 1 per child 12 years and below. Mix ratio 1/2:1:2:1
  2. Rosemary, Mint, Fannel make decoction mix ratio 25 leaves: Hand full: 2 tea spoon to 50cl of water bring to boil, simmer for 3 mins, cool and drink 25cl x 2 daily, 12.5cl for under 12
  3. Black Seed, Olive leaves make decoction, mix ratio 2 teaspoon: 15 leaves to 50cl of water, bring to boil, let simmer for 5 mins, cool and drink, 25cl x 2 daily for adults, 12.5cl for under 12

THESE DOSES MAY VARY WITH ACUTENESS OF AILMENT and BODY TYPE

These will treat a variety of respiratory tract ailments.

Traditional Medicine Practitioners [TMPs] using the temperamental theory would use a wide variety of leaves, tree barks and roots in single or multiple herb combinations to achieve the same results.

Always Consult!

  • Walid S. Moukarim
  • BAIS, Higher Dip Hijama Therapy  Dip ATMP, Proficiency Certificate TCM
  • TMP, IPHM2305. MITBCCT 1234/1912/2401
  • @walidsmoukaim – facebook
  • @ShifahHolisticC – twitter
  • Shifah Holistic Health Care – shifahhhc@gmail.com
  • Tel: +2348099331855
  • ©22-03-2020
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OPINION

When Aradu Came Passing By, Walid Moukarim

What if this is it, the last few days of life on earth?

Who would you give all that stashed wealth to, when everyone is seeking Allah and running away from the worldly possessions?

Are you trying to make that last deal, that last catch, that last do or are you reflecting on your life, your relationship with Allah, your missed prayers, missed fasts, the times you willingly and willfully caused pain to others?

Are you looking to make peace with all you have crossed and seek peace with Allah or you believe this is not for you and you are above it?

We have been told so many times be good, be kind and be generous, do not steal, do not this and do not that but we turned a deaf ear.

So what if it is that Allah is angry with us and in His mercy has sent this as a warning to bring us back to HIS Commandments?

What if this is an answer to all prayers of the oppressed that have sort for the oppressors be brought to book?

And yes, we are all guilty by omission and commission for all the transgressions.

We have outdone Sodom and Gomora, we have made lawful all Allah has made unlawful for us.

We live a life devoid of Allah, from cults that thrive on the blood of babies to homosexuals with arrogance, from wife swappers to fornicators tagged commercial sex workers.

We call the name of the Lord in vain, lie and do not keep trust when given to us, we oppress and cause pain to those we should be kind to.

We refused to listen and now the Laws of Allah are being forced on us, and yes, no one is calling it Islamization.

No more  parties, Owambe or otherwise, we now follow ques and don’t cramp close, we give distance, we cover our mouths when you yawn or cough, we shield our nose when you sneeze, when we are sick we self-quarantine, we do not visit the prayer areas when we have a contagious disease and so much more.

We have these spelt out in the Hadith and Sharia, did we listen, did we act on it? No!

So we the mighty and powerful, the assumed alfa and omega have to come to terms that we are nothing and have no significant value in the scheme of things.

We who have left our people with very poorly equipped hospitals are now confined to those hospitals.

We who will only travel by air are now limited to the roads we forgot to fix.

As for schools and our educational system it is sad that those who benefitted from a top class public education system failed themselves and the country.

Scandal after scandal we have been living with no one bold enough to take corrective steps without being vindictive or biased.

Now just one little virus far smaller than the mosquito that causes us what we thought was discomfort has gotten the whole world in a state of “la hauwla wa la quwata” [there is no GOD but Allah].

Of the many things that Allah could shake us with, No tsunami, No Asteroid, Not even nuclear war our large headed leaders have so often threatened us with, Allah just sent one out of many viruses and a tiny little one at that.

One tiny little virus has Everyone in confusion.

I pray that the dead find peace and that those responsible for the failures of the systems that should have prevented this find it in themselves to seek forgiveness from Allah.

I pray this becomes a unifying point, not only for us Nigerians but the world in general. That we stop preaching hate in any form, that we seek each other’s forgiveness and turn a new leaf.

I pray we learn and understand that like Kidnappers, Armed and Pen Robbers, COVID-19 is not bothered if you are Hausa, Yoruba or Ibo, Herdsman or Red Neck, Young or Old, Rich or Poor.

I pray we all survive this and live to tell the story of when Aradu came passing by, living a Godly life, doing what is right before Allah and forbidding that which is wrong.

If we don’t make it, then I pray we exit in a state of high Iman, in a state of repentance and helping our neighbors, the poor and needy.

Walid Shawkey Moukarim

@wsm4you  – twitter

@walidsmoukaim – facebook

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NEWS

Insurgents Now Waging War Through Cyber Attacks, Expert Warns

An Israeli cyber security expert based in Nigeria, Ran Feit, has revealed that the cyber space is now the new warfront for Boko Haram and other insurgents all over the world.
Feit, however, urged the Nigerian government to begin to set aside budget to protect it Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) against such attacks.
Speaking with newsmen at the weekend in Abuja, when the Federal University of Technology Minna sent 70 students led by Dr. Idris Ismaila, Head of Department Cyber Security Science, to CyberDome’s Security Operation Center to see in real time how CyberDome Professionals respond to and handle cyber-incidents, Feit who is the head of firm said his organisation has collaborated with Federal University of Technology, Minna to ensure a bridge in the academia-industry gap in the area of cybersecurity.

“The terrorist today are using cyber; the future wars won’t be with weapons but through the cyber. You can see all around the world, energy, water pumps and power plants shutdown suddenly; think about it! If you don’t have water you don’t have energy and you don’t need to fire a bullet to finish a country.
“When we wanted to do something about cyber security in Nigeria a few years ago but they said there was no budget for such or we should do something cheap but we are coming from Israel although most of our employees are brilliant young Nigerian guys and all the time I am amazed at how clever they are.

“In Israel cyber security is something that is deep in our budget and we have invested Billions of dollars to defend ourselves and we thought as Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa and one of the biggest or maybe the biggest in Africa we thought maybe this is something we need to be here.
“More than two years ago when no one talked about cyber in Nigeria, we went to different organizations, we explained to them what is the difference between security and cyber and everybody thinks antivirus and firewall is enough.

“Those tools for security are old and not relevant anymore and new tools have been introduced to the market used for fighting cyber. So we established this centre which we also have academy classes; we saw organisations and explained why we need to let them know the threat and I can tell you in the last year the awareness for cyber is much higher than two years ago here in Nigeria.”
Speaking on the need to raise budget against cyber attack, Feit said: “In Switzerland it is the main yearly economic summit which put cyber as the fifth threat in the world after climate and other things; cyber today is the fifth threats in the world, think about it! Everybody is talking with us but the problem is there is lack of budget which is not prioritized.

“We believe that a small percentage needs to be allocated to what the world and not us said this is one of the major threats.”

When asked to explain how terrorists could possibly attack a Nation through Cyber, Feit said: “This is not my field, we are providing defence but we believe we have seen other places in the world terrorists using social media like ISIS, using the social media in a clever way and they also have smart guys also working for them who know how to do cyberattacks and don’t think that they are not using it.
“It will be unwise to think they are not using it but 90 percent of the threats are economic and I believe everyone sometime suffer some kind of cyberattack through some leakage or through some fishing email to get his/her information from the bank into his/her account or through the cellular or leaks of some sort of private information.

“If you have more than 2,000 details of people in your database you need to carry out some actions to protect those details which you don’t want them to leak and there are so many leaks in Nigeria’s details outside including finance and so on. There is a lot of things to be done.”
Also speaking, a cyber security activist, Ayobami Akanji, urged the government to act act swiftly on cyber security in the country.

“As a matter policy and urgency the government is looking towards digital economy. We have a ministry of digital economy and communications, so it has to be a policy trust of the federal government to ensure that all critical agencies that are holding the pillars of national security infrastructures need to double up on the cyber security investment because the world economic forum noted that cyber security is the fifth most important global threat in the world and Nigeria is fighting insurgency and the insurgents are also very smart.

“The insurgents are using technology to advance their causes, so government as a matter of priority for national security should invest seriously into these sub-sectors.
“I think last year the federal government launched national security strategy and amongst the infrastructures we have someone from cyber security and as minister of digital communication who is very committed in the person of Dr. Ali Isa Pantami. We expect him to double his effort and ensure that the government and critical sub unit of government will invest into this sector.”

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OPINION

Nasir El-Rufai At 60: On The Mission To Fully Restore Kaduna’s Glory, By Olalekan Paul

The bravery to imagine and the will to get things done has been the motivating force behind Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, the Executive Governor of Kaduna State. No wonder we can see his giant strides in infrastructure, health, security, economy, education, and human development.

On May 29, 2015, El-Rufai was sworn in as the 22nd governor of Kaduna State, since then, he has been the centrepiece that connects governance with the people first by announcing a pay cut and donating 50 percent of his salary and allowance in a time of austerity which was witnessed by all.

Conscious of his campaign promises to the good people of Kaduna State, Governor El-Rufai has persistently pushed barriers and ushered in well-articulated economic and programmes geared towards setting the state on the path of development.  This include working with team of young and vibrant committed people to put necessary structures in place and implement policies necessary for the smooth running of governmental operations which in turn benefit lives and consolidate on the atmosphere for economic development generally.

The sustainable impact of El-Rufai polices can be largely seen in the following sectors:

INFRASTRUCTURE

Infrastructure is the backbone upon which every economy thrives as it creates the environment needed for the economic activities to bloom. Early in his administration, Governor El-Rufai contracted Bain and Company to review all inherited and ongoing capital projects in the state with a view to developing a prioritization mechanism for future ventures. Among its truly shocking findings was the fact that N87.5 billion existed in outstanding contractual obligations. To set things right, Governor El-Rufai embarked on an urbanization agenda by committing N108 billion of its 2016 budget to capital expenditure and in 2017, committed another N130 billion into infrastructure. Contractors have now returned to abandoned sites and delivered on many road projects in the state.

In its apt response to traffic gridlock in the State capital, the administration of El-Rufai implemented measures which include dualization of strategic roads, repairs to dilapidated roads and the introduction of a bus rapid transport (BRT). The BRT now has an exclusive lane such that it can operate even at times when traffic is the most congested.

Of recent is the commissioning of Sokoto Road which left many marvelled with the beautiful design and easy accessibility. More so, on Friday February 14, the state government launched a thirty-two year infrastructure development plan in its relentless efforts to make the state business friendly, and an investment hub for investors.

HEALTH

Upon assumption of office, Governor El-Rufai has upgraded 255 primary health centres, 23 rural hospitals, and various general hospitals with support from Dangote, alongside Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The state government has also strengthened the public healthcare system by recruiting more than 500 midwives to improve its institutional capacity as well as ensure safer pregnancies and reduce maternal mortality. Dialysis continues to be subsidised for the benefit of citizens dealing with renal challenges. Routine immunisation of infants remains ongoing, ante-natal and post-natal treatment for pregnant women and children below five years of age is free in public hospitals.

SECURITY

Nasir El-Rufai is not relenting in his commitment to protect lives and properties of the citizens of Kaduna State. In 2019, the state government doled out 85 vehicles to security agencies in the state as part of measures to tackle rising cases of banditry and kidnappings. The state government has also acquired and put at the disposal of the security agencies, a technology that can assist the state to fight against insecurity. Accordingly, is the establishment of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs to focus and coordinate the state’s efforts and cooperate with the security agencies. Peace has returned to all troubled areas while residents and visitors are now conducting their businesses in a safe and calm environment.

EDUCATION

Remarkably, Governor El-Rufai’s administration is keen on providing education for everyone especially the girl-child. In his first term, he announced free, compulsory universal basic education for every child in the state. The State Government in its pursuit to see that every child gets basic education and tackle truancy, launched “Edu-Marshalls” to arrest and forcefully take any Child found on the street Hawking during School hour.

The state government also tighten its policy on education by redeploying school teachers to rural areas and supported them with incentives. This has clearly improved the quality of learning across the state.

The El-Rufai administration, in its 2020 Budget, committed N42 billion to education. The state government has embarked on several interventions which includes investments in improving infrastructures, improving quality of the teachers. So far, the state government has recruited 25, 000 qualified teachers and renovated about 700 schools. These renovations are complete with the provision of solar-powered bore holes and cubicle toilet blocks. The aim is to expand class sizes to the extent that they cater for school enrollment rates which have soared from about 1 million pupils in 2015 to over 1.8 million currently.

Plans are also ongoing to move Kaduna State University from the current site to its permanent site along Zaria road; the ongoing construction of six science secondary schools is almost completed, with the transforming of 16 secondary schools into boarding schools.

TRANSPORTATION

In transportation, visible infrastructure abound in this critical area such as roads and bridges, including ongoing and completed projects as well as ongoing construction of modern bus stops in the state capital and many other communities.

ECONOMY

As at 2014, most industries in Kaduna State had closed shop; a state of nine million people was now referred to as a ‘civil service state’ and became a mockery of its own.

However, that has changed!

The administration of ElRufai has brought about a turn-around in the economic activities of the state. Business activities have now returned to the city of Kaduna and other major towns. Coming in from Abuja, one can’t help but notice the large Olam Poultry and Feed Mill, a 350-million dollar investment – the largest in Sub-Saharan Africa located in Chikun Local Government Area. Olam’s neighborhood has also just been announced as the home of the new Dangote Peugeot plant.

Going through Kakuri, one will also be confronted by the new 200 million dollars Mahindra Tractor Assembly Plant with a capacity of 3,000 tractors per year.

The administration of El-Rufai is also positively impacting the lives of farmers in the state. The State, in collaboration with the World Bank, has trained over 10,000 farmers on boosting agricultural production.

Across the street from Mahindra is Blue Camel Energy, a renewable energy production plant and training academy. More importantly is KADSTEP, a state-sponsored entrepreneurship programme run by Kaduna Business School, had graduated over 3,000 young businessmen and women hungry for opportunities.

The administration of El-Rufai is also positively impacting the lives of farmers in the state. The State, in collaboration with the World Bank, has trained over 10,000 farmers on boosting agricultural production.

In partnership with the World Bank, Kaduna State would soon launch, ‘Click-On-Kaduna’ – a digital jobs platform with ambition of creating Nigeria’s Silicon Valley.

With the above highlight on El-Rufai’s achievements, it can be boldly said that Governor El-Rufai value system is enshrined in human capital development. This is a man who has shown exemplary leadership and not on gender or ethnicity. With this belief, he is walking the talk on his campaign promises. Governor El-Rufai is about empowering the right people to deliver and make things happen in their respective offices.

Governor El-Rufai is setting the pace in the definition of true leadership by establishing policies that are masses oriented and beneficial to the general public. When the shoves come to push, El-Rufai, I can say is a hardworking and committed political leader.

Happy 60th Birthday Malam!

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