By Shile Adejumobi

Regular training and re-training of School Administrators and School Support Officers in Ekiti state would provide the necessary impetus required to actualise the lofty vision strides of Governor John Fayemi led administration in restoring the lost glory of Basic Education in the State.

The Executive Chairman, Ekiti state Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) Prof. Femi Akinwumi Femi Sunday made the assertion during the opening ceremony of the training organized for Ekiti state Universal Basic Education Board in conjunction with the Universal Basic Education Commission for School Support Officers drawn from the 16 Local Government Areas of the State in Ado Ekiti. Prof. Femi Akinwumi who described their roles as very important in ensuring that teaching and learning activities are done optimally in schools, encouraged them to always foster positive relationships with pupils and providing a conducive school climate through their positive advise to the parents and other stakeholders progress in the basic educative sector.
While stressing that a good school officer should strive hard to improve on his or her skills and capacity in order to surmount the challenges on the field, the SUBEB boss added that they should be professionally inclined and should give feedback appropriately in a timely manner.

He expressed appreciation to the state Governor Dr Kayode Fayemi for paying attention to the welfare of officers in addressing promotion arrears, inter-cadre related issues and new recruitment into Education sector. Earlier, the lead consultant, Prof Tola Ayodele of the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University lauded the State Governor for attaching priority to education in the State and for releasing logistics to make the programme a reality. He said the training will guide the school support officers to know more on how to effectively play their roles within the school environment. This according to him would enable Government get value for money invested in education sector.

The Permanent Secretary SUBEB, Mr Dare Ajayi, expressed appreciation to the Executive Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi for the support given to SUBEB and the Executive Chairman for the beautiful initiatives and positive development that have been happening in SUBEB during his tenure.

By Sola Adesola

A good accounting system would play an essential role for Nigeria to attain national development, if the accounting professionals could look for ways of developing new strategies to attract project funding and a transparent accounting system.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun made this known during the 5th session of Mandatory Accounting Professional Development (MCPD), programme and induction of new members of Association of National Accountants of Nigeria (ANAN) in Abeokuta.

Governor Abiodun, represented by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu also described accounting as a profession that is important to human existence, saying the practitioners should always uphold the ethics of the profession.

He emphasised the need for members to embrace Information Communication Technology, saying no Professional Accountant could function maximally without the deployment of technology, urging them to explore the opportunity of world-class tourist centers that abound in the State.

On his part, the National Chairman of the body, Prof. Muhammad Mainoma, admonished ANAN members to always display professionalism and global best practices in the national accounting system, adding that the body would not condone any unethical conduct from its members.

Earlier in his address, the State Chairman, Lion Olayinka Odukoya said the Association had distinguished itself from other professional bodies, maintaining that its activities have impacted positively on the nation’s accounting system, also advanced best accounting principles for the State.

By William Adeyemi

United State president-
Elect, Joe Biden has said himself and his team team have had one thing top of their mind these past few weeks which has been figuring out how to solve the coronavirus pandemic and make sure every American had access to quality, affordable health care.

According to him, “When Kamala and I are sworn in on January 20th, our first and most pressing task will be to combat this pandemic and ensure the safety of Americans across the country.

That’s why it gives me great honour to introduce my health care team to you, because I’m confident they’re up to the challenge ahead:

XAVIER BECERRAX
as Secretary of Health and Human Services
The Attorney General of California, long-time champion of expanding access to health care, and former member of Congress who helped drive passage of the Affordable Care Act, Becerra led the defense of the law in the Supreme Court last month. If confirmed, Becerra will be the first Latino to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. I’m honored to have his leadership and vision at the core of our team.

DR. VIVEK MURTHY
as Surgeon General of the United States
A distinguished physician, research scientist, and former Vice Admiral in the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, Dr. Murthy was previously confirmed by the Senate to serve in the same capacity, holding the post as ‘America’s Doctor’ between 2014 and 2017. A trusted national voice on health issues and one of my long-time advisors, he currently serves as co-chair of my COVID-19 transition Advisory Board. I’m excited to welcome Dr. Murthy back to this position.

DR. ROCHELLE WALENSKY
as Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
A leading expert on virus testing, prevention, and treatment, Dr. Walensky has been on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic response in Massachusetts, serving as Chief of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital and a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School. I’m proud to have her on our team.

DR. MARCELLA NUNEZ-SMITH
as COVID-19 Equity Task Force Chair
One of the country’s foremost experts on health care disparities and an Associate Professor of Medicine, Public Health, and Management at the Yale School of Medicine, Dr. Nunez-Smith is the founding director of Yale’s Equity Research and Innovation Center and co-chair of my COVID-19 Transition Advisory Board. Dr. Nunez-Smith will advise on a whole-of-government effort to reduce COVID-19 disparities in response, care, and treatment, including racial and ethnic disparities. There is no one more qualified than Dr. Nunez-Smith to take on this important task.

DR. ANTHONY FAUCI
as Chief Medical Adviser on COVID-19 to the President and Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Dr. Fauci has been of the most trusted figures in the country throughout the pandemic and for decades prior and will remain an essential voice both in informing the public about health risks and safety measures and in helping the scientific community, the Biden-Harris administration, and local officials overcome the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Fauci has the experience needed to get things done.

JEFF ZIENTS
as Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response and Counselor to the President

Zients is an accomplished public servant widely known for his extraordinary track record of successfully managing large and complex initiatives. He previously earned broad acclaim for his leadership of the 2013 HealthCare.gov tech surge and his oversight of the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ fuel-efficiency program. Zients will advise my team on the implementation of the federal government’s COVID response, including managing safe and equitable vaccine distribution, the pandemic supply chain, and coordination across federal agencies and state and local governments. I’m excited to tap him for this essential role.

NATALIE QUILLIAN
as Deputy Coordinator of the COVID-19 Response
Quillian, a national security expert and former White House and Pentagon senior advisor, played an instrumental role in coordinating the Obama-Biden administration’s interagency response to the opioid epidemic. “I’m excited to welcome her back in this new role”, the President-elect explained.

He said the team included leaders with deep experience in public health, government, and crisis management and experts in their fields who would restore public trust in the pandemic response by leading with facts, science, integrity, and a laser-focus on bringing COVID-19 under control.

“I promise you this: our health care team will be ready on day one to mobilize every resource of the federal government to expand testing and masking, oversee the safe, equitable, and free distribution of treatments and vaccines, re-open schools and businesses safely, lower prescription drug and other health costs and expand affordable health care to all Americans. They are well equipped to rally the country and restore the belief that there is nothing beyond America’s capacity if we do it together”, Biden assured.

By Abiola Lawal

Lack of training and inadequate funding of the police force have been identified as some of the factors responsible for the infractions that led to abuse of human rights and inefficiency of police officers, as required by the Federal Government in SERVICOM programme.

A member of Ogun Judicial Panel of Investigation and Retired Deputy Inspector General of Police, DIG Peter Ogunyanwo, made this known in Abeokuta, while addressing journalists after hearing the case of Mr. Olalekan Olakitan Solomon, a petitioner who accused CSP Adesina Oyetunji, DSP Sarafa Raheem and Inspector Oladeni Samson, for violating his human right, extorting and detaining him illegally.

After cross axmining the officers, DIG Ogunyanwo said it is saddening to know that CSP Adesina Oyetunji and DSP Sarafa Raheem only had four and six of required training respectively throughout their over 33 years in the force without taking any human rights course.

The Panel member advised that an average police officer should know that without the public, he or she can not do the job effectively, adding that police should not see members of the public as enemies or servants, while the public also should respect and love security operatives.

“Without security operatives, the public cannot live in peace and the security personnel cannot do it alone also, both should partner for peace to reign because without peace there cannot be development. That is the spirit behind community policing that the Federal Government is pushing for”, DIG Ogunyanwo noted.

The retired Police boss who called for attitudinal change in the way police officers perform their duties, advised that investigation should be carried out diligently as a teamwork, so that cases are not thrown out of court based on lack of proper investigation.

By Simisola Lawal

Dignitaries comprising retinue of Royals, Business Moguls, Scholars have been pouring encomiums on His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja 11, Ooni of Ife as he marks 5th years on the throne of Ancestral fathers.

They made glowing commentaries at the event organized by the Ooni’s 5th Coronation Anniversary signalling the commencing the two-week activities earmarked for the commemoration of Ooni’s five-year reign on the throne of his ancestors, held at Premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan.

Addressing the cheering crowd, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar described the Ooni as great companion who is committed to the national interest of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The Ooni is a friend, brother and a worthy companion who has performed creditably well in accordance with the status of the Ooni within the last five years. Let me also add that he has visited Sokoto five times and I have equally visited Ife.

“One of the unique features of the Ooni is the esteem at which he carries Yoruba culture with huge dignity, this means a lot because anyone who throws away his culture is throwing away his life. I remember when I visited Brazil, I saw Yoruba culture being displayed live, that sends a great message.” The Sultan said.

Others in attendance were Olusegun Obasanjo, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adekunle Adeayo Adeagbo, Oore of Otun Ekiti, the Paramount Ruler of Oore of Mobaland,

It was a moment filled with amusement when Alaafin took the microphone, rendering several Yoruba ancient literatures including incantations, to pray for longevity for the Ooni on Oduduwa stool.

Oba Adeyemi who will be commemorating his 50 years on the throne next January, assured the Ooni of his readiness to keep supporting his good moves towards uniting the Yoruba race and Nigeria in general.

Represented at the event, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu said, “In only five years as the Ooni of Ife, you have earned your place in history as a patriot, peacemaker, bridge builder, beacon of unity; a rallying force not just for the Yoruba race, but also for the entire nation and the Black World.

“Your emergence has come at a very auspicious time; an era when our country, states and traditional institutions more than ever before require leaders with a great sense of purpose, intentionality and the ability to carry the people along.

“Thank you for extending your love to us in Lagos State. You have been immensely supportive, always willing to listen to and encourage us, and also importantly, render insightful advice when needed. We deeply cherish our relationship with you.”

Similarly, the Odole Oodua, Sir Kessington Adebutu hailed the Ooni over what he described as the monarch’s strong start, particularly the task of unifying the Yoruba nation worldwide, which he said has earned him great respect across the world.

In his reaction, the Ooni thanked all dignitaries present for their love and support over past five years, adding that he will continue to work with them for the betterment of all.

“I am so honoured today with your royal presence and I pray that God Almighty will continue to honour you.

“The journey in the last five years has been so wonderful and I give God all the glory and I want to thank all traditional rulers across the country for the love and kindness.” The Ooni noted.

Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao, Oniru of Iruland, Elegushi of Ikateland, Alara of Ilara-Epe, Oloba of Oba-Ile, Okere of Saki and other Yoruba monarchs attended the event which was spiced with several traditional performances.

The event continued in the evening at the hotel’s poolside where a dinner/banquet party was held with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and other dignitaries in attendance.
[11/30, 1:15 PM] Prince Henry Ojoye: https://nationalsearch.news.blog/2020/11/30/ogun-steps-up-awareness-campaign-against-spread/

By Sola Adesola

The Ogun State government has said that its agency has been working assiduously to contain the spread of Human Immuno Deficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), against its spread as against the report that it has the highest numbers of the affected persons.

The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker made this known at a press briefing organized by Ogun State Agency For the Control of AIDS (OGSACA), in commemoration of 2020 World AIDS Day, with the theme “United To End AIDS In the Mist of Covid-19”, held at Governor’s office Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.

Coker, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Nofiu Aigoro, said that it has stepped up developmental plans and implementing some prevention programmes in some centres across the State to contain the spread of HIV/AIDS.

She added that the programmes was targeted to populations at risk, disseminating educational resources and messages on HIV risks and prevention, saying that educating health care professionals about evidence-based HIV prevention strategies was also imperative.

“Indeed, we need to be resilient to fight against laws that codify stigma, discrimination and criminalization that restrict gender equality and access to human rights based response”, Coker said

Coker who hailed the wife of the Governor , Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun for her support to the People Living With HIV (PLWHIV), by giving them palliatives during the COVID- 19 lockdown, assured that vigorous campaign would be taken to every nooks and crannies of the State including riverine areas.

The Executive Secretary, OGSACA, Dr. Kehinde Fatungase, hinted that poverty, low literacy level, stigma, discrimination, low political will, low use of condoms and risky sexual behaviour were mojorly contributed to the increase of HIV in the state.

He also said that rapid influx of person’s into the State on account of congestion in Lagos with development of new industries, towns and settlements were contributed to high HIV prevalence in the State.

Fatungase said that by mid term of 2020, despite of the Covid-19 pandemic, 49,211 person’s have been counselled, tested and result were given, out of which 105 were tested positive, saying that state currently has 20,827 persons were currently on Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART).

Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministy of Information and Strategy, Mr. Abiodun Awere represented by Director Strategy, Mr. Tunde Kazeem, commended the present administration for giving support to OGSACA, urging the agency to build up enlightenment campaign and advocacy to enable members of the public know the dangers inherent in unprotected sexual intercourse.

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By Kunle Falade

BRACED UNION, a sociopolitical cum cultural regional pressure group has raised some fundamental observations arising from the stakeholders meeting in Port Harcourt on Tuesday between the South-South leaders and the Federal Government delegation led by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Ambassador Ibrahim Gambiri.

This was disclosed to our team on Wednesday, November 25, 2020 n a chat with the National Chairman of the body, High Chief Monday Wehere (JP)

He said while the seven-point demands by the South South Governors as highlighted by the Governor of Delta State Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, looks good on paper it still left much to be desired as there was no timeline and ultimatum issued for these demands to be met.

According to him: “This is not the first time leaders of the region are demanding for restructuring, state police, true federalism, resource control or the completion of the East-West Road and adequate funding for NNDC amongst other demands.”

BRACED UNION calls on the South South governors to match words with action by insisting on specific timelines for these demands to be met or the federal government and multi-nationals risk facing sanctions from the region.

According to Wehere, “We still see these demands – as laudable as they appear to be – as the usual rhetoric of lip service. All talk and no action. If the governors were serious, a mere apology by the federal delegation would not have been enough after the first meeting was botched. Immediate action and implementation of some of these demands would have been the best recipe.

“We call on the governors of the South-South to re-issue an ultimatum for these demands to be met and after which, if not met, economic sanctions shall be rolled out against the federal government and multi-nationals operating in the area. That is the only way the federal government shall sit up to his responsibility and not neglect the goose that lays the golden egg.”

The BU National President also raised the observation that the South-South leaders should have also frowned at the on-going romance between the country and its Republic of Niger
counterpart where there was ongoing plan to set up a refinery in Niger while those in the Niger Delta region were abandoned.

By Sola Adesola

Honourable Gbenga Banjo, the Caretaker Chairman of Sagamu Local Government has put an end to every activities of unions and transportation Under Sabo Bridge Sagamu.

The Chairman announced this decision yesterday Wednesday, November 25, 2020 as a way to bring to an end the unnecessary face off among various groups affiliated with union activities and to create room for the peace needed in the area for business to thrives well.

The decision was taking after the Chairman of Sagamu met with the various Stakeholders and Parks and Garages General Manager and they have decided to relocate them to kara axis of Sagamu.

The decision which took immediate effect starting from 8am of Wednesday 25th of November 2020.

The Chairman advised the transporters to quickly relocate their motor pack activities to kara and commence their day to day businesses.

The law enforcement officers have being briefed and given the go ahead to enforce the decision.

By Sola Adesola

Old Students of Alaye High School, Ayetoro have sunk borehole, renovated dilapidated school structures, as their contribution towards improving educational sector in the State.

The Ag National President Old Students of the School,Mr Sulaimon Atinsola
in a telephone chat with our correspondent, preparatory to the school’s 40th anniversary said that the association have renovated a block of two class rooms, staff room, 250 seaters school Hall, award of scholarship to indigent students, as well as sunk borehole to provide a portable water for the students and for use at school laboratory

He added that they were planning to partner the Ogun State Government in upgrading the school into boarding facilities as that would reduce travelling of students to and from their various villages on weekends.

He further revealed that plans were underway to obtain the master plan of the school in order site a school library and modern laboratory, as well as offering mentorship to younger generation towards having a successful life

He implored the government to recruit more Teachers, especially the science ones to bridge to fill the vacant ones, urging them to renovate dilapidated structures in schools across the state.

In his contribution, the Projects Chairman, Chief Yunus Akewusola said the mission of the old student was to provide a conducive learning environment and reduce the number of out of school children in the State

“Our children belong to the class rooms and not on the streets. They deserve best education and not hawkings and idling away, we also need to support the government to drastically reduce the out of school children,” he said

While speaking separately, the Principal Junior Secondary School (JSS), Mr Gbenga Fakunle and the Principal, Senior Secondary School(SSS),Mrs Augustine Meshioye expressed their appreciation to the old students on the laudable projects executed, assuring them that the school would utilise and maintain the facilities judiciously.

As part of measures to actualise its vision of improving the life expectancy of residents, the Ogun State Government, in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), has launched the National Hypertension Control Initiative (NHCI).

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, during the official launch of the NHCI at the Primary Health Care Center, Osiele in Odeda Local Government Area of the State, described the rising prevalence of hypertension as alarming, saying it should be of urgent concern to government at all levels.

Coker said Cardiovascular diseases, one of which is hypertension, were responsible for 11percent deaths in 2018, adding that there is a need for relevant stakeholders to join hands with the government to fashion out effective healthcare solutions and programmes, that would reduce its mortality rate.

She said the newly introduced hypertension control initiative would improve the management and control rates of high blood pressure in healthcare facilities in the State, aligning its objectives to the Prince Dapo Abiodun led government’s vision of increasing the life expectancy of residents.

“This initiative has a lot of benefits for us in the health sector, and by extension, the people of our State. It will improve the early diagnosis, management and information system of hypertension at Primary Health Care Centres.

“We aim to provide standardised management of hypertension in Primary Health Care Centers within Ogun State through this programme. Let me also state that, the NHCI is in line with the Governor’s vision, for increasing the life expectancy of residents in our State”, she said.

The representative of Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. U.M Enebong in her speech, said the NHCI was being piloted in Ogun and Kano States, disclosing that the programme would be scaled up to other States of the country.

Enebong urged the State government to take ownership and implementation of the project beyond its lifespan, expressing optimism that the State would be a model of reckoning among its peers on hypertension control.

In his goodwill message, the representative of WHO, Dr. Dele David, appreciated the State government for creating an enabling environment for a cordial relationship with partners, saying the bond with FMOH, WHO, and RTSL on the initiative would be beneficial to residents.