From Ayodele Samuel and Akilani Abdullah, Lagos Two survivors of Ebola Virus Disease EVD have petitioned the Lagos state government over stigmatization and sack from office for being linked to the disease, despite being discharged and certified free from the disease. The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris said this while briefing newsmen on the efforts of government to contain the virus said the state government is determined to ensure that survivors are reintegrated back into the society without discrimination. He warned against stigmatizing survivors of the virus that have been given a clean bill of health, saying erring residents will be prosecuted. He added that the cases of the sacked survivors have been referred to the Ministry of Justice for appropriate action. Idris said government would not hesitate to prosecute any individual or organisation reported to have stigmatized an Ebola survivor in one way or the other. He said, "The social problem being faced by discharged cases has being reported severally. This ranges from stigmatization, eviction from their accommodation, being asked to stay away from work and termination of employment. "We've had cases of employers just terminating the employment of their staff who were just mere contacts, not even suspected cases. We believe this is unfair and we feel this impedes on their fundamental human rights. "One thing I want to emphasize again is that the Ministry of Justice will take the matter up. Anybody, whether a discharged patient or a contact followed up, who feels stigmatized, can petition the Ministry of Justice and the Attorney General of Lagos State and they would take that matter up on their behalf because it is not fair and it is not right." Harping on the dangers of stigmatization, the commissioner noted that it worsen the situation if people are afraid to declare their Ebola States. He appealed to the residents to contribute their quota to ensure that all cases and contacts that have been given a clean bill of health to the society are reintegrated back into the society. According to him, "Stigmatization will further make contacts and suspects to go underground and continue to reverse the gains so far made in the containment and management of this outbreak. "People feel stigmatized and they may not want to come out because of that, they come up with symptoms and they may not come out and jeopardize not only their lives, but their family members and other people they come in contact with. That's why it is essential that people should stop that." He said a total of 366 contacts have been traced since July 22, saying only 19 of these contacts are yet to conclude the 21 days surveillance, while 345 contacts have been cleared and discharged having shown no sign of the symptoms of EVD. On the First Consultants Hospital, where the first case was recorded, the commissioner revealed that the facility has been decontaminated and also certified to reopen for business. He said, "We urge those who use the First Consultants Hospital, to support them, it remains a flagship medical centre. They have been given a clean bill of health.
Friday, February 6, 2015
Organised Private Sector yet to access MSME’s Development Fund
Months after President Goodluck Jonathan launched the disbursement of the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), members of the Organised Private Sector, (OPS), are yet to access it; Ayodele Samuel reports.
For members of the Organised Private Sector (OPS), accessing the recently launched N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund (MSMEDF) initiated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is a big nightmare.
During the flag-off of disbursement of the Fund in Abuja, President Goodluck Jonathan rekindled optimism among owners of such enterprises that their days of frustrations may be over soon.
However, today, several members of the OPS who attempted accessing the fund said they were faced with procedural frustration.
President Jonathan also explained that, with the flag-off, he was equally kick-starting the disbursement of the fund to participating financial institutions and state governments, for onward lending to MSMEs across the country.
However, the Director-General of Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency (SMEDAN) Mr. Umar Bature Masari, had openly lamented the inability of its over 55 thousand registered cooperative society (comprising over 800 thousand individuals) to access the MSME intervention funds through the Bank of Industry (BoI) owing to the bottlenecks that have made it impossible for the BoI to access the funds from the CBN.
The SMEDAN, DG had called on the CBN to soften the condition for assessing the MSME facility to enable Nigerians benefited from the fund.
Also, the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce while decrying the inability of OPS to access the intervention fund, attributed this to many banks' lack of interest in the programme.
According to the President of the chamber, Tim Anosike, "The OPS is still having difficulties in accessing the Federal Government's N220b MSME fund because the three percent CBN-approved interest rate for them is too small".
He said that the problems facing the sector include the complicated procedures in accessing the fund and lack of interest of many banks in the programme.
"The current N220 billion MSME intervention fund by the CBN is a laudable initiative.
"This Chamber believes that if the fund could be made available for the target groups, then the national economy must have received a significant boost at the end of the day; more so, as 60 percent of it goes to women entrepreneurs; but our fears remain those of complicated procedures," he lamented.
According to him, the obvious lack of interest by many banks to be part of the exercise is due to the fact that the three percent CBN-approved interest rate for them is too small.
However, Managing Director of Asha Microfinance Bank, Ikeja, Lagos, Aminu Bhuiya, said there are no stringent rules in accessing the loan if the rules dictated by regulators are followed, "but most of them will prefer not to access the loan than exposing their weakness".
Bhuiya however noted that the medium through which the funds are to be channeled are not healthy. "These obstacles are some of the reasons why many operators cannot access the loan" he said.
The present initiative is not the first of such efforts introduced to empower the private sector for efficiency. There had been several of such interventions in the past, most of which failed to achieve their desired goals of increased efficiency and job creation. On the list of these past efforts are the Power and Airlines Intervention Fund (PAIF) meant to help address the constraints of electricity; Small and Medium Enterprises Credit Guarantee Scheme (SMECGS); SME Refinancing and Restructuring Facility (RRF); Youth Empowerment Programme (Entrepreneurship Development Centres (EDCs)) and NYSC Venture Prize Competition), Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS), Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme (ACGS), among others.
However the impact of these intervention initiatives were never reasonably felt, OPS members are afraid that the N200bn fund might go the same way.
Anosike advised the CBN to guard against anything that could truncate this laudable objective, so that the MSMEs would get the lifeline.
Buhari campaign: A carnival for change in Lagos
Despite the early shower of the first rain in the year 2015 in Lagos State, last Friday would continue to remain memorable in the political heart of members and supporters of All Progressives Congress (APC) who filled the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere to its brim, for what it called carnival for charge. Ayodele Samuel was there.
They defied the heavy traffic that took over all roads leading to the stadium; they thronged out in their thousands, with pomp and pageantry to receive the All Progressives Party (APC) presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari who had came to inform them of his plan if elected into office.
At about 8:10am, party members arrived the venue with various party branded attire waving their brooms and dancing to live music supplied by King of Fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde (Kwam 1) and other musicians who delighted supporters in the drizzling rain.
The crowds were also entertained by comedians, Nollywood artists, including Adebayo Salami, Jide Kosoko, Yinka Quadri, Davido, Olaminde, Mevins Crew, Fathia Balogun, Femi Adebayo Afonja Sanyeri among who also endorsed the APC candidates.
Food hawkers, petty traders also made brisk businesses at the venue as they sold food, drinks ,brooms, T shirts and APC branded hats to party members and supporters.
Not missing in action were representatives of the physically challenged persons who expressed displeasure over none signing of the physically challenged bill into law by President Goodluck Jonathan.
Their message reads: "Nigerians should vote Buhari and Osinbajo because Jonathan refused to assist us on the physically challenged bill. Adding that they went to Abuja twice but the president did not assist them on the bill to be passed into law."
Kick starting the rally, Director General of the APC Presidential Campaign and governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi lampooned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of being afraid of going to the election because the APC is fully ready, insisting that election must hold on February 14th. He said Nigerians will defend their votes.
"Any governor or president that cannot show what he has done for people should not be allowed to come back. PDP is afraid of election. They have seen that the people are with us, if they rig the election, we will stand by our election without leaving the polling unit. Our prayer is that Jonathan should not come back.
"When the President came to Rivers, he admitted that did not do anything in the state. When he comes, he should point out one thing he has done and I would point out many things that I have done. He made a promise to the people of Rivers in 2011 and he failed. We don't want a man who cannot fulfill his promises and that is why he cannot return as president," Amaechi told the crowd.
In his speech, a former governor of Lagos and the national leader of the APC, Bola Tinubu said that Buhari was chosen as the candidate of the party because he has been very consistent.
According to him, "Gen Buhari would have chosen to sit back and relax at home and not bother about what is happening in the country, but it is patriotism that has made him to agree to contest. It is about the future of the country so we should not play the politics and tribe of religion. Buhari was chosen not because I was not interested in becoming the president. I am very capable, intelligent, honest and richer. But Buhari was chosen because he has remained consistent and he is the change that Nigeria needs right now.
"In the past 16 years of democracy, we have seen all sorts of political games, but Buhari has remained steadfast and consistent. He is an advocate of change and a voice for the poor. I pray that those who talk about his age will live as old as he is.
"We are in great crisis in this country and we have faced a lot of challenges and we need someone with the will to effect change. When South Africa was about to disintegrate, Nelson Mandela, who was 75 years old was called to rescue it. When America was in crisis, they called a 70 years old Ronald Reagan to come and rescue America.
"When Britain was in crisis, they didn't call a man who is in the parliament, they called Winston Churchill who was 75 years old then and who was a retired general to rescue it.
"When we started the APC, people thought that the merger would not work, but I told them that there was a storm coming and we have appealed to Buhari to step in and rescue the country."
"One man that has been consistent and steadfast, courageous and advocate of the poor is Buhari". Tinubu said that he knows Nigeria will get better with his kind of leadership.
Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his part, stressed the need to create a producing industry rather than consuming what is not produced in the country.
"Jobs cannot be created by wrong policies. We need to revive the industries, to ensure that we begin to produce and not consume alone. Rather than creating jobs, they created fraud. It is time to bring in the trusted person. For us to fight corruption, we need someone who hadn't stolen before."
However Rochas Okorocha, the Imo State Governor, in his own words, said politics should not be based on religion or tribe. "We must not play politics of religion and tribal issues."
Chief John Oyegun, national chairman of the APC, admonished that people should go and collect their PVCs, without which they may not be able to vote leaders of their choice.
"I have seen people's sweat of change. My prayer is that no one should be stupid enough to ignore this momentum of change. I urged you to obtain your PVC."
Not taking the back stage, Mrs Aisha Buhari, wife of the APC presidential candidate, said the electorate must be educated on how to thumb print. "As we are all yearning for change, and for change to be actualized, we must educate the electorate on how to thumb print," she said.
On his part, General Buhari however stressed that his party has identified three major problems to tackle if elected, saying that the issues identified are insecurity, the dwindling economy, bribery and corruption, while promising that the issue of the dwindling economy and the devaluation of the naira will soon be a thing of the past.
The former Head of state said "my party has identified three major aspects in dire need of solutions which are insecurity, the dwindling economy, bribery and corruption. When I become president, these things will become a thing of the past.
"What is happening in the North-eastern part of the country is unacceptable. I know that the Nigerian Police and the military are capable of restoring peace in the country and it is very important that they are well equipped to do that.
"In terms of corruption, whatever my administration is able to save when all the leaking holes are plugged will be diverted to the building and equipping of schools.
"The Nigerian Airways is no more, our railway system is moribund and the level of power supply we have is not more than what was inherited in 1999, so we need to vote the PDP out for the change we need to take place," Buhari said.
Sunday, December 21, 2014
APC, PDP what difference?
... what manner of change?
The APC has been consistent in saying that the PDP has ruled Nigeria for 16 disastrous years in which corruption, impunity, insurgency, armed robbery and several ills of society held sway.
But a very close look at the APC, I am seeing Amaechi - 8yrs speaker; 7yrs governor under PDP,
Atiku - 8yrs Vice president under PDP,
Akume -8yrs governor under PDP,
Bukola Saraki - 8yrs governor; 2yrs Senator under PDP,
Timipre Sylver -4yrs governor under PDP,
Audu Ogbe - 2yrs chairman of PDP,
Aminu Masari - 4yrs Reps speaker under PDP,
Chris Ngige - 3yrs governor under PDP,
Kwankwaso - 7yrs governor, 3yrs Defense minister under PDP,
El-Rufai - 4yrs FCT minister, 2yrs BPE chairman under PDP,
Oyinlola, 7 and half years governor under PDP,
Segun Oni, 3 and half years governor under PDP, and to cap it all they went to OBJ begging, a man who they claimed spent 8 of the disastrous 16 yrs as the maximum ruler of Nigeria to come and lead them on a rescue mission.
It is now clearer that APC is a waste basket of the PDP, where the people who created and perpetuated the "16 Disastrous years" are now dumped.
Please Nigerians what is the change in this APC?
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
The APC has been consistent in saying that the PDP has ruled Nigeria for 16 disastrous years in which corruption, impunity, insurgency, armed robbery and several ills of society held sway.
But a very close look at the APC, I am seeing Amaechi - 8yrs speaker; 7yrs governor under PDP,
Atiku - 8yrs Vice president under PDP,
Akume -8yrs governor under PDP,
Bukola Saraki - 8yrs governor; 2yrs Senator under PDP,
Timipre Sylver -4yrs governor under PDP,
Audu Ogbe - 2yrs chairman of PDP,
Aminu Masari - 4yrs Reps speaker under PDP,
Chris Ngige - 3yrs governor under PDP,
Kwankwaso - 7yrs governor, 3yrs Defense minister under PDP,
El-Rufai - 4yrs FCT minister, 2yrs BPE chairman under PDP,
Oyinlola, 7 and half years governor under PDP,
Segun Oni, 3 and half years governor under PDP, and to cap it all they went to OBJ begging, a man who they claimed spent 8 of the disastrous 16 yrs as the maximum ruler of Nigeria to come and lead them on a rescue mission.
It is now clearer that APC is a waste basket of the PDP, where the people who created and perpetuated the "16 Disastrous years" are now dumped.
Please Nigerians what is the change in this APC?
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Friday, December 19, 2014
Saheed Osupa Switches Style, Features M.I, Tiwa Savage, PHYNO, Reminisce on Hiphop Album
Thursday, November 27, 2014
Gov. Rochas Okorocha pledges N100m for Imo Film Academy
Governor Okorocha who was personally present at the event alongside his deputy, Prince Eze Madumere, apart from setting apart a vast area of land for the academy on which the magnificent IFACA rehearsal hall and other state-of-the-art facilities already exist, a staggering sum of N100million fund was also announced to promote and support Igbo speaking film through the Academy.
While decrying the marginalisation of the Igbo tribe in some key areas of the nation's affair and clamour for urgent redress, the governor was however optimistic that the movie industry is a veritable tool for proper cultural representation of the Igbos and also a catalyst for self-reliance among the youths.
On her part, the Director General, Nkeiru Silvanus reassured everyone of her commitment to use her vast wealth of knowledge in the art to bring about a great development in the state's movie industry.
Sunday, September 7, 2014
Who kill Dimgba Igwe?
Another angle. All angles should be examined.
Ex Abia Governor Fingered Over Dimgba Igwe's Mysterious Death
Dimgba Igwe a renowned Journalist and one of the pioneer Editors of the Sun Newspaper is dead.
Dimgba Igwe we learnt was killed by a hit and run car in what appears to be an assassination while jogging this morning around his residence in Okota area of lagos where he lives.
The Newspaper columnist who worked with defunct Concord and later became the pioneer Editor of the Sun Newspapers with Mike Awoyinfa was sacked by Orji Uzor kalu few years ago over his stand against Kalu's interference in the paper.
Mr Igwe and Awoyinfa floated a paper that didn't survive as kalu pleaded with him to come back. Igwe who is from Igbere accepted partially to maintain his column, he was later made the Vice chairman editorial board of the Sun but that did not change his principle as he continued to challenge Kalu's unprofessional style of running the Sun Newspapers
We gathered that Mr. Dimgba Igwe who is popular with the entire work force has become a thorn In Ouks flesh as he confronted the publisher over the 8 months salary he is owing them. A staff of the SUN told us that Dimgba had a shouting match with kalu few days ago on the salary issue. Igwe told kalu to bury his face in shame as he can't pay them. It was learnt that kalu who was visibly shaken swore to deal with Igwe.
However, according to an insider report, accusing fingers are being pointed at kalu for Igwe's mysterious death. As at the time of writing this report, some SUN NEWSPAPERS Staff have deserted the Kirikiri area office of the Sun Newspapers.
The Publisher of the SUN, Kalu yet to visit the family, he is said to have been in Lagos. Every phone contact made to get him to comment on the death of Mr. Dimgba were unsuccessful.
RIP Oga Dimgba but your killers will not hide forever.
-
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
Ex Abia Governor Fingered Over Dimgba Igwe's Mysterious Death
Dimgba Igwe a renowned Journalist and one of the pioneer Editors of the Sun Newspaper is dead.
Dimgba Igwe we learnt was killed by a hit and run car in what appears to be an assassination while jogging this morning around his residence in Okota area of lagos where he lives.
The Newspaper columnist who worked with defunct Concord and later became the pioneer Editor of the Sun Newspapers with Mike Awoyinfa was sacked by Orji Uzor kalu few years ago over his stand against Kalu's interference in the paper.
Mr Igwe and Awoyinfa floated a paper that didn't survive as kalu pleaded with him to come back. Igwe who is from Igbere accepted partially to maintain his column, he was later made the Vice chairman editorial board of the Sun but that did not change his principle as he continued to challenge Kalu's unprofessional style of running the Sun Newspapers
We gathered that Mr. Dimgba Igwe who is popular with the entire work force has become a thorn In Ouks flesh as he confronted the publisher over the 8 months salary he is owing them. A staff of the SUN told us that Dimgba had a shouting match with kalu few days ago on the salary issue. Igwe told kalu to bury his face in shame as he can't pay them. It was learnt that kalu who was visibly shaken swore to deal with Igwe.
However, according to an insider report, accusing fingers are being pointed at kalu for Igwe's mysterious death. As at the time of writing this report, some SUN NEWSPAPERS Staff have deserted the Kirikiri area office of the Sun Newspapers.
The Publisher of the SUN, Kalu yet to visit the family, he is said to have been in Lagos. Every phone contact made to get him to comment on the death of Mr. Dimgba were unsuccessful.
RIP Oga Dimgba but your killers will not hide forever.
-
Sent from my BlackBerry wireless device from MTN
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