US homeless people numbers rise for first time in seven years

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06/12/2017

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Media captionIan Pannell reports from the city of Baltimore: “Hope has given way to despair”

The number of homeless people in the United States has increased for the first time since 2010.

Just under 554,000 people were homeless, a report from the department of housing and urban development said.

West Coast cities like Los Angeles, as well as New York, contributed significantly to the rise.

Los Angeles saw the number of homeless inhabitants rise to 55,000 – an increase of almost a quarter in a single year.

The annual estimate, due to be unveiled later, was seen in advance by the Associated Press news agency.

Other cities recording a large increase include Seattle, San Diego and Sacramento.

The relatively large increases in those areas have pushed the national figure up by a little under 1%.

Speaking to America’s NPR radio, Housing and Development Secretary Ben Carson noted that in cities like Los Angeles and New York rents were rising “much faster” than incomes.

The government, he added, needed to work with community groups and non-profit and religious organisations, to combat the problem.

Los Angeles’ homeless crisis goes from bad to worse

“We just need to move a little bit away from the concept that only the government can solve this problem by throwing more money at it,” he said.

Streets, cars and shelters

Mr Carson and his department have made particular efforts to combat homelessness among war veterans but those numbers also increased nationally, again driven by surge in Los Angeles.

Despite the increase, the numbers sleeping rough are significantly lower than a decade previously, when the same point-in-time count was more than 647,000.

Why are America’s suburbs getting poorer?

While the increase is the first in seven years the number of homeless is still 13% lower than the 2010 figure.

The counts are conducted by regional authorities on a single night in late January each year and include those sleeping on the streets or in cars as well as those in emergency shelters for the night.

The results are then submitted to the federal government to be compiled into national statistics.

Note: This story is auto-generated from BBC syndicated feed and has not been edited by AFRICA PRIME NEWS

Nigeria: CSOs Collaborate With Kaduna State For Better Health Service Delivery

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06/12/2017

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By Amos Tauna

Kaduna (Nigeria) – Towards achieving universal health coverage with a motivated workforce , Civil Society Organizations in Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria have come together to critically analyse possible ways that could enhance the health of the people , particularly the children.

At the Forum organized by Save the Children, a Non-Governmental Organization ,the CSOs discussed ways to motivate the health workers to show commitment towards realizing a healthy society.

Dr. Ado Zakari Mohammed, Director of Public Health in Kaduna State Ministry of Health who represented the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Paul Dogo, explained that the state has in service training as part of motivation for better service delivery in the health sector.

He explained that students’ in training programme mainly for student doctors has been in existence for the past 15 years, stressing that the programme has been extended to health personnel to enhance their performance.

https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/11/04/health/nigeria-civil-society-legislative-advocacy-centre-frowns-increased-maternal-deaths-kaduna/

In Kaduna State, he noted, the steer project that is meant for the rehabilitation of vulnerable children are adequately taken care of and their education, adding that another project is to improve the health workers on how to work together with health ministry to improve the health capacity of workers as a way of improving the quality of health service delivery.

He explained that the ministry has been running training programmes for various categories of staff in the ministry, pointing out that efforts were being made by the state government towards ensuring qualitative health care delivery in the state.

The one day interactive session was between the Kaduna State ministry of health on one hand as well as the Save the Children and Civil Society Organizations on the other hand.

It was aimed at fashioning out ways for better collaboration for a effective and efficient health service delivery in the state.

Nigeria: Debate On Restructuring: Don’t Side Line Us, Gombe Women Tell Legislature

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06/12/2017

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By Ahmad Umar

Gombe (Nigeria) – Women group in Gombe State northeast of the country on Tuesday stormed the State House of Assembly over their non involvement in the Current re-structuring debate in the country

The women group came from five local government areas under a Non-Governmental Organisation, Hope Foundation for the Lonely with the support of Action Aid Nigeria.

The women group who marched from the Emir’s Palace to the state Assembly, said that the debate on re-structuring the country has become more glaring but it automatically excluded the voice of women especially, those in the rural areas.

Speaking on behalf of the women Mrs. Runt James, said the women gathered from five LGAs across the State had organized group discussions and agreed that the Nigeria should remain united.

The women also sought the support of the lawmakers to stop marginalization of women, promote unity in diversity to allow peace and development, encourage dialogue and reconciliation with agitators, enshrine 35% affirmative action in the Constitution, enforce the implementation of the affirmative action especially in the northern part of the country.

They also appealed to northern leaders to support women in politics, provide educational opportunities for women, poverty eradication programmes for women and allow women to hold key political positions to enhance transparency and accountability in governance

https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/11/29/governance/nigeria-kaduna-assembly-okays-n216-6bn-2018-budget/

In an interview with Journalists shortly after the rally, the Executive Director of Hope Foundation for the Lonely, Sara Yakuwa solicited men’s cooperation to allow women participate actively in national issues.

She said that Women are the most vulnerable group who are always at the receiving end of insecurity in the country.

According to her , they do not fully understand the much talked about re-structuring, meaning, benefits and the implications to the citizens of Nigeria.

“In view of this, Hope for the Lonely and Action Aid Nigeria had a discussion forum with women at the grass root level to know their views about dividing the country, so that women can understand the whole concept and give their own contributions to the debate.

“Women representatives from 5 LGAs (Billiri, Funakaye, Yamaltu Deba, Gombe and Shongom and also a representation of Female Persons Living with Disability) were involved in the discussion at the state capital and they came up with positive solutions and actions towards contributing to the unity and peaceful co-existance for the Nigerians. “

Also speaking the Chairman House Committee on Women Affairs , Gadado Lawnti, assured them that the House would support all their activities.

Alabama evangelicals at a crossroads over Roy Moore

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06/12/2017

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[unable to retrieve full-text content]Note: This story is auto-generated from BBC syndicated feed and has not been edited by AFRICA PRIME NEWS

Nigeria: Suspension Of 2 PDP Members By Assembly, a Disgrace To Democracy: Hyat

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Nancy

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05/12/2017

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PDP logo

People’s Democratic Party

By Juliana Katung

Kaduna (Nigeria)–The suspension of 2 PDP members in the Kaduna State House of Assembly, northwest of the country, has been described as a disgrace to democracy .

As a result, the affected members have therefore been advised to go to court.

The Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Kaduna State Chapter, Felix Hassan Hyat made the assertion when dozens of stakeholders from the party suspended members’ constituencies, Zangon Kataf and Kaura local government staged a peaceful solidarity protest to his office in Kaduna, saying that it’s remained mute on issues that matters but suspended their members for baseless reason.

According to him, the Assembly that used one and half hours to pass a supplementary budget, did not comment on the last fire incidence that gutted the old Panteka market when what he called the ‘fire extinguisher’ agency claimed that it’ did not have water when they were called.

“If the majority members in the Assembly are afraid of only four members of the opposition, that means that they don’t know what they are doing or why they are elected in the House”, Hyat noted.

According to Hyat, “the PDP caucus in the Assembly saw the need to change their leadership, sat down in a meeting, change the leaders and communicated to the party which in turn, in a letter dated 21st, November 2017 wrote to the Speaker of the House, Alhaji Aminu Abdullahi Shagali, but instead of announcing the changes on the floor of House, suspended key newly officers in conspiracy with one of the PDP members.”

He alleged that the motion that was moved on the floor of the House on the suspension, was drafted by one of the leaders among the out gone leadership.

“We have already communicated the change of the party leadership of the Kaduna Assembly to the National head quarters of the party and the party will censor any member that is involved in the conspiracy ” the chairman added.

To the protesters, the Chairman told them that they were fighting for their rights and assured them of the party’s commitment to ensuring that justice prevailed.

He advised the speaker to honourably do the right thing by reversing the suspension as well as announce the change of leadership.

Earlier, the two team leaders from Kaura and Zangon Kataf constituencies, Sale Pashi and Joseph Auta respectively condemned the suspension of their members by the Assembly and described it as illegal.

The ruling party, they said have no right to interfere with their party matters.

While thanking the party leardership for approving the appointment of the members as minority leader and minority whip which led to the suspension from the assembly, they said the action of the lawmakers showed that both of them were force to record with.

They however, appealed to the party leadership to do every thing within its power to ensure the appointments are sustained and the suspension canceled.

South Africa To Host Heads of Government, Captains of Industry At African Legacy International Summit

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Nancy

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05/12/2017

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By Peter Usman

Abuja (Nigeria)–The 2nd Emmerging Business Destination Summit earlier scheduled to hold on 29th and 30^th November, 2017 at Miraton Guest Lodge, Johannesburg, South Africa, will now hold on 21^st and 22^nd December, 2017 at the same venue.

The President, African Legacy International, organizers of the Summit, Innocent Ogu, who announced the new date at a news conference in Abuja, the Nigerian capital, said the forum will bring together African Heads of Government, Captains of industry, Diplomats, international Business Executives, Management specialists, Investors, Consultants, Scholars, Researchers among others to a discussion that will attract investments to the continent.

He explained that the two-day summit will showcase factors and as well present case studies that will make Africa an international destination, adding that the summit will serve as a vehicle to propagate the social, economic, political and cultural renaissance and rebirth of the continent.

According to him, “The event will strengthen the unity among Africans communities; propagate cultural, educational, security and diplomacy among African communities, creating avenues for direct foreign investments to the continent and as well engaging in defining the present and future issues that face Africa continent.”

Ogu noted that the event will feature Art and cultural exhibitions, lectures, trade and investment networking, opportunities for investors and industrialists, stating that there will be higher profile award ceremony towards the end of the event.

The President of Africa Legacy International, who stated that Prof. Patrick Lumumba from Kenya will be the Guest speaker at the event, stressed that the summit will provide opportunity for Heads of Government to network and interact with international business executives and multinational companies across the globe.

He explained that prospective investors will get an in-depth knowledge and have access to Heads of national MDAs to discuss the investment proposals, stating that there will be an x ray of emerging issues in the continent that will inform discussions by donor agencies that would influence developmental assistance to the continent.

Ossai Nicholas Ossai, Chairman, House Committee on Ethics and Privileges and Omosede Gabriella Igbenedion, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on House Services will be leading the delegation of members of the Nigerian House of Representatives to the conference.

2017 World AIDS Day: Uphold The Right To Health For All To End AIDS by 2030, UNFPA Calls

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Nancy

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05/12/2017

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By Joseph Edegbo

Kaduna (Nigeria)–The Executive Director, United Nations Fund for Population Activities, Dr Nathalia Kanem has reiterated the commitment of the international community to ending AIDS by 2030.
This, he said will only be achieved by ensuring everyone’s right to health.

Dr, Kanem who gave the assurance in a message to mark the 2017 World AIDS Day, noted with displeasure that the right of persons with AIDS is jeopardized when they face stigma and discrimination as well as when they lack information and services.

” Stigma and discrimination, which remain concretely present in communities all over the world, play a particularly incendiary role in continuing HIV transmission“, he said

The Executive Director disclosed that one new HIV infection is One too many saying that in 2016, there were 1.8 million.

Dr Kenam therefore enjoined governments and communities to take necessary action to end stlgma and discrimination to ensure the right to health for everyone.

“When adolescent girls lack bodily autonomy; when they cannot prevent being married off as a child or protect themselves from HIV, other sexually transmitted infections or unintended pregnancies, they are denied their right to health.
“As a result, we see alarming and unacceptable rates of new HIV infections among adolescent girls and young women, particularly in Africa. When young people face judgmental health-care providers and other cultural barriers that effectively block their access to information and services, they are not realizing their right to health.

“Often for the most marginalized and alienated in society, remaining hidden for personal safety or because of anticipated disapproval is perceived as the best way to live a life free from violence. However, this often means they are deprived of life-saving prevention, diagnosis and treatment.

“UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has joined UNAIDS, the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS, to spearhead the Global HIV Prevention Coalition, working with governments, communities and partners to scale up prevention efforts in the most-affected countries and populations.

“We are working together to empower and protect our youth with knowledge through education. We are supporting and embracing vulnerable communities and key populations to enable them to access rights-based services and fulfill their potential.

“UNFPA calls on governments and communities to take the necessary steps to end stigma and discrimination as a cornerstone for ensuring the right to health for everyone. We must continue to promote inclusivity and tolerance so that, together, we can end AIDS by 2030.“

Nigerian Police Re-organizes Its Special Anti-Robbery Squad

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Africaprimenews

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05/12/2017

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By Amos Tauna

Kaduna ( Nigeria) – The Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police has been re – organized to operate based on International Core Value of Policing with integrity and in line with the rule of law.

Force Public Relations Officer, Moshood in a statement said the Inspector General of Police ordered the exercise which is in the public interest to reposition the Special Anti-Robbery Squad for more efficiency and effective service delivery to the people.

The reorganisation is coming from the out cry by Nigerians, who have used the social media to complain and criticise the manner and way the special police unit has been conducting itself.

According to the spokesman statement, there would be instant investigation into all the allegations, complaints and infractions levelled against the personnel of SARS across the country by the IGP X-Squad of the Force.

“The Nigeria Police Force has observed the recent trends of event in the Social Media on the #ENDSARSNOW and the controversy being generated by the innuendos from the allegations and other misconceptions as it concerns the Operational roles and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), a detachment of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Undoubtedly, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) have been doing very well in fighting violent crimes such as Armed Robbery, Kidnappings and Cattle Rustling in the country in the recent time and this has resulted in drastic reduction of incidents of the mentioned violent crimes nationwide.

“In the new arrangement, a Commissioner of Police is now the overall head of the Federal Anti-Robbery Squad nationwide under the Department of Operations, Force Headquarters Abuja.

“The Police Zonal Commands, State Commands and Divisions will continue to operate anti-crime units/sections, crime prevention and control squads and teams imperative to prevent and detect crimes and criminalities in their Area of Responsibilities, and other crack squads necessary to sustain law and order and protection of life and properties in their Area of responsibilities (AOR).

https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/11/09/crime/nigerian-police-arrest-parade-16-kidnap-robbery-suspects/

“Federal Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) will now exist and operate in the State and Zonal Commands under the Commissioner of Police (F-SARS) at the Force Headquarters.

“A Federal SARS Commander of a Rank of Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and not below Superintendent of Police (SP) will be in charge of FSARS in State and Zonal Commands across the Country. All Commissioners of Police have been directed by the Inspector General of Police to comply with this directive with immediate effect and warn their personnel not to pose as SARS operatives.

“The IGP X-Squad has been mandated to go round the Commands and Police Formations nationwide to ensure strict compliance and apprehend any erring police officer.

“Furthermore, a new training program to be organized by the Force in collaboration with some Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Local and International NGOs, and other Human Rights Organizations on core Police Duties, Observant of Human Rights and Handling, Care and Custody of Suspects have been directed by the Inspector General of Police for all Federal SARS personnel nationwide with immediate effect.

“However, aggrieved members of the public who have any complaint in the past or present of violation of their rights by any Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) personnel anywhere in the country are to report through any of the following channels for investigation and further actions.

“IGP X-SQUAD, 0902 690 0729 – CALLS, 0903 227 8905 – SMS, 0903 562 1377 – whatsapp and Email: integrityxsquad@gmail.com.

“Force Public Complaint Bureau; 07056792065 Calls/SMS/whatsapp, 08088450152 Calls/SMS/whatsapp and Email:bailisfree@gmail.com, pressforabuja@gmail.com.

“Twitter: @PoliceNG; www.facebook.com/ngpolice, Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU); 08057000001 – Calls Only, 08057000002 – Calls Only, 08057000003 – SMS & whatsapp only, Twitter: @PoliceNG_PCRRU and
www.facebook.com/PolicePCRRU.

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