Africa Prime News

-

21/12/2015

Nigeria’s AIDS Agency Says Kwara Has Lowest HIV Cases In The Country

National Agency for the Control of Aids (NACA) says Kwara is one of the states with lowest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the country.

NACA Chief Program Officer, Tajudeen Arowolo stated this at the opening of a Four-day Free Medical Outreach organized by the agency at Oja Tuntun, Boboko in Ilorin on Sunday.

Arowolo said that North Central geo political zone of the country was reputed to be the most endemic with the highest number of recorded cases of HIV. “This is because of the high cases recorded in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). “Out of the states in North Central, Kwara has the lowest rate of HIV cases and one of the lowest in the entire country”, Arowolo said.

He said NACA has carried out similar free medical outreaches in many states of the federation with huge success. He said NACA screened, tested and gave results to 4, 441 people in Kogi state out of the 5,000 targeted people. He said out of the 4, 441 people that were tested, only 19 women tested positive to the disease.

He said 19 people were immediately referred to health facilities nearest to their residence to commence free treatment. He said there had been remarkable decrease of HIV cases in Nigeria as a result of NACA’s regular outreach programs. According to him, NACA’s constant awareness campaign and sensitization have helped in controlling the spread of the disease in the country.

Arowolo attributed the success of the outreach to the strategies adopted by NACA, one of which he said was the inclusion of free medical treatment for other illnesses like malaria, cough and blood sugar level. He also said that all nursing or pregnant women that came for the test and treatment would be given free mosquito nets treated with insecticide.

He said 5, 000 people were expected to come forward for the free test and medical treatment in Ilorin.

Ibrahim Umoru, Executive Director of Good Health Educators Initiatives, an NGO appealed to all Nigerian adults to endeavor to know their HIV status. He said Nigeria had the second highest burden of HIV globally.

He said counseling and testing for HIV was one of the entry points for HIV intervention, but noted that Nigerians performed low in this regard – just over seven million Nigerians knew their HIV status out of over170 million people in the country.

“People should come out to be tested. Gone are the days when testing for HIV meant death sentence. “Today, HIV is a manageable disease if it is discovered early enough before it becomes full blown AIDS”, Umoru added.

Abdulkadir Abubakar, Kwara State Action for the Control of Aids (KWASACA) Project and Monitoring Officer said the prevalence of the disease in Kwara has reduced drastically. Abubakar attributed this feat to KWASACA’s sustained advocacy, sensitisation and awareness campaign against the disease and its management.

Tanzania: Public Officials Warned Against Funds Misuse

Africaprimenews

-

21/12/2015

0

Tanzania: Public Officials Warned Against Funds Misuse

Tanzanian public officials across the country have been told that they would face sack once they are found to have misused or embezzled public funds.

Tanzania’s Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, gave the warning on Sunday while addressing a public rally at the Ilulu Stadium in Lindi Municipality.

He said, “I warn all council’s executives, never dare to misuse or embezzle money sent to you by the government. Anyone who will be found to have embezzled public funds will be removed.”

Majaliwa pointed out that there are ample creams of young graduates roaming the streets looking for jobs while others in public service were not doing justice to the public.

“I want public servants to know that the Fifth Phase Government is determined to serving the people.

They are duty bound to listen to and serve the people well by addressing all the challenges facing them.”

He further thanked the gathering for their prayers while promising that, he would not let down President John Magufuli and Vice-President Ms Samia Suluhu Hassan for their confidence in him – by giving him such post to serve Tanzanians.

Speaking on government’s plans to develop the industrial sector in the country, he said that Lindi Region will soon get new investors in the gas subsector after the United Kingdom – based firm BG acquired ownership of Kikwetu area to build gas processing plants.

Majaliwa urged residents in the region to invest in the construction of hotels and guest houses so that by June 2016, participants of the Nane Nane Fair should not be inconvenienced by lack of accommodation as it has been the case in the past.

The Prime minister also tasked Lindi Regional Commissioner (RC), Jordan Rugimbana, to revive the Ilulu Stadium and restore its lost status when the ground was famous all over Southern regions.

“This stadium must be improved because it reminds me when I was playing for Amri Rangers in 1984. There was a thick ‘ukoka’ (grass) here.”

He suggested that the team to be appointed by the RC to revive the stadium should include the Mayor and Lindi Urban Member of Parliament.

Nigerian Muslims Killing: Governors Warn Military Not To Create Another Boko Haram

Governance

Africaprimenews

-

20/12/2015

0

Nigerian Muslims Killing: Governors Warn Military Not To Create Another Boko Haram

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) — Governors from Northern States of Nigeria Saturday warned the country’s Military authority not to create another Boko Haram insurgents in the nation, following a recent clash between army and members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria, also known as Shi’ite sect, in Zaria, which left many sect members death.

According to the governors, there is need to avert similar incident that gave birth to the Boko Haram insurgency in north-eastern part of the country.

Hundreds of Shi’ite sect members were killed by soldiers when the army stormed the house of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky in Zaria.

The 19 Northern Governors gathered in Kaduna, northwest nigeria for an emergency meeting on the incidence that occurred in last weekend.

Speaking during the meeting, Chairman of the forum and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima said they are not out to compare the Shi’ite sect with Boko Haram.

“We are here in connection with what happened in Zaria, first because the issue has to do with an Islamic group that has membership across the nineteen States in the north and beyond.

“We want to look at how to ensure that the incident does not provide room for anyone or group to perpetuate violence in any of the 19 northern States.

“We already have the serious problems of Boko Haram to contend with. We are not in any way comparing the Islamic Movement with Boko Haram, no. But we don’t want the same mistake that happened over the Boko Haram crisis to repeat itself.

“When Boko Haram went wild in July, 2009 with clashes between them and the police in Bauchi on 25th and 26th in Maiduguri, most Nigerians saw the issues as the problems of Bauchi and Borno. When they continued to attack Borno and Yobe, it became the affairs of Borno and Yobe States.

“All of a sudden, there was suicide attack in Abuja in 2012 and then everything went out of control and we are where we are today.

“So, like I said, we do not make any comparison between the murderously violent Boko Haram insurgents and the Islamic Movement, but we are here to analyze and ensure that we take measures that will close any avenue which some people may want to seize to create violence in the immediate, or long run,” he said.

The Governors forum also said they believe in the capability and competence of the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai to take necessary measures to address the incidence.

“We are very confident in the Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, his competence and character have never come under any doubt. Soon after the Zaria crisis, the Governor was at the scene and he spoke with leader of the Islamic Movement and met the Chief of Army Staff.

“He addressed the people of Kaduna State on Thursday, December 17, 2015 and the Government took some firm far reaching measures it considers necessary. Malam El-Rufai is the man on ground, he knows the subject matter more than us and he knows the steps he deems most suitable after his extensive consultations. So, we are not here to do his job.

“Kaduna is the socio-political heart of the northern Nigeria. Kaduna is to us, what Lagos is to the South West. What affects Kaduna State invariably affects the whole north. If you notice, we make it a duty to travel to Kaduna to hold our meeting instead of holding it in Abuja. Kaduna is the headquarters of the northern Nigeria but it will have that significance if we accord it the relevance it deserves. We have a duty to preserve history and our values by coming here.

“We will be briefed on the Zaria incident and we will compare thoughts analytically and extensively. We will also be looking any other matter that affects the well being of the north and we shall brief the media on issues that we don’t consider too security sensitive to make public,” he said.

The governor’s chairman further commend the media for being their partners in progress.

Governors at the meeting include Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa, Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, Abdul’aziz Abubakar Yari of Zamfara, Idris Wada of Kogi, Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi, and Kashim Shettima of Borno State among others.

Nigeria: El-Rufai Tasks Army On Conduct, Respect For Rule Of Law, Human Rights

Africaprimenews

-

19/12/2015

0

Nigeria: El-Rufai Tasks Army On Conduct, Respect For Rule Of Law, Human Rights

By Bashir Adisa

Kaduna (Nigeria) — Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, northwest Nigeria, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army on the need to uphold highest standard of conduct, respect for rule of law and human rights in the discharge of their service to the nation.

El-Rufai stated this at the pass-out graduation ceremony of the Junior Course 80/2015, of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, AFCSC, Jaji, Kaduna.

He urged the officers to brace up likely challenges with courage, conviction and in the most professional manner.

Represented by his Deputy, Arch. Barnabas Bala Bantex, Governor El-Rufai said the officers must leave up to expectation as much is expected from them by their superiors, respective military units, organizations and countries.

According to him, “As the Federal Government continues to vigorously pursue the change agenda, you should take note that much more will be demanded of the military. Our actions particularly during the ongoing counter insurgency operations is crucial and must be guided by the Armed Forces act, standing operating procedures or rules of engagement as the case maybe.

“Our inactions on the other hand would really be dependent on sense of judgment, appreciation and decision making skills.

“It is therefore pertinent that you always conduct yourself in a manner befitting of an officer and a gentleman when discharging your duties in line with global best practices.

“You must uphold the highest standards of conduct vis-a-vis character, integrity, excellence, service and teamwork as well as respecting rule of law and human rights in your service to the nation.

“You will be held to these standards not just as ambassadors of the Armed Forces but also as products of this prestigious institution of professional military education,” he said.

Earlier, in his welcome address, AFCSC Commandant, AVM Suleiman Abubakar Dambo said the college has laid a solid professionalism foundation for the officers which they must build on through self development efforts and repositioning for the tasks ahead especially in defeating the insurgency in the North East.

“The college has equipped you how to cope with most challenges you are likely going to face in the field. As you go back to the field, you would be required to combine practical exigencies with the staff and leadership skills that you have been taught,” he said.

A total of 175 officers which comprises of 89 Nigerian Army, 45 (Navy), 26 (Air Force), 11 (Non-military) and 4 allied officers from Republic of Gambia, Ghana, Niger and Zambia were graduated.

Nigeria: APC National Leader Calls For Immediate Removal of Fuel Subsidy

News

Africaprimenews

-

19/12/2015

0

Nigeria: APC National Leader Calls For Immediate Removal of Fuel Subsidy

By Longtong Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) – The All Progressive Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for the immediate removal of fuel subsidy, saying ‘now’ is the right time for President Mohammadu Buhari to consider its removal.

Tinubu said its removal will be of benefit to the economy and the generality of the Nigerian masses.

He stated this while making a keynote address at the 10th memorial anniversary of late Bala Usman, organized by the Centre for Democratic Development and Research Training in Kaduna, Friday.

The APC national leader who was also a former governor of Lagos state noted that if Bala Usman was to be alive, he would have equally called for an immediate removal of the subsidy, adding that, what he is saying is not a mere talk, but “It is a call to action.”

He said, “In a perfect world, I wish we could sanitize the subsidy regime and thus continue with it.

“However, I have reached the conclusion that there are too many demons in the system for that hell to be turned into heaven.

Tinubu further pointed out that, it is now time for the beginning of the process of a thoughtful but decisive subsidy phase-out; where the funds used for subsidy could serve better when channeled into social and developmental programs.

“It is better that we remove it, not for the austere purpose of saving money but to use the money more wisely that we might better save the people. Let us begin a process of a thoughtful, but decisive subsidy phase-out.

“While this is occurring, we should simultaneously phase in social programs benefiting the poorest, most vulnerable among us.

“Programs such as transportation subsidies, school feeding, improved basic medical care and coverage for the poor, and potable water projects are some of the things that can be done with the same funds.

“This way we can undertake this massive expenditure confident that the fruits will go to the hungry, not the already too well fed.

“End the fuel subsidy and subsidize the people instead,” he stressed.

Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi in a remarks charged Nigerians to eschew parochial sentiments and work towards building a Nigeria where there is justice for all; while describing the lessons the late Usman left as something worth emulating.

“In life, if you are at all committed to struggle, struggle only has meaning if it is against injustice and oppression. Any other struggle is meaningless, fighting for ethnicity, starting needless and mindless religious wars, struggle for spores of power, none of those are worth it.”

The Katsina state governor who was also the chairman of the occasion, Aminu Bello Masari decribed the late Usman as a ‘symbol of struggle’ who has not be forgotten 10 years after because of the views he held aimed improving the lives of a common man.

Earlier in his welcome address, Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai described late Usman as someone who cared about ordinary people who spent his life fighting for the common man.

He said, “He gave everything he had, his intellect, his resources to advance the life of the downtrodden in Nigeria, this is why we are very proud of him.”

Bala Usman was the Head of Department (HOD), history, at ABU in the early 70s, and was later appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG) under the administration of former governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa in the late 70s.

Nigerian Government Warn Against Boko Haram Abductions Plans

News

Africaprimenews

-

18/12/2015

0

Nigerian Government Warn Against Boko Haram Abductions Plans

Abuja (Nigeria) – The Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed has warned that Boko Haram terrorists who have been put on the run by the military are planning another sensational abduction of pupils/students and foreigners in a desperate effort to raise funds, through ransom for food, medical and arms supply.

This was made known in a statement issued to pressmen in Abuja, Friday. He said the planned abduction is in line with the terrorists’ new modus operandi of focusing on soft targets, having being routed from their stronghold and their capacity to stage spectacular attacks substantially degraded.

Mohammed said while the largely defeated terrorists have now concentrated their attacks on soft targets, like motor parks, schools and entertainment centers, they have been decimated to a level that they are now incapable of staging spectacular attacks like they used to do.

”The kidnap of the Chibok girls in 2014, which attracted global attention to the terrorist group, is what it is now trying to repeat, hoping it can find vulnerable targets, especially schools, or a group of foreigners outside the frontline states.

”The plan by Boko Haram is also part of an overall strategy by the terrorists to seek to negatively impact on the psyche of the gallant troops who have routed them (terrorists) from their stronghold and also give the impression that they have not been largely defeated by the December 2015 deadline given by this Administration to effectively degrade the insurgency in the North-east.

”This is why we have decided to issue this alert to enable the authorities of both public primary and secondary schools in remote locations, particularly in the Northern states, to upgrade security arrangements.

”It is also aimed at alerting the general public, operators of hotels and entertainment centers, motor parks and similar facilities to also upgrade their security arrangements for the holidays,” the Minister stressed.

He assured that the Federal Government will build on the successes recorded by the military, to further degrade the capability of Boko Haram.

”Smoked out of their hideouts and badly bruised by our gallant military, the Boko Haram terrorists are desperate, especially in the face of the depletion of their food supplies. In their desperation, they will not hesitate to embark on actions they feel can still make them relevant or enhance their survival. But the military is ready and able to prevent that,” he noted.

South Sudan Increases Fuel Prices Amid Further Devaluation Of Local Currency

News

Africaprimenews

-

18/12/2015

0

South Sudan Increases Fuel Prices Amid Further Devaluation Of Local Currency

(JUBA) – South Sudan’s state-owned Nile Petroleum company has announced that the recent decision by the Central Bank of South Sudan has forced them to impose new higher prices of fuel, increasing the retail sale three times higher to 22 South Sudanese pounds (SSP) per litre.

“You are all kindly notified effectively today the, 17th December, 2015 Nilepet new fuel rates shall be as follows: 1. Whole Salve rate (one truck) is 20 SSP per litre; 2. Depot is 21 SSP per litre; 3. Retail rate is 22 SSP per litre,” Nilepet said in a circular sent out on Thursday, a copy of which obtained by Sudan Tribune.

The instructions to increase the fuel prices was sent out to all fuel station managers in the country by Chol D. T Abel, the director general of downstream Nilepet.

The new development comes only three days since South Sudan central bank announced free floating of the South Sudanese pounds against foreign currencies, prompting further devaluation of the South Sudanese pounds with 20 SSP to 1 US dollar in the banks.

South Sudanese top officials of the central bank and the ministry of finance and economic planning said they were forced to float the currency due to lack of US dollars in the reserve and the decrease in oil production because of the two-year old violent conflict in the country.

Before the 15 December 2013 war erupted the official rate of the exchange was 2.9 SSP per 1 dollar and the price of fuel was only 6 SSP per litre, which has now jumped to 20 per litre according to the new announcement.

“Please note this change has been sparked by the Central Bank of the Republic of South Sudan,” Nilepet official Chol further explained to the public in his order on Thursday.

Following announcement of realignment of local currency exchange rates, fuel stations and other shops remained closed in Juba and other major towns for the last three days, prompting the Nilepet management to act.

However, the decision of the central bank has been welcomed by several international economists and think-tanks organizations in Juba, particularly due to the fact that those who poses dollars, such as international organizations will buy dollars at ease with high rate.

“South Sudan’s decision to float its currency is much welcome, in light of deteriorating oil prices and the exhaustion of reserves,” said International Growth Centre (IGC), a London-based research group working in South Sudan in a statement on Thursday.

Keith Jefferis, an IGC Consultant and former deputy governor of the Central Bank in Botswana said “the exchange rate is arguably the most important price in an economy especially for an open economy country like South Sudan, and maintaining the fixed exchange rate was clearly unsustainable.”

Jefferis had authored an IGC report for the government of South Sudan in October.

The limited supply of United States dollars from the Central Bank has meant that only a few people could access dollars at the official rate of 3 SSP to the dollar, while the vast majority of the people were left to source dollars in the black market at a rate nearly six times the official rate.

The differential access to dollars at the official rate distorts the market, and created an opportunity for those with access to dollars at the official rate to engage in “round tripping,” IGC said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Richard Newfarmer, country director of the IGC’s programme in South Sudan, said that allowing the banks to buy and sell dollars at market rates will free more dollars, benefiting more those who posses dollars.

“People who have dollars will now be willing to exchange their dollars through the banks, thereby allowing the banks to meet the needs of their customers, including importers and individuals with dollar deposits,” said Newfarmer.

It is not clear if the government will also issue prices for other commodities in the market after releasing the price of the fuel.

The sudden fuel price increase seems to be the first bite among expected “shocks” in the market due to the floating of the exchange rate.

Nigeria: El-Rufai Bans Procession On Highways, Public Facilities

Africaprimenews

-

18/12/2015

0

Nigeria: El-Rufai Bans Procession On Highways, Public Facilities

By Mohammad Ibrahim

Kaduna (Nigeria) — Governor Nasiru El-Rufai of Kaduna State has issued a warning saying no person or group, under any guise will be allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy public facilities or inconvenience citizens in the State.

He also said a judicial commission of inquiry is to be established to look into last Saturday’s security clash in Zaria, between Shi’ites and Army.

Speaking in a broadcast, the governor said the composition and terms of reference of the commission of inquiry will be announced within two weeks.

He assured the people of the state that the government is committed to securing the state and upholding the rights of every citizen.

“We have witnessed sad events in Zaria. There have been tragic consequences and needless loss of lives, and we extend our condolences to the families that have been affected.

“Henceforth, no person or group, under any guise will be allowed to block any road, obstruct public highways, occupy public facilities or inconvenience citizens in Kaduna State.

“Anybody that needs to march may do so, but they cannot take over public facilities or disrupt social services and commercial activities in Kaduna State, and any march or procession can be undertaken only with the prior knowledge of, and protection of the police to prevent the breakdown of law and order,” he warned.

The commission of inquiry is to be set up under the Tribunals of Inquiry Act. It will examine the immediate and remote causes of the Zaria incident, and assemble a factual and authoritative account that the government can study and act upon.

The governor further added that he will not tolerate any escalation of lawlessness, insisting that “the government continues to invest heavily in security as a foundation for the successful execution of our economic and social agenda to develop Kaduna State.

“We all should jointly say no to actions that divide people, reject conduct that ignores or violates the legal and constitutional rights of others and oppose practices that contest the prerogatives of state institutions to safeguard and protect every citizen.”He said.

He explained that Kaduna State is persuaded that the interests of accountability and transparency are best served by a judicial commission of inquiry that will allow all claims to be tested with judicial rigour.

The governor reassured citizens that they can go about their normal activities, but he urged vigilance and prompt reporting of any suspicions.

“Let us all redouble our commitment to sustaining the peace, and to uphold each other in our God-given humanity.”

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Africa Prime News.

Currency Exchange Rates

Africa Prime News.

About us

Company

The latest

Subscribe

Africa Prime News