LSG, NCF walk for nature on Saturday : calls for efforts to end climate change

 

The Lagos State Government has emphasized the critical role of partnerships between government, private sector, and non-governmental organizations in addressing Nigeria's environmental challenges and ensuring a sustainable future.

Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab made this assertion at a press conference announcing the 'Walk for Nature' rally, an annual event organised by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, NCF, and his Ministry.

This year's programme will begin at the Onikan Stadium, Lagos Island, on Saturday, October 19th, 2024.

Mr Wahab stressed the need for collaborative efforts to tackle climate change, flooding, and biodiversity loss, highlighting the rally's alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 17.

"The Nigerian Conservation Foundation has since 2008 been in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to enlighten the citizenry of the importance of environmental protection and conservation through the Walk for Nature Programme.

"The programme is in line with Sustainable Development Goal number 17, that a successful Sustainable Development Agenda requires partnership between governments, the private sector and civil society,

"The collaboration has helped in no small measure in promoting environmental awareness and advocacy on conservation matters in the States.

" This collaboration has been going on for the past 18 years, and we have observed the programme every third Saturday in October.

" The theme for this year is coming from the theme of the World Environment Day 2024 theme- that is Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience, with the slogan, our land, our future", said Wahab.

"The event over the years, has created a great deal of consciousness among residents on the Island, which is one of the 5 divisions of Lagos State, and has been diversified to various governments in the years. This year's programme will be commemorated with a 3km walk that will take off from Onikan stadium", he added.

The Commissioner pointed out that the protection and conservation of the 78 hectares of wetland in Lekki by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation has helped immensely in the mitigation of climate change as he pledged the government's continued partnership with the foundation.

He employed Lagosians and organisations to identify with the Walk for Nature rally on Saturday, 19th October,2 24, saying "We must ensure that all individuals, communities and organisations engage proactively in the awareness campaign and advocacy focusing on greening Lagos and protecting our ecological balance.

"Let us all be assured that the state government will not relent in our efforts and commitment to the Sustainable Developmental Goals. I therefore invite you all to join us and participate in the exercise as well as adopt a renewed sense of purpose".

Wahab appealed to the media to amplify calls for environmental awareness and pledged the state government's commitment to enforcing regulations.

Dr Joseph Onoja, NCF Director General, emphasised the collective responsibility of environmental protection and urged the Lagos State government to prioritise wetland conservation and implement the 25% land allocation for greening policy.

Onoja explained that the theme of the Walk for Nature rally underscores the need for immediate actions against the worsening impacts of climate change and associated disasters.

He admitted that "The state government has been very supportive of the things that we do, especially under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Wahab.

"Under your leadership, we've seen a lot of proactive measures that have been taking place. And so it is time for us to collaborate and continue to create awareness about what we have at hand, especially this year's Walk for Nature which has the same theme as World Environment Day.

" We continue to call people's attention to what is happening in terms of land restoration, which happens to be the decade of ecosystem restoration, according to the UN which is why we need to continue to call people's attention to that reality that when you talk about land restoration, ecosystem service protection or environmental conservation, You're talking about human conservation, because the environment will always conserve itself. That is why this programme has created an opportunity for us to bring that awareness so that together, not just those of us who are in the environment sector, every citizen of Lagos State, every citizen of Nigeria, will be able to put hands together so that We'll be able to protect nature and nature in turns will protect us.

"This year's theme, Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience calls our attention to the fact that we are living in a precarious time, especially when it comes to how our climate is changing. And we are happy with the partnership we have with the Lagos state government". There are some very tough decisions that need to be taken. But those tough decisions are for the betterment of everyone", Onoja said.

The event drew high-level attendees, including directors from various agencies and departments under the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources, permanent secretaries, and Uchenna Achunine, Director of Business Development and Communication at the NCF.

Show cancer patients some love: LUTH CMD urges Oncologists.

Healthcare professionals in Oncology have been changed to treat patients with cancer the way they would like to be treated if they are found in such a situation.

 

Chief Medical Director at Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Professor Wasiu Lanre Adeyemo stated this at the opening of a 3-day capacity building on Psycho-Oncology for cancer experts drawn from specialists and Teaching Hospitals across the South West in Lagos.

 

The capacity-building programme was organized by the National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, (NICRAT).

 

Professor Adeyemo explained that the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu has given the Ministry of Health a mandate to take the issues of cancer diagnosis more seriously in other to reduce death rates due to cancer problems in the country.

 

According to him, five years ago cancer center was established at Lagos University more like a partnership between LUTH and Minister Aid.” we have attended to more than twelve thousand patients”.

 

CMD said “Cancer is no respect of any age, there are cancer In children and some of the cancers occur at a later age, so the diagnosis of cancer and the breaking of the news all over the world is very challenging.

 

“As we are developing capacity in diagnosis we must also develop capacity in breaking bad news”.

 

He said it is very important to give cancer healthcare professionals in oncology pace the necessary knowledge to be able to break bad news.

 

While delivering a presentation on breaking bad news, Radiation and Psycho-Oncologist Lead Team NICRAT, Dr. Foluke Sarimiye explained that the Psycho-Oncology workshop which focused on breaking bad news, is going on in the six geo-political zones of the country.

 

Dr Sarimiye said the program is important because of the need for health care professionals particularly the oncologists to develop clinical emphatic skills in knowing how to navigate emotions the patients are going through when they are diagnosed with cancer.

 

She said “Psycho-oncology is a sub-specialist that deals with psycho socio issues bordering on cancer diagnosis, how it affects the healthcare professionals that is, the oncologists and everyone working on oncology pace.

 

The Doctor who pointed out that the diagnosis of cancer globally and nationally is very huge said that different strides have been taken by the Ministry of Health to make sure that the burden of cancer is reduced in the country.

 

“The feedback we expect after this training is that some oncologists healthcare professionals will be properly equipped with clinical and emphatic communication skills to navigate the emotions that cancer patients present”. Dr Sarimiye

Reps sets October 24 for Public Hearing on Nigeria Wildlife Protection Bill...Urges active participation of Nigerians.

The House of Representatives has been urged to demonstrate a stronger commitment to the protection and conservation of endangered species in the country for posterity by expedition legislative actions on the Wild Protection Bill.

Three local and international organizations made the call in a joint statement made available to environment correspondents in Lagos.

The organizations are Africa Nature Investors Foundation, the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK, and Wild Africa.

Their call comes as the Public Hearing on the Endangered Species Conservation and Protection Bill, 2024 has been scheduled for October 24, 2024.

The Bill seeks to address wildlife trafficking, and habitat destruction and proposes strict penalties for offenders in the country.

Championed by Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Environment, the Bill tackles pressing challenges such as illegal wildlife trade, conservation of species, and the decline of Nigeria’s precious wildlife and their habitats.

It also seeks to improve the capabilities of law enforcement agencies, give investigators more powers to look into financial matters and conduct operations guided by intelligence, and enable judges to speed up wildlife cases and recover assets.

Additionally, it aligns with international treaties, encourages global cooperation, and introduces stricter penalties for poachers and traffickers.

According to Hon. Terseer Ugbor, “Protecting our wildlife means protecting livelihoods and ensuring a balanced ecosystem and we can’t allow wildlife trafficking to continue to threaten our natural heritage, said Hon. Ugbor.

“This hearing will provide a platform for everybody to voice their opinions on this vital issue. We urge everyone to participate in this vital conversation”, he added.

The public hearing will be held jointly by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Treaties, Protocols, and Agreements and its Committee on the Environment.

The Bill has garnered significant support from Africa Nature Investors Foundation (ANI), the London-based Environmental Investigation Agency UK (EIA), and the Wild Africa (WA) as well as others which have been actively supporting the Nigerian government’s efforts to combat wildlife trafficking, with support from the US Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, the UK Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund and the Pangolin Crisis Fund.

NUJ plays host to two Governors as it celebrates media legends in Lagos.

All roads lead to the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Thursday, October 17, 2024, for the third edition of the Milestone Recognition of Media Icons in Nigeria.

The event by the National Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) under the leadership of Chief Chris Isiguzo, MFR, seeks to celebrate successful media professionals who have made a mark in the pen profession.

In a statement, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Otunba Gbenga Onayiga, said the event is a clear departure from the norm because the seasoned professionals are being celebrated while alive and not when they are no more.

He noted that 'NUJ was committed to encouraging professionalism in the media industry while urging well-to-do Nigerians to invest in the media space'.

' The Governor of Katsina State, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON and his counterpart in Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno are Special Guests of Honour'. Onayiga

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi is the Chairman of the occasion.

Veteran journalists listed for this year’s honour are former Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Obong Moses Ekpo, MFR, Pa Felix Adenaike, Dr Ladan Salihu, Ms Comfort Obi, Dr Yemi Farounbi, Dr Haroun Adamu, Professor Tonnie Iredia, Professor Umar Pate and Mrs Bisi Amagada.

Others include Comrade Ini Ememobong, Mallam Yakub Mohammed, Mr Dan Agbese, Dr Eddie Iroh, Mr Lade Bonuola, Mr Nosa Igiebor, Mrs Toun Okewale Sonaiya, Mrs Comfort Umanah, HRH Eze Geo Anika, Chief Dare Babarinsa, Pa Jola Ogunlusi and Usman Shuaibu Leman.

UNICEF admonishes girls as Nigeria marks day of the girl child.

" Being a girl shouldn’t determine what you can do, where you can go, or who you can become, ". 

The United Nations Children's Fund, UNICEF, gave the admonition in a message to the year 2024 International Day of the Girl Child celebrated on October 11 every year.

The Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for South-West Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, reached out to girls about this year’s event and said that right now, it is the reality for millions of girls across the world. 

' Too many are being left behind, confronted by extreme challenges that deny them their rights, restrict their choices, and limit their future'.     

According to her, the day is a key global moment to celebrate girls and amplify their voices, actions, and leadership, noting that, the day also belongs to everyone who cares about girls and taking action to advocate the full spectrum of girls’ rights. 

 ' Today, one in five young women aged between 20 and 24 years were married as children, Nearly one in four partnered/married adolescent girls have experienced sexual or physical abuse '. Lafoucriere

The report says globally, 75% of new HIV infections among adolescents occur in girls. , with one in three adolescent girls suffering from anaemia, which is a form of malnutrition.

She expressed dismay that, Almost double the number of adolescent girls, (one in four ) compared to boys are not in any form of education, employment, or training.

Lafoucriere points out that, although change is possible, girls alone cannot bring about the desired change.' They need allies who listen to and respond to their needs—like you and me. Together, we can build a future in which every girl's rights are protected.'

 Evidence shows that girls' potential is limitless with the right support, resources, and opportunities worldwide.  

She said and quote, 'When girls achieve their goals, we all move closer to achieving our global goals '. 

This year’s theme ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future” is apt, because It reflects the findings from a UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges but hopeful for the future. 

' We see girls taking action every day to realize the vision of a world where all girls are protected, respected, and empowered '. Lafoucriere stated

Make the change we desire: NICRAT DG tell participants at cancer training.

A three - day training on cervical cancer and referral for primary and secondary health workers in South - West Zone is in progress in Lagos, with a call on participants to get the best from the workshop so they can cascade the knowledge to others when they go back to their facilities. 

The Director General, NICRAT, Professor Usman Aliyu made the call at during a capacity building taking place simultaneously in the six geo - political Zones, to train Oncologists and key stakeholder on cancer prevention, control, efficient care and treatment.

" Hence the reason for the three - day training which is being done simultaneously in the six - Geopolitical Zones of the country so that, they can unlearn and tell their family about the need to regularly check themselves especially women ". he noted

According to him, " the meeting will also discuss cancer in all ramifications, identify challenges, vis - a - vis vaccine acceptability, attitude of patients, government efforts and the way forward ".

In terms of treatment, Dr Aliyu said, presently, there are free treatment for cervical cancer in all the six- Geo political Zones of the country, and in at least Six facilities, adding that, there are plans to increase the number.

Professor Aliyu noted that, the training will build the capacity of the health care providers on the techniques of early detection and referral of cervical cancer cases in their facilities, to reduce the growing burden of the disease at all levels of care.

One of the Facilitators, a Consultant Gynecologist, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Dr Olutosin Awolude, noted that, 

cervical cancer is the second commonest cancer in women and kills faster than breast cancer. 

" we can stop those things that will lead to cancer, the Human Papilloma virus is what causes cancer and as human beings, at one time or the other in life, we have come across this virus but most bodies takes care of it although not everyone is lucky but you cannot know unless they screen".

According to him, the burden is so large in Nigeria, nothing that, cervical cancer will be a thing of the past because, it is one hundred percent preventable, If the right actions are taken.

He stated that, the Federal government has put in place a Cancer Health Fund, CHF, " With that fund, a patient can receive treatment to the tune of one million naira (1 million naira )

for a start and can be increased whenever the need arises".

Also known as, Cancer of the mouth or the neck of the womb,  Professor Awolude expressed dismay that, people present cases at stages three and four when nothing can be done. 

He urged members of the public to avail themselves of the opportunity as the era of people dying cheaply has gone. " Avail yourselves information from the right sources, go for checkups regularly as early detection save lives ".

 " Once there are enough awareness at the grassroots, training, knowing the causes of cervical cancer and avoiding it what can lead to reduction in cervical cancer cases in the next fifteen years, adding that, other form of prevention is, vaccination especially to girls between the ages of 9 to 14 years.

Dr Ajibike Oresanya, a Consultant Clinical Oncologist, Federal Medical Center, FMC, Ebute Metta, Lagos, assured members of the public that, FMC screens and give vaccination, offer chemotherapy as well as surgical treatment now for those with early cervical cancer. 

She pointed out that, FMC is building chemotherapy center that will have a comprehensive cancer center where all cancer patients including cervical cancer can have their treatment in one place.

" Causes of cervical cancer is infection with the Human Papilloma Virus, the major strain is associated with cervical cancer is HPV 16 and 18, things that may increase the risk of a women being infected with HPV are, indulgence in early sex, having multiple sexual partners, multiple pregnancies, HIV because it increases the chances. nothing that,  " the time of progression to cervical cancer is between fifteen to twenty years, but with patients with HIV the time is short such that they may develop cervical cancer in five to ten years, poverty also increases the chances as  they do some risky things to survive " he stated.

Dr Oresanya enumerated the Symptoms of cervical cancer to include, heavy bleeding, bleeding after sexual intercourse with their husband, foul smelling virginal discharge.  

Others are, " lower abdominal pain, back pain as some may spread to other parts of the body, abdominal swelling, yellowness of the eyes, difficulty in breathing and inability to control their urine and faces at advanced stage' she stressed 

Dr Bolanle Adegboyega, a Clinician Oncologist, at NSIA LUTH, Cancer Center explained that, training was necessary because cervical cancer burden is on the increase. 

"  We issues with treatment, facilities and no funds, it's actually a problem, so the essence of the train people to be able to screen in their locality so that " Government has rolled out a vaccine for the benefit of girls from age 9 to 14 years. 

She said and I quote - " We are training them to go and be a change agent in their locality to also be able to empower people that they are working with and from there, focus on the primary and secondary health care because they work at the grassroots ", so they can avoid using drugs for Malaria to treat HIV.   

and to be able to know the early signs and recognize it, to be able to treat and where they cannot they should be able to navigate and refer whenever the need arises.

Dr Bolanle pointed out that, Although, " we are waking up late it is better late than never, " I believe the programme will cover much more so that the people in the interior can know the basic signs, to enable them to detect early and take necessary action. 

The theme of the training is " Close the Care Gaps, Cervical Cancer Screening and referral".

Kellyrae Wins BBN Season 9 ‘No Loose Guard’ Finale.

Kellyrae, also known as Kingsley Oritsetimeyin, has emerged as the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 9, themed "No Loose Guard." After 72 days of intense competition, drama, and alliances, Kellyrae secured 35% of the public votes to claim victory on October 6, 2024. He narrowly defeated the runner-up, Wanni, who garnered 32% of the votes. As the season's champion, Kellyrae walked away with a ₦60 million cash prize, an SUV worth ₦40 million, and several other exciting rewards .

The season, which premiered on July 24, 2024, started with 14 housemates, who paired up in dynamic teams to battle for survival. The final eight housemates were Kellyrae, Wanni, Victoria, Onyeka, Ozee, Sooj, Nelly, and Anita. In the last stages of the competition, Sooj was the first to be evicted from the final group, followed by Anita, Ozee, Nelly, Victoria, and Onyeka, leaving Kellyrae and Wanni to battle it out in the grand finale. 

Hosted by the popular Chukwuebuka Obi-Uchendu, the final episode was a star-studded event with performances by top Nigerian artistes Joeboy and Qing Madi, who added to the electric atmosphere of the night. Kellyrae’s unique blend of charm, strategic gameplay, and relatability endeared him to viewers, earning him the title and rewards .

This season was packed with twists, alliances, and memorable moments, making it one of the most exciting in the history of Big Brother Naija .