Sign language communication is a guiding light to the deaf - Lalu

The Executive Secretary National Commission for Persons with Disabilities, Mr. James David Lalu has insisted that Sign Language communication is very central to the lives of the Deaf and Hard of hearing.

 

The ES disclosed this recently during a parley with the Authorities of Federal University of Lafia, in Lafia, Nassarawa State.  

 

According to Lalu the Commission will establish a uniform module of Sign language communication to be used all over the country which he said differs in different parts of the world.

 

“Sign language communication gives the Deaf the ability to connect to the world, and it is our resolve in the Commission to connect the school with experts for more studies and research in various fields of Disabilities studies, especially on sign language communication” he said.

 

He explained that a memorandum is already with the Federal Executive Council awaiting approval in order to vest Sign language communication as the second linquafranca in Nigeria.

 

"Sign language communication has taken a central dimension that it has prompted the federal government to mandate the Commission to employ about 200 sign Language interpreters who will be deployed to different MDAs especially the Judiciary, Institutions of learning and the Media”

 

While appreciating the school for establishing the Department of Special Education, the ES pledged the willingness of the Commission to partner with the institution in all fasciae in order to improve the lives of Persons with Disabilities in Nigeria.

 

He however, opined that the Department would inspire more considerations and attract more integrated courses prepared for academic studies if it is transformed to Centre for Disability Studies which he believes is more encompassing.

 

Furthermore, the Executive Secretary divulged that he has involved interests from California State University, United States of America to partner with FULafia to appraise the curriculum of the school and mobilize resources for more programmes, especially on Sign language Communication and interpretation.

Lalu however promised that in no distant time, the Commission will interface with TETfund to access Special Education Intervention grant in order to equip the school in building more disability friendly facilities.

 

The ES similarly called for the review of policy administration of the school towards accommodating the needs of Persons with Disabilities which will see that the school gives admissions to the right individuals with disabilities and to employ qualified PWDs putting Sections 28 and 29 of the Disability Act into perception.

 

In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the University Professor Shehu Abdul Rahman said that the school is delighted to welcome the interest of the Commission to partner with the Institution to establish the Center for Disability Studies for the North Central Geo Political Zone.

 

He further expressed willingness to adhere strictly on 5 percent employment opportunities for PWDs and disclosed that two non-academic and one academic PWDs have already been engaged by the school.

 

He expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari led administration for the establishment of the Commission and for the choice of David Lalu whom he described as the right bolt in the right hovel as the Executive Secretary of the Commission.

Commonwealth Day: Peace And Reconciliation Centre Awards Deserving Nigerians

The advanced peace and reconciliation Centre of Nigeria organization has celebrated the 2022 Commonwealth Day with an induction and presentation of awards to deserving Nigerians who have championed the course of Peace and conflict resolution in their various fields and domains across the country and the world at large.

The program which had a representative of the Queen of England, Peace ambassadors from the commonwealth from member nations in attendance with the theme Delivering a common Future, Connecting, Innovating and transforming took place at the merit House maitama Abuja

Ambassador Okocha Morgan Chairman and Ambassador Jessica Tar National President of APRCN in their separate remarks while advocating on the need for world peace enumerated the variouse reasons for belonging to the commonwealth which the duo said is the willingness to share, exchange, act for the common good by including and transforming others, drawing on collective insights knowledge, resources and working together to lay the foundation for a harmonious and progressive society 

Fielding questions from Journalists at the event Mr Ebikiseye Johnny from Bayelsa State and DG of Tinubu Vanguard who received an eminent Ambassador award said peace should begin from the home front that without peace in the family that transcends to the community and society there will be no peace in the world and called on all especially Bayelsans to embrace peace at all times.

‘‘I am an ijaw man and Bayelsa is relatively known for peace some where around the early 90s we had some unrest but for some time now Bayelsa has been a peaceful state but I still want to reemphasis and reiterate the need for Bayelsan to give peace a chance, when the society is peaceful it gives birth to many other things like investors and companies to come and establish in Bayelsa state and create jobs for our youths  and make a better society for our people to reside in the state beginning from the home front to the apex of the society’’ he said

He however dedicated his award to all Nigerians who embrace peace. 

Other categories of awards were the UN Eminent Ambassador award, Doctorial/ Honourary award, Chartered/ Fellow award amongst others.

IWD: Manipal Hospitals Promotes A Healthy Life Span In Women

Women have always been known to be caretakers of the family. She does everything for the good of her loved ones. They spend more time taking care of others than themselves. In commemoration of the International Women Day, experts deliberate on the healthcare needs of women throughout her lifespan at a webinar organized by Manipal Hospitals.

 

 

It is no longer news that women are exposed to some exclusive health concerns, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, menopause, and pregnancy related issues among others. Women suffer higher heart attack deaths compared to men. Depression and anxiety exhibit more frequently among female patients. Urinary tract conditions present more often in females, and sexually transmitted diseases can cause more harm to women.

 

Women are the ones who always keep the family healthy, but she has different health needs throughout each stage of her life. Balancing a career and a family is extremely stressful, where women have to go back to work to balance the family expenses, women may suffer from various health issues throughout their lives. It is important for them to take care of their health at every stage of life, from regular health problems to severe problems.

 

Also, a woman's health is influenced by her personal biology as well as her sociocultural, economic, and physical surroundings. These factors have an impact on the overall quality of their lives. A woman’s well-being is the most important factor above all. At various phases of their lives, women suffer from a variety of healthcare challenges. it’s very important for them to priorities their health. While much has been said about this, their health has not received the attention they deserve as we break the bias because women deserve a healthy life span.

 

With various new technologies emerging to assist care providers in treating women’s health conditions Manipal Hospitals provides comprehensive curative and preventive care for a multitude of patients from around the globe including women. Also, Manipal Hospitals felicitated doctors to address key health issues super women face in their lifetime, providing a basic overview of lifestyle medicine, nutrient-rich diet, exercise, stress resilience, sleep, and high-quality connections in the care of women across the lifespan.

Speaking on the women’s healthcare needs Mr. Karthik Rajagopal, Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals said, “Every woman, from a little girl to an elderly woman, suffers from several health challenges throughout her life. This webinar is an attempt by Manipal Hospitals to encourage women of every age group to understand the importance of their health and to start a conversation around women's wellbeing. Manipal Hospitals believes that every woman deserves to live a healthy and happy life.”

 

The discussion was chaired by leading specialist such as Dr. Bhaskar Shenoy - Consultant , Paediatrics, Dr. Supraja Chandrasekar-  Consultant ,Paediatric Intensivist & Prof. Dr. Somashekhar S P, Chairman & Hod Surgical Oncology – Manipal Hospital and Consultant Surgical & Gynaec Oncology & Robotic Surgeon, Hipec Super Specialist, Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Center; Dr. Yugalkishore Mishra, Chief Of Clinical Services, Head Of Cardiac Sciences And Chief Cardio Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Tasneem Nishah Shah - Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Dr. Karthik Prabhakar, Hod & Consultant - Diabetes & Endocrinology, Dr. C S Narayanan VSM Consultant -Neurology & Dr. Ashish Nandwani Consultant - Nephrology And Renal Transplant.

 

Good health for women is more than just a concept, it’s a lifelong commitment to mindful action. Making healthy lifestyle changes at any time, whether you’re in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, can help you avoid chronic illness and slow down the aging process, inside and out. 

 

We cannot deny the fact that the pressure is real and a lot of women are exposed to life threatening situations, however, women are encouraged to be physically active more often, make sleep a top priority, improve your diet by paying attention to what you’re eating, eating healthy doesn't mean boring or bland food. On the contrary, it can mean fresh and fun flavors, colorful appetizing plates, and a whole new world of ingredients you've never tried before and finally advised to escape the monotony of daily routine.

 

By paying attention to your health as a woman, it increases your lifespan, has the capacity to transform their lives, and in the long run delivers a healthy woman to her future generation.

 

Good health for women is more than just a concept, it’s a lifelong commitment to mindful action.

Senator Dickson Pays Homage To His Royal Fathers and Prominent Traditional Rulers in South West

Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the current Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and immediate past governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Henry Seriake Dickson, on his Facebook page said as a spinoff from his attendance of the 85th birthday celebration of former Nigerian President, Obasanjo in Lagos, that he took time out to visit prominent traditional rulers and Royal relatives in the South West whom he referred to as his fathers.

Amongst those visited were, Oba (Dr.) S. K. Adetona - CFR, JP, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebu Land, Ogbagba ¡¡, HRH Oba Rilwan Akiolu - CFR, Oba of Lagos and the head of his family, the Fidipote Royal House of Ijebu-Ode, Otumba Wahaab Oshinusi, the Otumba Fidipote of Ijebu Ode.

Senator Dickson had also mentioned on his Facebook page that he had not been to Lagos for a while as a result of the pandemic and so was very excited about his meeting with old friends, political associates and family.

Association of Flower Nurseries Celebrate 10th Anniversary with Launch of Plant a Tree and Save a Life Campaign

By Ere-ebi Agedah 

Association of Flower Nurseries and Landscaping Practitioners, Abuja AFNALPA celebrated its 10th anniversary on Wednesday with the launch of its plant a tree and save a life campaign.

This, the group stated is aimed at promoting effective landscape, development and environmental protection. 

Presenting a welcome address at the AFNALPA” s celebration, President of the Association, Mrs Mary Omoh stated that the association is aimed to meet a target of setting up a Horticulture Village in Abuja as a pilot site for the purpose of planting 10 million-tree and flowers for the purpose of beautifying the country while growing the green belt nationwide. 

According to Omoh, it is aimed at sustaining the urgency of mitigating the adverse effect of climate change in Nigeria and to support the Federal Government in her bid to eradicate desertification. 

She explained that the group alongside some private Nigerians who practise plant nursery embarked on the project with the aim of contributing their own quota to the growth, development and beautification of FCT and in the process cultivating the atmosphere for green and refreshing preservation of the ecosystem in partnership with relevant natural conservation agencies on issues related to the preservation of the good health of the environment.

‘‘The celebration at AFNALPA at 10 is an event planned to celebrate the associations achievements in carbon upset and also to join the government in propagating the global campaign to manage the climate change indices and with all that determination to follow our readiness to support the implementation and development of climate change’’ he said.

Omoh however congratulated every member of the association adding that it is their vision that the village garden will be integrated with parks and recreational activities, a vast amount of green area and a sectionized area for each participating partner to promote.   

Unveiling the Abuja Horticulture Village by the Chief Host, Hon. Min of State for FCT, Dr. Ramatu Tijajjani Aliyu noted that efforts are in top gear to mitigate the effects of climate change in the FCT. 

Represented by S.A on Environment and Climate Change, TPL Rekiyat Fache while congratulating AFNALPA on the great 10 years milestone, urged FCT residents to plant a tree to save lives as it is one of the mitigating efforts against global warming and climate change.

Also, the Keynote address by the Minister of State for Environment, Barr Sharon IKeazor, Represented by Assistant Director, Mr Peter Bagudu stated that human activities of polluting water bodies and bush burning are some of the catalysts of climate change.

While congratulating the association on this milestone achievement, he insisted that the 10 million tree planting initiative is timely considering the urgent need to confront the diverse and severe impact of environmental degradation that has continued to ravage the global community.

‘‘The event of today is a clear demonstration of the public private partnership strategy of this administration in its bid to encourage all and sundry to its national tree planting campaign.

‘‘It is my hope that this initiative will provide significant economic, social and environmental benefits including job creation, economic growth and sustainability, improved socio-economic livelihood veritable carbon to address change mitigation and adaptation’’ he said.

High point of the event was the Unveiling of AFNALPA Magazine and presentation of AFNALPA ecosystem conservation awards to 15 awardees including First Lady and Wife of the President, H.E Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wife of the Vice President, H.E Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, Min of Environment Barr Sharon Ikeazor, UN Deputy Secretary General, Dr Amina Muhammed, Senator Magnus Abe, and Life Time award to FMR First Lady of Nigeria, H.E Dr, Mrs Ajoke Murtala Muhammed.

Senator Dickson, Gov Diri Conferred Chieftancy Titles By The Ataba Kingdom of Andoni, Rivers State

...As Mrs Henrietta Fimie Patrick is laid to final rest at age 102 

The former Bayelsa State Governor and Senator representing Bayelsa West Senatorial District in the 9th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,  Senator Henry Seriake Dickson has been conferred with the Chieftancy title of  Utoron (1) of Ataba Kingdom, Andoni, Rivers State, on Saturday, 5th of March,  2022. He was conferred the Chieftancy title alongside the Bayelsa State Governor,  Senator Douye Diri, who was conferred with the title of Oroata (1) of Ataba Kingdom. 

Senator Dickson was in Ataba Kingdom in Andoni, Rivers State to attend the interment ceremony of the mother of his friend and colleague,  Erasmus Patrick, whose mother, Mrs Henrietta Fimie Patrick passed on at the good old age of 102 

On his Facebook page, Senator Dickson said, "as part of the ceremony,  I was conferred the title of Utoron (i) of Ataba kingdom by the council of chiefs of the Ataba kingdom, which means the light of Ataba kingdom. My brother the Governor of Bayelsa State, HE Senator Douye Diri was equally conferred the title, Oroata (i) of Ataba Kingdom, which means, one who does good". 

Responding after the conferrement of the chieftancy titles on them, Senator Dickson, speaking on behalf of Governor Diri, thanked H.R.H, King Benson Mgbowaji Egwenre, JP. Oruk XVII Okaan Ama Of Ataba Kingdom and the entire council of chiefs for the honor done him and his family and the honor done to the Governor and the good people of Bayelsa. 

He said the people of Ataba and Andoni believe in the Ijaw cause and have over the years produced sons and daughters who have served and are still serving the Ijaw nation in various capacities and they are proud of them. 

Senator Dickson further narated how their son, Mr. Erasmus Patrick has been a Bayelsan friend, a colleague and a stalwart of the INC. He said the sterling qualities of their son, Major Lancelot, as a dependable brother whose support and services to him are invaluable and who has continued to render same to his successor, Senator Douye Diri was most delightful. 

In addition to the above illustrious sons of Andoni, Senator Dickson added that their son, Hayford has been part of the Bayelsa state government since 2012 and has served in various capacities, while another illustrious son, the IYC president had the full support of himself, the Bayelsa State Government, Governor and Bayelsans. 

Senator Dickson stated that Prince Uche Secondus another illustrious son of Andoni clan has been a pillar of support for him and that he was one who believes in the Ijaw ideals, a trainee of past Ijaw leaders. He informed the gathering that Secondus would have been at the event but for some exigencies and that he sends his greetings. 

Senator Dickson said, "for me, I stand and support those who stand by me and I urge you and the entire ijaw nation to learn to stand by your sons and leaders no matter the intimidation and blackmail and learn to say No when No is the right answer". 

Senator Dickson threw light on the founding fathers of the Ijaw nation, saying that, their past leaders like Late Harold Dappa-Biriye, Late Melford Okilo, Pa E.K. Clark etc, worked and are still working to put Ijaw people together. 

He explained that when Bayelsa was created, its first  civilian governor, Chief DSP Alamieyeseigha of blessed memory, started the process of using the apparatus of state to promote the Ijaw conciousness and this has since been the tradition. Chief Alamieyeseigha even awarded the contract and started the building of the INC Headquarters in Yenagoa, a project that lingered on until his administration completed, commisssioned and christened it "Ijaw House"  with Chief Alamieyeseigha and other Ijaw leaders by his side. 

Senator Dickson said that he proclaimed Bayelsa, the Jerusalem of Ijaw nation and formulated deliberate policies and programmes to deepen that conciousness and gave more opportunities to ijaws outside Bayelsa.

Senator Dickson revealed to the gathering that, this was how most of Andoni sons and daughters became part of Bayelsa till date. He pointed out that, governor Diri is a product of this movement and that he knows the issues and is consolidating on them. 

Dickson assured all Ijaws that Bayelsa remains their Jerusalem and the Governor of Bayelsa will always remain their Governor too. 

Senator Dickson,  the Utoron (1) of Ataba Kingdom thanked his Royal Highness and the council of chiefs for the honour done to the Bayelsa State Governor and himself. 

He noted that the traditional institution is playing its part in deepening the Ijaw concuoisness and assured HRH and the people of Andoni of his, and the Bayelsa governor and government's abiding support. 

In conclusion,  Senator Seriake Dickson called on all ijaws to extend the support and prayers that they gave to him as governor to governor Douye Diri as he continues to serve not just as governor of bayelsa state but as governor of the Ijaw nation. 

Speaking during the event, the King of Ataba Kingdom, H.R.H King Benson Mgbowaji Mgbere (JP) said, the conferrement of the chieftancy titles on Senator Dickson and Governor Diri was in recognition of their uncommon love for the Ataba Kingdom.  He noted that their sons who Senator Dickson and Governor Diri graciously engaged in Bayelsa State were worthy and illustrious sons of Ataba. 

Present at the occasion were,  Senator Henry Seriake Dickson,  Governor Douye Diri, Bayelsa state government officials who accompanied the governor,  Ambassador Godknows Igali, INC President,  IYC President and other political leaders from Bayelsa State.

Nigeria Launches National HIV Self Testing and PrEP Communication Strategy

A Defining Milestone in Nigeria’s HIV Response

HIV self-testing (HIVST) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are well-known, proven HIV-prevention strategies. However, global HIV program experts note that optimizing uptake of these strategies, especially among people who need them most, is a challenge.

In Nigeria, efforts to overcome this challenge accelerated when the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) launched the National HIVST and PrEP Communication Strategy on January 18, 2022. This strategy “elaborates the communication action plan that will promote the uptake of HIVST and PrEP interventions for the prevention of new infections and reduction of the burden of HIV among individuals and groups particularly at high risk of acquiring the virus. It addresses the challenges of low-level awareness, demand, and uptake of the HIVST and PrEP services,” says Dr. Gambo Aliyu, director general of NACA, who presided over the launch.

The strategy is designed for use by government ministries, departments, and agencies; development partners and funders; civil society and community-based organizations; and health care workers. It will help them design programs using a range of social and behavior change communication approaches that will ultimately increase uptake of HIVST and PrEP services, especially among key and vulnerable populations.

The government and its partners are proud of this milestone and optimistic that the strategy will bolster Nigeria’s efforts to achieve HIV epidemic control by the year 2030. In her remarks during the launch, Rachel Goldstein, director of the HIV and TB office of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria said, “As our HIV tools have become highly focused on biomedical interventions, it’s critical that we don’t stop thinking about the evidence that we have around communication, because if we have tools and people don’t know about them… we’ve lost an opportunity.”

The National HIVST and PrEP Communication Strategy is a product of concerted efforts and HIVST and PrEP implementation experiences among stakeholders in HIV programming in Nigeria, with technical support from JSI and leadership and coordination from the government, through NACA and the National STI Control Program.

Two years ago, JSI’s Total Market Approach (TMA) project developed the concept note that led to initial engagements with the government on the need for the strategy. This included hosting an inception meeting to secure the buy-in of partners to commence the development process, resource collation from relevant stakeholders, and desk reviews to identify relevant data.

At the strategy launch, Dr. Olawale Durosinmi-Etti, chief of party for the TMA project, said, “The first time that I had a conversation on the need to have this document developed with the leadership of NACA, it was warmly welcomed. Throughout the process, it has provided the leadership and coordination required to have this document completed, working with Heartland Alliance and other implementing partners in Nigeria, with support and generosity of USAID.”

The government of Nigeria and its partners are committed to disseminating the strategy to relevant authorities across the country and ensuring its implementation. This will include tracking progress and documentation and dissemination of lessons to tailor the strategy to reflect evolving circumstances.