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Life Expectancy In Poor Countries 16 Years Lower Than In Rich Nations – WHO

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Why Over One Billion People May Become Deaf - WHO

Life expectancy for people living in low-income countries is 16 years lower than for people in high-income countries, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has said.

The global health organisation also noted that the COVID-19 pandemic pushed between 119 to 124 million people into extreme poverty last year.

Furthermore, under-five death rates among children from the poorest households are double that of children from the richest households.

The WHO, therefore urged governments to invest in strengthening their health systems, and remove the barriers that prevent so many people from accessing them.

The Director-General of the WHO, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, made these known in a statement to commemorate this year’s World Health Day.

He said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has thrived amid the inequalities in our societies and the gaps in our health systems.

“It is vital for all governments to invest in strengthening their health services and to remove the barriers that prevent so many people from using them, so more people have the chance to live healthy lives.

“Now is the time to invest in health as a motor of development.

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“We do not need to choose between improving public health, building sustainable societies, ensuring food security and adequate nutrition, tackling climate change and having thriving local economies. All these vital outcomes go hand in hand.”

The United Nations’ Agency noted that within countries, illness and death from COVID-19 have been higher among groups who face discrimination, poverty, social exclusion, and adverse daily living and working conditions – including humanitarian crises.

Also, the pandemic is estimated to have driven between 119 and 124 million more people into extreme poverty last year. And there is convincing evidence that it has widened gender gaps in employment, with women exiting the labour force in greater numbers than men over the past 12 months.

Noting that vaccines were important to tackling COVID-19, the WHO however stated that vaccines alone were not enough.

“Safe and effective vaccines have been developed and approved at record speed. The challenge now is to ensure that they are available to everyone who needs them. Key here will be additional support to COVAX, the vaccine pillar in the ACT-Accelerator, which hopes to have reached 100 countries and economies in the coming days.

“But vaccines alone will not overcome COVID-19. Commodities such as medical oxygen and personal protective equipment (PPE), as well as reliable diagnostic tests and medicines are also vital.

“So are strong mechanisms to fairly distribute all these products within national borders. The ACT-Accelerator aims to establish testing and treatments for hundreds of millions of people in low and middle-income countries who would otherwise miss out.

“But it still requires USD22.1 billion to deliver these vital tools where they are so desperately needed,” it said.

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AMCON Denies Dispute With Heyden Petroleum

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The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has denied having any dispute with Heyden Petroleum Limited.

In a statement by Jude Nwauzor, Head, Corporate Communications of AMCON, he said that the attention of the corporation had been drawn to a publication in the media regarding a pending litigation between it and Heyden Petroleum Limited .

The statement read: “We hereby notify the general public that AMCON and Heyden Petroleum Limited have settled all issues between them amicably, and Heyden Petroleum Limited has demonstrated commitment to meeting their obligations and has been making payments accordingly.

“Given this latest development, AMCON has formally discontinued its pending litigation against Heyden Petroleum Limited, particularly Suit No. FHC/AMC/67/2024.

“As a responsible debt recovery agency of the Federal Government of Nigeria, it is not the practice of AMCON to engage in a media trial of obligors who are meeting their obligation. Accordingly, the general public is urged to disregard any negative commentaries on the relationship between AMCON and Heyden Petroleum Limited.”

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BREAKING: Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Lagbaja Is Dead

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By John Michael Ojo

Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, is dead.

Lagbaja’s death was announced by President Bola Tinubu in a statement signed by his aide on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga.

It reads: “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, regrets to announce the passing of Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, Chief of the Army Staff, at age 56.

“He passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after a period of illness.

“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.

“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.

“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.

“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.

“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.

“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.

“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation.”

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New Education Minister Rejects 18-year Age Limit For University Admission

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Why I Stopped Using Social Media - Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu

It is victory  for university admission seekers who are below 18 years of age as the new Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has abolished the policy barring them.

Alausa also noted the possibility of reviewing the nation’s education policy. But he ruled out the reversal of the Federal Government’s decision to void over 22,700 degree certificates obtained by Nigerians from some “fake” universities in neighbouring Togo and the Benin Republic.

Alausa spoke on Tuesday at his inaugural ministerial press conference in Abuja.

He stated that practical education would help to address the unemployment situation in Nigeria, as tertiary institutions would not continue to churn out graduates every year without providing jobs for them.

The minister said that the federal government would collaborate with private sector operators to train students and realise their potential.

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