Author: Online Editor

Gynaecologist educates women on fertility, sexuality

A Consultant Gynaecologist, Dr Ayodele Ademola, on Wednesday decried the belief by some women and teenagers that keeping virginity or not having sex before the age of 25 years could lead to infertility.

Ademola, also the Medical Director, Strong Tower Hospital and Advanced Fertility Centre, a Lagos-based private medical facility, made the clarification in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

The expert said such belief or imagination was wrong and a superstitious that has no scientific base or proof.

He said the belief had made many young girls (teenagers) to indulge in sexual acts and activities that could negatively impact their lives in future when they eventually get married.

According to him, in a bid to have sex before the age of 25 years, many young women got involved in fornication, have series of pregnancies and aborting them.

”Some abortions, if not professionally handled, are the acts that can result to infertility,” Ademola explained.

The gynaecologist said the issue of fertility was connected with age, noting that the earlier a woman got pregnant and start a family, the better.

He further said that the best age bracket for a woman to have babies was between 20 and 30 years of age.

The expert added that some women, even at the age of 40 years, could still conceive if the person was having regular menstrual flow.

“No doubt, fertility drops with the age, but there is no scientific proof that infertility will set in if a woman is not disvirgined before the age of 25 years.

“Even, from the age of 40 to 45 years, a woman can still conceive provided she is having regular menstrual flow.

“From the age of 40 years, about 10 per cent of women can conceive, while from 45 years of age, only about four per cent of women can conceive.

“Scientifically, between the ages of 20 and 30 years remains the best age bracket for women to have babies.

“Unfortunately, most girls of these days think of settling down to start a family from 35 years and above,” he noted.

The consultant said that the more a woman got older, the greater her chances of having miscarriage.

He added that the chances of a woman having multiple-pregnancies (twins) were very common around the age of 35 years.

June 10, 2020
NLC condemns rape, sexual violence against women

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has strongly condemned the current surge in cases of rape, sexual violence and other forms of violence, especially against the female gender in the country.

Mr Ayuba Wabba, NLC President, said this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, we are alarmed that our age-long culture of respect for women is being torn into shreds by criminals who believe that the female body is theirs to seize, ravish and devour at will without consequences.

“The recent rape and killing of Ms. Uwaila Omozuwa, a 22-year old 100 level student of University of Benin, Edo State on Wednesday 27th May, 2020 is cruel.

“This is in addition to the long list of Nigerian women and girls who have had their body privacy and their lives desecrated and destroyed by rapists.

“It is more horrifying that the perpetrators of this heinous crime no longer have respect for any physical, social and religious boundaries.

“Ms. Uwaila Omozuwa was murdered in a church where she sought refuge in pursuit of learning,” he said.

Wabba said that many girls and women have been raped and sometimes killed in their parent’s houses, husbands’ homes, workplaces, especially house helps, school hostels, in the open field, and in forlorn places.

He added that the message rapists are transmitting is that our girls and women are not safe anywhere. What an impetus! Such audacity!!

He further noted that on April 27, 18-year old girl Jennifer was gang raped by five men in Narayi, Kaduna State.

“As is norm in these parts, the family was threatened to keep hush over the case but for the intervention of human rights activists in Kaduna who blew the lid on the matter,” he said.

He also noted that, not long ago, an eleven-year old girl and a thirteen-year old girl were gang raped in Ilorin, Kwara State.

He added that, as if the life of girls and women are the cheapest commodities in our part of the world.

“On 28th May, a seventeen-year old girl, Tina Ezekwe was gruesomely felled by police bullets during a supposed enforcement of the lockdown curfew at Iyana Oworo part of Lagos metropolis, at a bus stop near her home,”he said.

The NLC president said according to a national survey sponsored by the United Nations Women (UNWomen) in 2014, one in four women in Nigeria had experienced violence during childhood.

He noted that this is with about seventy per cent of the affected girls and women reporting that it happened more than once.

Wabba said that out of the number of affected women, only 5 per cent sought help and only 3.5 per cent received any help such as medical assistance and counselling.

“Rape is a terribly heinous crime. It is a crime against the body and the soul. It leaves an eternal scar on the spirit of its victims.

“It is pertinent to underscore the point that even men could be raped. Congress believes that it is high time the rape epidemic was uprooted in Nigeria.

“We also call on the National Assembly to expedite legislative action on some of the bills before it that are aimed at strengthening penalties for rape and increasing the protection of children, girls, women, the aged and other vulnerable persons.

“We also call on the National Assembly to quickly domesticate the International Labour Organisation’s newest Convention – Convention 190 on Violence and Harassment of Workers.

“Furthermore, we call on the police to improve the capacity of its officers to deal with cases of rape,” he said.

Wabba said that the delay, compromise of evidence and unwillingness to prosecute rape offenders to the fullest extent of the law suggest a society that tolerates abuse and violence against women.

He added that rape thrives under the shadows of silence. We must disallow the culture of silence on rape cases.

“We will be judged by how we treat the weak and voiceless. We call on law enforcement agencies and social institutions to rise up to this challenge.

‘It is our collective duty to protect our mothers, daughters, sisters and brothers from the deadly fangs of rapists. If we fail in this onerous duty, then we would have truly failed,” he said.

June 10, 2020
It’s taboo to sell pounded yam in Omupo – Monarch

Oba Yakubu Buari, the Olomu of Omupo, in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara, on Wednesday described it as a taboo to sell pounded yam, one of Nigeria’s delicacies, in the town.

The royal father made the clarification at a media briefing, as part of activities to mark his 10th year on the throne of his forefathers.

According to the traditional ruler, different communities in Yoruba Kingdoms have their taboos and Omupo is no exception.

Buari said that the violators of the taboo in the past, battered themselves to death with the pestles.

He said that since that tragedy, the oracle had forbidden the sale of pounded yam in the community.

The monarch said that apart from getting killed with the pestles, the violators of the taboo could also be hit with spiritual affliction.

Buari, however, said that nothing negative would happen to those who prepare the delicacy and consume it at home either as individuals or as a group.

The royal father described Omupo or Omu-ipo as an ancient Igbomina-Yoruba town, situated in the state.

The Oba described Omupo kingdom historically as a place of refuge for the warriors, who enhanced their weapons by soaking them in a poisonous juice from the oro-agogo cactus.

“According to tradition, the early settlers in the town migrated from Ile-Ife, the source of Yoruba nation.

“The founder was Ikuojenrola Adebari Alomole, the surviving son of Awogbola Olomu Aperan, an Ifá priest and renowned herbalist, with metaphysical powers.”

Buari noted that Olomu Aperan, the progenitor, was a prince from Obadio royal family, one of the eight autonomous monarchs, in Ile-Ife by Oduduwa, the progenitor of the Yoruba race.

According to him, the major festivals in Omupo include Oba Agba or Baba Agba and Egungun festivals, in addition to the Omupo Day, which takes place every four years.

June 10, 2020
Nasarawa Assembly passes 15 bills, 16 resolutions in one year

Nasarawa State House of Assembly says it has passed 15 bills and 16 resolutions within the last one year.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe-Abdullahi, disclosed this on Wednesday, at a sitting that marked the end of the first session of the 6th Assembly in Lafia on Wednesday.
Balarabe-Abdullahi described the sixth assembly as one of the best in the history of the state, owing to its achievements.
The speaker said that the achievements made by the House within one year were as a result of the unity, cooperation and support by the members and staff of the assembly.
“During my inaugural speech, I unequivocally committed my self to discharging my duties without let or hindrance.
” I assured all that I will strive to operate a transparent and open door policy in which the everyday business of legislation will be collective efforts.
” And in that respect, I can say without a shadow of doubt that I have delivered on my promise.
” The sixth assembly is on course to being one of the best.
“Indeed, within the first session of this assembly, a total of 15 bills have been passed into law and let me add that the House also passed 16 resolutions within the period under review,” he said.
The speaker also commended President Muhammadu Buhari for signing executive order 10 granting financial autonomy to both state legislature and the Judiciary.
Balarabe- Abdullahi assured the staff of the House of his commitment to providing an enabling environment for them to discharge their duties effectively.
The speaker expressed satisfaction with the cordial working relationship existing between the three arms of government in the state and called for its sustenance.
” Let me assure the Executive and Judicial arms of government that the state House of Assembly is willing to cooperate with them in the task of providing the dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
” Against this backdrop therefore , the state legislature will treat Executive bills expeditiously while the oversight duties of the various standing committees of the House will be strengthened, ” he said.
Balarabe-Abdullahi sympathised with the family of Mr Suleiman Adamu, member representing Nasarawa Central constituency over his demise on April 30.
” We also sympathise with the family of Alhaji Aliyu Bako Maigidi, the House Sergeant-at-arms over his demise on May 31, 2020.
” We pray for the repose of their souls and the souls of other departed ones and may Allah forgive them their shortcomings. Amen,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some of the bills passed into law are the 2020 Appropriation Bill ; a bill for a law for the Establishment of College of Health Science and Technology, Keffi; and a bill for a law for the Establishment of Isa Mustpha Agwai 1, Polytechnic, Lafia,
They also include a bill for a law for the Establishment of College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Lafia; a bill for a law to provide for the prohibition of the act of kidnapping and for other connected purposes thereto; a bill for a law to provide for witness protection Law and for other matters connected therewith and a bill for a law to provide for the Nasarawa State Public Procurement Law 2019.

June 10, 2020
UN releases voting procedure for June 17 elections

The United Nations has issued a new voting procedure for the election of its next General Assembly president slated for June 17 in New York.

Also to be elected same day are five new nonpermanent members of the Security Council, and 18 new members of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

The new procedure is contained in a letter by the current President of the General Assembly, Amb. Tijani Muhammad-Bande, to ambassadors of the 193 UN member countries on Tuesday evening.

Muhammad-Bande had earlier informed them that the elections would hold in line with social distancing guidelines to prevent spread of the coronavirus.

Normally, such elections are held during plenary meetings inside the General Assembly Hall chamber at the UN headquarters in New York.

But under the new procedure, delegates will cast secret ballots during allotted spaced-out time slots in the hall.

According to the new guideline, the elections will hold simultaneously between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. in eight time slots marked A to H lasting 30 minutes each.

Accordingly, 24 delegates will enter the hall at a time to cast their ballot in line with their assigned slots.

Nigeria is in slot F along with North Korea, France, India, Japan, United Arab Emirates, among others, who would be voting between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m.

Additional 30 minutes had been provided between 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. for delegates who would be unable to visit the venue during their time slots.

The PGA said he would circulate the names of the candidates to the delegates at least a day before the election.

Turkish ambassador to the UN, Volkan Bozkir, is the sole candidate for the president of the 75th session of the General Assembly, which begins in September.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that his name was initially sent for unanimous approval, but several countries reportedly requested a vote.

In the UN Security Council, there are five permanent members (United States, Russia, China, Britain and France) and 10 non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for two-year term.

On June 17, seven countries would be contesting for five seats in the council, which is the most powerful organ of the UN.

Canada, Ireland and Norway are vying for two seats in the group of Western nations, while Kenya and Djibouti are battling for one seat to represent Africa.

India is running unopposed for the Asia-Pacific seat, same for Mexico for the Latin America and the Caribbean seat.

Eighteen new members will also be elected to serve for three-year terms in the 54-member ECOSOC, which focuses on economic, environmental and human rights issues.

June 10, 2020
NHRC makes case for establishment of commission for Persons with Disabilities

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday called for the establishment of of National Commission for Persons Living with Disabilities to enhance inclusiveness and enable them contribute their quota to national development.

The Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Mr Tony Ojukwu, made the call during a courtesy call to the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs Disaster Management and Social Development (FMHDSD), Hajiya Sadiya Farouq, in Abuja.

Ojukwu assure the minister of the commission’s commitment to partner with her to ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are mainstreamed into governance for better results.

“We believe that if human Rights are mainstreamed in all government operations, it will be more successful.

” There will be less criticisms, there will be no stigmatization, it will be more inclusive and people will be more patriotic and Nigeria will be better off” he said.

Ojukwu commended the Minister for providing humanitarian assistance and palliatives during different crisis situations, saying the issue of humanitarian intervention is always an emergency situation that requires good planning.

He said a well-planned intervention will solve a lot of humanitarian challenges in the country and suggested a shift from humanitarian Emergency to sustainable development.

Responding, Farouq said: ”the NHRC is a pillar of exemplary leadership in enforcing human rights and respect for rule of law in the country.

”We are ready to collaborate with you in carrying out our statutory mandate which includes, the formulation and implementation of fair and focused social inclusion and protection programs in Nigeria”.

June 10, 2020
Osaka in no mood to back down on support for Black Lives Matter

Naomi Osaka, the world’s highest paid sportswoman, says the voices of prominent athletes can be more influential than those of politicians at this point in time.

The two-times Grand Slam champion says she is in view of this determined that hers will be heard on the subject of racial injustice.

She has faced a backlash on social media after throwing her support behind the Black Lives Matter (BLM) protests in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

Floyd was an unarmed black man who died in police custody on May 25.

The 22-year-old Osaka, who has Japanese and Haitian parents but grew up and lives mostly in the US, says she has no intention of backing down.

She hopes to help drive real and permanent social change.

“I’m vocal because I believe in the movement and want to try to use my platform to facilitate change,” Osaka told Reuters via email.

“George Floyd’s murder and the situation generally in America has had a big impact on me.

“Being silent is never the answer. Everyone should have a voice in the matter and use it.”

The death of Floyd while he was in the custody of the Minneapolis police has sparked worldwide protests against racism and calls for reforms of U.S. law enforcement.

Osaka said she had marched in Minneapolis and attended other Black Lives Matters protests in Los Angeles, where she lives.

She says the climate has changed considerably since quarterback Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the national anthem before a 2016 NFL game.

The player paid for his protest by being ostracised by the league.

“Colin has been putting this message out since 2016. It took a pandemic, an economic crisis and a torturous murder on camera, all at the same time, for people to really hear him,” she said.

“It shouldn’t have been that way. If the NFL wants to show that they really care the first thing they should so is take a knee together and give Colin his job back.

“That some people have said we as athletes should stick to sports is really insulting.”

National Football League Commissioner Roger Goodell said last week the league had made mistakes in not listening to players and encouraged them “to speak out and peacefully protest”.

In response to her comments on social media, Osaka has been told to “stay in her lane” and focus on tennis.

But she has chosen to respond to her critics with argument and a few amusing GIFs.

“I probably shouldn’t read all the trolling but it’s hard to avoid,” said Osaka, who has over a million followers on Instagram.

“Using humour is definitely one mechanism to expose these people … Calling them out for their ignorance and racism is also worthwhile sometimes.

“I’m more sad for them than myself —- to be so hateful and ignorant can’t be an easy way to live life.”

Osaka said racism needed to be challenged all around the world and was delighted to see Black Live Matters protests in Japan, the country she represents on the international stage.

On Tuesday, Japanese public broadcaster NHK had to apologise for an animated video aimed at explaining the U.S. protests which sparked outrage for its depiction of black Americans.

Osaka retweeted the video with a GIF expressing bewilderment.

“We have been trying for hundreds of years and a change is long overdue,” she said.

“I do think this time there is a different feel and energy, and the protests are so far reaching. There have even been BLM marches in Japan! That makes me so happy.

“So, I’m hopeful for change, I’ll keep campaigning for change, and I demand a better future for the next generation.”(

June 10, 2020
WTO acknowledges, accepts Okonjo-Iweala’s nomination

The World Trade Organisation(WTO) has acknowledged and accepted the nomination of Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala as the nation’s candidate for the bloc’s Director- General position.

President Muhammadu Buhari on June 5, endorsed Okonjo-Iweala for the WTO top job, making her the second African vying for the position so far.

A statement on the organisation’s website on Tuesday, acknowledged the nomination of Okonjo-Iweala to succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo, who had announced he would step down on Aug. 31, 2020.

In the same vein, Mr David Walker ,Chairman of the General Council gave July 8, 2020 as the deadline for the nomination.

““Shortly after the nomination period has closed, candidates will be invited to meet with members at a special General Council meeting, present their views and take questions from the membership” the website quoted Walker as saying.

Okonjo -Iweala a two time Finance Minister who served respectively in the Obasanjo and Jonathan’s administrations would replace the nation’s current permanent representative to WTO, Mr Yonov Frederik Agah

June 10, 2020
Ahead ease of lockdown on places of worship in Kaduna, CAN urges Godly examples

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Kaduna State Chapter, says the reopening of places of worship by Kaduna State Government is a time to responsibly show good and Godly examples.
Rev. John Hayab, the CAN state Chairman CAN, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna, thanked Gov. Nasir El-Rufai and the State Standing Committee on COVID-19 for allowing places of worship to reopen.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government has allowed Churches and Mosques to open for Sunday and Juma’at services only, after 75 days lockdown enforced to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state.
“During the period of lockdown, many experienced hardships, but it should not be a regrettable experience because it actually helped to reduce the number of persons infected and we recorded a lower death rate in our dear state.
“CAN wish to thank all those who obeyed government and health professionals guideline to help stop the spread of the virus during the 75 days lockdown.
“Now that we have been allowed to resume partial normal life activities, especially resuming church gatherings, CAN Kaduna State appeals to all faithful and the general public to show good and Godly examples.
“The Bible says, ‘to let our light shone that all may see and give glory to God’.
“Accordingly, our people should not be carried away with the joy of lifting the restriction of movement and totally forget health matters, for it is only when there is a life that we can worship and do our businesses,” he said.
The cleric called on all Pastors and Church Elders to give Godly and wise leadership at this delicate time.
He said Churches must continue to observe all protocols and guidelines that have been laid down by the Government and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).
Hayab said all worshippers should come with their face mask during worship services, adding that churches should help to provide face masks for those who do not have and cannot afford one.
He also called for adequate provision of hand sanitizers or handwashing materials in homes and churches during worship services.
“We should maintain good hygiene at all times and observe physical distancing in our seating arrangements. Worshippers are to seat two meters away from one another.
“Let’s make good use of our members who are medical workers for proper use of Infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of every worshipper.
“Our Governor has challenged us to take personal responsibility. Therefore, CAN also appeal to all to take this personal responsibility challenge seriously.
“Together we will stop the spread of this virus and eventually defeat the virus.
“Also, we must continue to offer prayers for those who are infected by the virus and those in the frontline working day and night to attend to us about this pandemic,” Hayab said.

June 10, 2020
Desist from malicious rumour, Actors Guild tells public

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has advised members of the public against spreading malicious rumours without substance about the industry.

Its National Public Relations Officer, Monalisa Chinda-Cocker, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Chinda-Cocker was reacting to the rumoured death of the legendary actor, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as, Olu Jacobs.

She said that Olu Jacobs was still alive, against the false information about his death.

The guild spokesperson warned mischief makers and enemies of the industry to quit from such wickedness that would not benefit the industry.

“It’s so annoying that some people take pleasure in disseminating fake news, and going extra mile on the social media to declare a living person dead.

“For crying out loud, this act is very bad, and I see it as malicious; but the truth of the matter is that Olu Jacobs is alive, very hale and hearty,” she added.

Chinda-Cocker described Olu Jacobs, as “a seasoned Nollywood leading star, role model and most influential African actor of all times who had starred in over 120 movies.

Similarly, his wife, Joke, had earlier debunked the rumoured death of her husband.

According to her, the family found the development so depressing that members had to speak out.

She added, “In fact, the birthday of Olu Jacobs (who laughed off the whole matter) is next month.”

June 10, 2020