Social Reporters News Service, published by IOE Publishers - CAC/BN/3400383

…charges  to  come up with new programmes that will meet the urgent and contemporary needs of the society By Our Correspondent Benin: Professor of Physics and Director, Center for Atmospheric Research (CAR), Prof. Rabiu Babatunde has commended Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki on the establishment of the Edo State Geographic Information Service (Edo-GIS) as well as the setting up of the Edo Innovation Hub, noting that such technology-driven solutions will position the state for economic prosperity. Professor Rabiu gave the commendation at the maiden convocation ceremony lecture of the Edo State Polytechnic, Usen, held at the institution’s auditorium, in Usen, near Benin City. Professor Rabiu heads the CAR, a center under the National Space Research and Development Agency, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology and Kogi State University. In a lecture entitled Repositioning Higher Education towards effective patronage of Science and Technology for Sustain

By Isaac Eranga Benin: Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has called on Edo people and residents to emulate Jesus Christ as they celebrate Christmas. In his Christmas Message issued on Monday in Benin City, Obaseki said: “On behalf of the government of Edo State, I rejoice with all Edo people, at home and in the diaspora as well as residents, as we celebrate Christmas.” According to the governor, “Christmas season is an auspicious occasion to show love and reflect on the life of Jesus Christ, whose birth we are commemorating. “As we celebrate with our friends, relatives and neighbours, I enjoin you to spread the message of oneness, love, generosity and hope for greater things as demonstrated by Jesus Christ.” He expressed the state government’s gratitude to the people for their support for his administration. “As a government, we are grateful to all Edo people and residents who have stood by us in our pursuit of a united and prosperous state, where we all can realise our drea

By Isaac Eranga Benin City: A new executive to govern the affairs of football referees in Edo State for the next four years have been elected by members of the Edo State (Football) Referees Council in Benin. Speaking, the outgone Chairman of the council, FIFA Faith Irabor appreciated members for the cooperation she enjoyed from them while she was chairman and appealed that such cooperation should be extended to the new Chairman, Mr. Johnbull Okundolor and members of his team. She employed members to shun sentiment and always go for the truth in order to move the council to enviable height. She also called on elders of the council to mentor those coming after them. Speaking, the newly elected chairman, Mr. Johnbull Okundolor thanked members for electing him and promised to operate on open door policy. He urged members to be functional in their various positions, as discipline will be a watchword in the council. According to Mr. Okundolor who joined referee in 1995 during his youth s

The Emergency Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation, chaired by the President of NFF, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, rose from a meeting at the weekend to announce that it had directed the go-ahead of the Super 8 Tournament of the Nigeria National League to produce four teams to be promoted to the Nigeria Professional Football League for the 2018/2019 Season. This is, as enshrined in the NNL 2018 Rule Book and in line with the propositions of the expanded meeting of chieftains of the NFF, the LMC, the NPFL Clubs, the NNL and NNL Clubs, that the NNL should stage its statutory Super 8 to produce the four teams for NPFL. The Emergency Committee said it took the decision after careful consideration of the relevant rules and regulations, contemporary best practice and what is obtainable and defensible in the international sphere. Members commended the NFF President for the tremendous efforts he made to meet with the NNL leadership, the eight NNL Clubs qualified to participate in the Sup

By Isaac Eranga Lagos: Stakeholders comprising researchers, research ethicists, health research ethics committee members, civil society groups, academics, philosophers, advocacy groups and the media have advocated for a comprehensive research ethics literacy education program among social/behavioural and biomedical researchers in Nigeria. They said this will help enhance their roles as researchers in their various disciplines. They made this call at the 2018 Annual International Bioethics Forum held recently in Lagos. The Forum which had as its theme, Bioethics, Vulnerability and Protection from Exploitation in Research, was organised by the Bioethics Society of Nigeria (BESON), in collaboration with the New HIV Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society (NHVMAS), with support from the Deepening Research Ethics in Nigeria (DREIN) project, a consortium consisting of Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Council o

Stakeholders comprising Research Ethics Committee members, International Ethics Consultants, Bioethicists, Philosophers, Advocates and the Media, have called on researchers to embrace community engagement in order to make the community better. This call was made at the 2018 International Bioethics Forum which was held December 12-13, 2018, in Lagos. They reiterated that engaging the community will make it possible for the researchers to know the research needs of the people and will help answer the question: how is my research going to make them better? Speaking on the theme titled: Bioethics, Vulnerability and Protection from Exploitation in Research, a member of People Living with HIV, said the issue of exploitation will be mother if the researchers put themselves in the place of the community. "You need to know what they feel, how they feel,  and what is expected. "Your target is nor just target, they are not just data, they are human beings. We need to change our attit

By Isaac Eranga Lagos: Kanu Nwankwo said 20 children with heart problems have recently be selected by his foundation- the Kanu Heart Foundation, to undergo curative treatment in India and Sudan soon. Mr. Kanu made this known while speaking with the Social Reporters News Service Wednesday 12 December in Lagos. He said the foundation which started since year 2000 have been able to conduct 548 operations on children with heart diseases. According to him, a football competition was held September 30 in London to raise fund for the foundation, and 42000 pounds was raised. He said the foundation will add more money to it for the treatment of the 20 children. "We are thinking of carrying out a documentary to show what the foundation have been doing. "We even surprised the family and making them happy and thanking God for what has happened to them by going to their houses. Many of them has heard of Kanu but has not seen him. Today, it is not them coming to the office but Ka

By Isaac Eranga, Benin The Executive Director of Connected Advocacy for Empowerment and Youth Development, a nationally registered non governmental organisation in Nigeria, Prince Israel Orekha has commended the Rev. David Ugolor led Africa Network for Environment and Economic Justice (ANEEJ) for their effort in reducing corruption in the different strata of the Nigerian society. Prince Orekha made this commendation in the course of the 2018 World Anti-corruption Day celebration organised in Benin City by ANEEJ, with support from UKaid. He said the fight against corruption cannot be overemphasized especially as merit has been crucified on the altar of mediocrity, thereby pulling the nation backward. He said it takes conscientious effort like that of ANEEJ to revise the social cancerous trend. "I want to use this medium to encourage Rev. David Ugolor and members of his team not to relent in their effort at reducing the scourge of corruption in Nigeria. "Corruption is cance

By Isaac Eranga Benin: The Executive Director of Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), Prof. Clement Adebamowo has identified lack of government commitment to health research ethics, as a major factor affecting the health system in Nigeria. Prof. Adebamowo made this known in Benin City while commenting on the deepening research ethics in Nigeria (DREIN) project put together by a consortium consisting of the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC) and Council of Health Research Ethics Development (COHRED)  The CBR boss said "lack of government commitment to health research ethics leads to inadequate facilities and infrastructure, limited infrastructure, limited resources, little or no policies and significant brain drain in the medical field". He therefore called on the Nigerian government to show more commitment on research ethics. Speaking

The Chairman of the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC), Prof. Zubairu Iliyasu said 49 Health Research Ethics Committees (HRECs) have so far been registered in Nigeria. He said this is a far cry from what is expected. Prof. Iliyasu said this while answering questions from journalists in Benin on the state of research ethics in Nigeria. According to him, it is expected that all teaching hospitals, federal medical centres, research institutes, universities  and State Ministries of Health have HRECs with current registration with NHREC. He said while many institutions have HRECs, they are not regular in renewing their registration. NHREC has sensitized all the state governments and health institutions in public and private sector on the necessity to adhere to internationally accepted highest standards of ethical conduct of research in humans and animals. The committee has produced guidelines and a national health research code. "We have also developed polic

The Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP), Edo State chapter, has endorsed the candidacy of Hon. Dr. Joseph Ikpea for the House of Representatives, Esan South East and Esan North East federal constituency in the forthcoming General Elections. In a statement signed by the State Chairman, Prince Roy Oribhabor and the State Secretary, Marvelous Imasuen, the State CNPP said it has become necessary and pertinent to inform the good people of Esan South East and Esan North East federal constituency, that Hon. Dr. Joseph Ikpea is the  best person to represent them. "The endorsement is based on his great intellect, audacious vision, effective performance and physical courage to agitate for the downtrodden. His track records over the years propelled our concern and determination to be a part of this success story. "We believe Hon. Ikpea will provide quality representation to ameliorate the suffering of the people who are still sobering over lack of adequate representation

By Our Correspondent in Benin Worried by the chronic blood shortage and insufficient blood banks in hospitals across the state, members of the State chapter of the Association of Online Media Practitioners of Nigeria, OMPAN,  have made voluntary blood donation to the National Blood transfusion service. The exercise which took place at the Conference Hall of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ Edo state council in Benin City was the highpoint of the inauguration of the Edo state chapter of OMPAN. Speaking during the exercise, the state chairman of OMPAN, Don Ofure Osehobo who is a blogger and online media practitioner said blood donation should be a civic duty because it helps to save lives. He added that Edo OMPAN members volunteered to donate free blood to mark the formal inauguration of the chapter  as a way of showing concern for the vulnerable, the poor and underprivileged in the state. "We feel concerned about shortage of blood in our health facilities and especially

-------says attention must be given to preventive medicinre By Isaac Eranga, Benin The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, has commended the revamp of Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Edo State, noting that such reforms will allow for proper referral system as a catalyst to develop the health system in the country. Adewole said this while delivering his keynote address at the 2018 Alagodaro Summit in Benin City, organised by Edo State Government to celebrate the second anniversary of the state Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki. He commended the Obaseki-led administration for focusing on health care, pledging the commitment of the federal government in ensuring that the state achieves her aim of having 200 primary health centres in the state by the year 2020. Adewole, while buttressing the importance of PHCs to the society, decried that their nonfunctional status has overstretched the general and teaching hospitals which are meant for complicated ailments. The health minister

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has called on security agencies to investigate the incessant theft of part of the Instrument Landing System (ILS)  being installed at the Benin Airport, and directed them to bring the culprits to book. The Governor gave the directive after inspecting facilities and components that make up the ILS being installed by the state government in collaboration with relevant federal government agencies. The installation of the facilities is expected to make room for 24-hour operations at the Benin Airport. Before inspecting the facilities, the governor had a closed-door meeting with the Commander, 107 Air Maritime Group, of the Nigerian Airforce, Wing Commander, Fatai Ganiyu, who later accompanied the governor on inspection of the equipment, with officials of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the National Airspace Management Agency (NAMA). Obaseki directed the Wing Commander and State Director of the State Security Servic

By Our Correspondent in Uyo The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has received an approval from the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Independent  National Electoral Commission to be part of the body observing  the forthcoming general elections in the state. The decision for Christian Association of Nigeria to be part of the observing body in the 2019 general elections is to ensure that  the right procedure is taken to parties’ to elect the right persons into any political offices. The decision was disclosed by the state Chairman, Rev. Ndueso  Ekwere earlier today in Uyo at a seminar organized by CAN to lecture Christians and Church leaders on how to become  election observers. Rev. Ekwere  said  CAN would not display any apathy in Nigerian politics, as this is the worst administration where Christians have been slaughtered, experienced  forceful seizure and grazing of farmland by the herdsmen, women abused by the herdsmen among other vices. “Chr

The National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC), was  established in order to ensure that Nigerians are protected from exploitation and harm while at the same time encouraging their participation in ethically conducted research for discovery of vaccines, drugs and methods for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of the citizenry. The Chairman of NHREC, Prof. Zubeiru Iliyasu spoke with the SOCIAL REPORTERS NEWS SERVICE about NHREC's milestone, achievement and challenges. Excerpts: Q - What is NHREC doing to attract government to health research ethics? A - NHREC (National Health Research Ethics Committee) of Nigeria was established by government through the National Health Act of 2014. This act provided for the establishment of the National Health Research Ethics Committee (NHREC) by the Honourable Minister of Health. It specified the composition, roles and responsibilities of the committee. The NHREC derives its powers from this piece of government legi

By Our Correspondent As part of measures towards strengthening the research ethics review and clinical trials oversight system at the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, a consortium consisting of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), Council of Health Research Ethics Development (COHRED) and National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC) have cillaborated in deepening research ethics in Nigeria (DREIN) by providing short, medium- and long-term training and mentoring of the administrative and technical staff of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Nigeria.  Speaking with journalists, the Chairman of the National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria, Professor Zubeiru Iliyasu, said Deepening Research Ethics in Nigeria (DREIN) project is funded by European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP). He said the project seek to spread information about research ethics in N

By Kehinde Osagiede History is about to be made in Nigerian football as Bendel Insurance football Club of Benin have concluded plans to feed their chairman and Deputy Governor of Edo State, Rt Hon Comrade Philip Shaibu against their arch rivals, 3SC of Ibadan on Wednesday. The Benin Arsenal will be hosting the Shooting Stars of Ibadan in the  Nigeria National League week 17 rescheduled game on Wednesday, 31. Kick off time is 4.0pm at the university of Benin sports complex, Benin. According to the media officer of Bendel Insurance, Kehinde Osagiede, the athletic Deputy Governor who is a registered player of the club with jersey No. 40 will be leading the attack of the host team against the visiting Oluyole Warriors. The media officer revealed that the comrade deputy Governor has  been training regularly with the other players of the club hoping to be featured before end of the current season. His training has been a great moral booster to his teammates. Observersports was reliably i

By Our Correspondent IYAMHO: Edo State House of Assembly committee on education has expressed satisfaction over the level of infrastructural development of Edo University Iyamho and assured the management of the committee's readiness towards the speedy completion of the ongoing projects in the university. The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Engr. Osaigbovo Iyoha gave the assurance when he led other members to the university for on the spot assessment of the facilities available in the university. Hon Iyoha expressed confidence on the vice chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor's ability to make the university a world class university adding that the committee will work with the executive towards realizing its set goals. According to him, “I am highly impressed with the facilities available in the university, I want to thank the VC he is doing a great job with his team in the university". Responding, the Ag Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor expressed optimism saying that

The family of the former Board of Trustees of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Tony Anenih, has formally announced the passing-on of the political icon, late Sunday. The announcement was contained in a statement signed by his​ eldest son, Anthony Anenih Junior, titled “Our Patriach, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, Passes On,” released Sunday night. The statement reads: “With a heavy heart and total submission to the will of the Almighty God, the family of Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, CFR, the Iyasele of Esanland, announces his passing on to glory today, Sunday, October 28, 2018 after a brief illness. “Aged 85, Chief Anthony Akhakon Anenih, is survived by many children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. “A beloved patriarch, he enjoyed God’s uncommon grace while alive. “He served God and humanity with commitment. He also served his fatherland to the best of his ability. “We will all sorely miss him. But his legacies live on.” Mr. Tony Anenih Junior, in the stateme

By Isaac Eranga As part of measures in strengthening the research ethics review and clinical trials oversight system at the Federal Ministry of Health, Nigeria, a consortium consisting of the National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), Council of Health Research Ethics Development (COHRED) and National Health Research Ethics Committee of Nigeria (NHREC) have collaborated in deepening research ethics in Nigeria (DREIN) by  providing short, medium- and long-term training and mentoring of the administrative and technical staff of Research Ethics Committees (RECs) in Nigeria.  Speaking, the Director of Center for Bioethics and Research (CBR), Ibadan, Professor Clement Adebamowo said the DREIN project aims at improving the capacity of Research Ethics Committee in Nigeria in order to implement standardized and efficient review of research and clinical trials protocols through increasing utilization of electronic ethics review

By Isaac Eranga Benin: An alleged serial car thief, Frank Omobude has been nabbed by members of the Edo State Public Works Volunteer (PUWOV) in Benin City, Edo State capital. He was caught with different types of master keys, in Benin City, the Edo State capital. Addressing newsmen in Benin City, the Coordinator of PUWOV, Mukhtar Yusuf-Osagie, said the suspect is being interrogated by the police at the Edo State Police Command. Yusuf-Osagie said that the volunteers will continue to support the Governor Godwin Obaseki-led administration in its efforts at creating a peaceful, clean and secure environment in which social and economic activities will thrive. *PHOTO CAPTION:* *DSC_0001:* Alleged serial car thief, Frank Omobude, nabbed by members of the Edo State Public Works Volunteer (PUWOV) programme with different types of master keys, in Benin City, the Edo State capital.

No fewer than five members of the National Youth Service Corps who were travelling to their orientation camps in Akwa Ibom and Rivers states respectively were on Wednesday kidnapped by gunmen . In addition, two other passengers on the bus conveying the corps members were also kidnapped. The fresh graduates and the other victims were travelling from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to Rivers and Akwa Ibom states where they were billed to undertake their three-week NYSC orientation. They were kidnapped on the Owerri-Port Harcourt Expressway and taken to the Umuapu forest in the Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. Briefing journalists after the victims were rescued by the police, the Commissioner of Police in charge of the Imo State Police Command, Dasuki Galadanchi, said the kidnappers established contact with the families of the corps members and demanded N5m ransom. The CP gave the names of the corps members as Abiola Temitope, Olubisi Adekanmi, Jose Temitayo, Folarin

--------- Called on Buhari not to support the removal Benin City: A group known as South-South Political Elites has condemned the alleged removal of former Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, as National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). This position was reached at an emergency meeting of the group held in Benin City. Speaking, the convener of the meeting, Prince Roy Oribhabor used the medium to call on the President of Nigeria, Muhammad Buhari not to support the call for the removal of Adams Oshiomhole as the APC National Chairman, saying if Buhari should support the call for the removal of Adams Oshiomhole, he should also forget the South South in 2019 elections. "Adams Oshiomhole is the determining factor for the success  and survival of APC; any gimmicks and shenanigans employed by some persons who are not happy with Adams Oshiomhole thereby undermining his office, will be resisted by the South South Political Elites. "The APC as a party

By Isaac Eranga Iguobazuwa: The Edo State Government has distributed relief materials to victims of the September 2, 2017 attack on Safarogbo Community, Ovia South West Local Government Area. Addressing journalists during the distribution exercise, Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Hon. Yakubu Gowon, noted that his administration would not relent in providing support and welfare to Edo people. The items distributed include: 375 bags of cement, 500 ceiling boards, 125 bundles of zinc, 50 bags of 50kg rice, 50 packets of zinc nails, 25 bags of 3-inch nails and 25 bags of 4-inch nails. Others are: 25 bags of beans, 25 bags of garri, 25 gallons of 25 liters of palm oil, 25 gallons of 25 liters of groundnut oil and 21 matrasses. Obaseki said the government empathises with victims of the attack, adding that the relief materials are to enable the victims resettle after the attack. The governor explained that a committee has been set up

By Omoregie Elvis IYAMHO: Edo State House of Assembly committee on education has assured the management of Edo University Iyamho of the committee's readiness towards the speedy completion of the ongoing projects in the university.  The Chairman of the Committee, Hon Engr. Osaigbovo Iyoha gave the assurance when he led other members to the university for on the spot assessment of the facilities available in the university.  Hon Iyoha expressed confidence on the vice chancellor, Prof Emmanuel Aluyor's ability to make the university a world class university adding that the committee will work with the executive towards realizing its set goals.  According to him, I am highly impressed with the facilities available in the university, I want to thank the VC he is doing a great job with his team in the university".  Responding, the Ag Vice Chancellor, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor expressed optimism saying that with the visit by the committee the university will improve on the facil