Two thatched huts razed in separate arson attacks in Adamawa

By: Zagazola Makama

Suspected arsonists in Adamawa have set fire to two separate thatched huts in Lafiya, Lamurde Local Government Area, and Boshiki Village in Guyuk Local Government Area, destroying properties in the early hours of July 2.

In the first incident, which occurred at about 2:30 a.m., a round thatched hut belonging to Mrs. Ododumga Kenneth, of Lunguda ethnicity, was completely razed in Lafiya community. The value of the property lost is yet to be ascertained.

About 30 minutes later, another hut was set ablaze in Boshiki Village, belonging to one Nura Haruna, of Waja ethnic group. The motive behind both attacks remains unclear, but residents described the perpetrators as unidentified youths.

Community leaders in both areas have condemned the attacks and called for calm while urging swift action to prevent further incidents.

Police say Investigations are ongoing as efforts continue to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Two thatched huts razed in separate arson attacks in Adamawa

Pate Tasks Public Health Practitioners on Dedication to Duty

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has called on health practitioners to be more dedicated during public service to foster meaningful growth in the sector.

Pate made the call in Abuja at the unveiling of the book titled: “The journey outlives the traveller” authored by the UNAIDS Country Director, Dr Leopold Zekeng

The book is centered on Zekeng’s four decades journey in public global health sector, from his early beginnings in his hometown Cameroon to leadership roles across Africa and beyond, based on working at the frontlines of HIV and AIDS responses.

Also working during some of the most complex health emergencies such as Ebola and COVID-19, global health diplomacy and social-works development.

Pate, speaking at the book launch, said: “I congratulate you for this milestone and appreciate you for the years of service: particularly for investing the time to codify what you have learnt about the present and future generation of public health practitioners.

“I think what you have written in the book tells the story of public health practitioners over a period of time and the impact on lives is still unfolding.

“It is a remarkable journey and I look forward to studying you more. Congratulations for all you have done, you have left us with a lot to learn. Your journey is our journey and I think it is a transition moment.”

In his opening address, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Mr Mohamed Fall, while commending Zekeng for his initiative to put up the write-up, described his journey in public health as masterclass in leadership.

Fall said: “All of us feel deeply privileged to have worked along with him. He understood that HIV is not only a medical issue, but a human one shaped by culture, stigma, access, but also by force.

“He partnered Norway, engaged with the First Ladies of the country, worked closely with the Minister of Health and built himself a response that was as human by trying to respond to the HIV crisis in Nigeria.

“For the UN-Nigeria, your journey has been a masterclass not just in leadership on the SDGs, but for the public health in general. You reminded us that progress must be people-centered, partnership-driven and purpose-led.”

In his review of the book, the former Director-General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr Gambo Aliyu revealed the author offered perspectives to the multiplicity and complexities of global health governance, and leadership in action.

He noted that the 600-page book shed light on often unseen human side of leadership, difficult and sometimes agonizing decisions that must be taken, moments of hard-won triumph and collective progress.

He said: “It reflects the personal sacrifices that are appropriate to effectively lead and navigate through times of significant crisis and uncertainties.

“A central and recurring theme that resonated powerfully throughout the book is the paramount importance of diligently sustaining the significant gains that have been achieved in the global, regional and national responses to HIV and AIDS pandemics.”

Pate Tasks Public Health Practitioners on Dedication to Duty

GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS

By: Michael Mike

All is now set as the 1971-1975 set of Government Secondary School, Omu Aran, Kwara State, otherwise known as the Gateway Set, will on Friday July 4, celebrate its 50th year anniversary, with series of legacy projects.

In a statement in Ilorin by Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, Chairman, Central Planning Committee, said many activities have been lined up for the celebration of the Golden Jubilee, on Friday.

According to him, activities lined up for the day include the launch and dedication of some legacy projects by the Old Boys, visit to His Royal Highness, the Olomu of Omu Aran and a communal walk.

He added that the Kwara State Government has indicated its willingness to partner with the set to construct and uplift some identified infrastructural facilities in the school.

Other events lined up for the Day is a lecture on : NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE IMPERATIVE OF PEACE AND SECURITY to be delivered by Comrade Isa Aremu, Director General, Michael Imodu Institute for Labour Studies, Ilorin and staging of a play: Flight Ticket by the school drama group.

Dignitaries expected at the event to be chaired by Major General Yemi Abidoye rtd, include representatives of Kwara State Government, Royal fathers and other important dignitaries, many of whom have made impacts in their fields of endeavours.

Some of the dignitaries who were also almunus of the College were Bishop Caleb Atolagbe, Mr Olusegun Abifarin, the first alumnus to become the principal of the school and indeed the longest serving principal of the school. Others include; Alhaji Mufutaudeen Balogun, a former MD of Harmony Security, Dr Dele Ige, Dr Segun Dogunro and Dr Depo Agboola, Engineers Kayode Adeoti, Dauda Awojobi and Jacob Oyedepo Navy Captain Yekini Mustafa, Chief Stephen Ayelabola, Mr Tunji Oyinloye, Adegoke Olanrewaju, James Aina, Professor Tajudeen Akanji, Professor Funsho Afolayan, Professor Olabode Bamgbola, among several others.

GSS OMU-ARAN, GATEWAY SET, CELEBRATES GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH LEGACY PROJECTS