NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

By: Michael Mike

The Director General and Chief Executive Officer (DG/CEO) of the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), Dr. Yemisi Asagbra debunked some allegations level against the agency by some non governmental organisations (NGOs) concerning negligence and compromise.

Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Asagbra said: “The negative statements circulating are misleading and lack credible scientific backing. The agency asks these organisations to present verifiable scientific evidence for their claims and we relies on sound scientific research and internationally recognized protocols to make informed decisions. It is part of the Cartagena Protocol with over 180 parties, our mandate is to protect the health of Nigerians and the environment. It will not compromise on this as it is an agency of integrity.

She added that: “The agency is transparent and accountable in its operations. It invites review of its processes and rigorous evaluations of GMO products. We are confident in our procedures that it’s meet global standards and it is a leader in effective regulation in Africa”.

On the source of the allegations, she said “over the years they have been advocating to have their presence in the board where all these products coming will be thoroughly Investigated, but it hasn’t been given. Most times we rely on the information given by Nigeria Custom Service to furnish them with needed information, which most time is not always easy if they have other things doing.

The Head planning, research and statistics National Biosafety Management Agency Mrs. Bello Scholastica said the agency is concerned with safety to our health and safety to our environment.

She further reiterated that what NBMA stands for is to establish first regulation from identification of the gene of interest, “of what you are interested in, from then till commercialization, and even after commercialization, they still follow suit to make sure that the approvals they gave hasn’t caused any harm, or those that were given approval to that they stay put to what they were asked to do”.

She further explained that the agency has put in effort to promote environmental conservation and biosafety in Nigeria.

NBMA Debunks Allegations of Negligence, Compromise Against It

FG Confirms Arrest of Simon Ekpa

By: Michael Mike

The arrest of Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa in Finland has been confirmed by the federal government.

A statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People
of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by Finnish authorities on Thursday.

According to the statement, Ekpa was
charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

The Finnish District Court of
Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

The Finnish authorities alleged that Mr. Ekpa used social media platforms to spread
separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused
significant disruptions in the South-East of Nigeria. Finnish investigators had also linked
him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to had been fueled by his
online activities.

The statement said “the arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic
pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities,
which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria. The request
for action featured during high level engagements between countries.”

The Ministry stated that the arrest of Ekpa, is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralizing the influence of transnational actors and “their impact on our national security.”

The Ministry promised to continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.

FG Confirms Arrest of Simon Ekpa

Hawul: Zulum Allocates Space, N465m, for take-off of National Orthopaedic Hospital

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has approved the allocation of N465 million and a designated space for establishing a National Orthopedic Hospital in the state.

Designated for the project is Azare, headquarters of Hawul local government area in southern Borno.

The hospital is aimed at addressing the pressing need for specialised orthopaedic care in the northeast region when established.

Zulum stated this on Thursday evening when he received members of the accreditation team from the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Director of Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Jimoh Saludeen.

Zulum explained that the state government would cede ownership of the General Hospital in Azare to establish the national orthopaedic hospital. While about N465m he approved will also be used to rehabilitate the facility completely.

Zulum also stated that: “We have General Hospital, Azare, belonging to Borno State Government. We will move them to another location and I have approved the sum of N465m for the rehabilitation of the hospital. We are not only giving the hospital but including the staff quarters.”

Zulum added: “In addition to this, if there is any need, the state government can support you in realising the dream of establishing the national orthopaedic hospital. The federal government might own the hospital, but who are the beneficiaries? Who will use the hospital? The greatest beneficiaries are the people of Borno State.”

Briefing the governor earlier, Dr Jimoh Saludeen stated that their visit was to assess the proposed site for establishing a National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Borno State, following the president’s approval.

Jimoh also commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for supporting his team and providing the needed leadership for the people of Borno State.

The delegation comprises the member representing Askira/Hauwal constituency at the House of representatives, Midala Balami, and his predecessor who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the hospital, Dr Haruna Mishelia.

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani and the Chief Adviser to the Governor and cordinator sustainable development and humanitarian response, Dr Mairo Mandara were also part of the meeting.

Hawul: Zulum Allocates Space, N465m, for take-off of National Orthopaedic Hospital