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Intensified fight against pneumonia can save 2 million child deaths — Report
Save the Children International has observed that strengthened efforts at fighting pneumonia can avert more than two million child deaths from pneumonia and other major diseases.
Country Director, Save the Children International Deirdre Keogh said this in a statement in Abuja, making reference to an analysis in a report.
According to him, a new analysis by the Johns Hopkins University indicates that two million children in Nigeria are at risk of death in the next decade unless more is done to fight pneumonia.
Keogh said that malnutrition, air pollution and lack of access to vaccines and antibiotics, were among the drivers of preventable deaths from pneumonia that killed children in Nigeria in 2019.
Keogh said that researchers also found out that boosting pneumonia services would create an additional “ripple effect”, preventing 1.2 million extra child deaths from other major childhood diseases at the same time.
He said that interventions such as improved nutrition, vaccine coverage or effective breastfeeding rates were key to reducing the risk of children dying from pneumonia.
He also said that such measures would also stop thousands of child deaths from diseases such as diarrhoea, meningitis, measles and malaria.
Pneumonia is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi and leaves children fighting for breath as their lungs fill with pus and fluid.
He said that the disease was the leading killer of children in Nigeria, causing death for 19 per cent of children less than five years of age.
He, nonetheless, said that most pneumonia deaths could be prevented with vaccines, easily treated with low-cost antibiotics.
He also said that more than 40 per cent of infants in Nigeria was not vaccinated and three in four children suffering from pneumonia symptoms did not get access to treatment.
Keogh quoted Mr Peter Hawkins, UNICEF Nigeria’s Country Representative, as saying “We have a responsibility to do all we can to avert these deaths by pneumonia — deaths that are nearly all preventable.’’
Our correspondent reports that from Jan. 29 to Jan.31, nine leading health and children’s organisations hosted world leaders at the Global Forum on Childhood Pneumonia in Barcelona, the first international conference on childhood pneumonia.
Minister of Health Osagie Emmanuel Ehanire will announce the pneumonia control strategy at the conference alongside Save the Children International.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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