News
HIV/AIDS: Obama Calls For Global Interventions In Nigeria, Others
By Oluwaseun OLUWAROTIMI, Abuja
In the bid to totally eradicate HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and other affected countries, United States president, Mr. Barrack Obama, has called for global interventions.
The President who spoke through Ms. Esther Pan Sloane, Adviser for Economic and Social Affairs of the U.S. Mission to the United Nations in New York in a statement made available to our reporter also called on UNAIDS’s co-sponsors and partners to focus the most effective interventions on the highest burden geographic locations and populations, including vulnerable and at-risk populations.
Speaking further, Obama said the UNAIDS Fast-Track Strategy for 2016-2021 is strongly aligned with his Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB, and Malaria.
“Its Fast-Track Strategy places the 90-90-90 targets at center stage and is structured around the Sustainable Development Goals” he added.
The US leader pressed further that for the period of 2016 to 2021, UNAIDS had prioritized 35 Fast Track countries that account for nearly 90 percent of all new HIV infections.
His words: “Its Strategy reinforces the need to focus on specific districts and cities within countries. This type of prioritization and focus on sub-national units is absolutely necessary to reach the 90-90-90 targets. We will work alongside UNICEF, other UNAIDS co-sponsors and development partners in this effort”
Although children make up only 7 percent of people living with HIV/AIDS, they account for 11 percent of new HIV infections and 13 percent of AIDS-related deaths, Obama said, stressing that antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage for children stands at only 32 percent.
Furthermore, he said children and adolescents on ART are less likely than adults to reach viral load suppression and more likely to be lost from care.
According to Obama, HIV continues to affect profoundly the lives and future of children, beyond the risk of infection. He added that over 13 million children have lost one or two parents due to AIDS and have complex protection, care and support needs.
His words: “Many times more children live with parents who do not know their HIV status, suffer with HIV related illness, or are on life-long onerous treatment that may deplete the family’s financial assets. The social and physical effects of HIV impact millions of children.
“HIV affected young children face cognitive, physical, and linguistic delays and often live in households impoverished by chronic illness and death of parents. Moreover, HIV affected children and adolescents are at increased risk of violence–including gender-based violence–and ultimately at increased risk of HIV infection”
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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