Niger Delta

‘Pneumonia, Malaria, Diarrhea, Major Causes Of Infant Mortality’

Published

1 year ago

November 24, 2023

A medical expert, Dr Ogenetega Idaboh, has said pneumonia, malaria and diarrhea are the leading causes of death among children under five years.
She stated this in a paper presentation at an event to mark 2023 World Pneumonia Day in Asaba, organised by the Delta State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Paediatric Association of Nigeria (PAN) with support from UNICEF.
The Tide’s source reports that the day is annually celebrated on November 12 to raise awareness about the disease and proffer solutions to mitigating its spread.
The day has “Defeat Pneumonia: Every Breath Count, Every Action Matters” as its theme for 2023.
According to her, cold does not cause pneumonia as widely believed.
Idaboh, who is the Coordinator of the PAN-UNICEF Pneumonia Project in Delta State, said pneumonia, along with malaria and diarrhea are the leading causes of death among children under the age of five years.
She added that “pneumonia is a killer ailment and it has been defined as an inflammation of the lung due to pathogenic micro-organisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi.
“Over the years, many people believe that pneumonia is caused by exposure to cold. But that is not the case. In short, cold is not even among the risk factors that cause pneumonia.
“The major causes of pneumonia among under five children are malnutrition, lack of extensive breastfeeding, pollution, congestion among others”.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Delta State Ministry of Health, Dr Philomena Okeowo, had said pneumonia remained a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children than any other infectious diseases.
According to her, pneumonia posed formidable challenge to the efforts of the government and its partners to build a healthier and more prosperous society.
She said, “today’s gathering is not only a reflection of our collective commitment to the health and well-being of our communities, but also an acknowledgement of the pressing need to address the burden of pneumonia.
“As we convene here today, it is imperative that we recognise the urgency of our collective mission to mitigate the burden of pneumonia and enhance preventive measures.
“It is equally of great importance that we strive to improve access to quality healthcare services for our children”.

Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr David Kajovo, lauded the collaborative efforts of stakeholders in the PAN-UNICEF Pneumonia project in the state.

According to him, WHO is working with partners in the project to ensure the attainment of set goals.

He added that “as a major partner, WHO is very much involved in the PAN-UNICEF Pneumonia project; we provide technical support to see that the project succeeds”.

The source also reports that the theme of 2023 World Pneumonia Day celebration is “Defeat Pneumonia: Every breath count, Every action matters”.

The event was attended by medical consultants from the Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, officials of the state’s Ministry of Health, project partners, civil societies and market women.

Niger Delta

Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

Published

1 day ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.

Kiadum Edookor

Niger Delta

Coalition Urges Politicians Not To Escalate Tension In A’Ibom

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged politicians in Akwa Ibom State not to escalate political tensions in the state in order to ensure sustainable peace and development.

At a press conference, the National Coordinator, Mr. Franklyn Isong, said those already elected into leadership positions should be allowed to work.

Isong urged the political class to wait until ban on political activities was lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said it was too early to engage in unhealthy political activities, saying “2027 is still far, this early politicking can affect governance and development”.

The Coordinator said the coalition was aware of plots by some politicians to destabilise governance in Akwa Ibom State.

“As a body, we frown at this, and we are raising the flag against the plot to pile up unhealthy political climate ahead of the 2027 political season.

“Those involved in this plot should call themselves to order, their activities are capable of stifling governance in the state.

“We urge politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”, he said.

Isong further said the coalition was committed to the sustenance of good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in the state.

Niger Delta

Commissioner Charges NYSC Members On Opportunities In Edo

Published

2 days ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

Edo State State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to see opportunities in difficult situations as they await their postings.

Addressing the corps members at the orientation camp in Okada, about 40 kilometres from Benin City, Paddy urged them to be focused, build strong networks, and embrace a mindset of value addition.

“If you can think it, you can achieve it. The story of Governor Monday Okpebholo is enough to inspire you that no dream is too big.

“Though the number of out-of-school children is rising, your resilience has brought you this far, and today, you stand as an NYSC member.

“Let this be a stepping stone to greater achievements”, he said.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly in their careers and personal associations.

“You must choose your company wisely because it will determine who will accompany you in life. Do not surround yourself with dream killers.

“Take action with passion, and it will yield results. Above all, pray before venturing into anything”, he advised.

Paddy, however, expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s development.

“I saw the youthful population, ready to act and contribute to society. I saw the energy and drive.

“Obviously, we expect you to bring your passion to improve our educational system and the state at large”, he said.

He assured the NYSC members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, commended the State Government for its commitment to youth development.

Ben-Ushie said over 80 per cent of the corps members would be deployed to the education sector.

“These young men and women have undergone physical and intellectual training, leadership development, and specialised programmes such as the SDGs initiative, SERVICOM, and Safety Vanguard.

“They are ready to make an impact in their assigned communities”, she stated.

She further highlighted the importance of the commissioner’s visit, saying it provided corps members with direct interaction with a key stakeholder in the state’s education sector.

“This session is crucial because it allows the corps members to meet someone who is already making a difference in capacity building, philanthropy, and human capital development.

“It will prepare you mentally to serve effectively in the communities”, she added.