Kogi Poised to Tame Heat-related Diseases
STRATEGIES have been mapped out to control any outbreak of heat-related diseases in Kogi State.
The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Dorcas Onuminya disclosed this while briefing the press in her office, recently.
Dr. Onuminya noted that the disease control and surveillance machinery of the Ministry has been placed at alert in view of the rise in temperature.
She pointed out that the vaccine personnel and operational vehicles have been put in good condition to ensure the success of any team that may take the lead.
The Commissioner therefore, called on the general public to report cases of outbreak of such diseases to health institutions nearest to them.

Committee on Idah NTA Inaugurated
A nine-man actualization committee to see to the early completion and commissioning of Nigeria Television Authority (NTA), Idah has been inaugurated.
Inaugurating the committee in his office, the Chairman of the Local Government Council, Hon. Haruna Idoko Musa charged members to ensure the immediate take-off of the station.
Musa enjoined them to show commitment so that the area can view the activities of governments at all levels.
The council boss promised to ensure that the station commences operation very soon.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Hon. S.M. Ochijenu thanked the chairman of the council for appointing men of integrity to serve.
Members of the committee are Bishop Opaluwa, Adaji Sani Obaje, Mallam Yakubu Ekpeh, Onu Ega, Hon. Faruk John Egbunu, and Hon. Unubi Adukwu. Alhaji Aminu Opaluwa, Information Officer of Idah Local Government would serve the committee as Secretary.
From Samuel Ilani, Idah

Compendium for Distinguished Igalas Coming Soon
POISED to bring Igala land to limelight, Aguba. Com has called on notable Igalas, both at home and in the diaspora, to send their profiles to it as it presently compiles an encyclopedia, who is who in Igala Kingdom, a project conceptualized by Igala Hall of Fame.
Spokesperson for Aguba. Com., Promoter of the project, Atabor Julius, in a press statement , said the project which would be compiled by a group of professional media personalities across the nation, is aimed at showcasing the accomplishments of Igala sons and daughters in their various fields.
According to the statement, " the biographic compendium is a total departure from the usual run-of -the mill who is who to a photographic, lucidly and crisply crafted profile of deserving individuals.”
By Nathaniel Drisu

Director Harps on Vital Registration
The Director of Vital Registration in the National Population Commission, (NPC), Mr. Babatunde Maliki, has called on the people of Kogi State to take the issue of registration of births and deaths more seriously.
Mr. Babatunde made the call in the legislative chambers of Kabba/Bunu LGA during the public awareness and community dialogue rally on birth registration in local government areas of Kogi State.
Babatunde maintained that the first right of children born in Nigeria is birth registration which, he said, affords the child the legal and national identity required.
Earlier, Pastor R.O. Fakeye, the Kabba/Bunu LGA NPC comptroller, urged the people to take advantage of the machinery established by UNICEF for recording, collecting, analyzing and presentration of data on life births, still births, deaths, marriages, immigration and emigration as their present and future relevance cannot be over-emphasized.
Hon. Raphael Ojo, the Secretary to the Local Government, representing the Chairman, Hon. (Dr.) Nathaniel Taiwo, called on all stakeholders to grasp the unique opportunity and register their children immediately.
The Olubunu of Bunuland, HRM, Oba Ikusemoro, urged all maternities and parents to ensure that all births are registered with dispatch.

Govt Unhappy Over Crisis in Okene
Kogi State Government has expressed dismay over the recent violent erupted in Okene and its environs and has pledged to leave no stone unturned in its quest to finding lasting peace in the area.
Commissioner for Information, Hon. Tom Ohikere made the remark while briefing the press at the end of the weekly exco meeting held recently.
According to him, the state government was disturbed over the prevailing situation in Obehira-edoma-Okengwen communities and expressed confidence that the recently submitted seven-man white paper committee report on the crises would facilitate permanent peace in the area.
He further explained that the views of government, when finally implemented will bring lasting solution to Ebira land while details of the resolution of the seven-man committee will be packaged and made public without delay.
The council also approved the establishment of a new office of the Administrator-General in the ministry of Justice which he pointed out will be saddled with the responsibility of addressing issues.


UNILAG VC Urges Students to Shun Vices
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Adetokunbo Sofoluwe, has advised new students of the institution to pursue their academic studies with strength and dedication.
Sofoluwe, who gave the advice during the matriculation of the 5,920 students admitted for 2009/2010 academic session, told them, “you will derive maximum benefits from the various course being offered in this university, if you pursue your academic studies with necessary vigour and commitment”.
The Vice-Chancellor also advised the students to shun examination malpractices and other social vices. “You are enjoined to shun examination misconduct and other deviant practices of any kind. This university expects you to serve as shining models of exemplary behaviour and dedication to academic excellence”, he counseled.
Sofoluwe who said that real progress can only be achieved where peace and stability are allowed to thrive warned the students to desist from anything that would disturb the prevailing peace on the campus.
He said as part of strategies to keep students positively busy, the school authorities put in place a work-study programme which is meant to assist indigent students to earn money without disrupting their studies. - Tijani Yakubu, Lagos