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US Partners Oyo State Government To Distribute 5 Million Treated Nets Worth N7.4B

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Mosquitoes Treated Net- Investors King

The United States Government has spent N7.4 billion on 5 million insecticide-treated bed nets and other logistics to eradicate malaria in Oyo State.

The donation, made on Monday through Joe Biden’s President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) is part of a national campaign to provide enough nets for every Nigerian to be protected from the deadly disease every night.

A statement from the US Embassy disclosed that the treated net is expected to reach all 33 local government areas in Oyo State.

“The bed net distribution is a critical component of the ongoing effort to end malaria in Nigeria, which results in nearly 96,000 deaths per year,” the embassy noted.

“Malaria is a leading cause of illness and death in Nigeria, particularly now at the peak of the rainy season when mosquito populations increase dramatically.

“Conquering malaria will not happen overnight and it will only happen if we all work together,” USAID’s Acting PMI Resident Advisor, Ms. Celeste Carr, said at the handover ceremony.

“In addition to the nets, PMI also provided funding for logistics, including transportation and community mobilization carried out in partnership with the Oyo State government, which led the planning, coordination, and distribution effort. The total value of the contribution is near $18 million (₦7.4 billion).

“The distribution will benefit more than eight million residents of Oyo State, providing at a minimum one net for every two people within each household,” the embassy stated.

Seyi Makinde, Oyo state governor in his welcome remarks, said malaria still poses a great threat to the social and economic wellbeing of the population in the state.

He said: “Ladies and Gentlemen, I stand here today to flag off the distribution of five million insecticide-treated nets that will be distributed across all the 33 Local Government Areas of the State. My presence at this occasion underscores the importance this administration has for the health and well-being of the people of the state.

“Malaria is still a public health challenge in Nigeria and Oyo State. It seriously challenges the health care needs of women and children in our communities, especially at the grassroots. This net distribution process is expected to increase awareness of communities on the appropriate knowledge, attitude and skills in preventing malaria caused by mosquito bites. This will further improve the health of mothers and children by reducing morbidity and mortality across communities.”

He assured that his administration will continue to provide accessible, affordable and qualitative healthcare for all, especially children and women, saying that “we cannot fold our arms and bury our heads in the sand without acknowledging the sheer magnitude of weak health systems has thrust on the public.

“It is for this reason that the state deemed it necessary to put in place different health intervention which is free and assessable to the grassroots. Such intervention includes improving access to health care delivery by providing one primary health care center per ward, improving human resources for health and providing community health insurance services Also, free education is provided by our College of Nursing and Midwifery,” he added.

The governor emphasized that his administration, in a bid to ensure that health services in the state are evidence-based, community data capturing is now electronic to ensure all grassroots households are captured and have access to health care services.

While explaining that distribution of the nets will prevent malaria, reduce the burden of malaria on the economy of the state and health care systems, he reassured that the state will intensify efforts in improving the healthcare-seeking behavior of the populace and give the right message and information needed on the use of insecticide-treated nets.

He added: “The focus of the state government in health care service delivery is in partnership for sustainability. It is in this wise, that this administration will continue to reach out to development partners, well-meaning organizations and notable individuals within and outside the country for partnership and collaboration to implement programmes and projects that will improve the health status of the people.

“In attaining this goal, I am pleased to state here that the Oyo State Ministry of Health, Health Insurance Agency and the State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with our colleges are working to ensure universal health coverage at a cost-effective and sustainable way.”

He thanked the institutions that partnered with the state including USAID, PMI, GHSC-PSM, & Break Through Action-Nigeria, for collaborating and supporting malaria activities in Oyo State hence making the net distribution possible.

“This partnership has bought us together today to flag off this round of free net distribution that is conducted every four years, the last round was in 2016. The USAID partners (PMI, GHSC-PSM, & Break Through Action-Nigeria) supporting malaria activities in Oyo State have collaborated with the state to make this net distribution possible.

“This support is appreciated as it actually goes beyond net distribution to diagnoses and treatment of malaria.”

“Let me make it clear that it is the goal of this administration to leave a befitting legacy in the area of health care. I recall the days when Ibadan and indeed Oyo State was a Mecca of sorts for health care services. Esteemed guest pacesetters we intend to bring those days back.”

The US Embassy disclosed that the PMI program in Nigeria is jointly implemented by the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in coordination with the Government of Nigeria.

“Since 2011, PMI has procured more than 61 million insecticide-treated nets as part of a $712 million overall contribution to malaria control in Nigeria. PMI also supports advocacy and mobilization to encourage members of the community to sleep under the bed nets every night, and trains health workers to test for malaria before treatment,” it stated.

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Sport Business

Usyk Claims Victory Over Fury in Historic Bout, Becomes Undisputed Heavyweight Champion

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Oleksandr Usyk emerged victorious over Tyson Fury to claim the title of undisputed heavyweight champion.

The highly anticipated bout, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, showcased the remarkable skill and determination of both fighters, culminating in a split-decision victory for Usyk.

From the opening bell, the tension was palpable as Fury, the reigning WBC champion, and Usyk, the unified cruiserweight champion, squared off in the ring.

Fury, known for his towering stature and formidable punching power, sought to impose his will early on, using his reach advantage to keep Usyk at bay.

However, Usyk, undeterred by the size disparity, showcased his superior footwork and technical prowess, darting in and out of Fury’s range to land precise counterpunches.

As the rounds progressed, the momentum shifted back and forth between the two fighters, with each landing significant blows and demonstrating their resilience in the face of adversity.

Fury’s powerful punches tested Usyk’s chin, while Usyk’s speed and agility kept Fury on the defensive.

In the pivotal moments of the fight, Usyk delivered a masterful performance in the later rounds, capitalizing on Fury’s fatigue to unleash a barrage of punches that rocked the defending champion.

Despite Fury’s valiant efforts to rally back, Usyk’s relentless pressure and pinpoint accuracy earned him the judges’ favor, securing a split-decision victory and etching his name in the annals of boxing history.

With this triumph, Usyk joins the ranks of legendary heavyweight champions, becoming the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis more than two decades ago.

His victory not only cements his status as one of the sport’s elite athletes but also signals a new era in the heavyweight division, characterized by fierce competition and unparalleled skill.

As the boxing world reels from the electrifying showdown, fans and pundits alike eagerly await the prospect of a rematch between Usyk and Fury. With both fighters showcasing their championship pedigree, the stage is set for another epic clash that promises to captivate audiences worldwide.

In the aftermath of his victory, Usyk expressed gratitude to his team, his country, and his faith, attributing his success to hard work and dedication.

Meanwhile, Fury, while disappointed with the outcome, vowed to bounce back stronger and reclaim his title in the anticipated rematch.

As the boxing world celebrates Usyk’s historic achievement, his victory serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of sportsmanship and the unyielding pursuit of excellence in the noble art of boxing.

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Education

JAMB Releases 36,540 Withheld UTME Results, Dismisses Cyber Breach Claims

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The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has quelled concerns over the integrity of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) results by releasing an additional 36,540 previously withheld scores.

This move follows earlier revelations of withheld results and assertions of a cyber security breach.

Fabian Benjamin, the spokesperson for JAMB, confirmed the release of these results in a statement issued late Tuesday in Abuja.

This latest batch of released scores, when combined with the 531 previously unveiled, brings the total number of results made public to 1,879,437.

Benjamin took the opportunity to address circulating rumors regarding the security of the UTME results.

He categorically dismissed claims of a cyber security breach, saying that the examination outcomes remain intact and securely stored.

He stressed that the results are not stored in any cloud system and thus cannot be compromised by external entities.

At the time of the UTME release, JAMB had disclosed that certain results were withheld pending further investigation.

Subsequently, 531 of these results were recently unveiled with the remainder still under scrutiny.

Benjamin explained that any candidates implicated in examination malpractice are undergoing thorough investigation.

The examination board intends to meticulously review footage from CCTV cameras installed across all accredited centers to ascertain each candidate’s involvement.

Benjamin urged the public to remain vigilant against misinformation originating from sources not affiliated with JAMB.

He attributed the discrepancies in minimum admissible scores to variations among tertiary institutions. Some institutions, he noted, proposed lower minimum scores than others, resulting in varying benchmarks.

Benjamin clarified that these benchmarks are determined collectively by all Heads of Institutions during the annual Policy Meeting on Admissions, ensuring uniformity across the country.

Also, Benjamin cautioned religious organizations against overstepping their designated roles.

He warned against the dissemination of false information to governmental bodies for personal gain.

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Travel

British Airways Owner IAG Prepares for Summer Surge Amid High Travel Demand

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As the world gradually emerges from the grip of the pandemic, the travel industry is witnessing a resurgence in demand with British Airways owner IAG SA gearing up for a busy summer season.

Despite lingering challenges, the airline conglomerate remains optimistic about the outlook, citing strong demand for travel within Europe and across the Atlantic.

In a recent stock exchange filing, IAG disclosed an adjusted operating profit of €68 million ($73.3 million) for the three months ending March.

According to Chief Executive Officer Luis Gallego, the group’s core markets, including the North Atlantic, South Atlantic, and intra-Europe routes, have shown robust performance, positioning them well for the upcoming peak travel period.

With vaccination rates increasing and travel restrictions easing in many parts of the world, consumers are eager to resume travel plans, fueling the surge in demand.

However, the road ahead is not without its challenges. While travel within Europe and across the Atlantic remains strong, other regions present a more complex operating environment.

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has dampened demand for certain destinations, while airspace restrictions resulting from geopolitical tensions, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, have disrupted flight routes to East Asia.

Despite these hurdles, IAG remains resilient, banking on the strength of its core markets and the performance of its brands to weather the storm.

The company’s strategic positioning and proactive measures to adapt to changing circumstances have positioned it to capitalize on the rebound in travel demand.

As the summer season approaches, IAG is focused on ensuring operational readiness to meet the surge in passenger numbers.

With travelers eager to reconnect with loved ones, explore new destinations, and embark on long-awaited vacations, the airline group stands ready to facilitate safe and seamless travel experiences.

As vaccination campaigns progress and travel sentiment rebounds, IAG’s proactive approach and strategic investments position it as a key player in the aviation industry’s recovery journey. With optimism on the horizon, the company remains committed to delivering exceptional service and fostering a seamless travel experience for passengers worldwide.

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