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AWDROP laments capital flight in borehole drilling sector

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THE President, Association of Waterwell Drilling Rig Owners and Practitioners (AWDROP), Engr. Michael Ale has lamented the capital fight in Nigerian borehole drilling sector owing to influx of foreign drillers into the country, causing untold hardship for indigenous practitioners. 

The AWDROP boss recently in Ibadan at a stakeholders’ National Symposium on borehole drilling regulation and Practitioners’ licensing in Nigeria themed: “Nigeria water resources bill; implication on borehole drilling contractors”, appealed to government ministries and agencies to respect the Executive order of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo.

He stressed that the Vice President, in his acting capacity on 18th May 2017 solicited support for local content in public procurement where “the Federal Government directed its Ministries, Departments and Agencies to grant preference to Manufacturers of locally made goods and local service providers in their procurement of goods and services”.

Ale on behalf of the association also called for speedy passage of the water resources Bill as this will curb the current indiscriminate drilling which has led to uncoordinated operations in the country.

Also speaking at the symposium, the General Officer commanding 2 Division of Nigerian Army, Major Gen. CM Abraham lauded the Association of water well Drillers and Rig Owners Practitioners for their effort in repositioning the water sector.

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According to him, the coming together of the association to discuss the Nigeria Water Resources Bill and the implication on borehole drilling is a proactive measure that will create awareness among practitioners and lead to healthy input into the bill.

While commending the efforts of the National assembly, he charged them to ensure the speedy passage of the bill as this will ensure that the water resources is protected, managed and conserved in a sustainable and equitable manner for the benefit of all.

“This  symposium is not only important but also timely because the nation is facing imminent danger of underground water pollution from activities of unprofessional drilling companies most of which are not licenced to drill . If this act is not curbed by appropriate legislation and control, the country may face serious challenges in the near future” he added.

The Army Chief also assured AWDROP of their continuous support saying” the Nigeria Army having recognised water security as a vital component of National security, is positioning itself to be a major player in the enhancement of water resources”.

Also in his keynote address, the Executive Director Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission, Mr Reuben Habu spoke on Water Regulation and its implication on drilling practitioners and the general public.

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Present at the one day symposium are representatives to Executive Governor of Oyo State, Isaac Ishola, the state Commissioner for Environment; National Water Resource Institute (NWRI) Kaduna, Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC) Abuja, Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) Abuja, Nigeria Army 2nd Mechanized Division, Ibadan , Nigeria Police Force, Oyo State Command; Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps. (NSCDC); India driller Association and AWDROP State Chapters’ representatives from the 6 geopolitical zones.

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Photos: Saudi Medical Team Make History, Separate Nigerian Conjoined Twins

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In a monumental achievement for medical science, a team of Saudi professionals at the King Abdullah Specialist Children’s Hospital has completed the separation surgery of Nigerian conjoined twins, Hassana and Husaina.

The directive for this historic achievement came from the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, demonstrating the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing healthcare.

The complex procedure, initiated on Thursday morning, was the result of meticulous planning and execution by a dedicated team of 38 medical experts. This group included consultants, specialists, technicians, and nursing staff, all working in harmony to address shared areas in the lower abdomen, pelvis, lower spine, and lower spinal nerves of the twins.

The surgery, unfolding in nine carefully planned stages, lasted approximately 14 hours. Dr. Abdullah Al Rabeeah, Advisor at the Royal Court, Supervisor General of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), and head of the medical team, expressed confidence in the success of the procedure, citing a noteworthy 70% success rate.

“This is a momentous occasion that showcases the Kingdom’s commitment to advancing medical science and providing compassionate healthcare globally,” he said.

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The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina commemorates the 60th operation conducted by the Saudi programme for separating conjoined twins. Over the past 34 years, this programme has offered care to 135 conjoined twins from 25 countries.

Dr. Al Rabeeah expressed heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the Saudi leadership for their steadfast support of the programme.

He said, “The successful separation of Hassana and Husaina exemplifies the Kingdom’s dedication to humanitarian causes and its role as a leader in global healthcare.”

The Press Attaché at the Saudi embassy in Abuja, Mohammed Alsahabi, remarked on the accomplishment, stating, “This remarkable feat underscores the strong collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Nigeria in healthcare. We take pride in contributing to the improvement of these twins’ lives and their families.”

The separation of Hassana and Husaina represents not just a medical triumph but also serves as a symbol of hope for numerous individuals confronting similar challenges globally.

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Pregnant Girls Rescued in Anambra’s Baby Factory Raid { Photos}

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Five pregnant girls ranging from 14 to 21 years were rescued by security operatives during a raid on the facility on February 7, 2024.

Security operatives in Umunya, Anambra State, have rescued no fewer than five pregnant girls during a raid on a baby factory.

The joint effort, orchestrated by the Anambra State Ministry of Health and regional security agencies, uncovered a disturbing reality behind the facade of the facility.

The facility is identified as ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity located on a road along the Tansian University, Umunya

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, revealed during a Wednesday briefing that the establishment, named ‘Mother and Child Hospital and Maternity’ along a road near Tansian University, Umunya, was deceptively operating as a hospital while serving as a hub for child trafficking.

“We found that some hospitals that are not registered are operating in the state. We have created data that will capture the hospitals in the state so that people will be able to have quality, good healthcare.

The Anambra State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, briefs journalists.

“Unfortunately, in one of the hospitals that we came for inspection, we found out that in our data system, they were not registered. We came here to verify and look at what is happening,” the commissioner said.

Obidike said the facility lacked registration with the Anambra State Government, adding that seven nurses on duty fled during the raid.

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The commissioner specified the ages of the victims, ranging from 14 to 21 years, stressing Governor Charles Soludo’s commitment to addressing this menace.

Five pregnant girls ranging from 14 to 21 years were rescued by security operatives during a raid on the facility on February 7, 2024.

“Unfortunately, the hospital is not registered and activities are suspected to be very fraudulent. So we decided to just see the senior doctor in the hospital and all the seven nurses.

“They locked us outside. Before they opened the gate, they followed the back and ran away. Seven to eight of them ran away. We saw little girls here that are pregnant, some of them ranging from 14, 15, 16 and 21 years,” he added.

 

 

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Health

Diphtheria Outbreak Claims 10 Lives in Jigawa

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In a tragic turn of events, Jigawa State has been hit by an outbreak of diphtheria, with at least 10 people losing their lives.

The outbreak has spread across 14 local government areas, raising concerns among health officials and the local population.

The State Ministry of Health officially confirmed the outbreak during a press briefing held in Dutse on a somber Sunday.

Dr. Salisu Mu’azu, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, revealed that, as of now, two cases have been officially confirmed in Kazaure and Jahun local government areas.

However, the situation is far from contained as an alarming 91 suspected cases are under investigation, with samples sent to Abuja for confirmation. What makes this outbreak particularly troubling is that it has struck areas with a history of zero-dose routine immunization against diphtheria.

“So far, we have confirmed two cases in Kazaure and Jahun local government areas, while additional samples have been sent to Abuja for confirmation,” he said.

Dr. Mu’azu emphasized the urgency of the situation, prompting the ministry to launch a swift investigation, collecting crucial information and data from the affected regions.

Authorities wasted no time in alerting the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHDA) and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to coordinate a comprehensive response.

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“The state government is actively preparing to administer vaccines as soon as they become available”, Mu’azu stressed the urgency of the situation.

The roots of this outbreak can be traced to the disruptions in healthcare services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The suspension of routine immunization during that period has posed a significant challenge in combating such epidemics.

In response, the NPHDA and NCDC have taken a proactive approach, closely monitoring the situation and collaborating closely with the State Ministry of Health to ensure a swift and effective response aimed at containing the outbreak.

Local communities have been urged to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to any directives issued by health authorities to mitigate the further spread of diphtheria.

The tragic loss of lives in Jigawa State serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of maintaining robust healthcare systems, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic.

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