National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By Paulinus Nta, A’IBOM
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The Akwa Ibom State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a new membership registration and reassessment campaign. Starting on Thursday, May 16, 2024, and concluding on Friday, May 31, 2024, this phase targets both existing and prospective members.
During the flag-off ceremony at the PDP State Secretariat Complex on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, Mr. Aniekan Akpan, the State Chairman of the PDP, announced the initiative during an Emergency Expanded Executive Committee meeting. The aim is to expand the party’s membership base, with a goal of reaching approximately 6.9 million active members in Akwa Ibom State.
Akpan emphasized the party’s popularity among Akwa Ibomites, with thousands expressing interest in joining weekly, including newly eligible voters. He explained that the registration and reassessment exercise aligns with the directive from the National Headquarters and serves as an opportunity to welcome new members while updating existing ones.
To facilitate the process, membership registers and cards have been distributed to Ward Chairmen across the 369 wards in Akwa Ibom State.
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Cross River NUJ elects First Female Chairperson
By Paulinus Nta, A’Ibom
Archibongawan Eso, a seasoned broadcast journalist at the Nigerian Television Authority in Calabar, has made history as the first female chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Cross River State Council.
Eso’s election followed the appointment of Comrade Nsa Gill as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Cross River State. Having previously served as the council’s financial secretary for six years, Eso expressed gratitude to the Union for entrusting her with the responsibility of leadership.
She pledged to work diligently towards advancing the interests of colleagues, maintaining integrity, and protecting the image of the noble profession in the state.
The election, held at the Ernest Etim Bassey Press Centre in Calabar, was monitored by National officers from Zone ‘F’.
Comrade Sunny Inah of CRBC Chapel was elected Vice Chairman, while Comrade Mike Abang from the Correspondent Chapel representing Business Day newspaper was elected Secretary. Comrade Ekong Okpa from the Chronicle Chapel was elected Financial Secretary.
Comrade Okpaka Dokubo, Vice President of Zone “F” (South-South), emphasised unity, discipline, and accountability within the Union. Former chairman Comrade Gill Nsa advised the new chairperson to lead by example and foster inclusivity among members.
Eso’s election was hailed as historic by union members, with calls for increased efforts towards gender equality and inclusivity.
The newly elected leadership will serve until April 2025, tasked with championing press freedom, journalists welfare, and accountability in Cross River State.
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NDDC Issues Caution Against Self-Medication to Deltans
By Chuks Peter, DELTA
In observance of World Malaria Day in Delta State, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), in partnership with the Gilbert Hill Foundation and the Delta State government, has issued a warning to residents against self-medication and use of local herbal remedies, commonly referred to as agbo, for treating malaria.
Mrs. Irene Emavwodia, Assistant Director of Education, Health, and Social Services at NDDC, emphasised the importance of avoiding traditional remedies. “Do not use ‘agbo’. Refrain from obtaining drugs from roadside chemists without medical expert prescriptions,” she advised during the event.
According to statements from NDDC, the Delta State Government, and the Gilbert Hill Foundation, residents are urged to seek medical attention instead of resorting to self-medication or traditional herbal remedies when experiencing malaria symptoms.
Emavwodia stressed the importance of seeking proper medical checkups before taking any drugs when malaria symptoms appear.
She highlighted symptoms such as weakness, vomiting, and miscarriages in pregnant women, emphasising that high body temperatures could lead to coma. “Malaria is not to be taken lightly,” she emphasised.
Dr. Aniah recommended preventive measures such as keeping the environment clean, desliting gutters, and clearing stagnant water.
He urged residents to regularly fumigate their surroundings and install insecticide-treated mosquito nets in their homes.
Odejerho Odejerho, the Delta State Health Promotion Officer/Social Mobilisation Coordinator, highlighted the dangers of malaria and urged people in riverine communities to utilise insecticide-treated mosquito nets provided to them.
He warned against the misuse of these nets for fishing or farming, stating that offenders will be prosecuted according to the law.
Dr. Tosan Sagay, Executive Secretary of Warri South Council, commended the NDDC and the Delta State Government for their efforts against malaria but stressed that more needs to be done.
The theme for this year’s World Malaria Day celebration is “Accelerating the fight against malaria for a more equitable world.”
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Akpabio Seeks UK Collaboration to Strengthen Nigeria’s Democracy
By PAULINUS Nta
Senator Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, emphasised Nigeria’s shared history with the United Kingdom and expressed eagerness for their assistance in enhancing democratic practices not only in Nigeria but across Africa.
Senator Akpabio made these remarks during a courtesy visit by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Richard Montgomery, and his delegation to the leadership of the Senate at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.
In a statement by Anietie Ekong, the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication, Senator Akpabio stated, “We are delighted to associate with you, to learn from you and also to strengthen democracy in our country. We need your advice, your counseling, your input to enable that to happen.
“Our democracy is still evolving, and we are open to learning. Even advanced democracies face challenges. We can only improve by standing on the shoulders of giants like the United Kingdom.
“The 10th Senate has a robust legislative agenda focused on the welfare of Nigerians. Whether it is the economy or infrastructure, our laws must benefit the people. We believe in collaboration and exchanging ideas on democratic best practices.”
“We have inaugurated the Constitution amendment committee to eliminate outdated laws from our Constitution. We need your collaboration in this respect,” he added.
Senator Akpabio also highlighted the need for training and retraining for lawmakers and mentioned ongoing efforts to amend the Electoral Act to ensure the integrity of the electoral process.
Mr. Montgomery, the High Commissioner, emphasised the enduring relationship between the UK and Nigeria, particularly in democratic practices. He highlighted the significant people-to-people connections and expressed the UK’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Nigeria.
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