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Today, on the anniversary of Alexey Navalny’s poisoning with a banned nerve agent of the ‘Novichok’ group, the UK has announced asset freezes and travel bans against 7 Russian nationals, under the UK autonomous Chemical Weapons sanctions regime.

The sanctioned individuals are directly responsible for planning or carrying out the attack on Mr Navalny in Tomsk on 20 August 2020. These measures have been taken alongside our US allies.

This is the second round of sanctions under the UK autonomous Chemical Weapons regime. In October 2020, the UK sanctioned 6 individuals and one entity responsible for masterminding the poisoning of Alexey Navalny.

Today’s sanctions are targeted towards those who carried out the attack.

Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said:

Since the horrific poisoning of Alexey Navalny took place a year ago, the UK has been at the forefront of the international response against this appalling act. Through our chemical weapons sanctions regime and at the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, we are sending a clear message that any use of chemical weapons by the Russian state violates international law, and a transparent criminal investigation must be held. We urge Russia to declare its full stock of Novichok nerve agents.

The UK and its partners have repeatedly called on Russia to conduct a full and transparent criminal investigation into Mr Navalny’s poisoning. Russia continues to ignore these calls and has failed to provide a plausible explanation into how a nerve agent came to be used on Russian territory.

These sanctions on members of the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) demonstrate that the UK and its partners will continue to hold those responsible to account for their actions and uphold the Chemical Weapons Convention.

In light of Mr Navalny’s politically-motivated arrest and detention and the upcoming State Duma elections, we also underline our support for democracy, including free and fair elections, the rule of law and human rights in Russia.

The Lagos State Environmental and Enforcement and Special Offences Unit (Taskforce) has debunked a fake report that operatives of the squad allegedly killed a commercial bus driver and conductor, leading to unrest in the LASU/Iyana Iba area of the State.

The Chairman, Lagos State Taskforce, CSP Shola Jejeloye said the unrest by commercial drivers in LASU/Iyana Iba was based on false information and instigated by troublemakers, stressing that what actually happened was at variance with reasons for the protest.

According to him, a danfo driver attempted to evade arrest from the task force after committing a traffic offence at Iyana-Ipaja on Monday, but ran into a broken-down vehicle in the process.

“The impact with the stationary vehicle injured the technician, who was repairing the faulty vehicle. Our team assisted in ensuring that the technician was immediately taken to the hospital where his injury was treated before he was discharged the same day”, he added.

CSP Jejeloye emphasised that there was no truth in the fake news that the Lagos State Taskforce killed a driver and its conductor, noting that such incident never happened anywhere in the State but a figment of the imagination of mischief-makers.

He stated that he has been meeting with key stakeholders in the axis to ensure that commuters are not made to go through any harrowing experience as a result of the protest.

While urging his officers to remain focused and dedicated to their duties, CSP Jejeloye reminded them that their primary duties should be law enforcement and safety of lives and property of residents, imploring them to always be professional in the discharge of their duties.

He, however, decried the continuous flouting of traffic laws by motorists despite the public awareness campaign embarked upon by the State Government.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured the Association of Lagos State Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries (ALARHOSPS) of his administration’s commitment to supporting the group and making the welfare of its members a priority.

Sanwo-Olu noted this in his address at the opening ceremony of the 8th Summit of the association held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos on Tuesday.

Represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Local Government and Community Affairs, Dr. Wale Ahmed, the Governor congratulated and commended the association for its vision and commitment which, according to him, has sustained the summit as a platform for generating ideas and initiatives for continued growth and development in the State.

The Governor affirmed that this administration remains focused and resolute in its approach to implementation of growth policies, giving an assurance that the government will not relent in ensuring that public servants and all residents continue to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

Earlier in his welcome address, the President of ALARHOSPS, Dr. Femi Olugbile reiterated the commitment of the association towards protection of the welfare of its members. This position, he said, was to pay back its members, who have given so much in the service of society.

His words: “ALARHOSPS has among its defining objectives the protection of the welfare of its members, who have given so much in the service of society. Alongside that is an abiding interest in the optimal functioning and development of the Civil Service, to which all the members have devoted their best working years”.

Dr. Olugbile explained that in choosing the theme of the 8th Summit, “Enhancing the Status of Lagos as a Resilient and Liveable Megacity” – with a focus on safety, hygiene, political and economic stability and access to goods and services – the association to cognisance of the positive economic and developmental strides being taken by Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, urging all civil servants to reciprocate the kind gesture.

Also in his goodwill message, the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Public Service Office, Mr. Samson Ajibade, congratulated and commended the executive and entire members of ALARHOSPS for their consistency in organising the summit.

Muri-Okunola acknowledged that the association has always provided vision and strategies to enhance quality standards and service delivery in Lagos State.

The opening ceremony was attended by the Secretary to the State Government and former Head of Service, Mrs. Folashade Jaji, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, former Heads of Service, Mr. Adesegun Ogunlewe, Mrs. Oluseyi Williams, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola and Mrs. Folasade Adesoye, among other dignitaries.

The Federal Government on Thursday said it was not considering a lockdown despite rising cases of COVID-19 infections across the country.

Speaking at the weekly ministerial briefing organized at the State House in Abuja, Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, said the number of cases were not threatening enough, yet, for a lockdown to be considered.

On Wednesday Nigeria had recorded 790 cases of new COVID-19 infections, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The figure was the highest in about six months.

A recent surge in infections has been partly attributed to the Delta variant, which is believed to be more contagious and deadlier.

Nigeria is expected to step up its Covid vaccination program after receiving over four million doses of the Moderna vaccine from the US government last week.

Only about one percent of the population has been vaccinated, so far.

The second phase of the national vaccination programme is expected to kick-off next Monday.
More vaccines expected

Minister Ehanire also said on Thursday Nigeria is not only relying on donated vaccines from other entities.
The countries has benefitted from vaccines donated by COVAX and the US.

According to Ehanire, Nigeria has procured nearly 40 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine through the African Union.

He also assured those who have taken the first shots of the AstraZeneca vaccine of the availability of second doses by the end of August when 3.9 million doses of the vaccine type is expected to arrive the country.

No work, no pay

On the current strike action by resident doctors across the country, Minister Ehanire said the Federal government would implement a ‘no work, no pay’ rule.

He said the doctors, under the aegis of the National Association of Resident Doctors, should obliterate the option of strike as a tool to resolve their issues.

Minister Ehanire said the doctors should consider other options in the interest of the country, particularly at a time the country is in a war situation.

Minister of Labour, Dr Chris Ngige, has earlier threatened that the Federal Government would replace the striking doctors.

The doctors are striking over unpaid benefits, among other issues.

The Nigerian equities market sustained its positive trend yesterday amid price appreciation in large-mid capitalised stocks extending gains to three days.

The stock prices appreciation in the likes of GTCO Plc, Dangote Cement Plc, among others impacted on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) market capitalisation, gaining N480.8 billion in three days.

At the close of business, the market capitalisation went up by N21.67billion to close at N20.575trillion as against N20.553 trillion it opened for trading.

Reporters had reported that the stock market on Wednesday appreciated by N317.5billion and it also gained N141.6 billion on Tuesday.

The N21.67 billion gained in yesterday’s trading was buoyed by investors’ buy-sentiment in GTCO, Zenith Bank Plc and Dangote cement.

Consequently, the NGX All Share Index (ASI) gained 0.11 per cent yesterday to close at 39,490.06 basis points from 39,448.46 basis points the previous day.

The stock market upturn brings its performance in Month-to-Date increased to 2.5 per cent, while Year-to-Date loss moderated to -1.9per cent.

On sectors, the Insurance (-1.8 per cent), Banking (-0.2 per cent) and Oil & Gas (-0.2 per cent) indices recorded declines, the Industrial Goods (+0.4 per cent) index gained, while the Consumer goods index closed flat.
As measured by market breadth, market sentiment was positive, as eight stocks gained, relative to 24 losers.

Honey well Flour Mills plc recorded the highest price gain of 10per cent, to close at N1.87 per share.
Wema bank plc followed with a gain 3.95 per cent to close at N0.79, while Flour Mills gained 3.96 per cent to close at N2.29, per share.

AIICO Insurance appreciated by 2.11 per cent to close at N0.97, while GTCO appreciated by 1.07 per cent to close at N28.40 kobo, per share.

Tripple G top the losers table to close at 0.88 after shedding 9.28
Regal Insurance was also down by 8.51 per cent to close at 0.43 kobo, while Prestige Assurance lost 8.33per cent to close at 0.44, per share.

Japaul gold shed 7.48 per cent to close at 0.47 kobo, while NEM Insurance depreciated by 6.34 per cent to close at 1.92 kobo, respectively.

The market turnover closes positive as volume moved up by 214.30per cent as against 61.77per cent downtick recorded in the previous session.

Honey flour mills was the most actively traded stock with about 384million units of shares worth about N654million.

In its efforts to sustain the promotion of universal and quality health care for the residents of the state, the Lagos State Government on Thursday launched the ‘Ilera Eko’ Divisional Office at the General Hospital, Ikorodu.

Speaking during the launching, the Board Chairman, Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), Dr. Adetokunbo Alakija, listed the benefits of the scheme to include outpatient care for common ailments and conditions such as malaria, management of uncomplicated chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes and asthma.

Other benefits, the chairman said, include treatment of HIV and tuberculosis, minor surgeries such as incision drainage, herniorraphy, appendectomy, pharmaceutical care, health promotion and diseases prevention.

The chairman, who was represented by one of the Agency’s Board member, Dr Tunji Akintunde, disclosed that subscribers to the scheme are able to receive treatment at a registered hospital without payment as long as it covers the scope of the scheme subscribed to.

Alakija further stressed that subscribers also enjoy free consultation with the doctor as well as free drug prescription and dosage. According to him, there are different packages, which include family and individual plans.

In his words, “The annual payment of N40, 000 covers a family of six, which automatically grants them access to a full year of uninterrupted access to hospitals registered to the family. An individual can also enjoy the same benefits with N8, 500 annually, at any hospital of their choice, under the State Health scheme.”

He, however, noted that children that are 18 years and above would have to register under the individual plan.
In her remark, General Manager, LASHMA, Dr. Emmanuelle Zamba, urged residents of Ikorodu to support the programme and take full advantage of the scheme that is open to all.

The General Manager said that a resident can register through any of the LASHMA designated enrollment points spread across the State or via LASHMA  website – lashma.com or www.lashma.lagosstate.gov.ng having paid the premium in any of the Bank in the State.

Dr. Zamba commended the efforts of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for its determination towards ensuring accessible and affordable health care for Lagosians.

“Our amiable Governor has shown true commitment to the well-being of the citizenry.  Therefore, I urge residents of Ikorodu to make good use of the opportunity to embrace the scheme and enjoy quality health care treatments in their vicinity”. She noted.

Romelu Lukaku returned to Chelsea on Thursday for a reported club record fee of £97 million ($135 million) from Inter Milan, seven years after his first spell at Stamford Bridge came to an end.

The Belgian striker was instrumental in securing Inter’s first Serie A title for 11 years last season, but the Italian giants financial problems forced them into selling their prized asset to the Premier League side.

“I’m happy and blessed to be back at this wonderful club,” said Lukaku, who has signed a five-year contract. “It’s been a long journey for me: I came here as a kid who had a lot to learn, now I’m coming back with a lot of experience and more mature.

The way the club is going fits my ambitions perfectly at 28 and just coming off winning Serie A. I think this opportunity comes at the right time and hopefully we can have a lot of success together.”

Lukaku scored 64 goals in two seasons in Italy to quickly become a hero at the San Siro.
But the 28-year-old also has a proven record in the Premier League, scoring 113 goals during spells with Manchester United, Everton and West Brom.

The only blot on Lukaku’s career so far was his first spell at Chelsea as he failed to score in 15 appearances.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) says it is inviting veterinary students to apply to attend a two-week EMS placement next year, at the VMD’s offices in Addlestone, Surrey.

There are 6 placements available for veterinary students who are in their final two years of study. This follows the success of the first-ever EMS placement, which took place in July 2021.

The placement gives students a comprehensive overview of the work of the VMD with a focus on areas of clinical relevance and also allows students to explore other career opportunities in the veterinary profession.

The next placement will run from 4 to 15 July 2022, please note that you should only apply if you are available for the full two weeks of the placement.

The weeks will be structured with lectures and workshops, as well as a student-led journal club. Topics that will be covered include:

• Introduction to the VMD
• Insight into the work of the different VMD teams; Pharmaceuticals (Quality, Human and Environmental Safety, Efficacy), Biologicals, Legislation, Enforcement, Residues, Pharmacovigilance, Antimicrobial Resistance and associated policy, International Development and Training
• Legal bases and authorisations of veterinary medicines
• Dossier requirements to demonstrate Quality, Safety and Efficacy of the medicine
• Generic medicines; bioequivalence and biowaivers
• Clinical trials design and conduct
• Novel therapies
• Prescribing and responsible use of veterinary medicines
• Animal Test Certificates in practice
• Anthelmintic resistance
• Benefit: risk balance
• Careers in the Civil Service

To apply please fill in the EMS application form EMS Application form (PDF, 127KB, 1 page) and e-mail to ems@vmd.gov.uk.

Applications will close on Friday 1 October 2021. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by Friday 15 October 2021.

Please note, students will be responsible for their own accommodation and travel costs.

The intention is to run the placements at the VMD’s offices in Surrey, however if due to COVID-19 restrictions this is not possible the placements will be run virtually.

Parliament’s Multi-Party Women’s Caucus (MPWC), has expressed concern over the high teenage pregnancy rate in South Africa.

A recent report showed that girls, as young as 10- years-old are among the 23 226 girls who fell pregnant in Gauteng between April 2020 and March 2021.

According to the report, 934 babies were delivered by girls between the ages of 10 and 14, while over 19 000 were delivered by those between the ages of 15 and 19 years.

The report also noted that nearly 3 000 girls between the ages of 10 and 19 chose to terminate their pregnancies.

Expressing her concern over the staggering numbers, MPWC Chairperson Nkhensani Kate Bilankulu, warned that there is a legal age for sexual consent, and “10 years old is definitely not the age.”

“These numbers were released during Women’s Month, what does it mean about our young women and girl-children? I want to see all the perpetrators, be it educators or anyone else, behind bars. I call on the authorities to clearly state how many cases have been opened that relate to teenage pregnancies,” Bilankulu said on Friday. – SAnews

The Presiding Officers of Parliament have conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the school learner who tragically died as a result of a devastating taxi crash outside one of the entrances of Parliament on Friday morning.

It is reported that an overloaded minibus taxi carrying 22 school learners, mostly primary school learners, crashed into a bollard in front of Parliament after allegedly jumping a red robot, resulting in one fatality and injuries to several others.

The Presiding Officers, Presiding Officers — National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and National Council of Provinces (NCOP) Chairperson, Amos Masondo, have expressed shock and sadness at this tragedy and have called for a swift investigation into the accident by all the appropriate authorities.

“Our thoughts and prayers are also with the injured pupils for their speedy recovery. We call upon the traffic authorities to investigate the circumstances of the accident and leave no stone unturned to ensure the safety of our children,” the Presiding Officers said. – SAnews