By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

As part of efforts to tackle the surge of cardiac arrest, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, has flagged off a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Centres in the nation’s capital city.

The minister performed the flag off on the occasion of the Bring Back to Life (BBL) programme organised by the Nigeria Cardiac Society.

She noted the landmark event which aims at training members of the community on actions to be taken in the event that someone nearby has a sudden cardiac arrest and also to install and maintain Public Access Defibrillators (PAD) in all public places with large human traffic.

Mahmoud noted that cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, stressing that in Nigeria, the statistics are alarming.

The minister stated that the Federal Capital Territory Administration recognizes the urgency of having a CPR centre, as the FCTA is committed to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and community capacity.

She explained that Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that doubles or triple survival rates in cardiac arrest cases, adding that every minute counts in responding to cardiac emergencies.

While commending the Nigeria Cardiac Society for its dedication and playing a leading role in this laudable initiative, Mahmoud emphasised that the programme is a testament to effective public-private partnerships and it is in line with the renewed hope agenda of the present administration of President Bola Tinubu.

The minister, however, urged community leaders, healthcare professionals, and individuals to join this noble cause of promoting a culture of lifesaving interventions and reducing cardiovascular-related deaths.

She also added; “I call on all Nigerians and FCT residents in particular to practice healthy lifestyle measures such as physical exercise, reduction in calorie intake, reduction in salt intake, cessation of cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption.

“These lifestyle measures are cost effective ways of reducing cardiovascular diseases”.

In his response, the chairman of Bring Back to Life programme, Dr. Akinyemi Aje, stated that about 89 per cent cases of cardiac arrest occurred outside the hospital, hence the need for the establishment of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation centres in public places.

Aje further stressed that very often Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is done incorrectly by the first responder while others present at the scene would rather record on their devices in order to post on social media than assist in salvaging the life of the victim.

He said, “Some first responders such as family members, friends and by-standers at the scene may not even know what to do at such an occasion because they have little or no knowledge of CPR.

“This is why the Nigerian Cardiac Society (NCS), has come up with the BBL project being launched today, with the objective of taking CPR training to the grassroots so that Nigerians will know what to do when confronted with cardiac arrest or sudden cardiac death.

“The “Slump and die” phenomenon has no respect for financial status, age, level of education or occupation. It can occur at any place such as: at home, work place, marketplace, Motor Park, in the hospital, in the plane, in an executive meeting, in a hotel, in the school, etc.

“Slump and live” is achievable if we all work together to change our orientation. Each of us, including children, must be ready to learn the steps on how to bring back life after slumping by doing CPR”.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia on Wednesday approved the appointment of Solomon Terkimbi Adagba as Director General of the Benue State Digital Infrastructure Services Management Enforcement Agency (BENDISMEA).

He said the appointment took immediate effect with a charge on him to always put the state first in all considerations in the course of performing his job.

Alia advised the new Director General to ensure his focus remains firmly fixed on the vision and mission of the administration, adding that everything must always be about Benue.

Adagba, a member of the Nigeria Computer Society and Computer Professionals, holds an MSc in Computer Science from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

He has extensive knowledge and experience in computer and digital infrastructure management.

A statement by the chief press secretary to the governor, Tersoo Kula, said the agency was created alongside Benue Digital Infrastructure Company with the aim to establish and enforce regulations governing the deployment and management of digital infrastructure within the state, ensuring compliance with local and national standards.

He said the Agency could also monitor the usage and maintenance of digital infrastructure, ensuring that service providers adhere to regulations and standards.

“Additionally, it could address any violations or issues that arise, among many other functions.

“The Governor believes that considering the antecedents of Adagba, he will deliver effectively on his new mandate”, Kula said.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi

Benue State Emergency Management Agency, on Wednesday, flagged-off distribution of second phase of the federal government palliatives to the vulnerable and non-vulnerable persons across the twenty three (23) local government areas of the state.

The palliatives which were sent to the state by the federal government through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) are to be distributed to all categories including political parties, religious groups amongst others in the state.

Performing the flag off ceremony at IBB square Makurdi, Governor Hyacinth Alia commended the federal government for the gesture, saying that it will go away in the cushion effect of hunger in the State.

The Governor who was represented by his principal private secretary, Emmanuel Chenge said SEMA must ensure that the vital food items reach the most vulnerable population such as widows, orphanage homes, the elderly, government schools, religious bodies and the physically challenged within the state.

Earlier in his speech, the Acting Executive Secretary of SEMA, James Iorpu, said the initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of both the Federal Government and the Benue State Government to alleviate the hardships faced by Benue people.

He however  expressed  gratitude to the Federal Government for consistently supporting the State in this humanitarian endeavor, stressing that their commitment to ensuring that the people of Benue State are not left behind in times of need has been steadfast and unwavering.

“As we begin the distribution in this 2nd phase, wish to extend our apologies for the delay in sharing these much-needed palliatives. We understand the urgency of the situation, and assure you that we have worked tirelessly to ensure that this process is as seamless and efficient as possible. The delay was unfortunate, but it was necessary to guarantee that the items reached those who needed them most.

“It is important to note that in this phase, we will not be including the local government councils, as they already received their palliative share in June 2024. We appreciate their cooperation during that period and trust that they made good use of those provisions.

“Food items earmarked for our traditional rulers will be sent directly to the Tor Tiv for the Tiv-speaking traditional rulers and to Ochidoma for Zone C traditional rulers. This ensures that our traditional leaders, who play a critical role in the well-being of our communities, also receive their fair share of support”, Iorpuu said.

He maintained that, to ensure smooth distribution, SEMA had designed a sharing timetable that allocates specific days and dates to beneficiaries.

He urged everyone to adhere strictly to the schedule, as missing allocated turn will mean waiting until the entire group has collected their palliatives before they can make further arrangements.

According to him, this system was put in place to maintain order and ensure that everyone receives what is due to them in an organised manner.