The Federal Government said the risk assessment conducted by the human health sector showed that the likelihood of an outbreak of anthrax disease in the country is high.

The FG also said that the potential impact of the disease on humans is high.

These were made known on Monday night in a joint press statement signed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Chief Veterinary Officer of Nigeria, Dr. Columba Vakuru, and the Director General of NCDC, Dr Ifedayo Adetifa.

The government, however, noted that it has activated the incident management system at level two with an incident manager appointed for effective coordination of the response.

Earlier, FMARD confirmed one case of Anthrax disease in a mixed livestock farm in Niger State.

This is the first animal case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the West Africa outbreak in Ghana in June 2023.

FMARD said on July 13, 2023, the sudden deaths of livestock in this farm with eight mortality was reported and the animals who died were observed to have been bleeding from external orifices without blood clotting.

Following this report, samples were collected on July 14, 2023, from multiple species in this livestock farm and transported to the National Veterinary Research Institute, VOM, Plateau State for testing and the results were positive for anthrax.

The statement read in part, “Further investigation is also ongoing to trace the source of the infection and to identify the spread to other farms and humans. Though human exposure has been reported, there are no reports so far of human symptoms or mortality.

“The FMARD and the NCDC are currently working closely with the Niger State Ministries of Health and Agriculture to identify, isolate and follow up all exposed persons. The NCDC has activated the incident management system at level two today with an incident manager appointed for effective coordination of the response. The risk assessment conducted by the human health sector today remained HIGH for the likelihood of an outbreak and its potential impact on humans.

“The FMARD was able to diagnose anthrax and provide early intervention within 48 hours of notification of suspected animal deaths. The Government of Nigeria, through the FMARD and NCDC and other one-health stakeholders, have put measures in place to ensure any outbreak of Anthrax in Nigeria is quickly detected, controlled, and contained.”

Anthrax is a severe disease caused by the bacteria – Bacillus anthracis. It can affect both humans and animals, including wild animals and livestock such as cows, pigs, camels, sheep, goats, etc.

The bacteria, which exist as spores, can be found in the soil, wool, or hair of infected animals. Anthrax spores are resistant to extreme conditions and can survive in the soil or environment for decades, making controlling or eradicating the disease very difficult. The spores are brought to the surface by wet weather, by deep digging, or when eaten by livestock or wild animals when they graze.

Anthrax affects humans through skin infection, gastrointestinal, and inhalation.

[Punch]

Hundreds of thousands of immigrants who enter Canada annually are required to take a language test. But their scores expire within the next two years — one of many problems critics have with the test. 

The Canadian government invited 431,645 permanent residents into the country last year — a record high. Most are required to be proficient in either English or French. 

Applicants can attempt either of the two tests recognized by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) — the Canadian English Language Proficiency Index Program (CELPIP) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Both cost more than $250 and the results are only valid for two years. There are also French tests that have the same validity period and cost about the same.

Results from a language test are also sometimes required when immigrants enrol in university or apply for work permits. 

The price of the exam, and potentially having to pay to take it multiple times, is just one issue advocates and prospective residents have with the test. Some see it as an insufficient way of assessing someone's candidacy for residence in Canada. 

Language abilities 'being called into question'

Ukwori Ejibe, now an Alberta-resident, moved to Canada from Nigeria in 2020. She holds an undergraduate degree from the U.S. and two master's degrees — one from Paris and one from Singapore.

But before moving to Canada, she attempted the IELTS test twice in Nigeria, where English is the official language.

Language test scores are assigned a point value. Applicants also get points for things like education and work experience. The more points an applicant has, the greater their chances of becoming a permanent resident.

Ejibe's first scores in 2016 were not high enough to gain permanent residency. After her second attempt, she was invited to immigrate.

She says she was "quite upset" to learn she'd have to take the test a third time to gain admission to the university program she wanted to attend in B.C. 

"It's definitely an expensive process to move to Canada, and one of the reasons why it's so expensive is because the IELTS is not like other processes, that you, hopefully, just do once," she said.

When Ejibe took the test for the third time, she said she didn't prepare as much as she had before, but still got a great score. 

"You feel like you've gone through all the hurdles and your English abilities are being called into question, and this is for someone who went to school in the U.S. and got educated in Nigeria in English." 

Concern about validity period

Syed Hussan, the executive director of the advocacy group Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, says most people they work with have difficulty passing the test on their first try, even if English is their first and only language. 

"It is a massive money-making machine," he said, noting the fact that the tests have a two-year expiry date before they have to be taken again makes it apparent that the exams are cash grabs. 

"It just goes to show it's just a way to get money out of people and not really assess people's ability to work or live in Canada," he said. 

The application for permanent residency costs $1,365. Ejibe says she has spent roughly $1,000 on tests alone, and says they just add onto an already expensive process. 

Unlike permanent resident applicants, those seeking citizenship don't need to take the test again if they've passed it once. They can submit their test results even if they've expired. 

Ejibe wonders about the rationale behind this.

"If they can do this for citizenship, they should consider it for immigration purposes, too," she said. 

Elena Ashford, an Ontario-based immigration lawyer, says these English language test scores play a significant role in a person's eligibility to move to Canada and considers the cost of the tests to be an issue. 

"Many individuals have to retake the test and that's a lot of money. I don't understand why the test expires within two years," she said. 

Maintaining proficiency 'critical': IRCC

British Council, the U.K.-based organization that offers IELTS, recommends test results remain valid for a period of two years. IRCC says it has followed this recommendation in its policy since it first began using third-party language testing.

IRCC said via email that the two-year validity period is meant to take into consideration factors like how often people actually speak the language they're supposed to be proficient in, how recently they've had instruction in the language and if they've maintained their level of language proficiency.

"It is critical to ensure that their language proficiency does not deteriorate over time, prior to landing," the email said. 

In its emailed response, IRCC said language proficiency is strongly associated with positive economic outcomes and has been shown to have a direct impact on increased earnings and finding suitable employment. 

But some still say the language tests aren't a reliable indicator of how well a person will do after immigrating to Canada. 

When the temporary resident to permanent residency pathway was introduced in 2021, Hussan says traffic on the language testing sites was so heavy the websites crashed. 

He says using the language tests to determine a person's ability to thrive in a new country is baseless and thinks it would be better to update the assessment system entirely.

"If you've been working in Canada already, that should be proof enough, if you've been studying here, that should be proof enough."

[cbc]

Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe has lost his spot as the most valuable football player in the world, according to the latest report by Football Benchmark.

The 24-year-old has already topped the list of previous editions released by the renowned football business portal.

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is now occupying the position.

Mbappe and Haaland are widely regarded as the two main dominant forces in European football at the moment, following the departure of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo from the continent.

Haaland is now valued at an estimated €194.2 million, and this figure puts him on top as the world’s most valuable player.

Haaland scored an astonishing 53 goals in a single season to help Manchester City win the Champions League, Premier League, and FA Cup last season.

Mbappe, the Frenchman, who is now placed second on the list, reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup final with France and helped PSG win last season’s Ligue 1 title.

He currently has an estimated value of €181.6 million.

Sheriff’s authorities on Tuesday reported that a three-year-old baby shot and killed a one-year-old sibling with a handgun that had been left unsecured in a home in San Diego, California.

It was not immediately clear who reported the shooting or where the children’s parents were at the time of the incident.

Authorities said deputies in Fallbrook arrived and found the one-year-old girl, who had sustained “head injury.’’

The child was taken to Palomar Hospital where she died an hour later. The Sheriff’s department did not release the name of the child who was fatally injured.

Investigators, however, said the department’s Homicide Unit was working to gather more information about the incident.

NAN

Victor Osimhen has been offered a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses.

Serie A champions, Napoli offered Osimhen the new package to keep him at the club.

Osimhen has been attracting top European clubs following his outstanding performance which helped Napoli secure the title, their first in 33 years. The club has now offered Osimhen a new two-year contract extension with a salary worth N6.5bn — €6.5m plus €1m in bonuses, according to reports.

Skysports reported on Monday that Napoli was in advanced talks to extend his (Osimhen) contract until 2027 with an increase in salary.

Osimhen who has two years left in his contract had earlier requested an improved deal with €7 million. Napoli has now, however, tabled their offer that comes with a release clause of £170m.

Napoli’s new manager, Rudi Garcia had confirmed that Osimhen would remain at the club ahead of the new season, saying “Of course, I have spoken to Osimhen who wants to stay here to make another great season with Napoli.”

“I can assure you that he (OsImhen) wants to stay, he is happy to be with us and still wants to do great things.”

Osimhen scored 26 goals plus five assists in 32 league appearances for Napoli last season.

Hunger is violence. Many freaks, upheavals and misfortunes of history were by the fashioning of hunger. Hunger is a maximum ruler. It sets in motion inexorable forces of chaos and anarchy.

The French Revolution had the spurring of hunger. In 1788, France was scourged by deleterious winter resulting in widespread famine. Citizens were seized by hunger. They starved as the famine ratcheted up its grip. The price of bread became unaffordable. Soon, riots broke out in some cities, including Paris, the country was broke, and by 1789, the revolution conjured by hunger, with the alliance of some concomitants, began.

In Africa, food riots have led to the spiralling of violence, chaos, and anarchy. In 2018, "the bread revolution" in Sudan upended the country. The consequence of that revolution today is Sudan in the throes of a civil war. The Arab Spring and the Tunisia bread riots were also some of the fashioning of hunger. Why always bread?

We must appreciate the power of hunger to deal delicately with matters of food security. Food security is national security. In policymaking, addressing hunger is pivotal -- because "foodology" is at the nucleus of existence. Hunger is a mad man.

It is within this context that the federal government’s expeditious declaration of state of emergency on food security is most judicious. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s annual inflation rate rose to 22.79% in June relative to May headline inflation rate of 22.41%. Food inflation rose to 25.25% on a year-on-year basis in June 2023, higher than the rate recorded in June 2022 -- 20.60%. Evidently, this is a national emergency.

The federal government says all matters pertaining to food and water availability and affordability, as essential livelihood items, will now be within the purview of the National Security Council. It also says it will deploy some savings from the fuel subsidy removal into the agricultural sector focusing on revamping the sector.

According to Mr Dele Alake, spokesman of the government, the immediate intervention strategies are -- release of fertilizers and grains to farmers and households to mitigate the effects of the subsidy removal; urgent synergy between the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources to ensure adequate irrigation of farmlands and to guarantee that food is produced all-year round; creation of a National Commodity Board that will review and continuously assess food prices as well as maintain a strategic food reserve that will be used as a price stabilisation mechanism for critical grains and other food items; and engage the security architecture to protect the farms and the farmers so that farmers can return to the farmlands without fear of attacks.

Mr Alake says through the National Commodity Board the government will moderate spikes and dips in food prices.

Other measures he says the government is initiating to arrest the current drift are: ‘’Activation of land banks. There is currently 500,000 hectares of already mapped land that will be used to increase availability of arable land for farming which will immediately impact food output; Mechanization and land clearing - The government will also collaborate with mechanization companies to clear more forests & make them available for farming; River basins - there are currently 11 rivers basins that will ensure planting of crops during the dry season with irrigation schemes that will guarantee continuous farming production all year round, to stem the seasonal glut and scarcity that we usually experience. We will deploy concessionary capital/funding to the sector especially towards fertilizer, processing, mechanization, seeds, chemicals, equipment, feed, labour, etc. The concessionary funds will ensure food is always available and affordable thereby having a direct impact on Nigeria’s Human Capital Index (HCI). This administration is focused on ensuring the HCI numbers, which currently ranks as the 3rd lowest in the world, are improved for increased productivity; Transportation and Storage: The cost of transporting Agricultural products has been a major challenge (due to permits, toll gates, and other associated costs). When the cost of moving farm produce is significantly impacted - it will immediately be passed to the consumers, which will affect the price of food - the government will explore other means of transportation including rail and water transport, to reduce freight costs and in turn impact the food prices.’’

These remedial measures are timely and show that the government is attuned to the prevailing hardship. Addressing hunger is critical to deploying and sustaining other government plans and programmes. Nigerians have got to feed.

Food security is national security. No nation can secure itself if its citizens are hungry. Insecurity, itself, is a manifestation of the corollaries of hunger. So, addressing food security with deliverable targets and a Marshall Plan is a must, and a commendable effort.

A bulk of household cash is spent on food. According to the 2023 Minimum Wage report, the cost of basic food items required for survival by an average Nigerian family rose by 17.5 percent to N48,130 in January 2023 from N40,980 in 2022. So, if food prices are effectively tempered through incentivised agriculture, much of the quotidian stress many Nigerians are going through will be alleviated.

I believe "service plans" -- like the food security initiative -- are the most effective in addressing the collateral ramifications of policy implementation and in achieving a multiplier effect in mass survivance.

Another important service plan is the review of the minimum wage, which the government is currently working on. The cost of basic food items required for sustenance by an average Nigerian family is already above the minimum wage mark. So, this is most elemental. Some state governments, like that of Imo, have already begun to initiate a review of their own accord.

It is important that these plans are followed timeously -- as the government is already doing.

Nigerians have got to eat.

 Fredrick Nwabufo, Nwabufo aka Mr One-Nigeria is a media executive.

The Nigeria international left England for Spain a few years ago, but he is on the move again, with Portugal the most likely destination 

Super Eagles midfielder Kelechi Nwakali is on the brink of securing a two-year contract with GD Chaves, a top-division Portuguese club, following his spell with Spanish side Ponferradina, Soccernet.ng reports.

Ponferradina endured a disappointing season that resulted in their relegation, despite Nwakali’s commendable contributions.

The 25-year-old Nigerian international made 36 appearances, scoring one goal and providing four assists. Regrettably, his exceptional performances couldn’t save Ponferradina from the drop.

Subsequently, the club announced that he would be allowed to leave for a nominal fee, which has now apparently been paid by Chaves.

Various Spanish teams, including Racing Santander, expressed interest in securing Nwakali’s services. Nevertheless, the former Arsenal star opted to move to Portugal instead.

This transfer ends Nwakali’s three-year stint in Spain, which has been marred with difficulties. His time at top-division side Huesca came to an abrupt halt after he returned late from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, where he represented Nigeria.

GD Chaves, founded 73 years ago, concluded last season’s campaign in the Portuguese Primeira Liga with a respectable 7th-place finish.

The acquisition of Nwakali, a former U17 World Cup golden ball winner, is a significant step towards strengthening the team for improved performance in the upcoming season.

Exclusivo. Kelechi @nwakali25 deixa o @SDP_1922 para ser reforço do Desportivo de Chaves. Contrato para as próximas duas temporadas- até junho de 2025. Exames médicos agendados. 

 Kelechi representou o @FCPorto na época 2018/19 por empréstimo do @Arsenal .  pic.twitter.com/yn9CI4wcsy

— Pedro Sepúlveda (@pedromsepulveda) July 17, 2023

According to Portuguese transfer market expert Pedro Sepulveda, an official announcement regarding Nwakali’s signing is expected within the next few days following the completion of a routine medical examination.

All parties involved have already agreed to the terms of the transfer. This will mark his second spell in Portugal, having previously spent time on loan at Porto B from Arsenal.

Nwakali will be hopeful for a more prosperous period this time, as he struggled to establish himself as a regular starter during his 16 appearances for Porto B, mostly featuring as a substitute.

[Soccernet]

The 24-year-old has become the most expensive British footballer of all time after joining from West Ham in a deal worth up to £105million.

Rice's arrival takes the Gunners spending over £200m as Arteta continues to be one of the most-backed managers in the Premier League - and it's reaping rewards.

Arsenal may have gone trophyless last season, but finished second behind title winners Manchester City after leading the Premier League for 251 days - a record without lifting the trophy.

"I see him like a lighthouse," Arteta said of Rice. "He is willing to put the light in others, improve others and make the team better.

"We discussed a while ago how he could evolve the team and compliment the players and take that winning hunger into a team with players who really want to push themselves to a different level.

"He has an aura. The experience he has in this league is going to bring the team to a different dimension. He has the physical qualities we were missing for a while.

"The way he talks and presents himself. The ambition he has and his passion for the game is exactly what we needed."

[standard]

If Liverpool are to complete the transfer of Romeo Lavia it will not be with ease, as the Reds have been warned Arsenal are now ready to turn their attentions to Southampton prodigy.

The Southampton man has been heavily touted with a major Premier League transfer following on from an impressive breakout campaign. His capability to control play under pressure and dribble forwards offers an exciting prospect to any side, and that's without mentioning his so-called peak years are still far down the line.

Liverpool have been the ones most heavily linked in recent weeks, although the emergence of negotiations for Fabinho's exit to Al Ittihad has somewhat dampened things as the midfield rebuild strategy is re-drawn.

Meanwhile the Gunners have always been mentioned, albeit in a reduced capacity over recent weeks. This is because their resources have been spent finalising Declan Rice's transfer for a British record £105 million fee, but now that is done and dusted it has been suggested they won't wait around long to make approach for Lavia.

Football Insider revealed that their sources have reason to suspect Mikel Arteta is preparing a new move for the Belgian. This comes as Thomas Partey also finalises an exit to the Saudi Pro League.

Whilst Jurgen Klopp had been in the box seat to acquire Lavia it had been reported he would be on the market for a £45 million asking price.

With no rivals in sight, the start of the month would have been the ideal time to wrap this saga up, but now that fee could rise if the old top-flight rivals enter a bidding war.

£45 million would increase Arsenal's summer spend to at least £250 million, having also acquired Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber this window.

And despite this, Arteta remained coy about the possibility of more incomings when quizzed by Sky Sports' Melissa Reddy.

"Let's see, it's a lot of time still in the market and a lot of expectations are in some of our players as well," he said on Monday. "We will have to see how things develop in the next couple of weeks.

"We will be alert, there is still time to do things, there is still time as well for exits obviously so I'm sure things will move."

[liverpoolecho]

Manchester United are on the verge of completing the signing of Andre Onana from Inter Milan in a deal worth around £47million.

The Cameroon international goalkeeper is expected to undergo medical tests in Manchester early this week before joining his new teammates for the pre-season tour in the USA. This marks United's second major signing of the summer, following the acquisition of Mason Mount from Chelsea for £60 million.

While the signing of Onana is a significant boost for United, their transfer plans are far from over, reports the Express. Manager Erik ten Hag is keen on strengthening his attacking options, with a striker being a top priority.

The club are now turning their attention to Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund, the highly-rated 20-year-old Danish talent. United face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for Hojlund's signature, but it is believed that the player prefers a move to Old Trafford.

The main hurdle in securing the deal is reaching an agreement with Atalanta over the transfer fee. United are yet to submit an opening proposal, but negotiations are expected to progress in the coming days and weeks as the club gain clarity on their transfer budget.

While Hojlund is seen as a capable striker for the present, United also consider him a promising talent for the future. If the deal goes through, United would have the flexibility to reassess their options for a striker in the summer of 2024, when Tottenham's Harry Kane becomes available on a free transfer.

In order to fund their transfer activities, the Red Devils are open to offloading several players. Harry Maguire, Fred, and Anthony Martial are among the players made available for transfer.

Eric Bailly and Alex Telles are also expected to leave the club, while there is interest from Nottingham Forest in signing Dean Henderson for a reported fee of £30million.

There have been reports of offers for Jadon Sancho, but little interest has been shown in the winger after two underwhelming seasons at Old Trafford. Ten Hag would consider offers for Sancho, but as of now, there have been no concrete developments.

While United focus on strengthening their squad, other clubs are also monitoring the situation at Old Trafford. Juventus have shown interest in Hojlund, with discussions ongoing regarding Dusan Vlahovic.

Bayern Munich, on the other hand, could turn to Hojlund if they fail to secure a deal for Harry Kane.

[dailystar]