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Blood of Survivors Key to Ebola Virus Cure-WHO

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The best chance for an immediate treatment for Ebola patients in the worst outbreak in history may be readily available – in the blood of survivors.

With experimental drugs in short supply or not ready for use, global health officials are exploring whether the natural immunity survivors gain after they shed the virus can be shared with others.

The idea would be to use their plasma, the part of blood that contains antibodies, to help fight off the infection.

Some early research suggests using blood from survivors could be a success. In 1995 in Kikwit in the Democratic Republic of Congo, seven of eight infected people given the therapy survived during an outbreak with an 80 per cent fatality rate.

While studies have since showed conflicting results, the strategy is worth trying again as the current death toll rises, said David Wood, who leads a World Health Organisation team evaluating the approach.

It is “a feasible option”, said Mr Wood. “We’re consulting with the blood operators who have capability to assist, so that we can get some realistic sense of when this could be available as an option. We’ll have that information pretty soon.”

The WHO reported that by 13 August, 1,145 people had died from Ebola in Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Nigeria since the outbreak began.

The virus causes bleeding from the eyes, ears and nose with most patients dying from multiple organ failure.

About 40 per cent of people infected in the current outbreak have survived, according to the WHO. Researchers are targeting those who lived for a treatment that may not require drugmakers to be involved at all. Once the researchers get the blood, they will test it for other diseases and then separate out the plasma.

Antibodies in plasma are produced by white blood cells in response to foreign invaders in the body. They bind to the microbes, either neutralising them or flagging them for other parts of the immune system to attack.

Mary Kate Hart, an immunology researcher who did early studies of Ebola antibodies for the US Army, said that transfusions from survivors may carry a benefit, especially if given early in the course of the disease, and are likely to be relatively safe.

“It is not a crazy idea to try,” said Ms Hart, who is no longer involved in the antibody research. Kent Brantly, the American aid worker infected with Ebola in Liberia last month, was given such a treatment.

Mr Brantly received a blood transfusion from a 14-year-old survivor, according to Samaritan’s Purse, a North Carolina-based aid group. He also received an experimental antibody-based therapy.

While his condition has improved, it is not known if either the blood transfusion or the treatment, called “ZMapp”, aided his recovery, or whether his immune system fought off the virus.

“This would be something that countries could try themselves, and it would be much more feasible and much more immediate,” David Heymann, a professor of infectious diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, said of the transfusion treatment.

“But it shouldn’t take precedence over outbreak containment.”


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Unity Bank Upgrades Corpreneurship Prize Money to N16M Per Stream as 30 New Winners Emerge

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In a bid to boost start-up capital and place more resources at the disposal of aspiring young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, retail lender, Unity Bank Plc has increased the prize money for winners of its flagship Entrepreneurship Development Initiative, known as Corpreneurship Challenge to 16 million Naira per stream.

Head, SME Banking, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina addresses the participants at Delta NYSC Orientation camp before the commencement of the pitch presentation

Consequently, participants who emerge winners in the business pitch will henceforth win N800,000, N500,000, and N300,000 Business grants for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions respectively as against the previous editions in which the sum of N500,000; N300,000 and N200,000 were handed out to respective winners in the Corpreneurship Challenge.

Launched in 2019 with pilots in 4 states – Lagos, Edo, Ogun, and Abuja and scaled to 10 States in 2020, the Corpreneurship Challenge initiative is promoted in partnership with the NYSC Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development, SAED. The initiative features a business pitch presentation where participants have the opportunity to present their business plans and stand a chance to win business grants.

At the recently concluded edition of the Corpreneurship Challenge for 2024 NYSC Batch A, Stream 1 NYSC service, 30 winners emerged including upcoming entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions in several business value chains such as Poultry farming, Fashion, and Pastries, among others, after participating in the business pitch that took place across the 10 NYSC Orientation Camps in Rivers, Delta, Anambra, Abia, Oyo, Ogun, Kebbi, Niger Sokoto and Zamfara States.

At the Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp in Issele-Uku, Folorunsho Kolade who pitched a Poultry farming business plan emerged as the overall winner to claim the N800,000 grand prize; Samuel Ayodotun. J. whose innovative footwear venture idea, Basky Footprint took the second spot to win the N500,000 cash prize; while another corps member, Udoji Chibuike Peter, whose venture plan on the footwear fashion value chain also emerged as the second runner-up to claim the N300,000 grant.

Also, at the NYSC Orientation Camp at Nonwa Gbam Tai, Rivers State, Dan Betobong Samuel’s business plan on food production claimed the top spot to clinch the N800,000 grand prize; while Linda Christopher’s Lily Pastries’ business plan emerged as the first runner-up to claim the N500,000 grant. Esther Jacob’s business pitch on the poultry value chain emerged as the second runner-up to win the N300,000 cash grant.

Speaking at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Rivers State, the Divisional Head, Retail and SME Banking, Mrs. Adenike Ambimbola commended the participating Corps Members for the quality of their business plans and pledged the Bank’s commitment to sustaining the Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.

While congratulating the winners, Mrs. Ambimbola said, “Unity Bank is proud to associate with the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) scheme of NYSC in providing interventions and support to budding entrepreneurs with promising ventures through the business grants to help turn these ideas into reality. We recognize the importance of investing in our youths and empowering them to drive positive change within our economy.”

Also speaking at the grand finale held in Delta State NYSC Orientation Camp, Dr. Opeyemi Ojesina, Head of SME Banking, Unity Bank expressed delight at the Unity Bank Corpreneurship Challenge’s growing profile as a leading business incubation platform and catalyst for entrepreneurship development in Nigeria.

He said, “Over the past five years, Unity Bank has steadfastly supported the Corpreneurship Challenge, witnessing its profound impact on youth empowerment and job creation nationwide.

“The programme has earned a reputation for its innovative approach, seamlessly integrating financial backing, mentorship, and skill development to nurture aspiring entrepreneurs.”

Ojesina further underscored the invaluable mentorship offered to participants, connecting them with seasoned professionals who provide crucial insights, guidance, and a roadmap for success.

He emphasized Unity Bank’s belief that true empowerment extends beyond financial aid to the cultivation of entrepreneurial acumen.

So far, Unity Bank has invested over N120 million in the initiative, which has now produced 369 winners since it was launched in 2019.

In 2021, the leadership of the NYSC bestowed on Unity Bank the “Icon of Youth Empowerment” award in recognition of the impact of the initiative.

The Corpreneurship Challenge continues to elicit growing interest among the corps members, attracting over 4,000 applicants and participation in every edition.


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Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

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Cloud Energy Solar, recognized as Nigeria’s premier solar energy provider, has initiated the Solar Energy as a Service programme, which aims to empower “Solar entrepreneurs” to offer electricity solutions for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by using Cloud Energy’s Solar Energy Storage System (ESS).

Cloud Energy Launches Solar Energy As A Serrvice for Stable Electricity

This is coming against the backdrop of societal challenges including inflation and high cost of living in the country.

Speaking to a group of Resellers during a virtual Zoom conference, Mr. Theophilus Nweke, managing director of Cloud Energy, emphasized that the launch of the Energy as a Service Programme underscores Cloud Energy’s unwavering dedication to expanding access to electricity across Nigeria…

Under the programme, the MD explained, that Cloud Energy would boost the entrepreneurial capacities of the Reseller by providing the equipment to produce power for embedded power clusters in markets, in high streets, and other commercial areas. Cloud Energy would also provide logistics, training, and technical support to ensure the sustainability of the Energy as a Service Programme.

The Reseller would find the clusters, mobilize them, distribute the power, and collect the tariff.  The original equipment is supplied on lease to the reseller who enjoys three days grace period

One significant concern among citizens today pertains to the necessity for critical Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to remain inactive while awaiting electricity supply from the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), particularly following the removal of fuel subsidies. Furthermore, the escalating cost of diesel has led to many standby generators remaining inactive permanently.

The managing director of Cloud Energy elaborated that Solar Energy as a Service represents a patriotic innovation, ensuring electricity access on a Pay as You Use basis. This program revitalizes idle MSMEs, enhances national productivity, and fosters widespread employment opportunities for Nigerians

Solar Energy as a Service, which will create new opportunities for prudence and accountability within the Energy sector is not limited to Cloud Energy Resellers.

All stakeholders who share the commitment to expanding the boundaries of access to power in Nigeria are free to partner with Cloud Energy to attain the national power aspirations.

During the question-and-answer session, the managing girector assured the Resellers of the immediate take-off of the program while urging them to seize the opportunity to increase their streams of income for the good of the sector.

Cloud Energy was, established in 2015 with the rare attributes of knowledge, youth, and integrity.

The company has developed sustainable solutions in large-scale energy storage, mini-grids and captive power, and solar rooftops for homes.

Backed by credible after-sales support, Cloud Energy has branded the Sunbox series, electrical appliances, fans, television sets, freezers, and fridges that have brought fulfillment to many homes, offices, and MSMEs.

Cloud Energy is a major partner of the Federal Government’s Rural Electrification Agency to learn more about Cloud Energy, visit its website at www.cloudenergy.com.ng


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Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

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The House of Representatives on Wednesday passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to tackle revenue leakages in the country.

Reps Mull Tax Crimes Commission to Curb Revenue Leakages

Titled “A Bill for an Act to Establish the National Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission to Address Revenue Leakages Emanating from Non-payment and Under Payment of Taxes, Irregularities in the Assessment, Reporting and Remittances of Taxes to Prevent and Combat Tax Related Crimes, to Ensure the Protection of Taxpayers Rights and for Related Matters,” the proposed legislation is sponsored by Benjamin Okezie Kalu, deputy speaker of the House,  and eight others.

Leading the debate on its general principles, Felix Uche Nweke, one of the co-sponsors, said the Commission, when established, will check irregularities in the assessment, reporting, and remittances of taxes, prevent and combat tax-related crimes, and plug all leakages in the tax administration system in the country.

The lawmaker noted that leakages occur where unscrupulous staff and agents of tax authorities collude with citizens to under-assess the tax-payer thereby resulting in underpayment.

He said leakages also occur in the form of tax evasion, especially such that is encouraged and condoned by the tax collector and more especially among multinational corporations operating within the country.

Nweke further said leakages also occur where there are non-remittances of collected taxes, that is to say where government does not get the total amount of taxes collected as a result of revenue diversion by fraudulent staff of tax authorities.

He said there is a need to establish an Independent Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission, which will have the capacity to investigate, audit, prevent and combat tax related crimes.

This, the lawmaker said, will effectively prevent international tax evasion and other transnational organised crimes and abuses of the nation’s public finance system.

He stressed that the bill seeks to  promote economic efficiency and effective tax administration system, detect and deter evasion, fraud and abuse in Nigeria’s tax administration system and to protect taxpayer’s rights.

 

Nweke said: “The amount of revenue available to any government determines the extent to which such a government may be able to provide public goods and services. It is a pointer to how far a nation can ensure her growth and development.

“While taxation is considered the most important means of generating public revenue, it is worthy of note that nations that strive to develop aim at putting in place a fair, just, efficient and simplified tax administration system which builds confidence amongst the citizens and as well motivates and encourages citizens to pay their taxes.

“While it is one thing to fix the amount of taxes to be paid, it is another for tax collection authorities and assessors to determine the right amount of taxes to be paid in accordance with the provisions of extant tax laws. This will definitely contribute to our national security through prevention of tax related crimes, prevention of illicit financial flow derived from tax evasion, international tax schemes, cybercrime, etc.

“The Tax Crimes and Oversight Commission will not function as a law court, it will not duplicate the functions of the Tax Appeal Tribunals established in accordance with section 59(1) of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act, 2007 and ti will not be saddled with any form of quasi-judicial functions.”


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