Day: May 18, 2023

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Impulse Dynamics Announces First Implant for CCM-D™ Clinical Trial

World’s First Device Combining CCM Therapy With an ICD in a Single Rechargeable Implant That Treats Both Heart Failure Symptoms and Sudden Cardiac Death

MARLTON, N.J., May 18, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Impulse Dynamics plc, a global medical device company dedicated to improving the lives of people with heart failure, announced the completion of the first implantation for the INTEGRA-D clinical trial, designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of two proven cardiac therapies combined — CCM® and an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) — in a single device (CCM-D). The Optimizer® IntegraTM CCM-D System delivers CCM therapy to improve quality of life and reduce heart failure symptoms, and ICD therapy to treat life-threatening arrhythmias that may cause sudden cardiac death. The investigational technology is rechargeable with long battery life, potentially reducing the need for replacement procedures.

The journey of a heart failure patient often involves debilitating symptoms and declining quality of life.

CCM therapy delivered by the Optimizer System improves quality of life and helps patients feel better. Patients indicated for CCM therapy may also be at a higher risk for arrythmias and sudden cardiac arrest and are therefore often offered an ICD to treat their heart for life-threatening arrythmias, should they occur. The INTEGRA-D trial is the first to evaluate the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System that combines both therapies into a single device, designed to last for many years.

“The first-in-the-world implant of this novel technology has potential to advance treatments for patients living with heart failure,” said Niraj Varma, M.D., Ph.D., electrophysiologist at Cleveland Clinic and National Primary Investigator of the INTEGRA-D clinical trial. “The trial aims to study whether this device can protect heart failure patients from the risk of sudden cardiac death while also treating heart failure symptoms.”

“We hope combining cardiac contractility modulation therapy and ICD therapy with prolonged battery life will reduce the number of leads and the number of procedures a patient may have to endure,” said Bruce Wilkoff, M.D., Director of Cardiac Pacing and Tachyarrhythmia Devices at Cleveland Clinic and Principal Investigator of the INTEGRA-D trial. “The first implant went well, and we look forward to further studying this device.”

The INTEGRA-D trial is a multicenter study of 300 subjects from 75 centers that will evaluate the combination of CCM and ICD therapy in a single device via the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System. The study will assess the performance of the CCM-D device in effectively treating episodes of ventricular tachycardia and/or ventricular fibrillation while also providing CCM treatment for heart failure. Patients enrolled in the study will receive the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System, and will be followed for at least two years.

“This clinical study is important in proving the potential benefit of combining CCM therapy, which improves quality of life in patients with heart failure, with gold-standard ICD technology that delivers lifesaving therapy for sudden cardiac death,” said Nir Uriel, M.D., Director of Advanced Heart Failure and Cardiac Transplantation at New York-Presbyterian and National Co-Principal Investigator for the INTEGRA-D trial. Dr. Uriel is also a professor of cardiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and an Adjunct Professor of Medicine in the Greenberg Division of Cardiology at Weill Cornell Medicine.

“Today’s announcement is another example of our commitment to a continuous pace of innovation to build a comprehensive platform in interventional heart failure and help improve the lives of many patients that suffer from this debilitating disease,” said Simos Kedikoglou, M.D., Chief Executive Officer of Impulse Dynamics. “We are proud to partner with physicians at leading centers around the world to conduct important research on this first-of-its-kind rechargeable combination device designed to address a major unmet need of a large patient group.”

About the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System and CCM Therapy

The Optimizer Integra CCM-D System is an investigational device that combines CCM therapy and ICD therapy into one device. “Investigational” means that the study device is currently being tested. It is not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Impulse Dynamics currently offers the Optimizer system that is FDA-approved and CE-marked. The Optimizer system delivers CCM therapy — the company’s proprietary technology — to the heart. CCM therapy has been designed by Impulse Dynamics to significantly improve the heart’s contraction, allowing more oxygen-rich blood to be pushed out through the body. CCM therapy is indicated to improve the 6-minute hall walk, quality of life, and functional status of NYHA Class III heart failure patients who remain symptomatic despite guideline-directed medical therapy, are not indicated for CRT, and have a left ventricular ejection fraction ranging from 25 to 45 percent.

CCM is the brand name for cardiac contractility modulation — a therapy that delivers non-excitatory electrical pulses from the implantable Optimizer device to improve heart contraction. CCM therapy sends unique electrical pulses to the heart cells during the absolute refractory period. In doing so, CCM helps the heart contract more forcibly. Impulse Dynamics has completed numerous clinical studies, including several randomized controlled trials, and CCM therapy has been published in more than 120 peer-reviewed journal articles.

About Impulse Dynamics

Impulse Dynamics is dedicated to advancing the treatment of heart failure for patients and the healthcare providers who care for them. The company pioneered its proprietary CCM therapy, which uses the Optimizer technology platform to improve quality of life in heart failure patients. CCM therapy is delivered through the Optimizer system, which includes an IPG implanted in a minimally invasive procedure and approved for commercial use in the United States and 44 countries worldwide. More than 9,000 patients have received the therapy as part of clinical trials and real-world use, where it is proven to be safe and effective for heart failure patients with debilitating symptoms who otherwise have few effective options available to them. To learn more, visit www.ImpulseDynamics.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.

Forward-looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as ‘‘may,’’ ‘‘will,’’ ‘‘should,’’ ‘‘expect,’’ ‘‘plan,’’ ‘‘anticipate,’’ ‘‘could,’’ ‘‘intend,’’ ‘‘target,’’ ‘‘project,’’ ‘‘contemplate,’’ ‘‘believe,’’ ‘‘estimate,’’ ‘‘predict,’’ ‘‘potential’’ or ‘‘continue’’ or the negative of these terms or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning potential benefits of CCM therapy, and CCM therapy combined with an ICD delivered via a single device (CCM-D), and the absence of risks associated therewith; the ability for CCM therapy and our products to fill a significant unmet medical need for patients with heart failure; and the short-term and long-term benefits of the Optimizer Integra CCM-D System and CCM therapy in patients with heart failure, as well as to the physicians treating those patients. These forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Other important factors that could cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those contemplated in this press release include, without limitation: the company’s future research and development costs, capital requirements and the company’s needs for additional financing; commercial success and market acceptance of CCM therapy; the company’s ability to achieve and maintain adequate levels of coverage or reimbursement for Optimizer systems or any future products the company may seek to commercialize; competitive companies and technologies in the industry; the company’s ability to expand its indications and develop and commercialize additional products and enhancements to its current products; the company’s business model and strategic plans for its products, technologies and business, including its implementation thereof; the company’s ability to expand, manage and maintain its direct sales and marketing organization; the company’s ability to commercialize or obtain regulatory approvals for CCM therapy and its products, or the effect of delays in commercializing or obtaining regulatory approvals; FDA or other U.S. or foreign regulatory actions affecting us or the healthcare industry generally, including healthcare reform measures in the United States and international markets; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; and the company’s ability to establish and maintain intellectual property protection for CCM therapy and products or avoid claims of infringement. The company does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements and expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the company’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Rohan More, Global Vice President of Marketing
Impulse Dynamics
856-642-9933
rmore@impulsedynamics.com

Harriss Currie, Chief Financial Officer
Impulse Dynamics
856-642-9933
hcurrie@impulsedynamics.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8841961

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Chairman of Avia Solutions Group Gediminas Ziemelis: 10 big challenges for passenger aviation sustainability for the next 3 years

DUBLIN, Ireland, May 17, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ensuring sustainable operations has become a primary driver for aviation businesses in recent years. Nonetheless, this dynamic industry faces a multitude of challenges that can impede companies’ efforts to enhance profitability. While several factors contribute to the aviation industry’s struggles, certain key issues merit highlighting as primary culprits.

High market $ interest rates for heavily leveraged and drowning-in-debt airlines will be even higher

In recent years, the aviation industry has experienced a significant drop in demand for air travel, resulting in many airlines facing financial losses. To stay afloat during this time, airlines have taken on additional debt. However, this increased debt has resulted in higher risk for lenders, leading to higher market interest rates for the airlines.

In addition to the impact of the pandemic on the industry, other factors such as rising fuel costs and increased competition have also contributed to the financial struggles of many airlines. These factors have made it increasingly challenging for heavily leveraged airlines to generate profits and pay off their debt, leading to concerns about the sustainability of their business models.

The combination of these factors has led to a situation where heavily indebted airlines are now facing even higher market interest rates, which can exacerbate their financial difficulties.

Much higher insurance costs — worsening war risks could push insurance premiums higher

The aviation industry is grappling with rising insurance costs due to worsening geopolitical risks. This is highly influenced by the fact that, as stated by leading insurance companies, around 500 aircraft leased to Russian operators remain trapped in Russia. Insurers are facing potential liability issues due to the uncertain situation created by the Russian government’s refusal to release the aircraft.

As a result, insurers are struggling to assess the level of risk involved, leading to a wide range of potential losses estimated to be up to $30 billion, according to industry sources. This uncertainty is likely to drive up insurance premiums for airlines, impacting the industry as a whole.

Passengers will remember compensations for flight delays, and it will impact airlines’ unplanned costs

The EU regulation 261/2004 provides compensation for passengers who experience delays, cancellations, overbooking, or denied boarding. Depending on the specific circumstances and subject to certain conditions, affected passengers may be eligible for a compensation claim ranging from €250 to €600 per person. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate of flight delays in the EU that fell under compensation was 1.5% of all flights, with an average compensation amount of €375 per delayed flight.

In 2019, EU airlines carried a total of 1.12 billion passengers, with 1.7 million flights experiencing delays and resulting in a total compensation pay-out of €6.3 billion. Only 10% of affected passengers currently file complaints directly with the airlines or via specialised service companies, such as Skycop or Airhelp.

However, this number is expected to increase significantly, as after COVID-19 the industry faces capacity shortages and other challenges. As a result, the number of claimable flights that experience delays could increase from 1.5% to 5%, potentially leading to a total compensation pay-out of €20 billion.

LEAP engines challenges will impact more aircraft on the ground and shortage of capacity;

According to our internal research, presently, the aviation industry operates a fleet of 1397 A320neo aircraft with LEAP-1A engines, totalling 3080 engines with an average of 2.2 engines per aircraft, and 1043 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft with LEAP-1B engines, totalling 2338 engines with an average of 2.2 engines per aircraft. To maintain these engines, there are 21 locations globally for LEAP-1A overhaul and maintenance and 22 locations for LEAP-1B engines.

However, the grounding of 16,000 aircraft (equivalent to 60% of the total fleet) in 2020-2021 has led to a staggering 60% postponement of LEAP engine maintenance. Consequently, there is now a significant maintenance gap across 43 locations, resulting in wait times of 9-10 months for engine maintenance, which could potentially disrupt airline operations.

OEM production and supply chain disrupted during 2023-2025 will cause a shortage of aircraft capacity;

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the aerospace industry. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) such as Boeing and Airbus have experienced significant disruptions in their production and supply chains. In response to the global economic slowdown and reduced demand for air travel, OEMs have cut their production levels by around half compared to pre-COVID levels. However, this has led to a shortage of aircraft capacity, which is hindering the industry’s recovery efforts.

The production cuts have affected over 5,000 suppliers in the supply chain, all of whom have had to reduce their volumes during the pandemic. Consequently, the recovery of the aerospace industry is projected to take 2.5-4 years to return to pre-COVID production levels. This prolonged period of disruption is likely to have significant consequences for the industry and its stakeholders.

In 2020-2021, the cancellation of pilot cadet programs and planned retirements caused a pilot shortage in 2023-2024 and a rapid increase in costs for airlines;

The aviation industry faces a constant demand for new pilots, as approximately 3% of pilots retire annually. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a major setback in the industry, with all cadet programs being either postponed or cancelled.

Hence, there is now a significant pilot shortage issue, leading to rapid cost increases. It is estimated that industry will experience a shortage of 300,000 pilots within a decade. This shortage is expected to create significant challenges, particularly in India, which is anticipated to have the largest pilot shortage.

Challenges to book MRO slots after COVID-19, because scheduled maintenance events were postponed

Another issue caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is a significant accumulation of MRO services for aircraft worldwide. As a result of the unprecedented reduction in air travel and the grounding of many aircraft, scheduled maintenance was delayed or deferred.

Nonetheless, as air travel demand begins to recover and airlines return to full operations, the challenge of booking MRO slots to perform necessary maintenance on these aircraft has emerged. Many airlines are finding that MRO facilities are already operating at full capacity, resulting in long wait times and potential disruptions to airline operations. This accumulation of maintenance is expected to persist for some time, creating obstacles to the aviation industry’s recovery efforts.

Challenge to find engines maintenance slots for V2500, and RR engines due to deferred maintenance

Airlines that operate aircraft with V2500 and RR engines are also encountering difficulties in scheduling maintenance for their engines due to high demand and limited availability. This has created a challenging situation, particularly for airlines with large fleets of such aircraft.

The lack of available maintenance slots has forced airlines to ground some of their aircraft, leading to operational disruptions and revenue losses. In addition to the financial impact, the situation also poses safety concerns as delayed maintenance can compromise the safety and reliability of the engines, potentially leading to more significant problems in the future.

ESG requirements for greener aviation didn’t disappear in the medium term

The International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) 41st Assembly, held in Montreal in October 2022, marked a significant milestone for the aviation industry’s commitment to sustainability. The assembly committed to a Long Term Aspirational Goal (LTAG) to achieve net zero CO2 emissions by 2050, which has brought Environment, Society, and Governance (ESG) issues to the forefront of the sustainable aviation conversation.

The LTAG’s ambitious target is challenging, but it has the potential to encourage airlines to accelerate the development and adoption of greener jet fuels and other technical improvements to decarbonise flying. This will require a significant shift in industry-wide mindset, investment in research and development, and collaboration between airlines, manufacturers, and governments to achieve the long-term goal.

After COVID-19, debts for spare parts, MRO services, and aircraft leasing will impact that some aircraft will still be grounded, which will cause capacity demand

The challenging situation in the industry has pushed airlines to take on additional debt to finance various aspects of their operations, such as spare parts, MRO services, and aircraft leasing. However, the increase in outstanding debt for the industry could have significant implications, with some airlines potentially struggling to pay off their debts, which could result in a reduction in capacity as airlines are forced to ground some of their aircraft or cut routes to minimise costs.

Insider data shows that the industry’s outstanding debt has jumped over 20% since 2020, reaching more than $300 billion. To raise capital, global air carriers have sold $63 billion in bonds and loans so far this year.

Media contact:
Silvija Jakiene
Chief Communications Officer
Avia Solutions Group
silvija.jakiene@aviasg.com
+370 671 22697

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 1000810732

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Buhari grants 65 ex-Corps members automatic employment

President Muhammadu Buhari has granted automatic employments in the Federal Civil Service to 65 former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Speaking at the NYSC 50th Anniversary Honours Award held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, on Thursday, the Nigerian leader also highlighted numerous achievements of the scheme since its establishment 50 years ago.

The president said out of the 65 recipients, 52 individuals received the Presidential Honours Awards, while the remaining 13 were physically challenged ex-Corps Members recognised under the NYSC Hope Alive programme.

In addition to the employment, Buhari also disclosed that both groups would be awarded scholarships to pursue their education up to the doctorate degree level at any university of their choice within the country.

He also announced a cash prize of N250,000.00 for each of the top award winners, N200,000.00 for other award recipients, including the physically challenged ex-Corps members under the NYSC Hope Alive Programme.

Consequently, the president issued a directive to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, the Federal Civil Service Commission, and the Minister of Education to ensure adherence to the employment offers and the granting of scholarships.

Buhari also used the occasion to pay tribute to corps members from the batches being honoured, who lost their lives under various circumstances while serving the nation.

‘‘But for their transitioning, some of them might have been here today as part of the honourees. May God grant their souls peaceful repose. They remain our heroes and heroines.

”The nation shall continue to remember their sacrifices towards building a strong, indivisible and egalitarian entity,’’ he said.

The president also sympathised with those sustained varying degrees of disability during the service year, acknowledging their significant sacrifices for the progress of the country and assuring them that the nation stands in solidarity with them.

‘‘Your labour shall not be in vain,’’ he said.

He also congratulated the founding fathers, past and present managers of the NYSC on its Golden Jubilee, commending their enduring faith, which has maintained NYSC as a vital platform for mobilising the youth towards national unity and development.

Buhari praised all Nigerians who have answered the call for National Service in the past fifty years for their patriotic zeal and commitment to the NYSC mandate.

According to him, it has justified its establishment as an interventionist agency, with a core mandate to foster national unity across the country, thereby breaking down ethnic suspicions and divisions.

‘‘The multiplicity of marriages contracted over the years by Corps Members, cutting across the boundaries of ethnicity and religion in no small measure, justifies my assertion,’’ he said.

Buhari also expressed his deep appreciation to retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, the founding father of the scheme, who conceived the idea of the corps and brought it to fruition on May 22, 1973.

‘‘The NYSC has continued to afford successive batches of Corps Members as the veritable platform to make meaningful contributions, in the various spheres of our national life,’’ he said.

The president specifically commended the corps members for their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic by producing and distributing essential items such as face masks, hand sanitizers, liquid soap, and providing food and other relief materials to the needy people across the country.

He also applauded their discipline and neutrality when serving as adhoc personnel for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), including during the 2023 General Elections, which contributed to enhancing the credibility of the electoral system.

The president acknowledged their contributions to the successful implementation of Social Intervention Programme,s such as N-Power and the School Feeding program through beneficiary enumeration.

‘‘I hasten to state without equivocation that with the quality of youths such as these, the future of this country, which rests upon their shoulders, is guaranteed.

”I give kudos to my dear diligent, patriotic and virile youths. You have done very well; and the Nation is very proud of you.

‘‘The success story of the fifty-year-old noble scheme will be incomplete without conspicuous mention of your outstanding contributions,’’ he said.

While recognising the crucial role of the NYSC Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development program in diversifying the national economy towards a more production-oriented model, Buhari assured continued government support for youth initiatives.

He highlighted the Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), with a budget of N75 billion, as an example of empowerment initiatives aimed at promoting youth-related activities and fostering a better Nigeria.

The president commended the NYSC Management for its efforts in revenue generation and encouraged them to sustain its commitment.

He also appreciated the Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers implemented by the NYSC and recognised the support of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari, who donated a well-equipped ambulance for the operation of the NYSC Mobile Clinic.

Buhari called on individuals and corporate bodies to emulate this gesture to enhance access to quality healthcare, especially in rural communities.

On the need to reinvent the NYSC through the establishment of a Trust Fund, Buhari said he had been ‘‘briefed adequately’’ on the matter and commended the Management for the initiative.

He pledged his support for any genuine effort aimed at assisting the scheme in achieving its time-tested objectives.

The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, while commending the former corps members chosen for the presidential honour, said their sacrifices and commendable contributions, reflected the positive values they embodied during their service year.

“By distinguishing yourselves among hundreds of thousands of Corps members, you embody the nation’s pride and serve as a source of inspiration for other young people in Nigeria.

”Your strong sense of discipline, selflessness, dedication to work, exceptional community service, innovation, and leadership qualities enhance our hope for the country’s future.

”I am confident that this award will motivate you to render even greater service to our homeland.

“To the current corps members and other young individuals, it is my sincere hope that you will emulate these awardees by embracing higher ideals of patriotism.

”In everything you do, always prioritise Nigeria and let it manifest through sacrifice and dedicated service to our beloved nation,” he said.

Dare listed the N75 billion NYIF, the Presidential Youth Empowerment Scheme (P-YES) and the National Young Farmers’ Scheme (NYFS) as enduring legacies of the Buhari administration’s deep commitment to the well-being and development of the Nigerian youth.

He said the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development had actively pursued initiatives such as Digital Skills Acquisition, Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Leadership (DEEL), as well as the Work Experience Programme (WEP), among others for the benefit of the youths.

According to the minister, the progress achieved through the Skill Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) program of NYSC is being consolidated by the current management.

He urged corps members and other young people to participate in these programmes, which would enable them to become self-employed and contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Group advocates support, care for organ donors

The Clarion Call Care Group and the Nisa Medical Group, has called for more care and support for organ donors across the country.

The group made the appeal at the 2023 Inaugural Living Donor Day Celebration, organised to honor selfless individuals, who had donated an organ, in Abuja.

Dr Ibrahim Wada, Founder, Nisa Medical Group, said the event which is the first of its kind in Nigeria, was organised to connect and honour individuals who had given the gift of life to others.

“I say to them, your courage, compassion, generosity have touched the lives of countless individuals and families and for that we thank you.

“Through this event, we aim to not only recognize but also offer our support to living kidney donors who have often undergone challenges in their journey to give life to someone else.

“We want to provide a platform for living donors to share their experiences, to connect with others who are on similar journeys and to receive the support and care that they rightfully deserve,” he said.

Mr Joseph Uma, the first Kidney Donor in the South-East, said inadequate awareness had remained a setback to the donation of organs, especially kidney to those in need.

“Let me use this opportunity to tell everyone to take me as an example, I had those fears but I tried to encourage myself and push the fears aside.

“So I encourage everyone to donate because it can happen to anyone close to you, your wife, child or relation.

“Though, you will have some discomfort at the beginning but after a while it will fizzle out, there is no need to entertain fear,” he said.

Ms Mary Brown, a nurse from U.S. said the event was also aimed at appreciating persons who had donated one of their organs to saving the life of others.

She said it was important for Nigerians not to be scared of donating, as it is fulfilling in seeing someone coming back to life because of a kind gesture.

“For us in the U.S., we celebrate an entire month for all the living donors in the month of April, because you can give more than just a kidney.

“And we are here to celebrate all the 13 transplants we have done here.

“And we want to give a special thanks to the donors that allowed those other patients to get off dialysis and have a better quality of life and a long quantity of life as well.

“So for us, it is important for us to let the donors know that we care about them, their health.

“We want to be a resource for them so that we can take care of them if anything happens,” she said.

Mrs Miriam Onuoha, Member, House of Representatives, Imo, said it was important for the country to have legislations on insurance for living donors in the country.

“I am here to offer our legislative intervention on the promulgation of living donor protection bill.

“The National Health Act of 2014 talks about issues relating to blood donation, transfusion, tissue transplantation and organs.

“But a lot more needs to be done as regards welfare and after care for the donors, I believe that if we allay those fears and set this foundation straight.

“We will have a pool of more donors who will be willing to come for testing and donating this gift of life,” he said.

Ms Evyln Abrakson, a living kidney donor, who shared her experience after donating to her mother, added that it was fulfilling to give someone another chance to live.

“My story is bitter sweet because I donated to my mum and sadly she developed complications which led to a stroke and she passed on.

“She didn’t get to enjoy the kidney but she got to live for almost two years, but it gave us an opportunity to see life in a different way.

“The whole journey has changed my perspective in life, I have a better understanding of what your kidneys are to you and so I don’t sweat things in life.

“If I had another kidney and someone have a need for it, I will still give it, so being a living donor is just being joyful that you can give someone else hope.

“Even though my mum didn’t make it, I am happy I took that decision,” she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the highpoint of the event was the launch of a book titled “Priceless’’ authored by Mr Joseph Uma, the first living donor from South-East Nigeria.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Navy finance chief unveils book on public finance

The Chief of Account and Budget (Navy) Rear Adm. Kashimu Bushi, on Thursday presented to the public a book titled, Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting”.

The book is the third in the series that the author, who is a Phd holder in Accounting and Finance.

In his remarks, Bushi said the book was written in response to the need to adequately prepare young graduates and newly employed accountants in public sector for the job.

He said he also realised that throughout his 29 years of service in the public sector and indeed in the Nigerian Navy, most work experiences in different sphere of endeavours were not documented.

According to him, accounting graduates are not exposed to the practical issues in public sector accounting and those that are newly employed in the public sector are not well equipped with the knowledge of public sector financial management and accounting.

“Even public sector accountants are barely exposed to the regulatory aspect of public sector accounting, which often serves as a guide to accounting functions.

“Suffice to state that most accountants in government sectors improve their knowledge and skills of public financial management and accounting through safe efforts.

“Therefore, there is need to involve professional training of the public accountants.

“This informs the publication of this book to add value to the existing body of knowledge in the field of public finance and accounting in Nigeria.

“The accountants, as we know, are the key driver of government financial management system, which is key to economic development and prosperity because all policies are hinged on finance, budget and the accountants are the key implementers of our budgets,” he said.

Bushi said that getting it right at the training stage would help the finance managers and accountants to have the knowledge of implementing policies effectively and would impact the achievements or success of the budget.

He added that developing the knowledge and skills of accountants would help in improving the performance of the national budget.

According to him, the book provides the requisite knowledge on public sector financial management and accounting.

The Chief of Transformation (Navy), Rear Adm. Okon Eyo, who represented the Chuef of Naval Staff, described the author as forthright officers with high sense of dedication and passion to service.

Eyo said the senior officer had continued to make the Nigerian Navy proud both in service to navy and contribution to national development, adding that Rear Adm. Bushi was a disciplined officer and a goal-getter.

According to him, it is a clear reflection of the attitude he brings to bear in his primary responsibility as the Chief of Accounts and Budget and the books that are churn out.

“He is quite becoming a prolific writer because this is the third book in quick succession and they are all on financial subjects.

“So I think he is trying to share his experience and the knowledge he has gathered both in classroom as students and practically on the on the job so people can learn from it,” he said.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Navy, Sen. George Sekibo, commended the author for giving back to the public his wealth of knowledge through the book.

Sekibo charged the author to continue to write more books so that Nigerians could learn and benefit from his knowledge as the country would be better for it.

The book, presented to the public by the Institute of Governance and Leadership Studies in Africa (IGLSA), was reviewed by Prof. Ibrahim Saleh, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Federal University, Kashere, Gombe State.

A lecture with the theme: Public Financial Management and Accounting: Impact on the Nigerian Economy’ was delivered by Prof. ABC Akujuobi, a former Head of the Financial Department, Federal University of Technology, Owerri.

Emir of Lafia, Hon. Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed 1, and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero and other prominent Nigerians graced the occasion.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Troops destroy 38 refineries, apprehend 29 oil thieves – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have destroyed 38 illegal refining sites and apprehended 29 suspected oil thieves in the last two weeks.

The Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces.

Danmadami said the troops conducted patrols, raids, anti-illegal oil refining and swap buggies operations at different locations within Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States.

He said this was aimed at denying oil theft and other criminal elements freedom of action.

Danmadami said the troops, in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites with 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens and 19 dugout pits.

According to him, the troops also recovered 551,500 litres of crude oil, 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 16 vehicles, four motorcycles and one tricycle.

Other items recovered were two pumping machines, one outboard engine, one generator, one speed boat, four weapons and 132 assorted ammunitions, while 29 economic saboteurs were also arrested.

“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

“Additionally, it is worthy to mention that the sum of N448.3 million were denied the oil thieves.

“Relatedly, the air component conducted series of air operation within the joint area of operation.

“Notably, an air interdiction was conducted at Abacheke general area, observed to be active with illegal oil bunkering activities.

“Consequently, the target was struck, destroying all illegal refining equipment at the location,” he added.

In the South East, Danmadami said the troops of Operation UDO KA had sustained offensive against the outlawed Indigenous pPople of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities in the zone.

He said the operational activities resulted in killing of two terrorists, arrest of seven suspected terrorists and rescue of four kidnapped victims within the period under review.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Military neutralises scores of suspected terrorists, recovers large cache of arms

The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the Armed Forces have in the last two week neutralised scores of suspected terrorists.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja at the bi-weekly news conference on the operations of the armed forces.

The director also said that large cache of arms and ammunition in different theatres of operations were recovered.

Danmadami, said that both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded between May 4 and May 18.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai had sustained offensive against terrorist and other criminal elements through intense ground and air operations, which yielded tremendous successes.

He said the troops had during the period neutralised 26 suspected Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, as well as arrested 25 logistics suppliers, one spy and another suspected terrorist.

Danmadami said the troops also rescued one of the kidnapped Chibok School girls.

He, added that 511 suspected terrorists and members of their families comprising 99 adult male, 161 adult female and 251 children surrendered at different locations.

He said that the rescued Chibok School girl, Saratu Dauda was on serial 10 of the list of the abducted girls.

According to him, the surrendered claimed to have escaped the terrorists camp due to troops intensive offensive in the general area.

“Also, a JAS fighter surrendered to troops at Damboa in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno, claiming that his motivation to surrender was due to military offensive in Sambisa forest area.

“Consequently, within the weeks in review troops recovered 17 AK-47 rifles, one AK-49 rifle, eight SMGs, 15 grenades rifles, two pump action guns, one LMG, one Ma rifle, four AA guns.

“Troops also recovered two AA barrel, 12 dane guns, 38 AK47 magazines, two double barrel guns, 3,896 rounds of .50 inch, 2,189 rounds of 12.7mm, 1,475 rounds of 9mm and 86 rounds of 12.7mm x 108API.

“Also recovered are 183 rounds of shilka, 60 rounds of 40mm BGL, two rounds of 7.62mm x 39 B/SP, 34 cartons of sig pistol, 125 RPG bombs, 52 x 36 hand grenade, five SMK bombs, and 13 RPG tubes.

“Eight 76mm bombs, 130 SMK grenade (tear gas) 13 x PG 42 grenade, and 247 rounds of 38mm SMK bombs, 15 RPG tail pin, 275 rounds of 7.62mm special, 163 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 440 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 364 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO, were also recovered.

“234 rounds of AK49 ammo, one G3 skeletal weapon, two AK47 working parts, two mortar bombs, two 60mm mortar tube, one shoulder grenade launcher, eight propeller charger (155 gun), among several Improvised Explosive Devices too were recovered,” he said.

The director, defence media operations, further said that scores of suspected terrorists were also killed in an air bombardment by the air component, while many gun trucks were destroyed in the air strike.

In the North Central, Danmadami said that the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two suspected terrorists and arrested 25 suspected criminals during the period.

In North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, eliminated 12 suspected terrorists and arrested 26 suspected criminals as well as rescued 24 kidnapped civilians.

He added that the troops recovered different calibre of weapons and several military uniforms and accoutrements.

According to him, the air component bombarded suspected terrorists camps in Zamfara, saying the feedback revealed that several suspected terrorists were neutralised in the airstrike.

“Furthermore, on May 10, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction operation at Sabon Birnin in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“The operation was carried out following reports of sighting suspected terrorists on seven motorcycles fleeing North West of Sabon Birnin.

“Accordingly, the targets was engaged, neutralising the suspects.

“In another air operation, an air strike was conducted at Warari and Sambo in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, sequel to INTEL of terrorists activities at the locations.

“Accordingly, the locations were attacked with bombs and rockets and the suspected terrorists neutralised,” he said.

He assured Nigerians that there would be no hiding place for the terrorists who are fleeing from North East and North West.

Source: News Agency of Nigeria

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Cameroonian-born Samuel Fosso wins 2023 Deutsche Borde Photography Foundation Award

Samuel Fosso 60, a contemporary artist who photographs himself in the style of leading historical figures including Martin Luther King and Angela Davis, has won the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2023, the BBC has reported.

The Cameroonian-born Nigerian photographer Samuel Fosso was awarded the $37,000 prize at the Photographers’ Gallery in London.

Samuel Fossi now described as “a man of 1,000 faces”, has since 1970 specialized in self-portraiture and performative photography and his works currently appear in most renowned galleries across the world.

Speaking to the BBC after bagging the prestigious prize Samuel reacted saying;

“Winning this prestigious prize, recognized as one of the most important in the field of photography, means that my work is recognized by the artistic community.

This recognition is very important to me. I feel a lot of joy and pride.” he stated

The Director of the Deutsche Borse Photography Foundation, Anne-Marie Beckmann, said Fosso’s retrospective opened up new perspectives, allowing many more people to discover his work for the first time.

“Through the retrospective, we were able to see his work differently and gain a much deeper understanding of the relevance of his practice today,” she said.

The jury also acknowledged the work of the other shortlisted artists, Bieke Depoorter, Arthur Jafa, and Frida Orupabo, who received £5,000 each, the Guardian reported.

The exhibition showcasing all four artists is currently ongoing at the Photographers’ Gallery until June 11th, 2023.

Samuel Fosso was raised in Nigeria and later fled the Biafran war as a young boy, in 1972 and was taken in by an uncle in Bangui in the Central African Republic.

In 1975, at the age of 13, reports revealed he opened his Studio Photo Nationale to take commercial portrait photographs. He also made self-portraits to fill the unused parts of his photographic films. His work includes using self-portraits adopting a series of personas, often commenting on the history of Africa.

Source: Cameroon News Agency

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Two arrested with over 9 million FCFA fake notes

Two boys aged 22 and 23, have been arrested in Douala, in possession of fake bank notes amounting to over 9 million FCFA.

The gendarmerie forces led by Lt Danny Ketcha, were alerted by the management of the Douala Grand Mall on May 3. Investigations were carried out and the culprits were apprehended two weeks later.

The money in their possession estimated at 9,060,000 FCFA comprised the new ten thousand notes, dollar bills, as well as euro notes.

“Everyone is urged to be vigilant during financial transactions, especially with these new notes. There is the metallic silver, the 3d rainbow effect noticed when you tilt the note, and in general, those fake notes don’t have the original color. They are just like photocopies” Lt Danny Ketcha, the head of investigations said.

The commander of the Douala Territorial Gendarmerie Group, Lt Col Soubousou also highlighted the risks, calling on the population to be more vigilant with the new FCFA bills.

The two culprits are in detention, while further investigations are being carried out.

Source: Cameroon News Agency