Health
More Woes for Evans Medical, to Pay N71m in 30 Days
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
It is not the best of times for Evan Medical Plc, a company on the stock exchange battling for survival because of some issues staring at it.
To compound its woes, a Lagos Judicial Division of the National Industrial Court has asked the healthcare firm to pay the sum of N71 million within 30 days.
The amount, precisely N70.977 million, is outstanding salaries, allowances, gratuity and pension contributions of eight former employees of the company for their years of service.
Justice Ikechi Nweneka, who ordered Evans Medical to make the payment, held that the various documentary evidence tendered by the ex-employees were not disputed and the sums claimed were equally not seriously contested and the evidence of their entitlements remains largely unchallenged.
Business Post gathered that from facts, the claimants had submitted that the 2nd-defendant, FBNQuest Trustees appointed the first defendant, Mr Seyi, as receiver/manager and took over the assets, liabilities and undertakings of the firm on October 9, 2017; which assets were subsequently sold to the fourth defendant and promised to pay their outstanding salaries, entitlements and other benefits which promise remains unfulfilled.
The defendants denied any indebtedness to the claimants and stated that assuming without conceding, the firm was indebted to the claimants that such claims are unsecured and cannot be enforced against the firm until the secured lenders realize their indebtedness from the assets of the firm and urged the court to discountenance the submission for not supported by any credible evidence.
The 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants filed a preliminary objection that the court lacks jurisdiction to entertain the suit on the grounds that the 3rd defendant was under receivership, that the question relating to who or whether the receiver can pay them is within the rubric of operations of the Companies and Allied Matters Act and does not lie within the powers of the court to adjudicate.
Counsel to the defendants also objected that the 1st and 3rd defendants, Evans Medical Plc are not proper and/or necessary parties before the court, given that there was no employer/employee relationship between the claimants and the 2nd and 4th defendants.
In response, counsel for the claimants, Mr Olaniran Obele, submitted that the argument that the court lacks jurisdiction because the subject matter borders on the operation of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, bankruptcy and insolvency is not only wrong but an attempt to mislead the court.
It was also argued that the mere fact that 3rd defendant was under receivership does not mean it is dead or has lost its legal personality, urging the court to dismiss the preliminary issues.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nweneka affirmed the court jurisdiction and held that the thrust of the suit was not receivership, insolvency or winding up of the 3rd defendant, but strictly for payment of earned salaries and benefits which, owing to the mutation of the 3rd defendant, that the 1st defendant is a receiver/manager does not take the matter out of the competence of the court.
The judge thereafter, struck out the 2nd and 4th defendants as they were improperly joined in the suit.
“The terms of sale of the assets and liabilities of the 3rd defendant to the 4th defendant are not before me to determine if the entitlements of the claimants were transferred to the 4th defendant. There is, therefore, no basis to hold the 4th defendant liable for the debts of the 3rd defendant.
“It is the law that appointment of a receiver/manager does not annihilate the company, the company does not lose its legal personality and title to the goods in receivership and does not terminate the contract of the employees.
“I equally found that the 1st and 5th claimants were still in the employment of the 3rd defendant when the 1st defendant took over the 3rd defendant and their employment did not terminate automatically,” Justice Nweneka ruled.
The court declared that the Evans Medical Plc is liable to pay the claimants their outstanding salaries, allowances, gratuity and all pension contributions for their years of service in the employment of the firm.
The judge then directed Evans Medical Plc to pay 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th and 10th claimants the sum of N15,447,346.68; N2,275,182.49; N4,503,915.27; N16,192,746.74; N16,471,043.99; N3,303,283.53; N3,866, 388.53; and N8,916,639.00 respectively with cost of N500,000 within 30 days.
Health
Sault Tribe Enacts Smoking Ban in Kewaunee
Health and comfort have become increasingly essential issues lately, and this has not gone unnoticed in entertainment venues. The Sault Tribe, which operates the Kewadin Casino, has decided to ban smoking in five gambling establishments. This innovation is aimed at creating a healthier environment for all visitors and employees.
Health and comfort come first
Tribal representatives emphasized that people’s health is their top priority. The decision to ban smoking was a logical step toward positive change. “As a tribal government, we are focused on improving health, and the move to ban smoking in casinos is the right step forward,” notes one tribal speaker. This means caring about the health of visitors and the well-being of the employees who work in these facilities daily.
The Sault Tribe has been actively gathering opinions from its customers and employees, and the results have been unequivocal: many are in favor of banning smoking. “We have heard from many customers and employees that a smoking ban is the right step forward,” states a tribal spokesperson. Such feedback confirms that concern for health and well-being is becoming increasingly important to the gambling industry.
What will change at Kewadin casinos?
In the weeks following the passage of the amendments, Kewadin casinos located in Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Manistique, Christmas, and Hessel will begin implementing the new policy. The smoking ban will be in effect in all establishments, including gaming rooms, restaurants, and recreational facilities. This approach will not only make the casino experience more enjoyable for non-smoking visitors, but it will also create a safer environment for employees who spend much time in the gaming rooms.
Positive implications for business and society
The adopted initiative will not only bring health benefits but will also affect the success of businesses in the long run:
- The actions taken also emphasize the Sault Tribe’s social responsibility. They are not just in business but also show concern for the well-being of their customers and employees, making them an example for other gambling establishments.
- Banning smoking in Kewadin casinos will create a more pleasant environment for both non-smokers and those looking to quit smoking. Smoking in public places often makes other visitors uncomfortable, and this move will help eliminate the unpleasant odour and smoke, thus creating a more pleasant atmosphere throughout the gaming rooms, restaurants, and other recreational areas.
- The changes may attract a new audience interested in entertainment but previously avoided visiting casinos because of the smoking environment. This can lead not only to an increase in the number of guests but also, as a result, to increased profits for the establishment.
At the same time, avid smokers, which are still quite a lot, will be less likely to visit land-based casinos, where they are forbidden to relax in the usual way. Especially since today, they do not have to visit these establishments to satisfy their gambling needs.
Analyzing the search engine allows you to quickly find many popular operators, including 1win, with the largest number of gambling entertainment. And you can access these games without having to leave home. To register on 1win, it is enough to fill in a few fields in the appropriate window and develop a password. It takes less than a minute to do this and deposit money into your account. Moreover, most of the games can be played in a free demo.
Chippewa Tribe aims to create a “smoke-free” space that combines a healthy environment with the opportunity to relax and enjoy gambling. The new approach to business reflects and supports global trends aimed at caring for public health and reducing the negative impact of tobacco smoke on the health of others.
Recall that earlier, scientists told us about the new harm of smoking. According to new data, the negative impact of this bad habit on the immune system persists for several years after a person quits smoking.
Health
SpecSMART Eye Clinic Takes Affordable, Quality Care to Ikeja, Environs
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The dream of residents of Ikeja and its environs enjoying affordable and quality care has now become a reality as a result of the opening of a new branch of SpecSMART Eye Clinic in the Opebi area of the capital of Lagos State.
SpecSMART Eye Clinic, a leading provider of optometry services in Lagos, commenced operations in Nigeria’s commercial capital in 2022.
Since then, it has been offering top-notch eye care to residents of the metropolis, especially those living on the Island. It has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality primary eye care and optical products.
However, to extend its services to Lagosians living on the Mainland, it has now opened a new branch in Ikeja, reinforcing its commitment to providing accessible, affordable eye care to a wider community.
Business Post gathered that the clinic’s state-of-the-art services are supported by a team of skilled optometrists and opticians, utilizing cutting-edge digital equipment.
The new Ikeja location will offer a wide range of services, including Automated Eye Examinations using advanced digital equipment for precise diagnosis and personalized care.
In addition, clients will enjoy on-the-spot lens glazing for single vision, bifocals, and varifocals, with additional lens coatings, with services to be rendered seven days a week from 9 am to 9 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, and on Sundays and public holidays from 10 am 7 pm.
Also, the clinic has over 950 frames, ranging from affordable home brands to premium designer options, priced from N18,000, and has flexible appointment scheduling with 24-hour online booking via SpecSMART’s website.
The facility has partnerships with leading HMO providers in the country and offers glaucoma management and other essential eye health services.
According to the company, its introductory packages start from N30,000 and include consultation, frame, and single-vision lenses.
“With the opening of our Ikeja branch, we are ready to serve more individuals who need accessible, cost-effective, and reliable eye care.
“Our aim is to create a positive impact in Nigeria’s optometry sector by combining advanced technology with a patient-centred approach,” the Practice Head and Medical Director of SpecSMART, Dr Adaeze Nwoko, stated.
Health
FG Begins Vaccination Against Mpox in FCT, Six States
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commenced the vaccination against Monkeypox, now known as Mpox.
Business Post reports that Bayelsa, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, and the Federal Capital Territory, were selected as pilot states for the vaccination.
An average of 631 persons are expected to be vaccinated across the seven states with two doses of the Mpox vaccine. A buffer for 50 persons will be kept at the national in case of an upsurge in other states.
NPHCDA in a statement posted on its verified X account confirmed the exercise, stressing that the vaccination will help to protect communities and safeguarding health of the people.
In a related development, according to the latest update by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are 1,442 suspected cases of Mpox from 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, while the number of confirmed cases of the infection was 118 from 28 states and the FCT.
“To prevent the spread of Mpox, we strongly advise the public to avoid contact with animals that may carry the virus, including sick or dead animals in affected areas, avoid handling materials that have been in contact with infected animals, limit unnecessary physical contact with individuals who are infected, practice frequent handwashing with soap and water, and ensure that animal food products are thoroughly cooked before eating.
“It’s also important to use protective clothing and gloves when handling sick animals or their tissues. Similarly, health workers are advised to follow standard safety protocols including droplet precautions when treating patients, use protective equipment including masks, gloves, and gowns, during patient care, and be vigilant for symptoms of Mpox, especially fever and rash, among other measures.”
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