The Management and Staff of the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development has expressed shock over the sudden demise of the Director Finance and Account (DFA) of the Ministry, Alhaji Adamu Bala Zakari. Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc Olamilekan Adegbite, during his condolence visit to the family in Lafia Nasarawa State on Tuesday,described Alhaji Zakari as an astute and dedicated Civil Servant. He, however, commiserated with the family and assured of the ministry’s commitment to ensuring his benefits are paid Without delay.
The Minister who was represented by the Director of Artisanal and Small Scale Mining, Mr. Patrick Ojeka said the deceased was a meticulous person who always ensured files that come to his table were treated promptly. He added that, it was very painful to loss a young, healthy and ebulent man, saying that his short stay in the Ministry was very impactful.
Earlier, the representative of the family, Alhaji Abdulahi Usman said the visit was an indication of the peaceful co- existence the deceased had with members and staff of the Ministry. He said the large delegation sent by the Ministry shows that the late DFA was greatly appreciated despite his brief stay at the Ministry. Zakari joined the Federal Civil Service on 2nd August, 2000 as an Assistant Chief Accountant, and had worked in different ministries including Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Water Resources, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development and Office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Goals (SDGs).
He was posted to the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development as Director, Finance and Accounts on 24th April, 2020. He bagged his BSc, Accounting (1986) and MBA (1997), from Bayero University , Kano, and was pursuing his Doctorate Degree in Nasarawa State University before his demise. He held many professional qualifications, among was Fellow, Institute of Cert
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Search and Rescue Team on Wednesday recovered the body of one Mr. James Odeh aged 35 from a flooded river along Dogon-gada Area, near Efab Housing Estate, Lokogoma District. While warning FCT residents to desist from the acts that could lead to flooding in this rainy season.
It is believed that the victim was attempting to drive through the flooded water in the company of one Mr. Nsendoo Uketar aged 20yrs who has been rescued alive by the FEMA search and rescue team. The vehicle of the victim, a Toyota Corola 2010 model was also rescued from the flooded river.
Saddened by unfortunate incident, the Director General (FEMA) Alh. Idriss Abbas advised residents to stay away from flooded water and avoid driving around flooded sites. According to the FEMA boss, “Most people underestimate the strength of water and the danger it poses” He then urged FCT residents to adopt attitudinal change as key to fighting disaster to the nearest minimum in the FCT.
Also reacting to the NIMET predictions that we should expect heavy rainfall this year which could lead to flooding, the FEMA DG appealed to residents to avoid unwholesome environmental practices especially the indiscriminate waste disposal and building on flood plain as these could block water ways and lead to flooding, he then called on community leaders, religions leaders, to be charged with the responsibility of sensitizing their subjects, especially those living close to flood planes to move to higher ground to avoid being washed away.
Speaking on steps taken by the Agency to curb flooding disasters in the FCT, the FEMA DG said FEMA and some of its relevant stakeholders had earlier in the year embarked on assessment tour to all flooded prone areas in the FCT to identify flash points and to access areas of repairs and improvement. Alh. Idriss further stressed.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire on Monday revealed that, experience they gathered suggest that some COVID-19 fatalities recorded in Nigeria may possibly have been saved if they had arrived designated treatment centers early enough.
Saying, emerging that the clinical condition of COVID-19 patients, especially the elderly and those with underlying illnesses, can change from mild to critical within such a short time that patients hardly have time to seek hospital care.
He made this known at the daily Presidential Task force on Covid-19 briefing in Abuja, while advising that all hospitals to have the right index of suspicion and recognize and promptly refer suspected cases to designated hospitals. Attempting to treat COVID-19 positive patients, when not so accredited, puts all involved at risk, including the innocent.
The Minister also advised persons with symptoms and those with underlying diseases or over 60 years of age, to check into an isolation or treatment centre, for observation. This could save your life.
According to him, “Though up to 80% of cases can be asymptomatic it helps to also bear the known common symptoms in mind: these being fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and difficulty in breathing. Additional signs can be headache, diarrhea, nausea and fatigue. While symptomatic treatment can be vital in preventing complications, close clinical observation, early enough, can be decisive.
“Confirmed Covid-19 cases in Nigeria surpassed the 20,000 mark over the weekend, reaching 20,244 between yesterday and today. We also saw the highest number of daily diagnosed new cases last Thursday of 745, but with 436 over the past 24 hours. While the overall trajectory was predicted as the a course of events, explained both by increased community transmission and rising testing capacity, it is a reminder that we must not only, not let down our guards, but begin to restrategize on additional measures of keeping control of the situation. This will not be the sole responsibility of government, but of all citizens, individually and collectively. It is also the prime feature of the National COVID-19 Response Action Plan of the Federal Ministry of Health, which tries to map a near, medium and long term health sector response strategy to the challenge, across all areas of health, over the next 3-year period. The Plan is to be presented at the National Council of Health and applied by States, for the development of State specific Action Plans, to address State peculiarities.
He continued; “As at yesterday, 6,879 persons in total had been treated for covid19 and discharged, while 518 have sadly been lost, with 96 persons in just the past week. Total samples tested are 113,575, active cases are 12,847 and case fatality rate, at 2.55%”.
He, however, commended the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) who called off strike following continuous dialogue, constructive engagement, and response to grievances that were tabled, like payment of hazard and inducement allowances and provision of PPEs.
He further noted that, “”Nigeria received a large consignment of medical supplies on Saturday, the first of a series of deliveries from the UN Group and the European Union, which several ministers were on hand to receive at the airport on behalf of the Federal government. The donation is made up of a large number of various categories of PPEs and 547 oxygen concentrators, courtesy of WHO, which our experience in Nigeria shows, are much more in use than ventilators. The Federal Ministry of Health particularly appreciates this addition to our case management assests and we thank all the donors, through the Resident Coordinator of the UN family in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon.
“I was invited to visit 063 Nigeria Air Force Hospital last Friday, to inspect the COVID-19 Observation and Treatment Centre there, a 25 bed centre with modern facilities for managing mild and severe cases. An additional 200 bed student hostel has been prepared as a backup isolation centre, in case of overspill. This centre will complement the treatment centres in FCT, able to handle Isolation 2 and 3 cases. I must commend Defence Headquarters and the leadership of the Nigeria Air force for the offer of support in the fight against COVID-19. The Air Force already supports the FMoH with mission flights to various parts of Nigeria”.
Ehanire stated that, On Thursday, 18th June, 2020 the World Health Organizations (WHO) Africa Regional Certification Commission for poliomyelitis eradication announced the certification of Nigeria as a Polio free state, an achievement worth celebrating, considering that up to 2012, we accounted for more than half the polio cases worldwide. The credit is to all tiers of government, our international partners, community leaders, and above all, the thousands of NPHCDA front-line health workers and resource groups. I particularly wish to commend and thank His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari for his commitment and unalloyed support for the program.
while adding that, the certificate will be delivered in August, but it does not mean we can rest on our guards. Our energy is already being directed to supporting the fight against COVID-19, especially in this community transmission phase, with the Community Support Program of NPHCDA, using the PHC network and experienced human resource for Health to drive surveillance and community case management at grassroots level. I am mindful in that regard, that other healthcare services, like routine immunization, shall be maintained, to ensure Nigeria stays polio free.
We must daily be reminded of challenges covid-19 poses to Nigeria and the world, and further reinforce our resolve to tackle the pandemic. We can reduce case fatality in Nigeria, if non-pharmaceutical interventions are scaled up and we become more proactive in dealing with positive cases. We can scale up testing, tracing, treatment and Isolation, with priority on offering more protection to elderly citizens and those with co-morbidities, from the threat of infection, he added.
An Emergency Meeting of the National Council on Health (NCH) held via Zoom on Tuesday resolved to develop Health Sector COVID-19 Pandemic Response Action Plan.
They also proposed to establish Community Support Centres (CSCs), should be in the first instance, in high burden states (Lagos, Kano, and FCT) towards reducing community transmission of COVID-19.
The meeting which was chaired by the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire also noted the progress of work/support by all stakeholders and challenges encountered in the containment of the COVID-19 pandemic across the states of the federation.
In a communique issued at the end of the meeting and a copy made available to newsmen in Abuja stated that, Based on the technical presentations, states’ updates, and deliberations at the meeting, the Council approved the Health Sector COVID-19 Pandemic Response Action Plan
Council also made the following resolutions: The Draft Guideline on Basic Health Care Provision Fund, which was earlier scheduled for presentation to Council, should be stepped down for presentation at a later time after further necessary consultations; COVID-19 Community Support Centres (CSCs) should not be established as parallel centres but as additional options to relieve the burden of service delivery on existing facilities; States are to own and lead the implementation of the COVID-19 Community Support Centres (CSCs) where desirable; and FMOH will share a Template on Needs Assessment and Daily Reporting Format on Case Management to facilitate decision making for federal government support to states
The Communique was adopted upon a motion by the Commissioner for Health (Osun State) seconded by the Commissioner for Health (Yobe State).
The meeting commenced at 10:20am. The National Council on Health, as provided for in the National Health Act (2014), is the highest policy making body on matters relating to health in Nigeria. Membership of the Council consists of the Honourable Minister of Health who is the Chairman of the Council, the Honourable Minister of State for Health, State Commissioners for Health of the 36 States, and the Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory. The Secretary of the Council is the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health.
The Emergency NCH Meeting, which held as a virtual meeting, was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie E. Ehanire. The meeting was attended by the Hon. Minister of State for Health, Dr. (Senator) Olorunnimbe Adeleke Mamora; Permanent Secretary (Federal Ministry of Health), Mr. Abdulaziz Mashi Abdullahi; State Commissioners for Health from 25 States (Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Kebbi, Lagos, Edo, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kano, Kogi, Yobe, Niger, Imo, Rivers, Cross Rivers, Enugu, Anambra, Katsina, Ekiti, Kwara, Plateau, Osun, Ogun, Nasarawa, Gombe); the Ag. Secretary of Health and Human Services Secretariat of the FCT and Representative of Akwa Ibom (PSH) State Commissioner for Health.
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Magistrate Court on Tuesday re-opened the shut Jabi Lake Mall after 10 days of closure.
It also ordered the Mall to publish an unreserved apology to Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) in some National dailies, for hosting the Lagos-based controversial artist, Naira Marley in concert.
It would however be recalled that, the Mall was shut last week by an order of same court for organising the” Drive-in-Concert which attracted crowd within the premises, against the social distancing rules and the extant 8pm-6am curfew.
Three staff of the Mall who were arraigned before the Magistrate that sat as a Mobile Court at Jabi, were accused of organising a concert that violated the COVID-19 health safety guidelines and other protocols approved by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19.
Magistrate Idayat Akanni who ordered that the Mall should immediately be re-opened, stated that she had perused the application filed by the defence counsel Mr. Nnamdi Ekwem, praying the court to unseal the business premises.
Akanni noted that her judgement was based on the overall interest of those who will be affected adversely, should the Mall remain closed. She also stated that the Mall has over 100 employees and other tenants who are not co-offenders in the matter, and may have their fundamental human rights seriously infracted.
According to her, the order is also based on compassion, especially, in consideration of the economic losses that will be suffered by those affected, coupled with the impact of COVID-19 on the people.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of FCT Ministerial Task Force on COVID-19 Comrade Ikharo Attah stated that FCTA has no objections to the rulings of the court, because the administration wants to remain a model in obeying the rule of law.
Attah noted that FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Bello has demonstrated a strong will to respect the laws while striving for good governance. He stressed that nobody can violate the laws and go unpunished in FCT.
He also added that the management of the Mall is expected to comply with the order of the court on publishing an apology to government on national dailies, as soon as possible.
Attah added, ” In the wisdom of the court, it has decided to re-open the Mall after 10 days, while also asking the Management to publish an apology to government on national dailies, we expect it as quick as possible.
He added that, ” we have shown the world that government works here, we have also shown that the rule of law is respected here. We abide by the order, since the court’s judgment is based on compassion and the economic losses already recorded”.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command launches intensed manhunt and investigation on who shot and killed Mr Sunday Ike, a pharmacist on Friday night at about 23.00 pm in his pharmacy at Gwarinpa Estate, in Abuja.
The gruesome nature of the murder of the Pharmacist has caused outrage with many people wondering what may have warranted such wicked attack.
According to photo released by family source, the deceased assailants shot him at a very close range right inside his pharmacy located at 3rd Avenue, Gwarinpa ,shattering his skull and leaving him to lie in his own pool of blood.
The unknown gunmen , however, took his phone and vanished into the night on Ike’s light blue Toyota Camry car with registration number BS 286 KWL
It was gathered the killers did not bother to take away money found inside drawers or other sums found on the victim.
According to a statement signed by FCT Police Command Spokesman, DSP Anjuguri Manzah and a copy made available to newsmen in Abuja, the Command has since launched a massive manhunt to arrest the unidentified gunmen who shot Sunday Ike.
According to the press statement, “The unfortunate incident happened on 19th June, 2020 at about 2300hrs at the victim’s shop located at 3rd avenue Gwarinpa.
“Police Operatives who responded to a distress call on the incident rushed the victim for medical attention at Federal Medical Centre Jabi, where he was later certified dead by medical doctors.”
While commiserating with the family and friends of the deceased, the Commissioner of Police FCT, Mr. Bala Ciroma assured FCT residents that the perpetrators of the heinous act will be arrested and brought to justice.
He also encouraged members of the public to support the police with useful information that could lead to the arrest of the assailants, who are currently on the run.
The police solicited support of members of the general public on any lead to apprehend perpetrators of the heinous crime.
“Those with useful information about the assailants are encouraged to contact any of the following FCT Police Command Control Room numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, or 08028940883”.
An International Non-Governmental Organisation, under the auspices of the International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (ILAW), Nigeria Chapter has urged Federal Governmenturged to ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention 190 which seeks to eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work.
Saying, the call became necessary as the world on Friday, 19th June, commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict.
In a press statement made available to newsmen on Sunday which was signed by an Ibadan-based labour activist and human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Aborisade, for and on behalf of ILAW (Nigeria) said Nigeria would be making history if it promptly ratifies the Convention.
Aborisade said that an adopted ILO Convention came into force 12 months after ratification by two member States.
According to him, “Convention 190 was adopted in June 2019. In January this year, Uruguay became the first country to ratify it and as at today, it remains the only country that has ratified the Convention.
“Ratification by Nigeria would make Nigeria the 2nd ratifying country and it would enable the Convention to come into force, twelve months after.
“Is Nigeria ready to make history and be counted among ILO member States that set the pace for establishing a framework for human progress and scoring victory for humanity on an international basis? This is the critical historical challenge that ratification or non-ratification of Convention 190 poses to the current Federal Government of Nigeria”, he stressed.
It would be recalled, that the ILO C190 was adopted by Member States at the centenary of the International Labour Conference, which held in Geneva, Switzerland in 2019.
“In the context of the combined provisions of Article 19(5) of the ILO Constitution and Section 254C(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, ratification of an ILO Convention is an executive function, which excludes the prescribed legislative role of the National Assembly under Section 12(1) of the 1999 Constitution.
“By Article 19(5) of the ILO Constitution, an adopted Convention is to be brought “before the authority or authorities within whose competence the matter lies, for the enactment of legislation or other action.
“In other words, depending on the legal framework in individual countries, ratification may involve domestic legislation or, alternatively, “other action” by the Executive arm of Government”, the group said.
Under Section 12(1) of the Constitution, international treaties require domestication before they can be acted upon or enforced.
Aborisade noted that Section 254C(2) of the Constitution has made an exception for ILO Conventions by excluding the requirement of prior enactment into law before they can be enforced, provided they are ratified by “other action” of the Executive.
He , however, emphasied that the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) has given judicial approval to the provisions of Section 254C(2) of the Constitution, which has neither been challenged nor set aside on appeal.
“The International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network (Nigeria Chapter) identifies with organized labour in Nigeria in calling on the Federal Government to speedily ratify the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No. 190 on Violence and Harassment in the world of work as one of the most effective ways to mark this year’s International Day for the Elimination of sexual violence in conflict”.
The Organisation noted the benefits of Violence and Harassment Convention No.190 and the accompanied Recommendation No. 206 as the first international standards, which seek to protect the right of everyone to a world of work free from violence and harassment.
The Convention recognises that behaviors that subject the other person to violence and harassment constitute human rights violation issues. It thus provides a framework to prevent, remedy and eliminate violence and harassment in the world of work, including gender-based violence and harassment.
ILO Convention 190 defines “violence and harassment” in the world of work as “…a range of unacceptable behaviors and practices, or threats thereof, whether a single occurrence or repeated, that aim at, result in, or are likely to result in physical, psychological, sexual or economic harm, and includes gender-based violence and harassment”.
The Convention therefore protects against abuses such as sexual harassment, rape, physical abuse, verbal abuse, bullying, mobbing, threats, stalking, and so on.
The Convention also protects everyone who works, irrespective of gender (male or female) or contractual status, i.e. worker or employer: “This Convention protects workers and other persons in the world of work … as well as persons working irrespective of their contractual status, persons in training, including interns and apprentices, workers whose employment has been terminated, volunteers, job seekers and job applicants, and individuals exercising the authority, duties or responsibilities of an employer.
Also, “Indeed, the scope of coverage includes all sectors of the economy, private and public, formal or informal, urban and rural areas, in physical or virtual work settings, including work related internet communications; “Given the phenomenally rising rate of conflicts, crises, violence, multiple forms of socio-economic and political tensions, Boko Haram insurgency, abuses in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps, wanton and arbitrary police killings, and particularly the alarming incidents of rape and killing of rape victims, the most auspicious time to ratify Convention 190 is now”. Mr Aborisade stressed.
The International Lawyers Assisting Workers Network ILAW is supporting the Nigeria Labour Congress NLC and women /young workers across Nigeria to lend their voices for the ratification of the ILO Convention 190.
Drastic action against indiscriminate disposal of wastes, particularly plastic materials in Lagos and other parts of the country, is well over due, the National Coalition Against Plastic Pollution (NCAPP) has said.
The Coalition, in a press statement made signed and available to newsmen over the weekend by Ambassador Obuesi Phillips, NCAPP’s national coordinator, and the Coalition’s national Secretary, Toyin Oshaniwa, as well as Taiwo Adewole, it’s publicity Secretary, stated that, this follows the recent massive rainfall in Lagos, which exposed what it called “the dirty underbelly of our metropolitan Lagos, while making a mockery of the state’s advancement towards a mega city status.”
However, NCAPP expressed deep concern following media reports and photos of a garbage-filled neighborhood of Akobi Crescent, Surulere, Lagos.
The statement reads in bit; “We are concerned because half the problem is man-made, caused by Lagosians following our illicit and unsustainable domestic waste disposal lifestyles.
“From Lekki to Ikeja, to Surulere, Apapa, Lagos Island, Amuwo Odofin, Ajegunle to even Iyana-Oworo and everywhere across the city of Lagos, the story is the same – overflowing canals, flooded streets and highways with floating plastic waste.
“As a coalition, NCAPP knows for certain that there is nothing we can do about the fact that Lagos State is below sea level.
“The implication is that the city of Lagos will continue to experience massive flooding. Why we are Lucky in Lagos State is because most of the flood are flash floods which disappeared after hours of rain fail.
“There is a lot we can do about our attitude and unsustainable waste management and disposal lifestyles in controlling the occurrences.
The statement continued; “Plastic (Styrofoam Polystyrene, nylons bags, polythene, PET, etc.) waste management is a critical area that producers and related companies must make a series of major strategic plan of action or engagement.
“Sustainable plastic waste management will create value from end to end around the sector thus improving livelihoods, and reducing the pressure on the urban environment.
“NCAPP is now committing greater attention to citizens centered awareness, advocacy and campaigns in three different directions: “A call on the government of Lagos State to derive the process of formulating innovative and adaptive policy and roadmap aimed at curtailing the excesses and demanding producers of plastic waste accountable for the waste they produce; A call on manufacturers of food and beverages especially those using plastics to begin to active the extended producer responsibility principle when it comes to plastic packaging and littering; and A call on the government of Lagos state to leverage on the PPP model for multi-approach system that provide an enabling environment for regional plastic waste collection centers within the state.
The statement further stated that,”It’s in the light of the above that NCAPP is now calling for a rethinking, reimagining and confronting the future of plastic waste pollution in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State.”
The European Union (EU) and United Nations (UN) has received delivery of vital supplies valued at over USD 22 million to help the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
The shipment, along with others coming soon, are procured through the One UN COVID-19 Basket Fund with a significant contribution from the EU.
The current shipment includes, among other items, 545 oxygen concentrators, more than 100,000 test kits, infrared digital no-touch thermometers, numerous personal protective equipment (PPEs), laboratory supplies and emergency health kits that will boost the Nigerian Government’s efforts COVID-19 response and care for those affected by the coronavirus.
The essential medical supplies will enhance efforts of the frontline responders providing care and treatment to people affected by the virus, increase testing capacity and early detection of those affected by the virus, and support the hospitalisation and management of COVID-19 cases. The supplies were handed over to the Government of Nigeria through the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and was officially presented to the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 at an event attended by high-level delegates from the EU, Ministry of Health and UN.
The UN’s Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Mr. Edward Kallon said, “The arrival of the medical supplies will be a boost to the Government’s efforts to provide an efficient and effective healthcare response for those affected by the virus. These vital supplies co-funded by the EU will help us to both protect healthcare workers and ensure people are tested and treated as quickly as possible to save lives” .
The European Union, has contributed EUR 50 million through the Nigeria One UN COVID-19 response, which serves as One COVID-19 Financing and Investment Platform, through which different stakeholders (including UN, other multilateral and bilateral donors, as well as private sector donors, foundations and philanthropists) can channel their financial support to the multi-sectoral efforts of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Response.
In addition, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS Ambassador Ketil Karlsen said, “Today we take a vital step in the response to the pandemic. The alliance between Team Europe, the PTF and the UN has proven very strong. This is partnership in practice when it matters the most. Addressing the health crisis in Nigeria and getting the economic wheels turning again are key priorities for the EU, all while making sure that we protect the most vulnerable”
The growing COVID-19 crisis threatens to disproportionately impact communities not only as a health crisis in the short term but as a devastating social and economic crisis over the months and years to come. The One UN COVID-19 response is working closely with the Nigerian Government in its pandemic response efforts through sharing crucial information with communities on how to protect themselves, infection prevention and control, epidemiology/surveillance and management of COVID-19 cases. The fund will also support income-generating opportunities for people whose livelihoods are most at risk through cash transfers and help restore supply chains disrupted by the pandemic.
More so, the Chair, Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr. Boss Mustapha, noted that, “We must all work together to contain the pandemic in Nigeria – it is only through close joint efforts that we can keep Nigerians healthy and ensure good care for those affected. We will beat this virus in Nigeria – and the support we are receiving from partners such as the EU, UN and others brings us even closer to this ultimate goal”.
The Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has revealed that based on Health Team’s management of cases of COVID-19 , majority of patients do well with oxygen supplementation rather than ventilators, saying, “the ventilators have not come in so useful”.
Citing examples of “Lagos where we’ve seen out of every 400 cases, only 4 requires ventilators. So the percentage of those who require ventilators are not as high as what we feared in the beginning. A large number of persons will require oxygen supplementation, he said.
The Minister, therefore, advised that we invest in oxygen generators now as you invest also in ventilators, but don’t put all your hopes in ventilators.” “I understand that the Air Force has an Oxygen Plant in Yola, so you can supply yourself generously with oxygen.”
The Minister made this known, when he on Saturday lead the Federal Ministry of Health’s Team to inspect the 063 Nigeria Air Force COVID-19 Observation, Treatment Centre located at a side of the 063 NAF Hospital along the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport Road, Abuja.
In a press statement made available to newsmen by the Director, Information, Media & Public Relations , Mr Olujimi Oyetomi, yesterday in Abuja, stated that, the facility which is about 25-Bed COVID-19 Observation and Treatment Centre with a Small Operation Theatre (when that becomes necessary) and Sections to treat serious symptomatic COVID-19 cases, observation and treatment of mild and asymptomatic cases.
The Minister who was invited to inspect and possibly direct on further things necessary for the centre to be accredited, charged the 063 NAF COVID-19 Observation, Treatment Centre, said with COVID-19, not much was known about it initially. “But, we proceed by learning.
According to Ehanire, Several treatment drugs have been touted and trials reveal that many of them have not proved useful. A new one has come up now, we know it, we know its side effect, it is not something you buy off the shelf, you have to be extremely careful in its dispensing and uses. It’s only a Doctor that should prescribe it prescribe the exact dosage.”
Ehanire expressed gratitude to NAF who gave FMOH 30 Cylinders of Oxygen which have been deployed to the General Hospital, Asokoro, Abuja; but when NAF said they have more to give, he requested for some supplies to Lagos Mainland Hospital.
The Minister expressed satisfaction with what he saw at the 063 NAF Observation and Treatment Centre, Abuja directed the Accreditation Team to proceed with other things necessary and to note the facility to be added to the nation’s assets along with the Defence Reference Laboratory at Mogadishu Cantonment along Nyanya Road also in Abuja. The Lab, the Minister was told has already handled more than 560 samples.
On the future of national response to any health emergency post-COVID-19, Ehanire disclosed that even before COVID-19, his Ministry has been working on a national response that bring together a national emergency management response system.
This, he said is already built into the National Health Act whereby 5% of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund will form the seed money for medical emergency response. We realise that the private sector up to 60 – 70% of health services is delivered by the private sector, so we know that the private sector has to be included in this response system. We have a committee already working on this and it is headed by somebody from the private sector and the armed forces are members.
