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2020 World Blood Donor Day: FG Says Access To Safe Blood Still Low

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Government through the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire on Sunday hinted that access to safe blood is still the privilege of not many people in the world, as most low-and middle-income countries struggle to make safe blood available to their citizens, because the quantity of blood donation is insufficient and the standardized equipment for testing blood is expensive and scarce.

While adding that, globally, 42% of blood collection and use is in high income countries, who constitute just 16% of global population.

The Minister gave this hint in his message to commemorate the 2020 World Blood Donor Day with the theme : “Safe Blood Saves Lives”. The slogan “Give blood and make the world a healthier place” has been adopted to focus on the notion that blood is life and that donors give the gift of life to others.

Ehanire, however, stated that blood donation is therefore needed all over the world to assure individuals and communities of access to safe and quality-assured blood and blood products whenever the need arises.

According to him ; “During this COVID-19 pandemic, the supply of safe blood is at risk, because regular blood donation drives have had to be postponed or deferred, and regulations for self-isolation, lockdown and fear of infection have hindered the usual blood donors from accessing blood donation centers. Transport and trade restrictions have also led to disruptions of global supply chains, putting countries at risk of shortages of critical supplies and equipment used for blood donation, processing, testing and transfusion, to patients in need of blood.

“Our population of over 200 million, Nigeria’s estimated blood need is about 2 million units per year. Unfortunately, much less than that is currently collected, leaving unmet needs that lead to avoidable deaths, morbidities and ill-health. You can help change this

He continued; “It is my honour and pleasure to welcome you on behalf of the National Blood Transfusion Service NBTS of the Federal Ministry of Health, to the 2020 World Blood Donor Day; a day set aside each year on the 14th of June, to recognize and thank blood donors worldwide and especially here in Nigeria, as well as to raise awareness among citizens on the global need for, and importance of, safe blood.

“The need is universal because safe blood is a critical and indispensable healthcare requirement nowadays, both for treatment and urgent interventions. It plays an essential, life-saving role in maternal and child care, especially bleeding after delivery, in severe anaemia, sickle cell disease and in saving the lives of victims of major accidents and emergency situations after natural or industrial disasters. Blood transfusion is also key at most complex surgical operations” , he buttresed.

The Minister further that, in line with its mandate, Nigeria’s National Blood Transfusion Service strives to provide adequate supplies of safe blood, screened with modern fully-automated enzyme linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA) technology. In 2019, about 24,483 units of blood were collected and screened from volunteer blood donors through the 17 centres of NBTS network, while 19,676 units of blood were issued to various hospitals nationwide for transfusion purposes.

He stated that, the National Blood Transfusion service wishes to increase its scope of work, by scaling up its annual blood collection rate and sustaining ongoing efforts to expand the reach of its services. He, however, announced that the legislative process of the Bill for the establishment of a National Blood Service Commission is at an advanced stage and awaiting public hearing at the National Assembly.

He added that, his Ministry is currently considering proposals for a major investment, from public and private sectors, to upgrade the capacity of the National Blood Transfusion Service to enable it achieve its potential to produce blood components and plasma derived medicinal products at a commercial scale, that meets international best standards and to enter the world market. This ensures optimal utilization of each unit of whole blood collected.

He, however, commended the World Health Organization for commitment and continued technical support to the National Blood Transfusion Service over the years.

He also commended the media for their role and sustained efforts at sensitizing the public through creating awareness on voluntary blood donation as a laudable civic responsibility.

The Minister, therefore, called on people of goodwill all over the world and here at home in Nigeria, to become life-savers by volunteering to join the people who regularly donate blood to make safe blood available to everyone in need of it. Your involvement and support will help to ensure greater impact for World Blood Donor Day, increase the worldwide realization that giving blood is an act of solidarity and service to mankind and that services providing safe blood and blood products are an essential element of respectable health care systems.

COVID -19: Bello Charges Royal Father’s, Council Chairmen On Community Sensitization

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

..As NCDC DG Lauds FCTA Over Management Of Pandemic

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Malam Muhammad Musa Bello has charged royal fathers and Area Council Chairmen in the nation’s capital to take on the responsibility of educating and sensitizing residents at the grassroots level on the need to adhere to established protocols in the fight against COVID-19 in the FCT.

He made this known at an emergency COVID 19 meeting of stakeholders in the FCT including religious, traditional and political leaders.

The meeting also had in attendance the Director General of Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID -19, Dr Sani Aliyu amongst other participants

Bello who chaired the meeting, expressed the appreciation of the FCTA to the frontline health workers and called for a standing ovation for them for their efforts in the fight against the virus in the FCT.

Speaking on the education and sensitization of residents at the grassroots level, the minister said that the onus of spreading the information of the virus at that level fell heavily on the shoulders on the Area Council Administration and traditional and religious institutions at that level.

He, however, pledged the Administration’s commitment to the fight against the virus, he said that defeating it required a collective responsibility by all and urged all the stakeholders to also play their part, by supporting the efforts of the Administration.

Earlier, the FCT Minister of State, Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu also warned against the stigmatization of COVID 19 patients who, she stressed did not deliberately seek to be infected and like the FCT Minister, she also called for the collective efforts of all stakeholders in the fight against the virus.

Aliyu also asked residents to disregard misinformation that the government was involved in the spread of the virus and said they should instead focus on curbing its spread through the obedience to extant guidelines of wearing face masks, maintain personal hygiene and observing social distancing.

She also reminded all the stakeholders on community transmission which was on-going and said it would take collective efforts by all to stop its spread.

Meanwhile, the Director General of the (NCDC), Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu commended the FCT Administration for the construction of the road leading to the National Reference Laboratory at Gaduwa, Abuja which he said has increased the efficiency of the facility.

Ihekweazu also commended leadership of the FCT Administration for being proactive in its approach to battling the pandemic and also charged the traditional rulers on sensitizing the people at the grassroot level.

Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr. Sani Aliyu, said that the best way to fight the virus is through an attitudinal change by the people. This, he said, is where the traditional and religious leaders come in through community engagement.

He disclosed that the virus was now in the communities, adding that the important issue residents should be concerned about is ‘staying alive’ while the pandemic lasts.

While briefing the meeting on the situation of the pandemic in the FCT, the State Epidemiologist, Dr. Doris John, gave an overview of the spread while also stressing on the rising level of community transmission.

She also stated that poor adherence to preventive measures increased the spread of the virus while late presentation of cases has led to increased number of fatalities.

She also mentioned that the major challenges faced by health workers in the fight against the pandemic are stigmatization and denial, myth and misconception, confirmed cases refusing to be evacuated to treatment centers, low involvement of key stakeholders at the community levels, increasing number of sick frontline health workers and the high number of imported cases to the FCT.

Speaking, the traditional rulers pledged their commitment to the fight against the virus in their communities.

Mines Minister Hails President Buhari For Delivering Dividends Of Democracy

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Minister of Mines and Steel
Minister of Mines and Steel

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for delivering the dividend of democracy to Nigerians.

While urging Nigerians to work together for the unity and advancement of the country, enjoining them to be more patriotic.

He made this commendation in his message to mark the 2020 Democracy day, while assuring Nigerians that the administration of President Buhari would continue to work assiduously to improve the lives of the citizens.

According to him, “The administration of President Buhari essentially had three focal points when it came on board, which was to diversify the economy, to create jobs and to increase government revenue generation. On this three points, this administration has done well,’ he said.

He added that the administration is currently using the Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, as well as Agriculture to diversify the economy. ‘This is why contributions from Mines and Steel sector to the GDP has improved since this administration came on board.’

Adegbite also noted that the social Investment programs embarked upon by Buhari’s administration had created jobs for the youths. ’Just recently the Minister of Humanitarian affairs, Disaster Management and Social development, Hajiya Sadiya Umar-Farouq, revealed that over 473,000 youths have enrolled for the N-power Scheme. As you all know the N-Power Graduate Programme is Federal Government’s direct intervention to tackle youth unemployment and to re-energize public service delivery in four key sectors, which are, education, agriculture, health and tax,’ he said.

He further stated that the president had also improved the state of security in the nation by tackling the insurgency in the North. ‘It can only get better from here. However, we all have our parts to play as patriotic citizens. If we all resolve individually to do the right thing, then we will have the Nigeria of our dreams.’

FCTA Taskforce Invade Drug Colony, Arrest Peddlers , Impounds 11 Vehicles

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Ministerial Task Force on City Sanitation has invaded the dreaded Gudu hard drugs colony, recovered some hard drugs and demolished their shanties.

Three persons who were suspected to be the leaders of the drug syndicate were arrested with various deadly substances, including several packs of India hemp, one knife , bottles of codeine and tablets of other contraband drugs amongst others.

Chairman of the Task Force, Comrade Ikharo Attah said that there was no going back on the aggressive cleaning exercise, on going in Abuja, especially places that pose as threat to security and safety of residents.

He added that 11 vehicles believed to have been abandoned by roadside mechanics, who operate an illegal workshops around the drugs colony, along the road corridors were impounded.

The Taskforce Chairman, therefore, warned that all the hideouts where criminal elements hide within the Apo road corridors and other places will be removed, he also called on residents to stop constructing shanties indiscriminately without approval of relevant authorities.

According to Attah, FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has vowed to spare no effort in restoring total sanitation to the nation’s capital, hence the resolve of the team to sustain the clean up.

He added that a surveillance team had been commissioned to monitor all the places where illegal occupants we’re dislodged, to ensure that all those constituting nuisance do not return.

Attah said,  ” we resumed the operation today and were shocked to find out that at places we cleared completely on Monday those removed had started to return by Wednesday. What one observed is that these people believe its business as usual. Our returned today is sending a strong message to them that the FCT minister is determined to match words with action.” 

” The removal of shanties is of immense benefit to the city. These areas have become very safe hideouts for criminal elements and notorious drugs dealers”.

Ehanire Says Patients With No COVID-19 Symptoms May No Longer Be Infectious After 14 Days

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Osagie Ehanire
Minister of Health

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

Patients with no COVID-19 symptons may no longer be infectious after 14 days, even if PCR tests identify RNA evidence of virus in them, the Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has revealed.

He added that, global experience is that up to 45% of infected people may have no symptoms at all.

The Minister gave the revelation at the presidential Taskforce briefing on Covid-19 on Thursday in Abuja, saying, they are constantly reviewing Covid-19 activities and developments at home and abroad, to learn as much as we can about the novel coronavirus disease. We have learned, for example, that patients are most infectious during the asymptomatic stage, and spread the virus even if they do not look or feel ill, or before their symptoms appear.

According to him, “In Nigeria, the proportion of confirmed cases that are symptomatic compared to asymptomatic is 39% and 61% respectively, which means that if 10 persons are able to infect you with COVID-19, four of them will look very well indeed. Another three or four will have mild symptoms that can be trivialized, even by healthcare workers, which may explanin the initial relatively high rate of infection among them. The cheapest and easiest way to protect oneself is with a mask; in this case, a cloth mask will do. This is why the Federal Ministry of Health constantly urges citizens to adhere strictly to wearing a mask when outside their homes and observe other non-pharmaceutical measures, especially now that confirmed COVID-19 cases in Nigeria continues to rise, which gradually raises the risk.

“Yesterday, we had 409 new confirmed cases of COVID19 which increased the total number of cases to 13,873. We have successfully treated and discharged 4,351 persons and unfortunately lost 382 Nigerians to the disease. Although numbers are only creeping up compared to other countries and case fatality rate hovers around 3%, we are concerned and at high alert. We have no room for complacency or over-confidence, and need to be ready for any sudden shift in fortune.

He continued;”The Federal Ministry of Health through NCDC has activated additional laboratories in Akwa Ibom, Jigawa and Oyo States bringing the total number of laboratories in the network to 33. More are being prepared as we work towards a target of at least one molecular laboratory per state. Optimization of laboratories is ongoing in other States”.

The minister added that, they have commenced planning for targeted community sensitization activities in 20 high burden Local Government Areas and workshop in Infection Prevention and Control on COVID-19 for healthcare workers of Public and Private Hospitals in the FCT.

Similarly, the Federal Ministry of Labour & Employment, Federal Ministry of Health and the Speaker of the House of Representatives have been engaging the National Association of Resident Doctors NARD to address issues raised by the young doctors. We also had conversation with Ministry of Finance Agencies and health related associations, which addressed issues of welfare and allowances to frontline health workers. Complaints on availability of PPE’s have been addressed with the supply of materials to States, and separately to Federal Medical Centers. The disengaged resident doctors at University of Jos Teaching hospital were recalled by the Board of Governors. I am confident that resident doctors will show understanding and reciprocate government’s efforts on the assurance that grievances shall be addressed. I wish to thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker for his intervention and the Hon. Minister of Labour for his committment to ensuring industrial harmony in the Health Sector.

He hinted, that the much awaited reforms to guidelines to oprationalize the BHCPF is about ready and will be revealed after presentation to stakeholders. However, I can say that errors have been addressed and the new document vastly improves on the earlier version.

He, however, urged everyone to be their brother’s keeper and always wear their face mask in the public and observe hand and respiratory hygiene. Stay home unless you absolutely have to go out; this appeal is particularly directed at the vulnerable population and persons over 60 years of age.

Nigeria Has Potential Reserves Of 200 Million Ounces Of Gold, Says FG

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Professor Yemi Osinbajo
Vice President of Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has revealed that Nigeria has potential reserves of 200 million ounces of gold and that the launch of the expansive project, Dukia Gold, would create new opportunities for Nigeria to mine her gold reserves properly, trade responsibly and refine locally.

Vice President made this know at a virtual commissioning of the Dukia Gold and Precious Metals Project project on Tuesday in Abuja.

He hinted that, “The Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refinery Project, championed by the High Commissions of Nigeria and Canada, has been seven years in the making and it is my pleasure to see that the project is ready to begin operations”.

According to him, “the Dukia Gold project would encourage the emergence of smaller-scale mining companies who, for the first time, would have a transparent and welcoming market for their mined gold and precious metals. This, he said would create jobs and unleash the economic potential of mining communities.

He stated that,“will create primary employment for local artisanal miners and mining cooperatives across the solid minerals value chain. Off-take agreements between Dukia Gold and local mining communities and owners of recyclable gold will be a useful provider of jobs in our post-covid economy.”

The Vice President also commissioned the nationwide Dukia-Heritage Bank Gold and Precious Metals Buying Centres which is part of a valuable private sector collaboration.

The buying centre is to provide a sustainable way for Nigerians to exchange their gold jewellery and other precious items for cash. “This system of exchange not only helps encourage a culture of recycling, but will also serve as a complementary source for the raw materials needed for the Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Company”, he added.

Osinbajo , however, promised that the Federal Government would provide support and facilitate policies that would ensure successful deployment, implementation, and sustainable operations of the Dukia Gold Project as well as continuous support of the mining sector.

Earlier, the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Arc. Olamilekan Adegbite, in his remarks, said the launch of Dukia-Heritage Bank Gold and Precious Metals Buying Centres is a testament of the unwavering effort of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to serve as a business friendly regulator, providing the enabling environment for business to thrive.

Adegbite hinted that the Buying Centre Initiative (BCI) would bring about efficiency and transparency to physical trading and transactions of mineral commodities.

According to him, “buying centre with minimum guaranteed price thresholds also ensures that Artisanal miners receive the right pricing for their goods relative to illegal off takers” This, he believed, would break the status quo of illegal mining and increasing royalty revenue accrual to the federal government.

He further added that in line with President’s mandates to diversify the economy, create jobs and increase revenue generation, the Minister said his ministry has licensed two gold refineries and has equally been creating a conducive fiscal and regulatory enabling environment for them to thrive. “We expect that these two refineries will create ample employment opportunities in the downstream sector and in the gold value chain.

“Dukia is one of the two duly licensed gold refiners in Nigeria. They have developed an encompassing ecosystem, consisting of nationwide DukiaHB Buying Centres alongside the virtual Purchasing Platform, that together form an integral centre-piece.”

“This initiative by Dukia and Heritage bank is the beginning of a seamless integration between the mining and banking sectors, which needs to be encouraged and applauded,” he emphasized.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Minister of State, Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, said Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources waiting to be harnessed for economic development.

He commended the partnership between Dukia Gold and Heritage Bank and hopeful that it would serve as a success model for building strong private business conglomerates that would transform not only the gold value chain, but entire mineral sector into a global competitive mining destination of repute.

Also, the Managing Director of Dukia Gold, Bose Owolabi said the company would work with its refining partners and stakeholders to ensure that the project was fully implemented and met international standards. She added that the Heritage Bank Raw Materials Buying Centres would be opened at designated branches of the bank across the country as from Tuesday, June 16, 2020

Dukia Gold & Precious Metals Refining Company Limited which is located at the Abuja International Airport is set out to work with miners to ensure access to appropriate Plant, Machinery, Equipment, and support among others.

Rape: Aliyu Advocates Stiffer Penalties For Offenders

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.
Dr Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu. Minister of State, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, Nigeria.

TOYIN ADEBAYO ,ABUJA

Disturbed by the increasing cases rape in the nation’s capital especially of minors, the FCT Minister of State, Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu, has called for a stiffer penalties for offenders.

The minister who made the call in Abuja shortly after the distribution of palliative items to the leadership of FCT National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter and Nigeria Football Association of Coaches FCT chapter, however advocated that rapists should be castrated to serve as a deterrent to others.

Aliyu, also, revealed that the FCT Administration was working closely with security agencies and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person (NAPTIP) to push for serious institutional framework that would ensure justice is served, stressing that members of the community would be engaged in the battle against rape especially of minors.

She also described rape of minors as heinous crime , while stressing that death penalty was not the best of option for offenders, arguing that when a society choses to kill such offenders, they die and not remembering the crime they have committed against humanity.

She further stated that, “We will involve every member of the community in this battle against rape. Just recently, we are in search of one offender, and definitely we will nip it in the bud. And in conjunction with all the security outfits, NAPTIP, in the Federal Capital Territory, we are in the watch, and for any offender that we get, we will take it to any length to ensure that he is not fit to live.

“We are also pushing for serious institutional framework that will ensure that justice is done. It is not enough to just jail such person, definitely punishment like castration will do. When we kill them, they die and not remembering anything, therefore they should be castrated and roam the streets and remain inactive”.

Meanwhile, the FCT Administration has doled out palliative items to the leadership of FCT National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT chapter and Nigeria Football Association of Coaches, for onward distribution to identified vulnerables among them, as part of measures to cushion the effect of the lockdown.

The FCT State Minister used the occasion to appeal to the leaders to ensure that the palliative items get to the vulnerable, assuring that in no distance time Nigeria would be free from this COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have been going round and round in the distribution of palliative items in the Federal Capital Territory. But I know you must have wondering why we have not come to those who really laboured, those who really spare their time to ensure that we succeed.

“It is not because we did not appreciate your contributions, but because we have to take the battle to the poorest of the poor who domicile in the rural areas. We combed every part of the territory to ensure that the message of President Muhammad Buhari gets to them,” she stated.

Responding, the President of FCT Council of National Council of Women Societies, Hajia Hadiza Umar, thanked the FCT Administration for the kind gesture, just as she assured that the items would be distributed among widows in the society.

However, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) FCT Chapter received 1000 bags of 5kg rice and 1000 bags of condiments, National Council of Women Societies (NCWS), FCT, 1000 bags of 5kg rice and 1000 bags of condiments, while Nigerian Football Coaches Association, FCT chaper, 80 bags of 5kg rice and 80 bags of condiments.

FCTA Siezes 26 Rams, 5 Cattle, Sacks Illegal Motor Park, Rams markets.

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
muhammad-musa-bello
FCT Minister, Nigeria

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Ministerial Taskforce on City Sanitation has siezed 26 rams, 5 cattle from the popular Apo Cattle market, and also impounded 5 vehicles parked illegally by car dealers.

Chairman of the Taskforce, Comrade Ikharo Attah, said the operation as authorized by the FCT Minister , Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, is coming against the backdrop of the expiration of a 7-day ultimatum earlier given to enable the illegal occupants to vacate the places.

He stated that the Administration’s decision to carry out the exercise stems from the fact that some people were bent on constituting nuisance that could threaten the city’s security and jeopardize environmental safety.

He further stated that the issues of sanitation within the nation’s capital is a priority that cannot be sacrificed to personal or group interests, hence the attention that is being given to it , especially in the period of a deadly pandemic ravaging the country.

Attah, however, explained that the seized animals and the vehicles will be taken to the Mobile court, and a forfeiture order shall be sought, so that the rams and cattle can be distributed to the Prison and various orphanage homes.

He, therefore, stressed that the illegal motor park around the Apo round about and the cattle market, have not just the aesthetic beauty of the road corridors, but have been turned to hide outs for drug peddlers and other criminal elements.

He also warned all illegal occupants to vacate from the road corridors, he also vowed that the Taskforce would sustain the tempo of the clean up exercise, until sanity was restored to that road axis, as well as fast tracking the completion of the various infrastructural projects along the road that have been hampered by the activities of these illegal occupants.

According to him; ” The exercise is carried out on the orders of the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, through a special committee he set up to clear up the Outern Sourthern Expressway, we have cleared several illegalities on the road stretch and corridors.

” These include the Gudu popular Ram market, Scrap market, otherwise known as pantaker and the illegal motor park around the Apo roundabout.

He added ; ” We took twenty six rams, 5 cattle and 4 vehicles, we are taken them to the Mobile Court and shall be seeking for a forfeiture order from the court, so that the things can be given to the Prison or the orphanage homes within the FCT, because we have warned them several times.

” We cannot continue to look away from all the illegality and contravention of the city’s master plan. We have also going to be ensuring that this operation is sustained. We have surveillance team that will he checking these places on a daily basis to ensure that the illegal occupants do not return”.

FCTA Commend Churches Over Adherence To Covid-19 Protocol

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Ikharo Attah
Chairman FCT covid-19 enforcement task force


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has commended the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and other church leaders across the Territory for ensuring compliance with the COVID-19 guidelines for religious organisations.

The Chairman, FCT Ministerial Task-team on the Enforcement of COVID-19 Restrictions, Comrade Ikharo Attah gave the commendation when he led his team on inspection of some churches to monitor the level of compliance.

At the First Baptist Church, Gimbiya street in Area 11 where the team met the Northern Central Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria Reverend Israel Akanji , the chairman commended the church for its strict adherence to the guidelines.

His observation; “entering the church through the gate, we met some personnel who checked our temperature and gave us sanitizers to apply on our hands. As we entered, we saw several hand washing points. This is what the FCT minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and the Presidential Taskforce on Covid-19 headed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha want to see”.

Responding Reverend Akanji said the Church had given its word to government to abide by the guidelines, and commended the FCT minister and the Taskteam “for monitoring to ensure compliance”.

Similarly, at the ECWA Church, Maitama, the team met with the Chairman of the FCT chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend Samson Jonah.

The FCT CAN Chairman noted that ,” for the Church, compliance with government rules, particularly one like this that bothers on the health and safety of Christians is a must. We would continue to do our best to sustain it. We met with the pastors in FCT and directed that the guidelines be strictly adhered to”

The Task-team Chairman said, “the church had truly proved itself to be the light and salt of the world as christ commanded in Mathew Chapter 5 verse 13 to 17.”

The team was also at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja where it met with Bishop Anselm Umoren.

Attah commended the Catholic Church, Maitama for opening a registry of members as parts of efforts to ensure contact tracing should anyone come down with Covid-19.

On his part, the Bishop said, “the Catholic Church across the Federation would always abide by what is good for its members and citizens of the country”.

Covid-19: Four Antibody-based Test Kits Tested In Nigeria Failed Validation Tests

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health
Dr. Osagie Ehanire, Minister of Health


TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The MInister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire has hinted that the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria have evaluated only four of the antibody-based test kits in Nigeria
and all four failed the validation tests.

While adding that, no antigen test kits has yet been evaluated. This means that results obtained from these tests are not tenable for diagnostics, being deficient in sensitivity and specificity and are likely to give false results and mislead people.

He further stated that, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) certified laboratories in Nigeria uses WHO recognized PCR testing methods which give reliable result. Though expensive, this option is right and we have 30 laboratories deployed, with the aim of establishing at least one laboratory in every state.

Ehanire gave this hint on Thursday at the Presidential Taskforce briefing on Covid-19, saying, Nigeria currently has a total of 11,166 confirmed COVID-19 cases in 35 States and FCT, of which 3,329 have been treated successfully and discharged, while we have sadly recorded 315 deaths.

He further stated that , the daily epidemic curve of confirmed cases shows a consistently rising trajectory with corresponding increase in fatalities, but nothing comparable with what is observed in some foreign countries. To rest on our oars for that reason, would be a serious mistake.

According to him;” Covid is real and we have explained that the increase in cases is due to improving testing capacity and of activities of other response pillars, such as surveillance, community mobilization, coordination, contact tracing improved awareness, the demographics and other factors.

“The team deployed to Lagos and Ogun States, led by the ED of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal, has returned, with optimism about having gained a better insight into state-specific challenges and gaps. They had audience with the Executive Governors,visited the State EOCs and exchanged ideas with the State Health teams. A full report of findings will be ready next week.

“The Federal Ministry of Health team to Kano, Sokoto, Jigawa Bornu, Katsina, Gombe will submit their final report tomorrow. Preliminary reports show that the goals of the intervention were met”, explained.

Ehanire stressed that, “On Tuesday June 2nd, I had the privilege of chairing a virtual meeting of the Ecowas covid-19 Ministerial Coordination Committee on Health, hosted by the West African Health Organization WAHO and attended by 15 Ecowas Ministers of Health or their representatives. This is one of three Committees, the others being on Finance and Transport, set up to facilitate the work of the Ecowas covid-19 response champion, H.E President Muhamadu Buhari, who was elected into this role on April 23, 2020, at a virtual meeting of Ecowas Heads of State and Governments. The meeting compared notes, discussed matters of regional cooperation and collaboration around the covid-19 strategy and response, border-related challenges on movement of people and goods when borders are reopened. WAHO & Nigeria are presently working together on a cost-sharing plan for a common air transport plane to convey covid-19 supplies of WAHO and Nigeria from Beijing to Abuja.

He continued: ” I also had the honour of presenting the statement of His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari at a virtual Global Vaccine Summit this afternoon, hosted by UK Prime Minister Mr. Boris Johnson, the purpose of which, was to mark 20 years since GAVI was founded, and also to raise funds to support its activities.

“Just as we continue to engage States, we shall continue to engage community, religious and traditional leaders for sustained messaging to citizens, on the importance of adhering to health advisories, to combat community spread. I again emphasize that much at this stage depends on a trust-based partnership between government and the people, to faithfully obey the rules on covid-19 laid down for our own good”, the minister buttresed.

Ehanire hinted that, support to States will be tailored to challenges and strengths of State health systems. The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency is discussing options and guidelines of supervised out-of-hospital isolation and care with some States, which is either home-based care or based in communal space, like school dormitories, since schools are presently closed down.

As we continue to engage states on scaling up sample collection and testing capacity all over Nigeria, we also continue to urge healthcare workers to ensure they are properly protected with the appropriate PPE’s and have a high index of suspicion when treating patients.

He, however, urged Nigerians to wear your face mask at all times in the public, or even inside your house, if you are not sure of the COVID-19 status of people you live with. Observe respiratory hygiene, wash hands regularly, use sanitizers and observe physical distancing.

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