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Covid-19: NCH Resolves To Develop Health Sector COVID-19 Pandemic Response Action Plan

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

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.

FCT Court Reopens Jabi Lake Mall, Asks Violator To Tender Apology In National Dailies

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

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”.

FCT Police Command Launches Manhunt To Arrest Killers Of A Renowned Pharmacist In Abuja

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Olalekan Akinola

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”.

Group Urges FG To Ratify ILO Convention 190 To Eliminate Violence, Harassment

By
Ola Akinola
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0
Muhammadu_Buhari,_President_of_the_Federal_Republic_of_Nigeria
Muhammadu_Buhari,_President_of_the_Federal_Republic_of_Nigeria

Olalekan Akinola

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.

Pollution: Coalition Seeks Drastic Action Against Plastic Wastes

By
Ola Akinola
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0

Olalekan Akinola

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.”

EU, UN Donates Over $22 Million Essential Medical Supplies To Nigeria

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr Osagie Ehanire
Minister of Health

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

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”.

COVID-19: Majority Of Patients Do Well With Oxygen Supplementation Rather Than Ventilators, Ehanire

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 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.

We’ ll Address Challenges Affecting Pharmacy Education, Training and Practice, PCN Chairman

By
Toyin Adebayo
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0
Dr. Osagie Ehanire
Dr. Osagie Ehanire

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The Governing Council Chairman of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN), Prof. Ahmed Tijjani Mora on Saturday hinted that his administration would reposition the council in order to address the challenges affecting pharmacy education, training and practice in the country.

Mora gave this hint after he wasn inaugurated as the PCN Chairman , saying, the new governing council would address challenges associated with internship placement of young pharmacists, foreign graduate orientation programme , functions of the governing council itself , examination of pharmacists after internship and the chaotic drug distribution chain among many others.

He further noted that, it was worrisome that many young pharmacists after induction and administration of oath of pharmacy do not find place for internship and continue to struggle and go round for months on end.

He, however, stated that, he has set up committees to look into the , challenges while adding that, “ We will address the problem so that by the time students are administered the oath ,they already know where they will be doing their internship.”

Mora who was former Registrar of the PCN between 2003 and 2012 called on all pharmacists in the country to join hands with the council in moving the profession forward.

He, therefore, enjoined dissenting voices to sheath their swords and embrace his inauguration as the will of God and the right choice by the government.

It would be recalled that, the Federal Government had earlier on Monday inaugurated the governing council of the Pharmacists Council of Nigeria (PCN).

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja , Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire said the governing council of PCN was to provide guidance and direction for the efficient discharge of the functions of the council as stipulated in its enabling Act.

He said that, “The Governing Council is also to ensure that it aligns its functions with the vision of President Muhammad Buhari, GCFR, for the country on health as spelt out in the 2nd edition of the National Strategic Health Development Plan (2018 – 2020)”.

Ehanire further stated that, PCN was vital to the health care system as reflected in its function in the regulation of the training of pharmacists, pharmacy technicians and the practice of the pharmacy profession.

He said key issues that should engage the attention of the new council include: standard of training, code and ethics of practice, proliferation of illegal premises, unsatisfactory distribution of medicines, and drug abuse.

Meanwhile, the Registrar of the PCN, Pharmacist , Elijah Mohammed, said the inauguration of the council was a welcome development and that the council hopes to work with the new governing council to move the profession forward.

ARCC Accepts Nigeria’s Wild Polio Virus Free Documentation

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

TOYIN ADEBAYO, ABUJA

The proposed certification of Nigeria as a polio free country in August this year is gradually becoming a reality.

The indication was given by the Chairman of the African Regional Commission for Certification of Polio Eradication, ARCC, Prof Rose Leke, in a meeting with the Nigeria team led by the ED/CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA and partners.

She said that, the commission, which is an organ of the World Health Organisation (WHO) has for the past years assessed the performance of the NPHCDA in polio eradication and the results have been quite impressive.

The Chairman said the commission has also assessed the documentation of the progress made so far as submitted by the NPHCDA and found that it tallies with the reality on ground, and therefore congratulated Nigeria on the feat.

According to her; “We went with you and saw the happenings in the fields all these years,” she said, adding that, “The ARCC has listened to your documentation, presentation and exhaustive responses to all those questions that were put… and we really want to congratulate and tell you that the documentation was accepted.”

The ARCC commended the NPHCDA for achieving the milestone after years of battling with the Wild Polio Virus.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director/CEO of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, who was visibly elated by the development, said it was an amazing moment in history to have had the polio eradication documentation accepted by the ARCC.

He disclosed that the acceptance paves way for the country’s polio free status to be officially declared next month at a meeting of Ministers of Health in Africa.

He, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and foresight, saying “the leadership provided by Mr. President is mainly responsible for the rare achievement.”

He also commended traditional and religious leaders, partners, past presidents, ministers, ED/CEOs of NPHCDA/NPI, leaders in the public health space, the media, polio victims, parents and others for being the constant driving force and motivation behind the efforts of the frontline workers.

Nightclubs, Beer Palour, Parks To Remain Shut Until Further Notice, FCTA

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 warned operators of nightclubs, bars and gardens across the territory not to open for business until the Covid-19 restriction order is lifted.

Giving the warning on Sunday, when the team went round Kubwa, Gwarinpa and Wuse to monitor the level of compliance by operators, the Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskteam on COVID-19 Restrictions, Comrade Ikharo Attah reitrated the ban till further notice.

He made this known after the operation, the Chairman hinted that, “the ban on nightclubs, parks and bars is yet to be lifted hence the need for us to sustain routine inspection and ensure compliance. We believe that if we relax too much, with the number of positive Covid-19 cases on the rise it would not be good for the city.”

Attah, however, expressed satisfaction with the high level of compliance by the nightclub operators was however not happy with the high number of suspected commercial sex workers around buildings housing the nightclubs at Kubwa.

He further hinted that, “the presence of the ladies of the night is a violation of the curfew because they are not on the exemption list of essential workers. Their presence made us to carry out full checks on some nightclubs which are truly closed. At moments like this we expect them to stop the unholy trade in their own interest because the men who may patronize them may be Covid-19 positive.”

Speaking on the shutting down of a bar at Wuse 2, he said, “we got several calls that Reset Nightclub and Bar located at Lobito Crescent in Wuse 2 was fully operational. But when we got there we discovered that it wasn’t true. A bar operating in a plaza located opposite the nightclub, as we all found out this night, was the one operating and playing very loud music which necessitated the calls and complaints we got from residents of the area.”

The team shut down the bar and confiscated some of its loudspeakers which were handed over to Enforcement officials from the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, (AEPB).

Attah, stressed that the team would be extending its checks on nightclubs in the suburbs while appealing to FCT residents to stay at home during the curfew periods and not endanger their lives.

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