BREAKING: Health Minister Confirms First Case Of Coronavirus In Nigeria

February 28, 2020

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed the first case of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Nigeria.

Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, confirmed the case in a statement issued in the early hours of Friday, February 28, 2020.

According to the statement, the case involves an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and just returned from Milan, Italy on the 25th of February 2020.

He was confirmed to be positive by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The ministry, however, noted that the patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

Read the full statement below.

The Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) case in Lagos State, Nigeria. The case, which was confirmed on the 27th of February 2020, is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the beginning of the outbreak in China in January 2020.

The case is an Italian citizen who works in Nigeria and returned from Milan, Italy to Lagos, Nigeria on the 25th of February 2020. He was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

The Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Health has been strengthening measures to ensure an outbreak in Nigeria is controlled and contained quickly. The multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has immediately activated its national Emergency Operations Centre and will work closely with Lagos State Health authorities to respond to this case and implement firm control measures.

I wish to assure all Nigerians that have we have been beefing up our preparedness capabilities since the first confirmation of cases in China, and we will use all the resources made available by the government to respond to this case.

We have already started working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he entered Nigeria. Please be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Nigerians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:

1. Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2. Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should stay home or keep a social distance, but not mix in-crowd.

4. Make sure you and people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene, meaning cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or into your sleeve at the bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

5. Stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call NCDC toll free number which is available day and night, for guidance- 0800-970000-10. Do not engage in self-medication.

6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.

Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Federal Ministry of Health, through Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Nigeria.

Dr Osagie Ehanire
Hon. Minister of Health

Coronavirus: Nigeria Muslim Pilgrim Commission Suspends Lesser Hajj To Saudi Arabia

Greenbarge Reporters

February 27, 2020

NAHCON Chairman/CEO, zikrullahi
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has suspended lesser hajj, Umrah by Nigerians to Saudi Arabia or to visit the Prophet’s mosque in Madinah.

A statement today, February 27 by the Commission’s spoks person, Fatima Sanda Usara said the suspension of lesser hajj is as a result of the temporary suspension of Umrah by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as a precautionary measure against the spread of COVID-19 (new coronavirus infection) that has spread to about 48 countries globally with a record of over 82,164 confirmed cases as at 27th February 2020.

Fatima recalled that the COVID-19 has recorded many fatalities that has forced some countries with confirmed cases to close down schools and other social gatherings.

“It is worthy and gladdening to note that the National Centre for Disease Control, an Agency under the Federal Ministry of Health, as at today Thursday 27th February, 2020 reported that there is no recorded case of COVID-19 in Nigeria. The Federal Ministry of Health has taken all the necessary measures to prevent the disease in Nigeria.

“Therefore, NAHCON identifies with this courageous step by Saudi Arabia and affirms its commitment and cooperation in the interest of world Muslims and humanity in general.

“This measure was taken in accordance with approved international standards towards curtailing spread of the disease.

“Consequently, NAHCON cautions Nigerian pilgrims for Umrah to note that this suspension is effective on those who have already been issued travel visas and about to embark on the journey as well as for those planning to do so in the nearest future.

“NAHCON urges all stakeholders to comply with the directive and await further instructions from the Kingdom’s authorities.”

Iran’s Vice President Catches Coronavirus, As It Spreads To 48 Countries

Editorial staff

February 27, 2020

Report reaching us said that Vice President of Iran for Women and Family Affairs, Masoumeh Ebtekar, has tested positive to the coronavirus.
Acccording to a report on Aljazera, Iranian officials have also confirmed that Deputy Health Minister, Iraj Harirchi had tested positive to the virus and was under quarantine.
The report said that Ebtekar was the English-language spokeswoman for the 1979 hostage-takers who seized the US embassy in Tehran and sparked the 444-day diplomatic crisis.
The country’s health ministry said the new coronavirus had killed 26 people while there are 245 confirmed cases.
As part of steps taken to halt the spread of the virus, the report said Iran had cancelled Friday prayers in the capital, Tehran, and around the country.
Iran has also banned Chinese citizens from entering the country.
The new coronavirus has spread to all the continents of the world except the Antarctica, with 82,000 cases in 48 countries. China however remains the worst hit with 78,000 cases and 2,747 deaths. 32,531 of those infected by the virus have recovered so far.

PDP Had No Candidate In November 2019 Governorship Election In Kogi – Court

Editorial staff

February 27, 2020

Judge of Kogi State High Court, Justice John Olorufemi has ruled that the Peoples Democratic Party ((PDP) had no candidate in the November 16, 2019 Governorship election in the state.
The judge ruled today, February 27 in Lokoja, that the September 3, 2019 primary election which produced Engineer Musa Wada as the PDP candidate was fraught with irregularities.
The ruling was in a pre-election matter filed by the Abubakar Idris, the eldest son of a former governor of the state, Ibrahim, challenging the emergence of Wada as the PDP candidate in the governorship election held on November 16, 2019.
The judge said however: “neither the claimant, Alhaji Abubakar Idris, nor the defendant, Engr. Musa Wada, can lay claim to being the authentic candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party since the primary was inconclusive.”

Nigeria’s Excess Crude Account Not Depleted, Governors Assure

Editorial staff

February 27, 2020

Governors of the 36 State in Nigeria have confirmed that the nation’s Excess Crude Account is not depleted, contrary to speculations making the rounds.
Answering reporters’questions today, February 27 shortly after the meeting of the National Economic Council (NEC) at the presidential villa in Abuja, the governors explained that the operation of the Account is conducted with their knowledge and due approvals of NEC.
Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues said that the change in balance of the ECA from $325 million last month to $71 million is due mainly to the new $250 million investment in the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA), approved by the Council.
“The Authority is doing very well; they are handling infrastructure so nicely that the governors and the Federal Government are investing well. When the investment was made both the Federal Government, State Governments and Local Governments all get their investment certificates, so we are together in this.”
Governor Umahi said that other expenditure of $4 million being significantly reduced consultancy cost approved by the Council besides the $250 million NSIA investment.
“So no money is missing.”
The NEC, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, is made up of governors of the 36 states, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Governor of Central Bank.
Highlights of the meeting today, according to the vice presidential spokesman, Laolu Akande, include reporting balances on the Excess Crude Account which stands at the sum of $71,813,941.84. The balance on the Stabilization Account stands at N34, 186, 655,761.82, while the balance on the Natural Resources Account stands at the sum of N101, 889,686,452.53.
He said that the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire, made a presentation on the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control on Lessa Fever.
He quoted the minister as saying: “103 confirmed cases and 13 deaths reported from 18 States (Ondo, Ebonyi, Edo, Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Enugu, Gombe, Kaduna, Kastina, Kogi, Sokoto, Taraba, Delta, Rivers, Adamawa, Nasarawa and Lagos). Of the confirmed cases 72% are from Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi states.”
On the efforts at addressing Lassa fever, the Health Minister said that National Multi-Sectoral Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has been activated while state Health EOCs are activated in affected states, adding “intensive sensitization of the public on safety measure needs to be carried out.”
Ehanire assured of the country’s readiness to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), saying multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group has been established, 4 diagnostic testing facilities are ready at National Reference Laboratory in Abuja, LUTH in Lagos, Irrua in Edo State and Redeemer’s University in Osun State.
NEC was also updated on the status of ownership structure of the Electricity Power Distribution Companies (DISCOs) by the Council Committee set up for the purpose. According to the Committee, it has received responses from the public, while forensic audit of the DISCOs are being conducted.
While requesting for additional time to complete the report, the Committee stated that state governments would provide it with details of their investments in the electricity companies.
Council was also informed that Edo State is hosting 20th National Sports Festival (NSF) from Sunday, March 22nd, 2020, while the new governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Duoye Diri was introduced and welcomed by the Council.

Lagos Home Science Inter-House Sports: Yellow House Shines Pass Others

Editorial staff

February 27, 2020

Yellow House has emerged the champions of the Home Science Association Secondary School, Alakuko, Lagos State inter-house sports.
The House won the contest with 15 Gold, 4 Silver and 2 Bronze medals.
The event, held on February 14, saw Red House coming in second with 8 Gold, 9 Silver and 9 Bronze medals.
Third was Blue House with 7 Gold, 7 Silver and 11 Bronze medals, with Green House emerging fourth with 5 Gold, 15 Silver and 13 Bronze medals.
In the Girls invitation relay, Sebis School, Alakuko, Lagos State came first, while The Bells Secondary School, Ota, Ogun State and Divine Scroll Secondary School, Lagos came in second and third respectively.
For the Boys invitation relay, The Bells was first, while Sebis School came second and Goldbeam School third.

Saudi Arabia Suspends Lesser Hajj Against Spread Of Coronavirus

Greenbarge Reporters

February 27, 2020

Saudi Arabia has suspended entry to the Kingdom for the purpose of lesser hajj or Umrah and visiting the Prophet’s Mosque against the spreading of coronavirus.

The country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement today, February 27, also announced the suspension of the entry of tourist visa holders coming from countries where the new coronavirus is spreading dangerously, according to the criteria determined by the competent health authorities in the Kingdom.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the health authorities are closely following the developments of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Ministry affirmed the keenness of the Kingdom’s government through those authorities to implement the approved international standards and support the efforts of countries and international organizations, especially the World Health Organization, to stop the virus from spreading.

The ministry of Foreign Affairs said that this precautions comes in completion of the efforts taken to provide the utmost protection to the safety of citizens and residents and everyone who intends to come to the the Kingdom to perform Umrah or visit the Prophet’s Mosque or for the purpose of tourism.

“This precautions based on the recommendations of the competent health authorities to apply the highest precautionary standards, and take proactive preventive measures to prevent the arrival of the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) to the Kingdom and its spread,” The ministry added.

The authorities have also suspended the use of the national identity card to travel to and from the Kingdom by Saudi nationals and Gulf citizens, in order for the concerned authorities at the entry points to verify from which countries visitors came before their arrival to the kingdom, and apply health precautions to deal with those coming from those countries.

Saudi Arabia affirms that these procedures are temporary, and subject to continuous evaluation by the competent authorities.

The Foreign Ministry called on citizens not to travel to countries where the new Coronavirus (COVID-19) is spreading.

Bayelsa: Supreme Court Fines 2 Senior Advocates N60 Million For Challenging It’s Ruling

Editorial staff

February 26, 2020

The Supreme Court has fined two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun N30 million each for agreeing to file an application for the review of the apex court’s judgment on Bayelsa election.
Justice Amina Augie announced the fine while reading the judgment in the applications for a review of its February 13, 2020 judgment which overturned the All Progressives Congress’ victory in the last governorship election in Bayelsa State.
With tears in her eyes, the justice regretted that “very senior” lawyers were responsible for filing the applications.
Subsequently, the apex court awarded the costs of N10 million to be personally paid by David Lyon’s lawyer, Chief Afe Babalola who represented Lyon, and APC’s lawyer, Olanipekun.
It ruled that each of the lawyers must pay the N10 million to each of the three respondents – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Governor Duoye Diri, and the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Lawrence Ewhruojakpo, bringing the total amount to be paid to N60 million.
She said the applications amounted to an invitation for the apex court to sit in appeal on its own judgment in violation of the Constitution.
A seven-man panel of the apex court led by Justice Sylvester Ngwuta described the applications filed by the APC and its governorship candidate at the poll, Lyon, as vexatious, frivolous, and constituted a gross abuse of court process.
Justice Augie held that it would amount to violating the finality of its judgment if the applications were granted.
She said granting the applications would open a floodgate for the review of decisions of the Supreme Court.
“There must be an end to litigation,” she said, adding, “the decision of the Supreme Court is final for ages in a matter” and only legislation could change it.
Source: Punch

Ebonyi Moves To Establish Electric-Powered Vehicle Assembly Plant

Editorial staff

February 26, 2020

Ebonyi State Government has announced plans to partner with National Automative Design and Development Council (NADDC) to establish an electronic powered vehicle assembly plant in the state.
According to the special assistant to the governor on media, Francis Nwaze, in a statement today, February 26, an agreement has been reached between the Governor, David Umahi and the Director of NADDC, Jelani Aliyu, in Abuja.
Speaking, Jelani Aliyu said that NADDC is at the finishing stage of certification of vehicle parts imported into the country.
He said that NADDC will soon start monitoring all imported vehicle parts and will not allow vehicles parts in the country without certification.
The NADDC boss explained that they have started building an Automative Training Centre in Ebonyi state, aimed at training the people to understand the techniques of vehicles and make them become technicians.
He called on the governor to identify areas of possible partnership.
Responding, Governor Umahi said that the State Government has ordered the importation of 24 electric tricycles and 24 others to be assembled in the State. He said that the State Government is willing to partner with NADDC to establish an electrically powered assembling plant, using the already imported tricycles to kickstart.
The statement said that a demonstrative electric-powered vehicle was inspected by Governor Umahi.

We’re In Deep Financial Stress, Imo Judges, Judicial Officers Cry To Gov Uzodinma

Editorial staff

February 26, 2020

Serving and retired judges, members of the Judicial Service Commission, Executives of Magistrate Association and Chairmen of Customary Courts have converged on the Imo State government House in Owerri to plead with governor Hope Uzodinma to help address their financial stress brought about by neglect of their legitimate entitlements.
At a meeting with the governor today, February 26, the judicial officers complained that over times, they have not been paid their salary arrears, gratuities, severance and pensions.
Justice Nnadi, who spoke on behalf of the group, stressed the urgent need for the governor to redress the plights of judicial workers, which apart from payment of severance packages to Judges, gratuity, pension to retired Judges, also include provision of vehicles to serving Judges and payment of allowances of Judges from May 2016 to April 2019.
The judicial workers expressed appreciation to governor Uzodinma for making funds available for the furnishing of the Justice Oputa Court which has enabled the High Court Judges to move to the new complex with the 14 court halls working in full capacity.
Responding, Governor Uzodinma assured that his administrations would ensure independence of the three arms of government, stressing that the role of the judiciary in particular, cannot be over emphasized.
He said that the potency of any government is largely dependent on the cooperation of its judicial arm, saying that any serious government must strengthen its Judiciary to be able to maintain law and order.
The Governor promised to look at the budget of 2020 to know to what extent provisions were made for all those things they requested his government to address.
“I want to know whether they are carried in the budget or not to know whether we can plead with the Speaker to send a supplementary request to ensure that these things are done and done very well in a manner that we dont solve a problem and create another.”

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