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Lassa Fever Kills 174, As NCDC Confirms 1035 Cases

November 12, 2024

By Akinwale Kasali

The death toll from Lassa Fever outbreak has risen to 174 out of 1,035 confirmed cases as of October 13, 2024.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, NCDC, said this is the result of the figures obtained across 28 states and 129 local government areas in the country, and were derived from 8,569 suspected cases reported nationwide.

The Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that more States were reporting cases of Lassa Fever, indicating a steady increase in the outbreak’s reach.

At a Media Briefing, Idris said: “In 2022, Nigeria reported 1,067 confirmed cases across 27 states and 112 Local Government Areas, while in 2023, 28 states and 114 Local Government Areas were affected, with 9,155 suspected cases, 1,270 confirmed cases, and 227 deaths.

“Lassa Fever, an acute viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) caused by the Lassa virus, primarily spreads through contact with infected multimammate rats (also known as African rats), though other rodents can also act as carriers.

“We continue to see a rise in the number of states reporting Lassa fever cases, driven by improved surveillance, heightened community awareness, and environmental degradation due to climate change and harmful human activities,” he explained.

Dr. Idris reported that as of October 13, 2024, 8,569 suspected cases, 1,035 confirmed cases, and 174 deaths have been recorded across 28 states and 129 local government areas.

He highlighted the significant impact of the disease on affected communities, stating: “When heads of households are exposed to Lassa fever, they are often unable to work. The associated costs of care and treatment place a financial strain on families, pushing many toward poverty.”

He emphasized that Lassa Fever outbreaks are not only deadly but also place healthcare workers at high risk. “The loss of life from this disease is not just a statistic; it represents beloved family members, spouses, and parents. Healthcare workers are also vulnerable, and the loss of experienced medical personnel due to infection further strains the country’s limited healthcare workforce,” he added.

Tax Bill: “You Are Misplacing Your Legislative Energy”, Northern Youths Scold Law Maker

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Northern youths have berated the member representing Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency of Kano State at House of Representatives, Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, over his support for the Tax Reforms Bill before the Legislators.

The Source reports that the Presidency had introduced the now controversial tax reforms bill to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

But the Bill has since been vehemently opposed by the Northern political spectrum, with the Region’s Governors jointly urging President Bola Tinubu to withdraw it

The Northern Governors and other stakeholders from the region alluded to the proposed tax reforms bill as not being in the over all interests of the people.

But the Presidency has remained adamant, insisting on the controversial bill passing through legislative processes .

However, against the grain of majority opinions from the North, Hon Jibrin, in a recent interview, threw his weight behind the tax reforms bill, highlighting its potential advantages both to the North and the entire country.

But his independent thoughts are not sitting well with the Northern Youth Assembly NYA, which, on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, in a statement, chided the Kano Federal Lawmaker for endorsing an obviously anti-North piece of legislation.

In the statement signed by Mohammed Hussaini Bauchi, its spokesperson, the NYA expressed serious disappointment over the stand of Hon Jibrin on a matter it said is clearly inimical to the survival of the people of the North.

According to the group, from all intents and purposes, the tax reforms bill, if passed and assented to in its present form, has the potentials to further relegate the North economically.

The NYA, described Hon Jibrin’s support for the bill as a gross act of disrespect to the Northern region and its people, more so, coming after Governors and many prominent individuals and groups from the region have voiced their unreserved opposition to the suffocating bill.

The group maintained that the Lawmaker’s position is a clear indication that he is completely out of touch with his constituents and their needs and aspirations.

“As representatives of Northern Nigeria Youth, we believe that this proposal, in its current form, will disproportionately affect the economic livelihoods and aspirations of our people without considering the current economic reality in the country.

“While the proposed tax reforms may be of significant interest to those at the centre, your unwavering enthusiasm to champion this anti-North bill exposes a misguided commitment to the cause of those you represent.

“It is evident that the North faces a range of critical issues, including an acute shortage of electricity supply, ravaging insecurity, excruciating poverty, unemployment, and a dismal state of infrastructure, to name but just a few.

“We believe that these are some of the challenges your constituents suffer from and the purpose of your election was to address them through effective legislation and advocacy, rather than dedicating your legislative energy to serve an agenda that could further marginalize the North and its people.

“It would be wiser and more beneficial for you to prioritize your efforts towards addressing the disturbing socio-economic challenges ravaging the people of the North”, NYA stated.

UNIZIK VC Crisis: “Withdraw Your Court Cases Within Seven Days Council Orders Litigants

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

With the storm induced by the appointment of a substantive Vice Chancellor for the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, still raging, the Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe-led Governing Council has issued an order for the withdrawal of all pending Court cases.

It would be recalled that late October, the institution’s Governing Council, amidst vociferous opposition from many quarters, selected Ebonyi State-born Prof. Bernard Odoh as the Vice Chancellor.

The Academic Staff Union, ASUU, and several other bodies within the system had vehemently resisted the process that finally threw up Prof Odoh, describing it as seriously flawed.

Several and collectively, the ASUU and other unions, had insisted that the process was not transparent and in line with due process, a development that saw most of them challenging the outcome of the process in Court.

But the Governing Council on Tuesday November 12, 2024, issued a seven-day dateline for all litigants to withdraw their actions or face disciplinary action.

The order which was contained in a memo dated November 11, 2024, specifically demanded staff and UNIZIK Unions who have filed suits in Courts against the selection process, to within 7 days, withdraw them.

The memo captioned “Directive to withdraw legal action against the University” , was addressed to Concerned Staff, and copied to Principal Officers of the Institution,( Vice Chancellor, DVCs, Registrar, Bursar ,University Librarian) as well as Deans of Faculties and Heads of Departments.

Reacting to the development, the two most vocal opposition voices, the ASUU and Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCN, dismissed the threat, noting that they cannot be intimidated.

Dr Sunday Orji ,the Secretary of MDCN ,UNIZIK Chapter insisted that the Council has to first withdraw its own legal action before demanding same from others.

According to him, the Council in addition to withdrawing its Court cases, has to also concede that there were procedural errors in the selection process of the Vice Chancellor.

“They have to withdraw their case first, and admit that the advert for the procedure for the selection process of the Vice Chancellor was wrong before talking about others withdrawing. They were the first to approach the court” MDCN stated.

As at the time of reporting, there were no signs that the aggrieved unions and staff members are in any way ready to obey the withdrawal order.

Rather, most of the bodies, particularly, the ASUU and MDCN, are ever prepared to dig deeper into the trenches.

“What the Pro-Chancellor fails to understand is that he is dealing with intellectuals”, a member of ASUU quipped.

Instructively, the Federal Ministry of Education has since dismissed the selection of Prof Odoh as the new Vice Chancellor as null and void.

The Ministry’s position is in alignment with that of the Institution’s Unions, particularly as it relates to lack of due process.

Besides, the ASUU and MDCN have alleged that the new Vice Chancellor has not attained the position of a full Professor.

The University authorities have, however, written off the Education Ministry’s objection as lacking in substance.

A statement from Charles Otu, the media aide to the Vice-Chancellor, while urging aggrieved staff and unions to obey the Pro-Chancellor’s directive, insisted that Prof Odoh’s selection was in total conformity with University’s extant laws.

He noted that the Federal Ministry of Education lacks the legal authority to question the selection process.

Edo: Gov Okpebholo Names Oshiomhole’s Son Commissioner for Health

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

Adams Oshiomhole and Senator Monday Okpebholo

By Ayodele Oni

Also names Barr Musa Ikhilor, SSG, Samson Osagie State Attorney-General & Commissioner for Justice designate

Few hours after his inauguration, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has announced Barrister Musa Ikhilor as the Secretary to State Government (SSG).

Other nominees awaiting confirmation by the House of Assembly are Samson Osagie as Attorney General and Commissioner For Justice, and Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole as Commissioner for Health.

The Commissioner for Health nominee is a son of Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor of the State who played a huge role in the election of Okpebholo as the Governor.

Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Fred Itua, in a statement, announced that the Governor will forward names of the two commissioner- nominees to the Assembly soon.

Okpebholo, in his inauguration speech, promised not to betray the confidence the people reposed in him by electing him as the Governor of the State.

The Governor made the promise during his inauguration as the sixth elected Governor of the State.

He assured that the welfare of the citizens is the top priority of his administration’s ‘Five-point Agenda

He said the five-point agenda is designed for robust economic growth and improvement in the lives of the people.

The Governor listed the five-point agenda to include Security, Infrastructure and Road Development, Affordable Healthcare, Water and Food Sufficiency, and Value-Driven Education across the State.

Enugu Govt Orders Arrest And Prosecution Of Bullying Students Of Fed Govt College

Suleiman Anyalewechi

November 12, 2024

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Enugu State authorities have ordered a comprehensive inquest into the odious bulling incident that occurred at the Federal Government College, Enugu.

This is even as it warned educational institutions in the state to either ensure the safety and wellbeing of their students or face dire consequences.

The Source reports that a video clip showing a group of students at the Federal Government College Enugu, flogging and dehumanizing one of the students in the hostel had gone viral on Monday November 11, 2024.

In the video recording, the bullying students while abusing and dehumanizing their victim ordered him to be rolling on a water- logged floor.

Expectedly, the video provoked wide indignation among the people with, not a few calling for a probe.

In a public service announcement issued on Tuesday November, 12, the Enugu State Commissioner for Education, Professor Ndubueze Mbah, while strongly condemning the incident also described it as emotionally distressing and deeply troubling.

The Commissioner informed that the Enugu st3ate Government has ordered for the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of all those involved in the sad development.

The Enugu State Government in the public announcement emphasized its zero tolerance, and deep reservations for bullying, abuse or any form of dehumanizing treatment under any guise within the confines of educational and learning environments in the State

According to the statement, although the incident occurred at a Federal Government institution located in the State, the State Government noted that it is presently working in concert with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that the incident is properly investigated and culprits arrested and punished.

Prof Mbah, also, noted that even school managers will be investigated to establish if there are official lapses.

The Enugu State Government reaffirmed its commitment towards ensuring the safety and protection of the wellbeing of the students.

“The Enugu state Government has zero-tolerance for bullying and abuse in our schools. The safety and welfare of our students are paramount .

“Government is resolved in prosecuting the culprits who engage in the criminal behaviour of physical assault against students.

“Such immoral behaviour has no place in our academic environments and those who tread that part must be ready to face the consequences” Prof Mbah noted.

NACA Laments Continued Scourge Of HIV/AIDS In Nigeria

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

The National Agency for the Control of Aids, (NACA) has revealed that despite the huge resources committed to ending the HIV/ AIDS scourge over the years, Nigeria is still lagging behind, as it contributes about 25 percent of the global population of children born with HIV.

Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori disclosed this in Ado Ekiti during a courtesy visit to Governor Biodun Oyebanji.

The Director-General of NACA, lamented the huge burden of children born with HIV/AIDS through transmission from mother to child and stressed the urgent need to end the menace of pediatric HIV in every part of Nigeria.

Dr Ilori also stressed the need to strengthen collaboration with the state government in order to further bring down the prevalence.

While lauding the Ekiti State Government for recording the least prevalence in Nigeria, the NACA boss also called for the involvement of religious leaders, traditional rulers as well as the traditional and new media to totally eradicate the scourge in the state.

Ekiti State Governor, Oyebanji restated his resolve to bring an end to mother to child transmission of HIV/ AIDS in the state through effective collaboration with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and other stakeholders in the health sector.

This is to ensure that no child is born with the virus and to further reduce the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate in the state.

The Governor pointed out that his government will be more intentional and strategic in its drive and intervention towards preventing and eliminating mother to child transmission as a way of bridging the infection gaps among newborns in the state.

He stated further that the state government had always been committed to steps that have reduced the pandemic in the state.

“If you follow comments on Ekiti State, we have done a lot of things in that sector to ensure that we work in respect to their welfare and availability of health facilities and consumables across the state. We are actually punching beyond our weight in that sector.

“I am happy on the emphasis in reducing transmission from mother to child, it is very critical, yes, the prevalent rate may be low here, but the transmission from mother to child, we need to watch that.

“Whatever we need to do, we will do, because, it is in our interest to keep our people healthy and also protect the unborn children from contacting this disease. The Governor said.

Governor Oyebanji also promised to rejig and strengthen Local Action Committee on AIDS (LACA) at the local government level in the drive to ensure that the grassroots is effectively combed, adding that state government will ensure the establishment of HIV Testing Services in the 16 local government areas as a gateway to HIV prevention, treatment, care and other support services.

It’s Fake, No Bomb Blast In Jos, Say Gov Mutfwang, Police Command

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang, and the State Police Command have described as hoax report of an early morning explosion occasioned by an alleged Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted at the old Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) site near Terminus Market in Jos North Local Government Area.

In a statement, signed by Gyang Bere Director of Press and Public Affairs, Governor Mutfwang clarified that the alarm was a false one, triggered by a group of individuals who misinterpreted a heap of polythene bags as a potential threat. Their report led to a wave of fear and panic among citizens in the area.

The Governor explained that security agencies, including the anti-bomb squad from the Plateau State Police Command, responded swiftly, conducting a thorough cordon and search operation at the scene.

“After an exhaustive inspection, no evidence of any explosive device was found.”

The Governor urged all Plateau citizens to remain vigilant and to act as responsible ambassadors of the state, upholding its reputation and rich heritage.

He assured the public that his administration is committed to ensuring enduring security across Plateau State, working tirelessly to restore peace and stability to the region.

Mutfwang called on the people to focus their efforts on supporting the government’s mission for sustainable peace and prosperity.

He encouraged residents, especially those near Terminus Market, to continue their daily activities without fear and to promptly report any suspicious occurrences to security personnel for quick action.

The Police Command, in a statement, signed by Alfred Alabo, its spokesman,

stated that “In the early hours of today the 12th day of November 2024 at exactly 08:20am, the Plateau State Police Command received a report of a shallow dug hole suspected to be planted with an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) at Murtala Mohammed Way beside Old JUTH fence which created panic among the residents of the State.

“Upon receiving this report, the Plateau State Commissioner of Police,CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc immediately ordered the Area Commander Metro and the Officer in Charge of the Command’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit aka Anti-Bomb Squad to mobilize a team of bomb technicians to the scene in collaboration with the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), “C” Division to assess the situation and take necessary actions.

“On reaching the scene, the area was immediately cordoned and our EOD Team began examination. Upon conclusion of the examination, the hole was found to be safe and free of any explosive devices.

“The Plateau State Commissioner of Police, CP Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina, psc and other members of his management team also visited the scene for an on the spot assessment.

“The CP wishes to commend the good people of Plateau State for being Security conscious, and cooperating with the Police throughout the exercise.

“He therefore urges them to go about their normal business activities without fear, as the area is safe and free of any threats to lives and properties.”

Change Of Baton In Edo As Okpebholo Is Sworn In As Governor

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

Monday Okpebholo sworn-in as Edo Governor

By Ayodele Oni

The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, was agog on Tuesday as Monday Okpebholo and Dennis Idahosa were sworn in as the Governor and Deputy Governor of Edo State, respectively.

Okpebholo takes over from Godwin Obaseki, who governed the state for eight years being a two-term governor.

The new Governor, who is of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) had defeated the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) Asue Ighodalo in the Sepetember 21 election.

Meanwhile former Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has highlighted the innovations he introduced across various sectors of the state’s economy during his eight years in office.

Speaking during a broadcast on Monday night, Obaseki acknowledged the significant challenges his administration faced but emphasized the notable progress made in governance and infrastructure.

Upon assuming office in 2016, Obaseki said he opted for a transformative agenda rather than simply preserving the status quo.

This approach, he explained, led to extensive reforms in sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture.

The former governor also stressed his focus on rebuilding state institutions rather than empowering individuals or political godfathers, noting that the result has been a strong and efficient civil service in the state.

“Infrastructure improvements are evident, with over 850 kilometers of roads constructed and nearly 1,000MW of electricity generated daily.”

Abia To Prosecute Parents For Failing To Send Children To School

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State — Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Ayodele Oni

As from January 2025, defiant parents in Abia State who fail to send their children of age to school are in for trouble.

The State Government has announced that from January 1, 2025, it will be an offence for parents in the State to fail to send their children or wards to school.

Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, announced during a press briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, following this week’s State Executive Council meeting, chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu explained that this measure is part of ongoing educational reforms in Abia State.

He emphasized that poverty will no longer be accepted as a reason for failing to provide free, basic education to children in the state, urging parents to take full advantage of the tuition-free policy.

He warned that parents who do not comply will face prosecution under the Abia State Child’s Law of 2006.

“In line with the Abia State Child’s Law 2006, it will now be an offence for parents not to send their children and wards to school in Abia State.

“Education is free in Abia State up till the end of Junior Secondary School. There is no reason whatsoever why parents will not send their children to school.

“So, as from the first of January, 2025 when this policy will fully come into effect, defaulting parents will be prosecuted under that law.”

The Commissioner reaffirmed that the decision to relocate the Umuahia campus of Abia State University to the main campus in Uturu is final. However, he assured all concerned stakeholders that any concerns or anxieties stemming from this decision would be fully addressed.

He also noted that Governor Otti has instructed the state Commissioner for Works to promptly repair the deteriorating flyover at Osisioma, constructed by the previous administration, to ensure the safety of Abians and other road users.

Aregbesola Asks President Tinubu To Address Hunger, Hardship

Ayodele Oni

November 12, 2024

By Ayodele Oni

A former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has implored President Bola Tinubu’s government to address the prevailing economic challenges to prevent a potential revolt.

Aregbesola, former Interior Minister in the immediate past administration, an estranged political ally of Tinubu, bluntly, warned that Tinubu’s Government may be toppled, if hunger, hardship persist.

The former governor lamented the widening gulf and socio-economic chasm between the rich and the poor saying the troubling and parlous state of the nation could trigger a revolution that may unseat the present government.

Aregbesola stated that the widespread economic hardship and galloping inflation in the country portend serious danger and may spell doom for the President Bola Tinubu government if the situation does not change.

Aregbesola spoke during a panel session at a national dialogue on the Parliamentary Bill, organised by the Parliamentary System Support Group in the House of Representatives in Abuja.

He bemoaned the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few, adding that there was even distribution of wealth when he was growing up.

“We have seen worsening economic—even political and spiritual—conditions of Nigerians. You don’t need to be a nuclear scientist to know that a smaller percentage of Nigerians are now prosperous, not that there is no prosperity in Nigeria, but it is decreasing daily.

“When I was born and during my developmental years, wealth was not as limited to the hands of a very few people as it is today.

“So, what does that tell us? It tells us that we are in deep trouble. We would not be here discussing this if things were normal in Nigeria.”

Aregbesola explained that “whatever does not give appropriate opportunity or rights to the people will be resisted no matter what you do.

“If other things fail, people can revolt. If we are conscious of all this and understand the consequences of things getting out of hand, we would be interested in finding the best ways to govern ourselves.”

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