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Category: Covid-19

End of COVID-19 in sight, says WHO chief

The world has never been in a better position to end the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Tedros Ghebreyesus, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO).
This comes as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) revealed yesterday that over 47 million eligible Nigerians have already received the COVID-19 vaccines.

Dr. Faisal Shuaib, Executive Director of the NPHCDA, made the announcement while receiving 604,000 Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines donated by mobile telecommunications firm MTN-Nigeria.

According to Reuters, it was Ghebreyesus’ most optimistic assessment of the years-long health crisis that has killed over 6 million people.

“We haven’t arrived yet.” “However, the end is in sight,” WHO Director-General Margaret Chan told reporters during a virtual press conference.

That was the most upbeat assessment from the UN agency since it declared an international emergency in January 2020 and started describing COVID-19 as a pandemic three months later.
The virus, which emerged in China in late 2019, has killed nearly 6.5 million people and infected 606 million, roiling global economies and overwhelming healthcare systems.

The rollout of vaccines and therapies have helped to stem deaths and hospitalisations, and the Omicron variant which emerged late last year causes less severe disease. Deaths from COVID-19 last week were the lowest since March 2020, the UN agency reported.

Still on Wednesday, he again urged nations to maintain their vigilance and likened the pandemic to a marathon race.

“Now is the time to run harder and make sure we cross the line and reap the rewards of all our hard work.”

Countries need to take a hard look at their policies and strengthen them for COVID-19 and future viruses, Tedros added.
He also urged nations to vaccinate 100 per cent of their high-risk groups and keep testing for the virus.

The WHO said countries needed to maintain adequate supplies of medical equipment and healthcare workers.

“We expect there to be future waves of infections, potentially at different time points throughout the world caused by different subvariants of Omicron or even different variants of concern,” said WHO’s senior epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove.

With over 1 million deaths this year alone, the pandemic remains an emergency globally and within most countries.

“The COVID-19 summer wave, driven by Omicron BA.4 and BA.5, showed that the pandemic is not yet over as the virus continues to circulate in Europe and beyond,” a European Commission spokesperson said.

WHO’s next meeting of experts to decide whether the pandemic still represents a public health emergency of international concern is due in October, a WHO spokesperson said.

“It’s probably fair to say most of the world is moving beyond the emergency phase of the pandemic response,” said Dr Michael Head, senior research fellow in global health at Southampton University.

Governments are now looking at how best to manage COVID as part of their routine healthcare and surveillance, he added

Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States have approved vaccines that target the Omicron variant as well as the original virus as countries prepare to launch winter booster campaigns.
In the United States, COVID-19 was initially declared a public health emergency in January 2020, and that status has been renewed quarterly ever since.

The US health department is set to renew it again in mid-October for what policy experts expect is the last time before it expires in January 2023.

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US health officials have said that the pandemic is not over, but that new bivalent vaccines mark an important shift in the fight against the virus.

They predict that a single annual vaccine akin to the flu shot should provide a high degree of protection and return the country closer to normalcy.

NPHCDA: Over 47 Million Nigerians Vaccinated against COVID-19

Meanwhile, the NPHCDA yesterday revealed that over 47 million eligible persons in Nigeria have so far received the COVID-19 vaccines.

Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, disclosed this while taking delivery of the 604,000 Johnson and Johnson COVID-19 vaccines donated by mobile telecommunication firm, MTN-Nigeria.

The NPHCDA Boss who was represented at the event, Dr. Bassey Okposen, said as, “at 14th of September 2022, 47,172,937 eligible persons have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine representing 42.2 per cent of the eligible population.”

According to him, 34,242,083 persons have been fully vaccinated, representing 30.6 per cent of eligible persons, while 3,678,412 of the fully vaccinated persons have received their booster doses,

While commending MTN for their generous offer, Shuaib said the company has demonstrated its wish to see an end to COVID-19 in Nigeria.

“One can imagine what our dear country would have been facing by now if we did not have support like the one, we are receiving from MTN today.

“The reason we are gathered here is to officially receive the donation of 604,800 Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine by MTN to Nigeria.

“MTN has been a faithful partner in development to the Government of Nigeria, and a great friend of Nigerian people. So, on behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, I want to thank MTN for this exemplary support.

“Without equivocation, 604,800 doses of J&J vaccine means a potential 604,800 fully vaccinated Nigerians. This is to say that MTN is wishing Nigeria the fast lane to COVID-19 recovery,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, MTN Nigeria General Manager, Regional Operations, North, Hajia Amina Danbatta, said the company had in collaboration with African Union (AU) and the Vaccine Acquisition Test Scheme, pledged to distribute the Johnson & Johnson vaccines to Africa particularly Nigeria, where it operates, and have subscribers.

But she explained that as at 2021, the vaccines were not yet readily available for distribution.

Danbatta noted that, “In 2001, the world was hit by the pandemic and it was a time that every nation was struggling: we didn’t have the vaccines, we were struggling and learning on the go.

“But, fortunately, the vaccines were developed and these are now being distributed. Now, in conjunction with the African Union (AU) and the Vaccine Acquisition Test Scheme, MTN signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) where MTN will distribute vaccines to Africa particularly Nigeria, where we operate, where we have subscribers and where we operate our businesses.”

According to her, “And we contacted the Ministry of Health in October 2021, to express our intentions in conjunction with the AU and partners to deliver at least 604, 000 Johnson & Johnson vaccines which is about $25 billion.

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“And we got approval to deliver last year and here we are today to deliver these vaccines which we believe the Ministry of Health will distribute to those in need.

“Luckily we’ve had the vaccines coming into the country but this Johnson & Johnson will also be administered to citizens of Nigeria.”

She added that MTN, being a corporate social organisation had earlier started by educating Nigerians through messages on the six principles needed to be carried out to contain the pandemic.

Representative of the Country Director of the World Health Organisation, Dr. Walter Mulombo, said vaccines have so far proven to reduce the severity of the COVID-19 disease. He urged all stakeholders to join hands in mobilising Nigerians to come out and take the vaccines so as to stem the tide of infection.

September 15, 2022
TETFund-sponsored COVID-19 vaccine to be ready November – Official

The Tertiary Education Trust Fund, TETFund, says its COVID-19 vaccine project would be ready for its first clinical trial in November this year.

The TETFund’s Ag. Director, Public Affairs, Abdulmumin Oniyangi, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to the statement, the project, which is a mega research grand intervention tagged ‘Accelerated Development of COVID-19 Vaccines Using Innovative Technological Approach’, is a collaborative effort involving cluster researchers from five different institutions in the country.

The statement recalled that TETFund had awarded a total of N1,250,000,000.00 (distributed to four clusters of researchers.

One of the clusters, which is the Vaccine Production Cluster, got a total grant of N450 Million.
According to the statement, the Vaccine Production Cluster is made up of researchers from the National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Jos, Nigerian Institute of Medical Research Lagos and National Research Institute for Chemical Technology, Zaria.

Vice Chancellor of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Prof. Lawal Suleiman Bilbis, who led the team of researchers to brief the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono on the progress so far, explained that they were able to make the breakthrough through the maximum support of the Fund.

He recalled how the COVID-19 pandemic ravaged and unleashed untold hardship on humanity globally, noting that Nigeria was only saved by divine intervention since the nation was not prepared for such eventuality.
He said: “TETFund believed in us and supported us to get to where we are now. That is why we have come to give a firsthand report on the progress made so far”.

“We graciously got the support of TETFund not only in COVID-19 but also in Lassa Fever and other infectious diseases, because whether we like it or not, diseases will continue to emerge and reemerge. They don’t have international boundaries and that is why they are called pandemic”

“That was when we realized that we really need to sit up. Those producing these vaccines abroad are mostly Nigerians after all, so why can’t we do it here. That is why we decided to form a consortium and TETFund was magnanimous to release N225 million for the first tranche,” he added.
Responding, Mr Echono lauded the team for the great feat achieved within a time limit to make the country proud with the progress recorded in the vaccine production.

He explained that it is a national project, and as such, it has become a national pride, assuring that TETFund would continue to assist the cross-cutting efforts of the researchers to ensure the desired goal is achieved.

August 25, 2022
WHO praises Kano for scaling up COVID-19 vaccination

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has lauded the Kano government for scaling up COVID-19 vaccination.
The WHO country representative, Walter Mulombo, gave the commendation on Wednesday when he visited Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in Kano.

He praised the government for applying the same strategy it used for polio, culminating in eradicating the disease.

”Sometime in the past, the Kano state was number 34 in COVID-19 vaccination exercise. But because of your commitment, Your Excellency, Kano is now number four in the exercise, which is a tremendous achievement indeed,” said Mr Mulombo. “Because of how your administration is scaling up the exercise, some African countries are copying from the Kano government’s effort around that area.”

Mr Ganduje appreciated the WHO and other development partners for strengthening institutions and human resource development in the state and the country.

”While we are thanking you for all your efforts, we are still battling malnutrition. Because of the high cost of dealing with this issue, we are now looking inward to make use of our local supplements,” said the Kano governor. “We are therefore requesting partnership in this area of malnutrition. We also need partnership in the area of public laboratories.”

August 25, 2022
Covid-19: Chinese Mainland Confirms 54 New Cases

According to the National Health Commission, 54 additional locally-transmitted confirmed COVID-19 cases have been recorded on the Chinese mainland, with 25 cases in Beijing, 14 in Inner Mongolia, 13 in Shanghai, and two in Liaoning.

Nine additional locally transmitted cases, eight in Inner Mongolia and one in Shanghai, were re-confirmed as active cases from asymptomatic patients, according to the commission.

No additional deaths have been reported.

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Meanwhile, 47 COVID-19 patients, including 31 local and 16 imported patients, have been removed from required medical surveillance, while 6,807 close contacts have been released. Over the previous day, the number of serious cases has increased.

There were 18,953 imported cases in the Chinese mainland, none of which were fatal.

June 16, 2022
COVID-19 vaccination suffers setback in Borno over non-payment of allowances

The COVID-19 vaccination programme in Borno is currently experiencing a significant setback due to a lack of timely payment of allowances to health workers/vaccinators, according to the findings.

Borno state is one of the states in the country with the lowest number of people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine.

Only about 6-7 percent of the state’s eligible population has received the vaccine so far.

Some of the vaccinators interviewed by our state correspondent expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of prompt payment of their allowances, particularly those paid by the federal government.

The findings revealed that there are two types of COVID-19 vaccinees in the state. Those paid by development partners fall into one category, while those paid by the federal government fall into the other.

Further investigation revealed that those who are paid by the federal government do not receive their allowances on time. They don’t get their allowance for three to four months.

A visit to some vaccination centres in the Jere local government area and the Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) of Borno state revealed that most vaccinators do not go to vaccination sites every day due to a lack of transportation funds.

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“We are having problems with our vaccinators because they don’t come everyday for the vaccination exercise,” a senior health official in the state said, requesting anonymity because she didn’t have the authority to speak on the matter. But you can’t blame them because how can someone work for three months or longer without being paid? The majority of them are job applicants or even university students who are currently on strike and are doing this sporadic work in order to get paid. How do you expect them to get to the clinic to get vaccines and then to the vaccination sites if you don’t pay them on a regular basis?

“Those who are paid by partners have no issues because they receive their allowances on time.” Those who are paid by the government, on the other hand, are finding it difficult to return to work every day. This is causing a significant setback in the state’s COVID-19 vaccination programme.

She therefore urged the federal government to consider paying the allowances as soon as possible so that the vaccinators can focus on improving vaccine uptake in the state.

“I only got my allowance once this year,” one of the vaccinators said when responding to questions from our Correspondent at one of the Clinics in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council. This has a significant impact on us because we don’t always have access to transportation to get to work.

“Yes, this has an impact on vaccination coverage because how can someone work for months without being paid and expect them to come every day?” The government should help us out by paying our allowances on a regular basis.”

However, in response to the alleged delay in the payment of allowances for COVID-19 vaccinators, Dr. Clement Adams, the Health Manager at UNICEF’s Borno office, urged vaccinators across the state to be patient because the delay is due to bureaucratic bottlenecks.

“I am not acting on behalf of the government or anyone else.” However, the truth is that money isn’t always enough to solve our problems.

“Yes, there are difficulties with money availability. It’s not just about availability; it’s also about the timing of the release.

“The money may be available, but the procedure and bureaucratic nature of releasing it will cause delays.” People may misinterpret these delays as a result of administrative bureaucracies that must be cleared before money can be released to pay people.

“As a result, bureaucracies can sometimes delay the release of funds. It all comes down to how people have interpreted bureaucracies. However, paying on time is critical.”

The UNICEF Health Manager, while urging all relevant bodies and government officials involved in the payment of vaccinators to ensure timely release and prompt payment, also urged Nigerians to see the work as part of the sacrifice they are making for humanity.

“We want to reassure everyone involved in all of this that the timely release of funds is critical.” If that isn’t done, the timeliness of the explanation is also crucial.

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So, we may believe that the money is available but that the government is holding it, but it may not be.

“Sacrifices are necessary at times.” Let us all agree that this is a matter of humanity and that we want to save lives. Allow us to be patient when we try to push too hard.

“I’m not saying people shouldn’t be paid, but I’m also saying that patience is essential when it comes to following these things.” It’s about saving lives. Everything is secondary to life. We must be patient because some administrative processes and procedures are inefficient.

“As a result, we must be patient. Consider the enormity of the task at hand: it’s impossible to say that money is simply being laid down. Some of these funds are in transit, causing bank transfer issues, and others are causing bureaucratic issues.

“However, we want to encourage people to improve on these flaws so that we can collaborate and see how we can help.”

May 30, 2022
WHO warns: COVID-19 is not over

Despite reports that COVID-19 cases and deaths have decreased significantly, Tedros Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), has warned that COVID-19 is not over.

This was stated by Mr. Ghebreyesus at the World Health Assembly’s opening ceremony on Sunday in Geneva, Switzerland.

The World Health Assembly, composed of representatives from 194 countries, is WHO’s decision-making body.

He asked ministers where the world stood two years into the world’s most severe health crisis in a century, noting that it was the first time the Assembly could be held in person since 2019.

It was not time to lower the guard, according to the director general.

“Has COVID-19 come to an end?” It isn’t over yet. “I understand that’s not the message you want to hear, and it’s certainly not the message I want to deliver,” he explained.

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Although all restrictions have been lifted in many countries, and “life looks much like it did before the pandemic,” he added, “reported cases are increasing in nearly 70 countries in all regions, because testing rates have plummeted.”

Mr. Ghebreyesus warned that reported deaths in Africa, the continent with the lowest vaccination coverage, are on the rise.

“This virus has surprised us at every turn – a storm that has ripped through communities time after time, and we still don’t know where it will go or how strong it will be,” he said.

While acknowledging that progress has been made, he pointed out that nearly one billion people in low-income countries remain unvaccinated.

“Until it’s over everywhere, it’s not over anywhere… Only 57 countries, almost all of which are high-income countries, have vaccinated 70% of their population, according to him.

The WHO chief also warned that increased transmission means more deaths and a higher risk of a new variant emerging, and that the current drop in testing and sequencing means “we are blinding ourselves to the virus’s evolution.”

He also mentioned that in some countries, there is still a lack of political will and operational and financial capacity to roll out vaccines.

“We see vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation and disinformation in general,” he added.

Mr. Ghebreyesus also stated that the WHO’s main focus right now is to assist countries in turning vaccines into vaccinations as quickly as possible, but that they are still seeing supply-side issues for tests and therapeutics due to a lack of funds and access.

“The pandemic isn’t going away on its own. However, we have the ability to put a stop to it. We know what we’re talking about. We’ve got everything we need. He asserted that “science has given us the upper hand.”

He urged countries to cooperate in order to achieve a vaccination coverage rate of 70%.

“As we speak, our colleagues around the world are responding to Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, monkeypox and hepatitis of unknown origin, as well as complex humanitarian crises in Afghanistan, Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria Arab Republic, Ukraine, and Yemen,” Mr Ghebreyesus told ministers. “We are witnessing a terrifying convergence of disease, drought, famine, and war, fueled by climate change, inequity, and geopolitical rivalry.”

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On Sunday, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) announced six awards to honour outstanding contributions to global health, demonstrated leadership, and commitment to regional health issues.

Ahmed Hankir, a British-Lebanese psychiatrist, Ludmila Sofia Oliveira Varela, a youth sports advocate, and Afghan polio workers were among the honorees.

From May 22 to 28, Geneva will host the 75th World Health Assembly.

It’s the first time the COVID-19 pandemic has been discussed in person.

May 23, 2022
AU, Singapore have established mutual recognition framework for COVID vaccination certificates.

Singapore and the African Union (AU) have developed a mutual recognition framework for digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates.
The framework will become operational on May 23, 2022.

“To facilitate the resumption of travel between Singapore and African nations, Singapore and the African Union have established a framework for mutual recognition of digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates,” the Africa CDC said in a statement.

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Under the Vaccinated Travel Framework, the mutual recognition of digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates will allow African travellers to enter Singapore without quarantine or testing, according to the Africa CDC, the specialised healthcare agency of the African Union.

Similarly, travellers with digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued in Singapore can obtain vaccination passes via the AU Trusted Travel and Trusted Vaccines platforms, according to the agency.

According to the Africa CDC, as of May 23, fully vaccinated travellers with digital COVID-19 vaccination certificates issued in the African Union, via the Africa CDC’s Trusted Travel (TT) and Trusted Vaccines (TV) platforms can upload and validate their certificates through the Vaccination Check Portal (VCP) or the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) to verify their vaccination status.

The Trusted Travel and Trusted Vaccines platforms are based on the AU standard for harmonising digital passes and health-related screening standards throughout Africa to facilitate seamless travel.

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The Trusted Travel ecosystem grants access to a network of platforms for health credential issuance, border risk management, digital public health surveillance, and lab, clinical, and vaccination registries to governments and qualified organisations.

“The platforms have been operational since the fourth quarter of 2020 and have currently on-boarded or are finalising the on-boarding of 21 major African destinations, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, and Rwanda, with plans to on-board all African nations within the next few months,” the Africa CDC said.

May 20, 2022
Nigeria Can’t Afford a Third Wave of Covid-19 – Federal Govt Warns

The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19 has warned that Nigeria can’t afford a third wave of coronavirus and can do everything to safeguard its land.

Speaking in the national briefing of the PSC, the chairman and secretary to the authorities of the federation, Boss Mustapha, stated: “In another couple of weeks, the PSC will focus on three big things, boost testing particularly in the States; increase Oxygen reserve capacity in case there’s a third wave and also increase Vaccine acquisition drive.”

On the travel ban against Emirates Airlines, the SGF stated: “For many times now, Nigeria has been discussing with the government of the United Arab Emirates on the resumption of flights between both nations.

“The PSC will advocate the United Arabs Emirates to remove the country particular and discriminatory practices against Nigeria. Discussions are however ongoing and we can assure Nigerians that the outcome will be in the interest of the nation.”

The SGF, while speaking on the ban of Nigerians, who violated COVID-19 travel protocol, said: “Nigerians must eschew sentiments by ensuring that friends, relations and associates arriving from countries of concern and indeed all countries obey the quarantine and article birth protocols. It’s our duty to make sure this occurs.

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“Pursuant to the travel advisory issued, I wish to inform you that the PSC has initiated series of sanctions against the ones that have violated the 2021 Health Safety Regulations. To this end, the PSC has released the names and particulars of more than two hundred violators that evaded the quarantine requirement. This is considered a serious infraction and also the PSC will move to perform the following:

Deactivate the passports of Nigerians involved, for a period of not less than one year; revoke the visas of thieves that have abused our hospitality, and prosecute the violators where essential.

“Nigeria will continue to monitor the unfolding events and will cope with them as important.”

Meanwhile, the PSC members took their next jab of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine on Monday.

The PSC chairman, while talking before being researched the jab, stated: “Some 12 weeks ago, that the NPHCDA commenced the management of this AstraZeneca vaccine across the country with roughly two million individuals vaccinated so far. We have since then intensified the production of awareness to achieve a decrease in vaccine hesitancy and encourage all qualified persons to emerge and take their next dose.

“During the weekend, his Excellencies, the President and the Vice President received their second dose of this AstraZeneca vaccine. Today, members of the PSC will receive their second dose in this briefing. This transparency is to underscore the safety of the vaccine”

June 1, 2021
Buhari gets second dose of COVID-19 vaccine

President Muhammadu Buhari on Saturday got the second round of vaccine against the Covid-19 pandemic.

This occurred on Saturday, May 29, 2021, at the State House In Abuja as stated on the official Twitter accounts of this Presidency.

“President @MBuhari receives the second dose of the AstraZeneca/Oxford #COVID19 Vaccine, in the State House, on May 29, 2021. #AsoVillaToday #YesToCovid19Vaccine,” the log-in .

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Buhari had in March received the first dose of the vaccine which was administered to him by his personal physician, Dr. Suhayb Sanusi.
See pictures of the President receiving the second dose below.

Buhari receiving the next dose of COVID-19 vaccineBuhari showing off his COVID-19 certification after receiving the second dose of the vaccine

May 29, 2021
Nigeria must work towards local production of COVID-19 vaccines

The federal government recently re-introduced restrictions aimed at preventing a spike in the coronavirus in Nigeria.

As a consequence of this growth, the authorities issued travel tips on passengers from India, Brazil and Turkey, where the disease is spreading fast and murdering hundreds of people on daily basis. This is commendable since the authorities acted proactively. Nigerians visit India and Turkey on a regular foundation for trade and medical tourism. They shouldn’t be permitted to travel overseas to treat some diseases only return with other diseases. It is our view that the ban should stay in place whenever the situation improves considerably in those nations. The government should equally not hesitate to expand the ban to other countries where necessary.

Malami under fire for comparing open grazing to spare components
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Moreover, it imposed a night curfew and limited gatherings at worship centres and shut down clubs and some other recreational centres. Civil servants on grade level one to 12 have also been requested to quit going to perform. That is coming barely three months when they were recalled to duty following the lockdown that closed nearly the whole world this past year. From the new guidelines, schools are allowed to stay open unlike last year if they were shut down for nearly six months.

The resurgence of the disease this season came because of the comfort of their public health and societal preventive measures all around the world. In Nigeria, many people have ceased wearing a face mask, using hand sanitiser and observing social distancing. The security measures have nearly collapsed in market places, parks, government offices and other company establishments. It’s worthy of note that Nigeria has neither the health care centers nor the manpower to handle a surge in the illness. Additionally, the vaccines aren’t available. The job of staying safe, therefore, rests on taxpayers.

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We’ll love to stress the COVID-19 protocols have to be effectively enforced. It’s not enough to announce the effort must be made to make sure they are complied with. Thus far, not much difference has been noticed as people are still going about their daily activities without detecting the protocols. The National Orientation Agency (NOA) must sensitise people on the need to stay safe. Lessons learnt previously must direct the current. This ought to resume with minimal delay. The government also needs to expedite action on procuring vaccines.

We’ll like to suggest that as a long-term strategy, Nigeria must work towards local production of COVID-19 vaccines. This is essential because as of now nobody can predict the close of the pandemic. Our existing position where we solely depend on imports can’t be permitted to continue. The local production has multiple benefits. It will not just ensure adequate supplies and save the country a lot in foreign market, but it will also prove invaluable whenever Nigeria or even the world is faced with almost any other public health crisis.

It is correct that at the moment there is no laboratory to deal with this job, but it wouldn’t take an eternity to construct one. The most important aspect of the equation is manpower. This shouldn’t pose any problem since Nigeria has scientists to deal with that task. In order to not delay the push towards local vaccine production, the national government should initiate talks between human virologists and their counterparts in the Veterinary Research Institute, Vom, near Jos, where there’s a research lab to begin preliminary work. This will undoubtedly accelerate the procedure. Nigeria cannot manage the situation in India. Consequently, everything possible step must be taken to avoid it.

May 21, 2021
Buhari seeks debt relief pledges, COVID-19 Vaccines for Africa

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on European countries and global financial institutions to restructure Africa’s debt portfolios and supply complete debt relief, to reduce the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The president left the call at the Financing Africa Summit held in the Grande Palais Ephemere in Paris, France, on Tuesday, using the theme: “External Financing and debt Treatment”.

He discovered that many African countries were experiencing debt distress and that the debt service suspension by France and the G-20 wasn’t far-reaching enough.

Buhari added that there was a need for more sustainable and affordable financing solutions, including debt relief and additional debt restructuring.

He also called for the release of vaccines to Africa, which, he asserted, had been left behind in protecting the bulk of its own citizens.

The Nigerian leader said the drop in commodity costs as COVID-19 took a toll on the international market had further slowed growth in certain states and strained health centres.

“It’s in this vein that we solicit the aid of the French government, with its own influence in the European Union, to give its voice to the efforts being made to mobilise additional funds for developing markets most especially in Africa, in order to strengthen the quantum of investments to our markets.

“This financial aid should also be expanded to the private industry,” he explained.

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The president said the European Union should promote fair and equitable distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines to developed countries and foster the establishment of production centres.

In terms of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, Buhari noted that African nations would need financial aid for green energy investment and COP-26.

He said Nigeria was refocusing on gas while adopting a Strategic Revenue Growth Initiative.

On the subject of”Africa Private Sector — Reforms — Recruitment”, ” the president said Public-Private-Partnerships (PPP) would be fully explored to make sure more precision in development, cutting down waste and the diminishing likelihood of corruption.

“The government plans to leverage on Public-Private-Partnerships to strengthen its job creation and anti-corruption drive.

“With regards to job development, Nigeria has an abundant workforce because 30.5 per cent of its population is between the ages of 25 and 54.”

May 19, 2021
COVID-19: NCDC records One death as new cases hit 165,559

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has announced it listed yet another death in the past 24 hours.

The health agency said the entire amount of deaths from the disease in Nigeria now stands at 2,066.

It also reported 44 new cases of this virus, bringing the total number of diseases in the country to 165,559.

The new cases were reported in four states.

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Akwa-Ibom and Ekiti States reported one case each.

According to the public health agency, the country’s active instances stand at 7,092.

NCDC also stated that it has analyzed 1,977,479 people because the virus hit Nigeria on Feb. 27, 2020.

May 13, 2021
Nigerians currently acting As If COVID-19 Is Over – NCDC

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has stated that Nigeria risks losing the benefits recorded on the COVID-19 pandemic due to the attitudes of many Nigerians who are currently acting like the pandemic is over.

According to him, the cost that Nigerians will cover today to avert any sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 will probably be worthwhile compared to the tremendous losses if they don’t act with care.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is not over.

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“I am appealing to all Nigerians to adhere to the measures set up to protect us and our country.

“The pre and post-travel tests and self-isolation are very important. We have to do this to avoid sudden drastic measures that can also impact our economy.

“We now have several tools in place which weren’t here at the beginning of the pandemic.

“The Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests could be helpful in massive workplaces, schools, camps and hospitals to rapidly test and lessen the risk of spread,” he said.

April 26, 2021
Lagos begins COVID-19 vaccination this weekend

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday stated the state would start the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine at the weekend.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this when he received the country representative of the World Health Organisation, Dr Walter Mulombo, on the State House, Alausa, noted that the committee arranges for the vaccine administration was within the final stage of the deployment of the vaccine.

The governor in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary, Gboyega Akosile, stated he was optimistic that the vaccine rollout can be efficiently implemented, including that the state’s Primary Healthcare Board would lead the effort in achieving herd immunity.

Read Also: Federal Government opens talks with China to have access to COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria

He said, “We’ve instituted a steering committee for the vaccine administration, which comprises health practitioners in the public and private sectors. They’ve designed a strong vaccine implementation strategy and so they have identified numerous segments of our citizens who must get first and in what order.

“Working with the state Primary Healthcare Board, we are going to start administering the vaccine by the weekend. We’re leading from the front to persuade our citizens that the vaccine is required to build resistance, particularly among frontline workers and those that have underlying issues.”

Mulombo stated the WHO recognised the state government’s contribution towards making Nigeria polio-free, noting that the nation had shown courageous efforts in its response to stop COVID-19.

He stated, “We’re right here to guarantee you of the UN’s continued assist for Lagos State in combating health issues. We look forward to that leadership displayed within the early days of COVID-19 response and urge Lagos to indicate the same in rolling out the vaccine.

March 11, 2021
SGF, Minister, PTF Members Obtain COVID-19 vaccines

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and the Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha and members of the PTF will on Monday in Abuja receive doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The Director Press, Office of the SGF (OSGF), Mr. Willie Bassey, stated this in a discover on Sunday.

The development was coming on the heels of the duo of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who obtained their doses of the vaccine, dwell, on Saturday at the Presidential Villa.

The SGF and the PTF members would acquire theirs on Monday after it bought a clearance from the Government Director National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib.

Bassey stated that the vaccination could be held at the OSGF during the weekly live joint national briefing of the Taskforce

Read Also: Atiku receives Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine within the UAE

This means that the PTF regular members, together with the Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire; Minister of Information and Tradition, Alhaji Lai Muhammed; Minister of Environment, Muhammad Mahmood; Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora; Director-General, Nigeria Centre Centre for Disease Management (NCDC), Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu; and the National Incident Manager (NIM) PTF, Dr. Mukhtar Muhammad amongst others were expected to join Mustapha to receive jabs of the vaccines that first arrived within the nation last Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Nigerian Government started the vaccine roll out at the National Hospital, Abuja last Friday with frontline health workers and support staff.

March 8, 2021
Police arrest Instagram Celebrity, Pretty Mike For Violating COVID-19 Rules

Controversial Instagram celebrity, Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu popularly known as Pretty Mike has been arrested by the Lagos State Police Command.

He’s being detained at the Bar Beach Police Station cell.

Pretty Mike was arrested following the recent raid of Cubana and the arrest of 172 staff and clubbers on the Victoria Island branch of the nightclub.

He’s alleged to be a Director within the Cubana group.

Recall that Cubana was shut down just a few days ago for flouting COVID-19 rules.

Read Also: COVID-19 Violation: Court sentences 32 people in Benin

The Lagos State Police Command has been on the trail of the owner of Cubana accused of violating a curfew imposed on residents by the Lagos State Government.

Confirming his arrest, Commissioner of Police (CP) Hakeem Odumosu stated Pretty Mike could be charged to court.

“We have arrested him and I’ve directed that be transferred to Ikeja where he would be charged to court,” Odumosu stated.

March 5, 2021
Ogun: Gov Dapo Abiodun gives update on COVID-19 vaccines

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun said the state government has installed a solar-powered cold chain for the COVID-19 vaccines that have now arrived in Nigeria.

Abiodun stated this on Wednesday, during a meeting he held with all Ogun State’s 20 Local Government Transition Chairmen at his Okemosan office, Abeokuta.

According to Abiodun, the State would prioritise frontline healthcare staff in administering the coronavirus vaccines.

The Governor expressed confidence that the herdsmen crisis within the State would not cease the vaccine from getting to the grassroots.

“We have installed a solar-powered cold chain for the COVID-19 vaccines which have now arrived in Nigeria and will be prioritising frontline healthcare staff in its administration.

“At the meeting, we held with all Ogun State’s 20 Local Government Transition Chairmen earlier today, I disclosed this as I expressed confidence that the current security challenges that are steadily phasing out won’t stop the vaccine from getting to the grassroots,” he stated.

On the security challenges facing the state, he said, “two major measures are being put in place to address insecurity and access to remote areas. In addition to the Peace Committee, we will first launch the Amotekun security outfit in Yewa in the coming weeks. We can even rehabilitate the Papalanto-Ilaro Road, as well as construct link roads in other areas.”

March 4, 2021
Osimhen Will undergo fresh MRI Test tomorrow

Nigeria international Victor Osimhen will be subjected to another round of tests tomorrow before he can be given a clean bill of health before making his return for Napoli.

This a lot was disclosed by the neurosurgeon who treated the 21-year-old forward, adding he won’t give the Napoli striker the all-clear unless he’s completely certain there are no lasting effects from being knocked unconscious.

In a Serie A tie away to Atalanta, Osimhen fell awkwardly during a sport and hit his head on the ground, leaving him with head trauma and no memory of the accident.

He has been undergone medical examinations however Doctor Alfredo Bucciero maintained the former FIFA U-17 World Cup winner needs additional investigations.

Read Also: Super Eagles’ Star: 21-year-old Nigeria tests Positive For COVID-19

“I saw him on Tuesday and there are more tests planned on Friday,” Bucciero reportedly told Radio Marte. He returned to training, however, before we send him back out onto the pitch to play, we need to make absolutely sure he is in perfect condition.

“There will be another MRI scan and then we’ll make a decision, of course in conjunction with the Napoli medical workers.

“The issue now’s about prevention, as a result of he doesn’t want any remedy at this stage. We just need to monitor the bioelectrical activity, which might be knocked out of sync following head trauma.

“We simply need absolute certainty that Osimhen is fine before we let him resume playing.”

Meanwhile, Napoli hope to have the forward back for this weekend’s game with Bologna.

March 4, 2021
Ghana shut down its parliament over 17 members staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

Ghana has shut down its parliament for at least three weeks over a surge in cases of coronavirus among lawmakers and parliamentary staff.

The speaker of the house, Alban Bagbin, declared that the legislature will be in recess until March 2

This is to disinfect and sanitize the premises.

Read Also: Federal Government opens talks with China to have access to COVID-19 vaccines for Nigeria

About 17 members of parliament and 151 supporting staff have tested positive for COVID-19.

“I have, in consultation with leadership, decided that sitting of the House be adjourned for three weeks,” the Speaker said.

So far, Ghana has confirmed a total of 73,003 COVID-19 cases, resulting in 482 deaths and over 65,000 recoveries.

February 10, 2021
Popular DJ, Babus Dies of COVID-19

Babatunde Bello, popularly known DJ Babus, has died of coronavirus.

The famous disk jockey passed away on Friday.

He was a Talent Manager at KnightHouse from 2011 to 2014.

Babus graduated from the University of Baltimore in 2010 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Systems and Technology Management.

A one-time DJ at Four Points by Sheraton, Lagos, he was the founder of Crates and Vinyl Entertainment.

Babus was the son of Mrs Nadia Bello, Proprietor of Belinna Schools in Akoka, Lagos.

January 30, 2021