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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has flagged off the construction of Gusau International Airport, saying it will stimulate economic activities in Zamfara State.
Tunde Moshood, Special Assistant on Media and Communications to Keyamo, in a statement, said the project will also improve connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.
Quoting Keyamo, the statement said: “The construction of Gusau International Airport is a testament to our commitment to developing the aviation sector and promoting regional growth. This airport will not only improve transportation links but also create job opportunities and stimulate economic activities in Zamfara State and its environs.”
Governor Dauda Lawal, on his part, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for its support and highlighted the project’s potential to transform Zamfara State.
Lawal, who noted that the airport was a vital component of his development agenda, further said: “It will facilitate trade, attract investment, and contribute significantly to the socio-economic advancement of our state. We are determined to see this project through to completion, and we appreciate the Minister’s dedication to this cause.”
[Vanguard]
Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 election, says it is disheartening to hear those in charge juxtapose Nigeria’s challenges with those of other nations.
On Monday, President Bola Tinubu said Nigeria is not the only nation in the world grappling with poverty.
The president spoke in Lagos when he received a delegation from the national assembly who came to felicitate with him on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
“Yes, there is poverty; there is suffering in the land. We are not the only people facing such, but we must face our challenges,” Tinubu said.
Reacting in a post on his official X page on Friday, Obi said the problems facing Nigeria are well known to all citizens.
Obi called on the federal government to provide concrete solutions to the country’s numerous challenges, rather than simply acknowledging that other countries face similar problems.
The former Anambra governor said a true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.
He expressed disappointment that those in charge are instead making statements that downplay the severity of the situation.
“The problems facing Nigeria are well-known to all Nigerians,” Obi wrote.
“We are the poverty capital of the world, among the most insecure people on earth, among the hungriest, have poor education quality and the highest number of out-of-school children, high infant mortality, corruption, unemployment, the highest income gap between the poor and the rich, high corruption perception index, infrastructure and healthcare challenges, and more.
“It is disheartening to hear those in charge, who were hired to address our problems, make statements like ‘we are not the only ones struggling with poverty and hunger’.
“Instead of merely acknowledging that other countries face similar challenges, we need to hear a thorough plan of action to tackle our unique struggles.
“We require concrete solutions and a clear vision to address these issues, not comparisons that downplay our circumstances.
“I urge those in leadership positions to offer tangible solutions, not mere reminders that others face similar challenges.
“We need a comprehensive approach to tackle our specific challenges, not generalizations that dismiss our experiences. A true leader provides direction, guidance, solutions, and reassurance in times of crisis.”
Obi called on leaders to provide a roadmap for overcoming obstacles and to work towards a better future for all Nigerians.
“This is the hallmark of visionary leadership and a trait of nations that are making progress and advancing their development. They don’t simply state the obvious but offer a roadmap for overcoming obstacles,” he added.
“Just like a pilot who doesn’t just announce turbulence, they assure passengers that they will do everything possible to ensure a safe journey.
“Only then can we begin to trust that our country is in capable hands, working towards a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
[TheCable]
The Police Service Commission, PSC, on Friday, said the Recruitment of 10,000 eligible constables into the force, followed due process, as all candidates have been fully certified fit for the job
Ikechukwu Ani, the Head of Press and Public Relations in a statement on Friday, said the PSC had watched with keen interest the developments since it concluded and released the list of successful candidates for recruitment as Constables into the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, ”the Commission is disturbed at the flagrant abuse of ethics, the Constitution and valid judgment of the apex court of the land which gave it power to recruit eligible candidates into the force.
“It is important to state that due process was meticulously followed throughout the exercise and the Commission wishes to assert its prerogative to exercise full control over recruitments into the Nigeria Police Force.
“It is unfortunate that the Police has attributed its obvious failure to protect lives and properties, and safeguard our nation from banditry and terrorism to bad recruitment, ” It said.
A chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), Kenneth Okonkwo has accused the Julius Abure-led executive of being workers of iniquity.
Okonkwo described the Abure-led LP executive as “a secret society led by a group of clowns.”
The former LP presidential spokesman vowed to dump the party if it continues on a “trajectory where they cannot even hold an acceptable national convention.”
In an interview aired by a news platform, Symfoni on Thursday, Okonkwo said: “My own Labour Party is not impressing me. Assuming they continue on this trajectory where they cannot even hold an acceptable national convention, then you’d tell me I’d be there?
“Those people are clowns. It is the greatest joke I have ever seen in a political party and then you want to position yourself as a party of integrity. You cannot give what you don’t have.
“Aburi and his cohorts, their tenure is over. Let Aburi and his cohorts get behind me. They are workers of iniquity. I don’t rate them. That executive is in charge of the secret society. They should be apprehended.”
LP have been involved in a leadership crisis since 2023 when Lamidi Apapa, deputy national chairman of the party declared himself the acting national chairman.
The crisis got worse in 2024 when a national convention of the party in Anambra saw Abure re-elected as chairman.
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, allocated farmlands to 25 members of the state House of Assembly as parts of efforts aimed at ensuring food security and in support of the agricultural resurgence initiative of the federal government.
Prince Abiodun who presented letters of allocation to the lawmakers to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th legislature at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the gesture was to make them contribute towards making the state the food basket of the country.
He said: “I recall that I had promised to allocate agricultural land to all the Ogun State legislators as part of our food security and agricultural resurgence initiative, which is in line with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Today, in fulfilment of the promise and in commemoration of your one year in office. I am glad to present to you the letters of allocation for the speaker and the 25 members of the House of Assembly, and I hope that you would take advantage of this opportunity to ensure that you begin to grow what you eat and eat what you grow. This will be your way of ensuring the fulfilment of our desire to make Ogun state the bread basket of the nation.”
Abiodun, who lauded the Assembly members for their commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the welfare of the citizens, observed that their dedication to legislative excellence has been instrumental in driving the progress and development of the state
The lawmakers, the governor emphasized, has in the last one year, passed numerous bills and resolutions aimed at improving the lives of the people, noting that their tireless efforts, unwavering integrity, and collaborative spirit with the executive has made the state one of the best in the country.
“For each of us, whether in the Executive or Legislative branch, history has presented a rare opportunity to lead and serve the people who have placed their hopes and aspirations on our ability to deliver the much-needed dividends of democracy. In doing so, we must understand and decide which side of the divide we want to be and how we wish to be remembered,” he added.
Governor Abiodun assured the lawmakers that his administration is committed to working closely with them to advance key initiatives that would further drive the state’s development just as he pledged to prioritize investments in infrastructure, healthcare, and technology, to make the state remains competitive and prosperous.
“Together, we have a great task ahead. The expectation of our people is vast. We must strive to create an inclusive society where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive,” the noted.
Speaking earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide described the last one year as turbulent and filled with tension but maintained that the desire to give the people a purposeful representation saw them through the turbulence period.
He lauded the governor for embarking on the complete renovation and restoration of the assembly complex, adding that 24 new toilets have been added while water supply has been restored in offices of the legislators in the complex.
Rt. Hon. Elemide while assuring the governor of the Assembly’s cooperation in making laws that would fast track the socio-economic development of the state, noted that members would be guided by the fact that they were in the Assembly to represent the interest of their constituents.
Asari Dokubo, a former Niger Delta militant group, has warned that no individual will be allowed to pocket Rivers State.
Dokubo said only one person can be governor of Rivers State at a time.
He spoke amid the crisis in Rivers State caused by the expiration of the tenure of local government chairmen.
Dokubo charged the former Chairmen to accept the end of their three-year tenure in good faith and avoid causing a problem.
Addressing his followers in Port Harcourt, Dokubo said: “Local government tenure has expired today, June 17, 2024. They should quietly go home. If they want to seek re-election in accordance with the constitution, they should do so.
“But there is no tenure elongation in the constitution. Their position is tenure-bound and that tenure has expired. Let them not cause unnecessary problems for the people of the state. And I want to advise young people: look, don’t allow yourselves to be used.
“Only one man can be governor of Rivers State at a time. We would not have two governors at a time. The people of Rivers State are bigger than Muhajid Asari Dokubo.
“Rivers State is bigger than any individual. No individual can take Rivers State people for a ride and pocket us. It is not possible.
“The people are showing people’s power. The people have gone on their own to take over local government secretariats because it is about the people, and nobody can say that we voted for three years’ tenure for a chairman and the chairman should exceed one second of that tenure.”
Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has appointed a former local government area chairman (name withheld), who was declared wanted by the police and 110 others as special advisers.
The ex-council boss was declared wanted by the police in connection with the murder of a former member of the state House of Assembly.
The governor appointed him, along with 110 others, as special advisers on Wednesday.
Stunned by thousands of storks flying over the sky in Gia Viễn dike, Ninh Bình - Nếm TV
The deceased was abducted in Takum and killed on December 30, 2017. Since then, the former council chairman has been on the run.
The Taraba State police commissioner, Mr David Iloyanmon, told journalists in Jalingo, the state capital, on April 25, 2024, that the police had been on the trail of the fleeing ex-council boss since the state chief judge ordered his arrest.
He said, “We are looking for him. We recently gathered that he has left the state, and we have been trying to arrest him for possible prosecution; wherever he is, we must get him arrested; it’s just a matter of time.”
Surprisingly, while announcing the new aides, the governor named the wanted man as one of the appointees.
In a press release issued by the secretary to the state government, Barr. Gibon Kataps, he announced the “approval of appointments as special advisers, senior special assistants, special assistants, community special assistants, boards, commissions and agencies of Taraba State government part 1.”
He said, “His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas, the governor of Taraba State, has approved the appointment of the following to occupy the above offices, departments and agencies in the first instance.”
The appointment of the fleeing suspect has generated anger among the family members of the deceased, who expressed shock at the decision of the governor.
A family member who spoke to LEADERSHIP Friday on condition of anonymity for security reasons urged the governor to reverse the appointment and allow the suspect to face trial in a court of law.
Donald Trump said he wants to grant green cards to foreign graduates from US colleges, in an apparent softening of his typically hard-line view on immigration, a key election issue.
The Republican candidate made the remarks in a podcast published Thursday, days after President Joe Biden announced a citizenship pathway for immigrants married to US nationals, counterbalancing his recent crackdown on illegal border crossings.
“What I want to do and what I will do is, you graduate from a college, I think you should get automatically as part of your diploma a green card to be able to stay in this country,” Trump told the All-In podcast.
A green card is the commonly used name for a permanent resident card in the United States and a step toward citizenship.
Trump said this should include “anybody who graduates from a college,” including those who complete two-year programs, known as junior colleges, and doctoral graduates.
Asked initially on the podcast if he would promise to help import the “best and the brightest around the world to America,” Trump replied: “I do promise.”
He added: “I know of stories where people graduated from a top college, or from a college, and they desperately want to stay here… and they can’t.
“They go back to India, they go back to China. They do the same basic company in those places and they become multi billionaires employing thousands and thousands of people,” Trump said.
He also said that US companies need “smart people,” adding “they can’t even make a deal with a company because they don’t think they’re going to be able to stay in the country.”
“That is going to end on day one,” Trump added.
During Trump’s 2017-2021 presidency, he ordered construction of a wall on the US-Mexico border and implemented a travel ban on people from mostly Muslim countries.
His comments came after Democrat opponent Biden on Tuesday relaxed visa rules for around half a million spouses of US nationals, making it easier for them to obtain citizenship.
The president also simplified the process for migrants who came to the United States illegally as children — known as “Dreamers” — to get work visas if they’ve graduated college and have a “high-skilled job offer.”
Biden — often accused of being soft on immigration by Republicans — earlier in June signed an executive order barring migrants who enter the United States illegally from claiming asylum when numbers surge past 2,500 in a day.
The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the expulsion of former deputy governor, Philip Shaibu as a sign of panic by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Recall that Shaibu was expelled from the party, alongside the PDP South-South Vice Chairman, Dan Orbih, after declaring support for the APC ahead of the September 21 governorship election.
Reacting to the development, the APC stated that Shaibu was welcome to return to the party.
The party maintained that it would embrace Shaibu and others when they decide to join.
Speaking via a statement on Thursday, the opposition said, “The hurried suspension of Philip Shaibu, the immediate past deputy governor of Edo State, and Hon. Omoregie Ogbeide-Ihama by the Governor Godwin Obaseki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party is a sign that the remnants of the PDP are in panic mode as the election draws nearer.
“The All Progressives Congress in Edo State is aware that both politicians are community builders that have contributed to the development of the state both in and out of government, and the party is proud of them, especially with the contributions they have made for the enthronement of good governance that Senator Monday Okpebholo will bring to bear as from November 12, this year.
“Our party, the APC will not hesitate to embrace Shaibu and Ogbeide-Ihama whenever both gentlemen decide to bid the sinking ship of PDP goodbye.”
The Federal Government has begun the proposed audit of the N2.7tn fuel subsidy claim by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, The PUNCH has learnt.
An audit firm, KPMG had conducted an initial audit reducing the claims from N6tn to N2.7tn.
However, in the new audit, the government said it had approved the engagement of the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation to verify the claims made by the corporation regarding the amount the government owes the oil firm.
This process was confirmed by the Director, Home Finance, Ali Mohammed, during the April 2024 Federal Account Allocation Committee meeting.
The government said an update on the issue would be provided during the May FAAC meeting.
The PUNCH had reported last month that the audit would span from 2015 to 2021, aiming to verify the authenticity of NNPC/Federation Account claims on the N2.7tn while it considered hiring an external audit firm.
On May 30, 2023, a few hours after the “subsidy is gone” declaration by President Bola Tinubu, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Mele Kyari, told State House correspondents that the federal government still owes the firm the sum of N2.8tn spent on petrol subsidy.
While saying the NNPCL footed petrol subsidy bills from its cash flow, Kyari said the government had so far been unable to pay back the N2.8tn.
He said “Since the provision of the N6tn in 2022, and N3.7tn in 2023, we have not have not received any payment whatsoever from the Federation.
“That means they (the Federal Government) are unable to pay and we’ve continued to support this subsidy from the cash flow of the NNPC. We are waiting for them to settle up to N2.8tn of NNPC’s cash flow from the subsidy regime and we can’t continue to build this.”
However, a copy of the minutes of the FAAC meeting obtained by our correspondent, however, revealed that the government had begun the audit of the N2.6tn subsidy claim.
The minute read in part, “On the forensic audit covering the period 2015 to 2021 to authenticate NNPC/Federation claims in respect of N2.7tn withheld by NNPC Limited: The Director, Home Finance informed members that the process of the forensic audit of NNPC Limited as reported at the last meeting was in progress. He assured that an update would be provided on the matter at the next meeting.”
Members of the committee also bemoaned the refusal of the NNPCL to comply with the revised exchange rate of N693.50/$1 in converting federation revenue.
According to them, NNPCL has declined to adhere to the revision of the May 2023 Central Bank of Nigeria exchange rate from N436.38/$1 to N621.86/$1, and subsequently to N693.50/$1, as instructed by the CBN.
On the refusal by NNPC Ltd to comply with the revised exchange rate of N693.50/$1 in converting Federation revenue, the Vice Chairman, Post-Mortem Sub-committee, warned that “If NNPC Ltd continues to disregard the use of the agreed rate without presenting any authority to that effect, FAAC will be left with no option but to take appropriate action to recover the Federation funds.”
The minute further read, “At the last meeting of FAAC, it was reported that there was a review of the May 2023 CBN Exchange rate from N436.38/$1 to N621.86/$1 and a further review to N693.50/$1 in line with the directive of CBN. NNPCL was directed to comply with the revised exchange rate of N693.50/$1 and re-compute all the Royalties, Taxes and other revenue items for May 2023 and revert.”
The official informed the meeting that at the April 2024 meeting of the sub-committee, NNPCL complained that the proposed review would result in a refund of N16,829,747,742.96 to the Federation Account by the company.
He concluded that the sub-committee expected that the Federation Account be refunded the amount of the exchange rate but NNPCL used it to defray the subsidy claim. He recommended that FAAC should decide on the matter.
He recalled that the sub-committee had reported the implication of the “weighted average rate” on PMS computation and discovered that the exchange rate differential for the period of June to December 2023 was N937,961,442,969.83, contrary to the NNPCL claim of N1,675,920,811,819.
He stated that the Sub-committee recognised only the exchange rate that was backed by law and that NNPCL was mandated to provide authorisation for the use of weighted average exchange rate on PMS Dollar payments. He disclosed that NNPCL in response, requested the Sub-committee to write the company officially to enable the release of the NEC approval on the issue.
He suggested that NNPC Ltd should be called to order and hoped that the matter could be resolved amicably with the company.
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The Federal Government said yesterday it was working on establishing an electricity offences tribunal to combat power theft in the country.
Speaking at a briefing in Abuja, the Managing Director, Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency, NEMSA, Aliyu Tahir, who disclosed this, said: “We are working on the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal with an in-built appeal system for faster dispensation of electricity-related offences. It is to vest NEMSA in-house counsel with powers to prosecute electricity offences.”
Providing further explanation about the tribunal, Tahir said the initiative would adequately check electricity theft when implemented, adding that the National Assembly had been informed.
“We are looking at the establishment of this electricity tribunal to be able to enforce our mandates more. When you look at the enforcement, with respect to sanctioning of violators in the Act, it is a very long process.
“So to fast-track the prosecution of offenders, the establishment of this tribunal solely for the power sector will go a long way in ensuring that we fast-track the process, carry out enforcements and sanction violators,” he said.
The NEMSA boss said based on the powers conferred on the agency in the Electricity Act, NEMSA had been working hard to establish a tribunal that would speedily try electricity-related offences.
He noted that with the tribunal, issues of electricity theft would be addressed speedily and violators prosecuted as quickly as possible.
While noting that the agency was interfacing with the National Assembly on this, Tahir said further: “The establishment of this tribunal has been brought to the knowledge of the legislature and we’ve made submissions to them. Our hope is that they will amend the Electricity Act to include a provision for this.”
He also said his agency was perfecting the process for the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal with an inbuilt appeal system to speedily tackle power-related offences.
He said a total of 2,655,488 meters in the power sector had been tested and calibrated, as most of the equipment had been deployed for use by consumers across the country.
Tahir stated that in line with the mandate of the agency, NEMSA has tested and calibrated over 2.6 million meters.
He said NEMSA, which is an agency of the federal government established in 2015, was still testing and calibrating more meters to ensure their functionality, durability and safety when in use
“A total of 21,681 electricity installation projects have been inspected and tested, out of which 13,154 have been certified. Also, a total of 16,624 electricity networks have been monitored by NEMSA.
“About 4,921 factories, hazardous installations and public places have been inspected, tested and certified fit, while 2,655,488 electricity meters have been tested and calibrated, as 487 incidences were investigated by the agency,” the NEMSA boss added.
Tahir, who said the figures were based on data compiled by NEMSA as of the first quarter of 2024, added that the Electricity Act 2023 had strengthened the enforcement powers and responsibilities of the agency.
The Federal Government has requested an 18-month extension on the closing date of the World Bank’s $800m palliative loan to boost its social safety net programmes.
The request is coming in the wake of the country’s battle against rising inflation and economic challenges.
According to a restructuring paper document on the project from the World Bank, the government requested an extension of the closing date of the project from June 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
The report said about three million poor and vulnerable households have benefitted from the $800m palliative loan.
The apex bank had disbursed the loan to cushion the effect of recent government’s policies, such as fuel subsidy removal.
Of these beneficiaries, 700 thousand households were from rural areas and about 2.5 million households from urban areas.
The extension seeks to realign project timelines and enhance the efficacy of the National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up, adding that 1,652 urban wards had been covered through the targeting system developed under the project.
The document read: “Since its start, about 30 million beneficiaries have been covered by social safety net programs, and about three million poor and vulnerable households have received shock responsive cash transfers as of May 2024.
”Of these beneficiaries, 700 thousand households were from rural areas and about 2.5 million households were from urban areas. 1,652 urban wards have been covered through the targeting system developed under the project.”
It added that a planned digital payment delivery mechanism had been put in place, using straight-through processing to deliver transfers directly to beneficiaries’ accounts or wallets while the national social register is being integrated with the National Identification Number, NIN, to further strengthen the targeting system.
The NASSP-SU project, initiated to provide shock-responsive safety net support to Nigeria’s poor and vulnerable, was approved on December 16, 2021, and became effective on January 30, 2023.
With this loan, the Federal Government plans to run a monthly cash transfer programme for poor and vulnerable Nigerians, who have been hit hard by recent policies, such as the fuel subsidy removal.
But it was abruptly stopped following a probe of alleged malfeasance in the management of the scheme by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.
As part of restructuring to restart the cash transfer, the government has sought approval to change the chairmanship of the project’s national steering committee from the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to the Minister of Finance.
It also stressed that the extension request stems from Nigeria’s ongoing battle with high inflation, which peaked at 33.2 per cent in early 2024, exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies and exchange rate depreciation.
The document partly read, “This paper seeks approval from the Country Director for a Level II restructuring of the National Social Safety Net Program Scale-Up project, an $800m investment project financing.
”The restructuring will extend the project closing date by 18 months from June 30, 2024, to December 31, 2025. The benefit size and duration of the cash transfers under component 1 will also be changed.
“Despite earlier delays, the project remains central to the government’s ambitious plan to provide temporary cash transfer support to the population affected adversely by high inflation, particularly in the wake of the fuel subsidy removal and other macroeconomic reforms the government is undertaking.
”No financial or audit reports are pending, and there are no changes in the audit requirements. There have been some delays in procuring key service providers, and contract management practices are being improved by building the capacity of the PIU’s procurement team.”
The UN World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced a spike in cholera in several regions of the world, with almost 195,000 cases and over 1,900 deaths reported in 24 countries since the start of this year.
The agency’s Eastern Mediterranean Region reported the highest number of cases, followed by the African Region, the Region of the Americas, the Southeast Asia Region, and the European Region.
WHO, in a statement on Thursday, stated that there are no reported cases in the Western Region, according to its bulletin released on Wednesday.
The UN health agency said it exhausted its global stockpile of Oral Cholera Vaccines (OCV) by March but was able to exceed “the emergency target of five million doses in early June for the first time in 2024.”
Yet, the supply of the vaccine does not equate to its demand.
WHO reported that since January last year, 16 countries requested 92 million doses of OCV – almost double the 49 million produced during that time.
WHO, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners are working together to use resources to find long-term solutions for cholera.
On the positive side of health news, WHO announced on Thursday that Chad successfully eradicated “sleeping sickness” as a public health problem.
The agency applauded the Government and people of Chad for eradicating the gambiense form of human African trypanosomiasis, (also known as sleeping sickness).
“I congratulate the government and the people of Chad for this achievement.
“It is great to see Chad join the growing group of countries that have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease (NTD),” Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said.
In eliminating the disease, Chad joining some 50 others globally that have succeeded in this endeavour.
“The 100-country target is nearer and within reach,” Ghebreyesus, added, referring to the target set out in the road map for address neglected tropical diseases by 2030.
Sleeping sickness can cause flu-like symptoms initially but eventually causing behaviour change, confusion, sleep cycle disturbances or even coma, often leading to death.
Improved access to early diagnosis and treatment, as well as surveillance and response has proven that countries can control and eventually eliminate transmission.
Following the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the country, at least 21 persons have been confirmed dead in Lagos State, with 401 suspected cases reported to the state Ministry of Health, with an increasing number of severe gastroenteritis cases across multiple local government areas, LGAs, in the state.
Announcing the development in an update on the disease in Lagos, the Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that the total number of cholera cases has increased to 401 across the state, with Lagos Island, Kosofe, Ikorodu and Eti Osa recording the highest numbers.
Ogunyemi, while providing an update on the outbreak after meeting with members of Lagos State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, added that the death toll had also risen to 21, an increase of six from the previously reported 15 fatalities.
She said: “The rise in cases was anticipated, following the Ileya festivities, during which large gatherings occurred.’’
She, however, noted that suspected cases were subsiding across LGAs, particularly previously affected LGAs, due to the state government’s interventions and surveillance efforts.
Ogunyemi said the Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Health and other sister agencies, was maintaining rigorous surveillance and monitoring of the situation and implementing planned programs and activities to curb the spread.
“The ministry of Health, in collaboration with the state Ministry of environment and its agency, the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency, LASEPA, continues to collect samples of water sources, food, and beverages to identify the source of contamination.
‘’We have also intensified our surveillance activities in communities, particularly in affected local government areas, to address the situation head-on.
“We are also working with the Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education as well as the Ministry of Tertiary Education to ensure all precautions are taken in our schools to protect children and scholars as they return.
‘’Residents must, however, remain vigilant, practice good hand hygiene, and participate in community sanitation activities to stop the spread of cholera,” the special adviser stated.
Ogunyemi urged citizens to seek medical attention immediately after they experienced symptoms, such as watery diarrhoea, vomiting, abdominal pain, general malaise, and fever, stressing that cholera treatment was provided free of charge at all public health facilities.
While noting that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu remained committed to ensuring that residents of Lagos received quality and affordable healthcare, the Special Adviser extended the gratitude of the state government to local, national, and international partners, including UNICEF, WHO, NCDC, NIMR, Red Cross, and others, for their support in combating the outbreak.
“Appreciation is also extended to the dedicated team of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, lab scientists, environmental health officers, Water Corporation officers, surveillance officers, heads of agencies, members of PHEOC, and volunteers who are working around the clock to combat the disease and keep Lagos safe,” she added.
Causes of Cholera
Cholera, a severe diarrheal illness, caused by infection with the bacterium vibrio cholerae, spreads primarily through contaminated water and food, thriving rapidly in unsanitary conditions.
As part of pre-emptive measures, following the initial alert and advisory issued by the Lagos State ministry of health, the state government, activated its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, PHEOC, at Mainland Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.
Announcing the outbreak of the disease earlier, the state Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, had revealed that the initial suspected cases of cholera were reported in 29 wards across multiple local government areas, LGAs, with 17 confirmed cases and 15 fatalities.
“The laboratory investigation and test results have so far confirmed Cholera sub type O-1. This sub-type is associated with more severe disease. The pattern of new cases per day varies across LGAs, according to our ongoing surveillance and monitoring updates.”
“The Directorate of Environmental Health of the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency of the Ministry of Environment, have collected samples of water sources, food and beverage samples in all the affected LGAs, while inspections of facilities are ongoing.
“We are pre-positioning cholera kits in health facilities across the State. Our efforts to control the outbreak also include the distribution of Oral Rehydration Solutions, ORS, public health education campaigns,’’ Abayomi had said.
No surge of cases in LASUTH —CMD
Meanwhile, the Chief Medical Director of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital, LASUTH, Professor Adetokunbo Fabamnwo, yesterday disclosed that the five cholera patients admitted at the hospital last week had been discharged, adding that there was no surge of cases at the facility.
Fabamwo, who spoke to Vanguard, also urged Lagosians not to panic as the numbers were reducing, saying there was no surge at LASUTH.
“We had only five cases in LASUTH last week we do not have fresh cases and they have all gone home. As you know the trend is that even across the state the number is reducing. There is no cause for panic anymore,’’ he said.
Lagos Water Corporation issues red alert
In a related development, Lagos Water Corporation, LWC, has called on residents to be wary of untreated water in circulation, even as it initiated comprehensive measures to safeguard public health and ensure access to safe drinking water across the state.
But despite several health advisories issued by the state government, refuse heaps have continued to litter major roads of the metropolis, heightening the risk of Cholera and posing health hazards to residents.
A release by the corporation said it had commenced an extensive water sampling and quality monitoring campaign throughout the state.
Expressing deep concern about the recent outbreak of Cholera in parts of the state, particularly in Lekki and Victoria Island Areas, the LWC urged the public to refrain from consuming water from unreliable or untreated sources.
Residents were, however, encouraged to bring water samples from their homes or public spaces for testing by the qualified teams at LWC Headquarters, Ijora.
It added that the LWC water quality monitoring team would be monitoring water consumption across the state to identify and control the outbreak.
“According to the Lagos State Ministry of Health, the primary cause of the cholera outbreak has been linked to the consumption of contaminated water and inadequate sanitation.
“Every individual must take responsibility for ensuring their water is safe for consumption. The Lagos Water Corporation remains committed to providing safe and clean drinking water to all residents of Lagos State. We urge the public to cooperate with our teams and follow precautionary measures to prevent further spread of the disease,” LWC added.
PSP operators on 24hrs waste evacuation
Similarly, the state government also yesterday, directed assigned Private Sector Participant, PSP, operators to ensure a-24 hour seamless evacuation of wastes as part of measures to prevent further spread of cholera outbreak in the state.
The Managing Director of the Lagos Waste Management Authority, LAWMA, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, who stated this, however, called on residents to observe the best personal and domestic hygiene, as well as proper waste management practices to curb the spread.
Gbadegesin said the measure had become necessary, following the increasing rate of deaths, leaving many hospitalised.
“The outbreak of cholera in the state is a serious public health concern. It is imperative that every resident takes proactive measures to prevent further spread of the disease.
‘’Ensuring proper personal and domestic hygiene, including efficient waste management, will go a long way in curbing the spread of the fatal disease,’’ he added.
Precautionary measures
The LAWMA boss suggested several precautionary measures, including: proper waste disposal; ensuring safe drinking water; frequent hand-washing with soap; food safety practices and use of proper sanitation facilities, among others.
Gbadegesin admonished residents to shun indiscriminate refuse disposal and imbibe the practice of bagging and disposing off their waste using covered bins to prevent the possible spread of the diseases by vectors, and to ensure seamless evacuation by assigned PSP operators.
“LAWMA will continue to intensify efforts at making sure that waste generated across the state is promptly and efficiently managed, with PSP service providers who are working round the clock to clean up black spots.
‘’We are fully committed to the health and safety of every Lagosian. Our teams are on the ground, ensuring that waste is properly collected and disposed off to minimise health risks. However, we need the cooperation of all residents to maintain a clean and safe environment,” he said.
Why Lagos is prone to cholera outbreaks — Analysis
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling metropolis and commercial capital, is a city of contrasts, with crumbling shantytowns coexisting with glistening skyscrapers. Amid it all, are open drains crisscrossing the streets and people are exposed to the toxic contents of the overflowing, filthy contents.
Over the years, Lagos has witnessed a series of significant cholera outbreaks. The primary factors have been traced to the high level of migration, unhygienic living conditions, overcrowding, open defecation, and ignorance about the spread of the disease.
Cholera has a long history in Lagos, dating back to the first recorded cases in 1970, when the first major outbreak struck Lagos, causing thousands of cases and hundreds of deaths.
According to the World Health Organisation, WHO, from the 1990s to the 2000s and beyond, there have been a series of intermittent outbreaks, highlighting the persistent risk of cholera in Lagos.
Silently, cholera spreads from the dirty street vendor who wipes sweat from his forehead and the wary Lagos commuter or inhabitant who unintentionally drinks tainted water. Persons who are not strict about hand washing and personal hygiene are most at risk of the threat, and once infected, the bacteria grow and spread, creating a web of infection.
Cholera spreads so quickly around the slums as a result of migration, unhygienic living conditions, overcrowding, open defecation, and ignorance about the spread of the disease. The limited sanitation facilities in the city are a significant factor. Many Lagosians lack access to proper toilets, and resort to open defecation near the canals and drainages, leading to the contamination of water sources, creating cesspools and breeding grounds for the cholera bacteria.
In the densely populated slums and remote areas of Agege, Ikotun, Ejigbo, Ijeshatedo/Itire, Ilaje, Iwaya, Badiya and Ajegunle among others, overcrowding is a major issue. The same can be said for the floating Makoko community where the sanitation infrastructure is improper and grossly inadequate.
The overcrowding creates ideal conditions for the spread of waterborne diseases like cholera. Lagos perpetually struggles with blocked drainage systems, leading to stagnant water pools. that are breeding ground for vermin that can transmit cholera. The main routes of transmission are contaminated food and water.
The problem of unsafe water in Lagos is legendary. Unequal access to potable water forces many of the residents to rely on contaminated sources like wells or vendors selling untreated water. This can also contribute to the spread of cholera. These factors combine to create the perfect storm for cholera outbreaks in Lagos. Unsafe water sources, drinks sold on the street, and fruits that haven’t been thoroughly cleaned all contribute to the malady.
Water contamination and the spread of cholera are largely caused by widespread unsafe practices, such as open defecation and inappropriate waste disposal. The dense population makes it difficult to maintain hygiene and avoid close contact between sick and healthy people.
Public transportation, crowded markets, and gatherings all raise the risk of transmission. Healthcare systems are strained by the outbreak. For early diagnosis, case management, and outbreak containment, adequate resources, qualified staff, and well-equipped facilities are needed.
There are various obstacles to effectively combating cholera in Lagos. mainly the inadequate hygienic conditions and sanitation in densely populated urban slums where access to clean water is limited and adequate sanitation facilities are scarce.
It is essential to keep spreading the word about cholera prevention. People can learn about good hygiene habits and early symptoms through community education, risk communication, and ongoing public health campaigns. The wet season also plays a role because floods can worsen the situation by contaminating water sources and causing outbreaks.
A concerted effort involving community involvement, public health authorities, and healthcare professionals is needed to address these challenges. Effective cholera control requires giving priority to interventions related to water, sanitation, and hygiene.
[Vanguard]