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  • COVID-19: All Eligible Public, Private Hospitals Nationwide To Become Sample Collection Sites – Dr. Ehanire

    COVID-19: All Eligible Public, Private Hospitals Nationwide To Become Sample Collection Sites – Dr. Ehanire

    By Grace Anyanwu

    The Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Ehanire has stated that it is the plan of the Federal Ministry of Health to boost overall COVID-19 sample collection, by preparing all eligible public and private hospitals nationwide to become collection sites. The Minister disclosed this at the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 Press Briefing held on Monday, 6th July, 2020.

    He stated that this will require working with State governments and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) to identify the facilities and the space within them, to conduct training for the personnel selected and supply both PPE’s and sample collection kits, as well as the logistics to go around to recover test samples, and to better utilize available laboratory assets in the country, which even now are capable of handling far more cases than they presently do.

    “If logistics around samples collection and delivery to test sites are better organized, a lot more will be achieved”, he stated.

    Speaking further, Dr. Ehanire disclosed that the current figure of tested samples in the country stands at 152.952 of which 28,711 are confirmed COVID-19 positive cases while 11,665 have been treated and discharged with 645 fatalities, majority of them have underlying illnesses.

    Similarly,the Minister also revealed that a total no of 15,532 cases was confirmed from 74,580 with 303 death that was recorded was recorded for the month of June alone.

    The Minister also appealed to citizens especially those that are COVID-19 positive who show no symptoms at all, not to go to treatment centers but to cooperate with health officials and understand that measures taken are protective and it is in the interest of the public.

    He informed that a 17 man team of the Federal Ministry of Health, led by the Executive Director of National Primary Health Development Agency, left Abuja for Calabar to engage with the Cross River State government in setting up their COVID-19 response and aligning it with the national response.

    According to the Minster, Agencies and different Departments of the Ministry of Health, such as NCDC, Hospital Services, and Family Health are well represented in the delegation to make sure that there is equal level playing ground between the Federal and State service delivery pillars and also to ensure that the disruption of routine medical services, which has been observed in the State, is minimized or eliminated in Cross River State. “We have called also called on the Cross River State National Medical Association (NMA), to suspend their strike action and receive the Ministry’s delegation.”

    Dr. Ehanire hinted that His Excellency, Governor Ayeade has requested that a senior immigration officer is to map and study the border challenges with Cameroon, as well as a Port Health officer to assess risks posed by sea travelers arriving Cross Rivers State ports particular from neighboring Central African countries of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Angola etc.
    He informed that arrangements are under way to beef up security at the Federal Medical Center, Lokoja for protections of staff and patients. “The Federal government will do all it can to attend to the needs of the citizens, while we seek ways to engage the State authorities.”

    The Minister revealed that the Federal Government through the NCDC has launched an E-Learning platforms on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) for health workers. He stated that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) have been distributed to health facilities in good numbers and the use is being monitored to reduce wastage. “I urge our health workers to ensure appropriate use. “I also particularly warn against unprofessional disposal of used PPE’s in common waste dumps, where scavengers have been seen to pick them up for risky reuse.” This is dangerous and sure pathway to promoting community transmission.” “All COVID-19 waste is to be incinerated”, he added.

    The Minister also reminded Nigerians that testing for COVID-19 and treatment in government-run facility is totally free and urged them to report anyone who demanded payment, for necessary action.

    Signed:

    Olujimi Oyetomi,
    Director, Information, Media & Public Relations.

  • COVID-19: Federal Government Commends Cross River, Says Response Is Innovative And Imaginary

    COVID-19: Federal Government Commends Cross River, Says Response Is Innovative And Imaginary

    By Admin

    The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has described as excellent, the various measures adopted by Cross River State against the pandemic, including a drive through test centre established by Governor Ben Ayade for the testing of samples for COVID-19.

    The team was in the state on Monday to assess its readiness for the management of the phase two of the pandemic.

    Speaking immediately after inspecting the testing center, and facilities as well as the state garment factory where they witnessed the production of Personal Protective Equipment including face shields, leader of the PTF team, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, lauded Governor Ayade for what he dubbed his creative imagination.

    His words: “I Think it’s excellent. I think it is incredible the level of innovation, creative imagination seen in Cross River since the team arrived here earlier today (Monday) and we are really impressed with what is going on in Cross River State and we believe that the sample collection centre will be a boost to the Covid 19 outfit response that the Cross River State government has elaborated in the last few weeks and I think it is really impressive.”

    Speaking on the mission of the team to the state, Dr.Shaibu who is also the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Healthcare Department Agency disclosed that “One of the reasons we are here today as the PTF and the Federal Ministry of Health is to come and see what Cross River State has done so far as a second phase of interactions with Cross River State. Just like the first team that came here were also impressed with the level of seriousness, the level of innovation that the Cross River State government has brought to bear.”

    On assessment of the face masks and face shields produced by the state’s garment factory, Shuaibu stated: “We where earlier at the garment factory where we have seen face masks and face shields and overalls being produced. Our partners, NAFDAC, the Standard Organization of Nigeria were really impressed with what is going on there.

    “We made a commitment to dig deep and see how we can collaborate with the government of Cross River to make sure that all of the work that is going on there will easily meet global standards. We have already assessed physically and our representatives from these two organizations are happy with what they have seen.

    “We just need some further testing to make sure that we can now scale up and make sure that Nigerians are able to benefit from the manufacturing that we are already seeing in Cross River State. It is an opportunity to encourage other governors to be very proactive in making sure that we use such an instance where there is necessity to become great innovators for PPE’s like we need right now.”

    Speaking on the partnership with the state government, the National Health care Development Agency’s CEO said: “It’s really Incredible what we have seen in the last few hours and the federal government will continue to partner with Cross River State government so that other governors can be encouraged by what is going on. In the next few hours we are going to continue our collaboration to look at the Public health emergency operation centre”

    He further said:”We will also look at the issues around the borders to see how FG can support Cross River State to maintain Integrity and security along the borders. But overall, we have had very fruitful conversations with His Excellency and his team and we are really amazed by all of the work that is going on.”

    Responding, Governor Ayade thanked Shuaib for his understanding of the issues around the state’s handling of COVID-19.

    “Let me specially commend Dr. Faisal for his personal intelligence and understanding of the local situation. Let me thank the team and I want to thank the federal ministry of health for deeming it fit to send a team to come and look at what Cross River has done. I want to thank you for for your kind words and I want to say that the federal government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, the PTF and Covid 19 response Team, the Minister for Health, the DG NCDC for sending a team with NAFDAC, SON to look at our PPE’s from the face shields to the face masks to the overalls with a view to supporting encouraging and patronising us.”

    According to the governor, “that is the incentive that Nigerians want to see and that is the impetus that will encourage other governors to go into it.”

  • UN Launches Sexual Misconduct Probe After Incriminating Car Video Emerges, Says The Behaviour Seen In The Video Is Abhorrent And Goes Against Everything We Stand For

    UN Launches Sexual Misconduct Probe After Incriminating Car Video Emerges, Says The Behaviour Seen In The Video Is Abhorrent And Goes Against Everything We Stand For

    By Admin

    The UN says it is investigating a possible case of sexual misconduct by staff after a video surfaced of a woman straddling a man in a car with UN markings in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

    The 18-second video, filmed at night from a building alongside a busy road, shows a female figure in red moving astride a man in casual clothing on the back seat of a Toyota 4×4 vehicle. Another man is visible in the front passenger seat. The driver cannot be seen.

    UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told The New Humanitarian that the world body was “shocked and deeply disturbed by what is seen on this video.

    “The behaviour seen in it is abhorrent and goes against everything we stand for and have been working to achieve in terms of fighting sexual misconduct by UN staff”

    By identifying landmarks and comparing the video with images of the street, TNH has determined that the video was taken on HaYarkon street in Tel Aviv.

    Although the video is unclear, the number plate of the car appears to belong to UNTSO, which stands for the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, a UN body originally formed in May 1948 to monitor a ceasefire around the time of the establishment of the state of Israel. The UNTSO website says it manages 153 military observers, who are deployed to UN missions at the Lebanon-Israel border and the occupied Golan Heights.

    The UN has strict rules about sexual abuse and exploitation, including a ban on paying for sex, but has struggled to stamp out sexual misconduct by its staff and peacekeepers.

    In 2019, the UN investigated 175 allegations of sexual abuse and exploitation by its own staff and soldiers serving in its peacekeeping operations, 16 of which it concluded were “substantiated”. It is not clear from the short video whether or not the activity shown is consensual or if it involved payment.

    The UN’s investigation by its Office of Internal Oversight – the body that probes misconduct, fraud and corruption – is moving “very quickly” and “the identification of the individuals in the video is close to being completed”, said Dujarric.

    Dujarric said the investigation started two days ago and “we expect the process to be concluded very quickly”.

    TNH can not independently confirm the authenticity of the video, which was shared by an anonymous source later circulated on Twitter. One of the earliest postings was on 23 June by Inner City Press, a New York-based news blog.

  • Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press Release On The Arrest Of Lance Corporal Idiakpeni Martins By The Leadership Of Nigerian Army

    Citizens’ Solution Network’s Press Release On The Arrest Of Lance Corporal Idiakpeni Martins By The Leadership Of Nigerian Army

    By Admin

    CITIZENS’ SOLUTION NETWORK’S PRESS RELEASE ON THE ARREST OF LANCE CORPORAL IDAKPENI MARTINS BY THE LEADERSHIP OF THE NIGERIAN ARMY

    Date: 6/7/2020
    Time: 8am

    Today we wake up to a very depressing information concerning the arrest of Lance Corporate Idakpeni Martins of 8 Division of the Nigerian Army in Sokoto, Nigeria.

    In a video sent to us last week, Lance Corporal Idakpeni Martins criticised the leadership of the Nigerian Army and accused Lt. Gen Tukur Buratai of betraying Nigeria by not supplying the Army men fighting the insurgency in the North better and adequate fire arms.

    In the said video within our custody, Lance Corporal Martins accused the Army Chief of Staff of arresting and locking up innocent Nigerian Army personnel who are demanding better and adequate arms to fight insurgency in the North.

    Lance Corporal Martins went on to demand that in a case where he is arrested following the release of the said video, we should endeavor that his Court Marshall should be opened for all Nigerians to see, and not to be allowed to be tried in secrecy.

    At Citizens Solution Network, we expect that if officers who are willing to fight and die for this country demand weapons, they should be given and not to be rounded up, arrested and locked up in secret detention facilities as exposed by Lance Corporal Martins.

    From the foregoing, there is a depressing and serious implication to this. Which simply means, Nigerian Military Personnel are sent to die at battle front without proper and adequate supply of firearms, and in event where they are seen to complain, they are arrested, and locked up in secret detention facilities rather than issued the right article of combat (AoC).

    At Citizens’ Solution Network, we find this sort of arrest unfair, unjust and unacceptable, and call for the review of the conditions and on what ground an army officer or rank and file should be arrested, tried and detained. Hence the need for the National Assembly to speedily intervene and get involved into reviewing the extant laws surrounding same.

    That said, we are first and foremost condemning the arrest of Lance Corporal Martins and demanding that his Court Marshall, if the military deems it necessary to have him tried, be done fairly and transparently outside the purview of secrecy.

    Finally, we wish to call on the leadership of the Nigerian Military and the President of Nigeria to ensure that nothing unjust happens to Lance Corporal Martins.

    Let it be on public registry that there is genuine and broad need for all Nigerians, lawyers and human right activists to rally in defence of Lance Corporal Martins and his ultimate release.

    Thanks!

    Signed.

    Richard F. Inoyo
    Country Director, Citizens Solution Network.

    For: Military Population and Civilian Council.

    CC:

    President and Commandant-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    The President of The Nigerian Senate.

    The Speaker of The Nigerian House of Representatives.

    The Chief of Defence Staff.

    The Chief of Army Staff.

    The National President, Nigerian Bar Association.

    Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria.

  • COVID-19: Sen. Ita Giwa Visits Akpabuyo, Distributes Palliatives.

    COVID-19: Sen. Ita Giwa Visits Akpabuyo, Distributes Palliatives.

    By Admin

    Sen. Princess Florence Ita-Giwa has visited Akpabuyo LGA in continuation of her Covid-19 sensitization campaign and distribution of palliatives.

    She was accompanied by prominent women and members of Nka Iban Isong Efik.

    She was received by the Chairman of the local government council, who appreciated her for having Akpabuyo LGA in mind.

    At the vsiti, Sen. Ita-Giwa appreciated the people for being very organized during the meeting.

    She expressed her willingness to sponsor some students in her scholarship and empowerment program were the aged could benefit as much as $10,000 to start up businesses.

    On the dangers of Covid-19 and it’s negative global impact, she enlightened the people on the need for proper and regular hand washing, stressing also on the need for regular use of nose mask.

    She encouraged residents of the LGA to make good use of the abundant fruits and fresh food the LGA is blessed with as a means of fighting the virus.

    Responding, the chairman of Akpabuyo LGA council, Hon. Emmanuel Offiong Bassey expressed his deep appreciation to the former presidential aide and commended her effort, stressing that such was rare.

    He said although the state was yet to register any case of Covid-19, yet the reality of the pandemic could not be overemphasized.

    He also said that the LGA will no longer be a hiding place for criminals as his adminstration will never condone any form of criminality.

    The meeting which witnessed a large turnout of aged people, had in attendance, the Paramount Ruler of Akpabuyo LGA, HRM Etiyin Maurice Ekpenyong Edet Nya and members of his cabinet.

  • UNHCR Commissions a Solar-powered Borehole For Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area In Cross River State

    UNHCR Commissions a Solar-powered Borehole For Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area In Cross River State

    By Elijah Ugani- Calabar

    The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in line with the Covid-19 prevention measures, commissioned a solar-powered borehole with a 32,000 litres per day capacity, five tap/water collection points and more than 1km pipe network within the Ndok community in Ogoja Local Government Area in Cross River State.

    The Paramount Ruler of Ogoja, the Ndok Community Clan Head, Representatives of the Ogoja LGA Chairman, State Emergency Management Agency, members of the host community and media witnessed the cutting of the ribbon and drank portable water from the borehole.

    In some rural Local Government Areas in Cross River State, communities have little or no access to either piped or borehole water. “They say water is life, through this borehole, UNHCR has brought life to our communities, and we will work hard to protect the borehole,” said Chief Pius Uwanu, Ndok Community Leader.

    Recall that in late 2019, the Ndok community made a significant gesture when it offered 100 hectares of farmland to promote the livelihoods of Cameroonian refugees.

    However, Cross River State alone is hosting 63% of a total of over 57,000 Cameroon refugees present in Nigeria. These refugees rely heavily on humanitarian assistance and host communities for their subsistence.

    In line with the Global Compact on Refugees, UNHCR is working to strengthen basic host community infrastructure, including health, water, sanitation and hygiene facilities in States (communities) hosting Cameroonian refugees across Nigeria to benefit host communities and refugees.

    “Through this water project, UNHCR has added colour to the development of Ogoja Local Government Area,” said Mr Benjamin Bissong, a representative of the Chairman of Ogoja LGA.

    The Head of Ogoja Sub-office, Mr. Mulugeta Zewdie noted that “To address the needs of Cameroonian refugees in Nigeria, UNHCR is working in close partnership with the government of Nigeria and relevant national institutions, including the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons, State/Local Emergency Management Agencies, Local Government Authorities, community leaders and others.

    “UNHCR really appreciates the contribution of the Government of Nigeria (GoN) to the Cameroon refugee situation.

    “With support from the GoN, UNHCR has developed three settlements where refugees have access to health, education and other basic amenities within host communities – Adagom and Ukende refugee settlements in Ogoja Local Government, Cross River State, and Ikyogen settlement in Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State.

    “This borehole is part of UNHCR’s commitment to effective burden sharing for communities hosting refugees.

    “UNHCR wishes to thank the donors that have contributed to the Cameroon refugee situation in 2020 and have made this project possible including Australia, Japan, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Sweden, United States of America and private donors”

  • Breaking: Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit Naps Three Kidnappers, Frees Victim On Calabar

    Breaking: Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit Naps Three Kidnappers, Frees Victim On Calabar

    By Admin

    A combined effort of the State security Adviser South, Mr Ani Esin and the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping Unit, yesterday arrested three kidnappers in Calabar, the cross river state capital.

    The kidnappers were arrested last night while trying to kidnap a victim who is a business man that owns a shop at Efio Ete junction.

    The kidnappers used same Audi car, suspected to have been used in the kidnap of the wife of the Appeal Court Judge, Mrs Agube.

    Information made available to TheLumineNews indicates that a concerned Nigerian called the SSA and the police, who responded swiftly to combat the kidnappers.

    The hoodlums had kidnapped the victim at Okoro Agbor and were trailed to IBB and were arrested and the victim rescued.

    The kidnappers are currently cooling their feet at the Anti Cultism and Kidnapping unit, Cultural center – Calabar.

    Items recovered from the kidnappers include guns and charms.

  • Breaking News: NMA Cross River Branch Suspends Total And Indefinite Withdrawal Of Medical Services

    Breaking News: NMA Cross River Branch Suspends Total And Indefinite Withdrawal Of Medical Services

     

    By Elijah Ugani- Calabar

    The Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River branch has suspended it total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services across the state, following the resolution of the meeting by the 17 man committee sent by the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19 to resolve all lingering issues, the Cross River ministry of health and NMA.

    NMA in a communique made available to TheLumineNews, jointly signed by the President and Secretary of the association, Drs. Ayuk Agam and Ezoke Epoke calls on the state ministry of health to keep to and respect all resolutions reached during the 17 man delegation visit.

    Find full text of the communique.

    NMACRS/SG/2020/07/259
    7th July, 2020

    COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE NIGERIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, CROSS RIVER STATE BRANCH AT THE END OF AN EMERGENCY GENERAL MEETING HELD ON TUESDAY 7TH JULY, 2020

    PREAMBLE
    The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Cross River State branch held an Emergency General Meeting on Tuesday July 7, 2020 to appraise the issues that led to the withdrawal of medical services by the Association.

    The Association made the following observations and resolutions:

    1) We are most grateful to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Boss Mustapha and the Honorable Minister of Health, Dr. Osagie Enahire for the timely 17-member delegation from the Presidential Task Force (PTF) and Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) led by the Executive Director/CEO National Primary Health Care Development Agency Dr. Faisal Shuaib that arrived Calabar on 6th July, 2020 to set up a COVID-19 response strategy in Cross River State that will align with the national response.

    2) We deeply appreciate the Director General, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) Dr. Chikwe Ihekweazu for the activation of two (2) COVID-19 Test Centres at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and Lawrence Henshaw Memorial Hospital, Calabar.

    3) We also appreciate the NMA President Prof. I.A.O. Ujah (mni), the National Officers’ Committee and members of NMA for their support to NMA Cross River State.

    4) The Association welcomes the official recognition of the five (5) COVID-19 confirmed cases from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital by NCDC which has resolved the lingering uncertainties negatively impacting public health and safety and has provided clarity on the COVID-19 status of Cross River State and the required response strategy.

    5) We enjoin the Cross River State Government to keep to the resolutions of the meeting held between PTF/FMOH COVID-19 delegation, Nigerian Medical Association – Cross River State branch and the Cross River State Ministry of Health signed on July 7, 2020.

    6) The Association hereby suspends the total and indefinite withdrawal of medical services in all public and private hospitals in Cross River State with effect from today, 7th July, 2020.

    7) We appeal to citizens of Cross River State to follow the NCDC guidelines on infection prevention and control, while reinforcing our commitment to working with the Federal and State Governments to contain the spread of COVID-19.

    8) We sincerely thank the Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme A. Ikpeme and Management of University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, the Immediate Past NMA 2nd Vice President, Dr. Ofem Enang, Immediate Past Chairman, Dr. Effiong Mkpanam, Past Chairmen of the Association, distinguished Medical Elders and members of Nigerian Medical Association, Cross River State branch.

    9) We appreciate the media and citizens of Cross River State for their understanding, patience and support during this challenging period.

    Dr. Agam E. Ayuk
    State Chairman

    Dr. Ezoke Epoke
    State Secretary

  • Breaking: Presidency Suspends EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Magu

    Breaking: Presidency Suspends EFCC Boss, Ibrahim Magu

    By Oluchi Omai – SaharaReporters

    The Presidency has today Tuesday 7th July, 2020 suspended the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu.

    A combined team of Department of State Services (DSS) personnel and officers of the Nigerian Police Force had yesterday Monday, July 6th, 2020 arrested Magu at the Wuse II office of the EFCC to face an interagency committee investigating corruption allegations which were levelled against him.

    After interrogations, he was incarcerated at the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCID) in Area 10, Abuja, on Monday night.

    Magu was further interrogated by a panel setup by the presidency and chaired by a former president of the Court of Appeal, Ayo Salami.

    A source in the Presidency confirmed to our correspondence that the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has now been suspended pending when a decision will be taken on him.

    Meanwhile, a panel has been setup to probe several allegations levelled against Magu.

     

  • FG Sends 17-Man Delegation To Resolve Cross River Health Sector Crisis

    FG Sends 17-Man Delegation To Resolve Cross River Health Sector Crisis

    By Moses Emorinken, Nation Newspaper

     

    The Federal Government on Monday sent a 17-man delegation to Cross River State to beef up its COVID-19 response strategy and ensure that the disruption of routine medical services is eliminated.

    The delegation will also be meeting with the State’s branch of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to help resolve their grievances and restore calm.

    It, therefore, urged doctors in the State not to down their tools and suspend their strike action.

    Minister of Health Dr. Osagie Ehanire stated this during the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 briefing in Abuja.

    According to him, “A strong 17-man team of the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Executive Director of the NPHCDA, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, left Abuja today for Calabar to engage with Cross River State Government in setting up their COVID-19 response strategy and aligning it with the national response.

    “Agencies and many Departments of the Ministry such as Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), hospital services and Family Health, are represented in the delegation to ensure the appropriate technical handshake between Federal and Cross River State service delivery pillars, and also to ensure that the disruption of routine medical services, which has been observed in many states, is minimised or eliminated in Cross River State…

    “We have also called on the Cross River State Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) branch to suspend their strike action and receive the Ministry’s delegation arriving there today (Monday)”.