Health

Decontamination of Oyo State Secretariat Begins

By Web News 1846

Oyo state government has commenced fumigation of its Secretariat located at Agodi in Ibadan.

Governor Seyi Makinde at the commencement of the fumigation of the state Secretariat said the decontamination was part of the efforts of the state government to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Oyo state.

Oyo State Secretary to the Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Funmigating during the flag off of Oyo covid-19 Decontamination /containment project at the Government office secretariat, Ibadan, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo (L)

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, Governor Makinde urged other corporate bodies to be responsive by also embarking on a decontamination exercise around their properties, urging them to follow specifications to avoid health consequences as a result of the chemical.

Decontamination /containment of the Oyo State Government office secretariat, Ibadan.

The chairman of the covid-19 decontamination and containment project, Professor Olanike Adeyemo said only places with possible cases of covid-19 needed to be decontaminated while other public places would receive mild fumigation.

Commissioner for Health, Dr Bashir Bello emphasized that the fumigation exercise was done to make the environment safe.

Members of the team for the containment exercise were volunteers from the University of Ibadan who were supporting the state government as part of their corporate social responsibilities.

The three -day fumigation exercise ends this Wednesday while the Secretariat is expected to be opened next week Monday.

Adebisi Adebayo

Health

Expert Wants Nigerians to Prioritize Hand Washing

By Web News 1058

A Laboratory scientist, Mr Ayodeji Awe wants Nigerians to prioritize the use of water and soap to wash their hands as a way of preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Mr. Awe, an assistant Director of laboratory services at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, gave the advice in a reaction to concerns over the prevalence of substandard hand sanitizers as the world combats COVID-19 pandemic.

Irekpita Francisca

Health

Covid-19 Update: Oyo Confirms Two New Cases

By Web News 808

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force has said that confirmation tests for two suspected cases of the disease have come out positive.

A statement by the chairman of Covid-19 in Oyo state, Engineer Seyi Makinde signed by Mr Taiwo Adisa says the two new cases are a 28-year-old woman who returned to Nigeria from the United Arab Emirates on March 22, 2020, and 42-year-old contact of an earlier confirmed case.

The statement says the isolation process has been initiated, contact tracing and collection of samples have commenced. 

It notes that two cases have been discharged while there are nine active cases.

The Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force, therefore, urged people to imbibe hygienic condition by washing their hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitiser regularly and also maintain social distancing.

This brings the number of confirmed cases in Oyo State to eleven.

Iyabo Adebisi

Economy

Clergy Donates Food Relief Items in Ibadan

By Web News 772

The Apostle, Chibuzor Chinyere of Omega Ministries, OPM, in conjunction with renowned tourism broking firm, UFIT FLY have assisted some citizens through the provision of food items in order to alleviate the present socio-economic challenges occasioned by covid-19 pandemic.

Items distributed were Garri, Beans, and Rice to the less privileged in the society.

While speaking with Radio Nigeria, the founder of UFIT FLY, Evangelist Ajibola Ogunkeyede explained that the step became necessary in order to bring succour to residents of Oyo State at a time like this.

Evangelist Ogunkeyede urged the government not to relent in making life more meaningful for the masses, by reducing poverty to the barest minimum in the country.

Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with Radio Nigeria appreciated the efforts of the two organisations for the opportunity to benefit from the gesture as, the package would last them for some days.

About two thousand people benefited from the programme.

Taiwo Akinola

Health News

Covid-19: Gov. Abiodun Rolls out New Measures

By Web News 878

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State says the waivers granted to some companies to operate during the ongoing lockdown in the state was to enable the economy to stay afloat when the battle against Coronavirus pandemic is eventually won.

The governor made this known while addressing newsmen on the two identified new positive cases of Coronavirus in the state.

Correspondent Wale Oluokun who was at the Iperu Remo venue of the briefing, reports that the governor rolled out new measures to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic in the state.

Health Politics

Makinde’s Recovery, The Most Cheering News of The Year – Oyo Speaker

By Web News 972

The news of the recovery of the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde from the ravaging pandemic, Coronavirus is the most cheering news of the year to the people of Oyo State and the entire People’s Democratic Party family in the South West and indeed Nigeria and a further testament that we are serving a faithful God.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin stated this in a statement following the announcement of the recovery of the Governor from the deadly virus.

Mr. Ogundoyin said the people of Oyo State awoke to the good news of Governor Seyi Makinde’s complete recovery from Covid-19 on Monday having tested negative twice to the virus after receiving treatment.

The Oyo State Speaker said it was heartwarming and praiseworthy to hear that the People’s Governor has received divine healing and will take full charge of affairs again as the number one citizen of the pacesetter state.

He noted that the prayers of the good people of Oyo State who trusted Engr Seyi Makinde with their mandate and who have been enjoying good governance and masses oriented policies of the Governor have been answered by God with his recovery from the dreaded virus.

While congratulating the Governor, the Oyo State Speaker used the medium to pray for the speedy recovery of other Nigerians in various isolation centers across the country.

Mr Ogundoyin commended the Covid-19 Task Force established by the Oyo State Government for the various measures put in place to contain the spread of the pandemic and urged residents of the State to always observe all precautionary measures announced by health professionals.

The Speaker assured the Governor of the resolve of the ninth Oyo State House of Assembly to continue to give necessary legislative backings to all his policies and programmes aimed at taking the state to an enviable height.

Kehinde Mosope

Health

Makinde Tests Negative for Coronavirus

By Web News 757

Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has tested negative for Coronavirus.

At the verified governor Makinde tweeter handle, the governor said he had received his second negative test result for COVID-19. 

He said he was moved by prayers and support of the people throughout the period.

Governor thanked Professor Temitope Alonge, who acted as Head of the Oyo State COVID-19 Task Force and other members of the Task Force for their cooperation.

Governor Makinde promised to resume today as Head of the Task Force.

Adebisi Iyabo

Health

Covid-19: Ogun Governor’s Wife Distributes Relief Materials to the Vulnerable

By Web News 1076

Residents of communities in Ogun Central and Ogun West senatorial districts of the state have benefited from the distribution of relief materials by the wife of the Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun.

Mrs Abiodun who spoke with journalists after the distribution said the gesture was to assist the less privileged especially the vulnerable during the stay at home order by both the Federal and Ogun state governments.

Represented by the wife of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mrs Omolola Osota, the wife of Ogun State Governor maintained that it was crucial for the aged and the vulnerable to be catered for particularly at this period when the young ones who could cater for their needs would also be indoors.

Mrs Abiodun advised the people to continue to observe all the precautionary measures and directives laid down by the government, promising to further extend the gesture to other parts of the state.

Olusegun Folarin

Health

Covid-19 Case Update: 8 New Cases Recorded 33 Discharged

By Web News 811

Eight new cases of covid-19 have been reported in Nigeria: 5 in Lagos, 2 in the FCT and 1 in Kaduna State.
As at 09:30 pm 5th April there are 232 confirmed cases of covid-19 reported in Nigeria. Thirty-three have been discharged with five deaths.
Currently:
Lagos- 120
FCT- 47
Osun- 20
Oyo- 9
Edo- 9
Bauchi- 6
Akwa Ibom- 5
Kaduna- 5
Ogun- 4
Enugu- 2
Ekiti- 2
Rivers-1
Benue- 1
Ondo- 1
@NCDCgov

Health

Covid-19: Osun Missing Patient Apprehended, Returned to Centre

By Web News 605


The missing COVID – 19 patient from Osun State Isolation Centre in Ejigbo has been apprehended and returned to the centre.

The patient, a woman, was apprehended in Ejigbo town and returned to the facility by the police on Saturday afternoon.

She escaped from the centre early Saturday morning after she was allegedly instigated by some individuals that they were being manipulated by the state government.

However, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Ismail Omipidan, confirmed that the woman was apprehended and returned to the facility.

It was gathered that the state government mobilised police into the town to identify and apprehend the escapee before she could cause problems in the community.

Omipidan added that government was investigating her movement around the community with a view to trace anyone who might have had contact with the patient.

It is true that a patient, a woman escaped from the isolation centre, but she has been apprehended and returned to the facility.

Presently, we are investigating her movement to enable us initiate contact tracing with anyone she might have contacted to avoid community spread of the deadly pandemic”, he said.

Vanguard

Health

Covid-19: Ondo Records First Index Case

By Web News 640

Ondo State has recorded its first index case of covid19, an Army officer, who recently returned from India.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro who confirmed this to Radio Nigeria in Akure said the Military personnel had been in self-isolation since he returned over a week ago and was being monitored by the State Inter-Ministerial Committee in collaboration with the NCDC after which he tested positive for coronavirus.

Dr Adegbenro noted that the victim had been moved to the infectious disease centre in Akure for prompt medical treatment.

He urged residents to keep calm and obey all directives already set by governments against the spread of coronavirus.

Dr Adegbenro said the government would not leave anything to chance in containing the disease in the state.

Bukola Bardi

Health

Covid-19 Case Update: 25 New Cases 2 Deaths Recorded

By Web News 847

Twenty five new cases of covid-19 have been reported in Nigeria, 11 in Lagos, 3 in the FCT, 3 in Edo, 6 in Osun 1 in Oyo & 1 in Ondo.
Two new deaths have been recorded in Lagos and Edo State.
As at 10:30 pm 3rd April there are 210 confirmed cases of covid-19 reported in Nigeria.

Currently:

Lagos- 109
FCT- 41
Osun- 20
Oyo- 9
Akwa Ibom- 5
Ogun- 4
Edo- 7
Kaduna- 4
Bauchi- 3
Enugu- 2
Ekiti- 2
Rivers-1
Benue- 1
Ondo- 1

@NCDCgov

Health

Covid-19: Confirmed Cases Update

By Web News 806

Six new cases of Covid-19 have been reported in Osun State, Nigeria.

As at 11:00 am 3rd April there are 190 confirmed cases of Covid-19 reported in Nigeria.

Twenty have been discharged with two deaths.

Currently:

Lagos                – 98

FCT                   – 38

Osun                 – 20

Oyo                   – 8

Akwa Ibom      – 5

Ogun                – 4

Edo                   – 4

Kaduna             – 4

Bauchi               – 3

Enugu               – 2

Ekiti                  – 2

Rivers               – 1

Benue               – 1 @NCDCgov

Religion

MUSWEN Calls for Palliative Measures over Sit-At-Home Order

By Web News 755

Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria, MUSWEN has joined in the call on governments to provide palliative measures to cushion the effects of stay-at-home order on the citizens.

This is contained in a statement in Ibadan by Executive Secretary of MUSWEN, Professor Muslih Yahya.

Professor Yahya noted that it will be justified on the part of the governments to punish any violation of stay-at-home rules provided palliative measures were put in place for all citizens staying off their means of livelihood.

“The governments are implored to provide palliative measures to cushion the attendant economic hardships as a result of citizens staying off their works and means of livelihood. Only then may the governments be well advised to adequately punish any violation of “quarantine” or stay-at-home rules”.

He also called on the governments to provide adequate protection for healthcare and other service providers while on their duty of saving lives.

“The governments must also provide adequate protection for health care and other service providers while on their duties of saving lives”.

“We pray to Almighty Allah to save the world from the deadly virus that threatens our existence”.

The MUSWEN Executive Secretary said the sacrifice of suspending congregational prayers is inevitable and in line with Islamic ethics while such should not be allowed to, in any way cause any division within the Muslim community.

“The Muslim Ummah all over the world is particularly hard-hit by the social distancing measures necessitated by the pandemic because the congregation is a very important and highly rewarding aspect of the Islamic worship”. “Consequently, it is creating serious division within the Ummah. Understandably, some believers do not want to accept that anything, whatsoever, should hinder congregational prayers especially on Friday, the Eid days and the Tawaf and other pilgrimage related congregations”. “Unfortunately, the reality of the situation created by the presence of Coronavirus and its mode and rate of spreading in most parts of the world is such that the “sacrifice” of having to suspend large assemblies, for now, is, in most cases, inevitable.  Such suspension would fall squarely within the clear injunction of Allah in Surah al-Baqarah: …and make not your own hands contribute to your destruction… (Quran, 2:195) as well as highly popular guidelines given by the Prophet (SAW) for handling of epidemics or pandemic situations. Therefore, it is essential that the issue of suspending large congregational prayers is not allowed to, in any way cause any division within the Ummah. The Unity of the Ummah is always more important than any trivial points of differences of opinion, for Allah warns against consequences of disunity of the Ummah in, among others Surah al-Anfal, (Quran 8:46)”.

He emphasized that the current situation should be seen by Muslims as an opportunity to be closer to Allah by spending the stay-at-home times in engaging in spiritual activities like the recitation of Quran, supplications, fasting in this month of Shaban, which precedes Ramadan. 

“This current situation should be seen as an opportunity to be closer to our God by spending our isolation and stay-at-home times in engaging in spiritual activities like tilawatul Quran, adhkar, supplications, fasting, etc especially in this holy month of Shaban”.

Professor Yahya explained that MUSWEN, which is an umbrella for all Islamic communities and organisations in the Southwest region has as well aligned with the government’s directives in line with the current reality of COVID-19. 

“MUSWEN has taken steps along the line of social distancing by terminating or postponing parts of its scheduled important activities and suspending decision or further action on others while monitoring the situation”. 

“The Secretariat Staff have been compelled to work from home in observance of the stay-at-home measures”. “A MUSWENs Health NGO, Muslim Ummah of South-West Nigeria Health Care Givers Society had, weeks ago released a statement, a leaflet on Covid-19 educating the populace about, and giving admonition on, the prevention of the deadly virus”.

He lauded the efforts of governments at both the federal and states at curbing the spread of the virus and enjoined to do more to halt the disease while imploring the people to support the governments to achieve the feat.

“MUSWEN commends the efforts of governments at all levels in the country at curtailing the spread of the virus. We declare our total support and pledge compliance with all measures recommended by experts and relevant authorities and directives of the governments aimed at stopping the spread”.

“Nigeria is not yet close enough to such an improving situation. This means there is still much more that needs to be done both by the Government and the populace. The spread of the virus can only be through human to human transmission. Therefore curtailing its spread can only be by avoiding close contacts with individuals who have it. We salute the citizens who diligently obeyed the authorities’ directives which include the maintenance of the rules of hygiene, social distancing and staying indoors. Others are further implored to comply with the directives though difficult in the face of economic hardship. The truth remains that the more strictly we adhere to the preventive measures the faster we go on the path of curtailing the spread and subsequently eradicating the virus and getting back to our normal healthy patterns of social, spiritual and economic life”. 

“However, Alhamdulillah, there is good news: the pandemic, Coronavirus is, after all, not totally uncontrollable as some countries including China where it all began, is beginning to get out of the worst situations in which they had been. They are successfully curtailing the spread and they are sustaining the improved situation”.

Ridwan Fasasi

Foreign

Covid-19: Confirmed Global Cases Pass One Million

By Web News 774

More than a million cases of coronavirus have been registered globally, according to the latest figures from Johns Hopkins University – another grim milestone as the world grapples with the spreading pandemic.

Nearly 53,000 people have died and more than 210,000 have recovered, according to the US University’s figures.

The US has the most cases, and more than 1,000 died there in the past day.

The disease, Covid-19, first emerged in central China three months ago.

Though the tally kept by Johns Hopkins records one million confirmed cases, the actual number is thought to be much higher.

It took a month and a half for the first 100,000 cases to be registered.

A million was reached after a doubling in cases over the past week.

Nearly a quarter of cases have been registered in the United States, while Europe accounts for around half.

The pandemic is taking a huge economic toll: an extra 6.6 million Americans applied for unemployment benefit last week.

BBC

Health

Covid-19 Case Update: 20 Discharged

By Web News 747

Ten new cases of covid-19 have been reported in Nigeria; 7 in Lagos and 3 in the FCT.
As at 08:00 pm 2nd April there are 184 confirmed cases of covid-19 reported in Nigeria. Twenty have been discharged with two deaths.
Currently:
Lagos- 98
FCT- 38
Osun- 14
Oyo- 8
Akwa Ibom- 5
Ogun- 4
Edo- 4
Kaduna- 4
Bauchi- 3
Enugu- 2
Ekiti- 2
Rivers-1
Benue- 1

@NCDCgov

Lifestyle

Will Social Distancing Affect Kinship and Friendship?

By Web News 1300

Greetings in the form of kneeling, prostrating shaking of hands and embracing are integral parts of Nigeria’s social life.

The outbreak and spread of coronavirus or Covid-19 to many countries of the world have however impacted on this aspect of life as many people now distance themselves from others for fear of contracting the disease.

This is because social distancing, constant handwashing with soap water or hand sanitizers as well as maintaining basic health rules have been identified as viable means to prevent the spread of the dreadful disease among the populace.

The question is, when Covid-19 episode is over, what happens to friendship, kinship, comradeship and other social relations.

Some residents of Ibadan the Oyo state capital believe that as covid-19 came so would it go while other social relationships remain intact

They stressed the need for people to be positive-minded in this regard while observing the various regulations on keeping the disease at Bay

Reacting, a sociologist at the University of Ibadan, Dr Oludayo Tade urged people to embrace the precautionary measures for now to save their lives and that of their loved ones.

“It is all about survival, there is nothing you gain by greeting and dying and if you do not embrace or greet from a distance, it is not because you do not like the other person.”

Dr Tade advised that technology be deployed in fast-tracking relationships.

Also, the Provost, College of Medicine, Professor Emiola Olapade -Olaopa said while observing social distancing people should also distance themselves from any physical object that may have been a resting place for the virus such as doorknobs, tabletops and other surfaces.

prof. olapade olaopa/posterity media

It is gladdening also that major pharmacies and some Banks have put modalities in place to ensure physical distancing while queuing for drugs and services while others were yet to.

The World Health Organization, WHO, has advised a distance of at least three feet between two people as a precaution.

While awaiting the final end of Covid-19 siege on the global community everyone, therefore, is expected to take responsibility and prevent its spread.

Anthonia Akanji

Economy

Security Operatives Enforce market Closure Order in Akure

By Web News 1649

There has been total compliance with the market closure order in Akure today Wednesday.

The Ondo State government in a bid to prevent the entry of the coronavirus had ordered a total shutdown of all markets after traders and residents failed to comply strictly with an earlier directive.

Radio Nigeria correspondent who visited Isinkan, Neighbourhood and Oba markets all in the metropolis sighted a handful of security operatives enforcing the closure.

Traders of food items who had converged on the popular Arakale Motor Park to ply their trade following their relocation a few days ago were not allowed as law enforcement agents turned them back.

The traders were later seen standing in groups around the marketplace.

Residents who also came for shopping at the Motor Park were disappointed as there were no perishable goods on display.

The situation has culminated in a free flow of vehicles along the ever-busy Arakale Road.

Adebukola Bardi

News

Sports Lovers Pray for Quick End to Covid-19

By Web News 900

Sports lovers in Akure the Ondo state capital have expressed mixed feelings following the stay-at-home order and the shutdown of all sporting activities as a result of the COVID 19 pandemic.

Sports reporter, Isaac Afolabi who sampled their views completes the report.

Before the present situation, it is always a week full of action, be it the in the European football leagues, the Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL, matches or visiting viewing and betting centres just to get the excitement of sporting activities.

Now, the story has changed, stadia, betting shops, football viewing centres and gyms have all become shadows of themselves following the global pandemic which necessitated shutting down all sporting activities.

In the Akure, the Ondo state capital, the popular Akure Sports Complex was deserted even as the ever-busy sports betting shops located around the metropolis were under lock owing to the stay-at-home order by the government.

Speaking with Radio Nigeria on this scenario, a soccer fan and broadcaster Bunmi Afuye said the weekend was just boring as he couldn’t watch the European games and visit the stadium to watch Nigeria domestic league matches.

A passionate sports lover, Mrs Ola Adelalu said the current development was painful.

On his part, a fitness trainer and a basketball player, Henry Akinlaja said although the situation was in the best interest of all he had since gotten engaged with training at home to get over the boredom.

Also looking at the economic impact, Radio Nigeria caught up with an owner of a sports viewing centre who shared his concerns.

Meanwhile, young boys on the streets have resorted to playing football on empty roads in some parts of the state capital.

Many of the respondents could not but wish that things get back to normal and quickly too.

Isaac Afolabi

Politics

Covid-19: Palliatives for the indigent almost ready – Makinde

By Web News 937

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said that some commissioners in his cabinet are presently working on palliatives for the indigents and the most vulnerable in the state to reduce the effect of Covid-19.

Governor Makinde who stated this during a phone-in segment of a radio programme in Ibadan said the stimulus package is aimed at alleviating the suffering of the less-privileged in the society in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

The governor who noted that the economic stimulus was delayed due to lack of relevant data, disclosed that he has directed those in charge of the package to be transparent and accountable.

Governor Makinde, however, appealed to the resident of Oyo state to support the government in its fight against the coronavirus.

He said markets in Oyo state would be reopened and the dusk to dawn curfew be called off as soon as the government receive a favourable report from the state Covid-19 Task Force.

The commissioners working on the palliatives are state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Alhaja Fausat Sanni, her counterpart in the Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Funmi Orisadeyi and that of Special Duties, Mr Bayo Lawal.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Don’t politicize Makinde’s being Covid-19 positive – Oyo CPS

By Web News 748

Oyo State government has urged individuals not to politicise the issue of coronavirus which the governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde tested positive for.

Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Taiwo Adisa while reacting to insinuations in some quarters that the governor contracted the disease at a People’s Democratic Party, PDP zonal rally held in Ibadan said his boss did not contract the virus at the much-talked-about PDP Unification Rally.

The governor’s spokesman explained that there was no known incident of Covid-19 as of the time the rally was held.

Mr Adisa noted that the only case of exposure that Governor Makinde had to coronavirus was when he attended the National Economic Council, NEC meeting on March 19, 2020, a day after the Ibadan rally pointed out that all governors who attended that meeting were advised to employ self-isolation and undergo testing after one of the attendees tested positive to the virus.

He, therefore, warned individuals trying to politicise the governor’s case to desist from doing so and look for ways of supporting the efforts to stop the spread of the virus in Oyo state.

Iyabo Adebisi

Health

Environmentalist Urges Nigerians to Sustain Personal Hygiene

By Web News 758

An environmentalist professor Godson Ana wants Nigerians to sustain the hygienic habit they are displaying now against coronoavirus and after.

Professor Ana stated this in Ibadan while speaking with journalists on the impact of coronavirus in the country.

The environmentalists noted that it would have been much easier for the government to sensitize citizens if the momentum it had during ebola virus crisis was maintained.

Professor Ana noted that the only way to prevent outbreak of disease in any country was by ensuring hygienic environment.

He therefore called on private sector to do more to assist the government in the fight against coronavirus.

He also cautioned members of the public against self medication.

Sunday Ogunyemi

Health

Coronavirus Patient in Ekiti Discharged

By Web News 820

The only patient with positive case of Corona Virus in Ekiti state has been discharged.

The patient who has been receiving treatment since 18th of March, at the Ekiti State Infection Disease Control Centre in Oba Adejuyigbe General Hospital Ado-Ekiti was confirmed Negative having been treated for the coronavirus.

The patient who was full of joy said that the state government had been up to the task throughout the period he was quarantined at the center.

The commissioner for Health and Human Services in Ekiti state Dr.Mojisola Yaya-Kolade disclosed that the index case was given best of treatment and was confirmed free of the virus with all tests carried out.

Dr. Yaya – Kolade explained that  the state government was  monitoring the 41 contacts that had been put in self isolation and all necessary tests had been concluded to contain the spread of the virus in the state.

The commissioner appealed to all Ekiti residents to adhere to hygienic life style and obey the stay at home order of the state government aimed at containing the spread of the disease.

Oriole Afolabi