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  • Coronavirus: Ondo Government Shuts Down Markets, Begins Fumigation

    Coronavirus: Ondo Government Shuts Down Markets, Begins Fumigation

    Coronavirus: Ondo Government Shuts Down Markets, Begins Fumigation 1

    Coronavirus: Ondo Government Shuts Down Markets, Begins Fumigation 2


    The Ondo State Government has shut down all markets including the ones selling essential commodities in the state. 

    The government said the closure was part of measures to stem the spread of Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

    In a statement, the Ondo Government said, “It has been observed that residents have flagrantly disobeyed this directive which is a potent measure to avoid the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. 

    “Compelled by this unwholesome infraction, government hereby places a total ban on all markets across Ondo State.

    “This ban is irrespective of any item. For emphasis, all markets must remain closed until further notice.”

    In a related development, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has ordered the fumigation of all markets and motor parks across the state.

    He said, “By the time people return to the markets after the closure, they will meet the place cleaner and already fumigated.”

     

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  • Windstorm Destroys Houses, Billboards In Bayelsa

    Windstorm Destroys Houses, Billboards In Bayelsa

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    Windstorm Destroys Houses, Billboards In Bayelsa 4


    Properties worth millions of naira were on Wednesday destroyed by a windstorm that accompanied a rainfall in Yenagoa, capital of Bayelsa State.

    On Tuesday, a fierce windstorm had destroyed the broadcast mast of Glory FM, a radio station owned by state government.

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    Windstorm Destroys Broadcast Mast In Bayelsa


    Among properties affected by Wednesday’s incident were the broadcast mast of Daar Communication Plc, operator of AIT and Raypower.

    The windstorm also destroyed a giant billboard at Goodluck Jonathan Bridge, roof of buildings housing civil servants at Market Estate and several other.

    No casualty was recorded during the incident. 

     

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  • Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households

    Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households

    Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households 6

    Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households 7

    Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households 8


    The Nigerian Government on Wednesday commenced the distribution of N20,000 relief fund to vulnerable households in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory.

    Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadia Umar-Farouk, said exercise would continue for the next four months.

    She added that the relief fund was being distributed in line with the announcement made by President Muhammadu Buhari during his nationwide broadcast on Sunday. 

    Nigerian Government Begins Distribution of N20,000 Relief Fund To Vulnerable Households 9


    Farouq disclosed that the N20,000 would be given to each person in vulnerable households as palliative to mitigate the effect of lockdown. 

    She said, “Because of this COVID-19, the vulnerable groups have to expand because we are aware that there are people who live on daily wage.

    “So, we are also going to look at those groups of people to see how we can get food relief intervention to them in this period.”

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  • Chadian Army Kills Boko Haram Terrorists In Retaliation For Soldiers’ Ambush

    Chadian Army Kills Boko Haram Terrorists In Retaliation For Soldiers’ Ambush

    Chadian Army Kills Boko Haram Terrorists In Retaliation For Soldiers’ Ambush 10

    Chadian Army Kills Boko Haram Terrorists In Retaliation For Soldiers’ Ambush 11


    The Chadian Army has killed dozens of Boko Haram terrorists in retaliation for the terror group’s ambush of its soldiers.

    The ambush killed at least 90 soldiers last week.

    Earlier this week, Chadian President, Idriss Deby, directed commanders of a multi-national joint task force to embark on operations against the Islamic sect.

    In a video showing moments after the successful operation, Chadian troops can be seen chanting victory songs while showcasing bodies of Boko Haram terrorists, according to PRNigeria. 

    In response, Abubakar Shekau, Boko Haram leader, released a video threatening to retaliate against President Deby.

    He said, “Do not think because you have fought several secular wars in several fronts you can fight those of us that chose to fight for the Jihad.”

    The Nigerian Army suffered a similar ambush on its troops in Borno State, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency, losing more than 70 soldiers.

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  • Petri Dish Detention By Mohammed Ibraheem Zakzaky

    Petri Dish Detention By Mohammed Ibraheem Zakzaky

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    Petri Dish Detention By Mohammed Ibraheem Zakzaky 13


    The world is gripped in the Coronavirus reality and the immense panic and disruption it brings along with it. This virulent scourge has cut a path less trodden by viruses, as it infects and spreads with little regard for all the norms of red tape that has allowed the murder and official disappearance of many, including my six brothers. By the time it begins to execute those whose death sentences it has written and signed it is always 10 steps ahead on the paperwork. That is almost eight steps ahead of professionals like Buhari.

    The virus is a near perfect beta of a doomsday virus. Even the most hard-line sceptics have ended up dumbfound by just how profoundly serious Covid-19 is as a survivalist organism that is here to accomplish its apocalyptic mission. Though many medical experts have since been pressured, pressed and forced to promise a vaccine and possible cure within the next few months to a year; the truth is that the threat is clearly unprecedented.

    In my case I went to sleep in a world where my priority was to deliver food and medical aid to my parents in Kaduna Prison; only to wake up and realize that there was an even larger number of factors in play. I slept knowing full well that it was an uphill battle against the entire regime of Major-General-Buhari and his army of punitive henchmen; to all of a sudden be confronted by a Diablo ex-Machina; courtesy of the novel corona virus AKA Covid-19.

    Now all visits to prison by anyone and everyone were effectively and strictly forbidden. I understood and reasoned that it was the proper measure to prevent contagion of this clearly deadly disease. The last thing I would want is to be a part of what makes my already sickly parents sicker; or worse.

    In spite of the fact that I had completed all arrangements to have doctors visit both my parents in Kaduna Prison, in order to provide them with relief for their existing medical conditions due to age and a plethora of wounds they sustained during the attack and subsequent ransacking of our home by the Nigerian Army. All of which have all gone untreated during the past five years.

    I still thought and reasoned that a quarantine of the entire area was the best measure possible in the short term, considering the existing circumstances. As a result of this I made all the necessary apologies to cancel appointments with all the doctors and hospitals, to ensure that the quarantine in Kaduna Prison will hold and be maintained. I then did all in my power to send masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, soap and vitamins. All in an effort to stay safe and keep everyone safe. 

    I have now since been jolted out of the stupor of perceived safety by terrible news. There has been a violent incident inside Kaduna Prison, which has rendered my memory of the Zaria Massacre of 2015 raw. As the harrowing sounds of another rampage of gun fire was heard from Kaduna Prison, where my parents are currently being detained.

    All my frantic calls to the Controller of Prisons and his deputy were not answered, as the sounds of gun fire continued to rage. All my efforts to learn what was really going on failed. I have however been able to learn a few things through the few answered calls. All of them agree on the following.

    1.      There has been a surge of Covid-19 symptomatic prisoners in Kaduna Prison.

    2.      Staff of the prison clinic have been avoiding three symptomatic prisoners particularly.

    3.      Three of them were removed and one was returned on Tuesday.

    4.      A number of Prisoners strongly objected to the re-introduction of the prisoners.

    5.      The prison staff tried to calm things down by trying to reason with them.

    6.      The Prison’s armed squad were then deployed, to supress an alleged prison break.

    7.      After a period of automatic fire in the air and on target, calm was restored.

    8.      The prisoners suspected of Covid-19 are among those reported shot and killed.

    9.      Bullet canisters were still littered all over the place 3 hours later.

    10.  Many of the Kaduna prison staff are visibly injured, some with serious injuries.

    11.  A significant number of the injured staff were seen walking around in blood-soaked uniforms.

    12.  So called normalcy has been enforced, and returned at an unknown cost.

    The fact remains that the highly crowded, unsanitary conditions of Kaduna Prison remains a highly contagious environment, that is no place for my vulnerable mother and father, both of whom are above 50 years of age. Both of whom are un-healthy, both of whom are suffering from an unprecedented number of health issues that have remained untreated and unattended.

    Due to a determination by the regime of Heil! Major-General Buhari and his now contagious Governor El-Rufai and their army of undertakers. It is unclear what is really going on at the site of all the intense gunfire that was heard in Kaduna Prison. Aside from the above stated facts, I can say no more.

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  • Joint Statement by QU Dongyu, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and Roberto Azevedo, Directors-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO)

    Millions of people around the world depend on international trade for their food security and livelihoods. As countries move to enact measures aiming to halt the accelerating COVID-19 pandemic, care must be taken to minimise potential impacts on the food supply or unintended consequences on global trade and food security. 

    When acting to protect the health and well-being of their citizens, countries should ensure that any trade-related measures do not disrupt the food supply chain. Such disruptions including hampering the movement of agricultural and food industry workers and extending border delays for food containers, result in the spoilage of perishables and increasing food waste. Food trade restrictions could also be linked to unjustified concerns on food safety. If such a scenario were to materialize, it would disrupt the food supply chain, with particularly pronounced consequences for the most vulnerable and food insecure populations. 

    Uncertainty about food availability can spark a wave of export restrictions, creating a shortage on the global market. Such reactions can alter the balance between food supply and demand, resulting in price spikes and increased price volatility. We learned from previous crises that such measures are particularly damaging for low-income, food-deficit countries and to the efforts of humanitarian organizations to procure food for those in desperate need.

    We must prevent the repeat of such damaging measures. It is at times like this that more, not less, international cooperation becomes vital. In the midst of the COVID-19 lockdowns, every effort must be made to ensure that trade flows as freely as possible, specially to avoid food shortage. Similarly, it is also critical that food producers and food workers at processing and retail level are protected to minimise the spread of the disease within this sector and maintain food supply chains. Consumers, in particular the most vulnerable, must continue to be able to access food within their communities under strict safety requirements.  

    We must also ensure that information on food-related trade measures, levels of food production, consumption and stocks, as well as on food prices, is available to all in real time. This reduces uncertainty and allows producers, consumers and traders to make informed decisions. Above all, it helps contain ‘panic buying’ and the hoarding of food and other essential items.

    Now is the time to show solidarity, act responsibly and adhere to our common goal of enhancing food security, food safety and nutrition and improving the general welfare of people around the world.  We must ensure that our response to COVID-19 does not unintentionally create unwarranted shortages of essential items and exacerbate hunger and malnutrition.

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  • OHCHR, IOM, UNHCR and WHO joint press release: the rights and health of refugees, migrants and stateless must be protected in COVID-19 response

    In the face of the COVID-19 crisis, we are all vulnerable. The virus has shown that it does not discriminate – but many refugees, those forcibly displaced, the stateless and migrants are at heightened risk. 

    Three-quarters of the world’s refugees and many migrants are hosted in developing regions where health systems are already overwhelmed and under-capacitated.  Many live in overcrowded camps, settlements, makeshift shelters or reception centers, where they lack adequate access to health services, clean water and sanitation. 

    The situation for refugees and migrants held in formal and informal places of detention, in cramped and unsanitary conditions, is particularly worrying. Considering the lethal consequences a COVID-19 outbreak would have, they should be released without delay. Migrant children and their families and those detained without a sufficient legal basis should be immediately released.

    This disease can be controlled only if there is an inclusive approach which protects every individual’s rights to life and health.  Migrants and refugees are disproportionately vulnerable to exclusion, stigma and discrimination, particulary when undocumented.  To avert a catastrophe, governments must do all they can to protect the rights and the health of everyone. Protecting the rights and the health of all people will in fact help control the spread of the virus.

    It is vital that everyone, including all migrants and refugees, are ensured equal access to health services and are effectively included in national responses to COVID-19, including prevention, testing and treatment. Inclusion will help not only to protect the rights of refugees and migrants, but will also serve to protect public health and stem the global spread of COVID-19.  While many nations protect and host refugee and migrant populations, they are often not equipped to respond to crises such as Covid-19. To ensure refugees and migrants have adequate access to national health services, States may need additional financial support. This is where the world’s financial institutions can play a leading role in making funds available. 

    While countries are closing their borders and limiting cross-border movements, there are ways to manage border restrictions in a manner which respects international human rights and refugee protection standards, including the principle of non-refoulement, through quarantine and health checks. 

    More than ever, as COVID-19 poses a global threat to our collective humanity, our primary focus should be on the preservation of life, regardless of status.  This crisis demands a coherent, effective international approach that leaves no-one behind.  At this crucial moment we all need to rally around a common objective, fighting this deadly virus. Many refugees, displaced, stateless people and migrants have skills and resources that can also be part of the solution.

    We cannot allow fear or intolerance to undermine rights or compromise the effectiveness of responses to the global pandemic. We are all in this together. We can only defeat this virus when each and every one of us is protected. 

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  • Medical Product Alert N°2/2020

    Medical Product Alert N°2/2020

    This Medical Product Alert relates to a confirmed falsified human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in vitro diagnostic medical device (IVD) that has been identified circulating in Guyana and Kenya.

    Through its Global Surveillance and Monitoring System (GSMS) for substandard/falsified medical products,
    WHO was informed that at least 8,240 falsified rapid diagnostic tests to detect HIV-1/2 have been distributed in Guyana at end-user level. The product is Uni-Gold™ HIV and claims to be manufactured by
    Trinity Biotech plc. Subsequent reports
    revealed that the same falsified product is also circulating in Kenya.

    Uni-Gold™ HIV is a single-use rapid diagnostic test – an immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibodies to HIV-1 and HIV-2 in serum, plasma and whole blood. Uni-Gold™ HIV is intended for use in point of care settings as an aid
    in diagnosis of HIV-1 and HIV-2 infection.

    The WHO testing strategy recommends three HIV reactive test results to confirm an HIV-positive status in a
    patient. The use of this falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, subject of WHO medical product alert n°2 of 2020, is likely to lead to delayed diagnosis of HIV status.

    Table 1: Specific details of the falsified product Uni-Gold™ HIV, subject of WHO Medical Product Alert n°2 of 2020

    Product Name

    Uni-Gold™ HIV

    Lot Number

    HIV7120026

    Expiry Date

    5 DEC 2020

    Stated manufacturer

    Trinity Biotech

    The packaging of this falsified HIV test kit is in English.

    The genuine manufacturer (Trinity Biotech plc) has confirmed that:

    • They did not manufacture the falsified product in Table 1.
    • Genuine lot HIV7120026 was made by Trinity Biotech plc and expired in 2019.
    • The expiry date is incorrect and does not correspond with their batch manufacturing records.

    Photographs and advice to the public are available below.

    Figure 1 – Falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, lot number HIV7120026, displaying falsified expiry date

     

    Falsified UniGold HIV Images 1 and 2 Alert

    Figure 2 – Falsified Uni-Gold™ HIV, displaying labelling inconsistencies

    Falsified UniGold HIV Image 3 Alert

     

    Advice on action to be taken by end-users:

    • Please check to see if any Uni-Gold™ HIV test kits in your facility have lot number HIV7120026.
    • If you are in possession of these falsified test kits with lot number HIV7120026:
    1. Please do not use.
    2. Please immediately contact the organization that supplied you with the product (either your HIV testing programme, nongovernmental organization or local distributor).
    3. Please contact Trinity Biotech plc

    Phone : +353 1 276 9800

    E-mail : hiv@trinitybiotech.com

    1. Please contact your national health authorities

    All medical products must be obtained from authentic and reliable sources. Their authenticity and condition should be carefully checked.

    Advice on action to be taken by national health authorities:

    WHO requests increased scrutiny within the supply chains of all countries, particularly at testing sites (health facilities, community-based), clinical laboratories, medical stores/warehouses, and at the facilities of relevant economic operators (agents,
    authorized representatives, distributors, wholesalers, etc.).

    If these falsified test kits with lot number HIV7120026 are discovered, please do not use.

    National health authorities are asked to immediately inform WHO, if these falsified products are discovered in their country using the WHO IVD complaint form.

    If you have any information concerning the manufacture, distribution, or supply of this product, please contact rapidalert@who.int

     

    WHO Global Surveillance and Monitoring System for Substandard and Falsified Medical Products

    For further information, please visit our website: https://www.who.int/medicines/regulation/ssffc/en/ 
     

    Medical Product Alert N°2/2020
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  • Group Hails Army Commander, Adeniyi, For Bravery, Patriotism In Boko Haram Fight After Removal By Buratai

    Group Hails Army Commander, Adeniyi, For Bravery, Patriotism In Boko Haram Fight After Removal By Buratai

    Group Hails Army Commander, Adeniyi, For Bravery, Patriotism In Boko Haram Fight After Removal By Buratai 14

    Group Hails Army Commander, Adeniyi, For Bravery, Patriotism In Boko Haram Fight After Removal By Buratai 15


     

    Concerned Nigerians, a civil society group, has commended Major General Olusegun Adeniyi for revealing challenges faced by troops fighting Boko Haram in Nigeria’s North-East.

    SaharaReporters had earlier reported that Adeniyi was removed as commander of Operation LAFIYA DOLE for revealing in a viral video that troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists lacked weapons and credible intelligence to execute their mission. 

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    Group Hails Army Commander, Adeniyi, For Bravery, Patriotism In Boko Haram Fight After Removal By Buratai 16

    Breaking News

    BREAKING: Nigerian Army Removes General In Viral Video Asking For Weapons To Fight Boko Haram


    The rights group in a statement by Convener, Deji Adeyanju, on Tuesday, said it was obvious Adeniyi was vilified for saying the truth and looking out for the safety of his men on the battlefield.

    The statement reads, “We are greatly impressed with Major-General Adeniyi and his men for their unwavering patriotism, steadfastness and gallantry in fighting against these enemies of humanity. 
    “We want to assure Major-General Adeniyi that Nigerian people look up to him and the boys, their devotion to duty, integrity and sense of honour and commitment to each other in the fight against Boko Haram is well appreciated and noted.”

    Adeyanju called on the Nigerian Government to launch a thorough investigation into the welfare of troops fighting Boko Haram terrorists as well as investing in tools for efficient intelligence gathering. 

     

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  • Nigerian Red Cross Calls For Support To Scale Up Coronavirus Response

    Nigerian Red Cross Calls For Support To Scale Up Coronavirus Response

    Nigerian Red Cross Calls For Support To Scale Up Coronavirus Response 17

    Nigerian Red Cross Calls For Support To Scale Up Coronavirus Response 18


    The Nigerian Red Cross has appealed to members of the public to support its ongoing efforts at creating more awareness on the dangers of Coronavirus and how citizens can avoid contracting the pandemic. 

    In a briefing with journalists on Tuesday, the organisation said that support in form of food and other essential items were needed to distribute to households in order to help cushion the effect of the lockdown ordered by President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday. 

    The lockdown is to be observed in Lagos, Ogun and FCT.  

    Head of Communications and Advocacy of Nigeria Red Cross, Nwakpa O. Nwakpa, said they will continue to work with relevant stakeholders to help curtail the spread of the virus in the country. 

    Nwakpa said, “Following the first confirmed case in Nigeria, the Nigerian Red Cross Society trained and mobilised 100 volunteers in Lagos and Ogun states for intense mass mobilisation to create awareness on preventive measures through radio jingles, live radio shows, distribution of flyers, sensitisation in religious centres, markets, motor parks and streets for two weeks.

    “As we all are aware, number of confirmed cases is still rising, thus there is urgent need for the Nigerian Red Cross Society to scale up her response in all affected states and neighbouring states. 

    “Thus, the Nigerian Red Cross Society is planing to scale her response to 20 states including the Federal Capital Territory. 

    “The Nigerian Red Cross hereby calls on donor agencies, international agencies, well-spirited Nigerians to partner with it to be able to scale up the fight against COVID-19 spread and imminent hardship should the lockdown persist.

    “The Nigerian Red Cross therefore will be willing to receive support in cash, food, household items.

    “All Nigerians should adhere strictly to government’s directives at all times including staying at home and observing optimal personal hygiene.” 

     

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