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Author: Alpha Maidawa

Death toll from Lassa fever outbreak hits 193
The death toll from the Lassa fean outbreak of Lassa fever has risen to 173, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has said.
The NCDC said that this represents a Case Fatality Rate (CFR), of 18.9 per cent.
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director-General of NCDC, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Abuja, while giving an update of on the Lassa fever outbreak that amidst the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), outbreak in the country, the agency has continued to manage a national Lassa fever outbreak.
He said that in week 12, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 51 cases in week 11, to 28 cases.
The NCDC DG said that these were reported case in 12 states, Edo, Ondo, Ebonyi, Bauchi, Taraba, Plateau, Kogi, Abia, Enugu, FCT, Benue and Gombe.
“This is cumulatively from week one to week 12., 173 deaths have been reported with CFR of 18.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2019 with 22.9 per cent.
“In total for 2020, 27 states have recorded at least one confirmed case across 125 Local Government Areas.
“Of all confirmed cases, 72 per cent are from three states, which are Edo,with 33 per cent, Ondo with 32 per cent and Ebonyi with seven per cent.
“The predominant age-group affected is 21 to 30 years, range: from one to 78 years, Median Age: 33 years. The male to female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:1.2,” he explained.
Ihekweazu said that the number of suspected cases had significantly increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2019.
”With joy that there were no healthcare workers affected in the reporting week 12,” he said.
The NCDC DG said the National Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) had been activated to coordinate response activities across states.
“Of the states with confirmed cases, eight of them have activated state- level EOCs
National Rapid Response Teams have been deployed from NCDC to support response activities in 10 States.
“Surge staff Doctors, Nurses, Laboratorians and Hygienist, are deployed to ISTH and FMC Owo. And also State Public Health Emergency Operations Centre activated in affected States,” he said.
According to him, the five molecular laboratories for Lassa fever testing in the NCDC network are working full capacity to ensure that all samples are tested and results provided within the shortest turnaround time
He said that NCDC was working to support every state in Nigeria to identify one treatment centre, while supporting existing ones with care, treatment and IPC commodities.
Ihekweazu said that the risk communications and community engagement activities have been scaled up across states using television, radio, print, social media and other strategies.
He, however added that there was an Implementation of Lassa fever Environmental response campaign in high burden states by Federal Ministry of Environment.
Ihekweazu stressed that Lassa fever is a disease spread to humans through food or household items contaminated with rodent urine or faeces.
“In 80 per cent of cases, the fever is asymptomatic, but for some, the symptoms include high fever, headache, mouth ulcers, muscle aches, haemorrhaging under the skin and heart and kidney failure.
“It has an incubation period of between six and 21 days and can be transmitted through contact with an infected person via bodily fluids and excretion.
He advised Nigerians on a more effective personal hygiene, storing grain and other foodstuffs in rodent-proof containers, and disposing of garbage far from their homes to help sustain clean households. (NAN)
March 27, 2020
COVID-19: FG set to announce maximum number of people at gathering
The Federal Government will soon announce the maximum number of people to be at any gathering, to stem the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19).
The Minister of Health, Dr Osagie Ehanire, made the disclosure at a media update on COVID-19 in Abuja on Thursday.
He noted that some states had put the maximum number of people to be at a gathering at 50 but said that a general order would soon be announced by the Federal Government.
“Directives have been issued at state level to limit gatherings including religious, social and political gatherings.
“Markets have also been closed and alternative solutions for food supply chain have been created in some states; social distancing measures shall be considered in the coming days,” he said.
Ehanire said that inconveniences were regretted and urged all citizens to accept the measures in good faith since they were for common good.
He said that more measures might be instituted by the federal and state governments.
The minister said that other critical measures the country was taking included contact tracing.
He said that the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had deployed Rapid Response Teams to affected states to support response activities.
He called on all health facilities – public or private – to be on high alert, adding that all health workers of all cadres should give full cooperation to contact tracers.
“ The Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) is working closely with states and the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to review response activities and institute measures to protect the health and wellbeing of Nigerians.
“The multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, coordinates it and other national response activities.
“FMOH is working with Nigerian Customs Service, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Ports Authority to ensure surveillance at land and sea borders.
“Ships coming in through the seaports are subjected to mandatory health screening and clearance by Port Health Services, especially ships that sailed from high-risk ports, those that have been at sea for less than 14 days or have crew members who are ill,” he said.
The minister reminded Nigerians that curbing the outbreak was not an assignment for the government alone but for all Nigerians.
He urged them to play their parts in their little ways by taking social distancing very seriously as a mark of individual social responsibility.
“Ensure you maintain at least two metres (five feet) physical distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
“These are trying times in our nation. The fight to contain COVID-19 is a call for collective action. The government is doing everything possible to contain the pandemic,” he said.
Ehanire said that the Presidential Task Force would continue to review the strategies and take appropriate steps.
“Those who have had contact with confirmed cases or have returned from overseas travel in the last 15 days should strictly observe self-isolation, call in or register on NCDC platforms.
“Do not leave your house during the self-isolation period.
“If you are on supervised self-Isolation, make sure you call in as required and, as much as possible, stay in one room. Strictly limit contact with others, for your family’s sake.
“If during self-isolation you develop symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath (or difficulty in breathing) or general feeling of unwell, avoid self-medication and contact NCDC Connect Centre immediately on 0080097000010 or 112,” he advised.
The breakdown of COVID-19 cases shows that Lagos State still has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country with 32 cases, followed by Abuja with 10 and Ogun with three, while Ekiti, Oyo, Edo, Bauchi, Osun and Rivers have one case each.
Most of the cases reported are people, who just returned to the country, while the others are people who were in contact with infected people. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
G20 leaders to inject $5trn into global economy
The leaders of the world’s 20 largest economies (G20) promised to inject more than 5 trillion dollars into the global economy, as part of their coordinated response to the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are injecting more than 5 trillion dollars into the global economy, as part of targeted fiscal policy, economic measures, and guarantee schemes to counteract the social.
“Others are economic and financial impacts of the pandemic,” read the statement released after the conclusion of the virtual meeting led by Saudi Arabia.
Finance ministers and central bank governors of the G20 countries will coordinate and work closely with international organisations to develop and deliver “appropriate international financial assistance.”
The leaders also plan to expand manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing needs for medical supplies amid the novel coronavirus outbreak. (dpa/NAN)
March 26, 2020
COVID-19: NASSI decries slow pace in commercial activities
The Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), has decried the slow pace in commercial activities facing the chain of manufacturing, distribution and consumption in Nigeria due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr Solomon Vongfa, National President of NASSI, in a statement on Thursday in Abuja said that the pandemic had crippled the commercial life of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the nation.
Vongfa stated that the MSME’s occupied more than 70 per cent of Nigerian work force.
According to him, the current global health challenge has forced members of this productive sector to shut down their plants and companies across the country, thus running at a loss.
As a solution, the NASSI president requested the kind assistance of the Federal Government to support the MSME’s in order to revive and stimulate their businesses.
He also appreciated the Federal Government efforts and in particular the current release of N50 billion intervention fund through the Central Bank of Nigeria to support the growth of MSME’s nationwide.
In addition, he solicited for immediate support by the Federal Government through the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment to aid the MSME’s family at this period of global health challenge.
“The development of Nigerian economy to compete globally can be spurred by major stakeholders through the application of local content and looking inwards to Nigeria local resources.
“This will naturally stimulate industrialisation, create wealth and reduce crime in a nation of more than 200 million people,” he said.
He, however, expressed appreciation to the entire MSMEs sector and Nigerians for their patience during this trying period. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
Shareholders applaud GTBank’s decision to hold AGM by proxy
Shareholders of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) Plc. on Thursday lauded the bank’s decision to go ahead with the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in spite of COVID-19.
The shareholders made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, while reacting to the bank’s plan to hold AGM slated for March 30 by proxy, to minimise social contact.
GTBank on March 25, in a notice to its shareholders and the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), said that the Corporate Affairs Commission granted its request to hold the meeting by proxy.
According to Investopedia, proxy is an agent legally authorised to act on behalf of another party or a format that allows an investor to vote without being physically present in a meeting.
Shareholders not attending a company’s AGM may vote their shares by proxy by allowing someone else to cast votes on their behalf, or they may vote by mail.
The bank had expressed concerns over the health hazards arising from the coronavirus pandemic, which could heighten by public gatherings.
“We are pleased to inform you that the Corporate Affairs Commission has graciously approved that the AGM should hold with attendance by proxy, to minimise social contact.
“Shareholders are encouraged to appoint proxies to represent them at the meeting, as the company would abide by the Lagos State Government directive of not having more than 25 people in a gathering (or any number as may be permitted at the date of the meeting),” the bank said in the notice.
Commenting on the issue, Mr Moses Igbrude, immediate Publicity Secretary, Independent Shareholders Association of Nigeria (ISAN), commended the bank for the idea.
“Necessity, they say, is the mother of invention.
” Many companies postponed their AGMs because of COVID-19 pandemic, but GTBank decided to be strategic by exploiting other available ways of holding AGM instead of postponing it and delaying dividend payment which shareholders need most at this critical time,” Igbrude said.
The shareholder activist said that the bank had proved to be strategic and innovative.
He said that ISAN had nominated its Founder, Mr Sunny Nwosu, to be its proxy at the AGM.
Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., also hailed the bank for the initiative.
“It is a welcome development.
“The bank has domonstrated commitment to creating value for its shareholders for having faith in its management.
“It is also an indication that investors will get their dividends needed at this trying period,” Omordion said. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
COVID 19: World Athletics Commission hails postponement of 2020 Olympics Games
The World Athletics Athletes’ Commission on Thursday said it welcomes the decision from Japanese Government and the International Olympic Commission (IOC) to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games to 2021.
A statement on the website of the athletics governing body stated that the decision provides the clarity that athletes sought against the backdrop of COVID-19.
It also allows athletes to focus on staying healthy and helping combat the unprecedented global pandemic.
”We understand that many questions remain unanswered, and as we move forward, we will continue to work closely with World Athletics and other athlete groups in our sport to provide answers to those questions.
”To that end, we have begun working with World Athletics to explore the possibility of providing athletes with competition opportunities this year, provided that it is safe to do so.
”Additionally, we expect to be part of the review process of the current Olympic qualification system, and will ensure that athletes’ concerns are taken into consideration before any amendments to that system are implemented.
”At this time, we ask athletes to follow the recommendations of their governments and health authorities by staying home and practicing social distancing to safeguard the health of those around them.
”Together we can be part of the solution, and when the time comes, be the beacons of inspiration through athletics that our world will need,” the statement read in part. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
COVID-19: We have gone online training —- Taekwondo stakeholder
Ferguson Oluigbo, the President of Pan Africa Martial Arts International (PANAMAI) Open Sports Taekwondo Academy, says that the body has settled for online trainings of its athletes due to the outbreak of COVID-19.
Oluigbo told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos that all PANAMAI West Africa taekwondo dojangs had been closed with immediate effect in order to comply with the directives meant to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
“As martial artists, we have not relented in our efforts to ensure that our taekwondo trainings do not suffer unduly. In view of this, we will go online through our WhatsApp platform.
“We have opened an online whatsapp forum where training guidelines and videos will be served twice weekly and questions answered to ensure that we sustain our training tempo from the comfort of our homes,” he said.
He added that the platform was open to existing and new members.
He added that old members who were up to date with their dues would be automatically registered to enjoy the benefits normally accrued to them.
According to him, consideration will be given to only old members who have indicated interests to be on the WhatsApp training forum, while new members will be expected to request for registration details.
Oluigbo, a taekwondo grandmaster, added that the training guidelines would commence immediately on the whatsapp platform adding that interested new members should reach out to him through his WhatsApp contact.
“The WhatsApp group platform has really come in handy this time and we want to make the best use of it and to also get members informed because of the recent pandemic across the globe,” he said.
The PANAMAI boss said that the platform would create an enabling environment for participants within and outside the country to get tips and preparations on fitness, martial art and taekwondo trainings.
He also advised members in their respective locations to comply and bring to bear all preventive measures specified by authorities aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
WHO says Africa’s window to contain coronavirus narrowing
About half of the countries in sub-Saharan Africa still have a “narrowing’’ opportunity to curb the spread of coronavirus in the local population, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Thursday.
WHO Africa Head, Matshidiso Moeti, said this at a news teleconference.
“The virus has multiplied across Africa more slowly than in Asia or Europe, but more than 40 nations on the continent have now reported a total of 2,850 with 73 fatalities.
“It has been a very dramatic evolution.
“Governments across the region needed to invest their efforts in aggressively tracing all those people who have been in contact with imported cases to isolate them and prevent transmission of the disease locally.
“Countries need to work on this containment while preparing for a possible, broader expansion of the virus,” Moeti said
The effort needs to be accompanied by public education campaigns to ensure people are maintaining physical distances, something that could help limit the spread of the virus.
This should also complement other measures put in place like halting passenger flights.
South Africa has ordered a lockdown of its population for three weeks while Kenya has imposed a night-time curfew to prevent the disease from spreading.
“We still have a window… it is narrowing everyday as data on the geographic spread to more and more countries tell us,” she said.
John Nkengasong, the Head of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a health body of the AU, said African leaders were preparing to engage with their wealthier counterparts to secure vital equipment.
Equipment supplies are respirators and ventilators in case infection rates worsen.
Nkengasong told the same teleconference that countries with advanced industrial bases like South Africa, Egypt and Morocco could be used to produce such equipment if needed. (Reuters/NAN)
March 26, 2020
Chloroquine not approved for Coronavirus treatment– NCDC warns Nigerians
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has warned that Chloroquine has not been approved for treatment of the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
Dr Chikwe Ihekweazu, Director General of NCDC, gave the warning in Abuja on Thursday, while reacting to the recent media reports that suggested that chloroquine could protect people from COVID-19 or treat COVID-19 in patients.
”Nigerians should please remember that the use of chloroquine and its derivatives for the management of COVID-19 disease has not been validated and approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO)”.
”There have been promising results by researchers but until then, the drug is not approved for use for COVID-19 treatment.
”Nigerians should know that self-medication can cause harm and lead to death.
“Do not misuse drugs. We understand these are challenging times, and Nigerians may be worried, but the Federal Ministry of Health(FMoH), through the NCDC is doing everything it can to continue to ensure the safety and health security of every Nigerian.
“Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine have not been licensed to treat COVID-19 related symptoms or prevent infection,” he said.
The NCDC boss said that clinical trials were still ongoing to test chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine as an agent in the treatment of COVID-19 or to prevent COVID-19 infection.
He said that these clinical trials were still not completed, so no conclusions have been reached on the safety and effectiveness of this medicine to treat or prevent COVID-19.
He said that until the WHO, have clear, definitive evidence that these treatments were safe and effective for the treatment of COVID-19, it should not be misused.
In addition to responding to the outbreak, NCDC has begun a communications campaign to debunk misinformation and provide Nigerians with facts to protect their health.
The breakdown of COVID-19 cases by states in the country shows that Lagos State still has the highest number of confirmed cases in the country with 32 cases, followed by Abuja with 10 cases, Ogun State three, and Ekiti, Oyo Edo, Bauchi Osun and Rivers have one case each.
Most of the cases reported are travellers who have just returned to the country. Other cases are people who have come in contact with infected people. (NAN)
March 26, 2020
NSE returns to negative posture, indices down by 0.05%
Trading on the Nigerian equity market returned to negative territory on Wednesday with 0.05 per cent dip or losses in MTN Nigeria and six other stocks.
Consequently, the All-Share Index dropped 11.68 points or 0.05 per cent to 21,729.48 compared with 21,741.16 recorded on Tuesday.
Also, the market capitalisation dipped N6 billion or 0.05 per cent to close lower at N11.323 trillion against N11.329 trillion on Tuesday.
The Exchange has commenced full remote trading following the raging COVID-19 in the country.
The downturn was impacted by losses recorded in medium and large capitalised stocks, among which were-Total Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, Africa Prudential, FCMB Group and GlaxoSmithKline.
Mr Ambrose Omordion, the Chief Operating Officer, InvestData Ltd., said market players were still interpreting the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.
“We expect mixed performance to continue, as market players interpret the outcome of MPC and expected impact of the stimulus package on the economy,” Omordion stated.
He added that the postponement of Annual General Meetings (AGMs) due to coronavirus was taking toll on the market.
Total Nigeria led the losers’ chart in percentage terms, dropping by 10 per cent to close at N96.30 per share.
Africa Prudential followed with 9.87 per cent to close at N3.47, while Jaiz Bank declined by 8.16 per cent to close at 45k per share.
FCMB Group depreciated by 3.85 per cent to close at N1.50 and MTN Nigeria declined by 2.91 per cent to close at N100, per share.
Conversely, Cutix recorded led the gainers’ chart in percentage terms, gaining 10 per cent, to close at N1.32 per share.
Cadbury followed with a gain of 9.71 per cent to close at N5.65, while Neimeth, Prestige Assurance, Union Diagnostic, United Bank for Africa and Wapic Insurance appreciated by 9.09 per cent each to close at 48k, 60k, 24k, N4.80 and 24k per share.
PZ improved by 8.64 per cent to close at N4.40, while Wema Bank appreciated by 8.33 per cent to close at 52k per share.
Similarly, the volume of shares traded declined by 29.27 per cent as investors bought and sold 233.47 million shares worth N2.24 billion in 3,874 deals.
This was against 330.10 million shares valued at N3.57 billion transacted in 4,561 deals on Tuesday.
Transactions in the shares of Guaranty Trust Bank topped the activity chart with 49.68 million shares valued at N847.78 million.
Zenith Bank followed with 44.70 million shares worth N522.19 million, while Access Bank accou Ted for 44.18 million shares valued at N250.26 million.
UBA sold 23.25 million shares worth N109.897 million, while FBN Holdings traded 18.57 million shares valued at N74.66 million. (NAN)
March 26, 2020