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COVID-19: poor adherence to safety guidelines threatens third wave – NCDC

Kamila Bello
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The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said poor adherence to COVID-19 safety guidelines is threatening efforts to avert the third wave of COVID-19 infections in the country.

Dr Chikwe Iheakweazu, NCDC Director-General said, the government is continuously strengthening the country’s response capacity, Nigerians were not adhering as expected to the required measures in place to prevent a surge in new cases.

He mentioned that as the Indian variant is spreading, there is poor adherence to public health and social measures across the country.

“People are not wearing their face masks or practising physical distancing,” Ihekweazu said.

“We know from the experience in other countries that a large outbreak can quickly cripple the public health system.

“So, we appeal to all Nigerians to take collective responsibility in preventing a surge in cases in our country. Please wash your hands regularly, wear a face mask properly in public settings and practice physical,” he added.

Ihekweazu said that State Ministries of Health and other relevant government agencies noted that states are working very hard with support from the relevant Departments and Agencies, in implementing the measures that are in place to reduce the risk of an increase in COVID-19 cases in Nigeria.

“In order to prevent the use of fake COVID-19 results, we introduced a result verification platform for travellers together with Port Health Services and other relevant agencies.

“With this platform, it is easier to detect fake COVID-19 PCR test results.

“The Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 has mandated that individuals who present with fake results are prosecuted according to the law.

“We appeal to all travellers to adhere to the Nigerian travel protocol including self-isolation and post-arrival PCR tests. These measures are in place to protect you, your family and loved ones,”  Ihekweazu said.

He disclosed that the state have been supporting the roll-out of approved Antigen-based Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) in hospitals. These are not as accurate as the PCR test, but provide a rapid means of detecting cases especially in large groups.

“We appeal to schools especially those with accommodation facilities, hospitals and workplaces to adopt the regular use of Ag-RDTs to ensure testing continues,” he added.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: FCT Minister warns violators of NCDC safety protocols

 

 

Kamila/Vanguard

COVID-19: Nigeria confirms 31 new cases

Peace Piak Kanu
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Nigeria has recorded 31 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of persons who have tested positive in the country to 165,809

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) announced this via its official Twitter handle on Wednesday morning, May 19, 2021.

According to the tweet, Lagos state reported 18 new cases, Rivers  State 11 new cases. while the nation’s Federal Capital Territory had the lowest with 2 new cases.

“Lagos-18 Rivers-11.FCT-2.”

The NCDC also tweeted that as of 18 May, 165,809 cases had been confirmed, 156,420 cases treated and discharged, while 2,067 deaths were recorded.

https://twitter.com/NCDCgov/status/1394926532833972225

PIAK

Roger Federer Says He Can’t Think Of Winning French Open

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Roger Federer said he is not playing well enough to have a chance of winning the French Open after the Swiss’ preparations for the claycourt Grand Slam were cut short in Geneva.

Federer, 39, was up 4-2 in the final set against world number 75 Pablo Andujar but lost the next four games to lose 6-4 4-6 6-4 in his only tuneup event on clay before the French Open starts on May 30.

It was Federer’s first match since his comeback in Doha in March after sitting out over a year due to two knee surgeries.

Ekiti Governor constitutes 1999 Constitution review committee

Zainab Sa'id
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The Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi has constituted a nine-member committee to harmonise the views of the government and people of the State on the review of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

This is contained in a statement in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday by Mr Yinka Oyebode, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor.

He said setting up the committee is in furtherance to the May 7 announcement by the Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege on the plan to begin the review, as part of efforts aimed at ensuring the participation of Nigerians in the proposed alteration of some of the provisions of the 1999 Constitution.

The Governor tasked members to ensure that they deliver practicable proposals suggested by the government and the people of Ekiti.

He said the committee is to be Chaired by the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Olawale Fapohunda while Ayo Daramola, Senior Special Assistant on Legal Matters to the governor would serve as secretary to the Committee.

Also Read: Constitution Review: Zonal Public hearing begins on May 26

Other members are; Members of the Ekiti State House of Assembly; Adeoye Aribasoye and Tajudeen Akingbolu, Commissioner Regional Development and Special Duties; Alhaji Jinadu Ayodele, Chairman Nigerian Bar Association Ado-Ekiti Branch; Adeyemi Adewunmi, and Chairperson, Young Lawyers Forum, Ikere-Ekiti Branch; Catherine Oduluyi.

Also included in the Committee are Prof Kunle Ajayi of the Ekiti State University and Rita Ilevbare of the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence Management Committee.

According to the Governor, the committee is expected to participate actively at the Zonal and National meetings of the National Assembly on Constitution Review.

 

Zainab Sa’id

Kano government starts recruitment process for 56 medical doctors

Kamila Bello
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Kano State Government has started the recruitment of 56 medical doctors with the conduct of aptitude tests for applicants shortlisted.

According to Mr Maikudi Marafa, the Public Relations Officer of the state Primary Health Care Management Board, said in a statement that this would enhance the performances of its Primary Healthcare Sector.

He said that the board advised the applicants to be prepared for the challenges ahead.

“Successful candidates would be trained in leadership, data management as well as in the various Primary Healthcare activities,” Marafa said.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Tijjani Hussain urges the candidates to prepare for challenges.

He also encouraged applicants to be committed and be dedicated to duty after they would have been given employment.

READ ALSO: Kwara Government inducts 130 doctors, nurses, others

 

 

Kamila/Vanguard

 

Restructuring: PGF D-G urges opposition to be proactive

Zainab Sa'id
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The Director-General of the Progressives Governors Forum (PGF), Mr Salihu Lukman, has called on opposition political parties to take proactive steps to ensure restructuring in Nigeria rather than being rhetorical and partisan about the issue.

Mr Lukman advised the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to follow the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, to engage the leadership of the National Assembly to speed up the process of constitutional amendments.

He said this in reaction to the release of a communique on resolutions at a meeting held by the PDP Governors in Ibadan, Oyo state where the governors supported the idea of more devolution of powers.

Mr Lukman said that there was nothing new in the resolutions by the PDP Governors but that the issue of devolution of power and restructuring is beyond rhetoric and politics but is an issue of national imperative.

Mr Lukman pointed out that opposition political parties have been reluctant to openly take a definite stand on the issue.

“Already, Progressive Governors, in line with recommendations contained in the APC Committee on True Federalism, has taken a position on this matter and have since communicated it to the leadership of the National Assembly.

Also Read: Security: PDP Governors reiterate call for state policing

“Therefore, instead of playing politics on a matter that is beyond media campaign, PDP Governors should follow the footsteps of Progressive Governors by engaging the leadership of the National Assembly to speed up processes of Constitutional amendment.

“The major outstanding political issue at this point is the inability of opposition parties in the country, including the PDP, to categorically declare their position, especially in terms of issues of implementation.

“Having mismanaged opportunities to initiate all the recommendations being proposed by the PDP Governors between 1999 and 2015, how can anybody in PDP claim any moral standing to demand for any executive bill? If the issue is as simple as getting the President to transmit an executive bill, what stops all the PDP Presidents from initiating it for sixteen years?

“At this point, it is important to appeal to PDP Governors to again follow the footsteps of Progressive Governors by working to reform the PDP. If PDP Governors want Nigerians to take them seriously it must be based on a very honest disposition of acknowledging challenges faced by all our political parties.

“Nigerians want to be able to have choices in terms of what political parties represent beyond the claims of politicians. As things are, PDP is a dissolute representation of an alternative for Nigerians,” Lukman said.

He added that the APC government has made progress in ensuring devolution of power from federal to state government and that APC legislators are also sponsoring bills to this end.

 

Zainab Sa’id

COVID-19: Austria to phase out AstraZeneca vaccine

Kamila Bello
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Austria will phase out AstraZeneca vaccine from its COVID-19 immunisation programme as a result of delivery problems and wariness among the population following reports of the vaccine’s rare side effects.

The health minister, Wolfgang Mueckstein said, those who received a first shot of AstraZeneca would still get a second shot of the vaccine, but officials would determine which other vaccine to use for any refresher jabs later.

“We will probably continue to do first shots with AstraZeneca until early June and then that’s it, AstraZeneca will be discontinued.”

Mueckstein insisted that AstraZeneca was safe but said Austria had taken the decision to discontinue it because of bad compliance among the population.

Austria becomes the third European country to drop AstraZeneca, after Norway and Denmark stopped the vaccine over rare cases of severe blood clots in people receiving the jab.

The European Commission is suing the British-Swedish pharmaceutical group over its failure to deliver millions of doses of its vaccine.

A third of Austria’s nine million people has received at least one COVID-19 shot.

The European Medicines Agency and the World Health Organization both recommend continued use of the vaccine, arguing that the benefits far outweigh the risks.

READ ALSO: Norway’s committee recommends dropping AstraZeneca, J&J jabs

 

 

Kamila/Channels

 

Chelsea Climbs To Third After Victory Against Leicester

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Chelsea avenged its FA Cup final defeat and climbed above Leicester City into third spot in the Premier League after a 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.

The in-form Super Eagles striker Kelechi Iheanacho started on the bench as Jamie Vardy was played as the lone striker. The Blues were inspired by 8,000 fans that were welcomed back to the stadium, as Chelsea came out firing in the opening minutes of the match.

Timo Werner twice thought he had made the breakthrough, first when his penalty shout was cancelled for an offside decision. Werner’s second goal was then denied when VAR spotted a handball offence before his headed goal.

Chelsea striker Timo Werner gestures at referee after VAR decision during Premier League match against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic had a chance to open the scoring late in the half, but he was denied by Kasper Schmeichel with Chelsea’s eleventh attempt. The score remained 0-0 at halftime.

Early in the second half, Chelsea took the lead through Antonio Rudiger. When Ben Chilwell’s corner was diverted into the danger zone by Vardy at the near post, the ball found Rudiger who forced the ball into the net from close range with his thigh.

Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger scores against Leicester City during Premier League match at Stamford Bridge

In the 60th minute, Leicester Coach Brendan Rodgers brought on Iheanacho for James Maddison in an attempt to shift the momentum of the match. However, a penalty was awarded to Chelsea moments later.

Leicester defender Wesley Fofana fouled Werner and a free-kick was given outside the area, but replays showed it was inside the box. Jorginho stepped up and fired the ball into the net with his trademark penalty routine.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho celebrates penalty goal against Leicester City at Stamford Bridge

It was Jorginho’s 7th goal of the season, with all seven goals being penalties.

The second goal looked to deflate Leicester, however,  they found a route back into the game when Nigerian international Wilfred Ndidi won possession of the ball high up the pitch before squaring for Iheanacho.

The in-form Iheanacho calmly placed the ball past Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy to give Leicester City a glimmer of hope.

Super Eagles and Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho (14) celebrates goal against Chelsea during Premier League match at Stamford Bridge

The goal made for a nervy finale and there was still time for a twist in the match when the ball fell kindly for Ayoze Perez in the 90th minute, only for him to fire his shot well over the bar.

Tempers frayed in stoppage time when Ricardo Pereira fouled Chilwell and just about every player and substitute seemed keen to get involved in a heated encounter.

However, the match finished 2-1 to Chelsea, a result that leaves Leicester not only down in fourth but out of the Champions League places if Liverpool win at Burnley on Wednesday.

For Chelsea, it was a reversal of the 1-0 defeat at Wembley that came at a cost with N’Golo Kante going off injured.

France Recalls Karim Benzema For Euro 2020 Tournament

Chidi Uduma Nwoke
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Karim Benzema has been included in France’s 26-man squad for Euro 2020 by coach Didier Deschamps, giving the Real Madrid striker a shock international recall after a six-year exile over his alleged role in a blackmailing scandal.

Benzema, who has scored 29 goals in all competitions for Real Madrid this season, has not played for Les Bleus since 2015 and will face a trial in October over the incident.

“So proud of this return to the France team and of the trust placed in me,” Benzema said on his twitter account.

“Thank you to my family, my friends, my club, to you … and to all those who have always supported me and give me strength every day.”

Nigeria and France vow to overcome Security challenges

Mercy Chukwudiebere
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President Muhammadu Buhari and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron have agreed to work together to fight insecurity bedeviling the Lake Chad basin area and entire stretch of the Sahel region.

Speaking at a bilateral meeting, at which he hosted the Nigerian leader on the sidelines of the Financing Africa Summit in Paris on Tuesday, President Macron pledged his steadfast support for Nigeria and its people as they confront the security challenges facing the country.

 

President Buhari and French leader Emmanuel Macron working into the Summit

 

President Macron said ”the French government will  absolutely be  there on the side of Nigeria and it is willing to support with everything to assist the country to overcome the security threats.”

He also pledged to support Nigeria in confronting the challenges faced with Covid-19 vaccines.

President Buhari, at the meeting, outlined the challenges all round facing the country as well as its neighbours and spoke about the steps he has taken to reignite response to the situation, which he said  included the appointment of the new Service Chiefs.

President Buhari at the Financing Africa Summit in Paris

 

The President expressed the willingness of Nigeria to work with France and all International partners to reign in the security challenges.

He thanked President Macron for agreeing to intensify the existing partnership with Nigeria.

 

 

Mercy Chukwudibere

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