Nigeria has recorded 4,035 new cases of the Covid-19 infections, its highest single daily tally since the outbreak of the virus in February 2020, according to the daily report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

Wednesday’s record of 4,035 infections from 15 states showed a 1,912 increase over the 2,123 infections recorded on Tuesday.

According to the NCDC figures, Lagos State, which remains the country’s epicentre of the infection, led the new infections table with 1,552 cases. It was followed by the Rivers state with 260 cases and Edo with 62 infections.

Others are: Akwa Ibom (42); Kaduna (39); Ekiti (38) and Oyo (38); Delta and Kano (31); Ogun State (30); Abia (26); Bauchi (15); Ondo (14); Enugu (9); Kwara (7) infections.

NCDC also announced that the country recorded two related deaths raising the mortality figure from 2,989 on Tuesday to 2,991 on Wednesday.

It stated also that Wednesday’s 4,035 infections took Nigeria’s tally to 231,413 out of which 211,853 persons were treated and discharged.

Nigeria has tested 3,751,696 samples since the virus was announced on February 27, 2020, it added.

…. NAFDAC warn Nigerians.

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has warned Nigerians against the use of alcohol-based hand sanitisers imported from Mexico.

The Director-General, NAFDAC, Professor Mojisola Adeyeye, who gave the warning explained that the US Food and Drug Agency (USFDA) had placed all alcohol-based hand sanitisers from Mexico on a countrywide import alert.

The NAFDAC BOSS said the products were labeled as containing ethanol but were found to have methanol contamination, which is toxic and could be life-threatening if absorbed through the skin into the body system.

She reiterated that USFDA said until it is able to review the products’ safety, it will be on its watchlist.

Information has it that this marks the first time the Agency was issuing a countrywide import alert for any category of drug product to further safeguard the healthy living of all.

NAFDAC said substantial methanol exposure could result in nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system, or death.

It also warned those in possession of such products to discontinue its usage in their own interest.

The Osun State Government said it has received doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines from the Federal Government.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, disclosed this on Tuesday, following the receipt of the vaccines by a State government delegation at the Akure Airport.

Egbemode said the state government received the vaccines at about 7:11pm on Tuesday, adding that the government is prepared to both preserve and administer the vaccines, having trained about 300 health workers for the Vaccination exercise and installed storage facilities (cold chain) across the 332 wards in the State.

She assured residents of the State that the government would soon commence the vaccination in line with the scheduled guidelines laid down by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

She also advised citizens to shun the misinformation making the rounds about the vaccines, adding that the vaccines have been scientifically tested and certified fit for human use by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

Egbemode added that in spite of the administration of the vaccines, citizens should continue to observe all Covid-19 protocols laid down by the government.

The Medical Team that received the doses of vaccine on behalf of Osun government include: Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Siji Olamiju; and the Chairman, Osun Primary Health Care Development Board, Mr. Leke Ogunsola.

The Osun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, has insisted that the COVID-19 vaccines that is being distributed by the Federal Government is not a birth control measure by the government.

This followed rumours making the rounds that the government was planning to use the COVID-19 vaccine as a

a ploy to make Nigerians sterile in order to control the population.

Isamotu also maintained that notwithstanding the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines in the state, testing and isolation of infected persons will be intensified in Osun as the non-pharmaceutical safety measures remain the most proven strategy in reducing community transmission.

Isamotu, while featuring on Frank Talk on Rave FM, on Monday, called on citizens of Osun not to allow the rumours provoke fear in them, adding that the vaccines have no side effects that can adversely affect the human body.

He revealed that although no particular date has been set for the commencement of vaccination in Osun, the national distribution of the vaccines commences on Monday, and that the training of health workers will precede the administration of the vaccines in the state.

The Commissioner disclosed that the vaccines will be administered in two jabs, the second coming after about three months interval from the first.

Also cementing on the management of the vaccination in the State, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi, said Osun was prepared to receive the vaccines, as cold chains for storing them have been established in the state

He revealed that Osun has 332 solar freezers, which means each Ward has a storage facility.

Fabiyi added that since about 40,000 AstraZeneca vaccine doses will be coming to the state, the vaccination will be done in four phases.

“The first phase will be for frontline and health workers. The second phase will be for the elderly and those that are morbidly ill and the last phase for those that are 15 years and above.

“For now, research has not shown that it can be administered on children. So, it is for people who are 15 years and above”, Fabiyi stated.

Osun, on Thursday, recorded 45 new Covid-19 infections, according to the daily report of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

The new tally brings the State’s total number of confirmed cases to 2,371 out of which 1,804 cases have been successfully managed.

Meanwhile, 634 new confirmed cases and 6 deaths were recorded in Nigeria on Thursday from 22 States.

Lagos topped the day’s log with 259 confirmed cases, and followed by Osun with 45 cases.

Others include: Edo(38), Ogun (35), FCT (33), Anambra (26), Imo (24), Ondo (24), Akwa Ibom (20), Plateau (20), Abia (19), Kaduna (19), Ebonyi (17), Borno (10), Rivers (10), Kano (9), Delta (8), Kebbi (7), Nasarawa (4) Oyo (3), Enugu (2) and Ekiti (2).

Till date, 154476 cases have been confirmed, 131699 cases have been discharged and 1891 deaths have been recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

.… charges security operatives to enforce compliance, order

For the umpteenth time, the State Government of Osun on Sunday reiterated its new directives aimed at curbing the spread of the Coronavirus are still in force.

Specifically, the Government said there will be no countdown to New Year ceremonies and cross over nights under whatever guise by religious bodies during the New Year eve.

These are contained in a statement issued on behalf of the Osun Government by the Secretary to State Government, (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji.

According to the statement, Government has directed the security operatives in the State to enforce the directives without exception.

The Government further said, ” The ban on youth carnivals still subsists. Also, all social clubs, hotels, departmental stores, supermarkets, event centers and allied centres are to henceforth operate at half of their capacities and observe Covid-19 protocols.

“Wearing of face Masks at public places is equally compulsory. 

“We want to appeal to all residents and citizens to cut down on social gatherings, including weddings, naming ceremonies and funeral ceremonies so as to reduce the spate of exposure and contact with possible carriers visiting the State during the Yuletide period.

“Also, all towns and cities are to put on hold the annual days through physical attendance and change such to the virtual version. “We assure all citizens and residents that Government is insisting on all these measures in their collective interest. Therefore, let’s all join hands with Government to keep Osun safe.”

…. Bans youth carnival, countdown to new year

As cases of Coronavirus continue to rise nationwide, the Government of the State of Osun has introduced new measures to curb spread of the infection in the State. 

The State Executive Council announced the new directives after its meeting held on Monday to discuss emerging national issues, including the management of the pandemic. 

The Council expressed worry over what it described as appalling and abysmally low level of compliance of residents of the State with the existing COVID-19 protocols. 

It has therefore issued new directives that groups, associations and residents of the State must comply with, to limit spread of the disease in the State. 

Part of the new directives is that all social clubs, hotels, departmental stores, supermarkets, event centers and allied centres are to henceforth operate at half of their capacities.

The Council appealed to the citizenry to cut down on social gatherings for weddings, naming ceremonies, funeral ceremonies and others to reduce the spate of exposure and contact with possible carriers visiting the State during the Yuletide period.

It also mandated religious organisations in the State to reintroduce the abandoned protocol regimes already put in place at the wake of the pandemic before the economy was unlocked for business activities.

Additionally, the Council directed its members to engage leadership of various religious groups to sensitise and enlighten their congregations on the need to comply with the Covid-19 protocols.

Towns and cities are to put on hold the annual days through physical attendance and change such to virtual version.

Council directed Local Governments and Local Council Development Authorities to form enforcement/suasion committees to save the situation and further spread of the pandemic.

Also the Executive Council directed the Citizenry to embrace the use of face masks in public places, washing of hands with soap and water, hand sanitisers and social distancing as compulsory steps to avoid infections.

The Council pleaded with the citizenry to continue to take their health seriously as their personal responsibility and enjoin all to adhere to the Covid-19 protocols.

The Council encouraged proper management and disposal of used face masks and other materials used daily in the prevention of the virus of the pandemic from spreading.

The Council did not leave out the need to sustain the ‘no mask, no entry’ at MDAs and public places across the State, including educational institutions.

The Council also directed that annual youth carnivals should be discouraged across the State with cancellation of countdown to the new year rallies and ceremonies.

Signed 

Prince Wole Oyebamiji 

SSG, State of Osun  December 22, 2020

…. says committee expresses readiness to distribute immediately on receipt

The leadership of the Osun Food and Relief Committee on Monday revealed that it is now ready to receive delivery of the 40, 332 units of 10kg bags of rice for onward distribution to the people of the State.

This is even as it expressed readiness to commence the distribution of the expected CACOVID rice on delivery.

The Committee also  debunked the insinuations making the rounds that the State government deliberately hoarded the food and relief materials donated by CACOVID, meant to cushion the effects of the ravaging coronavirus pandemic.

The Committee noted that contrary to speculations,  it has not received any rice component, just as it displayed the letter from CACOVID  which had absolved the State of any wrongdoing in the looted palliatives, before the journalists, while addressing a Press Conference, in Osogbo, on Monday. 

The Secretary to the Committee, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh, disclosed these during the joint press briefing held at the Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Osogbo.

CACOVID is the Coalition Against Covid-19 established by the private sector task force in partnership with the Federal Government, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and the World Health Organisation with the sole aim of combating the effects  Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

Jimoh, who denounced the insinuations that the State deliberately hoarded the looted palliatives, said the letter from CACOVID was enough vindication to validate the State Government and the Committee’s earlier positions that they never hoarded the palliatives before they were looted.

He explained that the looted palliatives were not meant for distribution as at the time they were looted by miscreants who burgled the warehouse in Ede during the EndSARS protest.

“As a committee, we have no mandate to distribute the looted palliatives as at the time they were looted because we were awaiting the directive of the donors through the CACOVID committee.

“As you all know, the palliatives under our supervision were distributed accordingly during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic, but for the CACOVID palliatives, the State was asked to wait for further instruction before flagging off the distribution.

“As at the time the food items were looted, the donors had not delivered the rice component which was part of the reasons we were directed not to distribute.

“There was a letter signed and dated 28th September, 2020 by the Commissioner for Commerce, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, and my humble self to this effect, demanding the release and supply of the rice component of the palliatives”, Jimoh added.

He however said the State was now ready to take delivery and   distribute the expected rice component once supplied as modalities had been put in place to ensure smooth and equitable distribution to the beneficiaries throughout the State. 

Speaking on the proposed framework for the distribution of the expected rice component of the CACOVID palliatives, the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, said the rice would be taken directly to the beneficiaries on delivery.

He said there would be no room for warehousing, adding that adequate security would be put in place to avoid the breakdown of law and order.

“We are not going to warehouse the expected rice component as strategy is going to take the form of direct supply for onward distribution.

“Each place of the distribution clusters will provide trucks for immediate takeoff of the rice and there will be a monitoring and evaluation team, which will include members of the CACOVID team, Civil Society Organisations; Youths and students, traditional rulers; religious leaders; and market women”, he added. The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Adeleke Adebayo and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan, were also at the press briefing.

The State Government of Osun has charged its citizens to leverage on the demands for innovations that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about in the country and in the world.

The Deputy Governor, Mr Benedict Alabi, who is the Head of the State’s Task Force on COVID-19, disclosed this while receiving the donation of solar-powered handwashing machines from the Osun State branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers.

Alabi said that the State of Osun is one that runs on innovations across different sectors, and is therefore open to receiving more innovative ideas and Interventions from individuals, groups and associations, within and outside the State.

In his words: “We appreciate the Nigerian Society of Engineers for this noble idea presented to the State. The Governor and the people of our dear State are impressed by the idea behind this donation.

“COVID-19 has presented us with the opportunities to be innovative. It is now left for us  to utilize the opportunities the virus has presented, for the advancement of the society.

….okays Juma’at in mosque

The State Government of Osun having appraised how the state is currently faring with respect to the global health emergency, vis-a-vis the fact that Eid-el- Kabir and Juma’at fall on the same day, has announced that there would be no Eid congregation or prayers on Friday July 31. However, Juma’at service will hold in line with the existing safety protocols and guidelines.

The State of Osun is still recording rising figures of confirmed COVID-19 cases amidst an active community transmission stage of the pandemic. This coupled with the fact that people whose COVID-19 status has not been ascertained would be travelling into the State from different parts of the country, in the spirit of the celebration.

The State cannot afford the impact of any form of large gathering such as the kind expected at praying grounds  and the associated difficulties of enforcing the safety protocols against COVID-19

Our health managers are also worried by the recent surge in active cases , and have warned that the State could experience galloping figures due to continued disobedience of safety protocols if it allows any kind of specially high density gatherings or congregation.

The State Government does not want its citizens exposed to this dangerous infection, especially among the aged and those with underlying health conditions. 

The State Government of Osun is not relenting in its fight to curtail the spread of the coronavirus, and to rid the State of it. The government is, and will continue to take necessary actions towards ensuring the safety and security of its people.

The Governor and State Government of Osun wish all Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration ahead.

Signed: Prince Wole Oyebamiji Secretary to the State Government