Nation
LG Boss Cries Out Over Lassa Fever Outbreak
The Chairman, Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, Mr William Iko’ojo, Thursday appealed to the federal and state governments for urgent intervention over lassa fever outbreak.
Iko’ojo made the appeal in an interview with newsmen in Onyedega, headquarters of Ibaji Local Government Area, Kogi State.
“We are overwhelmed by the outbreak of Lassa Fever in Ibaji.
“The disease has killed more than 20 persons, most of whom were herdsmen living in hamlets within the area.
“Already three persons are on admission at Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Idumabo Irrua, Edo State where the disease was officially confirmed to be Lassa Fever.
“The unfortunate thing was that when the disease broke out, the villagers were ignorant of the cause and death of their loved ones, and were thronging around each other to help,” he said.
He explained that the disease had spread so fast and killed many of the villagers in some of the communities.
“Another challenge we have now is that our only Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) is without facilities and a doctor that could help us in controlling the outbreak.
“Of course, the Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Idumabo Irrua, Edo State, is the closest hospital that handles lassa fever disease,” he lamented.
The local government boss said he had reported the outbreak to the state government, who promised to send some medical personnel and facilities to help arrest the spread of the disease.
Newsmen gathered that Aya and neighbouring communities of the local government in early March, started witnessing mysterious deaths of rice farmers and other members but could not ascertain the cause of deaths.
Former Chairman, Ibaji Local Government Area and one time member, Kogi State House of Assembly, Mr David Inah-Ogwu said the epidemic was real.
Inah-Ogwu, who described the situation as “very unfortunate” and “alarming” said the epidemic started with about four persons.
He said they fell ill and died mysteriously with more and more persons manifesting similar symptoms in the last three weeks, who had been taken to the hospital in Irrua.
“It is easier for the people in those affected communities to “just cross the river, and get to Uromi and from there to Irrua for their treatment.
“Out of the set of 22 persons that went there (Hospital), nine were confirmed to have Lassa Fever; two were treated and discharged while seven are still there receiving treatment.
“So far we can say that the casualty figure is about 20. Some died with the symptoms but nobody can say specifically what killed them since they were not tested.
“However, we are lucky and happy that the rainy season is here because cases of lassa fever are rampant during dry season and very common within the rice producing areas.
Nation
ICT Centre Set To Be Establish In Omuku
An Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre is set to be established in Omoku, ogba/egbema /ndoni local government area of Rivers state .
The initiative is being championed by the Omoku People’s Forum, a global association of Omoku elites, under the leadership of its President-General, Dr. George Ada Ubah.
As part of efforts to ensure the successful execution of the project, a prominent son of Omoku, Chief (Barr.) Dennis Masi, has been appointed by the Forum as the Chairman of the ICT Centre Project Committee, entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating and driving the initiative to fruition. Upon completion, the ICT Centre is expected to serve as a major hub for the training and empowerment of youths in digital and technological skills, equipping them to actively participate in the increasingly technology-driven global environment.
The project is also widely regarded as a significant step towards positioning Omoku as an emerging ICT hub within Rivers State, fostering innovation, digital literacy, and economic development in the region.
Nation
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development Denies Political Affiliations
Concerned Rivers Chiefs For Peace And Development has said it formation was not politically motivated or has any links to political parties or candidates.
The group which said this at a media briefing at Abuloma in Port Harcourt City Local Government Area said it’s formation has nothing to do with politics.
According to the text for the briefing jointly signed by Chief Boma Kele Oyika it’s chairman and Chief Inemo T Ikama Deputy Secretary General said the organization is expected to focus on conflict Resolution, community engagement, collaboration with government and private sector actors
‘it mandate also includes promoting peace building initiative, supporting local economic empowerment programms and strengthening traditional institutions in our state and beyond as partners in governance ”
It said the body is led by a team of respected traditional leaders serving as trustees
“Their collective leadership reflects a blend of experience cultural authority and grassroots connection
“Key elements considered vital for addressing long standing,socio economic and security challenges in the region”
The release further says ” the formation of this organization comes at a time when communities in Rivers state continue to navigate between issues ranging from youth unemployment, environmental concerns and intermittent conflicts amongst the traditional rulers and beyond
“By bringing together influential traditional figures under a unified platform, the group aims at serving as stabilizing force while advocating for inclusive development policies ” it said
It also described its emergence as a new chapter in grass roots leadership and regional development
Earlier, chairman of the body, Chief Boma Kele Oyika said the organization will work with relevant authorities to promote peaceful coexistence in the state, reduce crime and promote economic development.
He said it is open to all Chiefs from the 23 local government areas.
Nation
NDCCTMA, NDDC MDS Challenge Niger Delta Indigenes on Investment in The Region
The Chairman of The Nigeria Delta Chamber of Commerce, Trade, Mines and Agriculture NDCCTMA,Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan and the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission ( NDDC ) Dr Samuel Ogbuku have challenged Niger Delta entrepreneurs to close the gap in Gross Demostic Products (GDP) differences between the region and that of the South Western part of the country by coming home to invest.
The two leaders spoke at a business round table organized by NDDCTMA in Port Harcourt
Chairman of NDDCTMA Ambassador Idaere Gogo Ogan, said to close the gap between the south west region which he said has a GDP seize of about #59 trillion and that of the Niger Delta which is about #34 trillion was to massively invest in the region.
He said no other persons can do this except sons and daughters from the region.
“For me I believe in statistics,I believe in data and everyday I looked at the data concerning development in Nigeria and from the GDP point of view, the South West has #59 trillion, that is the seize of the south west region economy, the second region following them is the Niger Delta region with GDP seize of #34 trillion,so there is a yearning gap of #25 trillion that separates the south west and the Niger Delta region, that is why we are here”
Ogan said the region has the capacity to close the gap and even surpassed it but regretted that indigenes of the region have chosen to ignore it in terms of investment.
“We need to close that gap .If we close that gap and even surpassed it,all the negative problems of militancy and unemployment will automatically erase “he said
Ogan said the event was organized to remind the people that past efforts of militancy and agitations have not led the region to any where
“That is why we are gathered here in this room “he said.
Also speaking Managing Director/Chief Executive officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission( NDDC) Dr Samuel Ogbuku urged indigenes of the region not to use the problem of insecurity as an excuse to continue to deny the region of investment as every part of the country have in one time or the other experienced crisis.
Ogbuku said most indigenes have displayed high level of unpatriotism towards the region by taking investments that would have benefited the people to either Lagos or Abuja.
“With little threat we have left the city,we have gone to Lagos,we have moved our families to Abuja and Lagos
“If you go round GRA all the property, you will see,”to let to let”most of them are now empty “he said.
The NDDC MD said despite the fact that people from the region are doing well in the oil and gas, banking and other sectors, its impact are not being felt at home because they are stationed outside the region.
He said time has come for potential investors from the region to have a change of heart by coming home to invest.
John Bibor
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