News

Ebola: Eight More Suspected Cases In Lagos …70 Others Under Surveillance

Published

11 years ago

August 6, 2014

Chairman, Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC),Ibiamu Davies Ikanya (left) and Hon Emeka Beke, during the defection of PDP members at APC Secretariate in Port Harcourt, yesterday

Lagos Sate Health Commissioner, Jide Idris has announced that the state now has eight suspected cases of Ebola. The infected all came into contact with Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian who died in the major city last month, becoming the country’s first casualty.
It will be recalled that the Minister of Health, Prof. Onyebuchi Chukwu, Monday, during the inauguration of the Treatment Research Group Committee on Ebola Virus Disease, disclosed: “When we met last week, I told you that we were still monitoring some of the healthcare workers and passengers who came in contact with the American-Liberian who brought in Ebola to Nigeria. There were others who attended to him; some have developed symptoms of Ebola.
As of today, we now have a case; this is the second case of Ebola virus in Nigeria. This is the doctor who attended to the Ebola patient in the Lagos hospital.”
Further, he said: “Three others are under watch; at the end of today (yesterday) we will know the outcome. Eight of those who had contact with Mr. Sawyer have been quarantined, while 70 of those who had contact with the patient are on surveillance.
“All of these persons are being quarantined in Lagos, where the Lagos State Government has provided isolation wards.”
Consequently, the Federal Government has in Abuja inaugurated a six-man Working Group to carry out research on the treatment of Ebola virus.
The Minister of Health, Prof Onyebuchi Chukwu, inaugurated the committee co-chaired by Prof. Karniyus Gamanie, Director-General, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRID), Abuja.
The other co-chair is the Director-General of Nigerian Institute for Medical Research, Prof Innocent Ujah.
Chukwu said there was no known cure for the Ebola infection nationwide at present, adding that there was “no scientific evidence’’ that eating `bitter kola’, could cure Ebola infection.
The minister was referring to media reports that suggested bitter kola could cure Ebola infection based on a research conducted by a Pharmacognosist and former Chairman of INEC, Prof. Maurice Iwu.
The minister, who acknowledged the internationally acclaimed research of Iwu, also named him as one of the members of the committee.
“We have taken note that Iwu’s research has not been concluded. We also feel that in addition to mass enlightenment, we should not neglect the issue of research on Ebola disease.” he said.
Chukwu said researches were going on across laboratories worldwide on vaccines for the treatment of the virus.
He gave the terms of reference of the committee to include: “conducting research into the treatment of the Ebola virus.
He said the committee should receive and verify claims relating to the treatment of the disease, including uncompleted researches carried out in 1999 in the U.S by Iwu and his team.
The team, he said, should collate and analyse related research findings worldwide, adding that the committee was free to collaborate with similar centres around the world in the discharge of its mandates.
He also said the committee was also expected to advice government on appropriate measures to curtail the spread of the virus.
Other members of the committee are the Project Coordinator for Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health and the Director of Health Planning, Research and Statistics.
The minister said the committee could recruit technical persons to assist it in its work.
In his response, Gamanie thanked the minister for the privilege to serve in the committee and pledged that the committee would do its best to discharge its duties.
However, with the spread of the dreaded Ebola virus assuming epidemic proportions in the West African sub-region, the World Bank Group on Tuesday announced that it would join the global effort to fight further spread of the disease.
With the latest death toll in West Africa now at about 887, the World Bank has pledged to mobilise as much as $200million (about N3.2billion) in emergency funding to help three countries in the region with the worse prevalence of the deadly scourge.
The Group in a statement in Abuja named the three countries to benefit from the funding support to include Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
The new financial pledge, which is coming on the first day of the ongoing US-Africa Summit in Washington D.C., would help pay for urgently needed medical supplies, salaries for medical staff, and other vital materials to stabilize the health system, while also helping communities cope with financial hardship caused by the epidemic.
The package would also help to build up the region’s disease surveillance and laboratory networks to guard against future epidemic outbreaks.
Besides, the funding would also help the three countries contain the spread of Ebola infections by assisting their communities cope with the economic impact of the health crisis, and improve public health systems throughout the West African sub-region.
The World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim, who is a medical doctor experienced in the treatment of infectious diseases, said the new financing commitment was in response to a call from both the three African countries hardest-hit by Ebola scourge and the World Health Organization, WHO, for immediate assistance to contain the outbreak of the epidemic.
Mr. Kim said the Group would also step up social safety net assistance for affected communities and families and help to build public health systems in West Africa to generally strengthen the region’s disease control capacity.
The President said he would brief the Bank Group’s Board of Executive Directors as soon as possible on the latest state of the epidemic and seek their approval for the new emergency package.
He expressed deep worry for the huge number of lives lost so far to the disease as well as several others at risk, pointing out that unless the concerted effort to stop the spread of the epidemic was sustained the people would be in danger.
“I have been monitoring its deadly impact around the clock and am deeply saddened at how it has ravaged health workers, families and communities, disrupted normal life, and has led to a breakdown of already weak health systems in the three countries,” the World Bank President said.
He emphasized the need for the international community to act fast to contain and stop this Ebola outbreak, expressing the belief that the new World Bank emergency funding would provide critically needed support for the response to stop the further transmission of Ebola virus within Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and prevent new infections in neighbouring countries that are at risk.
The World Bank President said the WHO leadership was vital to international and regional efforts to contain the Ebola epidemic in West Africa’s first-ever outbreak of Ebola virus disease, which has become the largest ever in the nearly four-decade history of this disease.
He said the Group would work in close coordination with the WHO and other development partners, such as the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.
To facilitate effective coordination of the campaign, he said, the WHO has now set up an Ebola response centre in Conakry. Guinea.
“WHO welcomes this support from the World Bank, which comes at a time when concern about the Ebola virus disease is escalating,” its Director General, Margaret Chan, said in Geneva.
“The demands created by this unprecedented outbreak outstrip the capacity of affected countries in West Africa to respond. So funding to increase national response capacities is a fundamentally important way to slow transmission and prevent spread to other areas,” Mrs. Chan stated.
With the Ebola virus now directly and indirectly impacting economies in Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries, the World Bank said the new emergency response would also help countries and communities cope with financial hardship caused by the outbreak.
The World Bank’s Vice President for Africa, Makhtar Diop, said the Group’s latest emergency response would also include social safety net measures to help families and communities trying to cope with financial loss as a result of the outbreak.
An initial World Bank-IMF assessment for Guinea projects a full percentage point fall in gross domestic product, GDP growth from 4.5 per cent to 3.5 per cent.
Agriculture has also been affected in all three countries as rural workers have fled farming areas in the affected zones. To date, there has been no measurable impact on the food supply.
Cross-border commerce has slowed considerably with land crossings closed to neighbouring countries and more recently cancellation of flights between member states of the ECOWAS region.
For instance, following the death last week of a victim, Patrick Sawyer, who was said to have visited Lagos from Liberia, Ghana has since closed its airspace to flights from Nigeria.
A similar action was being taken against Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, with noticeably fewer international flights to these countries.
The result has been lower revenues and financial inflows. Also, many projects involving expatriate workers or business travellers have been scaled down drastically.
The World Bank has warned that if the evacuation of skilled expatriate staff continues in the mining sector in natural resource rich countries, there would likely be a significant decline in production.
For instance, in Liberia, public schools have been shut-down as part of the government-declared state of emergency.
Meanwhile, an American woman infected with the dangerous Ebola virus has arrived at a US military base in Atlanta, Georgia, yesterday and is headed for treatment at a specially equipped hospital.
Nancy Writebol, 60, landed aboard a small medical evacuation plane, according to television images broadcast by US networks.
She is to be carried by ambulance to Emory University Hospital, where her colleague, missionary doctor Kent Brantly, is also receiving care.

News

RHI: First Lady Gives N50m Business Grants To Rivers PWDS, Disabled Veterans …As RGS Unveils Free Medical Services For Vulnerable Persons

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has extended a major financial lifeline to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and disabled veterans in Rivers State.

The support comes under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Social Investment Programme, a nationwide economic empowerment effort.

The event, held on Wednesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Port Harcourt, coincided with the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, with the theme: “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress”.

Wife of the Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, who represented the First Lady of Nigeria, presented the small business grants to the beneficiaries.

The RHI empowerment effort covers all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Defence and Police Officers’ Wives Associations (DEPOWA).

Each jurisdiction will have 250 PWDs receive a N200,000 Business Recapitalisation Grant per beneficiary, amounting to N50million. In total, with N1.9 billion being disbursed to 9,500 PWDs across Nigeria.

Expressing delight at unveiling the programme under the RHI Social Investment Framework, Senator Tinubu noted that the launch was intentionally scheduled for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

She emphasised the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth, stating that the nation becomes stronger when all citizens are empowered to contribute.

According to the First Lady, “Our commitment to improving lives has also been demonstrated through various interventions in

Agriculture, Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and Social Welfare, aimed at improving the well-being of families across our country. To all our beneficiaries, I encourage you to make good use of this opportunity.”

Mrs Tinubu said that the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to promote inclusive growth and shared prosperity by ensuring that no Nigerian is left behind, especially those whose needs are often overlooked.

She announced that the RHI Governing Board has approved making the Economic Empowerment Programme for PWDs an annual event every December 3.

She thanked the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and his wife, Lady Valerie Fubara, for their support, and encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity.

In her speech, Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative in the State will collaborate with the National Commission on Persons with Disabilities to promote an inclusive society where the rights and privileges of persons with disabilities are guaranteed.

She said that the celebration of the 2025 World Disability Day, reaffirms the government’s commitment to create a more just, inclusive, equitable and sustainable State, where no one is left behind.

Lady Fubara also delivered a strong message of empowerment to the beneficiaries, saying “You are not defined by limitations. You are defined by your strength, your creativity, your persistence, your brilliance, and your unique contribution to this State.”

She urged society to champion inclusion, noting that disability is not a tragedy but that discrimination, silence, and exclusion are.

The governor’s wife confirmed that 250 beneficiaries in Rivers State received the N200,000 grant, and urged all the beneficiaries to utilise the funds wisely.

“Let it be a seed that grows into something greater; a business that sustains you and your family,” she said.

Also speaking, Executive Secretary, Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr Vetty Agala, announced the enrollment of the 250 persons with disabilities into the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that the beneficiaries will now enjoy free medical care and services at primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the State.

“You’re going to not only access primary care, but anytime you require secondary or tertiary services, you will be referred to those levels of care at no extra cost,” in line with the government’s “Health For All Rivers Initiative,” she said.

In her own remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Lorenta Davis-Dimkpa, stated that efforts are underway to establish a South-South office for the Disability Commission.

She also confirmed that there was an ongoing work to domesticate the 2018 Disability Act.

In her goodwill message, former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili (rtd), commended both the Federal and Rivers State governments for taking bold steps to ensure persons with disabilities are included in governance.

Earlier in her speech, the State Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative, Hon Tonye Briggs Oniyide, had said that the programme was carefully designed to address the needs of persons with disabilities and disabled veterans, helping them upscale their businesses across the State.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Kie Obamanu, called for the full implementation of disability laws to eliminate discrimination.

He expressed gratitude to Nigeria’s First Lady and the wife of the Rivers State Governor for their support.

Highlight of the event was the presentation of the Universal Health Coverage Ambassador Award to Lady Valerie Fubara by the Rivers State Ministry of Health, in recognition of her contributions to improving access to healthcare services in the State.

News

Fubara Assures Greater Collaboration With Navy

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured greater collaboration with Navy and other security agencies in combatting crimes and criminality in the State.

The governor also hailed the appointment of Vice Admiral Idi Abbas as the Chief of Naval Staff, saying he will deliver on his mandate based on his track record of excellence and meritorious service.

Fubara gave this assurance when Abbas and his team paid the governor a courtesy call at the Government House, Port Harcourt, yesterday.

The governor also commended the efforts of the Nigeria Navy in tackling criminality on Rivers waterways and protecting critical national assets.

He emphasized the need for more security surveillance on Rivers State coastal environments to safeguard lives and properties.

According to him, the Navy’s superior technology, manpower, and tactical competence are vital to protecting the state’s vast waterways.

“We need to work together for us to succeed,” he said, stressing that collaboration remains the most effective way to keep residents, assets, and the environment safe.

Pointing out the strategic significance of Rivers State as the hub of Nigeria’s crude oil and coastal infrastructure, Fubara commended the Navy for its continuous efforts in preventing losses to lives, livelihoods, and the ecosystem, and assured the service of the government’s sustained cooperation and support.

On his part, Abbas said his visit was part of a nationwide tour aimed at assessing operational readiness across naval formations since assuming command on October 30, 2025,

The new Naval Chief noted that Rivers State hosts several critical energy installations that fall under the Navy’s mandate to protect, adding that the state also remains central to the Navy’s training operations, with several key units located within its territory.

Abbas commended Governor Fubara for the State’s consistent support, citing the provision of six gunboats and the donation of a school building as significant contributions that have boosted the Navy’s operational efficiency.

He appealed for continued collaboration as the Navy intensifies efforts to secure the maritime domain.

Taneh Beemene

News

Fubara Tasks Traditional Rulers On Peace, Security …Says Education, Job Creation ‘ll Receive Boost In 2026 Budget

Published

2 days ago

December 5, 2025

The Tide

Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara has declared that amidst glaring challenges, his administration has remained determined and focused to dispense good governance and put in place the needed development in the State.

The governor disclosed this while addressing the 123rd and 124th combined quarterly general meeting of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at the Council Secretariat on Monday.

Fubara who commended the traditional rulers for their supports and efforts in promoting peace and development in the State, urged them to live up to their roles as custodians of peace by becoming alert and more vigilant in their domains to tackle the menace of insecurity especially in boundary communities.

He advised the traditional rulers to work with local government chairmen and security agencies to safeguard lives and properties in their domains.

“Let me thank everyone of you from the bottom of my heart, I met you in Government House to say a big thank you, because the royal fathers stood as fathers in our most trying moments.

“I say thank you again for your support, for understanding that your role is fatherly role, and one of the reasons you were elected or selected to be head is to bridge the gap in terms of crisis, and to play fatherly role when called upon. Thank you for ensuring that peace reigns in Rivers State,” he said.

The governor reaffirmed his commitment towards the protection of lives and property in the State.

“Our vision is to ensure that Rivers State is safe, our vision includes the provision of good health care services, which we are doing, the records are there, people from the south east are witnessing what is happening in the Zonal Hospital in Bori, presently. I’m sure that before the end of this year, the Omoku and Ahoada Zonal Hospitals will be commissioned while Degema is 80% completed, we’re not just talking, we’re doing it,” he said.

Fubara, however, dismissed speculations making the rounds on the issue of 10,000 jobs, urging the public to discountenance the false information.

He assured that employment will be carried out in the state based on needs, and not on political considerations.

He disclosed that the 2026 budget will make provision for job creation and the refurbishment of schools in the State which, he noted, are currently in deplorable conditions, having given due consideration to roads and the health sector.

“Let me use this medium to address an issue, I saw some people sending messages to my WhatsApp, they want to protest against 10,000 jobs, they claim was included in the budget, which budget? We are going to employ based on the needs of the state, I’m not going to employ politically to please anybody,” he assured.

The governor promised to address the requests of the traditional rulers, and charged them to ensure that their meeting brings out a strong position that will make the State stronger.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, and Eze Oha Apara 1V, of Apara Kingdom, HRM Eze Chike Amadi Worlu-Wodo, thanked the governor for personally attending the meeting.

The royal father restated the support of the traditional rulers to the State Government, and presented some requests of the Council to the governor.

“Your Excellency, the news that we have received all over the State is quite cheering and symbolic of the peaceful life and developments that Rivers people yearn for in the State. You have brought back those glorious old days of harmonious living and peaceful coexistence the way it was. May the Almighty God bless you and help you to sustain this laudable feat,” the royal father prayed.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs , Egnr.Charles Amadi, expressed gratitude to the governor for his developmental strides in the State, and also commended the traditional rulers for their unwavering commitment towards promoting peace in the State.