NEWS
US Steps In, As FG Falls Short In Curbing Mpox
In response to Nigeria being found faltering in curbing the Mpox outbreak, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has waded in with a donation of 10,000 doses of the Jynneos vaccine.
The vaccines were formally handed over to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) on Tuesday.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Director General of the NPHCDA, revealed that the vaccine distribution would commence immediately, focusing on states with the highest number of cases and frontline healthcare workers.
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Dr. Aina expressed appreciation for the U.S. government’s support, stating that the vaccines would be used effectively to save lives and limit the spread of the disease nationwide.
Recent data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) indicates that 39 confirmed cases of Mpox have been recorded across 33 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with no reported fatalities.
The Director General of the NCDC, Dr. Jide Idris, shared these figures at a recent press briefing where he emphasized the agency’s increased surveillance and preparedness measures.
Dr. Idris noted that port health services at Nigeria’s international airports, seaports, and border crossings are on high alert to detect and respond to any new cases of Mpox swiftly.
The NCDC remains committed to collaborating with local and international partners to mitigate the impact of the outbreak.
Dr. Idris stated that the NCDC has placed all port health services at Nigeria’s five international airports, 10 seaports, and 51 land border crossings on high alert.
He further mentioned that several states, including Lagos, Enugu, Kano, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Adamawa, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, have also been put on high alert due to the potential spread.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recently declared the surge in Mpox cases across Africa a global public health emergency, expressing concern over the increasing cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and their spread to neighboring countries.
WHO experts convened to assess the outbreak and provide recommendations to Director-General Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus.
Tedros told a press conference, “Today, the emergency committee met and advised me that in its view, the situation constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. I have accepted that advice.
“This is something that should concern us all. WHO is committed in the days and weeks ahead to coordinate the global response, working closely with each of the affected countries, and leveraging our on-the-ground presence, to prevent transmission, treat those infected, and save lives.”
The decision follows the African Union’s health agency declaring a public health emergency in response to the growing Mpox outbreak.
The virus, originally identified in humans in 1970 in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), has rapidly spread throughout the country and into neighboring regions.
WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, noted that over 14,000 cases and 524 deaths have been reported in the DRC so far this year, already surpassing the total figures from the previous year.
NEWS
Dangote Refinery Cuts Petrol Price To ₦970 per Litre For Marketers
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol, to ₦970 per litre for oil marketers.
This new price, effective immediately, marks a ₦20 decrease from the refinery’s previous ex-depot price of ₦990 per litre, which was set earlier this month.
In a statement released on Sunday, Anthony Chiejina, the refinery’s Chief Branding and Communications Officer, explained that the price reduction is a way for the company to express its appreciation to Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a reality.
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“This decision is our way of thanking Nigerians for their unwavering support in making the refinery a dream come true,” Chiejina said.
The statement also highlighted the refinery’s gratitude towards the Nigerian government, acknowledging the role of government measures in supporting domestic businesses.
“In addition, this is to thank the government for their support, as this will complement the measures put in place to encourage domestic enterprise for our collective well-being,” the statement read.
Despite the price cut, the refinery reassured consumers that there would be no compromise on the quality of its products. “While the refinery would not compromise on the quality of its petroleum products, we assure you of best quality products that are environmentally friendly and sustainable,” the statement added.
The company also committed to ramping up production to meet domestic fuel consumption and alleviate concerns over potential supply shortages.
“We are determined to keep ramping up production to meet and surpass our domestic fuel consumption; thus, dispelling any fear of a shortfall in supply,” the statement concluded.
The price reduction is expected to save marketers approximately ₦20 per litre on purchases from the refinery’s Lekki-based plant.
NEWS
I Am Just A Content Creator – Simon Ekpa Denies Biafran Leadership Role
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent and a controversial figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has dismissed his self-styled title of “Prime Minister of Biafra” as inconsequential.
Speaking during legal proceedings at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, Ekpa stated, “I am just a content creator; the issue of Prime Minister of Biafra is not serious.”
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Ekpa’s statement comes in the wake of his arrest by Finnish authorities on charges related to incitement of terrorism.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has accused Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The arrest stems from an incident in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and officials are also seeking the detention of four other suspects linked to the case.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the NBI said in a statement.
Ekpa, who has used his social media platforms to advocate for Biafran independence, has been a divisive figure in Nigeria’s southeast region.
His rhetoric and actions, including calls for economic shutdowns through “sit-at-home” orders, have been linked to widespread unrest and disruptions in the region.
NEWS
National Assembly In Top Gear For Tinubu’s 2025 Budget Presentation
The National Assembly management team, led by Clerk Sani Magaji Tambawal, has ramped up efforts to ensure a seamless presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The event, scheduled for a joint session of the Senate and House of Representatives, is regarded as a significant moment in Nigeria’s legislative calendar.
Preparations include a thorough inspection of the assembly chambers to ensure all facilities are fully functional.
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Deputy Clerk Kamoru Ogunlana, who is overseeing the technical arrangements, confirmed that key systems, including microphones, sound equipment, and other audio-visual tools, have been tested to ensure smooth communication during the session.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that the National Assembly is fully prepared to receive Mr. President and provide a conducive environment for this significant moment in our democratic process,” Ogunlana stated.
Seating arrangements are also being finalized to accommodate lawmakers, government officials, and other dignitaries expected at the session.
Security measures are being reviewed in collaboration with relevant agencies to ensure the safety of all attendees. Meanwhile, press accreditation is being managed to facilitate effective media coverage.
The 2025 budget presentation is expected to highlight the government’s economic priorities while reinforcing the partnership between the executive and legislative arms of government.
As the session approaches, the National Assembly has expressed its commitment to upholding Nigeria’s democratic values and providing a platform for transparent governance.