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.
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.
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has announced the establishment of a 14-member Assets Verification Committee to examine the financial records and asset management of the previous administration led by Godwin Obaseki.
In a statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor revealed that the committee would be inaugurated on Tuesday, November 26, in Benin City.
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The panel is tasked with creating a detailed account of the state’s assets and liabilities to ensure transparency and accountability.
The committee will be chaired by Ernest Umakhihe, with Anslem Ojezua as Deputy Chairman and Frank Edebor as Secretary. Other members include Kassim Afegbua, Patrick Ikhariale, Taiwo Akerele, Patrick Idiake, Rasaq Bello-Osagie, Fredrick Unopah, Abdallah Eugenia, Patrick Obahiagbon, Kenny Okojie, Lyndsey Tes-Sorae, and Abass Braimoh.
Explaining the rationale behind the committee, Mr. Itua stated, “Despite repeated calls for a more holistic database of the assets and liabilities of the previous administration, the Godwin Obaseki-led government presented a scanty and limited report.”
He added that the initiative reflects the governor’s commitment to his campaign promises.
“In line with the governor’s campaign promise to ensure probity, accountability, and transparency in government, and to deepen the governance process, a committee made up of respected sons and daughters from Edo State has to be constituted,” the statement noted.
The committee’s work is expected to pave the way for a more accountable and developmental governance structure in Edo State.
In a bid to increase its global presence, the National Examination Council (NECO) has accredited more foreign schools.
This was contained in a statement issued under the signature of its Acting Director of Public Relations, Azeez Sanni, on Saturday.
He revealed that the accredited schools are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
Recall that last year, the examination body accredited some centres in Niger Republic to enable Nigerian students in the Francophone country to sit for the examinations.
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The statement read, “Determined to broaden its horizon and expand its global presence, the National Examinations Council has accredited more foreign schools to write the Senior School Certificate Examination and the Basic Education Certificate Examination.
“The newly accredited schools, in addition to the existing ones, are in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea.
“NECO accreditation team visited the Schools to assess their readiness to write the SSCE and BECE.
“The accreditation 5eam inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer laboratories, workshops, examination halls and sports facilities to determine their adequacy and suitability for NECO examinations.
“After a thorough evaluation and comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and full BECE accreditation status.”
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