Category: Health

Cholera: Corporation supplies safe, clean water to Lagos Island residents

Cholera

By Henry Oladele

Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Following reported cases of cholera in Lagos State, particularly Lagos Island, the Lagos Water Corporation (LWC) has started supplying potable water to affected areas.

The Managing Director of the corporation, Mukhtaar Tijani, said in a statement on Saturday that LWC would also supply safe water to Oju Olokun community and Adeniji Adele.

He stated that “this immediate intervention by the corporation is to minimise the spread of the deadly cholera disease by distributing safe and clean water to residents.

“The Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, in one of his statements, stated that Lagos Island has the highest number of suspected cholera cases in the state.

“According to World Health Organisation (WHO), cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera,” he said.

Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported an outbreak of cholera in 30 states of the federation, and urged state governments to prioritise access to safe water, basic sanitation and proper hygiene practices.

HOB/EBI/HA 

Edited by Benson Iziama/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera

By Chukwuemeka Opara

Abakaliki, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Ebonyi government on Saturday said there is no confirmed cholera case in the state except suspected cases.

Dr Moses Ekuma, the State Commissioner for Health, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abakaliki.

He explained that the state currently had 38 suspected cases.

Ekuma said that the ministry in collaboration with relevant agencies were closely monitoring the situation and had taken proactive steps to forestall any outbreak in the state.

“We have inaugurated a technical working group on the issue while increasing the training and re-training of health personnel for emergency responses.

“We have increased our enlightenment campaign on the citizens to take precautionary measures while our health facilities are on alert to handle emerging situations.

“The citizens have been enlightened to wash their hands always before eating, avoid drinking contaminated water, cover their foods properly among other measures,”he said.

The commissioner noted that emphasis was being placed on open defecation, which the citizens must avoid presently and beyond.

“We are working in synergy with sister ministries of water resources, environment among others, to ensure that adequate water is supplied to the citizens and the environment kept clean.

“The citizens should not panic but ensure they engage in safe health practices and be vigilant within their environment,” he said.

He urged the citizens to report suspected cases to nearby health facilities and not engage in self medication.

NAN reports that there are reported cases of cholera across the country with attendant fatalities. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

RCO/AMM

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Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Cholera Outbreak: LWC assures safe, potable water to residents 

Water

By Henry Oladele

Lagos, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Amid the cholera outbreak in the state, Lagos Water Corporation (LWC), on Saturday, assured residents of safe and potable water, advising everyone to maintain good hygiene.

The corporation’s Executive Director, Operations, Mr Helen Omolanke, gave the assurance while sensitising residents at the Baruwa Community Engagement Forum in Lagos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the community forum  was organised by LWC to sensitise residents about safe and World Health Organisation’s standard public water.

NAN also reports that the forum was in line with the Lagos State Government’s policy to ensure access to safe drinking water.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) had reported an outbreak of the water-borne disease in 30 states of the federation and urged state governments to prioritise actions that ensure access to and use of safe water, basic sanitation and proper hygiene practices.

The centre, in an advisory released to the public, healthcare workers and state governments on mitigating the spread of the disease, reported a total of 1,141 suspected cases of cholera, with 65 confirmed cases and 30 deaths across 96 local government areas in 30 states from Jan. 1 to June 11.

The NCDC highlighted that 10 states—Bayelsa, Zamfara, Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Delta, Katsina, Imo, Nasarawa and Lagos—account for 90 per cent of the cholera burden in the country.

The centre explained that cholera is a food and water-borne disease caused by Vibrio cholerae, ingested through contaminated water and food.

Water contamination usually results from the faeces of infected individuals, occurring during water collection, transportation or storage at home.

Food can also be contaminated by unclean hands during preparation or consumption, it added.

At-risk populations, the centre said, include those with limited access to clean water, poor sanitation and hygiene, consumers of potentially contaminated food or fruits without proper washing and cooking, and healthcare workers providing direct patient care without standard precautions.

The centre noted that symptoms of cholera include acute, profuse, painless watery diarrhoea (rice water stools), sudden onset vomiting, and may be accompanied by nausea and fever.

Severe cases can lead to death within hours due to dehydration from massive fluid loss.

However, NCDC stressed that most infected individuals (about 80%) may show mild symptoms or be asymptomatic.

NCDC cautioned that the best prevention against cholera include ensuring access to safe drinking water, proper sanitation and waste disposal and adopting appropriate hygiene practices, including regular handwashing.

The water corporation  director, therefore, told residents at the Baruwa Community Engagement Forum that “LWC is the most safe water. We have tested the boreholes and other sachet waters in the time past and we have seen that  LWC is the best.

“It is reliable. it takes away sickness and you won’t have cholera from drinking LWC water.

“There is cholera in the country, so we are encouraging everyone to tap into this opportunity and get connected to LWC, because it is potable.”

She added that LWC has a mini water works at Abesan Estate, adding that Baruwa community should take ownership of the water.

She explained that “the essence of this gathering is to sensitise the community to take ownership of this mini water works because the facility was built from tax payers’ money.

“The people should own it and see to its sustainability, more so to also encourage them to pay their bills.”

She added that water from the boreholes in the community is not potable as that from LWC, which has been treated and processed to the standard of the World Health Organisation.

The Baale of Baruwa Community, Chief Aludu Baruwa, appreciated the LWC for providing potable water to residents and beyond.

While urging LWC not to charge high water rate so people can afford to pay, Baruwa said “I implore everyone to pay water dues because this water is always treated.”

The Chairman, Baruwa Water Corporation, Pa James Oyewole, appreciated the gesture by LWC, saying it is a laudable project.

“This is a long awaited ceremony, we have been involved in water pollution for about 28 years.

“The underground of the whole Baruwa is already polluted so we can’t get good water.

“We want to thank LWC for coming to our rescue and we assure that we will pay our dues to ensure sustainability.”

The representative from the Lagos Water Regulatory Commission, Mr Idowu Olowu, said “the water payment by residents is just a token, as governtment is subsidising it.”

One of the residents, Mr Abiodun Adigun, expressed delight over the potable water introduced to the community, assuring LWC that he will pay charges apportioned to him.

Another resident, Mrs Basirat Komolafe, a business woman, said it was a long awaited prayer that got answered, adding that residents are ready to cooperate with LWC. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

HOB/HA 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera

By EricJames Ochigbo

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP-Rivers), has urged the Federal Government to declare  state of emergency on the cholera outbreak in the country.

He made the call in a statement on Saturday, stressing the need for coordinated joint stakeholders action against the outbreak to nip it in the bud.

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) had earlier announced the outbreak of the water-borne disease in 30 states of the federation.

Chinda, therefore, stated that “the outbreak highlights critical deficiencies in public health safety measures and underscores the need for immediate action.”

According to him, lack of adequate investment in public and personal health education has contributed significantly to the spread of preventable diseases.

He added that “as schools across the nation resume from the recent public holidays, there is an urgent need to declare state of emergency on cholera.

“This declaration will enable coordinated efforts at all levels of government to deploy resources swiftly toward containing the outbreak, improving sanitation infrastructure, and intensifying public health education campaigns.

“Government at all levels must prioritise allocation of resources toward improving water and sanitation facilities in affected communities.

“We call upon stakeholders, including government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, community leaders and individuals to collaborate in combating this outbreak.”

The lawmaker said that investment in robust public health education programmes is crucial to raising awareness about hygiene practices that can prevent spread of water-borne diseases, including cholera.

He urged the public to remain calm, vigilant, practice good hygiene and seek prompt medical attention if experiencing symptoms associated with cholera. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

EOO/HA 

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Cholera: Oyo Gov’t rolls out preventive measures in public schools

Prevention
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Oyo State government has rolled out some guidelines to ensure that food handlers in public schools follow strict hygiene practices to prevent contamination.

The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, (SUBEB), Dr Nureni Adeniran made this known in the instructions released in Ibadan on Saturday.

He advised headteachers to implement the measures to prevent cholera outbreaks in public basic schools in the state.

The SUBEB boss said that the Oyo State government, through the board, “is on top of its game to ensure that public basic schools are taking steps to ensure the health and safety of students.”

Adeniran urged parents, guardians, as well as school authorities to adhere to safety guidelines.

He said the board would work with Education Secretaries, teachers and other stakeholders to ensure strict compliance.

The advisory emphasised the importance of hand hygiene, recommending that children carry hand sanitisers and frequently wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom.

Adeniran also recommended that schools keep Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) available in their clinics to manage dehydration cases promptly.

He said that schools should notify the state emergency hotline, 615, immediately, in case of any health emergency or suspected cholera cases.

Adeniran said other preventive measures including comprehensive health talks on cholera prevention among learners and staff would be conducted regularly, as well as ensuring safe drinking practices. (NAN) (www.nannewsng)

IBK/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

50 youths graduate from K-pop academy

Graduation

By Priscilla Osaje

Abuja, June 22, 2024(NAN)No fewer than 50 talented youths on Friday graduated from the Korea Cultural Centre in Nigeria (KCCN) in the 2024 K-pop Dance and Vocal Academy in Abuja. .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that K-pop is Korean popular music, which comes in the form of popular music originating from  South Korea as part of their culture.

Ms Jennifer Ezeonyeasi, Cultural Event and Communication officer of KCCN, said K-pop academy dance class comes up yearly, but they decided to have dance and vocal academy just like in 2023.

Ezeonyeasi said that the 2023 vocal class lasted for two weeks but KCCN decided to extend it this year due to the tremendous response by participants.

“Today is the graduation ceremony of dance and vocal classes that lasted for one month.

” We are here for the participants to showcase their talents based on what they have learnt for this period.

” K-pop dance is just like cultural exchange between Korea and Nigeria. Nigerians are talented in dance and music which is one thing they share in common with Korea,” she said.

According to her, the dance and vocal academy is a platform to have a community of dancers, to enable them discover new talents for both K-pop and Nigerian dance artists.

” Usually for the classes, we do not have prizes, rather we award some best students.

“At the end, they will be issued  certificates of participation, which guarantee them to apply for any Korea related opportunities.

” The certificates given to them today show that they are involved in Korean culture,” she said.

Also speaking, Ms Chidinma Tobins, Administrative officer of KCCN, said the centre aimed at spreading the Korea culture in order to infuse in the Nigerian youths.

According to her, their perspective is to spread the options of language and K-pop at the same time, the reason why participants sang Korean songs.

” This is a way to tell Korea that their culture is coming to the grassroots of Nigeria, by learning a bit of their songs and language through this event.

“Many of them also go ahead with programmes that KCCN offers, by getting information for the centre and some have gone to Korea due to their talents,” she said.

Some of the graduates who spoke with NAN expressed excitement for graduating from K-pop academy.

They said that K-pop has exposed them to numerous dancing steps, adding that K-pop is an embodiment of creativity, passion and diversity.

Miss Jacintha Attah, a dancer, said registering in the K-pop academy was amazing from the beginning of the programme to the end.

According to her, the dance tutors assigned to them were friendly and accommodative, reasons why they all excelled in the programme.

“The experience was overwhelming, as a dancer when I heard about the K-pop academy, I quickly registered in order to boost my talent in dance,” she said.

Mr Oluwadare Micheal, a dancer, said K-pop has given him the opportunity to learn more  about the various dimensions of dance that he never knew.

” Initially, I did not know that dance has details, K-pop has enlightened me to learn a lot about various dimensions of dance.

” I am so attracted to Korean culture due to the K-pop dance and I am not regretting going through this school because this has always been my desire,” he said.

Miss Rosemary Oluwamuyiwa, the best vocal student, said K-pop was more than just a music genre.

She said that the impact of K-pop is more than entertainment, because of the vital role it plays in promoting South Korea’s image globally.

” I really want to appreciate KCCN for coming up with such an initiative that has helped many to develop their talents,” she said.

The highlight of the event was the  presentation of certificates to the graduates, dance and music performance by the graduates and award ceremony in different categories.

Miss Precious Ayeni, Winifred Eziuloh among others received the award of best attendance,while  Oluwamuyiwa and Miss Joy Ossai were vocal best students.

The best dance students included  Mercy Odey, Favour Agbonike, Joseph Uhiene and Onyinyechi Ibezim.(NAN(www.nannews.ng)

PO/JPE

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Edited by Joseph Edeh

Abuja residents take preventive measures against cholera

Cholera

By Anita Uzoagba/Olamide Kuye

Abuja, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Some residents of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) say they are taking measures to avoid contracting cholera which is spreading in different parts of the country.

The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday, said that proper hygiene was now paramount in their everyday life.

Media reports indicate that deaths from cholera outbreak in Lagos State has risen to 24 with 35 confirmed cases.

There also 417 suspected cases in 20 Local Government Areas of the state.

Mr Kunle Ashimi, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State, acknowledged the impact of cholera in 30 states in the country, according to media reports.

The FCT residents told NAN that they were paying extra attention to the sources of food they consume and taking extra measures to keep their environment clean.

Miss Kanayo Gift said she improve on her cleanliness, adding that “I know that cholera is caused by poor sanitation practices, so I ensure that I keep my surroundings clean.

“I dispose my garbage properly, and most importantly, I always make sure I wash my hands regularly.

According to her, she applies hand sanitizer on her hands when she is not at home and unable to wash them.

“I also ensure that my toilet is clean and hygienic”, Gift said.

Mrs Gladys Ohiwere, Assistant Head Mistress, Leadway Schools, said that they had put up safety guidelines for students to protect them from contracting cholera and other communicable diseases.

“We made sure there is tap water flowing around the school environment with soap for washing their hands.

“We also provided sanitizers to use on their hands properly. Whenever a pupil is going to the toilet we ensure a teacher is there to assist them.

“This is to ensure that they use the toilet properly and also make sure that they wash their hands afterwards.

She also told NAN that they strive to ensure that the students did not eat their food with unwashed hands.

Similarly, Mrs Loveth Ezeurike, a teacher at Ariella Ville Academy, said that the school management made sure its environment is clean at all times.

“The classrooms are thoroughly cleaned each day. This includes the student desks and floors. Students are encouraged to always wash their hands after their break time and before entering their respective classrooms.

She added that hand sanitisers have also been provided for every classroom.

“We have also informed parents to ensure their children are in good health before sending them to school” she said.

Malam Bala Musa, a fruit vendor, said usually he washed his fruits once but with the outbreak, he washes them twice with clean water before selling.

“There are some people who are not taking the outbreak of this disease seriously. As for me I will continue to keep my environment clean and maintain hygiene at all times.

I want to keep my customers and myself healthy”, Musa told NAN. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

AU/OK/KUA

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Edited by Uche Anunne

Children

By Angela Atabo

Abuja, June 21, 2023 (NAN) The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is mobilising stakeholders to invest in children’s education and support them to grow and thrive.

Dr Adedayo Benjamins-Laniyi, the Mandate Secretary, Women Affairs Secretariat, FCTA, stated this in Abuja on Friday, during an Inter-School Quiz Competition organised to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child.

The quiz was organised by African Scholars Care Initiative, an NGO, in collaboration with the Women Affairs Secretariat.

Benjamins-Laniyi, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Adetoyi Kolawole, called on stakeholders to support the government in creating a better world for children.

“We want a world where we will all invest in children’s education, respect their rights, welfare and create opportunities for them to grow and thrive.

“The Federal Capital Territory Administration is promoting policies that protect children’s rights to education and access to other necessities of life that will ensure their uninterrupted growth and development.

“The Nyesom Wike-led FCTA had established the Women Affairs Secretariat to give women and children the attention they deserved.

The mandate secretary described children as Africa’s greatest assets, adding that with the right education and skills, they would significantly contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria and Africa at large.

She said that the theme of the celebration, “Education for all African Children: The Time is Now”, resonates with the FCTA’s recognition of education as an important key to unlocking the potential of children.

She called on children across Africa to focus on education and Skill acquisition for self-reliance.

Similarly, the Country Director, Nutritional International, Dr Osita Okonkwo, also called on the government, parents and caregivers to invest in the nutritional wellbeing of children.

In a paper entitled, “The Role of Nutrition in Education”, Okonkwo argued that good nutrition was the bedrock of child development, adding that it enables young minds and bodies to grow and flourish.

Also, the founding partner, African Scholars Care Initiative, Ms Joy Osomiamhe, said that the organisation was galvanising support for the African child to be able to compete favourably among their peers anywhere in the world.

Osomiamhe, however, said that this could only be achieved through the provisions of quality education and optimal nutrition to the African child.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11 schools participated in the quiz competition, of which Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, emerged the winner.

LEA Primary School Kpana and Pilot Nursery and Primary School Wuse, Zone 5, emerged the first and second runner-up respectively.

One of the pupils of LEA Primary School, Wuse Zone 2, Paul Agada said: “I am very grateful to the organisers of this wonderful event.

“This competition has inspired me and my fellow pupils to read more and aim higher. I am grateful to FCTA Women Affairs Secretariat and the African Scholars Care Initiative for giving us this opportunity.

“It shows that our hard work and dedication can lead to success.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

ATAB/FDY

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Edited by Philip Yatai