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FG to launch civil service e-learning platform
FG to launch civil service e-learning platform
Platform
By Okon Okon
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan, Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HOCSF), says that there were plans to launch e-learning platform, to fasttrack training of more civil servants for quality service delivery.
Yemi-Esan made the disclosure at a public lecture on Thursday in Abuja, as part of activities to commemorate the 2024 Civil Service Week.
According to her, this unprecedented resource will ensure that we are able, significantly, to increase the number of civil servants, who can undertake induction and Structured Mandatory Assessment- Based Programme (SMAT-P) module.
She also said that civil servants could also undertake other specialist trainings at the same time.
“The objective of the e-learning platform is to train many more civil servants at the same time. We have modules that would ensure that civil servants are well trained,” she explained.
According to her, the Information and Computer Technology (ICT) initiative also contains modules that can enable civil servants train themselves, to gain more knowledge on the new Performance Management System (PMS), while preparing for any promotion examination.
The HOS said the government was fully prepared to reposition the nation’s civil service to global standards, adding that it could only be achieved through training and retraining of officers.
“This entails equipping of the next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and thrive in an increasingly complex world of work.
“In this light, the Nigerian Civil Service, in collaboration with its partners, and stakeholders and the most prominent is the AIG-Imoukhuede Foundation, has invested massively in the training, retraining of the workforce,” she said.
Yemi-Esan also said the Federal Government would identify mentors among the civil servants, and strategically deploy 500 civil servants to various sectors of the service.
According to her, this is to make them the future leaders, service wise by the end of 2025.
“Previously, the absence of structured and targeted training programmes for civil servants in the Nigerian civil service was a major challenge.
“Training across the MDAs was carried out without considering the actual competencies lacking in the service,” she said.
She emphasised the need for continuous self development by the public officers, as Nigeria was focusing on the reposition of the sector.
Also, Prof. Peter Okebukola, the Guest Speaker, who described the present crop of civil servants as “the best in the African continent”, commended Yemi-Esan for her efforts.
Okebukola spoke on the topic, “Education Fit For The 21st Century: Preparing Nigerian Public Servants to Address Global Challenges While Fostering Employee Engagement, Retention and Satisfaction”.
According to him, if Nigeria fails to plan well 25 years from now (2050), It might not meet with the required global standard in terms of quality service delivery on expected mandates.
“So this lecture is about painting the scenarios of the future of Nigerian civil service by 2050, ” he said.
Okebukola advised the government to engage the civil servants in ICT training, so as to fill the gaps in service delivery.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme of the week is, “Educate an African Fit For The 21st Century: Building resilient systems for Increased Access To Inclusive, Lifelong, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
MZM/AYO/IFY
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Ifeyinwa Omowole
June 20, 2024
Epidemiologist warns against use of carbonated drink, seasoning for cholera treatment
Treatment
By Oluwafunke Ishola
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Epidemiologist, Dr Japhet Olugbogi, has warned Nigerians against using mixture of carbonated drink and seasoning cubes as prevention and treatment measures for cholera disease.
Olugbogi, former Head of NMA Lagos COVID-19 response and Medical Officer of Health at Ifelodun LCDA, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
He gave the warning in response to several social media posts touting the use of Coca-Cola and Maggi combination as a prevention and treatment for cholera.
Olugbogi said the mixture was not a medical solution, noting that toxicology tests from the combination might be harmful for the health and well-being of individuals.
“That combination I believe is more expensive than using Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS). Why would anybody want to substitute ORS for Maggi and Coca-Cola?.
“That’s alarming. ORS is a solution that’s tested, proven and trusted to treat cholera or diarrhea or gastroenteritis disease.
“If somebody has hypoglycemia (low sugar), of course, the individual can be given Coca-Cola, Pepsi, Sprite, Miranda or Fanta or any of those carbonated drinks but in measured doses.
“Combining Coca-Cola with Maggi for cholera treatment is not a medical solution,” he said.
The public health expert emphasised that cholera could be easily treated through prompt administration of ORS or preparing the salt and sugar solution to help individuals.
He recalled that during the COVID-19 and Ebola outbreak, some people promoted using salt water to bathe as a cure for the diseases, stressing that it was a hoax that caused complications and death to some individuals.
Olugbogi cautioned the public against practicing things seen online, stressing that health advisory from physicians and health regulators should be strictly adhered to, to ensure health safety.
On preventive measures against cholera, Olugbogi advised that people washed their hands with soap and running water, before and after eating, and after using the toilet.
“Washing our hands with soap and water alone is a huge step in controlling and preventing this viral outbreak.
“Apart from that, people should ensure they keep their waste safely in containers away from flies because flies pick up germs and bacteria from the waste or fecal matter and drop them when they perch on food items.
“We should also dispose of refuse properly, maintaining good hygienic practices is critical to reduce transmission of cholera,” he said.
He advised that vegetables and fruits should be washed thoroughly before consuming them and water boiled before drinking.
Olugbogi advised that proper washing of utensils such as spoons, cups, plates, glass cups, mugs, before eating with them.
“Cholera is transmitted from contaminated hand to mouth; so, if we can clean our hands, utensils and any item containing things that we put in our mouth, then we can prevent cholera from spreading,” he said.
Data from Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) show that Nigeria recorded no fewer than 1,141 suspected and 65 confirmed cases of cholera, resulting in over 30 deaths from Jan. 1 to June 11, 2024 in 30 states, NAN reports.
Lagos State on June 11, alerted residents that the state had recorded an excess report of severe gastroenteritis cases leading to 60 hospitalisations and five deaths mainly from patients presenting late with extreme dehydration.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, on June 15, disclosed that laboratory tests confirmed that the outbreak was due to cholera with the identified strain being highly aggressive and contagious, with potential for widespread transmission.
As at June 20, Lagos cholera outbreak had increased to 21 fatalities and 401 infections from multiple LGAs in the state. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
AIO/CHOM/VIV
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Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Vivian Ihechu

June 20, 2024
Court adjourns council crisis suit against UniAbuja VC for judgment
Court adjourns council crisis suit against UniAbuja VC for judgment
Judgment
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, adjourned a suit filed against the Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Abuja, Prof. Rasheed Na’Allah, for judgment.
Justice Inyang Ekwo adjourned the matter for judgment after counsel for the plaintiffs, Maxwell Opara, and Na’Allah’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, adopted their processes and argued their case for and against the suit.
Justice Ekwo, who adjourned the case, said a date for judgment would be communicated to parties.
“If I am unable to give you judgement before vacation, then if 1 have your consent, I can apply for the fiat from the Chief Judge of Federal High Court to deliver the judgement during vacation,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plaintiffs; Prof. Saint Gbilekaa, Prof. Edmund Nwanna, Prof. Sunday Ejaro, Prof. Kasim Umar, Prof. Wesley Nafarnda and Dr Uju Patrick, had filed the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/683/2024.
The six aggrieved senior lecturers sued the VC; President, Federal Republic of Nigeria; Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and National Universities Commission (NUC) as 1st to 4th defendants respectively.
In the originating summons, they prayed the court to determine whether having regard to Section 2A, 2 (3) of the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amendment) Act 2003 (otherwise called the Universities Autonomy Act No. 1, 2007), it is lawful and valid for Na’Allah to arbitrarily call for the conduct of fresh Senate and Congregation council members elections while the last elected members’ four years tenure is still valid and subsisting.
They, therefore, sought an order of injunction restraining the VC from taking any steps towards conducting any fresh election for Senate and Congregation Council members until the elapse of the last elected members’ four years tenure which would elapse on July 15, 2025.
However, the plaintiffs alleged that while the matter was still pending before the court, Na’Allah, on May 28 conducted another election for the Governing Council members of the institution.
Against this backdrop, the aggrieved lecturers, through their lawyer, Opara, filed an ex-parte motion to stop the inauguration of the newly elected council members.
In the motion ex-parte dated and filed June 5, they sought seven reliefs, which include an order of interim injunction directing all parties to maintain status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the motion on notice.
They also sought an order of interim injunction restraining the 1st defendant (VC) and others from conducting any inauguration of the newly elected internal council members of the university pending the determination of the motion on notice, among other reliefs.
Justice Ekwo had, on June 7, ordered Na’Allah to appear before the court on June 13 to show cause why the planned inauguration should not be stopped.
The VC, through his lawyer, Onoja, in compliance with the order, they filed on June 11, filed an affidavit to show cause dated June 11.
He equally filed a counter affidavit and a notice of preliminary objection urging the court to dismiss the suit for lacking in merit.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TOA/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 20, 2024
FG unveils mobile courts, new guidelines for hotels, schools to end GBV
Minister of Women Affairs at a meeting with other stakeholders on implementation of mobile courts on Thursday in Abuja
FG unveils mobile courts, new guidelines for hotels, schools to end GBV
GBV
By Justina Auta
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government on Thursday, unveiled mobile courts and new guidelines for hotels, schools, and others to ensure speedy access to justice for cases of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
Mobile courts are courts that can be easily moved from one place to nother to adjudicate disputes and administer justice.
Mrs Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, Minister of Women Affairs, during a partnership meeting in Abuja with other key stakeholders noted the alarming cases of SGBV, child abuse, child labour, harmful practices and prison congestion in the country.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, decried cases of exposure to alcohol and even death in hotels, bullying and sexual molestation in schools as well as refusal to treat gunshot patients without police reports, said the enactment of the mobile courts would curtail such menace.
According to her, the implementation of the mobile court will usher in guidelines for new operational methods for all hotels, hospital, schools and NGOs, which include signs prohibiting actions that encourages GBV.
She explained that some signs are to be posted in strategic areas of hotels,schools, hospitals and other places with a toll free number for people to report violations.
“The implementation of the mobile court will usher in guidelines for new operational methods for all hotels, hospitals both private and public, private and public schools and NGOs.
“All hotels should display posters of no under aged girls or children allowed for lodging in hotels.
“All primary and secondary schools should display sign post and there must be a sitting teacher in every classroom for both primary and secondary.
“There must be four teachers in duty who will always be outside watching the children play during breaks. There must be a sitting cleaner staff at the entrance of the toilet corridors to monitor what goes on.
“No hospital should reject any emergency patient. At least immediate first aid should be administered for restoration or resuscitation of life,” she said.
The minister added that the objectives of the mobile courts include increase in speed deployment and dispensation of justice; enhancement of speed and efficiency in case trial, eliminate harmful practices.
Others include: reduction of child labour,out of school children and underage as househelps; reduce child abuse and the use of babies to beg for alms amongst; several others.
Also speaking, Eze Anyanwu, the National President, Nigeria Hotel Association assured the government of their commitment towards ensuring the implementation of the guidelines to address cases of GBV.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that other stakeholders at the meeting include representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Education, medical facilities, hotel owners, NGOs, CSOs, among others. (NAN)
JAD/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 20, 2024
4 vessels to discharge products at Lekki Deep Sea Port
4 vessels to discharge products at Lekki Deep Sea Port
Vessel
By Aisha Cole
Lagos, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) said no fewer than four vessels will discharge various products at Lekki Deep Sea Port in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that NPA made the disclosure in its Shipping Position, a daily publication of the the organisation, in Lagos on Thursday.
NAN also reports that the four vessels will discharge crude oil, bulk urea and fuel oil.
NPA said that another six vessels were expected to berth at various ports in Lagos.
It also said that two of the expected vessels would berth with containers of different goods.
“The remaining expected vessels will berth with diesel, bulk gas, fuel oil, and cargo.
“Two vessels are waiting to berth with wet cargo and general cargo at two ports in Lagos,” the report said. (NAN)
AIC/CEO/IFY
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Edited by Chidi Opara/Ifeyinwa Omowole

June 20, 2024
Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler
Obasanjo mourns Ogunleye, Ogun traditional ruler
Demise
By Yetunde Fatungase
Abeokuta, June 20, 2024 (NAN) A former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the death of Oba Olufemi Ogunleye Towulade I, as a great loss to the Owu chiefdom and Ogun, in general.
Ogunleye, the traditional ruler of Akinale Town in Owu chiefdom of Ogun, died on Wednesday, June 19, in the United Kingdom after a brief illness at the age of 79.
Obasanjo, in a statement on Thursday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, said the death of the Oba was shocking, having informed him about his travelling some weeks back in high spirits.
Meanwhile, the Owu Traditional Council formally announced the demise of the Oba on Thursday.
Obasanjo, who is in South Africa for the second term inauguration ceremony of President Cyril Ramaphosa, said Nigeria, as a whole, would miss Ogunleye for his resourcefulness and promotion of the cultural heritage of his homestead. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
YAF/KTO/SOA
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Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Oluwole Sogunle
June 20, 2024
PRP urges FG to develop people-oriented agric, manufacturing policies
PRP urges FG to develop people-oriented agric, manufacturing policies
Policies
By Naomi Sharang
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has urged the Federal Government to develop and put in place realistic and people-oriented agricultural and manufacturing policies to improve the Nigerian economy.
The National Chairman of the party, Malam Falalu Bello, made the call in a news statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday.
According to him, the National Economic Management team of the government should consider a massive reduction in the cost of governance and reduction in waste to get the country out of its economic crisis.
“We urge this team, as a matter of urgency, to develop and get in place, a realistic and people oriented agricultural and manufacturing policies.
“We need to make agriculture an economically profitable activity as done before the IMF/World Bank visited this nation with their ‘No subsidy to agriculture’ mantra,” he said.
Bello decried the level of inflation, which he said, was “inching up to 40 per cent and rising poverty level was exacerbating”.
“Unemployment and under employment levels are increasing because of low capacity utilisation and factory closures.
“Their is also the closure of over 300 companies by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) on account of unreasonable increase in electricity tariff.
“More companies are folding up. We urge the government to do something to address this situation,” he said. (NAN)
(www.nannews.ng)
NNL/AYO/SH
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Edited by Ayodeji Alabi/Sadiya Hamza
June 20, 2024
NEITI, stakeholders meet to review 2023 Nigeria extractive industries report
Coordinating Director of the Executive Secretary’s Department, Mrs Jane Onwumere who represented the Executive Secretary of NEITI at the event.

Report
By Lucy
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), is engaging with stakeholders to review and validate the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of Nigeria’s extractive industries.
Dr Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, the Executive Secretary of NEITI, said this at a Stakeholder’s Consultation/Validation Meeting on Thursday in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was centred on the 2023 Annual Progress Report (APR) of the Nigeria Extractive Industries, which covers the oil, gas, and mining sectors.
Orji, represented by a Director in NEITI, Mrs Jane Onwumere, said that stakeholders engagement in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) process was important.
“The global EITI requirement of 1.5 under its 2023 standard mandates all implementing countries, including Nigeria, to document their review of the impacts and outcomes of the EITI implementation in an APR.
“This can also be done through other means as may be agreed by Multi-Stakeholders Group (MSG).
“It requires that all stakeholders, companies, government and civil society involved in the EITI process, including those not on the MSG, should participate in reviewing the impact of EITI implementation.
“They are required to also provide feedback and have their views reflected in the annual progress report.”
Orji said the programme, therefore, aimed to reflect the stakeholders’ views in the 2023 APR of the NEI in line with the requirements of the global EITI.
He said the event served as an opportunity to evaluate and celebrate the progress, milestones, and achievements recorded in Nigeria’s extractive sectors in the year under review.
Orji called on stakeholders to share their contributions to the sector to enable NEITI to report and celebrate them through the instrumentality of the global EITI.
According to him, the APR is not solely the business of the NEITI Secretariat but a collective effort by all parties working towards achieving EITI objectives in Nigeria.
“While we acknowledge that there are still many issues to be addressed in the sectors, we must document, report, and celebrate our efforts and progress.
“Addressing those issues will build trust, earn citizens/investors’ confidence, and attract the desired investment into our extractive sectors and economy.”
Also speaking, a former member of the EITI International Board, Mrs Faith Nwadishi, decried the regular dissolution of the board by successive governments.
Nwadishi said,” the fact that each time a new government comes into office, it dissolves the EITI Board in the country is a concern.
“This is because it can lead to the country’s suspension from the international body, but we are lucky that the Board was eventually put together.
“I am sure that if the NEITI Board had not been put together, the EITI International Board meeting happening right now in Geneva would have been a serious concern.
“We had a similar issue in 2016. Therefore, we must understand the role of the Board.”
Nwadishi, while commenting on the draft report, also observed that not many Civil Society reports had been captured in the APR.
She urged them to send their reports, saying it was why it is a country work plan comprising inputs of all stakeholders, civil societies, government, and companies.
NAN reports that the meeting brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from companies, government agencies, civil society organisations, and other entities involved in the EITI process.
The participants contributed and expressed their concerns, which the NEITI pledged to address accordingly. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
LCN/EEE
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Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

June 20, 2024
Asaba Specialist Hospital to establish 24-hour walk-in blood donor unit
Blood
By Carol V. Utulu
Asaba, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The management of Government Specialist Hospital, Asaba has announced plans to set up a 24-hour Walk-in Blood Donor Unit in the hospital.
The Chief Medical Director of the hospital (CMD), Dr Peace Ighosewe made this known on Thursday in Asaba during a blood drive campaign organised by the hospital in commemoration of the 2024 World Blood Donor Day.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the plan is part of the hospital’s campaign to create more awareness about the importance of blood donation.
Ighosewe said that the management of the hospital would make the blood drive campaign a frequent exercise due to the increase in demand for blood donation by patients in the hospital.
The medical director further said that the hospital would provide easy access for willing donors and ensure the timely availability of blood for patients in need.
She noted that it had become imperative to have a walk-in blood donor unit in the hospital due to the increasing demand by people willing to donate blood.
On the blood donor campaign, Ighosewe said she was greatly impressed with the turnout of donors who thronged the hospital to make voluntary blood donations as a result of the blood drive.
She revealed that staff of the hospital, from doctors to nurses as well as members of the cleaning and security units, came out to donate in support of the lifesaving cause.
The medical director expressed gratitude to the Delta State Government for providing an enabling environment for their work.
“I also commend the State Ministry of Health, led by Dr Joseph Onojaeme, for the support and commitment to the success of the blood drive.
“I commend my dedicated team of Medical Laboratory Scientists, led by the HOD, Faith Emetonjor, for the exceptional work in planning and executing the project.
“My appreciation also goes to members of the management team and organising committee and all the 46 amazing donors, particularly donors who are staff of the hospital,” Ighosewe said.
According to the CMD, the hospital is poised to revolutionise blood donation and patient care in the state, with the planned setting up of a blood donor unit.
Faith Emetonjor, the Head, Medical Laboratory Science Department of the hospital who spoke to newsmen at the event, said the blood drive was organised to celebrate old donors and encourage new people to donate.
Emetonjor reassured donors that comprehensive medical checks have been put in place to ensure their safety and blood products, with two functional blood banks.
She announced the availability of a refrigerated centrifuge in the facility, to ensure proper storage and utilisation of the units of blood donated.
A blood donor, Mr Emeka Nwangwu, a businessman who was at the event, said he felt morally obligated to donate blood.
“I brought my daughter to the hospital for immunisation unknowing to me that today is World Blood Donor Day.
“However, on getting here and seeing the blood drive, I felt it was part of my responsibility to volunteer and help save lives by donating to this cause,” he said.
Nwangwu called on Nigerians to come forward and donate blood to patients in need to save lives.
A staff of the Asaba Specialist Hospital, Mr Chukwuebuka Obidike who was one of the 46 donors, told NAN in an interview that he had been a regular donor.
“I am a frequent donor and I have been doing this for a while now. When I saw the announcement for a blood drive I decided to come and donate,” he said.
NAN reports that the Asaba Specialist Hospital is dedicated to making blood donation a quarterly moral responsibility, thereby encouraging everyone to participate. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
CVU/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
June 20, 2024
FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak
FG begins water quality analysis to curtail cholera outbreak
Cholera
By Tosin Kolade
Abuja, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation has initiated a water quality analysis following a cholera outbreak that has resulted in the deaths of 30 people across several states.
Alhaji Aliyu Shinkafi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said this was necessary following continued reports of outbreak in many parts of the country.
According to him, the ministry’s concern highlights the severity of this waterborne disease, which is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae and spreads rapidly through contaminated water or food.
He said the symptoms of cholera include vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea, which can be fatal if not treated promptly.
“In response to the outbreak, teams from the National Water Quality Reference Laboratories in Lagos, Enugu, and Sokoto have been dispatched to collect water samples and investigate the presence of Vibrio cholerae in the affected areas.
“Additionally, the ministry is coordinating with State Technical Working Groups and Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agencies (RUWASSAs) through the WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group (WiETWG) to address the outbreak comprehensively”.
Shinkafi said that before the outbreak, the National WASH in Emergency Technical Working Group had already trained state working groups on preparedness, prevention, and response strategies, as well as hygiene promotion and water safety planning.
These states, he said have now intensified their community sensitisation efforts to reduce cholera cases and are promoting campaigns against open defecation, a known transmission route for the disease.
He however urged Nigerians to take precautions to protect themselves and their families by boiling or treating drinking water before consumption.
The permanent secretary called on all Nigerians to take wash hands with soap under clean, running water regularly, especially before eating and after using the toilet.
He said the ministry will continue to provide updates in collaboration with the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as the situation evolves.
“Let’s wash fruits and vegetables with safe water and salt before eating.
“Let’s also seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, severe dehydration, and diarrhea.
“Together, we can overcome this challenge and prevent further loss of lives”.
NAN quotes the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention as saying “as of 11 June 2024, 1,141 suspected cholera cases had been recorded across 30 states in Nigeria since January 2024.’’
The 10 states that recorded 90 per cent of the cases are mostly located in the South (Bayelsa—over 400 cases, Lagos, Abia, Cross River, Delta, Imo States), with some situated further north (Katsina, Nasarawa, Zamfara.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
TAK/SH
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edited by Sadiya Hamza
June 20, 2024