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No Plan To Ban Int’l Flights Into PH, Says RSG …Places State On Red Alert, Sets Up Rapid Response Team …Italian Bizman Stable, Showing Mild Symptoms, NCDC Confirms …Four Chinese, 39 Nigerians Quarantined In Plateau
The Rivers State Government says there is no plan to ban international flights into Port Harcourt as a result of the Coronavirus infections; adding that it has no intention to close any Chinese restaurant in the state.
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Health, Dr. Chinwe Tonye-Atata, who disclosed this when she appeared as guest on a live radio programme in Port Harcourt monitored by The Tide, yesterday, said the state was collaborating with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to check the spread of the virus.
Atata, who doubles as the director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry said, “The Rivers State Ministry of Health and the Rivers State Government were also following what was being done at the federal level.
“So, it also depends on what is ongoing at the federal level,” she stated, noting that the state government through the Ministry of Health is collaborating with multi-sectoral stakeholders to observe international protocol with respect to control and treatment of Coronavirus also known as COVID-19.
She also said that the state government was closely monitoring the outbreak of the disease in Lagos, and assured people of the state of their public health safety.
“So far and for the avoidance of doubt, there is no case of COVID-19 in Rivers State. However, we have raised our preparedness level for COVID-19. In Rivers State, we are on alert mood. We are not scared because we know that a lot has been put on the ground.
“It is not true that the state government plans to ban international flights or close down Chinese restaurants in the state. If we start from the ports, you find out that the Rivers State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and also the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) are working together to ensure that the entry points are safe.
“There is now maximum surveillance ongoing at the airports and the seaports. At the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, we have different levels of surveillance.
“We have first, the in-flight assessment in which forms are given to all travellers coming into the state. After that, there is also the aspect where if there is anybody that has cough or any respiratory infection or is severely ill that is noticed, he or she is immediately brought to the attention of the authorities.
“Then, you have a second level of checks in which as they come out, you have the terminal cameras. They are high level cameras and they are very specific for temperature checks.
“Apart from that, for those that are A-symptomatic, those that do not show symptoms but come from some of these areas (countries) that COVID-19 has been confirmed, they are kept in isolation areas after which we are informed. That is what is ongoing at the airport as of now,” Atata explained.
She further said that a technical working group has been reviewing the risks for importation of COVID-19 into the state, saying, “there is also an ad-hoc holding centre in place in case of any incident of Coronavirus in addition to a rapid response team that is also on red alert. They are doing simulations in case of any reported case.
“The state government is on track and ready to provide anything we need or require. His Excellency, the Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike is on alert and is doing all that is necessary to keep the state safe,” Atata stated, noting that the ministry would take the awareness campaign to churches, faith-based organizations and schools.
She further revealed that public health protocols at the state borders have also been strengthened, adding that, “check on contact tracing is on the standby”.
Similarly, the Rivers State Ministry of Health has assured that there was no case of Coronavirus in the state following a case of the virus which was confirmed in Lagos State, last Friday.
The Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Dr Chinwe Atata, who made this known at a press briefing at the Public Health Emergency Operational Centre of the ministry in Port Harcourt, said the ministry has strengthened surveillance at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, and will place all asymptomatic travellers coming from countries that have already been impacted by the virus on self-isolation, and closely monitor them.
Atata said a treatment centre has also been mapped out for the Coronavirus.
She called on Rivers residents to always maintain five meters distance from people who are sneezing and coughing, calling on health facilities to maintain a very strict infection control system.
Atata also dismissed insinuations that the state Ministry of Health cannot contain infectious disease spread because the ministry was yet to get a commissioner and a permanent secretary.
The full text of her statement, titled “Press Release On Preparedness For Disease Control, Rivers State: COVID – 19”, reads, “Following the confirmation of the first case of COVID – 19 in Lagos, Nigeria, it has become imperative to brief you on the state of preparedness and necessary preventive behaviour we should adopt in the interest of public health safety.
“COVID – 19 was first discovered in the Wuhan Province in China on December 31, 2019. Since then, there have been over 80,000 cases globally, mainly in China, with about 55 countries affected as at yesterday (Thursday).
“The risk of importation into the country was considered high, especially as a result of trade and travel traffic. The Rivers State Ministry of Health is working in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health (especially the Ports Health Services), the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant stakeholders to ensure maximum surveillance at all international entry points in the state. Surveillance at the International Airport, Omagwa, has been strengthened with multiple layers of screening from in-flight assessment to the use of thermal cameras for early detection of suspected cases as well as secondary screening for selected passengers.
“In line with our protocol, all asymptomatic travellers from impacted areas coming into the state are placed on self-isolation for the maximum incubation period of the disease, and monitored through the period at their destination within the state by assigned surveillance health officers without stigma.
“So far and for the avoidance of doubt, there is no case of COVID-19 in Rivers State.
“However, we have further raised our preparedness level for COVID-19 to ALERT mode with the establishment of multi-sectoral emergency preparedness Technical Working Group specifically dedicated to reviewing the risk for COVID importation and evaluating the response pattern as events unfold in the state.
“In addition, we have marked out an ad-hoc treatment centre for COVID-19 in case of any eventuality. Presently, the state rapid response team is reinforcing preparedness with simulations for evacuations and triage at this centre. We have in stock, sufficient quantities of commodities, especially Protective Personal Equipment (PPE) and supportive drugs for therapeutic interventions in case of further challenges.
“We still believe in the opportunities and the gains of prevention and early detection. To this end, we join the rest of the global community to advise as follows: Regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water (especially when soiled); the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer is also recommended.
“Maintain at least 1 and half meters (five feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Persons with persistent cough or sneezing should keep a social distance and not mix in crowd. Endeavour to practice good respiratory hygiene: when sneezing or coughing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve at the flexed elbow. Then dispose-off the used tissue safely, immediately.
“Exposed persons should stay home if you feel unwell with symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing and notify relevant authorities immediately. All health facilities should ensure strict and appropriate IPC at all triage points. Citizens are further advised not to abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that can cause panic and lead to danger.
“The Rivers PHEOC will continue to provide updates and pursue all necessary measures to ensure public health safety. There is therefore, no cause for alarm as the state government is taking care of the situation. For further information or enquiry, please call: 08056109538, 08031888093 and 08033124314”, the statement added.
Reacting, a medical expert and Founder of Mother Baby Care Global Foundation, Dr. Eli Sokarime lauded health authorities in Rivers State for the modalities put in place against the breakout of Coronavirus disease.
He said the spirited fight that Lagos State has demonstrated since last week’s report of the first incident in Nigeria from an Italian shows that the disease can be tackled.
He, however, lamented that the challenge remains that the country has only three test centres, hence the need to set up more facilities.
Sokarime warned that “though Ebola is more lethal than Coronavirus, nonetheless, the incubation period of Coronavirus is 20 days and has high index of suspicion”.
The medical doctor said for now, the virus does not have any cure as against claims in the media, and therefore, urged members of the public to report any symptoms that go with coughing, sneezing, diarrhea, high fever and difficulty in breathing to nearby health centres.
So far, the disease which started in China since December has claimed 3,000 lives with 80,000 infections in 55 countries.
Already, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency, calling on all countries to evolve measures to tackle the malaise.
But despite the reported case of the virus in Lagos, some hospitals in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, have yet to start using hand sanitisers and other protective equipment like face masks.
Our correspondents, who were at different health facilities in the state capital, last Saturday, observed as patients walked into the various health facilities without being asked to wash their hands or use sanitisers.
At New Mile One General Hospital, a staff member said, “Currently, we have not brought out hand sanitisers at our lobby for patients, only our doctors and nurses inside use it.”
At Mgbundukwu Model Primary Health Care Centre, there was also no sanitiser available for patients and other visitors to the hospital.
A staff member, who did not disclose his name, said, “We used to have sanitisers in this health centre, but they were always stolen by patients.”
Also, at the Fortison Hospital along Iwofe Road, only one health worker was seen wearing a face mask, while others were working without protecting themselves.
At the laboratory section of the hospital, the laboratory scientist was seen working without hand gloves while taking the blood sample of a patient.
Similarly, Plateau State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Lar Ndam Nimkong said 43 persons including Chinese national have been isolated in mining sites in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State.
He said among those isolated, were four Chinese National and 39 Nigerians who are working with the Chinese in the two mining sites.
Dr. Nimkong disclosed this yesterday during a press briefing with the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang in Jos and said the Chinese who came from China through Adis-Ababa to Abuja were examined and have no symptoms of Coronavirus.
He said: “The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong received a communication on Friday, 28 February 2020 from Nigeria Immigration Service that three Chinese National were in Plateau. We set up a committee urgently made up of our staff, WHO, Nigeria Immigration Service, the Police and DSS and went to Wase LGA immediately.
“On Saturday, 29 February, the team discovered that there were four Chinese and not three. They interviewed the leader who came on 25 February and three others came on the 26 February, 2020.
“They admitted that they came from China and flew to Adis-Ababa through Abuja to Wase Local Government Area in Plateau State. They showed their screening forms in Adis-Ababa and in Abuja and we told them that anybody who is coming from a country that has Coronavirus problem is a suspect until he proves otherwise.
“In Wase, the Leader was leaving in a compound with 24 other Nigerians who were working with him. They have a water source that the villagers come to fetch for drinking, both of them were isolated in the compound for 14 days, nobody is expected to go out and nobody goes in.
“The same thing in Baki-Kaya where there are three Chinese National and 15 Nigerians who are working with them, both of them showed their screening forms before coming into Nigeria, and we have asked that they should be isolated for 14 days also; with this, we have no case of Coronavirus in Plateau for now.”
He said the Military and other security personnel in the area have been directed to ensure that the people comply with the directive.
Commissioner for Information and Communication, Hon. Dan Manjang, who was with Ndam during the briefing, said that there is no known case of Coronavirus in the State.
According to him, “There is no known case of Coronavirus in Plateau State. You know, we have a mining site in Wase. There are Chinese nationals that are mining that site. Three of them came in from China via Ethiopia Airways via Abuja.
“Commissioner for Health in a swift reaction, sent a health team to go and isolate and investigate them. The investigation is supposed to take 14 days. We will now know after 14 days whether they did contact the virus or not.”
My-ACE China, known as the Mayor of Housing, has won the 2024 Man of the Year. The award was announced by board of trustees of the DMOMA Awards Academy in Port Harcourt at the week.
The organisers also declared his company, the Construction and Housing Mayor Limited as the brand promoter of the year, the third in a row.
The award ceremony which was held at the Arena Event centre in the GRA area of Port Harcourt was attended by several dignitaries in the society.
The organisers led by Dr. Ezebunwo Nyeche (chairman) and Stephen Chidiebere Okoye (Awards organizer) said in a statement that China was picked for his support and impact to small and medium enterprises in Rivers State, his media footsteps and his consistent propagation and promotion of Rivers State.
They noted that China won over 10 prestigious awards in 2024 alone on his track to promote Port Harcourt as a brand destination and Rivers as a peaceful state.
Handing the award to China, the organisers said the Mayor of Housing always comes to the rescue of events that aim to promote Rivers State, saying the DMOMA Awards would be held in two more cities in 2025.
Responding, Mr China said there is need for more sponsorship of talents in Port Harcourt and the Niger Delta, saying what they lacked was support.
“There is more talent in Port Harcourt but there is more support in Lagos to artistes than in Port Harcourt. So, the top talents in Port Harcourt work 10 times harder than those in Lagos to attract sponsorship.”
He also said Nigeria has a treasure base which is Port Harcourt but that the treasure is not oil and gas but talents. He said he was highly elated to win the of Man of the Year Award with his firm winning brand of the year.
In an interview, My-ACE China said he was particularly impressed with the diligence demonstrated by the organisers and the processes they used to pick winners every year.
He also said the victory showed attention paid by the organisers to unveil the personality behind the corporate masquerade, not just focusing on the company. “It actually reaffirms one of my quotes that a brand can only grow as big as the character of the visioner behind it.”
On his plans to help Port Harcourt compete with Lagos, China said 2025 will meet him doing things with the youths of Rivers State to push the Port Harcourt brand in the social media and rally the traditional press to create a positive narrative of Rivers State beyond violence and political negativity.
“The Garden City has not been enjoying the best of media perception for some years now but this is the first time we have a governor committed to non-political bias in doing his work. He does not consider whether you are a member of his party or not before doing what is right. For the first time, we have a true father of the state to all, and he has been diligently following the blueprint that stakeholders developed at the last Rivers Economic and Investment Summit, making sure he is doing it without political cronyism.”
He said his company would be building the biggest estate and the best, the ‘Alesa Sustainable Smart City, to move from brand perception to brand experience so as to move Rivers State to the next level.
He appealed to entrepreneurs not to be carried away by the old perception but to join the new way. “Position yourself because there is going to be a boom. People are rushing into Port Harcourt and new entrants may take the ground. Think expansion not contraction, think investment not divestment. Else, you miss it.”
To fellow estate investors, he admonished them to gear up for regulation. “It is no longer going to be business as usual especially for land peddling and land grabbing. Try to grow up because tangible development is going to take over.
“It is no longer going to be who sells the most land but who develops the most houses. The housing deficit in the land requires effective land development strategies. Any serious land seller should grow into a housing developer because developments are going to be coming into Rivers State and a lot of people are coming into the state.”
He said those that have grown to be developers will be many times richer than those that are just starting or are mere land sellers and peddlers. People should also position themselves because all the foreign investments and local ones will take advantage of this influx.
“The value of influx is coming, so prepare and take advantage. Be one of those that are big enough to take advantage. Remaining small will not be good but grow big in your products, in your services, because the market is going to grow big.”
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has expressed shock and sadness over the death of a former military governor of the State, Major-General Godwin Osagie Abbe (rtd).
Late Abbe, who hails from Edo State, was military governor of Rivers State between August, 1990 and January, 1992.
Governor Fubara described late Gen Abbe as one leader who dedicated himself to the service and wellbeing of Rivers people and humanity during his administration in the State, saying that the death of the distinguished military officer, politician and administrator was a very huge loss to the State, the Niger Delta, and indeed, the entire country, having traversed the length and breath of the nation in the cause of his military and political careers.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and good people of Rivers State, I condole with the family of the Abbes, the Edo people, and the Nigerian military on the demise of this colossus, whose contributions to the unity, peace and development of the nation are legendary.
“While we mourn his painful exit at this difficult time, we pray for the eternal repose of his soul, and urge the family to take solace in the fact that late Gen Abbe lived a fulfilled life in the service of his fatherland.”
Wife of Rivers State Governor, Lady Valerie Siminalayi Fubara, has noted with delight that Rivers children are well behaved, and has admonished them to remain supportive of their parents while striving always to make a difference wherever they find themselves.
Lady Fubara gave the counsel at the 2024 Christmas Children Party, attended by children from the 23 Local Government Areas of the State, including non-indigenes, at Government House in Port Harcourt on Thursday.
The Christmas Children Party also witnessed the presence of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who stopped over to share moments with them, walking from one canopy to another, waving at them, and at other times, shaking hands with them to leave lasting memories on them.
The Rivers First Lady pointed to the importance of the celebration of Christmas, which draws attention to the birth of Jesus Christ, demanding that people have a deep reflection of the love that is demonstrated and mission of the birth, which is to redeem mankind.
Lady Fubara recalled how she took out time to visit the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, where she appreciated God for safe delivery of children born on Christmas day while felicitating with the nursing mothers.
She also stated the valuable time spent with motherless babies when she visited the Port Harcourt Children’s Home in Borikiri, old Port Harcourt Township, and celebrated their meekness, innocence and the beauty they bring to the world.
She said, “Even today, as we continue the celebration, efforts were made to extend invitation to our children in all the 23 local government areas of our State. In doing this, children from all classes of society, including the physically challenged, have been offered the opportunity to sit together as brothers and sisters, play, eat and dance.
“Whilst contemplating the uniqueness of celebrating Christmas on a Boxing Day, steps were equally taken to provide gifts for the children who are there, and also to pray for them, a qualitative fun session that will last in their memories.”
Lady Fubara advised all children in the State to remember that Jesus came into the world to make a difference, advising that they must emulate him so that they can positively impact their families and society.
She urged them to pray fervently to God to bless and prosper their mothers, daddies, aunties and uncles to better cater to their needs.
She added, “Be humble, obedient and supportive at home. Do household chores, and don’t forget to make excellent grades in school next academic session. Children are the joy of every home, and we are glad to have beautiful, well-behaved children in Rivers State.
“Thank you all for witnessing this 2024 Children’s Party, and I pray God Almighty to protect, shield and keep you safe from all negative companies in the name of Jesus. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous 2025. God bless you all,” she said.
Lady Fubara expressed appreciation to her husband and Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his absolute commitment to the growth of children, and the immeasurable support that ensured that Christmas Children Party was a success.
There were performances by Virtue Dancers, Kalabari Iria dancers, Wonder Time Children of Opobo Kingdom, Children of Rivers State Council of Arts and Culture, Diseye the Poet and DJ Arnold.