Niger Delta

Bayelsa Faults Surveillance Report On Cholera Outbreak … Declares NCDC Report Data Misrepresentation

Published

8 months ago

June 26, 2024

The Bayelsa State Government, through its Ministry of Health, has faulted the inclusion of Bayelsa on the list of states affected by the cholera epidemic outbreak as recently published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) in its disease surveillance report.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Toyin Azebi, faulted the report recently at a joint press briefing shortly after a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunization and Health Services presided over by its Chairman and Deputy Governor of the state, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, in Government House, Yenagoa.

It would be recalled that the NCDC had in its recent Epidemiological Week 22, 2024 report, placed Bayelsa as amongst the states with the highest burden of cholera cases.

Azebi, who noted that there was no confirmed outbreak of cholera in Bayelsa in recent times, said the NCDC’s pronouncement of cholera outbreak in the state was a total misrepresentation and should be discountenanced as such.

She emphasized that all suspected 449 cases of cholera in the state from January to date had turned out negative from clinical laboratory tests, as they were proven to be cases of gastrointestinal diarrhea.

According to the Permanent Secretary, the ministry had reached out to the NCDC on the issue, and they had reviewed the State’s data again and found out that their initial report was incorrect and agreed to issue a rebuttal which they had not done as at the time of the press briefing.

“The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon do another pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak.

“Since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cases of cholera reported across the eight LGAs. Importantly, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, indicating no new cases. We are able to even report these cases of watery diarrhea because of our optimized surveillance system across the state.

“Extensive testing has been conducted to confirm cholera cases. Out of 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) carried out, only 14 returned positive. Crucially, all 14 positives from the Rapid Diagnostic tests turned out negative when subjected to culture test.

“Culture tests are the gold standard for cholera diagnosis, and no cases have been confirmed by this method. And this attests to no outbreak.

“In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no culture confirmed positive. The State Government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety”, she said.

Commenting on the issue of a dead whale found on the shores of coastal Okpoama Community in Brass Local Government Area of the state, reportedly being butchered for food, Dr. Azebi cautioned the people to refrain from the act as it could lead to a serious epidemic outbreak.

According to her, consuming the dead whale could lead to mercury poisoning, botulism and bacteria infections that might prove dangerous to the health of the people.

Also speaking, the Director of Public Health, Bayelsa State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jones Stowe, said the State’s disease surveillance system was well fortified, noting that all suspected cases of cholera were negative to culture test.

On the few reported cases of yellow fever across the eight LGAs in the state, Stowe the Ministry was taking proactive steps to ensure no deaths and no further spread of the infection.

According to him, presumptive positive cases are being monitored closely while the confirmation tests are awaited from Dakar in Senegal.

Other members of the Bayelsa State Taskforce on Immunization and Health Services that spoke at the press briefing include the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Marcus Oluwade; the State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, and a representative of the State Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Idris Makeni.

While stressing the need for the public to always maintain good hygiene to prevent contracting infections, they called on Bayelsans, especially parents, to make their children available for routine immunization to achieve 100 percent immunization coverage in the state.

Ariwera Ibibo-Howells, Yenagoa

Niger Delta

Tai Agric Sector Gets Emergency Attention …As Chairman Distributes Farm Inputs, Inaugurates Technical Team

Published

16 hours ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

The Chairman of Tai Local Government Council of Rivers State, Hon. Matthew Nenu Bari Dike has declared a state of emergency in the agriculture sector of Tai local government.
Speaking while distributing farm implements and other agricultural support packages to the farmers at the council’s headquarters in Saakpenwa, yesterday, Dike challenged farmers to show their farms before requesting for financial assistance.
The council boss stated that as a government, they were committed to putting smiles on the faces of the people and assured that his administration would ensure that every person in the local government is happy.
“As a government we want to assure you that, we will stop at nothing to ensure you all are empowered and living happily”.
According to him, “the gesture is aimed at enhancing food production and security through agriculture, and enjoined all lovers of agriculture in the local government area to identify with the quest to redefine development through agriculture in the local government.
He encouraged everyone to cultivate the passion and return to agriculture, to guarantee self-reliance, maximum food production and security in the area.
His administration, he said, would purchase more yam seedlings in order to get greater production to encourage exportation beyond the shores of Nigeria.
“A boost in yam production will also empower farmers in the Local Government Area”, the elated chairman said.
In a related development, the Chairman has inaugurated a five, member Agricultural Technical Committee for the Local Government Area.
The committee is made up of Pst. Anderson Wariboko, Barr. Paul Newman,, Smith Nyor-Ue, Gladys Jumbo and Dr Keke Rammyson
Also speaking, the Director of Agriculture, Tai Local Government Area, Mr Anderson Wariboko revealed that the event was part of activities to mark the chairman’s 100 days in office.
Wariboko who led the chairman, and other leaders of the council on the distribution of the farm inputs to the farmers, was full of praises for the chairman, Hon. Dike whom he said has the interest of the people at heart.

Kiadum Edookor

Niger Delta

Coalition Urges Politicians Not To Escalate Tension In A’Ibom

Published

21 hours ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations has urged politicians in Akwa Ibom State not to escalate political tensions in the state in order to ensure sustainable peace and development.

At a press conference, the National Coordinator, Mr. Franklyn Isong, said those already elected into leadership positions should be allowed to work.

Isong urged the political class to wait until ban on political activities was lifted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He said it was too early to engage in unhealthy political activities, saying “2027 is still far, this early politicking can affect governance and development”.

The Coordinator said the coalition was aware of plots by some politicians to destabilise governance in Akwa Ibom State.

“As a body, we frown at this, and we are raising the flag against the plot to pile up unhealthy political climate ahead of the 2027 political season.

“Those involved in this plot should call themselves to order, their activities are capable of stifling governance in the state.

“We urge politicians across party lines to close ranks and work towards the unity, progress and development of Akwa Ibom and Nigeria at large”, he said.

Isong further said the coalition was committed to the sustenance of good governance, rule of law, transparency and accountability in the state.

Niger Delta

Commissioner Charges NYSC Members On Opportunities In Edo

Published

21 hours ago

February 14, 2025

The Tide

Edo State State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Emmanuel Paddy, has charged members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) deployed to the state to see opportunities in difficult situations as they await their postings.

Addressing the corps members at the orientation camp in Okada, about 40 kilometres from Benin City, Paddy urged them to be focused, build strong networks, and embrace a mindset of value addition.

“If you can think it, you can achieve it. The story of Governor Monday Okpebholo is enough to inspire you that no dream is too big.

“Though the number of out-of-school children is rising, your resilience has brought you this far, and today, you stand as an NYSC member.

“Let this be a stepping stone to greater achievements”, he said.

The Commissioner stressed the importance of making deliberate choices in life, particularly in their careers and personal associations.

“You must choose your company wisely because it will determine who will accompany you in life. Do not surround yourself with dream killers.

“Take action with passion, and it will yield results. Above all, pray before venturing into anything”, he advised.

Paddy, however, expressed confidence in the corps members’ ability to contribute meaningfully to Edo’s development.

“I saw the youthful population, ready to act and contribute to society. I saw the energy and drive.

“Obviously, we expect you to bring your passion to improve our educational system and the state at large”, he said.

He assured the NYSC members of the state government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people through policy reforms and strategic partnerships.

Earlier in her welcome address, the State Coordinator of NYSC, Mrs Frances Ben-Ushie, commended the State Government for its commitment to youth development.

Ben-Ushie said over 80 per cent of the corps members would be deployed to the education sector.

“These young men and women have undergone physical and intellectual training, leadership development, and specialised programmes such as the SDGs initiative, SERVICOM, and Safety Vanguard.

“They are ready to make an impact in their assigned communities”, she stated.

She further highlighted the importance of the commissioner’s visit, saying it provided corps members with direct interaction with a key stakeholder in the state’s education sector.

“This session is crucial because it allows the corps members to meet someone who is already making a difference in capacity building, philanthropy, and human capital development.

“It will prepare you mentally to serve effectively in the communities”, she added.