Niger Delta
NMA Urges Cross River To Bolster Mpox Surveillance
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Cross River State Government to urgently enhance its surveillance systems against Mpox, warning that the state is particularly vulnerable to the virus.
Speaking in an interview in Calabar, Dr Ukam Edadi, Public Relations Officer of the Cross River chapter of the NMA, highlighted the state’s heightened risk due to several factors. These include its status as a major tourist destination with vast forest reserves, such as the Gorilla Sanctuary, where frequent human-wildlife interaction occurs.
The Mpox virus, initially detected in Central Africa, has spread to several West African countries, including Nigeria, which has reported 39 confirmed cases. Cross River’s geographical proximity to Cameroon and other Central African nations where the outbreak originated further increases the state’s vulnerability. Edadi noted that areas such as Boki, Ikom, and Bakassi share borders with Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, making them particularly susceptible to the virus.
Given these concerns, the NMA is urging the state to ramp up its surveillance, especially in border communities, and to launch intensive public awareness campaigns. Edadi warned that the lack of public knowledge about Mpox in Cross River could exacerbate the situation if an outbreak occurs. He also stressed that neighbouring states have already reported Mpox cases, adding to the urgency.
Reflecting on past public health efforts, Edadi praised the state’s robust response during the 2014 Ebola outbreak but cautioned against complacency. He expressed concern over the current state of isolation facilities, noting that the primary isolation centre was destroyed during the #EndSARS protests in 2020. This leaves only a facility at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), which can accommodate just 50 patients.
Edadi also emphasised the need for increased vigilance in areas such as abattoirs, roads where animals are transported, and bush meat markets, which could serve as hotspots for the virus. “We must intensify our surveillance in these areas to prevent potential outbreaks,” he urged.
However, Cross River State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, downplayed concerns about an Mpox outbreak, describing recent reports from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) as inaccurate. He reassured the public that there is currently no evidence of Mpox, cholera, or Lassa fever in the state. Dr Ayuk clarified that the NCDC’s update was based on a previous Mpox case in the state, not a current threat.
The Rivers State Commissioner for Urban Development and Physical Planning, Rt Hon Evans Bipi, has eulogised Gen Gabriel Asabuja over his recent birthday celebration in Port Harcourt.
Bipi said Asabuja is worth celebrating following his numerous contributions and support to the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
He described Asabuja as a strong pillar of governance in Rivers State, adding that the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning is happy working with him.
He noted that Asabuja’s position as a team leader of the Ministry’s taskforce has been amazing, saying the Ministry is proud associating with him.
The former lawmaker hinted that since Asabuja assumed office as leader of the taskforce, the Ministry has witnessed tremendous improvement.
Bipi said the Ministry will always stand by him to ensure that the dreams of the Governor Fubara-led government are achieved.
On his part, the celebrant, Gen Gabriel Asabuja expressed gratitude to God and the Commissioner for the honour done him.
Gen Asabuja also commended Governor Fubara for his tremendous and good leadership in the State, saying his group will continue to give the Governor maximum support in order to achieve more for Rivers people.
Gen Asabuja described Rt Hon Evans Bipi as one of the best brains working with the Governor, saying under Bipi, the Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has shown capacity to leverage on the Governor’s mantra of Rivers First.
He said both the personnel of the Ministry, the Directors and adhoc staff are happy with his style of leadership.
The Joint Provincial Council, East of the Niger, Anglican Communion, held its 2025 Annual General Meeting at St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery, Diocese of Evo from Saturday 15th — Sunday 16th February, 2025.
The meeting which had the theme, “Kept By His Mercies”, with text from Lamentations 3:22-23, had the Archbishops, Bishops, their wives, Chancellors, Financial Secretaries and Synod Clerical Secretaries of the 58 Dioceses as delegates.
At the opening ceremony on Saturday, the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) and Chairman of the Council, Most Rev Blessing Enyindah, charged delegates to stay focused and committed to the matters for discussion and implement decisions reached for the growth of the Church in the region and the advancement of the business of God’s Kingdom.
Most Rev Enyindah, who is also the Archbishop of the Niger Delta Province and Bishop of the Diocese of Ikwerre, lauded the Diocese of Evo for the giant strides recorded in just 15 years of existence while tasking the leadership not to rest on its oars but to strive further to complete the work of the Kingdom in their hands.
Addressing the council in his welcome address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Evo and host of the Joint Council, The Rt Rev Innocent Ordu, welcomed the delegates, and reminded them that the theme is apt and fit as it reminds the Church of God’s inexplicable and instructible mercy towards mankind, which supersedes His righteous judgements.
Bishop Ordu further lamented the many challenges bedeviling the country, such as skyrocketing cost of living, ravaging sicknesses and ailments, proliferation of harmful drugs, natural disasters, high level corruption in public offices, inept political leadership, amongst others, which he said could not consume mankind because of God’s mercies.
In their separate speeches, delegates saluted the Diocese of Evo for willingly accepting to host the council and the comfort they enjoyed during their stay.
Earlier, the council appointed the Synod’s Clerical Secretary of the Diocese of Evo, Rev (Canon) (Dr) Ebenezer Owhor as the Assistant Secretary of the Joint Council.
Also, before the commencement of plenary, the women of St. Michael’s Church, Rumuomasi Deanery thrilled delegates to good traditional tunes and dance steps while His Royal Highness Eze( Sir) Raymond Chinda led the chiefs and elders of Rumuomasi community in Oropotoma Kingdom, to appreciate the council for choosing the community to host the meeting.
They solicited for prayers of peace, unity and development from the council.
The meeting ended on Sunday evening while the Archbishops and Bishops worshipped in various churches in the Diocese of Evo.
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