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COVID-19: We’ve Recorded 135 Deaths Since Third Wave Began – Sanwo-Olu

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…As Lagos Resumes Vaccination Wednesday

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has confirmed the record of 135 fatalities in the current third wave of the pandemic, highlighting the havoc being wreaked by deadly strains of the virus spreading in the country.

The Governor during a briefing on Monday at the State house, Ikeja revealed that the State has taken the delivery of Moderna vaccine from the Federal Government.

Sanwo-Olu disclosed the State received a little above 300,000 doses of Moderna vaccine to boost the State drive towards achieving herd immunity.

The test positivity rate, the Governor added, has also increased to 12.1 per cent in the past weeks, compared to seven per cent recorded at the end of July, 2021. This, he said, resulted from non-adherence to the laid-down health protocols designed to stop the spread of the pandemic.

Sanwo-Olu said the situation called for more responsibility, urging the residents to adhere to the preventive protocols put in place by the Government.

He said: “We are now clearly in the middle of third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and Lagos has remained the epicenter of the disease in Nigeria. Test positivity rate currently stands at 12.1 per cent, compared to 1.1 per cent at the end of June, and seven per cent at end of July. As at August 21, 4,387 positive cases are currently being managed actively in-community.

“Over the course of managing the COVID-19 pandemic, about 5,551 patients have been admitted into our various COVID-19 care centres in Lagos, with 506 registered fatalities. Of these deaths, 135 have sadly, happened in this current third wave. I commiserate with all residents who have lost loved ones to the pandemic. We share in your pain and grief. As a society and as a Government, it is for us to redouble our efforts to defeat this devastating pandemic.”

The increment in positive cases, Sanwo-Olu said, has also shot up oxygen demand at the Government-controlled isolation centres, with the State supplying 400 cylinders daily to patients with severe cases.

At the beginning of the third wave, it was learnt that 75 cylinders were consumed per day at the isolation centres.

Sanwo-Olu said the State would be ramping up its oxygen plants in the coming days, as he projected that the demand for oxygen may shoot up in the next few weeks.

From next Wednesday, the Governor said Lagos would start the distribution of the first dose of Moderna vaccine across 150 centres set up in the State for the exercise. Increasing vaccination, the Governor said, will stem cases of fatalities, urging residents to get the vaccine.

He said: “In terms of treatment of severe cases, we have seen a gradual increase in the uptake of oxygen during the current wave. Utilization has increased from 75 cylinders per day at the beginning of this third wave, to over 400 cylinders per day, currently. With our modelling suggesting that we may be requiring even more oxygen supply over the next few weeks, we are exploring several ways of increasing our oxygen capacity.

“One of the major pillars of our mitigation strategy for the third wave is vaccination. We are seeing that countries that have vaccinated a large percentage of their population are recording drastic reductions in the numbers of COVID-19 related deaths. This is one of the reasons why we have not spared any cost to ensure that the vaccines that have been provided by the Federal Government are made available to every resident that meets the requirements for the vaccination programme.”

As part of the strategy to stem the cases, Sanwo-Olu said the State Government identified 5,998 Persons of Interest and had successfully isolated 4,500 of them, most of whom arrived from red-listed countries.

Meanwhile, vaccination against COVID-19 will resume on Wednesday in Lagos State with the administration of Moderna vaccine, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has said.

Sanwo-Olu, who gave updates on the fight against the virus said of the 601,000 doses promised Lagos about 299,000 doses of the Moderna vaccines were received from the Federal Government.

The Governor added that vaccination centres have also been increased to 150 to prevent crowding at the centres.

There were about 88 vaccination centres during the first phase of vaccination.

Vaccination would also be by appointment as registration should have been done online before approaching the centres, he added.

Sanwo-Olu also lamented the rise in fatalities, saying the death percentage rose from 1.1 per cent in June and 7 per cent in July to 12.1 per cent in August.

According to him, 506 deaths have been recorded so far, with 135 recorded during the third wave.

The Governor also hinted that plans are on to increase the oxygen production capacity to about 1,000 cylinders per day.

The Governor also assured the second batch of Astrazeneca vaccine was expected in one week and warned against combining the two types of vaccines.

“Let me also reiterate that this Moderna vaccine should not be mixed with the AstraZeneca vaccine. What this means is that only persons who have not been previously vaccinated at all should take the Moderna vaccine.

“If you have previously taken one dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, please exercise patience as we await delivery of a fresh allocation from the Federal Government,” he added.

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Peter Obi Denies Involvement In Labour Party’s Corruption Scandal

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…Says Nigeria Faces Existential Crises

The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the February 2023 general election in Nigeria, Peter Obi, has said that Nigeria’s problems are far bigger than the crises that his party is presently experiencing.

He made the remarks during an appearance on HaveYourSay247, an interactive online session with Nigerians.

The former Anambra State governor told the host Rudolf Okonkwo that though he doesn’t have control over the Labour Party, he is confident that the crises rocking it will soon be resolved amicably. “Whatever is happening in the Labour Party is so minute compared to what is happening in the country.

“So, for me, it is something we will resolve amicably, and it is not anything to worry about. Let’s worry about the country and how the average Nigeria would be able to have a means of livelihood to feed themselves,” he said.

During the session, the former governor of Anambra State also spoke extensively on sundry issues. Commenting on insinuations that he does not use his influence as the leader of the Labour Party to ensure the party conducts itself orderly, Mr Obi said that he has no interest in being the party’s leader but only to make sure things are done properly. “We have a more desperate situation to make the party function properly.

Parties are just a means of contesting elections, and being the leader of a party does not reduce the price of food. What I want to see is that the average Nigerian lives in a society where they have access to education, access to healthcare, and a means of livelihood,” Obi said.

He also reiterated that he has moved on with the Supreme Court’s final decision on the presidential election, even though he does not agree with it.

On the need for the Labour Party to make accounts of campaign funds available to the public, Obi said that he could only encourage everyone who received funds to account for them.

“The party account is not under my control,” he explained. “We have appointed an external auditor to look into it, and anytime they come up with their results, we will make it public. Monies were received by different groups, and I have said that people who received money should account for it. You have seen one of the campaign accounts managed by Aisha Yesufu, which she has made public. We have asked everyone at all levels who collected campaign funds to account for it. It is necessary.”

The presidential candidate further said that he is going to the places where people think they made donations to say thank you. “If I received their donation, I would let them know, and if I didn’t, I would also let them know so they will know who they gave it to and ask questions.”

Responding to a question on whether he would be willing to tell Nigerians about his assets, the former governor said he couldn’t talk about his assets because he was not in power. “It is not necessary for me to say my assets, but what I can tell Nigerians is that I am not a poor man, and nobody can accuse me of stealing government money,” he said.

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Isale Eko Descendants Union Chairman Visits Scene Of Dosunmu Market Fire (Photos)

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By Augustine Akhilomen

..Calls For Extensive Reset Of Lagos Island CBD

The Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, IDU, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem SAN has sympathized with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and those affected by the devastating fire incident that struck the popular Dosunmu Market on Lagos Island last week.

Kazeem, who visited the scene of the fire incident with members of the IDU, on Sunday, lauded the efforts of Governor Sanwo-Olu in addressing the aftermath of the fire incident by ordering the clearing of shanties and unauthorized structures in the area.

The former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, assured that the Union will stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD.

 



He also highlighted the readiness of the Isale Eko Descendants Union to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of the community.

“As we reflect on the devastating impact of the fire at Dosunmu Market, let us remember the resilience and strength of the community. Let us stand in solidarity with those affected and support efforts to rebuild and reset the CBD. Together, we can create a safer, more vibrant, and prosperous future for all.



“As Chairman of the Isale Eko Descendants Union, I affirm our unwavering commitment to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in the restoration and revitalization of our community. Our collective goal is to transform Lagos Island into a livable, thriving hub that we can all take pride in. By working together, we can rebuild, rejuvenate, and ensure a offering future for future generations.



“In the face of adversity, let us stand united, determined to turn challenges into opportunities and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow for Dosunmu Market and all its residents,” Kazeem said.

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Abiodun Swears-in 20th HoS, Promises Better Civil Service

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Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun on Monday said that his administration would continue to fulfil all promises made to the public service by ensuring the provision of adequate working tools for the workforce.

Governor Abiodun stated this during the swearing-in of the newly appointed Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

Noting that the appointment of Mr, Onasanya symbolizes a call to greater service, Prince Abiodun said that his administration would continue its commitment not only to the service but also to the broader development of humanity.

According to him, the civil service is the backbone and the engine that drives the policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of government.

“As you are all very aware, civil service is the bedrock of our administration, the engine that drives our policies and the bridge that connects the aspiration of the people with the actions of government.

“It plays a crucial role in ensuring effective governance, effective service delivery, and the implementation of government programmes and initiatives.

“As an administration that understands and acknowledges the role of the civil service, we remain guided by the principles of merit, character, competence and capability in the appointment of top civil servants,” he said.

“Let me also use this opportunity to assure all our great workers of Ogun State that our administration will never renege on our promises,we will continue to fulfil all our promises made

“We will continue to ensure the provision of policies and adequate effective working tools as well as a conducive working environment for the well-being, effectiveness, and efficiency of the Ogun State Public Service,” he said.

Governor Abiodun challenged the new Head of Service to raise the standard of the state public service and urged him to tread the path of excellence his predecessors were known for.

“I charge you to start raising the standard of the public service from the point where Mr Kolawole Peter Fagbohun left off while treading the path of excellence that all your predecessors are well reputed for.

“By your appointment, you are now the standard bearer of the proud legacy as bequeathed by our forebears in the public service,” he added.

In his remarks, Mr. Onasanya, while appreciating the governor for being a man of equity and fairness, assured that the civil service under his leadership would continue to support his administration.

He called on workers in the state to embrace the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme, promised to gravitate towards improving the service.

Onasanya promised that he would continue to ensure discipline and improve the ethical standard of the service in tandem with the state government’s agenda to grow its internally generated revenue.

Governor Abiodun approved the appointment of Mr. Onasanya as the new Head of the Service on Monday, April 8.

Onasanya takes over from Mr. Kolawole Fagbohun, who has retired after a meritorious service.

Until his appointment, Mr. Onasanya was the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Political Affairs and Administration.

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