The Ministry of Health in Lagos State has confirmed its first case of COVID-19 and reported it to the Federal Ministry of Health. The case, which was confirmed on the 27th of February 2020, is the first case to be reported in Nigeria since the outbreak in China in January 2020.

In a statement by Prof Akin Abayomi, Commissioner for Health, Lagos State, there case is an Italian citizen who entered Nigeria on the 25th of February from Milan, Italy for a brief business visit. He fell ill on the 26th February and was transferred to Lagos State Biosecurity Facilities for isolation and testing.  COVID-19 infection was confirmed by the Virology Laboratory of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, part of the Laboratory Network of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control. The patient is clinically stable, with no serious symptoms, and is being managed at the Infectious Disease Hospital in Yaba, Lagos.

“The Government of Lagos State under the Governor as the COVID-19 Incident Commander, through the Lagos State Ministry of Health, has been strengthening measures to ensure that any outbreak in Lagos is controlled and contained quickly in collaboration with the multi-sectoral Coronavirus Preparedness Group, led by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). We have immediately activated the State Emergency Operations Centre to respond to this case and implement firm control measures”, the statement read.

“I wish to assure all Lagosians and Nigerians that we have been strengthening our preparedness since the first confirmation of cases in China. We will use all the resources made available by the State and the Federal Government to respond to this case”, he added.

“We are working to identify all the contacts of the patient, since he arrived in Nigeria. Please, be reminded that most people who become infected may experience only a mild illness and recover easily, but it can be more severe in others, particularly the elderly and persons with other underlying chronic illnesses. All Lagosians should take care of their health and maintain hand and respiratory hygiene to protect themselves and others, including their own families, following the precautions below:

1.    Regularly and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser.

2.    Maintain at least 1 & half metres (5 feet) distance between you apnd anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

3. People coughing persistently or sneezing should stay indoors or keep a social distance, but not mix with a crowd.

4. Ensure that you and people around you follow good respiratory hygiene by   covering mouths and noses with a handkerchief or tissue while sneezing or coughing. You can also sneeze  or cough into your sleeve at the bent elbow.Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

5. Stay indoors if you feel unwell with symptoms, such as fever, cough and difficulty in breathing. Please call Lagos State Emergency hotlines 08023169485 or 08033565529 or 08052817243 which are available day and night.

6. Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19 through official channels on TV and Radio, the Social Media, including the Lagos State Ministry of Health, NCDC and Federal Ministry of Health.

Citizens must not abuse social media and indulge in spreading misinformation that causes fear and panic. The Lagos State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, will continue to provide updates and will initiate all measures required to prevent the spread of any outbreak in Lagos.”

–By our reporter-

Igede Ekiti, one of the prominent towns in Ekiti State, South West Nigeria, witnessed a deluge of vehicular and human influx as dignitaries from all works of life – academics, judiciary, top Christian clerics, government officials trouped into the town last weekend to pay their last respect and bade final farewell to Deacon Lawrence Ojo Oni, an illustrious son of the land who was buried amidst fanfare after spending 87 fruitful years on earth.

At the funeral service, the Host Minister, Reverend Dr. M.O. Ige, Araromi Baptist Church, Igede Ekiti, reading from the book of 2 Timothy 4:6-8 admonished people to live purposeful on earth so that they can finish well. “How you started is not the issue. What you achieved is not the issue but how you ended it”. He said.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Dr. Charles Oni, Head, Mass Communication Department, Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, appreciated all the people that came from far and near to celebrate Pa Oni.

In his words, ” I appreciate everybody that came to celebrate our father with us. He lived a good life and we know we will all meet in heaven to part no more. Thank you for your support and love, God bless.”

Deacon Lawrence Oni before his death, was a devout Christian who served in various capacities as an usher, Sunday School teacher, leader of the Men Missionary Union, leader of the Egbe Agba Okunrin and Patron of the Royal Ambassador. He was the pioneer pastor of Baptist Church, Ifaki Ekiti.

>By Our reporter<

Hearing in the fraud case between the Federal Government and Kenneth Amadi, a former employee of Eunisell Limited, resumes on January 29, 2020. The case was to have begun on January 8, but was shifted because courts were on break.
Amadi is alleged to have obtained the sum of N2.9 billion belonging to his former employer, Eunisell Ltd under false pretences with intent to defraud.
The offenses are contrary to section 1(1)(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other fraud-related offences Act, CapA6, laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.
It would be recalled  that when the matter was called for hearing on November 27, 2019, at the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, the 1st defendant was absent, while the 2nd defendant, IDID Nigeria Ltd. was represented by an employee.
Chief State Counsel from the Department of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, A.K Aliyu had informed the court that attempts were made to serve the charge on the 1st Defendant through his counsel but the lawyer from the office of the learned silk declined to accept service. However, the Defendant’s Counsel, Emeka Etiaba (SAN) told the court that they were not opposing arraignment and trial, adding it was an error of communication on the part of the junior colleague regarding the issue of acceptance of service. He then accepted the charge and court summons of behalf of the 1st Defendant

The charges against the Defendants include receiving and obtaining by false pretence, with intent to defraud, the sum of N2, 900, 000, 000 belonging to Eunisell Ltd, omitting to make full and true entry thereof in the books and accounts; suppression of data in respect of the financial transfer to Eunisell Ltd, and converting same without authority to create sufficient deposits to promote the credibility of his own company (IDID Nigeria Limited).

Meanwhile, an Abuja High Court recently dismissed a libel case filed by Kenneth Amadi, against Eunisell Limited and two others. Justice Jude Okeke, of The High Court of Justice, held that the libel or the publications having not been made out the other reliefs predicated on the defamation by way of general and special damages as claimed have no basis to stand.

…we don’t want regulation that would restrict media – Arogundade

-By Funmi Falobi-

Experts have described the ongoing debate on the social media and hate speech bills at the National Assembly as unnecessary saying that Nigeria already has existing laws that have addressed the issues which rather should be enforced.

Many have argued that hate speech does not come to the public space by the media but from the politicians. They said that most hate speeches are from adverts not generated by the media but from political parties especially from the two big political parties with heavy harmful content from them.

Acting Country Director, National Democratic Institute (NDI), Barrister Raymond Esebagbon said that the anti-hate speech is misdirected that those canvassing for it are not aware of the existing laws which have addressed the issues.

“People talking about anti-hate speech don’t know what we have. We have enough legislatures on it. There is the Cybercrime law, Electoral Act. They have addressed a lot of things – misinformation, fake news and others. The current debate is unnecessary. We can strengthen those existing laws and not just talking about anti-hate speech commission.

“The anti-hate speech at the National Assembly is misdirected. Existing laws should be enforced and where inadequate should be strengthened. We need to create more awareness, people don’t know there are existing laws on it,” he said.

While stressing that freedom of information is not at large, he said there is need for national re-orientation in the country to salvage the society saying, “the media have huge role to play to educate rightly, sensitise the people, reorientate the public as a very powerful tool for engagement.”

Similarly, Executive Director, International Press Centre, Mr. Lanre Arogundade said there is no need for any regulation that would restrict the media.

According to him, the legislature in primitive measure is not the best saying that government should work with stakeholders rather than legislature.

“We do not accept the hate speech bill. We don’t want a legislature that would incriminate the media. We should think more of self-regulation. Media is a big player on social media, we don’t want any regulation that would restrict the media. There are also gains of social media but we don’t want harmful use.

“We have trained ourselves on hate speech, government should use the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to sensitise and enlighten the society on it,” he said.

While urging the media to come together and oppose the bills, he also called for dialogue between the government and the media charging that media must remain ethical and prevent violence through fact checking of reports.

However, on his part, the Chief Press Secretary, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rotimi Oyekanmi, backed the bills saying, “I support the regulation of the social media but it must be done in partnership with the media.”

On the sabotage of bail given to Omoyele Sowore, Arogundade said the excuses by the Department of State Security (DSS) are not acceptable to IPC. He also condemned the ill-treatment on Agba Jalingo stating that it is the onus of the state government to prove that the report by him is not correct and that he should be granted bail.

Similarly, Esebagbon on Sowore said if a court gives an order. It does not behooves the executive to keep him there. The government has the duty to obey the law.

By sdnonline

As the world commemorates the 2019 Mental Health Day on Thursday, Lagos State Government said it will extend Mental health care services to the primary health care level in furtherance of effort to increase access to mental health care in the State.

Commissioner for Health, Prof Akin Abayomi who disclosed this during a recorded broadcast to commemorate this year’s World Mental Health Day said that the state government recognizes the need to strengthen mental health care delivery and eradicate the difficulties in accessing mental health services which occur as a result of reluctance in seeking medical attention and lack of knowledge  of where to access adequate care.

“And this is why we are incorporating mental health care to the primary health care level across the State,” he said.

He noted that the promotion of mental health and well-being of Lagosians are priorities within the state’s development agenda for health which is to ensure that every citizen has access to effective and sustainable health care delivery models.

Abayomi said that the inclusion of Mental Health Care delivery at the Primary Health level will reduce the difficulties in assessing adequate health care and will go a long way in reducing the alarming suicide rate in the society.

He added that the state is working and collaborating with other sectors to create a strong network of facilities that will address mental health needs.

“We recognize the difficulties in accessing mental health services which can occur because we are afraid to come forward and seek help, or are unaware of where to get it or the existing institutions and resources that provide these services are few and far between.

As a government, we are working to ensure availability of mental health services at the primary healthcare level. We are also working to partner and collaborate with other sectors, to create a strong network of operations, facilities and programmes that will address mental health needs,’’ he said.

He stated further that the state has set the groundwork for the development of sustainable mental health care programs and services that will ensure improved health outcomes in the long-term which will also enable the state to become one of the forerunners in the delivery of sustainable, efficient and effective mental health services to its citizens in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole.

‘’We have set the groundwork for the development of sustainable mental health care programs and services that will ensure improved health outcomes in the long-term. This will enable the State to become one of the forerunners in the delivery of sustainable, efficient and effective mental health services to its citizens in Lagos, Nigeria, and Africa as a whole,’’ he said.

He reiterated the government’s commitment to mental health which is symbolized by the development of the Lagos State Mental Health Policy and Lagos State’s New Mental Health Law which was passed earlier this year. He said that the law which provides for the protection of those suffering from stigmatization because of their illness will go a long way in setting the framework for developing an effective and robust Mental Health Service for all Lagosians.

He however appreciated the enthusiastic participation of mental health professionals and stakeholders in areas of health policy, service planning, implementation strategies and advocacy; and therefore assured the continuous support of the government to the development and implementation of a mental health system that will improve the mental health of individuals and communities through evidence-based interventions and services.

By sdnonline

The Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) invites entries from Nigerian professional journalists or team of journalists, full-time or part-time, for the 14th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting. The centre has introduced online application option for some categories of the award for this edition.

The award, which is an annual programme of WSCIJ, seeks to honour journalism works with focus on public and or corporate corruption, human rights abuses, or failure of regulatory agencies, published or aired between 4th October 2018 and 3rd October 2019.

This year, applicants for the Television, Radio and Online categories of the award can put in their entries through an online application process. The other three categories requiring hard copy submission given the nature of entry processing are the Print, Photography and Editorial cartoon.

Received entries will be collated using the award coding system and assessed by a panel of media experts and related professionals with good understanding of investigative reporting. The judges’ board would broadly score submitted stories based on quality of investigation, evidence, human rights elements, ethical reportage, courage, individual creativity, public interest, impact and quality of presentation.

The deadline for the submission of entries is Thursday, 24 October 2019 by 4pm. All hardcopy entries must be submitted to the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism office, Second Floor, 18A Abiodun Sobajo Street, Off Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos. More details of the criteria for the call for entries can be found on the WSCIJ website – http://www.wscij.org.

The WSCIJ has since October 2005, rewarded, promoted and encouraged the development of the culture of investigative reporting in the Nigerian media through the award, which has had thirteen editions and ninety-one finalists.