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COVID-19: Civil servants to present proof of vaccination, negative PCR tests from December 1— PSC

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COVID-19-Vaccine
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The Presidential Steering Committee (PSC), has said that civil servants would from Dec. 1 present proof of vaccination or negative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), tests conducted within 72 hours to have access to offices.

The Chairman, PSC, on COVID-19, Mr Boss Mustapha disclosed this during the presidential press briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja.

Mustapha, who is also the Secretary to Government of the Federation, said that the move was to encourage vaccination rate across the country.

According to him, with effect from Dec. 1, 2021, Federal Government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours.

He said that this was to gain access to their offices in all locations within Nigeria and the Missions, adding that an appropriate service wide advisory/circular would be issued to guide the process.

He also advised Nigerians to increase vigilance during the festive period.

“The PSC wishes to put Nigerians on notice that two major religious festivities (Salah and Christmas) are approaching and we shall be experiencing increased passenger traffic in and out of the country.

“Similarly, events of large gatherings are likely to hold. While the PSC prepares to escalate surveillance and other control activities, we urge States and all Nigerians to also increase their vigilance and take measure to moderate activities,” he added

Mustapha said, “Statistics generated over the last four weeks on testing have shown that the trend of infection is going down in some states while in others, the trajectory is upward.

‘’The combined total for testing by PCR and RDT now stands at about 3, 141, 795 persons.

“The Aviation authorities in collaboration with the diplomatic sector have made reasonable progress in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; discussions are still ongoing with the UAE Authorities to resolve the impasse.

Mustapha, however, said the decision to remove South Africa, Turkey and Brazil from restriction list had been made.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the PSC had placed a restriction on Turkey, Brazil and South Africa due to the upsurge in the number of COVID-19 cases.

According to him, over several months, four countries were placed on high level restriction for travelers from such countries.

‘’The PSC has after a review of the developments in these countries, decided to remove South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil from the restricted list.

‘’The Hon Minister of Aviation today, presented the position of African countries on Vaccine Passport which some economic blocks and countries wish to impose for travel purposes.

’’This is because African countries have found it difficult to access the vaccines for their citizens in sufficient number.’’

Mustapha said that ‘’the UK has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from Oct. 11.

‘’Nigeria welcomes this development and assures that the PSC shall continue to review Nigeria’s protocols based on global developments, science and national experience.

‘’A revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours,“ he said.(NAN)

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Health

Tinubu Introduces Initiatives To Enhance Healthcare

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President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
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President Bola Tinubu has introduced two new healthcare initiatives: the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA)-Healthcare Expansion Programme and the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers.

The aim of these programs is to enhance the health and social well-being of Nigerians, foster economic development, and establish Nigeria as a healthcare hub in Africa.

During the launch of these initiatives in Bauchi State on Friday, August 16, 2024, the president, represented by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, highlighted that these projects will complement the ongoing expansion of cancer infrastructure and equipment in six federal teaching hospitals.

He stated that beyond providing essential healthcare to Nigerians, the facilities will reverse the trend of outbound medical tourism.

Tinubu added that upon completion of the first phase, the NSIA, through its subsidiary, Medserve, will operate the largest chain of oncology and diagnostic centres in West Africa, with the capacity to train up to 500 clinicians over three years, in addition to enhancing clinical trial and research capabilities.

He said: “This programme will serve as a blueprint for future healthcare infrastructure projects, propelling us towards our national healthcare goals: saving lives, reducing suffering, and ensuring health for all Nigerians.

“The second initiative, the launch of the retraining of 120,000 frontline health workers, is a personal performance indicator for me as the African Union (AU) Champion for Human Resources for Health and Community Health Delivery Partnership. We all know that health workers and other professionals are the backbone of our healthcare system.

Shettima: Tinubu not in power to make money, he’ll reform education

“By equipping them with the latest skills and knowledge, we ensure they are well-prepared to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our population.”

Underscoring the viability of the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), President Tinubu, according to a statement issued by his spokesman Ajuri Ngelale, affirmed that the nation’s productivity and wealth depend on the vitality of its people, adding that basic healthcare is a fundamental human right, as well as a matter of long-term national security.

Tinubu emphasised that his administration will continue to prioritise healthcare, enhance preventive measures, and invest in health education while fostering health equity and justice.

Also speaking, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed thanked Tinubu for his investments in the health sector.

Mohammed said: “We thank Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for the giant strides he is making in the health sector.

“Even those of us in the opposition party, we are federalists and appreciate the work and collaboration with Mr President’s team here, with both the Minister of Finance and the Minister of Health, to kick off this impactful project for all Nigerians.”

 

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Shaibu Relocates Office Out Of Edo Govt House

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Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Philip Shaibu
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki and his Deputy Philip Shaibu
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The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shuaibu has commenced the relocation of his office to an area outside the vicinity of the Government House.

The development follows last of Shuaibu’s suit filed at the Federal High Court to stop alleged plots by week’s withdrawal   the state governor, Godwin Obaseki, to remove him from office.

The new office is situated at No. 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, close to the Government House.

Sources close to the deputy governor said  that a letter was sent by the Head of Service to the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor instructing her to supervise the movement of civil servants and files to the new office.

It was also gathered that the new office is not habitable as there is no electricity, is waterlogged, and the office spaces are significantly small.

The state government had however insisted that the deputy governor’s new office is within the confines of the area designated as the Government House.

 

 

 

 

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Health

NARD SET TO CALL OF STRIKE AFTER SENATE’S INTERVENTION

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, other members of the Senate with NARD officials
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••• Cancels Planned National Protest

Striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) are set to call off their two week old strike after a closed door meeting with Principal Officers of the Senate on Tuesday.

Adressing the media shortly after the closed door meeting with President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and other Principal Officers of the Senate, National President of the association, Dr Emeka Innocent Orji, stated “we had a very fruitful meeting with the Senate led by the President of the Senate and from our discussions with them, we are very hopeful that when we table our discussions today before the NEC, something positive would come out.

“From our interaction with the President of the Senate and the practical demonstration he did before us today, we are very confident that there would be light at the end of the tunnel in the next 24 hours.

“Because of the intervention of the President of the Senate, who is the number three citizen and the assurance he has given us, our planned national protest has been cancelled while the decision on the ongoing strike would be taken as soon we meet, he assured.

Speaking in the same vein, Senator Akpabio, thanked the medical doctors for honoring the Senate by calling off their planned national protest and also working towards calling off the strike.

According to him, ” I thank you onbehalf of the Senate for honoring us with your decision not only to cancel the planned public protest, but to also call off the strike in the interest of the suffering masses.

“Your demands are well noted and let me assure you that as soon as a Minister in charge of Health is appointed, the Senate will work with him or her to expeditiously adress all your grievances. The President Bola Tinubu-led administration is Doctors friendly and that explains the large number of medical practitioners he has appointed into his cabinet.

“Strike by medical practitioners should not be allowed even for a day because of the impacts it creates in the polity and that is why the Senate is determined to ensure through interactions and consultation with relevant offices, amicable settlement of the impasse is reached,” he stated.

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio (3rd from left), Dr Emeka Innocent Orji (middle) Senate Leader, Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Ireti Kingibe (first from right)after a meeting with national officers of NARD in the office the President of the Senate on Tuesday.

 

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