Headline

2023: Kaduna PDP urges other parties to close rank

Published

7 months ago

March 2, 2023

Mr Felix Hyet, Kaduna State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has urged other political parties in the state to close rank with PDP ahead of the Governorship and State House of Assembly Elections.

Hyet made the call during a news conference at the party’s Secretariat in Kawo, Kaduna.

The chairman, who commended party faithful for the overwhelming support during the Presidential and National Assembly Elections, urged for demonstration of same on March 11.

“I am happy and proud that the effort and confidence of the people were demonstrated.

“PDP clinched all the three senatorial seats and 10 out of sixteen Federal Constituencies of our state.

“We do not take this demonstration of love and commitment for granted.

“As we approach March 11 to elect our governors and House of Assembly members, I want to appeal to the good people of Kaduna State to come out in their number and say goodbye to the retrogressive regime we have suffered in the past eight years and confine it to the dustbin of history.

“I want to call on other parties that participated in the last election to join hands with the PDP for the sake of Kaduna State and it’s people.

“I assure them all that PDP is opened to them all for the sake of Kaduna State and it’s wellbeing,” he said.

Hyet urged party members not to allow the outcome of the Presidential election which is very unacceptable because it did not meet the electoral requirement of any modern democracy, to deter them.

“We will support the Presidential Candidate and the leadership of the party at the highest level in any decision it will take to challenge this rape on democracy.

He regretted that the “your vote must count” mantra of the electoral umpire was not demonstrated, adding “this is shame.

“We therefore call on all lovers of democracy to rise up to the challenge, to ensure that justice, equity and fairness are done,” Hyet added.

Headline

NCDC registers 1,968 Lassa fever cases in 28 states

Published

10 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Alero Danjuma

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has registered 1,068 Lassa fever infections across 112 local government areas in 28 states of the federation.

The NCDC said this via its official website on Tuesday in its Lassa Fever Situation Report for Week 37 (Sep. 11 -17, 2023).

The centre indicated that 75 per cent of the cases were detected in Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi States.

Lassa fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by the Lassa virus. It is primarily found in West Africa, particularly in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria.

The virus is transmitted to humans through contact with the urine or feces of infected rodents, specifically the multimammate rat.

According to the NCDC, there are currently 7,352 individuals with suspected cases and the infection has resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least 181 lives in the country.

The centre said that the case-fatality ratio of the infection stood at 16.9 per cent.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 37, 2023, 181 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate of 16.9 per cent which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2022 (19.1 per cent).

“In total for 2023, 28 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 112 local government areas.

“Seventy-five per cent of all confirmed Lassa fever cases were reported from these three states (Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi) while 25 per cent were reported from 25 states with confirmed Lassa fever cases.

“Of the 75 per cent confirmed cases, Ondo reported 35 per cent, Edo 29 per cent, and Bauchi 11 per cent.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 93 years, Median Age: 32 years).

“The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.9. The number of suspected cases increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2022,” it said.

It is regretted that in 2023 Lassa fever infected 49 healthcare workers across the country.

The agency said that the National Lassa Fever Multi-partner, Multi-sectoral Emergency Operations Centre had been activated to coordinate the response activities at all levels.

It added that prevention of Lassa fever involves avoiding contact with rodents and their droppings, practising good personal hygiene and taking precautions when caring for infected individuals.

The NCDC said that early diagnosis and prompt medical care are crucial in managing the disease and preventing complications.

Headline

NLC, TUC suspend planned strike for 30 days

Published

10 hours ago

October 3, 2023

Ifunaya Emeka

Organised labour unions have suspended their planned nationwide indefinite strike action for the next one month.

This was contained in a memorandum of understanding signed Monday by the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja; as well as the TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro.

The three-page document was also signed by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Simon Lalong; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.