FG increases Airport surveillance for people arriving Nigeria as another global disease epidemic breaks out
FG increases Airport surveillance for people arriving Nigeria as another global disease epidemic breaks out
The Federal Government has intensified surveillance at Nigeria’s major international airports to prevent the potential spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV), a respiratory virus recently detected in China.
Health Minister Muhammad Ali Pate has directed port health officials to begin screening passengers arriving at airports for any signs of the virus, with measures already in place at both the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
Although the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has not yet issued an official directive to airlines regarding additional passenger checks, sources within the airports confirmed that port health officers are closely monitoring international travelers.
This proactive response mirrors the steps taken by Nigeria during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the country’s first confirmed case in February 2020 came from an Italian traveler arriving in Lagos.
The global spread of HMPV has raised alarms, with cases now reported in India, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Kazakhstan, and over 5,000 hospitalizations in the UK, particularly affecting children under five and elderly individuals.
Experts attribute the rise in cases to the colder weather and increased indoor activity, conditions that favor the transmission of respiratory viruses.
In response, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is working closely with the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to monitor the situation.
Dr. Jide Idris, NCDC Director-General, assured the public that accurate information and timely guidance are being provided to ensure preparedness. The NCDC also dismissed rumors that the World Health Organization (WHO) had declared HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
Health professionals are calling for heightened vigilance and proactive measures.
Dr. Francis Ohanyido of the West African Institute of Public Health emphasized the importance of surveillance, public education, and healthcare readiness, urging the government to leverage lessons from past outbreaks like Ebola and COVID-19.
Similarly, Professor Oluwasogo Olalubi of Kwara State University highlighted the need for improved laboratory capabilities, better surveillance, and reserves of medical supplies, stressing the importance of isolating any detected cases.
HMPV causes symptoms ranging from mild cold-like effects to severe respiratory issues. While most infections resolve within five days, vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are at a higher risk.
The public is advised to practice hand hygiene, avoid crowded areas, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
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BREAKING: Senator Ekweremadu’s Wife released from UK prision, returns to Nigeria
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Mrs Beatrice Ekweremadu, wife of former Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu is back in Nigeria.
A competent source disclosed the development to DAILY POST on Wednesday.
According to the source, Mrs Ekweremadu returned to Nigeria on Tuesday.
Senator Ekweremadu, the wife and one Dr Obinna Obeta were sentenced to prison by a UK court for their involvement in organ harvesting.
The former deputy senate president was sentenced to 10 years, while his wife was sentenced to six years.
The return of Mrs Ekweremadu is being celebrated across Enugu State, with many praying to have the Deputy Senate President back in the shortest possible time.
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Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, on Tuesday welcomed over 40,000 card-carrying members from various opposition parties into the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The mass defection took place at the State Government House, where the Governor received the new members with open arms.
Governor Radda expressed his gratitude, stating, “Your decision to join our progressive movement strengthens our resolve to build a greater Katsina state.”
He went on to assure the defectors of his commitment to inclusive leadership, directing officials at all levels to ensure their full integration into APC activities.
The group of defectors was led by former Deputy Speakers of the State House of Assembly, Yakubu Idris Dan Chafa and Hassan Suleiman Rawayau.
Other prominent figures among the defectors included Isah Hamisu Dandume of the All Peoples Party (APP) and Musa Gafai, Chairman of Gafai Communication and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirant for the Federal House of Representatives, along with several former state legislators and local government chairmen.
In an earlier briefing, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Political Matters, Ya’u Umar Gwajo Gwajo, explained that the defectors came from a broad coalition of political parties.
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Nigerian Govt reacts to emergence of Donald Trump as United States President
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In a bid to bolster international relations, the Nigerian government has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening ties with the United States, following the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
On Tuesday, the federal government extended its congratulations to the newly sworn-in US president, emphasizing the longstanding cooperation between the two nations.
The message, issued by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted the areas where both countries have worked together for mutual benefit.
“Nigeria and the United States have maintained a productive partnership across various sectors, particularly in advancing good governance, promoting sustainable development, and combating terrorism and violent extremism,” the statement read.
“We look forward to enhancing this strong and historic relationship, ensuring that it continues to serve the interests of our people.”
As both nations seek to strengthen their strategic ties, the federal government remains optimistic about the future of this important international partnership.
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