society

COVID-19: CACOVID DONATES 150-BED ISOLATION CENTER, MULTI-MILLION NAIRA MEDICAL EQUIPMENT TO LAGOS STATE

Published

4 years ago

June 29, 2020

The Private Sector led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has donated a 150-bed fully equipped isolation facility with medical equipment worth millions of naira to the Lagos State Government, to provide support in the fight against the virus within the state.

Speaking at the commissioning of the Yaba Isolation center, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu noted that the isolation center would further strengthen the state’s healthcare system in dealing with the challenges of the Pandemic as the state currently leads the toll of Nigeria’s COVID-19 infections with over 10,000 confirmed cases.

The Governor commended the Coalition’s efforts in mobilising resources quickly to support emergency responses and pledged that the donated facility would be used to provide adequate treatment to those who are infected and help to stop the overall spread of the virus within the state.

He urged all citizens to continue to take responsibility and follow directives of the government and health professionals towards reducing the spread of the virus and saving lives across communities.

“We need to take responsibility because the virus knows no race, ethnicity, religion or boundary. We need to take responsibility for our loved ones by wearing face mask, maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene to reduce morbidity and mortality,” the governor said.

He further disclosed plans by the State Government to build an International Infectious Disease Research Centre, Doctors’ quarters and permanent isolation wards at the Mainland Infectious Disease Hospital, Yaba as part of Lagos COVID19 response and other infectious disease preparedness in post COVID19 era.

In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said that the center was the sixth facility in the state dedicated to the treatment of COVID-19 patients, and is coming onboard at a time when the state is ramping up its testing capacity.
He further said the 150-bed facility donated by CACOVID would be used for the management of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients and would assist in admitting and providing care for more patients.

Also speaking at the event, the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, said that collaboration between the private sector and government was vital to prevent the spread of the virus and save the lives of the citizens,
He further said that the center would enhance the state’s healthcare system and the management of COVID-19 within the state.

According to him, N29 billion has been donated so far by members of the coalition towards supporting government’s efforts in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and that the funds have been used to build and equip isolation centers across the country.
Mr. Emefiele said that 32 isolation centers have been built as of today, with a target to reach 39 isolation centers by the end of July.

The CBN governor added that CACOVID had also provided in-kind food palliatives to members of the public across the country to ameliorate the effects of the virus on their welfare.

He commended members of the coalition for their generous and selfless donations which have helped in achieving its common goal of helping the nation fight the spread of COVID-19. He also lauded the healthcare workers and the state government for their efforts in implementing strategies, caring for the infected patients and reducing the spread of the virus in the state.

Also, the Chief Executive, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote said the Lagos Isolation Center was a model for what the coalition would build in other states.

Dangote, represented by Ms Zouera Youssoufou, Managing Director Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF), said: “It is with great pride that we hand over the Yaba Isolation Center to Lagos State. More supports will come to the state from the coalition and we appreciate everyone’s contribution towards our goal.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director, Access Bank Plc, Mr. Herbert Wigwe said that Lagos was more vulnerable to spread of the virus due to its large population. He commended the state government for its efforts to reduce the spread and effect of the virus on the citizens. He also appreciated the state government’s support to CACOVID.

The Yaba Isolation center comes with a fully equipped medical laboratory and high dependency unit; personal protective equipment and other critical medical consumables; water and sewage treatment plants; 11kv power generator amongst other essentials. This is in addition to 34,000 test kits, sample collection swabs and infrared thermometers recently delivered to the NCDC.

Till date, CACOVID has committed billions of naira to build 38 fully equipped isolation centers across Nigeria with over 5,000 beds and critical medical equipment needed to fight the pandemic, exemplifying sustainable value addition from a partnership that truly works.

society

OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

Published

1 hour ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

OGSTEP Empowers Over 15,000 Artisans and Traders with Skills Development

The Ogun State Economic Transformation Project (OGSTEP) has successfully trained over 15,000 artisans and traders as part of its ongoing skills development initiative under the Ogun State Skills Fund (OSF).

This was disclosed by the Skills Development Specialist, Engr. Adesegun Fatoki, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He revealed that the training program recorded 6,605 participants in Vocational/ICT skills, 4,989 in Entrepreneurship, and 5,288 in Functional Literacy Training.

Engr. Fatoki explained that the OSF training is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage their income and businesses. “So far, over 4,000 beneficiaries have completed their training in the first batch, while the second batch is currently underway across various trades. The third phase will target market women, artisans, and traders, bringing the initiative closer to grassroots communities,” he stated.

He encouraged artisans, market women, and traders to register for the ongoing third batch of the training by visiting www.osf.ogunstate.gov.ng. He assured that the program focuses on demand-driven skills and operates at various training centers across the state.

Emphasizing the government’s commitment to the program’s success, Engr. Fatoki reassured stakeholders that the initiative is non-partisan and designed solely for the benefit of market women, artisans, and traders.

In response, representatives of various groups expressed gratitude to the state government for the initiative and pledged to mobilize their members to take part in the training.

Speaking earlier, the Project Gender Specialist, Mrs. Ewajesu, highlighted the program’s goal of empowering artisans and traders with critical skills to thrive in today’s competitive economic landscape. She explained that the training also improves participants’ literacy and business management capabilities, enhancing productivity and strengthening the state’s economy.

Mrs. Ewajesu urged participants to make the most of the opportunity, noting that the skills acquired would position them for greater success in their respective trades.

The meeting was attended by representatives from the Remo, Ijebu, Yewa, and Egba Traders’ Associations, who expressed optimism about the program’s positive impact on their communities.

society

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

Published

8 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Ibadan Funfair Tragedy: Ooni’s Ex-Queen Hospitalised as IG Leads Probe into Stampede

The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has taken over investigations into the tragic stampede at a children’s funfair in Ibadan, Oyo State, which claimed the lives of 35 children and left six others injured. The incident occurred when over 7,500 participants, far exceeding the expected 5,000, rushed to gain entry to the event.

The funfair was reportedly organised by Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, the former queen of the Ooni of Ife, in collaboration with Ibadan-based broadcaster Oriyomi Hamzat.

Naomi, who was arrested alongside Hamzat, reportedly collapsed on Friday and was rushed to the Police Hospital at Eleyele for medical attention. A senior hospital staff member confirmed the development, stating, “Both of them are currently at the hospital. The police have secured the premises, and no further details can be disclosed.”

Eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident, according to Oyo State Police Command spokesperson Adewale Osifeso. A police source revealed that the Inspector General of Police has now taken charge of the case, stating, “For further details, you’ll need to contact Abuja.”

Victims and Medical Response

The Chairman of the Medical Advisory Council at Adeoyo State Specialist Hospital, Dr. Adeoye Allen-Taylor, confirmed that four children remain on admission. He added that some casualties were brought in dead and that the Oyo State Government is covering all medical expenses.

At the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, five fatalities were reported, though none of the bodies were taken to the hospital’s mortuary. The Public Relations Officer of UCH, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the death toll.

Government and Public Reactions

In response, the Oyo State Government mandated strict safety measures for all public events, especially those involving children and the elderly. Commissioner for Information and Culture, Prince Dotun Oyelade, warned event organisers of severe penalties for compromising public safety.

Governor Seyi Makinde, describing the tragedy as “painful and preventable,” announced the cancellation of his December 25th birthday celebrations to honor the victims. “There will be no birthday celebration this year. I will remain indoors to reflect,” the governor stated while receiving a condolence delegation from the South-East PDP, led by Senator Adolphus Wabara.

Condolences from PDP and Fayemi

The South-West chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) expressed its condolences to the Oyo State Government and families of the victims. PDP Publicity Secretary Chief Sanya Atofarati attributed the tragedy to economic hardships, which he said pushed families to seek free entertainment for their children.

Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, also extended his sympathies, urging authorities to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The investigation continues, as authorities work to uncover the causes of the tragedy and ensure accountability.

society

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

Published

9 hours ago

December 21, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Inferno Ravages Ibadan Spare Parts Market, Millions Lost in Property

A devastating fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday at the popular Araromi spare parts market, Agodi-Gate, in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The fire, which began around 2 a.m., continues to rage as firefighters struggle to contain the inferno. The General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, confirmed the seriousness of the situation and called for assistance from water tanker owners.

“We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation,” Akinyinka stated.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined as investigations are ongoing.

This incident adds to a series of recent tragic fires in Ibadan. On Friday, a fire claimed the lives of a husband, his wife, and their grandson in the Ori-Eru, Idikan area of the city. The blaze, which occurred at 3:46 a.m., gutted a storey building.

Earlier in the week, another fire incident on Sunday morning destroyed three shops in the city, though the quick intervention of the state fire services prevented the flames from spreading to 13 neighboring shops.

Last Friday, a fire engulfed a Christ Apostolic Church parish in Lagelu Local Government Area during a vigil, trapping worshippers inside. The tragedy struck around 9:30 p.m. at Wisdom Estate, Road 1G, Olohunda Road, leaving the community in shock.

These repeated incidents have raised concerns about fire safety in Ibadan, prompting calls for enhanced preventive measures and quicker emergency responses. Investigations into the cause of the Araromi market fire are underway, while efforts to control the blaze continue.