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Tag: Anambra State

  • Private laboratory begins COVID-19 testing in Anambra

    Private laboratory begins COVID-19 testing in Anambra

    A private laboratory in Anambra, Accunalysis Diagnostic Centre Ltd., Nnewi accredited by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has started Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) testing in the State.

    Speaking to newsmen in Awka on Tuesday, Mr Chijike Agbaka, the managing director of the diagnostic centre disclosed that the centre had already carried out some COVID-19 tests last weekend.

    The centre, owned by Chief Calistus Okereke, is equipped to test 100 persons for chemistry, dermatology and molecular diagnosis daily.

    Agbaka said: “We are into laboratory testing in areas of chemistry, dermatology but our interest is centered on molecular diagnosis.

    “We discovered that it was difficult for researchers and students to carry out their researches in molecular diagnostics.

    “NCDC has been to our facility and has found us worthy as one of the testing centers for COVID-19 in Nigeria.”

    Agbaka commended Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra for creating the enabling environment for the laboratory centre to contribute its quota to the health sector of the state.

    The managing director said the centre had no political affiliation with any group as reported in some social media.

    According to him, the centre is owned by an investor, who is passionate about reducing medical tourism in the state.

    “There are some guidelines set out by the NCDC for testing; ours is to follow the guidelines which entails that samples are collected by the state government through the Ministry of Health and that our reporting format should go through the state,” he stressed.

    Agbaka said the private laboratory would soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the state government over the partnership.

    “The procedures and guidelines of NCDC spells out that private laboratory must partner with the state, so that all reporting and samples will be received through the state.

    “We have an understanding with the state and very soon, it will be announced by MoU, duly signed by both partners,” he said.

    The laboratories at the Onitsha General Hospital and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka, are other COVID-19 testing centres awaiting NCDC’s approval in the State.

  • Anambra Govt. bans all traditional ceremonies, including new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies

    Anambra Govt. bans all traditional ceremonies, including new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies

    Anambra State Government has placed a ban on all traditional ceremonies, including new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies in response to the growing threat of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.

    Governor Willie Obiano announced the ban on Monday in his remarks at a press briefing on ways of containing the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The Governor’s remarks read: “In response to the growing threat of the CoronaVirus Covid-19 pandemic, the Government of Anambra State has come out with the following measures to keep our people safe –

    “Civil servants in the state are hereby directed to proceed on a 14-day work-from-home with effect from Tuesday, March 24, 2020. However, any civil servant may be called upon at any given time to handle an urgent assignment as the case arises. This directive excludes all staff of Anambra State Ministry of Health workers and officers on essential duty.

    “All public gatherings are hereby suspended in Anambra State till further notice with effect from today, March 23, 2020. This includes traditional marriage ceremonies, community festivals, ofala festivals, masquerade festivals, Igbankwu nwanyi, funeral ceremonies, baby christening, new yam festivals, title-taking ceremonies and any meeting of more than 30 participants. Traditional rulers and President General of Communities must ensure full compliance or be held responsible.

    “All nursery, primary, secondary, vocational and tertiary schools are hereby closed with immediate effect. All academic and extra-curricular activities are hereby suspended.

    “All public transport operators are directed to submit the manifest of all passengers coming into Anambra State to the appropriate authorities with their names, phone numbers, residential addresses and final destination.

    “The general public is mandated to maintain a habit of frequent hand-washing with soap and water as well as use alcohol based hand sanitizers.

    “No Keke or tricycle rider should carry more than two passengers at a time. Drivers of shuttle buses must not carry more than 3 passengers at a time. Drivers of township and mini buses must not carry more than 5 passengers at a time. The public is strongly advised to only visit the markets for essential commodities. All night clubs are hereby closed until further notice. People should endeavor to sit at home.

    “Operators of bars and restaurants should not admit more than 30 customers at a time and must adhere strictly to the basic standards of social distancing. They must also provide hand-washing points and hand sanitizers for their customers. Any violation will attract immediate closure of the premises. All persons returning to Anambra State from all countries of the world and states that have Covid-19 cases must go into self-isolation for 14 days and report.

    “Security Agencies have been directed to ensure full compliance. Finally, we have constituted an Action Committee on Covid-19 headed myself to ensure and hands-on attention to the best was of containing this plague. The members of this committee are:

    “Dr Vincent Okpala, Commissioner for Health, Mr C Don Adinuba, Dr Simeon Onyemaechi, Prof Igwegbe Anthony, Prof Oby Emelummadu, Dr Simon Ushie, Dr Basil Nwankwo, Dr Emmanuel Azuike, Dr Ifeoma Njelita, Dr Uche Onyejimbe, Dr Chijioke Obagha, Prof Maurice Iwu, Dr Joe Akabuike, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, Dr Ernest Ifebi, Dr Chioma Ezenyimulu, Dr Onyeka Ibezim, Chidi Kanu, Rt. Hon Uche Okafor, Speaker Anambra State House of Assembly, Prof Solo Chukwulobelu, Chief Primus Odili, Sir Uzu Okagbue, and Chinedu Aniagboso

    “All calls related to suspected Covid-19 should be routed to Anambra Public Health Emergency Operation Center on 08030953771 and 08117567363.

    “I want to assure you that we are determined to do our best to preserve life and restore normalcy within the shortest possible time.

    “More guidelines on the best practices to be adopted shall be communicated as the need arises. God bless Anambra State. God bless Nigeria”.

  • Police search for parents of rescued 10-year-old girl

    Police search for parents of rescued 10-year-old girl

    The Anambra Police Command has commenced search for the biological parents of a 10 year-old girl, who was abducted, allegedly sold for N800,000 but rescued from her foster parents.

    In a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday in Awka, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Haruna Mohammed, said that the girl was rescued following intelligence report.

    “On Feb. 21, a girl-child of about 10 years old, suspected to have been stolen from Akwa Ibom state since 2018, was rescued by police detectives attached to 33 division, Onitsha.

    “She was allegedly sold to a couple in Anambra by her captors, presently at large, at the rate of N800,000.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that the child’s original name was Favour Asuqwo before her new parents, the suspects, who are currently in police custody, gave her a new name as Faith Ezeukwu,” he said.

    The police spokesman urged members of the public to come forward with useful information that could help reunite the girl with her biological parents or close relatives.

    According to him, anyone with useful information should report at the 33 Police Station, Onitsha or contact the PPRO, Anambra State Police Command headquarters, Awka through mobile number: 08060970639.

  • Anambra arrests 250 illegal revenue collectors

    Anambra arrests 250 illegal revenue collectors

    Mr Mark Okoye, Anambra Commissioner for Economic Planning, said that 250 illegal revenue collectors have been arrested and charged to court.

    Okoye, who disclosed this while briefing journalists in Awka on Friday, said government would ensure that justice was done to serve as deterrent to erring citizens.

    “We implore the public to shun any act that goes against the developmental vision of the state as the government would not hesitate to lawfully deal with any defaulter,” Okoye said.

    The commissioner said that the government under the watch of Chief Willie Obiano was committed to delivering democratic dividends to the people.

    Okoye said the state government had presented a realistic budget to the state lawmakers for the year 2020 and assured the residents of better days ahead.

    He urged all citizens to ensure they played their roles by paying their taxes, dues and levies to enable the government provide basic human amenities for their enjoyment.

    Okoye said that the state government had implemented the 2019 budget up to 85 per cent and assured that by end of the year, the budget would be reasonably implemented.

    “We scaled down on the size of 2020 budget because we are a realistic government and we intend to have a people oriented budget,” he said.

    Mrs Sylvia Nwahukwu-Ngige. Head, Tax Payer Education, Publicity and Enlightenment Team in Anambra state Revenue office, corroborated the claims of the commissioner.

    “Since the arrest, people had been careful by doing the right thing towards government.

    “Our office has since been crowded by people who come to pay or remit their revenue to avoid arrest and shutting down of their business premises,” she said

  • Breaking: Atiku floors Buhari in Obi’s LGA

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has won the presidential election in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra, where Mr Peter Obi, the party’s vice presidential candidate hails from.

    PDP polled 30,655 out of the vote cast while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) got 1,922 and the All Progressives Congress (APC) polled 1,055.

    Prof. Christopher Ihueze, INEC Collation Officer for the Presidential Election in Anaocha, announced the result on Sunday at Neni, the headquarters of the local government.

    Ihueze said the exercise was generally peaceful in the area as there was no report of violence.

    Mr. Chris Chikwelu, PDP agent for Anaocha told NAN that the party was impressed with the turnout of voters in the area.

    “We are happy that our people came in large numbers to vote for our son and Atiku Abubakar.

    “We are very hopeful and prayerful that result of Anaocha will be a reflection of the results in other parts of the country,’’ he said

    The agent of APGA and APC declined to react when they were approached.

     

  • Police confirm 7 dead in Anambra petrol tanker fire

    Police in Anambra have confirmed seven persons dead following a petrol tanker explosion on Saturday night at Amawbia Roundabout.

    SP Haruna Mohammed, the Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), confirmed the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Awka.

    ”So far, seven persons were certified dead at various hospitals by medical doctors while the only surviving victim was admitted at Intensive Care Unit of the University Teaching Hospital, Nnewi”, he said.

    According to Mohemmed, three of the bodies were deposited at Amaku General Hospital morgue, Awka, two at Regina Caeli Hospital, Awka and another two at Piston Hospital morgue, Awka.

    He added that postmortem examination would be conducted to ascertain exact cause of their deaths.

    NAN reports that sympathizers are still thronging to the scene of the incident to catch a glimpse at burnt vehicles, buildings and other valuables affected by the fire as at press time.

    An eye witness, Mr Ilu Ali, a vegetable dealer in Awka, told NAN at the scene that six of the dead victims were known to him.

    “Six persons who died as a result of the fire are northerners, and I know all of them, we were together before the fire started yesterday night.

    ”Those killed were Sabo Jigawa, Hamza Jarowro, Adamu Mohammed aka Janari, Dansoho, Malam Malam, and Jinjiri (from Garzawa, Kano),” he said.

    Ali said that apart from the dead, four other victims who sustained injuries were at Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka and a private Hospital, Felly in Amawbia area.

    He told NAN that the victims were affected because the petrol from the tanker flowed through the water channel to a spot where they were roasting suya meat.

     

  • Petrol tanker fire: Two feared killed, 8 injured in Awka

    No fewer than two persons were confirmed dead and six others injured, when a tanker bearing petrol fell at Amawbia Roundabout in Awka and went up in flames on Saturday night.

    The News Agency of Nigeria learnt from eyewitnesses that at least eight vehicles and some residential buildings within the vicinity were also destroyed in the inferno.

    Eyewitness account said that the fire occurred in front of the Amawbia Fire Service and near the Police Headquarters, Anambra Governor’s Lodge and other public buildings.

    Narrating his experience, one of the victims, Mr Paul Igwemma, whose car got burnt in the fire, said the tanker was negotiating a bend when it fell and subsequently burst into flames.

    Igwemma, who was full of praises to God, said he had to abandon his vehicle and ran for his dear life.

    “I saw the vehicle trying to negotiate to this direction and all of a sudden the tank fell and hit the pavement of the roundabout so I immediately out of my car.

    “Few seconds after, there was an explosion accompanied by fire and as you can see, my car is burnt beyond recognition, together with about ten other vehicles,” he said.

    An eyewitness, Mary Anyaora, who was seen weeping at the scene, said the number of casualties could still be more.

    Anyaora said that many more people were still trapped in their buildings and might not be able to escape from the fire.

    She said that the effect of the fire could have been minimal, if there was an immediate intervention from the Fire Service.

    Confirming the incident, Mr Andrew Kumapayi, Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), blamed the incident on careless driving on the part of the tanker driver.

    Kumapayi said that two persons died, while six others sustained injuries with eight vehicles burnt beyond recognition.

    “The driver did not stop when the tank fell, the incident happened in front of the Fire Service and fire fighters were still making efforts to put out the fire,” he said.

    NAN reports that the fire was still raging at the time of filing the report, while men of the fire service were seen battling to put it out.

     

  • Mysterious fire guts corpses in Anambra mortuary

    Mysterious fire guts corpses in Anambra mortuary

    Scores of corpses were gutted by a mysterious fire at the mortuary section of the General Hospital Enugwu -Ukwu in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra.

    The News Agency of Nigeria gathered that the incident occurred at about 5:40 p.m. on Saturday.

    The state Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Haruna Mohammed, who confirmed the incident, said the police command had launched investigation to unravel the cause of the fire.

    “Police patrol team, led by the Divisional Police Officer in-charge of Nimo Police Division, CSP Benjamin Egu on arrival at the scene, contacted fire Service department, which later put out the fire with the help of local volunteers.

    “However, the fire caused extensive damage in the building as almost all the corpses at the mortuary were burnt beyond recognition.

    “The cause of the fire incident is still unknown but the case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” Mohammed said.

     

  • Police nab 6 suspected cultists, armed robbers in Anambra

    Police nab 6 suspected cultists, armed robbers in Anambra

    The police command in Anambra says it has arrested six suspected cultists and armed rubbers after a gun battle that left one of the suspects injured at Ogidi near Onitsha. (more…)

  • 65-year-old man dies during sex with lover

    A man said to be about 65 years has been reported dead while having sex at a hotel in Awka, Anambra.

    The man, identified as Mr Obi Nwoda, checked into the hotel with a lady on Saturday.

    According to the management of the hotel, the woman was leaving the hotel alone and when she was forced to go back to the room where the man, Obi Nwuda, was seen lying unconscious.

    The incident was reported at B Division Police Station where the DPO, Mr Odion Ekeinde led a Patrol Team to move the unconscious man to a private hospital.

    Obi was declared dead on arrival at the hospital and his corpse photographed and deposited in the morgue.

    Confirming the incident, Mr Mohammed Haruna, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, said the lady was arrested and that she had confessed that the deceased died while having sex with her.

    Haruna described the death as sudden and unnatural, adding that it occurred at about 8.15 p.m. on Saturday.

    “Victim was rushed to Apex Hospital, Awka, where he was confirmed dead on arrival by the medical doctor.

    “The corpse was photographed and deposited at the hospital morgue for autopsy.

    “The woman alleged that the victim collapsed while making love to her.

    “She was subsequently arrested and the case is under investigation to ascertain circumstances surrounding the incident,” he said.