TheNewsGuru

Tag: Coronavirus

  • COVID-19 infection: How 57-year-old police officer died at home in Edo State

    COVID-19 infection: How 57-year-old police officer died at home in Edo State

    The Edo Commissioner for Health, Patrick Okundia, on Wednesday, confirmed the death of another COVID-19 patient in the State, bringing the number of deaths from the disease in the State to two.

    Okundia, who confirmed the death of the patient to newsmen in Benin, described it as unfortunate.

    “We had an unfortunate situation of a 57-year-old police officer, who passed on yesterday (Tuesday).

    “It is not very clear how he got the infection but he developed some illnesses.

    “Initially, there was no evidence of suspicion of coronavirus disease, but when the symptoms started getting worse, he was treated at the police clinic.

    “About two days before he died, our surveillance team was called to have a look and it was in that process that they took his sample and sent it to the laboratory, while he continued with his drugs.

    “He was consequently placed on self-isolation. However, the result came out positive. Before we could get to his house to move him out, the man had died.

    “It is really unfortunate, as the result came after the man had died,’’ he said.

    Edo has 15 confirmed cases, with seven discharged and two deaths so far, while six active cases are in isolation centres

  • COVID-19: Extend hazard allowance beyond April, Medical Guild tells Sanwo-Olu

    The Medical Guild has appealed to the Lagos State Government to extend the increment of hazard allowance to health workers in the state beyond April.

    Dr Oluwajimi Sodipo, Chairman of the Guild, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    NAN reports that the Medical Guild is an association of doctors under the employment of the Lagos State Government.

    Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu had on April 21, approved an increase in the hazard allowance of health workers in the state public service from N5,000 to N25,000.

    Sanwo-Olu, however, in a circular signed by the Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, said the increment was for the month of April, 2020.

    Sodipo, while commending the state government for the increment, said that hazard allowance should continue beyond April to boost health workers’ morale in combating the pandemic.

    According to him, all health workers are frontline responders, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic has moved to the level of community transmission in the state.

    “Lagos is the epicentre of COVID-19 in Nigeria, which means that all health workers are exposed to risk of infection from the virus while treating patients.

    “Already, some of our members are infected with the virus and undergoing treatment.

    “We believe that the state government should do more to protect health workers beyond the hazard allowance increase. There is a need to insure all health workers in the state.

    “Insurance should not be limited to health workers at the isolation facilities alone,” he said.

    Sodipo said that comprehensive plan should be made for health workers that gets infected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    He said that complications could arise from the treatment which might necessitate rehabilitation or lead to disability.

    The Guild chairman noted that prior to COVID-19, health workers had been combating infectious diseases like Lassa fever outbreak, which sometimes led to fatalities.

    Sodipo stressed that health workers were crucial and play a huge role in assisting to mitigate and eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos and Nigeria.

  • COVID-19: PETAN donates food items to 10 Communities in Rivers, gets NCDMB support [Photos]

    COVID-19: PETAN donates food items to 10 Communities in Rivers, gets NCDMB support [Photos]

    As part of their efforts to give succour to members’ host communities, the Petroluem Association of Nigeria (PETAN) with the support of Nigerian Content Development Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has donated food palliatives to 10 members host communities in Rivers State, Saturday, April, 18th.

    Speaking during the distribution of the food palliatives by members, the Chairman of PETAN, Mr Nik Odinuwe said, the move, was part of PETAN and NCDMB efforts in helping the government stop the spread of COVID-19 and aid residents in cushioning the effect of the lockdown in the state.

    Odinuwe added that PETAN is aware that the current lockdown has made it very difficult for many Nigerians to eke out a living as they are compelled by government directives to stay at home, more so as responsible corporate organization, deem it wise to assist government to curtail the spread of the virus.

    He further added that the initiative to give out food items was inspired by the need to provide succour to the communities, as many of those who survive on daily earning from their work & farms, can no longer work due to the stay at home directive by the state government geared towards ending COVID-19 Pandemic.

    The COVID-19 support committee chairman Chief Dr Emi Membere-Otaji noted that the food presentation was the phase two of the donations by PETAN, stressing the need for people to adhere to the safety measures recommended by Federal, State governments and WHO.

    On his part, the publicity secretary of PETAN, Dr Lucky Akhiwu said the items were in support of the efforts of the Federal and state governments towards fighting COVID-19 in the state.

    The beneficial communities within Port-Harcourt in this first phase are; Elekahia, Oginigba, Nkpogu, Amadi-Ama, Woji, Azuabie, Rumuodara, Rumuigbo, Elelenwo and Abuloma Communities.

    The donated items include rice, gari, indomie, tomatoes, vegetable oil, face masks and hand sanitizers.

  • Coronavirus: Kaduna discharges fifth patient, confirms three new cases

    The Kaduna State Ministry of Health said on Wednesday that it had discharged one more patient out of the six persons who tested positive for the coronavirus in the state.

    The state’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Mahammed Baloni, who gave the confirmation, said the latest discharge had taken the number of cleared cases to five since April 14.

    Baloni, however, confirmed three new cases of coronavirus infection in the state, bringing the latest total number of pending cases in Kaduna state to four.

    According to her, among the three new cases, is a 23-year-old male “who came into the state from Istanbul via Dubai sometime in March.’’

    She added that the second patient “is a 51-year-old male who was tested in Samaru, Sabon-Gari Local Government Area, after coming in from Kano.’’

    Baloni said that the third patient had earlier travelled to Kano and he is a 42-year-old male from Unguwan Geza, Kaduna.

    “These new cases reflect the danger that inter-state travels pose to efforts to contain coronavirus.

    “Such travels spread the virus from place to place, complicate contact-tracing, and risk implanting the virus in communities,” she said.

    The commissioner insisted that the lockdown, which compelled “people to stay at home is based on the logic that during a pandemic, the less contact with others, the safer everyone is.’’

    She, therefore, advised residents “to avoid inter-state travels and to promptly report to the authorities any person who has recently travelled from an affected state and develops symptoms of cough, fever, or sore throat.

    “Such reports can be made to the COVID-19 Call Centre in Kaduna State, on the following numbers: 08051217710, 09058008251, 08118588175, 08118588176, and 09032102632.’’

    She also urged the public not to disregard “the importance of hand-washing, personal hygiene, social distancing, and the avoidance of large gatherings in helping to protect us all from COVID-19.

    “It is important to stay home, stay safe and save lives.”

  • COVID-19 lockdown: FG agrees to use BVN in identifying poor, vulnerable Nigerians

    The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Sadiya Farouq has said the Federal Government is expanding the social register for palliative distribution by employing digital models including the use of Bank Verification Number (BVN).

    The Minister disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja, while responding to questions at Presidential Task Force briefing on COVID-19.

    She noted that this digital measure will be faster and make the distribution more effective.

    “We are using other models including BVN to identify bank accounts. We are also using mobile phone networks to identify poor and vulnerable people in society.

    “This is going to be faster, transparent and give room for more accountability,” she said.

    She added that the conditional cash transfer to poor households which is currently going on in some parts of the country is transparent and well organized.

    According to the Minister, all measures have been put in place by the Federal Government to avoid duplication of households.

    She also revealed that civil groups, traditional and religious leaders, among others are performing the role of identifying the poor in their communities thereby assisting the Federal Government in the distribution.

  • BREAKING: Governor El-Rufai cleared of COVID-19

    BREAKING: Governor El-Rufai cleared of COVID-19

    Kaduna State Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai has been cleared of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after testing negative twice of the infection.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor El-Rufai made this known in a statement on Wednesday, expressing delight at recovery after nearly four weeks in isolation.

    The statement reads: “In the evening of Saturday, 28 March 2020, I was notified that I had tested positive for Covid-19. I immediately made a public disclosure of this sad news and proceeded into isolation under the strict supervision of our healthcare professionals.

    “I am delighted to report today, that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive negative test results.

    “I thank Almighty Allah for His grace and mercy. I also acknowledge with gratitude the massive outpouring of sympathy, prayers and public support that followed the disclosure of the infection. My family not only went through the trauma of potentially losing a member, but also the risk of being infected as well. The entire family has been supportive as usual, while my many friends and colleagues from all over the world have sent their prayers and best wishes.

    “I wish to thank the diligent medical personnel of our Ministry of Health and the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital who managed my case for their dedicated and professional care.

    “It was cheering to see the determined efforts of our Covid-19 Task Force chaired by the Deputy Governor, the officials of our Ministry of Health ably led by the Commissioner and our security/enforcement agencies, to manage and contain the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

    “I wish to acknowledge our Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, for her reassuring leadership of our team in my absence. In this trying period, our senior officials have demonstrated admirable commitment and the flexibility to provide governance in circumstances that are so different from the old normal. The commitment, competence and capabilities displayed by the Kaduna State Government in my four-week absence is clear evidence that we have a public service we can all be proud of.

    “I am relieved by my recovery. With the privilege of life, sound health, and the support and prayers of our citizens, I will continue to lead the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to ensure that as few of our people as possible get infected by Covid-19, and that those who do can receive adequate and timely care and treatment. Our emphasis is rightly on prevention because it is the prudent thing to do to save lives, given the limited capacity of our health system.

    “I am delighted by the recovery of four other Covid-19 cases who were discharged last week which was followed yesterday with the discharge of a fifth patient. On Monday, we received the sad news of three more positive cases in Kaduna State. They will receive the best care that our dedicated health professionals can muster and we wish them speedy recovery from Covid-19.

    “We must all work hard to ensure that we keep Covid-19 out of Kaduna State. We have lower infection rates than expected due to stringent measures we imposed in our state, but we cannot let our guards down. We are in dangerous times. This disease is a threat to our humanity, our lives and livelihoods. As someone that has experienced it, I will not wish it on my worst enemy.

    “We must reiterate that an infected person can show no symptoms as I did, for up to two weeks, while unknowingly infecting others close to him or even through casual contact. That is why mixing with many people is not a good idea. While four of every five infected persons show mild symptoms like headache, fever and cough and recover fully, there is evidence worldwide that older people and those with pre-existing health challenges like hypertension and diabetes are particularly at greater risk of dying if they get the Covid-19 infection.

    “We must therefore do everything to avoid exposure and prevent the spread of this disease in our towns and villages. We must now make the sacrifices of enhanced domestic hygiene, regular hand-washing with soap, staying at home and avoiding crowds to defeat this disease.

    “Let me conclude by informing the citizens of Kaduna State that I have issued another amendment to the Quarantine Regulations requiring everyone in the State to wear a face mask when going out of the home or workplace for any reason. The State Government is going to make these masks available free to the poor and vulnerable groups, and encourage everyone that can afford it to get their neighborhood tailor to sew cloth masks for their use. This will help protect them, their loved ones and everyone else from the spread of this disease.

    “Once again, we appeal to everyone to stay at home, observe social distancing, avoid gatherings of more than 10 people, and wash our hands with soap and water regularly.

    “Stay home, stay safe, save lives! God Bless and Protect Kaduna State. God Bless and Protect the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

  • BREAKING: First COVID-19 case confirmed in Adamawa State

    BREAKING: First COVID-19 case confirmed in Adamawa State

    The Adamawa State Government has confirmed the first case of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Governor of the State, Ahmadu Fintinri made this known on Wednesday.

    According to the Governor, the victim is a returnee from Kano State.

     

    Details shortly…

  • COVID-19: Comedian I Go Dye donates mansion for isolation centre

    COVID-19: Comedian I Go Dye donates mansion for isolation centre

    A Nigerian comedian, Francis Agoda, alias as I Go Dye on Wednesday donated his million dollar mansion to the Federal Government to use as a Coronavirus (COVID-19) Isolation Centre.

    Agoda announced the donation on his Instagram page igodye_ where he said humanity would overcome all challenges with sacrifice.

    “I am donating my new FAPOH Royal Seal Mansion to Federal Government of Nigeria to use it as an isolation centre.

    “Humanity will overcome all its challenges only if we are willing to let go of the things we are not using for now for the benifit of others.

    “In view of the increasing cases of coronavirus patients in Nigeria and the few screening centres available for now, l’m deeply worried.

    “We will be making humanitarian sacrifices towards contributing our selfless deeds to control the escalating records of coronavirus as predicted by WHO.

    “When I wrote an open letter to Mr President on the 5th of April, 2020, on how we can control the spread of the COVID-19, it was only 210 cases, today it is moving towards a thousand.

    “We should be proactive, if we hope to win this global war that has no boundaries, no discrimination and unfortunately indestructible for now.

    “Against this backdrop and the ongoing lockdown, the few services left has been put on hold at the ongoing FAPOH Royal Seal Mansion project site.

    “I feel convinced to donate this my new FAPOH Royal Seal Mansion to the Federal Government to use as an isolation centre.

    “As my personal quest to assist in the control, prevention, isolation and treatment of those diagnosed or to be treated in the course of us finding a lasting solution.

    “This donation will stand as a gift to humanity till we find a solution which will once again set us free from the shackles of this incurable disease.

    “I am appealing to Nigerians to take this matter seriously because COVID-19 is real as it has claimed over one million lives in all parts of the world.

    “The hardship is really getting harder, it may jeopardise the progress of controlling the spread of the virus.

    “The feldral government must provide adequate palliatives for all Nigerians, till this disease becomes a thing of the past.

    “I also appeal for a two-week total lockdown to enable government treat existing cases and curb further spread by those who may have contracted the COVID-19.

    “This lockdown will control all forms of movement and socialization between individuals or groups. May God see us through this dark moment,” he said.

  • Crash in crude oil price: Atiku Abubakar provides solution for Nigeria

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged the government of Nigeria to build a strategic crude oil reserve, with massive storage capacity that can hold at least a month’s worth of the country’s Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) production capacity.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Atiku Abubakar stated this on Wednesday, stressing that if such an infrastructure is built, Nigeria will not have to sell its crude at a production loss and that the country will be in a position to stockpile the product in the reserve until such a time as prices improve.

    “The global oil market continues to suffer from the vagaries of the corona virus pandemic, as prices continue to crash due to the sudden, massive and unexpected drop in worldwide demand for crude oil.

    “The features market for commodities is a turbulent one, due to unforeseen hazards that come and go. Today, it is COVID19; tomorrow, it will be something else.

    “It is time for Nigeria to protect her economy from being tossed to and fro by circumstances beyond our control. We must assert our sovereignty, by exerting more influence over the global trade in crude oil, and other features.

    “I believe that the time is right for Nigeria to build a strategic crude oil reserve, with massive storage capacity that can hold at least a month’s worth of our OPEC production capacity.

    “If we build such an infrastructure, we will not have to sell our crude at a production loss. We will be in a position to stockpile the product in our reserve until such a time as prices improve.

    “Indeed, other nations take such measures to protect their economy. North American and European nations have such internal controls to protect almost every sector of their economy – from agriculture, automobile, and even intellectual property. Nigeria cannot be left behind. We must be in business for the best interest of our economy.

    “I would also strongly recommend that we discuss with our partners in the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, and obtain a concession, whereby we can defer our daily quota, such that when we undersell, due to a crash in the price of crude oil, we can oversell when the prices stabilize, subject to the condition that we balance out our quota.

    “Nigeria’s oil industry remains more susceptible to outside influences, than to internal control. This measure can flip that, and make our oil industry more stable, even when there is global instability. This will translate to greater economic independence on our part,” the former Vice President stated.

  • Covid-19 pandemic: Top business gainers and losers

    Covid-19 pandemic: Top business gainers and losers

    By Oluwaseun Adesanya

    In the early 2015, one of the most adorable personalities in the world, Bill Gates came on TED to discuss on “The Next Outbreak? We’re not ready”. This particular event was immediately after the world survived the outbreak of Ebola, and he explained how we reacted to the emerging epidemic with detailed statistics but even upon such efforts, he still believed that we are far from being ready for another epidemic or a pandemic!

    Fast forward to the year 2020, the starting tone of Covid-19 was like a flame without a fire but suddenly has now become famous with the entire world standing still even with “Compulsory Holidays” being declared in most countries and no logical end in sight to the pandemic! Guess, if Bill Gate was to be one of those Religious Pastors or Prophets, the entire world would have become his congregation by now and of course, with plenty prophet offerings!

    According to Wikipedia, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The disease was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, the capital of China’s Hubei province, and has since spread globally with common symptoms including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include fatigue, muscle pain, diarrhea, sore throat, loss of smell and abdominal pain. The time from exposure to onset of symptoms is typically around five days, but may range from two to 14 days. As of 10 April 2020, more than 1.6 million cases have been reported in more than 200 countries and territories, resulting in more than 95,700 deaths!

    The virus is mainly spread between people during close contact, often via small droplets produced during coughing, sneezing, or talking. While these droplets are produced when breathing out, they usually fall to the ground or surfaces rather than being infectious over large distances. People may also become infected by touching a contaminated surface and then their face. The virus can survive on surfaces for up to 72 hours. Coronavirus is most contagious during the first three days after onset of symptoms, although spread may be possible before symptoms appear and in later stages of the disease.

    The effect of Covid-19 pandemic on business environment

    The emergence of the mighty Covid-19 has definitely altered the cause of global lifestyle especially the business environment which has now become more challenged since no one knows how long this will end for life to come back to normal again! But even in the currently reality that looks like challenging, it has further created opportunities for some industries who are enjoying tremendous cashflow despite the suffering the world is enduring.

    Imagine what the current situation would have turned into if there was no access to communication through technology in order to facilitate access to information, online platforms for e-commerce activities and trainings, electronic financial services and other financial services.

    Definitely, the Financial Industry has helped in a tremendous way in stabilizing the economy from collapsing through their various deployed channels such as the use Internet Banking, Point of Sales (PoS), Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), Mobile Banking Application and USSD. These channels through the Industry have helped in managing the flow of demand and supply of money within the various economies of the world towards preventing another global economic recession or meltdown!

    In complementing the effort of the Financial Industry, the Fintech companies has deployed innovative solutions that have helped businesses continue and enable consumers to have more convenient ways of performing electronic financial transactions. Most innovative of such is Paylink, a payment solution for anyone to receive money INSTANTLY into your bank account from Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime! This particular payment solution has become the delight of crowd founding platforms, social entrepreneurs, religious organisations and other businesses in such a time like this (restricted movements and social distancing).

    Topmost business losers from the Covid-19 pandemic

    For the industries that the pandemic negatively affected, the list is definitely unending but in order to kick-start the discussion, here are the possible top business losers:

    Aviation Industry:

    The industry is one of the world most capital intensive institutions and it’s operation cost is not a joke! The nature of the business involves continuous maintenance, high taxation, increasing operational and administrative cost which are the reason why most of the airline operators are using debt financing or currently in huge debt with the only option of bailout or liquidation. So, with this outbreak of the Covid-19, it has worsen and complicated the struggling cashflow (revenue) of the airlines with several operators finding it difficult to be able to survive even when the business operation resumes again as their recovery will definitely be for a long term period!

    Small & Medium Enterprises:

    The SMEs have been the backbone of many economies as their activities has also created employment opportunities and facilitates daily livehood for many. However, with the total lockdown, most of the SMEs have been struggling to adjust current situation as closure of business premises and markets, have reduced patronage and sales.

    Although, once the business operation resumes, it might be a slow start for them but definitely their recovery will be for a short term period!

    Religious Organisations:

    Their major sources of income have always be the donations and contributions of their members and followers in terms of voluntary and mandatory giving through their various believes and principles which have made several of them even richer than most of the organisations in the real business world!

    Definitely, they were shocked that such an outbreak could turn their worship centers and venues into ghost sites with many of them now, embracing and adopting technology to reach out to their challenging members due to the current epidemic. Yet, since their members were also affected financially, the impact is several on most (if not all) of the religious organisation. However, their recovery can be a medium term period as they will need time to convince their members to continue in the believe and obedient of their doctrinal principles of giving!

    Entertainment Industry:

    They were one of major cashcow industries before the advent of Covid-19 with several shows, albums and events to promote their brands visibility and definitely, make more money. The industry has produces more celebrities and overnight millionaires with little or no knowledge of wealth or fame management!

    With the believe that all you need is just to have a talent and the world is at your feet, but the reality is the industry is a Red Ocean with several people struggling for the same audience. At the moment, it is even difficult because the lockdown and social distancing measures have put shows and events to standstill with the hope that when we survive this period, people will not have phobia or nurse any fear again.

    Regardless, the industry will still continue to survive through more creativities and innovations that can create a new path to Blue Ocean within the medium term period but definitely, not in the short term!

    Transportation & their Unions:

    It was necessary to specifically separate this from Aviation Industry and combined it with Unions especially if you are from this part of the world where National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) are major stakeholders in the affairs of the state! Outsiders things the members are illiterates but majority of the leaders have all their family members citizen abroad and their children schooling oversea. Yet, we think they are not that smart but indeed, they milk money like the milk from a Texas farm cows through extortion and harassment of motorists!

    However, since the Covid-19 has created lockdown through various measures by several governments to limit the spread of the pandemic, it has been very challenging for the transport operators and their unruly unions in making their daily living. But once this period phased out, their business will resume as usual and their recovery will definitely be a short term!

    Top business gainers and next emerging opportunities

    While some will definitely find it hard to recover immediately after normalcy returns, there are few that the new season will create huge opportunities for them to be the “Next Cashcow Industries”! These business gainers are:

    Food & Beverages Industry:

    The demand in consumption will increasing as people will put survival as top on their list and access to market will increase demand for food items.

    Communication:

    There will be change in culture and attitude in some areas such as work pattern, education, commerce and access to information, where people will prefer online channels which in return will increase demand for data.

    Lending industry:

    With many current loans going bad as a result of several collapsed businesses and loss of jobs, the lending business will be the next patronized industry by people who are currently being affected and are looking for possible means of starting all over again or surviving.

    Logistics and distribution industry:

    Commerce and demand for commodities across locations as a result of the impact of current situation and fear of unknown will create an increasing need for logistics and distribution of commodities.

    Lottery industry:

    People will be desperate and looking for quicker ways of making money which will make lottery an interesting avenue that gives hope even when it will end up to worsen their situation.

    So, while we can’t change the reality of challenges from Covid-19 Pandemic, we can at least get wisdom to prepare towards joining the wagon of the “Next Cashcow Industries” when the season changes for good!

    The next season is just around the corner! Are you Ready?

     

    Oluwaseun Adesanya

    +234-701-399-0127

    Lagos, Nigeria

    (An International Consultant with great wealth of experience across several countries with special focus on Fintech, Financial Inclusion, Insurance, Innovation, Financial Services, Strategy, Social Impact, Business Transformation and Technology. He is currently, the Group Head of Strategy & Innovation for the leading innovative Software Company in Africa, SystemSpecs – Owner of HumanManager, Remita and Paylink)