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Tag: Cross River

  • COVID-19: Health worker dies in Cross River State

    COVID-19: Health worker dies in Cross River State

    The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) has confirmed the death of a health worker suspected to be COVID-19 patient.

    In a statement with a reference no NMACRS/SG/2020/05/214 dated May 22, 2020 and signed by the Chairman, Dr. Agam E. Ayuk and Secretary, Dr. Ezoke Epoke, the association confirmed the death of the health worker suspected to be COVID-19 victim.

    The NMA lamented the death of the health worker, saying that the quick response time has become more imperative due to the rising number of deaths from suspected cases.

    The NMA said as, at May 18th 2020, only seven samples were tested with Kogi State carrying out less testing across the country.

    The group further said that the figure was very worrisome leading to the affirmation by the Director-General NCDC.

    According to NMA, the unacceptable low number of persons tested in the state suggests a lack of diligent, expansive and coordinated surveillance response which is the hallmark for effective prevention and containment of COVID-19.

    The group appeal for an expansion of the surveillance unit with the provision of more field staff, utility vehicles, ICT/technical support to enable this vital unit to carry out the critical role of early case finding for testing and isolation of confirmed cases to limit community transmission.

    “As of May 21, 2020, information available to us has it that seven out of the eight samples collected so far are from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar (UCTH). Many questions are begging for answers; Is it only UCTH that has patients that meet the criteria for sample collection?

    “Very worrisome is the fact that most members of the medical community are currently expressing concerns if the samples collected are the samples sent to NCDC.

    “We call on the State COVID-19 task force to create a transparent system for tracking of samples from the point of collection to Testing Centre to restore confidence on the eventual results reported,” the statement stated.

    NMA said that the present situation makes sample transportation very expensive and cumbersome occasioned by restrictions in interstate movement. We use this medium to call on NCDC to change the testing centre of Cross River State from Irrua to Abakaliki.

  • VIDEO: Ayade breaks down in tears, ‘I came well prepared but haven’t achieved my dreams for C’River in 5 years’

    VIDEO: Ayade breaks down in tears, ‘I came well prepared but haven’t achieved my dreams for C’River in 5 years’

    It was an emotional day at Peregrino House of the Cross River State Government on Thursday when Governor Ben Ayade broke down in tears over the high level of poverty in the state and exempted some persons and organisations from paying tax.

    Speaking at the inauguration of an anti-tax agency headed by Bishop Emma Isong, the governor said that it is sad that government which does not meet the needs of the people in many areas still collects tax from them.

    He said it better for him to “task my brain” than to expect tax from people who are still struggling.The governor said as he went round the state, he noticed the level of poverty which has made some people to stay in mud houses.

    Ayade, who broke down in tears, said: “I never knew that five years as governor, there would still be people living in thatched houses in Cross River. I almost cried because I knew how prepared I was but it didn’t end the way I dreamt for the state. I wish God would intervene because I really wish I could help. It’s very painful.”

  • Cross River suspends doctor over death of Ayade’s aide

    The Cross River Government says it has suspended Dr Offiong Okoho, over an alleged unprofessional practices leading to the death of Prince Otu-Otu Duke, a patient under his care.

    Duke, who was the Special Adviser to Gov. Ben Ayade on Waste Management, died on April 3, 2020, after undergoing surgery for hernia at the Covenant Clinic and Maternity, owned by Okoho.

    The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Betta Edu, told newsmen on Thursday in Calabar that Okoho has been suspended and his private clinic, Covenant Clinic and Maternity also closed down.

    Edu said that the state Ministry of Health took the decision based on complaints from some patients and clients against Okoho.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the family of the late Prince Duke, had earlier wrote petition against Okoho over the mismanagement of their late brother’s health leading to his dead.

    A younger brother to the deceased, Mr Orok Duke, had sent a petition to the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Uche Anozia, about poor handling of his late brother’s health.

    In his petition, Duke alleged that “Dr Offiong did a surgery and mismanaged the deceased health in Offiong clinic.

    “By the time my brother, who had fallen into a coma was evacuated and taken to Asi Ukpo Medical Centre for proper medical treatment, he died on April 3, 2020.”

    Edu said that investigation into the various allegations against the physician by members of the public was ongoing.

    She explained that the suspension was to give way for transparency in the course of investigation.

    The commissioner said that a committee had been set up to invite persons or relatives of people who have been victims to testify.

    “Shutting down of the hospital is a clear indication that government is doing something.

    “The facility has been shut down by the state Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Nigerian Medical Association.

    “The first step was to shut down the facility, and investigation is ongoing. And of course, outcome of the committee’s report will determine the sanctions.

    “At the same time, Okoho has also been suspended from working at the General Hospital until investigation is over.

    “Remember, we can’t just act on what we hear, we must investigate it so that we don’t just punish somebody wrongly. We have reached out to some persons whom he had treated as well.

    “Those testimonies would form the background of next line of action to take,” the commissioner said.

    When contacted, Okoho told newsmen that as a medical professional, he took an oath to save lives and not otherwise.

    He said the deceased, who had a history of diabetes, was brought in for surgery at his clinic on March 25, 2020, adding that the surgery was successfully carried out.

    Okoho explained that seven days after, the deceased patient developed partial stroke.

    He noted the deceased was then referred to a specialist for appropriate treatment, but the patient refused to go for the referral.

    “It was after the situation deteriorated that he was placed on oxygen and finally moved to Asi Ukpo Medical Centre, where he died,” Okoho said.

    On his suspension from the services of the Cross River Government, Okoho said there was nothing he could do other than await the outcome of investigation by the Ministry of Health.

    Reacting to likely cause of the death, Okoho said: “the patient could have died as a result of Aspiration Pneumonitis, because the nurse at Asi Ukpo said he vomited before he died.”

  • COVID-19: NCDC says Cross River deserves to be Coronavirus free

    COVID-19: NCDC says Cross River deserves to be Coronavirus free

    The Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has described Cross River State as deserving of its Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) free status.

    NCDC stated this on Monday during a verification visit to the state.

    The leader of the NCDC team, Dr Omobolanle Olowu, lauded the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade for his strong leadership in the battle against the pandemic, successfully keeping it away from the state.

    “The Federal Government strongly Commends the Action Governor of Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade, and his energetic team who started response in January when others still lived in denial. They (Cross River) deserve to still be without a case of COVID-19.

    “The governor was proactive in shutting down borders, screening visitors and suspected cases and initiating the no mask no movement campaign in Nigeria,” she said.

    She also expressed delight at the level of compliance with the no mask no movement policy of the government.

    Expressing disbelief, she said: “I cannot believe I did not see one person without a face mask from the airport to this office. I guess this explains the results in Cross River State. I commend the state for the great work done. We never knew all these in Abuja. We will tell Mr President all what we have seen.

    “From all I have seen, this is a great response in Nigeria. Cross River has honestly done well. There is a lot to learn from Cross River as best practice for Nigeria. Nigeria should give Cross River State accolades for producing face masks, Face Shield, PPEs in its Garment Factory.”

    She said the NCDC was also satisfied with the contact tracing, Surveillance and testing done so far by the state even as she encouraged the state to do more in that regard.

    “We are happy that the state has a great working relationship with the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital. This is Commendable.

    “Governor Ben Ayade woke up even before the rest of the country. He shut his borders and has been working from the front line. Your Governor is a man with foresight who believes in his people and wants to save his people.”

    Highlight of the teams visit included the official opening of the 100-bed isolation center in Adiabo.

  • Cross River: Gov. Ayade directs civil servants to resume work

    Cross River: Gov. Ayade directs civil servants to resume work

    Gov. Ben Ayade of Cross River on Sunday began the relaxation of some of the restrictions he put in place in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak by directing all categories of civil servants to return to work on Monday, May 4.

    The governor, who some two weeks ago recalled civil servants from grade level 10 and above back to work, has now directed all civil servants to return to work on Monday.

    In a statement issued in Calabar by Mr Christian Ita, Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Ayade reminded the returning civil servants that the “no mask, no movement” order was still in full force and must be observed by them.

    “Consequently, all the returning civil servants are therefore, to wear nose mask as they resume in their various offices,” the governor said.

    He said other restrictions, such as border closures and ban on large gatherings, be it social or religious, remain in place.

    Ayade said that the measures would be reviewed as days go by.

  • Some people offering bribes to our residents to claim COVID-19 positive – C’River Govt cries out

    The Cross River State Government has alleged that some people are offering money to residents of the state to claim COVID-19 positive.

    The commissioner for health in state, Dr. Betta Edu, who made the claim said those behind the evil acts sent text messages to residents with monetary promises if they claim to be COVID-19 positive.

    Edu, who is also the Chairman, COVID-19 task force team described the trend as worrisome.

    In an interview on TVC Thursday night, she said the state is probing the source of the messages.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Cross River is among the last two states standing without a single case of the virus.
    And Betta Edu vowed that the state wants to keep the status.

    On Wednesday, she appealed to the Federal authorities for more kits and funds.

    Up till date, the state has received only 50 test kits from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

    That, she said, is grossly inadequate for the 4.5million people in the state.

    According to her, with the release of funds and more test kits, samples will be taken across the state.

    They will then be sent to Irrua Teaching Hospital in Edo State for laboratory testing.

    She also said the NCDC staff that are expected in the state to commence collection of samples would be quarantined for 14 days.

    She noted that the state was more interested in the prevention of the virus than its management.

    “As a state, we have shut down borders and all land entrances to prevent the spread of the virus. It is not compulsory that all states will be affected.

    “The state government is doing all it can to ensure that it remains COVID-19 free. The no mask, no movement policy had helped a lot in achieving the fight against the pandemic,” she said.

  • COVID-19: Not compulsory all States must be affected – Cross River Govt

    COVID-19: Not compulsory all States must be affected – Cross River Govt

    The Cross River State Government has noted that the State was more interested in the prevention of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) than its management, stressing that it is not compulsory that all States must be affected.

    Dr Betta Edu, the State Commissioner for Health and Chairman, COVID-19 taskforce team, made this known on Wednesday in Calabar, while appealing to the Federal Government to assist it with funds and test kits in containing the Coronavirus spread.

    Edu also appealed to the federal government to set up a vaccine producing factory in the state.

    She said that Cross River was among the three states in the country without the virus.

    She said that the Nigeria Centre for Disease control (NSDC) had sent only 50 test kits which was not enough for the state with over 4.5million population.

    According to her, with the release of funds and more test kits, samples will be taken across the state to Irrua in Benin for laboratory testing.

    She called on the federal government to send more security personnel to police the borders against Cameroonian coming into the state.

    The commissioner said that the NCDC staff that are expected in the state to commence collection of samples would be quarantined for 14 days.

    She noted that the state was more interested in the prevention of the virus than its management.

    “As a state, we have shut down borders and all land entrances to prevent the spread of the virus. It is not compulsory that all states will be affected.

    “The state government is doing all it can to ensure that it remains COVID-19 free. The no mask, nomovement policy had helped alot in achieving the fight against the pandemic,” she said.

    The commissioner warned those trespassing through various routes into the state to desist from the act, adding that “the virus does not move, people move with the virus”.

    She said that they were interested in testing any suspected case of COVID-19 that meets the NCDC requirements.

    She further said that health surveillance staff at the border areas have been advised to focus more on persons with symptoms.

    “We dont need a ventilator at this moment, what we want is test kits to help get more samples for laboratory analysis,” she said.

  • COVID-19: Lagos, Kano, Benue, others order masks from Cross River

    COVID-19: Lagos, Kano, Benue, others order masks from Cross River

    As various states in Nigeria battle to contain the ravaging global pandemic, COVID-9, Lagos state government, Benue State and a Kano Business mogul, Alhaji Isiaku Rabiu, have separately placed orders for nose masks from the Cross River State Garment Factory.

    While Lagos State placed order for one million nose masks, Rabiu ordered for 100,000 pieces of the masks to assist the Kano state government contain the pandemic.

    Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade who made the disclosure Monday at the Garment factory Calabar stated that production of masks has been ramped up at the factory following the orders.

    Apart from states, order organizations that have made orders for masks from the factory include construction giants, Julius Berger and DHL.

    “We have Julius Berger, a construction company that has made a massive order. Shoprite also has made a massive order. We have also received an order of one million masks from Lagos State government.
    “Alhaji Isaiaku Rabiu made an order for a hundred thousand masks for Kano state,” the governor disclosed.

    He said he was at the factory to carry out an inspection on quality control and ensure that the masks were made according to specifications.

    “As you can see, we are here at the garment factory to carry out an inspection on quality control of preparation of the masks and ensuring that by the time they finish the ironing process, it will go through a sterilization chamber which is an innovation”, Ayade said

    He disclosed that plans were under way to design military style masks for the military and para military organizations.

    According to him, the special masks will come with fitted special protection and air filtration systems.

    Ayade: “As you are all aware, Cross River State started the concept of cloth mask. So we want to use this opportunity to say we want to move into the new brand of a military mask which will have special protection and special air filtration as well as special breathing support systems to enable the military use it on a daily basis even in the face of a biological warfare ”

    The governor maintained said he has taken time to wear the mask in different combination of clothes to create awareness and to show that no matter how you dress, there is a mask that can fit with your dressing.

    “I have taken time to wear the mask in different combination of clothes not just for the purpose of wearing the mask but to create awareness on the use of the masks

    And also as a means of marketing that even if you are wearing a traditional attire, there are masks that can go with your dressing”

    “If you intend to go with a jean and a top it can still fit so whether you are young or middle aged or old, there is always a way and style that the mask will fit. And until Coronavirus is over, wearing masks has to become our way of life.”

    He expressed optimism that with the support of the federal government, Cross River State should be in a position to start exporting masks to other African countries in the near future.

    “I believe that with the support of the federal government, we should be in a position to start exporting masks to other African countries very soon.with our installed capacity at three shifts we can do close to a million masks a day and am happy the federal government is adopting wearing of nose masks as a national policy”, Ayade quipped.

  • COVID-19: Ayade extends stay-at-home order in Cross River

    Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River has extended the stay-at-home order for civil servants by one week. The initial order expires on 7 April.

    Mr Christian Ita, Special Adviser Media and Publicity, announced the extension in a statement on Monday in Calabar.

    Ita directed civil servants in the state to stay away from work for a further week.

    Excluded from the order are workers on essential services.

    These are medical personnel, paramilitary and revenue officers.

    “The extension is in furtherance of Ayade’s determination to ensure that CrossRiverians stay safe from the global pandemic.

    “Government’s concerted effort to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to Cross River is also fully on course.

    “Governor Ayade, therefore, appeals to all CrossRiverians to continue to adopt and adhere to all the preventive measures already in place in the state.

    “The governor has promised to do everything humanly possible to ensure that Cross River remains COVID-19 free,” he said.

  • COVID-19: No nose mask, no movement in Cross River – Ayade

    Following the proliferation of new cases of coronavirus in neighboring states, the Cross River state governor, Sir Ben Ayade has imposed new restrictions on residents of the state as follows:

    1. No citizen or resident of the state will be allowed to leave home without a face mask from Friday 3rd, April 2020.

    2. Failure to adhere to this directive will lead to the arrest and quarantine of the offenders for 14 days.

    3. The Cross River State garment factory has been mandated to produce face masks to be distributed free to citizens and residents alike to meet with the demand.

    4. Those who for one reason or the other are unable to get masks from government before the new restrictions kick in, are advised to purchase theirs from shops selling the item.

    5. All public gatherings remain banned, markets should remain closed except where foodstuff is sold.

    6. All exit and entry points into the state are now completely shut. No human or vehicular movement will be allowed into the state under any disguise.