Health
‘Figures, data not pointing to second wave of Covid-19 in Oyo’ – Makinde
As the number of confirmed cases continue to rise, the Oyo state gaffer, Mr. Seyi Makinde on Wednesday insisted that facts, figures and data available in the state on the current state of the spread of Coronavirus does not indicate a new wave but a continuation of the first outbreak of the pandemic.
Governor Makinde, who noted that the curve since the outbreak of the pandemic was never flattened, also disclosed that arrangement is in top gear to explore other means of getting more vaccines for the people, stressing that the state has already opened discussions with certain manufacturers on how it can get as many as possible for the people.
It will be recalled that Oyo state recorded more than 400 confirmed cases in two weeks, according to the daily figure from the Nigeria Centre For Diseases Control (NCDC).
Speaking further, the governor, while addressing newsmen on the state of the virus in the state said the planned 1,800 vaccines to be supplied to the state through the federal government is grossly inadequate for the people whose population stands between 7-10 million.
Governor Makinde, who stated that though, the data revealed that “Covid-19 is still very much with us”, urged the residents of the state to follow the safety protocols.
In his words, “With recent happenings and talks of the Second wave of Covid-19, I count it necessary that I address you.
“Let me start by talking about this issue of supposed Second Wave. I have always said all our responses to Covid-19 in Oyo state will be guided by data, science and logic.
“So, as far as Oyo state is concerned, the data we have is not pointing to a second wave as the curve was never flattened, to start with.
“For example, between when we started testing people in March 2020 and December 2020, we conducted 20,000 tests out of which about 3,000 were positive of Covid-19.
“By the NCDC guidelines, we tested mostly sick people who have direct interaction with those who have the virus. The NCDC have revised those guidelines and made testing open to accommodate more people, including those who may not even be showing any symptoms.
“So, from December 2020 till date, we have conducted a further 14,000 test. And I have had about 696 positive cases. So, it is clear that we did not have flattening of the curve, rather, we have more people becoming more complacent and acting more as if the pandemic was over.
“But the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has continued its work of monitoring and enlightenment. The data says Covid-19 is still very much with us. Science is telling us that we can slow down the spread by taking precaution. The logical thing to do is to follow what science says.
“We know how difficult 2020 was for a lot of us. Logically, we should not do things that will make the situation worst. This is not the time to let down our guards. If anything, we should not take any of the precautions lightly.
“In the last months, we have unfortunately had eight deaths. So, even though many people have mild to moderate symptoms, it is severe for a few. And since we do not know who would be severe on, we need to keep our guards on.
“On our part, we are doing everything within our power to provide more resources for the EOC to continue to manage the spread of this disease.
“We are facilitating greater collaborations between the laboratories, the University College Hospital, Ibadan and our Infectious Disease Centre, Olodo, Ibadan. We are also carrying out trainings for private clinics and hospitals so they can follow the right protocols.
“And for those who may need oxygen, we are signing an MoU with a private facility to use their facilities if the need be. They are providing oxygen at UCH and already have facilities in the state, so we are just asking them to factor Oyo state into their production schedule.
“On the issue of vaccines, the Federal Government, from what we read have allocated 1,800 vaccines for Oyo state and for the country, I understand that about a 100,000 vaccines are being procured.
“But first, in Oyo state, we don’t have the facility to store it at -70 degree centigrade and again, this number is grossly inadequate if you want to vaccinate over 100,000 people out of a population of almost 200million, it is not going to make any dent.
“For Oyo state with a population of about 7 to 10million, 1,800 vaccines will not go anywhere. So, we are exploring other means of getting this vaccine to our people. I have been advised that the oestrogenic vaccine is more suitable for Oyo state due to storage instructions.
“So, we are opening discussions with manufacturers on how we can get as many as possible for our people. So, for now, the protocol remains the same. Professor Alonge and his team will continue to manage the Covid-19 situation for us, but, what I will say to each and every one of us is that we have to own our action.
“Wash your hand with soap and water, use an alcohol-based sanitiser, wear a mask and keep proper social distancing. And if you remember when we just started dealing with Covid-19, we brought out some advisory on things that can boost the immune system and those advisory are very useful at this moment”, the governor urged.
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Aderemi Oseni, has pledged to support the breast cancer awareness programme of the ABC Foundation founded by former Oyo First Lady, Dr. Florence Ajimobi.
Oseni, who is Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), made the commitment on Thursday in Ibadan at the flag-off of Pink Month 2025, an initiative of the foundation.
Contained in a statement by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker described the campaign as a “lifesaving mission” given the rising burden of breast cancer in Nigeria, with over 28,000 new cases and thousands of deaths reported annually.
The APC chieftain said the free screening of 1,000 women planned by the foundation was timely, stressing that early detection remained the strongest weapon in the fight against cancer.
Hon. Aderemi Oseni exchanging pleasantries with former Oyo State First Lady, Dr. (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, at the event.
“Health is life. Only this June, I moved a motion at the National Assembly which led to the Federal Government subsidising dialysis treatment nationwide. Today, dialysis is either free or heavily discounted in federal health facilities,” Oseni said.
He listed his personal interventions to include funding hospital bills of indigent patients, construction of hospitals in Ido and Ibarapa East, establishment of primary health centres, and organisation of medical outreaches. He also disclosed plans to deploy mobile clinics to rural areas.
Commending Mrs. Ajimobi for sustaining her late husband’s legacy through humanitarian service, Oseni assured of partnership with the foundation, saying women’s wellbeing and empowerment remained central to his vision for Oyo State.
In her remarks, Mrs. Ajimobi said the foundation had offered medical care to over 85,000 patients and conducted more than 100,000 investigations since its inception. She added that the campaign was not just corporate social responsibility but “a moral duty and sacred trust.”
The former first lady, who lost her daughter Abisola to breast cancer earlier this year, said the experience had strengthened her resolve to save other families from such tragedy. She appealed to women to take advantage of the free screening and called on partners and development agencies to support the fight.
Chairman of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Dr. Fidelis Akhagboso Ayebae, and Chief Executive Officer of Hazon Holdings, Dr. Victor ’Gbenga Afolabi, are set to lead discussions at the second edition of the D’Bio Wellness & Selfcare Summit.
The event is scheduled to hold on September 24 and 25 at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa, Ikeja.
This year’s summit has the theme: “Self-Care as a Driver of Optimal Health and Wellness.”
Ayebae will serve as chairman of the event, while Afolabi, who is also the co-founder of Wellness HMO, will deliver the keynote address.
Ayebae, founder of Fidson Healthcare, is regarded as one of Nigeria’s leading pharmaceutical entrepreneurs. He is a fellow of the Institute of Directors Nigeria and the Institute of Corporate Affairs Management, and has held significant roles in the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria.
Afolabi has more than 20 years’ experience spanning healthcare, finance, technology and marketing. He is also the founder of the Eko Innovation Centre, a Lagos-based technology hub that supports start-ups and young entrepreneurs.
Convener of the summit, Dr. Monica Hemben Eimunjeze, said the event would focus on practical steps to improve health outcomes through self-care.
She said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Ayebae and Dr. Afolabi as pivotal figures in our quest to enhance health literacy and empower individuals to prioritise self-care. This summit is not just about discussions; it is about actionable insights that can inspire and transform lives.”
The organisers said the two-day summit is open to the public and will feature panel sessions with health and wellness experts, attracting healthcare professionals, advocates and business leaders.
The Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Moor Plantation, Apata, Ibadan, has joined the campaign to eradicate malaria in Nigeria.
The initiative followed the unveiling of the Geneith Health Competition on the institution’s campus on Tuesday.
The competition, organised by CEOAfrica in partnership with Geneith Pharmaceuticals Limited and powered by Coatal Forte Softgel, targets students of tertiary and secondary schools nationwide to spread knowledge on malaria prevention.
Convener of the project, Mr. Cletus Ilobanafo, said the programme was designed to raise awareness through a structured health contest at the state, regional and national levels.
He said Geneith Pharmaceuticals has committed N1 billion to the project, with N400 million earmarked for scholarships and N600 million for gift items to motivate participants. “By promoting education and prevention strategies, this competition underscores the dedication of all stakeholders in combating malaria and improving public health in Nigeria,” Ilobanafo added.
The Provost of the College, Dr. Chidi Okpeze, praised the organisers for selecting the institution as a launch platform for the campaign. He expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, for their commitment to repositioning the livestock sector to boost national growth.
“Our students are ready to key into this initiative. They are articulate, active, and have represented us well in international competitions. We are confident they will excel in this campaign too,” he said.
The Provost urged the students to brace up for the task ahead and uphold the institution’s tradition of excellence.
Some students, who spoke on behalf of their colleagues, pledged to support the anti-malaria campaign by intensifying environmental sanitation on campus. They also commended the organisers and sponsors for giving them the opportunity to contribute to the fight against malaria.
They promised to sustain clean surroundings and spread the message beyond the school to ensure malaria is eradicated from the system.
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