Health
Makinde Constitutes Task Force To Forestall Environmental Hazard At Popular Ibadan Market
Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has set up a task force to immediately look into the current environmental situation at the popular Gbagi market in Ibadan to curb the possibility of an outbreak of epidemic.
Gbagi market, like Idumota market in Lagos and Ariaria market in Aba, Abia State are well-know for its population and multi-national nature of those that patronized them in West Africa.
The Makinde administration has recently shown its displeasure over the unkempt outlook of the market as unapproved market stalls had taken over original design of the market and waste management had become difficult for the concerned government agency.
Members of the committee include its Chairman, Sanitarian John Oyewole, Dr. Dapo Atoyebi, a member, Mr G.O Oladele who is also a member and the Secretary of the Task Force, Barrister Oyelakin Oyedokun.
According to the Chairman in a release he signed on Tuesday at Ibadan, the committee was given the task of looking into environmental crisis currently bedeviling the famous market and proffer solutions to it by reaching out to stakeholders.
“With the terms of reference we were given, the Committee is principally saddled with the responsibility of coming up with recommendations targeted at the current environment situations within New Gbagi Market in order to prevent environment pollution, epidemics & fire outbreak among others.
“In view of this, the Task Force hereby wishes to invites letters from members of the public on challenges presently confronting the market as well as appropriate recommendations to the same effect and submit such documents to ROOM 17, Ministry of Environment & Water Resources, Secretariat, Ibadan on or before Friday, 16th August, 2019 during official hours,” Oyewole said.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has ordered the immediate closure of the Gomboru drug market in Maiduguri following severe flooding that submerged the area and contaminated the drugs sold within the market.
In a statement posted on its official X handle, NAFDAC disclosed that the decision was made after reports surfaced that contaminated drugs, which had been washed and sun-dried for resale, were being sold at the market.
“After the recent flooding in Maiduguri that submerged the Gomboru drug market where contaminated drugs were washed and sun-dried for resale, the @DGatNAFDAC ordered the immediate closure of the market to conduct a thorough shop-to-shop removal of these compromised drugs,” the agency wrote.
The flooding, which ravaged Maiduguri, was triggered by the rupture of the Alau dam on the Ngadda River, located 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of the city.
The floodwaters claimed at least 30 lives and displaced 400,000 residents, leaving large parts of the city and surrounding areas in devastation.
NAFDAC’s intervention is aimed at safeguarding public health by preventing the sale and consumption of contaminated drugs.
The agency has mobilized teams to inspect the market and ensure the removal of all compromised pharmaceutical products.
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and the lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State has expressed deep concern following the recent outbreak of cholera cases in the state.
Cholera, a highly contagious bacterial infection transmitted through contaminated water and food, poses significant health risks, particularly in densely populated areas with inadequate sanitation.
Oseni urged residents of Oyo State, especially those in his constituency, to prioritise hygiene practices and strictly adhere to recommended safety measures, emphasising the critical importance of proactive measures to halt the disease’s spread.
In a statement issued on Monday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, the state capital, the lawmaker underscored the necessity of maintaining clean water sources and practicing proper sanitation methods.
“Cholera outbreaks can be significantly reduced if we all take responsibility for our hygiene habits and ensure our surroundings are clean,” he stated.
The APC chieftain also stressed the urgency of seeking prompt medical attention at the first signs of symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, which are characteristic of cholera.
“Early detection and treatment are crucial in combating cholera and preventing its spread. Access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are fundamental rights that must be upheld, especially during health crises like this,” he asserted.
Oseni further called for unity and collective action in combating the cholera outbreak.
He expressed confidence that through concerted efforts and vigilant adherence to preventive measures, communities can contain and ultimately overcome this challenging public health issue.
“By working together, maintaining vigilance, and prioritising hygiene practices, we can effectively mitigate the impact of cholera on our communities,” the lawmaker concluded.
Resident doctors at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State have initiated a 14-day warning strike, as confirmed by the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD).
The strike action, led by the association’s President, John Matthew, highlights various grievances, notably the non-payment of seven months’ salaries to new members.
Matthew added that the strike also addresses the non-payment of palliative to House Officers since February, the failure to disburse the February Hazard Allowance despite prior assurances from the state government, and the ongoing shortage of staff due to resignations.
Matthew lamented the drastic decrease in resident doctors, citing a decrease from 150 doctors to a mere 26 in recent months.
In response to the situation, he urged management to prioritise the full payment of arrears owed to members, immediate payment of the February 2024 palliative to house officers, and prompt disbursement of the February hazard allowance.
The association further called for urgent measures to address the critical shortage of clinical manpower within the institution.
