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Omicron: Don’t Panic, COVID-19 Vaccines Still Effective, NCDC Tells Nigerians

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The director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, NCDC, Ifedayo Adetifa, has advised Nigerians to dismiss what he described as speculations that vaccines have no effect on the new SARS-CoV2 variant which has been named Omicron.

He said vaccination remains “a very powerful tool to prevent transmission of the disease and death caused by this virus.”

Mr Adetifa, who spoke on Channel’s “Sunrise Daily” programme on Wednesday, said NCDC believes that even if the Omicron variant has any impact on vaccination, “it cannot be equal to full abrogation”.

“So theoretically speaking, if the vaccine was 90 per cent protective against severe disease and deaths from the Delta variant, it may become 80 per cent protective from the Omicron variant. So while we work out what kind of impact it will have on vaccine protective effect, the point remains that vaccines are effective, safe and they confer protection,” Mr Adetifa said.

According to the director-general, the centre, like other scientists across the world, does not know how dangerous the variant is, noting that investigations are still ongoing.

He said; “There are mutations that have been seen in the spike proteins that theoretically may confirm the risk of increased transmissibility, may cause more severe disease or reduced protections from existing vaccines but the reality is that we don’t know.

“What we know is that the cases currently affected by this variant have been mostly asymptomatic, they have been mostly young, and there have been no deaths. So we are still watching, we need more time to see what happens when it affects slightly different pockets of the population like the susceptible or the elderly. But for now, we don’t know much.

“What we know is that current public health safety measures and vaccination confer protection. It might not be 100 per cent but the protection they offer is useful and beneficial and people should adhere to those measures and make use of every opportunity that is currently provided especially in Nigeria to receive their vaccines..”

Mr Adetifa warned Nigerians of the possible emergence of a more dangerous variant and advised them to remain cautious by observing all non-pharmaceutical measures to ward off the danger.

He said the consequences may be bad if they throw caution to the wind.

He said the emergence of the Omicron variant is a reminder that the battle is not over, that there is still a risk.

Mr Adetifa added; “The fact that we thankfully have not seen many severe cases and deaths does not mean that we are not getting infections and does not mean that the virus has not been transmitted. What happens is that if we have unmitigated transmission of the virus within the population, you will always have a chance that a variant that may be more dangerous than the predecessor or even change the pattern of disease for us, may emerge.

“This is why we are calling on people to return and adhere to safety measures that are in place. And of course, vaccination, which is very important.”

The NCDC boss also explained that there is nothing strange about the mutation of the Omicron variant, saying all viruses mutate.

“Viruses mutate at different frequencies depending on what type of virus it is. What is new is the pathogen SARS-CoV2 which we call RNA virus. Most RNA viruses have frequent mutations. It means that in the cause of multiplying, their errors are made in every circle in their genetic code.

“While humans and some other viruses have corrective mechanisms, a lot of viruses especially the RNA virus do not have corrective mechanisms. So errors are carried on to the next generation but just a few are able to survive and go ahead to cause diseases,” Mr Adetifa said.

BIG STORY

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking Shines Bright As The Remo Day “Man Of Steeze” [PHOTOS]

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The Gateway Stadium, Sagamu was aglow yesterday, the 27th of December, 2024, as the maiden edition of Remo Day culminated in a grand rally celebrating the unity, culture, and progress of Remoland. Hosted by the revered Akarigbo of Remoland, the event brought together dignitaries from across the nation, including the Chief of Staff to the President of Nigeria, Hon Femi Gbajabiamila, the esteemed Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun (MFR) and the first lady of the state, The Ewusi of Makun, HRH Oba Timothy Oyesola Akinsanya, ORUNAGBA II, Chairman of Adron Group and Otun Akile of Remoland Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, amongst others.

Aare Adetola Emmanuelking’s presence stood out in class as he brought unparalleled style, sophistication, and charm to the occasion. Dubbed the ” Remo Day Man of Steeze,” Aare Adetola made an unforgettable entrance, draped in an exquisite wine agbada adorned with intricate embroidery, accessorized with traditional coral beads, and crowned with a regal fila. His look, a masterclass in cultural elegance, radiated confidence and pride in Yoruba heritage, instantly earning him admiration from the gathered audience. Known for his charisma and commitment to the development of Remoland, Aare Adetola was the epitome of poise and grandeur as he engaged with other top dignitaries and attendees. From his interactions to his overall demeanor, every aspect of his presence reflected a deep connection to his roots, and an unyielding passion for community growth.

Communities from across Remoland including Epe, Makun, Iperu, Irolu, Emuren, Ogere, Ikenne, Ilara, Ode remo, Isara, Ipara, Ilishan, Soyindo, Ijagba, Ado, Ode lemo, Ibido, Idena, Ogijo, Atayo, Eposo, Idado, Latawa, Oko, Ipoji, Lowa ibu, Igbepa, Ijoku, Iraye, Ilupeju, Iraniken, Okeselu, Simawa, Ilaye, Iraye, Agura, Igode, Sotubo, Ariye , Araromi, Imushin, Imeji, Agbehinsa , and many more, converged at the Gateway Stadium to pay homage to the Akarigbo of Remoland, a revered symbol of unity and cultural pride. This act of respect and solidarity emphasized the deep-rooted connection between the people and their traditional ruler as they celebrated the remarkable growth and development of Remo. Among the many groups, Iyaniwura Base stood out under the distinguished leadership of Aare Adetola Emmanuelking. Following in his illustrious footsteps, the group brought a splash of vibrance to the event, dazzling attendees with their matching cultural attires that reflected the rich traditions of Remoland. Their coordinated elegance and enthusiastic homage added a memorable touch to the grand celebration.

The Remo Day celebration, themed “In Unity & Culture, We Thrive,” was more than a cultural showcase. It was a celebration of the strength and progress of Remoland, featuring colorful displays of traditional dance, drumming, and artwork. Amid the festivity, Aare Adetola’s magnetic personality and gallant appearance was a true highlight of the day. The Grand Rally provided a perfect backdrop for celebrating individuals who embody the spirit of Remo’s advancement. In Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Remo found a true cultural icon, someone who not only lives the values of the community, but also inspires others to embrace and promote its legacy with pride and dignity.

The Remo Day celebrations may have concluded, but the image of Aare Adetola, standing tall in his resplendent attire, remains etched in the memories of attendees. Aare Adetola Olaonipekun Emmanuelking- a name synonymous with grace, culture, and unshakable pride in Remoland’s illustrious heritage. Indeed, the “Remo Day Man of Steeze” has set a standard that will resonate far beyond Remoland.

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BIG STORY

“My NGO Account Has Been Hacked, N160Million Diverted” — VeryDarkMan

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Popular activist and social critic, VeryDarkMan, has raised concerns about the hacking of his NGO account, which led to the diversion of N160 million.

In a video shared on his verified Instagram account on Friday, he revealed that the incident had left him feeling distressed in recent days.

He explained that the funds were stolen after hackers allegedly gained access to the NGO’s website. The compromised account, which initially contained N180 million, now holds only N20 million.

He mentioned that law enforcement agencies had tracked one of the suspects, resulting in an arrest.

To address the situation, he stated that the NGO’s app had been temporarily taken offline for maintenance to prevent further vulnerabilities.

He said, “For the past few days, I’ve not been myself. I am here with Officer Joe, and we are going to Jos. NGO money—somebody stole the money. Somebody hacked into the NGO website, and I don’t know how they did it. N180 million is missing, but thank God we have tracked the person, and we are on our way to Jos.

“They have arrested one person, and that is why I’m even saying it now. I’m excited, and the account has been put on PND. The account now has N20 million, while N160 million has been diverted to another account. We are currently going there to see how we can get the money back. I just want to update you people.

“I even had to shut down the app and put it on maintenance so that people will not really see what is going on, but let me just come out plain and tell everyone what is going on. Hopefully, we will get the money back.”

The NGO, which launched in October, gained significant attention after raising over N21 million within 24 hours of its inception.

The initiative, aimed at transforming Nigeria’s public education system, attracted support from prominent figures, including music producer Don Jazzy.

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Christmas Celebrations: Police Arrest 23 Suspected Armed Robbers, Hoodlums, Kidnapper, Recover Dangerous Weapons [PHOTOS]

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  • As IGP Commends Officers For Vigilance, Commitment To Safety

 

In furtherance of the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, Ph.D., NPM., to commands and formations to emplace unalloyed anti crime strategies towards ensuring adequate safety and security during this festive period, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force across several states in the country have successfully apprehended multiple groups of armed robbers, cultists and hoodlums targeting fun seekers and engaging in gangsterism during Christmas celebrations.

On the 25th of December 2024, at about 1am, the police operatives attached to Lagos State Command, received a distress call that a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons was operating around the Safejo area of Amukoko, Lagos State. The swift response by the police operatives to the scene led to the arrest of 3 of the suspected hoodlums identified as Emmanuel Okoli ‘m’, 20 years, Ogunde Tejiri ‘m’, 20 years, and Emmanuel Orji ‘m’, 18 years, and also the recovery of the weapons they had used in carrying out robbery attacks on innocent funseekers in the area. The police have emplaced intensified searches to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang.

In a similar development, Police Operatives attached to Saminaka Division of the Kaduna State Command on 25th December 2024, at about 8pm, successfully apprehended one Sule Muhammad ‘m’, 25 years, who has been actively involved in multiple kidnapping incidents within the Saminaka area. Further investigation led to the recovery of a fabricated AK-47 rifle from the suspect. The suspect confessed to being a member of a notorious kidnapping gang who had been evading arrest since the arrest of other gang members on August 16, 2024, until his recent arrest on 25th December 2024. Following cooperation received from Muhammad, efforts are in top gear to apprehend other members of his gang and recover more arms and ammunition in their identified camp. Commendable efforts of the Nigeria Police Operatives have also been witnessed in states including Delta, Ogun Katsina, Benue, FCT and Imo, leading to the arrests of several suspects in various locations during the Christmas celebration period.

The IGP has commended the officers involved in these operations for their vigilance and commitment to public safety, highlighting their display of exemplary dedication in safeguarding our communities, especially during this joyful season. The IGP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

The IGP further assures citizens that the Force is fully committed to creating a safe environment for everyone as they partake in the joy and cheer of the holiday season. As the celebrations continue, the Nigeria Police Force remains steadfast in its mission to protect all citizens and ensure that the spirit of festivities during this period remains unmarred by criminal activities.

 

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra, fCAI,

FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

FORCE HEADQUARTERS,

ABUJA.

27TH DECEMBER 2024.

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