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Indian COVID-19 Strain Detected In Redeemers University, Diseases Centre Alerts NCDC

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The COVID-19 strain, which is currently ravaging India, has been found in Nigeria.

The strain was detected by the African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases in the Redeemers University, Ede, Osun State nearly three weeks ago and has been communicated to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Recall that the Federal Government on Monday restricted gatherings at worship centres and banned nightclubs following reports that the devastating COVID-19 strain in South Africa had spread to 23 other countries.

The detection of the Indian strain in Nigeria contributed to the fresh regulations issued by the Federal Government.

The detection had been listed on GISAID, a global science initiative that provided open access to genomic data of influenza viruses.

A notification dated April 25, 2021, sent by Professor Christian Hapi of the ACEGID to the NCDC read in part, “We have found five sequences of the India B.1.617 in the country, specifically in Edo and Osun states.”

However, it was learnt that subsequent observations showed that so far, the strain had not shown the same kind of viciousness displayed in India where 400,000 persons were infected daily and 157 died per hour.

Speaking with one of our correspondents, Hapi said the information was sent to the NCDC two weeks ago.

Strain detected in Nigeria same with India’s, but different in characteristics – Professor

Hapi, however, clarified that strain in India has two more mutations than the one identified in Nigeria which makes the one in India more aggressive.

“What we have is the B1.617 from India. That is the variant they had but that variant has now evolved beyond the mutation that we identified.

“The one India evolved by two mutations. It is the same strain with India but their own now has a couple of mutations. So, it is the same as what we detected but also different in characteristics.”

Virologist and Chairman, Expert Review Committee on COVID-19, Professor Oyewale Tomori, told one of our correspondents that he was also aware of the detection of the Indian strain.

Tomori said it was important for the government to announce the detection of the Indian strain.

He further said there was a need to increase testing, adding that many states were no longer conducting the test for COVID-19.

“The Indian strain is not as fierce in Nigeria yet but we are not doing enough testing,” Tomori said.

When asked what the government should do next, Tomori said he was satisfied with the decision of the Federal Government to step up enforcement.

“They have already done what needs to be done by issuing travel guidelines on passengers from India, Brazil and Turkey plus the curfew and others announced yesterday (Monday). Perhaps, there should be an announcement that the Indian strain is already in Nigeria,” Tomori added.

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May 29: President Tinubu Begins Nationwide Project Inauguration To Commemorate His Admin’s First Anniversary

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, departed Abuja for Lagos to begin the commissioning of projects completed under his administration.

The president’s first stop this week is Lagos, as he will be visiting various parts of the nation from Sunday (tomorrow) through Friday to commission other projects.

This is to commemorate Wednesday, May 29, the first anniversary of his administration.

A State House press statement titled, “President Tinubu Set To Inaugurate Projects To Mark One Year In Office,” and signed by the Special Adviser Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga revealed this.

“In Lagos on Sunday, the President will inaugurate the concrete-paved road to the nation’s major ports in Apapa and Tin Can Island. The reconstructed road which began under the Muhammadu Buhari Administration was financed by the Dangote Group, using its tax credits.

“On the same day, President Tinubu will formally inaugurate, by virtual means, the refurbished Third Mainland Bridge, which has drawn public acclaim for its excellent finishing and aesthetic furnishing.

“He will also commission, virtually, the rehabilitation of 330 roads and bridges across the country.

“The high point of the President’s engagements on Sunday will be the inauguration of the iconic Lagos-Calabar Superhighway, estimated to cost about N15 trillion,” it read.

The statement also stated that work has begun on the legacy project that will connect nine coastal states, with Section Two already awarded to Hitech Construction Limited.

It further noted that Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday to continue the commissioning spree.

“President Tinubu will return to Abuja on Tuesday to begin another round of commissioning. He will first inaugurate the Southern Parkway, which the Nyesom Wike-led FCT Administration named after him.

“On Wednesday, the President will attend the National Assembly Dialogue Series, after which he will unveil the National Assembly Library Complex, named after him,” it added.

Commissioning of the Abuja Metro (Abuja Light Rail) project will also take place on the same day.

“President Tinubu will leave the National Assembly to relaunch the commercialisation of Abuja Light Rail, also known as Abuja Metro. He will symbolically join a train ride to the city centre.

“The Abuja Metro was completed in 2018 by the Buhari Administration. It was put into commercial use up till 2020. But with the onset of COVID-19, the train service was abandoned. Vandals descended on the facility, putting it out of use.

“FCT Minister Wike, after spending $15 million and building access roads to the various stations, has refurbished it for commercial service.

“After the train ride, President Tinubu will also inaugurate the Wuye Flyover-Link Bridge and the Defence Intelligence Agency Headquarters,” the statement read.

The last item will be the commissioning of a gas centre in Utako.

“On Friday, May 31, President Tinubu will commission the NASENI-Portland Compressed Natural Gas(CNG) Reverse Engineering Centre at Utako,” it concluded.

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JUST IN: President Tinubu Arrives Lagos For Flag-Off Of Lagos-Calabar Highway

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Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has arrived in Lagos State ahead of the highly anticipated flag-off of the Lagos-Calabar highway construction project.

He was received by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and other top government officials at the Murtala Muhammed Airport.

According to Dave Imani, the Minister of Works, the president is scheduled to officially launch the road’s construction on May 26.

Also, President Tinubu is expected to inaugurate several other projects in the state, marking a significant milestone ahead of his first anniversary in office.

 

More to come…

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Deposed Emir Of Kano Bayero Breaks Silence, Says Justice Will Prevail

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Aminu Ado Bayero, the deposed Emir of Kano, has broken his silence following his dethronement as the 15th Emir of Kano State.

Bayero stated that justice would prevail while urging residents to maintain law and order.

He made this known on Saturday in his native language at the mini-palace where he has been since returning to the state after dethronement.

He, however, pledged to follow whatever the law states, saying that Kano is too important to Nigeria.

“I call on the people to remain law-abiding while awaiting the outcome of the legal process in this tussle.

“We call on the authority to do justice in this matter. Kano is a very influential state in Nigeria. Whatever affects Kano affects Nigeria. May peace reign in Kano. We pray for Allah to bless Kano with responsible and just leaders.

“Justice is the way to go on every issue. There will be justice. Nobody is above the law. We will accept whatever the law says. I appreciate all the people who have shown concern. As I said, justice will take its course. We will keep on praying for peace in Kano State. May Allah the Almighty protect us,” he said.

The deposed monarch arrived in the ancient city in the early hours of Saturday.

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