By Balogun Damilola Researchers in Ghana have developed a rapid diagnostic test (RDT) kit for COVID-19 as part of efforts to aid quicker diagnosis. The scientists at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Incas Diagnostics, both of which are based in Kumasi, are now optimising the new-found kit for COVID-19 testing. Daniel Norris Bekoe, KNUST’s public relations officer, in a statement to local media outlets on Monday, said the new RDT kit comes as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus while deepening Ghana’s self-reliance. He said the technology uses a finger-prick to obtain…
Author: YemieFash
By Balogun Damilola The Federal Government on Monday debunked claims that it distributed weevil-infested rice to South-West states, arguing that the palliatives were certified fit for human consumption. The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, specifically said the distributed trucks of rice were certified by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control. Umar-Farouq, who said this at the daily briefing on COVID-19 in Abuja, also refuted claims that her ministry had diverted N-Power funds for COVID-19 response. Oyo State had on Friday indicated that it might return the 1,800 bags of…
By Balogun Damilola The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made clarifications on the use of non-medical face masks to stop the spread of Coronavirus. The agency in a statement made available on its official Twitter page said face masks which include self-made or commercial masks or face covers made of clothes does not prevent the spread of diseases but reduces chances. It advised Nigerians to perform a simple test to know if the mask is protective. “Simple test: If wearer can put off a flame from a cigarette lighter that is placed in…
By Balogun Damilola Nasarawa has recorded its first coronavirus case. Governor Abdullahi Sule announced this in a press briefing. “It is sad to announce that Nasarawa has recorded the first case from this lady that travelled from Kano to Kokona local government area of the state. “We already evacuated the lady from Kokona to Lafia where we have better facilities to take care of her. “We have also isolated the family where she came from so that we can conduct a proper test to ensure that her family members are not infected, ” Sule stated. Details shortly…
By Balogun Damilola Billionaire and philanthropist, Bill Gates, who had warned about a possible virus pandemic since 2015, has disclosed that a vaccine for the rampaging COVID-19 disease may come between 18-24 months. He made this known on NBC Today Show that there is evidence that this timeline may come to pass. According to the Microsoft co-founder, usually, a vaccine takes over five years. There are steps including first testing in animals, then with humans on small, medium and large scales. But with the coronavirus pandemic, “because of all the incredibly negative effects, the sooner the better,” “The best…
By Balogun Damilola The National Assembly will today resume plenary after about five weeks of break as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Senate and the House of Representatives had in March suspended plenary for two weeks in a bid to prevent the spread of Coronavirus disease. Both later extended their break in conformity with the lockdown of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos and Ogun states as directed by President Muhammadu Buhari on March 29. The Clerk of Senate, Mr. Nelson Ayewoh and his counterpart in the House of Representatives, Patrick Giwa, confirmed the development in statements.…
By Balogun Damilola President Muhammadu Buhari will address Nigerians on Monday, April 27, 2020, at 8 pm, according to a statement by his spokesman. Nigeria has been on lockdown for 28 days and the President is expected to address the situation even as new cases mount. According to Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to the President, (Media & Publicity) the address will be aired on state-owned media. “Television, radio, and other electronic media stations are enjoined to hook up to the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) respectively for the broadcast.”
By Balogun Damilola Raymond Dokpesi Jnr, chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, has tested positive for coronavirus. He disclosed this in a short message to members of staff in Abuja, AIT reported on Monday evening. Dokpesi was said to have been self-isolating in the past week, before he developed malaria symptoms and started coughing. He reportedly contacted the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) for a COVID-19 test which came back positive. The chairman, who is said not to have a recent travel history, advised those who have interacted with him lately to get tested. “I got a call this morning confirming…
By Balogun Damilola Mohammed Atiku-Abubakar, a son of Nigeria’s former vice-president, has now tested negative for coronavirus. “I have just received my second consecutive negative result,” Mr Atiku-Abubakar told YEMIEFASH Monday afternoon. “My discharge is currently being processed, and I hope to be home this evening.” The Nigerian disease control office does not comment on individual cases. Mr Atiku-Abubakar was first confirmed to have contracted the virus on March 19 and was subsequently transferred to an isolation centre on the outskirts of the Nigerian capital, Abuja. The 31-year-old, however, failed to test negative for the virus until today, a…
By Balogun Damilola At least five police officers were injured on Monday as a protest against security agents turned bloody at Eleko community in Ibeju-Lekki local government of Lagos State. YemieFash gathered that youth in the community had a face-off with police officers whom they accused of bias in enforcing the coronavirus lockdown in the community. Bala Elkana, police spokesperson in the state, confirmed the development in an interview with YemieFash. He said 51 protesters were arrested, following police reinforcement. Speaking with our correspondent, one of the residents who asked not to be named said while residents and other…