NCDC seeks increased state funding for Ebola prevention in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria7 min read
Dr. Jide Idris, Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, has urged state governors to provide more funding for health workers to prevent Ebola from entering Nigeria, amidst concerns about its resurgence in other parts of Africa. Speaking at the Adetokunbo Alakija Memorial Lecture in Lagos, Dr. Idris emphasized that while the Federal Government has implemented measures like strengthened monitoring at airports and contact tracing, state governments need to enhance capacity building and funding for prevention efforts. He stressed that the NCDC cannot manage the burden alone and is engaging with the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to advocate for stronger health sector support. Dr. Patrick Chukwuma, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Nigerian Society of Travel Medicine, highlighted the role of travel medicine in preventing the importation of dangerous viruses. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, noted the state's vulnerability due to air travel and its collaborative preventive measures. Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, affirmed the state's readiness to prevent, detect, and respond to any potential Ebola threat, despite no reported cases in Nigeria, and called for vigilance from healthcare workers and the public.
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Spain's World Cup-winning team is scheduled to arrive in Madrid on Monday to a hero's welcome, with an estimated one million fans expected to greet them. The team, fresh from their 1-0 victory over Argentina in the final in East Rutherford, United States, is due to land at 12:50 pm 1050 GMT with the golden trophy. Following their arrival, the players are expected to be received by King Felipe VI and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. An open-top bus parade through central Madrid is planned to begin around 4:30 pm, traveling from near the Moncloa Palace to Cibeles Square, a traditional gathering point for Spanish national team celebrations. A ceremony involving the players will also be held at the square. Around one million people are anticipated to line the parade route, with 2,050 police officers and 400 Civil Guard personnel deployed for security. The triumph has ignited national pride in Spain, with many younger supporters not having witnessed the men's team win the World Cup since their previous title in 2010. Celebrations continued overnight across the country, with fans gathering in bars and fan zones, and pouring into the streets after the final whistle. The Spanish Royal Household congratulated the team on social media platform X, stating, "You have faced each challenge with the conviction of a great team and have carried the name of Spain to the very top."
Must ReadHuman rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has called on the governments of Nigeria and Ghana to initiate legal proceedings against South Africa before the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights. This action is urged in response to renewed xenophobic attacks targeting African migrants. Falana stated that reporting the matter to the African Union would be ineffective, as only the African Court has the legal authority to mandate compensation and other remedies for victims. His comments follow South Africa's reported rejection of Nigeria's request for compensation for its citizens who fled the country due to these attacks, abandoning businesses and properties. Falana criticized Pretoria's refusal to compensate victims, describing it as "sheer insensitivity," especially given South African authorities' justification that many affected migrants were residing illegally, a claim disputed by victims. He encouraged Nigeria, Ghana, and other African countries whose nationals have been affected to file a case at the African Court in Arusha, Tanzania, to seek provisional measures to halt further attacks and pray for aggravated damages against the South African government. Falana argued that the mass expulsion of African migrants violates Article 12 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. He also criticized South African President Ramaphosa's remarks urging migrants to comply with the country’s "laws and traditions," suggesting such rhetoric endorses
The National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies has initiated a seven-day retreat and familiarisation tour in Ghana to enhance regional tourism partnerships, promote Nigerian travel brands, and accelerate tourism policy implementation across West Africa. Hosted by Safari World, the retreat brings together NANTA's National Executive Council to foster business relationships with Ghana's tourism industry and increase travel between the two countries. NANTA President, Yinka Folami, stated the visit aims to move beyond policy to practical initiatives that boost tourism and trade in the sub-region, emphasizing that the mission is a deliberate step to expand marketing advocacy for Nigerian brands. Folami highlighted the critical need for collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana to unlock the region's tourism potential, noting their shared history, culture, trade, and people. He expressed satisfaction with private investment in Ghana's tourism sector, particularly Safari Valley Resort, as a model for the continent. The retreat will facilitate strategic business-to-business meetings, visits to major tourism destinations under the Safari World brand, and cultural exchange programs. Ernest Gyekye, Chairman of the Safari World Group, expressed delight in hosting the Nigerian delegation, anticipating strengthened tourism ties and showcasing Ghana's growing tourism offerings.