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Nigeria issues health alert over new COVID-19 variant

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Nationwide Reports has seen a strong health alert dated Saturday, December 7, 2024, issued by the Federal Government over a new XEC COVID-19 Variant

The variant was first reported in Australia and has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

The XEC variant is a recombinant strain, meaning it is a hybrid of two pre-existing COVID subvariants. It has mutations that may affect how the virus behaves or its potential impact on human health.

To address this concern, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has written the Chairman, Committee of Chief Medical Directors/Medical Directors of Federal Tertiary Hospitals, advising hospitals to activate their alert systems and be on high alert for patients with COVID-like symptoms.

The letter titled: “Letter of conveyance in respect of the newly detected xec covid-19 strain”, with DHS/INSPDIV/017/VOL.1/46 and dated December 5, 2024, was signed by Dr. O. N. Anuma, Head, Teaching Hospital Division for the Permanent Secretary.

The government tasked the committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols, which it said will be vital for effective response strategies.

The letter partly read: “I am directed to inform you of a newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has been reported in Australia and has already, spread to 29 countries globally. (Letter attached) You may wish to know that this variant has shown a growth advantage over other circulating strains, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.

“Alert systems should be immediately activated throughout our hospitals for high index of suspicion in patients with COVID-like symptoms.

“We request your Committee to collaborate with all relevant stakeholders to share critical data regarding this strain and implement enhanced monitoring protocols. Timely information sharing among relevant stake holders including Federal Ministry of Health will be vital for effective response strategies.

“Please accept, as always, the assurances of the Permanent Secretary’s warm regards.”

Key things to know about the XEC variant:

“Transmission: The XEC variant is highly transmissible and has spread to many countries.

“Symptoms: The symptoms of the XEC variant are similar to those of other COVID-19 strains, including cough, congestion, diarrhea, fever, and shortness of breath.

“Vaccination: The updated COVID-19 vaccines are expected to provide protection against the XEC variant, although the effectiveness may vary.

“Prevention: The usual precautions to prevent COVID-19 infection apply, including staying away from people who are sick, wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces, and following other recommendations provided by the CDC.”

 

 

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Enugu State govt suspends monarch for hosting Peter Obi

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The Enugu State Government has suspended His Royal Majesty, Igwe Eze William Ezugwu, the traditional ruler of Ibagwa Ogbozalla Opi Autonomous Community, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu state.

The state government accused Igwe Ezugwu of violating provisions of the state’s Traditional Rulers Law.

In a letter of suspension dated September 24, the Enugu State Government cited his alleged failure to constitute his cabinet, failure to establish a Town Union governing body, and persistent conduct deemed inconsistent with the laws governing traditional rulers in the state.

The suspension comes barely three weeks after Igwe William Ezugwu received NDC presidential candidate Peter Obi at his palace in Opi, Nsukka LGA, where he reportedly blessed Obi’s presidential ambition.

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Bandits ambush, kill Plateau state deputy commander, operation rainbow CSP Babale

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The Deputy Commander of Operation Rainbow, CSP (Chief Superintendent of Police) Dennis David Babale, has been killed after gunmen suspected to be Fulani Bandits ambushed personnel of the security outfit along the Bokkos-Barkin Ladi road in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Operation Rainbow is a State-backed community security and intelligence-gathering outfit in Plateau State, Nigeria, originally established in 2010 under former Governor Jonah Jang and recently revamped by Governor Caleb Mutfwang to combat rural violence and beef up grassroots security.

The incident reportedly occurred at about 4:06 p.m. on Tuesday, September 22, 2026 when the personnel, travelling in a Toyota Hilux vehicle, came under attack by unidentified gunmen.

Troops of Sector 4, Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP), responded to a distress report and moved to the location of the attack.

Sources told reporters that Babale sustained gunshot wounds during the ambush and was evacuated to the General Hospital, Barkin Ladi, for medical attention.

Following the attack, troops, working alongside personnel of other security agencies, launched offensive operations and a manhunt for the assailants within the general area.

Security forces have intensified efforts to track the attackers and prevent further attacks along the route.

 

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What NiMet DG Anosike, others discussed at WMO dialogue in China

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Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the World Meteorological Organization, Prof. Charles Anosike and other Chief Executive Officers of similar agencies across the world, have concluded a one week high level dialogue on Climate Science Information for Climate Finance and the 53rd Senior Official Field Exchange (SOFE) in Beijing, China.

The event which was hosted by World Meteorological Organization (WMO), took place from September 14 to 18, 2026 and featured discussions on: strengthening the role and leadership development of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in mobilizing climate finance; aligning scientific and technical capabilities with risk-informed, people-centred early warning systems; shifting from technical assistance to sustainable investments by expanding practical cooperation between meteorological frameworks and multilateral financing entities; and support to NMHSs leadership on strengthening strategic thinking and fostering productive partnerships.

Held back-to-back with the High-level dialogue was the 53rd Senior Official Field Exchange to Fujian Province for first-hand exposure to the implementation of Multi-hazard, Alert, Zero-gap and Universal (MAZU) platform – China’s AI-driven meteorological early warning solution in support of the Early Warnings for All (EW4All) initiative and disaster risk reduction practices through technical exchanges, field visits and peer learning.

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