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Teπsion In Nigeria Over Newly Detected Disease

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The Nigerian government has issued a warning about the newly detected XEC COVID-19 variant, which has spread to 29 countries globally.

This 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.

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The letter on Saturday 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.”

Meanwhile, here are some 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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Former VP Atiku, Gov. Makinde Hold Closed-Door Talks with IBB in Minna

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde are currently engaged in a closed-door meeting with former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida (rtd), at his Uphill Residence in Minna.

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Atiku arrived in Minna at approximately 1:30 PM local time, proceeding directly from the airport to the meeting venue. Governor Seyi Makinde joined the session around 2:10 PM, after which the high-level discussions commenced.

A brief press statement may be issued following the conclusion of the private talks. The agenda and details of the meeting remain undisclosed.

 

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Senate Approves Manual transmission of Results as Backup to Electronic

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Senate has, on February 10, 2026, amended votes and proceedings of its plenary sitting last week Wednesday 4th February, with regards to its resolutions on the provisions of section 60 sub 3 in the electoral act amendment bill.

The motion moved today by the Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno and endorsed by the Senate is with regards to transmission of election results from polling units.

Following the motion, senate adopts electronic means for the transmission of election results, but should there be a communication glitch that leads to failure of delivery by the electronic means, the form EC8, which contains the results at polling unit, duely entered on the form, stamped and signed by the election officer and counter signed by the various agents shall be the primary source of collation.

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After the vote on the motion, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe moved a counter motion calling for a division, that is individual voting on the section 60 sub 3.

He however withdrew the motion, and Akpabio, after a brief pause and back and forth, eventually upheld Abaribe’s position and allowed the withdrawal to stand.

Meanwhile, the Senate has appointed 12 members to work with the House of Representatives on the Electoral Amendment Act.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, announced the members of the committee on during the emergency plenary session.

Among the members are Senator Orji Uzor Kalu and Senator Tahir Mungono.

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Alhaji Alkasim Musa Rewards Kano Pillars Players with ₦1.2m After Remo Stars Victory

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It was a moment of joy and motivation for Sai Masu Gida on Sunday as Kano Pillars FC returned to winning ways with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Remo Stars and were handsomely rewarded for their dominant display.

Businessman and staunch supporter of the club, Alhaji Alkasim Musa, gifted the Kano Pillars players the sum of ₦1 million in appreciation of their impressive performance and fighting spirit against the visitors.

Mid-season signing Luis Dadong proved to be the difference on the day, netting the decisive goal in the 57th minute to secure all three points for the Pride of Kano at the Sani Abacha Stadium.

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At the end of the encounter, midfielder Olakunle Alaka was named Man of the Match, an award presented by the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kano State Chapter. In recognition of his outstanding display, Alhaji Alkasim Musa further rewarded Alaka with an additional ₦200,000.

The generous gesture by Alhaji Alkasim Musa was warmly received by the players and officials, serving as a major morale boost as the team continues its push for a strong finish in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Next up, Sai Masu Gida will be on the road as they travel to Ilorin, Kwara State, to face Kwara United in NPFL Matchday 26, aiming to build on the momentum and secure valuable points away from home.

 

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