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Fear as lassa fever spreads sorrow across 16 states

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Lassa fever has taken a toll on numerous Nigerians, with over a hundred cases reported across 16 states. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) reported 20 deaths and 109 cases within one week. Lassa fever is an acute viral illness transmitted through contact with contaminated food or items by infected rodents or persons. Symptoms include fever, headache, weakness, cough, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, unexplained bleeding.

Despite efforts, new cases and fatalities persist. The most affected age group is 31 to 40, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:0.9 for confirmed cases. The NCDC activated a multi-partner incident management system to coordinate response. Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states reported 62% of confirmed cases. The cumulative report for weeks one to nine of 2024 showed 682 confirmed cases and 128 deaths, with a case fatality rate higher than the previous year.

In Taraba State, the Federal Medical Centre confirmed 19 deaths between January and February. Benue State recorded 46 cases and nine deaths, with cases from Internally Displaced Persons’ camps. Ebonyi State reported 14 deaths out of 110 suspected cases, with a case fatality rate of 51.1%. Kaduna State confirmed five deaths.

Lassa fever, originating from Lassa village in Plateau State, is a viral hemorrhagic illness, closely linked to rats. Prevention measures include public education on rat control and food protection, emphasizing reducing rat populations and proper waste management.

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We’ll be forced to export 97% of our petrol – Dangote Refinery warns

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Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.

Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.

This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.

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FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup: Round of 16 fixtures confirmed [Full list]

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The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.

In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.

As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.

The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:

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  • Spain vs Canada
  • Brazil vs Cameroon
  • Colombia vs South Korea
  • Mexico vs USA
  • North Korea vs Austria
  • Germany vs Argentina
  • Netherlands vs France
  • Japan vs Nigeria
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Nigerian Army debunks reported mass resignation of soldiers

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The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.

In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.

A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.

Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.

He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).

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Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.

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