Follow Us on Google
From Okey Sampson, Umuahia
Abia State Government said it is strengthening preventive measures against the Ebola virus disease that is currently ravaging Congo Democratic Republic, where over 4,000 have been reportedly recorded.
Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu, who made the disclosure in Umuahia, the state capital, while briefing newsmen, explained that the preventive measures against Ebola are being activated in the state following consultations with the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
The commissioner urged Abia residents not to panic, but observe good hygiene and avoid large crowds. He disclosed that government would embark on public awareness campaign across the state to educate residents on preventive measures.
“Ebola virus disease can be serious and even life-threatening, but can be prevented as well. Our people are advised not to panic, but observe good hygiene practices and, as much as possible, avoid large crowds at this time,” Kanu said.
Other News
Meanwhile, the Abia State government has approved financial assistance for 130 Abia citizens who were rescued from South Africa, including the family of a man that was killed in the former apartheid enclave. Kanu said each of the 130 eligible returnees affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa will get N1 million, while each family of deceased victims will receive N20 million.
He revealed that the approval was part of measures to support their reintegration and economic recovery, and, also, covers the screening and evacuation of 100 stranded Abians from South Africa, including transportation to their respective destinations upon arrival in Nigeria.
The commissioner explained that the N1 million assistance would also be extended to returnees who funded their journeys back to Nigeria themselves, in addition to the support earlier provided to 31 returnees. He said more than 160 returnees were expected to benefit from the emergency financial assistance within the next one or two months, adding that the 100 stranded Abians in South Africa were expected to return to Nigeria in November, with the specific date to be announced later.
The commissioner stressed that the state government was committed to ensuring that the returnees were not only evacuated safely but, also, given the necessary support to rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
“In line with the governor’s directives, the ministry is developing a long-term reintegration plan that will address the livelihoods, economic empowerment and other identified needs of the returnees,” Prince Kanu stated.
Prince Kanu added that the Ministry of Poverty and Alleviation and Social Protection had coordinated the reception of 12 returnees in three groups, including assistance by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) to facilitated their reunion with their families in different locations.
