The Edo State Government is ramping up efforts to contain the spread of Lassa fever across communities in the state, with a charge to environmental health officers in various local government areas to ensure zero incidence in their localities.
The Edo State Commissioner for Information, Andrew Emwanta, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the weekly Edo State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting chaired by Governor Godwin Obaseki, at the Government House, in Benin City.
Emwanta said Governor Obaseki has also approved the relocation of the Edo State Civil Service Recreation Centre at Osadebe Avenue in the GRA axis of the state to a more suitable location.
He said, “According to the Edo State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akoria Obehi, who is also a member of the State Taskforce on Lassa fever, the state has not had any new case or incident of the disease.
“The Council has resolved that the environmental health officers of the various local government areas especially those in the affected area of Lassa fever will be held responsible for any new outbreak of Lassa fever.
“The State Executive Council resolved that henceforth, the environmental health officers who have been given the task of ensuring that there is a zero-case of Lassa fever in the state, moving forward, will be held responsible for any outbreak.”
On the relocation of the civil service recreation centre, the Commissioner stated, “The Council has also decided that the Edo State Civil Service Recreation Centre at Osadebe Avenue in the GRA axis of the state should be relocated to a new and a more suitable premises at Oguola Crescent.
“The reason for the relocation is that the present area is a residential area and a new area that the club will be relocated should be more suitable for that particular purpose. The Exco approved the acquisition of new premises at Oguola Crescent.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Stephen Idehenre said the firms that were allocated lands by the state government for oil palm production have started developing their lands, noting that land preparation and nursery development are in top gear.
He noted that the firms are currently embarking on engagements with their host communities, adding, “Mr. Governor urges these communities to cooperate with the investors as it will help the state in terms of economic development.”
Idehenre said, “There is a global issue with food supply as the Indonesian Government recently banned oil export. As a matter of urgency, we should begin to drive the development of oil palm plantation in Nigeria.”
