Borno State government has banned street begging and loitering within and around Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC) and Jere local government area.
The ban was contained in a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Prof Usman Tar on Sunday in Maiduguri.
The statement reads, “In Borno State, street begging and aimless loitering are not in our character. We are dignified people.
“This is to inform members of the public that the Borno State Government has placed a strict ban on all street begging, loitering and gallivanting within and around Maiduguri Metropolis of MMC and Jere LGA.
The ban applies to the following areas among others: All public buildings, all places of worship, all commercial premises, Musa Usman Secretariat, Monday Market, Old Maiduguri Market, Budum Market, Lagos Street, Custom Area, Post Office area, Galadima Junction, Police Commissioner Junction, Damboa Road, Baga Road, Dandal Way among others.”
According to the statement, the ban begins with immediate effect.
Meanwhile, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), on Thursday, confirmed that diphtheria is gradually being defeated with the deployment of massive vaccination across the affected states, particularly the five states, notably, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Kano, and Kaduna, that accounted for more than 90 per cent of the suspected cases.
NPHCDA Executive Director, Dr. Faisal Shuaib, told journalists at a joint press conference with the Director General of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa, in Abuja, on Thursday, that the expected result is being received from across the states, though admitting that more work is still required to totally defeat the disease.
He said that diphtheria vaccine has been proven remarkably effective in preventing the disease. “By ensuring that our children and communities are vaccinated, we create a formidable defense against the spread of diphtheria.”
Dr. Faisal maintained that vaccination is not just a personal choice but collective responsibility that can protect most vulnerable citizens and preserve the health of nation.
He said: “The phase 2 round one of our response using diphtheria vaccines has unfolded in seven states, encompassing 56 local government areas (LGAs) that are profoundly impacted by the ongoing diphtheria outbreak. The reach and impact of this concerted effort have been nothing short of remarkable.
“This ongoing vaccination phase has made a tangible difference in protecting the lives of 4,859,181 children across these affected states. A total of 1,692,762 children, ranging from six months to four years of age have been diligently administered the Pentavalent vaccine which is a vital safeguard against diphtheria.
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