The Lagos State Government has intensified its preparedness efforts following Nigeria’s confirmation of an imported case of Ebola disease in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, assuring residents that the state is ready to respond to any potential threat.

The Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, said Lagos remained on “high alert and preparedness,” stressing that the government was treating the development as a priority.

“Lagos is a gateway city with constant movement to and from Abuja, and we are treating this as a priority,” Abayomi said in a statement posted on X on Friday.

He explained that the state’s Emergency Operations Centre, EOC, had been working proactively, with measures covering disease surveillance, isolation, laboratory testing, infection prevention and control.

According to the commissioner, response teams are carrying out simulation exercises to ensure that relevant personnel understand their responsibilities and are ready to act when necessary.

He added that the state’s isolation centre had been upgraded, while efforts were underway to expand its capacity. Training on infection prevention and control is also continuing for healthcare workers in both public and private medical facilities.

Abayomi said the government was establishing a streamlined laboratory testing process designed to deliver results within 24 hours.

He noted that screening procedures at airports and other points of entry were being strengthened in partnership with federal authorities. The state is also upgrading digital disease surveillance to enable the timely detection of suspected cases, contact tracing and rapid response.

The commissioner further disclosed that a dedicated Ebola Research Committee was reviewing the latest scientific evidence on available treatments and vaccines to inform the state’s response.

As part of preventive measures, he urged residents to practise regular handwashing with soap and water and avoid contact with the blood or other body fluids of sick people.

Abayomi advised anyone experiencing symptoms such as fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or who suspects possible exposure to the disease, to avoid self-medication and seek guidance before visiting a healthcare facility.

“If you develop fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding, or think you have been exposed, do not self-medicate. Call before visiting a health facility,” he said.

He also urged healthcare workers to remain vigilant, obtain patients’ travel histories where appropriate and use suitable personal protective equipment when attending to suspected cases.

Residents who suspect an Ebola infection or believe they may have been exposed can contact the Lagos emergency numbers, 112 or 767, or reach the Directorate of Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health on 0802 316 9485.

Abayomi called on residents to remain calm, exercise caution and obtain information about the situation only from official communications issued by the Lagos State Ministry of Health.

The General Manager of the Ogun State Environmental Protection Agency, OGEPA, Kehinde Bello, has charged political office holders across Nigeria to strengthen grassroots democracy by initiating programmes that directly touch the lives of their constituents.

Bello said true democratic governance must be measured by how much it improves welfare at the community level, not by political rhetoric.

He made the call while delivering a keynote address at a one-day medical outreach in Ijebu-Imusin during the week.

Bello said, “Access to quality healthcare should not be a privilege reserved for a few, but an opportunity available to all.

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He urged politicians and public office holders to complement government efforts by investing in high-impact, people-centred programmes that deliver measurable benefits at the grassroots, particularly in health, environment and social welfare.

“When we bring healthcare closer to the people, we are not just treating; we are renewing hope and transforming lives. That is what democracy should mean to the ordinary Nigerian,” Bello added.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, has criticised the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government, stressing that any government that can’t protect lives and provide for its people is not responsible.

Kwankwaso made the remark on Friday in Jos, Plateau State, during an event organised by the Middle Belt Youth Council for the Obi/Kwankwaso campaign team.

Kwankwaso talked about the lack of factories and industries that can give jobs to Nigerians.

He said that the ones that were working are no longer there.

Kwankwaso said, “You can’t find any factory or industry that is working and can employ people in this country, including Plateau State.

“The factories we had before are gone, and nobody is paying attention to that.”

He added, “Unfortunately, in this country, you wake up and find that 10 people, 20 people, 100 people, or even more, are killed like they’re not even human, and nobody cares.

“But these people who are killed by bandits, Boko Haram, or in tribal clashes are human beings. They are just like us.

“We need leaders who care about every person, no matter their religion, tribe, or region.

“We need leaders who will protect the lives and property of the people of this country, and that is part of our Constitution.

“Any government that can’t do that isn’t a responsible government and doesn’t deserve to be in power again.”

He urged the people of Plateau State to come out and vote for the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket and other candidates on the NDC platform during the election.

Kwankwaso added: “You have to stand up for these votes. You’ve done it before, and I’m sure you will do it again.”

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