Matilda Omonaiye/
Four top Nigerian officials revealed today that they tested positive to the novel Coronavirus spreading across the country.
In separate statements issued today, the Comptroller General of Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Muhammad Babandede and the Chief Medical Director at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Prof. Jesse Otegbayo revealed that they have tested positive to COVID 19.
Prof Otegbayo said he contracted the virus during a 12-man panel meeting and Babandede said he tested positive after returning from a UK trip.
Others who tested positive to the deadly virus at UCH included the Provost of the College of Medicine, Prof. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa, and his deputy, Prof. Obafunke Denloye.
According to official figures, not less than 100 Nigerians have so far tested positive to the virus with one fatal case.
The statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NIS, Deputy Comptroller, Sunday James today says the health status of Babandede regarding Coronavirus is positive and the CGI has been observing self isolation since he returned from the United Kingdom.
James stated: “As a top official of government, he has adhered to the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC) instructions to self isolate and undergo test.
“The result of the test came out positive, hence the need to make it public, he conveys his goodwill to all and he is in stable condition responding to treatment.
“The Comptroller General is active and directing as expected the affairs of the service online, while the Deputy Comptroller General Overseeing the administration of the service is in touch online to keep service activities running within this period.
“The Nigeria Immigration Service community will continue to deliver on its mandate for the nation even in this trying time as we pray the whole world get over it, Nigeria inclusive.”
The statement issued by Prof Otegbayo says, “On Monday 23rd March, we commenced a 12-man quarterly board meeting which was meant to last 5 days in the hospital, we observed social distancing and other precautionary measures for covid-19 as much as possible.
“However, on Wednesday morning, one of us presented with what appeared to be symptoms of covid-19, his samples were immediately taken for test and the meeting called off.
“His results returned positive on Friday morning and every participant (including me) immediately went into self isolation while our samples were also taken for test.
“Unfortunately, my result returned positive on Saturday afternoon and I remain in isolation as I am not symptomatic. All staff who have been in contact with me and other participants during this period have been advised to immediately proceed on self-isolation pending the time they get tested.
“Covid-19 is spreading faster than we think and I enjoin everyone to take precautions. If one person has it, then a gathering of two becomes dangerous. Stay at home, avoid unnecessary outing and stay safe.”
Likewise, Prof. Olapade-Olaopa, in a statement released today says, “I wish to inform you that the Deputy Provost and I tested positive for the COVID 19 following tests done on Friday.
“Although we are both asymptomatic, we have gone into self-isolation for 14 days whilst our contacts are being observed closely to determine if they should also be tested.”