Nigerian Army Resource Centre (NARC) Weekly Subject Experts’ Presentation was held at Hall D, ML Agwai Block,Abuja. There was two presentation made by the Subject Experts Republic of China and South Africa.
The first presentation of the day was made by Maj Gen JA Orokpo (Rtd) subject experts on China. His presentation discussed on how respiratory illness cases are under control as Taiwan issues travel advisory, the NBC news reported on 30 Nov 23 that the recent increased in respiratory illness in China was a common issues faced by all Countries and the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said it is under effective control and the WHO last week requested China to provide detailed information on an increased in respiratory illnesses and reported clusters of pneumonia in children. The Minister added that China’s interactions with the international community will not be affected by any factors and will welcome more visits from friends across the world, he stated that the difference between COVID-19 and respiratory illnesses in China presents similar symptoms like fever, pneumonia and breathing difficulties.
In his analysis and lessons for Nigeria, Maj Gen JA Orokpo (Rtd) noted that it is reported that there is a nationwide spike in the incidence of respiratory illness in China, predominantly among children. Consequently, Taiwan issued a travel advisory to her citizen’s mainly affecting elderly, children and those with low immunity and during the COVID-19 pandemic, several countries including Nigeria imposed travel restrictions. In this instance, Nigeria need to monitor the situation in China in other to take appropriate action and the outbreak of the respiratory illness in China has highlighted several national security implications for countries globally and Nigeria could draw lessons to prevent the spread to us.
Also, he recommended that FMH and foreign affairs (FMFA) should keep track of update on the situation in China and follow guidelines from the WHO and also the FMH and NOA to sensitize the public, particularly those traveling to China to practice good hand, respiratory, and food hygiene to minimize the risk of contracting respiratory illness.
The second presentation by Col OR Akerele (Rtd) subject expert South Africa. His presentation focused on how the South African weather service warns Cape Town to brace for wildfire season, the South African Weather Service has warned of above normal temperature during the summer months which ranges from November to April, and it was stated that hot, dry and windy weather conditions are to be expected throughout the period in the western Cape. However, Cape Town officials have hinted that their fire and rescue services have been boosted to respond to expected fire incidences within the Western Cape. The city safety and security portfolio also said it has invested about R27m in preparation for the fire season, the temperature are expected to soar between 30-40 degrees centigrade across the entire region and be able to navigate the heat wave, resident have been advised to avoid outdoor exercise, maintain ample hydration and extend special care to elderly and those suffering from severe health conditions and young children.
In his analysis and Lessons for Nigeria, Col Akerele (Rtd) noted that the South African Government in Cape Town has called on the citizens to brace up for a busy season where temperatures are soaring and vegetation getting extremely try and the presentation therefore highlights measures to prevent wildfire both in South Africa and Nigerian. Furthermore, its highlights the way forward and proposes method of alternatives practice that could produce better results than bush burning which result in wildfire.
He recommended that Federal Fire Service should recruit and train more personnel in wild fire fighting techniques and the National Environmental Standard and Regulations Enforcement Agency should synergies with forest authorities and NP to enforce sanctions to deter prospective offenders.
