news

Lisa Memorial Arcade Rehabilitation Urgently Demanded by Ogun Monarch

Published

1 year ago

August 26, 2025

Lisa Memorial Arcade rehabilitation is urgently needed, says Oba Odugbemi, as he renews appeal to government ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Bellview crash

Lisa Memorial Arcade rehabilitation is urgently needed, says Oba Odugbemi, as he renews appeal to government ahead of the 20th anniversary of the Bellview crash.

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Lisa Memorial Arcade rehabilitation has become a renewed priority as the Onilisa of Lisa, His Royal Majesty Oba Oladele Odugbemi, has made a passionate appeal to both the Federal and Ogun State Governments to restore the memorial and access road leading to the site of the 2005 Bellview Airlines crash.

During an interfaith prayer session organized by his Palace in Lisa Town, Ifo Local Government Area, the monarch described the once-maintained site—where all 117 victims of the crash are buried—as neglected and overtaken by bush.

“We are appealing to both the Federal and State Governments to restore this important site,” Oba Odugbemi said.

“It is not only the resting place of 117 souls—Nigerians and foreign nationals alike—it is also a symbol of collective memory.”

He noted that several representations have been made to government authorities over the years, but the site remains in poor condition.

The Lisa Memorial Arcade rehabilitation, he emphasized, is especially urgent with the 20th anniversary of the tragedy approaching on October 22, 2025.

As part of the Isese 2025 festival, the monarch brought together Christian, Muslim, and traditional religious leaders to honor the victims and reinforce his call for action.

Among those who led prayers were Reverend O. Emmanuel, Chief Imam Musemil Junaid, and the community’s masquerade figure, Ajofoyinbo.

Oba Odugbemi also raised alarm over the 10.5-kilometre access road from Ogba-Iyo in Ijoko through Oyero to the crash site, describing it as virtually impassable.

He said the road’s original tarring deteriorated in less than a year due to flooding and poor maintenance.

“Restoring the road won’t just aid remembrance. It will also serve the growing population in this part of Ogun State,” he said.

The monarch proposed that the Lisa site be declared a national heritage monument and developed into an aviation memorial and educational center.

He recalled how the memorial once drew national attention when inaugurated by former President Olusegun Obasanjo and then-Governor Gbenga Daniel.

Currently, erosion and structural damage threaten the graves and the integrity of the memorial arcade.

Yet, the community is taking the initiative—youths and vigilante groups have volunteered to clear the surrounding bush ahead of the planned 20th-anniversary commemoration.

The Palace confirmed that preparations are underway for the formal remembrance event on October 22, 2025, which will mark exactly two decades since the crash of Bellview Airlines Flight 210 The Boeing 737-200 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Lagos to Abuja, killing all 117 passengers and crew.

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With this new appeal, the monarch hopes the memorial’s restoration will be prioritized not just as a mark of respect for the dead, but as a national commitment to history, dignity, and healing.

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Health

Kenya Releases 20 Ebola Contacts After 21 Days in Quarantine

Published

13 hours ago

October 26, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

Kenya Ebola contacts: 20 people have been released after 21 days in quarantine without symptoms as health authorities continue outbreak monitoring

Kenya has released 20 people linked to its first imported case of Bundibugyo virus disease after they completed 21 days of quarantine without developing symptoms, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.

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The World Health Organisation’s Regional Office for Africa announced the development on Monday, October 26, 2026, saying the individuals had undergone final health assessments and received counselling on precautions and follow-up care where necessary before reuniting with their families.

Kenya’s Director-General for Health, Dr Patrick Amoth, urged communities to welcome the released individuals without stigma.

“We ask communities to welcome them home warmly,” Amoth said. “Having completed 21 days without symptoms, they pose no risk of infection to anyone.”

The WHO said 98 contacts remained in quarantine as of Monday, while eight contacts had developed symptoms and tested positive for Ebola through laboratory tests.

According to the organisation, all eight individuals were already in quarantine when they developed symptoms and were subsequently transferred to the country’s Ebola treatment centre in Nairobi.

Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths since reporting its first imported case on October 6, 2026.

The WHO said all nine cases were linked to the same cluster, with no evidence of wider community transmission at the time of its update.

The organisation said health authorities had traced all 135 contacts, both within Kenya and internationally, by October 22, placing them under quarantine and monitoring.

The WHO continues to support Kenya’s response through coordination, disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, case management, infection prevention and control, screening at points of entry, and public health communication.

The WHO Representative to Kenya, Dr Neema Rusibamayila Kimambo, said people who completed quarantine had helped protect their families and communities.

“People who complete quarantine have helped protect their families, their communities and the whole country,” she said.

Kimambo also commended Kenya’s Ministry of Health, the Kenya National Public Health Institute, and national and county health teams for responding to new cases.

The WHO said there was no licensed vaccine or specific treatment for Bundibugyo virus disease, but early detection and supportive medical care could improve the chances of recovery.

It advised against travel restrictions, recommending evidence-based measures such as health screening at entry and exit points, surveillance and contact tracing instead.

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Although the release of the first 20 contacts marks progress in Kenya’s response, health authorities continue to monitor those still in quarantine and maintain surveillance to identify any further cases promptly.