Ogun Set Up Independent Laboratory for Diagnosis of Covid-19

By ABIODUN JIMOH, ABEOKUTA

Known as the gateway to Nigeria economy, Ogun State government has reiterated its readiness to fight the scourge of coronavirus to a standstill by planing to set up an independent laboratory for diagnosis of the virus in the state.

With this development, Ogun State will become the first state in Nigeria to set up its own independent laboratory for the diagnosis of the coronavirus that has crippled the nation and global economy as well as claiming thousands of lives globally.

The state government in a statement on Wednesday said it has purchased a molecular laboratory as part of its efforts towards flattening the curve of the Coronavirus pandemic in the Country.

Governor Dapo Abiodun in the statement affirmed that the molecular laboratory would be unveiled during the period of this lockdown at the Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Sagamu, where finishing touches are being put to its operationalisation.

The governor had, while declaring open two isolation centres in the state, promised to establish a biomedical laboratory so that tests of suspected cases in the state could be done without going to Lagos, Ede or Abuja.

“When unveiled, it will minimise the test turn-around time which currently is between 3-5 days and fast-track the handling of positive cases. It will also reduce the period of apprehension and anxiety for those suspected of infection and their relations.

“A molecular laboratory test is essential in the checks for certain genes, proteins, or other molecules in a sample of tissue, blood, or other body fluid and central in the detection and handling of the coronavirus.

“According to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), there are five laboratories in the country with the capacity to test for COVID-19 – located in Lagos (2), Ede in Osun State, Edo and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja,” he said.