Connect with us

News

COVID-19 Vaccines May Arrive Nigeria January – FG

Published

on

Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire says COVID-19 vaccines may arrive in Nigeria on January 19, 2021.

He said a technical working group had begun work on modalities for the project.

Addressing State House correspondents at the end of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting presided over yesterday by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja, the minister stated the government has signed up with the World Health Organisation for access to vaccines immediately they are available.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: COVID-19 Cases Skyrocketed As NCDC Confirms 758 New Cases

“We have signed up with the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Gavi for access to vaccines immediately they are available. But you know that these vaccines are new and are in packets, and the producers are not giving any indemnity.

“The countries where these vaccines are manufactured, have of course, given themselves the priority to serve themselves, serve their own citizens first and we hope that the pressure from WHO and Gavi will be able to get reserves for other countries that are not manufacturing so that they can sign up.

“We signed up for advanced market participation in Cobax. So, if we will be able to get our own, I think it will be in January.”

Advertisement

He continued, “But there are two types of vaccines. There are those that have to be in ultra-deep freezers – the MRA type. That is the freezer that must give you Minus 80 Degree.

“There is another type that has to be in the deep freezer of Minus 20 Degree, and there is another type that can be in Minus 2 Degree refrigerators. This is the regular refrigerator. The one that will be in regulator refrigerators is easy. We have them here.

READ ALSO: Lawmaker Expresses Worry Over Possible Extinction Of 188 Species

“So, we are working on the cost. Which one shall we get first? Obviously, the one we can afford. Remember that we have 200 million citizens. We need to be able to get enough to take care of our citizens. So, that means we must be able to get the vaccines that work well, with good storage and delivery cost. That is the one we will like to get as soon as they are available.”

Advertisement

(Guardian)

Advertisement
Comments

News

Coastal Highway: DStv, GOtv Customers To Experience Service Disruptions

Published

on

By

DStv and GOtv customers in Nigeria have been notified to expect disruption in service from Sunday, May 5, to Tuesday, May 7, due to the ongoing construction project on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway.

In a notice shared on social media on Friday, DStv assured customers that its technical team will be working to relocate its facility and minimise service disruptions during the process.

The statement read, “Our uplink facility will be impacted by the ongoing Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road construction project. As a result, we are forced to relocate.

Advertisement

READ ALSO: Stock Market Review: FBN Holdings Leads 41 Others As Investors Gain N811bn

“From Sunday, May 5, 2024 to Tuesday May 7, 2024, our technical team will be working tirelessly to relocate and minimise disruptions during the exercise.

“We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period and remain dedicated to delivering the quality service and support you expect from DStv and GOtv.”

The PUNCH reports that demolition for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway commenced on Monday.

Advertisement

According to the Minister of Works, David Umahi, the duration of the construction is eight years, and it will be constructed for N15trn.

 

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

12 Years After: Ex-Eagles, Fans Celebrate Late Yekini

Published

on

By

Former Super Eagles players and football enthusiasts on Saturday paid tribute to Nigeria’s all-time top scorer, Rashidi Yekini, 12 years after he passed on at 48 after a protracted illness, The PUNCH reports.

The late Yekini was reportedly kidnapped shortly before he passed away, and the cause of his death is still unclear.

Despite his sad ending over a decade ago, there is pride in the achievements of the 1993 African Footballer of the Year, yet sadness at his death and anger at the way he had been treated by the government and football authorities.

Advertisement

Super Eagles coach George Finidi, who made an assist for the late Yekini to score against Bulgaria at the 1994 World Cup in the USA, Nigeria’s first goal in the history of the tournament, said he still feels sad over his untimely death.

READ ALSO: Stock Market Review: FBN Holdings Leads 41 Others As Investors Gain N811bn

“His passing was sad for everyone,” Finidi said in an exclusive chat with Sunday Punch.

“Over the years, I have spoken about him, our connection on the field, and what he did for Nigeria as a player. May his soul rest in peace.”

Advertisement

Former Eagles coach and captain, Sunday Oliseh, a teammate of Yekini, also said his legacies will always be a benchmark for emerging Nigerian players.

The late Yekini deserves to always be remembered for all he did for our country,” Oliseh told The PUNCH.

“He gave his all to our country, and his exploits are there for us all to see for others to emulate and learn from. May his soul continue to rest.”

“Yekini is definitely one of the best African players and legends to ever walk this earth. Rashidi was full of pace, had a superb shot, could jump very high, and was calm in front of goal. Above all, he was a very loveable person once you got to know and understand him.”

Advertisement

READ ALSO: We’ve Earmarked N1bn Naira Monthly To Feed Edo People – Obaseki

Ace journalist Oluwashina Okeleji also took to his X handle to eulogise the former Victoria Setubal striker.

Today (Saturday) marks the 12th anniversary of Rashidi Yekini’s death.

“Football lost 1993 African Footballer of the Year Rashidi Yekini at the age of 48. He was Nigeria’s top scorer with 37 goals in 58 games. There was pride in his achievements, sadness at his death, and anger at the way he was treated by some.”

Advertisement

His former club, Gateway United, also joined other Nigerians in celebrating the legacy of Yekini.

Reflecting on Yekini’s illustrious career and his brief stint with Gateway United in 2005, the club’s acting general manager, Niyi Soleye, said, “Rashidi Yekini was not only a prolific goal scorer but also a gentleman that was respected by teammates and opponents alike. His 37 goals for Nigeria remain unmatched, a testament to his talent and dedication.”

READ ALSO: PHOTOS: Meet Top 10 Highest Goal Scorers In AFCON History

Soleye fondly recalled Yekini’s time at Gateway United, describing it as a pivotal moment for the club and their supporters.

Advertisement

I vividly remember his arrival like it was yesterday. As club secretary then, it was an honour to witness such a calibre of player joining us. He seamlessly adapted to our style, boosting morale both on and off the pitch.”

“While his passing in 2012 under controversial circumstances was tragic, his legacy continues to inspire future Nigerian footballers.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

We’ve Earmarked N1bn Naira Monthly To Feed Edo People – Obaseki

Published

on

By

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State, says his administration has earmarked nothing less than N1bn Naira monthly to feed vulnerable Christians in the state in the next three months.

This is as he said a similar programme has been mapped out for people in the Muslim faith in the state.

Obaseki disclosed this during the official flag-off of phase one of Edo State Food Support Programme also known as Christian Feeding Programme in Benin City.

Advertisement

The Governor, who said he was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day in the state, said he had to call Christian leaders in the state on how best to address the alarming situation.

READ ALSO: Stock Market Review: FBN Holdings Leads 41 Others As Investors Gain N811bn

Obaseki said in order not to make it look political, he decided not to involve political office holders, but Christian leaders in reaching out to vulnerable Christians in the state.

The Governor who added that the state government already had data of the vulnerable in the state database, said the means of reaching out to them maximally was the issue, hence using churches to reach out to them.

Advertisement

He said: “I was worried by the rising number of people who cannot afford a square meal in a day. So, I thought to myself how do we solve this problem. This is not politics I told myself.

“I then called the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and some of the blockheads to a meeting and explained to them what I intended to do. So, that’s how we put our heads together to come up with this programme.”

READ ALSO: Police Bar Lawyers From Reaching Journalist Allegedly Detained On IGP’s Orders

Obaseki added: “I told them this is the amount of money I will be giving you every month. I’ll give you a billionaire monthly for three months first. At least, Let us try this for the first three months.”

Advertisement

The governor said the programme was not just to feed the vulnerable, but also together more data about people in the state on how the government can create employment for them and how the government can render help where necessary.

Earlier, in his remarks, Chairman of the Organising Committee who also doubles as the Chairman, CAN,
Apostle Irekpono Omoike, while thanking the governor for the initiative, said 10kg of 60,000 bags of rice have been purchased for onward distribution to the three senatorial districts in the state.

According to him, 27,000 bags of the 10kg would be distributed to the seven local government areas in Edo South, 15 bags to Edo Central and 18 bags to Edo North.

Further giving the breakdown, Omoike said 3, 000 bags would be distributed to each local government across the 18 local government areas, summing upto 54,000 bags, while the remaining 6,000 bags would be distributed to churches not captured under CAN.

Advertisement

 

Continue Reading

Trending

Exit mobile version