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How Gavi, UNICEF Boost Immunization Enrollment In North-East
Published
8 months agoon
By
Editor
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) have successfully boosted immunization enrollment in two Northeastern states of Gombe and Taraba.
This was made possible sequel to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Primary Healthcare signed with the Nigerian government to strengthen healthcare service delivery in Nigeria.
UNICEF had swung into action immediately after signing the MoU three years ago with massive campaigns on benefits of immunization as well as the need for pregnant women to access medical facilities and be delivered by skilled birth attendants even in the hard to reach communities of the two states.
Speaking during a media dialogue on strengthening Primary Healthcare Systems on Gavi PHC MoU in Gombe, UNICEF Chief of Bauchi Field Office, Dr Nuzhat Rafique, said that the MoU targets to achieve 85 percent fully immunized children by the end of 2024.
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According to her, the percentage of fully immunized children in both Gombe and Taraba states had gone up to 79 and 80 percent from as low as 50 percent.
“The overall health system is being strengthened and we are trying to reach even the last child who has never been humanized.
“The purpose of strengthening this Primary Healthcare System is to reach those unreached families children and mothers and that is why this is an important programme and the media role is very critical.
“We appreciate the various achievements recorded during the 3-year implementation of the MoU in the two states which includes an increase in the number of routine immunization outreach sessions, leading to reaching more eligible children and a reduction in Zero Dose load – reduced to 4% from 24% in Taraba.
READ ALSO: 2.3 Million Children At Risk Of Polio In Nigeria – UNICEF
“Improved availability of vaccines at the last-mile, resulting in significant reduction of vaccine stock-out at service point.
“Improved availability of skilled birth attendants especially at the Apex Primary Health Care Facilities following the recruitment of 440 health workers particularly in Gombe state,” she said.
The Chief of Field Office said that with funds from Gavi, UNICEF had Provided Hilux trucks and motorcycles Vehicles that are used for vaccine distribution and supportive supervision, adding that it also renovated some health facilities, provided solar equipment at the LGA cold stores in the states.
“I would like to appreciate all stakeholders, especially the Gombe and Taraba States Government for providing the enabling environment for the implementation of the agreed mandates of the MoU.
READ ALSO: 2.3 Million Children At Risk Of Polio In Nigeria – UNICEF
“However, I wish to implore the government to mainstream the health workers engaged through the MoU into the State’s civil service.
“I urge both States to honor their co-financing obligations, and as well provide the necessary structures and resources for the sustenance of the MoU gains.
“I thank our donor, GAVI for their continued support to improving the wellbeing of children in our field office states and generally in Nigeria. This continued support is critical to ensuring that every child survives and thrives,” Rafique said.
She assured that UNICEF would continue to provide the required support to government at all levels, for the improvement of health and living standard of the population, especially children and women in the communities.
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News
Immigration Officer Gets N5m For Arresting Fleeing Ritualist
Published
5 hours agoon
June 10, 2025By
Editor
An immigration officer, Ugochukwu Orji, who arrested a fleeing Enugu State-based native doctor accused of killing and kidnapping people for rituals, has been rewarded with N5 million for his efforts by an industrialist, Ebuka Onunkwo.
Onunkwo, who is also a senatorial aspirant for the Anambra South senatorial by-election on the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, hosted the immigration officer at his residence in Ihembosi, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, according to a press statement released by his media team on Tuesday.
Orji was at his duty post along the Seme Border area last month when the fleeing native doctor, popularly known as “Ichie Billion” attempted to use a motorcycle to cross over to the Benin Republic from Nigeria at Seme Border, but having seen his face on the internet, he quickly intercepted him.
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Recall that “Ichie Billion”, who hails from Umuojor village in the Isiagu Community of Enugu State, had been on the run after being declared wanted by the Nigerian Police Force in connection with the kidnapping of a 13-year-old girl and alleged multiple ritual killings.
The native doctor was thereafter intercepted by the Nigerian Immigration Service and subsequently handed over to the Lagos State Police Command following his arrest at the border by the immigration officers.
Onunkwo, an industrialist, while presenting a cheque of ₦5 million to the immigration officer at his residence, said the gesture was part of his company’s Corporate Social Responsibility and encouragement for moral renaissance in the society.
News
Tariff Hikes Won’t Solve Nigeria’s Power Crisis, Expert Tells Tinubu
Published
5 hours agoon
June 10, 2025By
Editor
Attempts by the current administration to rely on increased electricity tariffs to resolve Nigeria’s chronic power supply issues are unlikely to succeed, according to energy expert Nick Agu.
Speaking during an interview on Arise TV on Tuesday, Agu argued for a fundamental restructuring of the power sector, prioritising infrastructure over tariff hikes.
Responding to the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu’s optimism and recent celebration of Nigeria reaching a new peak generation of over 5,000 megawatts, Agu acknowledged the incremental increase as “a good thing, is good news.”
However, he quickly added, “But should we celebrate? The answer is probably not.”
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Agu underscored Nigeria’s severe “energy poverty” by drawing comparisons with other nations.
He noted that while Nigeria, with over 200 million people, struggles with around 5,000 megawatts, South Africa (65 million people) boasts 55,000 megawatts, Brazil (200 million people) supplies 150,000 megawatts, and even Qatar (3 million people) provides 8,000 megawatts.
“So, you can see that three million people are enjoying more electricity than Nigeria, which has 200 million people,” he highlighted.
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Agu underscored Nigeria’s severe “energy poverty” by drawing comparisons with other nations.
He noted that while Nigeria, with over 200 million people, struggles with around 5,000 megawatts, South Africa (65 million people) boasts 55,000 megawatts, Brazil (200 million people) supplies 150,000 megawatts, and even Qatar (3 million people) provides 8,000 megawatts.
“So, you can see that three million people are enjoying more electricity than Nigeria, which has 200 million people,” he highlighted.
News
From 158 To 351: Lagos Teen Excels In UTME After Initial Glitch
Published
6 hours agoon
June 10, 2025By
Editor
A 16-year-old student, Oyindamola Apampa, has achieved a remarkable aggregate score of 351 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, with 65 in English Language, 98 in Mathematics, 98 in Physics, and 90 in Chemistry.
Apampa, a student of Lagoon Secondary School in Lagos, described the feat as the result of determination, strategic preparation, and divine favour.
A statement on Tuesday revealed that it was her second attempt at the UTME, explaining that her initial score of 158 was later invalidated due to technical issues experienced at her exam centre.
She said, “In my first UTME attempt, I scored 158. However, the results were widely criticised and later acknowledged by the authorities as inaccurate due to technical glitches affecting several examination centres, including mine.
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“Consequently, the examination body authorised a resit to address these irregularities. In the resit, I achieved a score of 351.”
She added that her parents played a crucial role in supporting her academic journey by fostering a learning-friendly environment at home.
“My parents made our home a positive place for studying. We have a full library in the family living room, in addition to a separate multimedia study room where the whole family often gets together to talk about different topics and help each other learn,” she shared.
Apampa also credited a learning centre in Lekki, Lagos, for providing her with additional academic support through UTME preparation classes and frequent mock examinations.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: JAMB Admits To Errors In 2025 UTME
“The frequent mock exams at our learning centre were a great help in my preparation for UTME,” she said.
In his reaction to the learning centre head, Osayi Izedonmwen, stellar 98 per cent pass rate in the 2025 UTME, attributed the achievement to its hybrid learning approach.
“At Teesas, we are fully IT-equipped to seamlessly support both online and physical learning within a convenient and friendly environment. This has played a key role in helping our students excel,” Izedonmwen stated.
Apampa is no stranger to academic excellence. She was placed on her school’s Honours list after securing 10 As and one B in her Junior WAEC.
She has also represented her school in international competitions, such as the Conrad Challenge, where her team reached the final stage and earned a special mention.
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