News
How Gavi, UNICEF Boost Immunization Enrollment In North-East

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.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan

Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
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