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How Gavi, UNICEF Boost Immunization Enrollment In North-East

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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

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“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.

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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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Migration Agency Warns Migrants Against Irregular Travel Routes

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The International Organisation for Migration (IOM), in collaboration with Giving is Healing Foundation, has sensitised residents of Ayobo in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State on the dangers of irregular migration and the need to embrace legal travel procedures.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme held at Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association in Ayobo, the founder of Giving is Healing Foundation, Mr. Gbolahan Ayediran, warned intending migrants against using illegal travel routes.

Ayediran said many Nigerians desire to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities but often ignore proper procedures, thereby exposing themselves to several dangers.

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“Lots of people want to migrate and most of them do it in the wrong direction. The reason for the programme is for us to advise people on how they can migrate in the right way. As much as migration is their right, they should do it correctly,” he said.

READ ALSO:How Wike Rescued Me From Political Oblivion — Oshiomhole

He advised intending travellers to obtain the necessary travel documents before embarking on any journey, noting that such documents include international passports, visas, flight tickets and yellow cards, depending on the destination country.

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According to him, migrants should also gather adequate information about their destination countries to enable them make informed decisions before travelling.

Ayediran further highlighted some of the dangers associated with irregular migration, including abuse, exploitation, discrimination and forced labour.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Megida Ifelodu Community Development Association, Elder Mathews Amusan, commended the organisers for enlightening members of the community on safe migration practices.

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READ ALSO: He Can’t Fix His Party Let Alone Nigeria – Oshiomhole Blasts Atiku

He urged residents planning to travel abroad to always follow legal migration procedures to avoid falling victim to human trafficking and other migration-related challenges.

One of the participants, Mr. Kolawole Adenoko, said the programme enlightened him on the dangers of irregular migration and the importance of travelling through the proper channels.

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He added that he would also educate his relatives and friends on the risks associated with illegal migration.

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

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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.

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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.”

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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

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Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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