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Polio Eradication: All Eyes On Nigeria – UNICEF

Published

3 months ago

April 16, 2025

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that all eyes are on Nigeria on the eradication of polio during the last phase of the polio immunization campaign in the country.

Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the Chief of Bauchi Field Office, UNICEF, stated this when she paid an advocacy visit to the Gbong Gwom of Jos, Da Jacob Buba in his palace in Jos, Plateau state capital.

The UNICEF boss, who condoled with the Plateau state government over the death of some citizens some weeks ago, said “we are basically here for the forthcoming Polio campaign from 24th to 30th of April.

“This is to emphasise that this is the last year and opportunity for Nigeria to eradicate Polio.”

“It is significant for us that every child is immunized during this campaign for Polio because the eyes of the whole world are now on Nigeria. This is one of the three countries that has to make efforts towards eradicating Polio,” she said.

Rafique expressed worry over the fact that Plateau state has five local government areas with high risk of polio as they have a high number of zero dose under 5 children.

She listed the LGAs to include Jos North, Jos South, Shendam, Quan Pan and Wase, saying that UNICEF needs the leadership of the royal father and commitment of every individual in order to reach the unreached children who had not been vaccinated before.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Health in the state, Dr Nicholas Baamlong, who acknowledged that the state has five LGAs that were hit hard by polio virus, said that Nigeria was one of the three countries that were left for the virus to be completely eradicated in the world.

“We have a big responsibility, one of the things we are trying to say is that you, as the head of the traditional institutions in the State, we are soliciting for mobilization of the traditional rulers so that we can actively participate in the upcoming programme, so that at the end of it all, our children would have been reached, immunization would have gone very far.”

“Some of the LGAs mentioned have zero doses, which means, there are so many children that have never taken a dose of the vaccine and it is not very good.”

“We are going to join hands together with the traditional institutions, the other stakeholders that are also involved are the Councils Chairpersons, when the campaign kicks off, we are coming to you again so that you will be with us, if possible demonstrating.”

“There are a lot of cultural differences that a lot of people try to shy away from immunization, but when they see prominent people like you taking the lead, they will oblige,” he added.

Baamlong lauded UNICEF for providing the vaccines that would be administered as well as the resources to ensure that the campaign would be successful.

In his remarks, Da Jacob Buba, appreciated the UNICEF boss for commiserating with the state over the loss of lives of some of its citizens.

He also lauded UNICEF officials for leaving their own countries to work on Nigeria so as to make Nigerians enjoy health benefits of health.

“Let me inform you that we already have one of our traditional rulers who is representing us in the Task Force Committee on Primary Healthcare all over Northern Nigeria.

“It is very unfortunate that Plateau is one of Polio high risk states in the country but I assure you that we will overcome the situation by working with all of you accordingly”. He assured.

News

Delta Community King Joins His Ancestors

Published

1 hour ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The traditional ruler of Olomu Kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Ovie Macaulay Popo Ovbagbedia, Uhurhie-Osadjere II, also known as the Ohworode of Olomu, has passed away.

The official announcement was made at the royal palace in Ovwor-Olomu by the kingdom’s spokesperson, Olorogun Albert Akpomudje (SAN), who was joined by members of the Olomu Traditional Council and the late king’s family.

As part of the tradition, the announcement was accompanied by cultural rites, including a performance from Ema dancers and the firing of 21 cannon shots to symbolise the king’s journey to the afterlife.

Following customs, all markets within the kingdom are to remain shut, and no burial or marriage ceremonies will take place during the mourning period. Shops may only open partially.

A one-month mourning period has been declared, from July 12 to August 12, 2025.

During this time, all chiefs of the Olomu Kingdom are required to wear black armbands on their left arms and are not allowed to wear the traditional red Olomu chieftaincy cap, as a sign of respect for the late king.

In remembrance, a five-minute silence was held to honour the monarch, who began his reign on May 20, 2023.

News

After Media Reports Of Locking Out Supporters From Govt House, Okpebholo Hits Security Personnel

Published

2 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has ordered the probe and immediate redeployment of security personnel, including the Camp Commandant at government for allegedly preventing jubilant supporters from accessing the government house during the Supreme Court victory celebrations.

Recall that on Friday, July 11, 2025, INFO DAILY reported that jubilant supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) trekked from the airport while the governor was on motorcade, but unfortunately they (supporters ) were prevented from entering the Edo State Government House after governor went in.

INFO DAILY also reports that efforts to convince the security personnel to grant the jubilant supporters access to the government house were abortive as they (security personnel) insisted that it was order from above.

This made many of the supporters felt disappointed as the grumbled to their different designations with insults on the authorities.

But in a shift reaction to the incident, Okpebholo said such an order did not originate from him, describing the action as unacceptable and inconsistent with his leadership style.

the governor who said the action does not reflect his values, noted, “I will never knowingly authorize any action that disrespects our supporters or members of the press”.

He said as a governor elected by the people, he remains committed to openness, inclusion, and respect for every stakeholder.

Okpebholo, however, constituted an investigative committee to identify all those involved in the unfortunate incident.

He noted that the exclusion of invited guests and supporters was not only unauthorized but also in complete contradiction to the spirit of the celebration.

He emphasized that he remains a people-focused and accessible leader who holds the media and supporters in the highest regard, assuring that anyone found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action,

He warned that his administration would not tolerate acts that seek to ridicule or alienate the very people who stood by him.

News

Edo Deputy Governor, Others, bags Africa Peace Icon Award In Rwanda

Published

4 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa (Right) receiving the award.

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has been recognised as one of the 100 most notable peace icons in Africa.

Idahosa was honored alongside other prominent Nigerians and Africans at the recently concluded 100 most notable Africans leadership and business summit held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The event celebrated individuals recognised as the “100 most notable peace icons in Africa” for their impactful contributions to nation-building and peace promotion across the continent.

Other notable awardees included Umar Namadi, the governor of Jigawa state, Imane Kendili, the chief executive officer (CEO) of African Global Health in Morocco; Nicaise Ndembi, regional director at the Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine; and Ibrahim Zanna.

The list of honourees also featured personalities such as Mthuli Ncube, Pedzai Scott Pakupwanya, Torhile A. Uchi, and Angel Nationota, among others.

Kingsley Amafibe, project director for Africa for the awards, said the recognition was to encourage recipients to continue leveraging their platforms to foster peace and development in Africa.

Amafibe said the continent’s progress depends heavily on peace and stability, urging collective efforts to strengthen unity and brotherhood.

The awards attracted a diverse group of leaders from various sectors, including politics, academia, health, and business.