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Polio Eradication: All Eyes On Nigeria – UNICEF

Published

1 year 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

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

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.
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‎ 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.”
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‎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
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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.
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‎Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
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‎The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
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‎Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.

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.”
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News

Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

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.

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.

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.

News

Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection

Published

14 hours ago

May 27, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of children, promoting quality education, and strengthening sports development across the state.

This assurance was given by the governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, during the 2026 Children’s Day Celebration and Governor’s Cup Finale held on Wednesday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

Addressing pupils, students and teachers,
the governor described children as the pride of Edo State and the future of the nation.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa,
noted that the annual celebration provides an opportunity to honour their dreams, talents, and limitless potential.

Speaking on this year’s Children’s Day theme, “Choose Kindness, Reject Bullying,” the governor said the message was timely and significant, as it emphasizes the need to create safe, supportive, and inclusive environments for children both in schools and communities.

He stated that bullying in all forms — physical, verbal, emotional, or online — has no place in society, adding that the Edo State Government remains fully committed to protecting the rights and dignity of every child.

According to him, the administration will continue to strengthen policies and programmes that promote child protection, discipline, mutual respect, and positive learning environments across schools in the State.

The governor urged children to embrace kindness, compassion, teamwork, and respect for one another, stressing that true strength lies not in intimidation but in empathy, good character, and mutual understanding.