Popular Nigerian Fashion entrepreneur and youth mobilizer, Kazeem Tanimu, has commended the Group Managing Director of Access Holdings, Dr. Herbert Wigwe, for his passionate commitment to the education of vulnerable children.
Tanimu, an advocate of good governance across Africa, gave the commendation in a chat with newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.
Recall that Dr Wigwe, in a display of a commitment to lift up the down trodden, recently champion a collaboration between Access Bank, Fifth Chukker and UNICEF to build 60 classrooms for vulnerable children in Mararaban-Jos in Kaduna State .
Located in the vast, serene environment at the Fifth Chucker Polo and Country Clubin Mararaban Jos, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Access Bank/Fifth Chukker Modern Primary School was built to deliver free education to over 60,000 children .
The 60-classroom model school with the capacity of accommodating 12, 000 pupils, is equipped with all the facilities conducive for teaching and learning- computers, well-furnished and spacious classrooms, electricity and qualified teachers.
The school is free, including the provision of uniforms and books, with a large enrolment of pupils, especially, the girl child, in a mainly Muslim community where girl child education is not encouraged.
Since its commission, this uncommon philanthropic gesture has continued to received accolades from Nigerians of goodwill, especially youths and Civil Society groups across the country.
According to Tanimu, this feat by Dr Wigwe and his team is unprecedented and should be emulated by leaders at all levels in society, especially political office holders.
Tanimu, who is the Initiator of “7th Republic”, an NGO of Nigerian youths drawn from different background , advocating for selfless leadership at all levels of sociery,said “ Dr Herbert Wigwe and his team have done what many state governors cannot do in their eight years in office.”
“I know him to be a selfless leader, who have special passion for the development of young people, and this is worthy of emulation.
According to him, in line with the its defining mantra for good leadership at all levels in Nigeria, the ‘7th Republic’ has always hailed and rally support for any act of selfless leadership geared towards youth empowerment.
He added that “as a coalition of people who believe in the interest of our dear country and continent, we are proud to identify with any leadership initiative that is people-focused, and that is why we are proud of this uncommon stride by Dr Herbert and his team.
“Imagine the numbers of children this huge investment in education will take from streets to become useful to themselves, their family and society large, this will in turn curb youthful vices in society.
He therefore urged parents and guardians in that community to ensure they encourage their children to go to school in order for the objective of the project by the donors to be achieved.
The amalgamated Civil Society Organisations of Nigeria (CAN), a non-profit, non-governmental, anti-corruption organisation, has called for the inclusion of the youthful Nigerian population into governance.
The call is coming as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is about to constitute his cabinet and other organs of government since assuming the mantle of leadership.
The amalgamated CSOs/NGOs said they are joining the clarion call by opinion leaders, traditional rulers, women groups, youth groups and well-meaning Nigerians, that the time of using recycled politicians, failed or disgruntled politicians, is over, as the group observed that the nation was full of youthful technocrats and bureaucrats with a lot of energy that are eagerly waiting to contribute their quota to National Development.
The CAN solicited for the cooperation of the present administration to look beyond former governors, ministers and people that have hitherto brought Nigeria to where it is today.
The group rather urged President Tinubu to look for viable, virile, professional and youths presently occupying the various offices nationwide and continue to engage them, instead of using worn-out, fatigued and corrupt leaders that have brought the country to its knees.
In a press release, the National President of the Amalgamated CSOs of Nigeria (CAN), Comrade Gbenga Ashiru Abiodun and its General Secretary, Comrade Yakubu Abdullahi, posited that “the continued usage of old hands will not augur well for the country, knowing full well that, most of them are facing graft issues and corruption allegations over their necks.”
The group added that, again, “age was not on their side as they no longer have what it takes to preside over 21st Century organizations, as they are fatigued and too old to take modern decisions capable of bringing the desired change.”
The amalgamated CSOs said President Tinubu was a change agent who is fixed on changing the country. Therefore, he should work with the youthful population, comprising both male and female, to change the narrative on ground as well as look at the possibility of using proactive youths, presently occupying positions of authority who are already doing well with or without supervision.
According to the anti-corruption organisation, they want government to make use of the youths, to enable them head strategic positions in the present administration. They equally appealed to Nigerians to prevail on the President to tow this line that will bring an overall socio-economic development of the nation.
The CSOs noted that the youths are already playing a significant role in governance, because “65 per cent of Nigeria’s population is under 25. Therefore, we need to prioritize the affairs of the youthful population like never before. They also echoed that, “the collaborative efforts between generations are vital to achieving a sustainable effective and efficient governance that serves the collective interest of all.”
The amalgamated group noted that “fresh and viable young people bring fresh perspective to issues and matters that affect the generality of Nigerian,” adding that, the youthful population of people in governance presently can also be taking into cognizance as most of them are doing extremely well, “like the Director-General of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa Abdullahi and others who are daily changing the narrative in their respective endeavours and have become Nigerian youth ambassadors globally, for making efforts to change from below, under him, the organisation has been repositioned and rebranded.”
Anarchy is currently looming at the Abuja Market Management Limited (AMML), one of the Federal Capital Territory Administration’s (FCTA) revenue-generating agencies, after the sacked Managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Faruk, stormed his former office with the backing of the Police and locked out the new acting Managing Director, Engr. Abbas Yakubu.
It would be recalled that the embattled former managing Director, Alhaji Abubakar Faruk, was allegedly suspended by the immediate past FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, but he successfully obtained a restraining Court order and has been allegedly plotting to retain his position with the help of some Northern oligarchy.
His argument, it was learned, was based on the fact that his appointment letter was not tenured and therefore cannot be removed unceremoniously from office.
This argument was said to have been sustained by him, because of some vested interest that have empowered him over the years.
Notwithstanding this facts, Faruk’s employment was terminated by Mr. Abubakar Maina on behalf of the AMML’s shareholders vide a letter dated July 17 and signed by him, as the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Abuja Investments Company Ltd (AICL) the supervising agency over AMML.
Trouble, however, ensued on Tuesday Morning when the sacked Faruk stormed AMML’s office, located in Gudu District of Abuja, with some Police officers and locked the MD’s office, insisting that nobody will access it and take possession of same.
It was also learnt that following the chaos created by such anachronistic action, the staff members have remained apprehensive, not knowing what fate will befall them.
Staff members of AMML also complained that the officers that came with the sacked MD, harrased and created serious psychological trauma for them.
The authority of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) are yet to comment over the abnormalities, the management staff of AMML have been summoned to Durumi Police station, where the issue is trying to be resolved.
While confirming the unfortunate incident, AMML’s Public Relations Officer, Innocent Amechina said, ” he locked his own office. Yesterday the shareholders of AMML decided to relief him of his job as the MD and it was made known to everybody. But surprisingly, that resolution was supposed to take effect from today, he came with four police men locked his office and also changed the lock.
” As I speak to you now we are at the Durumi Police station, with both the sacked and new acting MD Engr. Abbas Yakubu”.
The Descendants of the Uhonmora-Ora community in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been urged to pay close attention to what is going on at home and contribute to the community’s growth.
Uhonmora is one of two communities in Edo State’s Ora clan, Owan West Local Government Area. It is well-known for its cocoa and plantain production.
Federal and state legislators cautioned the community’s defendants not to become engrossed in the city’s hectic pace and forego visits home.
Honourable Blessing Agbebaku, Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly and a native of Uhonmora, encouraged his kinsmen to remain loyal to the community’s hopes and objectives.
Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Blessing Agbebaku who also hails from Uhonmora community charged his kinsmen to remain committed to the dreams and aspirations of the community. He urged them to unite at all times and put the interests of the community first.
He promised to work closely with the Governor of the state and ensure the people of Uhonmora benefit immensely in the areas of Education, agriculture and general rural development.
On his part, the leader of the House of Representatives, Honourable Julius Ihonvbere who was represented by his aides, Honourable Aisabora Edore charged the people of Uhonmora to remain unity and advance their course of their community.
Honourable Ihonvbere outlined project executed under his watch in the community to include construction of Block of six class room At the secondary school, renovation of some classroom blocks in the primary schools and provision of 500kva transformer amongst others.
Honourable Blessing Onuh Representing Otukpo-Ohimini Federal constituency at the House of Representatives in her goodwill message was happy the Owan-west Local government where Uhonmora is produced the current leader of the green chambers, Professor Julius Ihonvbere.
She expressed joy over the growth of the Uhonmora community in Abuja. Honourable Onuh descendants of Uhonmora based in Abuja to always visit home and teach their children their native language.
Chairman of the Uhonmora Community association, Abuja (UCAA) Mr Imebvore Ohiomokhare assured that all will done to continuously unite uhonmora people in Abuja. He also called on Public office holders present to provide more basic and needed Amenities to Uhonmora. He charged Uhonmora sons and daughters to proudly associate with the group and attend meetings regularly.
Ace Broadcaster and popular Newscaster, Senami Ohiomokhare in his presentation charged Nigerians to be proud of their culture and Native names. She warned that if nothing is done to halt the urgly trend of relegating Africa names, the traditions and culture would suffer severely.
Awards were presented to five persons who have contributed to the development of Uhonmora community. They are: House Leader Honourable Julius Ihonvbere, Speaker , Edo State House of Assembly, Honourable Blessing Agbebaku , Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe , Chairman, police service commission and former inspector-General of Police, Dr Solomon Arase and Mr Imogele Atafo who is a Senior Patron of the Association.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has increased its border surveillance to prevent anthrax from entering.
The alarm is coming following the recent case of anthrax reported in some regions in neighbouring Ghana earlier in June.
Dr. Regina Adulugba, the Director of Ventilation at the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, stated that although there has not yet been a single instance of the disease in Nigeria, the FCT administration is stepping up surveillance at border checkpoints to stop an outbreak.
Adulugba revealed that the FCTA will soon launch awareness campaigns with herders, butchers, and other stakeholders as they are more at risk of contracting the disease in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.
She said the campaign is in compliance to a directive by the the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to all States to raise awareness on the disease.
According to her: “The fear is importing infected animals from neighbouring countries. There is every risk that it could come here so to be on the safe side, we have began a sensitisation programme already. We did one in Deidei abattoir where we gathered the butchers and meat handlers, because they are the most people at risk. People who trade in animals, people who butcher animals, those who handle them, veterinary doctors, personnel that have anything to do with animals. These are the people most at risk and they are the people who should take proper precautions.
“So we gathered them to let them know, to put them on alert that there’s an outbreak in not too far away countries and our borders are not too tight so they should look out and be careful.”
The Director also ask residents and butchers to avoid buying or selling sick animals or slaughtering them and to also report symptoms to veterinary clinics and centers close to them.
She said: “If they see any symptom of high fever, sudden death, bleeding from the nose, the mouth, the ear, they must report such, because this is typical with anthrax carcass. Blood doesn’t cloth so if they see such things they should quickly report to the veterinary department and we can take proper measures.
“We gathered the butchers at Deidei and also gathered butchers at Karu abattoir which is our major abattoir. We worked in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, NCDC, Environmental, Health and Human Services Secretariat and did a sensitisation.
“We told them the risk and dangers of the disease and why it gives concern is that it affects both humans and animals. It has several roots of transmission. If you have a wound on your hand and get contact with an infected animal, or if you eat anything with anthrax. It can also be transmitted by air. Aerosol transmission is what makes it even more dangerous the spores can inhale and cause problems.
On what the administration has done to reach out to Fulani herders and nomadic, the Director said the FCT Administration is planning a massive stakeholders meeting and sensitisation workshop.
Already she said a committee has be set up to work on the modalities of reaching out to them.
“We intend to mass produce flyers and hand bills with illustrations and pictures that will show them what to look out for and measures to take to avoid contacting the disease because they are the ones who will loose animals if they don’t take precautions.”
She assured that the Emergency Preparedness Department of the Epidemiology unit is well trained to handle on the spot analysis and carry out active and passive surveillance and be ready at all times. “As we speak, have all the equipment that we can immediately do something before they ask for external assistance.”
She , however, advised residents always call the attention of experts veterinary centers before disposing sick animals.
***Says Drug Hawking, Use Of Carbide Poses Serious Challenge To Healthcare Delivery System
***Hawkers Arrested By NAFDAC Will Face Prosecution , Jail Time
The Director General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye, has indicated that the menace of drug hawking and the use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits poses a serious challenge to the country’s Healthcare Delivery System, emphasizing NAFDAC’s steadfast determination to completely eradicate the illicit trade.
She did, however, warn that any drug peddler apprehended by NAFDAC will be prosecuted, sentenced to prison, and our Enforcement Officers are currently carrying out synchronized nation-wide operation. No offender will be spared from facing the full wrath of the Law.
While adding that, many Drug Hawkers are knowingly or unknowingly merchants of Death who expose essential and Life Saving Medicines to the vagaries of inclement weather which degrade the active ingredients of the medicine and turn them to poisons thus endangering human lives.
Prof. Adeyeye gave this hint at the Flag of the NAFDAC Media Sensitization Workshop on Dangers of Drug Hawking and Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to her: “Most of the drugs sold by the illiterate and semi-literate Drug Hawkers are counterfeit, substandard or expired, and therefore do not meet the quality, safety and efficacy requirement of regulated medicines. Prescription drugs are also sold by the itinerant Drug Hawkers who also hold consultation, recommend and prescribe medicines to their gullible patients.
“Drug hawkers are also the major Distributors and Suppliers of narcotic medicines to criminal networks such as Armed Bandits, Insurgents, Kidnappers and Armed Robbers. Drug hawkers constitute serious threat to our national security.
“Drugs are sensitive life-saving commodities which should not be sold on the streets/motor parks or open markets just like any other article of trade. In this regard, we solicit the co-operation and support of all other Law Enforcement Agencies, Nigerian Journalists and well-meaning Nigerians in riding the country of this harmful and shameful practice.
“There have been clarion calls by well-meaning Nigerians on the need to take stringent regulatory actions to stem the dangerous tide of Drug Hawking and Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide. In addition, several national dailies and non-governmental organizations have raised concerns on the looming danger and health implication of these two nefarious activities by certain unpatriotic and unscrupulous citizens in our country.
“Since 2019, we immediately took some decisive steps such as sensitization of the public through different media outlets, enforcement through intelligence and raids in fruit markets that have resulted in seizures and destruction of violative products.
“The flag – off for this sensitization workshop today is again a fulfilment of my promise to sustain and strengthen NAFDAC’s existing collaboration with Association of Health Journalists in Nigeria towards mobilizing, educating, sensitizing, and conscientizing Nigerian Journalists to play frontline role in our concerted efforts to eradicate the menace of Drug hawking and Ripening of Fruits with Calcium Carbide in Nigeria”, she explained.
The NAFDAC DG also hinted that: “It is my candid opinion that sensitization workshop of this nature is a training the Trainers’ programme with the great expectation that participants will assume the role of champions in the vanguard of the campaign against drug hawking and the use of calcium carbide to ripen fruits.
“You will recall that NAFDAC recently organised similar sensitization workshops in eight cities across the country to raise awareness on the dangers of using bleaching creams. This was in line with my resolve to intensify and widen the scope of our publicity and public awareness campaigns as part of the transformative programmes of my second tenure of office.
“I wish to assure you that NAFDAC will constantly engage the mass media as we strive to bring down to the grassroot level positive impacts of our regulatory activities.
“The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has noticed the dangerous practice of sale and consumption of fruits artificially ripened with calcium carbide as well as illegal hawking of drugs in the open market”.
Speaking on the dangers of ripening fruits with calcium carbides , Adeyeye explained that:”The ripening of fruits with carbides is another public challenge facing us today and the Agency has deployed a multifaceted approach to tackle the menace.
“Fruits provide the body with micronutrients that improve immunity and prevent diseases among other benefits. Fruit ripening is a unique aspect of plant development, which makes the fruit edible, softer, sweeter, more palatable, nutritious, and attractive.
“However, the consumption of fruits such as mango, banana, plantain, guava, orange, grape, etc or any other fruits ripened with calcium carbide is dangerous to health.
“Fruits artificially ripened with calcium carbide may be ripe on the skin, the inside remain unripe. You can identify such artificially ripened fruits if you notice that the fruits are all yellow whereas the stem is dark, this is true especially with banana and plantain. In addition, naturally ripened fruits usually have brown or black spots, while those artificially ripened have traces of powdery substances and peel off quickly”.
Effect of artificial ripening on fruit quality include but not limited to: Considerable loss of properties such as colour, taste and feel, and such practice does not give the natural aroma and flavour to the fruits. These fruits do not possess uniform colour and are less juicy than when ripened naturally and have comparatively shorter shelf life; Calcium Carbide when sprayed with water reacts chemically to produce acetylene, which acts like ethylene and ripens fruits by a similar process. Calcium carbide generally contains impurities such as arsenic, lead particles, phosphorus, etc., that pose several very serious health hazards; Consumption of fruits containing these impurities may cause cancer, heart, kidney and liver failure. They may also cause frequent thirst, irritation in mouth and nose, weakness, permanent skin damage, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, skin ulcer and so forth. Higher exposure may cause undesired fluid build-up in lungs (pulmonary oedema).
Acetylene produced by Calcium Carbide affects the neurological system and reduces oxygen supply to the brain and further induces prolonged hypoxia; The impurities are hazardous to pregnant women and children and may lead to headache, dizziness, mood disturbances, mental confusion, memory loss, cerebral oedema (swelling in the brain caused by excessive fluids), sleepiness, seizure etc. Calcium Carbide is alkaline in nature and erodes the mucosal tissue in the abdominal region and disrupts intestinal functions.
While speaking on the effect of consuming such artificially ripened fruits , she said, it could result in sleeping disorders, mouth ulcers, skin rashes, kidney problems and possibly even cancer.
Other symptoms of poisoning include diarrhoea (with or without blood), burning or tingling sensation in abdomen and chest difficulty in swallowing, irritation in eyes/skin, sore throat, cough, shortness in breathing, numbness etc.
She further stated that, apart from sensitization campaigns and Enforcement activities, NAFDAC has commissioned a scientific study on the best approach towards mitigating the health hazards posed by ripening of fruits with carbides. I have mandated some of my directors and support staff to take these campaigns to the nooks and crannies of this country. We are confident of winning the war against these two hydra-headed public health menaces.
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) insists that the recently implemented revenue harmonisation in the FCT is not discriminatory because it encompasses all income-generating agencies of the Administration.
According to Mr Olusade Adesola, Permanent Secretary FCTA, the harmonisation push will not just consolidate earnings from area councils, but also other revenue-generating agencies of the FCT Administration.
Adesola made the explanation on Monday at a Townhall Meeting hosted by the FCT Internal Revenue Service, FCT-IRS, to garner additional stakeholder support for the Harmonization initiative’s execution.
Adesola was responding to an appeal by the Onah of Abaji, HRH Adamu Baba Yunusa, who asked that high earners like the Abuja Environmental Protection Board, the VIO and DOAS be included in the harmonisation initiative.
The Onah who was represented by the Sarkin Gabas Kaura, Adamu Shuaibu, said the inclusion of these agencies will encourage the councils and indigenes to fully support the initiative.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary in his keynote address at the event, stressed that the harmonization drive is not just a routine administrative exercise but an initiative with tremendous potential to impact on the revenue drive of the territory.
“By simplifying and consolidating our revenue collection systems, we aim to attract more investment, stimulate economic growth, and create employment opportunities. This will enhance the FCT’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination and contribute to the overall development of the region.
“Furthermore, the harmonization initiative will promote fairness and equity in revenue collection. By ensuring that all eligible individuals and businesses contribute their fair share, we can distribute the burden of taxation more equitably and reduce the tax evasion that hampers revenue generation. This will enable us to provide essential services, infrastructure, and social amenities that improve the quality of life for all residents of the FCT.”
Earlier the Executive Chairman of the FCT-IRS, Haruna Abdullahi, said the FCT-IRS Act entrusts the Service with the duty to collaborate with relevant stakeholders and agencies in harmonizing and improving tax practices.
Abdullahi, while speaking on the legal frameworks that guides the revenue harmonization initiative, noted that section 46 of the Act outlines the functions of the FCT Joint Revenue Committee to include, “harmonize tax administration in the FCT, deal with revenue matters of common concern to the FCT and Area Council,” among other functions.
The Chairman therefore, urged the stakeholders to keep these legal provisions in mind, “as they serve not just as our guide, but also as our commitment to fairness, efficiency, and collaboration.”
The African Women Conference (AWC) has congratulated the immediate past Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Dr. Ramatu Tijjani Aliyu for emerging as the FIN Outstanding Woman Of The Year Award 2023.
This was contained in a congratulatory letter made available to some journalists over the weekend and signed by AWC Convener, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, commends Aliyu for emerging winner of the highly prestigious and coveted international award among many nominees.
The letter reads in part: “On behalf of the Africa Women Conference (AWC), I wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on the prestigious “FIN Outstanding Woman Of The Year Award 2023” from the Foreign Investment Network (FIN), the African knowledge partner of Forbes Best of Africa Award (Emerging Markets).
“This well-deserved recognition no doubt highlights your exceptional contributions as a political leader, administrator, and humanitarian.
“Your dedication to bridging the gap between the rich and the poor through philanthropy is truly amazing and admirable. Your notable achievements in areas such as social mobilisation, provision of healthcare, shelter, free education; care for the elderly, as well as to entrepreneurial development, are indeed, glaring and remarkable.
“Your recognition as the FIN Outstanding Woman Of The Year remains a huge inspiration to women across the African continent and the world, just as your unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on society sets a path way for others to emulate”.
It therefore wished her “the very best as you receive this award in London, United Kingdom, on 18th July, 2023. May your accomplishments continue to inspire and empower women, and may you attain even greater heights in your future endeavors”.
Another letter, cosigned by President, FIN Group, Dr. Alex Itkin and the Chairman, FIN Group, H. E Olayinka Fayomi, reads: “Your nomination is in recognition of your unparalleled character, thorough leadership, uncommon courage, resilience, commitment to welfare and philanthropy.
The Outstanding Woman of the Year award will be conferred on the “Zinariya of Lokoja” in London, on 18th July, 2023 by Mark Furlong (President, Forbes Custom) during the FIN/Forbes Best of Africa Award Reception.
Aliyu will be honoured alongside personalities like Lord John Bird OBE (Member of House of Lords, UK), Dr Wafik Mustafa (Chairman, British Arab Network), Duchess Niveen Garmal (UN peace Ambassador) and Rajesh Agrawal Deputy Mayor London (business).
Others include Rabrinda Limachane (business man and Philanthropist), Rt. Hon Paul Scully (Under Secretary of State Technology, London), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe (CEO, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission).
The event will be graced by key personalities from the business community, policymakers, entrepreneurs, opinion leaders, the media, Forbes’ partners and international investors.
The first-ever RTS,S/AS01 malaria vaccine will be administered to 18 million people in 12 different African nations between 2023 and 2025.
This information was revealed in a news release issued jointly by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Children’s Fund on Wednesday and made available to newsmen in Abuja.
The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine is the first one that the World Health Organization advises using to protect children from malaria in areas with moderate to high malaria transmission.
The statement reads: “Since 2019, Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi have been delivering the malaria vaccine through the Malaria Vaccine Implementation Programme, coordinated by WHO and funded by Gavi, the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, and Unitaid.
“The RTS,S/AS01 vaccine has been administered to more than 1.7 million children in Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi since 2019 and has been shown to be safe and effective, resulting in a substantial reduction in severe malaria and a fall in child deaths. At least 28 African countries have expressed interest in receiving the malaria vaccine.
“In addition to Ghana, Kenya, and Malawi, the initial 18 million dose allocation will enable nine more countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Liberia, Niger, Sierra Leone, and Uganda, to introduce the vaccine into their routine immunisation programmes for the first time.
“The first doses of the vaccine are expected to arrive in countries during the last quarter of 2023, with countries starting to roll them out by early 2024.
“It stated that this allocation round makes use of the supply of vaccine doses available to Gavi through UNICEF”.
The statement further stated that,” The allocations have been determined through the application of the principles outlined in the framework for allocation of limited malaria vaccine supply that prioritises those doses to areas of highest need, where the risk of malaria illness and death among children are highest.
The Managing Director of Country Programmes Delivery at Gavi, Thabani Maphosa, “This vaccine has the potential to be very impactful in the fight against malaria, and when broadly deployed alongside other interventions, it can prevent tens of thousands of future deaths every year.
“While we work with manufacturers to help ramp up supply, we need to make sure the doses that we do have are used as effectively as possible, which means applying all the learnings from our pilot programmes as we broaden out to a new total of 12 countries,” Maphosa added.
Malaria remains one of Africa’s deadliest diseases, killing nearly half a million children each year under the age of five, and accounting for approximately 95 per cent of global malaria cases and 96 per cent of deaths in 2021.”
UNICEF Associate Director of Immunisation, Ephrem Lemango said, Nearly every minute, a child under five years old dies of malaria. “For a long time, these deaths have been preventable and treatable; but the roll-out of this vaccine will give children, especially in Africa, an even better chance at surviving. As supply increases, we hope even more children can benefit from this life-saving advancement.”
Meanwhile, the WHO Director of Immunisation, Vaccines and Biologicals, Dr Kate O’Brien, said the malaria vaccine was a breakthrough to improve child health and child survival; and families and communities.
“This first allocation of malaria vaccine doses are prioritised for children at the highest risk of dying of malaria. The high demand for the vaccine and the strong reach of childhood immunisation will increase equity in access to malaria prevention and save many young lives. We will work tirelessly to increase supply until all children at risk have access”.
African Women Conference (AWC), African Disease Prevention and Research Development Institute (ADPRA) and Nasarawa State University plan to launch online teaching of courses.
This is as the group has already developed curricula and outlined timelines for certificate and diploma courses ahead of commencement expected soon.
Some of the certificate programmes include introduction to gender studies, entrepreneurial leadership, transformational leadership, strategic planning, emotional intelligence, fish farming and culture, as well as online business network.
For the diploma programme, crisis management, leadership style, as well as leadership and innovation courses will be taught online.
Other courses are women and leadership challenges in Africa, leadership and team building, long essay, snail production, Computer literacy, fashion and designing.
Co-convener, Africa Women Conference, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, who disclosed this in a chat with some journalists over the weekend, said that the trio just arose from a meeting where various aspects of the online program such as course lecturers, fees structure, course structure, and the timeline for the program’s launch had been finalised.
According to her, lecturers have already been assigned to all courses and the programme would make use of module and live classrooms for lectures, along with Zoom and Google Classroom platforms for teaching.
She also stated that final takeoff of the programme would be sufficiently made public through advertisements on social media, national dailies, and radio jingles.
Allaying fears that epileptic power supply would constitute learning challenges, Ahmadu said that the university has assured that it boasts “necessary resources and infrastructure to deliver the courses on time”.
The boasts three standard studios equipped with solar inverters and generators for conducting lectures, and computer-based tests would be used for assessments.
