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COVID-19: WHO counsels Nigerians on the need to build on gains achieved by vaccination

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The World Health Organization (WHO), has asked Nigeria to double down on the COVID-19 prevention measures and build on the fragile gains achieved given that less than two percent of the total population had been fully vaccinated.

The WHO country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, told a press briefing on Tuesday, in Abuja.

Mulombo added that Nigerians must be mindful of discontinuing public health and social measures such as maintaining physical distance, avoiding crowded places and always observing hand hygiene.

“Relaxing them too early could see us losing some of the gains that vaccines have enabled us to make,” he said.

To boost the uptake of vaccines, government, traditional and religious institutions as well as community influencers need to scale up operations, investments on operational costs and step up sensitization efforts to address vaccine hesitancy, Mulombo added.

He noted that as Nigeria anticipates use of multiple vaccine types, it was important to draw up strategies that would ensure vaccine doses were efficiently administered, with rollout plans aiming for a high uptake in priority population groups and providing equitable access to achieve significant vaccination coverage.

Mulombo added that countries deploying multiple vaccines like Nigeria had provided useful lessons as to how to administer them by rolling out vaccines with a shorter shelf life first.

“Rollout Pfizer/Moderna in capital city where there is ultra-cold chain storage and other vaccines that can last longer in fridges, in districts, collaborate with private sector to enhance rollout.

“Use Janssen/Johnson & Johnson (one doses ) for hard-to-reach populations in districts and two-dose vaccines in fixed sites in the centre,” he stated of the other lessons learnt from such countries.

He reminded the media of their responsibility, saying that they still had a huge social responsibility to the COVID-19 pandemic response in the country.

“Reporting public health issues translates into your surveillance function in the society. With society still grappling with conspiracy theories and infodemics, the credible information that you provide will enhance knowledge and understanding.

“It will, undoubtedly give individuals the power and confidence to engage as partners with their health service providers when not clear about vaccine safety or efficacy,” Mulombo said.

He stated that the WHO would continue to support the Nigerian government to implement measures that would maximize the impact of the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination, including simplifying the rollout at local levels as well as minimizing wastage.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that the latest data available for WHO Africa Region showed that weekly COVID-19 deaths in Africa reached a record peak in the week of Aug. 1, marking the highest seven-day toll since the onset of the pandemic on the continent.

Africa is presently in the throes of its third wave, recording more cases than any earlier peak, according to WHO. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

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Rivers Crisis: Niger Delta monarchs ask Tinubu to fire Wike or call him to order

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Some traditional rulers from the Niger Delta have called on President Bola Tinubu to either dismiss the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, or rein him in to prevent further unrest in Rivers State.

HRM King Dodo II of Bilabiri Kingdom, Bayelsa State, and HRH King-Jerry Prebor of the Meinbutus Federal Communities, Warri, Delta State, made the appeal amid tensions in the oil-rich state and the recent bombing of the Trans-Niger pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State.

King Prebor, speaking with Vanguard over the phone, urged the president to act swiftly, warning that the situation could escalate. “Given the current events in Rivers State and the likely outcome, I implore President Tinubu, Wike’s employer, to fire him now or call him to order before things get out of hand,” he said.

Similarly, King Dodo II emphasized the need for urgent intervention, cautioning that Wike’s actions could strain the president’s relationship with the people of Rivers State. “On the present situation in the Niger Delta, particularly Rivers State, the president should call his minister to order. The president should take the matter of Rivers State as a serious issue and act fast on it. He should not become the enemy of the Rivers people because of Wike’s selfish desire,” he stated.

Their concerns come as political tensions and security challenges continue to mount in the region.

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Northern CAN flays ethnic, religious divisions in north

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The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has condemned the persistent ethnic and religious divisions in the North, urging a shift in mindset for regional progress.

Speaking at a dinner in Kaduna attended by CAN chairmen, secretaries, and Christian leaders from across the region, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, lamented that these divisions had hindered development and peaceful coexistence. He emphasized the need for a new era of love, respect, and partnership to overcome these challenges.

“It is disheartening when people perceive us as divided and intolerant. We must usher in a new phase, one of love, respect, and partnership. Our region is blessed, but divisions have cost us dearly. It’s time for a shift in mindset,” Hayab stated.

He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to unity and addressing obstacles to progress while maintaining its role in advocating for truth with love and understanding. “We will remain a voice for Northern Christians, defenders of truth, and speakers of truth to power. However, we will do so in a way that fosters peace and unity,” he added.

Leader of the Northern CAN Women’s Wing, Ambassador Elizabeth Azizi, commended Hayab’s leadership, describing him as a capable and visionary leader. Several other Christian leaders also paid tribute to him during the event.

Among those present were the Secretary General of Northern CAN, Bishop Mohammed Naga (Borno State); the Director of Legal and Public Affairs, Dr. Barr. Grace Kaka (Bauchi State); and the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith, Rev. Godwin Adole (Sokoto State). Others included the Director of Planning, Research, and Strategy, Rev. Emeka Obianyor; the Director of Youth, Women, and Education, Rev. Fr. Prof. Ngbea Gabriel (Benue State); and the Northern CAN Vice Chairman, Rev. Dr. Jonah Samson, who also chairs CAN North Central Zone.

Former ECWA General Secretary Worldwide, Rev. Yunusa Madu; President of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum and Seat of God Ministries, Kaduna, Bishop Ademola Idowu Tinuoye; and many other Christian leaders were also in attendance.

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Ebonyi governor Nwifuru suspends three commissioners

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Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has suspended three members of his cabinet for alleged absenteeism. The affected commissioners—Solomon Azi (Grants and Donor Agencies), Victor Chukwu (Environment), and Ikeuwa Omebe (Rural Development)—were suspended for one month for failing to attend the state executive council meeting held on Monday, March 17, without permission.

Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Jude Okpor, disclosed the decision while briefing journalists on the outcome of the meeting. He stated that Governor Nwifuru had previously warned against absenteeism and laxity among public officials. As a consequence, the suspended commissioners will forfeit all privileges attached to their offices during the suspension period.

Additionally, the governor urged contractors handling state projects to accelerate work in line with contractual agreements, warning that legal action would be taken against any firm failing to meet deadlines.

In another development, the state executive council approved several projects to enhance infrastructure at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp in Afikpo. These include the construction of staff quarters, a female hostel, and a health clinic. Okpor noted that the initiative aligns with Governor Nwifuru’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda by improving the living and working conditions for corps members and staff.

The council also approved N40 million for the Ministry of Water Resources to construct a central water store, emphasizing the need to safeguard the ministry’s equipment and consumables.

The council recognized the achievements of the Ebonyi State University (EBSU) Faculty of Law team, which won the 33rd Christof Heyns African Moot Court Competition in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2024. The victorious team, comprising Michael Agu-Ebeke, Ibor Nwamaka, and their guardian, Dr. (Mrs) Chioma Iteshi, was inducted into the prestigious Ebonyi State Honour Awardees.

Governor Nwifuru commended the team for their exceptional performance, noting that they became the first Nigerian law faculty to win the competition in 33 years. Each awardee received a N5 million cash prize.

The governor also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, urging Ebonyi State University and other institutions to prioritize practical-based research to produce graduates equipped to solve contemporary challenges.

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