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Immunization: Bayelsa Records 98 Percent Coverage in NIPDs

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From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

Bayelsa State has recorded 98 percent coverage in the first round of the 2025 National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) programme conducted from the 3rd to 6th of this month across the eight local government areas of the state.Ewhrudjakpo, who disclosed this at an enlarged meeting of the state’s taskforce on immunization in Government House on Tuesday, said the government’s ultimate target was to achieve 100 percent coverage in subsequent immunization campaigns.

The deputy governor expressed gratitude on behalf of the state government to the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Ministry of Health, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), and other critical stakeholders for the feat achieved so far.
He, however, urged them not to rest on their oars as much still has to be done for the state to achieve its target of 100 percent immunization coverage.Ewhrudjakpo, who underscored the need for early preparations ahead of the second round of 2025 NIPDs scheduled for July, assured that funds for the programme would be released not later than two weeks to its commencement.While assuring that the government would spare no effort towards realizing the set target, the Deputy Governor directed all council chairmen to flag off the second round of the 2025 NIPDs programme at any community other than their respective local government headquarters.He also told the LGA chairmen to meet with the various traditional rulers, school proprietors, and religious leaders in their areas to sensitize them on the importance of immunization and why they must play an active role.Senator Ewhrudjakpo reiterated his warning to parents, schools and churches who deprived their children of immunization, stressing that “thegovernment is serious about enforcing its public health law and executive order on compulsory immunization.”His words, “We have taken our immunization coverage up to 98 percent. But we want to take it to 100 percent this time around, and that is why we have convened this meeting.”Let me thank the WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA, the ministry of health and all our partners for the feat achieved so far. But there is still room for improvement in the state’s coverage of health immunization.”To achieve our target, we need to start early preparations. For that, funds would be released two weeks before the take- off of the programme on July 7.”We are also going to make an upward review of the logistics to reflect the present economic realities in the country.”Detailed field reports from the exercise were presented by Dr Marcus Oluwadare of the WHO, and the Director of Disease Control, Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Gbanaibulou Orukari, revealing that majority of the LGAs scored high percentage in the recent health immunization coverage.They commended the Deputy Governor for handling issues concerning health with utmost dispatch, but identified poor workload rationalization, data falsification and lack of commitment on the part of some personnel as challenges facing routine immunization in the state.According to Dr Oluwadare, “We commend the Deputy Governor of the state for flagging off the NIPDs and chairing all the state ERMs despite his tight schedule.”His Excellency has set a good record for other states to emulate. Bayelsa State was the only state to have full complements of her stakeholders in attendance during the April NIPDs in the whole of Nigeria.”The local government primary healthcare coordinators also took turns to brief the Deputy Governor on the outcomes of the NIPDs, highlighting drawbacks that needed to be addressed before the next round of the programme.The Commissioner for Health, Prof Seiyefa Brisibe, the Executive Secretary, state Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Williams Appah and all the eight local government council’s chairmen attended the interactive meeting.

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Group Backs Students With Disabilities, Distributes Learning Materials in Nasarawa

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From Abel Zwanke, Lafia

The Maikaya Development Foundation (MDF) has distributed thousands of exercise books to indigent students in Nasarawa State and renewed its advocacy for inclusive education, urging stakeholders to prioritize access for students living with disabilities in higher institutions.

The official distribution ceremony, which took place at the Faculty of Education, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, brought together student union leaders, academic representatives, and other stakeholders from the education sector.
Speaking at the event yesterday, the CEO of of the foundation Dr. Muhammed Maikaya represented by the Operation Manager, Hon. Shuaibu Sani said the gesture was aimed at easing the financial burden on students and encouraging them to remain focused on their academic goals.
“This distribution is not just about writing materials, it is a reaffirmation of our belief that every student, regardless of status, deserves the tools and support needed to succeed,” the spokesperson said. “We are committed to ensuring no student is left behind.”Student leaders who spoke during the event expressed deep appreciation to the foundation for its consistent support and investment in the academic wellbeing of students.Comrade Ovey Abimiku, President of the Nasarawa State Students Association (NASSA), “Maikaya Development Foundation continues to show us what it means to be a true partner in education. This is a welcome intervention that will help many students who can’t afford basic learning materials.”Also speaking, Comrade Tabitha Jatau, State Coordinator of the Association of Nigerian Female Students (ANFS), praised the foundation’s longstanding dedication to youth empowerment.“MDF has not only provided these writing materials but has also supported students with scholarship and tuition funds for many years. We are grateful for this rare consistency,” she noted.Recall that weeks earlier, the foundation had supported over 500 students across the state with Education Support Funds to assist with the payment of tuition fees and levies—an annual intervention that has benefitted thousands over the past decade.In addition to its material support, the foundation has continued to advocate for inclusive education policies in the state. During a recent stakeholders’ engagement themed “Breaking Barriers and Promoting People with Special Needs’ Inclusion in Higher Institutions”,Maikaya had called on government and educational institutions to prioritize the rights and needs of students living with disabilities.“The truth is, barriers—both seen and unseen—still prevent many of our brothers and sisters with special needs from accessing quality education,” Maikaya said at the event. “These are not just inconveniences. They are injustices. And they must be corrected.”He recommended several critical steps to advance inclusive education, including accessible infrastructure, adapted learning materials, disability awareness training for academic staff, and policy implementation at all levels.“Inclusive education is not optional, it is essential for real development,” He added. “We have seen the power of what can happen when potential meets opportunity. Now we must ensure that people with disabilities have equal access to those opportunities.”He urged stakeholders, government agencies, private sector actors, NGOs, and civil society groups, to collaborate in making inclusive education a reality in Nasarawa and beyond.“This is not a matter of charity. It is about equity, dignity, and human rights,” the speaker emphasized. Items that were distributed including learning materials, 20, 50kg bags of rice, 20 cartons of Noddles and cash support of 200,000 thousand Naira to students living with disabilities while advocating for inclusion gain tract, educational reform and youth empowerment in Nasarawa State.End

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Minister Describes Death of Leon Usigbe as Monumental Loss

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By Johnson Eyiangho, Abuja

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris has described the death of Dr Leon Usigbe, the Abuja Bureau Chief of the Tribune Newspaper, as a monumental loss to the Newspaper, journalism profession and to the entire nation.The Minister said with the death of Usigbe, Nigeria has lost one of its finest media minds — a man whose intellect, courage, and clarity of purpose earned him the respect of colleagues, government officials, and the public alike.

In condolence message on Saturday, Idris said he received news of the death of Tribune Newspaper Bureau Chief with profound shock and deep sadness.”Dr. Usigbe was an outstanding journalist, a highly cerebral professional, and a shining light within the Nigerian media landscape.
His work was defined by integrity, depth, and an unflinching determination to the public good. As a pen-wielding advocate for democracy and national development, he brought intellectual rigour, insight, and balance to his reporting. In him, the Fourth Estate had a true patriot who used his craft to foster accountability and nation-building.”I recall with particular sorrow his eloquent and thought-provoking contributions during the regular Ministerial Press Briefing Sessions convened by the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation in Abuja, as well as at the Press Briefings in the Presidential Villa. His interventions consistently elevated the quality of discourse and helped bridge the gap between government and the media — all in service of a more informed and engaged society,” Idris said.On behalf of the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, and himself , the Minister extended his heartfelt condolences to the management and staff of Tribune Newspaper, the government and people of Edo State, where he hailed from, as well as to his family, friends, and professional associates. He prayed the God Almighty to comfort those the late Bureau Chief left behind and to grant them the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss, saying “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

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Unique Secondary School Expands Outreach, Honors Ogbodo, Launches Scholarships

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By David Torough, Abuja

Unique Secondary School Makurdi (USSM), a leading private educational institution in Benue State, continues to make significant strides in academic excellence and community impact.

In a bold move to increase accessibility and reward excellence, the school has unveiled a new examination centre in Oju Local Government Area, launched a scholarship scheme for families with multiple children in the school, and honoured a distinguished alumnus, Dr.

Mark Ogbodo, by naming a recreational facility after him.

The newly inaugurated Dr. Mark Ogbodo Park was officially commissioned on July 24, during a colourful ceremony held at the school’s New GRA campus in Makurdi.

The event drew an impressive turnout of students, staff, parents, alumni, and dignitaries.

Chairman of Unique Schools and co-founder of USSM, Engr. Felix Atume led the commissioning, describing it as a tribute to dedication and impact.

Dr. Ogbodo, an author and founder of Lydia Memorial Hospital, Ugbokolo, was visibly moved by the honour.

In a social media post after the event, he wrote: “Who am I to deserve this great honour? What impact have I made on USSM? These thoughts flooded my mind as I stood speechless in awe.”

He praised the school leadership, particularly Principal Mr. Samuel Ortsega, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) for the recognition.

Also unveiled at the event was a scholarship programme aimed at easing the financial burden on families with more than one child enrolled at USSM.

The initiative was met with excitement and gratitude from parents in attendance. Furthermore, the newly established Oju exam centre was widely applauded for eliminating the long travel often required for external examinations, especially for students living in remote areas.

Founded on September 1, 1998, by Engr. Atume and Mrs. Juliana Atume, a noted philanthropist, USSM has built a strong reputation for nurturing students through academic rigor and character development.

Originally a day school, it added a boarding facility in 2007 to cater to growing demand. Situated in a serene environment, the school provides a secure and conducive atmosphere for learning.

USSM is part of the larger Unique Schools family, which began with Unique Nursery and Primary School in 1995.

The secondary arm offers a comprehensive curriculum infused with entrepreneurial and vocational training in areas such as catering, fashion, cosmetology, and design—preparing students with practical skills for life beyond the classroom.

The school boasts modern infrastructure, including science laboratories, an ICT centre, a digital library, spacious classrooms, quality boarding facilities, a healthcare unit, and the expansive Engr. Felix Atume Hall. Recreational amenities include courts for basketball, volleyball, tennis, a football pitch, and indoor games like chess and scrabble.

In keeping with global trends, USSM has embraced digital innovations such as an online result-checking system and is planning an enhanced presence on social media.

The school runs a three-term calendar and prepares students for key national examinations including BECE, WAEC, and NECO.

Ambitious plans are underway to launch Unique Technical College, which will focus on technical and vocational education.

As the evening of July 24 transitioned into a celebratory dinner in honour of the 2025 graduating class, guests—including PTA members, parents, alumni, and staff—shared heartfelt goodwill messages. The PTA Chairman described the event as “unparalleled in the school’s history.”

Through initiatives like the Oju centre, new scholarships, and the celebration of alumni impact, Unique Secondary School Makurdi continues to set the benchmark for holistic and community-rooted education in Benue State.

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