NEWS
Bill Gates Optimistic of Progress in TB Vaccine Clinical Trial
Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, says progress is ongoing in the clinical trial of the M72 tuberculosis vaccine, expressing optimism in its offering 70 per cent efficacy.
Gates said this while responding to newsmen question during an interview session with selected journalists on Tuesday in Abuja.
The interview was held on the sidelines of the 2024 NutriVision, a pan-African dialogue to discuss transformative solutions to combating malnutrition and shaping Africa’s future.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that most often affects the lungs and is caused by a type of bacteria.
It spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
According to the World Health Organisation, 10.6 million people fell ill with TB in 2022 and 1.3 million died, mostly in low- and middle-income countries.
Gates said that tuberculosis was difficult to diagnose, and grossly underfunded, noting that Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) remained a public health crisis and a health security threat.
“We have a lot of new drugs. The current drugs, sadly, you’ll have to take them for nine months.
“And, there’s some TB out there that is drug resistant, either single drug resistant or multi drug resistant.
“And so, we’re making great progress on the drugs and bringing new drugs in, and as you say, we’re also working on a vaccine.
“That vaccine trial is going to take like four years. We’re hoping that the vaccine will show like a 70 per cent reduction. We don’t think it’s likely to show a 90 per cent reduction,” he said.
The co-chair said that the vaccine trial, which would cost $500 million, was done in collaboration with GSK and the Wellcome Trust.
The foundation’s Medical Research Institute (Gates MRI), on March 19, announced a Phase 3 clinical trial to assess the efficacy of the M72/AS01E tuberculosis vaccine.
It said that the vaccine, if shown to be well-tolerated and effective, could potentially become the first new TB vaccine in over a century to help prevent pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults.
Ending the TB epidemic by 2030 is among the health targets of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Report says that Gates is visiting Nigeria, as part of the foundation’s ongoing commitment to Africa’s development.
During his short visit, Gates met with national and local leaders, partners, grantees and innovators.
Gates, alongside other foundation leaders, also met with experts in primary health care, agriculture, and nutrition who are driving progress across the continent, despite economic challenges.
He participated in the NutriVision Dialogue with Jon Batiste, a musician, educator and humanitarian.(NAN)
NEWS
Nasarawa Lawmaker Supports Wadada Endorsement
By Tambaya Julius, Abuja
The Nasarawa State House of Assembly Member Representing Keffi West Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana has pledged his full support to Sen. Ahmed Aliyu Wadada following his endorsement by Governor Abdullahi Sule.
The endorsement, which is seen as a strategic consolidation of party strength, is backed by the Governor, reinforcing confidence among party faithful ahead of forthcoming general election.
The honorable member led a large delegation of supporters and political associates, party faithful, including members of his campaign team, to Senator Wadada’s residence in Keffi.
During the visit, Hon. Nana reaffirmed his commitment to mobilising grassroots support across Keffi West and beyond in support of Hon.
Wadada. He emphasised that unity, loyalty, and strategic collaboration remain essential ingredients for electoral victory.According to him, the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the coming elections will depend largely on the ability of party leaders and supporters to work together with a shared vision. He stressed that the endorsement of Senator Wadada is not only a personal decision but also a reflection of the collective will of his supporters and constituents.
The lawmaker further noted that the All Progressives Congress (APC) must remain focused and disciplined, especially at a time when political activities are intensifying. He called on party members to prioritise the interest of the state above individual ambitions, adding that a united front will strengthen the party’s chances at the polls.
Speaking during the visit, Senator Ahmed Wadada Aliyu expressed deep appreciation for the show of support and solidarity. He described his endorsement as timely and encouraging, noting that it reinforces confidence in the party’s direction.
The senator stated that such demonstrations of unity are critical in building momentum ahead of the elections. He added that the gathering sends a strong message of cohesion and readiness among All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders in Nasarawa State.
Senator Wadada also assured supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership and development-oriented governance if elected as governor. He emphasised that his ambition is rooted in the desire to contribute meaningfully to the progress of the state and improve the lives of its citizens
NEWS
Centenary City Access Road Reaches 35 Per Cent Completion as Community Backing Drives Progress
By David Torough, Abuja
Construction of the 4.3-kilometre access road within Abuja’s Centenary City development has reached 35 per cent completion, marking a key milestone in the project’s early infrastructure rollout.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Centenary City Plc, Ike Odenigwe, highlighted visible progress on the ground, noting that work had advanced steadily since commencement.
He emphasised the company’s commitment to delivering essential infrastructure that would support the broader vision of the development.
Odenigwe credited much of the smooth execution to the cooperation of five host communities, describing their support as instrumental in avoiding disruptions and maintaining project momentum.
He said the company had built strong relationships with these communities through consistent engagement and mutual understanding.As part of its social responsibility efforts, the firm has introduced scholarships and job opportunities targeted at local youths, ensuring that surrounding communities directly benefit from the development. According to Odenigwe, these initiatives are aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering long-term socio-economic growth.
He further explained that Centenary City was conceived as a modern, sustainable urban hub designed to boost Abuja’s global competitiveness by attracting investment and delivering world-class infrastructure.
The project has also received backing from key authorities, including the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and regulatory support from the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, both of which have strengthened implementation efforts. Traditional leadership, under Idris Musa, has also played a supportive role in facilitating community cooperation.
The access road forms part of a larger master plan that includes approximately 95 kilometres of primary road networks. Odenigwe noted that the development would incorporate smart city technologies to create a sustainable and efficient urban environment aligned with international standards.
From the construction side, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, represented by Jonnie Kouchan, described the partnership as a blend of vision and technical expertise. He confirmed that the four-lane carriageway, along with supporting infrastructure, remains on track for completion by April 2027, with strict adherence to global engineering and safety standards.
Kouchan added that the project would enhance connectivity, strengthen investor confidence, and stimulate economic activity across Abuja and neighbouring communities.
Despite the progress, community leaders have called for sustained engagement. The Emir of Juwa, Idris Musa, urged the developers to work closely with authorities to ensure fair compensation and proper resettlement for affected residents.
Local representatives also raised concerns about access to potable water following resettlement and called for the expansion of employment opportunities and continued scholarship support for youths.
Overall, stakeholders described the Centenary City project as a major step toward transforming Abuja into a modern, investment-friendly city capable of supporting long-term economic growth.
NEWS
Armed Herders Kill Five, Displaced Many in Renewed Attack on Benue Community
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
Suspected armed herdsmen has launched a renewed attack on Tse Ameen community in Mbapa Council Ward of Gwer West Local Government Area in Benue State, killing at least five persons.
A local sources disclosed that the incident occurred on early hours of Sunday when armed herders attacked the community at about 1:am.
One of the sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, told our correspondent on phone in Makurdi on Monday, disclosed that five bodies were recovered while many others remained missing.
“The corpses recovered after the attack included three males and two females,” the resident said.
Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Udeme Edet, confirmed the incident to our correspondent on phone in Makurdi, Monday.
Edet said, “Four dead bodies were recovered.”
The PPRO did not disclosed further information.
Meanwhile, Governor Hyacinth Alia has sympathise with the people of Gwer West where the attack occured on Saturday night.
He appealed to all security heads to ensure those perpetrators are also apprehended.
He however called on all communities to join forces with government and security agents to comb forests of evil elements.

