NEWS
Immunisation: Stakeholders want Quick Response to Possible Adverse Reactions

Traditional and religious leaders have called on the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), to put in place quick response mechanisms for possible adverse reactions that could result from immunisation.
Their call is contained in a communique issued on Monday at the end of a national stakeholders’ engagement on integrated Supplemental Immunisation Activities(SIAs), held in Abuja.
The communique was co-signed by Dr Ahmad Mustafa, representing the traditional institution, Rev Emmanuel Aribasoye, who represented the clergy, and Mrs Ebele Mgbemena, who represented the Ministries, Department and Agencies(MDAs).
They said that poorly managed adverse reactions from immunisation usually inform why some parents develop cold feet to immunising their children.
The NPHCDA, in collaboration with partners, were involved in the stakeholders engagement meeting with faith-based organisations, traditional institutions and representatives of MDAs.
The objective of the stakeholders engagement was to sensitise them on the upcoming integrated SIAs and how they could impact on the success of the campaign.
The engagement was also for them to agree on the expected roles of stakeholders in influencing demands for the vaccines and other Primary Health Care programmes and interventions.
The SIAs will be held in 26 selected states namely including Anambra, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Rivers, Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo.
Others are Osun, Oyo, Benue, FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, Gombe, Jigawa, Zamfara, Yobe and Borno.
The stakeholders recommended that the NPHCDA should conduct advocacy with support, and in collaboration, with key stakeholders.
“NPHCDA should ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to support communication and social mobilisation for all groups – women, students, people living with disabilities and children.”
“NPHCDA should also provide adequate personnel for the campaigns and also support training and capacity building for relevant stakeholders,” the communique said.
The stakeholders said that NPHCDA should promote injection safety, and ensure quality and timely response to adverse events that could arise from immunisation exercises.
“It should also ensure adequate plans for the disposal of immunisation waste materials.
“NPHCDA should also share the call line list of all the stakeholders to state health education officers for sustained collaboration.
“It should endorse and implement all recommendations on the lessons learnt from the previous campaigns for improved programme management,” the communique said.
The participants promised to carry out their roles and responsibilities towards the successful vaccination programme.
They promised to support the planning and proper coordination of the campaigns and also assist in resolving cases of people not ready for the vaccinations.
They also promised to designate focal persons in the respective states and Local Government Areas to ensure successful campaigns.
“We will facilitate strong collaboration with all key stakeholders and mobilise all the relevant MDAs to be part of the project for effective synergy and positive results,” they said.
Speaking with newsmen, the Director, Advocacy and Communications of NPHCDA, Dr Ladan Aliyu, said that the integrated SIAs campaign would commence this month (September).
He said that their would be vaccines for cases of Yellow Fever, Tetanus and Diphtheria (TD), Human Papilloma Virus, among others.
The Director said that the NPHCDA was very much aware of the activities of anti-immunisation campaigners, but noted that they factored the said challenge in their planning stage so as to mitigate it.
“We have what we call Crisis Communication Plan for addressing issues at both national and sub-national levels, depending on the peculiarity of the case.
“The crisis communication plan is being implemented by experts; they are dispelling and quelling some of these rumours that stop people from being immunised.
“Bringing in traditional and religious leaders who are close to every community, to carry out this campaign is also part of our strategy to dispel some of the rumours carried out by anti-immunisation campaigners,” he said. (NAN)
NEWS
Police Officer Commits Suicide in Ogun

The Police Command in Ogun State has confirmed a police officer, Insp Ajele Oloyede, allegedly shot himself in the Igbesa area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed this in a statement issued to journalists in Ota, Ogun state, on Sunday.He said before who the tragic incident at about 1:20 p.
m. on Friday, the deceased officer was on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company,“According to preliminary reports, Tolorunloju Stephen, an officer attached to the Force Headquarters Annex, Lagos,who was also on special duty at the company.
“He had just returned from Ikeja when he entered the security office.
“He found Oloyede resting his head on a table.
After exchanging pleasantries and briefly inquiring about his well-being, Oloyede responded positively.“Shortly after, Stephen proceeded to the restroom but moments later heard a gunshot.
“Rushing back, he found Inspector Oloyede lying in a pool of blood.”
Odutola said that with the assistance of private security personnel, the injured officer was immediately rushed to Ota General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.
She added that the firearm used in the incident had been recovered, and the officer’s body had been deposited at the hospital for an autopsy.
“The Ogun state police command has launched an investigation into the tragic death of Inspector Oloyede, who was reported to have shot himself while on special duty at Goodwill Ceramic Company, Igbesa,” Odutola said.
She noted that the Commissioner of Police had ordered a full-scale investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possibility of foul play or mental health concerns.
Odutola assured that the police swiftly contacted the deceased officer’s family.
According to her, the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, for a thorough investigation.
She extended the Nigeria Police Force’s deepest condolences to the officer’s family, colleagues, and loved ones.
“The command remains committed to the well-being of its officers and will ensure all necessary support is provided during this difficult time,” she added.
NEWS
We Didn’t Borrow to Accomplish Achievements in 3 Years – Gov Soludo

Gov. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has said that his administration achieved significant progress in infrastructure and human capital development in three years without borrowing money.
Soludo made the disclosure on Sunday during a thanksgiving Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Awka, ahead of the celebrations marking his third anniversary in office on March 17.
He said: “I express my gratitude to the Almighty God because it is a journey ordained by God.
Tomorrow, March 17, we will be three years in office.“Three years ago, we applied for this job and you employed us based on trust. Looking back on the promises we made, it is fair to say so far, so good.
“We have commissioned over 750 kilometers of roads, with more than 400km already completed. Additionally, we have recruited over 8,000 teachers and rehabilitated public schools to enhance the education sector.
“We achieved remarkable progress in youth empowerment, agriculture, security, and the health sector. Today, Anambra is leading in health in Nigeria.
“We have done all these without borrowing one kobo in three years.
The governor said his goal was to transform the state into the Dubai, Taiwan, and Silicon Valley of Africa, leveraging its abundant resources and exceptional human capital.
“We still have one more year left in this tenure, and I want to assure you that we will continue working diligently every single day to fulfill the promises we made to you.
“So far, we are on track to laying the foundations for realising the Anambra of our dreams,” he said.
Soludo thanked residents for their support and prayers.
Earlier in his sermon, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Bishop Matthew Kukah, said that serving as a governor, senator, or bishop is a sacred contract with both God and the electorate.
According to him, it is a form of stewardship, where one is entrusted with duties that demand accountability to the people and adherence to personal principles.
Kukah praised Gov. Soludo for his accomplishments over the past three years and for his expression of gratitude to God.
“I’m from Kaduna State, but I must admit I’m jealous of the progress in Anambra. You have consistently had governors who leave their unique mark in terms of good governance.
“Anambra is a state with great men and women like Cardinal Francis Arinze, late Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie, late Dr Alex Ekwueme and many others. And I’m happy that Gov. Soludo is consolidating on the gains.
“I have seen some of the projects by Gov. Soludo and I commend him. These are projects that will improve the quality of life of the people.
“I pray that your agenda for securing the people, for education, health, women and youth empowerment will be achieved by God’s Grace for the betterment of the people,” Kukah said.(NAN)
NEWS
6 Die as Truck Rams Into Vehicles, Pedestrians in Onitsha

The Police Command in Anambra has confirmed that six people died in a multiple-vehicle accident on Saturday at Upper Iweka axis of Onitsha, the commercial hub of the state.
The command’s Public Relations Officer(CPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Sunday that the police had taken over the accident scene to maintain order and facilitate investigations.
“According to eyewitness accounts, the accident occurred due to the loss of control of a truck, which rammed into pedestrians, two tricycles, and a commercial bus loaded with passengers,” he said
Ikenga noted that the crash claimed six lives, while several others sustained injuries and were currently receiving treatment at the hospital.
He added that the bodies of the deceased had been deposited in the morgue.
He added that some relatives of the victims had been contacted and informed about the incident.
Ikenga said that the command extended its condolences to the families and friends of the deceased and wished the injured a swift recovery.
He urged drivers to conduct necessary safety checks before plying the roads to prevent such tragic incidents.
The CPRO assured the public that further updates would be provided as investigations progressed (NAN)