From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

As part of activities marking the World Immunization Week 2025, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has organized a two day Media Dialogue with journalists across the 12 states cover by their operations.

The media dialogue by UNICEF in collaboration with Broadcasting Corporation of Abia state took place at Fidelma Hotel Enugu state had in attendant media practitioners from Abia, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bayelsa, Cross river, Benue, Ebonyi, Enugu, Rivers, Delta, Imo and Kogi states.

In her opening remark, Chief of Field Office UNICEF, Enugu, Juliet Chiluwe,  at the Two-Day Multi Zonal Media Dialogue on 2025 World Immunization Week (WIW), Heralding the Theme:: ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible’  said  the  occasion was to foster dialogue that will help promote and provide quality immunization services to everyone, especially the children we serve.

“Today kick-starts the WIW commemoration across the world and UNICEF joins efforts with health care providers and governments to promote the values of immunization services as should, which entails getting to the last mile.

“UNICEF uses this opportunity to emphasize that Vaccines are proof that less disease, more life is possible when we put our minds to it. It’s time to show the world that ‘Immunization for All is Humanly Possible’. Vaccines remain one of humanity’s greatest achievements and over the last 50 years, essential vaccines have saved at least 154 million lives. That’s 6 lives a minute, every day, for five decades. 

“In 2025, as we approach World Immunization Week (WIW) 2025, themed, “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible”, it’s essential to underscore the continued relevance of this global observance. The theme reaffirms the feasibility and necessity of protecting everyone, from newborns to the elderly, against vaccine-preventable diseases, through inclusive and equitable immunization services.

“In all these years UNICEF, in partnership with the media as a reliable ally and other development partners, continued to provide strategic and operational support in the following areas: Advocacy, Communication, and Social Mobilization (ACSM)
Logistics and Cold Chain Support:
Infrastructure Strengthening such as establishment of oxygen gas plants to strengthen health systems in states Routine Immunization Support”.

Juliet commended the contributions from state governments that compliments UNICEF’s efforts  and urge them  not relent in this partnership but build momentum on progress made so far by continuing to provide budgetary allocations to ensure they get to the last mile where every eligible child gets lifesaving vaccines to survive and reach their full potentials.

From Joseph Ebi Kanjo

Edo State government has vowed to bring to justice the killers of a Benin-based realtor and business man, Mr Joel Umwueni Isibor.

The 42 years old estate developer and owner of a boutique was sent to his untimely grave by unknown gunmen who broke into his store on Friday evening, penultimate week, and shot him at a close range.

The state deputy governor, Hon.

Dennis Idahosa, made the vow on Sunday on behalf of the state government when he visited the residence of the family of the deceased to commiserate with the bereaved family over the untimely death of their patriarch.

Idahosa, who said he received the news of the killing with a huge shock, condemned in strong terms the gruesome murder of the Benin-based realtor.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

Idahosa said Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, was deeply touched and saddened over the gruesome murder of a vibrant young and energetic man.

He assured that the state government would not leave any stone unturned to fish out the perpetrators of the dastardly act and bring them to book.

He warned criminal elements to relocate from Edo State as the government would not compromise its stand on dealing decisively with criminals and their collaborators, using the instrumentality of the law, to serve as deterrent to others.

Idahosa added the state government would synergise with security agencies to launch high scale investigation into the matter, with a view to apprehending the perpetrators of the heinous act and bring them to justice.

He assured the bereaved family of the state government’s unwavering commitment to identify with them.

Responding, Mrs Joel Isibor, wife of the deceased business man, appreciated the state government for its prompt response to commiserate with the family, and described her husband’s death as a heinous crime against humanity.

She said the assailant laid ambush for her husband, while trying to lock the shop after the day’s business and opened fire on him, without any provocation, adding that nothing was removed from the store which painted a true picture of a well orchestrated assassination.

Mrs. Isibor said she was completely devastated, as the husband was the bread winner of the family and appealed to the state government to carry out thorough investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding the gruesome murder of her husband.

The deputy governor who was in a sober mood could not controlled his emotions as he broke down in tears.

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By Tony Obiechina Abuja 

In a groundbreaking leap for Nigeria’s healthcare and education sectors, Nigeria has reached a transformative milestone in healthcare education. 

This is just as annual nursing enrollment has surged from 28,000, as it was on May 28th 2023 when the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led-administration was inaugurated, to an unprecedented 115,000 as a result of Mr.

President’s initiative.  

The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, focusing on revitalizing the education and health sectors.

In line with the administration’s emphasis on Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Medical Sciences (STEMM), the Federal Ministries of Education and Health & Social Welfare, under the leadership of Dr.

Alausa and his counterpart, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, have successfully surpassed the initial set out target of 110,000 nursing students annually enrolled at our nursing colleges to 115,000. 

The Minister thanked stakeholders, industry leaders, the Nigerian Council of Nurses and Midwifery, teaching hospitals, and Ministry staff for their contributions towards this great achievement.

According to a statement by Mrs Folashade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations on Monday, “This increased enrollment capacity signals a transformative era for nursing education in Nigeria, positioning the country to meet domestic and global demands for qualified healthcare professionals”