From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC), Ox-Bow Marino Deck, led by the Deck Capoon Timothy Egbonoje has visited the Diete-Koki Memorial Hospital, Opolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a donation of some Waste bins to help in efficient waste collection and disposal, towards ultimately encouraging safe environment.

The Deck Capoon, Timothy Egbonoje, who led the delegation, handed over the waste bins of different colours and sizes to Head of Technical and Works Department of the Hospital, Daniel Amgbare. Speaking, Daniel Amgbare, expressed the hospital management appreciation to the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS PC), Ox-Bow Marino Deck, , on behalf of the Hospital Managing Director, for the gesture of donating waste bins to the hospital.He emphasizes that the donation was an area most people or organizations would not easily look at in terms of lending a hand.He also encouraged NAS PC to continue in the good works it has been doing in the society.Earlier, while handing over the items, the Ox-Bow Marino Deck Capoon, Timothy Egbonoje stated that the donation was Deckhands project of NAS PC.He further expressed concerns about the environment and proper waste management in most hospitals and offices around the state.He pledged further interventions to health institutions and other sectors, aligning with the Association’s objectives.NAS PC has consistently demonstrated its commitment to social responsibility and community development.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

In a testament to his unwavering commitment to protecting the world’s most vulnerable populations, Dr Anisur Rahman Siddique of UNICEF, has been celebrated by Marquis Who’s Who, a prestigious recognition of his life’s work.With a career marked by unwavering dedication and compassion, Dr Anisur has made a lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children and families, earning him a place among the world’s most esteemed humanitarians.

Currently serving as a Senior Advisor and Team leader for Immunization Coverage and Equity at UNICEF headquarters in New York, Dr. Anisur brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering commitment to equity in global health.Anisur Rahman was selected for inclusion in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value.Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.Dr. Anisur Rahman has spent nearly two decades on the frontlines of global health, fighting to protect the most vulnerable—especially children—from vaccine-preventable diseases.His journey has spanned South Asia, Africa, and beyond, shaping immunization strategies, strengthening health systems, and saving millions of lives. For Dr. Anis, this work is not just a profession—it is a calling.From the crowded streets of India to the most remote villages of Africa, his leadership has ensured faster, more equitable distribution of childhood vaccines and, most recently, COVID-19 immunization efforts.His impact extends to preventing the spread of major communicable diseases, including polio, neonatal tetanus, Lassa fever, yellow fever, cerebrospinal meningitis, and monkeypox—threats that could have escalated into national and international crises without timely intervention.Dr. Anisur’s path to public health was unexpected. A graduate of Sylhet Medical College in Bangladesh, he once envisioned himself as a surgeon. But fate had other plans.Witnessing firsthand the devastating effects of vaccine-preventable diseases, he felt a deeper purpose: to protect entire communities, not just individuals.This mission led him to the World Health Organization (WHO), where he played a critical role in Bangladesh and India’s polio eradication efforts. His ability to navigate complex health systems and mobilize communities made him an indispensable leader.In 2007, Dr. Anisur joined UNICEF India, where he managed a social mobilization network of 7,000 community workers—an effort instrumental in eliminating polio from Southeast Asia.In 2016, he took on an even greater challenge in Nigeria, revitalizing the country’s polio program.Against formidable obstacles, his leadership helped Nigeria achieve polio-free status in 2018, paving the way for Africa’s certification as polio-free in 2020—one of the most significant public health achievements in modern history.Dr Anisur’s impact on global health extends well beyond polio eradication.As a leader in immunization equity, he has spearheaded efforts to deliver life-saving vaccines to some of the world’s most underserved populations across Africa, Asia, and South America, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings.His unwavering commitment has ensured that even in the face of crises, children continue to receive essential immunizations.At UNICEF, he leads a dedicated team focused on reaching the most marginalized communities—those who have been entirely missed by immunization programs—through the Zero-Dose initiative, with a strong emphasis on gender equity.His dedication has earned him numerous accolades, including the Paul Harris Fellow Award and special recognition from the Nigerian government. Yet, for Dr. Anisur, the greatest reward is the knowledge that children will grow up healthy and free from preventable diseases because of his work.Beyond public health, Dr. Anisur has another passion—poetry. A professional reciter, he finds solace and expression in the rhythm of words, much like he finds purpose in the rhythm of change.His commitment to humanitarian work is mirrored in his family. His spouse, a gynecologist, shares his passion for medicine, and his children stand by his mission to heal, protect, and serve.With every child vaccinated, every community strengthened, and every life saved, Anis’ journey continues. His story is not just one of achievements, but of deep and relentless commitment to humanity itself.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo’s administration in Kogi State has received widespread praise for its pioneering Annual Media Performance Report, a first of its kind for the state.The comprehensive report, which tracks the media coverage of the administration from January 2024 to January 2025, has been hailed as a milestone in promoting transparency, accountability, and strategic communication in governance.

It has drawn commendations from key stakeholders, including political figures, media professionals, and communication experts both within and outside the state. Ododo expressed pride in the report, emphasizing its importance as a testament to his administration’s commitment to open governance.In his foreword to the report, the Governor highlighted the crucial role of clear and accessible communication in fostering public trust, noting that the report serves not only as a record of achievements, but also as a tool to engage the people of Kogi in a meaningful and transparent manner.The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris also extended his commendation by praising the report as a prime example of the critical role of tracking government activities and using the media to inform decision-making.Idris emphasized that this approach would help the government identify the most effective platforms for promoting its initiatives and recognize areas where improvements may be needed.He commended Ismaila Isah, the Special Adviser on Media and his team for their exceptional work and expressed confidence that the initiative would lead to continued success in Kogi State’s communication strategies.The Secretary to the Government of Kogi State, Folashade Arike Ayoade also lauded the report, highlighting its significance in reshaping the narrative surrounding government reportage in Kogi State.She commended the shift in the reportage of the activists in the state through a proactive approach in ensuring that the media tells the government’s story.Ayoade emphasized the role of the report in documenting the administration’s impact and ensuring that future generations have access to accurate records of the state’s progress.The Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kogi State, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo praised the report, noting the importance of teamwork in its success.He highlighted the collaboration between the media team and government officials, saying that it exemplified how effective government communication could be achieved through shared effort.Fanwo expressed confidence that this initiative would further enhance the state’s media practices and public engagement, promoting transparency and accountability by documenting history.