Integrated campaign to boost health of 1m children, women in Gombe

The Gombe State government in collaboration with the Federal Government and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has inaugurated the National Immunisation Plus Days campaign in the state.

The integrated campaign is targeting 1, 046, 553 beneficiaries, comprising 832, 427 children for vaccination against polio and 214,126 pregnant women to be provided multiple micronutrient supplements.

Mr Manassah Jatau, the state’s Deputy Governor while inaugurating the campaign on Friday in Swa community in Balanga LGA of Gombe State said the event also marked the launch of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).

Jatau who was represented by Dr Ahmed Kashere, Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State Primary HealthCare Development Agency described the campaign as crucial towards protecting the health of children and expectant mothers.

He said that the integrated campaign would ensure that children were protected from diseases that threaten their lives.

“This campaign targets 832,427 eligible children and pregnant mothers across 11 LGAs, focusing on polio vaccination for children under five.

“It will ensure vitamin A supplementation for 770,852 children aged 6-59 months, to boost their immune system and prevent night blindness

“Deworming for children aged 12-59 months, to improve their nutritional status and reduce the burden of worm infestation would also be part of the campaign.

“During the exercise, malnutrition screening for children aged 6-59 months, to identify and manage malnutrition early would be carried out.

“Multiple micronutrient supplements would be provided for 214,126 pregnant women, to ensure they have the necessary nutrients for a healthy pregnancy,” he said.

According to him, Sulphadoxine pyrimethamine will be provided for pregnant women, to prevent malaria and its complications.

Jatau stated that the campaign would also feature health education on key household practices, to empower communities across the state with knowledge on healthy living.

He urged all stakeholders, community members, and well-meaning individuals to support the campaign, towards protecting children, pregnant women, while promoting healthy practices in communities.

The deputy governor commended development partners for their continued support and commitment to improving health outcomes in the state while also appreciating community leaders and health workers for their contributions.

Mr Haruna Gambo, the Zonal Technical Officer, National Primary HealthCare Development Agency restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the wellbeing of children and mothers across the state and country.

Gambo said that the collaborative approach through the integrated campaign would strengthen the immunisation system towards improving the health of communities.

In her remarks, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief UNICEF Bauchi Field Office said that the earlier campaign in the year recorded remarkable success, reaching thousands of children.

Rafique said that the success of the earlier campaign demonstrated what is possible when governments, communities, health workers, and partners unite behind a common goal.

She stated that immunisation remained one of the most powerful tools to protecting children from life-threatening, yet entirely preventable, diseases.

“In Gombe State, the immunisation campaign is being integrated with the MNCHW to ensure that more children and mothers are reached with essential health services.

“As part of our support, UNICEF has provided over 20,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women.

“We have also provided over 700,000 doses of Vitamin A to boost the immunity of children and keep them healthy,” she said.

While thanking all donors and governments at all levels, Rafique called on parents, caregivers, community leaders, and partners across all sectors to “help ensure that no child is missed.”

Mothers who came out en masse with their children told our Correspondent that they were appreciative of the government and development partners’ efforts at offering them free vaccines and supplements.

According to them, mothers and their children in their community no longer fall ill as they used to since they embraced health initiatives from the government and donor partners.

Integrated campaign to boost health of 1m children, women in Gombe

KACRAN Urges Defence Minister to Prioritise Non-Kinetic Solutions, Justify National Confidence

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has called on the newly appointed Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd), to live up to the unprecedented national confidence expressed in his appointment by urgently deploying strategic, non-kinetic approaches to Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.

In a statement signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Moh’d Bello, the association noted that General Musa enjoys broad acceptance across the country, but warned that this goodwill comes with extraordinary expectations from the President, the National Assembly and the public.

KACRAN said Nigeria is experiencing “perhaps the most serious security challenges in its history,” with citizens and government united in their demand for immediate action to stop kidnappings, school abductions, destruction of farmlands, cattle rustling, attacks on worship centres and the killing of innocent people.

The group said General Musa’s reputation for outstanding performance in previous military assignments—ranging from operations in Liberia to his role in the North East and his tenure as Chief of Defence Staff—has elevated public expectations that he can quickly turn the situation around.

KACRAN stressed that the minister faces an unusually narrow window to deliver results, given the political timetable ahead of the 2027 general elections. With political activities expected to intensify by 2026, the group argued that the success of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and several governors seeking re-election may hinge largely on whether the new defence minister can significantly reduce insecurity within the next year.

The association warned that if security conditions either stagnate or deteriorate, the current administration could face the kind of electoral backlash experienced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015. It therefore projected that General Musa is expected to achieve “six years’ worth of progress in one year.”

KACRAN, while expressing full confidence in the minister’s capacity, urged him to deploy a balanced approach that goes beyond force-based operations.

It recommended: Comprehensive Strategic Mapping: analysing all security threats in order to understand their root causes; Hybrid Response Models: prioritising dialogue and negotiation where feasible and limiting kinetic action to situations where it is unavoidable; Open-Door Engagement: maintaining a channel for citizens and stakeholders to share intelligence and offer constructive solutions.

KACRAN appealed to Nigerians especially traditional rulers, political actors, and security agencies to support the new Defence Minister with timely information and cooperation, stressing that national security requires joint effort.

The association also reaffirmed its willingness to work closely with the Defence Ministry and urged General Musa to give serious consideration to its specific proposals for ending insecurity in the North West and North Central regions within three to six months using minimal military force.

KACRAN Urges Defence Minister to Prioritise Non-Kinetic Solutions, Justify National Confidence

Bauchi Youth dies after fight during naming ceremony in Warji

By: Zagazola Makama

A 20-year-old man, Haruna Haruna of Kwata Village, Warji Local Government Area, Bauchi State, has reportedly died following a violent altercation during a naming ceremony on 2 December 2025.

Zagazola understands that a misunderstanding among some youths at the ceremony escalated into a physical fight, leaving the victim in a comatose state.

He was rushed to General Hospital, Warji, but later died while receiving medical attention.

Police operatives have arrested one Gambo Yobe, 20, in connection with the incident.

Bauchi Youth dies after fight during naming ceremony in Warji