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US Reiterates Commitment to Scaling Up COVID-19 Vaccination 

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US Reiterates Commitment to Scaling Up COVID-19 Vaccination 

US Reiterates Commitment to Scaling Up COVID-19 Vaccination 

By: Michael Mike

The United States has reiterated its commitment to support Nigeria and other countries around the world to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking at the Flag-Off of the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Campaign in Imo State hosted by Governor Hope Uzodinma, the U.S. Ambassador, Mary Beth Leonard, said the United States Global Action plan to help coordinate areas that the world has identified as the most significant barriers to ending the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign will increase COVID-19 vaccine access and uptake amongst the people of Imo State.

Leonard noted that the U.S. has recommitted increasing access to vaccines, boosting vaccine confidence by tackling misinformation, improving last-mile vaccine delivery, and supporting health workers to vaccinate people.  

She said: “Part of this commitment is reflected in the U.S. donation of over 21.8 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, accounting for over 35 percent of the total donations to Nigeria.” 

The United States Government’s commitment is reflected in the technical and logistics support to ensure vaccines get to all citizens who need them the most. U.S. assistance also focuses on getting vaccines into arms so that no vaccines expire unnecessarily when millions of people need them.  

Leonard said: “No one is safe from the pandemic until everyone is safe, and the only way to do that is through safe and effective vaccines.”

Leonard used the opportunity to recognize the efforts of the U.S. -CDC, USAID, and the U.S. Department of Defense Walter Reed Army Program for their support to Nigeria’s vaccine rollout.  In addition, she thanked U.S. CDC’s implementing partner, the Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria (CCFN), for their pivotal role in ramping up vaccine access and uptake in Imo and other states.

Also Read: Nigerian Govt to meet ASUU on Tuesday over strike

She commended Governor Uzodinma for his efforts to make the vaccines available.  She encouraged all those eligible to come out and get vaccinated to secure the health and wellbeing of the Imo people.  She called on community leaders and other gatekeepers to join hands with the government to safeguard the people’s health in the State. “We need your support to champion the vaccination of the people of Imo and protect them from COVID-19.  The U.S. Mission in Nigeria stands with you.”

Imo State is currently one of the states in Nigeria with the lowest vaccine uptake. Recent data ranks Imo as 35 out of 36 states (and the FCT) with only 2.3 percent coverage for COVID 19 vaccinations. The flag-off mass vaccination campaign event serves to accelerate and expand COVID-19 vaccination access and uptake. U.S. – CDC, through PEPFAR American Rescue Plan Act funding and its implementing partner, Catholic Caritas Foundation of Nigeria, are at the forefront of providing that support to all the citizens of Imo State. Through PEPFAR, US CDC supports over 83% of the estimated people living with HIV in Imo state with comprehensive treatment services.

US Reiterates Commitment to Scaling Up COVID-19 Vaccination 

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

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NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

By: Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) on Monday conducted a precision air interdiction mission at a terrorist enclave in Kollaram, within the Marte axis of the Lake Chad region.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the l airstrike, which was executed at approximately 0610 hours, followed credible intelligence and surveillance reports indicating the presence of terrorist elements and their logistical infrastructure in the area.

The sources said that the post-strike Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), shows that the air interdiction resulted in the destruction of key terrorist structures and critical logistics, in the Lake Chad corridor.

A senior military source, who confirmed the operation disclosed that the strike was part of ongoing efforts to maintain aerial dominance and sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves in the North East theatre of operations.

“The operation was carried out with precision munitions tp ensure the neutralisation of only hostile targets. The destruction of these facilities significantly hampers the enemy’s ability to regroup or launch coordinated attacks in the region,” the source said.

He said that preliminary intelligence suggests panic and disarray within the terrorist ranks, with reports of survivors fleeing towards nearby islands for cover.

The source added that further reconnaissance is ongoing to track fleeing elements and prevent any regrouping attempts.

NAF Airstrikes Destroy Terrorist Enclave in Marte Axis of Lake Chad

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Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

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Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

By: Michael Mike

The Federal Government has declared Friday, 18th and Monday, 21st April 2025 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter Celebration.

The Easter festival comes after the 40 days fasting (Lent), with a holy weekend starting with Good Friday, Sunday (the day of Resurrection of Christ) and Easter Monday, all showcasing the virtues of sacrifice and resurrection.

Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo while making the holidays declaration on Tuesday on behalf of the Federal Government, extended heartfelt congratulations to Christians across the country on the joyous occasion.

He emphasized the importance of the holidays to Christians, which embody the virtues of the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ, having to die for the redemption of man.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the minister also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the peace, unity, and stability of the nation.
He reassured citizens of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s unwavering commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to foster national growth and development.

He encouraged Nigerians to extend love and goodwill to their neighbours through acts of kindness and generosity, wishing
all Christians a blissful Easter celebration, while extending warm holiday greetings to all Nigerians.

Friday 18th, Monday 21st Declared Public Holidays for Easter

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ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

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ActionAid, Stakeholders Recommends Ways to Improve Journalism

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has condemned the massacre in Plateau State that left over 40 persons dead, describing it as yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence.

AAN, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu said it
is “outraged by the savage attack on Zike community in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, which left over 40 innocent Nigerians dead in a single night. This cold-blooded massacre, carried out in the early hours of Monday, April 14, is yet another chapter in the shameful cycle of violence that has plagued Plateau State.”

It insisted that: “This was not a sudden or unpredictable tragedy. Community members, raised alarms ahead of the attack. They warned of threats. They called for help. But once again, they were ignored. The attackers stormed Zike around midnight and operated for nearly two hours- killing, burning and destroying- while security forces were nowhere to be found.”

The statement further read that: “ActionAid Nigeria condemns this heinous act in the strongest possible terms and holds the Nigerian government accountable for its continued failure to protect lives of Nigerians in Plateau state and across the country.

“We stand in total and unshakable solidarity with the people of Zike and every community across Bassa, Bokkos, and Mangu that has suffered these atrocities. These are not numbers; these are human beings, families, farmers, and children. Nigerians who deserve to live in peace and dignity.

“ActionAid Nigeria demands immediate and concrete action from both the Federal and Plateau State Governments. These include:

“A thorough, independent investigation into the Zike massacre- followed by prosecutions.

“The urgent deployment of well-equipped and accountable security personnel to protect high-risk communities.

“Direct humanitarian intervention for survivors: shelter, food, trauma care, and medical support.

“A clear and time-bound strategy to end impunity and prevent further violence, with full community participation.

“Structural peace building measures to address the root causes of the crisis- land disputes, ethnic tension, state neglect, and militarised impunity.

The statement further added that: “ActionAid Nigeria also calls on President Bola Tinubu, the National Security Adviser, and the Chief of Defence Staff to go take action. Condemnations after each attack mean nothing if they are not followed by action.

“ActionAid Nigeria will continue to stand with the affected Nigerians, and amplify their voices.”

ActionAid Nigeria Describes Zike Massacre, Another Shameful Cycle of Violence

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