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Folarin Kehinde

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COVID-19 Vaccination: FG Integrates Mass campaign with Childhood Immunization

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Government has disclosed that plans are underway way to integrates mass COVID-19 campaign with the childhood immunization and other Primary Health Care(PHC) services. 

It said this is to ensure that while government is trying so hard to control the transmission of COVID-19, it does not neglect other PHC services or even have outbreaks of childhood vaccine preventable diseases at hands.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency(NPHCDA), Dr Faisal Shuaib at the media briefing on Progress of COVID-19 Vaccination in Nigeria on Tuesday said that alongside the COVID-19 vaccines, childhood vaccines will also be available at COVID-19 vaccination sites

Faisal therefore urged parents or guardians with children aged zero to 23 months to take them along to the vaccination sites as he maintained that the childhood vaccines protect infants against polio, whooping cough, measles, yellow fever, tetanus, tuberculosis, and other childhood preventable diseases. 

“We urge you to please tell your colleagues, friends and loved ones to go to the vaccination sites or health centres nearest to them with their zero to 23 months old children for vaccination against COVID-19 and childhood vaccine-preventable diseases”.

“We call on Nigerians to avail themselves of the opportunity in the on-going mass vaccination exercise to get vaccinated against COVID-19”.

Shuaib further disclosed that as of today, Tuesday January 25th 2022, records shows that 14,093,873 eligible persons have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Nigeria while 5,252,406 eligible Nigerians have been fully vaccinated. 

“However, as one would expect, these results are not evenly distributed across the states of the Federation. Our deep dive into state performances reveals that Nasarawa, Jigawa, FCT, Ogun and Kwara have remained the top 5 performing states on COVID-19 vaccine uptake”. 

“It is noteworthy to mention that Jigawa and Lagos have each vaccinated about 1.5million eligible Nigerians with the first dose, while FCT, Nasarawa, Lagos and Delta are leading on second dose administration with more than 10% of eligible populations in each of the states already vaccinated. 

“It is in our spirit of transparency and accountability that we consider it important to keep Nigerians informed about the progress of COVID-19 vaccination in the states”. 

“We also believe that this information will serve as an encouragement for the states in the vaccine uptake, going forward”.

Shuaib also seeks State Governors supports particularly those on low performance prayed that  Governors should charge them with the responsibility of ensuring that the populace within their constituencies are duly vaccinated”. 

“The Governor should charge the LGA Chairmen and health teams to develop a daily, weekly and monthly Covid-19 and Childhood vaccination targets based on the total eligible populations”.

“The Governor can meet with the LGA Chairmen and health teams on a weekly basis, to review the results of the campaigns and confirm if these targets are being met. This can also be an agenda on the weekly State Executive Council meetings”.

“The Governor can apply accountability mechanisms to the vaccination process by publically rewarding LGA teams that perform the highest and sanctions teams that do not meet the minimum requirements despite the supports”. 

“This can be done in a fortnightly ceremony where the Governor shakes the best performers and issue certificates or plaques of excellence”.

“We understand the challenges of undue vaccine hesitancy in the country, we strongly believe that a more committed approach to implementing mass vaccination will lead to improved vaccine uptake”. 

“This is why our current vaccination phase emphasizes state supervision support to ramp up vaccine uptake especially in low performing states”.

“We want to acknowledge the strong leadership displayed by many Governors in ensuring that their citizens are vaccinated and encourage them to do even more, so we can further improve our vaccination coverage”. 

“Last year, the daily Covid-19 vaccination coverage was about 100,000 people per day. Between December 2021 and January 2022, we have more than doubled this vaccination rate to over 200,000 per day”. 

“With the talents and capabilities of Nigerians, I know we can do better and we must improve to we protect all Nigerians”.

“It is pertinent to reiterate the fact that till date, Nigeria has not recorded any death arising from COVID-19 vaccination. This should further serve to convince everyone that COVID-19 vaccines are safe”. 

“Let me therefore remind all Nigerians, that the second and booster doses are critical to achieving high protection against the virus especially as it keeps mutating”.

“Nigeria introduced booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine on the 10th of December 2021, following the recommendation by WHO for people who have received two doses of AstraZeneca, Moderna, Pfizer Bio-N-Tech or one dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccines.

“In line with his exemplary leadership style, President Muhammadu Buhari received his booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday the 21st of December 2021. So far, 416,980 Nigerians have received their booster dose. This is a clear indication that many more Nigerians are determined to achieve maximum protection against COVID-19”.

“Our Joint Task Force on COVID-19 vaccine monitoring and accountability is still very active and vigilant. The Federal Government is on alert for any report of card vending and other unlawful activities on COVID-19 vaccination. Therefore, we urge everyone to remain law-abiding and compliant with recommended safety measures on COVID-19”. 

“It is our hope that the year 2022 represents the exit and recovery of Nigeria and the rest of the world from COVID-19”.

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Headlines

BREAKING: FG Suspends Planned Petrol subsidy Removal

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The federal government has suspended the planned petrol subsidy removal till further notice.

The government had planned to stop subsidy payments on petroleum products from July this year.

Zainab Ahmed, minister of finance, budget, national planning, said this during a meeting held at the national assembly on Monday in Abuja.
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The meeting was convened at the instance of Ahmad Lawan, president of the senate, with Timipre Sylva, minister of state for petroleum resources, Mele Kyari, group managing director, NNPC Limited, in attendance.

Details Later

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Headlines

JUST IN: Diezani To Be Extradited To Nigeria As Court Issues Arrest Warrant

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has approved a warrant of arrest for the extradition of the former minister of petroleum resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke.

Alison-Madueke, who stays abroad is wanted by the federal government regarding a number of alleged financial crimes including the misappropriation of N34 billion public funds.

Counsel for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farouk Abdullah, presented an arrest warrant to the court on Monday, adding that the former minister must return to the country to defend herself in court.

He argued that the International Police Organisation (INTERPOL) needs it to effect her arrest.

Presiding judge, Bolaji Olajuwon granted the application.

Olajuwon ruled that the court will not sit until Deziani is arraigned during proceedings.

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Headlines

AFCON 2021: The Eagles that Refuse to Fly

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

The sudden defeat of the Super Eagles by Tunisia despite having nine point in the African Cup of Nations Tournament did not just disappoint Nigerians but has generated mix reactions across the country and in the diaspora leaving many in awe despite having a fantastic start defeating Egypt and Guinea Bussiau.

The defeat gave hope for Nigerians and her government enthusiasm to believe that the Eagles would win the AFCON tournament.

The government and notable Nigerians out of eagerness, excitement and motivation for them promised cash reward if they win.

Earlier on Sunday morning before the match against Tunisia began, President Muhammadu Buhari charged the Super Eagles to fly in their match against Tunisia the President spoke with Coach Augustine Eguavoen, , Captain Ahmed Musa , Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), and Nigerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Abayomi Olonisakin.

Mr Buhari said: “You’ve been doing Nigeria proud. You’ve been winning. Please keep on winning. The Federal Government is supporting you, and I say thank you to all the technical crew and the players.. Please keep doing the country proud.”

Unfortunately, the Super Eagles could not get the chance to win their fourth title, just yet, after a 47th minute Youssef Msakni strike sent them out of the tournament.

A cagey first half had it highlights the first of which arrived when Wilfred Ndidi flashed an overhead kick wide as early as the second minute as Nigeria looked to open the scoring.

The first real chance of the evening fell to the Tunisians, but Wilfred Ndidi came to the rescue with a goal-line clearance.

Nigeria responded almost instantly through Joe Aribo, but the Rangers man, after receiving a decent ball from Moses Simon, saw his shot blocked at the last second.

The Carthage Eagles were rattled and could have conceded just past the quarter of the hour, but Taiwo Awoniyi could not get his head to make contact with a side-footed Samuel Chukwueze cross.

The Villarreal winger and Aina combined well on the right flank before the Chelsea academy product sent a low cross into the box which arrived behind Awoniyi.

The rest of the half fizzled out without much Falmouth action as both teams were content keeping the ball away from their area as much as possible.

Moments into the second half, Tunisia broke the deadlock after a fierce Youssef Msakni drive left Okoye with egg on his face.

It was the first time the Augustine Eguavoen-led side would concede the first goal at the Afcon in Cameroon.

The Super Eagles reacted well, raising the tempo, but the ball did not fall kindly to any of Awoniyi or Iheanacho as they pressed for an equaliser.

The evening turned for the worst for Nigeria when the Eagles were reduced to ten men. Alex Iwobi, minutes after coming off the bench, was shown a straight red card for a rash stamp.

Still, Simon should have equalised for Nigeria after a Peter Olayinka cross found him in the box. But goalkeeper Ben Said kept out the Nantes man’s shot.

Okoye saved a fierce Tunisian drive as the North Africans exploited the spaces left behind by the attacking Nigerians.

The Super Eagles were relentless, though, and Simon flashed a free-kick just wide after good work from Umar Sadiq.

Ndidi sent another shot wide when well-placed and Sadiq missed another sitter late on as the crucial equaliser eluded the Super Eagles.

Nigeria’s 100% record in Cameroon ends on a sad note. The Super Eagles leave Cameroon with Tunisia processing to face Burkina Faso in the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile many questions comes to mind on whose fault it is for making the eagles not to fly, the formation by Austin Eguaveon, the eagerness to receive the reward promised or the nature of the tournament characterized by its hype, excitement and disappointment where even the giants are fallen.

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Headlines

Gov. Ugwuanyi Receives Haitians Of Igbo Ancestry Who Visited Their Homeland

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, on Friday, received a Haitian delegation of Igbo ancestry at the Government House, Enugu, amid excitement and fulfillment.

The 10-man Haitian delegation, led by Senator Moise Jean-Charles, were on a home-coming mission to Enugu, the historic capital of Igboland, to perform conventional Igbo rituals such as traditional naming and name adoption, after they traced their roots to Igboland.

Addressing the delegation, Gov. Ugwuanyi represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Simon Uchenna Ortuanya, delightfully welcomed them to Enugu State in particular and the entire Igboland in general, and commended them for the bold step.

Gov. Ugwuanyi also appreciated them for “keeping a date with history, for following your heart, and for following your roots and getting back to your roots”.

The governor, who stressed the significance of the visit, stated that “today is a new beginning for all of us”.

He added: “We open our doors to you and we are ready as we have demonstrated. We also want you to know that changing your names is in agreement with the Igbo tradition that you have a new name for a new born.

“Today, you are born new in Enugu State and in the land of your fathers. Congratulations!”

In his address, the leader of the delegation, Sen. Jean-Charles, who described the visit to Enugu State as home-coming, rooting back to their origin in Igboland, thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi for the hospitality accorded to them in the state.

He recounted the affinity of the people and culture of Enugu State and Haiti, revealing that Enugu has five letters as Haiti and that Enugu and Haiti mean cities on top of a hill.

According to the leader of the Haitian delegation, “I have visited many countries, many places around the world but this is the first time I have visited a country that everybody looks like me”.

Sen. Jean-Charles went further to say: “I have not come here as a foreign person. I have come back home. Before I keep on talking, I want to on behalf of all Haitians, all the blocks in Haiti, to thank you (Ugwuanyi) for receiving us after 218 years.

“We have decided that people in the whole continent of Africa and all of us who are there in Haiti is a wind following the bird from the African continent and it has brought bear in America which means all of us are one”.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, the Chairman, Enugu State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRH Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu, the immediate past President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo and Ozo (Dr.) Ferdinand Anikwe, gave a historic background of the Haitians and their link with Igbos, applauding the visitors for taking such a bold step in identifying with the people of their origin.

The climaxes of the event were the traditional naming and name adoption by the Haitian delegation, which were performed by Igwe Agubuzu in company of other traditional rulers present, dancing of Igede cultural dance by the visitors, and presentation of souvenirs to them by Enugu State government.

Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly, State Executive Council (EXCO), Special Advisers to the Governor, other top government functionaries and the President of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Enugu State Chapter, Prof. Fred Eze witnessed the historic event.

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Africa & World

What Exactly Do Nigerian Music Industry Promote? The ZaZoo Zehh Chronicle

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Kenny Folarin, Abuja

It is no longer news that the Nigerian music industry is now a dumping ground for all sort of music as Nigerians with little or no cash has stormed the industry with no foresight of making positive impact with their music but with vision of making money, fame and attention from teeming Nigerian Youth.

Sadly, many of them do not even know the meaning of what they singing, but just go into the studio and sing whatever comes to mind since Nigerians only dance to beats .

Back in the 80s, the Nigerian music industry was agog with inspiring, knowledgeable songs that teaches, informs and educates the public and some of this songs still reminisce till date.

Songs such as Seun Rere by Christy Igbokwe, Shakara by Fela Kuti, Under Pressure by Ras Kimono, Time na Money by Mike Okiri, Iyogogo by Onyeka Onwenu, and Osondi Owendi by Osita Osadebe to mention but a few are evergreen but the industry is now occupied with nothing but visionless artistes, no wonder there music cannot stand the test of time.

The regulators of the music industry like the toothless dog that cannot bite keeps mum and watch meaningless music and immorality being displayed on national television, rather than instill sanity, they invite some of them to even perform at national events.

No wonder likes of Terry G, Cynthia Morgan, Damoche and a host of others are nowhere to be found again after many years.

To add salt to injury, some Nigerian Nollywood artistes decided to join the music industry but could not even stand the test of time all because maybe because music is not there “calling”.

Without mincing words though, the Nigerian music industry still pride herself among nations with inspiring songs that has transcended the borders of the country, with nominations and awards won globally, yet what their counterpart sing is nothing to write home about.

Recently, The ZaZoo Zehh Crooner, Habib Olamilekan popularly known as Portable joined the industry with
ZaZoo Zehh, which according to him means using Zazoo as a motivation, to educate all hustlers to keep striving and stay focused on their hustling.

“By his words. Using Zazoo as a Protection, to educate people should not lose guard and find a way to protect themselves”.

So what comes to a right thinking mind is the connection of motivation and protection as claimed by him and the lyrics of his song

Paka, paka, Poco Lee (zehh)
Poco Lee gbemi trabaye (zehh)
Jek’a jo zehh oh (zehh)
Poco Lee, ogba dancer oh (zeh nkan to t’eri e)
Set awon werey onijo (shoe gbengben)
Zazoo (zehh)
Koko tua (shoe gbengben)
(‘Ishe lo jawon l’aya oh)
Chain timo wo is a gadu (zeh nkan to t’eri e)
Ago timo wo is a gadu (zehh)
(Zazoo) zazoo (zehh)
OPF, o por fa (zehh)
O ma wo lo school (zehh)
Shoe gbengben, bata Yahoo (zehh)
Zeh nkan to t’eri e (zehh).

Fortunately for him, his song has brought him to limelight such that popular nigerian artistes now align with his style of music with TikTok abuzz with different skits by Nigerians and celebrities showcasing their own style with ZaZoo Zehh.

With the ever increasing rate of unemployment bedeviling teeming Nigerian Youth, the music industry is not an option, rather Nigerian Youth should engage in meaningful things that there own children will be proud of years to come.

Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown, despite the harsh economic situation, many Nigerian Youth are still making waves legitimately in their chosen endeavors as many of them still cut their clothes according to their coats.

It is high time sanity is instilled in the music industry by the regulators and music legends rather than keep silent and watch upcoming artistes sing whatever comes to mind should also braced up to the challenge of sanitizing the industry.

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Sports

Eagles To Face Tunisia As Emefiele Promises $50,000 For Each Goal

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Following their emergence as the leader of group G, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been drawn to play 2004 African champions Tunisia in the round of 16 at the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The match is expected to be played on Sunday at the Roumdé Adjia Stadium in Garoua, Cameroon.

Poor form Tunisia had finished third in Group F behind Mali and The Gambia after losing 1-0 to the West African nation in their final Group F encounter.

The team qualified to the round of 16 as one of the best losers after gathering just three points.

Tunisia recorded one win in the group against Mauritania and lost to Mali in controversial circumstances before a 93rd minute goal from Musa Barrow condemned them to third place in their group.

The Eagles are familiar opponents with the North Africans, having defeated them 1-0 in the third-place match of the 2019 tournament in Egypt, with Odion Ighalo scoring the only goal of the encounter.

Meanwhile billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola, has promised the Super Eagles the sum of $250,000 (N102.89m) if they win the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

The Eagles will also receive N49,389,600 ($120,000) for the six goals they scored in the group stage of the competition based on the promise made by the Coalition Against COVID-19.

CACOVID is a private sector-led platform established to assist the government in combating Coronavirus in the country.

The Coalition had promised to reward the squad with the $20,000 for each goal scored in the group stage.

The Eagles finished the group stage with six goals, which amounted to $120,000.

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, who represented CACOVID during a visit to the team’s camp in Cameroon, said their impressive group stage performance convinced CACOVID to increase the amount for every goal scored to $50,000 in the round of 16.

He said, “I came with a message from the CACOVID. The CACOVID is the coalition of private-sector companies that was set up to fight COVID-19 in Nigeria and they have been happy with the performance of the team

“During the meeting I had with the captain (Ahmed Musa) and the coach (Austin Eguavoen), I delivered a message from CACOVID and the message is that, for every goal that is scored, the team will receive the naira equivalent of $20,000 so far, you have earned for yourself the naira equivalent of $120,000.

“We held a CACOVID meeting again because everyone is overjoyed for everything you’ve done so far, CACOVID has asked me to raise the ante.

“From the round of 16, for every goal scored, you will earn for yourselves as a team the naira equivalent of $50,000.

“Also, Femi Otedola, who is a member of CACOVID, has asked me to tell you that if you lift the trophy, he has in the bank for you, the naira equivalent of $250,000. This is just the beginning and I can assure you that if you win your round of 16 games, another promise might be made.”

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Headlines

In 30 Days, FRSC Records 327 Deaths, 600 Crashes, Moves to Clampdown on Commercial Buses Without Speed Limiter

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

The Federal Road Safety Corps said it would start enforcing the installation of speed limiting devices on commercial buses after 327 people died from 600 road crashes in one month.

The FRSC said 4,649 people were involved in the road crashes that took place between December 15, 2021 and January 15, 2022.

The FRSC Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, disclosed this during a press briefing on the agency’s ‘Operation Zero Tolerance Special Patrol’ on Thursday in Abuja.

The agency’s records showed that 1,916 people were injured during that period.

Also, 11,060 vehicles were impounded, and 20,845 motors booked for various traffic violations during the operation.

He further explained: “Also, a total of 20,845 offenders were apprehended and booked for violating 24,214 different traffic infractions with 11,060 vehicles impounded and 9,787 confiscations recorded.

Read Also: FRSC Clarifies Old Trending Video Encounter with Tricycle Operator in Benin

“However, a comparative analysis of enforcement within the special patrol in 2021 and 2020 indicates 26 per cent increase in road traffic violators, 32 per cent increase in traffic offences, 18 per cent increase in the number of vehicles impounded and 35 per cent increase in the number of confiscations,”.

Oyeyemi attributed the crashes to speed violation, driving under influence of drugs and alcohol, continuous night journey leading to fatigue, dangerous driving, wrongful overtaking, worn out and expired tyres, and overloading.

The road traffic regulator targets a 15 per cent reduction in fatality resulting from road traffic crashes in 2022.

It also seeks to enhance road safety partnership for innovation intervention and consolidate on traffic data system for improved road safety policy formulation.

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Opinion

Like Eguovoen. Nigeria Doctors Can Perform Better Than Your Multi-Million Dollar Foreign Doctors – Reno Told Buhari

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Self-styled opposition voice and alleged President Buhari tormentor, Reno Omokri has lashed out to President Buhari to rejig Nigeria health system, encourage Nigeria medical practitioners whom he said would perform better than President Buhari Multi-Million Dollar foreign doctors and cut waste that had led to untamed borrowing.

Following a congratulatory message extended to the Super Eagles over their unique performances in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations AFCON tournament by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Reno in response reminded the President that the wonderful performance of the Eagles is the handiwork of a local coach, Augustine Eguavoen and a clear indication that if waste is controlled, Nigeria would borrow less and if Nigeria health system is braced, Nigeria wouldn’t lose the much capital flight it loses to foreign medical trips.

“Augustine Eguavoen, is doing better than the multimillion dollar foreign coach, Gernot Rohr.

“Maybe our local doctors would prove to be better than your multimillion London doctors if you give them a chance.

“Maybe our local economy will get better if you stop taking external loans and start cutting internal waste.

“If Augustine Eguavoen can do it with the little he has, believe me, you can do it with the much you have!

Reno used the opportunity to appeal to President Buhari to pay Eguoveon very well like the foreign coaches.

“On a serious note, our government should consider paying Augustine Eguavoen the same mega bucks they paid Gernot Rohr. We cant pay Rohr millions for delivering failure and pay Eguavoen less for delivering success. My people, do I speak well in this? Reno asked.

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