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FG Backs National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Rollout

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FG Backs National Measles-Rubella Vaccine Rollout

The Federal Government has pledged robust communication and advocacy support for the upcoming nationwide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled for October 2025.

This assurance was given by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, during a courtesy visit to his office by the Centre for Well-Being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS) on Tuesday.

Idris praised the team’s commitment to public health and child wellbeing. He affirmed the Ministry’s readiness to champion public sensitization efforts that will ensure the campaign’s success.

“You have come to the right place,” the Minister said. “The Ministry of Information and National Orientation exists to support and amplify initiatives like this. We will work with you and relevant agencies under our Ministry—including the National Orientation Agency and public media institutions—to ensure Nigerians are well-informed about the dangers of rubella and the need for vaccination.”

The Minister described the C-WINS presentation as both emotional and enlightening. “Today, I have learned a lot,” he said. “Many Nigerians, like myself, may be familiar with measles but are unaware of rubella and its devastating effects. That children can be born blind, deaf, or with heart defects due to maternal rubella infection is a tragedy we must work together to prevent.”

He emphasized the Ministry’s readiness to co-develop strategic messaging and support public education efforts nationwide. The Minister also encouraged the team to engage the National Assembly for broader legislative support. “We don’t want this to be a one-off meeting,” he said. “Let’s make this partnership continuous, impactful, and far-reaching.

“Prevention is better than cure—and this is one area where information truly saves lives.”

Earlier, the delegation from C-WINS, led by Project Lead Dr. Nihinlola Mabogunje, briefed the Minister on the urgent need to raise public awareness ahead of the October campaign and also delivered a comprehensive presentation on the life-saving importance of the Measles-Rubella vaccine.

She highlighted the highly infectious nature of measles, which continues to cause severe illness, complications, and death, particularly among malnourished or immunocompromised children, stating that Nigeria currently accounts for nearly 20% of global measles cases, with the Northeast region bearing over 60% of the national burden.

On rubella, she explained that it’s an often-overlooked threat, especially to pregnant women. Contracting rubella in the first trimester can result in Congenital Rubella Syndrome (CRS), leading to babies born blind, deaf, or with severe heart abnormalities.

Dr. Mabogunje assured the Minister of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, noting that the Measles-Rubella vaccine has been used worldwide for over 50 years and it is credited with saving more than 94 million lives. She also praised NAFDAC’s stringent regulatory review and endorsement of the vaccine for safe use in Nigeria.

Calling for unified action, she urged the Ministry to lead a national communication effort to combat misinformation and build public trust. “To reach the target of 95% vaccination coverage, we need accurate, trusted, and consistent messaging delivered through the channels that everyday Nigerians rely on,” she said.

In response, the Honourable Minister directed that the Ministry’s communication team collaborate closely with C-WINS to co-create culturally sensitive campaign materials that will be disseminated through both public and private media channels nationwide.

Newsdiaryonline.com

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BREAKING: Tinubu Issues Nationwide Message to Nigerians , “We Will Never Surrender”

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country will never yield to forces seeking to destabilise its peace, unity, and sovereignty.

The President spoke while hosting religious and traditional leaders for an interfaith breaking of the fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

A statement shared via X, by Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu acknowledged the critical role of religious and traditional figures in fostering peace and moral guidance across communities.

“Yes, we are challenged; the terrorists are very desperate now because they are getting barraged and defeated, they leave trails of blood in their wake.

But I assure you of one thing: Nigeria will never surrender. We are not discouraged. We are going to win and win well,” he said.

The President emphasised that the government remains committed to protecting citizens and securing the nation from insurgents and other threats to stability.

President Tinubu also reflected on the economic progress since assuming office, highlighting measures to stabilise public finances and support pensioners.

“I am just grateful, one person among millions, that I have been given the opportunity to serve. And all I can do is promise that I will continue to be faithful in discharging my duty.  I can report that the economy has turned the corner. It is getting better. Pensioners are getting their relief gradually. We have saved Nigeria from bankruptcy,” he stated.

He added that his administration has ensured that no governor struggles to pay salaries and is focused on long-term development in sectors such as agriculture and education to leave a lasting legacy.

In his remarks, Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar, praised President Tinubu for bringing together leaders of Nigeria’s major religions, describing the occasion as a symbol of national unity.

He prayed for guidance, protection, peaceful coexistence, and the President’s success. Representing the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe underscored the importance of faith leaders in promoting harmony.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), through Archbishop Daniel Okoh, assured President Tinubu of the church’s continued support for his government’s efforts to transform the economy and strengthen security.

Traditional rulers and religious leaders from all six geopolitical zones attended the event, reinforcing the administration’s message of national unity, peace, and resilience.

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SO SAD: Top APC Chieftain Collapses, Dies In Abuja; Party Reacts 

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed that it is “shocked and deeply saddened” by the death of “a highly respected” party chieftain, Chamberlain Dunkwu.

Dunkwu, president of the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, tragically passed away after collapsing at his residence on Saturday morning, March 7, 2026. His sudden death came just hours before he was scheduled to attend the “Swim to the Future” programme, a key talent discovery event he had helped organise at the National Stadium Swimming Pool (Package B) in Abuja.

According to Leadership, sources close to the family confirmed that efforts to revive Dunkwu were unsuccessful.

Apart from leading the Nigeria Aquatics Federation, Dunkwu also served as deputy chief of staff (legislative) to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas. Previously, he was a special adviser on members’ affairs to the Speaker of the 9th House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

In its condolence message, signed by national spokesperson Felix Morka, the APC described Dunkwu as “an energetic, selfless, and loyal party man who contributed enormously to building and strengthening the party in his native Ika federal constituency, Delta State, and beyond.”

The APC’s statement reads on X: “Dr. Dunkwu lived a vibrant life of service and philanthropy that touched many within and beyond his homeland. His exit has created a yawning void that will be difficult to fill. Our Party prays God to grant his immediate family the fortitude to bear this huge loss. And may He comfort all members of the APC family in Ika Federal Constituency, Delta State and around the country at this difficult time.”

It added: “Amazing Grace! Amazing Grace! May His Grace lead you home, and may it be true for you as proclaimed in the old hymnal: “To that old rugged cross I will ever be true, its shame and reproach gladly bear; then he’ll call me someday to my home far away, where his glory forever I’ll share.” Fare thee well, dear compatriot!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Iran: Tension As Explosion Rocks Second US Embassy

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An explosion hit the Embassy of the United States, Oslo in the Norwegian capital early Sunday, authorities said, but no injuries were reported.

The incident comes shortly after Iranian missile and drone attacks targeted U.S. interests and allied locations in the Gulf, including strikes around Doha, Qatar, as Tehran retaliates against U.S. and Israeli military operations.

According to the police, the explosion damaged the entrance of the embassy’s consular section.

Police incident commander Michael Dellemyr told Norwegian broadcaster NRK that officers received several reports of a loud blast before arriving at the scene.

“At around 1:00 am we received several reports of an explosion. We arrived shortly afterwards and confirmed that there had been an explosion that hit the US embassy,” he said.

Dellemyr said the damage to the building appeared minor, adding that it was too early in the investigation to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

“We are not going to comment on anything related to the type of damage, what exploded or similar details because it is still very early in the investigation,” he added.

However, he later told broadcaster TV2 Norway that investigators believe the incident may have been carried out deliberately.

Police said officers were speaking with witnesses while bomb disposal experts were deployed to the area.

Residents living near the embassy reported hearing a loud blast before police vehicles, helicopters and drones were deployed to the scene.

A 16-year-old witness identified as Edvard told TV2 he was watching television when the explosion occurred.

“My mother and I first thought it came from our house, but then we saw flashing lights outside and a lot of police,” he said.

Authorities cordoned off a large area around the embassy as investigations continued.

The incident comes as American diplomatic missions worldwide remain on heightened alert following tensions linked to military operations involving the United States and Iran.

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