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Gov. Mbah vows to deal with individuals, groups dissuading residents against vaccination
Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State says the state government will deal decisively with individuals or groups found dissuading the state’s residents against accepting and receiving vaccinations.
Mbah, represented by his Deputy, Chief Ifeanyi Ossai, gave the warning on Tuesday while flagging-off the Introduction of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination into the Routine Immunisation Schedule in Enugu State.
The flag-off was used to launch a free-of-charge week-long and statewide vaccination of HPV vaccine (meant to prevent cervical cancer) for girls between the ages of nine and 14, which will run from Oct. 24 to Oct. 29.
The governor noted that the state government would not fold its arms and watch those, who are not medically inclined and knowledgeable on medical issues, to rubbish its efforts through social media and other means.
“We are monitoring individuals and groups who are in the habit of dissuading our residents in taking preventive healthcare vaccination meant to better their present and future health.
“As a government, we will not allow those uninformed on health matters to rubbish our huge investment and commitment in the healthcare and well-being of our residents and people.
“We are going to take decisive legal steps on such individuals and groups henceforth. We are monitoring those sabotaging our efforts,” he said.
• Enugu Deputy Gov Ifeanyi Ossai flagging off the vaccination exercise
The governor thanked all health development partners for supporting the government’s resolve to improve the health of all residents of the state especially on preventive healthcare.
He noted that the HPV vaccine and other vaccines administered in the state had been scientifically proven for many years to be safe, effective and without any side effects.
Earlier, Dr Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary, Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EN-PHCDA), said that the HPV vaccination was not just about vaccines and shots, adding that it would foster a culture of health and well-being in the state.
According to Ani-Osheku, it is also about educating our girls and their families about the importance of regular check-ups and screenings.
“It is about spreading awareness about other preventive strategies of Cervical Cancers including abstinence and regular screening as early detection can be the key to survival. It is about encouraging a society that prioritises the health of our women.
“If something were easy, it would have been done by now, if it hasn’t been done, then we know the kinds of obstacles we are about to overcome.
“We face increasing disinformation and distraction from sources easily accessible for example social media that crowd the information space with confusing and conflicting messages and increasing the difficulties we face with building trust and establishing what the facts are in so many things including vaccines.
“The vaccine being introduced today is the Gardacil Vaccine, which has been in use for over 17 years, gone through extensive and rigorous testing and certified effective and free against at least 95 per cent of HPV cervical causing strains,” she said.
She noted that “there is a high possibility of eliminating all forms of cancer”, starting with cervical cancer and when this is done it would be one less thing for young women to worry about as they grow into adulthood.
The executive secretary said that the Agency was not alone on this journey, adding: “We thank the Federal Ministry of Health with the NPHCDA for their doggedness in ensuring the achievement of this laudable project.
“I must not fail to also extend our profound gratitude to His Excellency, Dr Peter Mbah, for the massive support the agency has received and continues to receive; the Deputy Governor who directly oversees the immunization project of the state for his ever constant support.
“We also appreciate our parent ministry and our Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, for his passion to drive the Enugu State health sector to greater heights.
“We thank the CMD Parklane Hospital and our incredible partners (UNICEF, WHO, SYDANI) for staying so engaged with us during the past couple of months and that is why we are where we are today,” he said.
In an address, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, said that cancer, especially cervical cancer, had continued to give those in the medical world a serious cause for concern.
“We will continue to engage in aggressive health promotion and prevention for the benefit of our people and these moves will raise awareness and participation of our residents in health programmes and projects,” Obi said.
In a goodwill message, Mr James Chukwunwedu representing the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), lauded the state government for contributing its counterpart fund for the vaccination as well as putting other logistics on ground for take-off of the HPV vaccine.
Speaking, Dr Adaze Ugwu, State Coordinator of WHO, said that her organization would continue to offer technical support to the state government of Enugu State in promoting health.
Ugwu said: “This, we have demonstrated in many ways including ensuring a successful roll-out of HPV vaccine introduction in the state. We commend other partners in the state for the support they have provided to make this campaign successful as well”.
The HPV vaccination would be introduced into the Routine Immunisation (RI) schedule and would be available in our Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) for those that were missed. The HPV vaccination would eventually be given to girls aged nine years from 2025.
• One casualty recorded, three hospitalized
The Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed building at Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu announced immediate closure of the site pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.
He said preliminary findings indicated structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.
While reaffirming government commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and the elimination of unsafe construction practices, Ojukwu vowed that the incident would mark a turning point in enforcement of building regulations across the state.
He assured that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant structures would face sanctions, while ongoing projects would undergo stricter inspections.
On his part, Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical investigations were ongoing to determine exact cause of the collapse.
He added that government had engaged a team of professionals to carry out a comprehensive structural evaluation.
Recommendations will be implemented
He assured residents that government would implement recommendations from the investigation to strengthen the state’s building control system.
Implementation will also prevent future occurrences while ensuring prosecution of culprits in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said government immediately deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the scene to provide emergency care for the injured, while the Ministry of Health worked closely with other emergency response agencies throughout the rescue operation.
Obidike commended the swift and coordinated response of the Anambra State Government and emergency agencies, describing it as crucial to the rescue efforts and timely medical treatment of victims.
The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Captain. Casmir Nwafor, praised the rapid intervention of the state government and emergency responders, noting that their coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and minimize further risks.
Nwafor urged developers, property owners, institutions, and residents to comply strictly with approved building regulations and safety standards, reaffirming the local government’s support for the enforcement of physical planning laws.
Running to safety
Eyewitnesses, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba said the building, reportedly occupied by students of Federal Polytechnic Oko, collapsed at about 10:00 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and evacuated.
One survivor, Miss Chioma Akabike narrowly escaped moments before the collapse, while rescue operations commenced immediately.
Also present during the inspection were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headed by the Enugu State Head of Operations, Mrs. Priscilla Mbaekwe, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).
Others include: the Anambra State Fire Service, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), who participated in rescue, security, and preliminary technical assessments.
As of the time of filing this report, one fatality had been confirmed, while three injured victims were receiving treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko, as rescue operations continued.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, on Saturday commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for demonstrating that Local Content Policy could be a force for transforming lives and creating socio-economic value through community-focused interventions.
Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at IkaComprehensive High School, Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister said such a strategic investment in the area, with vast possibilities for research and online learning through diverse educational platforms, would bolster human capital development, digital literacy and sustainable community development.
The ICT Centre, built and equipped by the NCDMB, comprises a modern computer laboratory with 50 networked desktop workstations, an interactive smart board, projector, server room and Starlink high-speed Internet connectivity to support digital learning, research and computer-based examinations. Designed to accommodate up to 70 users, the facility also features air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, store and separate convenience facilities. Power reliability is supported by a 15kVA generator and a 15kVA solar power system with battery backup, complemented by a dedicated network infrastructure for seamless connectivity.
“This ICT Centre,” according to the Minister, “is far more than a building equipped with computers; it is an investment in the future of our children and a gateway to knowledge, innovation, creativity and opportunity.” Continuing, he noted that, “Nations that invest in the digital education of their young people today are the ones that will lead the world tomorrow.”
He said the initiative of the Board aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by advancing access to quality education, youth empowerment, digital transformation and inclusive economic growth, as young Nigerians in rural communities acquire relevant digital skills and competencies to participate effectively in a technology-driven economy.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, stated that digital literacy and ICT capacity development remain a key component of the Board’s human capital development mandate aimed at building a skilled workforce for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the broader economy. He noted that the facility would provide students with access to digital learning, research tools, artificial intelligence and global knowledge resources.
“This ICT Centre is more than a building; it is an investment in the future of our young people,” he stated, adding, “It represents our commitment to extending Nigerian Content objectives beyond industry into classrooms, where innovation, technology and skills development can empower the next generation.”
Halilu stressed that the project’s long-term success depends on collaboration among the Board, the school and the host community. He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance and sustainability for future generations.
“Our expectation is not simply to hand over a facility but to see measurable outcomes in the lives of the students who will use it. We therefore call on the school and the host community to safeguard this centre and ensure it continues to deliver value for many years to come.” He added.
Speaking on behalf of the project delivery team, the Managing Director of Standard Institute of Technology Limited, Engr. Alexander Nsidibe, expressed appreciation to NCDMB for the confidence placed in the company to deliver the project. He described the ICT Centre as a demonstration of the Board’s commitment to quality infrastructure development and human capital advancement. He pledged the company’s continued support for the facility’s maintenance for one year after handover, noting that the Centre would enhance students’ digital competencies and prepare them for productive life in industry.
In her welcome address, the Principal General of IkaComprehensive High School, Mrs. Nkom John Umoette, described the ICT Centre as a transformative intervention that would bridge existing digital access gaps. She noted that the school lacked an ICT facility, which constrained students’ exposure to digital learning and computer-based education.
She expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Ekpo and the NCDMB for making the project a reality, stating that the facility would equip students with essential digital skills, improve their preparedness for computer-based examinations, and create greater opportunities for academic excellence and future careers.
A representative of the community commended the Minister and the NCDMB for the delivery of the ICT Centre, noting that the facility would significantly improve access to digital learning and computer-based examinations. He recalled that students previously travelled to Uyo and neighbouring communities to register for and take examinations such as JAMB, incurring additional costs and facing logistical challenges.
Many students are reportedly trapped even as rescue operation is ongoing in Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State where a private student hostel reportedly collapsed Sunday night.
Several occupants are feared trapped beneath the rubble of the three-storey building identified as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed at Amokpala, Oko.
Eyewitnesses said a loud bang was heard moments before the multi-storey building gave way, sending students and residents rushing to the scene in confusion and fear.
“We heard a loud bang, and within seconds people were screaming for help. Everyone rushed out to see what had happened,” an eyewitness said.
Videos and photos circulating on social media showed a large crowd gathered around the collapsed structure as residents, students and emergency responders launched frantic rescue efforts. Local volunteers were also seen assisting in clearing debris in a bid to locate survivors.
Rescue operations ongoing – Police
The Anambra State Police command confirmed the incident in a statement Monday morning saying a coordinated rescue operation was underway.
The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, caved in on July 26, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies.
The statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police-led joint security team swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receiving a distress call adding that the area was secured to prevent further danger while rescue efforts commenced in collaboration with relevant emergency responders.
According to the statement, personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) joined the operation to assist in searching for survivors and evacuating victims from the debris.
The police command disclosed that some injured occupants have already been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment.
However, rescue operations are still in progress, and authorities said the number of casualties or persons trapped could not yet be confirmed.
The command appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the disaster site to enable emergency personnel carry out their duties without obstruction.
Ikenga assured that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.
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