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Stakeholders urged to embrace HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer

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By Francesca Hangeior

A management consulting firm, Sydani Group, has called for collaboration between the government and stakeholders to create widespread acceptance of the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to eliminate cervical cancer in the country.

The firm made the call in a press statement on Wednesday signed by the Project Lead, Grace Erekosima.

HPV is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract, mainly transmitted through sexual contact, and most people become infected with HPV shortly after the onset of sexual activity.

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HPV vaccines are vaccines that prevent infection by certain types of Human Papillomavirus. The HPV vaccines have the potential to prevent more than 90 per cent of HPV-attributable cancers.

According to the United Nations, cervical cancer is the third most common cancer and the second most frequent cause of cancer deaths among women aged between 15 and 44 years in Nigeria. In 2020 – the latest year for which data is available – the country recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer.

However, vaccination against HPV and screening and treatment of pre-cancer lesions are cost-effective ways to prevent cervical cancer.

Sydani Group said the alarming figures attributed to cervical cancer underscore the urgency of addressing the disease.

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It highlighted that “To combat this growing health issue, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and with the support of Gavi and partners like Sydani Group, rolled out the HPV vaccine as part of Nigeria’s routine immunisation schedule.”

Recall that on October 24, 2023, the Federal Government introduced the first phase of the HPV vaccine into the routine immunisation system, targeting over seven million nine to 14 girls, which is the largest number in a single round of HPV vaccination in the African region.

The first phase encompassed 16 states, including Abia, Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Benue, Enugu, Jigawa, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Ogun, Osun, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory.

The nationwide introduction, beginning in October 2023, aims to protect young girls from HPV before they are exposed to the virus.

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The second phase of the rollout began on May 27, 2024.

The second phase encompassed Borno, Cross River, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Gombe, Imo, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Niger, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Yobe, and Zamfara.

According to Sydani Group, stakeholders played a crucial role in advocating for the vaccine rollout, fostering awareness, and addressing misconceptions about the HPV vaccine.

“Traditional leaders, such as Alhaji Isa Idris, the Chief of Jiwa, mobilised their communities, and urged them to prepare for the vaccine’s introduction. Similarly, the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools in Benue State was instrumental in cascading information about the vaccine to various communities, emphasizing the importance of protecting adolescent girls.

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“This collective effort at both the governmental and grassroots levels is essential to achieving widespread acceptance of the vaccine. Despite some initial hesitancy, particularly due to a lack of knowledge, advocacy visits and community engagement have significantly boosted acceptance. These efforts aim to address the public’s concerns, ensuring that the target population of girls aged nine to 14 is adequately vaccinated.

“As the HPV vaccine routinisation continues, stakeholders are encouraged to further intensify their efforts. By working in collaboration with key partners like Sydani Group, NPHCDA, and state governments, Nigeria is making significant strides toward eliminating cervical cancer and improving public health outcomes for future generations,” it added

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Why British High Commission installed London phone booth at Lagos Airport

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The British High Commission has installed a replica of the London phone booth at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2) to mark the kick-off of its ‘JollofandTea’ campaign in Lagos.

The commission’s Head of Communications, Ms Aseosa Uwagboe, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the campaign was to support cultural and creative ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

She said the campaign included a physical activation of iconic British phone booths designed to showcase United Kingdom and Nigeria links across a variety of areas such as art, fashion, sports, education and transport.

According to her, the rest of the phone booths will be launched in other popular locations in Lagos and Abuja.

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“We are so excited to be here today to launch the first phone booth for Jollof and Tea. This is our new campaign to support the link between the UK and Nigeria, from our education to obviously transport.

“We are so excited to be working with the airport to have this done today. We really encourage everyone to find our booths located around Lagos and Abuja,” Uwagboe said.

Explaining the reasons behind the drawings on the booth, she said:

“We really want people to enjoy and have a feel of the booth when they come across one, and if you have a look, you will see some of the iconic transport mediums in Lagos or Nigeria.

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“Specifically, we have the Third Mainland Bridge, the underground as well, just to show the different connections between our countries.

“We encourage people to find the booths around Lagos and Abuja. Tag ‘JollofandTea’ when you share on your social media handles and follow the UK in Nigeria,” she said.

On the partnership with the MMA2, the Acting Chief Operating Officer/Head of Aeronautics at Bi-Courtney Aviation Services, Mr Remi Jibodu, said that it would promote the culture of both countries.

According to him, the installation creates an opportunity for people in terms of history to be able to know the kind of relationship that both countries have.

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He also described it as a very strategic positioning for Bi-Courtney, being the foremost airport in Nigeria, that has a mix of passengers.

“For us, it is one of those things that we like to have in terms of collaboration. We have a cross mix of people who come here, that is why we refer to MMA2 as more than a terminal,” Jibodu said.

The JollofandTea campaign was launched on Nov. 4 by British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter.

Baxter had said that the campaign was designed to showcase the partnership between the United Kingdom and Nigeria, particularly in the creative and cultural sectors.

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According to him, it will help to raise awareness about the existing connections between the United Kingdom and Nigeria and take farther ongoing efforts by both countries to strengthen people-to-people links.

Source: nairametrics

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Don Jazzy Spend 2 Billion Naira On Luxurious Cars At Once + Video

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The identity of the “very special client” mentioned by M_jautos has finally been revealed. On July 5, 2024, we reported about a notable Nigerian client who purchased all brand new SUVs worth 2 billion Naira in a single transaction. That special client is none other than Don Jazzy.

Michael Collins Ajereh, known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a well-known Nigerian record producer and singer. He founded the record label Mavin Records in 2012, which has signed notable artists including D’Prince, Rema, and Ayra Starr.

Recently, a popular Nigerian car dealer based in the United States, Mr. Jay Autos Ltd., shared on Instagram the latest SUVs en route to Nigeria’s port. At that time, no name was mentioned; however, Don Jazzy later took to his own page to congratulate himself on a lineup of these high-end vehicles. The collection includes a 2024 Rolls Royce Phantom Mansory, a 2024 Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography LWB, and a 2024 Cadillac Escalade 600 Premium Luxury Edition.

Watch video below:

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According to M_jautos, the total worth of these SUVs is 2 billion Naira, as revealed by the auto dealer in the comment section. When one of his followers commented, “Over 1.8 billion right there,” Mr. Jay Autos Ltd. replied, “It’s up to you, sir.”

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Bandits overrun 14 communities in Southern Kaduna – Locals allege

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A youth group in Dokan Daji, Southern Kaduna, has called on the military for urgent intervention following devastating attacks that have reportedly left over 14 communities overrun by bandits.

The leader of the group, Aminu Khalid, stated that the persistent attacks had rendered their communities vulnerable, with the region suffering from unchecked violence for years.

According to Khalid, Dokan Karji, the largest community in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, has been particularly affected.

“Over 50 people have been killed, and more than 170 abducted since April. Many have been held captive for over six months, with over ₦700 million paid as ransom,” Khalid said in a statement.

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He appealed to the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, and the Federal Government to deploy military forces to halt the constant kidnappings and killings by bandits.

Khalid further explained that the relentless attacks have worsened insecurity in the region, forcing many residents to flee their homes.

“Dokan Karji was once a peaceful farming community where economic activities thrived. Now, it has become a hotspot for bandit activities. The absence of military protection has emboldened the attackers,” he lamented.

The attacks have led to frequent kidnappings, killings, and the displacement of hundreds of residents. “The recent attack on farmers serves as a stark reminder of the deteriorating security situation in our area,” he added.

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Khalid highlighted the tragedies endured by families, who continue to suffer losses due to the ongoing violence.

“Our only hope for survival lies in swift action by the military and the Federal Government. We appeal to the Chief of Defense Staff to rescue our endangered communities that have endured brutal attacks and constant killings,” he said.

He commended the efforts of the Sector 7 Commander in combating bandit activities in the region.

“He has fought gallantly to restore peace in our communities, and he deserves our commendation,” Khalid noted.

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The plea from Dokan Karji underscores the urgent need for military intervention to address the escalating security crisis in Southern Kaduna.

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