News
Stakeholders urged to embrace HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer

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.
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.
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.
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.
“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
News
Olorogun Olori hails Wike’s political sagacity in South South

Elder statesman, Olorogun Morrison Olori, has hailed the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Chief Nyesom Wike, for his outstanding political leadership in the South-South region and his strategic role in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Olori, an octogenarian and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Delta State, particularly praised Wike for his transformative work as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
In a statement made during a public policy dialogue in Abuja, Olorogun Olori hailed Chief Wike as “a tireless bridge-builder and result-oriented leader who has brought stability and strategic political direction to the South-South and beyond.”
Chief Wike has not only strengthened the political base of the South-South region but has also become a key player in driving the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu through inclusive governance and infrastructural transformation,” Olori said.
Highlighting Wike’s impact as FCT Minister, Olori pointed to the minister’s record-setting performance in the signing of over 5,000 Certificates of Occupancy, as well as his aggressive infrastructure renewal across the city, including road expansions, urban beautification, and housing developments. He described Wike’s efforts as “a masterclass in leadership and vision.”
“His work in Abuja has demonstrated that the Renewed Hope Agenda is not just a slogan—it is being implemented in concrete ways. He is delivering real, visible change,” Olori noted.
Olorogun Olori also emphasized Wike’s political courage in rallying support for national unity and economic revival, particularly in the South-South geopolitical zone, where he continues to serve as a stabilizing force and a voice of progress.
“Wike has used his influence not for personal gain, but to elevate the South-South and to help President Tinubu consolidate the gains of this administration,” Olori added. “This kind of partnership between the presidency and regional leaders is exactly what Nigeria needs right now.”
Olori, however, urged other political leaders to emulate Wike’s commitment to excellence and patriotism, emphasizing that Nigeria needs more leaders who “serve with sincerity and deliver with impact.”
News
Nigeria Felicitates with South Africa on 31st Freedom Day Anniversary

By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has congratulated South Africa on the celebration of its 31st Freedom Day anniversary, marking more than three decades since the end of apartheid rule.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, extended warm greetings to his South African counterpart, His Excellency Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.
Ambassador Tuggar described the day as a reminder of the historic victory of democracy over apartheid and a celebration of the resilient and unified spirit that continues to shape South Africa’s journey.
“Nigeria and South Africa share a profound bond forged through decades of solidarity in the liberation struggle. As we reflect on this milestone, we recall Nigeria’s unwavering support for the anti-apartheid movement, including diplomatic, material, and moral contributions that underscored our commitment to justice and the ethos of pan-Africanism,” the statement read.
Highlighting the strong bilateral ties between the two countries, Tuggar emphasized the shared responsibility Nigeria and South Africa have in promoting peace, security, and inclusive development across the African continent.
He noted that as Africa’s two largest economies and democracies, there is a need to strengthen collaboration in areas such as trade and investment through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), as well as cultural exchanges and youth empowerment.
“Therefore, on this Freedom Day, we stand with South Africa in honouring the sacrifices of heroes like Walter Sisulu, Nelson Mandela, Govan Mbeki, Thabo Mbeki and recommit to working together to realize the vision of a prosperous, peaceful, and united Africa,” he added.
News
Enugu Reps caucus backs concessioning of Enugu airport

The Enugu Caucus in the House of Representatives has thrown its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, describing it as a potential catalyst for the Southeast economy.
The caucus commended the Federal Government for the initiative and urged it to hasten the process to enable the people of the Southeast and the nation to benefit from it in earnest.
It also called on the people of the region to support the concession as the only way to guarantee sustainable investment to fully develop the airport into a truly international facility.
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