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Childhood killer diseases: NGO gets $29m grants to reach 1m caregivers

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An International Non-Governmental Organization, New Incentive, said it has received a grant of $29 million under it project – All Babies Are Equal targeted to reach over one million caregivers and immunize their infants against childhood killer diseases in four Northwest States of Katsina, Jigawa, Zamfara and Sokoto.

These childhood killer diseases include, tuberculosis, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B, Haemophilus influenzae type b, pneumococcal disease and measles.

The Stakeholder Relations Director, New Incentive – All Babies Are Equal, NI-ABAE, Nura Muhammad disclosed this during a meeting with stakeholders from the benefiting states held in Kano.

Muhammad said the grant would be disbursed as conditional cash transfer to support the caregivers to ensure they avail their infants for the Immunization.

He said, “New Incentive – All Babies Are Equal, NI-ABAE has received commitments of over $29 million of funding over the next 3 years to reach over 1 million caregivers and their infants in Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto States. This covers expansion to 35 LGAs with continued operations through Dec 2023.

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“The organization aims to reduce child mortality through cost-effective and evidence-based health interventions. In Nigeria, the organization operates as the All Babies Are Equal Initiative and implements the conditional cash transfers (CCT) for routine immunization (CCTs for RI) program.

“The flagship CCTs for RI program operated by ABAE disburses cash incentives to caregivers conditional on infants receiving four vaccines: BCG (against tuberculosis), PENTA (against diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b), PCV (against pneumococcal disease), and MCV (against measles).

These vaccinations are part of the routine schedule for infant immunizations in Nigeria and are provided at no cost to the caregiver through government-supported clinics. Upon confirmation of their infant receiving a vaccine, the caregiver receives ₦500 for the first four routine immunization visits and ₦2,000 for the fifth visit.

“The cash transfers compensate for transport, lost trading income, and waiting time while creating behavioural change through awareness of routine immunizations.

“The CCTs for RI Program has been implemented in the states of Katsina, Zamfara, 2017 while Jigawa in 2018. To date, the program has enrolled over 390,000 infants whose caregivers have received over 1 billion naira in conditional cash transfers. An independent impact assessment of NI-ABAE’s CCTs for RI program (2017 – 2020) found that the program increases the likelihood that children would be fully immunized by 27 percentage points, and increases rates of individual vaccinations by 14 to 21 percentage points. Beyond vaccination, the assessment found that the program contributed to improved knowledge about vaccination among caregivers in the catchment areas served by the program.

“Immunization is one of the most effective public health interventions, saving 2 to 3 million lives yearly (WHO) and there is evidence that suggests a 27 percentage points increase in the likelihood that children would be fully immunized by a conditional cash transfers for routine immunization program (NI-ABAE RCT Impact Assessment 2017-2020),” the Stakeholder Relations Director, Nura Muhammad however said.

 

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News Analysis: Wike in the Wilderness as Fubara Dines with the APC

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

On Friday, December 12, 2025, the Rivers State governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was issued the membership card of the ruling All Progressives Congress(APC).

The party’s membership card issuance took place at the Rivers State government house, and it marks the official transitioning of governor Fubara to the fold of the ruling party, APC.

Speaking during the officiating, governor Fubara expressed joy, stating that President Tinubu’s vision will now be shared with the state.

“To everything under the sun, there is a time and season and I am happy today that I formally obtained the membership card of the APC.

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This primarily, is to align our dear state with the ruling party at the centre, with a firm belief in Mr President and the Renewed Hope Agenda to rapidly contribute to the growth, stability and development of Rivers State,” Fubara said.

The sudden and shocking defection of governor Fubara from the PDP to APC has been one of the top trending national discourse recently.

Netizens have proclaimed the “use and dump” tactics on Wike, saying that the presidency no longer see value in him.

Unverified reports have it that the FCT Minister might not make it to the next administration of President Tinubu if he gets re-elected since they’re now with governor Fubara, who commands the leadership of APC in the State now.

Also, rumors have it that Wike tried all he could to sabotage the defection of governor Fubara into the All Progressives Congress, but all to no avail.

Consequently, people have been inquisitive:

1. Will Wike now Join APC in order to wield state supremacy?
2. Will he work for or against the very APC he worked for during 2023 presidential election?
3. If he doesn’t join the APC, will 2027 be the end of his political relevance?

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FG Bans New SS3 Admissions Nationwide to Fight Exam Malpractice

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

 

The Federal Government has announced a nationwide ban on the admission and transfer of students into Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) in both public and private secondary schools, effective from the 2026/27 academic session.

The directive was disclosed in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and restore credibility to Nigeria’s education system.

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According to the ministry, the decision follows growing concerns over widespread examination malpractices, including the use of so-called special centres during external examinations. Under the new policy, student admissions and transfers will be permitted only into Senior Secondary School One (SS1) and Senior Secondary School Two (SS2).

“Admission or transfer into SS3 will no longer be permitted under any circumstance,” the ministry stated.

Officials explained that the measure is intended to prevent last-minute movement of students for examination advantages, ensure proper academic monitoring, and promote continuity in teaching and learning.

School proprietors, principals, and administrators across the country have been directed to comply strictly with the policy, with the ministry warning that violations will attract sanctions in line with existing education regulations.

The statement reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to upholding academic standards, promoting fairness, and restoring confidence in public examinations nationwide.

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DG National Productivity Centre congratulates Gov. Namadi on award of Doctorate Degree

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The Director General, National Productivity Center, Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, extends heartfelt congratulations to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi on being awarded an honorary doctorate degree (Honoris Causa) in Business and Sustainability by the Federal University of Otuoke, Bayelsa State.

In his message to pressmen and media, Babba Dan Agundi described the honor as a well-deserved recognition of Governor Namadi’s exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to transparent governance, public service reforms, agricultural development and productivity, education, youth empowerment, as well as economic development in Jigawa State and beyond.

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The Director General joins fellow citizens in celebrating this “remarkable milestone” and offers prayers for continued wisdom and success in the Governor’s efforts to drive progress in the state.

“This prestigious recognition reflects your exemplary leadership and commitment to public service, youth empowerment, and economic growth in Jigawa State,” he said.

Dr. Baffa Babba Dan Agundi highlighted that this award is not only a personal achievement for Governor Namadi but also a source of pride for all Jigawa State citizens.

He commended the Federal University of Otuoke for recognizing excellence in public policy and administration, noting that Governor Namadi’s distinction will inspire many in and out of public office to embrace service with integrity and discipline.

 

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