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Boost Project Aims to Slash Zero-Dose Immunization in Kano, Lagos

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Aminu Abdullahi Ibrahim

Save the Children, in partnership with GSK, convened an engagement meeting on Thursday with the Kano State Community of Practice (CoP) on Immunization to address the persistent issue of zero-dose and under-immunized children in Nigeria.

According to Save the Children, Kano State has the highest number of zero-dose immunization cases in Nigeria, with 15 local government areas (LGAs) affected.

Ms. Taiwo Folake, Coordinator of the Save the Children International Boost Project, highlighted these concerns during a media and civil society organization (CSO) dialogue aimed at fostering collaboration to eliminate zero-dose immunization in affected LGAs.

She explained that the project focuses on reducing the number of zero-dose and under-immunized children and is currently being implemented in two states—Kano and Lagos. Within these states, efforts are concentrated in two high-burden LGAs: Ungogo and Gezawa in Kano State.

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“Out of 100 LGAs identified in Nigeria with high zero-dose and under-immunization rates, 15 are in Kano. We are prioritizing the two most affected areas,” Folake stated.

She emphasized the media’s influential role in shaping public opinion and driving community engagement, calling their involvement crucial to the project’s success.

The initiative targets collaboration with state and local governments, as well as communities, to encourage caregivers to immunize their children and reintegrate those who have dropped out of vaccination programs.

Dr. Itunu Dave-Agboola, Policy and Advocacy Coordinator for the Boost Project, outlined three key objectives: improving domestic resource mobilization for immunization funding, strengthening governance and leadership in immunization efforts, and enhancing community engagement through traditional and religious institutions.

“We aim to develop a Kano State-specific immunization policy to improve planning, funding allocation, and accountability. Community leaders play a vital role in fostering trust and acceptance of immunization,” Fagbola added.

Salisu Yusuf, Co-Chair of the Kano CoP on Immunization, reiterated the coalition’s commitment to working with stakeholders to reduce the number of high-burden LGAs and unimmunized children.

He dismissed misconceptions about immunization safety, stressing that vaccines are medically proven to be safe. Yusuf also pledged intensified sensitization campaigns through media outreach, house-to-house visits, and community meetings to improve public understanding of immunization benefits and expectations.

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Ganduje Shelves Attempt To Establish Independent Hisbah – Dan Agundi

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The attempt for the establishment of an independent Hisbah group in Kano State has been withdrawn and suspended – Baffa Babba Dan Agundi.

This was contained in a statement issued and signed by Alhaji Baffa Babba Dan Agundi, who said the withdrawal of the attempt was followed by a meeting with all stakeholders across the 44 local governments held at the Tinubu campaign office on Tuesday, the 16th of December.

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The statement added that the decision was following widespread outcry that trailed the attempt to establish the independent Hisbah group and the intervention of stakeholders, especially the Kano State Government and Department of State Services, as well as the former Executive Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, to ensure peace and stability.

The statement revealed that the meeting resolved to suspend the establishment of an independent Hisbah Fisabilillah to allow the Kano State Government to look into the issues amicably.

The statement maintained that the meeting also reiterated respect for the constituted authority and resolved to cooperate with security agencies for the maintenance of law and order as well as safety in Kano State and the country at large.

 

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ICPC Confirms Receipt of Dangote Petition Against NMDPRA CEO, Vows to Launch Investigation on the Matter

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has acknowledged the receipt of a formal petition filed by billionaire industrialist Aliko Dangote against Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

In the petition, Dangote alleges that Ahmed engaged in economic sabotage and corrupt practices, including the purported use of $5 million in public funds to cover his children’s tuition at Swiss schools.

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The petition, submitted earlier this week, calls for an investigation into Ahmed’s conduct and alleged misuse of office. The ICPC has confirmed that the matter is under review in line with standard procedural protocols, and will investigate in due time.

“The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) writes to confirm that it received a formal petition today Tuesday 16th December, 2025 from Alhaji Aliko Dangote through his lawyer. The petition is against the CEO of the NMDPRA, Alhaji Farouk Ahmed.

“The ICPC wishes to state that the petition will be duly investigated,” said a statement by ICPC spokesman, John Odey.

No further statements have been released by either the ICPC or NMDPRA regarding the allegations at this time.

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None of Nigeria’s Presidents have Brigadier Generals as ADC, as the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC was shelved.

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None of Nigeria’s Presidents have Brigadier Generals as ADC, as the promotion of Tinubu’s ADC was shelved.”

The controversial plan to decorate Nurudeen Yusuf, aide-de-camp (ADC) to President Bola Tinubu, as a one-star general on Monday evening was shelved at the last minute after an intervention by two former chiefs of army staff.

Yusuf, who was only decorated as a colonel last January, was to be promoted to the rank of brigadier-general through “special presidential promotion”.

Under normal process, an officer has to be a colonel for at least four years after which he or she will attend the National Defence College (NDC) before they are considered for promotion.

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The approval to bypass the process was conveyed in a letter from the office of the national security adviser (NSA) to the Chief of army staff.

No brigadier has ever been ADC to the president of Nigeria, leading to further disquiet within the military establishment.

Ahead of the planned decoration on Monday, the minister of defence, Chris Musa — who is a retired general — and the chief of army staff, Waidi Shaibu, a lieutenant general, had cut short their visit to Lagos state and returned to the federal capital.

However, two highly respected former army chiefs eventually succeeded in persuading Tinubu to shelve the plan because of the dangers to the military establishment, TheCable learnt.

A presidential source told that the promotion is not going to happen “anytime soon”.

 

 

The cable

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