WHO Approves New Vaccine Offering Hope For Cholera-Ravaged Nations

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April 19, 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) has greenlit a simplified version of a widely utilized cholera vaccine, offering hope in addressing a surge in cases that has depleted the global vaccine reservoir and left less affluent nations struggling to contain outbreaks.

Last week, WHO granted authorization for the vaccine, produced by EuBiologics, the same manufacturer responsible for the current formulation. This new iteration, dubbed Euvichol-S, boasts a streamlined composition requiring fewer ingredients, rendering it more cost-effective and expeditiously manufacturable compared to its predecessor.

Late-stage research conducted in Nepal demonstrated the vaccine’s efficacy in preventing the diarrheal disease, prompting WHO’s approval. This decision enables donor agencies like the Vaccine Alliance (Gavi) and UNICEF to procure the vaccine for distribution in impoverished nations. Leila Pakkala, Director of UNICEF’s Supply Division, hailed the approval, anticipating a substantial increase in vaccine supplies by over 25%.

Gavi estimates an allocation of approximately 50 million doses for the global stockpile this year, a significant increase from the 38 million doses supplied last year. Dr. Derrick Sim of Gavi hailed WHO’s endorsement as “a lifeline for vulnerable communities around the world.”

However, the demand for cholera vaccines continues to surpass the available supply. Since January, 14 cholera-affected countries have requested a combined total of 79 million doses. In January, WHO reported the complete depletion of the global vaccine stockpile until the beginning of March, with only 2.3 million doses available as of this week.

Cholera, an acute diarrheal disease caused by contaminated food or water, predominantly afflicts regions with inadequate sanitation and limited access to clean water. While many infected individuals remain asymptomatic, severe cases necessitate prompt treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics. If left untreated, cholera can prove fatal, claiming the lives of approximately a quarter to half of those infected.

Since January of the previous year, WHO has documented over 824,000 cholera infections, resulting in 5,900 deaths globally, with the Middle East and Africa reporting the highest caseloads. The U.N. agency attributes the exacerbation of outbreaks and heightened mortality rates to rising temperatures prolonging the survival of cholera bacteria, marking the highest death toll in a decade.

Source: Arise Newspaper

Husband heartbroken after wife demands one last s*x from her ex on her dying bed

By

Queen Madu

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April 19, 2024

A husband has revealed his wife’s dying wish is to sleep with her ex one last time.

Taking to the relationship advice subreddit, the husband said he had “no one I can tell,” and gave an insight into his wife’s condition and how the conversation of her controversial dying wish went down.

He explained how he was “destroyed” that his wife of ten years has a “terminal disease” and is expected to live “at most 9 months.”

“I don’t remember life without her and I don’t know what I’m going to do when she’s gone. I have been doing my best to make the last days of her life good and grant whatever wish I can,” he said.

On her deteriorating condition, he added: “The doctors said that she was likely to need a wheelchair in 4 or 5 months, then by month 8 she’ll be bedridden for the last few weeks. That’s if she doesn’t decline faster.”

The husband then revealed that his wife had sat him down recently and told him that “one of the last things she wanted to do was have s*x with a previous partner of hers.”

When he asked her “why the f**k she wants that,” he got a pretty candid response.

He wrote: “So basically she thinks that her most physically compatible satisfying lover was him. She gave a whole monologue about how sex sometimes is just physical and how emotionally fulfilling sex is with me but it was bullsh*t to get to that point.

“So now I’m left with this, deny my dying wife a wish for my own ego, or let her go f**k another man who she feels was better. Honestly, I’m so pissed of and betrayed that she asked this of me. I feel like I’m put in a position where I have to say yes because she’s dying.

“I know what I want to say, but I don’t know if that’s right. I’m so hurt that sex with an ex was apparently so good that she needs to do it once before she dies. I just hate everything about this.

“I’m really not sure what to do,” he concluded.

The unique scenario he has been left in has prompted plenty of reaction both on Reddit and on Twitter, where some posted their thoughts on the story.

On Reddit, the overwhelming response seemed to be that the man’s wife is in the wrong, and that her illness is no excuse for what she is asking.

“How does she know this person at all after 10 years with you? Or that this person would want to involve themselves in no strings sex with a dying ex from over a decade ago?” One person asked before giving their view and added: “This seems like a very odd request to bring to you without any leg work or preparation.

“That she would significantly risk blowing up her marriage and end of life companionship and care for sex with someone she isn’t in contact with and doesn’t know would still even entertain the thought of intimacy with her.”

Another person wrote: “If your wife is dying that doesn’t give her the right to hurt you and do whatever the hell she wants. This is an appalling thing for her to ask for, and manipulative to use it as some kind of dying wish thing too.”

Someone else wondered whether the wife’s illness meant she was not thinking straight, writing: “I assume your wife’s illness affects everything in her body, including her brain. It might be worth it to take into account that she might not be fully in her right mind right now and if she were she would never have come to this request.”

They added: “I hope in the months and years to come you can put these memories in a separate box of “illness her” and keep them separate from “real her” and can cherish who she was before her whole self was completely altered. I’m so sorry. Sending you good thoughts.”

“It’s a no if it was me. Being on the verge of dying doesn’t give you the right to kill someone either just because you feel like it. Can her disease affect her reasoning capacity? Ask her doctors OP,” a fourth person responded.

(jornalist101)

Ojoto Community Makes Urgent Demands From Soludo Government

By

bvichannel1

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April 19, 2024

Members of Ojoto Community in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State on the 16th of April, called on the state government to enforce the outcome of the town union elections conducted by Anambra state government.

The group led by Comrade Prince Emeka Nwabunike gathered in front of the Anambra State Government House, Awka holding placards with different inscriptions like “Igwe let there be peace in Ojoto, Igwe anyị chọrọ udo na oganiru n’Ojoto, let the traditional institution stay in traditional matters, say no to election manipulations in Ojoto, e.t.c written on them.

According to Comrade Nwabunike, the first election which would have taken place on the 1st of April, 2024 was cancelled after accreditation due to some challenges or unresolved issues from the stakeholders which led the state government to invite the stakeholders of Ojoto to the government house for an interface on the 3rd of April, 2024. According to him, the commissioner gave order that the election should continue after the meeting of which candidates emerged in all the levels when the election took place on the 6th of April, 2024, but it didn’t augur well with the king of Ojoto; Igwe Gerald Mbamalu who sent some youths to start a protest against the state government’s decision. He called on the state governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo and the commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs, Mr. Tony-Collins Nwabunwanne to come and uphold the elections and also to swear in those that emerged in the elections .

He also called on the state Government to order Igwe Gerald Mbamalu whom mandate was given to by the state government to face his traditional institution and not to meddle in the administrative affairs which according to him was made clear by the commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs.

The groups were later addressed by the chief security officer to the state government.

The executives led by Comrade Prince Emeka Nwabunike later submitted letters to the Governor and the commissioner of local government and chieftaincy affairs saying ‘no’ to Igwe Gerald Mbamalu’s antics and which also states that they stand with the State Government.

Fee Protest: Go and write exam, every student will be accommodated – Fedpoly Oko Mgt.

By

Joseph Albert

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April 19, 2024

… blames SUG President

By Joseph Albert

The Management of Federal Polytechnic, Oko has said that the news story making the rounds on social and some mainstream media on alleged imposition of examination fee on students by the Management “is to say the least a disservice and injustice to the Polytechnic Management which has ensured that school fees paid by students are moderate and within reach”.

Reacting to the news story in a statement available to journalists, the PRO of the institution, Chijioke Ibeziako, explained that “The N5,000 examination fee in question is an old fee which was approved by the then Governing Council of the Polytechnic, and which students were informed about it as part of the cumulative fees approved for them to pay per session.

He explained that when the SUG President of the Polytechnic released a circular directing students not to pay the examination fee, the Management, in its characteristic open door policy, held series of interactions with the SUG official, leading to the parties signing agreement and memorandum of understanding for students to continue paying the examination fee.

The Management also assured the students officials that students can continue writing the exam while they pay the exam fee, according to the PRO.

He however, regretted that the student union President later reneged on the agreement and released a circular to students that first semester examination already scheduled for commencement will not hold as scheduled, and directed students to stay away from school.

The statement reads in parts:

“… in the early hours of the morning the examinations were scheduled to commence, he led some students to block the school gate, barring students who were coming to write the exams from entering the school premises.

This agitation against the exam fee is therefore surprising and clearly portrays the hand of fifth columnists who do not mean well for the Ag.Rector and the Management and are bent on sabotaging the system for their selfish and inordinate ambition. Nonetheless, the Ag.Rector in order to avoid any crisis directed against using any force to stop the illegal blockade thereby ensuring normalcy and calmness in the Institution.

The exam fee and other fees paid by students are legally approved as contained in the fee schedule issued to students upon registration and are in line with what is obtainable in other institutions. Interestingly from analysis, Federal Polytechnic Oko has a very moderate school fees regime and is in fact one of the Institutions with the least school fees.

The agitation against the examination fees by few misguided students is unfortunate, misleading, unnecessary, uncalled for and misplaced as the Ag.Rector since assumption of office has taken steps that enhance staff and students welfare, and has distinguished himself as one of the best staff/students friendly Chief Executive.

His strong sense of commitment and diligence has promptly resolved persistent challenges associated with exam materials, printing of students results and has achieved ease of doing business on campus”.

The Polytechnic Management, while imploring students not to allow themselves to be used by those who want to foment trouble in order to achieve ulterior motives, assured them that their interest will always be protected, event as it urge them to go and write the first semester examination as every student will be accommodated.

NSCDC arrests two illegal mining suspects in Anambra

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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April 18, 2024

The operatives of Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Anambra State Command have arrested two suspects for allegedly engaging in illegal mining activities in the state.

The command said the suspects were arrested at about 11 pm, on Tuesday, based on credible intelligence.

The state commandant of the NSCDC, Maku Olatunde, while parading the suspects at the headquarters on Wednesday, commended the command’s Mining Marshal Squad led by Agunwa Osita, for acting on “the strength of the information to apprehend the economic saboteurs.”

Maku said, “The suspects, Madueke Akpuchukwu, ‘m’ aged 53, from Awo Omama town in Oru East Local Government Area of Imo State and Chimezie Ezenduka, ‘m’ aged 54, of No 4 All Mekus Drive, Federal Housing, Onitsha, were apprehended at Igbariam conveying suspected solid mineral (Kaolin ) without relevant permit.

“Preliminary investigations showed that the 40-tonne truck with no registration number was loaded with 600 bags of Kaolin and covered with tarpaulin to disguise as cement consignment.”

Maku, who gave the value of the solid minerals at over N20m, said, “It was excavated at a sealed site around Nando and being transported outside the state without waybill or license permitting the suspects to deal in mining.”

The NSCDC boss also revealed that the activities of illegal miners have been depriving the state of the much-needed revenue to bring the dividend of democracy to Ndi Anambra.

“The NSCDC will continue to check the activities of those engaging in illegal mining across the state. It is not going to be business as usual.

“The corps will be unrelenting in discharging its core mandate of checking and flushing out illegal miners from the state.

“They should either relocate from the state or stop immediately before the long hands of the law catches up on them,” he added.

He said the suspects will be arraigned in court at the end of ongoing investigations.

He, however, called on Anambra residents to report illegal mining activities within their domains and continue to share useful information on anyone involved in unlawful mineral-related practices and environmental degradation for prompt response.

One of the suspects, Madueke Akpuchukwu, who pleaded for mercy, in a confessional statement admitted to being in the business of transporting Kaolin to needed companies for eight years without any certification as a licensed miner.

Source : Punch Newspaper

CBN Not Using Foreign Reserves To Defend Naira — Cardoso

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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April 18, 2024

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, says the country is not using its foreign reserves to defend the naira.

He stated this on Wednesday in Washington DC where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings. Cardoso said $600m came into Nigeria’s reserves account within the last two days.

The naira has appreciated against the dollar in recent weeks, gaining over 40%, from about N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1 now. But while the naira rebound, Nigeria’s foreign reserves are dwindling, dropping to about $32.29 billion on April 15 — the lowest level in over six years.

Cardoso said, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where for example, debt are due and certain payment needs to be made, they are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.

“Other times money comes in, takes it up again, between yesterday and today, about $600m that came into the reserves account. We are looking towards a market that operats by itself, willing buyers, willing sellers and price discovery.

“The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending naira and that is certainly not our objective.”

Source: Channel Newspaper

Violent ethnic agitators will pay the price, says Tinubu

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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April 18, 2024

The President talked tough yesterday on violent ethnic agitation. According to him, those who push for the balkanization of the country violently will face the consequences.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said: “Those who think they can threaten the sovereignty of Nigeria will have themselves to blame.

“They have a price to pay and we are not going to relent”.

The President spoke against the backdrop of the weekend’s violent attempt to take over the seat of government in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, by some Yoruba Nation agitators.

The President opened up while receiving leaders of Afenifere, the Yoruba socio-cultural organization, led by nonagenarian Pa Reuben Fasoranti. Also on the delegation were some leaders of thought and traditional rulers in the Southwest.

The President warned those who think they can undermine the country’s unity and go scot-free to perish the thought as the consequences will be grave. He told his audience that his administration had recorded significant progress against insurgency where it exists in the country.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the President declared that his administration would not relent in its fight against criminals.

He assured that the menace of banditry and kidnapping is on the verge of defeat, especially with the ‘no ransom’ policy of the government.

He explained: “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy.

“Constitutional democracy is reflected greatly here since we assumed office. What we face now is the challenge of terrorism.

“Security of life and property is very necessary for development. I can tell you we are achieving success.

Source: Nation Newspaper

DNA: Court to serve Mohbad’s wife via substituted means

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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April 18, 2024

The Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Ikorodu has granted the order that Wunmi, the wife of the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad, be served notice of the pending DNA test application by substituted means.

This was contained in a statement signed by a member of the legal team to the Aloba family, Monisola Odumosu . In the application filed by the legal team to Joseph Aloba, father to the late singer, the family sought an order to serve Wunmi by posting all the originating processes and other processes in the suit on the last-known address of the respondent.

According to the statement, the legal team led by Emmanuel Oroko had argued that the sheriff had attempted twice to serve Wunmi the court process but failed.

Odumosu stated that “If the process were served on the last-known address of the respondent by Order of the Court, it would constitute good service and she would be aware of the pending suit. The Chief Magistrate granted the order and ordered that the respondent be served by posting the court process on her last known address.

“It will be recalled that the Aloba family is contesting the paternity of baby Liam and filed an application before the Family Court wherein it sought an order of the court against Wunmi to present herself and baby Liam for a DNA test at any recognized laboratory in Lagos.”

The statement added that the singer’s wife, in a viral video, said she was ready for a DNA test, noting that she had never been available for the court sheriff to serve her the originating motion.

Odumosu however disclosed that the matter had been adjourned till next month for the report of service.

When contacted, Wunmi’s lawyer, Taiwo Olawanle, denied knowledge of the court order.

He said, “We don’t have the court order. If we have an order, we will advise her to adhere to it. That is not a problem. But we are not aware of any order. I am just hearing that from you.”

Mohbad died at the age of 27, on September 12, 2023, with circumstances surrounding his death sparking controversies on social media.

Being a former record label signee of Marlian Music owned by Naira Marley, Mohbad left the label in February 2022. The Lagos State Police Command had on September 18, 2023, inaugurated a 13-man special investigation team to probe the singer’s death.

His death also led to the arrest of Naira Marley and controversial Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, amongst others.

The singer’s body was on September 21, 2023, exhumed for autopsy to unravel the cause of his death.

Source: Punch Newspaper

God Punish All Of Una In EFCC – Charly Boy

By

bvichannel1

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April 18, 2024

Popular Nigerian activist, Charles Oputa, better known as Charly Boy, has taken as swipe at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the arraignment of businessman, Cubana Chiefpriest for Naira abuse.

He accused the anti-corruption agency of indulging in “frivolous shenanigans to distract Nigerians.”

He then asked why EFCC is going after people for Naira abuse rather than for serious crimes.

According to him, spraying Naira is a “part of our age-long familiar culture which promotes bonding among people.”

He said that the three-count charge EFCC brought against Paschal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, “leaves one thinking that the Commission has no important job to do” and they are only indulging in frivolous acts to “keep distracting poor, hungry, and hopeless Nigerians.

Charley Boy wrote on Instagram: “Currently, the attention of Nigerians is being drawn to an issue that has no bearing whatsoever, on the well-being of the ordinary people or the National economy.

“The arrest and arraignment of person or persons spraying the local currency, Naira, at social events is now a f3cking Big deal.”

He continued: “Why focus massive energy, on frivolous, pedestrian, and harmless misdemeanor by people catching fun rather than going after those who use executive powers to steal humongous amounts from the public Treasury with reckless impunity?

“God punish all of una in EFCC, una no go die better. Ur Fathers.

“Seriously my people una think say na the kin work EFCC suppose to dey do?”

Stabbed Assyrian Bishop Forgives Attacker, Urges Calm Amid Riots In Sydney

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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April 18, 2024

A Bishop who was stabbed in Sydney in an attack reportedly motivated by religious extremism says he has forgiven his attacker.

The Assyrian church bishop who was stabbed during a service at his church in Sydney’s west has spoken out, revealing that he is recovering quickly and has already forgiven his attacker. This comes as police intensify their investigation into the riots that ensued following the bishop’s stabbing.

Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel, the target of the stabbing at the Assyrian Christ The Good Shepherd Church in Sydney’s west, spoke out for the first time since the attack, conveying a message of forgiveness and resilience.

Posting an audio message on social media, he assured his followers of his quick recuperation and expressed forgiveness towards his assailant, and anyone associated with the act. “I forgive whoever has done this act … I will always pray for you and whoever sent you to do this, I forgive them as well,” he stated.

The attack on Bishop Emmanuel, deemed a terrorist act motivated by suspected religious extremism, has shaken the community, coming just days after a deadly knife rampage at a shopping center near Bondi beach.

A teenager has been arrested in connection with the assault on the bishop and remains under police guard in hospital.

The aftermath of the incident saw a surge of anger, with an enraged crowd clashing with emergency responders outside the church, demanding retribution against the suspected attacker.

New South Wales state Police Commissioner Karen Webb condemned the violence, revealing that a 19-year-old man, not affiliated with the church, has been charged in connection with his involvement in the riot.

People just came along to participate in a riot. That is disgraceful and disgusting,” Webb expressed during a news briefing.

In the midst of the investigations, efforts are being made to restore calm and order. Bishop Emmanuel urged his congregation to maintain composure and abide by the law.

Meanwhile, the Bondi mall, where a separate knife attack took place just days earlier, reopened to allow people to pay their respects to the victims. Stores remained closed, with a white floral tribute laid out on the second floor.

The local council mayor, Paula Masselos, expressed the community’s grief and highlighted the need for time to process the tragedy. A candlelight vigil is planned for Sunday, with flowers and bouquets already piling up at a makeshift memorial.

Source : Arise News