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Advocacy Group Flags Off COVID-19 Vaccine for All Campaign, Unveils Glamdemic Beauty Pageant
By Eric Elezuo
A group, under the aegis of Global Health Advocacy and Innovation Alliance (GHLADIA), has flagged off its campaign to sensitize the public on the safety and need to take the COVID-19 vaccine to curb the spread of the dreaded COVID-19 pandemic.
At the event, held recently in Ikeja. Lagos, the President/Founder of the group. Dr. Kennedy Eguagie, speaking on the theme of Vaccine No Be Bad Thing, informed the guests that it has become imperatively necessary to sensitize the public on the safety of the vaccine and the increasing need for everyone to be vaccinated considering the myth that surrounds the exercise presently. He frowned on what he called ‘insensitive spread of false stories concerning the vaccines’, saying that those involved in spreading unfounded stories about the vaccine do not mean well for the society.
“There has been stories making the rounds of how people die or will die after taking the vaccine. These are all false, and hence the launch of this advocacy group. We can’t continue to fold our hands and watch our people die when the remedy is on our finger tips. As a result, we are calling all Nigerians to take it as priority to get vaccinated as it is not a bad thing, rather for the health and good of the society. People die from not being vaccinated, not from vaccination,” Dr Eguagie said.
He added that vaccination points are available in all primary health care centres across the nation, and the exercise remains free for all and sundry.
Earlier in his speech, the Publicity Officer of the group, Mr. Oki Samson, itemised that that the priority of the group is to ensure that more Nigerians are vaccinated, thereby stemming the spread of the pandemic. He also disclosed that one of the ways of pushing the advocacy is by a soon to be held beauty pageantry termed Queen of Glamdemic Beauty Pageantry.
Also lending his voice to the advocacy, the group’s Director, Mobilisation and Logistics, Mazi Sidney Nwachukwu, informed the guests and members of the fourth estate present that the advocacy has the mandate and approval of the government of Lagos State, and so will go a long way to affecting the lives of Lagosians for a start, and Nigerians at large. He echoed the voices of previous speakers, appealing to all to support the advocacy for a COVID-19 free Nigeria, especially now that a new, more dangerous variant, Delta, has hit town.
Consequently, the team, led my the special guests of honour, proceeded to unveil the advocacy campaign initiatives and logo as well as the Glamdemic Beauty Pageant, with Chaline Anarado as the face of the pageantry.
In his address while cutting the tape, the Medical Director, Ulticare Services Limited, Dr. Wilfred Ugwoeruchukwu, said the advocacy is one of the best things to happen to the health and social sector as there is no better time time than now to speak to the minds of the public for whom the vaccine is meant.
In their separate responses, Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynaecology, Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Dr. Emmanuel Owie and a medical practitioner, Dr. Olajumoke Oke, agreed that vaccines are not bad, but needed and should be embraced.
And like all the other speakers, they advised the members to continue to adhere to the various COVID-19 safety protocols as outlined by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) which includes wearing of facemask, intermittent washing of hands and maintenance of distance at all gatherings.
The group revealed that a lot are in store for the public as the advocacy marches forward, adding that a walk will soon be organised to further draw awareness to the need to take COVID-19 vaccination.
A dramatic confrontation erupted at the Peoples Democratic Party National Secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday as Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike and the governors of Oyo and Bauchi states, Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, clashed in a fierce struggle for control of the party’s headquarters.
Mary Chinda, reporting for ARISE News, said that security operatives loyal to both camps engaged in a free for all over who would take possession of the secretariat, with heavy teargas fired around the Wuse Zone Five premises as tensions boiled over.
Governor Makinde arrived at the venue with the newly elected National Secretary, Taofeek Arapaja, while Wike remained firmly positioned inside the building with Samuel Anyanwu, the embattled National Secretary who maintains that his tenure remains valid until December 8, 2025.
The intense standoff deepened concerns within the party, with several PDP leaders accusing the Police of failing to demonstrate neutrality in the escalating leadership crisis.
Source: Arise News
Suspected terrorists have reported invaded the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSSS), Maga in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area, of Zuru Emirate, Kebbi State, killing the school’s Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Yakubu Makuku, and abducting an unspecified number of students.
Zaragoza reports that a resident, Malama Murjanatu Hassan Gishiri, who confirmed the incident on Monday, said the attackers stormed the school at night and operated freely, throwing the community into panic.
The resident was said to have described the invasion as “a heartbreaking tragedy that has thrown the entire region into deep fear and mourning”, adding that the bandits moved in large numbers and overpowered the area without resistance.
Gishiri said the late Vice Principal was shot while attempting to protect students from the attackers.
“People in the community have been offering prayers for his soul, asking Allah to grant him mercy, a peaceful resting place, and to console his family over this painful loss,” she said.
The people of Maga further appealed to the government to act swiftly to rescue the abducted students, saying they may not have gone far, and to strengthen security around schools and communities in the area, which have suffered repeated attacks by bandits.
Digital solutions provider, Globacom, has signed a landmark Internet connectivity agreement with the Imo State Government through its Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance.
Globacom disclosed in a press statement that the deal which is the largest single fixed Internet connectivity project in the history of Globacom’s Enterprise Business Group marks a significant milestone in the State’s drive towards achieving a fully digital economy, e-governance structure, and the establishment of a Smart City in Owerri, the state capital.
According to the telecommunications giant, the deal accentuates its pivotal role in delivering robust telecommunications infrastructure and next-generation digital solutions across Nigeria and beyond. The project will empower the company to provide high-capacity Internet connectivity to critical locations within the State, including the Smart City project in Owerri—home to 15 mega buildings—as well as the Ministry of Digital Economy and e-Governance, and the Imo State University for Innovation, Science and Technology, formerly Imo State Polytechnic.
Said Glo, “Our Glo-1 submarine cable, which connects Nigeria directly to Europe through our privately-owned international fibre optic network, will form the backbone of this ambitious project. The Glo-1 infrastructure guarantees superior bandwidth capacity, minimal latency, and highly secures connections, making it ideal for supporting the State’s digital transformation agenda and enhancing the efficiency of public services”.
The company added that the partnership with the Imo State Government will strengthen its commitment to providing reliable, high-quality connectivity that drives socio-economic progress and bridges the digital divide across Nigeria.
Furthermore, Globacom said: “We are honoured by the confidence reposed in Globacom by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Chief Hope Uzodinma and his team,” adding that “This partnership is a testament to our technical capability, nationwide coverage, and proven efficiency in delivering enterprise-grade connectivity solutions. We will work closely with the State’s technical team to ensure timely delivery of the project and to support Imo’s vision of a thriving digital economy.”
“Imo State is setting a remarkable example for other states in Nigeria by leveraging technology to improve governance, education, and business efficiency. “We applaud the Governor’s focus on empowering the youth and building an innovation-driven economy. This partnership aligns perfectly with Globacom’s mission to power Nigeria’s digital future, enhance the State’s strategic investments in digital infrastructure and training initiatives for young people which will create new employment opportunities, stimulate innovation, and accelerate sustainable economic growth”.
Globacom has sustained its imposing presence in every region of Nigeria backed by its resilient network that traverses West Africa. The company has its footprints in digital connectivity solutions for both public and private sectors. Its advanced infrastructure — anchored on the Glo-1 international fibre network, extensive metro fibre coverage, and resilient enterprise systems — ensure that institutions, governments, and businesses can rely on seamless, secure, and scalable connectivity.
The network called on other state administrations to emulate Imo State’s bold initiative by embracing strategic digital partnerships saying, “The future belongs to states and nations that invest in technology and connectivity. We encourage other governments to partner with Globacom in building digital infrastructures that can power education, commerce, governance, and innovation. Together, we can strengthen regional economies, create opportunities for millions, and drive poverty out of our communities.”
