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Measles & Rubella vaccine: FCTA laments deficit of 1.2m unimmunized children
Threatens to seal non-compliance schools
By Wumi Tewogbadl, Abuja
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), on Thursday, said out of 2.6 million that is the target, 1.6 million have been immunized, leaving a deficit of 1.2million children unimmunized.
The FCTA also blamed the situation on some major private schools’ refusal to allow access of immunization officers to their children.
Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment, stated this while briefing the media in Abuja.
Fasawe, lamented that those that are not compliying are denying such children their fundamental rights and this is unacceptable.
She said the FCT Health Insurance Scheme [FHIS] supported 600 vaccination teams in the six Area councils with reflective jackets.
She said “However, while we celebrate this success, we must also confront the challenges that threaten the full realization of our campaign goals. It has come to our attention that several schools and institutions within the FCT refused access to vaccination teams.
“This non-compliance not only denied eligible children protection against measles and rubella but also disrupted the daily implementation plans of the campaign. Such actions are deeply concerning because they undermine public health gains and put our children at unnecessary risk.
“The Child Rights Act (CRA) of 2003, as domesticated in the FCT, guarantees every child the right to health and protection from preventable diseases. Specifically, Sections 13 and 14 of the Act place a legal obligation on parents, guardians, and institutions — including schools — to ensure that every child is fully immunized.
“Denying a child access to vaccination is, therefore, not merely an administrative lapse; it is a violation of a fundamental child right”.
She also said for those schools who refused compliance, might be sanction and their schools can be sealed.
“Failure to comply with these directives will attract administrative sanctions under existing FCT Education and Public Health Regulations”, she noted.
She revealed that her secretariat have already started compliying the names of schools in Abuja, that refused to comply.
“In response to the current situation, the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat has taken the following actions:
Compiled a comprehensive list of non-compliant schools and institutions;
Initiated targeted advocacy and community sensitization activities;
Issued letters to affected schools reminding them of their legal responsibilities under the CRA; and
Finalized plans for a three-day mop-up exercise involving 132 vaccination teams to reach unvaccinated children across affected areas”, she noted.
In order to strengthen enforcement and ensure sustainability, she said, the Administration has approved the following directives for all public and private schools:
Mandatory immunization verification during admission, re-admission, or transfer;
Maintenance of a Child Health Register in every school;
Collaboration with nearby Primary Health Care Centres (PHCs) for on-site immunization sessions;
Regular inclusion of immunization awareness in school assemblies and PTA meetings; and
Submission of monthly compliance reports through the Education Secretariat to HSES.
She commended the governing body of Stella Maris School, Abuja, for their full support of the ongoing immunization drive and their eagerness to welcome the vaccination team and being an example of compliance.
She therefore appealed to all parents to ensure their children are allowed to be vaccinated in line with the Child Health Act at school. Immunization is safe, effective, and essential for protecting every child.
By Felix Umande, Makurdi
Benue State Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia has approved the appointment of Dr. Ihu Eunice Ogbenyi as Acting Head of Service of the state civil service.
The appointment follows the death of the late Dr. Moses Agbogbo Ode, who served as Head of Service from 2023 until 2026.
Dr. Ogbenyi, an indigene of Oju LGA born on 12th June 1973, was Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Lands and Survey before her elevation. She brings nearly three decades of public service experience to the role.
She obtained her Nigeria Certificate in Education in Maths/Physics in 1996 from the College of Education, Oju. She later earned a B.Sc in 2005, Masters in 2010, and Ph.D in 2021, all in Mathematics Education from Fr. Adasu University, Makurdi.
Dr. Ogbenyi joined the Benue State Teaching Service Board in 1998 as Principal Assistant Education Officer II. Her service was transferred to the Ministry of Education in February 2012, where she rose to Deputy Director, Education in the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics. She also headed the Joint Consultative Committee on Education/National Council on Education unit and served as Assistant Head of the Education Management Information System unit.
While congratulating the new Acting HoS, Governor Alia charged her to uphold continuity, professionalism, and public service in her stewardship.
“As you assume this critical role, I charge you with the responsibilities, principles, and priorities that will guide your stewardship and ensure continuity, professionalism, and service to the public,” the governor said.
“You must ensure your official actions conform with the vision and principles of this administration to continue with the reforms in the civil service and uphold at all times the sanctity and dignity of your office. You must ensure in all your official dealings that the interest of the state comes first.”
By Son Tertsea, Abuja
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, Monday took responsibility for the continued roaming of cattle on major roads and streets across Abuja, admitting that the situation remains a concern despite efforts to improve the capital city.
While addressing journalists during his monthly media briefing in Abuja on Monday, he regretted the development giving assurance to address it:
“I apologise that up till now there are cows still roaming the streets of Abuja, I take responsibility.”
Wike also highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects beyond the city centre to the communities in satellite towns.
“Our attention is not only on developing the city centres of Abuja. We are also working in all the Area Councils.
“We are providing infrastructure everywhere across the FCT.”
Wike further promised that project inaugurations would commence in June with President Bola Tinubu as part of activities marking the administration’s third year in office.
“To celebrate Mr President’s three years in office, the FCTA will commission projects for the next 31 days commencing June 8, 2026.”
The road projects executed across the FCT, according to him, have continued to improve access amid strengthening security in several communities.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, GCON, has lauded the Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Pastor Umo Eno, on his 62nd birthday, describing him as a man who embodies the grace of God and the silent strength of purposeful leadership.
In a congratulatory message personally signed by him, Akpabio praised the governor’s ARISE Agenda, which he said has transitioned from vision to visible impact.
“Your Excellency and my brother, Pastor Umo Eno, on behalf of my family, and the good people of Akwa Ibom North West Senatorial District, the 10th Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and indeed the National Assembly, I extend my warmest felicitations to you on the joyous occasion of your 62nd birthday.
“At 62, you embody the grace of God and the quiet strength of purposeful leadership. Your ARISE Agenda has moved from vision to visible impact — in agriculture, rural development, infrastructure, security, and social empowerment — giving our people renewed hope and tangible dividends of democracy.
“I particularly commend your politics of inclusivity. By running an open, broad-based administration that embraces all Akwa Ibomites regardless of party or creed, you have lowered the political temperature in our state and fostered unity. That is statesmanship, and it is yielding peace as a foundation for progress, growth and opportunities.
“Under your watch, Akwa Ibom continues on the path of steady development — from roads and healthcare upgrades to support for SMEs and human capital growth. You are building on our shared heritage while charting a compassionate, people-first course for the future.
“As you mark this new age, my prayer is that Almighty God will grant you greater wisdom, sound health, and enduring strength to keep serving our dear state and nation. May your years be long, and may Akwa Ibom continue to ARISE under your leadership”.
Happy 62nd birthday, Your Excellency.
Rt Hon Eseme Eyiboh mnipr
Special Adviser on Media/Publicity
Office of the President of the Senate
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