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US Govt Donates 4m Covid-19 Vaccine Doses To Nigeria
The United States Government has confirmed the approval and release of 4million doses of Covid-19 vaccines to the Federal Government to support Nigeria’s efforts to ramp up vaccination of it citizens against the Coronavirus pandemic.
In a statement, made available to The Tide in Port Harcourt via email email, the United States Embassy in Abuja said it was “pleased to announce the arrival in Nigeria of four million doses of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccines as part of the United States’ global efforts to fight the Covid-19 pandemic”.
At a hand-over ceremony, US Chargé d’Affairesin Nigeria, Kathleen FitzGibbon, delivered the shipment to Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chair of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, Boss Mustapha.
The shipment was delivered in the presence of Dr Faisal Shuaib and members of the Presidential Steering Committee on Covid-19.
According to the statement, “The donated vaccines are part of the U.S. pledge to initially provide at least 25million of the 80million doses globally to Africa.
“The U.S. Government coordinated closely with the African Union, Africa CDC, and COVAX on the country allocations.
“COVAX supported delivery of these vaccine doses, which arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, yesterday (Monday).
“The donation of these safe and effective vaccines will help protect the Nigerian people from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic and begin reducing barriers to building back the country’s economy.
“’This donation, like many other health and humanitarian assistance programs offered from the American people over the years reinforce the strong cooperation between our two governments’”,Fitzgibbonsaid.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the United States has provided Nigeria more than $73million in Covid-19 assistance and will continue to support Nigeria’s prevention and response efforts, both now and in the future.
“This includes the delivery of a mobile field hospital, epidemiological Covid-19 detection surveys, personal protective equipment, provision of rapid response teams, training of over 200,000 military and civilian personnel on Covid-19 control measures, and technology transfer for virtual training.
“As President Joe Biden said, ‘From the beginning of my presidency, we have been clear-eyed that we need to attack this virus globally as well. This is about our responsibility — our humanitarian obligation to save as many lives as we can — and our responsibility to our values. We’re going to help lead the world out of this pandemic, working alongside our global partners’.
“These four million doses are part of the United States’ commitment to share U.S. vaccine supply with the world. As we continue to fight the Covid-19 pandemic at home and work to end the pandemic worldwide, President Biden has promised that the United States will be an arsenal of vaccines for the world.
“The United States is proud to partner with Nigeria to defeat Covid-19. Together, we will continue to build a world that is safer and more secure against the threat of infectious disease”, the statement added.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol