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Group Takes Campaign Against HPV To Trans Amadi
A Niger Delta-based non-governmental organisation, Amaclare Connect and Development Initiative, has described cervical cancer as one of the most deadliest diseases in the world.
The group said this at a road show at the Trans Amadi Area of Port Harcourt ahead of the roll out of HPV vaccine by the Rivers State Government today.
Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs Loretta Ahuokpeme said the walk was to sensitise the people on the dangers of contacting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer in women.
Ahuokpeme said Human papillomavirus (HPV) is normally contracted through sexual intercourse.
According to her, “This campaign started one month ago, HPV causes cervical cancer on a woman when it contracted through sexual intercourse and that is the only way you get HPV
“So we are saying that people should know about this, that cervical cancer is dangerous,” she said.
While blaming lack of awareness for the continous spread of the diesease, she said that it was against this background that the group has stepped up its campaign with a view to teaching out to teenagers between the ages of 8 and 14 on the dangers of contacting Human Papillomavirus (HPV) which causes cervical cancer.
“According to her, the group has been moving around neighborhood schools and communities telling people about the virus.
“ The campaign is to inform young ladies between the ages of 9 and 14 of the dangers involved in contracting Human Papillomavirius which causes the cervical cancer,” he said.
” The disease which is contracted through sexual intercourse has caused the death of many young women in the society”.
“ It is contacted through sexual intercourse and that is the only way you get HPV, so we are saying that people should know that cervical cancer is dangerous,
“it kills women, a lot of women dies because of it”. Ahuokpeme called on Rivers people to participate actively as the state government rolls out the vaccine on Monday.
“The immunization program is starting from next week and the flag off is Rivers state Primary Health Care Management Board
. She also said that as the vaccine comes in, it will extend to other people both boys and girls.
Speaking on the symptoms of the disease, Ahuokpeme said that the symptoms may not be visible ,adding that this underscores the reason why people should go for regular screening.
She said that the vaccine is very expensive in private hospitals but Federal Government has made it necessary that health care centres should have it.
“Now Federal Government has made it necessary that the Primary Health Care and Ministry of Health should have it because there have been so many advocacies around that”.
“For now it’s only Medical women Association of Nigeria (MWN) that are holding the screening but with time others like; UPTH, BMH ewill join”.
She said that the location of the screening will be at marine base as there is a center stationed there
. She encouraged women to form groups as it will be easier to reach out to them so they can be moved to the center.
Ahuokpeme advised young women to stay away from sex or if you must, please keep one partner and it is better you use protection.
“ We should all zip up because multiple sexual partners doesn’t help” she said.
The Focal person for HPV vaccine Amaclare connect and Development Initiative Igwe Doris said the HPV vaccine uptake in Rivers state is coming up on the 27th of May 2024 and it will be free to all young girls ranging from ages 9 to 14.
“ The record of cervical cancer killing people is more than 8,000 every year. based on that, Federal Government in conjunction with the CDL and AVAC has brought down this cervical cancer”
She stated that this is the second phase in Nigeria and Rivers state is lucky to be part of it, adding that Amaclare Connect and Development Initiative has reached out to more than 10,000 young girls and 20,000 families.
John Bibor
The Organised Labour yesterday, called on the Federal Government to ensure inclusiveness in policy making and guide against erosion of rights, such as free speech and association.
The President, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero made the call at the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
The Tide source reports Ajaero and the President, Trade Union Congress, Mr Festus Osifo delivered a joint statement on behalf of the organised labour at the event.
Ajaero described May Day as, not only a moment to honour workers’ sacrifices, but also a platform to demand justice and accountability from those in public office.
He frowned at the alleged suppression of protests, and the erosion of rights of workers by some agents
According to him, workers have a duty to resist economic injustice, insecurity, and policies that undermine their dignity.
Speaking on the theme of the day, the NLC President underscored the need for Nigerian workers to reclaim the civic space and resist policies that contribute to worsening economic conditions.
“Our theme this year – “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the midst of Economic Hardship – reflects the urgent need for citizens to protect democracy and push back against repression.
“The civic space, where Nigerians express their concerns and challenge injustices is shrinking.
“If we fail to reclaim this space, the foundation of our democracy risks collapse,” he said
Ajaero, therefore, urged workers to unite and resist division, fear, and despair.
He also urged them to mobilise and organise for change, declaring that the right to demand better conditions is non-negotiable.
“Without workers, there is no society; without labour, there is no development. We must take our place in the fight for economic justice and democratic governance.”
Speaking in the same veins, Osifo said workers are the backbone of the nation—the educators, healthcare providers, builders, farmers, and innovators who sustain its economy -.
He stressed the need for the labour to reclaim the civic space even in the midst of economic hardship.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has disassociated itself from a fraudulent site requesting payments from candidates who missed the ongoing 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The board said that the site, “Copyrightwriter Personal J Rescheduling Flw” and account number 8520641017 at Sterling Bank, associated with it, are scam.
The disclaimer is contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday by the Board’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr Fabian Benjamin.
Benjamin said the account is being exploited to defraud unsuspecting candidates who missed their UTME.
“We issue this urgent notice to inform the public about this nefarious scheme targeting candidates who were unable to participate in the UTME.
“Some unscrupulous individuals are deceitfully soliciting payments of N15,700 under the false pretence of offering rescheduling services for the examination.
“Let us be unequivocal: this, it is a blatant scam, and we are confident that the public will not fall prey to such cheap and regressive tactics.
” The individuals behind this scam have no affiliation with JAMB or any legitimate government agency.
“The account details provided in these communications are entirely fictitious and bear no connection to any official processes; they exist solely for the purpose of perpetrating fraud,” he said.
Benjamin called on Sterling bank to take immediate and decisive action against this criminal activity.
According to him, JAMB has reported the matter to the relevant security agencies and actively pursuing those responsible for this deceitful act.
He further said that “JAMB does not reschedule examinations for candidates who miss their scheduled tests due to reasons unrelated to the Board’s actions”.
He, however, said that the Board is conducting a thorough investigation for candidates whose biometrics failed during verification and were thus unable to sit for the examination.
He said those without discrepancies would be invited to retake the examination at no cost , stressing that “no cost is required”
“It is imperative to understand that JAMB does not charge any fees for examinations after a candidate has completed their registration.
“We strongly urge all candidates to remain vigilant and not to succumb to these fraudulent schemes.
“Protect yourselves and report any suspicious activity immediately,” he explained.
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has expressed its willingness to partner with the United Nations (UN) to accelerate the development of the Niger Delta region.
Dr Samual Ogbuku, Managing Director of the NDDC, made the appeal in a statement issued by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama, in Port Harcourt on yesterday.
According to the statement, Ogbuku sought the UN’s support during his visit to the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (UNRHC), Mr Mohammed Fall, at the UN regional office in Abuja.
He called on the global body to provide the NDDC with technical assistance and expert services to support the region’s development.
“We are eager to collaborate with the UN, recognising that the state governments in the region and the NDDC alone cannot achieve the level of regional development required,” he said.
Ogbuku identified key areas where support would be needed, including the provision of portable and affordable drinking water powered by high-tech solar energy sources.
He also highlighted the importance of reforesting the mangrove swamps, which have been severely damaged by decades of environmental degradation caused by oil exploration in the Niger Delta.
“Although the NDDC has made progress in providing solar-powered streetlights across the region, we still require UN support in delivering solar energy solutions for residential buildings.
“We also wish to explore the possibility of installing solar mini-grids in homes across communities, which would boost local commerce and trade,” he added.
The NDDC managing director further appealed for increased UN involvement in areas such as healthcare, education, youth training, gender development, and food security.
Ogunku stated that such interventions would significantly enhance the standard of living in the region.
In response, Fall affirmed the UN’s readiness to collaborate with the NDDC to fast track development in the Niger Delta.
He assured that the UN would support initiatives in food security, job creation, education, and renewable energy, among other areas.
“We aim to approach development in the Niger Delta holistically, rather than focusing solely on environmental pollution.
“This is merely an entry point; however, the UN’s development vision aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are designed to positively impact various aspects of people’s lives,” Fall stated.
He assured the NDDC of continued and fruitful engagements to drive the region’s development.