IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

UNICEF has called on the Kano State Government to declare a state of emergency on polio and routine immunisation following a resurgence of the virus in the state.

Rahma Farah, Chief of Field Office, represented by Michael Banda, made the appeal during a media dialogue ahead of World Immunization Week, noting that three of Nigeria’s 18 recent polio cases were found in Kano’s Warawa, Bunkure, and Nassarawa LGAs.

UNICEF urged stronger political commitment, timely funding, and community mobilization to tackle vaccine hesitancy and close immunisation gaps. The agency also appealed to LGA chairmen and traditional leaders to support the April 24–30 vaccination campaign targeting over 4.1 million children. 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will begin on May 9 and conclude by May 24.

The decision followed a readiness assessment meeting held with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. NAHCON confirmed that a total of 43,000 pilgrims will be transported by four airlines: Air Peace (5,128 pilgrims), FlyNas (12,506), Max Air (15,203), and Umza (10,163), with multiple aircraft allocated for the operation.

Return flights are scheduled to start on June 13 and end by July 2. NAHCON also confirmed medical preparations, including clinic arrangements in Makkah and Madinah and distribution of Yellow Cards, while advising states not to register pregnant women. 

A suspected explosion in the Abakpa area of Kaduna North on Tuesday has been confirmed by police as a tragic discharge of a locally made firearm, not a bomb blast.

The incident claimed the life of 12-year-old Abubakar Muhammed and left seven others injured. Initial reports suggested two children were killed, but police clarified the situation after an on-site investigation by security officials, including the anti-bomb squad.

Kaduna Police Command says further inquiries are ongoing, while condoling with the bereaved and urging stricter control of homemade firearms. 

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has ordered an immediate reorganisation of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) to strengthen internal security and restore its core mandate.

During a meeting with PMF Squadron Commanders in Abuja, Egbetokun announced the withdrawal of personnel from unauthorised duties, particularly private escorts and guard services.

He also introduced quarterly ethics and professionalism training, mandatory standby combat-ready units, and stricter accountability for commanders.

The IGP reaffirmed plans for new leadership strategies and capacity-building to reposition the PMF as a disciplined and reliable tactical unit, thanking President Tinubu and international partners for their ongoing support. 

Onyewuchi Pays Condolence Visit To Late Pascal Dozie Family, Says He Was A Role Model With Strong Legacy 

By Iheanyi Enwere, Owerri. 

Distinguished Senator Ezenwa Onyewuchi paid condolence visit to the Dozie Family of Egbu, Owerri North Local Government Area, Imo State, Saturday, April 19,2025,to commiserate with them over the death of Chief Pascal Dozie. 

The renowned captain of industry recently passed away at the age of 85 years,after several decades of playing key roles in different economic sectors of the country, especially in banking and telecoms. 

Speaking during the visit in which was accomplished by leaders of the Peoples Movement, the Senator described him as great achiever, who played pioneering role in critical economic sectors of the country, establishing a strong and lasting legacy in the process. 

He stressed that his numerous groundbreaking achievements and contributions to the country's economy, growth and development, expectedly elevated him to a national icon and role model,with attendant national and global reputation. This, he asserted, was why his passing has led to the torrent of tributes that has trailed his demise. 

The Imo East Senatorial District, Owerri Zone, Senator, further highlighted that his contributions transcended the country's economic and business environment. According to him, "Ndaa Pascal", as he was fondly called, though not a practicing politician,never hesitated to intervene on behalf of the people of the zone, and state on issues affecting them. 

Distinguished Senator Onyewuchi asserted that by his trajectory, he achieved almost everything he wanted to achieve in life, and capped that up with longevity. He prayed God to grant his soul peaceful repose,while giving those he left behind the fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss. 

In his response, Prof..Dozie, who received the lawmaker and his entourage in company of his wife, Mrs Ann Dozie, echoed the lawmaker's sentiment, averring that his elder brother achieved virtually all he wanted to achieve in life. He expressed gratitude to the lawmaker and his team for finding time to come and sympathize with them, even as he noted that his profile has continued to rise because of his good performance.

#MrEmpowerment 

#SenatorOnyewuchiMedia 

The Executive Director of Eagle Brain Youth Transformative and Development Initiative (EBYTDI), Daniel Ejembi, has called on the EFCC, National Assembly, and Kaduna State Government to investigate the execution of a federal constituency project reportedly meant for public schools in Dokan Mai Jama’a, Chikun LGA.

In a statement, Ejembi raised concerns over possible mismanagement of public funds, urging authorities to ensure transparency and accountability. He noted that the project, allegedly sponsored by a former lawmaker, may not have been implemented as intended, despite ongoing infrastructure challenges in local schools.

He called for urgent intervention in renovating classrooms, providing sanitation facilities, learning materials, and clean water, while urging legal and institutional action where necessary.