Tuesday, 25 May 2021
INSECURITY: MULADE URGES FG TO AVOID SECOND WAVE OF MILITANCY IN NIGER DELTA REGION
Thursday, 20 May 2021
LATEST: Gov Ayade formally joins APC
Tuesday, 18 May 2021
IOM raises alarm of possible exclusion of irregular migrants from vaccination efforts in 53 countries
By Akpokona Omafuaire
THe IOM has raised the alarm that irregular and undocumented migrants and those forcibly displaced are at particular risk in accessing national vaccination effort due to government policies, operational realities and administrative requirements like identification cards and residency permits for some migrants in 53 of the more than 160 countries where the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has collected information on access so far.
This was revealed by IOM Director General António Vitorino during a Media briefing on Tuesday in Bangladesh.
According to him, “We have been impressed with efforts made in dozens of countries to make vaccination roll-outs as equitable as possible, but barriers to health services have been systemic since before the pandemic and remain a reality for too many migrants in too many places.
“What we are seeing in some cases is a disconnect between what is being committed to on paper and what is actually happening in practice.
"Some 47 countries have already taken concrete steps to ensure that migrants, including those in irregular situations, can access the vaccine. Many nations are still awaiting doses to begin their vaccination roll-outs. Even when they start, IOM has identified more than 53 countries, territories or areas where current policies and operational realities will make vaccine access unattainable for the most vulnerable."
He said that IOM notes with particular concern that close to 40 countries where administrative processes – such as requirements to present a national ID or valid residence permit, or to pre-register with national insurance schemes – may present an obstacle for some categories of migrants and forcibly displaced persons.
Vitorino stressed that other types of barriers have been identified in several locations, including prioritization of citizens and exclusion of non-nationals from vaccination campaigns; the lack of a “firewall” between health providers and immigration authorities which leads many migrants in irregular situations to fear arrest or deportation should they seek immunization; general vaccine hesitancy due to insufficient targeted outreach through linguistically and culturally appropriate channels; continued mobility as a challenge for vaccines requiring two doses, and the need to have a smartphone, a computer or an internet connection to enroll.
The Director General explained that the Organization’s ongoing review of migrant access in practice – which differs from desk reviews of the national deployment and vaccination plans being undertaken by other stakeholders – has also brought to light the many encouraging initiatives taken by governments who recognize that vaccine equity is critical to overcome the health, economic and mobility crises posed by this pandemic.
He listed the good practices noted are: Accepting any form of identification document, no matter its expiration date, with no questions asked about the person’s immigration status. Pro-actively reaching out to migrant communities, in tailored languages and through relevant communication channels to build trust and create vaccine demand. Deploying mobile vaccination teams to reach remote areas where primary health services remain scarce. Guaranteeing that there will be no reporting to immigration authorities following immunization. Granting residency rights or visa extensions for migrants in irregular situations, to ensure they can access social benefits, including health care.
He said that while working hand-in-hand with national health authorities, the World Health Organization (WHO), the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other key partners, IOM has been advocating for such measures to bridge the gaps, and has been providing governments with technical, policy and operational support, upon request.
“There is still time to course-correct for vaccine equity wherever there is the political will to do so,” said Director General Vitorino. “It is often in the day-to-day processes and administrative requirements in health centres that the fight for true inclusion is won or lost, so I call on all governments to clear the path towards COVID-19 immunization for all.” He added.
IOM launches $140m appeal to support community and refugees in Bangladesh
By Akpokona Omafuaire
THE International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday that it has launched an $140 million appeal to support over 1.3 million host community members and Rohingya refugees residing in Cox’s Bazar District in Bangladesh.
This was revealed in a media briefing by António Vitorino, IOM Director General in Cox's Bazar on Tuesday.
He said that the appeal becomes important because there exist about 900,000 Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh for four years since their mass displacement from Myanmar, preceded by decades of influxes spurned by systematic discrimination and targeted violence.
Vitorino noted that while the Government of Bangladesh and the international community have maintained the provision of immediate life-saving assistance, but the needs are immense and complex challenges continue to emerge and reshape the nature of the response.
According to him, “Under the leadership of the Government of Bangladesh, we will continue to work closely with our partners and uphold our commitment to safeguard the well-being and dignity of both Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and their host communities.
“At the same time, the international community must continue to advocate for sustainable solutions in Myanmar that would eventually facilitate what all Rohingya refugees have consistently voiced as their main concern — to return home.” he added.
The Director General explained that humanitarian community swiftly shifted priorities in 2020 to respond to the impact of COVID-19 on the Rohingya residing in the 34 congested refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar district. That the COVID-19 interventions were scaled up, and other humanitarian services adjusted, according to guidelines on access and presence to reduce the spread of infection.
Adding that a recent UN survey revealed a decrease in shelter maintenance and livelihoods, and deterioration in the protection environment. "These challenges, and others such as monsoon and cyclone preparedness and response, will remain at the forefront of the response in 2021."
He stressed that IOM will continue to provide life-saving emergency shelter and core relief items to support households affected by the recent devastating fire, monsoon and other disasters and shocks. "The team will strengthen safe and dignified living conditions through rationalized and participatory site planning and through environmentally conscious construction and site maintenance initiatives." He said.
That the activities outlined in the appeal promote equitable access to mental health and psychosocial support services for all crisis-affected individuals. IOM also aims to encourage the use of essential healthcare packages among refugees and host communities by countering misinformation and supporting community engagement.
Vitorino further said that the impact of the crisis on the affected areas in Cox’s Bazar District likewise requires concerted efforts to support host communities affected by price increases and strained livelihoods.
He maintained that IOM will enhance the livelihoods and resilience of women, girls, men and boys who are part of vulnerable host communities, and support social protection interventions in cooperation with the Government of Bangladesh. That the organization will also continue to address the urgent cooking fuel needs of refugees through the provision of alternative clean fuel and technology.
On his part, Giorgi Gigauri, IOM Chief of Mission in Bangladesh said, "Together with the Government and our local partners, we will contribute to the peaceful coexistence of Rohingya refugees and host communities.
"Ensuring a community-based approach to the response, the teams will continue to improve the participation of affected people through community feedback and collective data analysis.”
IOM’s Global Crisis Response Platform provides an overview of IOM’s plans and funding requirements to respond to the evolving needs and aspirations of those impacted by, or at risk of, crisis and displacement in 2021 and beyond.
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Wednesday, 12 May 2021
IOM begins support of UN Covid -19 vaccination in Yemen
By Akpokona Omafuaire
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said it has begun its support to the United Nations (UN) COVID-19 vaccination roll-out in Yemen where cases have recently surged.
The Organization is currently providing vaccinations at five health centres in Aden, Ma’rib, Shabwah, Taiz and Lahj.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by Christa Rottensteiner, IOM Yemen Chief of Mission.
Rottensteiner said Yemen has received 360,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses through the COVAX Facility on 31 March but that the roll-out of the vaccination campaign began on 20 April.He said that COVID-19 has had severe consequences for the health, well-being and income of people in Yemen. That the full impact can never be truly known due to limited testing and reporting across the country.
"The monthly rate of positive COVID-19 cases reached over 2,400 in March, which was the highest confirmed in one month since the start of the pandemic. In April, the case rate continued to be higher than in previous months with more than 1,500 cases. As of early May, the case fatality rate reached over 19 per cent — the highest in the region.
“Achieving wide-reaching immunity is vital to stopping the COVID-19 pandemic in its tracks.
"IOM is happy to support the vaccination campaign in Yemen to help reach that very aim. It is extremely important that all vulnerable communities in Yemen have access to the COVID-19 vaccine.
"IOM welcomes the Government of Yemen’s decision to take an inclusive approach to the vaccine roll-out by including migrants in need. Our communities will not be healthy until everyone is healthy.” He added.
According to him, about 18,500 health workers and people with medical conditions have been vaccinated across Yemen.
That In the next rounds of the vaccination campaign, migrants are expected to be included as per the national plan.
Rottensteiner said IOM estimates that more than 32,000 migrants are currently stranded across Yemen, with limited access to health care, hygiene or other COVID-19 prevention and treatment resources.
He emphasized that the vaccines being administered by IOM in the five health centres are provided through the COVAX Facility, which is a partnership between the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Rottensteiner revealed that prior to the start of the vaccination campaign, IOM doctors were trained in administering the vaccine by WHO, UNICEF and the Ministry of Public Health and Population.
That the health centres where IOM is helping to carry out the vaccination campaign are already supported by the Organization through other means, including the provision of medicine, supplies, equipment, salary support and training.
He stressed that IOM is able to work with these health centres due to support from USAID’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) and the Government of Japan.
For greater effectiveness of vaccination campaigns across the world, IOM calls for the removal of any barriers that migrants and forcibly displaced persons may face in accessing the jab.
The Organization has been supporting governments through health system strengthening, outreach to share information and combat vaccine hesitancy among communities, and operational support for transport and storage of doses, among other activities.
IOM has also been implementing an extensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic since its start in 2020 through other health services such as the construction of quarantine centres, enhancing COVID-19 diagnostics through PCR testing, risks communication and community engagement and health worker training.
For greater effectiveness of vaccination campaigns across the world, IOM calls for the removal of any barriers that migrants and forcibly displaced persons may face in accessing the jab.
The Organization has been supporting governments through health system strengthening, outreach to share information and combat vaccine hesitancy among communities, and operational support for transport and storage of doses, among other activities.
IOM has also been implementing an extensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic since its start in 2020 through other health services such as the construction of quarantine centres, enhancing COVID-19 diagnostics through PCR testing, risks communication and community engagement and health worker training.
Tuesday, 11 May 2021
Read full communique of Southern Nigerian Governors issued in Asaba
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021
At its meeting, held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused on the current security situation, agitations/restructuring,
prospect for inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rising from the meeting, the Forum:
i) affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice, fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economíc development and prosperity;
ii) observed that the incursion of armed herders, criminals and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across Southern Nigería;
iii) noted that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including cattle movement to the South by foot);
iv) recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern livestock management systems;
v) agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism;
vi) recommended that in view of widespread agitations among our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing governance arrangements, the Federal Government should convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency;
vii) recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria's overall population is heterogenous;
viii) resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States and the nation at large. In this connection, Secretaries to the Governments of the Southern States are to work together to develop and institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern States;
ix) expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the Oshodi - Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation's economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. The meeting therefore recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic activities in the country;
x) the meeting expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and therefore suggested greater coordination and cooperation between Federal and State Governments in evolving strategies for dealing with the pandemic;
xi) expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people; and
xii) expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa for his generosity and hospitality.
His Excellency
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State
His Excellency
Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor, Abia State
His Excellency
Chief Emmanuel Udom
Governor, Akwa Ibom State
His Excellency
Senator Diri Draoye
Governor, Bayelsa State
His Excellency
Willie Obiano
Governor, Anambra State
His Excellency
Prof. Ben Ayade
Governor, Cross Rivers State
His Excellency
Senator Dr. feanyi Okowa
Governor, Delta State
His Excellency
Engr. David Umahi
Governor, Ebonyi State
His Excellency
Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo State
His Excellency
John Olukayode Fayemi
Governor, Ekiti State
His Excellency
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Governor, Enugu State
His Excellency
Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor, Imo State
His Excellency
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor, Lagos State
His Excellency
Dapo Abiodun
Governor, Ogun State
His Excellency
Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola
Governor, Osun State
His Excellency
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde
Governor, Oyo State
His Excellency
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Governor, Rivers State
Saturday, 1 May 2021
Tompolo congratulates new elected Ijaw leaders, calls for unity
By Akpokona Omafuaire
WARRI - HIGH Chief Government Ekpemupolo a,k,a Tompolo, the Ibe-Ebidouwei of Ijaw Nation yesterday congratulated the newly elected Ijaw National Congress (INC) Officials led by erudite Orof. Benjamin Okaba with a call on Ijaw nation to support them.
Tompolo message was contained in a press statement signed by himself sent to Vanguard in Warri, Delta State.
The statement read in part, "I, on behalf my family, friends and associates, heartily congratulate my brother and friend, Professor Benjamin Ogele Okaba, on your well-deserved election as the President of the Ijaw National Congress (INC) on Saturday April 30th 2021, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.
"I wish to also congratulate others who were elected alongside with you to form the Executive Council of the apex organ of the Ijaw Nation.
"I want you to see this elevation as the will of God Almighty and a service to Jehovah and the entire Ijaw Nation. Therefore, it is your duty to carry all and sundry along in Ijaw Nation. You must be magnanimous in victory and see all contestants in the election as brothers and sisters.
"I wish to call on the entire Ijaw Nation to queue behind you on this enormous task of taking the Ijaw Nation to the next level of peace, unity and prosperity.
"My thanks goes to my brother and friend, the miracle Governor of Baylesa State, Chief Senator Douye Diri, for not just providing an enabling environment, but also play a role of neutrality in the process leading to the election.
"You demonstrated yourself as a true son, and the Governor General of Ijaw Nation. I aslo salute your brothers, the Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpor and his counterpart, the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Barr. Deacon Kingsley Burutu Otuaro as worthy companions in achieving this great feat.
"To our father and elder statesman, Chief Dr Senator Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, CON, I say you were wonderful in your prayers and guardians towards a successful INC election. May Jehovah God continue to endow you with more wisdom and good health to stand by your children in their quest of a greater Ijaw Nation, which has been your dream.
"I greet all our youths and women for their cooperation with the elders in this trying time of our country. It is my prayer that may Jehovah keep us all as one to match on to the Ijaw Nation of our dream." It added.
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