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NPHCDA Says 28m COVID Vaccines In Stock, Encourages Nigerians To Take Booster Doses

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The National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) has called on eligible Nigerians to receive booster doses of the COVID vaccine.

Faisal Shuaib, executive director of the NPHCDA, said this on Monday at a media briefing organized by the ministry of health on the update of COVID response and developments in the country’s health sector.

Shuaib said more than 50 percent of eligible Nigerians have been fully vaccinated against COVID, adding that the agency’s target was to have vaccinated 70 percent of Nigeria’s eligible population by December 2022.

“As of today, January 9, 2023, 76,161,470 eligible persons have received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccines in Nigeria, representing 65.7 percent of our eligible population; 64,094,498 persons have been fully vaccinated and this represents 55.3 percent of our eligible population; 9,892,018 have received their booster doses,” he said.

“This year, we have seen an increase in the number of our eligible population from 111,773,503 to 115,983,921 as a result of the increase in the number of persons who turned 18 years.”

The executive director said the fight against COVID is not over, adding that the new Omicron sub-variant, XBB.1.5, is quickly becoming the dominant strain in parts of the United States and has been detected in at least 28 other countries.

He said the increase in the number of cases seen globally is a result of the mutation occurring and the low intake of booster doses.

He, therefore, called on Nigerians to “ensure that they take their booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccines”.

“We are continuously working with all stakeholders at national, state, and local governments to increase awareness, social mobilization, and increase coverage,” he said.

‘As of January 7, 2023, Nigeria has a vaccine stock balance of 28,968,045 doses. More vaccines are still expected over the coming weeks.

“We, therefore, encourage all Nigerians to visit the nearest government facility to ensure they are up to date with either their first, second, or booster doses. The COVID-19 vaccines are available. They are free and they are safe.

“We will continue to work with the states and partners to ensure that low-performing states are pushed to ensure full coverage of all eligible populations.

“Remember, it is not yet over. We must continue to work together to ensure Nigerians remain fully protected against the virus.”

Also speaking at the briefing, Ifedayo Adetifa, director-general of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), said the agency is closely monitoring the Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.5.

“The most important action for Nigerians to take is to get vaccinated as the vaccine is the most important intervention for preventing severe disease, hospitalization, and death,” he added.

BIG STORY

NOVA Bank Achieves Global Cybersecurity Milestone With ISO 27032 Certification

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NOVA Bank has achieved a major milestone in its commitment to safeguarding customer data and digital operations by attaining the globally recognized ISO 27032 Cybersecurity Standard certification. This significant achievement positions NOVA Bank among the elite financial institutions in Nigeria with such a distinction.

The ISO 27032 certification focuses on fortifying cybersecurity measures, ensuring robust protection for data, systems, and online transactions amid an ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. In addition to this achievement, NOVA Bank is already certified in ISO 27001 for Information Security Management and BCMS 22301 for Business Continuity Management, further underscoring its dedication to operational excellence and security.

Speaking on the achievement, Acting Managing Director and CEO of NOVA Bank, Mrs. Chinwe Iloghalu, described the certification as a pivotal moment for the Bank and its customers.

“This certification underscores NOVA Bank’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the highest global standards in cybersecurity. As we continue to innovate with customer-centric retail products, cybersecurity remains at the heart of our operations. Our customers can rest assured that their data and transactions are protected by some of the most advanced security frameworks in the industry. Trust is built on security, and NOVA is committed to providing a secure, reliable, and innovative banking experience,” Mrs Iloghalu stated. The Bank’s Executive Director for Operations and Information Technology, Dr. David Isavwe, who also serves as the President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Information Security Society of Africa, Nigeria (ISSAN), emphasized the broader implications of the certification.

“The ISO 27032 certification highlights NOVA Bank’s proactive approach to addressing cybersecurity challenges. It demonstrates our readiness to protect against evolving threats and our ability to adapt to the dynamic landscape of digital banking. This certification reinforces our commitment to delivering secure and uninterrupted services to our valued customers,” Dr. Isavwe remarked.

This milestone aligns with NOVA Bank’s overarching strategy of integrating cutting-edge technology with its trademarked Phygital model—seamlessly blending physical and digital banking experiences, while maintaining an unwavering focus on customer trust and satisfaction.

As the bank prepares to launch a series of innovative retail banking products, this certification highlights its dedication to prioritizing cybersecurity, ensuring a secure and seamless banking experience for all its customers.

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JUST IN: Customs Hands Over 21 Stolen Vehicles To Canadian Government

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The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has transferred 21 stolen “Sport Utility Vehicles” (SUVs) and other assorted vehicles to the Canadian Government, following their recovery from various locations across the country.

 

More to come…

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Former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello Now In Our Custody — EFCC

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has revealed that former Kogi State governor, Yahaya Bello, has been detained in the agency’s custody for allegedly misappropriating over N110 billion in public funds.

The EFCC stated that the former governor appeared at its headquarters after months of ignoring invitations and avoiding court summons related to fraud connected to his administration.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday said that Bello had been detained and would be questioned about the allegations against him.

According to reports, Bello responded to the EFCC’s invitation on Tuesday, arriving at the EFCC office with his lawyers, but without his successor, Governor Usman Ododo, who had reportedly been shielding him from arrest.

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