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COVID-19: CACOVID to buy Vaccines through FG, plans on distribution

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5 years ago

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FG to induct 2nd batch of vaccine by August 16

The private sector-led Coalition Against COVID-19 (CACOVID) has clarified that only the Federal Government, through the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) can obtain any COVID-19 vaccine for Nigeria in the ongoing fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

 

 

The coalition also explained that the process of buying the vaccines through the Federal Government has commenced and also that the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) as an official regulatory body, has to approve the vaccine and certify it before use by Nigerians.

These clarifications were made by the Administrator of CACOVID, Mrs. Zouera Youssoufou, while speaking in Lagos during the Global Business Report programme on ARISE TV News. The clarification was made in reference to media reports that BUA (a member of CACOVID) had purchased a million doses of COVID-19 (AstraZeneca) vaccines through Afreximbank for Nigerians.

Responding to questions on how the CACOVID Collegiate Fund Works, Youssoufou, said, “The way this works is that we, as a group, agree on what to actually purchase, on how to purchase it and what the modalities of the purchase would be. This is how the group has been working since we were created back in March 2020. As you know we have several things including testing, test kits and getting isolation centres, PPEs, palliatives, communications among many others.

“So the purchase of the vaccines is very similar to the purchase of the testing supplies, meaning that we do this through very validated and subsidised means. Right now there are three mechanisms that Nigeria is participating in. One called COVAX, one called the African Union Vaccine Acquisition Task Force which is funded by Afreximbank, and the third one is the World Bank, which is also funding some of these vaccines.

“Nigeria as a country is a member of all these organisations. We as the CACOVID, the private sector coalition against COVID, our role is to support our government in what is needed in order to help our people in the context of this COVID-19. So I think the important thing that we all need to know is that there are several steps to procuring vaccines. The first thing is that government are the ones who can actually buy vaccines, so we as a private sector group, as individual companies, cannot buy vaccines, we can’t call AstraZeneca or Pfizer or Moderna to order vaccines from them. That is the first thing.

“The second thing is that the distribution of the vaccines and how they would be shared in our country has to be done by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA) which is the only agency in our country mandated to handle vaccines and so far, as you know people, children are being vaccinated everyday BCG, Polio. So those vaccines, that whole process is managed by the NPHCDA and they are going to be the ones managing this process too. So it is not a matter of sending money to the Central Bank, that is one step. But the real step is how do we get the vaccines into Nigeria and how do we distribute them to the people.

“I think the most over-looked element in this discussion on that aspect about getting vaccines next week, is that AstraZeneca or any vaccine has yet to be approved by NAFDAC, which is our regulatory agency. So without the approval of NAFDAC, there is no vaccine that can come into Nigeria and be distributed to Nigerians or shot into the arms of Nigerians. And I think this is where some of the misinformation had come in.”

On a question on the statement from BUA that the Central Bank of Nigeria put out a call to the CACOVID members on a small window through which to procure these vaccines, where someone had to step and they (BUA) came in and put up the money, Youssoufou replied, “First thing, I was on a call with the Afreximbank President on February 7 with Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Herbert Wigwe and Godwin Emefiele, and in that call, President Oranmah (Benedict) was explaining to us their model and how this task force was working with the AU and how they have set up a $2 billion facility to help fund the vaccines for Nigeria and for African countries, and that the allocation of 42 million vaccines had been made for Nigeria.

“He also told us about an extra one million doses that we can get if we can confirm that we wanted those doses immediately by the next day February 8. And so CACOVID leaders agreed that yes, this was a good thing and would bring it to the meeting the very next day, which happened. So we had the meeting yesterday (February 8) and that discussion actually happened. What is really important to know is that Afreximbank, after that call, already secured those doses for Nigeria because they had the confirmation from the Central Bank Governor, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, and Herbert Wigwe that they would pay for these one million doses.

“Now, the doses don’t come in; it’s not as if we get a million doses of vaccines one day getting dumped into Nigeria; they get delivered at a specific pace. So we might get a hundred thousand (100,000) immediately, 150,000 the next week, and then let’s say another hundred thousand. So we will never get a million doses in one single day coming into Nigeria at once. And in order for that to happen, we have to work very closely with both the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency which I just explained are the ones who would be managing this process of getting the vaccine into people’s arms, but also sorting out the logistics.

“Vaccines have to be stored at a certain temperature; when they land from the plane, they come out of a cooler, they have to be transferred to another freezer. Then we have to get those vaccines across the country. We also have to follow a very logical logistics chain of how we are going to get the vaccines from point A to point B, what centres are going to get them, who are the people who are going to get vaccinated, where the health workers are going to be doing the vaccinations.

“This is the work that the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency does. Dr. Faisal Shuaib (Executive Director NPHCDA) has to be part of this conversation in order for us to have any legitimacy in bringing vaccines back into Nigeria. So that is the way it happened. But in terms of the vaccine being secured, the vaccines are already secured because President Oranmah said ‘I’ll hold these for you’ for Nigeria. Now we need to get AstraZeneca approved in Nigeria and that’s not for us to do but for NAFDAC to do and then the payment that would go from CACOVID to Afreximbank on behalf of Nigeria for these vaccines would then happen. 

“So nobody is disputing a transfer into Central Bank account; nobody is saying that did not happen, that is not where the challenge is. The challenge is the claim that one company has brought vaccines into Nigeria because that is not factual,” Youssoufou added.

In a statement issued to clear the air on the COVID-19 vaccines purchase, the Coalition noted in part that, “These claims are not factual as CACOVID operates on a collegiate fund contribution model. There is no agreement between BUA, CACOVID and Afreximbank.”

According to the statement, CACOVID leadership agreed to contribute $100 million to procure vaccines for Nigeria, noting that “these 1 million doses from Afreximbank worth $3.45 million, being the very first tranche. CACOVID will purchase vaccines through other credible and subsidised mechanisms such as COVAX.”

“CACOVID would like the Nigerian public to understand that vaccine purchase is only possible through the Federal Government of Nigeria, and that no individual or company can purchase vaccines directly from any legitimate and recognised manufacturer,” it said
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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves ₦3.759 Billion For Gusau Water Supply Rehabilitation

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1 hour ago

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April 28, 2026

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Governor Dauda Lawal Approves ₦3.759 Billion For Gusau Water Supply Rehabilitation

 

The Zamfara State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the sum of ₦3,759,931,812.50 for the immediate rehabilitation of the Gusau Water Supply Scheme (Phase I). This forms part of the administration’s sustained efforts to address water scarcity and improve access to clean and safe water in the state capital.

 

The approval was granted during a meeting of the State Executive Council following the submission of a memorandum by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, which sought urgent intervention on the deteriorating water supply system in the Gusau metropolis.

 

The project is aimed at restoring efficient water production and distribution across the city, ensuring reliable service delivery to residents, and strengthening public health and sanitation standards.

 

The State Government further reaffirmed that funding for the project has been duly captured in the 2026 Appropriation Law, reflecting its commitment to prioritizing critical infrastructure and improving the quality of life of citizens.

 

Upon completion, the Zamfara State Water Corporation will oversee the operation and maintenance of the rehabilitated facilities to ensure sustainability and long-term service delivery.

 

This initiative underscores the commitment of the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal to addressing key developmental challenges and fulfilling its promise to provide essential services to the people of Zamfara State.

 

The government calls on residents to support ongoing efforts and cooperate with relevant authorities to ensure the successful execution of the project.

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Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi Applauds FG’s Stance Against Raw Mineral Export, Urges Stakeholder Support.

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2 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi Applauds FG’s Stance Against Raw Mineral Export, Urges Stakeholder Support.

 

Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi has commended the Honourable Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, for his firm stance that mining licenses in Nigeria will only be granted to investors who demonstrate clear, actionable plans to add value to raw materials within the country.

 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Oluwadarasimi praised the Minister’s reaffirmation — made during his address at the Kenya Mining Investment Conference — that the Federal Government will no longer award licenses to investors who merely extract and export raw minerals without contributing to local processing and industrial development.

 

He described the policy direction as “a bold and necessary step toward strengthening Nigeria’s economy and ending decades of dependence on raw material exports.”

 

*‘African Minerals Must Create African Wealth’*

Oluwadarasimi, who has consistently championed the principle that _“African minerals must create African wealth,”_ said prioritizing in-country beneficiation and processing is critical to unlocking the sector’s full potential.

 

“Value addition is non-negotiable if we are serious about industrialization,” he stated. “Processing our minerals locally will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, enhance technology transfer, boost small and medium-scale industries, and significantly increase national revenue through higher-value exports.”

 

He noted that Nigeria loses billions annually by exporting unprocessed lithium, gold, barite, and other critical minerals, while importing finished products made from those same resources. “This policy breaks that cycle,” Oluwadarasimi added.

 

*Call for Responsible Investment and Stakeholder Alignment*

Oluwadarasimi emphasized that the Minister’s position would encourage responsible investment, promote sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices, and position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global minerals value chain.

 

He urged stakeholders across the mining sector — including foreign investors, local operators, financial institutions, and host communities — to support the government’s vision by aligning their operations with policies that promote local value addition, skills development, and economic growth.

 

“Compliance is not just regulatory; it is patriotic and profitable,” he said. “Investors who process locally will find a ready market, government incentives, and a more stable operating environment.”

 

*A New Era for Solid Minerals*

Oluwadarasimi concluded by reiterating his support for the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development and expressed optimism that this strategic direction would usher in a new era of prosperity for Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.

 

“The era of ‘dig and ship’ must end. With Minister Alake’s leadership, we are seeing the political will to ensure Nigeria’s mineral wealth finally works for Nigerians,” he said.

 

Oluwatope Oluwadarasimi is an advocate for resource nationalism, industrial development, and sustainable mining practices in Africa.

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

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9 hours ago

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April 28, 2026

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Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise”
— Dr Chris Okafor

…Evil communication corrupts good character
…The Holy Spirit is the seal of redemption

 

 

True Christian living, beyond winning souls, requires nurturing and sustaining new converts in the faith. This was the central message delivered by the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Dr Chris Okafor, during a teaching on “Understanding the Act of Discipleship.”
According to him, soul winning without proper establishment and follow-up defeats its purpose. “The goal is not just conversion but fruitfulness and continuity in Christ,” he emphasized, noting that believers must also understand the conditions that make prayers effective.

The Necessity of Discipleship

Dr Okafor outlined why discipleship is essential in the Christian journey:
New converts require guidance to withstand temptations that could pull them back into their former ways.
They must gradually disconnect from relationships and habits that previously weakened their faith.
Support systems should be in place to help them navigate personal and spiritual challenges.
Consistent follow-up, rooted in love and care, helps prevent discouragement and negative perceptions.
Proper integration into the body of Christ strengthens their sense of belonging and commitment.

Understanding Discipleship

He described discipleship as a deliberate process of helping believers grow in Christ and align with godly principles rather than worldly influences. It involves:
Guiding converts until Christ is fully formed in them.
Transmitting biblical values that strengthen their faith and daily conduct.

Practical Approach to Discipleship

The cleric highlighted key methods for effective discipleship:
Fervent prayer for the spiritual stability of new believers.
Demonstrating genuine love and consistent care.
Regular follow-up visits and visible engagement.
Encouraging early infilling of the Holy Spirit.
Teaching habits that sustain spiritual growth.

Habits That Strengthen Faith

To remain grounded, believers were encouraged to cultivate:
Daily study of the Word of God
Consistent prayer and fellowship with God
Active participation in church gatherings
Bold expression of their faith
A conscious rejection of unrighteousness
Deep-rooted commitment to the house of God

A Foundation for Growth

In conclusion, Dr Chris Okafor stressed that discipleship thrives when believers are rooted in sound spiritual guidance. “When you walk with the wise, you become wise,” he said, adding that strong spiritual formation protects individuals from negative influences and preserves godly character.

The Grace Nation Global Sunday Communion Service, observed by members worldwide, featured testimonies, healing sessions, deliverance, and a special child dedication, rounding off the service on a note of faith and celebration.

 

Discipleship: “Walk with the Wise and You Will Become Wise” — Dr Chris Okafor

By Sunday Adeyemi
[email protected]

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