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Africa and the race for COVID-19 vaccine development.
The statement by Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO’s Director-General recently during a virtual news conference gives cause for concern as it has become clear that the coronavirus is accelerating and spreading at a worrisome rate.

“Although many countries have made some progress, globally, the pandemic is actually speeding up,” The WHO DG had said. “We all want this to be over. We all want to get on with our lives, but the hard reality is that this is not even close to being over.”
According to records released by Johns Hopkins University, the pandemic has infected more than 10.1 million people around the world and killed at least 502,634 people as at June ending.
While the United States and Brazil account for a large proportion of new coronavirus cases, eyes are also on the growing cases of the disease in Africa. The African Union, AU, is keeping its eyes on the rising figures and has made vaccine accessibility to African countries a priority when one is eventually developed.
Since most of the vaccines currently undergoing trials are not of African origin, the concerns of African countries as expressed by the AU in a recent communique are in the areas of sufficient supply to African countries when a vaccine is developed, removal of impediments to vaccine roll in Africa, fast-tracking regulatory approval and effective control measures and administration.
In all the countries were vaccine development have reached an advance stage of trial only China has given assurances that a Chinese developed vaccine would be declared a global public good, thereby making it immediately available to all countries and people of the world especially, African countries.
Chinese President Xi Jinping was very clear about this at the 73 section of the World Health Assembly and Africa China Summit on COVID-19.
In both event, he had called for building a global community of health for all and also announced measures to boost the global fight against COVID-19.
The Chinese leader has always place Africa in a special position in the fight against the coronavirus:
“We must provide greater support for Africa. Developing countries, African countries, in particular, have weaker public health systems. Helping them build capacity must be our top priority in COVID-19 response. The world needs to provide more material, technological and personnel support for African countries” he said during the 73 section of the World Health Assembly. He echoed similar position at the China Africa Summit on COVID-19 were he promised unequivocally to make a Chinese developed vaccine available to African countries and advocated debt cancellations by rich countries for Africa with China taking the lead.
A few days after, President Xi Jinping statement, the European Union (EU) headed the call by provided EUR 10 million towards the implementation of the Africa Joint Continental Strategy for COVID-19 Outbreak. The funding according to media report is the initial contribution by Europe to the continental action against COVID-19.
Echoing the long-held position of President Xi Jinping, Ambassador Ranieri Sabatucci of the EU, said “Global solidarity is key to fighting COVID-19. This is why in these difficult times partnership between Team Europe and the African Union is as strong and reliable as ever”
Dr John Nkengasong, Director of Africa CDC responded also calling for global solidarity in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic:
“This pandemic is a global challenge and it requires everybody working together with a unique level of cooperation”.
Africa’s strategic response to the COVID-19 pandemic is built around the Africa CDC, the lead institution for Africa’s preparedness and coordinated response infectious disease and control.
It is a specialized technical institution of the African Union with a mandate to safeguard the health of Africa, Africa CDC supports all Member States in their efforts to effectively respond to disease threats. Given the continent’s fragile health systems and economic situation, the pandemic is already having a heavy toll on Africa. Therefore, Africa needs extraordinary efforts at all levels by all stakeholders to prevent further transmission, deaths and social and economic harm resulting from COVID-19.
Hence the efforts by China to strengthen the African CDC, by accelerating the construction and equipping of its headquarters and the donation by the EU are welcome developments.
It has become obvious that the primary way the world can finally bring the coronavirus pandemic under control is through the development and deployment of an effective vaccine. Not surprising the race is on by the big powers to develop an effective vaccine against Covid-19.
However, while the big powers are at the forefront in the development of a vaccine, African countries it would seem are on the sidelines waiting to benefit from the final outcome of these efforts.
It would be unfortunate and deadly if Africa is not taken into consideration in the development of a vaccine for obvious reasons.
A vaccine can only be effective if it has extensive trails across diverse countries and races. It is for this reason that health experts agree that the vaccine should be extensively tested in African countries.
South African and Kenya have already taken the lead in vaccine trials in Africa, happily irrespective of initial fears and pushback, Nigeria may soon join, South Africa in human trials of the vaccine. The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Prof. Innocent Ujah recently called for collaboration between Nigerian doctors/scientist and their Chinese counterpart in the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
There is no known cure yet for the coronavirus, a vaccine is seen as a sure solution in bringing the pandemic to an end. A vaccine that must have universal application, not just for wealthy nations.
This is why it is highly important that extensive human testing is carried out in Africa. Nobody and no country should be relegated to the background on account of race, or economic status.
The call being champion by African leaders for a “people’s vaccine” should be supported by all nation of the world and pharmaceutical companies spearheading the development of a coronavirus vaccine.
The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa and Chairman of the African Union captured this position very well when he said the development of a coronavirus vaccine should be one that is, “Patent-free, rapidly made and distributed, and free for all”. Nobody he said, “Should be pushed to the back of the vaccine queue because of where they live or what they earn,”
The search for a vaccine against the coronavirus calls for global solidarity, African countries, who have suffered the pains of under-development for ages must not be left behind this time around but carried along in the quest for a solution to this global pandemic.
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Dangote Refinery, national asset every Nigerian must defend — BAVCCA President declares
President of the Bloggers and Vloggers, Content Creators Association in Nigeria (BAVCCA), Ikechukwu Chukwunyere, has charged Nigerians on the need to protect Dangote Refinery, describing it as a “national asset that every citizen must protect, nurture, and defend against any form of sabotage or doubt.”
Chukwunyere made this declaration on Wednesday at BAVCCA’s National Secretariat in Abuja, following a visit by a 15-man delegation of the association to Dangote Industries in Lagos.
Adding that the visit to the Dangote Refinery was more than a familiarization tour but “a pilgrimage to witness firsthand the embodiment of Nigerian ingenuity, resilience, and vision.”
According to him, the team’s interaction with Dangote Industries’ Vice President, Mr. Edwin Devakumar, provided deep insight into the sacrifices and determination behind what he described as one of Nigeria’s greatest industrial achievements.
While recalling Devakumar’s powerful testimony about believing in Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s vision for the refinery, even when many investors doubted its feasibility.
“Despite the doubts from potential backers, Mr. Devakumar provided crucial support, backing Alhaji Dangote’s dream every step of the way,”
Chukwunyere said. “Alhaji Dangote himself made extraordinary sacrifices, selling most of his assets to fund the project amid those investor doubts.”
He said the refinery, valued at over $20 billion, was “a testament to this unyielding faith” and a model of how personal commitment can turn vision into reality.
Quoting Devakumar, he said Aliko Dangote’s motivation was rooted not only in business ambition but in a “deep prioritization of Nigerians’ well-being.”
“This passion fuels his endeavors, placing the welfare of our people at the heart of every decision,” he added.
The BAVCCA President noted that despite setbacks such as the closure of the Arewa Textile Industry in Kaduna, Dangote “persevered, keeping his vision alive against all odds.”
He described the refinery as the largest in the world, with the capacity to refine 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, set to expand to 1.4 million barrels daily. The project, he said, has created over 65,000 jobs, saved billions in foreign exchange, and generated an estimated $55 billion in annual revenue potential.
Chukwunyere also highlighted the achievements of the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, which he said has “an impressive production capacity of 3 million metric tonnes per annum of urea,” positioning Nigeria as a key player in global agriculture.
During the visit, Chukwunyere said he personally expressed appreciation to the Dangote Group on behalf of BAVCCA and recounted the association’s efforts in defending the refinery against social media misinformation.
“We amplified the truth, countered misinformation, and rallied public support to ensure this vital project was not undermined,” he stated.
In response, he said, the Dangote Vice President “expressed his pleasure with the bloggers’ efforts and commended the good work being done by our community.”
The BAVCCA leader also announced that the association’s forthcoming national conference, scheduled for October 31 in Abuja, would highlight “the achievements of the Dangote Refinery, showcase the visionary behind it—Alhaji Dangote—and celebrate the transformative role of such initiatives in Nigeria’s development.”
He emphasized that content creators have a patriotic role to play in defending national investments.
“Dangote Industries is not just about refining petroleum; it’s about refining our nation’s future—creating jobs, boosting our economy, and reducing dependency on imports,” he said. “Every Nigerian—bloggers, vloggers, content creators, citizens—must rise to protect Dangote Industries.”
Chukwunyere reaffirmed BAVCCA’s commitment to “lead this charge, using our platforms to educate, inspire, and unite,” while calling on Nigerians to honor the sacrifices of Alhaji Dangote and the faith of leaders like Devakumar.
“Join us at our conference on 31st October, and let’s build a Nigeria where national assets like Dangote Industries thrive unhindered,” Chukwunyere concluded.
News
Hon. Munira Applauds Governor Uba Sani for Signing Bill Establishing New College in Lere
By: Fabian Apechihin
In a major educational breakthrough for Kaduna State, Governor Uba Sani has signed into law a bill establishing the Kaduna State College of Agricultural Technology and Environmental Sciences in Lere Local Government Area.
The landmark bill was sponsored by Hon. Munira Suleiman Tanimu, the member representing Lere East Constituency in the Kaduna State House of Assembly. The new institution aims to equip young people with modern skills in agriculture, technology, and environmental management — key areas for the state’s sustainable development.
Expressing her delight, Hon. Munira said:
“I am overjoyed to announce that Governor Uba Sani has signed my bill into law. This college in Lere will empower our youth with practical knowledge in agriculture and environmental protection. It will open doors to innovation and help our communities thrive.”
She noted that the college will serve as a hub for research and practical training, boosting agricultural productivity and addressing pressing environmental challenges in the region.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Kaduna’s economy, and this institution will help modernize the sector while creating new opportunities for our young people,” she added.
Hon. Munira also reaffirmed her commitment to effective representation and progressive legislation:
“We will continue to champion laws that make real, positive impacts in people’s lives. The future is bright, and together, we will build a better, stronger Kaduna State.”
She extended her appreciation to Governor Uba Sani for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for education and rural development.
Residents of Lere and across Kaduna have welcomed the development with excitement, describing the new college as a beacon of hope for the youth and a catalyst for growth in the state’s agricultural and environmental sectors.
With the creation of this new college, Kaduna State takes another bold step toward improving education, empowering its citizens, and building a greener, more prosperous future.
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Soludo’s Alleged Threat to Jail Catholic Clergy After Re-election Sparks Controversy in Anambra
By Fabian Apechihin
A report claiming that Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, plans to jail Catholic bishops, priests, and other clergymen after his re-election has stirred heated debate across the state.
However, Rev. Fr. Raphael Onyekwelu, PhD, Chaplain to the Governor, has dismissed the report as “baseless, ridiculous, and malicious,” describing it as the work of desperate political opponents trying to pit Soludo against the Church.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Fr. Onyekwelu said:
“Our attention has been drawn to a fabricated, malicious, and unsigned piece currently circulating on Facebook and other social media platforms, falsely alleging that His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, CFR, intends to ‘take on the hierarchy of the Church, especially the Catholic Church,’ after winning the forthcoming November 8, 2025 governorship election.”
He said while such falsehoods would normally be ignored, the campaign season had created fertile ground for misinformation and propaganda.
“This is an election period, and desperate politicians are churning out fake news to deceive the public and cause division. It is laughable that they first admit Soludo is likely to win, and then try to manufacture lies to undermine his relationship with his Church — the Catholic Church,” he stated.
Fr. Onyekwelu noted that the alleged statement did not specify any wrongdoing by the Church to warrant such “imaginary arrests,” calling the entire report “a pitiable fabrication.”
He reaffirmed that Governor Soludo, a devout Catholic, holds the Church in the highest regard and recognizes its crucial role in promoting moral values, education, healthcare, and community development.
“Governor Soludo is a proud and practicing Catholic who cherishes the Church’s partnership in governance and social transformation, in line with Catholic Social Teaching. He deeply appreciates the clergy and their contributions to the moral and socio-economic progress of Anambra State,” he added.
Fr. Onyekwelu emphasized that the governor remains committed to working closely with all religious bodies to advance peace, development, and good governance in the state.
“Under Soludo’s leadership, Anambra continues to experience transparent, people-centered governance anchored on faith, service, and shared values. As the governor often says, ‘Government, Church, and People — together we shall continue to build a peaceful, prosperous, livable, and God-fearing Anambra State,’” he concluded.
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