Korea and UNICEF launch immunisation drive in Lagos targeting zero-dose children
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF and the Government of the Republic of Korea have initiated a routine immunisation investment in the Badagry Local Government Area of Lagos State. This program aims to reach thousands of zero-dose children across Nigeria. UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, highlighted the initiative as crucial for closing immunisation gaps and protecting vulnerable children, noting that Nigeria has an estimated 2.2 million zero-dose children, the highest number in Africa. Saeed emphasized that the challenge is not a lack of vaccines but issues of access and equity, and commended the Federal Government for prioritizing immunisation. The Consul General of the Republic of Korea in Lagos, Lee Sang Ho, stated that Korea will contribute $70 million globally to the project, with $5.6 million allocated to Nigeria. This funding will support efforts in 40 local government areas across Lagos, Ogun, Niger, Bauchi, Adamawa, and the Federal Capital Territory, focusing on reducing zero-dose vaccinations and strengthening immunisation systems. Lagos State Commissioner for Health, Akin Abayomi, affirmed that the initiative aligns with the state's commitment to inclusive healthcare and ensuring equitable access to quality immunisation for every child.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 10 countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Must ReadA baby factory operating in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, Lagos, has been uncovered by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos Command. Newborns were allegedly sold for up to N1 million, and during an overnight raid, officials rescued 18 pregnant women and 10 children, arresting two suspects, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu. Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has released 632,788 results for candidates who took the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination on Thursday, April 16. In other news, families of over 1,000 abducted Nigerians are facing despair as their relatives remain captive across the country. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has released four policemen and a developer accused of killing six traders in Owode Onirin, Kosofe. The Nigeria Police Force has also dismissed claims that the extradition of murder suspect Matthew Adebiyi to the United Kingdom was ethnically motivated. Finally, global oil market tensions may be easing with the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, potentially leading to a decrease in petrol prices in Nigeria to around N1,000 per liter, though immediate relief is not expected.
Maria Abdulkadir, CEO and founder of Bon Bread, explained the company's decision to take legal action against a TikTok user. The lawsuit follows a viral video where the user, identified as "Love," expressed concern over a loaf of bread that she claimed remained fresh for two months after purchase. The TikToker later alleged that Bon Bread served her a N50m lawsuit, despite her claim of not mentioning any company name or displaying a logo in the video. Abdulkadir stated that the company resorted to legal action after attempts to engage the content creator and verify the claims reportedly failed, leading to reputational damage. She mentioned trying to contact the TikToker to understand the source of the bread and how it could have lasted two months, but was unsuccessful. Abdulkadir maintained that their bread, which is freshly baked and typically does not last beyond a few days without preservatives, could not remain fresh for such a period. She added that the legal action was not to intimidate but to compel substantiation of the allegations. Social media reactions from Nigerians varied, with some cautioning about bread quality and others debating the legal implications, particularly regarding defamation even without explicit brand naming.
Must ReadOperatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Lagos State Command, have uncovered a baby factory in Okuju, Ilado, Badagry, Lagos. The operation led to the rescue of 18 pregnant women and 10 children, and the arrest of the facility's operators, Joy Okeke and Raphael Agwu. The victims, aged 18 to 30, reportedly subscribed to the facility through an offer on Facebook. Upon delivery, their children were sold for N500,000 to N1.8 million, with the mothers receiving payment. Some rescued women had also brought their existing children to be sold. Commandant Adedotun Keshinro stated that the NSCDC acted on three weeks of intelligence, describing the operation as targeting a "grievous crime against humanity." The operators allegedly entice pregnant women with offers of payment for their babies. One of the 18 rescued women had a miscarriage, leaving 17 still pregnant. The operators will be handed over to the police for prosecution, and the victims to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons. Okeke, the chief operator, claimed she adopted children for childless individuals and had moved from Ikorodu for a larger apartment. Agwu stated that the center offered an alternative to abortion and helped childless couples, with agents on online groups proposing the arrangement. He mentioned that women came to the facility already pregnant and signed agreements for their babies to be sold in exchange for compensation, often around N1 million. The women claim
Must ReadMilitary commanders are increasingly vulnerable to terror attacks due to troop shortages and poor welfare, according to findings by Saturday PUNCH. Soldiers, security analysts, and retired military officers suggest these attacks aim to disrupt the military's command structure and instill fear. The Islamic State West Africa Province ISWAP intensified its campaign in 2025, leading to the deaths of at least 10 senior military officers, including two brigadier generals, between October 2025 and April 2026. Incidents include the deaths of Brigadier General Oseni Braimah and Captain Ismail in Benisheikh, Borno State, on April 9, 2026, and a commanding officer and six soldiers in Monguno on April 12, 2026, due to an improvised explosive device. A soldier in the North-East attributed declining morale to poor welfare and manpower shortages, stating that many units lack adequate personnel and that insufficient compensation affects motivation. The Nigerian Army faces challenges in attracting new recruits, with low enlistment figures in some regions. Security experts link the targeting of senior officers to a deliberate strategy by insurgents to exploit inadequate troop strength and the increased exposure of commanders on the frontlines. A retired Lieutenant Colonel, Abdulwahab Ademola, explained that while commanders operate close to combat zones for coordination, the dynamics of asymmetric warfare and the use of ambushes and IEDs make this risky. He noted that insurgents target the mil