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AstraZeneca Covid-19 Vaccine More Than 90% Effective – Oxford University

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LONDON — Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca said on Monday that its Covid-19 vaccine could be up to 90 percent effective in preventing the disease — the third promising breakthrough in the fight against a pandemic that has killed nearly 1.4 million people worldwide.

“This vaccine’s efficacy and safety confirm that it will be highly effective against Covid-19 and will have an immediate impact on this public health emergency,” Pascal Soriot, Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement.

Analysis of data from a phase 3 trial of the vaccine developed by Oxford University showed that it was 90 percent effective when half a dose was administered followed by a full dose. In another dosing regimen, when two full doses were administered, the vaccine was 62 percent effective, researchers said, resulting in combined average efficacy of 70 percent.

There were no hospitalized or severe cases in anyone who received the vaccine, researchers said. More analysis is needed to determine how long the protection rendered by the vaccine could last.

The creators of the AstraZeneca vaccine, which uses a weakened version of a common cold virus, said it could be administered in existing healthcare settings, like medical clinics and local pharmacies, and stored at refrigerator temperature of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius (36 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit) for at least six months, making its distribution easier.

Earlier this month, Pfizer and Moderna reported preliminary results from late-stage trials, showing that their vaccine candidates were almost 95 percent effective.

FILE PHOTO: Vials with a sticker reading, “COVID-19 / Coronavirus vaccine / Injection only” and a medical syringe are seen in front of a displayed Pfizer logo in this illustration taken October 31, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

AstraZeneca’s announcement comes as Covid-19 cases continue to rise in the U.S., and Europe grapples with a resurgence of the virus that has returned many countries into lockdowns.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson welcomed the news but warned that more research was needed before a vaccine was distributed widely.

“Incredibly exciting news the Oxford vaccine has proved so effective in trials,” he said in a tweet. “There are still further safety checks ahead, but these are fantastic results.”

Researchers said 131 Covid-19 cases were detected in over 24,000 volunteers from diverse racial and geographical groups in clinical trials in the U.K., Brazil and South Africa. Further trials are also being conducted in the U.S., Kenya, Russia, Japan and India.

The company said it will manufacture 200 million doses by the end of 2020, with 700 million doses ready globally by the end of the first quarter of 2021.

The vaccine efficacy data will now be submitted to regulators across the world, the company said, including in the U.K., Europe and Brazil, for review and approval. It will also seek an emergency use authorization from the World Health Organization for an accelerated pathway to vaccine availability in low-income countries.

(Reuters contributed to this report)

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No Payment for Constituency Projects Executed Without FG Guidelines – AGF

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The Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has vowed to withhold payment for constituency projects executed nationwide that do not follow the Federal Government’s guidelines and circulars on execution.

The Accountant General of the Federation (AGF), Mr. Babatunde Ogunjimi, made this known when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Mr. Onwusoro Maduka Ihemelandu, visited him in Abuja.

Ogunjimi reaffirmed the support of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) for the campaign by the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to enforce compliance with government guidelines and circulars on execution and payment for constituency projects.

“We will give bite to these guidelines; we will ensure that these guidelines are projected adequately and that they become part of the prerequisite documentation for all constituency projects,” the AGF said.

He noted that the guidelines on constituency projects will be made an important part of discussions at all OAGF engagements with its stakeholders and that the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs will be given the opportunity to make presentations at such occasions.

Ogunjimi stated further that in OAGF circulars on closure and capital projects, emphasis will be made on compliance with the guidelines on constituency projects.

He advised the Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs to continue the engagement with relevant government agencies, stakeholders, and the National Assembly to increase awareness of the guidelines and circulars.

Speaking earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, Ihemelandu, requested that no payments should be made for constituency projects that are not executed in line with the Federal Government guidelines and circulars and duly certified by his ministry.

The permanent secretary observed that despite the federal government’s guidelines and circulars, many agencies have executed and paid for constituency projects without adherence to the guidelines and circulars and due verification. According to him, this practice does not allow the government to get maximum value for the funds spent on these projects.

Ihemelandu called for collaboration between his ministry and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) to guarantee that the guidelines are implemented fully and no payments are made for constituency projects unless after verification by his ministry.

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TINUBU EULOGISES ARCHBISHOP JOHNPRAISE DANIEL AT 65

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By Ojone Grace Odaudu

President Bola Tinubu has congratulated Archbishop Johnpraise Daniel, the presiding Bishop of the Dominion Chapel International Church, on his 65th birthday on May 2.

The President has also commended Archbishop Daniel’s contributions to nation-building, peace and unity in his current role as Chairman of the Pentecostal Bishops Forum for 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory.

In a statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the  President also nnoted his active participation in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), and the Interfaith Advisory Committee Against Corruption.

Tinubu further acknowledged the Archbishop’s mentoring of ministers of the Gospel and his humanitarian efforts through the JohnPraise Foundation for Peace and Human Development.

He specifically eexpressed his appreciation for the Archbishop’s inspiring sermon, “Better Together in Renewed Hope and Restoration,” delivered during the 2023 Presidential Inauguration Service.

“Archbishop Daniel’s life has been one of faithful service in the Lord’s vineyard, marked by unwavering dedication, scholarship, and impactful ministry across Nigeria and beyond”, President Tinubu said, praying for continued strength, wisdom, and divine grace for the cleric as he advances moral leadership in society and spiritual guidance to the faithful.

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Kogi Professionals Applaud Lawmaker’s Bold Move to Regulate Mining in Omala

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By Elizabeth Okwe| April 30, 2025

In what many have described as a timely and courageous step, Hon. Yahaya Umar, the lawmaker representing Omala State Constituency in the Kogi State House of Assembly, is receiving accolades for raising the alarm over the environmental and public health crisis caused by coal mining in his constituency.

The motion, which called for an immediate suspension of all mining activities in Omala Local Government Area, has drawn commendation from across the state — most notably from the Convener of the Kogi Professionals Network and seasoned development administrator, Dr. James Odaudu.

Reacting to the motion, Dr. Odaudu described Hon. Umar’s action as “a courageous stand in defence of environmental justice,” saying it was refreshing to see a legislator so passionately defending the health and welfare of his constituents.

According to him, “These mining companies were licensed to support Nigeria’s electricity development goals, yet instead of power, they have brought pollution, contaminated rivers, and destroyed farmlands in host communities.”

He praised the Kogi State House of Assembly for backing the motion and setting up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the matter, describing it as “how democracy is supposed to work — responsive and people-centered.”Dr. Odaudu, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja, also issued a passionate appeal to the Government of Kogi State to move swiftly beyond legislative action and implement practical relief measures for affected communities.

Dr. James Odaudu
Convener, Kogi Professionals Network

“We urge the State Government to begin immediate clean-up of polluted water sources in Omala and surrounding areas, while putting in place a sustainable plan to provide potable water as a long-term solution,” he stressed.

He further emphasized the need for mining companies operating in the state to honor their corporate social responsibilities and sign enforceable Community Development Agreements (CDAs) with the local government administrations in line with global best practices.

“Profiteering must not come at the expense of our people’s lives and their future, We trust that the government of Governor Usman Ododo will  do the needful as usual ” Dr. Odaudu added.

The coal mining controversy in Omala and other parts of Kogi State has stirred increasing public concern, with calls for stronger regulation, corporate accountability, and community protection gaining momentum.

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