Category: Nigerian Tribune

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State has dismissed an attempt by the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP) to downplay the wave of defections rocking its ranks, describing the opposition’s response as ‘a pitiable display of denial and self-deception.’

Spokesperson of the party, Mogaji Seye Oladejo, on Saturday, described the mass defections from the PDP as not just a routine political movements but the inevitable outcome of years of deceit, ideological bankruptcy, and serial betrayals within the party.

He said, ‘When a house is built on quicksand, it doesn’t take much for it to collapse. The exodus from the PDP shows that even its most loyal members have lost faith in a party that has failed to reform itself or offer Nigerians a credible alternative.’

He stressed that the PDP’s woes are self-inflicted, rooted in a long history of propaganda, mismanagement, and internal discord.

He said, ‘Nigerians are now more discerning and can no longer be swayed by empty rhetoric from a party that squandered the nation’s fortunes for sixteen wasteful years. The PDP’s so-called unity is nothing but a fragile alliance of opportunists united only by desperation for power. Recent defections to our party demonstrate the growing confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which is already delivering measurable progress across key sectors.’

He further mocked the PDP’s dwindling membership, suggesting that those who remain are the undertakers left to perform the final rites on what is now a lifeless political carcass.

He advised the opposition party to accept its diminishing relevance ahead of the 2027 elections and to focus on introspection rather than hollow press statements.

‘The PDP should conduct an honest post-mortem of its failures and come to terms with the reality that its influence in Nigeria’s political landscape has drastically declined. You cannot claim to be unshaken when your members are fleeing in droves to a party that represents progress and stability.’

Concluding, he described the ongoing defections as not just political wins but endorsements of the APC’s commitment to national renewal and people-centered governance.

‘The Nigerian people have spoken clearly. The era of deceitful opposition politics is over’ he said.

I came to the United States when I was 14 years old. It was very family-oriented for me. For the most part in Nigeria, we were in Ikotun-Egbe. At age 11, I went to boarding school at the Federal Government Girls College (FGGC), Oyo, Nigeria. For me, that was quite an experience.

Being in a boarding school in Nigeria was interesting. Of course, being away without your parents, with just you by yourself. You have no choice but to create a bond with other students. JSS 1-3 is usually the toughest, where you are serving punishment and doing everything for the seniors. So, I was very expressive when I was there and consequently got into trouble a lot. So, I served punishment.

Tell us more about these punishments.

I feel that it is usually the little things. Maybe you question a senior who asked you to do this, and you don’t understand the rationale why you should do that. And then, you feel like you are forced to do it. You ask them questions that somebody else will not dare to ask.

How brilliant were you?

I was never that girl who had all A’s. I mean, I did get good grades, but I do not remember getting all the awards. I was an average student.

Any memorable event from FGGC that readily comes to mind?

I always remember the visiting days. That is the day people come to visit the students. It is something that the students look forward to. I loved those visiting days. I also loved the inter house sports, where other students would come from different boarding schools around Lagos and Nigeria. For me, it is more about that community.

Were you dubbed with nicknames?

I cannot tell you that (laughs). That is a top secret.

What was your childhood ambition?

As a child, I wanted to be a lawyer. I remember at age seven or so, saying I want to be a lawyer. Somehow, I got discouraged from law because many people say lawyers make their monies from lies. So, do not go into law. I think I got discouraged from that. As a matter of fact, after I finished my healthcare professional thing, I thought of going back to law school. But I think I was just tired of school already.

Leaving FGGC in Oyo for America, how tough was that?

At that time, I was just starting SS1. My Dad had the opportunity to bring us to the USA. Coming to the States was a culture shock for me. It was a big one because in Nigeria, we are used to a certain type of lifestyle, culture, and all that. When I came to the US and started high school, I remember I was in class and the teacher was talking and a student told the teacher to shut up (laughs). I froze in my chair. I was like, Did he just say that? I was like, This student is dead. But, interestingly, the teacher did not really do much – he just asked him to go to detention.

I remember going home and telling my parents that a student told a teacher to shut up, and nothing really happened. There was no major consequences compared to the way it would be if it had happened in Nigeria. The student would have been cooked (laugh).

How were you able to settle into the US system?

I think it was a few years. I had no choice but to adjust and adapt. When you are younger, it is easier to adjust. For me, my culture is still there because that was what my parents instilled in us.

Who was the disciplinarian between your parents?

My dad. I remember in Nigeria when I took a little more meat than I was supposed to have taken (laughs). Unfortunately, it was not fun because I was much disciplined for that. Now, in hindsight, I remember my dad saying I cannot believe I beat you so much like that. It is like when we came to America, we just went to the fridge and took whatever much meat as we would like to. Just take whatever you want. He was like, Well, it is a different world from Nigeria.

What were the traits you inherited from your parents?

From my dad, I took love and passion for God. That was something that came later. It was not immediate. I was not into it at all as a younger child. Now, growing up, I now appreciate my dad’s passion and his drive for God.

From my mummy, I would say I learned cooking. She would cook and cook in large quantities. Unfortunately, I do not know how to cook small quantities anymore.

At what point did you settle on your career?

When I decided not to go into law, healthcare was the way I wanted to go. I wanted to be a medical doctor, but then I was exposed to a lot of friends and families who were also trying to get into medicine and waiting for their admissions. While waiting, they were not doing any concrete job. So, I decided not to go into nursing, the reason was that I would do bachelor’s in nursing and then transfer to the medical school, so that while waiting to get into medical school, I would have a job that pays the bills.

But, when I started nursing school, I was able to meet one of my teachers whom I admired a lot. She inspired me. She did her PhD in Nursing. So, that changed my experience. Hence, I fell in love with the Nursing field. For my undergrad, I went to Bloomfield College, which is a private school in New Jersey. Life at Bloomfield was a little family. I like the connection you have with your teachers because it is a smaller class. That is where I got to meet a lot of teachers, including the one that I liked so much, who mentored me in nursing, and that changed me from even wanting to go into medicine.

How did you meet your husband?

(Laughs). I met him online. It was the days of Hi5, a little before Facebook. Interestingly, I gave myself a name when I was younger, which was Ayomikun. I woke up one day and I said I want people to be calling me Ayomikun. I never heard anyone named Ayomikun before. I was always curious about that. So, on Hi5 one time, I saw a name- Ayomikun, and that was the first time seeing such a name. So, I reached out to the person, saying you have my name and you need to pay for it. That was how we literally began. He was the one who started the conversation.

What made you give him a yes?

I think it was that support. For me, I think it is all about having someone who cheers you on. It is about, they can lead? One of the most important things is the love for God. We have a different perspective. Those were the values that I saw.

Sitting a girl of 26 years old down, what are you going to advise her considering Marriage?

Marriage is beautiful if you do it with the right person. You cannot go into it thinking I am coming with 50 per cent and another person is coming with 50 percent. You have to come in with 100 per cent, and the other too has to come in with 100 percent. That is the way it is going to work. You have to be willing to talk and communicate. Have difficult conversations. No matter how challenging it is, you have to be able to talk things out.

What can you say about the maxim ‘What a man can do, a woman can do better?’

(Laughs). That used to be my mindset, too. I am the one who loves to cheer women on about it. I used to believe it too. But, as I grew older, I got a better perspective on life. I will tell you a story. I remember I love to run and also love a nice and friendly competition. One day, I challenged a guy to a race. It got to a point where I took it so seriously that there is no way you are not going to beat me. I was so consumed with the notion ‘He must not beat me.’ However, I ended up not running the race because of other things not just aligning at that time, but I was so consumed with him must not beat me. I think that process taught me a lesson about how we look at each other as men and women. That is not what life is about. At the end of the day, we all have to run our races.

The leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that some angry, powerful Nigerians are planning to remove him unconstitutionally.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army Staff to be careful about it while giving a timeline from November to January.

‘There will be an attempt to unseat Tinubu unconstitutionally; the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army Staff must be careful about this. There are some gangs planning between November to January to unseat him.’

The prophet stated that some officials of the Navy, Air Force, and Army will be part of it, while warning the president to fortify himself and strengthen his security strategy.

‘ Even the Navy, Air Force will be part of it, including the Nigerian Army. President Tinubu must be ready for anything and fortify himself. He needs to change his security strategy because these personalities will be unbelievable names.’

Furthermore, Primate Ayodele stated that Nigeria has a good DSS DG and the Chief of Army Staff, who are capable of stopping the process. He urged the president to listen to their directives and ensure that they are treated well.

‘We have a good DSS DG, Combatant COAS, who will make efforts to apprehend them. The president must ensure that they are treated well and also listen attentively to them.’

The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that some angry, powerful Nigerians are planning to remove him unconstitutionally.

In a statement signed by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele warned the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army staff to be careful about it while giving a timeline from November to January.

‘There will be an attempt to unseat Tinubu unconstitutionally; the NSA, DSS, and Chief of Army Staff must be careful about this. There are some gangs planning between November to January to unseat him.’

The prophet stated that some officials of the Navy, Air Force, and Army will be part of it, while warning the president to fortify himself and strengthen his security strategy.

‘ Even the Navy, Air Force will be part of it, including the Nigerian Army. President Tinubu must be ready for anything and fortify himself. He needs to change his security strategy because these personalities will be unbelievable names.’

Furthermore, Primate Ayodele stated that Nigeria has a good DSS DG and the Chief of Army Staff who are capable of stopping the process. He urged the president to listen to their directives and ensure that they are treated well.

‘We have a good DSS DG, Combatant COAS, who will make efforts to apprehend them. The president must ensure that they are treated well and also listen attentively to them.’

Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Wole Oke, has clarified reports surrounding his recent engagement with the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Michael Freeman, describing it as a legitimate diplomatic interaction conducted under official protocols.

In a statement issued by his Senior Legislative Aide, Tunji Iyanda, on Thursday in Abuja, Hon. Oke dismissed social-media claims suggesting that the meeting was an improper or private encounter, insisting that it was processed through appropriate government channels.

According to the statement, the Israeli envoy’s visit was ‘officially transmitted through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and processed via the National Assembly’s protocol channels,’ adding that Hon. Oke was fully briefed by the ministry before the meeting, which had been formally requested since April 2025.

The lawmaker stressed that his participation was strictly within the framework of parliamentary diplomacy – a standard practice that allows legislators to engage with foreign envoys on matters of national and international importance.

‘There were no private meetings outside the scheduled programme,’ the statement read.

Hon. Oke reaffirmed Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy position on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing support for the two-state solution as adopted by the United Nations, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to peace, respect for international law, and Palestinian self-determination.

‘Nigeria’s position remains clear and unwavering,’ he said, noting that he fully aligns with the country’s official stance and has consistently reflected it in his public engagements.

Describing allegations of ‘hobnobbing’ with foreign interests as misleading, Hon. Oke warned that such misrepresentations risk undermining the credibility of democratic institutions and Nigeria’s diplomatic image.

The statement further reaffirmed the lawmaker’s commitment to a principled and transparent foreign policy, ensuring that all interactions with foreign missions adhere strictly to national interest and established protocol.

Iyanda added that several other foreign envoys had held similar visits with members of the National Assembly and government officials at various levels.

Hon. Oke also expressed his readiness to meet with the Ambassador of Palestine to Nigeria ‘at the shortest notice,’ underscoring his dedication to balanced and fact-based diplomatic engagement.

He concluded by assuring Nigerians that transparency, accountability, and national interest will continue to guide the Foreign Affairs Committee’s interactions with all foreign missions.

Two suspects have been arrested in Kaduna for vandalising the electrical and signalling assets of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), while a third suspect remains at large.

The suspects – Ibrahim Abdullahi (22) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa – were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

Their arrest followed the discovery, on Friday, October 10, 2025, around 12:30 pm, that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.

According to the NRC, ‘Two suspects were recently arrested in Kaduna for vandalising our equipment at the Rigasa Train Station area.

Decrying the incessant cases of vandalism of its assets, the NRC, in a statement signed on Saturday by its Chief Public Relations Officer, Callistus Unyimadu, described the trend as a major threat to safe and efficient train operations.

‘The suspects – Ibrahim Abdullahi (22 years old) of Hayi, Rigasa, and Sani Ibrahim (24 years old) of Layi Turaki, Rigasa – were apprehended by operatives of the Nigeria Police, Railway Command attached to the Abuja-Kaduna Train Service (AKTS).

‘The arrest followed the discovery on Friday, 10th October 2025, at about 12:30 pm, that a cable wire had been cut and removed from one of NRC’s cranes stationed within the Rigasa facility.

‘Acting swiftly on intelligence, the patrol team led by ASP Abdullahi Bwajin, Administrative Officer at Rigasa, traced and arrested the suspects.

‘During interrogation, the duo confessed to committing the crime and disclosed that they sold the stolen cable to one Musa, popularly known as ‘Musa Major,’ for ?90,000.

‘Each suspect reportedly received ?30,000 as his share, while another member of their syndicate, Abdulwahab Yakubu of Rigasa, is currently at large.

‘Efforts are ongoing by the Nigeria Police, Railway Command (AKTS) to apprehend the remaining suspect and recover the stolen materials.

‘The NRC commends the Command for its professionalism and swift action, assuring that all culprits involved in acts of vandalism will face the full weight of the law.

‘The Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, expressed deep concern over the increasing attacks on railway electrical and signalling infrastructure, describing them as Critical National Assets.

‘He stated that henceforth, the Corporation, in collaboration with security agencies, will treat such offences as economic sabotage with severe legal consequences for perpetrators.

‘Dr. Opeifa further appealed to members of the public, particularly residents of communities hosting railway facilities, to support the NRC and security agencies in protecting these assets.

‘He noted that the railway system has always served as a catalyst for community development and improved livelihoods, and safeguarding it remains a collective responsibility.’

James Williams, a Nigerian-American artist and founder of Acada, shares a heartfelt tribute to his father, Joshua Popoola Williams, who made his American dream possible. Through his music, James expresses gratitude for his father’s tireless efforts and guidance. He credits his father as the most influential male figure in his life, describing him as his guiding light.

‘My father, Joshua Popoola William, singlehandedly worked hard to make sure my American dream became a reality. He is the most influential male figure in my life. I have been looking for ways to celebrate him and i want him to know how much I love him while still alive. He has been my guiding light.’ He said.

James dedicated his song ‘My Father Son’ to his dad, highlighting the importance of celebrating loved ones while they’re still alive.

‘I have always been a book guy, I studied policy. Last December, I decided to return to the creative side of myself.

I have a journaling practice where I meditate, write and reflect.

There is nothing I do in the real world that does not begin in my journal.’ He added

James’ music career took off when he partnered with friends to turn his journal entries into lyrics. This creative pursuit allows him to share his story and connect with others. With his father’s love and support, James continues to shine in his artistic endeavors. By celebrating his father while he’s still alive, James sets an inspiring example of gratitude and appreciation. His story is a testament to the power of family support and pursuing one’s passion.

James’ journey into music is a reflection of his personal growth and creative expression. His music serves as a reminder to appreciate the people who matter most in our lives.

Members of the Poultry Farmers Association of Nigeria (PFAN), Ekiti State chapter, have applauded Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji over his various developmental initiatives for the farmers in the state, just as the governor pledged his continued support for the PFAN in the state.

Governor Oyebanji, who spoke at the celebration of the 2025 World Poultry Day in Ado Ekiti on Friday, commended members of PFAN for their commitment to the state’s economy and for doing their business in a lawful manner.

He pledged his administration’s continued support to the farmers across the state for greater productivity, saying their impact on the business and nutritional economy of the state counts for something.

Oyebanji, who was represented by the Commissioner for Agric and Food Security, Mr Ebenezer Boluwade, congratulated the association on the celebration of the World Egg Day 2025 and highlighted his administration’s efforts in making the state conducive for all and sundry.

Chairman of the association in the state, Comrade Alonge Oluwasetemi, thanked Governor Oyebanji and the Commissioner for Agriculture, Boluwade, for their support for the association, noting that their support would go a long way to enhance poultry farming in the state and also bring more development to the businesses of their members.

The association, in their celebration with the theme: ‘The Mighty Egg: Packed With Natural Nutrition’, unanimously recommended the governor for another term of office, citing what they described as outstanding performance within three years in office.

Oluwasetemi said: ‘The governor’s sterling performance across board since his assumption of office is highly commendable and we are proud to identify with him as our number one leader in the state.’

According to the chairman, Oyebanji had surpassed their expectations by his governance and leadership qualities, and infrastructural development, and added that ‘through regular interventions to our members, which is first of its kind in the history of the association in Ekiti, we have moved in leaps and bounds as an association.’

He said: ‘Our association has benefited a lot under the administration of Governor Oyebanji, and this indeed makes us to be solidly behind him for more successes.’

While congratulating the governor on the celebration of his third year in office, Oluwasetemi charged his members to continue to be good ambassadors of farmers and use their expertise in helping the governor deliver on his promise of shared prosperity to the Ekiti people.

The association harped on the importance of eating an egg daily, at least one per person, saying the health benefits were enormous.

The chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ekiti State, Mr Ademola Alagbada; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Rehabilitation and Mental Health, Mrs Funmi layo; Chairman, Veterinary Association of Nigeria, Dr Ojo; and a representative of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs Afuye Modupe, were among the stakeholders who gave goodwill messages at the celebration.

They reiterated their continued support for the governor and his administration to bring more dividends of democracy into the state.

The highlight of the event was the donation of hundreds of crates of eggs from the Poultry Farmers Association to the three government special schools in Ekiti State.

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, on Saturday emphasised that the support of Nigerian governors is crucial to the success of the ongoing constitution review process.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State on the sidelines of the Retreat of the House of Representatives Committee on Constitution Review, Kalu, who chairs the committee, expressed gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) for its support and engagement in the exercise so far.

He also acknowledged the contributions and interest of the Conference of Speakers, urging them to help fast-track the process once the reviewed document reaches their respective states.

Hon. Kalu noted that the committee had almost concluded preparations for the parliament to vote on the alteration bills.

He said, ‘We are making an appeal to you because we need you. Please, help us thank your brother governors for supporting the initiative of the Constitution review. The Governors’ Forum has in one way or the other shown us support.

‘From the chairman to any other person in the Forum, please, express our gratitude when you meet with them. One or two more engagements, we will be done with this. Please, appreciate them.

‘Also, please, let them know that without them we cannot make this Constitution. It is not possible because of the Houses of Assembly that will need to go through this document. We will not coerce the Houses of Assembly.

‘But we know you can liaise with them to help get this document back to us as quickly as possible. If the governors are not in support, we will be running in circles. But with progressively minded governors like you, I am sure you will speak to your colleagues to keep backing us up for them to know that we need them and for them to partner with us.

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‘The Conference of Speakers has shown interest and the chairman participated in one way or the other. He has been giving us support but we should not end our relationship only in engaging with them. We need you, who are the major stakeholders, to help us push this through.’

Highlighting the critical issues in the constitution amendment process, Kalu, who led members of the committee on the visit, explained that Nigerians desired a more functional constitution that would empower local governments to deliver services, streamline electoral justice, strengthen fiscal federalism, guarantee women’s full participation in governance, and enhance accountability at all levels.

In his remarks, Governor Peter Mbah commended the Deputy Speaker for simplifying the process and making it participatory through the zonal public hearings.

‘Let me once again welcome you to this historic city. Thank you so much for honouring us with your presence. Thank you, Mr Deputy Speaker, once again, for choosing Enugu as a venue for this retreat.

‘I want to commend your leadership and diligence over the period of the public hearing. You have come out to demonstrate such commitment in this process and I think for the first time, we are now taking it even to the granular level, getting to the details, looking at the clauses, line by line. This is what this retreat is all about. So, I want to thank you and commend you. Welcome to Enugu State,’ he said.

A businesswoman, Mrs Jane, has dragged her husband, Monday, before a Customary Court in Jikwoyi, ASbuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), accusing him of running after anything in skirt.

Jane, who is seeking divorce, said her husband is hot-tempered, wicked, gets drunk and runs after anything in skirt.

The petitioner alleged that her husband had been trying to get her out of the way by killing her.

She also told the court that her husband passes nights outside their matrimonial home.

‘My husband dates young girls and sleeps outside our matrimonial home, thus endangering my life and that of our children.

‘I have done all in my power to make my husband change, but all has been to no avail.

‘It is on these grounds that I seek to divorce him, ‘she said.

The respondent, Monday, a driver, however denied all the allegations.

FOR hundreds of years, measles has been one of the most contagious and lethal viruses known to humans. It poses a significant risk to individuals, especially children under five years of age who lack vaccination, as their immune systems and organ systems are still developing.

Measles disease, caused by the measles virus, is highly infectious. Despite the availability of a safe and affordable vaccination, measles kills more children than any other vaccine-preventable disease in Nigeria each year.

One person afflicted with measles can spread the virus to up to 18 unprotected others, making it ‘extremely infectious’. The virus is easily spread through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated surfaces and remains viable for up to two hours.

Dr Foluso Balogun, a consultant paediatrician at University College Hospital, Ibadan, and team leader for the Oyo State Immunization Champions, said measles, like rubella, is a viral disease that can be prevented through vaccination.

She spoke at an advocacy meeting by the Paediatric Association of Nigeria in collaboration with the International Paediatric Association to create awareness of the integrated measles-rubella vaccine among traditional birth attendants.

Nigeria is also introducing a new combined measles-rubella vaccine to replace the measles-only vaccine. It is part of Nigeria’s integrated vaccination campaign, aiming to reach about 109 million children aged 9 months to 14 years with vaccines against measles-rubella (MR), human papillomavirus, which protects against cervical cancer (HPV), polio, and other routine immunisations.

The campaign is being implemented in two phases: phase one covers 20 high-risk northern states and Oyo state in the southwest; phase 2 begins in January 2026 and will be expanded to the remaining southern states.

The initiative responds to persistent outbreaks of circulating variant poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) as well as measles and rubella outbreaks in Nigeria and across the Lake Chad Basin.

Dr Balogun declared that with two doses of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccine, the first dose at 9 months and the second dose at between 15 and 18 months, one is protected for life against these infections.

‘Once the vaccine is in good condition, it has not expired, it has been given through the right route, it has not been exposed to the wrong temperature or environment, and two doses have been taken, it might confer immunity for life,’ she said.

She said the impression by mothers that a child could repeatedly have measles is wrong if the child has already had a full dose of measles vaccine or a past measles infection.

Dr Balogun declared many times that a skin rash and high body temperature in children are misinterpreted as measles by many mothers.

She stated, ‘The mistake is because of the similarities in some symptoms of measles with some other conditions like rubella, Roseola Infantum, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. All these conditions also cause similar rashes and increased body temperature in children.’

Common early symptoms of measles-fever, cough, runny nose-are similar to other viral infections such as colds or flu. A few days into the illness, painless, tiny white spots in the mouth (called Koplik spots) appear. But they’re easy to miss and are absent in many cases. A day or two later, a distinctive skin rash develops.

However, Dr Balogun said there are subtle differences between measles, rubella and other diseases like Roseola infantum, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever.

The maculopapular rash, in the case of measles, usually starts from the face, spreading to the back of the ear, and then the body. But rashes due to rubella don’t follow that particular pattern.

Rashes due to rubella usually last for three days, and after three days they disappear, and it doesn’t peel. But rashes due to measles last longer than that, and then they peel off. Also, body temperature is higher in measles, unlike in rubella.

Dr Balogun also discouraged practices like applying palm oil mixed with bitter leaf extract on rashes in children as a treatment, saying rashes can be caused by different conditions and necessitate that such children be taken to the hospital for appropriate diagnoses and treatment.

‘I’ve seen cases where they mix up chicken pox and measles. The layman would call everything measles. Not every rash is measles. Measles rash has characteristics, and there’s some history and tests to know whether it’s measles or not.

‘We use calamine lotion in treating measles because the rash is itchy. And it’s to reduce the itching so that the child will be calm. But they are not supposed to use it on their own,’ she added.

Dr Balogun, however, said that with immunization, the spread of measles and rubella in the community can be stemmed once herd immunity is attained.

According to her, ‘This measles-rubella vaccine is safe and effective to protect from the disabilities and mortality that can come from measles and rubella; this vaccine can prevent congenital rubella syndrome so that we will not have such in our midst again.’

The measles vaccine has been in use since the 1960s. It is safe, effective and inexpensive. The best thing is to prevent it from occurring. And any life lost cannot be brought back. So, it’s better for us to make sure we prevent it from occurring.