Walking in Creativity: Opara Ujunwa Anthonet’s Shoe Making Dream

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

CEO of Gabby’s Shoe Making.

Imagine stepping into the dynamic world of shoe making, where creativity meets craftsmanship, and every stitch tells a story. This is the journey of Opara Ujunwa Anthonet, a passionate shoe maker from Imo State, who defied the odds to pursue her dream of creating beautiful footwear under her own brand, Gabby’s Shoe Making.

‘My name is Opara Ujunwa Anthonet,’ she introduces herself with pride. ‘I studied English Language and Literature at Alvan Ikoku College of Education, but my true passion lies in creativity, especially in shoe making.’

From a young age, Ujunwa was drawn to the arts. Visual arts were her first love, as she admired the ability to create something beautiful and meaningful with her hands. Although she wasn’t able to formally study visual arts, she found a way to channel her artistic instincts into another form of creative expression—shoe making. ‘I’ve always loved creativity,’ she explains. ‘That’s why I entered shoe making. It has been my dream, and I’m passionate about it.’

Shoe making, for Ujunwa, became a way to blend her love for visual art with the practical skills of craftsmanship. ‘Designing a shoe is like creating a piece of art,’ she says. ‘Each pair of shoes is a medium through which I can express my creativity, just like in visual art.’

Her journey into the world of shoes began on October 27, 2023, when she started learning the craft professionally. ‘I joined Maly Shoe Making, and two months later, I was already creating my own shoes,’ Ujunwa recalls with a smile. ‘It wasn’t easy, but I loved every moment of it. I was determined to succeed.’

Ujunwa’s determination set her apart from her peers. While many of her senior colleagues at Maly Shoe Making were still struggling to grasp the intricacies of the trade, she had already started making shoes independently. ‘The problem is, we aren’t taught as well as we should be,’ she says candidly. ‘Most of the secrets are hidden from us. So, I had to give myself extra lessons and practice. I couldn’t wait for someone to teach me everything—I might never have the opportunity.’

This extra effort paid off. Ujunwa began attracting customers, and her small shoe-making business started to grow. ‘I thank God for my customers. It hasn’t been easy, but the passion I have for shoe making keeps me going,’ she shares. ‘And I’m grateful to my dad, Opara Milletus Ejike, also known as Adidas, for supporting me. He bought me every material I needed to get started.’

Her skills developed so quickly that almost all the slippers worn by her family members were made by her. From her parents to her siblings and other relatives, Ujunwa’s creations have become a household staple, demonstrating not only her talent but also how swiftly she mastered the craft.

But Ujunwa’s dreams don’t stop there. ‘I want to have a very big shoe-making company, one that will reach across Nigeria and even the world,’ she says, her eyes lighting up with ambition. ‘I’m also thinking of having my own workshop, where my students will wear uniforms, and everything will be organised.’

She envisions a well-structured workshop, divided into sections to help students learn at their own pace. ‘First, you’ll need to be good at drawing before you can enter the first section,’ she explains. ‘If you’re perfect in drawing, you’ll move on to the next level, where you’ll start cutting patterns. I believe dividing students into sections will prevent them from getting lost in the process.’

Despite the challenges she’s faced, including the lack of proper instruction at her current training centre, Ujunwa remains undeterred. ‘Since I’m not learning as much as I should from where I am, I joined online classes to learn more,’ she says. ‘It’s helped me a lot to distinguish between different types of footwear and shoes.’

Her journey isn’t just about making shoes; it’s about a deep-rooted love for learning and self-improvement. Ujunwa recalls how she taught herself to sew, another skill that has proven invaluable in her shoe-making journey. ‘I remember when my father bought me a sewing machine,’ she says, smiling at the memory. ‘It was just lying there in my room, unused. One day, I told myself I had to learn how to sew.’

That determination led her to a night of relentless practice. ‘I woke up in the middle of the night and started using the machine. My family couldn’t sleep because of the noise, but I didn’t give up. By morning, I had managed to sew a straight line. It was just a straight line, but I was so happy,’ she says, laughing. ‘I even showed it to my mum!’

That straight line was just the beginning. It’s that same persistence that drives Ujunwa today, whether she’s sketching new designs, crafting shoes, or learning new techniques. ‘I wish I had contracts to make many pairs of shoes,’ she says, her voice filled with hope. ‘I would love that.’

For Ujunwa, the process of making shoes is as much about art as it is about technique. ‘Before you can make a shoe, you must learn how to draw,’ she emphasises. ‘Making footwear is more about drawing. If you don’t know how to draw, it would be hard to succeed.’

This love for drawing has also made her a mentor to her peers. ‘Sometimes, I tell my senior colleagues to go home and practice drawing,’ she shares. ‘When they’re done, they bring it to me for correction.’

Ujunwa’s passion for shoe making is so intense that it sometimes consumes her entire day. ‘Sometimes, if I’m working on my shoes, I won’t eat until I finish,’ she admits. ‘I might start early in the morning and not eat until four in the afternoon. That’s how much I love what I do.’

Her journey is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to her craft. As she continues to create beautiful shoes under the Gabby’s Shoe Making brand, complete with her own logo, and build her reputation, Ujunwa’s story serves as an inspiration to anyone with a dream—especially those who dare to pursue it with all their heart.

For custom-made footwear and more information, contact Opara Ujunwa Anthonet of Gabby’s Shoe Making via: 

WhatsApp: 08107131579

Email: gabbyshoemaking@gmail.com

Follow Gabby’s Shoe Making on social media:

Instagram: Gabby’s Shoe Making

Facebook: Gabby’s Shoe Making

Twitter: Gabby’s Shoe Making

TikTok: Gabby’s Shoe Making

WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VafBcOoDZ4LZIdJzNM3s

Join her WhatsApp channel for the latest updates, exclusive offers, and a closer look at her creative process. It’s the perfect way to stay connected with Ujunwa’s growing brand and witness her journey as she turns her shoe-making dreams into reality.

 

Step Up Your Style with Gabby’s Shoe Making – Custom Footwear Crafted Just for You!

Gabby's Shoe Making Logo

Crafted with Passion by Gabby’s Shoe Making

Opara Ujunwa Anthonet, CEO of Gabby’s Shoe Making

You deserve footwear that combines style and comfort, and Gabby’s Shoe Making delivers just that. Each pair of shoes is crafted with creativity and precision to ensure you step out with confidence.

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Obiwuruotu August Meeting Celebrated with Awards and Free Medical Outreach by Nnoye Foundation

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Honourable Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, fifth from the left and fourth from the right, dressed in a white kaftan, pictured with his wife, supporters, and members of his campaign team.

The Obiwuruotu August meeting, held today, August 20th, at the Uba Civic Centre, was a vibrant gathering attended by women from across Ubaegwugwu, including those married both within and outside the community. The event, themed ‘Ubaegwugwu August Meeting/Award Ceremony for Selected Daughters,’ featured not only the recognition of outstanding women but also a free medical outreach organised by the Nnoye Foundation.

As promised, the Nnoye Foundation’s medical team was on the ground, fully equipped to provide free medical treatment to the women in attendance. The outreach offered essential services, including malaria tests, blood pressure checks, random blood sugar tests, and the use of the Quantum Analysis Machine to diagnose various health conditions.

One of the day’s highlights was the award ceremony, where distinguished daughters from each of the 11 villages that make up Ubaegwugwu were honoured. These women, honoured with the title ‘Nwada di Oke Onuahia 1 of Ubaegwugwu,’ received certificates of merit in front of an audience of proud friends and family members who had come to celebrate their achievements. The awards were a proof to the women’s contributions to their communities and their embodiment of the values held dear by Ubaegwugwu.

Nnaoma Amah, the Director General for the Nnoye campaign, took the opportunity to express his admiration for the Uba people, particularly praising the beauty and strength of the women. He highlighted the significant contributions of Honourable Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, who has been instrumental in supporting the community, including the single-handed sponsorship of the free medical treatment. Nnaoma Amah encouraged the attendees to vote for Honourable Odunze in the upcoming September 21st elections, urging them to support a candidate who has already shown his commitment to the people.

Adding to the endorsements, the APGA Chairman for Ifakala Ward, Evans Nnadi, spoke highly of Honourable Odunze’s character, noting that he was chosen as the APGA candidate for councillorship in Ifakala Ward because he is trustworthy and reliable. ‘He is not someone that talks too much; he is trustworthy, and any promise he makes shall be fulfilled,’ Nnadi stated. He emphasised that if Honourable Odunze is elected, he will ensure steady electricity for the community, with hopes of connecting Ifakala to the federal power grid. Nnadi urged the people to support and vote for Odunze, affirming that he is the only candidate capable of delivering the needed change in Ifakala.

Honourable Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, in his address, passionately spoke of his commitment to the community. He pledged to change the lives of the Obiwuruotu women if elected as councilor, stating, ‘If I make promises, I try my best to fulfil them. I also make sure that any politician who makes promises fulfils them.’ Known affectionately as ‘Ochi na Nwata’ for his early start in leadership at the age of seventeen, Honourable Odunze assured the audience of his integrity and dedication. ‘I don’t know how to lie, and I made sure that my people benefited from my leadership as the youth leader. I believe that by September 21st, I will emerge as the councilor. I promise that I won’t put shame on you,’ he declared. In a show of support, he donated ₦5,000 to the award recipients, and Lady Eunice Dimunna, moved by his actions, contributed ₦10,000 to his campaign.

Following the event at Uba Civic Centre, Honourable Odunze, along with his team, visited the Owerre Nkalu community, where he joined the women at their August meeting and donated ₦10,000. He reassured them of his dedication to their welfare, promising not to disappoint if given the opportunity to serve as their councilor. ‘I am not selfish. I don’t have money like others, but I promise that I will not fail you,’ he affirmed.

The Obiwuruotu August meeting was a day of celebration, with the Nnoye Foundation playing a crucial role in making the event not only memorable but also impactful for the women of Ubaegwugwu.

 

Honourable Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, in a white kaftan, pictured with members of the Nnoye Foundation’s medical team and his campaign team during the Obiwuruotu August meeting.

Honourable Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, in a white kaftan, standing beside his wife, dressed in a colourful Obiwuruotu attire with an Ankara wrapper, headtie, and white lace blouse. She is third from the left and fourth from the right, with a cheerful smile. They are pictured with members of the Nnoye Foundation’s medical team during the Obiwuruotu August meeting.

Nnoye’s Foundation Launches Free Medical Outreach for Women in Uba and Agwuoche

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Nnoye’s Foundation, in collaboration with Comrade Odunze Kingsley Nnoye, is proud to announce a series of free medical outreach programs aimed at improving the health and well-being of women in our communities. The first phase of this outreach will begin on Tuesday, 20th, with the Obiwuotu Women in Uba during their August meeting, followed by the Agwuoche Women at their August meeting as well.

This initiative is designed to provide accessible healthcare to women, ensuring they receive essential medical services that can help detect and prevent common health issues. The services offered will include:

Malaria Test: Early detection and treatment can prevent severe cases of malaria.

Blood Pressure (BP) Check: Monitoring blood pressure is crucial in preventing heart-related issues.

Random Blood Sugar (RBS) Test: A quick and effective way to screen for diabetes and manage blood sugar levels.

Quantum Analysis Machine: This advanced tool will assess various health conditions such as Arthritis, Typhoid, Peptic Ulcer Disease, and even the common cold, providing insights into overall health.

We invite all women in these communities to take advantage of this opportunity for free medical treatment. Regular health check-ups can significantly reduce the risk of serious illnesses, and with the support of Comrade Odunze Kingsley Nnoye, we are committed to making healthcare more accessible.

Don’t miss this chance to prioritise your health and well-being. Join us and help spread the word so that more women can benefit from this life-changing outreach.

From Youth Leader to Change-Maker: Comrade Odunze’s Vision for Ifakala’s Future

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu

Comrade Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem

Comrade Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem, from Umudurumba Uba Ifakala, has recently won the primaries for the councilor position of Ifakala Ward under the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA). According to him, his motivation to vie for the councilorship stems from his natural inclination as an activist who consistently speaks out against bad governance. He views Ifakala as a neglected community, plagued by deteriorating roads, inconsistent electricity supply, and a lack of essential amenities such as pipe-borne water. In his opinion, Ifakala is in dire need of a strong advocate who can represent its interests and bring about much-needed development.

Reflecting on his achievements as the Youth President of Umudurumba Ubaogwugwu Ifakala, commonly referred to as Uba in short form, Comrade Odunze highlights his initial leadership role in the Anglican Youth Fellowship at Christ Anglican Church, Umudurumba Uba Ifakala. He notes that during his tenure as a youth leader, he spearheaded numerous projects that not only benefited the church but also extended their impact beyond the denomination, thereby fostering inclusivity within the community. For instance, he led the drilling of a borehole at Christ Anglican Church in Uba Ifakala and sponsored a free computer training program that lasted six months, benefiting participants from both within and outside the church.

Moreover, Comrade Odunze emphasises that under his leadership, the youth organised seminars and workshops, including one focused on starting a fishery business. Additionally, they provided medical care for both church members and villagers, further demonstrating his commitment to community welfare. According to him, the youth of the church, under his guidance, also furnished the pastor’s parlour and actively participated in various levels of the Anglican Youth Fellowship (AYF). This exposure to church leadership, he believes, played a significant role in bringing him into the limelight, showcasing his leadership capabilities.

However, Comrade Odunze’s leadership experience extends beyond the church. He shares that he has attended numerous leadership training sessions and seminars, which have equipped him with a deep understanding of what it takes to lead effectively. He credits much of his leadership development to his mentor, Youth Pastor Timothy Ashama, who is now Venerable Timothy Ashama, for tutoring him through church leadership.

Comrade Odunze’s early leadership journey began immediately after completing his WAEC when he assumed the role of youth leader in the church. Interestingly, at just 17 years old, he declared his interest in running for office during the village elections for the Durumba Progressive Youth Association (DPYA). Despite being the youngest candidate among three contenders, he won the election with a wide margin, a clear indication of his leadership potential from an early age.

Upon assuming office as Youth President of the Durumba Progressive Youth Association (DPYA), Comrade Odunze brought the leadership qualities he had honed in the Anglican Church back to the community. He organised numerous seminars, workshops, and talk shows, some of which involved travelling to Owerri for seminars. In terms of community development, he led the construction of several security gates that significantly improved security in Umudurumba. Additionally, he initiated road projects, including the creation of Umudurumba Extension, which transformed a bush area into valuable property. Notably, these projects were accomplished using youth resources without requiring village funds for road grading.

As the Youth President of Durumba, Comrade Odunze Kingsley Chinonyerem’s leadership was marked by significant developments. He led the installation of streetlights in the community, ensuring that Durumba and its surrounding areas were connected to the Nwaorieubi 33kva federal power supply, providing the people with a steady electricity supply. His tenure was also characterized by maintaining peace and harmony among the youth in the village.

Under his leadership, the youth took it upon themselves to annually grade the roads in Durumba, ensuring they remained accessible, particularly to the Ifakala community. Comrade Odunze also played a pivotal role in re-establishing relationships with their brothers in the diaspora, actively engaging them in various village projects.

In the area of security, his relentless efforts led to the mobilisation of the youth for night security watches to combat the community’s security challenges. Comrade Odunze not only organised these initiatives but also actively participated, demonstrating his commitment to the safety and well-being of the community.

In the realm of sports development, Comrade Odunze’s leadership introduced match bonuses for the village football team during the Ifakala match competition. His team was the only one that provided such incentives, resulting in their second-place finish and earning a silver medal in the first-ever competition. They also had a team doctor and physiotherapists to care for the players, further emphasising his holistic approach to leadership.

Comrade Odunze’s commitment to social welfare was evident when, immediately after the 2020 COVID pandemic, he led an initiative to provide palliatives to the villagers, especially mothers. He recalls, ‘I called the executive and said, Let us buy some palliatives and give them to the mothers. We bought about six bags of rice and other food condiments and distributed them to the mothers. These actions gave me a good reputation and built my confidence, giving me a good name and reputation in the community.’ These efforts, among others, motivated him to aspire for the councilorship of Ifakala Ward, knowing fully well that he owes his people a great deal.

In addition to his role as Youth President, Comrade Odunze also served as the APGA chairman of Ifakala Ward. During his tenure, he piloted the affairs of APGA, ensuring that the party’s activities were inclusive and that palliatives received were distributed equitably among the people. Under his leadership, APGA won several elections in his booth, and he played an active role in ensuring the victory of various candidates in Ifakala Ward. He also oversaw the distribution of over 100 forms for the Government Special Public Work program, ensuring that they reached all the youth in Ifakala/Nkalu, regardless of their political affiliation.

During his brief tenure as interim youth president of Ifakala, Comrade Odunze made remarkable contributions, such as uniting the youth and organising a cleanup around Ifakala CGC Hall and its environs. He also ensured that promises made by candidates visiting Ifakala and Nkalu were fulfilled, demonstrating his commitment to accountability and follow-through.

With these achievements in mind, Comrade Odunze strongly believes that, if elected as the councilor of Ifakala Ward, he will accomplish remarkable things that no previous councilor has achieved. He is determined to be a shining light that will illuminate Ifakala, a community often used as a dumping ground by politicians who make empty promises. He is committed to bringing real change and fulfilling the aspirations of his people.

 

Bags of rice and cartons of condiments stacked and ready for distribution as part of Comrade Odunze’s post-pandemic relief effort, aimed at supporting the villagers, particularly mothers, during challenging times. 

Grateful women receive a bag of rice and a carton of tomatoes as part of Comrade Odunze’s post-pandemic initiative to support the welfare of villagers.

Unraveling Myths surrounding HPV vaccination

By Nightengale Ben-Onyeukwu and Nneoma Ahukanna

Mrs. Madumere Maria-Gorretti, Immunisation Officer for Mbaitoli LGA

Imo Governor’s wife Barr. Mrs Chioma Uzodimma about two months ago, flagged off the Human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccination for girl children ages between nine and fourteen years. Represented by Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, PhD. She passionately advocated for compliance with the need to vaccinate girls against cervical cancer, which she noted was the fourth most common cancer globally and second most common cancer affecting women in Nigeria. She added that the human papilloma virus is the most common viral infection of the reproductive tract and causes 85 percent of cervical cancer cases.

Earlier, when a delegation of IMO primary health care development agency came on advocacy visit to seek for partnership with the Ministry for women affairs and social welfare on addressing and ending cervical cancer among women in Imo, Mrs Uzodimma represented by Mrs Nkechinyere Ugwu the Women Affairs Commissioner, assured the Dr. Emeka Okere -led delegation of effective collaboration and pinned down 27th May as flag off date for the campaign.

She also assured that the ministry would create wider awareness and publicity using social media handles, news talks,s well as  involve churches, hospitals, schools and communities to ensure understanding and  acceptance of the campaign.This is to help clear the air on the myths, and conspiracy theories about the HPV vaccine one of which is that it is a huge plot to reduce the population of Africa by causing infertility among young girls.

The Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection worldwide and a leading cause of cervical cancer. To combat this, the HPV vaccine has been developed as a safe and effective means of prevention. Despite its proven benefits, concerns and misconceptions continue to hinder its acceptance, particularly in Nigeria, where cervical cancer remains a significant health threat.

There are different versions of the HPV vaccine: Gardasil, Gardasil 9, and Cervarix. Gardasil protects against four types of HPV—types 6 and 11, which cause genital warts, and types 16 and 18, which are associated with cervical cancer. Gardasil 9 extends this protection to nine types of HPV, adding types 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Cervarix focuses on types 16 and 18, the most common high-risk types linked to cervical cancer.

In Nigeria, cervical cancer ranks as the third most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women aged 15 to 44. Data from 2020 indicated that Nigeria recorded 12,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths from cervical cancer. Research shows that the HPV vaccine is most effective when administered to girls aged 9-14 years, before they become sexually active.

A prevailing concern among parents is the fear that the HPV vaccine may render their daughters infertile. This misconception, fuelled by historical incidents and misinformation, has sparked hesitancy, despite medical assurances that there is no link between the HPV vaccine and infertility. Addressing these concerns is crucial for dispelling myths and ensuring informed decisions about HPV vaccination.

However, questions remain: How reliable is this vaccine? Many people have known about the vaccine for years and are surprised it was only recently introduced in Nigeria. If the vaccine has existed for a long time, could the version brought to Nigeria have been tampered with? Is it really safe for girls to receive this vaccine? What will be the fate of these girls who receive the vaccine in the next ten years?

Research indicates that men are carriers of the virus and can transmit it to women, who may then pass it on to others. For this reason, men are also advised to get vaccinated to help prevent the spread of the disease. While most people do not oppose taking the vaccine—after all, no one wants to die young—the primary concern lies in the perceived reliability and safety of the vaccine itself.

Mrs. Madumere Maria-Gorretti, Immunisation Officer for Mbaitoli LGA, emphasized the importance of the vaccine in an interview, ‘Many people are very ignorant about diseases. Most of them might not know that cancer kills so many people. Cancer, for instance, claimed the life of the late Dora Akunyili. It also claimed the life of Miriam Babangida, a former first lady who died of cervical cancer. I know many people who have succumbed to cervical cancer. By the time cervical cancer is detected, it’s often too late, making it one of the deadliest cancers. It’s crucial to realize that such incidents can be prevented, for example, with the HPV vaccine. Administering this vaccine to children aims to prevent cervical cancer in the future. That’s why we vaccinate them at a young age, before they are exposed to sexual activity. Children aged 9-14 are not yet exposed to sexual immorality, and by immunizing them now, we protect them against cervical cancer for life.’

‘In Mbaitoli, we recorded only two cases of Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), which were not serious and were resolved with paracetamol. Every individual's body reacts differently, but most children did not experience negative reactions after receiving the vaccine.’

‘Initially, when the vaccine was introduced, serious reactions occurred due to rumours, leading many to initially refuse vaccination for their daughters. However, by the third day of vaccination, some schools began requesting vaccinations. Even a school proprietor arranged for his students to be vaccinated, and subsequently, parents started calling for their children to be vaccinated. Some people now understand that the vaccine is beneficial, contrary to what they had heard.’

‘The LGA immunization team actively sensitized communities and conducted advocacy visits to opinion leaders. Despite mid-term school breaks, schools resumed and began requesting immunization sessions.’

‘I want to thank the government for incorporating the vaccine into routine immunizations. As people become more aware, routine HPV vaccination is increasingly accepted. We plan to vaccinate those who missed out this year, especially children turning 9.’

‘Convincing people to take the vaccine isn't easy, given prevailing misconceptions. Initially, other vaccines like those for polio and measles faced rejection. However, as people saw the significant reduction in measles cases, they began to appreciate the importance of vaccines. Similarly, with time, people will come to appreciate the HPV vaccine. It's important to clarify that the HPV vaccine is not for family planning but for preventing cervical cancer, which primarily affects women. While men can carry the virus, it usually does not manifest as cancer in them, unlike women who are vulnerable due to their cervix.’

‘I strongly advocate for taking the vaccine to prevent cervical cancer. Many women are willing to get vaccinated, but due to limited availability, some seek it in private hospitals where a single-dose vial costs more than sixty thousand naira.’

‘This is why the vaccine is restricted to mature children who have not yet engaged in sexual activity. If it were available to all women, there wouldn't be enough left for the children, as adults would likely take it first.’

Mrs. Madumere Christiana, Cold Chain Officer for Mbaitoli, stated, ‘We are of the opinion that all eligible children should go ahead and take it because it is safe. It is not like what people are saying. Here at our health centre, we have a good cold chain. All our vaccines are kept inside the solar-powered refrigerator.’

Mrs. Iwu Leticia Adaku, the Director of Environment Services in Mbaitoli Local Government Area, highlighted, ‘Girls of that age are exposed to rape, prostitution, and as you know, cervical cancer is mainly contracted through prostitution. Anyone who indulges in prostitution is at risk of developing cervical cancer, so it is important to prevent it. Prevention is better than cure. By now, people in Lagos have already begun receiving the vaccine; it's not only available in Imo state. Taking the vaccine is better to prevent diseases. I advise parents who have not complied yet to do so before it is too late. There is nothing wrong with the vaccine; it is safe. Some states have already completed their vaccination programs. If there were any issues with the vaccine, they would have stopped administering it to girls.’

Before the government distributed the vaccine, they surely tested it and confirmed its safety in the laboratory. They would not distribute a vaccine without testing it first.’

I advise parents to comply and allow their daughters to receive the injection. I am confident the government would not distribute anything harmful to our children.’

Ebere Ukaegbu, a medical practitioner, expressed a different viewpoint, ‘I don’t advise people to take the vaccine because the white men want to use it to reduce our population and cause infertility. But we are Israelites; they can’t reduce our fertility.’

Joy Chinagorom, a nurse working at Eziama Orodo Health Centre, added, ‘This vaccine is very good because before we started giving it to the girls, we first gave it to our children. I have up to four grandchildren (girls) aged 9-14, and I gave all of them the vaccine. Since then, they have been doing fine. Some people around us are now coming to take the vaccine, but it is closed now. They didn’t take it earlier because they wanted to see if those who took it are still alive. Now they are coming after seeing that those who took it are still alive. So, to my understanding, I don’t see anything wrong with that vaccine. It is good for health, and you know that anyone who has that cancer is incurable; that is why we are giving out the vaccine. My advice is for them to take it. I gave it to my own grandchildren… I would not give my own children something that is not good.’

The headmistress of Good Foundation primary school clarified their policy, ‘We do not administer the vaccine to the children. Before we give them any vaccines, we always get consent from their parents.’