The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Ekiti declares 7-day mourning for late deputy governor

    Ekiti State Government has declared a seven-day mourning for the  the State Deputy Governor, Mrs Funmilayo  Olayinka who died on Saturday evening.

    The State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi who announced the 7-day mourning during a State-wide broadcast said all flags in the State will fly at half mast in reflection of the mood of the State. He also announced the suspension of all state ceremonies during the period.

    Dr. Fayemi, in an emotion-laden speech, described the late Mrs Olayinka as a dependable ally in the struggle to free the State; stressing that she was a consistent bulwark of support especially during the judicial struggle to reclaim the Fayemi-Olayinka gubernatorial mandate.

    He asserted that he was never in doubt of her unalloyed loyalty, competence and integrity.

    While expressing his earlier optimism that the Deputy Governor would pull through her health challenges, the Governor said Olaayinka battled her ailment “gallantly and availed herself of the best medical services within and outside Nigeria”.

    Fayemi disclosed that the State Government shall liaise with the Deputy Governor’s family in preparation for a full State burial for the deceased.

    He however urged Ekiti people to remember the deceased’s family in prayers even as she had gone to rest with the Lord.

    Meanwhile condolence registers have been opened for her at the Governor’s office, Deputy Governor’s office, State liaison offices in Lagos and Abuja.

  • Ekiti Deputy Governor dies of Cancer

    Ekiti Deputy Governor dies of Cancer

    The deputy governor of Ekiti State, Mrs  Funmilayo Olayinka is dead.

    The State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, TayoEkundayo confirmed her death in a statement issued last night.

    “The Government of Ekiti State announces with sadness but with gratitude to God, the passing of the State Deputy Governor, H.E. Mrs Olufunmilayo Adunni Olayinka, aged 52, after a tough but courageous battle with cancer.
    She died on Saturday evening.

    “Mrs Olayinka, an accomplished banker and corporate sector player worked in the financial industry for 21 years before heeding the call of service in her home state of Ekiti when she was selected to serve on the ACN Governorship ticket in 2007. She demonstrated exemplary courage and dedicated service to Ekiti people both during the struggle to retrieve the stolen mandate and in her position as Deputy Governor.

    “She is survived by her husband and children as well as aged parents and siblings, “Ekudayo stated

     

  • How not to die of cardiovascular diseases

    How not to die of cardiovascular diseases

    World Health Day is celebrated on 7 April and highlights a priority area of
public health concern in the world. The theme for 2013 is high blood
pressure. One in three adults are known to have high blood pressure, are
you one of them?

Many people do not know they have high blood pressure because it does not
always cause noticeable symptoms. As a result, the silent condition
contributes to more than 9 million deaths every year, including about half
of all deaths due to heart disease and stroke.

The rates increase with age, from 1 in 10 people in their 20s and 30s to 5
in 10 people in their 50s. The prevalence of high blood pressure is the
highest among the African decent, with over 40 percent of adults thought to
be affected. However, raised blood pressure is among many factors that
contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) have a broad meaning. It's not a single
condition or disorder in itself. Rather, it's a collection of diseases and
conditions. In fact, some types of cardiovascular disease can cause other
types of cardiovascular disease. It’s normally seen as chain reaction.

CVDs are the number one cause of death globally: more people die from CVDs
than from any other cause. An estimated 17.3 million people died from CVDs
in 2008, representing 30 percent of all global deaths. Of these deaths, an
estimated 7.3 million were due to heart disease and 6.2 million were due to
stroke.

Over 80 percent of CVD deaths take place in low- and middle-income
countries and occur almost equally between men and women. The number of
people who die from CVDs, mainly from heart disease and stroke, is
projected to increase to 23.3 million by 2030.

Addressing risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet and obesity,
physical inactivity, high blood pressure, diabetes and raised cholesterol
can prevent the most common causes of cardiovascular disease.

*Preventing heart attack and stroke*

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a disease of the arteries that supply the
heart muscle with blood. CAD means that blood flow through the arteries has
become impaired and is no longer reaching the muscle. The most common way
that an obstruction develops is through a condition called atherosclerosis,
a largely preventable form of cardiovascular disease.

Cerebrovascular disease occurs when obstruction occurs in the blood vessels
that supply the brain with oxygen. Strokes can occur due to bleeding from a
blood vessel in the brain or from blood clots that obstruct the flow of
blood. The most common obstruction is a build-up of fatty deposits on the
inner walls of the blood vessels that supply the brain.

*Not all heart disease preventable*

Although one may hear a lot about preventing cardiovascular disease,
sometimes they’re not preventable as well. That's because some types of
cardiovascular disease are congenital or one is born with them. Congenital
heart diseases are faults in the structure of the heart that exist from
early development.

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition that impacts a lot of children.
It’s known to cause damage to the heart muscle and valves.  The condition
is caused by bacteria that can produce what’s called rheumatic fever.  Once
rheumatic valve disease begins, it tends to progressively worsen over time.
Repeated episodes of rheumatic fever can accelerate the deterioration of
the heart valves.

Rheumatic heart disease ends up affecting about half the people who have
rheumatic fever with carditis or inflammation of the heart. Most of the
time, rheumatic heart disease is diagnosed 10 to 20 years after being
triggered by acute rheumatic fever.

*The silent killer *

Often, there are no symptoms of the underlying disease of the blood
vessels. A heart attack or stroke may be the first warning of an underlying
problem. The symptoms of a heart attack often include pain and discomfort
directly over one’s heart or in the center of the chest.

Symptoms can often be confusing and one of the most common areas of pain is
in the arms, the left shoulder, elbows, jaw or back. In addition a person
may experience difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath,
light-headedness, cold sweats, nausea and vomiting. Men are more likely to
experience chest pain while women often demonstrate shortness of breath,
nausea, vomiting, and back or jaw pain.

The chance of having a stroke approximately doubles for each decade after
age 55. While strokes are common among the elderly, a lot of people under
65 also have strokes. One’s risk of stroke is greater if a parent,
grandparent, sister or brother has had a stroke.

The most common symptom of a stroke is sudden weakness in one’s face, arm,
or leg. Symptoms are most often seen on one side of the body. One can
experience visual changes, dizziness, loss of balance and confusion as
well.  A stroke victim often characterizes having the worst headache of
their life with no known cause.

*Choices more important than genetics*

Behavioral risk factors are responsible for about 80 percent of heart
disease and cerebrovascular disease. Ceasing tobacco use, reducing salt in
the diet, consuming fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy body
weight, engaging in regular physical activity and avoiding harmful use of
alcohol have been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The effects of unhealthy diet and physical inactivity may show up in
individuals as raised blood pressure, raised blood sugar, raised
cholesterol, and overweight and obesity. This is the mechanism that
cardiovascular disease can produce other cardiovascular disease.

It’s important to be physically active every day. Research has shown that
getting at least 30 minutes of physical activity on 5 or more days of the
week can help lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol and keep one’s weight
at a healthy level.

Something is always better than nothing. If you're doing nothing now, start
out slow. Even 10 minutes at a time can offer health benefits. Studies show
that people who have achieved even a moderate level of fitness are much
less likely to die early than those with low levels.

Control one’s dietary portion size. How much one eats is just as important
as what you eat. Overloading the plate, taking seconds and eating until one
feels stuffed can lead to eating more calories, fat and cholesterol than is
recommended.

Eat more of low-calorie, nutrient-rich foods, such as fruits and
vegetables, and less high-calorie, high-sodium foods, such as refined,
processed or takeaway foods. Eating this way can shape up one’s heart and
waistline.

Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of vitamins, minerals and
dietary fiber. Vegetables and fruits contain substances found in plants
that are known to help prevent cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure
and inflammation. Eating more fruits and vegetables is also one of the best
ways to reduce high-fat foods such as processed meats, crisps and other
junk foods.

Dr Cory Couillard is an international healthcare speaker and columnist for
numerous newspapers, magazines, websites and publications throughout the
world. He works in collaboration with the World Health Organization's goals
of disease prevention and global healthcare education. Views do not
necessarily reflect endorsement.

Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

Twitter: DrCoryCouillard
  • Kenya: Saved from the cliff

    Kenya: Saved from the cliff

    It is enough that the people know there was an election. The people who cast the votes decide nothing. The people who count the votes decide everything – Joseph Stalin   

    In a few days, Uhuru Kenyatta is to be sworn in as President of Kenya. He is coming to power exactly thirty five years after the death of his father Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, the founding father of the country. He was in his teens when his father who led the country to independence died in 1978. His rise to power has struck a first in the continent; he becomes the first sibling of a former president who comes to power through a free and fair election.

    Although his victory was contested by his rival, Raila Odinga, the victory has been affirmed by the country’s highest court as “free and fair” thus aligning with the verdict of the international observers who had earlier given the same verdict.

    Kenyatta’s victory over his challenger, Odinga brings to mind the bitter rivalry which hallmarked the rule of his father and his arch-rival and the father of Raila. Oginga Odinga was like a thorn in the flesh of the older Kenyatta. Students of history would remember that the duo were the arrow heads of the fight for the country’s independence in the same way that the late Joshua Nkomo and President Robert Mugabe were for Zimbabwe.

    However, a combination of ethnic majority and intrigues led to bitter rivalries as it is wont in Africa. The older Kenyatta who came from the majority ethnic group of Gikuyu was able to subdue any threat from the older Odinga who was a Luo. It is perhaps the same ethnic rivalry that led to the present scenario.

    Before the March elections, tension had risen around the world and many had feared that the unfortunate 2007 violence that trailed the election was going to replay itself. In fact, the fear was so palpable that many had already fled the country, in search of safe havens. The 2007 after election violence caught the international community unawares because the East African country, despite its hiccup democratic credentials had been an oasis of peace on the continent. The 2007 violence shattered all that reputation.

    It was therefore not surprising that the international community’s attention was focussed on the country so much that months leading to the election many had appealed for calm and called for a free and fair election. And as if the country was aware of the importance of the election and the need to redeem its image, it made sure the election was conducted as freely as practicable. This was demonstrated so much that even when some unexpected glitches came up the electoral body quickly made up and conducted the election fairly well.

    However, as Kenyatta assumes office, he becomes the second African head of state to be indicted by the International Court of Justice (ICJ). He is joining this unenviable class with President Omar El-Bashir of Sudan who has been indicted for war crimes. Kenyatta’s indictment is in connection with the 2007 election violence. He is in this boat with his Vice President-elect William Ruto.

    How this would affect his reign and his relations with other heads of governments around the world is of interest to this writer. Would he be able to visit some countries that are signatories to the ICC treaty or would he be an isolated president as El-Bashir is gradually becoming?

    Whatever happens Kenya must be saluted for their determination to rescue their country from a cliff-hanger situation. They have been able to tell the world that elections may be factitious and laden with acrimony, but that they are capable of making up with themselves. This is a lesson for the rest of Africa.

    Africa is rising.

     

  • Mass burial likely for Benin accident victims

    Mass burial likely for Benin accident victims

    Dead victims of the accident that occurred at Ugbogui along Benin-Lagos road on Friday might be given a mass burial if their identities can not be ascertained. Many of them were burnt to ashes.

    The luxurious bus they were travelling in was engulfed in fire after a tanker that was hit by a trailer carrying cement exploded and only three passengers managed to escape with severe burns. Witnesses said the luxurious bus was filled with passengers.
    The remains of the victims have been deposited at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital mortuary while it was gathered that the police authorities were waiting for directives from Abuja on what to do with corpses.
    State Police Commissioner, Folusho Adebanjo said relatives have started showing up to collect corpses of their love ones.
    He said time would be given for relatives to identify corpses and added that the manifest showed that 36 persons died in the fire.
    An official of the FRSC said they would soon remove the vehicles from the highway to ease traffic movement.
    Owners of the shops, vehicles and motor-cycles affected by the fire have demanded for compensation from owners of the tanker that caused the fire.
    A mechanic said three Toyota Camry cars kept at his workshop were consumed in the fire.
    Florence Olufemi said she lost 50 kegs of palm oil to the inferno while One Mrs. Dupe Abiola, a restaurateur, said everything in her shop were burnt.

  • Northern leaders call for Amnesty Commission

    Northern leaders are pushing for a legal backing to the granting of amnesty to aggrieved individuals who have taken up arms against the state in form of the establishment of an Amnesty Commission backed by law.

    The northern leaders have written to President Goodluck Jonathan on the need to set up such a commission which they said will be empowered to work out the process of granting amnesty in the country.
    Former Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Prof Ango Abdullahi told the Hausa service of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) monitored in Kaduna that they have asked the government to establish an Amnesty Commission which will have the backing of law and operate independently in granting amnesty to members of the Boko Haram Islamic sect.
    He said that when the commission is established, men of integrity and honesty should be appointed into the Commission, adding that doing so will ensure that the desired objectives of granting amnesty to members of the sect members will be achieved.
    He said “we went with this advice in writing. Our thinking was that if the government felt it would be granting amnesty just like that, then there should be an authoritative body whose responsibility will be to set up how this amnesty will be granted, and also those affected will not be afraid to come out.
    “That was the reason we said so. We did not even asked for the setting up of a committee. We suggested for the establishment of an amnesty commission, a commission is different from a committee but I hope it is a step that will lead to the commission.
    “If a commission is established by law, it is independent and with honest individuals appointed to lead it, they will set up the process through which the desired objectives would be achieved,” he said.
    The former Presidential Adviser on Food Security however decline to comment on whether the northern elders pressured President Jonathan into granting amnesty to members of the sect, saying “I can’t say that, but perhaps those who were against it before realized that force cannot solve the problem.
    “Guns will not solve the problem, if all prisons will be full with those suspected, it won’t solve the problem. The only solution is to go back to the people, let them speak out their problems and grievances on the nation’s state of affairs. That’s how we can get a clue to the problem.”

     

    ENDS

  • Gunmen strike in Plateau, kill seven

    Unknown gunmen have attacked residents of Karkashi Community in Langtang South Local Government Council of Plateau State killing seven persons while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    Another group of gunmen also attacked Zango in Wase LGA and burnt over ten houses but were repelled by the villagers.

    Several communities in Plateau state especially those of Riyom, Bokkos, Wase, Barkin Ladi and Langtang have  been raided by suspected armed Fulani militia.
    Four of the gunmen that attacked Karkashi village in Langtang south LGA were said to have been killed by men of the STF while trying to escape after the attack.
    The Karkashi village is over 200km from Jos, the plateau state capital and is located at the southern senatorial zone of plateau state.
    Spokesman of the special task force (STF) on Jos crises code named operation safe haven Captain Salisu Mustapha confirmed the killing.

    According to him, “The unknown gunmen stormed the village at about 2.am Saturday morning and killed seven people while several victims sustain gunshot wound”
    He added that four people suspected to be part of the attackers were arrested and are being interrogated to know the level of their involvement

    The suspects will be handed over to the police for prosecution as soon as investigation is concluded.

  • New fund to boost impact investing in Africa launched

    New fund to boost impact investing in Africa launched

    A new fund to boost  investment in Africa, the Impact Economy Innovations Fund (IEIF)  has been launched by the Rockefeller Foundation and  Tony Elumelu Foundation.

    The launch was hosted by The Rockefeller Foundation, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the Impact Investing in Africa: Accelerating the Industry Regionally Forum held at  University of Cape Town (UCT) Graduate School of Business on Friday, April 5

    It provided a platform to introduce the investment and entrepreneurial community from  the continent to the concept and practice of impact investing.

    Through a series of presentations and panel discussions, participants, according to a statement issued  by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, developed a better understanding of the barriers to and opportunities for unlocking greater investment capital for impact at scale, while strengthening the sector’s entrepreneurial talent and African ecosystem.

    “Throughout its 100 year history, The Rockefeller Foundation has worked to enhance the impact of innovative thinkers and actors,” said Eme Essien Lore, Acting Managing Director at The Rockefeller Foundation.  “Now, during our Centennial year, our work is helping accelerate the growth of the impact investing industry in Africa as we partner with organizations that are at the forefront of helping to achieve equitable growth for all, such as The Tony Elumelu Foundation and the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship.”

    Dr. François Bonnici, Director of the Bertha Centre at the UCT Graduate School of Business said, “We are conducting research on impact investing in South Africa to provide an annual barometer to track the trends and practices in the sector. With the support of The Rockefeller Foundation and The Tony Elumelu Foundation, the possibilities for impact investing in Africa are considerable.”

    The IEIF will fund proposals geared toward projects that seek to enable capital solutions, foster entrepreneurial ecosystems and promote impact investing industry infrastructure – ultimately aimed at impacting the lives of poor or vulnerable people throughout Africa.

    “Impact Investing is a critical tool in driving our agenda of promoting entrepreneurship for lasting economic and social development in Africa. We want to see more deals of this nature and our commitment to support this new fund is just the beginning,” said Dr. Wiebe Boer, CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation. “

    The IEIF will be managed by The Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) in close collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation and The Rockefeller Foundation.  A Request for Proposals (RFP) has been issued, calling for submissions to the IEIF that align with the Fund’s objective of boosting the development of robust regional markets.

  • Scores burnt in fatal crash on Benin-Ore Road

    Scores burnt in fatal crash on Benin-Ore Road

    It was a gory sight on Friday afternoon on the Benin-Lagos road as the charred remains of passengers  roasted to death when fire engulfed the luxurious bus they were travelling in littered the road.
    The accident which occurred at Ugbogui village along the Benin-Lagos road involved a trailer carrying cement, a tanker and a luxurious bus.
    Only three passengers in the bus were said to have survived with severe burnt. Witnesses said they ran out with flames on their body.
    Other passengers including those in the trailer and tanker died in the inferno.
    It was gathered that the accident occurred at about 1:30pm when the trailer hit the tanker from behind.
    Witnesses said the three vehicles were coming from Lagos direction and that the luxurious bus had a burst tire and in an attempt to manoeuvre hit the tanker and the trailer hit the tanker from behind which resulted to fire.
    Many passengers came down to take photographs of the charred remains of the victims which littered the streets as at press time.
    They were burnt beyond recognition. A witness said the passengers were crying for help but there was no way to help them because of the flames.
    Two brothers aged four and three were also burnt to death. They were said to have been sleeping inside their mother’s shop when the accident occurred.
    Their sister who managed to ran has been admitted at the village clinic and she suffered some bones and had a broken leg while running away.
    Their mother who gave her name as Eunice Okunyade gave the names of her dead sons as Kesmond and Solomon.
    She spoke amidst tears, “I was told about the fire and when I ran there I saw my shop on fire and my children were burning inside.”
    More than 15 shops were lost to the inferno while 16 vehicles and ten motor-cycles were burnt including properties such as generators, sewing machines, fridges, motor-parts.
    Some of the victims who spoke to the Nation what they heard was a bang and then fire.
    A motor-parts dealer, Oyedokn Fatai and motor mechanic, Jimoh Olaniyi said there were at their shops when the incident happened.
    They said they ran to escape being injured or dead.
    “I heard noise and the next thing was fire. We all ran away.”
    Pastor Godwin Iyede said he parked his vehicle and came back to saw it in flames.
    The incident caused heavy traffic gridlock as both sides on the highway were blocked.
    Officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps and policemen were seen controlling traffic and putting out the fire.
    They declined comments but an official who pleaded anonymity said they were awaiting the manifest to know the identity of the victims and the actual numbers in the bus.
    The official said they were confused on what to do with the charred corpses as officials of the University of Benin Teaching said they lacked the capacity to take the corpses.
    As at 7:30pm yesterday, the corpses and the vehicles were still on the road while travellers were stranded on the highway.

  • Nigeria-US Christian group faults amnesty for Boko Haram

    The Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans, CANAN, has faulted the decision of the federal government to set up committee to consider the demand for amnesty for Boko Haram members and other terrorists groups in the country.

    CANAN in a statement issued in New York on Friday and signed by its Executive Secretary, Laolu Akande, said the government’s decision was treachery and travesty of justice without considering the plight of the victims of the various attacks by the fundamentalist groups.

    “Has the same government considered setting up anything to help those victims? Does the federal government even have a count of the victims? What has the Nigerian government done to assuage the sufferings resulting from the killing of thousands of the Nigerian people by Boko Haram,? CANAN stated.

    While noting that it was not outrightly against a political solution, side by side with the enforcement of law and order CANAN said this option must involve both parties to a conflict.

    Full text of the statement follows:

    “We have watched with bated breadths, the strident clamor by a group of Nigerian political elite to grant terrorists amnesty.

    “Intense political pressure has been mounted on the Nigerian government resulting into widespread news today that the federal government of Nigeria is now considering granting amnesty to terrorists who have clearly spurned and disdained the idea in the first place.

    “This is shaping up to a certain manifestation of the theatre of the absurd!

    “Not that Nigeria is not used to such perfidious propositions, it is the total despising of the murdered, traumatized and maimed victims of the terrorists that make this situation a pervasion.

    “When the federal government agreed to set up a committee to consider the demand to grant amnesty to terrorists, it completed its treachery against the wives, children and relatives of the victims of Boko Haram terrorists!

    “Has the same government considered setting up anything to help those victims? Does the federal government even have a count of the victims? What has the Nigerian government done to assuage the sufferings resulting from the killing of thousands of the Nigerian people by Boko Haram?

    “We have made it clear before now that most of the victims of Boko Haram terrorism are Christians, whose only offense is their choice of worship. Together last month, our association and CAN in Nigeria gave voice to the victims at a press conference in Abuja. We also announced a widow’s mite of $50,000 to the victims. What has the Nigerian government done for this victims apart from abandoning them at their hardest moment of need?

    “And now the government is pandering to the same political interests who have refused to expose the known backers and supporters of Boko Haram. What a travesty!

    “We are not outrightly against a political solution, side by side with the enforcement of law and order; which is government’s primary assignment anywhere.

    “But political approach has to involve both parties to a conflict. So far as we and all Nigerians know, the leaders of Boko Haram have rejected the idea of negotiations and the amnesty itself. They have even killed certain leaders who have been perceived to be leading the charge for a political solution.

    “So who will the government be negotiating with? Can a man clap with one hand?

    “We also ask:

    “Why is it that the leaders from the region widely affected by the insurgency, who are now clamoring for amnesty, are not equally concerned about the fate of the victims?
    “Why is the demand for amnesty louder than the demand for the backers and leaders of Boko Haram to openly articulate their views regarding their demands?
    “Are those to be considered for amnesty including the members of the violent sect who are already in detention?
    “Have they owned up to their criminal responsibilities?
    “What is the guarantee that their amnesty would lead them to a change of heart?
    “What are we to make of the leaders of Boko Haram including Shekau, who have insisted on no negotiations whatsoever?
    “Has government or the political leaders from the North made contact with Shekau? If they have the nation must be told!

    “This insurgency of the Boko Haram terrorists in some Northern states of Nigeria has since become an international issue and we here in the United States will continue to insist that the US government and the international community pay a very close attention to what is going on, and intervene as appropriate under international law.

    “We want to remind the federal government that the International Criminal Court, ICC, is already considering opening a criminal investigation into Boko Haram killings in Nigeria. The ICC has already concluded that indeed crimes against humanity have been perpetrated by Boko Haram terrorists in this matter.

    “The world is watching!”