The Nation Newspaper

Category: Health

Weak President, strong Governors-General, 2027 peace formula

I will call a spade a spade, and not tell you a dog is a monkey… Nigeria’s major tribes and their traditional allies are warming up for what in 2027 may become the country’s most dangerous general elections.As usual, the aim is to politically conquer the opponent tribe and its allies, economically subdue them and territorially absorb them. If we are not careful, Nigeria may go the way some countries have gone whose form and content of politics were like ours. That is why this column, after traveling on memory lanes, would like to make widow’s mite contributions to on-going reviews of the 1999 Constitution. Some of the suggestions are that

• An office of Govenor-General be created in each of the six geo-political regions. In the First Republic, each of the three regions had a ceremonial Governor and an Executive Premier who was in charge of Government business. The Office of Governor-General now proposed is an Executive Office.

• Each geopolitical region become semi independent, controlling its resources, paying tax on their exploitation and contributing money toward maintenance of the Federal Government

•In other words, the Federal Government will be made financially dependent on the regions and financially unpalatable for ethnic jingoists who have always sort to capture it and terrorise and minimise other tribes with its abundant resources.

• If the constitution favours these suggestions, and the table turns against Federal power in favour of Regional might, national political tensions may disappear and risk of another civil war or a break up of the country may be reduced.

Let us not deceive ourselves… no-one can dissolve the tribes. We did not create ourselves ,our tribes, the Earth and the Universe. The creative will of the Almighty Creator created them all for a spiritual purpose. We hear always that The Sower went to sow. What he sowed were human seed grains. Some fell by the way side, some among thorns, others on rocky land and more, still, on fertile soil. We belong to whichever our tribes are because, in His Infinite Wisdom, that is the right soil for our spiritual purpose. Our nature determined on which soil we were sown. We were sown as spirit seed grains to sprout, germinate, flower and fruit, growing from subconscious existence to self consciousness and, finally, to human spirit beings, the state in which we can return to Paradise!. As an aside, this is saying not everyone in outward human form is a human being . The human being is that person whose innermost kernel has involved from spirit seed germ into the human form.Thus, all tribes of humanity are in various stages of inner maturity and should not mix, otherwise, the wolves would live with the sheep, the ruffians with the cultured! I raised animals, but not

rabbits and cats together. That was what Lord Lugard, as Governor-General in 1914, did with the unification of about 250 tribes in a geographic space his mistress called Nigeria!

Everywhere on earth, the tribes are not meant to mix, although they may interact. However, against the creative will of The Almighty Creator, the presumption of man that he is wiser than God and Nature, and his greed for earthly possessions have misled him to believe he can create a hybrid nation of dis-similar tribe into harmonious, tranquil homogeneous nation. In Europe, one tribe fell upon another for its resources or to impose its economy and culture. After 30 years of blood birth, they signed on October 24, 1648, the Treaty of Westphalia which recognised sovereignty and foreign trade. Even then, the dis-similar tribes not co-habit under pain in emergent-nation states? They sometimes free themselves at great cost. The Soviet Union disolved. Ukraine and Russia are still at war. The Irish Republican Army ( IRA) terrorised the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland for some decades. Two times recently, Scotland tried but marginally failed electorally to quit the union. Senegal and Gambia quite SENEGAMBIA. The Sudan broke into two. India broke into Pakistan (1948) Pakistan later into West Pakistan and Bangladesh. Ethiopia broke into Eritrea and Tigris. Somalia fought a tribal genocidal war.On January 1, 1993, Czechoslovakia peacefully separated into Czech Republic now called ( Czechia)and Slovakia. Iron- fist ruler President Tito held disparate Czechoslovakia together for what seems like eternity. On May 4, 1980, he passed, and Yugoslavia errupted into several ethnic wars which, between 1990 and 2000s, yieded the fellowing countries… Slovenia,Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina,Serbia, Montenegro, North Mecedonia and Kosovo which broke from Serbia in 2008. Nigeria fought a tribal civil war between 1967 and 1970.

What I am trying to say in calling a spade a spade, and in not disguising a dog as monkey, is that any country which is not composed in accordance with the laws of Nature is a false entity and, like every falsehood in creation, is doomed to collapse unless it is adjusted to the unchanging WILL OF GOD. One of the LAWS OF NATURE which teaches us of the WILL OF GOD constantly remains us that …BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER. Spiritual student and scholars of Mother Nature call it THE LAW OF ATTRACTION OF HOMOGENEOUS SPECIES. This Law ensures that the cells of your skin are homgeneous and different to the homgeneous cells of your brain, tongue, eyes, and bones e.t.c. In a woman, endometrial cell which lines the uterus must not be found any way else in her body or she would suffer from a terrible bleeding disease known as ENDOMETRIOSIS. In like manner, this is why transplanted organs are rejected by the host body.

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2027 and beyond

The 250 or more ethnic nationalities in Nigeria have been suffering in the hands of one another since 1914. They have fought a civil war. They have arrived at the point of distrusting one another and are approaching the threshold of hatred for one another. This was evidence in the 2023 General Elections, the dust and smoke of which the politicians have not allowed to settle and are already dimming the 2027 General Elections, the aftermath of which no one can predict. It is in this regard that I make this column my window’s mite contributions towards on-going effort to give Nigeria a new Constitution. I am persuaded that only observance of the Laws of Nature by the new Constitution can prevent a break off of the country in future. This observance is about the structure of power and its location.

Unfortunately, Lord Lugard in 1914 mixed the lions with the lambs. We can change the structure without throwing the baby out with the bath water. That is why I have suggested a regionalisation along the six geo-political zones as semi-dependent entities within the Nigerian Federation, each governed by a Governor-General who supritends governors in their Regions. These governors will no longer have direct access to the President as the Governors-General will be the interface between the Regions and that Office.

Weak executive President, strong Governors-General

Thus, I suggest drafters of the coming Constitution do away with a powerful Executive President,introduce a powerful Governor -General in each of the six geo-political Regions, subordinate the governors in each region to the executive control of the respective Governor-General and make local governments independent of governors. The constitution should make the presidency less attractive, with its powers limited to only exclusive portfolios such as Foreign Affairs, Currency, the Armed Forces, Customs, Immigration e.t.c. The Presidency may be limited in the concurrent portfolios to only certain or minimum national standard every region is to achieve in such area as education, health, housing, security, agriculture, sanitation e.t.c.

The Governor- General should become the Chief Executive of a Region. Governor in this Region will report to him or her. The Governor- General and the Governors will govern their Regions as an organic unit of the Nigerian Federation. Each state will not be governed in isolation of the others,as is now done, to encourage balanced development in the region. Politicians in search of eldorado at the Federal level and who become demoralised and dangerous to the polity when they derail may find the music can still play for them in their own Region.

Each region will have absolute control over its resources and pay tax to the Federal Government in respect of their exploitation. Each of the six regions is big enough to be a country. Israel is only 8.3 million population, United Arab Emirates 9.3 million, Ukraine 44 million. Compare them with the following states in Nigeria which belong to different Region, each of which has no fewer than five or six states…Lagos State… 21.8 million, Kano State… 16 million. Kaduna State… 13 million, Akwa Ibom State… 4 million, Kastina State… 8 million and Sokoto State.. 4 million. Thus, each region can stand better on its own than it now does if it is powered from within itself as an organic entity than when it is indulged, pampered or divided and ruled from outside of itself. It should , therefore, fend for itself and be self governing except in subjects exclusive to the Federal Government. This should liberate the creative energy within the region and protect it against suffocating indulgence of Federal pampering or vicissitudes which, in many cases, has been spoon-feeding PAUL from resources stolen from Peter Political tension will be defused in the Federal corridors of power.

The Governor-General may appoint half of the carbinet members of each state, while the Governor will appoint the other. The House of Assembly will confirm them. The governor of a state would be like the Deputy Governor-General in that state, implementing the regions programmes as they concern his or state. For example, Lagos State in the South-West Region is known for developing rail transportation. The Governor-General of the South -West Region, in agreement with Governors of the Region, may develop a rail transportation programme for the entire region which all the governors must fund. If there are states which cannot finance their share of the project, and Lagos State can take it up, Lagos State can own that share of the project, earn from it and pay rent on the land over which the rail tracks are lain. Already, this type of cooperation is happening underground. Lagos State is short of land for Agriculture, but it has money for huge plantation farms which it is letting from other states on co-operative farming agreement. The Governor-General and the Governors of a region, working together, will produce yearly budget of the region and implement it. There will be other fine details of the law which cannot be addressed but through collective wisdom of the Constitution makers.

The foregoing ideas came to me in the light of firestorms which outcome of the 2023 General Elections have been unable to consume and which have continued to wax stronger in readiness for the 2027 General Elections. My thoughts took me down memory lanes. The tribes clashed. The military sent the politicians away. The military convulsed and convulsed until a terrible civil war came upon the land after terrible tribal killings in the North. The military reluctantly gave way after the war, only to return to power and to again retreat from it. Each time they had returned, their excuse had been that the politicians overheated the political temperature, mismanaged the country, created poverty and caused bigger tribal divisions.

FORMS change, but their contents hardly do. The Nigerian form has changed several times, but has the content on each changed?

The Hausa- Fulani tribe was trying to politically conquer other tribes, for self preservation. The Yorubas arguably the most advanced by Western education standards was building an import- substitution economy which did not tolerate Hausa-Fulani Feudalism and mediocrity. The Ibos were boisterous in trade and commerce and most inclined toward an import economy. The Hausa-Fulani held the government to control the Yorubas and the Ibos.To dislodge the Hausa-Fulani from power, and Ibo led military coup backed by some Yoruba officers took place on January 16, 1966. Their plan was to kill national politicians of all tribes and take over power to modernise the country and economy. Unfortunately, Ibo politicians were spared. The Hausa-Fulani retaliated with genocidal Ibo killings in the North. Ibos fled homeward and declared a country, BIAFRA, independent of Nigeria. A civil war followed in which hundreds of thousands of soldiers died on both sides. Ibos lost the war through tactical military errors aimed at territorial expansion into Yorubaland. In the Nigeria politics of today heading toward 2027, nothing has changed.The Ibos are bitter that they have not been given the opportunity for one of them to become EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT. That was their goal in the 1966 coup. They may have gotten a way with but for their rejoicing over the killing of Hausa-Fulani leader Ahmadu Bello while Ibo leaders were walking free and tall. Nothing has changed. While the Hausa-Fulani are grieving over the sudden death of Mohammadu Buhari, their leader in recent years, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Yoruba, has been busy beautifying him, many Ibo commentaries on traditional and social media have been denigrating the departed. Will the Hausa-Fulani make an Ibo President in such circumstances? Rabiu Kwankwaso, from Kano, capital of Hausa land, and a politician less intolerant than of Ibo vigour and potential domination than the pacifist Buhari is making moves for an alliance before 2027 with President Tinubu, a Yoruba. This was after overtures by Peter Obi, the most visible Ibo leader for now, failed to persuade Kwankwaso to be his Vice Presidential running mate in the 2027 election. Any-one who watched the 2023 election video interview of Kashim Shettima, now Vice President, by Senator Ibikunle Amosu, former Governor of Ogun State and Buhari’s political disciple, may know where Kwankwaso’s gravitation towards Tinubu may led the North in the next election. Shettima said in that interview that the North preferred Kwankwaso to the politically pacifist Buhari. It was possible Buhari was harsh on the Ibos, forgetting he was their President as well, because they massively rejected him in the 2023 polls. If the Hausa-Fulani cannot trust the Ibos with power and they cannot trust the Yorubas as well, only goodness knows where the country is heading. The Hausa-Fulani do not have the vigour and the business accumen of the Ibos in business and commerce, so their economy will be easily run-over. A Yoruba as President will not treat the Hausa-Fulani as sacred cows. He would try to be a President of all the tribes, as Tinubu is trying to do. Two years of his presidency are already inconvincing the Hausa-Fulani whose primary occupation is government and power over the national economy. The Yorubas want a free country where their intellectual prowess can flower. They and the Ibos have not been seeing eye to eye since Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe betrayed their political trust and try to make the Ibos politically conquer them. This story goes back to the days when Nigerians were trying to end British colonial rule. The Yorubas were at the forefront of the struggle. Herbert Maculay, a Yoruba, formed the National Council of Nigerian Citizen and the Cameroons (NCNC). It took this political party on a nation wide tour, fell ill and died. The other Yorubas in the party invited the Ghana-based Dr Azikiwe to return home and lead the party because they consider him a good orator for the job. Dr Azikiwe took the job. Ibos flooded the NCNC. The party won the next elections in Yorubaland and in Ibo land and the Northern Peoples Congress ( NPC) won in the North. Rather than become Premier of the Ibo-dominated Eastern Region, Dr Azikiwe insisted on becoming Premier of the Yoruba-dominated Western Region, a move which rejected Adeleke Adedoyin, a Yoruba, and would have made the Yorubas to replace British colonialism which they were fighting with Ibo colonialism.

This tribal conflict persists till today with more ferociousness. The Ibos will feel psychically vanquished if Peter Obi does not become President in 2027. The Hausa-Fulani may not tolerate another four years Yoruba Presidency. Meanwhile, they have encouraged Sahel Fulani migration into Nigeria to swell their population. They are in almost every forest, village, street corners in towns and cities. It is as though they are a standing army waiting for zero hour order. Even before Buhari left office, the Fulani pressed for a new national census. He gave the money for it but couldn’t get it done. President Tinubu has been under pressure to blow the whistle. The Hausa- Fulani, most cunning tribe in Nigeria, are building up numerical superiority for 2027 elections. The Ibos believe in herd instinct voting. The Yoruba voting population is depleted by Japa Sydrome and folks are pressing for overseas voting. Guns are everywhere in unauthorised hands. I will call a spade a spade…there is fire on the roof, and gas is licking everywhere indoor and outdoor!

What can we do? My suggestion is that we manage the fears of the tribes of conquest, domination and appropriation by other tribes to reduce conflicts among them to nonflammable proportions.

July 24, 2025
The hidden killer on our plates

Across Nigeria, an unseen threat lurks in plain sight — excessive salt quietly seeping into everyday diets. From thriving fast-food outlets and busy street-corner canteens to family kitchens, excessive salt consumption quietly fuels a deadly rise in hypertension, stroke and heart disease. Despite its ubiquity, salt’s true danger is widely underestimated. With average intake double the recommended limit, the nation faces a stark choice: act now or witness preventable illnesses claim countless more lives, reports Assistant Editor JIDE BABALOLA

It was an ordinary weekday morning when 50-year-old Mrs. Adeola Adebayo collapsed in her kitchen in Wuse, Abuja. Her family rushed her to the hospital, where doctors confirmed the unthinkable: she had suffered a stroke, brought on by uncontrolled hypertension. A dedicated teacher and mother of three, Adeola never imagined that something as routine as seasoning cubes and table salt could play a role in such a life-altering event.

Yet her story is far from unique. She is one among millions of Nigerians unknowingly caught in the grip of a silent and growing epidemic — excessive salt consumption. While many people are unaware that they consume far more salt than their bodies require, others have developed the reflexive habit of reaching for the salt shaker even before tasting their food. A light sprinkle here, an extra cube there — it adds up quickly, and dangerously.

Today, Nigeria is waking up to an alarming health reality. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the average Nigerian consumes about 10 grams of salt per day — twice the recommended daily limit of five grams. This excessive intake is directly fuelling a sharp rise in cases of high blood pressure, stroke, heart failure, and kidney disease. For many, the road from a salt-laced meal to the emergency ward is shorter than they ever imagined. The numbers are sobering. One in three Nigerian adults now lives with hypertension, yet less than 20 per cent have it under control. Even more alarming: most people don’t even know they are at risk — not until a crisis strikes.

Doctors across the country have been sounding the alarm. “Hypertension is a silent killer,” says Dr. Simon Okoro, a leading cardiologist. “What’s more frightening is that it’s often caused by everyday foods — bread, noodles, soups, and especially seasoning cubes.” The irony, health experts point out, is that many Nigerians believe they don’t use too much salt. But the danger lies not just in what we sprinkle on our plates — it’s in the hidden sodium packed into processed and convenience foods.

Given the scale of this threat to public health, it’s natural to ask: What are the authorities doing about it? To its credit, the Nigerian government has not stood idly by. In 2019, the Federal Ministry of Health — in partnership with the World Health Organisation — launched the National Salt Reduction Strategy, with an ambitious goal of reducing national salt intake by 30 per cent by the year 2025. The strategy focuses on three key pillars: reformulating foods, raising public awareness, and collaborating with industry to reduce sodium content in processed products. In 2025, a landmark step was taken with the release of the National Guideline for Sodium Reduction — the first of its kind in West Africa. Co-developed with Resolve to Save Lives and Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), the guideline proposes mandatory sodium limits for processed foods and requires clear front-of-pack warning labels on high-sodium products.

Regulatory agencies like NAFDAC have begun working with manufacturers to reduce the salt content in staples such as bread, noodles, snacks, and most notably, seasoning products like bouillon cubes. Public health campaigns — including “Less Salt, Better Health” and “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste” — have been launched to increase awareness and encourage healthier dietary choices. But while these initiatives are promising, they suffer from a common flaw: inconsistency. Policies have been created, but their enforcement remains sporadic and, in many cases, weak.

In the face of this enforcement gap, civil society has stepped up. Across Nigeria, a growing coalition of health professionals, advocacy groups, and community leaders is rallying to confront this silent but deadly threat. At the forefront is the National Sodium Reduction Strategy, led by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, complemented by grassroots-driven efforts like the Campaign for Reduction of Salt in Nigeria (CSRN), led by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED). Together, these campaigns are striving to shift public behaviour, influence food policy, and embed salt awareness into the national consciousness. Their message is clear: small changes in diet can lead to big changes in health outcomes. Reducing salt isn’t just about taste — it’s about saving lives.

Reducing salt, saving lives

The National Sodium Reduction Strategy is a critical part of Nigeria’s broader National Multi-Sectoral Action Plan for Non-Communicable Diseases. Anchored in the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recommendation to limit daily sodium intake to under 2,000 mg (approximately five grams of salt), the strategy promotes a range of evidence-based interventions. These include setting regulatory limits on sodium levels in processed foods, introducing front-of-pack warning labels, and incentivizing food manufacturers to reformulate their products.

To bring the message home, the government launched the mass-media campaign “Let Your Health Guide Your Taste”, a slogan aimed at reminding Nigerians that daily food choices are inextricably linked to long-term health outcomes. Meanwhile, the Campaign for the Reduction of Salt in Nigeria (CSRN) — spearheaded by the Network for Health Equity and Development (NHED) — has added a vital community-driven dimension to the cause. CSRN focuses on the life-shortening dangers of high salt consumption and pushes for reformulation across common commercial foods, including bouillon cubes, bread, snacks, and other processed items. Through grassroots outreach, school programmes, and community-led events, the campaign has translated hard health statistics into human stories, especially in urban centres where dietary sodium consumption is highest and the burden of hypertension is heaviest. These stories are crucial in building empathy and mobilising communities to adopt change.

What sets this national effort apart is its emphasis on collaboration. It’s not merely a top-down government directive but a multi-stakeholder mission that includes the food industry, academia, the health sector, media organisations, and civil society. Together, they form a united front against the deeply embedded cultural normalisation of salty diets. The vision is not just to change consumer habits, but to transform Nigeria’s entire food environment — creating a space where health takes precedence over fleeting taste, and informed choices become second nature.

To succeed, however, this collaboration must be sustained. Strategic partnerships must evolve beyond meetings and communiqués into real, measurable reforms. With coordinated advocacy, consistent messaging, and strong regulatory backing, Nigeria can gradually build a food system that protects rather than undermines public health. Yet the road ahead is anything but smooth. “Reformulating food products is expensive,” admits a senior executive at a major Lagos-based food company. “And Nigerians like their food salty. If you reduce it, they complain. That’s bad for business.” Indeed, taste preferences pose a significant barrier. Salt is not just a seasoning — it’s a cultural cornerstone, woven into dishes from pepper soup to party jollof. Reducing salt isn’t simply a technical challenge; it’s a cultural one.

Compounding the issue is a lack of public awareness. A 2023 survey by Cadre Harmonisé found that only 18 percent of Nigerians are aware of the link between excessive salt intake and hypertension. Street foods, local snacks, and fast foods are often loaded with sodium, and many lack clear labeling, making it hard for consumers to make informed decisions. Furthermore, unlike countries such as South Africa and the United Kingdom, where mandatory sodium limits are enforced across key food categories, Nigeria still operates under a voluntary compliance model. This “soft-touch” regulatory approach has delivered limited impact. Without strong enforcement mechanisms, even the best policy frameworks risk remaining toothless.

There are valuable lessons to draw from other countries that have successfully addressed high sodium consumption. In South Africa, a landmark 2013 law imposed mandatory sodium limits on over a dozen food categories — including bread, cereals, processed meats, and soup powders. Within just five years, the country recorded a 15 per cent drop in salt consumption, along with measurable declines in national blood pressure averages. The United Kingdom also saw progress through a combination of public education, mandatory labelling, and gradual reformulation, reducing average salt intake from 9.5 grams to eight grams per day over a decade. “Nigeria’s salt strategy is a good start,” says Dr. Kingsley Akinroye, Executive Director of the Nigerian Heart Foundation. “But without enforcement and public awareness, it remains a document on paper. Political will is what will move it from planning to results.”

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For many Nigerians, these issues aren’t theoretical — they are lived experiences. In Ibadan, the Ogunleye family offers a powerful example. Mr. Ogunleye, a 58-year-old mechanic, collapsed at work and was later diagnosed with congestive heart failure. “The doctor said it was my blood pressure,” he recalls. “But I don’t even add salt to my food — I just cook with seasoning cubes.” His story underscores a common misconception: that adding salt at the table is the only danger. In reality, seasoning cubes, processed foods, and even bread contribute significantly to hidden sodium intake. Now, his daughter Temitope leads the household in preparing meals with natural herbs and spices — scent leaf, ginger, garlic, and others — reducing sodium without sacrificing flavour. “It’s not the same taste,” she says, “but we know it’s saving dad’s life.” Their story is a poignant reminder that change is not only necessary but possible — one plate, one family, one choice at a time.

The clock is ticking

Nigeria’s salt crisis cannot be resolved by goodwill or awareness alone. Public health experts are calling for a coordinated, multi-sectoral response that moves beyond rhetoric to decisive action. This includes enforcing mandatory sodium limits in processed foods and imposing penalties on non-compliant companies. In addition, consumer protection must be strengthened through front-of-pack warning labels (FOPWL) to help Nigerians quickly identify high-salt products and make healthier choices. Mass media campaigns—especially in local languages—are vital to shift entrenched perceptions that equate salt with taste. But awareness efforts must go beyond radio jingles and social media posts. Traditional leaders, civil society groups, and community-based organisations should be engaged to carry the message deep into towns and villages, where the burden of salt-related illness is often greatest.

Experts also recommend integrating salt education and routine blood pressure screenings into Nigeria’s primary healthcare system. This would bring prevention and early detection to even the most underserved populations, where hypertension often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. Yet these efforts cannot succeed without political will and resources. The government must go beyond strategy documents by committing budgetary support and offering policy incentives—such as tax breaks or subsidies—to companies that reformulate their products with less sodium. Without this level of commitment, even the most promising strategies risk becoming forgotten files in government offices.

Every day of inaction has deadly consequences. More Nigerians fall victim to strokes, heart attacks, and kidney failure—preventable conditions made worse by excess salt. As Dr. Kingsley Akinroye of the Nigerian Heart Foundation warns, “Salt reduction is one of the most cost-effective health interventions we have today. It requires no vaccines or expensive machines — just awareness, discipline, and leadership.” Now is the time to move from promise to practice. Nigeria must choose health over habit, or continue paying the price in lives lost to a silent but deadly epidemic.

July 24, 2025
Ashafa sponsors medical outreach to mark 70th birthday

Senator Gbenga Ashafa commemorated his 70th birthday with a commitment to community service, sponsoring a comprehensive medical outreach program in Somolu and its surrounding areas in collaboration with FS Club.

The health initiative, which targets hundreds of residents in underserved communities, offers free medical screenings, consultations, and basic treatments to address the healthcare access challenges facing many Lagos residents.

“As someone who has dedicated my life to public service, I believe that accessible healthcare is a fundamental right for every Nigerian,” Senator Ashafa explained when asked about his motivation for supporting the program. “I saw this outreach as an opportunity to bring quality healthcare directly to the people of Somolu and surrounding communities.”

The former senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District acknowledged the significant barriers many residents face in accessing proper medical care, including distance, cost, and lack of adequate facilities. His collaboration with FS Club demonstrates how private sector partnerships with civic organizations can address critical community needs while advancing grassroots development and community empowerment.

The medical outreach focuses on addressing common health concerns prevalent in the community, including hypertension screening, diabetes testing, malaria treatment, and general wellness checks. Medical professionals will provide on-site consultations and basic treatments to participants at no cost.

Beyond immediate medical intervention, the program aims to raise health awareness throughout the community and encourage residents to prioritize preventive care as part of their long-term wellness strategies.

Ashafa emphasised that this initiative represents more than a one-time charitable gesture. “FS Club and I are committed to making this a regular event,” he stated, outlining plans for sustained community health support.

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The partnership is exploring collaborations with local health centers to ensure continuity of care for patients requiring follow-up treatments. This approach aims to create lasting healthcare infrastructure rather than temporary relief.

“Our goal is to build a sustainable model that other communities can replicate across Lagos State,” Senator Ashafa noted, highlighting the program’s potential as a template for community-driven healthcare solutions.

The medical outreach reflects Senator Ashafa’s approach to celebrating his milestone 70th birthday through meaningful community service, demonstrating how former public officials can continue contributing to community development through strategic partnerships with civic organisations.

July 23, 2025
PSI Nigeria’s ‘MH-NoW’ programme leads national drive for menstrual health equity

Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, through its flagship Menstrual Health No Wahala (MH-NoW) programme, is spearheading a nationwide movement to reshape the narrative and response to menstrual health in the country.

Recognising menstrual health as a critical public health, gender equality, and human rights issue, the initiative is tackling long-standing barriers around stigma, misinformation, and lack of access—particularly among adolescent girls and young women.

Currently active in six focus states—Bauchi, Kano, Lagos, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Akwa Ibom—the MH-NoW programme is working to expand access to accurate menstrual health education, quality and affordable products, and youth-friendly services. By improving hygiene, building agency, and ensuring dignity in menstrual management, the initiative aims to empower girls and women to lead healthier and more confident lives.

One of the programme’s landmark achievements is the development of Nigeria’s first national Menstrual Health manual and facilitators’ guide, created in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and other stakeholders.

The materials were officially launched by the Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, during the 2025 World Menstrual Hygiene Day, and are now being deployed nationwide to promote better hygiene management, awareness, and advocacy.

Other key milestones under the MH-NoW programme include training over 300 Menstrual Health Champions, including health workers, teachers, media personalities, and community leaders, to lead grassroots advocacy and education campaigns.

Producing the “Time of the Month” music video, featuring Nollywood stars and Nigerian music icons, to amplify messages and challenge myths surrounding menstruation.

Supporting local production of affordable, reusable menstrual hygiene products, while working with regulators to improve quality standards in community-based manufacturing.

Training journalists and media professionals in the six implementing states to prioritise menstrual health coverage in both traditional and digital media.

“Our goal is to normalise the conversation around menstruation, break harmful taboos, and ensure that no girl or woman in Nigeria is limited by her period,” PSI Nigeria said in a statement. “We are committed to increasing access to products, promoting dignity, and ensuring that menstrual health becomes a national development priority.”

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The MH-NoW initiative is already influencing cultural norms and driving policy reforms aimed at creating a more equitable and supportive environment for women and girls across Nigeria.

PSI Nigeria is the local affiliate of Population Services International (PSI), a global non-profit dedicated to making it easier for people to lead healthier lives and plan their families.

Working through a network of locally led organisations, PSI Nigeria focuses on reproductive health, maternal care, and hygiene solutions tailored to the needs of women and girls.

Established in 2018, the organisation collaborates with government agencies and civil society to deliver innovative, evidence-based, and sustainable health interventions across the country.

July 22, 2025
Six ways to cope with pregnancy anxieties

Becoming a mother is often painted as a purely miraculous and joyous transition.

However, beneath the surface of excitement, many expectant and new mothers grapple with a less-discussed reality: “preg-insecurity.”

This refers to the profound anxieties and self-doubt that can accompany the journey from womanhood to motherhood.

While it’s challenging to vocalise these fears, acknowledging them is the crucial first step in overcoming them.

It’s perfectly normal and okay to feel overwhelmed by the immense responsibility of bringing a new life into the world.

Who wouldn’t question their capabilities when faced with the lifelong task of nurturing a fragile human being?

However, if these insecurities become debilitating, they can be addressed.

Here are some practical tips to help navigate “preg-insecurity”:

1. Be Kind to Yourself: We are often our own harshest critics. Recognise that you might be more capable than you give yourself credit for.

2. Arm Yourself with Knowledge: Reading and gathering reliable information on parenting can significantly reduce anxiety. Knowledge empowers you to feel more prepared.

3. Focus on Your Strengths: Remind yourself of your positive attributes and capabilities. This self-affirmation is incredibly important.

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4. Embrace Positivity: Counter negative thoughts by focusing on the immense joy and fulfilment your child will bring. Shift your perspective from potential failure to anticipated happiness.

5. Accept Imperfection: Understand that you won’t get everything right all the time. You are human, and making mistakes is a natural part of learning and growing as a parent.

6. Seek Professional Help if Needed: If your insecurities become overwhelming, persistent, or lead to obsessive thoughts about failing as a parent, do not hesitate to consult a psychiatrist or mental health professional. Your emotional well-being is paramount and directly impacts your child’s development.

Remember, addressing your “preg-insecurity” is not a sign of weakness, but a proactive step towards a healthier and more confident journey into motherhood.

July 21, 2025
Oyo First Lady flags off 2025 mosquito net campaign, targets 5.6 million nets for distribution

The First Lady of Oyo State, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has officially launched the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) campaign in Ibadan to tackle malaria across all 33 local government areas of the state.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony on Monday, Mrs. Makinde was also formally unveiled as the State’s Net Ambassador. She announced that over 5.6 million mosquito nets will be distributed between August 1 and August 7, 2025, covering more than two million households.

The launch drew key stakeholders including top government officials, civil society organisations, traditional rulers, community leaders, and international development partners. The campaign is a collaborative effort of the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and global partners such as the United States Government through its Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), and Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria.

In her remarks, Mrs. Makinde stressed the importance of malaria prevention, particularly among women and caregivers, urging residents to make use of the free nets.

“Malaria, caused by mosquito parasites, is very common in Nigeria. If not treated on time, it can lead to serious health problems. But it is preventable,” she said. “I encourage all beneficiaries to use these nets, not sell or hoard them. Together, we can wipe out malaria from our communities and secure a healthier future.”

She also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of Health for nominating her as Net Ambassador, and lauded the government and development partners for their commitment to improved healthcare.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, explained that thousands of trained personnel and volunteers will be deployed for house-to-house distribution and community education. “This campaign is about more than handing out nets,” she said. “It’s about educating people on malaria prevention, saving lives, and changing behaviours.”

She noted that Oyo State is one of the states most burdened by malaria in Nigeria, but assured the public of the government’s determination to reduce transmission through sustained public health initiatives.

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Representing the U.S. Government’s GHSC-PSM, Nigeria Country Director, Jef Imans, praised Oyo State’s leadership. “Over 5.6 million nets worth $21 million have been procured this year alone,” he said. “These nets are life-saving shields, especially for young children.”

Imans also urged transparency in distribution and called on field workers to ensure no household is left behind. “This fight against malaria is winnable if everyone plays their part,” he added.

The event featured a symbolic decoration of Mrs. Makinde as Net Ambassador and a live demonstration on the correct way to hang and use the treated nets.

Dignitaries in attendance included the Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Balogun; Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke; representatives from NMEP, USAID, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and community health workers.

July 21, 2025
Why women now reach menopause earlier than previous generations, by Dr Adediran

A public health expert, Dr. Hameed Adediran, has attributed the rising trend of early menopause among modern women to significant lifestyle changes, particularly a decline in childbirth rates compared to previous generations.

Adediran, who is the Senior Programme Manager and Team Lead of Menstrual Health Initiatives at Population Services International (PSI) Nigeria, made this known on Friday in Lagos during the opening session of a two-day capacity-building workshop for media practitioners and social media influencers.

The workshop, organised by PSI Nigeria, focused on deepening public understanding of menstrual health and bridging the gap between science, storytelling, and social change.

According to Dr. Adediran, biological and reproductive patterns play a key role in determining the age at which women experience menopause.

He explained that a female child is born with approximately 1 to 2 million eggs, but only about 400 of these eggs will ever be released during a woman’s reproductive years.

“Every month a woman menstruates, she loses an egg that could have been fertilised,” he said. “However, during pregnancy, ovulation and menstruation cease naturally for about nine months and may remain paused for another six months due to breastfeeding. That’s approximately 15 months during which eggs are conserved.”

Dr. Adediran pointed out that in earlier generations, especially in many African cultures, it was common for women to have four to six children.

This childbearing pattern, he noted, resulted in several years of paused menstruation, helping to preserve more of their eggs and, by extension, delay menopause.

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“If a woman has five children and saves 15 months’ worth of eggs per child, that’s about 75 months—more than six years—of egg preservation. This pattern helped many of our mothers and grandmothers reach menopause much later in life,” he explained.

He further illustrated that if a woman has about 400 viable eggs to be released over her lifetime, and she starts menstruating at age 15, then theoretically, dividing 400 eggs by 12 (months in a year) gives approximately 33.3 years of menstruation. Adding that to age 15 gives an average menopausal age of 48 to 50 years.

“However,” he continued, “in today’s world, many women choose to have one or two children, or sometimes none. This means that menstruation continues uninterrupted, month after month, leading to a quicker depletion of the available egg supply, and ultimately, an earlier onset of menopause.”

Dr. Adediran emphasized that while other factors such as genetics, health conditions, and environmental toxins can also influence menopause, the shift in reproductive patterns due to modernization and urban lifestyles is a key factor contributing to the trend.

He urged the media to play a vital role in sensitizing the public on the biological and social implications of reproductive choices, especially as they relate to menstrual health and long-term wellness.

“This is about understanding the full picture of how modern lifestyles impact women’s health—physically, emotionally, and biologically.”

The workshop featured interactive sessions on demystifying menstrual myths, responsible storytelling, and promoting access to menstrual health products and education.

Participants also discussed strategies to improve public awareness through media advocacy and digital engagement.

July 20, 2025
Education, healthcare, girl child protection, my top priorities – Lagos council boss

The newly elected Chairman of Agboyi-Ketu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) in Lagos State, Mrs. Adetola Abubarka Oyedele, has pledged to make education, healthcare, and large-scale empowerment the cornerstone of her administration.

Speaking with journalists on Thursday at the Lagos State House of Assembly complex, Oyedele acknowledged the achievements of her predecessor, Mayor Dele Oshinowo, particularly in infrastructure and empowerment.

However, she expressed her determination to build on that legacy by shifting greater focus toward human capital development.

“My administration will prioritise the people, especially our youth,” she said. “We will invest in their education, health, and overall development so they can become successful and responsible citizens.”

She added that the youth of Agboyi-Ketu would be inspired by homegrown role models—individuals from the community who have attained remarkable success—and that her leadership would provide the platform for more young people to follow in their footsteps.

“My predecessor Mayor Dele Oshinowo concentrated more on infrastructure but aside building on that I intend to tilt more to education.

“I think it is the bedrock of every society, and we really need to look into what we are giving to the children.

“Their growth and excelling in schools needs to be taken seriously, so as we are taking care of that.

“We really need to improve on the quality of education given to the children, so that they can compete with their peers outside the local government.

“We need to ensure that we train the teachers to ensure they are up to the task.

“We need to encourage the children as well because there are lots of distractions for children so, we need to catch them young.

“We need to look at how much the teachers are imparting in the children ensuring compliance with a standard of quality education. Mrs. Oyedele also hinted more about her food bank Initiative, health care and girl child protection.

“We are going to be based on grassroots improvement. We intend to continue and look into places we have not even gotten to.

“Something out of the ordinary, I intend to build a food bank where everyone will come for supply. The elderly, indigent and vulnerable.

“We will also consider health care because health is wealth, we will ensure that our primary health centres are top notch, one that can compete favourably with other health facilities around us.

“There shall be prompt attention when it comes to the health of residents of Agboyi-Ketu. In case of emergencies, child birth and the children.

“Also the girl child appeals so much to me being a woman and a mother, they should expect empowerment, skill acquisition, self dignity, respect and more.

“I am going to ensure the girl child is protected in Agboyi-Ketu LCDA, they have to go to school and I will ensure they grow well and are able to compete with their peers as regards education.

“There are few things that concerns the girl child that we usually look away from, if you look at it when they introduce condoms to guys, boys and men it is optional, you use it because it is your choice.

“But as soon as a girl child attains puberty there is need for sanitary pads it is a necessity it comes to you not by choice.

“Nobody is looking at that we have mothers that finds it very difficult to eat and they still have to take care of this every month.

“Their hygiene is also paramount for me there is need for extra care while on your monthly flow. I intend to introduce free sanitary pads for girls in my local government on monthly basis.” Oyedele said.

July 19, 2025
Five daily habits that quietly increase risk of a heart attack

While heart attacks are often depicted as sudden and dramatic events, medical experts caution that they are usually the result of long-term, silent damage caused by everyday behaviors. These seemingly harmless habits, many of which are common in modern routines and can gradually elevate the risk of heart disease and, ultimately, a heart attack.

Alarmingly, heart conditions are increasingly affecting younger adults in their 20s and 30s, driven largely by lifestyle factors.

Here are five everyday habits that could be quietly undermining your heart health:

1. Prolonged sitting

Whether it’s at a desk job, on long commutes, or binge-watching TV, extended periods of sitting can slow blood circulation and lower HDL (good) cholesterol levels. These effects contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries, one of the key causes of heart attacks.

2. Skipping breakfast

Frequently missing the first meal of the day has been associated with higher blood pressure, increased cholesterol, and insulin resistance, all known precursors to heart disease.

3. Chronic stress and emotional suppression

Unmanaged stress leads to a sustained release of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which raise blood pressure and accelerate heart rate.

4. Unhealthy eating habits

Diets heavy in processed foods, added sugars, red meats, and trans fats contribute to high levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and chronic inflammation, both of which are directly linked to heart disease.

5. Smoking and vaping

Even occasional use of tobacco or e-cigarettes can damage the blood vessels, reduce oxygen levels, and raise blood pressure.

July 19, 2025
FG urges grassroots focus on nutrition as N774 initiative gathers momentum

The federal government has called upon stakeholders to devise what it called ‘clinical pathways’ that will ultimately improve nutrition outcomes at sub-national levels.

This charge was delivered by Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, who also encouraged stakeholders to leverage the experience of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) National Executive Council (ALGON-NEC) in policy advocacy and implementation.

The aim, he said, is to create a collective roadmap to spur innovation and foster partnerships between sectors and ALGON.

Bagudu, represented by Dr. Sampson Ebimaro, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, made these observations during a two-day Stakeholders’ Workshop on the implementation of the Nutrition 774 (N774) Initiative, held in Niger State.

The Minister stated that “sustainable change begins with strategic actions and collaborative leadership aimed at supporting government efforts to address food and nutrition security at the Local Government Level.”

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Bagudu further assured that the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is dedicated to coordinating the implementation with the Office of the Vice President to ensure the effective delivery of the framework at both National and Sub-National levels.

In his opening remarks, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Deputy Chief of Staff in the Office of the Vice President, stated, “Towards sustainable human development under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the N774 initiative sticks to a similar truth: Development is most meaningful when it begins at the grassroots.”

He explained that the programme was conceived as a strategic response to malnutrition, which he described as “not just a health challenge, it’s an economic impediment, an educational barrier, and a silent threat to national productivity and security.”

Hadejia added, “Our economy cannot thrive when a significant portion of its future workforce is denied the foundational right to adequate nutrition. It is for this reason that the Nutrition 774 initiative was launched to ensure that every local government area becomes a center of coordinated action against malnutrition.”

He reasoned, “If malnutrition is most prevalent at the grassroots, then solutions will logically be anchored there as well.” Addressing the local government leaders, Hadejia maintained that, “You are the fulcrum of this effort, and the success of this framework depends on your commitment to institutionalizing nutrition governance.”

Engr. Bello Lawal, National President of ALGON, conveyed the Association’s commitment to supporting the Nutrition 774 Initiative as a flagship programme under the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Recognizing the crucial role local governments play in addressing malnutrition and improving nutritional outcomes, he assured that ALGON is prepared to drive impactful interventions at the grassroots level.

These interventions, he said, include participating in the development of the N-774 Implementation Framework and Roadmap, advocating for nutrition-specific budget lines and sustainable local funding sources, and coordinating awareness sessions for State and Local Government Chairmen.

Nemat Hajeebhoy, Chief of Nutrition, UNICEF-Nigeria, commended the Office of the Vice President, the Federation Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, and particularly ALGON NEC, for their leadership and steadfast commitment to making nutrition a national and local development priority.

She noted that the world cannot win the fight against hunger without Nigeria at the forefront, stressing that the meeting demonstrated the Nutrition Stakeholders’ shared urgency and responsibility. According to her, “Local Governments (LGAs) are on the frontline of implementation.”

Hajeebhoy explained that the Nutrition 774 Initiative “presents a unique opportunity to decentralize nutrition governance, strengthen local financing mechanisms, and deliver tailored, measurable and community-level impact,” explaining further that the workshop offered learning opportunities from success stories such as Jigawa’s Masaki Programme, which provides a scalable, community-driven model.

She advised ALGON and the Office of the Vice President to undertake a learning visit to observe the program in action, encouraging other LGAs to adapt similar models tailored to their local contexts to accelerate progress.

During zonal presentations on achievements related to N774, the North-West region collectively reported the appointment of technical nutrition focal persons across states, the creation of nutrition budget lines in all local governments, the establishment of experience-sharing and collaboration between development partners, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems with strong personnel capacity.

Under Water Hygiene and Sanitation (WASH), the South-West zone stated that they had educated communities to increase private sector involvement in building private toilets and enacted laws against open defecation offenders.

In terms of education, the zone also indicated plans to integrate nutrition education in all primary schools by the first quarter of 2026, promote healthy eating among children, implement home-grown feeding programs, and conduct school-based nutrition programmes, among other activities.

The workshop received sponsorship from the UNICEF Nigeria Office, Helen Keller International, and Civil Society-Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN).

Other attendees included representatives from various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, as well as the UK Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

July 18, 2025