The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • Coping with long distance relationship

    Coping with long distance relationship

    “Distance means nothing when someone means everything” – Johnny M.

    Let’s get it out. Long distance relationships are tough! It’s difficult enough dealing with regular relationship issues. Adding distance to it seems to add more pressure to the relationship and if not managed properly may not work out eventually even though the couples in question are compatible.

    Missing our partners greatly is what makes long distance relationships tough but here are a few ways to make time pass better:

    1. Communication: This tops the list because it is the binding agent that every long distance relationship needs to survive. It cannot be overemphasized. Whether it’s making daily calls if your budget can handle it or sending photos to each other on a daily basis. Constant communication helps to build trust.

    2.         Videos: You may record short videos of yourself of an event you attended. This keeps your partner informed about what you do every day.

    3.         Blog: If the idea isn’t too cheesy for you, you can create a private blog that only you and your partner can view. The best part of this is it is free and easy. Just post messages, videos, inspirational quotes etc. Your lover would be excited to view the blog and find a new post from you.

    4.         Gifts: Thanks to free shipping from many online stores all over the world, Distance is no excuse to send gifts to your partner. It’s important not to make your partner feel like he/she is missing out because of distance. Gifts are a physical reminder of what you mean to each other. It’s like having an inanimate representation of your love.

    5.         Video calls: With the invention of Skype, many long distance couples have been able to bond better. Get creative. Watch a movie together, have dinner or play board games together. If you’re in a Long distance relationship, Skype should be your best friend.

    6.         Regular Visits: No matter the activities that you both have apart, it’s important to save up for visits at least once in a year. Nothing says I love you like a live sized breathing being at your door with roses in one hand.

     

     

  • Odumoye: Once upon a gay rights activist

    Odumoye: Once upon a gay rights activist

    Until his death in 2007, Dare Odumoye was one of Nigeria’s foremost sexual minority rights activists whose advocacy  have now been outlawed by the recent same-sex law signed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

    In his tribute Steve Aborishade  writes on the life and times of Odumoye who he says saw the future of gay rights in Nigeria

    Several things divide Nigerians. But two things unite them. On these two issues, the over 250 ethnic nationalities that make up the country speak with one deafening voice. One is the national football team, the Super Eagles. With the Super Eagles everyone is a Nigerian.

    Interestingly, there is also a general consensus across lines of religion, ethnicity, or social standing when homosexuality is mentioned. The general conclusion is that homosexuality is a sin that must be uprooted from our midst. So from early on in our history, government has been open and proud about its stance on homosexuality. With so much discrimination, it was only rational that homosexuals be discreet about their sexuality.

    This comes with daunting challenges. Extreme stigmatization ensures multitudes of gay men in Nigeria have no choice but to lead double lives, with resultant psychological torment for themselves and their partners. With little information about how to protect themselves from HIV infection due to shame in seeking desired information, the community today remain a key at risk population with HIV prevalence rate as high as 17.3% as against the 4.1% in the general population (2010 IBBS Survey).

    To compound the situation, the health sector in Nigeria has no reliable information on the gay community including the most basic of questions regarding the community’s size and structure. Because of this, efforts to reach the gay community with HIV-prevention interventions usually die at infancy.

    It is with this background that remembering Dare Odumuye, popularly known as ‘Erelu’ comes into perspectives. At a time when Nigerians are unsure and in great denial about the existence of gays or homosexual in their midst, Dare came forward, boldly giving a face to what many are wont to belief is an alien conception. To the legion of gay men and women across Nigeria, this Ijebu born but Ibadan based Erelu becomes the rallying point.

    At great risk to his life and safety, Dare began to organise and succeeded in bringing homosexuality into the public consciousness. He uses facts about realities from the community to advocate for public acceptance of homosexuality and the need to direct prevention efforts on sexually transmitted diseases to benefit the community. At the same time he was implementing direct training to prevent the spread of HIV amongst the community having himself tested positive to the disease in 2001. Till today, no one has been able to match his pioneering effort geared towards greater tolerance among the gay community and the general population.

    It was to Dare’s credit that the National AIDS and STD Control Program was able to include the category “men sleeping with men” in all its studies by being able to show the importance of the gay community to all programs for public health given their interaction and intersection with the general population. The 2010 IBBS Survey said 50% of gay partners also involve in heterosexual sex, while about 49.8% have sex in the last year with a girlfriend.

    Odumuye was able to raise a new corps of gay activists instilling in them the zeal to fight for their rights and their rightful place in Nigeria. He also targeted the media and policymakers with education to ensure greater understanding of the effects of homophobia. He inspires confidence and self-esteem in the army of gay men he has raised, and, it is rightly to his credit that, today, all the gay groups in Nigeria today are founded or headed by his protégés.

    For Dare, the journey to adulthood was a nightmare on discovering his sexuality. He was a victim of constant and vicious harassment by his peers with his mannerisms which they interpreted as strange for a boy.  Seeking supportive communities in underground groups and club houses, he met with further beatings and harassment, not to mention the frequent police arrests. He thus gained an understanding of homophobia and its impact in extreme conditions. In his desire to seek help and make a change, he went public with his status in 1999, setting up Alliance Rights, Nigeria’s foremost gay rights organisation. The rest is history as they say.

  • How urban planning tackles climate change

    How urban planning tackles climate change

    There is no doubting the fact that harmonious urban and cities growth has to go hand in hand with cogent management of disaster migration, climate change mitigation, and vulnerability reduction in order for sustainable development be optimized in our cities.

    Also not gainsaying the fact that it is indeed very vital especially to climate change mitigation that cities start cutting their waste output, carbon emissions reduction, and less energy consumption which if not fully considered, may lead to a huge declining in agricultural productivity, poverty, and hunger further owing to changing weather patterns, population growth, conflict, migration from rural to urban, and poor approach to cities development caused by corruption and lack of goodwill.

    In a thousand and one ways, climate change has been defined and explained to many, but still, not too many people are aware that it is no more based on projections, predictions, nor report of the Nobel-Peace-Prize Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC, 2007) – a body of climate change scientists/researchers; rather, it is already happening around us even in Nigeria and other developing countries.

    Changes in weather patterns when in like 10 years ago in Nigeria, one would hardly experience any rainfall once between November and January of every year due to harmattan season; Again, those days of serious harmattan period being evenly experienced in Nigeria are gradually becoming unsteady and unrealistic, what we used to have before is far not the same with what is obtainable today which I’ve termed it ‘Weather dispositions’.

    For while, it is an uninterrupted harmattan period in Lagos (largest city in Africa) for about 3days, it is yet a simultaneous raining period in Port Harcourt city for about the same number of days and sunny period in Uyo city with extreme heat in the supposed cool-breeze nights.

    Do we say that the weather is confused? Well, maybe confused to cities that are lagging behind in building climate resilient and adaptation especially among the vulnerable group – women, youths and the very poor. For climate resilience and adaptation to be put in place, it starts with cities and begins with urbanization; because it is by far a great deal that the best approach in tackling climate change related challenges in cities is through a rational urban planning using a people-oriented and people-centered approach.

    Never before had infrastructural plans and urban development become more central to the social, economic and environmental pillars of sustainable development like it does today in our cities; and never before had we consider cities agenda as being very crucial in tackling climate change like we are also having today, because in all of these, the mitigation of climate change to a very large extent depends on the development of our cities by our cities leaders – governors, mayors, CSOs, corporate organizations, and individuals.

    Climate change issues are not to be politicized but rather a task to be achieved by all, and doing so means that everyone must start by imbibing a right attitude of the popular four-way test on climate change and environmental sustainability which says that:

    (1) Take action, be a volunteer

    (2) Plant trees, if you fell a tree, plant 5

    (3) Seal the deal, support your leaders (4) Remember the 3 ‘Rs’ reuse, reduce, recycle.

     

    Efik is an environmental economist/analyst on ‘cities and climate change’

     

  • 94 Super Eagles: Where are they now?

    94 Super Eagles: Where are they now?

    The Super Eagles team that represented Nigeria at the 1994 World Cup in the United States is widely regarded as the country’s finest team in history.

    The team coached by Dutchman Clemens Westerhof dazzled the world with their soccer artistry and returned from the tournament with the second most entertaining team award.

    Nigeria was just five minutes away from a famous victory over four-time world champions Italy before succumbing to a 2-1 defeat in the round of 16 tie played at Boston Foxboro Stadium, US, on July 5, 1994.

    20 years after that dizzying feat, Nigerians and indeed the rest of the world still hold the team in high esteem.

    They were termed the “Golden Generation” of Nigerian football.  Several members of this wonderful team have moved to pastures anew, while its three prominent members have since passed on.

    As Nigeria prepare for its fifth appearance in football premier tournament in Brazil this summer.  It is important to remember this wonderful team and beam our searchlight on the crew that famously launched the country into global football map nearly 20 years ago in the land of the Yankees. HAMED SHOBIYE, Assistant Editor, Online writes.

     

    Peter Rufai: 

    Rufai is one of Nigeria’s finest goalkeepers in history. He manned the goal for the Super Eagles at the 1994 and 1998 world cups in US and France respectively.  He retired from international football shortly after France 98. He played for the defunct Stationery Stores, Femo Scorpions ( Nigeria), AS Dragons FC de l’Ouémé ( Benin Republic), Lokeren, Beveren ( Belgium), Farense ( Portugal), Deportivo La Coruna and Hercules both in Spain in a long and distinguished career.

    He currently lives in Spain where he runs a goalkeeper’s school.

     

    Augustine Eguavoen:

    Eguavoen (Aka Cerezo ) was another key member of that 1994 team. He led the team to win the 1994 African Nations Cup title in Tunisia, although he later handed over the captain’s armband to Stephen Keshi after the team 2-1 victory over Zambia in the tournament’s final. He played for several clubs in Nigeria and Europe before quitting the round leather game.

    After his retirement, he moved into coaching and has coached the Golden Eaglets, the Dream Team and Super Eagles in the past. He also handled different club sides notably Enyimba of Aba and Sharks of Port Harcourt.

    In November last year, Cerezo was hired by the Edo State government to revive Bendel Insurance and ensure that the team returns to the Nigerian Premier League.

     

    Ben Iroha:

    Iroha was the first choice left full back for Super Eagles under Westerhof. He played at three Nations Cup and US 94. He played for Iwuayawun National in the local league before moving to Europe.

    His club career in Europe was largely unsuccessful. He retired from professional football in March 2000.

    After retiring he moved to the US to coach in the youth department of FC Dallas. He was an assistant coach with the Golden Eaglets team that won the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea and head coach of Dolphins of Port Harcourt. He is currently is on the payroll of Heartland of Owerri.

     

    Stephen Keshi:

    The current coach of the Nigerian National team was a very important member of that historic team. Keshi was the team’s inspirational captain and led it to win the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia. He also played a key role as Nigeria secured its first world cup ticket in 1993. He played for several clubs in Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Belgium and France.

    After his retirement, he moved into coaching and his early results were mixed.

    He led the Flying Eagles to a disastrous outing at the 2001 African Youth Championship in Ethiopia where the team crashed out in the first round.  He was brought on board alongside Shuaib Ahmadu and Joe Erico to salvage Nigeria’s floundering world cup qualification bid in 2001 and the trio eventually secured the country’s ticket to the 2002 mundial in the Far East.

    They were however sacked few months to the tournament for “insubordination.”

    He moved to Togo and surprisingly guided the tiny West African nation to its first and only FIFA World Cup qualification till date.  Again, he was sacked few months to the tournament over disagreements with some of the Aiglons top stars.

    He also guided the Eagles of Mali to the 2010 AFCON in Angola and was shown the exit door after the team poor outing in the Southern African country.

    He also worked as football pundit with South African sports cable channel – Super Sport.

    Keshi took over as Super Eagles coach in November 2011 following the team’s failure to qualify for the 2012 AFCON in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.

    Under his watch, Nigeria lifted its AFCON title in South Africa in 2013 and also qualified for this year’s World Cup in Brazil, the country’s fifth appearance in the tournament’s last six editions.

    He was voted Africa’s best coach for 2013 in last week CAF/GLO awards held in Lagos.

     

    Uche Okechukwu:

    “Gentle Giant” was a fulcrum of Super Eagles defence under Westerhof.

    He was born in Lagos and played for Flash Flamingoes and Iwuayawun National in the domestic scene. In Europe he donned the shirts of Brondby, Fenerbahce and Istanbulspor.

    He returned to Nigeria to play for Ocean Boys FC in 2007 and later joined Bayelsa United FC in July 2008. He retired from active football at the age of 41.

    An unconfirmed report said Okechukwu currently lives in Turkey where he has a citizenship under the name Deniz Uygar.

     

    Chidi Nwanu:

    Nwanu won 20 caps for Nigeria and was in the squads to the 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1988 Summer Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.

    He has gone off the spotlight after his retirement from active football in 1998.

     

    George Finidi:

    The Flying winger made his name with the defunct Sharks of Port Harcourt before he pitched tent with Ajax Amsterdam in the Dutch league.  At Ajax he won the UEFA Champions League, the Eredivisie title and other major honours.

    He also played for Real Betis, Real Mallorca in the Spanish La Liga as well as Ipswich Town in the English Premier League.

    In Nigeria colours, George played in three AFCON and two FIFA World Cups.

    In mid-November 2010, he returned to Betis as the club’s director of international football.

    He continued, however, to live in Palma, Majorca, where he had relocated to after his retirement.

     

    Thompson Oliha:

    The former Bendel Insurance and Iwuayawun National tireless midfielder was one of Westerhof key men during his early days as national team coach.

    He played in two AFCON and one World Cup for Nigeria. He was a second half substitute in Super Eagles round of 16 defeats to eventual finalists Italy.

    Oliha died due to complications from malaria on June 30, 2013.

    At the time of his death he was an assistant coach with the Kwara Football Academy.

     

    Rashid Yekini:

    Yekini was Nigeria all time leading goal scorer with 37 international goals. He was also the first Nigerian to score in FIFA World Cup finals when he netted against Bulgaria at the Dallas Cotton Bowl Stadium on June 21, 1994.

    Yeking was also the first Nigerian to win the African Player of the Year award. He won that award in 1993.

    He played in four AFCON and two FIFA World Cup tournaments for Nigeria.

    He won the golden boot at the 1992 and 1994 AFCON in Senegal and Tunisia respectively.  He also won the highest goal scorer award with Victoria Setubal in Portugal.

    The Ilorin born goal merchant donned the colours of Shooting Stars of Ibadan, African Sports of Ivory Coast, Sporting Gijon in Spain, Olympiacos in Greece and Julius Berger of Lagos.

    He died on May 4, 2012 at the age of 48. At the time of his death he reportedly suffered from bipolar disorder, depression and some other undisclosed neurological conditions.

     

    Austin Okocha:

    The former midfield dynamo played in five AFCON and three FIFA World Cup tournaments for the Super Eagles.

    He was also a member of the Olympic Gold medal winning U-23 squad at Atlanta 96.

    He featured for Rangers in the domestic scene before moving to Europe where he played for Borussia Neunkirchen and Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany, Fenerbahce in Turkey, Paris Saint- Germain in France, Bolton Wanderers and Hull City in the English Premiership.

    He also had a brief stint in Qatar.

    Okocha is a dual Nigerian-Turkish citizen, having acquired Turkish citizenship as “Muhammet Yavuz” while playing for Fenerbahçe.

    He is a cousin of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s current Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy.

    He is a member of the Anioma, a subgroup of Igboethnic group.

    Jay Jay is also a member of the Nigeria Football Federation technical committee and has fleet of businesses including a casino in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.

     

    Emmanuel Amunike:

    Amunike was the hero for Nigeria at the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia. His brace helped the Super Eagles to a 2-1 victory over Zambia.

    He also played in 1994 FIFA World Cup and the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

    He wore the colours of Julius Berger, Zamalek of Egypt, Sporting Lisbon and Barcelona in a glittering career.  He was the 1994 African Player of the Year.

    But injury cut short his career.

    He retired from active football in 2004.

    In 2008, in spent some time as an assistant coach at Saudi Premier League side Al-Hazm, but left the club to become a scout for Manchester United.

    Amunike was an assistant coach with the Golden Eaglets team that won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates last year.

    He has a Spanish wife and they have two sons – Matthew and Joseph.

     

    Samson Siasia:

    Siasia played as a striker for Nigeria at both the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia and the FIFA World Cup in the same year. He famously scored Nigeria’s only goal in the 2-1 defeat to Diego Maradona inspired Argentina.

    He played for Julius Berger, Lokeren, Nantes and Perth Glory.

    He coached the Flying Eagles team that won silver medal at the 2005 U-20 World Cup in Holland. He also led the Dream team to win silver at the 2008 Olympic Games in China. He won the African Youth Championship with the Flying Eagles in Benin Republic in 2005.

    Siasia also assisted Augustine Eguavoen to coach the Super Eagles at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt.

    He was appointed Super Eagles coach in 2010 and was sacked in October 2011 after the team’s failure to qualify for 2012 AFCON in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.

    Siasia was one of the five foreign managers auctioned in February 2012 for the new Bengal Premier League Soccer.

     

    Emeka Ezeugo:

    Ezeugo was a favourite of Westerhof during Nigeria’s preparation for 1994 AFCON and FIFA World Cup.

    He was the team “water carrier” ala Eric Cantona.

    He first came into national prominence at the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.

    He played most of his club football in India and Bangladesh.

    He holds a United States Soccer Federation coaching license and a KNVB Netherlands international license.

    Ezeugo has an envious coaching record over the past seven years, as he successfully completed his transition from player to coach that included a stint as the head coach at CoT NYs Borough of Manhattan Community College in 2002.

    In 2003 he coached Deportivo Municipal, Lima for two seasons before returning to the US. In August 2005, Ezeugo was appointed as men’s soccer coach at New York City College of Technology and was there till 2008.

    He was appointed head coach of the newly-promoted Nigeria Premier League team Abia Warriors on October 31, 2013.

     

    Daniel Amokachie:

    Amokachie was a key player under Westerhof. But injury halted his career progress.

    He played in two AFCON and two FIFA World Cup tournaments. He also won gold medal with the Dream team at Atlanta 96. He played for Rancher Bees, Club Brugge, Everton and Besiktas.

    Amokachie coached Nasarawa United and he is now in his second spell as assistant coach with the Super Eagles.

     

     

    Sunday Oliseh:

    Oliseh became the first Nigerian to play in Italian Seria A when he signed for Reggiana few months before the commencement of the 1994 FIFA World Cup in US. He later played for Juventus, Ajax Amsterdam, Borussia Dortmund, FC Koln, VFL Bochum and Genk. But his first European club side was Standard Liege in Belgium.

    Oliseh played in three AFCON and two FIFA World Cup tournaments for Nigeria. He also won the Olympic gold medal with Nigeria in 1996. The highlight of his international career was the rocket he fired past Andoni Zubizarreta in Nigeria’s stunning 3-2 victory over Spain at France 98.

    He now lives in Baelen, Belgium, with his wife and kids.

    He is a member of FIFA technical study group.  He also works as analyst with South African cable station – Super Sport.

     

    Efan Ekoku:

    Ekoku is an English-born Nigerian former footballer who played as a striker.

    He played at the 1994 AFCON, US 94 World Cup and the 1995 FIFA Confederations Cup in Saudi Arabia.

    During his club career, he played for Merton FC, Sutton United, Bournemouth, Norwich City, Wimbledon, Grasshopper, Sheffield Wednesday and Dublin City.

    In 2012, Ekoku was inducted into the Norwich City Hall of Fame.

    He currently works as a colour commentator for Premier League Productions, which produces the world feed commentaries.

    He was picked as match analyst for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, working for ESPN. In 2013 he appeared as a pundit for the BBC’s coverage of the FIFA Confederations Cup.

    Ekoku has obtained all his FA and UEFA coaching badges.

     

    Mike Emenalo:

    Emenalo was a surprise inclusion in Nigeria 1994 FIFA World Cup squad.

    He featured in three matches at the tournament.

    He is the current technical director at Chelsea.

    His responsibilities as Chelsea technical director include heading the scouting and academy programs.

     

    Other members of the 1994 Super Eagles squad are – Victor Ikpeba, Aloy Agu, Wilfred Agbonivbare, Mutiu Adepoju and the late Uche Okafor.

     

  • Cervical cancer preventable

    Cervical cancer preventable

    Cervical cancer is now one of the most common cancers in women overall, exacerbated by the lack of reproductive health information for women and delayed access to treatment in rural areas.

    According to the World Cancer Research Fund, “About 86 per cent of cervical cancer cases occur in less developed countries. The highest incidence of cervical cancer is in Eastern, Western and Southern Africa.”

    The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus. The cervix connects the vagina (birth canal) to the uterus. The uterus (or womb) is where a baby grows when a woman is pregnant.

    Cancer is a disease in which the cells in the body develop out of control. When cancer starts in the cervix, it is called cervical cancer. Cancer of the cervix is often deadly as it metastasizes or spreads to other parts of the body.

    Cervical cancers don’t always spread, but those that do most often spread to the lungs, the liver, the bladder, the vagina, and the rectum.

    Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause of cervical cancer. HPV is a common virus that is passed from one person to another during sex. Unfortunately, at least half of sexually active people will have HPV at some point in their lives. However, not all women will get cervical cancer but all women are at elevated risk.

    The majority of cases occur in midlife rather than old age and it is one of the most common cancers in women under 35. Preventative cervical screening programmes can cut cervical cancer death rates and provide a means of early detection.

    When cervical cancer is found early, it is highly treatable and is often associated with long survival and good quality of life outcomes.

    Types of cervical cancer

    There are two main types of cervical cancers: squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. About 80 to 90 per cent of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinomas. Squamous cell carcinomas starts in the surface of the cells that line the cervix that can rapidly multiply into active cancer.

    Cervical adenocarcinomas seem to have become more common in the past 20 to 30 years but still only make up 5 to 10 per cent of cervical cancers. This form is more difficult to detect as it often starts higher up in the cervical canal and is commonly missed by a screening test.

    Although most cervical cancers are either squamous cell carcinomas or adenocarcinomas, other types of cancer also can develop in the cervix as well. These types include melanoma, sarcoma, and lymphoma but they are more likely to occur in other parts of the body.

    Symptoms of cervical cancer

    Cervical cancer is often silent. In the early stages there are usually no symptoms and that’s the purpose of screenings to pick up abnormal cells before it’s too late. Once cancer is established, the most common symptom is bleeding between periods or after sex. Menstrual bleeding may also be heavier or last longer than normal.

    Other common symptoms include pain in the pelvic area before, during or after intercourse as well as pain or difficult urination. Another red flag is any sort of unusual or unpleasant smelling discharge from the vagina. However, these symptoms may indicate other problems than cervical cancer as well.

    More than 95 per cent of cervical cancer cases can be prevented – get checked now.

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and control. You can reach him via:

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • Mosquito nets are not for fishing

    Mosquito nets are not for fishing

    Researchers now state that local efforts to eradicate malaria could be seriously compromised due to medication-resistant parasites. Prevention is the key but lack of funding, education and follow through is undermining even the simplest of interventions.

    Malaria is an infectious disease that is commonly transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. When a mosquito bites an infected person, the mosquito becomes the carrier of microscopic malaria parasites. When the mosquito bites again, these parasites mix with the mosquito’s saliva and are injected into the new person.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), half of the population is at risk of being infected – especially pregnant women and young children.

    Unknown to most, malaria can also be transmitted during pregnancy before and/or during childbirth. Malaria contracted at this time is called congenital malaria and is a major cause of infant death.

    Malaria co-infection is another major concern and occurs when two or more diseases are present at the same time. Pregnant women who have co-infection of HIV and malaria often suffer from anaemia, pre-term birth and low-birth weight babies.

    Although less common, blood transfusions, contaminated needles and syringes can also serve as mechanisms of malaria parasite transmission.

    WHO’s most recent estimates, released in December 2013, states “there were about 207 million cases of malaria in 2012 and an estimated 627 000 deaths. Malaria mortality rates have fallen by 45 per cent globally since 2000 and by 49 per cent in the African region.”

    Malaria often causes flu-like symptoms and, in severe forms, death. Despite scientific proof, some people still do not believe malaria exists and attributes the symptoms to witchcraft.

    As a basic guideline for protection against malaria, United Against Malaria recommends the distribution of two long-lasting insecticide-treated nets (LLINs) per person.

    This standard typically provides two to five years of protection for a family, depending upon the size of the family, the type of net, the number of washings and the degree of care given. The average purchase cost is USD 5 per net.

    However, simply having access to a net does not appear to have a major impact on their actual use. Surveys indicate that within households possessing at least one insecticide-treated net, only 55 per cent of children under the age of five were found to have slept under a net the previous night.

    This has been attributed to poverty and disregard in high-risk communities. Some people have openly admitted to selling their anti-malaria mosquito nets or converted them into fishing nets instead of using them.

    In combination with nets, indoor residual spraying (IRS) is another effective malaria prevention technique. IRS is safe for humans but lethal to mosquitoes that land on walls within a structure. It has shown to significantly decrease mosquito and larvae populations, especially in communities where stagnant water is present, such as those near mines, farms or brick-making operations.

    Currently, there is no antimalarial medication or vaccine that gives complete protection. The best line of defence is prevention and reducing the risk of mosquito bites.

    Take the following steps to reduce the risk of malaria:

     

    •           Avoid going out between dusk and dawn when mosquitos are most active;

    •           Wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers;

    •           Use insecticide-treated nets in bedrooms at night;

    •           Apply insect repellent on any exposed skin and use indoor residual sprays in the home.

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and control. You can reach him via:

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com

    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard

    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

     

  • The case for African-Asian Union (AAU)

    The case for African-Asian Union (AAU)

    By cross-examining continents, one would discover that only Africa and Asia are predominated by the Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and notably, Africa and the LDCs in Asia have been witnessing slow or series of fluctuating economic growth in quantity and quality.

    African and Asian countries especially the LDCs woo capital imports of FDI from developed world simply because it serves as a catalyst for economic growth and as a propellant to economic development.

    Therefore, for an LDC predominated continent like Africa to attain a higher economic growth, beyond influx of FDI, the continent will further need to mix-up or align with a superior continent like Asia, the closest and immediate neighbour of Africa for economic growth spillover, necessitating the establishment of African-Asian Union (AAU)of ninety-eight (98) member countries with a merger of the African Union (AfU) and the Asian Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

    Referring to the world map below, it is obvious that Africa shares the highest proximity with Asia in the North-East Africa via the Middle-East while linguistically, another common trait is that, across continents, only both Africa and Asia made up of Arabic speaking countries especially in the North Africa and the Middle-East respectively.

    AFRICA, the world’s second largest continent and the second most populous continent (after Asia) comprises fifty-four (54) countries including the newest South Sudan. With over a billion people it accounts for just over 14% of the world’s human population and it also contains the Nile River system, the world’s longest, and the massive Sahara Desert, the world’s largest.

    The African continental community otherwise called African Union (AU) is blessed with many regional economic communities namely, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS), Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), Arab Maghreb Union (UMA), Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

    Asia, the world’s largest continent covers about 30% of the world landmass consisting of forty-four (44) countries and assorted islands. Notable features of Asia include the tallest mountain of Mt Everest in Nepal (and China) with a height of 29,035 ft (8,850m). Also, Asia is blessed with world’s most populated countries, China and India; the world’s longest coastline and the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baykal among other notable rivers. The continent’s major regional economic communities include Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA), Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (CCASG), Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Eurasian Economic Community (EAEC), Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

    The proposed African-Asian Union, AAU is a means to put African economies of fifty-four countries on a strong footing while Asia of forty-four countries will also benefit from African skills, gifted hands and a more serene environment for marketing Asian products as well as importation of raw materials from Africa for the manufacturing industries in Asia. With less reference to Brazil in South America and the Eurasian Russia, the rest of India, China and South Africa from BRICS nucleus are the demonstration of Asia and Africa intimation and fusion.

    The Africa-Asia tie is expected to tremendously benefit both continents especially Africa where all her nations, except South Africa are less developed. The rationale/gains of the proposed AAU especially for Africa include but not limited to the following: (a) Free Visa/Borderless Continents, (b) enhanced economic growth and development (G&D), (c) high influx of Foreign Direct Investments (FDI), (d) Access to softer foreign loans and aids, (e) Human Resources Exchange (HRE) (f) intercontinental job opportunities,and (g) Technological Transfer (TT), to mention a few.

    Sequel to a paper I presented at the 2nd International Trade and Academic Research Conference (ITARC) held at Wembley Plaza Hotel, Middlesex, London, United Kingdom, November 7-8, 2011 titled African and Asian Economic Unions: A Call for the Establishment of Afrasian Economic Community (AAEC/AfrAsEC),  I also had a paper presentation titled A Panel Co-integration Approach to Foreign Direct Investment and Growth in Africa: New Evidences from ECOWAS, ECCAS, EAC and SADC Blocsat the 9thinternational conference of Global Academy of Business and Economic Research (GABER) held at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, New York City, New York, United States (US), October4-5, 2012 where my paper won Best Paper Award.

    Through the Federal Government of Nigeria’s Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) conference attendance intervention,I further delivered a paper on Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Growth in Asia and Africa: A Panel Data Analysis at the International Journal of Arts and Sciences (IJAS)  multidisciplinary conferencein a “study abroad” format at the KatholischeAkademie der Erzdiozese, Freiburg, Germany on December 3-6, 2013 with a major recommendation to establish African-Asian Union (AAU) of ninety-eight (98) member countries.

    Apart from presentation of my paper in Freiburg, Germany onDecember 6, 2013, my research,in company of other IJAS conference participants, took me to many monumental cities of Alsace, Colmar and Strasbourg in France and Bern, Basel in Switzerland on December 4-5, 2013 respectively.

    In conclusion, it is noteworthy that this research presentation has commenced in London, United Kingdom (UK), Nov 8, 2011, New York City, USA on October 4-5, 2012 and finally concluded in Freiburg, Germany, December 6, 2013.  The proposed AAU will mutually benefit both Africa and Asia in different capacities while the AAU will be formed from the merger of the African Union (AU) and the Asian Regional Economic Communities (RECs).

    I am highly indebted to Professor Adeyemi Ibukunoluwa Idowu, Provost, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE), Ondo for establishing a ‘New ACE’ by providing state-of-the-art teaching, learning and research environment for staff and students of the Great College. Mention must be made of my lecturers in the department of Economics, at the better by far University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Kwara State. I appreciate the dons for tapping from their wealth of knowledge during my undergraduate and postgraduate periods. As the African-Asian Union(AAU) proponent,my profound sense of gratitude also goes to my model and mentor, Professor ‘Dibu Ojerinde, OON, Registrar/CEO, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Abuja on his all-round support for me.

    For your comments and suggestions to improve  the proposal, please contact the proponent:

     

    Rasheed Olajide ALAO,Department of Economics, Adeyemi College of Education (ACE),Ondo,Nigeria.T: +2348055795353, +2348186034445. Email :roalao@gmail.com

  • How 75 per cent of Nigeria workers are stressed- study

    How 75 per cent of Nigeria workers are stressed- study

    Economic volatility has increased pressure on Nigerian workers with 75 per cent reporting that they are seeing more stress-related illness since the downturn, finds the latest survey from global workplace provider Regus.

    But businesses can help change this trend as workers identified flexible working as critical to help ease work-related stress (84 per cent).

    Stress-related illness can worsen or cause a whole series of health conditions ranging from obesity to heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, depression, gastrointestinal problems and asthma.

    Building on Regus research last year, which found that 48 per cent of respondents globally felt their stress levels had risen in the past year, this latest study found that almost one third (30 per cent) of Nigerian workers are actually losing sleep worrying about work.

    The survey, canvassing the opinions of more than 20,000 senior executives and business owners across 95 countries, also found that in West Africa stress is causing a worrying increase in absenteeism (60%) damaging business productivity as well as worker well-being.

    Other outcomes include:

    • 22% of respondents are worried about losing their job;
    • 29% feel less confident about the sector they work in;
    • 36% of respondents report that their family and friends have noticed they are stressed by work
    • 56% say that stress is damaging their co-worker’s personal relationships

    Commenting on the study, Joanne Bushell, VP Africa at Regus says: “Difficult economic times in the West and an unprecedented rate of growth in emerging economies have put a strain on businesses and their employees. Workers are expected to do more with less, and this has taken its toll to the point many are close to burn-out.

    “It’s not surprising that work-related worries, and the sleepless nights they cause, are taking their toll on employees’ personal lives. More importantly still, their health is at stake as stress is a known catalyst for a number of serious illnesses.

    Proactive businesses that address stress in their workforce are likely to end up with a healthier workforce and reduced absenteeism.”

  • Are kids getting too fat?

    Are kids getting too fat?

    The prevalence of childhood overweight and obesity is increasing and health officials are worried that many parents think obese children are healthy children.

    According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the childhood ‘obesity epidemic’ is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. More deaths are now attributed to being overweight than underweight.

    Large parts of the country are still plagued with malnutrition but changing social and lifestyle factors has created overweight and obesity to become much more prevalent – especially in urban centres.

    Overweight and obesity is directly linked to poor eating habits and physical inactivity levels. The widespread problem of high-fat street foods, trans-fat deep-fried snacks, and soda drinks is so great that it can be found on almost every street corner.

    “It’s closely related to urbanisation and industrialisation. In the cities, there is an increasing lack of activity and cheap foods are more accessible and affordable,” says Dr Timothy Armstrong from WHO’s Department of Chronic Diseases and Health Promotion.

    The long-term problem is overweight children are more likely to become obese adults. Being overweight increases one’s risk of developing very serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer at a younger age.

    Additionally, researchers from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, who analysed data from 27 countries in Africa, say the sharp rise in maternal obesity is threatening the lives of newborns. Babies born to obese mothers have a 50 per cent higher risk of dying in the first month.

    Poor eating and physical inactivity habits are not genetic but often passed on from the parents. As a form of babysitting, many kids like to watch TV, play video games and play on their computer but this causes them to be physically inactive.

    Children’s physical activity levels have diminished significantly in recent years. Children once walked to school and played a lot, but now they are picked up and dropped off in front of the TV with takeaways for dinner.

    Interventions such as limiting the amount of TV, eliminating highly processed foods, and limiting sugar-sweetened soda drinks can help lower a child’s weight and eliminate the risk of developing life-threatening health conditions in the future.

    Up to 80 per cent of heart disease and type 2 diabetes could be prevented and 40 per cent of cancer with improved dietary choices and adequate physical activity levels.

    It has been estimated that physical inactivity levels could be reduced by 31 per cent through improved environmental interventions, including pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly urban land use and transport, leisure and workplace facilities, and policies that support more active lifestyles.

    Physical activity and exercise is needed for all – regardless of weight, health condition or age – to achieve optimal health and fight off disease. Strive to get at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week – the more the better.

    Couillard is an international health columnist that works in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s goals of disease prevention and control. Views do not necessarily reflect endorsement. He can be contacted via:

    Email: drcorycouillard@gmail.com
    Facebook: Dr Cory Couillard
    Twitter: DrCoryCouillard

  • 10 ways to eat Moringa leaves

    10 ways to eat Moringa leaves

    A large majority of us have heard of the countless benefits of Moringa while some of us are only vaguely aware.
    Moringa is called the miracle tree for good reasons; moringa oleifera tree has been called the tree of life in many cultures around the world, including Nigeria. It has many names based on its many uses. In east Africa it is known as “mother’s best friend”. In Nigeria the Yoruba calls it “Ewe igbale”, the Igbos calls it “Idagbole monoye” and the Hausas calls it zogelle.

    The moringa leaf has great use medically both has preventive and treatment. Every part of the tree is edible and significant. Scientific analysis has shown and confirmed that moringa leaves are indeed a power house of essential micro and macro nutrients. It is on record that gram of gram, moringa leaves contain seven times the vitamin c in oranges, four times the vitamin A in carrot, four times the calcium of milk, three times the potassium of bananas, three times the vitamin E of spinach and two times the protein of yogurt.

    Mrs. Ola Baruwa a retail distributor of moringa seed and powder talked about the way people request for moringa leaves and powder for different ailments. She said people prefer the powder to seeds because they use it like seasoning to their foods and beverages. She also talks about one of her customers who travel in and out of Lagos to moringa seeds from her for to take care of her body and back pains because that’s what works for her.
    She also talked about aged men and women who patronize her, and also young married men and women. The young men especially buy it to enhance performance during sex and nursing mothers to increase the amount of breast milk.
    She advices her patrons on how to use it because an overdose of moringa could lead to paralysis or death due to the toxic substances in the root.
    Moringa is definitely a welcome addition to one’s diet whether it’s fresh, dried or ground to powder and there are doubtless a plethora of ways to add Moringa to one’s diet.

    Here are a few ways:

    1. Salad: Moringa can be added to our vegetable salads. It is tasteless and has a bit of bite to it. It will blend right into your salad.
    2. Soups and Stews: Moringa also works very well in most vegetable soups like Okro, Egusi, Onugbu, to name a few. Just remember that the Moringa leaf loses a better part of its nutritive value in high heat so it should be the last addition to soups when incorporating heat.
    3. Custard: Not everyone can consume moringa this way but for those who can. A little sprinkle of powdered moringa in custard goes a long way.
    4. Garri: The Moringa seeds have a slightly sweet taste. One way of eating it is by blending into garri and drinking. A little milk in your garri can offset the tatse of Moringa.
    5. Pizza: A vegetable pizza with moringa leaves? I say yum!!
    6. Eggs: Whether you are making omelettes or scrambled eggs?, Moringa leaves are a welcome addition.
    7. Vegetable dishes: This is the best way to incorporate Moringa into your diet because it blends right in with the other leaves. Always remember that moringa leaves should be added last.
    8. Sauted: You may just go with plain moringa sauted in a little onion, tomatoes and pepper. You may eat this on the side with suya. It truly is delicious.
    9. Fried Rice: Chop Moringa leaves and add to your delicious fried rice.
    10. Yam Porridge: You may substitute moringa for the vegetable you add to your porridge or you may mix them up.
    Think about it! What do you eat? Can you think of ways to incorporate Moringa into your diet? You certainly can!