The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sunday Interview

  • Mistaken Identity: How I was almost lynched for baby theft – Nurse

    Mistaken Identity: How I was almost lynched for baby theft – Nurse

    In what could have been an extreme case of jungle justice, a nurse in Upper Iweka in Onitsha, was recently saved from being lynched over alleged child theft while on a mission to salvage a newly born baby’s health. EMMA ELEKWA in Onitsha, reports.

    Onitsha, Upper Iweka, to be precise in Anambra State, has over the years been notorious for all forms of atrocities and nefarious activities. It’s a place where the good, the bad and the ugly congregate, twenty four hours a day.

    Despite several efforts by successive governments, including the current administration, to rid the area of crime and criminality, Upper Iweka has remained a nightmare to dwellers and visitors, even security agencies. A successful navigation of the area without any incident is therefore seen by many as a cause for ‘celebration.’

    This was the same area, Miss Chinwendu Okafor, an auxiliary nurse with the Mother of Mercy Hospital, met her sorry tale. Perhaps, if she had known the story would turn out sour, she would not have followed the instructions of her employer and principal.

    Her employer had directed her to take a new born baby along with the father and a relative to Infant Jesus Hospital within the area, following her inability to manage the complications surrounding the baby’s birth at her facility.

    Efforts to control the baby’s breathing pattern, which changed immediately she was delivered, including cutting of the placenta, had culminated in a need for intervention.

    Hear her pathetic story: “The midwife and owner of the Mother of Mercy Hospital, Immaculata Egbuodike, had detailed me to take the baby with the father to another hospital, where it would be placed on oxygen, since it was not breathing well in our hospital.

    “We drove to the hospital in the vehicle of the baby’s father, but when we got there, the nurses on duty said I and the father should wait outside the gate.

    “They later came and told us they’d examined the baby but that they could not reach their doctor due to network challenge.”

    “The father then demanded that they released the baby to him, so he could try another hospital and save its life.

    “However, as we drove to another hospital within the area, he requested that I alighted from the car with the baby, so he could look for a convenient place to park and later join us.

    “It was while I was waiting for him that some passersby and some people selling fruits in the area accosted me, demanding to know how I came by the baby.

    “I explained to them that I was waiting for the father, who had gone to park his car, but all my explanations fell on deaf ears, as they accused me of lying.

    “Before I knew it, people started gathering and shouting that I stole the baby. Those with phones started snapping and recording videos of me while I cried for help,” she sobbed.

    The angry mob quickly rushed and called a female police officer to the scene.

    “The officer, on arriving, asked me to shut up and follow her to the police station at Okpoko. I was about following her to the station, when the father of the baby arrived.

    “Amazed at the scenario, he demanded to know what was happening. But the policewoman and two other officers, who later arrived the scene, insisted we went to the police station. Even our explanation that the baby was in critical condition and in need of urgent medical attention fell on deaf ears.

    “At Okpoko Police Station, one of the officers had sympathy on the baby and ordered that it be taken to a hospital, but too much time had been wasted and the baby later died at the hospital. The medical doctor said blood was not coming out from its vein.

    “I wept bitterly but I blamed the policewoman for not allowing us take the baby to the hospital in time. I even told her to handcuff me while we gave the child priority attention; that she could even arrest and prosecute me if she found that I stole the baby, but she turned deaf ears. She later started consoling me and the father, but like they say, it was medicine after death.

    Need to clear my name

    “I am calling on the government and security agents to investigate the matter in order to clear my reputation, which is already destroyed by the trending video,” she said.

    The father of the baby, Mr Uchenna Ugwuogu, a native of Nsukka, Enugu State, expressed sadness over the attitude of the female police officer, blaming her for the death of the baby.

    He however confirmed that the child was never stolen by the nurse as alleged.

    “If not for the delay caused by that police officer, my baby wouldn’t have died. I and my wife are really in pain but I also pity the innocent nurse whom they almost killed.

    “I expected the policewoman to rescue her when she got there but rather, she insisted we followed her to the station.”

    On her part, the midwife and owner of the Mother of Mercy Maternity, Onitsha, Immaculata Egbuodike, described the victim as a dedicated staff, saying she was innocent of the allegations.

    She said, “Chinwendu is one of my best staff; that was why I handed the baby to her to go with the father to the other hospital, as the baby was not breathing well. I was surprised to hear that she was accused of stealing the baby.”

    It’s a pathetic situation – media practitioner

    A media practitioner in the state, Jude Geoman, regretted that the pathetic story would not spark up a conversation about the state of the nation’s healthcare system.

    He said, “A hospital has no incubator. A father had to transport his baby to another hospital and a nurse was almost lynched. Unfortunately, everybody who is responsible for providing the most basic health infrastructure for the masses does not patronise our hospitals.

    “Visit the most equipped hospitals in our cities (forget the abattoirs called hospitals in our rural areas) and see how women queue from morning till evening for basic antenatal services.

    “It is so touching that we are busy chasing shadows while our children are suffering the effects of corrupt leadership.”

    While praying for the repose of the soul of the innocent baby, Geoman described as unimaginable the pains the parents would be going through.

    Another resident, who simply identified himself as Mr. Nwangwu, blamed the father for what he described as ‘lacklustre disposition.’

    “Going by Chinwendu’s story, the baby’s father would appear not to have shown the natural assertiveness, even desperation, expected in such a situation to procure help for his obviously ailing baby.

    “He shouldn’t have been so terrified by the mob that he almost abandoned his baby’s fate to the dutiful nurse.

    Reacting, the police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed said the nurse was innocent of the allegation.

    He said, “The fact of the issue is that a woman delivered a premature baby through CS and the doctor instructed a nurse to take the baby in company of the father, to another hospital where it would be kept in an incubator.

    “They were intercepted by some youth who suspected that the nurse stole the child. The youth were about to lynch her when a police patrol team attached to Okpoko Division rescued and brought her to the station for discreet investigation.”

  • My life as teacher, soldier, preacher, by 106-year-old Nigerian (II)

    My life as teacher, soldier, preacher, by 106-year-old Nigerian (II)

    Last week, we ran the first part of the intriguing story of 106-year-old Pa John Dada Obafemi, in which he spoke about his childhood/school days, life as a teacher and his resolve to join the army. In this concluding part, the centenarian speaks about his days as a World War II soldier and his evangelism days. He also tells GBOYEGA ALAKA how a divine assignment to reunite the factions of the Christ Apostolic Church remains the only thing keeping him alive.

    In January 10, 1943, I went to seek prayer at Apostle Ayo Babalola’s place. I didn’t know him and he didn’t know me. But as I knelt and he made to open his mouth, he said, ‘Get up. You are a pretender. God has shown you your calling. This work you are about to do is casual. You do it for a while and then go on to do the work of God. He said God had however granted me leave to join the army for the duration of the war.

    Following that interaction with Apostle Ayo Babalola, Pa Dada Obafemi was still not willing to submit to this evangelisation future. But he was glad, anyway, that the revered man of God granted him leave to go join the army – albeit, temporarily.

    The unwilling servant

    “Finally, I went to the white man – the Provincial Education Officer at Middle School, Ilorin, who had sold me the idea of joining the army. I thought he would damn me, since I’d already called his bluff, but he welcomed me with a smile. That was Wednesday January 13 1943. Promptly, he registered me. Contrary to his suggestion, I didn’t join as a nurse because as a member of the CAC, we could not take or administer medicine. All my years in the army, I never took any medication – except once, when we were all compelled to take an injection. I thought of a way to escape, but there was none. The Sergeant Major who was calling the numbers got to my number, called it out repeatedly, and when I refused to answer, he approached me and said angrily: “Aren’t you so so and so number? Provost, write his name down for suspension.’ I was promptly suspended. It was a powerful injection and for four days, none of us felt okay. It was given to us in preparation for the warfront.

    I was posted to Idi Ope Barracks now Abalti Barracks in Lagos. I spent five months there and passed out as Class IV Clerk. I was then posted to 2428 Company as head of accounts. On September 30, 1943, our ship left the Lagos Habour for Cape Town. I returned to Nigeria on June 10, 1946 as Sergeant – School master of exemplary conduct.

    I joined the army on January 13, 1943 and left on July 31, 1946. Today, in the four corners of the world, I am among the oldest enlisted soldiers alive.”

    Asked why he did not write a rejoinder or speak up when a certain Major Aduku -now late, who joined the army in 1945 was being celebrated as the oldest enlisted soldier in Nigeria, Pa Obafemi said, “I was not aware. At my age, you’ll excuse me for not reading newspapers. But there is no dispute. The records are there. I may not be able to lay claim to being the oldest enlisted soldier in the world – because a search will have to be conducted to determine that. But in Nigeria, I, very likely, am. The Nigerian civil war broke out 20 years after I left the army. God spared my life because of the gospel work that He elected me for.

    On my return from the war, I did not want to work because I had money. All through the war, I was depositing all my money at the Lafiaji Post Office in Lagos. I didn’t drink or smoke. Because of what God said and my position in heaven, he gave me the strength to ward off women. At Abalti Barracks, one of the food vendors inundated me with requests for sex but I resisted. In all my years in the army, I did not for once corrupt myself with any woman. That’s rare in the army. Even white officers engaged in fornication. In Alexandria (Egypt), they had a big brothel, where they had doctors. Soldiers would go there and place their caps at a certain place and any woman who picked your cap would be yours for the night.

    One day, I went there to see their mess. I put my cap on the table as expected but disappeared. L T Lambert, a white officer went to commit fornication in Alexandra and got killed by a train on his way back.”

    All war photos lost

    When this reporter and photographer asked to see photos taken at war front or in military uniform, Pa Obafemi lamented that they’d all been misplaced or stolen. “All of them have been stolen. The ones here are those I took of my colleagues. I gave the last surviving ones to somebody to help me reproduce and that’s the last I saw of them. Gaza was my last post before I quit the army.

    Change of name

    What influenced his change of name to John Dada Obafemi, since he started out as John Dada Alara?

    “Good question,” he retorted. “On July 17, 1949, while I was undergoing training under Apostle Ayo Babalola, 20 years after I had become his follower, Pastor R A Adedipe, manager of all the schools in Ado Ekiti and overseer of the whole of Ekiti to Kaura, requested for an experienced and wise teacher to assist him. I was seconded to him. It was he who said I could not be bearing Alara, since it was more or less a generic name for all the obas and princes of my hometown of Isare Ekiti. He said it was important that I had a unique name. That was how my surname Alara was changed to Obafemi till this day.

    My CAC years

    “I was ordained a pastor on September 22, 1959; 20 years, eight months and four days after I joined the Christ Apostolic Church.

    “Evangelism in those days wasn’t such a big money endeavour as it has become today. We were satisfied with whatever we got, although we still knew of some church officials who collected bribes for favours to augment their income. I have never collected bribe, even though I have been tempted with it because of my position.

    WOSEM, Central CAC and the Supreme Council

    In December 1977, the Supreme Council as the ruling body of the church in those days was called wrote a circular that they had given T. O Obadare who undoubtedly was a spiritually gifted prophet in the church autonomy to hold crusades independently. This was how the crisis in the church began. When I saw the circular, as supervisor of Olorunsogo and environ (Mushin, Lagos), I called a meeting to intimate all stakeholders. I thought it was a wrong decision, for I had known Obadare long before then and seen in him traits which made me think this autonomy thing would backfire.

    Before that circular came, Baba Adegboyega, who started the Olorunsogo assembly had invited Obadare to come and hold a revival; he came without informing me – even though he knew me as an elder and used to call me ‘Baba Obafemi’.

    I had known Prophet Obadare way back in 1962. Back in 1966, a son of Ile-Ife started an assembly in Ilare – not too far from Oduduwa College at a time I was a senior Pastor in Ile-Ife. He invited Obadare to hold a revival there. Could you believe that Obadare came and conducted the revival without as much as paying a visit to Elijah Titus Latunde, a very senior Pastor of the Church, who later became president of the entire CAC, let alone me, a mere Senior Pastor? We sat back and watched. When he saw that I did not attend, he came and asked why and I told him, I told him point blank! “You are a thief. You came to a jurisdiction and could not even stop by for a courtesy visit to those in charge of the area”.

    He apologised, so me and Ajibade, who was the prophet of Ife and environ went to the subsequent ones. It was a massive revival. When it was time for baptism, it was unprecedented. More than 240 people stepped forward. The irony, however, was that we barely had five of them left in the church just three months after.

    So I already saw the arrogance in Obadare. I said this kind of person does not deserve autonomy. At the meeting to grant him autonomy, the likes of renowned Prophet David Olulana Babajide, who took over as the General Evangelist of the Church after Apostle Joseph Ayo Babalola, Asaju, and one Prophet Babalola popularly called “Baba Osogbo” were there.

    On April 23, 1978, we had a meeting. As we finished prayer and got to Matters Arising, the chairman said he was surprised that I was against Obadare’s autonomy. I said yes and that it was based on experience. I said it was better that he continued conducting revival like every other person was doing. I also told him we were only giving them advice and that we were not against them.

    Three months later, Obadare and his men went to conduct a revival in Efon; his men went to open the bonnet of Asaju who was supervisor of Efon and poured acid into it. This matter was brought to our attention during a convention at Osogbo.

    All their conducts bred trouble for CAC. Whenever they got to a place, he would start a church, buy cars for his pastors and gather all the rich men and turn them to WOSEM members. They did this for about 16 years until Baba Latunde died and Baba Orogun became president.

    So we said, enough was enough; let us settle our differences. Since you WOSEM people are no longer with us, you can go on your way while we carry on as CAC. We broke into two. A letter was written to that effect. The day we held the meeting, which turned out to be the final attempt at settlement, Obadare did not attend. We said whenever we had something to do, we would invite them and they were also free to invite us.

    I have not divided my church, says the Lord

    “There is no doubt that Christ Apostolic Church is the foremost Pentecostal Church in Nigeria. With the exploits of many prophets who God had raised in the church, it is very sad that we are still facing a division of such magnitude. Not long after our differences started, God, the owner of the Church, conveyed a message to us saying that he had not divided His church. He said if we didn’t come together, He would not bless anything we ventured into subsequently.

    Going down memory lane on the division in the church will require another interview. However, let me seize this opportunity to clarify one or two issues.

    Riding on the back of that Obadare crisis, some young Pastors led by Pastor Elijah Howard Lajuwomi Olusheye seized the opportunity of the difference in opinion amongst the church leaders, particularly members of the Board of Trustees to agitate for a reformation in the church, particularly to improve the welfare of the pastors and allow younger pastors aspire to higher offices since only death removed leaders at that time. In 1990, this aspiration resulted in a major crisis. Some members of the BOT pitched camp with these young pastors while Pastor Nelson Udofia, who was the church secretary and a Board member, refused to join them. Luckily he was the custodian of the church certificate. Thus even if the young pastors wanted to take over the church, they knew they needed a certificate. In 1991, they approached the Corporate Affairs Commission with an affidavit on a false claim of the whereabouts of the certificate. Interestingly the commission issued them a certificate with the same name and registration number. When Pastor Udofia got to know about this, he went to the commission to protest. Upon investigation, it was found that the certificate was inappropriately issued and subsequently revoked. Again in 1995, another certificate was issued thus taking the church back to two distinct factions, one called the Supreme Council and the other General Executive Council with certificates bearing the same name and same certificate number but different dates. I became the President of the church under the General Executive Council in 1993 to 1997 and was also registered as a Trustee on the 1995 certificate along with Pastor Olusheye. When I became the president, I started getting a better picture of what was actually going on and eventually started raising my voice.

    I have a weak point. Whenever I hear “Oluwa so wipe”, that is “the Lord says”, I wholeheartedly believed. This made me take decisions that did not go down well with some people but whenever such person(s) confronted me with believable facts, I always apologised because I do not keep malice.

    My belief in unifying the church has continued to pitch me against the leadership of the church. Because of our sharp differences, Pastor Olusheye, immediately he became President, reduced my paltry retirement benefit from N8,000.00 per month to N4,000.00 until when he got tired and eventually restored it. In 2011 when he was about to retire, he decided to singlehandedly impose leaders on the church. Naturally I opposed him and took the matter to court. Part of the issues I raised was his attempt to introduce an Ecclesiastics Committee into the church which I viewed as changing the church constitution without following due process. In the end I won and two officers in the church, the current President Abraham Olukunle Akinoshun and one Pastor Caxtonjoe Fasuyi were victims.

    I took the bold step to meet the leaders of the Supreme Council to let us end this crisis. Despite the fact that some of them felt I should have approached them earlier, especially when I was president, they welcomed my move. Interestingly, Pastor Olusheye joined forces with me and he admitted that he took wrong steps over the years. In fact before he died he did an affidavit to admit it. Series of meetings were held and at a point Olusheye and me, being the only two remaining trustees had to disengage our lawyer when we were not too comfortable with his steps on our matter.

    In September 2015, after due consultation, the representatives of the Supreme Council and we the Trustees went to court with a Terms of Settlement which was merely to allow us come together as brothers, pending when a new constitution would be written, new trustees and new officers appointed. Not only did the leadership of Akinoshun arrange for our move to be opposed to the point of disturbing the court that day, our lawyer was reported to the lawyers body? The lawyers bar gave a ruling that we were the ones in court with the sole right to appoint our lawyer. Would you believe that Akinoshun and his management team summoned Olusheye and I to their disciplinary committee on this matter? In the end they stopped paying our legitimate retirement benefits as retired Presidents because we went to court as trustees? Can you imagine that at my age? We all know the truth on this matter but for personal reasons, some people do not want the crisis to be over. For over eight years after my wife’s demise, I cried to God to call me home, but He said unless the church is united He would not.

    I thank God for the grace of good health and for making me His messenger. My philosophy in life has always been centered on the truth. Without accepting the truth, no reconciliation can succeed in the church. Sometime last year, I called both sides together for a resolution of the crisis, but Pastor Akinoshun had always insisted on the Supreme Council members coming to the General Executive Council to beg and be absorbed as assistant this, assistant that. I will continue to maintain my position that it is not the courts that will settle our differences for us and we can only settle on the truth, nothing more.”

    As this interview drew to a close, Pa Obafemi gestured that he had one more wish. He said, “Aside uniting the church, there are two personalities I would like to meet – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Pastor Enoch Adeboye of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. Please help me convey my message to them.”

    This interview took place a few weeks before the coronavirus incursion into the country and the lockdown, hence this reporter missed the chance to ask his opinion about the rampaging virus.

    Pa John Dada Obafemi’s 107th birthday comes up on May 20; wouldn’t it be nice to wish this rare gem a Happy Birthday in advance and more prosperous years in good health?

  • Allwell Ademola: Journey to fame wasn’t easy

    Allwell Ademola: Journey to fame wasn’t easy

    Allwell Ademola is a multi talented woman.She is an actress, singer, scriptwriter, movie director and designer. Her experience as a mascot on NTAs Animal Game Show as a child spurred her into showbiz. In this interview with YETUNDE OLADEINDE, she opens up on her acting career, singing, early life, mentors and the challenges in the sector.

     

    How are you spending the lockdown and Social distancing period?

    There are no special ways about it. I have stayed in the house and I strongly believe that it is better to stay safe. So, I have adhered to the rules by staying at home.

    What advice do you have for Nigerians at this point?

    I will advise Nigerians to adhere strictly to the instructions, stay safe and stay in your house. If you have any reason to go out, it must be very important. For instance, if you need essentials like food, water, medication or fuel to power your generator because of poor power supply.

    If you have to do this, then you must be kitted up, use your face mask, wash your hands with soap and water regularly. Use the sanitizer, take your bath regularly, wash your face and adhere strictly to the instructions on social distancing. That way, we would all be safe.

    Is there something you have missed because of the lockdown?

    I have missed quite a lot of things during this period. I have missed my job, I have missed my earnings, I have missed family and friends too.

    I can’t go out to visit people and people can’t come to visit either. So, I have missed a lot of things. However, we keep in touch, talk on the phone.

    But this is actually not the same as seeing people one on one. So, I have really missed friends, colleagues and family members.

    What are some of the things that you look forward to in post COVID-19?

    I look forward to going back to work. I look forward to making money. The lockdown has affected me in so many ways because all I do has been shut down.

    I am an actor, we have not been shooting. I am a singer, there hasn’t been any practice. I sell clothes, and all know that nobody wants to buy clothes now.

    First, people want to feed with whatever money they have now. So, nobody is buying clothes. It has affected me a great deal and so after the shutdown, I want to go back to my business.

    Tell us about some of the memorable moments as an actress?

    For me, some of the memorable moments as actress include when I win awards and also when I get recognised by friends, family, groups and my fans.

    I also cherish the fulfillment on the job, being able to touch lives in the process of doing something that I am passionate about.

    I also get inspiration from the stories I tell in my movies and particularly, changing and moulding lives.

    What inspires the things you do?

    First of all, I would say God Almighty. He has given us life to exist, brain to think. He has also given us the will power, strength to work hard and excel.

    And then basically the happenings around me gives me inspiration.

    So, that is where I get my ideas and inspiration to do the things that I do and I just flew with it.

    What was the very first role that you played? What was the experience like?

    The very first role that I played was a Mascot. That was on NTAs Animal Game in 1995.

    That was the very first role that I played in the sector. Going down memory lane, I must say that the experience was very interesting and I was quite young at that time.

    Just before then, I have seen people on television and I admire them so much. So, here I was in front of the camera, playing my role effortlessly.

    It was very exciting for me. I got home that day feeling really fulfilled. I knew there and then that this was my next line of action. That was how it all started and I took the bull by the horn

    What are some of the challenges?

    The challenges are many. Some of the challenges include the fact that sometimes you get abused by fans in different ways.

    One of such is that they expect that every time they see a celebrity they must milk them and so you find them collecting money from us also, there are times when you are shooting films, and some of them would come around to disturb our shoot. So, basically these are some of the challenges.

    Tell us about your role models and mentors?

    I have always seen Taiwo Ajai Lycett and Joke Silva as my role models. I love them as a child and I still love them. They are two amazing women and I admire what they represent in the industry.

    If you had to change something in your industry, what will it be?

    If I had to change anything in the industry, it would definitely be our fees. Government needs to do something; they need to help us fund the industry and Improve infrastructure.

    That way, things will surely get better and we will get better remuneration.

    The skills of our actors will really improve, thus making film making lucrative and participants would become versatile and more dedicated. We really need funds to motivate us and things will definitely get better.

    If you had to advise young people, who want to come into the sector, what would it be?

    My advice to upcoming people who want to go into the industry will be to first of all, get education, get training. Then you must believe in God and yourself.

    Once you get all this and you are focused, then the sky will definitely be your starting point.

    How do you relax?

    I rest a lot and that has really helped me. Good sleep and relaxation replaces all the lost energy. You get refreshed for a new start.

    Besides, I would say that I am an indoor person. Once in a while, I could decide to hang out with friends. But, most times, I stay indoors, meditate, rest and watch films. Yes, I love watching films, they inspire me a lot.

    What are the things that you treasure most in your wardrobe?

    Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

    I strongly believe that nothing is worth dying for.

    What is your definition of style?

    My definition of style is also simplicity.

    My guarding principle has been, just look good and be comfortable.

    I love to be comfortable in whatever I wear. Anytime I step out, I like to look really good but I keep things simple. That way you are not under any stress.

    What won’t you do in the name of fashion?

    Nudity is a no-no for me. It is a total no as far as I am concerned. That I will never do in the name of fashion.

    What are the other things that occupy your time?

    The other things that occupy my time include music. I am into music, I write songs and sing. I have missed my rehearsals during the lockdown. It is something that I am passionate about.

    Tell us about your experience in music.. What are some of the things you have done?

    I have been singing for a while now. A long while. I have a band, a twelve man band. I have actually been in the scene for about 18 years.

    I started the band in the year 2002 and I did an album in 2006, I inaugurated the band in 2010. It is known as All well and company.

    What inspired you to go into clothing business. Would you consider it as lucrative?

    I went into clothing business because I create designs for myself. I just sit down and create styles because I am a very creative person. And most of the time people see it and just like it.

    Usually, they would ask where did you get this from or who made your clothes. And I will tell them I designed and made them myself especially for plus sized ladies.

    Then I just thought of the idea and realized that this is something I would love to do. This will surely be a way of answering the prayers of many plus-sized ladies.

    I will be meeting their needs and earning income. So, that is how I went in fashion and the clothing business line. When I started, quite a number of my clients liked what I was doing and they said, you don’t have to do only plus size, you can do all sizes. So, that is how it really started and it has been really good.

    Tell us about your experience on NTA with Animal Game Show. What are some of the memorable moments?

    Looking back after so many years, I would say that Animal Games was interesting with Uncle Wole Akinosho.

    It was interesting and memorable because we were all kids. We were just living our lives , developing our talents.

    We were actually doing the things we were asked to do and we were eager to learn. It was just fun and you met different kids from different homes.

    They came from different religion, different tribes and different sphere of life. It was memorable.  because we all bonded happily together. It was awesome and each time I remember those times, I just marvel.

    What are some of the new areas that you would like to explore?

    I don’t think, I want to explore anything new for now. I am already in fashion, acting, singing, movie director and film making. That is a handful already.

    So, I am not thinking of anything new at the moment. But again, you never can tell. The crux of the matter is that I am really comfortable with the things that I am doing.

    What was the journey to fame like?

    The journey to fame was tough. It wasn’t easy at all. But then, it has been worthwhile. I thank God for HIS Grace, for believing in myself, for being hardworking. I must say that God has been really faithful, inspire of the challenges.

  • Spinal cord injury patient prays for death on sick bed

    Spinal cord injury patient prays for death on sick bed

    LINUS OOTA in Lafia chronicles the plight of 27-year-old spinal cord injury patient, who after being bedridden for ten years without reprieve, now craves death as respite for his pains.

    The 27-year-old Theodore Utime, a Tiv indigene of Nasarawa State now wears sorrow like a garment. He no longer has any desire to live, and now daily wish for death – all because of the insufferable pains that now abide with him and the never ending misery his life has become, having been bed-ridden for over 10 years, without being able to sit up or walk.

    The situation has also denied him the opportunity to complete his secondary education and his desire to study chemistry in the university. Those are aside the fact that it has turned him into a conduit pipe, through wish the fortunes and earnings of his peasant farmer parents are being drained, causing them to now live like paupers.

    Despite all efforts, Utime’s health worsens by the day and has deteriorated to a point where the embattled young man now prays the prayer of Job, to die and bring an end to his earthly suffering.

    When our correspondent visited him at a private residence in Lafia, Utime was shedding tears. He could neither sit up nor turn properly from his bed-ridden position and his voice was hardly audible, choking as he suppressed sobs. He however managed to explain that his parents have lost all hopes of a future for him, as a result of his condition.

    Utime, who hails from Mararaban Danko, Awe Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, said it happened suddenly in 2010 when he was in JSS2 at Government Secondary School, Awe, preparing to move to the next class and he fell into a deep pit and got his spinal cord broken. That injury also badly affected his waist and neck and has had him bed-ridden for 10 years.

    He explained further: “In 2010 when this happened to me, I was 18 years old; now I’m 27. I was in JSS2 then and I have not been able to continue with school since then. I had always wanted to school up to university level, but see where I am today. I can’t walk, I can’t sit up, I can’t stand, I can’t do anything. My mother does almost everything for me.

    “My ambition was to study Chemistry, become a great man, a philanthropist, a man who can help people, before this ugly incident happened to me. What happened was that I came to Lafia to work temporarily with the Nigerian Electricity Power Holding Company and fell in a pit.”

    Narrating what happened on that fateful day of 30th September 2010, Utime said, “My uncle Mr. Francis Yua secured a contract with them, so he invited me to come and work with him, so that I could also raise some money to take care of myself and pursue my dreams in education. It was in the process of working there that I fell and sustained this spinal cord injury. We started the work on 13th September, 2010 and I got the injury on 30th September, 2010.

    “We were casting iron.  We had cast the first day and on the second day, we were to remove the iron because they put it in the pit so that we would be fetching cement in the wheelbarrow and putting in the pit. From there, we were packing the iron to another pit, but it was rainy season and the ground was slippery. As I held the iron and made to turn, I suddenly slipped,  lost my balance and fell inside the deep pit with the iron I was carrying.

    “I was taken to the specialist hospital in Lafia, but after much spending, they were not able to handle my case and I was advised to go to Makurdi for further treatment. I was taken to Makurdi in a state of comma and I was in that situation for days. From Makurdi, I was referred to Mkar, Gboko, where they treat spinal cord injuries. That was where I got a little relief. I was in serious pains throughout these stages until I got to Mkar but before we got to Mkar, my parents had already exhausted all they had. My uncle equally emptied his account to ensure I got the best treatment.

    “Mkar actually tried but lack of funds hindered them from continuing the treatment. My spinal cord was broken in my neck and waist. They treated the neck and I got some relief, which is why I can turn my neck freely, but they were not able to treat  that of the waist, largely due to lack of finance. This made us return to Lafia without completing the treatment.

    “Presently, I’m not undergoing any treatment; the electricity company did not assist me with one kobo on the basis that I was not their staff. At the movement, I can’t stand, I can’t walk, I can’t sit up and I’m permanently in extreme pains.

    “I have been at home for a very long time, if I get help from anyone, I would want to go back to Mkar hospital, they really tried to revive me but finance hindered them from bringing me back to normal life. We have tried our best possible, my parents are peasant farmers. Since that incident, they hardly go to the farm again because they use most of their time in looking after and taking care of me. They have nowhere to go and source for money any longer, as they are hugely indebted.

    “I have really suffered in life. Sometimes, I wonder why I had to be saddled with such condition. The financial cost and emotional pains that have gone into this dilemma are unimaginable, the pains are excessive

    Speaking to our correspondent, Utime’s mother, Paulina Utime, said for the past 10 years, she has not been able to do anything because she has been moving with her son from one place to another, seeking for a solution.

    She said both her and her husband, Utime Gbaagbu, are peasant farmers and they have spent all their resources on the treatment.

    “God has inflicted a permanent wound on my entire life. There is absolutely no point in keeping me alive; this is my only son. Most times I think of taking away my life. God is not fair to me and I don’t know my offence,” she burst into tears.

  • Shina Phillips: World will emerge stronger after COVID-19

    Shina Phillips: World will emerge stronger after COVID-19

    Shina Philips, initiator of the annual Nigeria Pitch Awards (NPA), is a man of many parts. A football lover and FIFA-licensed agent, he’s also a security consultant and analyst and social commentator. Philips recently aired his opinion on the novel coronavirus describing it as a test of human weakness and strength. Looking beyond sport and organizing the seventh edition of Nigeria Pitch Awards, Philips reasoned that cooperation and collaboration among nations of the world will defeat coronavirus. TAIWO ALIMI captured his thoughts.

    7th Nigeria Pitch Awards

    We had already scheduled the 7th Award Ceremony of the Nigeria Pitch Awards before the lockdown was announced. But like other international events, the pandemic had forced organizers to suspend the event. This is not the only international event affected by the lockdown. The Olympic Games have also suffered this same fate. Major sporting events around the world including the unavoidable English Premiership League and many other football leagues around the world have been suspended. For us as a responsible organization, we could not have done otherwise. We felt we should abide by government’s order and toe the line of all responsible organizations. However, we are strategizing to ensure we can still hold the award ceremony in line with the social distancing guideline.

    Pitch awards nominees 

    Voting for the 7th edition of the Nigeria Pitch awards was done by over 100 sport editors spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. All votes cast were collated and verified by an independent body before the list of nominees is announced at the press conference.

    For the Striker of the Year award, Manchester United striker Odion Ighalo will battle Super Eagles’ duo of Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze while Nigeria and Barcelona forward Asisat Oshoala is in the Queen of the Pitch award alongside Chiamaka Nnadozie and Onome Ebi.

    Ighalo and Osimhen also got nominations in the King of the Pitch award, which also has Nigeria and Leicester midfielder Wilfred Ndidi. Ndidi is mentioned again in the Midfield of the Year category alongside Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo. In the Goalkeeper of the Year category, Chiamaka Nnadozie of Paris FC, Kaizer Chiefs’ Daniel Akpeyi and Francis Uzoho of Deportivo La Coruna are shortlisted.

    Chidozie Awaziem, William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo will compete for the Defender of the Year award.

    Winning the war

    I want to state clearly that COVID-19 is at war with the human race. But unlike other diseases that humans have dealt with in the past, COVID-19 has revealed the extent of human weakness and strength. The pandemic has shown that man’s touted areas of strength such as sophisticated long and medium range weapons and elaborate defense systems, investments and money have not played any great part in this war. This pandemic has shown us how frail and weak we are.

    Our strength lies in our cooperating with the authorities and acting together by listening to one another and adhering to the measures put in place by the government and international organizations like the WHO. Our government is following international best practices in global guidelines laid out to curb the spread of the pandemic. As safety measures, we have the principle of social distancing, testing of those who display symptoms of the virus, tracing those who have made contact with infected persons and treating confirmed cases. The government must invest resources in extensive campaign to create awareness because this must continue. There must be awareness and enforcement of the principle of social distancing.’

    Man’s immediate best chance of winning this war is social distancing. We must continue with this while expecting the scientists in the developed world to come up with a vaccine. In the United Kingdom, the government recently released funding to the tune of £20 million to the Oxford University for the funding of three projects related to the extensive research on a vaccine for COVID-19. The projects include research for effective vaccine, working on pre-clinical and clinical vaccine trials and support for the manufacturing process to produce vaccine to the scale of up to a million doses. In the United States, clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine have begun at the New York University Langone Health. There are of course several other efforts on-going to produce effective treatment for infected persons. It is usually an exceptionally long process with many protocols. It is now a race for man’s survival. We can get it out in a shorter span of time for the safety of the human race. Surely if there is a vaccine, we know that the virus can be eradicated. While these efforts are on-going, we should adhere to the advice of one of the Governors in the United States who said individuals should behave or act like they have COVID-19 while thanking God that you don’t have it.

    Strategic campaign

    As at December 2019, Nigeria had 126 million internet users and just 27 million of them are on Facebook. There are Nigerians who do not have access to the internet, the TV and even the radio. With epileptic power supply, how many Nigerians can get information on TV or over the radio. The government should have extensively used the local traditional and oral media to reach many who live in the rural areas and who do not have direct access to the social media. They could have used local town criers and public address system to disseminate important information on COVID-19 in local languages to rural dwellers and those who do not have access to our conventional news media. Opinion leaders, traditional rulers and religious leaders are strategically placed to reach their immediate constituencies with the right information. Unfortunately, these people were not used in the sensitization campaign. If the government had done this, we would have seen a better response of the populace to the campaign on social distancing.’

    Contributions of corporate organizations

    Some corporate bodies have done very well. For them, it is a matter of interest. When they donate to government or the people, it is essentially a part of their Corporate Social Responsibility. This is not so for religious bodies. The action of religious leaders who sent relief materials to the government is good, but I can state that it is not expedient. Religious leaders shepherd very many people and are closer to these people than the government. As they say, charity begins at home. By attempting to reach out, they should have taken care of their own first by providing relief materials for their members and thereafter, the community. How many of their members will benefit from the materials they have donated to government? I am not implying that they should not have donated to government; I am only stressing that they should have first taken proper care of their members before reaching out to the government.

    After the pandemic

    First, social distancing will put a tough strain on physical contacts in our relationships. The urge for physical contact will see virtual reality play a more central role. We will also see advanced technology playing a major role in our lifestyles and relationships; we are also looking at how Governments across the globe will approach international relations and what dimension world trade will take knowing very well that there will be a world recession which will trickle down to national economies. Whenever there is a recession, crime rate increases. So, we expect the crime rate of different countries to increase. Undoubtedly, only countries which had hitherto fully equipped her security arms will cope with very few hitches.’

    In Nigeria, the federal government will need to fund and adequately re-equip the Police Force and redesign the security architecture to meet the exigencies of the times. Nigeria is still at war with Boko Haram in the North-East. We are yet to completely stop the influx of arms and ammunition from across our borders. We are still battling with bandits and kidnapping in different parts of the country. If we do not prepare very well by improving funding for the Nigeria Police and employing technology to combat the potential upsurge, our security arms may be overwhelmed.

    Global trade will change significantly and this will affect our economy adversely. Without sounding pessimistic, our economy will take a hit because as we have just seen, crude oil prices have crashed and we all know the Nigerian economy is heavily dependent on crude export. This clearly means revenue will dip and the Federal Government will struggle to meet its financial obligations to creditors, both local and foreign. At some point, unemployment rate, which is bad already will grow worse.

    Therefore, our leaders must work to fully diversify the economy and introduce economic and social policies that will ameliorate the pain the common man may face. COVID-19 may eventually be a path to building a self-reliant economy. With careful planning and prayer, Nigeria will overcome this season.

  • Victor Moses: I fell in love with Milan first day

    Victor Moses: I fell in love with Milan first day

    Inter Milan new signing Victor Moses evaluates his reconnection with manager Antonio Conte in Milan, the Italian city he fell in love with at first sight. He shares his reunion story with TAIWO ALIMI.

    It’s an honour to link up once again with an important figure in my career. He is my mentor and friend,’ Inter Milan new signing, Nigerian player Victor Moses described manager Antonio Conte, when pressed about his relationship with the Italian who handled Chelsea and won the league title in 2017. Moses was in the Conte team that year and it was the Chelsea gaffer that redefined his attacking position to wingback position while playing that glorious season.

    Following a short stint with Turkish side Fernerbahce, Moses announced his reunion with Conte on a loan transfer that landed him in Milan in January.

    In a separate interview on Inter TV, the former Super Eagles winger further explained his feelings on connecting back with his benefactor.

    “Having the opportunity to work with the coach again is something I’m really happy about. I’ve spoken to him and he’s already explained the Club’s project to me. I want to be part of it, I’m happy to be here. I’ll give my all and want to help the team. There’s a lot of quality here, I want to make my contribution out on the pitch and enjoy myself. That’s the most important thing.”

    The 29-year-old wideman is teaming up with Conte once more after the pair worked together at Chelsea.

    Though, Moses only played three matches before the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown took effect, he is optimistic that he would have a great time playing in the lovely Milan city.

    In fact, the first thing he fell in love with, he said, is the ancient city housing another top club-side, FC Milan.

    He added: “For me to be here and be an Inter player. I’d like to thank everyone for the welcome I’ve been given, I can’t wait to be back on the pitch of play. It seems like a nice city, I’ve liked what I’ve seen up to now. I think I’ll enjoy it here and we’ll have a great future together. I have positive feelings.

    “I’m going to need time to find my feet but I want to help the team win as many games as possible. We’ll do all that we can to achieve our objectives and make our fans proud.”

    Before Milan

    This is the second time Conte would be giving the Nigerian back his playing life. At Chelsea, Moses was frozen out for three seasons only for Conte to come and recalled him back into the first team. He had spent three successive loan spells at Liverpool, Stoke City and West Ham United.

    The former Italian boss revived his career converting him into a wing back and the Nigerian played key role in the team’s winning the Premier League title in 2017 season and the FA Cup the 2018 season.

    On Conte’s command, Moses played his first game for Chelsea in three years in August, 2016. In the same month he got a starting shirt and scored his first Chelsea goal.

    Conte decided to convert him to wingback some months later and that helped stabilise the team and earned the Nigerian more playing time as he shunned up 40 games in all competition that season. He also scored four goals.

    The departure of the Italian, once again spelled doom for Moses, who was instantly loaned out to Fenerbahce in 2019.

    The 18 month loan deal did end well for Moses until an unhappy Moses was rescued by Conte, who just signed for Inter Milan.

    The six-month loan deal with a buy-out clause, according to Moses, is great as far as he’s playing for a manager that believes in him.

    Moses made Inter Milan debut on January 29, coming in as a second hand substitute for Antonio Candreva and made his league debut some days after, in a 2-0 win at Udinese.

    He further reiterated the import of the gaffer in his game and life: “I have played under a lot of managers and I’ve loved every single one of them. The most important one was Antonio Conte.

    “At Chelsea he just came in and changed everything. He is an amazing man; he totally changed my game to be honest. He gave me that fighting spirit to believe in myself and to enjoy my football same time.

    ”And then when he came that first season, we won the league, the following season we won the FA Cup.

    ”It was an amazing season for me under Antonio Conte and I’ll always respect him for that, he’s an amazing man.

    “I’ve never played that (wing-back) position before. When the manager came in, he talked me through it and then put me there.

    “It was good to have the manager’s support, and he backed me and gave me the confidence to go out there and express myself. So I just wanted to go out there to play for him, the fans and the football club. I didn’t let him down.”

    So far, Moses career honours, especially at club level have come under Conte. He won the Premiership title in 2016-17 season and followed up with the FA Cup win the following season. In the previous year, Chelsea also finished runner-up in the FA Cup.

    Asked how his game is kicking back at Inter Milan, he said.

    “I’ve come to realise that you play better under a coach that believes in you and that is what Conte has done for me. I’ve played three matches and it’s been wonderful. I feel better already. Before the lock down I’ve played three games. I started the match away to Udinese and we won 2-0. It is good for the team. We are playing for the good of the team.”

    One match that, however, touched him was Coppa Italia semifinal loss to Napoli.

    Inter Milan had staged a comeback to beat AC Milan 4-2 in a local derby Sunday before the game, only to lose steam and lose 1-0 in the Coppa Italia.

    In mid-February, Inter came from two goals down to win the Milan derby 4-2 and visibly struggled to play with the same intensity in the match against the Napoli at San Siro as they lost 1-0.

    “We used up a lot of physical and mental energy on Sunday but this cannot be an excuse. We are very disappointed with this defeat, but we must not lose heart. We must win in the return leg.”

    The second leg will now be played at the resumption of Italian football following the lockdown.

    The experienced Nigerian, though, admitted that it was not easy adapting to the rugged and highly tactical Italian football.

    “It is not easy, it is very tactical. It is important for me to put myself at the service of the team and my teammates but the manager has been of tremendous help,” he explained. “He tells me what to do and I try to remember and follow most of his instructions. He is one of the best managers in the world. He played football himself and he has a lot of passion. I am very happy to work with him again.”

    With the Italian season tentatively resuming on June 13, Moses looks forward to a great season and a permanent deal with Inter Milan. Before the lockdown, Inter occupy the third position on Serie A table with 54 points. Juventus are on top with 63 points while Lazio are in second spot with 62 points.

  • ‘Obese people are more susceptible to asthma’

    ‘Obese people are more susceptible to asthma’

    Professor of Medicine and Consultant Physician at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, Professor Greg Efosa Erhabor, in this interview with Gboyega Alaka and Medinat Kanabe speaks on World Asthma Day, prevalence of the disease in Nigeria, link with obesity and latest treatment breakthroughs. Erhabor is also president/founder, Asthma and Chest Care Foundation.

     

    IN celebration of World Asthma Day, can we say Nigeria is doing well in the area of Asthma management?

    We have come a long way from where we used to be. The World Asthma Day (WAD) is an annual international event with goals to improve asthma awareness and care around the world.

    Several chest physicians across the nation now celebrate WAD yearly to increase awareness in all the geopolitical zones by educating healthcare professionals, patients, caregivers and the general public.

    This has improved public alertness, thereby prompting quick response to patients with asthma when they need help.

    Also, more resident doctors are showing interest in pulmonology and training to become chest physicians. This has resulted in more standardised ways of management in our various tertiary and secondary hospitals.

    Basic asthma medications, inhalational therapy and nebulizers are increasingly being used by a lot of hospitals and this shows some measure of progress.

    Although, this still runs short of what is expected and there is still a big divide between what happens in tertiary hospitals and primary and secondary care services.

    For advancement of any disease, it is a triangle of patient management, training and research. There is still poor government involvement and active support to strengthen research and patient care in asthma in Nigeria.

    ​Can we have statistics on asthma prevalence rate in Africa as a whole and Nigeria in particular?​

    Asthma prevalence ranges from high prevalence countries like South Africa, which has a prevalence of 33.1%,to low prevalence countries like Gambia with 4.4%. Nigeria’s prevalence falls in-between.

    Works that have been done in the ISAAC study and studies done by scholars in Nigeria shows that the prevalence ranges from 5% to 18.7% depending on the cohort being studied.

    Most studies show that there is an urban-rural gradient with more asthma being diagnosed in urban than rural areas. Anecdotal evidence had shown that about 15 million Nigerians may have asthma.

    Are there some new risk factors associated with asthma management Nigerians need to look out for other than to ‘avoid smoking and other activities that trigger asthma attacks?​

    ​Basically, asthma results from interplay of genetic and environmental factors, a situation known as nature and nurture. Individuals with family history of asthma are prone to developing asthma.

    When individuals with genetic predisposition to asthma get exposed to certain triggers in the environment, they develop symptoms of asthma.

    Triggers are extremely small and lightweight particles transported through the air and inhaled into the lungs. They precipitate asthma attacks and are usually found in the environment.

    Triggers include pollens, house dust mite, cockroach allergens, cold air, spores, fumes, smoke, sprays, perfumes; exercise, certain drugs like aspirin, tobacco smoke, prolonged exposure to air pollution, and agents found at work place like chemicals, amongst others.

    People with allergies such as allergic rhinitis, conjunctivitis, sinusitis, or atopic eczema are predisposed to developing asthma. The most common trigger still remains house dust mite. However, there is new interest in the role of obesity in the development of asthma.

    Some people have linked obesity with asthma; what’s the connection?

    Within the last few years, there has been a growing number of literatures on the obese asthma syndrome. The detailed discussion of this topic will be beyond the scope of this article.

    How obesity contributes to asthma in an individual may vary. However, these are a few ongoing factors that have come up as the relationship:

    First, obese people are more susceptible to many strong risk factors of asthma like allergens, chemicals, cigarette smoking and air pollution.

    There are many things that have been attributed to it but one common one is that the diet that promotes obesity such as the western diet has high levels of saturated fatty acids, low fibers, low antioxidants and high in sugar.

    There is a growing literature that the harmful effects of these dietary components could lead to increased neutrophilic inflammation which predispose to asthma and increased bronchodilator response.

    Also, there has been some studies showing that obesity can lead to low circulating Vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency has been implicated in the development of asthma and obesity.

    There is also what we call a bidirectional relationship. Obesity predisposes to asthma and asthma also predisposes to obesity. For example, sixty percent of adults with severe asthma in United States are obese.

    Obese patients have worse asthma control and lower quality of life. Obese asthmatics do not respond as well to standard controller medications like inhaled corticosteroids and combination long-acting beta 2 agonists with inhaled corticosteroids (LABA/ICS), as non-obese patients. Furthermore, obese adults have 1.6 to 3 times more risk of developing wheeze and asthma.

    Obesity can cause or worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and sleep apnea and both of these conditions have caused increased risk of developing asthma.

    Patients with asthma who are obese usually have chronic low-grade systemic inflammation, which is due to the release of certain pro-inflammatory chemicals (cytokines) in the body.

    One of these is Leptin, which is synthesised by adipose tissue (fat tissue) and its levels in the body increases with obesity. Leptin and leptin receptors are found within the cells of the lungs, promote inflammation and contribute to bronchial asthma.

    High levels of leptin cause impairment of lung function, increased airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) including exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and worsening of asthma symptoms.

    Why is asthma more prevalent in children than adults? Are there some genetic factors associated with it too?​

    ​Asthma is really not more prevalent in children as newer studies have shown. However, we need to do more multinational and intercontinental research to evaluate the prevalence because it appears asthma is still much underdiagnosed in both children and adults.

    Asthma runs a bimodal pattern – childhood asthma and adult asthma. Asthma tends to be more in number and in severity among boys than girls in childhood. This becomes balanced at puberty between the ages 12-14. However, between 15 to 50 years of age, females predominate.

    Early childhood events may influence the development of asthma, the so-called hygiene hypothesis. However, what determines the progression is being debated.

    Some believe once you develop childhood asthma, you continue to have symptoms. Others believe that there is a rule of third; that following development of asthma, a third goes into quiescence, some recover and others progress.

    In the face of the Covid-19 pandemic where getting medical attention is becoming difficult, what’s your advice to the average person living with asthma out there?​

    Management of asthma is usually a partnership between the physician and the patient with asthma. Asthmatics are encouraged to work with their physicians to develop a self-management plan which includes plan for acute exacerbation of asthma. Central to this management is the following:

    1. a) It must be individualised and personalised. There is need to study their asthma and treatment must be personalised for each person.
    2. b) Education is paramount. They need to be educated on asthma, the different components of asthma, how to recognise their triggers, inhaler techniques, self- management plan, amongst others.
    3. c) The early use of anti-inflammatory drugs which include inhalational steroids is advocated.
    4. d) Reserving rescue medications only for acute exacerbation. The lesser they are used shows a good management of their asthma.
    5. e) The use of combination therapy using long acting beta 2 agonists and inhaled corticosteroids (such as Budesonide/Formoterol, Fluticasone propionate/ salmeterol, Fluticasone propionate/ Formoteroletc) for long term maintenance of asthma.These medications can also be used as rescue medications. There are other newer drugs used in advanced countries but these are not readily available and affordable.
    6. f) As a principle, it is advised to take inhaled medications for asthma because it gets delivered to the site of action, and small doses give maximum effect.However, some inhaled medications can cause oral thrush and this can be prevented by using spacer devices or rinsing the mouth immediately after use.
    7. g) Monitoring of their asthma, using a peak flow meter which allows them to calibrate their asthma because the peak flow meter has a colour-coded portion red, yellow and green.The Green zone shows you have good control, no asthma symptoms and you can continue to take your medications as usual. Your peak flow reading at this time is between eighty to hundred percent of your normal readings.

      The Yellow Zone is termed the zone of caution! The patient may have cough, wheeze, chest tightness or shortness of breath. He or she may be waking up at night due to asthma and can do some, but not all, usual activities.

      Use your inhaled bronchodilator with your anti-inflammatory medications and you may think of either changing medications or increasing dose.

      The Red Zone is the medical alert! The patient is usually very short of breath and quick-relief medicines have not helped. That person needs urgent attention.

    Asthmatics should be managed as when there was no pandemic. When they notice deterioration in their health, they should contact the nearest health facility as soon as possible.

    The continual use of medications like aminophylline can be dangerous and should be discouraged. Early use of steroids is encouraged because of the anti-inflammatory properties.

    What are the newer therapies in the management of asthma?

    Severe allergic asthma could sometimes be very difficult to treat, in other words they may not respond to the commonly used asthma medications.

    In recent times, several new medications, known collectively as ‘biologics,’ have been approved for the treatment of moderate-to-severe asthma. Biologics are unique in that they target a specific antibody, molecule, or cell involved in asthma. Because of this, they are known as ‘precision’ or ‘personalised’ therapy.

    A biologic is a medication made from the cells of a living organism, such as bacteria or mice, that is then modified to target specific molecules in humans.

    For asthma, the targets are antibodies, inflammatory molecules, or cell receptors. By targeting these molecules, biologics work to disrupt the pathways that lead to inflammation that causes asthma symptoms.

    Some examples of these drugs include: Omalizumab, which targets allergy antibodies known as IgE and Mepolizumab, reslizumab, and benralizumab, which all target pathways that affect eosinophils – which are cells involved in the disease process of asthma.

    The commonest and most widely used is Omalizumab, particularly in Europe, the United States and other regions. These drugs are used as add-on therapies for the treatment of inadequately- controlled severe persistent allergic asthma, despite the use of high dose inhaled steroid and long acting bronchodilators in patients aged 6 years or over.

    Among those who used these drugs, severe exacerbations were noticed to decline significantly. Omalizumab is given by underneath the skin injection once every 2-4 weeks based on initial serum IgE level and body weight.

    The major drawback of these agents is the prohibitive cost. For example, a vial of 150mg for Omalizumab, cost on the average $1,188. Aside this, these drugs are not readily available in most low and middle-income countries, like Nigeria. Another disadvantage is that they are mostly injectables and so they have to be administered in the hospital setting under strict monitoring.

    Adverse effects such as fever, increase susceptibility to upper respiratory infection, headache, fever, urticaria, injection site induration, injection site itching, pain, and bruising all contributed to making the use of these medications not very desirable.

    Other forms of therapy include Bronchial Thermoplasty which is an innovative, non-drug procedure developed for the treatment of severe persistent asthma. It involves the use of thermal energy to reduce the increased airway muscle that is associated with airway constriction in asthma patients and also to prevent permanent airway damage, otherwise called airway remodelling.

    In recent time, experts have also advocated the use of Tiotropium which is a long-acting antimuscarinic agent. This drug works by relaxing the airways smooth muscles and reducing the increase mucus secretion associated with difficult -to-treat asthma.

    With current COVID-19 pandemic, are more asthmatics presenting with COVID-19?

    Current observational research has shown that asthmatics do not come up with increased exacerbation during COVID-19. But this is still evolving because COVID-19 affects the parenchyma of the lungs rather than the lung airways.

    Perhaps asthma protects against COVID 19 via a different immune response elicited by the disease. ACE 2 receptor expressed in respiratory epithelium have been documented as the route of entry of SARS-Cov2 in humans. However, asthma patients have a decreased expression of these ACE2 receptors.

    Therapies used by patients with asthma can reduce the risk of infection or of developing symptoms leading to diagnosis. Suppression of viral replication was shown, as the inhaled corticosteroid, ciclesonide, blocks coronavirus RNA replication by targeting viral NSP15. There have also been reports of the inhibitory effects of glycopyrronium, formoterol and budesonide on coronavirus HCoV-229E replication and cytokine production by primary cultures of human nasal and tracheal epithelial cells.

    How best can one manage a severe allergic reaction like cough or wheezing during the lockdown that wouldn’t be misconstrued or taken for symptoms of COVID-19?​

    As doctors, we usually say that all that wheezes is not asthma. However, wheezing is not one of the symptoms in COVID-19.​ Cough in COVID-19 is dry, continuous, associated with fever, sore throat, muscle aches, breathlessness and other constitutional symptoms. Cough in asthma is usually episodic, associated with wheeze, breathlessness, chest tightness, and triggered by exogenous factors.

    At what point exactly do you place an asthma patient on nebulizer?​

    ​Nebulizer is a drug delivery device used to administer medication in the form of a mist inhaled into the lungs. Nebulizers break up medical solutions and suspensions into small aerosol droplets that can be directly inhaled from the mouthpiece of the device.

    They can be oxygen driven, thereby giving a dual approach to effectively managing patients with asthma. There are various forms of nebulizers. These include the ultrasonic, jet powered and mesh nebulizers.

    These devices are basically used in managing acute exacerbations of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and in the delivery of certain medications in managing other diseases.

    The aim of nebulizer therapy is to deliver a therapeutic dose of a desired drug as an aerosol in the form of respirable particles within a short period of time, usually 5–10 minutes.

    The medications delivered via nebulizers can also be delivered using an inhaler with a spacer device and this may achieve the same result with a nebulizer. However, nebulizers are useful in acute settings.

    It is useful when patients do not have spacer devices, if they are too young to cooperate or in the elderly who have poor co-ordination between device actuation and breath, or any condition that makes it difficult to use the inhaler therapy.

    Research has shown that healthcare providers find it more convenient to administer nebulizers to patients in severe respiratory distress because less education or cooperation is required at such times, it can be oxygen driven, and it is less patient dependent.

    In carrying massive awareness campaigns on asthma management, what strategies would you suggest to reach those who actually need such education?

    I met with a group of experts in Tromso, Norway, about two years ago and we were thinking of the use of ‘M’Health as a means of education, and managing patients with disease like asthma and COPD. ‘M’ Health is a term used for practice of medicine and public health supported by mobile devices like phones, tablets, computers, PDAs, variable devices that are smart etc.

    This is a very easy way in which you can use your smart device to track the patients; it also contains applications that can allow the patients to make informed decision on what to do and also connect with their physicians in very severe condition. That is an innovative step.

    Other things that can be done include increasing public awareness through television, newspapers, radio, social media networks and using various public fora. There is also need for mass education in schools, churches and mosques and massive distribution of asthma information booklets.

    How readily available are nebulizers and peak flow meters in our country?

    Nebulizers and peak flow meters are now increasingly available in Nigeria compared to what used to happen in the past. OMRON has been actively involved in educating physicians, pharmacists and other healthcare practitioners globally on asthma and the use of peak flow meters, and other asthma devices like nebulizers.

    I am also aware that OMRON is collaborating with NEW HEIGHTS and they are involved in massive discounted sales of peak flow meters and nebulizers. Also, there are some pharmaceuticals who distribute peak flow meters free to patients.

    There have also been some charity organizations like Asthma and Chest Care Foundation and Breathe Easy Foundation, UK, who have been actively involved in distributing peak flow meters free of charge to patients.

    However, this is not enough, we look forward to more participation by philanthropists to make nebulizers, peak flow meters and asthma medications available to the masses.

    One of my goals as a chest physician is to ensure that every asthmatic on the surface of the earth, especially in developing country, have a peak flow meter available to him or her.

    On a final note, we want to commend bodies like the Nigerian Thoracic Society headed by Prof. Prince Ele for the work done on asthma in Nigeria.

    The Asthma and Chest Care Foundation, my foundation, has also been in the forefront in the provision of education, patient care and counseling, training of health professionals; advocacy and conducting of research projects towards the enhancement of the lives of people with asthma and other lung diseases.

    We look forward to philanthropists who will support these bodies so as to augment the efforts of the government in asthma management.

  • Erica Nlewedim: My experience with MBGN was life changing

    Erica Nlewedim: My experience with MBGN was life changing

    Erica Nlewedim is an actress, model and beauty queen who participated in pageants like Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN). In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about her career, inspiration and more.

    How have you been staying safe during COVID-19 pandemic?

    I have been staying safe by keeping indoors and if I have to go for grocery shopping I use a mask and hand sanitizers religiously.

    Do you consider this a time to rest and take a break from work?

    I consider this a time to rest but more importantly to work on the things I have been postponing for a while. I am also using this time to do a lot of reading, self-improvement, workouts, and skin care.

    What message do you have for your fans?

    To my fans, I would say please be strong. I know times are hard, your life is only as good as your thoughts, but try to think positive and uplifting thoughts only. And if you need to make quick cash you can think of ways to solve problems. Like they say, little drops of water make an ocean. I’ll keep trying to help as many people as I can with foodstuffs; I love and appreciate you guys.

    Tell us about the movies you did recently?

    The most recent movie I starred in is called “The wig” produced by Mr. Darlington Abuda.

    It’s about a lawyer with self-esteem issues and the movie depicts her journey to developing self-confidence and it generally affects her career, beauty, and her love life! It’s a beautiful story and I can’t wait for you all to see it.

    What inspires the things you do?

    What inspires the things I do is the impact it will have in my life in the nearest future and in the long run.

    If you could change something in your industry with the magic wand, what would it be?

    If I could change something about my industry it would be for our movies to have a much bigger budget. The truth of the matter is that, this is necessary so we can achieve the results the producers and directors really want. That way more people would pay to watch our movies and the sector will obviously move to the next level.

    Take us through your experience during the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria pageant?

    My experience with the MBGN pageant was life changing. I won the title of MBGN Miss Photogenic. It was an experience in which I learnt a lot and it is quite memorable. I learnt how to walk like a queen and how to carry myself with poise. At the pageant, I also met great people, a number of them are still my friends till today.

    I also got to visit Bayelsa State and Rivers State; I must say it was awesome. It is an experience I’m always grateful for.

    Tell us about the people you admire in the sector?

    I admire Mo Abudu, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Omotola, and Stephanie Okereke. They have had a very huge impact in Nollywood and I intend to be as influential and respected as they are in the industry.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

    One of the changes I would like to see in the sector is bigger budget for our movies. That will surely help to bring out the best in the talents we have.

    You are also a model, what has been the experience?

    My experience as a model has been great; I started modeling officially at 17yrs of age. I was passionate about the sector and took steps to achieve this dream. First, I googled a list of commercial agencies in Lagos and I called a few of the numbers until I got signed to one. I got a few commercials and print jobs but my first big break was in 2014 when I got my first billboard and lead in a TV commercial. That was the turning point for me and since then I’ve been the face of a lot of brands. The list includes Access bank, Natures Gentle Touch, Zaron cosmetics, Glo, Daviva and more.

    What is your definition of style?

    My definition of style is an expression of who I am or how I want to be perceived.

    What are the things that you won’t do in the name of fashion?

    I wouldn’t wear anything that makes me feel uncomfortable in the name of fashion.

    Tell us about your favorite holiday spot?

    My favorite holiday spot is Mykonos, the white buildings everywhere, the beaches are so beautiful and the people are very welcoming.

    What would you consider as the turning point in your career?

    My first cinema movie “Hire a woman” was released in 2019 and the response and recognition I have gotten from fans has been amazing, way more than I got the previous years.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your career?

    My greatest influences have been the stars I have admired from childhood and I still admire. They are Charlize Theron, Angelina Jolie, Scarlett Johansson, Genevieve Nnaji, Beyoncé and Rihanna.

    If you had to advise young people in Nigeria today, what would you tell them?

    My advice to the youths of Nigeria is to hone in on their skills and aim to be experts at their crafts. They should always make sure that nothing of low quality comes from them.

    What type of books do you like to read?

    I like to read books on finance, Christian books and novels especially romance.

  • Burna Boy’s sister, Nissi speaks on career as a singer

    Burna Boy’s sister, Nissi speaks on career as a singer

    Nissi Ogulu, professionally known as Nissi, a London-based Nigerian singer, songwriter and painter. The Port-Harcourt born singer is a younger sister to Nigerian superstar, Burna Boy. She speaks to SAMPSON UNAMKA on her career, her brother and family.

    What’s your kind of music?

    Not a big fan of genres because I don’t create in boxes but I’ve heard the term “Afro-Jazz”.

    What message do you hope to pass with your music?

    Truth, Redemption, empowerment. The goal is always to connect with people through messages about the realities of life which also sometimes includes our fantasies.

    How do you combine music and painting?

    For me, they go hand in hand and inspire each other. When I am creating music I am often visualising and when I am painting I am always listening to music and composing.

    Did you study Mechanical Engineering why, not music or art?

    Honestly, I studied them both academically till university. Since I was doing them professionally,  the real-life demands of also having to do them professionally did not allow time for me to also do those courses in school at a higher level. Academically I was always just good at maths and sciences and putting things together.

    How would you describe Burna Boy?

    Family – he’s my homie.

    Were you influenced by him or you both of you had been doing music since childhood?

    We have both been doing music in our own way for as long as I can remember.

    How did your grandfather’s incursion in music influence your growing up as a child?

    He has always played a huge part in my musical development and of course, his music was always a massive presence in his home so it definitely trickled down to me.

    You live in the UK, how do you intend to break into the Nigerian market?

    My roots are my roots which will always show itself in my music. I leave logistics and strategy to my team – thank God for flights.

    Are you single?

    Lol

    Many know your mum as Mama Burna, can you share something intimate no one knows about her?

    She speaks 5 languages.

    Will your mum also be your manager?

    She has always been.

    What’s the plan for this year, EP or an album?

    At least 2 EPs.

    There aren’t that many female automobile engineers that also double as musicians. How does that make you feel and how do you juggle both?

    I am always trying to break barriers and accomplish everything I have the ability to successfully – that makes me feel great, I’m very much a “yes I can” person. It’s not easy to juggle. It has definitely had me sacrificing my sleep and socials.

    Do you have a unique way of creating your kind of music?

    Melodies – First thing for me is to feel the musical melodies and the words just pour out – literally. Quite often I don’t write stuff down until after I’ve said it just so I can remember and record it again.

    What is your dream collaboration?

    Uh oh, this is a loaded question. The list is probably longer than the page for questions but let me break it down from my inspirations – Alicia Keys, Lauryn hill, j.cole, jay z, Janelle monae, Beyoncé, Ed sheeran, Asa to the new age – Jess glynne, H.E.R, Masego, fireboy, Daniel Caesar, Solange … the list goes on tbh.

    Your biggest music inspiration(s) is/are..?

    Nina Simone, Fela, Miss Lauryn, Janet Jackson, B.Marley are amongst the inspirations I’ve had.

    Your fanbase is called “Nissi Nation”, how would you describe them? A Nation of amazing people who aren’t afraid to be themselves especially the females.

    What are your projections for your music in the next 5 years?

    Oh wow – well I’m hoping I’ll be a global household name by then.

    What was your first stage performance like?

    Funny story – My two friends and I put on a show when I was about 8/9 years old where we performed a destiny’s child cover medley of “loose my breath” and “bootylicious” for our primary school socials. All I can say is – we gave them one hell of a show with some epic moves!

    From your debut single, Familiar till now that we are vibing to Trouble and Tornado, how would you describe your musical journey? I would call it a discovery because not only am I further discovering ways to create my sound – the world is getting to see more sides of my music. It’s such an exciting process for me.

    Have you had any funny experience with a fan physically or on social media?

    I’ve had someone start a loud argument in the crowd with someone next to her who I guess didn’t know who I was till they saw me perform that day – it was hilarious but so nice to see.

    A number of musicians are currently in isolation over the coronavirus pandemic. Do you think awareness for preventing the spread was done late?

    Definitely and I think the messages being spread to create this awareness are lopsided because it is instilling more fear than knowledge. I definitely think it could have been handled better mais, c’est la vie.

  • Olumide Oyedeji: How we got top athletes into COVID-19 campaign video

    Olumide Oyedeji: How we got top athletes into COVID-19 campaign video

    For the first time in many years, top Nigerians athletes united under an umbrella to raise awareness in a campaign video against COVID-19 pandemic. Led by Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC) representative, former D’Tigers captain, Olumide Oyedeji, the two minutes video had the voices of past and present top athletes from different fields lending their voices to how to contain the virus and keeping safe. They are Super Eagles icons; Nwankwo Kanu, Austin Okocha, Ahmed Musa, Segun Odegbami and Samson Siasia. Others are Olympians Enefiok Udo-Obong, Mary Onyali, Blessing Okagbare, Chika Chukwumerije, Funke Oshinaike, Tobi Amusan, Blessing Okagbare, Mariam Usman, Aruna Quadri, Seun Adigun, and Oduayo Adekuoroye.

    Speaking with TAIWO ALIMI, in an exclusive interview, Oyedeji talked about efforts put into making the project a reality and how Nigerian athletes scattered over the world were able to be a part of the video that attracted commendation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last week.

    Oyedeji said: “It was a great initiative led by the NAC which I am the chairman alongside other members like Blessing Okagbare, Mariam Usman, Aruna Quadri, Seun Adigun, Oduayo Adekuoroye and others. It was a very difficult one with everyone coming from different places and different direction. We asked all to send their voices and lend a hand to the campaign and they compiled. It was a difficult one but we were able to pull it together and it actually proved to be one of the best that was received by the IOC and that earned us the IOC commendation for what we did.”

    Sharing personal experience in the lockdown, the former NBA player, who posited that athletes find it harder in a lockdown, added that keeping alive is more important.  “Lockdown is been very difficult, but nevertheless we have to keep alive because lockdown will not be forever. It is only when you are alive that you can talk about lockdown after COVID-19. It’s also been exciting and I’ve been busy and staying indoor too. Though we cannot do a lot of things but we have to be focused on keeping alive. I also want to appeal and campaign for other sports people to stay safe and stay clean and keep distance. It tough but keeping alive is more important.”

    Oyedeji spoke on other issues around the COVID-19; lockdown, implication to athletes and how the sport ministry must plan for post pandemic. It is interesting and revealing. Excerpts:   

     

    Let’s start with the campaign against COVID-19. In the video the NOC president, Habu Gumel, Sport Minister Sunday Dare and Nigeria’s top athletes home and abroad lend their voices to the campaign video, how did you pull it off?  

    The Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) with the Nigeria Athletes Commission (NAC) just decided to put together the campaign for COVID-19 with the voices of Nigerian athletes. It was a great initiative led by the NAC which I am the chairman alongside other members like Blessing Okagbare, Mariam Usman, Aruna Quadri, Seun Adigun, Oduayo Adekuoroye and others. It was very difficult one with everyone coming from different places and different direction. We asked all to send their voices and lend a hand to the campaign and they compiled. It was a difficult one but we were able to pull it together and it actually proved to be one of the best that was received by the IOC and that earned us the IOC commendation for what we did.

    Whose idea was it and what goes into getting all athletes in different fields under one umbrella?

    The idea of getting all the athletes under one umbrella is for the game to have one voice. According to the IOC, athletes’ voices must be heard and must be involved because they are the commodity.  SO, without athletes there is nothing for anyone to administer. They came up with the athlete commission to be put in place by every national federation where athlete voice must be heard. So, we came together in order to see how Nigerian athlete could be heard and we came up with very credible athletes that can represent their fellow athletes and make their voice known and heard. It is important that we do this for everything to be in or der alongside the Sport Ministry and the NOC is very essential.

    IOC President Thomas Bach commended the efforts of NAC, what did that mean to you and other athletes?

    For IOC President commending the efforts of Nigerian athletes is something that is commendable and something that is good. I am very excited about it. At least, for us to be named and for us to be set as an example and for other people to know that Nigeria wants to be a pace setter in the good things and in the right direction for other people. We are very excited and very happy about it.

    How do you react to the Olympic postponement considering the effect on athletes?

    For the Olympic postponement I believe that it is a right decision because the health and the welfare of the athletes are ex tremely important; not the athlete alone but the coaches and the people that would come around from all over the world to see the games too. As you can see the pandemic is real and it keeps spreading so you never know what is going to happen. So, the health is very essential. In particular when athletes cannot focus on practicing with the social distancing thing, mentally and psychologically, the athletes are already down. Everyone will have to stay at home for many weeks and by the they come back to compete it would be really difficult, it’s going to be tough meaning they will have to push themselves to the extreme and it can result to injuries. So, you might not get the best quality for the Olympics. So, it is a good thing that IOC is postponing so that the athletes can get themselves together after the coronavirus pandemic is over.

    You had a discussion with the IOC President over grants to Nigeria athletes, what other things did he tell you?

    I probably had a discussion with the IOC President about the grant and I asked a question and he replied that the grant will continue through to 2021, which is a great relief. At least, the athletes can support themselves with the grant. I also asked question about the athlete commission in working with ADECO. ADECO is a company that works with athletes while in sport and also out of sport. It is a great program initiated by the IOC and Nigeria will benefit from this in the next three months after the pandemic. He promised us that we are going to benefit and that will help our athletes to get trained and do other things while they are in sport and out of it. So, they can make themselves valuable and relevant after the end of their career.

    As Nigeria athletes’ representative in IOC, what does it mean to you and how do you hope to make your role beneficial to Nigeria sport?

    It is a great opportunity and priviledge. I already had the opportunity to represent Africa at FIBA player commission for five years and I enjoy it. I am very excited to be part of this and for the belief and trust they have in me to be able to represent Nigerian athletes and speak on their behalf. It is a challenge and a trust that I must live up to.

    With my experience I would make my role beneficial to Nigerian athletes. I played for Nigeria for 20 years and know what the players want. I know what athletes need and what is needed to be done. I want to ask for the support of the Ministry of Sport and the NOC for them to make sure that Nigerian athletes’ voices are heard and they are put in the decision making process. They should be put into consideration and have a good and mutual relationship with the ministry. This is important and how the ministry of sport can also improve by getting the feedback direct and not from a third party.

    How are you coping with the lockdown?

    Lockdown is been very difficult, but nevertheless we have to keep alive because lockdown will not be forever. It is only when you are alive that you can talk about lockdown after COVID-19. It’s also been exciting and I’ve been busy and staying indoor too. Though we cannot do a lot of things but we have to be focused on keeping alive. I also want to appeal and campaign for other sports people to stay safe and stay clean and keep distance. It tough but keeping alive is more important.

    How can the Nigeria sport ministry ensure that the pandemic does not have greater adverse effect on Nigerian sport?

    The pandemic will affect sport for sure. Already it has affected so many things and not only here in Nigeria but all over the world. You can see the NBA shut down, EPL shut down, the Bundesliga, Italian league, and La liga are completely shut down. Even the NHL is shut down. In-fact every sport is affected.

    So, we just have to come up with programs that can engage our athletes and can put food on the table immediately after the pandemic.

    We have to prepare for post COVID-19. Activities must be scaled up for the athletes. This is the time to begin to think about engaging programs that will educate the athletes and get their back on their feet mentally and psychologically because it is also a psychological trauma. We have to put in place things that would be beneficial to the athletes to get them back on their feet and running as soon as possible.