The Nation Newspaper

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  • Herbal, nutritional treatment for peptic ulcer

    Herbs and food have been identified as natural cure for peptic ulcer.

    According to a naturopath, Dr Gilbert Ezengige, they can dramatically help an ulcer patient to recover fast.

    He said rich mucilage herbs are important remedy in the treatment of peptic ulcers. “Mucilages are thick, gluey substance produced by some plants. They are hydrophyllic polysaccharides, and when mixed with water they swell considerably. They have among other properties the ability to heal gastrointestinal diseases (GI), inflammatory diseases and irritated mucous membrane conditions,” he added.

    Ezengige said ewedu known botanically as Corchorus olitorius, Ahihara in Igbo, and Okra are good examples of the stew that aid the treatment of the disease as well as coconut milk.

    “Astringent herbs also help to arrest bleeding in the bleeding type of ulcers. Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides) is a good example of an astringent herb that is indicated for ulcer treatment,” he said.

    This herbs,he said, also possess anti-microbial property.

    Ewedu (Corchorus olitorius, Ahihara in Igbo), and Okra are good examples. Astringent herbs would help to arrest bleeding in the bleeding type of ulcers. Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides) is a good example of an astringent herb that is indicated for ulcer treatment. This herb also possesses antimicrobial property.

    Nutritional foods such as cabbage (Brassica oleracea), pawpaw (Carica papaya), avocado (Persea americana) and hardened egg (Solanum incanum) are eaten to treat the disease?

    Also, banana and ogbono soup (prepared from the seed of Irvingia gabonenseis can be used.

    Other herbal medicine are gel from Aloe vera, Imi-esu (Agerantum conyzoides), Ogbolo (Cissus populnea)

    He said peptic ulcer is a lesion, an erosion of the lining of the stomach, esophagus or duodenum.

    The disease, Ezengige said can affect men and women. “When the ulcer affects the stomach wall, it is referred to as stomach or gastric ulcer; if the duodenum tissue is ulcerated it is called duodenal ulcer. Peptic ulcer that erodes the esophagus is called esophageal ulcer. The principal symptom of peptic ulcer can be described as a deep and gnawing pain around the upper abdominal region which tends to subside somewhat shortly after partaking of a soothing meal,” he added.

    Ezengige said about 60 per cent of peptic ulcer is caused by a class of bacteria known as helicobacter pylori. 20 per cent of the sufferers of this ailment acquired it through the use, misuse or abuse of certain drugs such as aspirin and ibuprofen. The remaining 20 per cent of peptic ulcer patients are likely those addicted to cigarette smoking, alcohol and coffee drinkers or heavy junk food consumers. Others are people who often experience very stressful living; they get unduly upset and as a result they ‘stomach’ a lot of suppressed anger. Also included in the last category of the 20 per cent are peptic ulcers of no known cause.

    He said: “In almost all the cases of ulcer conditions the hydrochloric acid (HCL) and the digestive enzyme pepsin become imbalanced thereby giving room for ulcer development. They are hydrophyllic polysaccharides, and when mixed with water they swell considerably.”

  • Senate seeks life jail for terrorists

    Anybody found guilty of terrorism risks life jail, according to the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Bill being considered by the Senate.

    Nigeria may also pursue terrorists into neighbouring countries should the Bill sails through at the National Assembly.

    Entitled: “A Bill to amend the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 and for other related matters 2012” it scaled second reading in the Senate yesterday.

    It seeks to empower the government to trace and punish any person who commits act of terrorism in or outside the country.

    It will also provide stiffer punishment for terrorism sponsors.

    Senate Leader Victor Ndoma-Egba, in his lead debate, said the Bill seeks to make provisions for extra territorial application of the Act and to strengthen the section on terrorism financing offences.

     

  • Owena oil restructures, appoints vice-chairman, GM

    THE appointments of Mr. Samuel Kolajo as an Executive Vice-Chairman, and Prince Claudius Olateru-Olagbegi as the General Manager in charge of operation, Owena Oil and Gas Limited, were the major decisions taken at the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM), held in Lagos.

    In a statement by the Company Secretary, Mr. Olukayode Enitan, the firm noted that the appointees would team up with the chairman of the company, Mr. Bankole Oluwajana to move the company forward.

    According to the statement, Integrated Mineral Development Company Limited (IMDC) still holds a 70 per cent shareholding of Owena Oil and Gas Limited including 40 per cent equity participation it holds in trust for technical partners.

    The statement reads: “The oil firm is now poised to realise its full potentials with the new appointments and the setting up of proper office in Ikoyi area of Lagos.

    “With the setting up of a proper office in Ikoyi, Lagos and strategic appointment of credible and professional personnel to operate and manage its affairs, it is undeniable that the corporate and financial success of the company in the oil and gas industry is guaranteed.”

    Enitan said the shareholding formula of the company has not changed as “it still reflects the true shareholders as Ondo State and IMDC having 30 per cent and 70 per cent holdings respectively with 40 per cent held by IMDC in trust for incoming technical partners”.

  • Edo explains sealing of Federal parastatals

    Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole has explained why some Federal Government parastatals in the state were sealed for evading tax.

    He described the non-payment of tax by the parastatals as “outright display of irresponsibility”.

    Oshiomhole said the state government would collaborate with the judiciary to enact laws that would send tax invaders to prison.

    He said what defines the character of any responsible government is its disposition to taxation.

    Oshiomhole said: “Nothing can be more sensitive than the survival of the state. That was why we took certain actions. How can the Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC) say it cannot afford to pay tax when it allows both genuine and non-genuine importers to make so much money?

    “Tax is not a voluntary contribution; it is a levy and non-payment of tax is not a civil matter, but a criminal matter. I have told my people that anybody who does not pay tax should be jailed.

    “No Nigerian, whether corporate or individual, is above the law. That was why we sealed the Nigerian Telecommunications (NITEL), the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC), banks and schools.

    “The fact that they are sensitive should not make them behave irresponsibly and any one who evades tax is irresponsible in the eyes of the law. We also intend to ensure that individuals pay tax. Every progressive government taxes the rich to provide basic social amenities for the poor.”

  • Mark: Nigeria lacks scientists

    Mark: Nigeria lacks scientists

    President of the Senate, David Mark, has cast doubt over the realisation of Vision 20:2020 barely of eight years ahead. He lamented that the country is lagging behind in producing experts in science. Mark who spoke at the fourth national conference organised by the School of Science at the College of Advanced and Professional Studies (CAPS)Makurdi Friday last week, expressed optimism that a breakthrough by Nigerian scientists is underway.

    Represented at the occasion by his Special Adviser on Research and Strategy, Mr Steve Anyebe, the Senate President declared his readiness to offer sponsorship to higher studies, any Benue indigene that would make a breakthrough in science and technology.

    According to him, he has awarded scholarships to many Benue indigenes who are at present studying in various universities. He urged participants to proffer solutions so as to turn around the economy of the nation for the good of the society.

    The Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mr Godwin Adah, said the policy thrust of the world’s 20 largest economies by 2020 can only be achieved through the committed efforts of stakeholders, towards ensuring requisite reforms in sectors of the economy that would impact on national development. Represented by the director in the ministry, Mr Aunde Igyungu, the commissioner identified lack of science culture and the political will to address issues as they come as factors militating against development.

  • Ajimobi to Fed Govt: block illegal arms importation

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has urged the Federal Government to block importation of arms into the country.

    Ajimobi spoke at the opening of the training workshop organised by the 2nd Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in Ibadan on Wednesday, described the national security challenge currently being faced by the country as a passing phase.

    He said: “It is in the definition of what constitutes our core values as a people that we can find lasting solutions to the separatist inclinations of some of our people who take arms against the country.

    “It is in the lack of identification of our core values that can be found the absence of patriotism among her nationals, to the extent of rising against Nigeria’s national interest,’’ he submitted.

    He also said that Nigerians must be made to undergo courses in security consciousness, adding “the time of innocence for us as a people has gone and security consciousness must take over our innocence.

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, said the theme of the training “Developing Requisite Capabilities by the Nigerian Army for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges’’ was apt in view of the security challenges currently facing the country.

    He was represented by Major –General Mohammed Abubakar, the GOC, 2 Mechanised Division, Ihejirika said that the army was saddled with the leading role of responding to the myriad of security challenges facing the country.

  • Why I left Mimiko’s govt, by ex-commissioner

    Why I left Mimiko’s govt, by ex-commissioner

    A former Ondo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Diran Iyantan, yesterday said he left the Olusegun Mimiko government because of the governor’s alleged insensitivity to the plight of the people.

    Iyantan addressed reporters at Ode-Aye in Okitipupa Local Government Area, after his defection to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

    The former commissioner, who is the younger brother to the late Afolabi Iyantan, the former Deputy Governor to the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati, noted that Mimiko’s failure to fulfil his promises to ACN leadership was the major reason he dumped the LP for ACN.

    He noted that the governor reneged on his electoral promises to transform the state and empower the residents.

    According to him, his defection to ACN has depleted the PDP and LP in the local government.

    Iyantan said he accepted to be a commissioner under the LP to enable him preach Regional Integration Agenda, as canvassed by Southwest leaders, and because he is an advocate of “one governor, one term” stance.

    The former commissioner said it was a pity Mimiko, who was seen as God-sent, allowed his zeal for power to becloud his administrative and political responsibilities.

    He said his efforts to make the governor retrace his steps and align with Yoruba leaders proved abortive.

    Iyantan said Mimiko became inaccessible to members of his State Excecutive Council (Exco), who were willing to tell him the truth.

    The politician said he quit Mimiko’s administration to protect his integrity and political career, adding that these are more precious to him than gold.

    He explained that Mimiko, who was an advocate of “one governor, one term”, has sinned against the people for reneging on his promises.

    Iyantan said: “The Bible says it is better for a man not to make a promise than to make a promise he knows he will never fulfill. This is a great sin. I am a Christian and a politician. I believe so much in the words of God. I expected the governor to stick to the philosophy of ‘one governor, one term’, which he originated.

    “I expected him to move to ACN the moment he became governor. But it is unfortunate that the same Mimiko, who promised to go to ACN, also romances with the PDP in Abuja because of his zeal to remain relevant in national politics.

    “To me, this is a betrayal of trust. The governor is fond of paying evil for good, particularly to those who brought him up politically. The stories of what transpired between him and Dr Olusegun Agagu, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Chief Adekunle Ajasin even Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who appointed him as a minister, are evidence of his political anomalies.

    “The man has dug a pit for his predecessors, who attempted to vote for another term, and the fate that befell the people will certainly befall him.

    “Mimiko has done bad in the administration of the state and we are reminding our people that one bad turn deserves rejection. The pit he has dug will naturally consume him as well.”

    The politician described his defection to ACN as “home-coming” and an avenue to partake in the coming “blissful Eldorado” in the Sunshine State.

    Iyantan hailed ACN leadership for fighting the cause of the common man and propagating the need for the Southwest to speak with one voice.

    He also hailed former Lagos State Governor Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for championing the development in the Southwest and Nigeria.

  • Okene killings: IGP insists on probe of fresh lead

    The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), M.D. Abubakar, has called for a probe following fresh clues available to the police on the killing of Deeper Life Bible Church members in Okene, Kogi State.

    It was learnt that the IGP is not yet convinced on a recommendation in the preliminary report that some key suspects, especially former local government chairmen, should be released on bail.

    The three major suspects-Yahaya Karaku (ex-Okene LGA chairman), Abubakar Zuberu (ex-Okehi LGA chairman) and Momoh Jimoh, currently detained at the Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), have initiated legal action to compel the IGP to release them on bail.

    The killing of 17 members of the church was carried out on August 6.

    Since the killing, police have arrested 18 suspects, including the former council chairmen and a key suspect, Abdulmannan Obadeki, who was arrested in Owo, Ondo State.

    Investigation by our correspondent showed that the FCID has submitted a preliminary report, which recommended the release of the former local government chairmen.

    The same report identified some fresh clues which require further investigation.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “The preliminary report was submitted about three weeks ago but the IGP, who is a crack detective, believes that the fresh lead must be probed before any of the suspects can be granted bail.

    “As I am talking to you, the IGP is on top of the situation. He wants the investigators to get to the root of the killings.

    “It is the view of the IGP and his team that all sides to the case must be probed instead of the team jumping into conclusion that the murder might not have political undertones.

    “The antecedent of some of the suspects, especially their involvement in political violence, made the IGP to insist on investigation of fresh clues.

    “Some of these investigators have been shuttling between Abuja and Lokoja. The target is to get to the root of the murder.”

    Responding to a question, the source said: “The Nigeria Police is not in a hurry to release the former local government chairmen because more information are being gathered on their activities.

    “This investigation is not personal, but we have been directed by the IGP to ensure a thorough job.”

    Asked if the probe was not taking a long time, the source added: “It pays to do a better job than a sordid one. We are aware of the expectations of the public.”

    The police source confirmed that Yahaya Karaku (ex-Okene LGA chairman) and Abubakar Zuberu (ex-Okehi LGA chairman) have asked a High Court to compel the IGP to release them on bail.

    But the source said: “The allegations border on criminal matters and investigation is on. In their application in court, they are seeking the enforcement of their fundamental human rights.

    “If there is a definite pronouncement or order from the court, the police will honour it. So far, we have not got any at all.”

    As at 6.13pm yesterday, police spokesman Frank Mba was yet to pick his calls.

  • Dokpesi Centre to reward best communication students

    Dokpesi Centre to reward best communication students

    From next month, the Raymond Dokpesi Centre for Media Development will start giving N20, 000 and a plaque to best graduating students of communication in various higher institutions.

    This was made known by the Director-General of the centre, Mr Christopher Obuetse, during a media chat in Lagos. The plan, according to him, is to encourage and reward academic excellence.

    He said the award would not be limited to universities alone, adding that best graduating students from polytechnics would also be given awards.

    He said: “Wwe have instituted the Raymond Dokpesi Cash Award for best graduating students of some institutions to encourage and reward academic excellence. We would begin to go round selected institutions to give the awards after our annual lecture today.

    “We have started this with the Nigerian Institute of Journalism in Lagos but now we want to extend it to selected universities and polytechnics.

    “We included polytechnics in the award because we strictly subscribe to academic excellence and not concerned about the unhealthy discrimination between university and polytechnic graduates. Our interest is in the quality and soundness of students and not the institutions. Our concern is to encourage and reward students of various higher institutions of learning particularly those in the communication field to excel. This kind of award brings about healthy competition among students because it would encourage them to put more efforts in their study with the hope of getting the award,” he said.

    Aside the awards, he said the centre also planned to assist many indigent students to realise their educational goals.

    “Part of our commitment to encouraging academic excellence is to support as many indigent students as we can. We have put a small vote for this purpose and will not rest on our oars until our aims and objectives are fully achieved,” he said.

  • NEMA to Ibaji residents: move out immediately

    NEMA to Ibaji residents: move out immediately

    FOR residents of Ibaji, Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, to be forewarned is to be forearmed. They have been asked by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to immediately relocate to a higher plane in neighboring councils and Anambra State.

    The warning came in the wake of rising water level, even as rescuers yesterday continued to evacuate displaced residents from rooftops and tree tops.

    NEMA’s Director-General Muhammad Sani-Sidi gave the warning yesterday after presenting additional relief materials to flood victims in Kogi State.

    Sani-Sidi said: “It is now necessary to call on the people living in Ibaji to either move to Idah Local Government Area of the state or to closer communities in Anambra State.”

    Presenting the relief materials to Governor Idris Wada, Sani-Sidi informed that his agency has been using big boats and the services of local canoe owners for the evacuation of trapped residents.