The Nation Newspaper

Tag: mothers

  • Obiano’s wife gives delivery kits to expectant mothers

    Obiano’s wife gives delivery kits to expectant mothers

    The wife of Anambra State governor, Mrs Ebelechukwu Obiano has continued her tour of communities in the state with free delivery kits for expectant mothers.

    The Mama Kit created excitement amongst the women in the state who turned up at centres in various communities.

    The packs were handed out to 10 expectant mothers at Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, one of the five communities she visited.

    Other communities where the kits were distributed on the same day included, Ebenator, Ukpor, Osumenyi, and Akwaihedi.

    Speaking while handing out the kits to the lucky expectant mothers, Mrs. Obiano stated that no woman should be exposed ýto unsafe delivery due to lack of basic sterilised equipment in the rural communities.

    She said, “My NGO, Caring Family Enhancement Initiative (CAFE) decided to use the opportunity of this tour to reach out to pregnant women to ensure that they observe necessary antenatal visits and have the Mama kits ready and handy on their Expected Delivery Date”

    “We are grateful to our donors GEANCO Foundation, a US based organization which made it possible for us to get this modern kit to assist us in promoting safe delivery as a means of reducing high maternal mortality rate in our state and country”

    She told the women that her husband, Governor Willie Obiano treats the welfare of women as priority and does not want to hear that any woman could not deliver safely in any part of the state.

    “I am supporting the effort of our governor in promoting the health and safe delivery of pregnant mothers by giving them these delivery kits and each pack contains all the tools for safe delivery”

    “I want you to keep the kit inside your packed bag unopened to avoid contamination until it is handed over to the Nurse whenever you enter labour.”

    One of the lucky expectant mothers at Ezinifite, Mrs. Chizoba Obiakor thanked the wife of the governor for the gift and for giving women in Anambra a sense of belonging in many positive ways.

    Each Mama Kit pack contains sterile scalpel, OB pad, pair of non- latex gloves and 4×4’’ gauze, Sterile Bulb Syringe, Sterile Umbilical Clamps, Plastic Underpad, Receiving Blanket, Non-Woven Towels, BZK Towelette, Plastic Placenta Bag, Plastic Apron, Twist Ties, Trash Bag, and Apgar Scoring Chart.

  • Still celebrating Mother’s Day

    Still celebrating Mother’s Day

    “orisa bi iya kosi” the yorubas would say, meaning “there is none like a mother”. A mother is the whisper of leaves as you walk down the streets, she is the smell of certain foods you remember, flowers you pick and the fragrance of life itself. She is the cool hand on your brow when you’re not feeling well, she’s the sound of the rain that lulls you to sleep and the colours of a rainbow you see on the sky. A mother lives inside your laughter, she is the place you came from, your first home and the map you follow with every step you take. She is your first love, your first friend and even your first enemy and nothing on earth can separate you from your mother; not time, not space and not even death. Why then shouldn’t they be celebrated?

    World mother’s day is an international day set aside for the commemoration of mothers and their virtuous deeds in the home, community and society at large. The love of a mother is undeniably the strongest emotion in the human soul and being a mother is undoubtedly a hard task because if it were easy, then fathers would do it but mothers are just like demi-gods; empowered with the strength to make impossibilities seem possible. Believers in Islam are of a belief that the paradise of a person lies beneath the mother’s feet thereby emphasizing the importance of a mother.

    I am very much in agreement with Rudyard Kipling who said “God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers”. Mothers are the sweetest gift from God to us. Like nurses, they take care of what hurts; like a map, they help us find our way; like a shepherd, they save the day; like a library, they educate us and provide knowledge; like a therapist, they always listen; like a tissue, they dry our tears and like no one else, they love us.

    It is every little girls dream to be a mother and every guy wishes to have a wife with the qualities of a good mother because a mother can readily play a lot of roles and fit into a sundry of places, howbeit, her place can never be replaced by anyone. A mother understands what a child does not say, “she is aMazing, lOving, sTrong, Happy, sElfless, and gRaceful.”

    Therefore, a mother should be celebrated and honoured every single day because mothers are not rare to find but a good mother is the major condiment for a happy and successful home, community, and overall, the nation.

     

     

     

  • When mothers fail to protect their daughters!

    When mothers fail to protect their daughters!

    Biologically, mothers have been given the super privilege to bear children and usher in the next generation. Because they nurture the developing child in their own bodies, they almost always feel a compelling drive to protect the new, entirely dependent life they’ve given birth to. These many hours of care each day make mothers most often the person closest to their children and the person with greatest influence. Experiences with mom powerfully shape a child’s perspective, attitudes, and sense of self. Now what happens when in a world as hostile as this, a mother cannot be relied upon for emotional, physical and mental support?

     

    Dear Aunty Temilolu,

    Kudos to you. Your write-ups have changed so many things in my life most especially my mindset but now I am facing a problem. A month ago, I was raped by my mum’s closest friend’s son. He has threatened me in so many ways not to tell. I am scared. I am just 16 and in S.S.3. I’m even scared of telling my mum and causing a family feud. I am depressed and confused with life. Please help me.

    Anonymous

     

    Dear Mum,

    I am 20 and was recently raped by my brother’s friend. I have always wanted to remain a virgin till my wedding night. Now that I’ve been forcefully deflowered, I’m so incredibly hurt and ashamed. Can I still be a virgin again? Please help, I don’t know who else to confide in but you.

     

    Dear Aunty Temilolu,

     

    I am a 17-year-old girl. A few months ago, I was raped by a guy who walks freely on the street while my heart breaks anytime I see him. The guy who raped me lives down our street and we exchanged pleasantries whenever we see. He invited me for a birthday party in his house and I obliged him. When I got there, he told me he wanted to show me something in his room. Believe me, in my stupidity or do I say naivety, I followed him not suspecting any foul play since his friends were in the living room. He left me on the bedroom and told me he wanted to get me something, I later discovered he went back to the living room to send his friends away. When he returned to the bedroom, he pushed me on the bed. I tried to escape but he held me tight and even when I screamed no one came to my help. Then, after forcing his way inside me, he began apologising, saying he didn’t know I was still a virgin. I cried a lot knowing that my pride was gone and I was scared of getting pregnant. He assured me that he would accept the pregnancy. Eventually, I took in and he bought a small drug and gave it to me to drink. After drinking it, I bled for a week before he finally told me that it was an abortion drug he gave me. I don’t know if God would forgive me for unconsciously killing an innocent soul and if my future partner would ever forgive me. I’m so ashamed to tell anyone this, not even my mum because she could call me a whore which I am not.

     

    Dear Nigerians,

    I thought mothers always knew when something went wrong with a child? I grew up hearing “orisa bi iya kosi” (there’s no god like a mother) which honours the bond between a mother and a child and that special support which guides us through life. I also hear “iya l’alabaro omo” meaning a mother is a child’s confidant. So, what’s the problem here? A non-chalant attitude, lack of real presence in a child’s life due to work and social activities or just lack of empathy?

     

    My darling sisters,

    In the first instance, I just wish you had some pieces of evidence so we can nail these guys. As for the 16-year-old who was raped by her mum’s closest friend’s son, she must tell her mum without delay! Those threats are empty. You cannot die in trauma. You are too young for this.

    On the other hand, you are encouraged to remain chaste not to please man but to follow God’s principles and live a good, unpolluted life. Stop moaning or groaning about what any man has done to you. God sees your heart, He knows your thoughts, He knew even before you were raped and deflowered. Little do you know that if you stay glued to Him and remain chaste, there’s a super-duper compensation waiting for you around the corner. He has the final say. He has the power to restore you, to make you greater than you would have been in your former state. This is the time for you to cry out to Him and make heavy demands for a beautiful life that would make you forget your pain. Stop bowing your spirit low, stop hanging your head low….

    “This is but a light thing in the eyes of the lord…” 2 Kings 3:18

    To be continued.

  • Expert says 20 percent of new mothers experience depression

    Mrs Ijeoma Laluwoye, a clinical psychologist, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, on Tuesday, said 20 per cent of new mothers usually experience depressive disorders.

    She told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos that there were various forms of depression a woman might experience during and after pregnancy.

    She said one of such was pre-natal depression; a form of clinical depression that could affect a woman during pregnancy, and could lead to postpartum depression if not properly handled.

    Laluwoye explained that the symptoms of pre-natal depression include crying, sleep disorders and change in eating habits.

    According to her, some women often assume it is normal pregnancy symptoms that will go away with time, but if left untreated, can result in preterm delivery or low weight babies.

    She said pre-natal depression was often mistaken for baby blues, but that it was completely different.

    The psychologist explained that baby blues usually occurred between the third and tenth day after delivery due to the changes in hormones, following child birth.

    She said such women usually exhibited traits of irritability, frustration and they often cry.

    She noted that those feelings, however, disappeared within few days without any professional intervention.

    Laluwoye further explained that postpartum depression, which occurred after child birth, was associated with persistent sadness, fatigue, feeling of inadequacy, intense worries over the baby, family or activities, headaches and heart palpitations.

    Symptoms of postpartum depression, she said, often persisted for more than two weeks.

    She, however, said women who experienced the two symptoms might be inhibited by denial, shame or fear of disapproval in disclosing the symptoms.

    “Women who experience any form of depression during and after pregnancy should be open about it and seek medical help as there is absolutely nothing shameful about it.

    “Family members who notice these symptoms should help by being understanding, supportive and helping the woman get medical help, rather than criticising and comparing the woman with other women who do not experience such.

    “Women who experience such symptoms should never be ashamed or make you feel you are a bad mother,’’ she said.

  • Dunes and Chioma Akpotha to fete fans and mothers on Mothers’ Day

    Dunes and Chioma Akpotha to fete fans and mothers on Mothers’ Day

    To celebrate Mothers Day this year, fans of Nollywood actress Chioma Akpotha have an opportunity to win two hundred and fifty thousand shopping voucher.

    The gesture which is courtesy of Dunes Abuja, requests fans to celebrate their mum ahead of Mothers’ Day which holds on Sunday and was shared by Akpotha on her Instagram page.

    “Those who know me well know my mother was my everything, my friend and my backbone,” said Akpotha who reminisced about her mother.

    “Referring to her in the past is the most painful thing ever so if you still have your mum here with you, treasure and treat her like the Queen she is.

    “So in the spirit of this, Dunes Abuja is doing a special give away for your mum.

    “In 25 words Describe Your Mother and post a picture of yourself and your mother either grown or as a kid follow and tag @dunesabuja and @chiomakpotha stand the chance to win 250, 000 Naira shopping voucher for your mum courtesy of Dunes Abuja”

    To qualify to win, entries must also add the hashtag, #Dunesmothersdaygiveaway. Entries close by 4pm on Thursday, March 23, 2017.

    Akpotha disclosed that the winner will travel with her to Abuja with his/her mother for a ‘full makeover and pick up the voucher on Mothers Day’ which holds on March 26, 2017.

  • LSACA trains Tbas on Hiv transmission in expectant mothers

    The Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA) has commenced the training of Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) in the five divisions of the state in Ikeja.

    Its Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Oluseyi Temowo, said the aim was to sensitise the birth attendants on the 90-90-90 initiative and Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, Service Linkages and Universal Precautions programmes.

    The agency, he said, would boost its implementation strategies to achieve the initiatives’ objectives to ensure that those tested would access anti-retroviral treatment, thereby reducing the exposure to HIV. As a result, he said, the state would reduce and, ultimately, eradicate the disease by 2030.

    The LSACA added that the TBAs and their clients form part of the key target population that are important to HIV response in the state. He urged them to observe the precautions by washing their hands regularly before and after attending to their clients.

    Specifically, Temowo told them to maintain a cleaner environment where they are attending to clients.

    He said the provision of PMTCT services by care providers outside the hospital would assist in the agency in the HIV response, noting that PMTCT occurs during pregnancy, labour or delivery and breastfeeding.

  • Avoid alcohol, expectant mothers told

    Avoid alcohol, expectant mothers told

    Expectant mothers have been advised to stay away from beer and other alcoholic drinks. This is because its potential negative impact on growing foetus can lead to birth defects.

    According to Prof Tola Atinmo, a  nutritionist at the University of Ibadan, it is better for a woman, especially expectant mothers, to abstain  from alcohol before conception, and throughout pregnancy. This, he explained, is because an  embryo’s liver cannot process alcohol like  an adult’s.

    “If a mother to be’s blood alcohol level is over the limit, so is that of her foetus  and a foetus’s liver isn’t prepared (as a mother’s is) to process that much alcohol. The bottom line is that abstinence is best,” said Prof Atinmo.

    He warned that pregnant women who take alcohol risk giving birth to a child with a fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).  The conditions, which range from mild to severe, include speech and language delays, learning disabilities, abnormal facial features, and small head size, among many other problems.

    Experts say that women with certain risk factors should be  careful about alcohol while pregnant. You probably should not drink, for example, if you have liver disease, a history of addiction, or are on any medications that may conflict with alcohol, such as anti depressants.

    And if you’re concerned that you are drinking too much and feel that you cannot stop during your pregnancy or at any other time, talk with your doctor. He or she can refer you for counseling or treatment, he said.

    There are still many unanswered questions about the risks of drinking moderate amounts of alcohol during pregnancy, including how much it takes to cause birth defects and why some babies seem to be affected and others are not.

    We know that women who drink heavily during pregnancy have an increased risk of having a child with Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Babies with FAS have a constellation of severe lifelong problems: They’re born smaller, often continue to grow poorly, and have physical abnormalities and learning and behavior problems.

    But full-blown FAS are only the extreme end of the spectrum of what can happen when you drink alcohol during pregnancy. A broader category known as fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) affects many children whose mothers drank various amounts while pregnant. These children don’t have all of the physical features of FAS but do have learning and behavior problems.

    Prof Atinmo said even researchers don’t know enough about the potential effects of drinking alcohol at particular times during  pregnancy to be able to say that any time is really safe. It’s also difficult to predict the impact of drinking on any given pregnancy because some women have higher levels of the enzyme that breaks down alcohol.

    “If a pregnant woman with low levels of this enzyme drinks, her baby may be more susceptible to harm because the alcohol may circulate in her body for a longer period of time,” he added.

    On a general note, Prof Atinmo said a good percentage of women drink beer. However, many do not know their limitations. It is said that about 75 percent of women over estimate the calorie content of beer. They believe it is beer that gave their husbands the abdominal fat ‘beer belly’, not knowing that it is their over-feeding of the man. Nutritionists have maintained that Beer does not contain fat and, in fact, has lesser calories than wine.

    Prof Atinmo said: “A good number of women who take beer also drink it at social event. Some prefer it as a shandy with sweeter drinks like soft drinks or juices. Because of the resultant sweeter taste, they tend to drink more. In a society such as ours, there are various perceptions about the widely consumed white foamy liquid beer. While some of the perception might have dated back decades it doesn’t necessarily make them true. A recent studies from around the world are presenting arguments to counter the perceptions.

    “For instance, to what extent is beer is responsible for the ‘beer belly’ condition in some men? Research has shown that beer alone cannot be responsible for this occurrence. ‘Beer belly’ is caused by too many calories in an individual’s diet (from over-eating, sugary food and beverages etc) and a sedentary lifestyle. More calories are ingested than what is burned. The excess is stored in the body as fat. Fat is stored more in the belly by men, hence the prevalence of ‘beer belly’ in men.”

    He said this explained why women are not associated with the ‘beer belly’; “it is purely a consequence of fat stored. Women sure do consume the alcoholic beverage almost as much as some men. Research and studies have shown that beer is as suitable for women as much as it is for men. Like so many other alcoholic options, beer if consumed responsibly and in moderation, all the health benefits can be gained. Women, who consume beer in moderation, will benefit from the antioxidants  in beer which serves as protection against many forms of cancer,” said Prof Atinmo.

    For new mothers,  research studies by Koletzko and Lehner (2000) have revealed that moderate beer consumption may help in the initiation and success of breastfeeding (Pregnant women are advised to stay away from beer as no safe level has been established for them.) It seems that a component of beer, perhaps a barley polysaccharide, promotes prolactin secretion.

    The authors further suggest that the relaxing effects of alcohol and hop components might also have a beneficial impact on lactogenesis-the onset of milk secretion.

    Beer has also been proven to enhance a healthy hydration process, as 92 percent of beer is water (though you should never substitute beer for water.) beer relieved stress in women. Research has further shown that there is a low risk of kidney stones in beer drinkers. Although it is imperative to take beer in moderation.

    As a rough guide, The World Health Organization (WHO) suggests that 60 grams of alcohol per day should be a maximum. For a beer of five percent alcohol by volume, which equates to approximately four percent alcohol by weight, this means 1.5 litres or two bottles. Two to three units for women a day and three to four units for men a day.

    Former Governor of Cross River State Mr. Donald Duke has emphasised that beer plays a significant role in the sustenance of good health and cultural cohesion.

    Duke who, was the chairman of the Third Nigerian Beer Symposium held in Lagos said not only is beer low in carbohydrates, it is as all-natural as orange juice and milk.

    “You see, beer has no need for preservatives because of the alcohol and hops- both of which are natural preservatives. The only processing beer undergoes is the same as with bread-it is cooked and fermented, filtered and packaged,” he said.

    He maintained that it is most astounding that beer has no fat or cholesterol and when taken in moderation, at can tilt high- density lipoprotein levels (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol rations in the right direction.

    “HDL is the good cholesterols that protect your veins while LDL is the bad cholesterols that build up in your veins. Beer actually flushes the system and can boost the HDL by up to four percent with just a single beer a day,” Duke said.

  • IN THEIR MOTHERS’ FOOTSTEPS

    IN THEIR MOTHERS’ FOOTSTEPS

    Being a single parent is twice the work, twice the stress and twice the tears but also twice the hugs, twice the love and twice the pride.” –Anonymous. This is the situation with single-mother celebrities who are constantly in the restlessness that spotlight demands, yet have raised children who have excelled and are making their celebrity moms proud.

    BUKKY WRIGHT AND OJAYY

    FOR actress Bukky Wright, her son, Ojayy Amu Wright, is also doing exploits in the United States. Ojayy, who is based in New Jersey is an upcoming Rapper who recently graduated from the Rutgers University New Brunswick in the US. He is a member/co-owner of the Barcodes Music Group record label.

    Ojay recently released a mix tape titled Ready or Not and the young rapper says he hopes it will fully launch his music career. Ready or Not is a 10 track mix tape which covers genres from Hip-hop to Dancehall.

    The song is said to have received some favourable online downloads.

    The young rapper has already made a statement with his music, releasing a remix to Davido’s smash hit Dami Duro.

    The elated single mother shared the good news with her fan via Instagram by posting pictures of her son in his military uniform along with a congratulatory message recently.

    Bukky Wright, a University of Lagos Economics graduate who was born on March 31, 1967 is also a grandmother as Ojayy and his American girlfriend welcomed a son early this year.

    The second son of the actress who started her acting career in 1996 is an American Air Force Officer, having graduated from US Air Force Academy.

    CLARION CHUKWURAH AND CLARENCE

    BORN Clara Nneka Oluwatoyin Folashade Chukwurah on July 24, 1964, this actress is also known for her works in the humanities earning her recognition as a United Nations Peace Ambassador for her charity works across Africa. She is credited as the first Nigerian to win the Best Actress category at the 1982 FESPACO film festival in Burkina-Faso.

    A whirlwind romance between herself and afro-juju legend, Sir Shina Peters culminated in an offspring in the person of celebrated music video director and filmmaker, Clarence Peters.

    Clarence Peters is the founder and CEO of Capital Dream Pictures, a production company that specialises in performing arts, new media art, film, television, radio, and video. He is also the founder and CEO of Capital Hill Records, one of Nigeria’s foremost record labels. At some point in his career, he was ranked second on Channel O’s Top 10 Most Visionary Music Video Directors list.

    He graduated from City Varsity, a film school in Cape Town, South Africa where he majored in Cinematography.

    In 1998, he was involved in a Mobil sponsored music video for a documentary on AIDS. He directed 40 episodes of the TV series Everyday People. He has also directed music videos for recording artists across an array of genres and generations, including Darey Art Alade, Durella, and Wizkid.

    In 2012, he shot the music video for Shuga’s theme song which was recorded by Boneye from P-Unit, Banky W., Wizkid , and L-Tido. Peters has also shot a good number of documentaries, TV commercials, short films, and TV features. In April 2014, Absolut Vodka honoured Peters for his creativity.

    In September 2015, Peters announced plans to premiere his debut film titled Hex, a 25-minute horror film. The first official trailer was released on September 28, 2015.

    Clarence was single-handedly raised by Clarion who reportedly gave birth to him at 17. She once made a startling revelation about wanting to abort him while he was in her womb, but changed her mind because of her belief that Peters was the reincarnation of her father who she lost when she was 11 years old.

    TOYIN ALAUSA AND EMMA

    FOR single mother and soap actress, Toyin Alausa, her son whom she revealed in one of her interviews that she had at the age of 17 is also doing well.

    The boy, who is currently an undergraduate in one of the state universities, is making his mother proud, as he is always seen in her company at any social events.

    Always ready to talk about him, she recently talked about her he is her redeemer.

    “I call him my correction,” Toyin said.

    “Everything I did wrong, he is doing it right. He is 19 years old now and he is a wonderful young chap. Every mother will say that about her child. But when outsiders say that about your child, then, you know you are not trying to massage your ego. I thank God I have a good product in the society. I am not trying to praise him overboard, but he knows his boundaries; so, I thank God for everything.”
    SALAWA AND BIG SHEFF

    BIG, confident and talented are the words to describe Sheriff Ilori, the rapper and son of popular Waka music queen, Salawa Abeni and Fuji maestro and General Kollington Ayinla.

    The rapper whose stage name is Big Sheff has in several ways shown his musical skills and versatility since he debuted in the music scene two years back and has since then progressed.

    He has successfully released songs like Ema lo binu, In a minute, Collateral and most recently, Gentle Lady, a remix of his mother’s (Salawa Abeni) hit song which also featured her mother.

    Big Sheff was also featured in Rick Ross’ musical video, Hold me back, which was shot in Nigeria during Rick Ross’ September 2012 visit.

    ONYEKA ONWENU AND TIJANI

    KNOWN as the ‘Elegant Stallion’, Onyeka Onwenu blazed the Nigerian music scene as a young lady, dishing out popular tunes such as ‘One Love Keep Us Together’ in the 1980s and the duet, ‘Wait For Me’ with King Sunny Ade.

    But not many people know that the single mother has also bequeathed some of her star qualities to her two children. Though, not in public limelight like her mother, one of Onwenu’s sons, Tijani Ogunlende, is surely showing the successful traits any parent would want in their child. Welcome to the world of Tijani Ogulende, who has been out of the country for a while for studies but is now back.

    Ogunlende, a graphic designer and photographer, according to his Linkedin page, obtained a BA in Visual Arts from the University of Maryland Baltimore County in the United States. His mother too, had completed her education in the United States before coming to serve on the board of the Nigeria Television Authority. Currently, Ogunlende is studying for a Masters in New Media (Interface Design and User Experience) at the Academy of Art University.

    On the professional front, Ogunlende, since 2015, has been busy in the country, practicing his photography and working with both individual and corporate clients. Among his recent works included photographing a music concert of some of Nigeria’s foremost musicians including his mother, Onyeka Onwenu, King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey. He also designed the brand identity for Game Afrique, an African based mobile game start-up.

    Ogunlende, in conjunction with other young IT professionals, through their platform, School of Computational Intelligence, are offering young Nigerians IT training. He is the Media Director of the School of Computational Intelligence.

    TINA MBA AND SON

    IT is not clear when exactly this actress was born but the fact that she was born January, 1 makes her a very special person. The fact also that Tina Mba has graced some of the best productions to come out of the Nigerian movie industry makes her a force to reckon with.

    The Enugu State born actress is passionate not only about the arts, but also God’s creation: man, plants and animals. This is evident in some of her social media posts which speak about social injustice, economic empowerment, family values among others.

    Although she has succeeded in keeping her son and daughter away from the limelight, it is obvious that they are both doing well in their own rights. She once referred to her son as the man in her life. A recent Facebook post of the photo of her daughter, who is her striking carbon, was also captioned; My daughter, my pride, my special gift from God. I love you babes.”

    In a recent interview, she captioned her thoughts on marriage in the following words; “I have two lovely children. But what I know about marriage is that it is an institution laid down by God, so it is sacred. What I tell people is that if you can’t stay married, please, do not go into it. Marriage is a burden; it is a huge responsibility. If you are not ready for it, don’t go there. Marriage is not about having a lavish ceremony. But it is about you and what you truly feel and how you tend to make it work. What I am saying is that if you can’t keep it together, don’t venture into it. People marry for different reasons. If you are an actress, a wife and a mother, you should know your responsibility is more. Because you are married, you cannot go on a movie set and start giving excuses. You know you will be losing your jobs little by little. The directors understand, so they will be giving you slacks. You do not have to kiss and hug all the time.”

  • ‘Effective healthcare crucial to survival of mothers, babies’

    A Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), MamaYe, has called for effective healthcare planning to save the lives of mothers and babies.

    Its country director Dr Tunde Segun called for evidence-based plan of action to ensure good health for mothers and their babies in Nigeria and Africa.

    Speaking during a  training organised by MamaYe on investigative reporting of maternal newborn health (MNH) for reporters in Kadunna, Dr Segun said the public and private sector should put maternal and newborns’ health on the spotlight.

    He said maternal and newborn health (MNH) scorecards can be used to influence health strategies and planning during health sector review meetings.

    For him, budgetary allocation to health should be increased to strengthen mother and newborn health.

    “However, the little allocated should be well accounted for and properly utilised,” Segun said.

    He said there was need for the strengthening of maternal death reviews (MDRs), in facilities or in communities focused on action-oriented responses.

    Segun said promoting transparency through publicly accessible mother and newborn health (MNH) evidence, news, success stories, government commitments is a measure for knowing the state of mother and baby.

    He said  accountability mechanisms should be strengthened, that is, for broader inclusiveness, at national and sub-national levels to track progress and improve quality of care.

    He said: “Evidence for action (E4A) advocacy and accountability was delivered through a campaign known as MamaYe, through which E4A will build and join together a coalition of supporters to achieve a shared goal of saving the lives of mothers and babies in Nigeria and regionally”.

    The campaign, he said, was a public call to action encouraging everyone to play their role in the survival of mothers and babies.

    The focus, he said, should be on survival than mortality, adding that people’s expectations should be raised on the issue.

    Besides, evidence should be used to celebrate success, spur action and promote accountability.

    He said it was possible to protect the life of mother and baby.

    Segun said more women and newborns now survive childbirth than ever because they are accessing treatment at safe facilities, which deliver higher quality of care due to adequate and equitably distributed human resources, drugs, supplies and equipment.

  • Boost for physically challenged, indigent mothers

    Boost for physically challenged, indigent mothers

    ife of Abia State Governor Mrs. Nkechi Ikpeazu has called on Abians and public spirited individuals to come to the aid of the physically challenged.

    Speaking at the School of the Blind in Afara, Umuahia, Mrs. Ikpeazu, who inspected the reconstruction of some parts of the school, said the physically challenged people of the society need the help to feel the government’s impact.

    Mrs Ikpeazu praised the Abia State Oil Mineral Producing Areas Development Commission [ASOPADEC] for partnering with her to give the physically-challenged a new lease of life.

    She also appreciated the principal and teachers of the school for making personal sacrifices towards the care of the special students and urged them not to relent in their efforts to ensure that the people left under their care are well taken care of.

    The Abia Governor’s wife encouraged the blind students to be steadfast in their studies and used the opportunity to shower them with gifts that included hundreds of school bags, school uniforms, Sandals, foodstuff and household provisions.

    Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ikechi Mgbeoji represented by the Director of Education, Mr. Mba Udensi, Commissioner for Women Affairs Lady Chinedu Brown, represented by her Permanent Secretary Dr. Nnenna Chikezie, and ASOPADEC Chairman  Chief Emeka Stanley praised Mrs Ikpeazu for her gesture.

    The Principal, Mrs. Oriala said the perimeter fencing, renovation of several buildings and construction of a walkway would make the school better.

    In a related development, Mrs Ikpeazu has paid the hospital bills of seven indigent nursing mothers detained at the Federal Medical Centre in Umuahia [FMC] after they gave birth. She also paid the bill of the only survivor of the fatal accident that involved Peace Mass Transit bus and a MAN diesel truck on the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway.

    The Abia Governor’s wife said that her visit to the Nkasiobi and Bartley wards of the FMC was in the spirit of Children’s Day, “It will enable the nursing mothers to unite with their children at home”.

    She thanked God for the safe delivery of the nursing mothers, “The women wrote to me asking for my intervention and what we are doing is in line with the present administration’s desire to alleviate the suffering of the poor and provide quality health care delivery”.

    Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Goodness Nwachukwu a mother of twins expressed gratitude to Mrs Ikpeazu for coming to their aide and prayed God to protect her and her family.