The Nation Newspaper

Tag: partner

  • How to handle an unfriendly partner

    Dear Harriet, I am 33 years old with a job and in a relationship. Please, I need your help on how to handle a boyfriend that is not affectionate? Thanks.

    Tessy O.,

    Lagos.

     

    Thanks for your text message. Your question is one major challenge that a good number of people in relationships are experiencing.  It is something that from the very time we are born, we seek from others.

    As human, we yearn for instinctive need for love, protection and security. These are feelings associated with being in a relationship and once any aspect is affected, you feel hurt.

    However, the truth of life is as we get older, some people are very comfortable with giving and receiving affection, while for others, affection poses as a great challenge. They feel uncomfortable because they don’t know how to show or receive affection.

    Bear in mind, you can only give what you have, so in relationships, affection is a necessary part of a healthy relationship. If your boyfriend or girlfriend is not meeting your affection needs, it can create great strain on your relationship which might affect other aspects.

    Affection is not centered on sex as some people term it to be. It is more of care, friendship, kindness, regards, love, good will and so on. I need to make this clear because the way and manner people regard affection this day, especially the youth call for concern.

    Moving on, in a situation like this, the reason for the action must not be neglected so the question that comes to mind is “why”. What is the cause of lack of affection? For some people, it might be as a result of the followings; upbringing, for example, may be, he was raised in a home where his father or mother was not affectionate and he never learned how to show or receive affection, like I mentioned earlier you don’t give what you don’t have. You can only give what you have.

    Next, he or she may be insecure about himself or herself or could be that your friend is self-centred and actually believes that showing affection serves no purpose. Some men take expressing their feelings to their partners for granted. They go with the attitude of she knows, forgetting that every woman appreciates affection.

    On the other hand, maybe he is one of those men who simply believe that expressing affection is a sign of weakness. The solution to the issue is to have a discussion with your partner, pour your heart to him and make him understand how the situation is affecting you.

    Don’t pretend to be happy when you are not. Note, people are different so the way we receive information differs. For some, they will be able to open up easily while some might find it very difficult, depending on the personality type. In such situation, you might need to take it easy on the person and help him or her.

    In the process of your discussion, if you observe that it is more than what you bargain for, may be you suggest a talk to a professional about it to him or her so that help can be rendered.  Show concern and don’t forget to mention his or her great qualities. This will help a lot.

    More so, there are certain things you must avoid when dealing with the issue of not showing affection in relationships; don’t compare his affection behaviour to other men or women in your life. This will definitely get the person angry. Don’t make your partner feel inadequate- you need to show compassion.

    Do not try to belittle him or her. Avoid threatening your partner on the issue because threats will never work. Remember, affection comes from the heart. Don’t hold back mentioning the problem and how it bothers you, if you need more affection.

    Let him know and be specific, never keep this bottled up inside. Also don’t let him minimize the seriousness of the problem. Some people have the tendency to joke around such issue.  So don’t let your girlfriend or boyfriend try to make this like it doesn’t matter or say that you are being ridiculous.

    Finally, men, for instance, will say, ‘I do a lot for you; don’t you know how I feel?’ Why do I have to say it? This is a fair point, but the fact is she needs to hear how much you care, love and appreciate her. And for the ladies, if you are the one who finds it difficult to be affectionate, you need to understand that your partner needs to be cared for, loved and regarded.

    Explain to your partner in a caring and compassionate manner with a concerned tone why being affectionate matters to you. Hopefully he will understand where you are coming from and will be happy to discuss the issue or accept the idea to seek help to make the relationship better.

    Harriet Ogbobine is a counsellor and a motivational speaker. Send your questions and suggestions to her on bineharriet@gmail.com or txt messages only 08054682598. You can also follow her on twitter @bineharrietj, instagram-harrietogbobine, blog; liwh.com.ng,

  • Fidelity is Best Green Partner

    Fidelity is Best Green Partner

    Fidelity Bank Plc has been adjudged the “Best Green Partner 2015” by the Lagos State government at this year’s Tree Planting Day.

    The organisers of the event said Fidelity Bank was given the award in recognition of its outstanding contributions to the protection and improvement of the environment.

    Specifically, they said the bank which is the first financial institution to win the award, showed support for initiatives aimed at identifying and promoting the preservation, protection and beautification of the environment.

    At the event at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Camp in Lagos, the bank’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nnamdi Okonkwo, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the state’s laudable greening policy as it aligns with the bank’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) focus on conservation and environmental protection.

    “Fidelity Bank works in collaboration with public institutions – state and local governments – to create and maintain green parks in chosen locations. The beautification of the Falomo Roundabout in Lagos State, in partnership with the Lagos State government, is a typical example of what the bank seeks to achieve in this area,” he said.

    While promising to work with the state to create and maintain green parks in chosen locations, Okonkwo noted that the bank has executed many beautification projects across the country. They include Onikan, Milverton, Dopemu and Matori Roundabouts in Lagos State; RSUT in Rivers State, Rangers Avenue junction in Enugu State, Mbaise Road in Owerri, Imo State, Abia Towers in Umuahia, and KrikaSama Roundabout in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    He also said the bank supports environmental advocacy groups, such as the Nigeria Conservative Foundation (NCF) in their advocacy programmes, one of which is “Walk for nature”, a yearly event designed to create awareness about nature conservation and good environmental practices.

    He said: “We also undertake green initiatives that assist the environment. In this regard, we have become the first, and perhaps, the only bank in Nigeria that dispenses cash with recycled biodegradable cash bags instead of polyethylene bags used by others, which is destructive to the ecosystem.”

    Fidelity Bank also assents to relevant international accords and protocols aimed at promoting sustainability, like the Equator Principles.

    In his keynote address with Lend a hand to save trees as theme, Governor AkinwunmiAmbode, noted that planting of trees was crucial for the environment as trees provide oxygen, helps conserve energy, saves water, and prevents erosion among others. He said the state plans to plant 10 million trees by 2020.

    Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tunji Bello, Ambode praised Fidelity Bnak for initiating the drive for a greener environment and called on other corporate bodies and public spirited individuals to join hands with the state to conserve nature and make Lagos an environmentally friendly place for all to live.

  • Firm, Lagos partner on fostering digital economy

    A firm, SwiftThink Limited, has unveiled plans for hosting the third The Edge Series Students Summit (TESS) on July 29 at Muson Centre in Onikan, Lagos.

    The summit is a follow-up to previous editions, which focused on digital economy with the theme: What are you saying? The summit focused on sales and marketing, with the aim to prepare students for a life after school.

    SwiftThink’s Chief Executive Officer, Ayoola Jolayemi, said the coming summit would be useful to participants in helping to find a voice of their own, sharpen their presentation skills, teach them relationship management and business etiquette rules. It will also provide good head-start for new businesses, he added.

    Guests expected at the summit include the Lagos State Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, and Acting Public Affairs Officer of the United States Consulate in Lagos, and Mr Frank Sellin, who is expected to deliver a keynote address.

    A line up of speakers expected include Richmond Johnson, international leadership and management consultant, Gina London, CNN’s Chief Correspondent, Olusola Amusan, Citizenship Manager of Microsoft Nigeria, Jimi Tewe, a career specialist, and Opeyemi Awoyemi, Jobberman.com co-founder. Others are Chude Jideonwo of RedMedia Africa, Audu Maikori, President of Chocolate City Group, and Lala Akindoju, CEO of Make it Happen Productions.

    Also, a reward and support system tagged: “The Edge Business Start-Up Challenge”, which is meant to empower the business of five winners with a start-up funds of N3 million each. To participate, interested youths are expected to send in a page of their executive summary to the organisers via startup@theedge.com.ng.

    Speaking at a press briefing to unveil TESS 2016, Mrs Akinbile-Yusuf, represented by Adewale Ayoola, hailed the organisers’ zeal, promising that the ministry would support the organisers to achieve their goals.

  • Wydad want Eto’o to partner Chikatara in attack

    Wydad want Eto’o to partner Chikatara in attack

    Chisom Chikatara and Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o could be strike partners at Moroccan Botola Pro side Wydad Casablanca in the 2016-2017 season.

    According to elbotola.com  manager of the Rouges et Blancs , John Toshack, has confirmed that they are interested in the signing of Eto’o from Antalyaspor when the transfer window opens.

    “We would be glad to see Eto’o,” John Toshack said to the publication.

    Wydad Casablanca have already announced that they have struck a deal with Abia Warriors over the transfer of Super Eagles frontman Chisom Chikatara with effect from this summer, subject to the release of his International Transfer Certificate.

  • LMC, TUC to partner on improving players’ welfare

    LMC, TUC to partner on improving players’ welfare

    The League Management Company(LMC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have met in Abuja with a resolve to collaborate in seeking ways of ensuring better working conditions to secure welfare of players in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

    The resolution was reached during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the TUC led by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama to the Chairman of LMC, Shehu Dikko.

    The TUC President praised the LMC  for repositioning the NPFL and by extension Nigeria football through the adoption of policies that has led to improved welfare of football players and coaches.

    He said the implementation of documented contracts for players is one policy that has ensured that players’ entitlement cannot be denied and gave the assurance that “the TUC is willing to support the LMC in reaching all state governments whose clubs are  indebted to the players and coaches to resolve such matter”.

    While responding, Dikko thanked the TUC President and his delegation for  the visit, saying  the LMC is open to the joint venture initiatives with the labour centre that will see to improved welfare of players and coaches.

    The LMC Chairman went further to reiterate the league body’s commitment to work with the players union,  NANPF in establishing a social security scheme such as pension funds and insurance for players and coaches.

    Accompanying the TUC President on the visit were Comrade Francis Olabode Johnson,  President of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association, Comrade Aliyu Musa , Chairman TUC FCT Council,  Comrade Anka, Head of the TUC Liason Office FCT,  and the President and General Secretary of NANPF, Comrade Dahiru Sadi and Austin Popo.

  • God’s standard for locating a marriage partner (2)

    DEAR Reader, Last week, we saw the importance of spiritual compatibility in your choice of a marriage partner. This week, I will be showing you how to Depend Absolutely on God, in your choice of a marriage partner.

    How is your personal walk with God?

    Are you trusting Him with the small, day-to-day decisions? Are you living in continual dependence on Him? Are you in the place where He can get your attention? You must ask yourself these crucial questions.

    Why do I need God’s help in choosing a mate?

    The concept of marriage originated solely from God. Mankind had absolutely nothing to do with the institution of marriage; except for being a recipient of its manifold blessings. It was God Who decided that it was not good for man to be alone and made a helpmeet for him. After that, He (God) presided over the first ever wedding ceremony recorded in history. This is why God’s help is highly needed.

    You need God’s help to prepare you for marriage and to help select the person who will be best for you. He will enable you to select someone who will help you fulfil God’s plan and purpose for your life. As Christians, we have to learn over and again that we must wait on the Lord; the One Who provides all we need. All you need to do is come to God in prayer with an open spirit. Be confident that God loves you, and knows your end from the beginning and wants the best for you.

    What does the story of Isaac and Rebekah tell us about trusting God?

    Abraham and his servant Eliezer (rather than Isaac and Rebekah) give us the example to follow (Genesis 15:2-6, 24:2-4). In verse 7, Abraham expressed his trust in God’s ability to lead Eliezer to the right woman for his son. Abraham said: The Lord . . . will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. This statement of faith was not wishful thinking. Rather, those words grew out of a long-term close relationship that Abraham had with the Lord. He could look back and see how the Lord had met every need and led him in the past. He knew that the Lord could be trusted to guide him in this crucial choice for his son, Isaac.

    Abraham was a living, breathing example of the truth of Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.  As Abraham lived by faith, the Lord blessed him and guided his life. His servant Eliezer displayed the same kind of faith when he prayed: O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham (Genesis 24:12).

    As a single person, you can have the same confidence and quiet assurance that your life is under God’s control. As long as you walk humbly, submissively and obediently, you need not worry that you will somehow miss God’s direction about which way to turn. Just as Abraham humbled himself before the King of the universe, so should you seek God’s Kingdom first and He will take care of all your needs (Matthew 6:33) which include helping you to find a spouse or to live for Him as a single person.

    Some single persons express the fear that God may give them someone they do not want, when they commit everything unreservedly into His hands. So, they do not pray at all about it.  This means, they do not trust God enough to give them the best.  God’s Word says: If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11). No earthly parent will want to give a harmful thing to his child, and God is more loving than earthly parents. Be sure therefore, that God will give you a partner after His own heart.

    How should I pray for God to lead me to the right partner?

    You have to pray often! God is intimately interested in hearing your requests concerning this matter. As you bring your requests before Him and submit yourself to His direction, you can be sure that He will give you nothing but what He wants for you (Psalm 37:4-5; Matthew 7:7-12).

    When the servant of Abraham spoke to Rebekah about his purpose for being in Nahor, he said: As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren (Genesis 24:27). Eliezer had followed instructions and was in the place, where God could give further direction. We too must be “on the way,” walking in obedience to God, if we expect Him to lead us.

    How does the Holy Spirit guide my choices, thinking & feelings?

    Even though the New Testament contains several examples of how the Holy Spirit can lead through inner impressions (Acts 8:29; 11:28; 13:2; 21:11; 1 Corinthians 14:30), separating our subjective feelings or urges from the voice of the Spirit is not always an easy thing to do. However, we can be sure that the Spirit would never violate the clear commands of the Bible. The Spirit would never tell us to choose to marry an unbeliever. He would not lead us to marry for money or guide us to marry in conflict with the principles of the Word of God.

    Are you in the place where God can lead you?

    For instance, you can’t expect Him to direct you to a Christian mate, if you are hanging around people who don’t have good reputations, or engaged in premarital sex. God won’t direct you if you are neglecting times of personal prayer and worship, or harbouring sinful attitudes. You can’t expect God’s help in choosing a mate, if you are living in disobedience to His will. This is why it becomes very important that you surrender your life to Christ and become born again.

    Surrendering your life to Christ means to confess your sins and accept Jesus as your Saviour and Lord.  If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer:  “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

     

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Dambazzau: Fed Govt ‘ll partner states for better security

    Dambazzau: Fed Govt ‘ll partner states for better security

    Minister of Interior Lt-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd) has pledged that the Federal Government will partner with states to make the nation more secured and safe for local and foreign investors.

    Dambazzau, who spoke in Abeokuta, Ogun State and Ikeja, Lagos State when he visited Governor Ibikunle Amosun and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode as well facilities and infrastructure under his ministry, said the task of securing the country should not be left with the Federal Government.

    Speaking at the Oke-Mosan Governor’s Office in the Ogun State capital, he identified the nation’s porous borders and light arms smuggling as responsible for the internal security challenges being contended with.

    The minister assured Nigerians that technology would be deployed to the borders to make them make more secure.

    Dambazzau said there would be no genuine development for any country if its environment was not secured, “hence the commitment of the Federal Government to make Nigeria safe and secured internally”.

    He noted that the level of involvement of his ministry through five service organisations – the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Federal Fire Service (FFS) – in internal security was “enormous”.

    According to him, the Federal Government, through the ministry, has deemed it necessary to foster a closer relationship with the states to move the country’s internal security forward.

    “Without security, there can be no development. We want to secure our environment so that Nigerians can sleep with both eyes closed and make the country comfortable for investors – local and foreign – to thrive,” Dambazzau said.

    Amosun hailed the minister for the visit and assured him of the state’s support to make the country safer.

    He noted that if not for insurgency by Boko Haram, Nigeria was relatively safe.

    He added that the internal security of the country must be taken seriously by people entrusted with the task.

    He said given the fact that Ogun is a gateway state and one with the highest number of land borders with the Republic of Benin, “it requires more security presence to police the borders”.

    The governor urged the ministry to relocate the about 100 years old Ibara Prison, Abeokuta, from the city centre.

    When the minister visited the Lagos House, Ikeja,  Ambode sought the support of the Federal Government to facilitate the relocation of the Ikoyi Prisons.

    He urged the minister to revisit the agreement on the relocation of the prison, assuring that the state was willing to provide land for the construction of a modern structure for the facility.

    He also urged the minister to revisit the partnership between the Federal Government and the state, especially in combating the frequent fires in the state and reducing the influx of illegal immigrants.

    On his part, Dambazzau hailed the government for the N4.7 billion security equipment purchased for the police last year, saying such gesture was unprecedented in the nation’s history and a sign of seriousness about the security of lives and property of residents.

    The minister, who is in Lagos on a three-day tour of facilities and infrastructure of security agencies, said the state is the vanguard of support for the ministry, adding that the state’s gesture was well noted and appreciated.

    During his tour of Falck Prime Atlantic Training Centre in Ipara, Remo, Ogun State yesterday, the minister said the deployment of technology to the borders has become imperative because Nigeria’s borders are porous and expansive.

    He said: “The porosity of our borders is a general problem because we have close to 5,000 kilometres of borders and most of it is on land. We are looking into the situation. Certainly, one thing I’m very sure is that we will apply technology to monitor the expansive borders.

    “The step will check unnecessary incursion into the country, particularly those who come in here with bad intention – smuggling small arms and light weapons, drugs and engage in human trafficking, and all the cross-border illegalities. These are priorities for the Ministry of Interior because most of the internal security problems we are having have to do with accessibility and availability of weapon, and of drugs. We will check this at source, and if we do this, about 50 per cent or more of internal security challenges will be solved.”

    Owing to the standard of Falck Prime facilities, the minister pledged not to send personnel in his ministry overseas for training.

    “I’m very impressed with the facilities we have here for training particularly in the area of fire fighting. As we have such facilities here, so we don’t need to send our personnel outside this country,” he said.

  • God’s standard for locating a marriage partner

    DEAR Reader, With joy unspeakable full of glory, I sincerely welcome you to this edition of Family Life in Jesus’ Name. This month, by the enabling power of the Holy Spirit, we shall be looking at God’s Standard for Locating a Marriage Partner.

    The success of your marriage depends on these points that I shall be discussing with you on this column. They are very simple and cannot be overlooked, because your success in marriage is not guaranteed without following these principles. This week, we will be looking at Spiritual Compatibility.

    The first principle according to God’s own standard for locating marriage partner is to marry among God’s own people. The Abrahamic covenant does not permit a believer to marry a stranger; it must be from among your brethren.

    Abraham understood this principle to the point that he gave his servant these strict orders: You will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac (Genesis15:3-4). The Canaanites were notorious idolaters. Their gods and goddesses promoted worship that included human sacrifices and fertility rites with perverse sex. Modern day Canaanites are not always so obviously pagan. They can appear religious in a positive sense, but being religious is not enough.

    A personal relationship with Jesus is the cornerstone of any successful marriage.  There is no meeting point between a Christian and a sinner/unbeliever. God’s Word says: Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:14).

    A saved person and an unbeliever cannot have real fellowship, communion or concord. This is primarily because there is a fundamental difference between the character and lifestyle of one who is saved, and one who is not.

    As a born-again believer in Christ, you must guard against the temptation to overlook this most basic issue of spiritual compatibility. Just because the young man or woman is kind and considerate, or seems to be genuinely in love with you, you draw the conclusion that he/she is the one. Don’t allow your feelings to lead you to trample on your relationship with the Lord.

    Don’t ever be deceived to think that you can go ahead to marry an unbeliever, with the intention of converting him or her. Even though the apostles Paul and Peter spoke of the possibility of winning an unbelieving spouse to the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-2), that does not mean we should go into marriage knowing we are spiritually incompatible. A believer who marries an unbeliever may be facing a lifetime of spiritual unrest in the marriage and a battle for the spiritual well-being of their children. So, beware!

    How Do I make The Move?

    Look in the appropriate place and ask the Lord for help. To find a compatible, spiritual wife, Abraham sent Eliezer to the logical place – his hometown (Genesis 24:3-4, 10). Eliezer didn’t go into a pagan Canaanite village to look for a wife for Isaac. Eliezer prayed about the marriage he was arranging (Genesis 24:12) and saw God’s leading. Nothing could have been more practical or wise.

    Don’t base your decision on one “sign.” Even though you may believe the sign is from the Lord, don’t throw out wisdom. When Eliezer asked the Lord for a sign (a young woman who would offer water to him and his camels), he didn’t jump to the conclusion that Rebekah was the right one when she offered water. The text tells us that even after she passed the initial test, Eliezer quietly observed her and wondered if she truly was the one who was right for Isaac (Genesis 24: 21).

    The most logical move you can make is to put your searching heart into God’s hands. This is why it becomes necessary for you to allow the Holy Spirit to guide you. What the Holy Spirit does is to illuminate your spiritual eyes so that as soon as your physical eyes come in contact with someone, you will know whether such a person is the right person for you or not. If that person happens to be the right person, there will be a confirmation in your spirit. If that is not the right person, the Spirit of God in you will warn you to keep off.

    Eliezer had observed Rebekah’s character, as she humbly brought water for him and his camels. When he talked with her, he knew that she was from the right family (Genesis 24: 24-27). Then, as he talked with her father and brother, Eliezer received added confirmation when they were quick to give their approval. The final indication was Rebekah’s own declaration that she was willing to go (Genesis 24:58). The combination of all these factors helped to verify the choice.

    However, it is important to know that until you are a born-again child of God, God cannot lead you to make the right choice. To be born again entails confessing your sins and accepting Jesus as your Saviour and Lord. If you are ready to be born again, please say this prayer: “Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and Satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom.”

    If you prayed this simple prayer, you are now a child of God. He loves you and will never leave you. Read your Bible daily, obey God’s Word and seek Christian fellowship (John 14:21).

    Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus’ Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204.

    For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant, Making Marriage Work, Building A Successful Home and Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).

  • Skye Bank, COPE Foundation partner

    Skye Bank, COPE Foundation partner

    Skye Bank Plc and COPE Foundation will be unveiling a book on cancer as well as creating screening centres where members of the public can be screened.

    The programme is in commemoration of this year’s World Cancer Day.

    The book titled, ‘Breast Cancer Facts’ was written to enlighten and educate members of the public about the disease, its treatment and management with a view to reducing the incidence of the scourge.

    In a statement, the bank said breast cancer screening will also be carried out today to provide opportunity for women to know their status and take appropriate steps to prevent it or treat it.

    It said the collaboration between the two organisations over the years has resulted in significant breast cancer awareness and screening opportunity for many women, including those who ordinarily would not have been able to afford the cost of screening.

    The partnership has also been responsible for the monthly breast cancer screening for women by COPE Foundation for many years.  It would be recalled that Skye Bank donated two modern cancer screening machines to the foundation to enable it carry out its mandate of providing opportunity to reduce breast cancer incidence and provide information and education to the groups that are prone to it.

    The bank said the two organisations are working to provide opportunity for mobile screening for those who are far flung from where the Foundation’s operations are conducted.

    Last year, the bank sponsored a 10 kilometre walk in two locations in Lagos in which over 2000 people t partibipated to further create awareness about the disease and encourage people to exercise as a means of preventing it.

  • Saudi German Hospital to partner Nigerian medical colleges

    Saudi German Hospital, a leading health care provider in the Middle East has indicated interest in partnering with medical colleges in Nigeria.

    Iftakhar Asfi, the Business Planning Manager made this known in a chat with The Nation when the representatives of the hospital hosted stakeholders in the healthcare sector at Eko Hotels, Victoria Island Lagos during the week.

    He said: “Our medical colleges have working relationship with others around the globe. We are ready to collaborate with hospital colleges here as well. We don’t have any barriers to collaborating with colleges anywhere in the world. We are out to serve humanity and the community and at the same time growing in business.

    “Aside from the collaboration, we also want to do what we are doing in Yemen in Nigeria. In Yemen, we have been using our resources to cater for the health needs of the people because we are out to serve local communities by meeting the health needs of the people. We are aware that many Nigerians are in dire need of  health services and we are here to assist,” he said.

    He added: We have been attending to many dignitaries from Nigeria over the years. We receive more than 10, 000 patients from Nigeria in Dubai only. During Hajj, we are the primary responder to emergencies. We had more than 1, 000 Nigerians admitted in our hospitals during the recent calamity that happened in the holy land. Many people who were in critical conditions were brought to us.  We quickly responded to the situation because our government has listed us to handle such situations and we couldn’t afford to fail.

    “The huge number of patients we receive from here showed the gravity of the health needs of the people and that is why our management has decided that we come and establish two hospitals here. When we come here the cost is definitely going to be lower. We are looking at starting off from Abuja and Lagos because these two parts of the country are well represented. But when we are fully on ground, we would spread to other parts of the country.”

    The hospital, according to Iftakha started with a German concept. “Our boss, Dr Khaled Batterjee  graduated from Germany and from there he came up with the idea of starting a hospital in our region. The region had shortage of good medical facility about 25 years ago. Back then, starting a hospital wasn’t an easy task but Germany was a leading nation in health care matters.

    “When he came back, he discussed with his brother Engineer Sobhi and that was how we started. We started in collaboration with many German universities. To provide the German standard in Saudi Arabia, we brought the necessary things from there to Saudi Arabia.

    Our mission is to provide quality healthcare in all specialties with highest level of ethical standards and personalized care to achieve superior medical outcome and patient satisfaction,” he said.