Education / Health / News

Crack in ASUU, as medical lecturers distance selves from strike

The ongoing strike embarked upon by four university-based unions has taken a new twist, as lecturers in medical schools of some Federal Universities have distanced themselves from the industrial action.

This came on a day the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, said the Federal Government’s promise of immediate reply to its submission to the committee set up to negotiate with it had not been fulfilled, nearly a month after.

In a letter to the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, by the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, MDCAN, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, UMTH, branch, the lecturers said they never joined the strike and, consequently, requested for  payment of their withheld salaries from March to June 2022.

The lecturers also sent the same letter to the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, as well as the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed. The letter, dated June 29, 2022, signed by the Assistant Secretary of the union, Dr. Mohammed Abdulahi, and entitled: ‘Request for Payment of Our Withheld Salaries from March-June 2022’, read: “We, members of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital branch, majority of which form the College of Medical Sciences Academic Board, University of Maiduguri, wish to kindly request for payment of our withheld salaries from March 2022-June 2022.

This is because our members (medical lecturers in the University of Maiduguri) have been patriotically doing their work, which includes teaching, training and conducting examinations of medical students throughout the period of the ongoing strike.”

They drew the attention of the minister to their earlier correspondences in March, with the Provost, College of Medicine, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Maiduguri, notifying them of their resolve to remain at work, notwithstanding the strike declared by ASUU.

They explained that the proactive step was taken in case the Federal Government decides to stop the salaries of ASUU members.

The medical lecturers, therefore, appealed for the kind intervention of the minister to encourage their patriotic members to …

Entertainment / Health / Movies / News

Nollywood veteran Clem Ohameze receives N8M for spinal surgery

Nollywood veteran Clem Ohameze has received the sum of eight million naira for surgery.

The movie star was gifted with the huge amount of money by a popular pastor, Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin.

While narrating his ordeal, the movie veteran said his health challenges started after he had a car accident some time ago. He disclosed that after the accident, he had visited the hospital where an x-ray was conducted on him to ascertain the extent of injury sustained.

According to him, the result of the x-ray showed that his “cervical vertebrae 3 had collapsed on the 4th, thereby causing pressure on my spinal cord and the retardment of the lower limb”.

The ‘Last Burial’ star said he was treated for a while and he got better. He, however, said he noticed that he started having difficulty walking later.

Ohameze is a Nigerian actor with a career spanning over two decades.

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Health / News

FG commends NARD, offers N47b as hazard allowance

The Federal Government has commended the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors for suspending its nationwide strike that had lasted for 63 days.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, who led NARD’s executive members on a visit to his office.

Ngige, who commended the new NARD leadership, led by Dr. Godiya Ishaya, for asking its members to return to work, disclosed that the federal Government had increased the aggregate money in the 2022 budget for hazard allowance from N40 billion to N47 billion annually. He said the latest strike would not have degenerated to the point it got to if the former NARD leadership had given their members the correct information.

The minister said the Federal Government was not indebted to any doctor up till August 2 when NARD embarked on the strike.

He, however, noted that there were contentions about allowances such as Medical Residency Training Fund and some doctors who were not paid the Special COVID-19 allowances.

The Minister assured that all the contentious issues were being addressed, including the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund and Special COVID-19 allowances for those omitted.

Ngige said: “The previous NARD leadership hoarded information from your members.

“Instead, things wouldn’t have degenerated.

“There is no need being pugilistic.

“We know that we have opposition to our government.

“It doesn’t mean that if we are doing something right, we should not be praised.

“If the former NARD leadership were not playing politics, they should have reported well to their members, especially after the intervention of the Elders Forum, of which the President and Secretary General of NARD were members.

“You are lucky to have me, a medical doctor and health system manager, here as the Minister of Labour and Employment.

“So, when the matter came, the issues are clear to me.

“But when you bring advice to both parties on how things should be done and it is thrown away completely, …

Health / Movies / News

Joke Silva debunks Olu Jacobs death rumours, says actor is ‘hale and hearty’

Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva has reacted to rumours currently making the rounds about the demise of her husband, actor Olu Jacobs.

According to Punch, the actress in an exclusive interview debunked the reports and clarified that the veteran actor was enjoying a nice meal at the time.

“Don’t mind them, they’re just talking rubbish; don’t disturb your head. He is in the living room right now about to have Eba and Ogbono soup. Let them keep deceiving themselves. He is hale and hearty”

News of Jacobs’ alleged demise began trending on Twitter on Tuesday evening with fans asking for clarification from family and colleagues. It is, however, unclear how the news broke.

The 79-year-old veteran star actor has been away from spotlight for a few years now with reports claiming he was battling an unnamed illness. However, actress Uche Jombo recently shared a video of Jacobs at a Lancelot Imasuen movie set in Lagos.

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Health / News / politics

We’ll recover millions wrongly paid to 588 Doctors — FG

The Federal Government will recover millions of naira wrongly paid to 588 Medical Doctors across the country.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, stated this when he spoke with newsmen in Abuja over the weekend.

Ngige, who fielded questions from State House Correspondents, explained that affected doctors wrongly benefitted from Medical Residency Training Fund meant for particular category of doctors.

He said the names of the doctors were uncovered after a thorough scrutinized of the 8,000 names submitted by Chief Medical Directors of Federal Government health institutions for the training programs. The Minister, however, revealed that a substantial amount of the money had been refunded by some of the affected doctors, while efforts had been intensified to recover the remaining balance.

He maintained that the delay in making the refund by the affected doctors was holding back the Residency Fund payment by the government.

Ngige said: “Ministry of Health has gotten the list of doctors who supposedly are to benefit from the Medical Residency Training Fund.

“Total submission of about 8,000 names were gotten and the Ministry of Health is scrutinizing them.

“We have done the first round of scrutinizing and they will now compare what they have with the Post-Graduate Medical College and the Chief Medical Directors who submitted the names.

“The Association of Resident Doctors, in each of the tertiary centers, worked with the CMDs to produce those names, but now that the names are being verified.

“We discovered that about 2,000 names shouldn’t be there because they don’t have what is called Postgraduate Reference Numbers of National Postgraduate Medical College and (or) that of the West African Postgraduate Medical College.

“So, this is it and that is the only thing holding back the Residency Fund payment because it is there already for… incurred expenditure has been done by the Finance Minister and an it’s in the Accountant-General’s office.

“So, once they verify the authenticity of those they are submitting, the Accountant-General will pay.

“We are doing that verification because we do not want what …

BBNaija / Entertainment / Health / News

BBNaija 2021: Liquorose reveals how BBN saved her from depression

In the wake of Kayvee’s premature exit from the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ season, housemates are impressively opening up about their personal mental struggles. The latest to share her story is new head of house, Liquorose. The professional dancer, in a chat with fellow housemates, revealed she battled depression for four months before getting the greenlight to participate in the new season.

Liquorose said she became depressed after someone suggested dance was not for her during an audition.

“I was depressed for four months before Big Brother,” Liquorose shared. “I went for audition and someone said to me ‘Rose, dance is not meant for you’ then I stopped going for auditions and was depressed for four months before Big Brother.”

Impressively, Liquorose emerged winner of the week’s HOH tasks earning her immunity and veto power for the week. Liquorose is also one of the highest winners of tasks since the show kicked off five weeks ago.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / Health / News

BBNaija 2021: KayVee breaks silence after withdrawal from reality TV show

Former housemate of Big Brother Naija season 6, Ololade Gbolahan popularly known as Kayvee has broken his silence after his abrupt withdrawal from the show.

The photographer turned reality TV star took to his Instagram page on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, where he released a press statement.

He thanked everyone who has shown support towards him since his withdrawal over mental health issues.

He, however, revealed that he is in a medical facility where he is working through the debilitating anxiety.

“Since my withdrawal from the house, I have reconnected with my family, and I am currently in a medical facility working through the debilitating anxiety I felt. I covet your love and prayers,” part of his statement read.

Kayvee withdrew from the reality TV show voluntarily following his struggle with mental health issues.

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Entertainment / Health / News

‘It’s still so hard to accept that I’ll be living without you’ – Sound Sultan’s widow writes

Farida Fasasi has penned a tribute to her late husband and music star, Sound Sultan 40 days after his demise.

The mother of three took to her Instagram page on Thursday, August 19, 2021, where she penned an emotional note to the late singer.

“40 days since you left and it’s still so hard to accept that I’ll be living without you… more like I’m just existing without you. Today, I choose to surrender to the will of Almighty Allah. I take solace in the fact that you are not suffering or in any pain,” she wrote.

“You fought the good fight. You lived an exemplary life. You will forever be my Hero… my MVP. I love you forever Olanrewaju Abdulganiyu Fasasi. #SSNN 🤍 Dear friends, join us today as we gather to pray for my beloved. #40DayFidauPrayer.”

The singer passed away on Sunday, July 11, at the age of 44, after battling throat cancer.

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Crime / Health / News

NAFDAC destroys over N2b worth of unwholesome products in South-West

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has destroyed unwholesome products worth over two billion, four hundred and eighty-two million,  six hundred thousand, two hundred and ninety naira only (N2,482,600,290.00) in the South-West.

Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, Director-General, NAFDAC, made the disclosure on Wednesday at the South-West Zonal Destruction of Expired Counterfeit, Substandard and Falsified Medical Devices and other Unwholesome Regulated Products.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Adeyeye was represented by Kingsley Ejiofor, Director , Investigations and Enforcement, NAFDAC,  at the event which took place at  Oke-Diya Dumpsite, Sagamu, Ogun.

She said: “The products being destroyed during this exercise are made up of Substandard and Falsified Medical Products, Unwholesome Processed Food Products, Unsafe Cosmetics, Counterfeits and other expired NAFDAC regulated products.

The NAFDAC D-G appealed to community leaders, faith based organizations, health practitioners and the media to continue to educate members of the public  to desist from patronizing quacks and hawkers of medicines and unwholesome foods.

She also appealed to members of the public to release valuable information that will help in getting information to fight against “these merchants of death whose only desire is to make out of the misery of the people”.

“This is wicked and must be stopped,” she said.…

Entertainment / Health / Music

Veteran rapper Mr Raw hospitalized after surviving car accident

Nigerian veteran rapper Mr Raw has been hospitalized after surviving a ghastly car accident.

The music star took to his Instagram page on Saturday, August 14, 2021, where he shared photos of himself in the hospital as well as photos and videos of his damaged SUV.

“Thank God for my life o!. It’s a blessing being alive in the land of the living. I was involved in a ghastly motor accident early this morning at Abuja (before Bannex junction)…I was unconscious when I was pulled out of the red car after another driver rammed into our car,” he captioned the videos and photos.

“I passed out twice but I am stable now and responding to treatment. @mickeystainless get well soon my friend. The driver is receiving treatment as well. God be praised.”

We wish him a quick recovery.

Okechukwu Edwards Ukeje, better known by his stage name Mr Raw, is a rapper from Abia State in Southeastern Nigeria.

He is one of the pioneers of Afro highlife and Igbo rap.

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Health / News / politics

Nigerians are starving, Kano Emir tells Buhari

Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has said the present economic situation in the country is inflicting untold hardship on Nigerians, urging the government to urgently find a lasting solution.

The monarch, who raised the concern yesterday while receiving President Muhammadu Buhari at his palace, said: “Nigerians are suffering from perpetual hunger coupled with security challenges.”

Citing the high cost of food and consumables in the country, occasioned by hyperinflation, urged the Federal Government to ease the economic crunch impoverishing the masses.

He equally drew Buhari’s attention to security challenges across the country, urging the government to intensify efforts to restore peace.

“We want to commend the President for the infrastructure development across the country, particularly those sited in Kano, just as the governor listed some of such projects despite the shortfalls in the globally economy.

“We hope the presidential aides would continue to advise the President on the condition and wellbeing of the poor masses, especially in those aspects where he would need to be informed on certain development for necessary action. This is a responsibility upon us, which we need to discharge accordingly,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to sustain prayers for the leaders and for God to heal the land from the Coronavirus Disease.

While assuring Buhari of the emirate’s continued prayers for his administration, the royal father applauded the President for finding Kano worthy of citing the Federal Government’s critical infrastructure.

Buhari, in return, congratulated the monarch on his recent coronation as the 15th Emir of Kano.

He expressed satisfaction for the warm reception received in Kano and commended the developmental stride of Governor Abdullahi Ganduje’s administration.…

Entertainment / Health

Sound Sultan dies of throat cancer at 44

He died following a hard-fought battle with Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a group of related cancers that affect the lymphatic system.

Recall that in May, it was reported that the artiste was diagnosed with throat cancer in the United States.

He was said to have commenced chemotherapy in one of the hospitals in the country.

Sound Sultan, whose career in show business started in the 1990s, however, died two months later.

The versatile artist is survived by his wife, three children and siblings.

May his soul rest in peace.

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Entertainment / Health / News

Obama DMW dies after driving himself to hospital

A member of Davido Music Worldwide crew, Obama DMW, Davido’s Road manager is dead.

It was learnt that Obama died at a hospital in Lekki, Lagos State on Tuesday (today), but the cause of his death was not disclosed.

Obama had driven himself to the hospital where he was admitted after complaining of having difficulty in breathing.

He however died shortly after. A video shared by media personality, N6, showed friends and loved ones at the hospital where DMW died. His corpse has been deposited in the mortuary ahead of his burial on June 30.…

Entertainment / Health / News

Nigerian singer YQ hospitalized in the US

The music star took to his Instagram page on Tuesday, June 22, 2021, where he shared photos of himself in the hospital.

“Thank God the ambulance 🚑 and cop 👮🏾‍♀️ showed up in less than 5 minutes. Can I get one 🌺 now that am still here? Thank you 🙏🏽 I’ll be back soon. #thankful #grateful #survivor #OnGod,” he captioned the photos.

The singer did not disclose the reason behind the emergency trip to the hospital.

The music star tied the knot back in December 2020.

His wedding came months after he was reportedly thrown out of his house by his girlfriend.

YQ started his music career in 2002 when he formed a group called Q-krest. He started his solo career in 2007.

He has several hit songs to his credit including Efimile ft Dagrin, I Like Girls, Dresscode and Sandalili.

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Agriculture / Health

How Jamun keeps diabetes under control

When it comes to people suffering from diabetes, strict diet rules are important to keep the insulin levels under control. And in this process, it is often suggested that one should consume certain fruits and vegetables. One such seasonal fruit that can do wonders is Jamun. Jamun not only acts as a powerful antioxidant that helps to improve immunity but it is also beneficial in the treatment of diabetes. According to Diabetic Living India, jamun has lesser glucose and fructose count and it is also laden with minerals and provides fewer calories as compared to other seasonal fruits.

According to Unani and Ayurvedic systems, jamun is beneficial in many digestive disorders. It has been proven that the leaves, bark, and seeds are popular for their anti-diabetic properties.

As per traditional Ayurvedic medicine, the key ingredient that shows anti-diabetic action is jamboline, a chemical found in the seeds. Also, it has been proven that the extracts of the bark, seeds and leaves help in the prolonged decrease of blood sugar and glycouria. It has been found that jamun seeds, which are rich in alkaloids, have hypoglycemic effects with up to 30 percent reduction in blood sugar when consumed regularly during the season. It is suggested that diabetic patients should consume 10-12 jamun daily to control their sugar levels, which automatically helps in controlling insulin activity and sensitivity. In addition, experts suggest that jamun seeds powder can be taken as an adjuvant both for type-2 diabetes, insulin-dependent or non-insulin-dependent. According to experts, the use of jamun seeds powder is beneficial at the IFG (Impaired fasting glucose) stage. Consuming seeds powder helps in the regulation of IFG, which further prevents the early onset of diabetes and further conditions. Jamun is also rich in vitamin A and C, which makes it perfect for eye and skin health. It also acts as a coolant and also possesses anti-diarrhea properties, and is beneficial for the digestive system.…

Health / News

105 Medical Doctors resign in Ondo

The Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, has expressed concern over the resignation of 105 doctors in the service of Ondo in the last year.

Its State Chairman, Dr. Stella Adegbehingbe and State Secretary, Dr. Olorunfemi Owa in a statement released in Akure blamed the trend on irregular and percentage payment of salaries by the state government.

According to the leadership of the association “Some Departments in the State-owned Teaching Hospital, which could hitherto boast of between 6 and 8 Doctors are now left with 1 or 2 Doctors.

” This makes it practically impossible for the hospital to function at a minimum acceptable level.

“Consequential vacancies in the medical officer cadre need to he urgently tilled. About 50 medical Doctors in this cadre have left the employment of the Hospital Management Board without replacement over the last few months.

Also Read: Troops foil another attack on Imo State Police Command, Neutralize ‘Dragon’, 4 other assailants — Army

“Yawning vacancies exist in the Resident Doctor and Consultant cadres at the Teaching Hospital.

“These have remained difficult to till due to the haphazard safety payments.

“We have it on good records that about 105 medical doctors have resigned their employment from the Teaching Hospital in the last year alone.

“Ondo State has not been able to engage requisite numbers of House officers since 2019.

“This has made our work almost impossible because this group of Doctors have a peculiar role in Health service delivery.

“It is troubling to note that only three (3) house officers are left in the service of the Ondo State Government across the three senatorial zones.

They added that “There is no gainsaying that the ongoing laudable efforts at having a Contributory Health Insurance Scheme in the state can only be successful if the urgent issue of manpower need is adequately addressed,”…

Health

Health Benefits of Bitter Kola

Did you know that Coca-Cola got its name from a common African tree?

Some of the first recipes for Coca-Cola were made using the extract of the bitter kola plant. Though the company hasn’t used actual kola to flavor their sodas in years, the name remains a reminder of the unusual plant that inspired the iconic drink.

Bitter kola, also known as bitter cola or Garcinia Kola, is a plant found in Central and Western Africa that has long been valued for its medicinal properties. Although traditional African medicine uses all parts of the Bitter Kola plant, the seeds are mostly commonly eaten.

Bitter kola seeds have a sharp, bitter flavor that eases into a slight sweetness as you chew, and they’re typically eaten raw.

Health Benefits

Although bitter kola has been eaten in Africa for years, scientists are just beginning to study the health benefits of this flowering plant.

According to these early studies, bitter kola may be able to help with health problems including:

Infections

Bitter kola has been used over the years to fight infections from the common cold to hepatitis. A 2018 study showed that bitter kola can help combat coughs, bacterial infections, and viral infections. Eating bitter kola when an infection starts may help fight the infection and make you feel better more quickly.

Inflammation

Bitter kola seeds have commonly been chewed on in Africa to fight against inflammatory conditions like arthritis. One 2008 study showed that patients with osteoarthritis in their knees showed significantly reduced inflammation when eating bitter kola compared to a placebo. The high levels of potassium in bitter kola may be a contributing factor in reducing inflammation.

Diabetes

Early studies suggest that a chemical called kolaviron, which is found in bitter kola, may protect against hypoglycemia in people with type 2 diabetes. Although this first study was done on rats and has not yet been reproduced on humans, these early findings are promising.

Nutrients per Serving

The FDA considers bitter kola generally safe to eat, but classifies it similarly to

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Health / News

Lassa fever update, Measles in Borno, Gastroenteritis in Bauchi

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported five additional confirmed Lassa fever cases, all from Edo State the week ending May 30.

This brings the number of confirmed cases to 286 since the beginning of the year.

Of all the confirmed cases,79% are from Edo (44%), Ondo (29%) and Taraba (6%) States.

The death toll among confirmed cases remains at 58.

Measles in Borno

Health officials in Borno State reported an additional 600 suspected measles cases the week ending May 24, bringing the total to 6,253.

Six more fatalities were reported, bringing the death toll to 78–from Bayo (1), Konduga (2), Magumeri
(24) and MMC (51) LGAs.

Gastroenteritis in Bauchi

Health officials in Bauchi State report an outbreak of gastroenteritis that has affected 13 LGAs. 732 cases have been reported in the outbreak, including 28 deaths.

Rilwanu Mohammed, chairman of BSPHDA said Bauchi and Toro LGAs had recorded the highest number of cases with 507 and 73, respectively.

He said out of the cases, 21 samples of gastroenteritis were confirmed to be positive of vibrio cholera.

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Covid 19 / Health / News

Smokers face 50% higher risk of developing COVID-19, other diseases – WHO

World Health Organisation Director-General, Dr. Tedos Ghebreyesus, says smokers have up to a 50 per cent higher risk of developing severe diseases and death from COVID-19.

Ghebreyesus said this in a message to commemorate World No Tobacco Day, globally marked on May 31 annually, to highlight the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocate effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption.

According to him, quitting is best thing smokers can do to lower their risk from coronavirus as well as the risk of developing cancers, heart disease and respiratory illnesses.

“We urge all countries to play their part by joining the WHO campaign and creating tobacco-free environments that give people the information, support and tools they need to quit, and quit for good,” he said.

“The Quit Challenge gives daily notifications of tips and encouragement for up to six months to help people remain tobacco-free. It is available for free on WhatsApp, Viber, Facebook Messenger and WeChat,” he said.

According to Ghebreyesus, the agency also released a “quitting toolkit” which includes these innovations, but also existing services such as brief advice from health professionals and national toll-free quit lines.

Globally, he stated roughly 39 per cent of men and nine per cent of women use tobacco; the highest tobacco use rates among men are currently found in the Western Pacific region at 49 per cent and among women in Europe at 19 per cent.

He said: “As part of the ‘Commit to Quit’ initiative, WHO calls for the adoption of bold policies that promote tobacco cessation; increasing access to smoking cessation services; raising awareness of the tobacco industry’s tactics; and support for consumers trying to stay away from tobacco.

“Currently, 29 countries are working with the agency to support tobacco cessation through national awareness campaigns and new digital tools.”

Ghebreyesus added that the efforts included policy review, training of health workers, opening of specialised clinics, support for nicotine replacement therapies, and courses to quit smoking.

According to the UN health agency, the report that smokers are more likely to develop …

Health / Lifestyle

5 Health Tips To Guide You Daily

1. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing :

Diseases such as influenza, pneumonia and tuberculosis are transmitted through the air. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, infectious agents may be passed on to others through airborne droplets. When you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, make sure you have covered your mouth with a face mask or use a tissue then dispose it carefully. If you do not have a tissue close by when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth as much as possible with the crook (or the inside) of your elbow.

 

2. Prevent mosquito bites :

Mosquitoes are one of the deadliest animals in the wod lymphatic filariasis are transmitted by mosquitoes and continue to affect Filipinos. You can take simple measures to protect yourself and your loved ones against mosquito-borne diseases. If you’re traveling to an area with known mosquito-borne diseases, consult a physician for a vaccine to prevent diseases such as Japanese encephalitis and yellow fever or if you need to take antimalarial medicines. Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts and pants and use insect repellent. At home, use window and door screens, use bed nets and clean your surroundings weekly to destroy mosquito breeding sites.

 

3. Drink only safe water :

 

Drinking unsafe water can lead to water-borne diseases such as cholera, diarrhoea, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Globally, at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source contaminated with faeces. Check with your water concessionaire and water refilling station to ensure that the water you’re drinking is safe. In a setting where you are unsure of your water source, boil your water for at least one minute. This will destroy harmful organisms in the water. Let it cool naturally before drinking.

 

4. Clean your hands properly :

 

Hand hygiene is critical not only for health workers but for everyone. Clean hands can prevent the spread of infectious illnesses. You should Hand wash using Soap and Water. when your hands are visibly soiled or With Hand Sanitizer.
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