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By Maimunna Katuka Aliyu

Understanding blood types and genotypes is crucial for emergencies, such as blood transfusions during accidents. However, knowing one’s genotype, particularly before marriage, is equally important to avoid having children with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).

Blood genotypes determine an individual’s blood type, inherited from our parents and remain constant throughout our lives. The four main blood types are A, B, AB, and O, classified based on the presence of antigens in red blood cells. The Rh factor can also be present (Rh-positive) or absent (Rh-negative), further defining blood types.

Blood genotypes play significant roles in the following:
– Blood Transfusions: Ensuring compatibility between donor and recipient blood.
– Pregnancy: Preventing complications like haemolytic disease of the newborn.
– Organ Transplants: Matching donor and recipient blood types for successful transplants.
– Disease Susceptibility: Influencing susceptibility to diseases like sickle cell anaemia.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder affecting haemoglobin production, leading to abnormal red blood cells. These cells become crescent-shaped and rigid, causing a range of health problems. The genotype responsible for SCD is known as HbSS or HbSβthal, resulting from a mutation in the HBB gene.

Individuals with sickle cell disease have two copies of the mutated gene (HbSS), while those with one normal gene and one mutated gene (HbAS) have the sickle cell trait but generally remain healthy. Understanding an individual’s genotype is crucial in determining their risk of developing SCD or passing it to their offspring.

The symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary in severity and include:
– Anemia
– Fatigue
– Shortness of breath
– Pale skin
– Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
– Painful episodes (crises)
– Swelling of hands and feet
– Increased risk of infections

While there is no cure for sickle cell disease, several management options help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications:
– Pain Management: Medications like acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
– Blood Transfusions: Increasing healthy red blood cell levels.
– Hydroxyurea: Reducing the frequency of painful episodes and improving anaemia.

Aisha Mahmud, a sickle cell patient diagnosed at age three, shared her experiences. As she grew older, the frequency of her crises reduced, occurring only once every three months. She regularly visits Primus Hospital in Karu, Abuja, and FMC Azare for checkups. Aisha emphasises that emotional stress often triggers crises, highlighting the importance of therapy over medication. Remarkably, her genotype changed from SS to AC, bringing immense joy to her family.

The challenges faced by sickle cell patients are immense, impacting them physically, psychologically, emotionally, and financially. Crises can occur unpredictably, causing significant distress to patients and their families.

Researchers are continuously exploring new treatment options for sickle cell disease. Some of the latest developments include:

– Hydroxyurea: Reduces pain crises and acute chest syndrome, decreasing the need for blood transfusions.

– Voxelotor: Approved for people age four and older to reduce pain crises and improve anaemia.

– Crizanlizumab: Approved for people age 16 and older to reduce pain crises.

– L-glutamine: Approved for people age five and older to reduce pain crises.

– Bone Marrow Transplant: Can cure some individuals with SCD but requires careful consideration and a suitable donor.

– Gene Therapy: Genes are used to correct the mutations that cause sickle cell disease.

– CRISPR Technology: A gene-editing tool that corrects the mutation causing SCD.

In conclusion, sickle cell disease is a complex and debilitating genetic disorder affecting millions worldwide. While there is no cure, management options help alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. Ongoing research and new treatment options offer hope for improved treatment and potentially a cure in the future.

Maimunna Katuka Aliyu wrote via munat815@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The military high command has vowed to bring Bello Turji, one of the notorious bandit leaders terrorizing Zamfara State and parts of the Northwest, to justice for his crimes against humanity.

General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, stated during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja that the military is determined to put an end to the levies being imposed by Turji and other terrorists on farmers.

He assured Nigerians that the days of the bandit leader are numbered, urging citizens to support the military’s efforts to restore peace.Gen.

Musa revealed that despite the bandits’ attempts to disrupt the lives of farmers, the military is working tirelessly to end these atrocities.

He also warned communities against supporting or providing information to the bandits, as doing so only prolongs the conflict.This declaration follows a recent visit by Gen.

Musa and other service chiefs to Sokoto, ordered by President Bola Tinubu, to intensify the fight against insurgency in the region.

The Chief of Defence urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to collaborate with security forces to ensure the success of ongoing military operations.

By Uzair Adam

President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep concern regarding the devastating flood that recently affected parts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Borno, particularly those who lost their livelihoods as a result of the disaster.

“The worst flood in recent decades, triggered by the overflow of the Alau Dam, has displaced thousands of residents and impacted critical infrastructure, including the Post Office and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital,” Onanuga said.

The President called for the immediate evacuation of residents from the affected areas while authorities continue assessing the damage.

He also reassured Governor Babagana Zulum that the Federal Government is ready to collaborate on addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of those displaced by the flood.

President Tinubu further instructed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to provide immediate assistance to the victims and pledged federal resources to support the state’s recovery efforts.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Gombe State Government has donated 2 Bulls, thirty (30) Bags of fifty (50) kg of Rice, twenty (20) Jericans of Ground nut oil, and ten (10) Bags of Beans to Corps members of the 2024 Batch B Stream two Orientation Course.

In a message, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya CON, represented by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development Adamu Inuwa Pantami, said that the donation will augment the feeding of Corps members at the Camp and cushion the effect of the rising cost of food items.

The Governor, who wished the Corp members well, informed them that Gombe is hospitable, noting that the peace-loving people of Gombe state are eagerly waiting to receive them after orientation camp. 

While receiving the items at the National Youth Services Corp (NYSC) Temporary Orientation Camp, Amada, the State Coordinator NYSC Gombe State, Mrs Chinwe Nnenna Nwachuku, expressed gratitude to the Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for the kind gesture. 

She said that she would inform the Director General and top Management of the Scheme of the Governor’s love and untiring support to the NYSC.

The elated State Coordinator also pledged to continue to work hard for the interest of the scheme, Gombe State and the nation at large.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, has criticized the Federal Government for assigning the distribution of rice palliatives in Kano to the Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, rather than the state government.

Speaking in Kano, Kwankwaso expressed his disappointment, describing the move as a breach of constitutional democracy and an act of excessive partisanship.

“For the past week, I have been in Kano, and I observed with great disappointment the Federal Government’s distribution of rice palliatives to 35 states through their governors, except in Kano.

“Here, the responsibility was handed over to APC members. This is a gross insult to our constitutional democracy and a step too far in partisanship,” Kwankwaso stated.

He urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately address what he called a “derailment of democracy.”

Kwankwaso also raised concerns about the frequent changes in the leadership of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Kano, noting that three State Directors had been posted and reposted in just two weeks.

He warned that the instability was having a negative impact on the state’s security.

By Wonderful Adegoke

Despite the growing consensus that achieving a first-class degree is increasingly difficult, Helen Ambi has proven that with perseverance and diligence, it’s attainable at any level.

Hailing from Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Helen Ambi developed an interest in Medical Laboratory Science after researching and reading about its versatility in the health sector. Thus, she applied to Usmanu Danfodiyo University (UDUS) to pursue her newfound passion.

“Initially, I never knew a course like Medical Laboratory Science existed,” she revealed. However, I chose it after researching and reading about its prospects and versatility in the health sector. I applied and was admitted on my first attempt. This convinced and made me glad that I chose this path.”

Like the thousands of students with varying dreams admitted every year, Helen Ambi’s journey to graduate with a first-class degree began, ultimately leading to her remarkable achievement.

The journey in UDUS

The glamour of being confined within the four walls of academia began gradually while Helen steadily pursued her dream of becoming a first-class degree holder. Alas, it began to dawn on her that she’d dreamt too far—hope faltering like the fading of a newly painted mural.

“Not that I didn’t aspire to graduate with a first-class,” she said. “I did. But when I saw my 100-level results, although they weren’t bad, I expected to start with a first-class because it’s often said that the journey begins as a ‘fresher.’

“I have always heard that if you want to graduate with a first-class, then you have to get it from 100-level because as you progress, your CGPA will ‘drop.’ Hearing that made me give up on bagging a first-class degree.”

The 4.3 grade points she obtained in the 100 level left her stressed, worn out, and frustrated and prompted her to re-strategize. “My friend Simnom helped me develop a new reading habit: night reading, which I would say helped me understand what time of the day was most suitable for my assimilation.

“I can’t express how I felt, but I know I was excited because the green lights were beginning to turn up,” she said, in appraisal of how her new strategy boosted her records to 4.47 in the 200-level and 4.46 in the 300-level.

The game changer

The School of Medical Laboratory Science (SMLS) has the best faculty in UDUS. The 400 level is known to be the toughest due to the bulkiness of the courses offered. Helen’s first-class journey began in her penultimate year.

“My 400-level was the game changer for me. I know it’s known as the most hectic and challenging level and probably the most difficult, but that’s where my story began. I achieved a grade point of 4.50 in my 400-level and 4.53 in my final year.”

In acknowledgement of the encouragement received from one of her lecturers, whom she simply identified as ‘Dr Festus,’ she said, “I became more determined to give my best to achieving a first-class degree.”

“I began having discussions with a few friends to learn new things because no one’s an island of knowledge. When our 400-level results were released, I discovered that it had greatly helped me.”

“Don’t Give Up” – Helen advises students

As a lover of research and volunteering activities, Helen intends to impact society by conducting research to tackle sickle cell disease. She has advised students to hold on to their dreams.

“Regardless of what people say or think, don’t give up on your dreams. Give your best to everything you do, including your academics. Having a good relationship with your colleagues is important because you can never know everything, and we learn from each other.”

By Anas Abbas

Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has directed the immediate closure of all schools in Borno State.

This precautionary measure aims to prevent loss of lives from flooding and ensure student safety.

According to Engr Lawal Wakilbe, Commissioner for Education Science and Technology, Innovations, all primary and secondary schools will remain closed for two weeks, allowing time for the floodwaters to recede.

Wakilbe confirmed this decision in a phone interview on Monday evening, stating that it was made in consultation with the state committee on flood to prioritize student safety.

The floods have severely impacted numerous communities across the state, with Maiduguri, Jere, and other local government areas being particularly hard hit.

In response, the administration has established a special committee, led by Secretary to the Borno State Government, Bukar Tijjani, to coordinate a swift and effective response to the flood emergency.

By taking proactive measures, the Borno State Government hopes to mitigate the effects of the flooding and ensure the well-being of its citizens, especially vulnerable students.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a deadline of midnight on Monday to unconditionally release its president, Joe Ajaero.

Failure to do so, the NLC warns, will lead to serious repercussions.In a statement signed by NLC Deputy President Prince Adewale Adeyanju, the union revealed that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday at 9 AM to determine further actions if Ajaero remains in detention.

The NLC condemned the arrest of Ajaero at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport while en route to the United Kingdom to attend a Trade Union Congress meeting.

The union labeled his detention illegal and described it as an attempt to intimidate and silence the labor movement.

The Congress also urged its affiliates and the general populace to be on alert, calling the arrest an attack on the rights of all workers and citizens.

The NLC further demanded the reversal of the petrol price hike and immediate implementation of the new National Minimum Wage.

The NEC meeting is expected to address the situation and announce decisive actions if the government fails to release Ajaero by the stipulated deadline.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Joe Ajaero, the chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) was arrested on Monday morning at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Ajaero was reportedly about to board a flight to the United Kingdom for an official assignment when operatives of the DSS picked him up.

Although details of the arrest and the reasons are still sketchy, the report, citing sources, sources said Ajaero has been handed over to the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).

According to sources, Ajaero was billed to attend the conference of Trade Union Congresses in the UK holding today.

By Anwar Usman

Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, has debunked reports suggesting an increase in the Value-Added Tax rate from 7.5 percent to 10 percent.

In a statement signed by him on Monday, Edun clarified that the VAT rate remains unchanged at 7.5 percent, as stipulated in the nation’s tax laws.

Edun reiterated that “the current VAT rate is 7.5%, and this is what the government charges on a spectrum of goods and services to which the tax is applicable. Therefore, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies will act contrary to what the laws stipulate.”

He further explained the importance of maintaining a balanced tax system, emphasizing that Nigeria’s tax framework is built on three key pillars: tax policy, tax laws, and tax administration.

While addressing concerns over government actions perceived as anti-human, Edun reassured Nigerians that fiscal policies are designed to promote sustainable economic growth and alleviate poverty, not to hinder them.

The Minister also stated, “Our focus as a government is to use fiscal policy in a manner that promotes and enhances strong and sustainable economic growth, reduces poverty, and makes businesses flourish.”