Lifestyle

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Scientists at Umeå University in Sweden, in collaboration with partner institutions, have developed an experimental drug that could slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer and stop it from spreading to other parts of the body.

The findings, which were published in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, suggest the treatment could provide a new option for tackling metastatic prostate cancer.

Maréne Landström, Professor of Pathology at the Department of Medical Biosciences, Umeå University, said the research team identified the biological processes responsible for cancer cell growth, invasion and metastasis.

“The new drug has been developed to prevent metastasis, and we are very pleased and proud that we have been able to identify the mechanisms that drive cancer cell growth, invasiveness, and metastatic spread,” Landström said.

Prostate cancer is among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Although many cases progress slowly and remain non-life-threatening, some become highly aggressive and spread to organs such as the lymph nodes and bones.

To address this form of the disease, the researchers created a fully human antibody made entirely from human proteins. They said the design makes it suitable for further development as a therapeutic treatment.

According to the study, preclinical tests showed that the antibody stopped tumour growth and prevented the spread of an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The researchers added that the treatment works through a newly identified mechanism, which they believe could also reduce the likelihood of side effects.

Landström described the findings as encouraging but stressed that further studies and regulatory approvals are required before the treatment can be used in patients.

“This is a promising step forward, but several important stages remain before the treatment can benefit patients,” she said.

“We still need to conduct additional safety studies, and the treatment must be approved by regulatory authorities in Europe or the United States.”

She added that the project seeks to improve survival rates and the quality of life of people living with advanced prostate cancer. She also credited years of collaboration among researchers, organisations and funding partners for the progress achieved.

The research team plans to investigate whether the same treatment can be applied to other solid tumours.

“The next step is to investigate whether this treatment can also be used against other types of solid tumors,” Landström said.

“We hope that our work will ultimately contribute to the development of a new cancer drug that can benefit patients.”

The study involved experts from the SciLifeLab Drug Discovery and Development Platform, which contributed to the development of the antibody. Additional support came from the Umeå Biotech Incubator at Umeå University, while MetaCurUm Biotech AB funded the development and testing of the experimental treatment.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Trachoma is more than an eye infection. It is a quiet destroyer of sight and dignity, affecting millions of vulnerable people around the world—especially in places where clean water is scarce, healthcare is distant, and poverty runs deep.

Caused by the bacterium “Chlamydia trachomatis”, trachoma spreads through direct contact with infected eye or nose secretions, as well as indirectly through contaminated items. In overcrowded communities where basic sanitation is poor, the disease thrives.

But this is not a new threat. Trachoma has haunted humanity for centuries. As far back as 1500 BC, ancient Egyptian scrolls described eye diseases that closely resemble it. In the 19th century, outbreaks became widespread in densely populated areas.

By the 20th century, global efforts to fight it began taking shape, especially with the intervention of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other health bodies. Today, trachoma remains one of the world’s leading causes of preventable blindness.

And the burden it places on affected communities is staggering. For individuals, the disease often begins with repeated infections. Over time, the eyelids turn inward in a condition called trichiasis, causing the lashes to scrape against the cornea.

The result is chronic pain and, eventually, blindness. For families, the impact is just as devastating. When a parent loses their vision, their ability to work and care for their children suffers. When a child goes blind, their education is interrupted, and their future becomes uncertain.

Across entire communities, this loss of productivity and well-being adds up to high economic and social costs. The stigma can be equally painful. In many places, those affected by trachoma are isolated or ridiculed—stripped of confidence and dignity.

But there is hope. Trachoma is preventable. It is also treatable, especially when detected early. And that is why the role of government is so vital.

National and local authorities must lead the fight with robust public health campaigns—promoting hygiene, encouraging regular eye checkups, and ensuring that children grow up with clean faces and clean water.

Clinics must be established in underserved areas, and healthcare workers must be trained to identify and treat the disease effectively. Collaboration is also key. By partnering with international organizations such as the WHO and the Carter Center, governments can access resources, share knowledge, and scale up proven interventions.

Yet governments alone cannot eliminate trachoma. Communities must also rise to the task. We need individuals who speak up—advocating for improved sanitation, better access to care, and education for all.

We need families and neighbours who support those affected instead of shaming them. And we need young people who take the lead in hygiene campaigns, who believe that blindness from trachoma is one injustice we can—and must—end.

The fight against trachoma is a shared responsibility. It is not just about medicine. It is about dignity. It is about giving people the chance to see their children grow, to live and work with pride, and to be seen—not for their illness—but for their worth.

The path to eliminating trachoma is clear. What is needed now is the will to walk it together—governments, communities, and every one of us who believes in a future where no one loses their sight to a disease that should already be history.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

The Nigerian healthcare system is often dismissed because of the unenviable reputation it has built over decades of systemic failure. It is a common refrain across the country that citizens simply do not trust the medical institutions meant to save them.

For those who can afford it, the immediate solution to a serious diagnosis is to board a flight out of the country, seeking medical treatment abroad where systems are functional.

And for the rest of the population, walking into a local hospital is less an exercise in hope and more an act of desperate survival, frequently marred by anxiety about what might happen inside.

Personal encounters with our healthcare infrastructure often leave deep scars. I often find myself silently whispering, ‘I pray nobody has to experience this.’ Sadly, too many Nigerians have stories of facing decaying infrastructure, enduring the dismissive or outright rude attitudes of overworked nurses, or being left unattended in crowded corridors.

Perhaps the most heartbreaking reality is the ubiquitous ‘payment before service’ policy. In moments when a patient is actively battling for their life, a life that is irreplaceable, the administrative unit, or hospital policy, prioritises financial clearance over immediate clinical intervention.

This, in my opinion, is an ethical failure that leaves families helpless and hollows out the core purpose of medicine. It undermines the very principles of the Hippocratic Oath and the Nightingale Pledge that doctors and nurses take before practising.

This crisis of confidence in our healthcare system was perfectly articulated at a recent book unveiling I attended at the Yar’Adua Centre in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

The book, Trust Renewal: The Integrity Call for Better Health for All, authored by Dr Abdullahi Jubril Mohammed, offers a resonant critique of our current trajectory. During the launch, he stated an earnest truth too often overlooked: health systems do not succeed merely because of advanced technology or concrete infrastructure. Instead, they succeed or fail along the patient’s path based on a single, invisible metric — trust.

When trust is absent, the entire system fractures. Even when medical facilities receive structural upgrades or well-funded international aid, these interventions fail to achieve their potential because the human connection between provider and patient has been broken.

Patients seek treatment abroad not just for better machines, but because they believe unsafe practices thrive in an environment devoid of accountability, and that the workers within that environment have grown numb to human suffering. To change this narrative, the Nigerian healthcare system must be consciously rebuilt on a foundation of ethical, accountable behaviour.

Renewing this trust requires a collaborative effort from policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society, and patients themselves. Medical institutions must actively promote transparency, especially concerning service delays, and prioritise patient feedback as a tool for institutional growth rather than dismissing it as mere complaining.

Practitioners need to understand that listening to a patient’s experience is just as vital as reading their clinical charts.

Building a better health system requires moving beyond physical structures and investing heavily in the integrity of the care provided. Only when patients feel safe, valued, and heard can we begin to heal the system itself.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a writer in Abuja, and she can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Hepatitis, a medical condition characterised by inflammation of the liver, remains one of the most significant yet underestimated public health crises in Nigeria. The liver is a vital organ responsible for essential bodily functions, including detoxifying harmful substances, metabolising nutrients, storing energy, and producing proteins necessary for blood clotting. 

While hepatitis can stem from excessive alcohol consumption, toxin exposure, certain medications, or autoimmune diseases, viral infections represent the most prevalent and dangerous form of the disease both globally and domestically.

There are five primary strains of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each is triggered by a distinct virus and varies in transmission mode, severity, and treatment options.

Hepatitis A and E are typically waterborne, spreading through contaminated food and water in areas plagued by poor sanitation. Conversely, Hepatitis B, C, and D are bloodborne pathogens. They spread primarily through contact with infected body fluids, unprotected sexual contact, the sharing of sharp objects, unsafe medical procedures, and mother-to-child transmission during childbirth.

The insidious nature of hepatitis lies in its symptoms or lack thereof. Many infected individuals remain entirely asymptomatic during the early stages. When symptoms do surface, they often mimic general illness, such as fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice (the yellowing of the skin and eyes).

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), viral hepatitis is a leading infectious cause of death worldwide, claiming approximately 1.3 million lives each year. Strains B and C are particularly dangerous because they can progress to chronic, silent infections that gradually destroy the liver over decades, leading to cirrhosis, liver failure, or liver cancer.

In Nigeria, the scale of this silent epidemic is staggering. The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare revealed that more than 20 million Nigerians are living with viral hepatitis, with Hepatitis B affecting roughly 18.2 million people and Hepatitis C affecting about 2.5 million. Hepatitis B stands as the most widespread strain in the country. 

Fortunately, a highly effective vaccine exists. The WHO strongly advocates that all infants receive this vaccine within 24 hours of birth as part of routine childhood immunisation.

For Hepatitis C, there is currently no vaccine, but modern antiviral medications boast a cure rate of over 95 per cent if the infection is detected early. Meanwhile, Hepatitis D presents a unique threat as a “satellite virus” that can only replicate in individuals already infected with Hepatitis B, a co-infection that drastically increases the severity of liver disease.

To combat this burden, the Federal Government has aligned with the WHO global target to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030. Central to Nigeria’s strategy is Project 365, a nationwide elimination campaign designed to scale up public awareness, screening, and treatment services while integrating hepatitis care directly into primary healthcare systems. 

This initiative is heavily supported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) through enhanced disease surveillance, outbreak response, and the enforcement of infection control practices across medical facilities.

Ultimately, turning the tide against this hidden killer requires a shift from reactive medicine to proactive prevention. On an individual level, protection involves getting vaccinated against Hepatitis B, avoiding the sharing of personal sharp items, practising safe sex, and demanding screened blood products during transfusions.

With sustained government commitment to expanding affordable diagnostic tools, paired with a public willing to break the silence and get tested, Nigeria can move closer to a future where viral hepatitis is no longer a shadow over national health.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu can be reached via munat815@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support Project (L-PRES) has commenced a two-day training programme for livestock farmers and other stakeholders in Kano State on crop residue processing, fodder production, silage making and the utilisation of fabricated feed crushers aimed at reducing feeding costs and improving livestock productivity.

The programme, which began on Wednesday, is bringing together more than 200 participants representing over 100 livestock-related groups, including herders, poultry farmers, milk producers, butchers and private sector operators from across the state.

The training focuses on practical methods of converting crop residues and other agricultural waste into affordable and nutritious animal feed while fostering collaboration among stakeholders across the livestock value chain.

The initiative also serves as a platform for participants to exchange ideas, share experiences and explore partnerships that could enhance livestock production and strengthen resilience within the sector.

Explaining the rationale behind the programme on behalf of the Kano State Project Coordinator, Salisu Muhammad Inuwa, Gambo Isah Garko, an Extension Officer with L-PRES in Kano State, said livestock feeding remains one of the biggest challenges confronting producers, particularly during the dry season.

According to him, many livestock producers struggle to access affordable feed, making it necessary to train them on how to convert crop residues into valuable feed resources rather than allowing them to go to waste.

“Feeding has become very difficult. That is why we are giving them this training so they can utilise crop residues and other agricultural waste for livestock feeding,” he said.

Garko explained that participants were being taught how to improve the nutritional value of crop residues through the use of additives and appropriate processing methods.

He said the training would help farmers better understand livestock nutritional requirements and adopt feeding practices that improve animal growth and productivity.

Beyond improving feeding practices, Garko said the programme was designed to strengthen collaboration among stakeholders in the livestock sector.

“We have called major players across the value chain because this gives them an opportunity to interact and establish linkages that will benefit everyone,” he said.

He disclosed that about 200 participants attended the programme, representing 110 groups, including livestock breeders’ associations, poultry farmers, butchers, milk producers and private livestock operators.

Garko further noted that adopting the feed-processing techniques being taught could reduce livestock feeding costs by as much as 40 per cent.

According to him, farmers can significantly cut expenses by processing crop residues such as corn stalks and incorporating them into animal feed instead of depending entirely on commercial feed products.

“Using crop residues together with the crusher machines will drastically reduce production costs while maintaining or even improving the weight gain of animals,” he said.

He further revealed that L-PRES had distributed more than 210 feed crusher machines to livestock groups and farms across Kano State and was planning additional support for poultry feed production.

Garko urged participants to put the knowledge gained into practice and share it with other farmers in their communities.

“The purpose is not just to learn but to practice what has been learned and pass the knowledge to others,” he added.

The emphasis on practical application was echoed by Sule Saleh, Value Chain Officer of Enterprise Project Canada, who explained that the training was intended to ensure beneficiaries effectively utilise and maintain the feed crusher machines distributed under the project.

He said the machines were provided as common-user assets to cooperatives rather than individuals, enabling more farmers within each community to benefit from them.

“The project has distributed these machines across farmer groups, and this training is to show them the best way to operate and maintain them in an environmentally friendly manner,” Saleh said.

He noted that sustainability was a key component of the intervention, with beneficiary groups expected to establish committees responsible for overseeing repairs, maintenance and proper utilisation of the machines.

“We are confident that these arrangements will sustain the equipment and even encourage associations to acquire additional machines in the future,” he said.

Saleh advised participants to make proper use of the knowledge, equipment and other interventions provided under the project.

“Government is not providing these interventions for the sake of it. They are meant to improve your capacity, increase your income and enhance your livelihoods,” he said.

Beyond the technical aspects of feed production, the training also highlighted government efforts aimed at strengthening agriculture and livestock development in the state.

Speaking at the event, Abubakar Muhammad Kabiru, Animal Husbandry Officer with L-PRES, commended the Kano State Government for its continued support to the agricultural and livestock sectors.

He acknowledged the commitment of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to programmes aimed at improving agricultural productivity, strengthening livestock production and enhancing food security across the state.

Kabiru encouraged participants to actively engage in the training and apply the skills acquired in their farms and businesses.

“The success of this intervention depends largely on your commitment to applying the lessons learned in your farms, businesses and communities,” he said.

Participants, meanwhile, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for addressing the persistent challenge of livestock feeding.

Among them was Lawan Muhammad Alaramma, Chairman of the Fulani Union of Milk and Fura Sellers, who expressed appreciation to L-PRES for organising the training.

Alaramma said the scarcity of animal feed remained one of the biggest challenges confronting Fulani herders, often forcing them to travel long distances in search of pasture and exposing them to numerous hardships.

He noted that the training, coming after the distribution of feed crusher machines to livestock groups, would help farmers make better use of available resources and improve productivity.

“This is the kind of training we have been looking for over a long period. Feed is our major challenge, and this knowledge will help us overcome many of the difficulties we face,” he said.

By Maimuna Katuka Aliyu

Imagine your body as a bustling city, an intricate network of systems powered by one indispensable element—water. Think of waking groggy, with a mouth as parched as desert sand. You might blame a late night or too much caffeine, but often it is your body’s quiet alarm bell, warning that its most vital fuel is running low.

Just as electricity keeps a city alive, water is the current that powers every cell. When it runs short, it is like a blackout in a metropolis, order gives way to chaos, systems slow down, and the risk of breakdown multiplies.

Dehydration rarely storms in with fanfare. It slips in unnoticed, first a dry mouth, then a slight headache, then a fog that blurs your thoughts. Even mild dehydration can dull your memory, weaken your focus, and pull down productivity.

The brain, that grand conductor of your daily rhythm, begins to miss its cues. For students, it may mean struggling to concentrate; for adults, the risk of poor decisions at work grows sharper.

In a hydrated body, blood flows like a gentle river. But when water is scarce, blood thickens into sludge, forcing the heart to labour harder. Soon, dizziness, weakness, and muscle cramps follow.

The skin, often dismissed as just a covering, loses its glow and elasticity, while the kidneys, the body’s tireless custodians, send out distress signals in the form of dark urine.

Our fast-paced lives only sharpen this risk. Long days under the burning sun, intense workouts, endless travels without a sip of water, each chips away at the body’s reserves.

And here lies the irony: by the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. That is why hydration is not just a habit; it is preventive care, the quiet maintenance that keeps the “city” of your body humming, your mind sharp, your heart steady, and your skin radiant.

The symptoms of dehydration must never be taken lightly. It may begin with thirst and fatigue, but left ignored, it can escalate into confusion, rapid heartbeat, or even life-threatening complications.                                                  

Kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and heatstroke are some of its harsh penalties. The body’s cry for water is one alarm you cannot afford to silence.

Water is the simplest cure, but sometimes the body demands more, electrolytes to restore balance, oral solutions to replenish salts, or, in severe cases, intravenous fluids under medical care.

Hydration is not merely about pouring in water; it is about restoring the delicate balance that sustains life. Yet in the rush of daily living, hydration often takes the back seat. We forget that this basic elixir is both personal and societal.

In regions where clean drinking water is scarce, dehydration becomes a public health emergency, threatening the young and elderly most. Governments are pressed to act, building infrastructure, ensuring access, and educating citizens.

The cost of neglect is staggering. Health systems already stretched thin must spend resources treating preventable conditions, diverting funds from education and wellness.

Economies pay the price as productivity falters and budgets strain. Hydration, so simple and so often ignored, becomes not just a personal duty but a societal challenge.

Climate change sharpens the danger. Rising heat, shrinking water sources, and punishing droughts expose millions to the harsh reality of thirst. Water, once taken for granted, is now a policy priority, a sustainability crisis, and a public health concern rolled into one.

But the solutions lie within reach. Choosing water over sugary or caffeinated drinks. Carrying a bottle as a habit. Eating water-rich fruits like cucumbers and watermelon. Schools, offices, and public spaces can lead with hydration stations and campaigns.

When society makes water accessible, it empowers individuals to make the right choice. Ultimately, prevention remains the wisest cure. Sip steadily through the day, not just when thirst demands it.

Treat water not as a chore but as a daily act of self-care, a quiet gift that renews every cell. The next time you lift a glass to your lips, see it as more than hydration—it is your lifeline, your body’s power source, the fuel that keeps you thriving.

Hydration is not just a lifestyle tip. It is the foundation of health, the difference between fatigue and vitality, between a body faltering and a body flourishing. It is the lifeline every human being needs to live fully and thrive.

Maimuna Katuka Aliyu wrote via munat815@gmail.com.

By Abashi Rahab

Not too long ago, I found myself standing by a roadside food stall, just watching the world go by. It was evening, and the queue was steady. One after another, people placed their orders as if on autopilot. I watched a man buy a heap of fried yam and sauce, “wash it down” with a chilled soft drink, and disappear into the night.

To any onlooker, the scene was unremarkable. In fact, it felt deeply familiar, a routine millions of us perform daily without a second thought. And that is precisely the heart of the problem.

For many Nigerians, eating has become a mechanical act rather than a nutritional one. We reach for what is available, what is fast, and what provides that immediate satisfaction.

We rarely pause to interrogate what is in our “plastic” food or how those hidden ingredients might be rewriting our health story. To be fair, it is not always a case of intentional neglect; often, we are simply creatures of habit.

There is also a stubborn myth that eating right is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. This misconception leads many to throw in the towel before they have even tried. But the truth is, health is not always about the weight of your wallet; it is about the quality of your choices.

That daily soft drink that has become a mealtime staple, the cultural preference for food swimming in oil, and the habit of swapping real meals for processed snacks are decisions that cost us dearly in the long run.

The real danger lies in the silence of the damage. These choices don’t strike immediately; they erode our health slowly. Over the years, they manifest as high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic fatigue, all conditions that build up quietly until they can no longer be ignored.

What makes this reality so tragic is that eating better is well within our reach. Many of our local staples, like beans, local rice, vegetables, and plantains, are nutritional powerhouses when we treat them with respect.

The secret is not in buying expensive or packaged food; it is in reducing the oil, cutting the sugar, and finding balance in what we already have on our plates. It is about the small, daily steps that move us away from digging our graves with our teeth.

Breaking these habits is no walk in the park, especially when they are woven into the fabric of our daily lives. However, awareness is a powerful catalyst. Choosing water over soda, being mindful of portion sizes, and thinking twice before defaulting to the usual oily foods are small steps that lead to a massive outcome.

In the end, our health is rarely determined by a single meal. It is shaped by the repeated, unthinking choices we make every day. We often complain that healthy food is expensive, and in a tough economy, that can be true. But we seldom talk about the true cost of eating carelessly.

One day, the bill comes due. It stops being about the price of a plate of food and starts being about hospital bills, lifelong medication, and a life forced to slow down long before its time. By then, the conversation is no longer about what we ate—it’s about what those choices have taken from us.

Abashi Rahab is a student of Strategic Communication at Yakubu Gowon University, Abuja. An intern with IMPR. She can be reached at: abashirahab@gmail.com.

By Emmanuel Daniel

Many university students are too busy in their day-to-day academic lives to get a good night’s sleep for several reasons, including meeting deadlines, studying for exams, and fulfilling social obligations. They will frequently resort to using caffeine-based products like energy drinks, coffee and tea to keep them awake and alert. They might not appear to be problematic behaviours, but there is growing evidence that they may have significant implications for cardiovascular health.

A recent study was conducted among students of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Bayero University Kano, on the Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine on Cardiovascular Parameters (Blood Pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure, and Pulse Rate). Results indicate significant physiological implications of these popular lifestyles.

The study involved comparing four groups of students: sleep-deprived Students, caffeine consumers with normal sleep, sleep-deprived + caffeine students, and normal sleep without caffeine. The systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and pulse rate were measured and analysed.

Significant differences were found in several cardiovascular parameters. Students who consumed caffeine regularly but still had normal sleep had the highest mean arterial and diastolic blood pressures. This implies that caffeine can raise the strain on blood vessels, making the heart pump more to move blood around the body.

What is interesting is that the pupils who were sleep-deprived had more elevated pulse rates, as though in response to a lack of sleep, the body may be attempting to engage the “fight-or-flight” mechanism, also known as the sympathetic nervous system. Activating this system for prolonged periods can increase cardiovascular stress over time.

There were also significant differences found between the males and females in the study. The female students who consumed caffeine and were then sleep-deprived had significantly higher pulse rates than the males. The discovery suggests there may be gender differences in how men and women react to life changes that can lead to heart disease.

Physiologically, lack of sleep diminishes the body’s capacity to manage stress hormones properly. Meanwhile, caffeine antagonises the effects of adenosine, a naturally occurring compound that has a relaxing and vasodilatory (blood vessel-widening) effect. These mechanisms, combined, can alter normal cardiovascular function and may lead to health risks when they persist for extended periods.

The results are especially relevant in the time of energy drinks, which are becoming a favourite sidekick for students. Many study participants reported frequently using energy drinks to stay awake during schoolwork. Though some individuals say caffeine gives them a boost in concentration and helps fend off fatigue, overreliance on caffeinated drinks should not be a substitute for good sleep patterns.

The bottom line is that this study shows that sufficient sleep remains one of the major factors in a healthy lifestyle. It is then recommended physiologically that students get the 7-9 hours of sleep they need every night and limit caffeine consumption. Schools can also be places to raise awareness of sleep hygiene, stress management, and responsible caffeine use.

Late nights and caffeine may be part of a student’s life, but making them habits can have consequences. Keeping the heart healthy starts with the simple things you can do every day, and sometimes the best way to get your heart pumping is to get a good night’s sleep.

Extracted from Emmanuel Miracle Daniel’s thesis titled ‘The Effect of Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine on Cardiovascular Parameters Among Bayero University Students,’ supervised by Professor Nafisatu Yusuf Wali.

By Uzair Adam

Frontline health workers in Tofa Local Government Area of Kano State have been trained on how to respond to rising cases of heat-related illnesses, with particular focus on protecting pregnant women and other vulnerable groups from the effects of extreme heat.

The intervention comes amid growing concern over rising temperatures across Kano State and northern Nigeria, with health experts warning that extreme heat is becoming a serious public health challenge.

They note that pregnant women, children, the elderly and people living with chronic illnesses such as hypertension and diabetes are particularly vulnerable to heat-related complications.

The training, organised by the Climate Resilience Action Group (CRAG) with support from the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust (KIRCT), was held at Tofa Comprehensive Health Centre.

Speaking during the programme, the team lead of CRAG, Dr. Bashir Isa Waziri, said the initiative was designed to equip frontline health workers with the knowledge and skills needed to respond to climate-sensitive diseases, especially during periods of extreme heat.

He explained that primary healthcare workers were targeted because they serve as the first point of contact for patients, particularly in rural communities.

“We are trying to empower them with knowledge and skills to recognise climate health risks and climate-sensitive diseases, especially during extreme heat season, and how they can respond appropriately to such conditions,” he said.

Dr. Waziri added that CRAG is also implementing climate awareness programmes in schools, alongside environmental interventions such as tree planting and innovative waste management, to strengthen long-term community resilience.

One of the facilitators, Dr. Maryam Ahmad Said, a Physician Specialist with the Kano Independent Research Centre Trust and member of CRAG, said pregnant women are among the most vulnerable groups affected by extreme heat.

She explained that rising temperatures could lead to serious maternal health complications, including preterm labour, miscarriages, stillbirths and pregnancy-induced hypertension.

“We talked about the effects of extreme heat on vulnerable populations, especially pregnant women, children, elderly people and those with chronic diseases such as sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes,” she said.

Dr. Maryam stressed that awareness and health education remain key to preventing heat-related illnesses.

“The most important thing is awareness. People need to know the symptoms of extreme heat on the body, such as excessive sweating, dry mouth and palpitations,” she added.

She advised residents to drink water regularly, wear light and loose clothing, and avoid strenuous activities during peak heat hours, particularly between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Another facilitator, Dr. Aisha Adam Abdullahi, also sensitised participants on climate-related diseases and preventive measures during extreme weather conditions.

One of the participants, Muhammad Naziru Adamu, described the training as timely, saying health workers had long needed capacity building on climate-health issues.

He added that participants would share the knowledge gained with colleagues and members of the community to improve awareness of heat-related health risks.

The programme also featured a tree-planting campaign at Government Girls Arabic Senior Secondary School, Tofa, where selected students were introduced as “climate ambassadors” responsible for nurturing and protecting the trees.

The Vice Principal Administration of the school, Ahmad Ibrahim Ahmad, commended CRAG for selecting the school for the intervention, saying it would improve the learning environment.

He pledged the school’s commitment to ensuring proper care of the trees planted during the campaign.

By Rabi Ummi Umar

Lately, I have found myself unlearning and relearning everything about being a woman. Having been groomed to be nice, kind, and responsive to all situations with a smile, tolerant, and to “be the bigger person”, new knowledge suggests there is more to being a woman, especially for young ones like myself.

While I am utterly grateful for the virtues of kindness learned over the course of my life, I have realised there is a thin line between character-building and the restrictive way women are often conditioned.

There is a persistent narrative, a “myth of silence”, that suggests a woman who is quiet, who tolerates everything, and who refuses to stand up for herself or others is the “good” woman. Conversely, the woman who knows her worth, identifies wrongs, and refuses to stay silent is labelled “bad” or “difficult.”

Many cultures across the globe have deemed it normal for women to be silent spectators: unproblematic, quiet, and devoid of independent values. But what does “unproblematic” actually mean in this context? Too often, it refers to a woman who remains silent in the face of injustice, one who endures whatever is thrown at her without a word of complaint.

On the flip side, a “problematic” woman is simply one who refuses to tolerate disrespect. She is the woman who sees a wrong and calls it out; the woman who speaks the truth regardless of who she might offend. We must confront the fact that this pressure to stay silent stems from societal expectations rather than religious teachings.

As a Muslim woman from Northern Nigeria, a region that prides itself on religiosity, I have seen this play out more times than fingers could count. A woman is expected to undergo so much and wear a mask of contentment just to be loved by everyone else, even if it means she stops loving herself.

If a husband is abusive, she is told to endure. And we must ask: who taught these men that abuse is acceptable? If her in-laws treat her poorly, she is expected to stay calm and patient until they “magically” change. If she shares her opinions or strives for self-improvement, she is suddenly seen as having “gone wild” or having too much knowledge.

Taking a microscopic look reveals why a plethora of women struggle to find themselves. They have spent so long pretending to blend in, trying to be “chosen,” and performing to fit a mould that they have forgotten who they actually are.

The truth is, there is beauty in simply being yourself. As long as you respect your boundaries and act within the framework of your faith and the law, it is okay to exist as a whole person. Since society demands “perfection” or silence, many women have perfected the art of pretence just to maintain the appearance of being “good.”

However, I recently watched a video where someone said, “The world doesn’t profit from women who are at peace; it profits from women who are constantly trying to be something else.” That resonated deeply with me. There is so much pressure on women to be more successful, prettier, or bolder. This pressure has turned life into a competition for visibility; women want to be seen, liked, and admired so badly that they lose their way.

Most women are no longer just living; they are performing. They are developing confidence, independence, and identity because the world rewards the show. A woman who is still searching for herself is easier to influence, sell to, and control. So, the societal noise gets louder, fueling more comparisons and more pressure.

In this scramble to be “seen,” many are quietly losing their spirituality. Again, this is not what Islam teaches. Women, like all human beings, should be allowed to live, to be included, and to breathe. Throughout Islamic history, women have actively participated in social, political, and economic life. They were never meant to be silent followers; multiple examples abound. 

A Muslim woman’s voice, when guided by faith, wisdom, and character, is not a threat to anyone. It is a strength, and when tapped in, the world could be a better place.

Rabi Ummi Umar is a corps member in Abuja. She can be reached via rabiumar058@gmail.com.