Lifestyle

By Najeeb Maigatari

The recent Zionist Israeli regime’s serial attacks on defenceless Palestinians in Rafah, a city in the Southern Gaza Strip, is an issue of serious concern that should never be swept under the carpet. The gory pictures making the rounds on social media platforms are horrifyingly disturbing, to say the least.

What was once a shelter for homeless Palestinians- courtesy of the Israeli regime’s act of terror on the former- is now turned into a slaughterhouse. According to the Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), all the 36 shelters established for Palestinian refugees in Rafah are now empty. People have either been killed or fled.

Since the beginning of this heinous act, the hashtag #AllEyesOnRafah has been trending and has been shared by millions of people across social media platforms to highlight the imperative of putting an end to the continued suffering of the Palestinian people.

The attack on Rafah is a continuation of a decades-long act of usurper terrorism and settler-colonialism aimed at pushing for the heinous agenda of Zionist Imperialist expansionism right at the heart of Palestinian land, a holy place for Muslims, Christians and Orthodox Jews alike. Since July of the previous year, the illegitimate state of Israel has ruthlessly intensified its attacks on the defenceless Palestinians, this time in particular targeting hospitals, schools, worship centres, and refugee camps.

The United Nations Office on Palestinian Affairs has put the death toll from this heinous crime to around 34,000 people. However, according to a report from the Gazan Ministry of Health (MOH), no fewer than 36,756 have been killed since the beginning of the operation. Nevertheless, the figures underscore the true extent of the ongoing Israeli genocide in various Palestinian territories.

According to another report from UNICEF, children account for over 40% of the mass casualties. This is to say for every 100 people killed, over 40 of them are children. Indeed, Palestine is a grave for women and children. Nowadays, few children live to witness their first birthdays, courtesy of the murderous Israeli regime.

It is worth noting that the deafening silence of the international community on this issue of magnanimous human rights violations is a shame on us all. Under our watch, the Illegitimate state of Israel is waging an all-out war against innocent Palestinians – on their own land – in a bid to expand their settler-colonialist agenda.

We all have a responsibility toward the oppressed people of Palestine. Now that the Israeli regime has shown that it has no regard for international laws, as it continued its terrorist operations in complete disregard for all known such laws and provisions, here are some ways we can help the people of Palestine:

We can engage in demonstrations/rallies/sit-ins in our workplaces, worship centres, schools, streets, etc., to show our solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine. This should also send a clear message to the Israeli regime and its allies that the teeming world of humanity is watching them and will no longer sit idly as innocent Palestinians are massacred in cold blood.

In addition, we can demand and mount pressure on our governments to cut all diplomatic ties and stop all economic dealings with the murderous, illegitimate Israeli regime; and to officially recognize the regime as the terrorist state that they truly are! Our countries should borrow a leaf from such countries as Spain, Norway and Ireland, who have recently followed the footsteps of other dozen countries that cut off all ties with Israel and officially recognize the Palestinian state.

We can also demand that the International Community impose sanctions against Israeli officials for their unspeakable war crimes against innocent Palestinian civilians. In the same vein, an economic blockade should be enforced on the very organizations that fund the activities of the terrorist Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Furthermore, we can boycott all products produced by Israel and the companies that support or fund their act of terrorism. This will cause a huge economic blow to the murderous regime and will hamper their ability to locally produce or buy arms which they use to kill innocent and defenceless Palestinian civilians.

At the individual level, we can contribute to the Palestinian struggle for freedom and the right to self-determination by sending relief aid either directly (through reliable #GoFundMe projects) or through their representatives in various countries. We can also help raise awareness by joining campaigns on social and print media regarding the flight of the Palestinian people.

What is happening in Palestine is arguably the worst humanitarian crisis of our time. Our silence is giving way to more Israeli genocide. We are enablers of this very crime against humanity until we wake up and do the needful. As the South African anti-apartheid movement leader Nelson Mandela rightly puts it during his Presidential inaugural speech in 1994: “We know too well that our Freedom is incomplete without the freedom of the Palestinian people”.

Najeeb Maigatari wrote via maigatari313@gmail.com.

By Aisha M Auyo

Love, it is popularly said, makes the world go round. This implies that the presence of love engenders harmony, peace, and tranquillity in relationships.

As the nucleus of the family, which in turn is the pivot of human society, it is very important that true or genuine love exists between the two people who live together as a couple, as in husband and wife.

Do you know the concept of love language? Do you know your love language? Do you know your partner’s love language?

Knowing about these will solve most of the issues that usually rock marriages and our relationships with others.

Love language is defined as a person’s characteristic means of showing affection or care for another. It can also be portrayed as how a person prefers to express love to—and receive it from—a partner. 

If you doubt your partner still loves you, know you are not alone. The fact is, you might be speaking a different love language from that of your partner. 

Relationship expert Dr. Gary Chapman created the concept of love languages in his book The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts. 

The book explains that to ensure a healthy relationship, it is essential to identify and use your partner’s love language. This will help eliminate miscommunication and allow for a more understanding, harmonious couple. The following are some points to know about love languages to help you on the road to a healthier relationship.

There are five types of love languages: 

1. Words of affirmation.

When words of affirmation are your love language, words build you up. You thrive on spoken affection, praise, encouragement, and compliments. Harsh words and criticism irk and can bother you for a long time.

2. Acts of service.

As a woman, anything your partner does willingly to ease your workload is a sign of love to you. You feel cared for when, for instance, your partner vacuums (or sweeps) before you get to it or makes you breakfast as a surprise. On the other hand, broken promises or laziness can make you feel unimportant.

3. Receiving gifts.

When you speak this love language, a thoughtful (special) gift shows you that you are special. In contrast, generic gifts and forgotten special events have the opposite effect. This love language is not necessarily materialistic – it could be as simple as receiving your favourite snack after a bad day.

4. Quality time.

To you, nothing says you’re loved like undivided attention. When your partner is genuinely present (not looking at their phone, laptop or TV), it makes you feel important. Failure to actively listen or long periods without one-on-one time can make you feel unloved.

5. Physical touch.

Holding hands, kisses, hugs, and other tender touches are your preferred ways to show and receive love. Appropriate touches convey warmth and safety, while physical neglect can drive a wedge between you and your partner. 

Generally, men are people of action, while women thrive on words. If a woman disrespects a man, doesn’t obey his orders, or talks to him disparagingly, it is usually very difficult to convince that man that she loves him, even if she does.

 If you, as a man, spend time, resources, and efforts to make life easier for a woman and make no effort to tell her sweet nonsense, trust me, you may not win her heart. On the other hand, a playboy, with few spoken words like, ‘I love you’ or ‘you’re beautiful’, will win her heart in no time.

 Although some women may be materialistic and prefer gifts and money, some men, too, may prefer a voluptuous or sophisticated woman to a submissive, uneducated one. The examples are endless.

How love languages can improve your relationships

Most of us have one or two preferred love languages – often different than our significant other’s. If you express your love through your preferred love language, the chances are that it goes unnoticed by your partner.

For example, if your love language is gifts, and you often surprise your partner with thoughtful gifts, how does it make you feel when they just have a quick look at your thoughtful present? Meanwhile, your partner hardly values gifts but appreciates acts of service. It would mean the world to them if you did chores around the house instead of buying gifts. So you and your partner won’t feel loved, as there is a difference between what one gives and what the other wants to receive.

Many women complain that their men are not romantic: no hugs, pecks, or holding hands. Some frown at their women when they initiate any of these gestures. Some men find it hard to vocalise their feelings, such as “I love you”, “I miss you”, “you are beautiful”, and “You smell nice” appear to be very difficult for some men. “Allah Ya yi miki albarka” is difficult for some men. The issue here is a difference in love language between the couples. 

If these men go out of their way to provide for the family and make you comfortable, then to them, they’re communicating that they love you. If your man is interested in what you do, listen to your small and big talks, even if he doesn’t say a word, it means he cares about you.

My sister, if your man hardly comments on your clothes or outfits, it means he values your character and personality more than your looks. But if he’s so inclined to your physical appearance, it means you should pay much more attention to how you look than how you behave.

My brother, I know it’s a man’s nature not to vocalise what you feel, but your woman needs to know your love language to please you. Know your love language and communicate it accordingly. Also, try and get to know hers.

Some women love gifts, but this doesn’t mean they’re materialistic. Even if it’s something small, the thought matters to them. She will be happy and submissive. 

Some women love to hear sweet nonsense. These kinds of women do not care about your gift as much as they care about your attention and affection. If your woman is of this type, men, your wealth or gift will not mean much to her. Lack of attention makes her feel unloved.

In conclusion, speaking your partner’s preferred language can drastically strengthen your relationship. Relate with your partner in their love language, not yours, for a better and more fulfilling relationship. Let me stop here.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology, a wife, a mother of three, a homemaker, a chef, and a parenting/ relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

In our daily lives, those closest to us often find it most challenging to appreciate or value us fully. Familiarity can breed contempt, as the saying goes. The people we interact with regularly, whether family members, close friends, or colleagues, can sometimes take us for granted or overlook our unique qualities and contributions.

When someone sees us daily, they become accustomed to our presence and may fail to recognise the depth of our character or the significance of our actions. They might overlook our strengths, talents, and achievements because they’re too focused on the routine aspects of our relationship. This familiarity can lead to a lack of appreciation and understanding of our true worth.

On the other hand, people farther away from us, whether geographically or emotionally, may have a clearer perspective on who we are and what we bring to the table. They might see us through a different lens that isn’t clouded by everyday interactions and expectations. They may be more likely to appreciate our unique qualities, offer genuine recognition for our accomplishments, and provide valuable feedback because they’re not as intimately familiar with us.

It is important to recognise this dynamic and strive to balance closeness and distance in our relationships. While it’s natural for those closest to us sometimes to struggle to appreciate us entirely, we can take steps to foster understanding and gratitude within those relationships. 

Communication, expressing gratitude, and regularly reflecting on each other’s contributions can help bridge the gap between familiarity and appreciation. Additionally, seeking feedback and validation from various sources, including those farther away, can provide a more comprehensive perspective on our value and worth.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote from Kaduna via prof4true@gmail.com.

By Aisha Musa Auyo

Oxford Dictionary defines decision fatigue as a difficulty in making a good decision experienced due to the number of decisions one needs to make. In psychology, decision fatigue is defined as mental and emotional exhaustion due to excessive or relentless decision-making.

According to Bob Pozen, a professor at MIT and author of Extreme Productivity, we make between 10,000 and 40,000 decisions per day, ranging from insignificant to critical.

The figure looks exaggerated, right? I didn’t believe him at first until I started to count the decisions I had made from the moment I woke up, from what to make for breakfast, to which kid to bath first, to which clothes to wear, which shoe or bag, what time to go out, what article to write, to eat before leaving or not, what type of tea to make? To call my siblings after work or before work, to read either a book or a journal, to address a junior colleague or to let it pass, to watch a movie or sleep. If I chose to watch a movie, then which one? The decisions are endless. 

The more energy we spend on mundane tasks, the less we have for the important ones.

Roy F. Baumeister, a social psychologist, developed this theory, arguing that our mental energy diminishes as we make more decisions. The brain’s ability to make decisions wears out over time like a muscle that is used too much.

According to a 2016 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, people find it difficult to make intelligent decisions even after spending hours deliberating. Brain scans revealed a decline in mental energy in the lateral prefrontal cortex, an area crucial for decision-making.

Everyone experiences decision fatigue from time to time. And that’s OK. While we can’t always control the situations that cause our decision fatigue, we can build protective measures into our daily lives to make that fatigue less likely and more manageable

To combat decision fatigue, experts suggest simplifying daily choices as much as possible and learning to manage our mental energy more efficiently. But I’ve summarized a few points that will help us in our day-to-day activities. 

Experts advise making as few decisions as feasible on a daily basis and developing more effective mental energy management techniques to fight decision fatigue. However, I’ve outlined a few things that will support us in our daily tasks. 

1. Take the option out of certain aspects of your life. Prominent decision-makers such as Steve Jobs and Barack Obama have openly discussed how they wear nearly identical outfits every day. Their justification is that there is one less decision to make when it comes to attire. Certain things can be automated, such as your wardrobe choices, the podcast you listen to while commuting, or the type of bread you purchase from the shop. Allow yourself to not be the one who demands perfection.

2. Assign (if you can). You will always have to make some selections. But occasionally, it’s acceptable to delegate tasks to others. They might make a mistake, but so will you! Try to delegate some of the decision-making to your spouse, siblings, or subordinates. They’ll learn how to meet your expectations with time.

3. Make time for self-care. Caring about your own mental health and well-being isn’t selfish. You can’t do what it takes to help others if you aren’t caring for yourself. Having a self-care routine in place can prevent decision fatigue — and make handling it easier if it does happen.

4. Prioritise your sleep. What do people say when presented with difficult decisions? “I’ll sleep on it.” There is a reason for that. Research suggests that humans spend more time deliberating – and making better decisions — early in the day. It also demonstrates that sleep deprivation impairs not just impulse control and emotional management skills but also morality. If you’re going through a particularly decision-heavy period in your life, making an additional effort to get a decent night’s sleep may help you avoid decision fatigue.

5. Schedule downtime into your day. Life can get so hectic that we forget to give our brains a chance to disconnect for a bit. Scheduling downtime, whether it’s watching a series on your phone during your lunch break, listening to Quranic recitation, perusing social media clips, or phoning a buddy who makes you laugh, can help keep your mind charged and ready to make difficult decisions.

6. Exercise. You’ve probably heard that exercise is good for your brain, especially as you get older. But did you know that it can also help you make better decisions? A study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise followed by a 3-minute walking break every 30 minutes When combined, they were found to improve executive function.

 If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry: Any exercise is better than no exercise, and long walks can do wonders for your overall mental health.

In sum, decision fatigue is a common issue that affects our decision-making abilities. To manage it, we can simplify routines, delegate tasks, prioritize self-care, schedule downtime, and incorporate exercise. These strategies preserve cognitive resources, enhance well-being, and enable more thoughtful decisions.

Aisha Musa Auyo is a Doctorate researcher in Educational Psychology, a wife, a mother of three, a homemaker, a chef, and a parenting/ relationship coach. She can be reached via aishamuauyo@live.co.uk.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A US teenager died of cardiac arrest after participating in a social media challenge daring people to eat a single extremely hot tortilla chip, an autopsy revealed Thursday.

Harris Wolobah, a 14-year-old from Massachusetts, died in September after participating in the so-called “One Chip Challenge.” The challenge involved a single chip produced by Paqui dusted with Carolina Reaper and Naga Viper peppers.

The dare has evolved over the years, with different peppers used each time.

The local chief medical examiner determined that Harris died of cardiac arrest after ingesting food with a large amount of a chilli pepper extract called capsaicin, according to the autopsy report seen by AFP. 

The autopsy also concluded that the teen had an enlarged heart, which could have contributed to his death.

Days after his death, Paqui removed the product—packaged in a coffin-shaped box with a red skull and marked ‘extreme heat’—from store shelves.

In California, three youths were hospitalized after taking part in the dare, and seven got sick in Minnesota for the same reason, according to media reports.

By Kamal Buba Danladi

Amina Buba is the first female urologic surgeon from Northern Nigeria, and we got the opportunity to have a quick chat with her after achieving another milestone by being awarded the Mbonu/Anugwu prize as the best candidate in the West African College of Surgeons Urology Fellowship Examinations. This also makes her the third female urologist to be awarded the Urology prize in the college’s nearly 60-year history. 

Can you share some insights into your journey to becoming a urology specialist?

Interestingly, my journey into Urology was never planned. In fact, throughout medical school, I never contemplated specialising in Urology. I wanted to become a gynaecologist. I attended conferences and even won a prize for my work in obstetrics and gynaecology as a medical student. However, when I qualified as a doctor and did a rotation in gynaecology, I quickly realised that the surgery attracted me to that speciality. I also didn’t quite enjoy the immense pressure that obstetricians faced (with respect to my O&G colleagues). Long story short, I began my surgical training by writing the Membership examinations of the Royal College of Surgeons, England. Then, I returned home to start my residency at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, to become a Breast/Oncoplastic surgeon.  

My first rotation as a surgical trainee was in Urology, and I fell in love with this speciality. I worked in a team where, despite the challenges of practising in Nigeria, people gave their best care to patients. I love that there are so many subspecialties in Urology and that it is constantly evolving. I owe a lot of my success to the people who taught and inspired me at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, where I started and completed my surgical training.

 What challenges did you encounter during your urology fellowship preparation, and how did you overcome them?

Training to become a fellow is a lengthy process that requires tenacity, physical and mental strength, and God’s guidance. It is also a great lesson in the power of patience and perseverance. Willpower and unshakeable faith are what got me through. I always “prayed like I didn’t work hard and worked like I didn’t pray.” I am so thankful to God for His continuous grace, mercy, and guidance.

Throughout my training, I was very fortunate to have had a solid support system, which superseded the noise of the few people who tried to discourage me. I always give credit to my family, friends and bosses. My parents never questioned my decision to specialise in a male-dominated speciality; instead, they constantly motivated me. My mum is a nurse by profession, so she understands medical terminology. Sometimes, I would sit her down and explain what I have studied during my exam preparation. She would ask me questions and challenge me.

My mum would surprise me with study desks and chairs when she noticed my posture changed because of long study hours. My dad would sometimes stay up late to wake me up to study, and my two older sisters are priceless! They were always at the other end of the phone, full of encouraging words. I also have a very small but close network of friends on speed dial. I cannot even begin to speak about the immense support I had from certain colleagues and bosses. There are too many names to mention, but I am sure they’ll know I am talking about them when they read this.

I found studying for a major examination difficult while still working full-time. I would sometimes function on 4 hours of sleep at night. I quickly learnt how to utilise every single minute of the day. I also learnt that the fellowship examination tests cumulative surgical knowledge gained over several years of training. Preparing for the fellowship exams starts on day 1 of surgical residency. I think I calmed down a bit with “burning the midnight oil” when I recognised this.

 How does it feel to be recognised as the Best Candidate in Urology by the West African College of Surgeons?

It’s very humbling! I feel deeply honoured, and I don’t think words can adequately capture how it feels to have one’s work recognised like this.

 As the third woman to win the Urology prize in the West African College of Surgeons history, what message do you have for other aspiring female surgeons?

Do not be blinded by the ‘female surgeon’ title. As my colleagues would say, ‘We are all surgeons, and there is no woman in surgery’. Your patients depend on you just as they do your male colleagues, so do not expect any special treatment because of your gender. After all, when you are standing in the operating room, knife in hand, those bleeding blood vessels do not bleed less ‘because the surgeon is a woman’. However, they bleed less in the hands of a skilled surgeon who dissects with care and sticks to the right surgical planes. Surgery is an apprenticeship; mastery is key, so work hard, and your work will speak for itself by God’s grace. I am still a work in progress, and I am constantly learning. I believe the only way to achieve prowess is through hard work. There are no shortcuts in surgery. Strive for excellence and do not accept mediocrity.

What advice would you give to medical students or young professionals interested in pursuing a career in urology?

Believe in yourself. I do not have two heads. If I can do it, so can you. Remember, dishonesty is the greatest disservice you can do to yourself, so be honest with yourself. And carefully introspect – why do you want to do this? Do you enjoy helping people? Do you have the tenacity? Can you work under stress and pressure? If yes – then go for it and give it your best. Maintain a good work-life balance whilst at it. Make sure you have a life outside of Surgery, identify good mentors, work hard and pray hard.

How do you plan to continue contributing to the urology and surgical education field in West Africa?

I plan to assume clinical, teaching and managerial roles in shaa Allah. I would like to see universal health coverage in Nigeria being established in my lifetime. Like I always say, our leaders ought to focus more on healthcare. The knock-on effects of neglecting healthcare systems are numerous. For example, regarding surgical training, you need patients to train appropriately. Patients are unwell and need to be treated whilst surgeons need to operate. The more surgeries a surgeon performs, the better they get. Where will you get the caseload/volume from if people are too poor to go to hospitals because they cannot afford to pay out of pocket, as seen today in most parts of the country? Let’s not even talk about the detrimental human, personal and economic effects of a lack of universal health coverage.

 What role do you see for women in urology in the future, both in West Africa and globally?

Globally, women are doing great things in Urology. For example, one of the global experts in Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate is an American female urologist called Amy Krambeck. Canadian and Swedish studies published in reputable journals have found patient outcomes to be better when operated on by female surgeons. As stated by Prof McNally in an article published recently, “Those women who have gone through the extraordinarily complex, difficult hurdles to become surgeons are the best of the best”.

Here in West Africa, we slowly embrace the idea that women in surgery are here to stay and that we can only grow from strength to strength. I soon saw women in urology become experts in their chosen subspecialties, delivering world-class surgical care and taking on teaching, leadership, and managerial roles as they changed the narrative and inspired future generations. Remember that women are natural multi-taskers!       

By Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi

Consistency is the cornerstone upon which success is built. Whether in the pursuit of knowledge or the journey of life, maintaining a steady and persistent effort can make all the difference between mediocrity and excellence. While intelligence undoubtedly plays a significant role in achieving success, it is consistency that truly sets apart those who reach their goals from those who fall short.

In the realm of knowledge acquisition, consistency is paramount. It’s not just about having a sharp mind or innate talent; it’s about consistently honing one’s skills through regular practice and learning. The adage “practice makes perfect” rings true here. No matter how intelligent someone may be, without consistent effort, their knowledge will stagnate, and their abilities will diminish over time.

Consider the example of a student preparing for an exam. A brilliant mind may grasp complex concepts quickly, but without consistent studying and revision, that knowledge will fade, and the student may struggle to perform well on the exam. On the other hand, a student who diligently commits to a consistent study routine, reviewing materials regularly and seeking to understand rather than memorize, is more likely to excel.

Furthermore, consistency breeds discipline. By establishing a routine and sticking to it, individuals cultivate the self-discipline necessary to overcome obstacles and stay focused on their goals. This discipline extends beyond academic pursuits and permeates every aspect of life. Whether it’s maintaining a healthy lifestyle, pursuing personal passions, or striving for career advancement, consistency is the driving force behind progress.

In the realm of personal development, consistency is equally crucial. Take, for example, the pursuit of physical fitness. A person who sporadically exercises whenever they feel like it is unlikely to see significant results. However, someone who commits to a consistent workout schedule, showing up day in and day out, will gradually build strength, endurance, and overall fitness levels.

Consistency also plays a vital role in cultivating healthy habits and breaking detrimental ones. Whether it’s practising mindfulness, saving money, or nurturing relationships, small, consistent actions compounded over time lead to significant results. By making a conscious effort to consistently engage in positive behaviours, individuals can reshape their lives and create lasting change.

Moreover, consistency fosters resilience. Inevitably, setbacks and challenges will arise on the path to success. It’s during these times that consistency becomes a beacon of hope, reminding individuals to stay the course and persevere despite adversity. Those who have developed the habit of consistency are better equipped to weather the storms of life and emerge stronger on the other side.

In conclusion, consistency is the linchpin of success in both knowledge and life. While intelligence and talent certainly play a role, it is the consistent effort and unwavering commitment to improvement that ultimately determine one’s trajectory. By cultivating discipline, persistence, and resilience, individuals can harness the power of consistency to achieve their goals and fulfil their potential. So, let us embrace the mantra of consistency, knowing that it is the key that unlocks the door to success in all endeavours.

Abdurrazak Muktar Makarfi wrote from Kaduna via prof4true1@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

After enduring 17 years of chronic groin inflammation, a 72-year-old man in Switzerland finally found relief.

Doctors at University Hospital Basel identified the cause as a parasitic infection contracted through mosquito bites decades earlier.

The man, who remained anonymous, suffered significant swelling in his penis, scrotum, and left leg.

Doctors noted severe inflammation upon examination, with bloodwork showing double the normal levels.

Further investigation revealed microscopic worms responsible for lymphatic filariasis.

An antibody test confirmed the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti, transmitted through mosquito bites.

These worms hatch in the bloodstream, travel through the lymph system, and cause swelling.

Treatment with diethylcarbamazine and albendazole proved effective, with the man’s symptoms completely resolving within two months.

This case, published in the New England Journal of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of seeking medical attention for persistent and unusual symptoms, regardless of embarrassment.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Former Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Solomon Dalung, recounts his harrowing near-death experience at a hospital in Jos, the Plateau State capital.

Dalung reveals that he fell ill on Wednesday and was rushed to the hospital, where he lost consciousness shortly after undergoing doctor’s interviews.

In a post shared via X on Friday, Dalung recounted being admitted to the emergency ward but left unattended for over four hours due to non-payment of admission deposits.

He shared how he regained partial consciousness and managed to make the necessary deposit before receiving medical attention.

“I took ill on Wednesday, arrived at the hospital, and shortly became unconscious after doctor’s interviews.

“I was ferried into the emergency ward but abandoned for over four hrs due to non-payment of admission deposits.

“Regained partial consciousness and later did the transfer of deposit,” he revealed.

“After that,” he continued, “I fell into unconsciousness again for about seven hours.

“To God be the glory, I have been discharged after three days and recovering. Were it not for partial consciousness to pay the deposits, I would have been Mr. late.

“Many Nigerians have gone this way. Where is our humanity?” Dalung added, highlighting the urgency for better healthcare accessibility and compassion towards patients in need,” he said.

By Mutalib Jibril

 The Consumers’ Dilemma 

A visit to some popular markets in Sokoto State shows that many consumers still prefer rotten tomatoes.

Zainab, a retired school teacher and grandmother, carefully selects the least spoiled tomatoes she can find. “What choice do we have?” she asks, a note of defiance in her voice. “These are half the price of the fresh ones. With my pension cut, I have to make do.”

Like Zainab, another buyer, a mother of three, picks carefully through a pile of tomatoes, trying to find the least spoiled among them. “Look, we all know it’s not the best,” she admits, her voice tinged with resignation. “But when you have to feed a family and every penny counts, sometimes you compromise where you shouldn’t.”

Many consumers are aware of the health risks, including potential liver damage, associated with consuming deteriorated tomatoes but have no option due to the economic hardship ravaging the country.

The Sellers’ Side

He shares his perspective at the shop of a middle-aged vendor in Sokoto State with a genial smile that belies his struggle. “It’s not like I don’t know the risks,” he says, gesturing to the less-than-perfect tomatoes. “But these come cheaper from the farmers, and if I don’t sell them, I don’t earn anything. People still buy them because they’re cheaper, and every sale helps me keep my own family afloat.”

Questions about accountability and choice arise. Why sell a product known to be harmful? He sighs, “It’s a vicious cycle. Honestly, we need better support from our leaders and better economic policies that can help both the sellers and the buyers choose health over cost.”

Also, Yakub, a wholesaler, provides insight into the logistics issues plaguing the supply chain. “Transportation delays and poor infrastructure mean that a lot of the produce spoils before it even reaches the market,” he explains. The economic downturn has exacerbated these issues, with fuel prices soaring and maintenance costs skyrocketing, making it difficult to deliver fresh produce efficiently.

Yakub admits to facing a moral dilemma. “I hate selling these, but it’s this or let my business die. We need government support to upgrade our transport and storage facilities.”

Voices from the farm

The tomatoes start fine,” Alhaji Buba explains. “But with the cost of proper storage and transport being so high, some spoil before reaching the market.”

Alhaji Buba’s plight highlights a crucial gap in infrastructure that affects both the quality of produce and consumers’ health. He emphasizes government intervention: “We need access to better facilities and services to keep our produce fresh until it reaches the consumer. This would benefit everyone.”

For Yusuf, each day begins with the promise of a new harvest and the weight of responsibility. “We take pride in growing quality tomatoes,” he explains, his hands weathered from years of tending the land. “But without proper infrastructure and market access, our efforts often go unrewarded.”

His story mirrors the struggles of farmers across Nigeria, whose tireless labour sustains the nation even amidst adversity.

Farmers like Yusuf face many challenges, from unpredictable weather patterns to fluctuating market prices. “We need support to improve irrigation systems and market access,” he asserts firmly. “With the right investments, Nigerian agriculture can thrive.”

Experts Opinions

A Clinical Nutritionist at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Yaba, Lagos, Susan Holbrooke, said rotten tomatoes are unsafe for consumption and may damage the liver, impair child development, and also cause miscarriage.

She said rotten tomatoes contain aflatoxin and would have been contaminated by fungi diseases.

Experts say tomatoes are the major dietary source of antioxidants that protect against cell damage. They add that they are also high in Lycopene, a plant compound linked to good heart health, cancer prevention, and protection against sunburns.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Healthwise, the nutritionist said rotten tomatoes contain mycotoxin, which can damage the liver of those who consume them.

According to her, what we consume is expected to serve as nutrients and medicine for the body, not as a disease.

She explained, “Rotten tomatoes are unsafe for consumption. They can cause liver damage. For a pregnant woman with too much mycotoxin in her system, it can cause the child to be stunted. That’s why aflatoxins are poisonous to the liver. Our liver is like a powerhouse that promotes both the good and the bad things.

In a 2016 study published by PMC journal, the researchers said dietary exposure to aflatoxins is considered a major public health concern, especially for subsistence farming communities in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Due to hot and humid climates and poor storage, dietary staple food crops such as groundnuts and maize are often highly contaminated with aflatoxin.

“Aflatoxin exposure can occur at any stage of life and is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, especially when hepatitis B infection is present.

Over the years, there have been warnings that rotten tomatoes can be dangerous to health when consumed.

In 2018, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) warned Nigerians against consuming rotten tomatoes to prevent cancer.

Christiana Essenwa, a Deputy Director at the Agency who issued the warning, said rotten tomatoes contain microorganisms that induce cancer.

In her words: “Some people think that rotten tomatoes, which are cheap, can be consumed after washing and heating, stressing that the toxins could not be washed or killed by heating since they are heat resistant.”