10 TIMES BISHOP KUKAH CALLED OUT & SHAMED THE BUHARI ADMINISTRATION

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January 6, 2021

Political activist and a former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, was again arrested in Abuja on January 1st for leading a protest against the Federal Government. Before his arrest, and on December 31, Sowore tweeted, urging the public to join him in the protest against President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. His tweet read ‘How about a CrossOver Protest/Uprising tonight? Anyone willing to participate? Pick up a candle and a placard showing your grievances against the regime; let’s upload our short videos and photos across our Social Media platforms. Let’s welcome the regime to a RESOLUTE 2021!’

According to Sowore’s medium, Sahara reporters and other eyewitnesses who were able to escape, policemen suspected to be with the Rapid Response Squad stormed Gudu junction in Abuja, injuring the former Presidential candidate and others in the process.

They were subsequently taken to a police unit infamously known as ‘abattoir’ in the Lokogoma area of the Federal Capital Territory.

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Community groups back latest campaign that urges people not to ignore persistent tummy troubles

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December 14, 2020

People with persistent tummy troubles (for more than three weeks) including diarrhoea, bloating or discomfort in the tummy area, are being urged to get checked for cancer as part of the NHS Public Health England’s ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign. The call out is being backed by a number of community organisations including the Caribbean and African Health Network, and Ghana Nurses Association.

Recent research found that more than four in ten people would leave it longer to get health advice than they normally would have before the coronavirus outbreak¹, however delaying can have serious consequences for some cancers. Figures show that abdominal cancers account for 25% of all cancer diagnoses in England and 30% of all cancer deaths².

While there was a dip in referrals for these cancers at the peak of the first COVID wave, more people are now coming forward for checks³.

CEO of Caribbean and African Health Network, Charles Kwaku-Odoi said: “Many of us will ignore day to day discomfort, but when it’s lasting more than three weeks – it’s likely that your body is trying to tell you something. The NHS has put many measures in place to see you safely, and we urge members of the public not to ignore their health. Look out for yourself and your loved ones – speak to a GP.”

Hospitals have put extensive measures in place so that patients can get safely tested and treated, including by rolling out COVID protected hubs across the country and introducing treatment swaps that require fewer trips to hospital and have less of an effect on cancer patients’ immune systems.

England’s Top GP has said people should not hesitate to get in touch with their GP if they have concerns and reassured the public that local health services have plans in place so people can continue to get tests and treatment.

Dr Nikki Kanani, GP and medical director for primary care for NHS England, said: “If you or a loved one has one of these symptoms, please don’t ignore them. Our message to you is clear – you are not a burden and we are here to safely treat you so please don’t delay – help us help you and come forward as you usually would for care.

“Cancer is easier to treat when it is caught at an earlier stage and so coming forward for a check could save your life.”

file:///Users/noellinimoh/Downloads/Clear%20on%20Cancer.pdf

Search nhs.uk/cancersymptoms for more information.

Black healthcare professionals urge members of the community to get their flu vaccine

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December 8, 2020

Black African and Caribbeans have the lowest uptake rates of the flu vaccination of all ethnic groups.
Public Health England (PHE) research suggests that people infected with both flu and COVID-19 are more at risk of severe illness and death.

Black healthcare professionals are urging members of the community to get their flu vaccine, as new data shows Black Africans and Caribbeans have the lowest uptake of all ethnic groups.

For the first time, Public Health England (PHE) has released data on flu vaccination uptake which is broken down by ethnicity for pregnant women and those that are in clinical risk group(s). The data from September to end of October this year shows that uptake in Black Africans and Caribbeans with long-term health conditions was only 21.8% and 19.3% respectively, compared to 32.3% in the overall at-risk population¹.

Research from PHE this year has also suggested that the risk of death more than doubled for people who tested positive for both flu and COVID-19 at the same time, compared to those with COVID-19 alone². Since the significant impact of COVID-19, notably on Black people, Black healthcare professionals are stepping forward to encourage Black African and Caribbean people to take up the flu vaccination.

London based, Senior Practice Nurse at Gillian House Surgery, Maureen James, said: “It has been devastating to see the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on the Black community this year. That’s why it’s imperative we are raising awareness and protecting ourselves from any further threats like the flu virus. The flu virus is serious, although many people think it’s just a bad cold. By not protecting ourselves by getting the vaccine, which is the best protection, we are unnecessarily putting ourselves at risk of severe health complications that could lead to hospitalisation and even death.

“The flu vaccine has been used for many years, so I would urge those that are eligible for the free flu vaccine to take it up this year – please protect yourselves and your loved ones.”

There is strong evidence that pregnant women have a higher risk of serious illness if they are to get the flu compared with the general population. The risks are also highest in the last three months of pregnancy.

The free flu vaccine is the best protection for pregnant women and their unborn baby, particularly as any flu antibodies, produced as a result of having had the vaccine, that are produced by the mother are transferred through to the placenta to the baby. This gives the baby some protection against flu for the first few months of life.

People will long-term health conditions are eligible for the free flu vaccine as they are at high risk of health complications if they get the flu. As an example, people with a chronic kidney disease are nineteen times more likely to die from flu, than people without a serious health condition.

This year the flu vaccine programme has also been extended out to offer the vaccine to anyone aged 50 and over – as the risk of hospitalisation from COVID increases from this age onwards. Those who live with someone who’s at high risk from coronavirus (on the NHS shielded patient list) are also eligible for the free flu vaccine this year.

Dr Bola Owolabi, National Specialty Advisor for Older People and Integrated, Person Centred Care at NHS England and Improvement said: “Families from Black and Ethnic Minority background will often support older and younger generations within the same household. There is an increased risk of virus spread as sometimes this means more people living close to one another. Flu can be serious and even deadly for older adults, and people with long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease.

“The flu vaccine is the best protection we have against what is a very serious virus. So, if you’re in an eligible group – please make sure you get vaccinated. It’s not too late to do so and it’s more important this year than ever whilst there will be both the flu virus and coronavirus circulating at the same time.”

Those who are eligible for a free flu vaccine should contact their GP, pharmacist, or midwife to protect themselves and their families this winter.

To find out more information visit www.nhs.co.uk/fluvaccine

NHS ‘Help Us, Help You’ campaign urges public to get cancer symptoms checked

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December 3, 2020

Black healthcare professionals are backing a major new campaign urging anyone concerned about cancer to get checked and to keep routine appointments, as new research found that even now, nearly half (48%) of the public would delay or not seek medical help at all.

A fifth (22%) would not want to be a burden on the health service while a similar number said that fear of getting coronavirus or passing it onto others was a major reason for not getting help.

More than four in ten people would leave it longer to get health advice than they normally would have before the coronavirus outbreak, however, delaying can have serious consequences for some cancers.

NHS staff have pulled out all the stops to keep cancer services going throughout the pandemic, with almost one million people referred for checks or starting treatment since the virus took hold.

Community and faith-based organisations such as Caribbean and African Health Network and Ghana Nurses Association recently met with members of the NHS and PHE teams to discuss the campaign and the need to urge members of the Black community to utilise NHS services.

Also present at the meeting was Professor Frank Chinegwundoh MBE, Consultant Urological Surgeon said “Covid-19 has been challenging for many of us and it’s understandable why many people may be deterred from seeking medical advice. We want to reassure you the NHS has put measures in place to see you and your loved ones safely. If you have even the slightest concern, it’s better to speak to your GP than to ignore it.”

NHS services have put a range of measures in place so that people can be treated safely throughout the pandemic including Covid protected cancer surgery hubs, a Covid friendly drugs fund which means fewer trips to hospital and chemotherapy being delivered in more convenient locations.

Symptoms of cancer include:

Changes in bowel habits, including blood
Unexplained weight loss
A lump
Persistent bloating
Pain that does not go away

For more information about using NHS services during coronavirus, visit nhs.uk/yourhealthmatters

New short film released by the Government shows how coronavirus lingers in enclosed spaces and how to keep your home ventilated

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November 26, 2020

Research shows that being in a room with fresh air can reduce risk of infection from particles by over 70%1*
The film is part of the Hands. Face. Space. campaign which urges public to adopt simple health behaviours to help reduce the risk of the virus spreading

A new public information campaign launched by the Government to highlight how letting fresh air into indoor spaces can reduce the risk of infection from coronavirus by over 70%*.

The campaign, which forms part of wider ‘Hands. Face. Space’ guidance, sees the release of a new short film created with scientists and an engineer at Leeds University.

The film illustrates how coronavirus lingers in the air in spaces with no fresh air, increasing the risk of people breathing in infected particles, and how the risk can be reduced significantly by regularly ventilating enclosed areas.

As we spend more time indoors, experts are recommending that the public open windows for short, sharp bursts of 10 -15 minutes regularly throughout the day, or leave windows open a small amount continuously, to remove any infected particles lingering in the room.

Additionally, it is advised that any household systems that use outdoor air, including kitchen or bathroom extractor fans, are used correctly and regularly as an additional method to remove infected particles.

Airing indoor spaces is particularly important when:

People have visitors (when permitted) or tradespeople in their home, for example for construction or emergencies;
Someone from a support bubble is meeting with another household indoors;
A care worker is seeing a patient indoors; or
If someone in the household has the virus, as this can help prevent transmission to other household members

Professor Catherine Noakes, from Leeds University who advised on the film, said:

“When a room does not have any fresh air, and where people are generating large amounts of aerosol through activities such as singing and loud speech, that is when transmission of coronavirus is most likely. Fresh air must come from outdoors – recirculating air just means the aerosols containing the virus move around the same room rather than being extracted outdoors.

Coronavirus is spread through the air by droplets and smaller particles (known as aerosols) that are exhaled from the nose and mouth of an infected person as they breathe, speak or cough. They behave in a similar way to smoke but are invisible. The majority of virus transmissions happen indoors. Being indoors, with no fresh air, the particles can remain suspended in the air for hours and build up over time.

The longer people spend in the same room as these particles, the more likely they are to become infected.

GP, Dr Zoe Williams said

“In the winter when we all tend to spend more time indoors, fresh air is extremely beneficial. to help reduce transmission of COVID-19, in case someone in your home has the virus. It is important to ventilate indoor spaces, as this can help to remove virus particles from the air and protect other household members”

“You should also let fresh air into your home when you have any visitors and for a short time after they leave in case, they are infected. Remember, opening windows alongside washing your hands, covering your face and making space is also essential in reducing your risk of COVID-19.”

Ventilation to provide fresh air in enclosed spaces is just as important as the other actions, so remember this as well as Hands, Face, Space. These are the most effective ways we can all control the spread of the virus. Visit gov.uk/coronavirus for more information.

https://www.instagram.com/tv/CIGjJGljxwJ/

The public are encouraged to continue to be vigilant of coronavirus symptoms which include a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell. If you or someone you know, displays any symptoms please get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk.

Adelaide Atu, Senior Sister and Ward Manager highlights the important, valuable and varied nursing roles available as NHS England re-launches the ‘We are the NHS’ campaign

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November 19, 2020

Now in its third year, the ‘We are the NHS’ campaign is back to celebrate the extraordinary work of NHS staff in over 350 roles including nurses, allied health professionals and healthcare support workers and to inspire a new cohort to consider a career in the health service.

Recruitment for the NHS has never been more vital. The professionalism and dedication staff have shown throughout the pandemic has generated unprecedented interest in joining the NHS while the demands of contending with coronavirus while keeping other services running means recruitment has never been more crucial. ‘We are the NHS’ shines a light on some of the most in-demand roles in the NHS; all varied, exciting and challenging in equal measures.

Adelaide Atu, Senior Sister and Ward Manager at Milton Keynes University Hospital, knows only too well the importance of compassion for patients and colleagues alike. Leading a team of 34 staff, Adelaide is passionate about being a mentor, a source of inspiration and support to her colleagues.

Talking about her role, Adelaide says: “As a Senior Sister, it’s my job to ensure that patients are being cared for and that my team is being nurtured. I enjoy leading by example and despite having many responsibilities in the day-to-day running of the ward, I’m always mindful of the fact that nurses in the NHS touch lives at times of basic human need, when care and compassion are what matter most – that’s why the place I enjoy being in most is the ward with patients.”

Talking about life as a nurse, Adelaide says: “Many people do not realise the range of intellectually challenging work that is undertaken as an NHS nurse, including performance of some medical procedures, clinical research and education and treatment plans for patients. Furthermore, nurses have the opportunity to specialise in a broad range of roles across all areas of the NHS, including: learning disabilities, mental health, primary care and community care for instance.”

Reflecting on her community’s views of the nursing profession, Adelaide says: “Whilst there is a lot of love and respect for the nursing profession within the African community, I think some people are put off because of concerns of a lack of career progression and ideas that black nurses face challenges in this realm. I can truly say from my own experience that this is only hearsay, that the reality is that if you work hard, show a genuine interest and passion in your job and demonstrate initiative, doors will be open. It’s true that there are less people from minority backgrounds in management positions, however, it’s only by more black and minority ethnic people entering the profession that we can affect change from within.”

Indeed, Adelaide, who is from an African background has had a varied and interesting career which has seen her work in a range of fields including midwifery, trauma and orthopaedics, she’s taken advantage of specialist opportunities along the way and is now in a senior management position.

Talking specifically about her family’s view of her career choices, Adelaide comments: “My family are very proud and encouraging of my achievements so far, in fact many of my siblings are also in the medical profession.”

Talking directly to people from the black community who are considering a career in nursing, Adelaide says: “If you are keen to make a positive difference to peoples’ lives, if you want a career with real job satisfaction and if you want a varied, rewarding and challenging career, nursing could well be for you.”

This year, candidates for university courses relevant for nursing have access to a support system to guide them step by step through the application process, alongside tailored support. Furthermore, grants of between £5,000 to £8,000 are available.

Search ‘NHS Careers’ or visit www.nhs.uk/nursing-careers for more information and to find out about the range of nursing roles available within the NHS.

Kaffy Acquires Doctorate Degree From ESCAE Benin University in Benin Republic

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November 10, 2020

Dancer Kaffy is dedicating her doctorate to the entire dance industry.

Popular Nigerian choreographer Kafayat Shafau-Ameh, professionally known as Kaffy, has acquired a doctorate degree from the ESCAE Benin university in the Republic of Benin.

The award-winning dancer made this known via her Instagram page on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, where she also noted that a ceremony was held to mark the special feat.

Khafi shared photos of herself from the ceremony as well as dedicating her latest accolade to every creative out there.

Kaffy is dedicating her doctorate to the entire dance industry.

“I’m humbled to be decorated this afternoon by Escae Benin University with Honorary Doctorate in recognition as a ‘pioneer in the business of dance in Africa,” she wrote.

“This award is not just for me but for an institution. That institution is the dance industry.

“I dedicate this award to every Dancer, Make-Up artiste, Barber, Cobler, Generator boy, painter ,Tailor , plumber , graphics artiste , cameramen, journalist , and everyone that can dare to dream.

In a different post, the Guinness record breaker also penned an interesting note in which she expressed satisfaction on achieving many of the dreams and aspirations she held as a child.

“This moment right here brought tears to my eyes as I reflected and had my life do a major replay of all the struggles , pain and negative perceptions I have had to overcome to see this day .

“As a child I looked through the Guiness book of world records and 18 years later I broke a Guiness world record

“As a teenager I pictured my face on bill boards and on tv and I saw it happen , I lived it .

“I watch Movies and motivational speeches done in the honorary gown of a doctorate honor and here I am honored with the least likely career choice .

“I have heard so many doubts that through dance I can amount to nothing not to talk of being celebrated or honored on this level Infact on many levels .

“I am here surrounded by Academics honoring me not for a certificate but for the application of every ounce of knowledge I have acquired in life both in school and on the street.”

DREAM BELIEVE DARE DO

– DR KAFFY ( ALÁJÒÓTÀ).

Congratulations to Kaffy who broke the Guinness world record for “Longest Dance Party” at the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon in 2006.

Want to acquire wealth after school without a job, this book Wealth without a job ,the Entrepreneur’s Guide to Freedom and Security beyond the 9 to 5 Lifestyle by
Phil Laut & Andy Fuehl,is the one-stop arsenal.

Photo Credit: Instagram

How to Ensure Internet Safety For Your Children

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November 10, 2020

The internet and other related digital technologies have unlocked new ways for kids to learn, communicate, play, and engage in a variety of skill-enhancing, educational, and cultural activities. Now more than ever, many families are spending a lot of their time at home due to the Covid-19 restrictions, and, more time at home means more screen time.

As a parent, you’d probably want some kind of control over what your kids do online. This is not just because too much screen is not good for their health, but also because the internet has its dark side. The sad reality is that kids across the globe have become victims of cyberbullying, hate speech, sexual exploitation, abuse, recruitment for illegal activities, and other forms of online abuse.

Let’s look at some of the online threats that parents should be aware of in detail.

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a huge issue among teenagers and comes with profound negative effects. With many kids now on the internet, this form of abuse is likely to surge. Some of the ways in which cyberbullying occurs include:

Sending threats or harmful messages to the victim
Posting lies or demeaning photos of the victim on social medial
Impersonating the victim and posting content or sending messages on their behalf.

More children have been introduced to online chat services, gaming, and instant messaging, but not every child can endure the distressing behaviour witnessed on these sites.

Online Predators

Sexual and other kinds of predators are always lurking on social media and gaming sites that attract kids. These predators are always stalking children and waiting to take advantage of their innocence and lack of parental supervision to abuse their trust.

Phishing

Phishing involves using emails to lure people into clicking on venomous attachments or links. These can be particularly difficult for children to detect since the emails often appear to be from legitimate sources, for instance, a family member or friend.

What Parents Can do to Protect their Children Online

As we have already seen, the internet comes with both benefits and risks. As an adult, you can reduce these risks and let your child enjoy safe and responsible internet usage. Here are some of the things you can do to ensure your kids remain safe online:

Limit Screen Time for your Kids

As a parent, you might want to avoid a scenario where your children are hopping from one screen to the other throughout the day. Consider limiting and implementing the amount of time per week or day your children can use devices, what programs they can watch, and what kind of activities they can engage in.

Talk to your children about media literacy and how to practice self-regulation. This is also the time to discover what they love doing online, and even suggest new apps and TV shows for them to try out.

Set Rules around Social Media Usage

While social media can help strengthen relationships, it can also distract kids from in-person communication, and potentially cause low self-esteem for teens, and also expose them to cyberbullying. Chatting with a new friend on Instagram is beneficial, but dealing with social media trolls is not good for anyone.

Use a VPN

To ensure your child is fully protected online, it is a good idea to stay private using a VPN. A VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and also scramble your data to make it obscure to online prying eyes. This way, your children will be able to use the internet anonymously and safely.

It is clear that the internet brings with it so many benefits, especially now when even learning has to be done online. But, it also has its dark side! As a parent, it is important to take the necessary steps to ensure internet safety for your children and also make sure they are building healthy online habits. Now that you are spending more time with your kids at home due to the current situation, it is good to take this time to teach them about online safety and you’ll be glad you did so.

‘Not Everyone Staring at You is Admiring You’ – BBNaija Erica Warns

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November 10, 2020

The reality star says most gazes by people is no sign of admiration but that of hate.

Erica Nlewedim of Big Brother Naija has taken to social media to sound a note of warning to her fans on stares.

The reality star took to her Instagram page on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, where she advised her followers not to interpreted every stare aimed at them as a product of admiration.

According to her, not all gazes are bore out of admiration as most people often look in amazement at the people they have tried and failed to harm.

“Not everyone staring at you is admiring you, some are amazed that you survived the traps that they set for you,” she wrote.

Erica was one of the housemates from the fifth season of the BBNaija show.

She was disqualified from the reality show after engaging in a solo fight with another housemate.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Lil Frosh Denies Assulting Girlfriend, Singer Reveals Odd Cause of Her Swollen Face

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November 10, 2020

Nigerian fast-rising singer Lil Frosh has denied allegations of assault on his girlfriend, Gift Camile.

Recall Lil Frosh was recently in the news for unwanted reasons after his ex-girlfriend came out to accuse him of physically abusing her.

In a statement posted on her social media accounts, the victim narrated the severe beatings she received at the hands of the singer, his boyfriend at the time.

Gift Camile before and after the assault

But speaking in a recent interview, Lil Frosh denied all allegations of domestic violence labeled against him by his ex-girlfriend.

According to him, Camile’s swollen face was down to allergic reaction caused by a boil infection she suffered and not the effect of domestic abuse.

He also revealed in a section of the interview that he loves his girlfriend a lot and would never lay his hands on her.

“I didn’t do it! I didn’t do it! She’s my girlfriend. She called me that she noticed that she was having a boil at the back of her ear. She said maybe it is an allergic reaction. She called me days later and said that thing is getting worse and I said what? She said the boil…she was sending me the photos day by day…it happened for seven days,” he said.

Watch the video below:

Lil Frosh who was signed to Davido‘s DMW had his contract terminated by the label as a result of the allegation.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Actress Lillian Bach Celebrates 50th Birthday With Stunning Age-Defying Photos

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November 9, 2020