A 2025 health statistics report from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare identifies road traffic accidents as the most frequently reported cause of death in federal tertiary hospitals, followed by cancer, hypertension, and diabetes. Punch highlights that the findings underscore the twin burden of preventable trauma and rising non-communicable diseases. The report also points to maternal and infection-related causes such as postpartum haemorrhage and sepsis among significant contributors. Beyond the mortality list, the ministry’s data reportedly flags the need for stronger health system monitoring, better resource allocation, and improved data quality, including resolving inconsistencies in hospital reporting. Source: Punch, December 7, 2025.
Category: Lifestyle
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How to Save a Choking Baby from Dying
A Nigerian medical doctor based in Lagos has advised on steps to take in order to save babies and toddlers who choke on food substances.
The medical doctor, Chinonso Egemba, who is popular on twitter as Aproko Doctor highlighted these steps following the death of a baby.
According to Egemba on Twitter, a baby “died because a piece of groundnut entered her windpipe and blocked her airway. Her toddler sibling was trying to feed her while the mom was bathing”.
The Aproko Doctor further highlighted steps to take, which stated “might save a baby’s life” in situations where a baby has choked on food substance.
He said: “Step one: Call for help!
“Shout! Call your neighbors! Scream like a life depends on it.
“Step 2. Give back blows
“If it’s a baby under one year: Lay the baby face down across your laps and use the heel of your hands to give back blows.
“The back blows is done to cause a vibration that might dislodge the object blocking the airway.
“Use the heel of your hand.
“Your blows should be firm but not too hard.
“If that doesn’t work, Lay the baby face up, feel the bone in the middle of the chest called the breastbone
“Place two fingers on it and push sharply five times! Push as though you’re pushing upwards and inwards.
“Remember that you are still calling for help if no one has shown up
If this child is older, like a toddler“Kneel behind the child and wrap your hands around the child’s abdomen between the navel and ribs and pull sharply towards you upwards and inwards, (you are behind the child)”, the doctor stated.
Doctor Egemba however warned that in this circumstances, parents should avoid inserting fingers into the mouth of a choking baby.
“What not to do! Never leave the child alone.
“Do not put your fingers into the mouth of a choking baby if you haven’t seen the object. It’s called a blind sweep. Don’t do it.
“Never give an obviously choking child water to drink”, Aproko Doctor warned.
I have written an article on this before complete with photos and clearer than this, use this link:https://t.co/LvnTwmvZNl
— Dr. Chinonso Egemba (@aproko_doctor) December 3, 2020
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500 Women Screen for Breast Cancer at Mrs Amosun-Led Programme
More than five hundred women in the Ogun Central Senatorial District of Ogun State, were on Thursday in Abeokuta screened during a breast cancer and lumpectomy programme organised by wife of former Governor of Ogun State, Dr. Olufunso Amosun ìn collaboration with Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta.
The free cancer screening and lumpectomy programme by Dr. Mrs Amosun, holds annually during the Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October to Increase attention and support for the awareness and early detection and treatment as well as palliative care for those in need.
Founder, UPLIFT Development Foundation, Dr. Mrs Olufunso Amosun at the free Breast Cancer Screening and Lumpectomy Programme organised for over 500 women in Ògùn Central Senatorial District of Ogun State. The former first lady, who is the Founder of UPLIFT Development Foundation stated in her remark that her husband, “Senator Ibikunle Amosun has made fund available for lumpectomy sugery for any lump that we find during this year’s cancer screening programme”.
Medical experts have reiterated that Breast cancer, touted to be the most common cancer disease amongst women worldwide is a major cause of death.
In his remark, the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, Prof. Musa Adewale-Olomu, adviced women that: “when you go to the toilet every morning try to rob your breast yourself to see if you can detect anything”.
Apart from free breast cancer screening exercise, the beneficiaries were trained on how to personally examine their breast and what to do if they noticed a lump.
By Tobiloba Kolawole
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Giants of Industry: Gavin Young, GMD/CEO, Chams Plc
“The days of expecting Government to enrol all Nigerians to a national ID database through Government managed infrastructure, has already come and gone.”
In this first issue of Giants of Industry, the Group Managing Director/CEO of Chams PLC, Gavin Young speaks with Echotitbits’ Tobiloba Kolawole about the National Identity Number (NIN) program.
Prior to assuming the position of GMD/CEO of Chams Plc, a leading provider of integrated identity management and identity and payments transactional systems, Gavin Young since 2009, has worked (on a full-time and part-time basis) with the Chams Plc Group of Companies as Managing Director of ChamsSwitch and Deputy managing Director of Chams Mobile, among other roles.
His career cuts across 20 years at First National Bank of South Africa, seven years at Visa as Country Manager, sub-Saharan Africa. In 2007, he joined UBA as Senior General Manager, Cards.
Data as Bedrock for Efficient Public Service.
Correct and accurate data of individuals, linked to either BVN or NIN is absolutely essential to ensure that services and benefits are provided correctly, in an audited and transparent way, to those that require the benefit or service. Although BVN and NIN form the backbone of an individual’s identity, additional information from individuals is required for various purposes where BVN and NIN fields may not cater for information for specific purposes.
The BVN as Financial Enabler
BVN has an added advantage, in that it serves as an enabler for financial inclusion and therefore, both comprehensive data and an electronic means of receiving and spending funds are both very important. In addition, once a person has a BVN number, for which you don’t need to open an account, one also obtains a NIN number, negating the need to also enrol fully for a NIN.
Chams Group is working closely with Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) to expand the number of BVNs in Nigeria this year, as this Covid-19 pandemic has made this an urgent priority, particularly across the private sector. NIBSS has recently introduced an enrolment app linked to a fingerprint scanner, which makes it a lot easier and more efficient to enrol the masses.
A Case for Private Sector Driven National Identity Programme
In my opinion, we shouldn’t be relying on Government to deliver on their NIN enrolment ambitions. It should really be up to the private sector to perform this role with NIBSS, then simply have that data also ported to NIMC for the issuance of a BVN. I’m sure that the private sector would be far more efficient at performing this data collection role and also expanding financial services and other benefits through capturing additional data.
Given the current oil price, pressure on foreign reserves and the need to support people over these difficult times, I don’t believe that Government should also be expected to provide funding for a mass NIN enrolment service, when this can be private sector led with very little cost to Government. This is one of the ways private sector can further support Government and the people of Nigeria over these challenging times.
NIMC and the Struggles of NIN Enrolment
Well, it’s not for me to speak for NIMC and why the majority of student and adult Nigerians have not been enrolled to the National Identity program. However, it is right that they remain the custodians of a true national ID program. However, as mentioned before, it’s enrolment of the masses to that program that has presented a challenge for Government.
However, I am very optimistic that the private sector, and companies such as Chams PLC, in partnership with NIBSS, will expand BVN enrolments significantly this year and next. Banks have also been playing an important role from inception of the BVN program. I am very optimistic that with the technology now in place, that over 100 million Nigerians would be enrolled before the end of 2021. I believe it’s a very realistic target because it’s private sector led.
I believe that Mobile telecommunications companies will also step-up BVN enrolment initiatives so that they could achieve their financial inclusion ambitions in the informal sector.
In summary, the days of expecting Government to enrol all Nigerians to a national ID database through Government managed infrastructure, has already come and gone. Private sector will now assist to achieve this for the benefit of all Nigerians, whilst meeting NIN criteria from which many Government agencies and the people they serve, would also benefit.
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UK record label signs Nigerian teenage sensation
19-year old singer songwriter Shalom Olaleye has been signed to a record deal by a Manchester based record label.
Shalom who is known by fans as Troy – omo iya ijo was offered what many artists in his position would consider a lifetime opportunity, when his single titled Duro – caught the attention of an executive of the UK based record label on You Tube.“It wasn’t just the song…there was also something special about Troy, he has what we call in the music business the X factor, and he’s young” says Ms Champagne Jaye – the vice president of Afristar Records (https://afristarrecords.com)
For Shalom though, this whole new development means he would have to make a decision about his education and his music career which appear to have received a boost, but the unassuming and somewhat shy teenager was quick to emphasise that his education was non negotiable and that he is working out an arrangement with Afristar Records that allow him to fulfil his contractual obligations only on weekends and during school breaks.Shalom is currently studying mass communication at the prestigious Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta, in Ogun State Nigeria.
He credits his music career to the support from his mum and dad, both of whom are church leaders, as young Shalom was born and raised in a church environment and has been singing since he was four years of age and his stage name “omo iya ijo” is a tribute to his mother who is the “iya ijo” of the local church.
His debut EP titled TROY has just been released with hit tracks such as DURO, STAR, IJO OPE and MONEY TALKS and available for sale on iTunes, Amazon, Apple Music and other major streaming platforms.
Troy Omo Iya Ijo on Kkbox
Omo Iya Ijo on Boomplay For freeAccording to Afristar Records, local and international tour dates for 2021 will be announced before the end of the year.
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Does One Size Fit All?
By Dapo Akande
Thank God for cable or satellite television; depending on what you like to call it. Whenever you receive visitors at home, you’re assured the variety of global news and other assorted programs will keep them entertained for a while. At least until you’re ready to attend to them. And even as you do attend to them, it’s always there, ever ready to provide current issues for you and your guest to discuss, debate or just laugh at; especially during those awkward quiet moments.
Children of nowadays have it so easy. In our days, we the children were the entertainment; albeit reluctant ones. Much like court jesters called to amuse the King in his palace at his own expense, our parents would summon us to come and dance for their guests. One major difference however is that if the court jester failed in his unenviable task of quickly reversing the King’s mood, there’s a high chance he’ll lose his head at the gallows within the hour. He literally had to perform his duty as if his life depended on it, because it did.
We faced no such threat to our lives, only the pang of humiliation and wishing every single time that the floor would be so kind as to open up beneath us. Funny, but I don’t think I ever remembered to raise this issue before either of my parents passed. I’m sure the mere introduction of the matter would have elicited guffaws of laughter. Back then, they would call us into their midst, introduce us to their guests as their youngest kids, place the vinyl record in the player and ask us to start dancing. Just like that! Whether we were not in the best of moods, busy having fun elsewhere already or simply had no inclination to dance at that moment really didn’t concern them. Dance they say, so dance we must.
Till this day I squirm when I remember how my older brother Banky and I would step from side to side on one spot, while swinging our arms in the same fashion. Sorry, I still can’t bring myself to call it dancing. I pitied the guests who were compelled to watch because if they had been expecting some sort of Jackson 5 elaborate repertoire, they must have been horribly disappointed.
Our movements lacked no such imagination or enthusiasm so were certainly less pleasant to the eyes. But at least they always had a good laugh, even if it was always at our expense. Till date I’m a terrible dancer and I’ll be the first to admit it. I’m sure the permanent scars these episodes must have left somewhere in my psyche played a part in this. No one can convince me otherwise. Anyway, it’s a convenient excuse so let’s leave it at that. But believe me, it was tortuous.
Although the above is on a lighter note, there are times when we put our children through things which affect them for life. The intent may not be malicious but the consequences can only be described as adverse. It’s important we get to know and understand each and everyone of our children as unique individuals in themselves. And merely for the fact that they are human beings with an innate ability to reason, perceive and feel emotions, ethical consideration demands they be accorded the respect and dignity this bestows upon them. Every child is wired differently, with his own strengths and abilities, weaknesses, areas he naturally gravitates toward and others which cause him to scamper. And so when we’re making choices for them, satisfying our ego should not be our primary concern but what’s best for him or her.
Utilitarianism, a teleological ethical theory, states an action or decision would be considered morally correct only if it causes the greatest amount of pleasure and the least amount of pain, to the greatest number of people. Meaning, more people must benefit than those who lose or are disadvantaged by it. But there’s yet another theory which holds highly the autonomous will and it says, “act so that you treat humanity whether in your own person or that of another, always as an end and never as a means only”. The crux of this is that we should not use people.
Changing the nation…one mind at a time.
Oladapo Akande is a Surrey University (UK) English graduate with a Masters in Professional Ethics. He’s an alumnus of the National Institute for Transformation and a two time author; The Last Flight and Shifting Anchors. He writes from Lagos.
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Sanwo-Olu Congratulates Hamzat at 56
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has celebrated his Deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, who clocked 56 on Saturday, describing him as a reliable, trust worthy and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of the incumbent administration.
Sanwo-Olu also lauded Hamzat’s contribution to the growth and development of Lagos State in the last 17 years, saying he has all along used his position as commissioner in different ministries and now the number two citizen of the Centre of Excellence to bring about positive change to the state and the country at large.
“Happy 56th birthday to my reliable, hardworking, dependable, supportive and committed brother, friend and partner in the Greater Lagos Agenda of our administration.
“You made great achievements as Commissioner for Science and Technology between 2005 and 2011 as well as Commissioner of Works and Infrastructure.
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“During your tenure as Commissioner for Science and Technology, you enforced the application of modern technology in the state’s ministries, thus changing the face of data and record keeping in Lagos and at the same time eliminating the trend of state ghost workers.
“In execution of your mandate as Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, your ministry completed several key projects for Lagos State in the mega-city era. Your achievements in the ministry were well recognised as you emerged winner of the fifth edition of the Lagos State Man of the Year Awards in September 2013.
“We cherish your contributions to party politics and governance in our dear state. You are a worthy ambassador and champion in the blend of technocracy and politics. As a true democrat and progressive politician, you have remained steadfast in the progressive camp.
“As you celebrate your 56th birthday, I pray that God will increase you in good health to enable you render more service to humanity, Lagos State and Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu said.
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Meanwhile, in the spirit of social distancing and in line with the novel Coronavirus COVID-19 safety protocols, the deputy governor has said he would mark his birthday anniversary with his family, adding that he would still perform his official duty.
He thanked God for His mercy and promised to re-dedicate himself to the service of humanity.
He said: “To Almighty Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful.
“Another September 19th has come to remind me to always count my blessings, to not take anything for granted. To work like no one is watching, to serve selflessly, to be giving of myself, to impact the lives of the people I have chosen to serve, to leave my footprints in the sands of time, to be humble yet firm, and to work hand in hand with my conscience at all times.
“I am grateful for the grace and favour bestowed upon me by Almighty Allah.
“To my family for their love and support, and to everyone for their belief in the Sanwoolu/Hamzat administration. I say Thank You.
“In the spirit of social distancing and in line with the COVID-19 safety measures, I would spend my birthday with my family, and working.
“Thank you all once again, and God bless.”
Idowu Sowunmi
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BUA, Axens Sign Agreement for 200,000bpd Refinery Project in Akwa Ibom
A leading Nigerian conglomerate with focus on manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture, BUA Group, has ventured into oil and gas sector and signed a deal with France’s largest hydrocarbons group, Axens, to refine 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil in Nigeria.
Located in Akwa Ibom State, South-south Nigeria, the project is expected to see Axens license key refinery technologies to BUA Group. This was contained in a contract that was signed between both parties in France on Tuesday.
Chairman of BUA Group, Abdulsamad Rabiu, signed on behalf of his company, while the Chief Executive Officer of Axens, Jean Sentenac, did same at a ceremony presided over by France’s Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Franck Riester.
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Speaking after signing the contract, Rabiu described the project as a very viable one given the economics of fuel importation in Nigeria.
“Nigeria imports 90 per cent of its petroleum products. We spend 35 per cent of our foreign exchange on importing petroleum products.
“President Emmanuel Macron has given special determination and support to this project,” Rabiu told The Africa Report.
BUA Group chairman expressed belief in the project’s sustainability, noting that the investment would pay off in the long run, as new fuel standards continue to evolve along with the climate crisis.
According to him, “It is in the DNA of BUA Group; look at our cement plants, the most sustainable in Nigeria, same with our sugar plants. This is the hard part, we cannot get this wrong. It is like in an aeroplane, you always look at who built the engine, it is the most important thing.”
Rabiu said there’s space for another project, despite the growing international glut of refinery projects, the tapering of transport fuel use globally and the strong local competition.
His projection was based on the high rate of fuel consumption in Nigeria, saying the country today consumes about 500,000 to 550,000 barrels a day of petrol and partly because of demand in the region.
He said: “We will have the marine infrastructure for easy export, and the external market for polypropylene (the other major product from the refinery) is very strong.”
Rabiu has been serving as the Chairman of the Macron-initiated Franco-Nigerian Investors’ Club.
Also speaking, Sentenac described the technologies that Axens would be licencing as a chance to breathe easier in Nigeria, with the plant having the ability to refine biofuels.
Sentenac said: “We are the world leader in the Euro 5 fuel standard; this has already reduced car pollution in Europe by a factor of 5 or 6, and it also allows Nigeria to start using the latest generation of fuel efficient engines, the first step towards fighting global warming.”
He added that his company, which makes systems to convert oil and biomass to cleaner fuels, would provide technology for the greenfield project designed to produce Euro-V fuels and polypropylene targeted at domestic and regional markets.
In his remarks, Riester said the deal would be “one of the things that will help build up the necessary intrapersonal relationships” between industrial players in the two countries, part of a wider French strategy of greater engagement in Anglophone Africa.”
The new refinery is expected to be operational in 2024. The refinery would be built using an undisclosed mix of debt and equity, with several development and commercial banks in negotiations with BUA Group.
The new project is expected to directly compete with Nigeria’s other large refinery project, piloted by Dangote Group, which would be operational by 2021.
Axens beat the US company, Honeywell UOP, which got through to the final round, according to sources close to the bid.
The bidding process was managed by energy consultants, KBR, which would also be handling subsequent rounds for the engineering and construction phase, currently underway.
Idowu Sowunmi
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For the Third Time, FMC in Yola Successfully Separates Another Co-joined Twins
Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in Yola, Adamawa State has successfully operated and separated another co-joined twins, thereby increasing the tally to three the number of co-joined twins victoriously separated in the hospital.
The Prof. Auwal Abubakar-led medical team at FMC Yola said the latest successful separation surgery was as a result of collective efforts of medical professionals as well as support received from various quarters, including the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
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Abubakar, a Professor of Paediatric Surgery, recounted that the twins, Mercy and Grace Aiyebemi, were delivered on December 12, 2019, through a cesarean section in Bayelsa State and were taken to FMC in Yenagoa after they were identified to be conjoined and were stabilised.
He said the co-joined twins were discovered to be joined at the abdomen, had many separate organs but shared only one liver, explaining that the team of surgeons have to go around this challenge, which culminated in the successful surgery of August 20, 2020.
With supports from governments and well meaning Nigerians, FMC in Yola took care of the co-joined twins free of charge and also carried out the surgery free of charge.
The co-joined twins, who were airlifted on January 2, 2020 from Yenagoa, Bayelsa State to Yola via NAF aircraft, were separately brought back to Yenagoa onboard a NAF Beechcraft KingAir 350i aircraft on August 29, 2020.
It was a moment of joy, jubilation and triumphant entry as the twins along with their parents, Raphael Aiyebemi and Godsgift Ibiyyefa, returned to Yenagoa after a successful separation surgery at FMC in Yola.
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They were received on arrival by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, as well as other members of Bayelsa State Executive Council and the Chief Medical Director (CMD) of FMC Yenagoa, Dennis Allagoa, who all expressed their appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, and the entire NAF family for the humanitarian airlift as well as the support provided throughout the process.
It would be recalled that FMC in Yola had successfully carried out similar surgeries in 2013 and 2018.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Putin: World’s First Vaccine against COVID-19 to Be Registered in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin Monday disclosed that the world’s first vaccine against the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) would be registered in his country in a few days.
Putin, who stated this on his Facebook page, explained that Russian scientists have passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.
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According to him, “The world’s first vaccine against coronavirus will be registered in Russia in a few days.
“Russian scientists passed necessary test stages and proved the safety and effectiveness of the drug.
“Our medicine has adequately coped with the epidemic and now gives hope not only to our country, but to the whole world.
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“Once the Soviet satellite paved the way for humanity into space, now the Russian vaccine will pave the way to the future without COVID-19, masks and social isolation.”