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  ~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  Liver disease is a major global health concern, causing over two million deaths annually.  This high mortality rate is primarily driven by cirrhosis, viral hepatitis, and liver cancer, which collectively account for 4% of all global deaths.  A significant proportion of these deaths occur in women. Key Causes and Risk Factors: Alcohol-Related Liver Disease (ALD): Excessive alcohol consumption is a leading cause of cirrhosis worldwide, especially in high-income countries.  Alcohol use disorder (AUD) dramatically increases the risk of liver-related mortality, and this risk is projected to rise due to increasing alcohol use and an aging population. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD):  Affecting approximately one-quarter of the global adult population, NAFLD is a significant contributor to liver failure and the need for liver transplantation, particularly in developed nations.  Its strong associ...

~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Co-Founder & Lead Consultant, Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited  Bridging the Divide: Simple Ways to Reduce Inequality and Empower Everyday Nigerians It's a common lament, a stark reality visible in every Nigerian city and village: the gap between the haves and have-nots seems to be widening by the day. While a select few amass unimaginable wealth, the majority struggle with stagnant wages, soaring costs, and diminishing opportunities. Is this growing economic divide an unchangeable reality, or are there "simple ways" to reduce income inequality and truly empower everyday Nigerians, ensuring that prosperity is shared, not hoarded? Challenges: Income inequality in Nigeria is profound and multi-layered: • High Poverty Rates: Despite being Africa's largest economy by GDP, a significant portion of Nigerians live below the poverty line. The NBS estimated that over 133 million Nigerians (63% of the population) were multi...

The political landscape in Nigeria leading up to the 2027 elections is sharply defined by the confrontation between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the newly formed Atiku-led coalition centered around the African Democratic Congress (ADC).  Analyzing the path forward requires examining both sides' strengths and weaknesses, acknowledging the substantial criticisms levied against each. Tinubu's APC: Advantages and Disadvantages Advantages: Incumbency:  The APC holds the reins of power, providing access to resources, patronage networks, and the inherent advantages of incumbency. This includes control over state media and the ability to shape the narrative. Established Structure:  The APC boasts a relatively well-established party structure, albeit one facing internal divisions.  This established network facilitates mobilization and resource deployment during campaigns. Control of Resources:  Access to state resources...

~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel  Nigeria's Rice Crisis: Unpacking Food Inflation and Pathways to Affordability For millions of Nigerian families, rice is more than just a staple; it's a cultural cornerstone, a symbol of celebrations, and a daily source of sustenance. Yet, the sight of a 50kg bag of rice priced at NGN 10,000 (and much more today, sadly) was once unimaginable, a sign of severe economic distress. Now, the price is even higher, making it a distant dream for many. What led to this unprecedented surge in the cost of our most beloved staple, and what concrete steps can we take to bring rice – and indeed, all food – back the reach of ordinary Nigerians? Challenges: The alarming increase in rice prices (and food inflation generally) is a confluence of several factors: • Insecurity in Food Baskets: A major blow has been the rampant banditry, kidnapping, and communal clashes in major rice-producing states like Benue, Niger, Taraba, and Kebbi. Farmers have abandoned their f...

  Unmasking the Leakages: Transparency, Budgeting, and Asking Better Questions About Nigeria's Wealth Nigeria is blessed with abundant natural resources, a massive population, and significant revenue streams from oil, taxes, and other sources. Yet, despite being Africa's largest economy by GDP, the vast majority of its citizens experience crushing poverty and a glaring lack of basic services. This leads to an inescapable, often exasperated question on the lips of every Nigerian: "Nigeria has money, but where does it go?" This article delves into the critical issues of transparency, budgeting, and how we, as citizens, can ask better questions to demand accountability and ensure our collective wealth benefits everyone. Challenges: The disconnect between Nigeria's potential wealth and its development outcomes is driven by: • Corruption & Illicit Financial Flows: This is arguably the biggest drain on Nigeria's resources. Funds meant for public development ar...

  Alhamdulillah, all praise and thanks be to Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, and his companions. My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Today, as we gather on this blessed Friday, let us reflect upon a cornerstone of our faith: *rahma* – mercy, kindness, and compassion. Our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him) was a paragon of mercy, and he taught us that the truest measure of our faith lies in our kindness towards others. Allah SWT reminds us in countless verses to show compassion, to be patient, and to be each other's keepers. The Quran and Sunnah are replete with examples and exhortations emphasizing the importance of *rahma*. The concept of "be your brother's keeper" resonates deeply with the Islamic ethos. It's not merely a suggestion but a divine command, an integral part of our responsibility as Muslims. It encompasses a vast spectrum of actions, from the ...

  Niger State, under the governorship of "Farmer Governor" Umaru Bago, is bracing for local government elections. However, instead of a unified front, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is facing a brewing internal rebellion that threatens to undermine the party's chances of victory. Sources within the party reveal widespread discontent, with whispers of a potential coalition forming against the APC's officially nominated candidates. APC members are prepared to use resources at their disposal to contest local government elections against their own party, the APC. They feel that the consensus candidates selected did not meet their expectations and they want candidates of their choosing. They are now willing to form coalitions to produce consensus candidates, but only if the state government uses strong-arm tactics to force their chosen candidates upon them. Other political parties are also prepared to form coalitions against the APC at the state level, ass...