It is not a hidden fact that the Nigerian Police Force headed by Mike Okiro hates Malam Nuhu Ribadu more than criminals and armed robbers terrorising the Country. The apex security outfit is quick in checkmating his moves better than combating crime. The IG and his men failed to protect the ancient city ibadan from the clutches of dare devil robbers who operated unhindered for days in the ancient city, but it was quick in stopping Ribadu from graduating from Kuru.Nigerian Police of Okiro is quick and prompt in setting up a disciplinary panel to punish its errant officer especially Ribadu when public outcry spoilt their move to stop him from graduating. The Onovo panel sitting in Kaduna was set up quickly after the force failed to stop his graduation and its potential failure in demoting him. The panel was filled with AIGs with law background with a mission to rubbish the world acclaimed corruption fighter. The same IG Okiro was forced by the president to move his personnel and warfare to Jos were lack of timely security resulted in the death of over 300 civilians in an ethnic war disguised as a political fracas. The death toll in jos mayhem is higher than the Mumbai terror attack and more than the cholera outbreak in Zimbabwe.
Armed bandits held ibadan to standstill for a week killing 12 civilians in 2 major bank raid and the neighbouring states like Ogun and osun were not spared from the attacks. Crime rate under Okiros reigns is at records highest, and the police are not regarded as people’s defender anymore. Ribadu seems to be Okiros biggest headache and I wonder if the Current IG has been informed that Ribadu will succeed him so his trying to discredit him from getting to the post. But with the type of governance Yar’adua is giving it’s a doubt if he is commited to the war on corruption, because all he seems to lack direction in all aspect of governance. I personally enjoyed the level of security under OBJ than what we have now; kidnapping has increased to its highest, armed robbery attacks is daily compared to his predecessors
Friday, December 12, 2008
Friday, December 5, 2008
YORUBAS AND NIGERIAN POLITICS IN MODERN DAY
YORUBAS AND NIGERIAN POLITICS IN MODERN DAY
In recent time the Yoruba race has witnessed the departure of notable elder states men some are dead and various has retired to tier country homes after been relegated to the lower division in Nigerians bubbling and high powerful political platform .Yoruba’s played a key role in opposition and ruling aspect in Nigerians politics from the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo , Bola Ige,Gani Fawehinmi, and others. The Yoruba’s are once again in the helm of opposition to the incumbent PDP led government in Nigeria.
Action congress AC is the only viable and clearly heard opposition voice in Nigeria, the party is characterised by notable Yoruba elite politicians, people like Lai Mohammed the party’s spokesman , chief Bisi Akande the party’s national president, Senator Bola Tinubu a notable chieftain of AC and others. This is the voice heard in the opposition camp. Since the romance of ANPP and PDP Took off in the participation of ANPP in the formation of Government of National Unity GNP by the PDP led govt, the PDP has succeeded in its move to turn Nigeria into one party country a move I believe will materials very soon if judging by the calibre of politician we have now. Like the saying ‘there are no permanent enemy in politics’, we are in the era of money politics and everyone wants to feather his/her own nest. This could be well explained in the situation of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Bola Tinubu. The latter was betrayed by his kinsman due to better condition given to him by the opposition which latter landed him with a lesser option, reference can also be made of that of Bola Ige/AD,Which saw Bola Ige accepting portfolio from the opposition party. As we all know the death of AD is AC’s gain, because AC is a remix of AD and the only difference is that it broke away from the grip of Afenifere and other pro Awolowo politician. With the recent allegation of imposition of candidates by AC in the recently concluded controversial local govt. election in Lagos, and allegation of dictatorship and hijack of the party by its most notable member Senator. Bola Tinubu. The AC is swimming in trouble waters and a break up in the party ranks is foreseen.
The PDP is indeed the biggest party in Africa. Judging by the calibre of people in the party and its geological widespread and even the exodus of founding fathers and notable members, the party still remain as strong as ever. What the PDP lack is the legal credibility of the current government which is been challenge by Alhaji Abubarka Atiku of the AC and Rtd General Buhari .Will AC score another point against the PDP or the ANPP will have the last laugh lets wait and see the work of the proven Nigerian judiciary.
In recent time the Yoruba race has witnessed the departure of notable elder states men some are dead and various has retired to tier country homes after been relegated to the lower division in Nigerians bubbling and high powerful political platform .Yoruba’s played a key role in opposition and ruling aspect in Nigerians politics from the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo , Bola Ige,Gani Fawehinmi, and others. The Yoruba’s are once again in the helm of opposition to the incumbent PDP led government in Nigeria.
Action congress AC is the only viable and clearly heard opposition voice in Nigeria, the party is characterised by notable Yoruba elite politicians, people like Lai Mohammed the party’s spokesman , chief Bisi Akande the party’s national president, Senator Bola Tinubu a notable chieftain of AC and others. This is the voice heard in the opposition camp. Since the romance of ANPP and PDP Took off in the participation of ANPP in the formation of Government of National Unity GNP by the PDP led govt, the PDP has succeeded in its move to turn Nigeria into one party country a move I believe will materials very soon if judging by the calibre of politician we have now. Like the saying ‘there are no permanent enemy in politics’, we are in the era of money politics and everyone wants to feather his/her own nest. This could be well explained in the situation of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and Bola Tinubu. The latter was betrayed by his kinsman due to better condition given to him by the opposition which latter landed him with a lesser option, reference can also be made of that of Bola Ige/AD,Which saw Bola Ige accepting portfolio from the opposition party. As we all know the death of AD is AC’s gain, because AC is a remix of AD and the only difference is that it broke away from the grip of Afenifere and other pro Awolowo politician. With the recent allegation of imposition of candidates by AC in the recently concluded controversial local govt. election in Lagos, and allegation of dictatorship and hijack of the party by its most notable member Senator. Bola Tinubu. The AC is swimming in trouble waters and a break up in the party ranks is foreseen.
The PDP is indeed the biggest party in Africa. Judging by the calibre of people in the party and its geological widespread and even the exodus of founding fathers and notable members, the party still remain as strong as ever. What the PDP lack is the legal credibility of the current government which is been challenge by Alhaji Abubarka Atiku of the AC and Rtd General Buhari .Will AC score another point against the PDP or the ANPP will have the last laugh lets wait and see the work of the proven Nigerian judiciary.
Monday, October 27, 2008
THE NIGERIAN POLICE UNFORCE
The rate of armed robbery attacks in Nigeria and Lagos in particular is alarming.Lives and properties are lost daily to dare devil robbers and our Financial institotions are he main targets and car jacking is also on the raise around the country.An attack on a commercial financial intitution in Alapere in Lagos left a pregnant manager and a customer dead,anda shoot-out between police and robbers left a resident of ikoyi laying in his own pool of blood.Car jacking and gun point robber are increasing on our highways and innocent lives have been lostdue to high way robbery week in week out.The Nigerian police seems to be asleep from the past 2 years,and if you get robbed the police is the last place you will want to be.The cops seems not to understand what poeple go through and even thier men are no spared by this dare devil robbers.The force has lost alot of thier men in the past month and still its still foot dragging in combating crime.Check points are fast apperaing on our roads and its very easy to go by them if you are nice to part with some amount of money.Even if you have 30 AK47 in you car just spare the police at check points with little cash and you on your way to you largesse.The Inspector General of police said he doesnt know the actual number of police in his fold,but a trip to police barracks with walls plastered with obituaries will tell him the numbers of men his loosing daily.
The Lagos state govt.recently boost the police force with donations of various crime combating equipments which includes speed boats and various communication gadgets.Dangote Groups also donated various equipment to boost the effort of Apapa,port police command in the same week,and various influential citizens has supported the police over the months.The police force is now a subject to charity donations but the diff is that they (police)on thier part are just not responding to our need.The police service commision said about 100.000(hundred thousand) police men are performing illegal duties.Now we ask what are they doing illegally ?The Nigerian police works well when used as a political tool to intimidate opponents.They carry out this various political assingnment so well one wonders where they trained to intimidate and oppress ?.When it comes to crime combating the stories of inssuffient fuel in thier patrol cars,shortage of personel in police stations,lack of communicaton and shortage of fire power arises.Are w e living in wild wild west or should we go back to the days of self defence or should we just adopt the idea of STATE POLICE? which is another debate on its own.
The Lagos state govt.recently boost the police force with donations of various crime combating equipments which includes speed boats and various communication gadgets.Dangote Groups also donated various equipment to boost the effort of Apapa,port police command in the same week,and various influential citizens has supported the police over the months.The police force is now a subject to charity donations but the diff is that they (police)on thier part are just not responding to our need.The police service commision said about 100.000(hundred thousand) police men are performing illegal duties.Now we ask what are they doing illegally ?The Nigerian police works well when used as a political tool to intimidate opponents.They carry out this various political assingnment so well one wonders where they trained to intimidate and oppress ?.When it comes to crime combating the stories of inssuffient fuel in thier patrol cars,shortage of personel in police stations,lack of communicaton and shortage of fire power arises.Are w e living in wild wild west or should we go back to the days of self defence or should we just adopt the idea of STATE POLICE? which is another debate on its own.
Friday, October 10, 2008
TO HELL WITH HIP HOP
To hell with hip hop
By Ayeni Adekunle
Published: Friday, 10 Oct 2008
The hip hop world is an interesting community. Knowing no geographical boundaries, citizens (usually called headz) must have a certain level of all-round knowledge, an impressive understanding of the culture, a tested prowess in at least one of the elements and a self-ego the size of Jupiter.
Thanks to rap – the vocal language of hip hop- the culture has spread all over the world; throwing up big businesses and icons whose influence could rival that of the UN Secretary-General. But then, no thanks to rap (and its pathetic bastardisation), many ignoramuses across the world are mistaking rap (the rhythm and applied poetry that serves as the verbal projectile of hip hop) as the only element of the culture. Some even annoyingly refer to anything urbane (Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Dancehall) as hip hop. In the real sense, a rapper is different from a lyricist or emcee – although one man can do both. But elements as Deejaying, Beat-boxing, Graffiti and others are as important as rap.
Except for TeeMac (who ignorantly claimed that ‘hip hop is dead’ at a recent showbiz gathering), most headz who argue that hip hop is dying, base their argument on the over-glorification of commercial rap, at the expense of other core elements of the culture; the widely-held notion that true ol’ hip hop, driven by its original values and ideals has been sacrificed on the alter of commercialisation.
But while those who learnt from the feet of KRS One, Rakim Allah, Eazy E, Eric B, Run-DMC and the likes would quickly frown and argue that hip hop has been adulterated, and has been hijacked by outsiders; you’ll be surprised by the population of new school headz who think Lil’ Wayne and all the new boys from the south are the best thing to happen to hip hop.
Have the rulers of the kingdom; the custodians of the culture gone archaic, rusty and out-of-touch? Or are these enthusiastic teenagers who consider swagger more important than punch-lines losing the core essence of the forefathers of hip hop?
Is hip hop dead, dying, or alive than never before? Arguments for and against all three instances are raging in my head right now. So, I can’t say for sure, what the final submission should be, as I write. You might want to help me with your ideas and opinions.
However, what I do know for sure is that, beef, one of hip-hop’s ever-present nemeses, is well and alive. 2pac and the Notorious B.I.G may be long dead and gone; Jay Z and Nas may have since squashed their feud, but the ego and braggadocio-induced lyrical battles still remain. Even in Nigeria, where hip hop is ill-defined and anyone whose over-sized pants are sagging; or who walks with some sort of swagger is considered a hip hop head, you’ll find beef scattered around as if it’s ingredient for a sumptuous meal.
Apart from a few, most headz are not interested in correcting the misrepresentation of the culture or ensuring the redefinition of a true head. The rappers are dancing to the gallery, letting it known to us that it’s now all about the cheddar. As far as they are concerned, ‘‘hip hop can go to hell.”
Instead of adapting the elements of the culture to fit the Nigerian lifestyle, instead of cultivating the streets and making sure hip hop plays a role in politics, government policies and youth education, everyone is minding their business.
Some self-proclaimed emcee who has never ‘headlined’ a street corner gig, or engaged other folks in a hour-long freestyle session suddenly shows up on TV calling himself the king of hip hop and we’re all buying it.
And what’s he talking about? Bacardi, Hennessy, Swagger, Bling-bling and UNILAG girls. With such frivolous theme, watery rhymes, weak punch-lines, senseless metaphors and ‘‘I’m-throwing-sex-in-your-face’’ videos, why would the older, more ‘serious’ segment of society take the culture and its proponents with anything more than a pinch of salt?
As the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Nas, The Wu Tang Clan, Russell Simmons, Jay Z and Dr. Dre have shown, hip hop is serious. As serious as any movement/artform can be. Yes there’s the beef. Yes there’s the violence. Yes there’s arrogance and drugs and all that. But there’s a lot of cultural responsibility too. There’s beautiful poetry. And true disciples continue to use the movement as a tool to shape societies into desired forms.
And here at home, we need to give rappers Ruggedman and Mode 9 some credit. While Rugged is adapting his art to suit the African situation, Modey is sticking to his game, hoping to prove that true hip hop knows no geographical boundaries.
Both rappers are gifted and truly hardworking, even though pundits argue that Mode is a better lyricist than Rugged. While Eedris Abdulkareem contributed in no small measure in bastardising the hip hop culture and the rap genre in Nigeria, Rugged and Mode belong to the category of those devoted to the eradication of the mis-education.
But both rappers have, for the past few years, been locked in a subtle battle for supremacy. They often deny it. But their lyrics say it. And now, at a time when they should both be concerned about the future of their careers (what with younger cats like M.I. Blaise, Gino and Kel lurking around), they’re taking the beef to a new level, embracing open confrontation and pouring lyrical venom on one another.
Two fresh songs – talking to you (Mode 9) and Banging (Ruggedman) – clearly depict the depth and direction of the new beef, and how each man is using his art to pass across his message.
But what lessons are they teaching younger cats? How’s the beef helping the growth of the culture in Nigeria. And is the battle just a wax affair, to settle the ‘‘who-s better’’ issue or some ego-driven personal stuff that may escalate to real-life violence? Or – as some are already insinuating- is it all just a stunt to get us all talking about them again and drive their songs to the top of the charts?
I’m still searching for answers.
ARTICLE EXTRACTED FROM PUNCH NEWSPAPER ,NIG.
By Ayeni Adekunle
Published: Friday, 10 Oct 2008
The hip hop world is an interesting community. Knowing no geographical boundaries, citizens (usually called headz) must have a certain level of all-round knowledge, an impressive understanding of the culture, a tested prowess in at least one of the elements and a self-ego the size of Jupiter.
Thanks to rap – the vocal language of hip hop- the culture has spread all over the world; throwing up big businesses and icons whose influence could rival that of the UN Secretary-General. But then, no thanks to rap (and its pathetic bastardisation), many ignoramuses across the world are mistaking rap (the rhythm and applied poetry that serves as the verbal projectile of hip hop) as the only element of the culture. Some even annoyingly refer to anything urbane (Rhythm & Blues, Soul, Dancehall) as hip hop. In the real sense, a rapper is different from a lyricist or emcee – although one man can do both. But elements as Deejaying, Beat-boxing, Graffiti and others are as important as rap.
Except for TeeMac (who ignorantly claimed that ‘hip hop is dead’ at a recent showbiz gathering), most headz who argue that hip hop is dying, base their argument on the over-glorification of commercial rap, at the expense of other core elements of the culture; the widely-held notion that true ol’ hip hop, driven by its original values and ideals has been sacrificed on the alter of commercialisation.
But while those who learnt from the feet of KRS One, Rakim Allah, Eazy E, Eric B, Run-DMC and the likes would quickly frown and argue that hip hop has been adulterated, and has been hijacked by outsiders; you’ll be surprised by the population of new school headz who think Lil’ Wayne and all the new boys from the south are the best thing to happen to hip hop.
Have the rulers of the kingdom; the custodians of the culture gone archaic, rusty and out-of-touch? Or are these enthusiastic teenagers who consider swagger more important than punch-lines losing the core essence of the forefathers of hip hop?
Is hip hop dead, dying, or alive than never before? Arguments for and against all three instances are raging in my head right now. So, I can’t say for sure, what the final submission should be, as I write. You might want to help me with your ideas and opinions.
However, what I do know for sure is that, beef, one of hip-hop’s ever-present nemeses, is well and alive. 2pac and the Notorious B.I.G may be long dead and gone; Jay Z and Nas may have since squashed their feud, but the ego and braggadocio-induced lyrical battles still remain. Even in Nigeria, where hip hop is ill-defined and anyone whose over-sized pants are sagging; or who walks with some sort of swagger is considered a hip hop head, you’ll find beef scattered around as if it’s ingredient for a sumptuous meal.
Apart from a few, most headz are not interested in correcting the misrepresentation of the culture or ensuring the redefinition of a true head. The rappers are dancing to the gallery, letting it known to us that it’s now all about the cheddar. As far as they are concerned, ‘‘hip hop can go to hell.”
Instead of adapting the elements of the culture to fit the Nigerian lifestyle, instead of cultivating the streets and making sure hip hop plays a role in politics, government policies and youth education, everyone is minding their business.
Some self-proclaimed emcee who has never ‘headlined’ a street corner gig, or engaged other folks in a hour-long freestyle session suddenly shows up on TV calling himself the king of hip hop and we’re all buying it.
And what’s he talking about? Bacardi, Hennessy, Swagger, Bling-bling and UNILAG girls. With such frivolous theme, watery rhymes, weak punch-lines, senseless metaphors and ‘‘I’m-throwing-sex-in-your-face’’ videos, why would the older, more ‘serious’ segment of society take the culture and its proponents with anything more than a pinch of salt?
As the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Common, Nas, The Wu Tang Clan, Russell Simmons, Jay Z and Dr. Dre have shown, hip hop is serious. As serious as any movement/artform can be. Yes there’s the beef. Yes there’s the violence. Yes there’s arrogance and drugs and all that. But there’s a lot of cultural responsibility too. There’s beautiful poetry. And true disciples continue to use the movement as a tool to shape societies into desired forms.
And here at home, we need to give rappers Ruggedman and Mode 9 some credit. While Rugged is adapting his art to suit the African situation, Modey is sticking to his game, hoping to prove that true hip hop knows no geographical boundaries.
Both rappers are gifted and truly hardworking, even though pundits argue that Mode is a better lyricist than Rugged. While Eedris Abdulkareem contributed in no small measure in bastardising the hip hop culture and the rap genre in Nigeria, Rugged and Mode belong to the category of those devoted to the eradication of the mis-education.
But both rappers have, for the past few years, been locked in a subtle battle for supremacy. They often deny it. But their lyrics say it. And now, at a time when they should both be concerned about the future of their careers (what with younger cats like M.I. Blaise, Gino and Kel lurking around), they’re taking the beef to a new level, embracing open confrontation and pouring lyrical venom on one another.
Two fresh songs – talking to you (Mode 9) and Banging (Ruggedman) – clearly depict the depth and direction of the new beef, and how each man is using his art to pass across his message.
But what lessons are they teaching younger cats? How’s the beef helping the growth of the culture in Nigeria. And is the battle just a wax affair, to settle the ‘‘who-s better’’ issue or some ego-driven personal stuff that may escalate to real-life violence? Or – as some are already insinuating- is it all just a stunt to get us all talking about them again and drive their songs to the top of the charts?
I’m still searching for answers.
ARTICLE EXTRACTED FROM PUNCH NEWSPAPER ,NIG.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
AFTER 48 YEARS NOW WHAT ?
Daar communications owners of AIT and RAYPOWER fm launched the first pay per view digital television channel in Nigeria,its is 100% indigenous and is wholely owned by DAAR Communication plc.Its the first Nigerian owned direct pay per view tv with decoders and dish and its stands amoung,BskyB of uk, DSTV of S/Africa and Hitv of ?,.The main point i want to strees is that we can do anything no matter whre we are geographically in the world,be it Africa,Asia or other third world countries,technology has no boundry and its those that seek knowledge that gest it.Though these wount come cheap but we have enough money to finance these projects.
Lets take our Health institution as a yard stick.Govt and and top politicians travel all over the world to seek medical care because they can afford it,some even travell to foreign countries to treat common flu and headache.These same govt.officalls and Mr President himself are responsible for the well beign of the entire 120million Nigerians,they set up various multi-million health instition and we even have a National Hospital in the federal capital Abuja which was built with several millions of tax payers money and yet Mr President cant go there for check up why?.Maybe he doesnt trust the Doctors there or the equipments are sub-standard compare to those in Germany,Saudi Arabia, but he wants several million of us to go there and get treatment.
My conclusion is after 48yrs of independence we still go to our colonial masters to treat headache and flu,wount it save us money to invite them back to start from where they stopped so that there generousity can be evenly distributed to both rich and poor. kudos to High Chief Raymond Dopkesi and the entire board of DAAR COMM.on the launch of DAARSAT.
Lets take our Health institution as a yard stick.Govt and and top politicians travel all over the world to seek medical care because they can afford it,some even travell to foreign countries to treat common flu and headache.These same govt.officalls and Mr President himself are responsible for the well beign of the entire 120million Nigerians,they set up various multi-million health instition and we even have a National Hospital in the federal capital Abuja which was built with several millions of tax payers money and yet Mr President cant go there for check up why?.Maybe he doesnt trust the Doctors there or the equipments are sub-standard compare to those in Germany,Saudi Arabia, but he wants several million of us to go there and get treatment.
My conclusion is after 48yrs of independence we still go to our colonial masters to treat headache and flu,wount it save us money to invite them back to start from where they stopped so that there generousity can be evenly distributed to both rich and poor. kudos to High Chief Raymond Dopkesi and the entire board of DAAR COMM.on the launch of DAARSAT.
Sexual intercourse and cancers: Myths and realities
By NIYI ODEBODE
Published: Wednesday, 8 Oct 2008
Foluke (her surname withheld) has never gone for breast or cervical cancer screening. She, however, dread the diseases. The woman, who works in a bank on the Victoria Island, Lagos, believes that one of the causes of the diseases is unprotected sexual intercourse. The 45-year-old woman told our correspondent that she frowned at unnecessary fondling or kissing of breasts during intercourse because of the belief that she could develop breast cancer.
Investigations by our correspondent showed that many women had not thought it necessary to ensure regular screening for breast and cervical cancers. The President of the Lagos State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Efunsola Sowemimo, and the treasurer, Dr. Dumebi Owa, confirmed ignorance of many women about the diseases.
Sowemimo said the association had been holding enlightenment programmes on the ailments in different parts of the state, including Ikoyi, Ebute-Meta and Victoria Island.
According to her, one of the mostly asked questions at such fora is the relationship between fondling or sucking of breasts by men and cancer.
Sowemimo said, ”Some believe massaging or sucking of breast by the opposite sex during intercourse can cause breast cancer.”
For most men, the organ is the first point of call during intercourse. No wonder the question keeps arising at enlightenment programmes on breast cancer, which is more likely to occur after the age of 40.
But the medical doctor faulted the claim that fondling, massaging or sucking of breasts could lead to cancer. ”Maybe they ask the question to discourage their husbands, but it is not true.”
The treasurer of the branch, Dr. Dumebi Owa, who also supported Sowemimo, said, ”In some cases, lumps in breasts are discovered by men when massaging their wives‘ breasts.”
Sowemimo, however, stated that such questions arose because of ignorance. She said the association would hold health talks this month on breast and cervical cancer. She also disclosed that the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Joke Adefulire, sponsored members of the group to a workshop on the ailments.
The president said the association would organise screening for breast and cervical cancers. ”There will also be screening for human papilloma virus,” she stated.
Advising women, Sowemimo said they should do regular breast self-examination by checking for lumps, tickness or other changes.
She said, ”Breast examination include armpit. Use your finger pads and move them in a small circular motion using different amounts of pressure. Look at your breast in front of a mirror to check for any changes in how your breasts look or for dimpling of the skin.”
Sowemimo added that women should also regularly visit their doctors for mammogram. ”Some women because of their family history, genetic tendency or certain other factors may have greater chance of having breast cancer than others.”
According to the experts, risks for breast cancer include a family history, delaying pregnancy until after age 30 or never becoming pregnant and early menstruation.
They called for early detection of breast cancer through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40.
Ninety-six per cent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.
The experts explained that unlike breast cancer, cervical cancer usually shows no symptoms. A woman usually develops symptoms when the cancer has become invasive and attacks nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding may include bleeding after menopause, bleeding that starts and stops between periods, bleeding that occurs after intercourse or a pelvic exam, or menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and heavier than usual.
According to medical experts, strong risk factors for cervical cancer include infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women who have sexual intercourse at early age and a history of multiple sex partners are at the risk of the disease. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to get cervical cancer.
This article was extracted from PUNCH NEWSPAPER Oct 8,2008.
Published: Wednesday, 8 Oct 2008
Foluke (her surname withheld) has never gone for breast or cervical cancer screening. She, however, dread the diseases. The woman, who works in a bank on the Victoria Island, Lagos, believes that one of the causes of the diseases is unprotected sexual intercourse. The 45-year-old woman told our correspondent that she frowned at unnecessary fondling or kissing of breasts during intercourse because of the belief that she could develop breast cancer.
Investigations by our correspondent showed that many women had not thought it necessary to ensure regular screening for breast and cervical cancers. The President of the Lagos State branch of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Efunsola Sowemimo, and the treasurer, Dr. Dumebi Owa, confirmed ignorance of many women about the diseases.
Sowemimo said the association had been holding enlightenment programmes on the ailments in different parts of the state, including Ikoyi, Ebute-Meta and Victoria Island.
According to her, one of the mostly asked questions at such fora is the relationship between fondling or sucking of breasts by men and cancer.
Sowemimo said, ”Some believe massaging or sucking of breast by the opposite sex during intercourse can cause breast cancer.”
For most men, the organ is the first point of call during intercourse. No wonder the question keeps arising at enlightenment programmes on breast cancer, which is more likely to occur after the age of 40.
But the medical doctor faulted the claim that fondling, massaging or sucking of breasts could lead to cancer. ”Maybe they ask the question to discourage their husbands, but it is not true.”
The treasurer of the branch, Dr. Dumebi Owa, who also supported Sowemimo, said, ”In some cases, lumps in breasts are discovered by men when massaging their wives‘ breasts.”
Sowemimo, however, stated that such questions arose because of ignorance. She said the association would hold health talks this month on breast and cervical cancer. She also disclosed that the Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Joke Adefulire, sponsored members of the group to a workshop on the ailments.
The president said the association would organise screening for breast and cervical cancers. ”There will also be screening for human papilloma virus,” she stated.
Advising women, Sowemimo said they should do regular breast self-examination by checking for lumps, tickness or other changes.
She said, ”Breast examination include armpit. Use your finger pads and move them in a small circular motion using different amounts of pressure. Look at your breast in front of a mirror to check for any changes in how your breasts look or for dimpling of the skin.”
Sowemimo added that women should also regularly visit their doctors for mammogram. ”Some women because of their family history, genetic tendency or certain other factors may have greater chance of having breast cancer than others.”
According to the experts, risks for breast cancer include a family history, delaying pregnancy until after age 30 or never becoming pregnant and early menstruation.
They called for early detection of breast cancer through monthly breast self-exam and particularly yearly mammography after age 40.
Ninety-six per cent of women who find and treat breast cancer early will be cancer-free after five years.
The experts explained that unlike breast cancer, cervical cancer usually shows no symptoms. A woman usually develops symptoms when the cancer has become invasive and attacks nearby tissue. When this happens, the most common symptom is abnormal vaginal bleeding. Abnormal bleeding may include bleeding after menopause, bleeding that starts and stops between periods, bleeding that occurs after intercourse or a pelvic exam, or menstrual bleeding that lasts longer and heavier than usual.
According to medical experts, strong risk factors for cervical cancer include infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Women who have sexual intercourse at early age and a history of multiple sex partners are at the risk of the disease. Women who smoke are about twice as likely as nonsmokers to get cervical cancer.
This article was extracted from PUNCH NEWSPAPER Oct 8,2008.
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
YOU ARE WELCOME
Welcome to my blogg,am trying to share a blogg which brings intimacy withs lifes reality in all our various works of life.Politicians,sports enthusiast,entertainment,sex,fashion, all activities are going to be shared free form this bloog, so welcome once again
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