As We Celebrate the World No-Tobacco Day

CHECKING THE DANGERS OF TOBACCO INTAKE AS THE 2017 WORLD NO-TOBACCO DAY IS COMMEMORATED ON WEDNESDAY MAY 31

         

          

Wednesday May 31, the global community commemorates the World No Tobacco Day. The Day, which is marked on every 31^st of May, was instituted by the United Nations (UN) through the effort of the World Health Organization (WHO). Annually, WHO alongside its partners mark the World No Tobacco Day (WNTD), highlighting the health risks associated with tobacco use and advocating for effective policies to reduce its consumption.

          

The theme of this year’s commemoration is ‘Tobacco: a threat to development’, which focuses on the compelling need to end tobacco intake. Frankly, from several angles such as social, health, economy, and governance, tobacco indeed poses a colossal threat to human cum societal development.    

         

The BBC English Dictionary defines tobacco as ‘the dried leaves of a particular plant which people smoke in pipes, cigars, and cigarettes.’ The products of the tobacco leaves can also be referred to as ‘tobacco’. In the same vein, tobacco smoking is the act or habit of smoking tobacco leaves or any of its products to include cigarette, cigar, snuff, et cetera.

          

There are a number of types of tobacco in existence. It is noteworthy that, any of the type involved contains unwholesome substances, which cause untold harm to the body. In 2008, the World Health Organization (WHO) named tobacco as the world’s single greatest cause of preventable deaths.

           

Tobacco smoke contains many chemicals that are harmful to both smokers and non-smokers. Research shows that inhaling even a little tobacco smoke can be harmful to the body. This is why among the various means of consuming tobacco leaves, which include sniffing, smoking, chewing and stuffing, smoking remains the most dangerous and delicate. Scientifically survey indicates that, of the more than 7,000 chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 250 including hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide and ammonia are known to be harmful. Among the 250 known harmful chemicals in tobacco smoke, at least 69 can cause cancer, especially in the lung, kidney, mouth, larynx, esophagus, bladder, pancreas and cervix.

         

Tobacco smokers are exposed to variety of risks or health complications namely: blood clots and aneurysms in the brain which can lead to stroke, blood clots in the legs which may travel to the lungs, coronary artery disease including angina and heart attacks, high blood pressure, poor blood supply to the legs, problems with erections due to decreased blood flow into the penis.

         

Other health risks or problems are poor wound healing especially after surgery, asthma, problems during pregnancy such as babies born at low birth weight, premature labour, miscarriage and cleft lip; decreased ability to taste and smell, harm to sperm which contributes to infertility, loss of sight as a result of an increased risk of mascular degeneration, tooth and gum diseases as well as wrinkling of the skin.

          

Smokers who switch to smokeless tobacco instead of quitting tobacco intake completely still have a number of health risks to include increased risk of mouth or nasal cancer, gum problems, tooth wear, cavities, worsening high blood pressure, and angina. Those who do not smoke or take any form of tobacco but always stay around smokers are also exposed to some health issues such as heart attack and other heart diseases, lung cancer and sudden reactions involving the eye, nose, throat, and lower respiratory tract.

         

Infants and children who are regularly exposed to secondhand smoke are not left out. They can easily contract asthma, infections like virus-caused upper respiratory diseases, ear infections and pneumonia; lung damage or poor lung function, as well as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

        

Obviously, the aforementioned consequences are good reasons to quit the intake of tobacco. Like any addiction, quitting tobacco is not an easy task, especially when the person involved is acting alone. If one intends to quit smoking or intake of tobacco, family members, friends and co-workers may be supportive. He can also talk to his health care provider concerning nicotine replacement therapy and smoking cessation medications. More so, if he or she joins smoking cessation programmes, which are often offered by hospitals, health departments, community centres and work sites, he would have a much better chance of success.

         

The bitter fact is that the global tobacco epidemic kills nearly six million people each year, of which more than 600,000 are non-smokers dying from breathing secondhand smoke. Unless we act, according to WHO, the epidemic is likely to kill more than eight million persons annually by the year 2030; and more than eighty percent (80%) of these preventable mortality rates will be among people living in low and middle income countries like Nigeria.

          

As Nigeria joins the world to commemorate the annual World No Tobacco Day, it is the responsibility of every Nigerian to acknowledge that the dangers of tobacco intake can only be avoided if its addicts as well as illicit traffickers holistically desist from such uncalled act.

          

Similarly, the National Tobacco Control bill that was recently passed into law by the National Assembly is unarguably a welcome development that ought to be encouraged by any concerned authority such as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), among others, or anyone who thinks good of the country. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

____________________________________

Follow: @mediambassador   

Opinion II Imolites, It's Another May 29!

IMOLITES, IT’S ANOTHER MAY 29!

         

The last time I checked, there wasn’t any sane mind in Nigeria as a whole, and Imo in particular, that was yet to realize the essence of May 29 in the country’s democratic setting. It suffices to assert that every dick and harry in this country is apparently not unaware what the above day represents.

        

For some of us who are yet unaware, it is on this day, in 1999 precisely, that the then military rulers in Nigeria thought it wise to voluntarily hand over power to prospective civilian leaders, thereby allowing democracy to ubiquitously be in charge. And, the democracy in question is marking its eighteen years of uninterrupted existence today being 29^th of May 2017. This signifies, if I’m not mistaken, that democracy has come to stay in the acclaimed giant of Africa. It’s therefore needless to state that such scenario arguably calls for a thunderous celebration.

         

For those who may be doubtful about why we celebrate a day of this kind, it is worth noting that there is no any other system of leadership anywhere in the world that can be equated with the democratic system. In other words, democratic pattern of leadership is unparalleled or unequalled. It is unequalled because it is the only system of government that allows freedom of speech from the citizenry regardless of the circumstance; it is the only system that gives the people the opportunity to elect whomsoever they would like to be at the helm of affairs; it is the only system that grants room for protest if need be.

          

So, having pointed out those unique features of democracy, who then would counter the need for the celebration? Having stated that democracy is the only form of leadership that can allow the people at all levels to freely air their views, who would then say that it does not worth celebrating? I tell you solemnly that it is only he who doesn’t know what it means for the governed to tender a free speech that would criticize democracy; hence, only an ingrate can say boldly that democracy is worthless. Read my lips. Let’s ride on!

        

As we celebrate, I want to be more concerned on how much the aforesaid system has fared so far in Imo State, particularly since the emergence of the Rescue Mission Administration led by Governor Rochas Okorocha. Let’s commence from the beginning. We may have forgotten in haste but it would be nice, and wise too, for us to recall that Gov. Okorocha emerged as the governor of the Eastern Heartland via a popular mandate instituted by the masses, thus the victory was occasioned by his popularity as at the time in question.

         

Having acknowledged how he came into power, as well as owing to his extreme passion for education, he without much ado declared free education from nursery through primary to secondary level. As if that wasn’t enough, he further extended the laudable gesture to all the tertiary institutions of learning owned by the state. It is noteworthy that our teeming children are till date enjoying the free education in their various citadels of learning.

          

Similarly, the governor’s passion for good health among the people necessitated the establishment of the Ochiedike Diagnostic Centre, Owerri coupled with the Imo Foundation. It was equally same passion that informed the ongoing construction of Health centres in each of the twenty-seven (27) Local Government Areas in the state, though I have often times criticized the emergence of this very project which I see as unnecessary.

          

In the area of infrastructure and security, the record is unprecedented, thus speaks volumes. This is the only government that single-handedly constructed first to fifth inland roads to ease traffic congestion that was continually faced by commuters. Prior to the creation of the said roads, the various areas utilized for the construction were all bushes. Before the emergence of this government, security threats were obviously unbecoming and on the rampage. But now, Imolites can sleep with their both eyes closed contrary to what it used to be in the past, though the recent reemergence of insecurity along the Douglas Road is yearning for urgent and frank attention from the apt authorities.

          

Inter alia, the Rescue Mission Government has succeeded in crippling the god-fatherism syndrome that was formerly the order of the day in Imo State. Before now, the man in charge, rather than paying attention to the needful, would prefer to continue paying royalty or homage to a few political juggernauts he believed played a key role in bringing him into power. Throwing such ugly custom to the waste-bin where it rightly belongs simply indicates that the ‘share the money’ pattern is dead and buried in the state. The said phenomenon indeed took the state’s democratic affairs aback. Thank God it now belongs to the history book.

         

However, it’s worthy of note that this administration, likewise any other form of leadership, has erred in one way or the other. The lingering vacuum being witnessed in our various LGAs, as occasioned by inability to conduct Local Government election in the state, remains one of the major areas the revered Gov. Okorocha – led government has derailed. In the same vein, the ongoing faceoff existing between the government and the retirees is also an anomaly that is speaking badly of the government. The point is that, these individuals known as ‘senior citizens’ are old, thus their intelligence ought not to be played on.

          

All in all, the current administration has done well from my overall observation and assessment. If I’m asked to grade its leadership style and accomplishments, I would allocate seventy-five percent (75%) to it. We all are aware that the aforementioned percentage stands for distinction. Although the government has done well, it is wise for it to use an event like this to reexamine its existing policies towards changing the porous ones. A porous policy is simply not unlike a bad tyre; it can never move an inch unless it is changed.

          

So, as I sincerely and immensely congratulate the governor on this great and remarkable occasion, I enjoin his Excellency to endeavour to address the lapses created thus far; so that in the long run, we shall all have no reason not to celebrate him and his entire team.

         

Imolites, on their part, are also required to live up to the expectations at all times.  Hence, as we celebrate as well as look forward to receiving the goodies that are yet to arrive, we ought to equally note that it takes two to tango. Think about it!

Comrade FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director,Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador

 

         

ShortStory II Dream and Quest

DREAM AND QUEST (II)

        Pondering over the strong message dropped by his father Prof. B. O. Ola, asking him to steer clear of his house as he (Kunle) was left alone by the couple right in the sitting room, Kunle couldn’t fathom the reason his biological dad would instruct him to leave his house simply because he had chosen to pursue a career he had developed extreme passion for. Obviously, he never saw suchlike sticker that required exegesis coming from anywhere; that was why he remained perturbed immediately after his parents exited from the parlour.

        Nevertheless, the 19-year-old chap wasn’t deterred by the threat. Though every other person within could tag it an ‘empty threat’, he was of the deep view that even if the professor turned out to mean his words, it would never mark the exodus of the seeming controversial pursuit; rather, it would spur him to put in more effort toward proving to his parents that a ‘rejected’ child could still attain greatness in life regardless of the enormity of the challenges.

       “Why did you make such pronouncement?” Mrs. Ola queried her hubby the moment she joined him in their matrimonial room, standing.

       “What’s so strange about it?” the young don responded as he sat on the bed.

      “Everything,” Mrs. Ola quarreled. “Everything is strange about it.”

      “Everything like what?”

      “How could you ask your biological son to leave your house?” she said, stood still. “Your first child for that matter.”

      “So..?”

      “Can you listen to yourself?” she ranted.

      “Woman, don’t come here and boggle me.” The don warned. “I needed to make that naughty boy sit up.”

      “And you think you can actualize that by threatening him?”

      “Since he has obviously lost his senses,” quoth the don. “That was the only way I could make him realize that we are not in any way happy with him.”

      “I totally disagree with you.” she said, sat on the bed at about half a metre away from him. “Honey, this is not the way you can bring his senses back.” She advised tenderly.

      “That boy has caused us enormous pains.” the don frowned. “I just wanted to discipline him in my own way.”

       There was a brief tranquility. “I understand how you feel, dear.” She broke the silence. “But, all I am saying is that you went too far.”

      “Okay, okay,” surrendered the don. “I have withdrawn my statement.”

      “Are you sure?”

      “Yes, of course.” he said. “Go and tell him that the statement had been withdrawn.”

        Mrs. Ola smiled. “Now you are talking, my Prof.” she complimented. “Let me quickly go out there and tender the good news.” She exclaimed, stood up and walked towards the door.

        He smiled too, shook his head as he watched her depart. “Mothers and children.” He thought elatedly.

       When she got to the parlour, Kunle had already left the place, thus she went to his bedroom in search of him. “Kunle, dear.” She called as soon as she stepped into his room.

       “Yes mum.” He managed to answer as he lay in his bed, seemed deeply thoughtful.

        Mrs. Ola walked towards him, sat on the bed. “I came to give you the good news.” She announced, looking into his eyes.

       “Good news?” he said. “How?”

       “Yes dear.”

       “What’s the good news?”

       “Your dad has retrieved the utterance.”

       “Which utterance, mum?”

       “Asking you to leave the house for elsewhere.”

       “Oh that?” quoth Kunle, still lying down. “Well, I am sorry.”

       “Sorry about what?”

       “I don’t care about the retrieval.”

       “Why..?”

       “Because I have already taken a decision.”

       “A decision on what?”

       “I have made up my mind to leave this house.” He notified frankly, glancing at the PVC ceiling. “And, I am doing that first thing tomorrow morning.”

       “You are not serious,” she doubted. “Are you?”

       “Then, you watch me do it by tomorrow morning.”

       “No naow..” the mum cautioned tenderly. “How could you think like that?”

        “Because I have noticed,” he responded. “I am no longer needed in this house.”

       “Says who?”

       “But dad just said it awhile ago.” He cleared the air. “What other evidence do I need for it to be proven?”

       “Common.., your daddy was only joking nah.”

       “I have made up my mind, mum.” He insisted. “And there’s no going back.” He informed. “Sorry about that.”

       “So, where will you be going to?”

       “Let me worry about that, mum.” The chap enjoined. “I would be fine, okay?” he assured.

        Therein, Mrs. Ola gushed out huge tears, felt like passing out.

        The following day, Kunle left the house as planned for a destination unknown to his parents, in spite of all the efforts put together by the latter – particularly his mum – to discourage the move. His abrupt departure, which created a colossal vacuum in the entire Ola’s family, was indeed a big blow to them especially his mum and four siblings.

       The family remained in the emotional and psychological trauma for years till one fateful day when something very fascinating transpired. On that day when the mum was watching the television at home all alone, she was so shocked and amazed to see Kunle being interviewed on one of the revered global television channels. The most amazing part was that the interview disclosed that the dude, who was now 24, was based in the United States of America (U.S.A) practising musicology.

       The good news was that, after he left home five years back, he ran into a mentor that helped him secure a visa to the U.S.A where he was conscientized to undergo a professional programme in Musicology. After the studies, he established a career development centre in the country (U.S.) where he trained thousands of people with musical talents and potentials. Within a short time frame, as God would have it, he metamorphosed into a well-celebrated musical trainer/educator in the States that he hardly had time for leisure activity.

       The intriguing and ironical part of it was that, rather than being on stage practising music based on his earlier dream, he was grooming countless individuals for the job. Yes Kunle had a dream, but his unrelenting quest to achieve the dream in question made him got to the peak of the ladder.

         It’s noteworthy that, the father, Prof. B. O. Ola had all it takes to channel him aptly into that line but the don was rather foreseeing a situation where Kunle would take over from him as an academic professor, not knowing that everyone had their respective calls to answer.

        Having seen him on the TV, the family whom was yet to hear from him since he left home, made frantic effort to reach him via several means. Consequently, their move became successful, thus in few weeks time, Kunle left America for Nigeria towards having a reunion with them. Prior to this point, he had already forgiven everyone particularly his dad who created the scene that prompted his unscheduled departure.

FDN Nwaozor

Executive Director, Docfred Resource Clinic - Owerri

_____________________________________

Twitter: @mediambassador