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COVID-19: ‘We Want To Return Home’, Nigerians Stranded Abroad Cry Out

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Nigerian Nationals who went abroad before the country lockdown its airports to international flights, over the Covid-19 have appealed to the Federal Government of Nigeria to allow them return home.

In a press statement, a former Civil Commissioner in Edo State, Hon.Mrs Omorede Osifo-Marshal, who is one of those involved, said the airports closure has affected many Nigerians who travelled for short business or holiday trips, abroad.

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“Many of us who don’t like to stay outside our country Nigeria for long, are tired of being abroad and would like to be allowed to come back home. Some Nigerians are also getting stranded abroad especially with the trend, the Covid-19 is taking in Europe and the America”.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: London Returnee Apprehended, Forced To Go On Self-isolation In Delta

She said, just like many Western countries who are already evacuating their citizens from Nigeria and other African countries, Nigeria should follow suit.

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“The Federal Government should reopen the airports, allow us to return home and since it has already put in place facilities to test persons entering the country, we should be subjected to relevant tests and quarantined where necessary “, she added.

The Federal Government had last week announced the closure of all the country’s airports to international flights till April 23, 2020.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: Death Toll Rises To 28,000 As Cases Hit 600,000 Globally (See Breakdown)

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For Hon. Mrs Osifo-Marshal, “That is a long way off. We want to come back home. We know the situation at home. The kind of attention we will get wherever we are abroad, relative to the virus, is not going to be the same as when we are home. We want to come home. The government should help us”.

There are indications that an Air France flight on Thursday moved 260 Europeans from Nigeria to France to prevent them from being infected with the virus.

Reports say this came after the Nigerian Government granted a one-week permission to Air France and KLM to evacuate Europeans from the country following the continued spread of the pandemic.

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READ ALSO: COVID-19: Edo Govt Frowns At Partial Compliance To Lockdown Directive

Also on Thursday, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ms. Catriona Laing CB, said the mission was exploring available options to send staff and their families back to the United Kingdom.

This was occasioned by projections by experts and top diplomats that the Coronavirus pandemic could explode in Nigeria and other African countries in the coming days.

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But according to the World Health Organisation, Nigeria and other African countries battling the virus must conduct more tests to portray the true picture of things and avert a major crisis.

(PHOTO: File)

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HEALTH CORNER: Indian Hemp Benefits, Risk In Its Consumption

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Indian hemp, also known as Cannabis, Igbo or Marijuana, is a controversial substance with potential health risks and benefits. The effects of Indian hemp can vary depending on the individual, the method of consumption, and the dosage. Listed below are some of the potential risks and benefits:

A. Risks:

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1. Addiction Potential: Indian hemp contains compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), that can be addictive for some individuals. Regular and heavy use of Indian hemp can lead to dependency, making it difficult to quit.

2. Impaired Cognitive Function: Heavy and prolonged use of Indian hemp can affect memory, attention, and cognitive abilities, particularly in young individuals whose brains are still developing.

3. Mental Health Concerns: Some studies suggest that heavy cannabis use, especially in those with a predisposition to mental health conditions, may increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis (referred to by the medically untrained as madness).

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READ ALSO: HEALTH CORNER: What You Need Know About Chlamydia Infection, Prevention

4. Respiratory Issues: Smoking Indian hemp can lead to respiratory problems, similar to those associated with tobacco smoking, such as chronic bronchitis and lung damage.

B. Potential Benefits:

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1. Pain Relief: Some individuals use Indian hemp to alleviate chronic pain, including pain associated with conditions such as arthritis or multiple sclerosis. Certain components of cannabis have analgesic (pain-relieving) properties.

2. Nausea and Vomiting: Indian hemp can be used to alleviate symptoms of nausea and vomiting, particularly in individuals undergoing chemotherapy or those with conditions such as HIV/AIDS.

3. Appetite Stimulation: In cases of certain medical conditions where appetite has been compromised, Indian hemp can help stimulate appetite.

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4. Epilepsy: Evidence suggests that a specific cannabis-derived medication called Epidiolex can be effective in treating certain forms of epilepsy in children.

READ ALSO: HEALTH CORNER: Why You Should Not Hold Your Sneeze

5. Reduction of anxiety: A chemical found in hemp works by lowering autonomic and emotional reactions to stress and interfering with the consolidation and extinction of frightened memories, that has been linked to anxiety disorders, autistic spectrum disorder, psychosis, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

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Please note that the use of Indian hemp for medical purposes should be done under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare professional. Additionally, the legal status of Indian hemp varies globally and within different jurisdictions, so it is important to adhere to local laws and regulations.

Overall, the use of Indian hemp should be approached cautiously, and individuals considering its use should weigh the potential risks and benefits and consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa.

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HEALTH CORNER: What You Need Know About Chlamydia Infection, Prevention

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By Silver Yeibake

Chlamydia infection is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis. It is one of the most prevalent STIs worldwide and can affect both men and women. In 2020 alone, the WHO estimated 129 million new infections worldwide, making it the most common STI.

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Chlamydia is primarily transmitted through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. It can also be passed from a mother to her newborn during childbirth. Many people with chlamydia may not experience any symptoms, which increases the risk of unknowingly spreading the infection.

When symptoms do occur, they can vary between men and women. In men, symptoms may include a burning sensation while urinating, discharge from the penis, and swollen or painful testicles. Women may experience abnormal vaginal discharge, painful urination, and pelvic pain. Chlamydia can also infect the rectum and throat, leading to symptoms such as rectal pain, discharge, or a sore throat.

If left untreated, chlamydia can lead to complications such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in women, which can cause infertility or increase the risk of ectopic pregnancy. In men, untreated chlamydia can lead to epididymitis, a painful condition that can affect fertility. Chlamydia also increases the risk of contracting or spreading HIV.

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READ ALSO: HEALTH CORNER: All What You Need To Know About Prostate Cancer

Fortunately, chlamydia can be easily diagnosed through a simple urine test or a swab from the affected area, such as the cervix, urethra, rectum, or throat. It can be treated effectively with antibiotics prescribed by a healthcare professional. It is important to complete the full course of medication to ensure the infection is properly cleared.

To prevent chlamydia and other STIs, practicing safe sex is crucial. This includes using condoms correctly and consistently, getting regular STI screenings, discussing sexual health with partners, and considering mutual monogamy or maintaining a long-term mutually monogamous relationship.

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If any STI is suspected, it is important to seek medical attention for properevaluation, diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, informing sexual partners so they can also get tested and receive treatment if necessary is essential to prevent further spread of the infection.

Dr. Yeibake, Weriwoyingipre Silver is a Senior Registrar, Paediatrics, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State

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LP Unable To Prove Claims Of Over-Voting, Presidential Tribunal Rules [Live

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The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal (PEPT) is set to deliver judgement today. Security is already beefed up ahead of the verdict.

Nigerians from all walks of life are waiting eagerly to witness the televised live proceedings from the Tribunal venue at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

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Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), and the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) are challenging President Bola Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the 2023 presidential election.

READ ALSO: Electronic Transmission Of Election Results Optional, Court Rules

04:37 pm: The petitioners have failed to establish their allegations of overvoting and voter suppression, the court ruled.

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4:03 pm: The court is highlighting issues of corruption which Obi claimed were recorded in the elections. They include vote suppression, inflation of results, and over-voting.

But Just Tsammani said some paragraphs relating to these claims have been struck out earlier due to their vague and generic nature.

3:41 pm: The PEPT ruled that Obi failed to establish that INEC intentionally refused to quickly upload polling unit results to IReV so as to alter the results in Tinubu’s favour.

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READ ALSO: Court Dismisses LP’s 25% FCT Votes Claim, Says Abuja Like Other States

The petitioner made the allegation of non-compliance a substantial part of their case. By the provisions of Section 135(2) of the Electoral Act, they are required to show how such noncompliance substantially affected them. If they fail to show the same, the petition fails,” the court ruled.

3:12 pm: According to the PEPT, INEC regulations and the Electoral Act give room for manual collation of results. It said electronic transmission is optional at best.

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3:08 pm: The court added that the only device that must be used by INEC for elections is the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS)

It noted that there’s no regulation showing BVAS must be used to electronically transmit results from polling units.

 

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