News

Nigeria Ranks 180 Out Of 183 Countries In Obesity Preparedness

Published

2 years ago

March 12, 2023

The World Obesity Atlas 2023 report published by the World Obesity Federation has shown that Nigeria is least prepared to deal with the rising Non-Communicable Diseases and obesity globally.

The report shows that Nigeria ranks 180 out of 183 countries on the NCDs-Obesity Preparedness Rankings.

The ranking system takes account of countries’ current health system responses to the NCDs and their commitment to the implementation of obesity prevention policies.

The report shows marked variations in preparedness across national income levels and geographical regions. For example, the average preparedness ranking for low-income countries is just 154/183 compared to 29/183 for high-income countries. All 10 of the most prepared countries are in Europe, while eight of the 10 least prepared countries are in the African region.

Other countries least prepared to deal with NCDs-obesity are Niger ranking 183, Papua New Guinea 182, Somalia 181, Central African Republic 179, Burkina Faso 178, Guinea Bissau 177, Burundi 176, Tokelau 175, and Gambia 174.

Meanwhile, Switzerland, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Ireland, and Belgium are listed to be most prepared to deal with obesity and NCDs.

The trends suggest a gradual rise in prevalence for all groups over the period 2020 to 2035, but the pace of change for lower-income countries and especially the lowest-income countries could well increase relative to the last two decades.

Lower-middle-income countries with large populations, such as India, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Nigeria may quite quickly follow the pattern of upper-middle-income countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Turkey in seeing a rapid rise in obesity prevalence, especially among children and adolescents, the report noted.

The projected trend in the prevalence of obesity in Nigerian adults with obesity by 2035 is 24 per cent.

It also showed that the annual increase in adult and child obesity from 2020 to 2035 is very high at 4.9 per cent and 8.3 per cent respectively.

It said the overweight impact on the national GDP is projected to be 0.9 per cent by 2035.

The World Obesity Federation’s research shows that people living with obesity face some barriers to care as they often cannot get a diagnosis (because obesity may not be classified as a disease) or access the treatment they need from knowledgeable and trained health professionals, and are forced to incur substantial out-of-pocket expenses to receive appropriate medical treatment.

By 2035, the economic impact of overweight and obesity is estimated to be over $370 billion a year in low and lower-middle-income countries alone.

Commenting on the report, the Director of Science at the World Obesity Federation, Rachel Jackson-Leach said “If we do not act now, we are on course to see significant increases in obesity prevalence over the next decade.

“The greatest increases will be seen in low and lower-middle income countries, where scarce resources and lack of preparedness will create a perfect storm that will negatively impact people living with obesity the most.”

News

God Told Me If I Leave RCCG My First Born Will Die — Pastor Adeboye

Published

36 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has revealed that God warned him that his firstborn would die if he leaves the RCCG.

Adeboye disclosed this during the June edition of the Holy Ghost Service, themed “Destined for Greatness (Part 2),” on midnight of Saturday, June 7, at the Redemption City of God, Ogun State.

Adeboye, while speaking on the importance of divine direction and spiritual consistency, made reference to a sermon earlier delivered by his son, Pastor Leke Adeboye.

He lamented that many young Christians today frequently move from one church to another, constantly identifying as first-timers in new congregations.

Pastor Adeboye stated that when he got born again, there were three major ministries that were prominent and thriving at the time, but despite the allure of joining them, God instructed him to stay in RCCG.

“When I got born again, there were three major ministries that were making waves, and they were very good. There were different temptations to go from one to another,” he recalled.

“But God said to me, ‘Son, I brought you here. This is where you will stay. The day you leave this denomination, your firstborn will die.’”

He noted that RCCG was relatively unknown at the time, and its headquarters was a small building in Ebute-Metta, Lagos.

Despite being a university lecturer, Adeboye said God still instructed him to submit under the leadership of his spiritual father, who had no formal education.

“I was a lecturer in the university. My father in the Lord didn’t go to secondary school, not even primary. But God said this is where you will stay,” he added.

He urged the congregation, especially the youth, to seek and remain in the place God has appointed for them.

“Discover where God wants you to stay, and stay there,” he advised.

Adeboye, however, emphasised that his statement was not a declaration of superiority over other Christian denominations.

“I am not saying we are better than any other denomination,” he clarified.

News

Ireland Deports 35 Nigerians

Published

43 minutes ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

Photo: File copy

Air Peace passengers arrested, Cable thief electrocuted inside FAAN powerhouse at Lagos airport

The Republic of Ireland has deported 35 Nigerians, comprising 21 men, 9 women, and 5 children, to Nigeria in a chartered flight that departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night.

The returnees landed in Nigeria on Thursday.

Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said, “I am happy to say that all of them returned to Nigeria despite an unscheduled stopover due to a medical incident on board.”

The Minister emphasised that Ireland has a rules-based immigration system, stating, “It is important that those rules are robust and enforced.”

The Irish government did not provide a specific reason for the deportation, but O’Callaghan’s comments suggest that the move is part of enforcing Ireland’s immigration laws.

Meanwhile, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) claimed it was not aware of the deportation.

“We were not aware of the deportation of the Nigerians by Ireland on Thursday,” NiDCOM spokesperson Abdur-Rahman Balogun was quoted as saying.

News

Mike Ejeagha, Legendary Singer Of ‘Gwo Gwo Gwo Ngwo’, Is Dead

Published

1 hour ago

June 7, 2025

Editor

Renowned Nigerian highlife legend, Mike Ejeagha, popurlarly known for his song ‘ gwo gwo gwo ngwo’ has died at the age of 95.

The veteran musician passed away on Friday evening at about 8 p.m. at the 32 Garrison Hospital in Enugu after a prolonged illness.

His death was confirmed by his eldest son, Emma Ejeagha, during a phone conversation with journalists.

One of his most iconic tracks, “gwo gwo gwo ngwo,” gained renewed popularity in 2024 following a viral remix by comedian and skit maker, Brain Jotter

Known for weaving moral lessons, witty expressions, and deep proverbs into his songs, Ejeagha cultivated a loyal fanbase across generations, particularly in Southeastern Nigeria.

Born on April 4, 1930, Ejeagha began his music career in the 1950s. Over more than six decades, he helped shape the narrative style and sound of Igbo-language music.

He gained national recognition in the 1970s after appearing as a guest presenter on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme Akuko N’Egwu (Stories in Music), a cultural show that reflected his signature style of blending storytelling with music.

Ejeagha is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.