🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Autism advocates call for greater acceptance and support for neurodiverse children in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria3 min read
Oluronke Katagum, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Zamarr Institute Centre for Children and Adolescents with Special Needs, led calls for increased acceptance of individuals on the autism spectrum during Autism Acceptance Month. Speaking after a commemorative walk in Abuja, Katagum emphasized a shift from mere awareness to full societal acceptance and the celebration of neurodiversity. The event, themed 'Light It Up Blue: Walk, Run, Ride for Autism,' marked Zamarr Institute's 20 years of providing special needs assistance and included children with special needs, caregivers, and advocates. Katagum highlighted the potential of neurodiverse children, citing an example of a participant who was non-verbal until age seven but is now highly intelligent. She stressed the need for improved support systems, noting the valuable contributions these children can make to society. Major challenges identified include stigmatization and financial limitations, with the institute planning a fundraising event to raise N250m for a respite center and a special needs facility. Katagum also called for greater government involvement, mentioning ongoing collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs to unify advocacy efforts and refine an upcoming bill. One special needs child, Enoch, shared his enthusiasm for learning about animals, space, and the universe. Autism, a developmental condition affecting communication, social interaction, and behavior, impacts an estimated one percent of the
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has dismissed Turkey’s deputy education minister, Nazif Yilmaz, following two school shootings that resulted in nine deaths. Cihad Demirli has been appointed as his replacement. The decree, signed by Erdogan, also affected the leadership of state institutions responsible for education. One incident in Kahramanmaras province involved a 14-year-old who killed eight students and a teacher. The attacker, who died at the scene, was the son of a former police inspector who has since been arrested. Another attack in Sanliurfa province saw a former student open fire at his old high school before taking his own life. These incidents have led to public outcry, and Erdogan has stated that the government plans to introduce measures, including restrictions on gun ownership.
Cloves, known scientifically as Syzygium aromaticum, are a widely available spice used for both culinary and medicinal purposes across cultures. In Nigeria, they are known as kànáfùrù in Yorùbá, kananfari in Hausa, and kanafura in parts of West Africa. They can be consumed in various forms, such as ground in spice blends, infused in tea, added to pap, or boiled whole for herbal drinks. Cloves are rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals linked to inflammation, aging, and chronic diseases. Research suggests that clove extracts may stimulate mucus production, strengthening the stomach lining and potentially reducing ulcer risk. Compounds in cloves may also improve insulin function and help reduce glucose levels, though excessive intake can cause hypoglycemia, especially for individuals on diabetes medication. Eugenol, a compound in cloves, provides mild anesthetic and antibacterial properties, offering temporary relief for toothaches, but it does not replace professional dental treatment. Cloves exhibit broad pharmacological activity, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects, with studies showing activity against organisms like Staphylococcus aureus and viruses such as Herpes simplex and Hepatitis C. They are traditionally used for nausea, respiratory discomfort, cough, cold, digestive disorders, and general infections. While beneficial, clove oil is highly concentrated and should not be ingested, especially by children, due