🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Experts advocate for government support and awareness for multiple sclerosis patients in Nigeria
via Punch Nigeria10 min read
Experts and stakeholders are calling for urgent government intervention, increased awareness, and improved access to care for individuals living with multiple sclerosis in Nigeria, citing a high rate of underdiagnosis. This appeal was made during a joint advocacy and sensitization program organized by The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis in collaboration with the Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area in Ikeja, Lagos State. Mrs. Nathalie Busari, founder of The Nerve of My Multiple Sclerosis, stated that the program aimed to educate residents and reduce the stigma associated with the disease. Ms. Oyefunso Orenuga, a Nigerian representative of the organization and a PhD student, highlighted the need for culturally tailored psychoeducational programs to help patients cope, emphasizing that beyond medication, strong social and community support is crucial. She noted that many misconceptions exist, with some believing the disease is spiritual, and the initiative uses indigenous approaches to address these. Ms. Orenuga also pointed out the significant financial burden of diagnosis and treatment, with MRI scans costing over N400,000 and some medications exceeding N1m, urging the government to include MS treatment under health insurance and subsidize costs. Co-founder Bamidele Busari stressed the importance of data collection and policy inclusion, advocating for a patient register to engage government and pharmaceutical companies for reduced drug costs. Mr. Shamsudeen Oloyede, Vice
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
A recent survey by Nigeria's Federal Ministry of Communication, Innovation and Digital Economy indicates that over four in five Nigerians support some form of social media regulation for children. The results of the 2024 poll, titled “Proposed Social Media Age Regulation in Nigeria,” were released by Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy Bosun Tijani at a roundtable in Lagos. The survey, which gathered views from 585 Nigerians, found that 83.4% of respondents supported regulating children's social media use, with 64.8% advocating for outright regulation and 18.6% preferring a different minimum age. A significant 64.5% favored a minimum social media age of 16 or 17 years, higher than the global standard of 13. The survey also highlighted widespread concern, with 93.5% of respondents expressing great or extreme worry about children's safety on social media platforms. The most prevalent online risks identified were exposure to harmful content 90.9%, digital addiction 83.6%, and online grooming 82.4%. Furthermore, 97.6% supported a duty-of-care framework for platforms. Minister Tijani emphasized the need for effective age restrictions and coordinated efforts from government, parents, and digital platforms to protect children online. The Nigeria Data Protection Commission's National Commissioner, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, also stressed the importance of balancing internet access for education with safeguards against cyberbullying, harmful content, and mental healt
Author and financial educator Yemisi Adepoju has released her new book, "Broke After Pay Day," which aims to help individuals break free from debt cycles and chronic financial stress. Launched at RovingHeights Bookstore in Lagos, the book addresses the behavioral and emotional patterns contributing to poor money management. Adepoju, drawing from her experience as chairperson of a cooperative society since 2015, observed widespread financial instability among employees across various income levels, noting that even high earners struggle with debt. The book is designed to help readers confront habits like impulsive spending, lifestyle inflation, peer pressure, and emotional decision-making. Adepoju stated her goal is to equip readers with practical tools for financial stability and debt escape, emphasizing that financial freedom is achievable regardless of personal circumstances. The eight-chapter book combines storytelling with practical exercises, including a chapter titled "Who chop my salary?" which illustrates how quickly a salary can disappear. Adepoju stresses the importance of budgeting, discipline, and delayed gratification, asserting that poor money habits persist irrespective of income size. She advises that investment discipline is crucial for long-term financial freedom, suggesting that investment proceeds, rather than immediate income, should fund lifestyle needs. Real estate entrepreneur Tope Mark-Odigie highlighted the neglected aspect of budgeting, while Dolapo
Mallam Isa Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, has called on Nigerian musicians to produce enduring songs that will secure their place in the memories of future generations. Onilu made the statement during the unveiling of a monument honoring the late Fuji music pioneer, Sikiru Ayinde Barrister, at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan. He highlighted Barrister's continued relevance nearly 16 years after his death as an example of music with lasting impact. Onilu also advised Barrister's supporters to focus on preserving his contributions to Nigerian music. Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, noted that the state government had previously honored Barrister with a posthumous award. Mrs. Otuka Pamela Oriyomi, Curator and Zonal Director of the National Museum of Unity, described the monument as a historic development, marking Barrister as the first musician to have a monument erected within the museum premises. Alhaji Olaide Olawumi, Chairman of BarryFest, stated that the monument reflects Barrister's enduring impact on Nigeria's music industry and cultural history, recognizing him as a trailblazer who elevated Fuji Music to international recognition. The monument was unveiled as part of efforts by Barrister's admirers to immortalize him and celebrate his contributions to Fuji music in Nigeria.
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