馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
Women abusing steroids for fake pregnancies face severe health risks, say gynaecologists
via Punch Nigeria5 min read
Gynaecologists have warned that women who misuse steroids to simulate pregnancy are at increased risk of serious health complications, including high blood pressure, blood clots, liver problems, ovarian and breast cancers, and stroke. They emphasized that using hormonal medications to mimic pregnancy is extremely dangerous and delays proper medical evaluation, exposing women to significant health risks. Former Director-General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons, Julie Okah-Donli, linked this practice to fake pregnancy syndicates and baby trafficking in Nigeria, stating that women are injected with steroids to appear pregnant, with bloated faces and enlarged abdomens. These women also imitate pregnancy symptoms and often arrange for childbirth to occur when their husbands are absent, sometimes even faking caesarean sections. Professor Preye Fiebai, President of the Association for Fertility and Reproductive Health, cautioned against steroid misuse, noting that while some drugs cause weight gain or breast changes, they do not result in real pregnancy and can cause harm. Short-term effects include high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, fluid retention, mood disturbances, and liver dysfunction. Long-term implications include hormonal system disruption, infertility, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, chronic liver disease, kidney damage, and an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, particularly breast cancer. Professor Christopher Ai
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Tech billionaire and investor Prateek Suri has encouraged investors to focus on Africa's long-term economic potential, despite ongoing currency fluctuations. He stated that exchange rate volatility, a common feature in emerging markets, should not deter investment. Suri, Chairman of Maser Group and founder of MDR Investments, emphasized that successful investors prioritize economic fundamentals, productive assets, and long-term value creation over temporary currency movements. He highlighted that Africa should not be viewed as a single market, noting varying fiscal management, export growth, and foreign investment across different countries. Suri identified infrastructure, logistics, mining, technology, and industrial development as sectors poised for sustained growth. He advised investors to adopt a long-term approach, paying attention to government reforms, regulatory stability, infrastructure development, and local industry strength. Suri, recently named among Gulf Business magazine's Top 50 CEOs and Leaders of 2026, believes Africa's strong economic fundamentals, youthful population, and expanding consumer market continue to attract international capital.
Must ReadThe National Sports Commission has clarified the N6.44bn allocated in the 2026 budget for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, a campaign that concluded in November 2025. This allocation, part of President Bola Tinubu's N58.18tn "Budget of Restoration," drew public scrutiny, including from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, due to Nigeria's failure to qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The NSC explained that the budget subhead was rolled over from the 2025 budget because the initial Special Presidential Support Group fund for the qualifiers was inadequate and not released. The increased allocation was intended to cover outstanding obligations, potential participation in intercontinental playoffs, and other preparatory commitments. The NSC stated that the Super Eagles' qualifying campaign was in jeopardy in October 2024, with only three points from four matches. The Special Support Group project was initiated to coordinate support for the team, including directly paying the Head Coach's salary, which helped the team gather 14 points from the subsequent six matches to reach the African playoffs final. Although Nigeria lost in the African playoffs final in November 2025 and missed the World Cup, the team went on to secure a bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Following Nigeria's elimination, the NSC engaged with the National Assembly and the Budget Office to amend the budget subhead, redirecting the N6.44bn to support other national
Must ReadFormer Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel has commended Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen for finishing eighth in the 2025 Ballon d'Or rankings. Mikel, speaking on the Obi One Podcast, described Osimhen's achievement as a milestone that he and other Nigerian football legends like Austin Okocha and Nwankwo Kanu never reached. He congratulated Osimhen, stating that the feat has raised the bar for Nigerian football. Osimhen, in response, thanked Mikel for his inspiration to aspiring players. Osimhen's eighth-place finish followed a prolific 2023 season where he was also crowned African Player of the Year. Separately, Osimhen was involved in a tax issue in Turkey, where he received a legal warning over unpaid income tax. Galatasaray, his club, settled the outstanding amount, clarifying that the club is responsible for handling income tax payments for some of its highest-paid players. The club denied reports of financial concerns, stating the tax matter was an administrative delay.