society
Health, Religion/Superstition: How Nigerians Dies In Droves; Out of Ignorance.
Health, Religion/Superstition:
How Nigerians Dies In Droves; Out of Ignorance.
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi
Sahara Weekly Reports That December 2022 accorded a firsthand experience of how lots of Nigerians fall cheaply into the hands of avoidable deaths.
While it could be said that,all humans worship who or what they consider a supreme being; through their religious inclinations,it must be noted that, religiousness shouldn’t take away sound reasoning.
I embarked on a journey during the Yuletide,but had to rush back after 3 days, owing to certain urgent media assignments awaiting me in Lagos. While in transit, I had a somewhat sharp pain and continuous stomach arches that got me vomit over and over again.
At this point, while many would think resorting to only prayers would do, I had to explore immediate first aids,took some water and prayed to be sustained back to Lagos from a journey that should last 9 hours.
One must say that the human anatomy is such that is complexly wired by nature;to be able to communicate defects and faults;like machines. In the event that such faults are detected,it behoves on individuals to proffer immediate solutions, to avoid total breakdown of the body.
I got to Lagos and landed in General hospital, Ifako Ijaiye,where I was diagnosed and placed on admission. As a matter of fact,I “crossed over” into 2023 on sick bed.
The intent of this piece, is not to bore you with my health predicaments during the Yuletide, but to bring to bare, how many Nigerians lose their lives, as result of sheer ignorance, overtly religious leanings and being unnecessarily ‘over-spiritual’ in health matters.
My first disappointment at the hospital came, when a family brought in their 23 year-old son unconscious, with less than 18% blood level.
The young man,who is said to have just won a scholarship,to study overseas needed just 3-4 pints of blood transfused to his body,in order to regain consciousness.
However,his parents rejected the doctors’ diagnosis and prescriptions. To my utmost bewilderment,they opted to go only spiritual,saying they prefer taking their son to their church’s ”Prayer Ground;” along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.
While battling with my own pains, I imagined the great disservice this parents are doing their son, considering the enormous gridlock along that axis, especially that day being the 30th of December. I mumbled within me “why not yield to Doctor’s instructions as first aids;and then follow-up with prayers thereafter?”
Well, to the astonishment of everyone, they drove away, only to return very shortly with their son’s corpse. He couldn’t make it to the prayer ground. He was confirmed dead after doctor’s examination.
Both parents ended up cutting short the life of their son; because of sheer ignorance, and or stupidity.
In a sadly related encounter, a woman of about 45 years came complaining of going through some pains in her body. She was subsequently asked to run a test of just 28 thousand naira,but she grumbled all day long that the money was to outrageous. She also prefers to visit prayer ground,for her health predicament.
In defiance to medical suggestions, she murmured while walking up and down, but suddenly, she fell into coma and couldn’t survive it,as she was confirmed dead.
The most annoying and traumatizing was that, N80,000 cash was untied from her wrapper by her husband, who claimed she just took her monthly contributions. What ignorance!
I watched again,as a young lady of about 36 years-old slipped into coma. She claimed she mistakenly got pregnant by her husband just not too long after she had a child through Cesarean Section.
The news of a possible complications and related challenges landed her into this life threatening condition. Wouldn’t she have known better? Wouldn’t she have been educated on child spacing, family planning and other related issues? Yet another show of ignorance!
Many would want to sell the belief that,no amount of caution and carefulness would save from death,but it is wisdom,to refuse to be cajoled into living recklessly.
In another sad encounter, a rich man was diagnosed of been poisoned through drinks. When asked by the Doctor,he confirmed his driver bought him a soft drink a few hour to the time.
In a fight for his life,the man pleaded that the Doctors help save his life. Meanwhile,he said he had over 5 million naira in his car booth, which he and the driver just collected that night, thinking after public holidays he would have it deposited into the bank.
While doctors were making frantic efforts to resuscitate him,the man abruptly gave up the ghost.
There were many cases of unfortunate deaths;through ignorance and ‘over-spiritualism’ witnessed,but this few cases should be enough, to enlighten Nigerians that,no religion is against seeking medicare,as the wisdom in medicine is given by God Himself.
One can only hope and pray that Nigerians learn from these mistakes.
Banwo Questions Bwala’s Credibility After Al Jazeera Interview
Public commentator, Dr. Ope Banwo, has criticised Daniel Bwala, the Presidential Spokesperson on Policy Communication for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, following a contentious interview on Al Jazeera, describing the appearance as damaging to the credibility of Nigeria’s public communication.
Bwala had appeared on a programme hosted by journalist Mehdi Hasan, where he faced a series of questions about past statements attributed to him. During the exchange, Hasan presented video clips of previous remarks by the government spokesman and asked him to reconcile them with his responses during the interview.
The exchange, which has since circulated widely online, drew attention after Bwala appeared to dispute statements that were subsequently played back during the programme.
Reacting to the development, Banwo said the episode reflected poorly on Nigeria’s representation on international media platforms.
According to him, the availability of digital records and online archives means public officials must be prepared to defend their past statements whenever they appear on global television.
“In the era of instant fact-checking, any public figure going on international television must assume that every previous statement can be easily retrieved,” Banwo said.
He added that the controversy surrounding the interview was particularly troubling because the contradictions presented during the programme were supported with video evidence.
Banwo noted that while political interviews can be confrontational, government representatives should expect tough questioning when appearing before international audiences.
The founder of Naija Lives Matters also expressed concern over Bwala’s reaction during the interview, especially his claim that he was not informed he would be required to defend his personal record.
“A government spokesman should never be surprised by questions about his own public statements,” Banwo said.
During the programme, Bwala also responded to criticism of Nigeria’s governance challenges by arguing that similar problems exist in other parts of the world.
However, Banwo argued that such comparisons do not address the specific issues raised about Nigeria.
According to him, the episode should serve as a reminder of the importance of preparation and credibility when Nigerian officials appear before international media platforms.
The interview has continued to generate reactions across social media and political commentary circles, with observers debating both the conduct of the interview and the implications for Nigeria’s global image.
society
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
THE IMPERIAL GOLD COIN OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF ATLANTIS UNVEILED AS SYMBOL OF SOVEREIGNTY AND HERITAGE
_[Atlantis City, United Kingdom of Atlantis – March 2026]_ – The United Kingdom of Atlantis proudly announces the introduction of its *Imperial Gold Coin*, a magnificent emblem of sovereignty, authority, and imperial heritage. The exquisite gold coin has been crafted to represent the nation’s regal tradition, economic strength, and the visionary leadership of its monarch.
The centerpiece of the coin features the dignified portrait of *His Imperial Majesty, Professor Solomon Wining*, depicted in full royal regalia. Crowned with a majestic golden crown and adorned with intricately crafted ornaments, the portrait embodies honor, wisdom, and noble leadership befitting a sovereign ruler. The depiction celebrates the monarch’s reign, which is associated with wisdom, development, and the pursuit of justice.
The golden coin itself signifies *prosperity, stability, and the enduring legacy* of the Atlantis Kingdom. Gold, historically a universal symbol of power, wealth, and permanence, reflects the strength and vision of the kingdom’s leadership and its aspirations for lasting greatness.
Encircling the royal portrait is the carefully engraved inscription *“United Kingdom of Atlantis”*, reinforcing the state’s identity any the authority of its sovereign ruler. The lower rim of the coin prominently displays the name *Solomon Wining*, commemorating the monarch whose leadership is linked to noble governance and national advancement.
The phrase *“Gold Coin”* highlights not only the currency’s intrinsic value but also its symbolic significance as a representation of the kingdom’s economic structure and royal treasury. Beyond its aesthetic elegance, the coin serves as a *mark of sovereignty*, a seal of authority, and a reminder of the royal institution governing the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The Imperial Gold Coin represents:
– *Unity* among citizens,
– *Loyalty* to the crown,
– A vision of a kingdom built upon *justice, prosperity, and noble leadership*.
Every detail—from the engraved crown to the polished golden surface—makes the coin a timeless emblem of imperial prestige and national pride. It stands as both a symbol of wealth and a monument to the legacy of royal leadership, reminding all who behold it of the enduring power and majesty of the United Kingdom of Atlantis.
The United Kingdom of Atlantis is a sovereign nation dedicated to upholding traditions of regal governance, cultural heritage, and economic prosperity, guided by the wisdom of its imperial leadership.
_Notes to Editors_:
The Imperial Gold Coin is intended for commemorative and symbolic purposes, representing the nation’s imperial heritage and royal authority.
Ajadi Visits Ibadan Chief Imam, Receives Blessings
The leading gubernatorial aspirant in Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, on Wednesday paid a courtesy visit to the Grand Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Imam Abdul Ganiy Abubakir Agbotomokekere, at his Oja’ba residence in Ibadan, where discussions centred on leadership, integrity, and the role of prayers in governance.
Ajadi, who described the revered Islamic cleric as a spiritual pillar in Oyo State, said his visit was to seek prayers and wise counsel as he continues consultations ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
While addressing the Chief Imam, Ajadi commended his consistent prayers for Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, noting that religious leaders remain critical stakeholders in nation building.
“I have come to seek your prayers and spiritual blessings because of your important role in promoting peace, unity and moral guidance in our society,” Ajadi said.
“I also want to appreciate your continuous prayers for the progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. My prayer is that Almighty Allah will continue to grant you sound health and long life to witness many more Ramadan seasons on earth.”
Speaking further, the PDP gubernatorial aspirant emphasised the need for leadership driven by compassion, fairness and accountability, stressing that his political aspiration is rooted in service to the people.
“My ambition is not just about occupying an office but about serving the people with sincerity and fear of God. We must continue to encourage politics that will bring development and improve the welfare of our people,” he added.
While speaking with journalists after the visit, Ajadi also assured the people of Oyo State and Nigerians at large that the internal crisis and political tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have been brought under control by the grace of God. He expressed optimism that the party would emerge victorious in all elective positions in the 2027 general elections.
In his response, Sheikh Agbotomokekere advised the governorship hopeful to remain focused on the principles of good governance, warning against corrupt practices often associated with politics.
The respected Islamic scholar noted that while politics is practised differently by individuals, only leaders with integrity and fear of God can truly deliver the dividends of democracy.
“Politics is practised by different kinds of people. Some play politics in a corrupt way, while others practise it with sincerity. My prayer is that you will be among those who will practise democracy in the right way if you become governor,” the Chief Imam said.
He reminded the aspirant that human ambition can only be fulfilled by divine approval, stressing that ultimate power belongs to God.
“Whoever is seeking a position should know that only Allah can make such an ambition come true. Whether a person becomes famous or remains unknown is also by the will of Allah,” he said.
Offering prayers for the politician, the cleric added: “Many people may be struggling for a position meant for one person, and it is only God who knows the rightful person. I pray that Almighty Allah will make you the chosen one among all the contenders.”
Using a football analogy to further illustrate his point, the cleric advised Ajadi to be wary of political distractions and misleading influences.
“On the football field, sometimes spectators believe they understand the game more than the players themselves. I pray that you will not be misled by so-called political gurus and that God will guide your steps aright,” he said.
Sheikh Agbotomokekere, the 18th Chief Imam of Ibadanland, is widely respected across South-Western Nigeria for his scholarship, spiritual leadership and advocacy for peaceful coexistence among religious and political groups.
Observers say the visit forms part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations with key stakeholders, traditional rulers and religious leaders as political activities gradually gather momentum ahead of the next electoral cycle in Oyo State.
The cleric offered special prayers for peace in Oyo State, successful leadership, and continued unity among the people despite political and religious differences.
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