NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Economy/Business , Health

Hardship: Expert advises Nigerians to guard mental health 

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Okeoghene Akubuike

A clinical Psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye has advised Nigerians to guard their mental health amid the present economic challenges being experienced in the country.

Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado- Ekiti gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

He said that the economic hardship could significantly affect mental health, increase stress, anxiety, and depression.

Ajiboye, however, said it was important for people to recognise the impact of economic hardship on their mental health.

For instance, he explained that economic hardship could lead to financial stress such as reduced income, debt, and uncertainty, which he said could trigger feelings of being overwhelmed.

According to him, economic hardship can lead to emotional turmoil, which can cause anxiety, depression, irritability, and mood swings.

“Economic hardship can also lead to social isolation, this is when people withdraw from social connections due to shame or embarrassment.

“Economic hardship could also cause physical symptoms such as headaches, insomnia, and digestive issues.”

He proffered some strategies for maintaining good mental health during economic hardship which include practicing self-care, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques.

“Acknowledge your emotions, and ensure you avoid denial or suppression of your emotions.

“Also, express yourself in a journal, talk to trusted friends/family members , or engage in creative activities.

“Practice self-compassion such as treating yourself with kindness and understanding, while regular meditation and mindfulness can help reduce stress.

“Gratitude is also important, reflecting on positive aspects of life.”

He said people should exercise regularly because it helps to improve a person’s mood, adding that eating healthy and establishing a consistent sleep schedule was important.

Ajiboye said another strategy was for people to stay connected with their community and loved ones and seek support from professionals.

“It is important for people to maintain relationships and join support groups. Also, get involved in your community by volunteering and participating in local initiatives.

“Also, share your concerns with friends, family, or mental health professionals through therapy and counselling.

“There are online communities people can join for support, online therapy platforms and mental health hotlines for convenient access to mental health services.”

He said that adopting practical coping mechanisms was another strategy people could use to maintain good mental health during economic challenges.

“Budgeting is very important, people need to create a realistic budget, allocating essentials first.

“Debt management should be adopted by negotiating payment plans and considering credit counseling.”

Ajiboye said that those searching for jobs should update their skills, network, and explore new opportunities.

“ Also, utilise your resources such as leveraging on community resources like food banks or seeking financial assistance.

He said people should learn to manage their time properly by prioritising tasks and setting achievable goals.

“Economic hardship can challenge mental health, but proactive strategies can mitigate its impact.

He said while acknowledging emotions, seeking support, and prioritising self-care, individuals could navigate financial difficulties while maintaining mental well-being.

“Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength,” he said (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ese E. Eniola Williams

Health

Waka community urges advocacy on men’s health

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

Waka Community International Foundation and Novo Health Africa on Saturday emphasised the importance of improving awareness and building better consciousness on male reproductive health concerns.

These concerns, according to Mr Lorenz Mba, Founder, Waka Community International Foundation, include breast, prostrate and testicular cancers and erectile dysfunction.

Mba made the call at the foundation’s event with theme:” Waka for Men’s Health- Breast, Prostrate and Testicular Cancer,” in Lagos.

He noted that many men died from these diseases because of their inability to speak up or lack of understanding of early detection.

This, he said, necessitated the walk event.

He noted that prostate cancer; a genetic disease, common to men from 40 years, was the second leading cause of cancer death among men of colour.

He said testicular cancer and prostate cancer were both types of cancer that affect the male reproductive system.

Mba, however, said that they differ in some ways with testicular cancer easier to identify via self-examination.

He stated that men’s health was often not talked about due to cultural issues and more, meanwhile fathers, brothers, sons, friends and associates were dying in silence and from preventable causes.

“It is the need to change this narrative that these complications are both physical and mental.

“As part of bringing the issue of men’s health to the front burner, we are organising two talks by medical experts and two Wakathons in Lagos and in Jos respectively on Nov. 16 and 23.

“Research has shown that keeping fit, staying healthy and exercising helps even when patients are fighting some cancers such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer.

“Let us stop being silent when people are dying from preventable causes such as prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

“Do not stay silent; do it for yourself and for those you care about and remember, it’s OK not to be OK,” he said.

Dr Dorothy Jeff-Nnamani, the Managing Director, Novo Health Africa, stated the importance of creating awareness on preventive healthcare for men.

Jeff-Nnamani stressed that men from their 40’s must get annual medical checks for testicular, breast and prostrate cancers and engage in walks for life, fitness, emotional and mental well-being.

“You know, when we are younger, we are almost like invincible and at that young age, people feel they cannot get sick but the older you become, the more you have body, physiological and hormonal changes.

“So, it is important that men from 30 years should inculcate the habit of an annual medical check because these days we are seeing very young people have testicular cancer and testicular tumours.

“Things like Prostrate Specific Antigen (PSA) which helps to check whether that your prostrate is enlarge as a man is very important,” she said.

She also urged government to support the fitness drive of its citizens by providing better infrastructure and environment like security, sanitation and proper lightening of the road for people walking.

Also, retired Rear Admiral Chris Ezekobe, said while prostate cancer was a silent killer, its early detection was very key to saving lives and encouraged every man to go for the PSA tests annually.

Ezekobe noted the linkages between good health and exercise, saying it has been scientifically proven that the more you exercise, the less the likelihood of prostate cancer.

He urged the youthful population to engage in one form of sport or the other, depending on age and capacity to reduce susceptibility to many kinds of diseases.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Waka Community International Foundation is a not-for-profit wellness and health foundation that started three years ago in Nigeria.

The foundation with a primary objective to build a global community of leaner, fitter, healthier and ultimately happier people through walking, currently has over 55,000 members worldwide across 47 countries.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma

Health

Action Health, UN, partner to enhance access to sexual, reproductive health

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By Oluwafunke Ishola

A non-governmental organisation, Action Health Incorporated, says it is partnering with the United Nations agencies to provide young people with resources and information on sexual and reproductive health.

Mrs Adenike Essiet, the Executive Director of the organisation said in Lagos on Wednesday that the aim was to empower the youth to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.

At the inauguration of the Softlife 247 website in Lagos, she noted that the website — www.softlife247.com — is an educational platform.

According to her, it is designed to provide young people with comprehensive, accurate and age-appropriate friendly information and services on sexual and reproductive health.

She explained that the online platform was developed in collaboration with United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

She also said that the platform would transform the way young people access information about their sexual health, their rights and life planning, either at home or on their mobile devices.

“It’s not just the presentation of another online or digital platform, it’s the launch of a new gateway that enables young people to access information that’s crucial on their journey to adulthood.

“So that they’re not just going through life blindly, they’re going through life with information that’s grounded in science, that recognises the challenges that they may be facing and properly directs them.

“This is what self-learning is all about. A life free of the stress of going through challenges blindly.

“It lessens opportunities to make mistakes and create greater opportunities to make informed decisions”, she said.

According to her, ActionHealth has more than 35 years of providing opportunities for the development of young people’s health and wellbeing.

She said that access to timely and accurate information for youths was particularly critical, especially in the era of fake news and misinformation.

Essiet noted that the initiative was a collective achievement built on the values of partnership, respect and dedication to youth empowerment.

She commended UNFPA and UNESCO for their unwavering commitment to the health and development of young people.

Similarly, Dr Gifty Addico, UNFPA Resident Representative in Nigeria, said that empowering young people with knowledge, skills and values critical for their sexual reproductive health was at the core of UNFPA’s mission.

Addico, represented by Dr Esther Somefun, Gender and Reproductive Health Analyst, UNFPA, said that more than a third of Nigeria’s population comprises young people who are faced with barriers in accessing sexual reproductive health.

“We came together and saw the need to bring about a solution. A solution that will provide privacy, provide accurate information and that will have fun with it”, she said.

She explained that the platform would address the challenges faced by young people as it has topics such as values, rights, culture, sexuality, relationships, personal health and skills, among others.

Earlier, Mrs Rashidat Umar, the Deputy Director, Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, commended the organisation and the UN agencies for creating a youth-friendly digital platform.

Umar said that the Lagos government was passionate about young people and would support initiatives that would assist them to thrive.

Mrs Adenike Oyetunde-Lawal, the General Manager, Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, commended the partners for creating a disability-inclusive platform.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Kayode Olaitan

Health

Nigeria commemorates maiden National Health Promotion Day

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By Folasade Akpan

The Federal Government on Tuesday in Abuja commemorated the maiden National Health Promotion Day (HPD).

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the HPD aims to promote healthy living among Nigerians, and has ‘Health Promotion: The Catalyst for Sustainable Health and Wellbeing of Nigerians’ as its theme.

The Federal Ministry of Health developed the National Health Promotion Policy in 2006 to strengthen the health promotion capacity of the National Health System to deliver healthcare that is promotive, protective, preventive, restorative and rehabilitative to every citizen.

At the HPD commemoration, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, emphasised the significance of the day, saying “this day serves as a pivotal milestone for Nigeria and sets an example for other countries globally.”

He added that the commemoration came about as a collaborative decision made during the National Council on Health in November 2023 to establish a dedicated day for health promotion.

According to him, the goal is to save lives, alleviate both physical and financial burden, and ensure access to health for all citizens.

Pate noted the increasing prevalence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as hypertension, diabetes and cancer as urgent health challenges, most of which are preventable.

He stressed the critical need for public awareness and education to mitigate the health issues, noting that “to combat NCDs, the Federal Government, in collaboration with states, unveiled the ‘Know Your Numbers’ campaign.

“The 10 Million Project, a nationwide campaign, encourages citizens to monitor their blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol levels regularly, aimed at tracking potential health issues before they escalate.”

The minister, therefore, urged Nigerians to engage in personal health management, advocating for regular health check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and mental health awareness.

He added that “by promoting health and preventing diseases, we not only enhance individual well-being, but also reduce the strain on our healthcare system.”

Dr Alex Chimbaru, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Deputy Country Representative to Nigeria, said health promotion is essential, as it enables people to increase control over their own health.

He said “it covers a wide range of social and environmental interventions designed to benefit and protect individual people’s health and quality of life by addressing and preventing the root causes of ill health, not just focusing on treatment and cure.”

The Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Dr Ejike Oji, said that the burden of healthcare costs on families underscores the need for preventive approaches to diseases.

This, he said, would reduce disease prevalence and improve wellbeing.

NAN also reports that the HPD marks the beginning of renewed focus on public health in Nigeria, aiming to foster a culture of wellness and prevention that can serve as a model for other nations in the future. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

Health

Health minister, Offor call for increased sensitisation against polio

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By Muhyideen Jimoh
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate and Sir Emeka Offor, a philanthropist, have called for increased immunisation awareness to totally eradicate polio in Nigeria.
The minister made the call on Thursday in Abuja at a symbolic polio immunisation event organised by the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation (SEOF) to mark the 2024 World Polio Day (WPD).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that World Polio Day is annually commemorated on Oct. 24 to raise awareness about the devastating impact of polio.
The theme for 2024 global observance is “A Global Mission to Reach Every Child” which focuses on the continued efforts to ensure all children are vaccinated against polio, particularly in regions where the virus remains a threat.
Pate, therefore, stressed the need for vigilance and sustained collective campaign, especially in the rural areas to avoid a resurgence of any variant in the country.
He commended the giant strides of the SEOF in its bid to eliminate polio in Nigeria, while calling on other stakeholders to emulate the foundation.
He said “Sir Emeka Offor has done so much in the fight to eradicate polio in Nigeria.
“I am happy with him and I pray he continues in this efforts, I can see women and their children, their faces here  demonstrate that all is well with them.”
Sir Emeka Offor at the polio immunisation event organized by his foundation (SEOF)
Earlier, Offor, who is also the Rotary International Polio Ambassador to Nigeria, said his foundation would continue to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure that the polio virus is banished from Nigeria.
“Notwithstanding, these efforts and enormous resources so far committed, the job is not finished.
“With two countries of Pakistan  Afghanistan yet to reach the finish line, there is still the danger of this scourge in the world. This demands our renewed commitment and innovative approaches,” he said.
Sir Emeka Offor and Prof. Ali Pate at the event.
In his remarks, Mike Ukachi,  Pioneer District Governor of 9127 Rotary International Nigeria, said as spearheading partner in the fight against polio, his team had been on ground with vaccines in this regard.
“We are not going to keep quiet because these little ones you are seeing here were not vaccinated when we declared that we are polio-free in Nigeria.
“So, we will continue routine vaccination until this polio is finally stamped out of Nigeria,” he said.
Also at the occasion, Mrs Adaora Offor, charged stakeholders to expand their scope of awareness and ensure a holistic approach in the fight against polio.
In the same vein, Mr Adetokunbo Kayode, former Minister of Tourism and Culture, urged the Federal Government to make it mandatory for all Nigerian children to undergo polio immunisation.
“Poverty must be fought everywhere for our children and kicking away polio is kicking away poverty.
“Polio is like a death sentence in Africa,” he said.
The United  Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) recently declared that in spite of Nigeria’s success in the fight against polio, about 2.3 million Nigerian children are yet to receive routine immunisation (zero dose).(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu
General News , Health

NAN MD advocates fitness, health for media practitioners

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By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, has advised media practitioners to engage in regular exercise and sporting activities to maintain physical fitness and enhance mental alertness.

Ali gave this advice in Abuja on Thursday during a meeting with members of the NAN Social Calendar Committee.

The committee briefed him about the agency’s inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise scheduled for Saturday, October 26.

Ali noted the importance of regular medical check-ups for media workers, including monitoring vital signs such as blood pressure and heart rate.

He said those in the media often work under pressure chasing news and may forget to check their health status.

“Understanding one’s health is essential for peace of mind and identifying areas for improvement.

“To address this, we established this committee to promote quarterly fitness and exercise walks. Every quarter, all agency staff will gather at the corporate headquarters for a two- to three-hour walk, followed by some exercises.

“This initiative will encourage physical health, raise awareness about health status, and promote team bonding, a team that exercises together achieves together and fosters greater understanding”.

Ali added that seeing colleagues and superiors engaged in enjoyable activities like walking can bring additional benefits.

He reiterated the health advantages of regular walking, especially for those of a certain age.

Ali also announced plans for a week-long inter-departmental competition to foster team building and family cohesion among staff.

He tasked the committee with making this proposal a reality, as it would help the agency evaluate its activities and bridge any existing communication gaps.

He also encouraged the head of the NAN Lagos office and the 12 zonal managers to organise the quarterly fitness exercises in their locations, and invited headquarters staff to bring their spouses to the Saturday event.

“This inaugural fitness walk and jogging exercise is expected to enhance team building and bonding.

“We aim to create a cohesive team that works together and supports one another. Before the year ends, we hope to organise a week-long competition.

“Although there are only a couple of months left in the year, we want to unwind and bond as a family,” Ali stated.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Dorcas Jonah, informed the MD about the upcoming walk and jogging exercise.

Jonah, an Assistant Editor-in-Chief, noted that after the committee’s inauguration two months ago, it proposed bi-weekly sporting activities for staff.

She thanked Ali for approving the initiative and attending the kickoff event, which has revived sporting activities at NAN.

“This initiative is designed to help staff stay fit and unwind. We want to show our partners and the public that the News Agency of Nigeria is not just about news writing; we can engage in other activities as well.

“As the saying goes, all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. We aim to demonstrate that we are a capable team committed to exercise, maintaining a healthy work environment, and working together effectively.

“Regular exercise will help us think better and stay energetic,” she said.

The occasion ended with the presentation of tracksuits for the exercise by the committee to the managing director and other directors of the agency. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Health

Nasarawa public health legal assessment tool excites NCDC, RTSL 

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By Angela Atabo/Aderogba George

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), an NGO, have lauded the Nasarawa State Government for embracing the public health legal assessment system tool.

This commendation was made at a four-day workshop in Nasarawa, aimed at bolstering the state’s public health legal framework to effectively respond to public health emergencies.

Amira Abubakar, Assistant Legal Adviser at NCDC, noted that the workshop united key government stakeholders, legal experts, and public health professionals to assess the state’s existing public health laws.

The workshop is part of the Public Health Legal Reform Project, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, Nasarawa State, Orixine Consulting, and RTSL.

Abubakar highlighted that NCDC, the developer of the assessment tool, was leading the evaluation to enhance Nasarawa’s public health laws.

“This move is crucial, as insufficient funding has weakened the state’s health system, with only 64 per cent of the population having access to health facilities.

“The state’s health sector is also vulnerable to environmental sanitation issues, posing threats to health and environmental conditions.

“The adoption of the public health legal assessment system tool demonstrates Nasarawa State’s commitment to prioritising health, which is part of its 13-point agenda.

“”This is by strengthening its public health legal framework, the state aims to better respond to emergencies and improve the overall well-being of its citizens.”

Mr Emem Udoh, Senior Legal Advisor at Resolve to Save Lives (RTSL), stated that the global health organisation was committed to enhancing health security through financial and technical support for the workshop.

Udoh expressed pride in RTSL’s partnership with Nasarawa State, anticipating the positive impact of the reform on the state’s health security.

“Nasarawa State is leading the way in utilising this innovative tool to identify gaps, weaknesses, and opportunities for strengthening its public health laws,” Udoh noted.

“The assessment will provide a critical analysis of how well the current legal framework meets the state’s health security needs.”

Arome Audu, Executive Director of Orixine Consulting, expressed pride in collaborating with partners to make Nasarawa State the pioneer in conducting the workshop, utilising the newly approved NCDC subnational legal assessment tools.

Prof. Abdulkarim Kana, Commissioner for Justice, Nasarawa State, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the state as a model of public health security through a strengthened legal framework.

Represented by Alhassan Sabo, Director, Public Defender, Ministry of Justice, Kana commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for his maximum cooperation in achieving the project’s purpose.

Gaza Shekwonugaza, Commissioner of Health, Nasarawa State, represented by Dr Danjuma Oyinaka, Director, Department of Planning, Research and Statistics, Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, noted that adopting the public health tool marked the beginning of a journey towards a more resilient public health system.

“This initiative aligns with the Nasarawa State Government’s agenda, addressing current challenges and ensuring the state’s preparedness for future health threats.”(NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Food Security

Over 2.8bn people can’t afford healthy diets – FAO

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By Busayo Onijala

More than 2.8 billion people in the world cannot afford healthy diets, the Director-General of the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Qu Dongyu, has said.

Dongyu made this known during the 2024 World Food Day global ceremony with the theme: “Right to ‘Foods’ for a Better Life and a Better Future”.

‘Foods’, in the theme stands for diversity, nutrition, affordability and safety.

Dongyu said that malnutrition in its various forms existed in all countries and socio-economic classes.

He added that even in high-income economies, people were choosing convenient and unhealthy foods.

The FAO director-general attributed the problems to challenges in agri-food systems where nutritious and diverse foods needed for healthy diets were insufficient and unaffordable.

According to him, food security translates to food availability, accessibility and affordability.

“With 730 million people facing hunger, it is clear that there is still much work to be done, and FAO’s mandate to ensure food security for all is as valid as ever.

“This World Food Day, I am calling on all to renew their commitments to building more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that can nourish the world,” he said.

Dongyu said that immediate action must be taken to ensure the integrated ‘Four Betters’.

“For better production and better nutrition, governments should enable healthy diets for everyone by incentivising production and sale of more nutritious foods.

“They should also promote their consumption in a healthy way.

“For a better environment, we need to produce more with less; we need more quantity with more diverse foods with less agricultural inputs and less negative impacts on the environment.

“We need to produce enough diverse foods, while preserving biodiversity and protecting the planet,” he said.

Dongyu said that, for a better life, innovation such as information technology, Artificial Intelligence, biotechnology and digital agriculture were needed.

He also said to support governments, the private sector would need to shift from unhealthy foods and make a greater diversity of safe and nutritious foods available, affordable and appealing.

“They need to be our allies in addressing this global challenge. Governments cannot do it alone.

 “We cannot build peaceful communities without addressing hunger and malnutrition,” he said.

He said that the younger generation had a vital role to play, adding that a food secure future without malnutrition was a human right.

Dongyu called for renewal of commitments to building efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems that would guarantee the right to good foods for all. (NAN) www.nannews.ng 

Edited by Chidi Opara/Ijeoma Popoola 

Health

Expert wants communities to prioritise adolescent mental health

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By Okeoghene Akubuike

A Clinical psychologist, Dr Adedotun Ajiboye, has urged communities nationwide to prioritise adolescent mental health.

Ajiboye, who works with the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja.

He said that the advocacy was necessary as one in five adolescents experienced mental health disorders.

Ajiboye, who spoke against the backdrop of the International Adolescent Health Week, said data revealed that 31.9 per cent of adolescents had anxiety disorders while 14.3 per cent suffered depression.

He added that 17. 2 per cent of high school students had suicidal thoughts/attempts.

Ajiboye said some risk factors included family history of mental health disorders, social media and technology overuse and peer pressure and bullying.

Other risk factors, he said, were academic stress and expectations, trauma caused by abuse, neglect, or loss, social isolation and loneliness as well as substance abuse.

Ajiboye said changes in mood, appetite or sleep patterns, social withdrawal or avoidance, decreased interest in activities, difficulty concentrating or completing tasks and increased irritability or aggression were warning signs to look out for in adolescents.

“Adolescence (ages 10-19) is a critical phase of rapid physical, emotional and social changes.

“Mental health during this period significantly impacts their future well-being and development.

“Adolescent mental health requires attention, support and proactive measures.

“Support and intervention could be in the form of family therapy and support, cognitive-behavioural therapy and school-based intervention in the form of counselling and accommodation.’’

The expert added other forms of support and intervention to include medication management, peer support groups and online resources and hotlines.

Ajiboye listed some strategies for the promotion and prevention of adolescents’ mental health issues to include open communication and emotional expression and fostering relationships and social connections.

Others, he said, were promoting healthy coping mechanisms such as exercises and mindfulness, monitoring and limiting technology use and providing mental health education and awareness, especially in schools.

“By acknowledging risk factors, recognising warning signs, and providing effective interventions, we can promote healthy development and well-being of our adolescents.

“We need to educate ourselves and others about adolescent mental health, encourage open conversations and empathy and support mental health initiatives and resources.

“We need to also advocate for policy changes and increased funding and prioritise adolescent mental health in our community.

“It is also important to emphasise the importance of early intervention and treatment.”

Ajiboye said there was need to highlight the role of parents, educators and healthcare providers in supporting adolescent mental health.

“They all have a role to play in providing examples of successful mental health programmes and initiatives while discussing the intersection of mental health with other adolescent issues such as bullying and substance abuse.

“They need to also offer guidance on navigating mental health resources and services,” he said.

NAN reports that International Adolescent Health Week (IAHW) is celebrated annually to work towards improving the health and well-being of over one billion adolescents across the globe.

The mission of the week, which runs from Oct. 7 to Oct. 13, is to inspire adolescents and their communities to advocate for a successful transition into adulthood.

The 2024 IAHW theme is “Thriving not Just Surviving: Building Adolescents’ Resilience.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijoke Okoronkwo

General News

Chamber advocates stronger business relations, healthy living

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By Rukayat Moisemhe

The Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) has emphasised the importance of promoting stronger business relations alongside health and wellness in personal and professional spheres.

Mr Uwamai Igein, Chairman Nigerian-British Golf, said this at a news conference on Wednesday in Lagos.

The conference was to announce the chamber’s upcoming Nigerian-British Golf Tournament.

Igein said NBCC recognised that strong business relationships were founded not only on economic exchange but also on shared values that bound partners, stakeholders and innovators.

He stressed the importance of health and fitness in business success, noting that the fast-paced, high-stakes world of business required business operators to be at their peak in every area of life, including physical health.

He noted that regular exercise had been proven to improve not just physical fitness but also mental clarity, creativity, focus and resilience, all of which, he said, were critical components of business success.

Igein added that golf fostered the attributes, describing it is a game that required strategy, precision and endurance.

“It demands discipline and focus, as each swing, each shot, and each decision must be made with care.

“In many ways, golf mirrors the very qualities required to excel in business which are foresight, precision, patience, and the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

“It teaches us that in business, as in sports, success is rarely achieved through short cuts but through careful planning, execution, and endurance,” he said.

Igein added that beyond the metaphorical lessons, the physical benefits of exercise could not be overlooked.

He noted that stress, long hours of work and sedentary lifestyles had become common in the business world.

These, he said, could lead to burnout, poor decision-making, and eventually decrease in productivity.

According to him, exercising regularly strengthens bodies and mental fortitude, and enhances cognitive function while sharpening memory and improving ability to concentrate.

“These benefits are particularly important in today’s rapidly-evolving business environment, where agility, creativity and critical thinking are more important than ever before.

“By staying fit and active, we give ourselves the mental edge needed to thrive in a competitive marketplace.

“For NBCC members and our partners in the UK, I believe that promoting health and wellness through sports like golf is a powerful message.

“It is a statement that success in business should never come at the expense of personal health, but rather, that personal health should be a key driver of professional success,” he said.

Igein added that while the golf tournament slated for Nov. 8 at the Ikeja Golf Club emphasised health and wellness, it was equally about fostering stronger business ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

According to him, the Nigerian-British golf tournament offers a unique platform where business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers from both nations can engage, network and collaborate in a relaxed but stimulating environment.

He said the tournament would serve as an excellent opportunity for business leaders from Nigeria and United Kingdom to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities for trade, and discuss how to mutually benefit from the vast economic potential existing between the two nations.(NAN)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

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