NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Rotaract Club to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS

Rotaract Club to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS

279 total views today

By Philip Yatai 

The Rotaract Club of Omole-Golden, Lagos, says it has concluded plans for its maiden fashion show to raise awareness on sickle cell, cancer, HIV/AIDS and polio.

The club’s Co-Project Chair for Disease Prevention and Treatment, Daniella Olayinka, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Rotaract clubs are a global youth programme under Rotary International, focused on developing young leaders through service and community engagement.

Olayinka said that the event hoped to reach over 300 people physically and more than 3,000 virtually.

She said the event was organised in partnership with Rotary Club of Omole-Golden, Rotary Club International, Rotary Club of Okowonjo, Nigeria National Polioplus Committee, and Tonymay Foundation and Hope for HIV/AIDS International.

Olayinka explained that the programme was under the club’s disease control and treatment project, “using fashion as our voice on the runway”.

The co-project chair said the two-day event, scheduled for April 25 and 26, titled, “Catwalk for a Cause: Fashioning Awareness”, would be a creative blend of fashion, education and free medical outreach.

She added that the free health services would consist of blood pressure checks, glucose testing, HIV/AIDS testing and counseling, malaria testing, polio vaccination, and simple cancer education.

“First day of the event, will take place at Ogba Central Mall, Ogba, Lagos and will be a marketplace outreach offering the aforementioned free health services.

“The second day will feature brief masterclasses by health professionals and a themed fashion show where each attire represents one of the diseases,” she said.

Olayinka said that the goal was to make health awareness engaging and relatable, using fashion to spark conversations and spread knowledge.

She added that the programme was also designed to raise funds for NGOs working to support individuals affected by cancer, sickle cell, polio and HIV/AIDS. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

Advocate urges Africans to focus attention on addressing poverty, underdevelopment

549 total views today

By Abiemwense Moru

Founder of Loretta Health Initiative, an NGO, Dr Loretta Ogboro-Okor, has called on Africans to shift their attention from celebrity fashion to addressing issues of poverty, conflict and underdeveloped infrastructure.

Ogboro-Okor, made the call in Abuja while reacting to the global debates surrounding Kanye West’s wife, Bianca Censori controversial appearance at the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Censori attended the grammy’s red carpet in a transparent nearly naked dress, igniting varied reactions from some Africans who celebrated it while others described it as “shameful”.

Ogboro-Okor, an aspirant in the 2024 Edo governorship election, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that celebrity fashion was simply a “distraction” from the real issues.

“My concern is not the spectacle itself, but how it overshadows the urgent issues Africa is grappling with.

“Our focus had remained on a celebrity moment. This should be the least of our concerns when there is war in Congo, economic distress in other African countries with millions suffering from poverty and conflict.

“The ongoing conflict in Congo, where millions have been displaced was in contrast with the obsession over celebrity fashion and material wealth.

“Africa should not be consumed by the spectacle of global celebrity culture, which often distracts us from addressing the continent’s most urgent challenges,” she said.

She stressed the need for a collective focus on tackling systemic problems such as poverty, conflict, underdeveloped infrastructure and other pressing issues facing the continent.

Ogboro-Okor pointed out the disconnection between the celebrity culture that dominated the online space and the severe crises affecting millions across the continent.

She lamented the growing competition for luxury and a lifestyle that many could not afford, while millions lack access to basic necessities.

According to her, this fixation with fleeting trends highlights Africa’s misdirected priorities.

“No one will love us more than we love ourselves as Africans,” she said, urging fellow Africans to focus on family, community, and nation-building rather than materialism or fame.

“While the continent is rich in resources, it continues to be exploited and distracted by external validation. Africa must look inward to achieve real progress.

“It is time for Africans to take control of their future and focus on self-sufficiency, building stronger communities, and addressing systemic issues that hinder development.”

She urged Africa to stop being passive observers of its own destiny and start prioritising what truly matters.

She said, “the time for meaningful change is now. We must act collectively to transform Africa’s future”. (NAN)

Edited by Philip Yatai

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