back to top
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
advertise with us
Home Blog Page 96

‘Pressing Breast Milk Into Baby’s Eyes As Cure For Jaundice Is Wrong’

‘Pressing Breast Milk Into Baby’s Eyes As Cure For Jaundice Is Wrong’

A paediatrician at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos State, Dr. Ademolu Abiola, has warned against pressing breast milk into a baby’s eyes as a cure for jaundice.

Dr. Abiola, who gave the warning while speaking in an interview with PUNCH HealthWise, also warned against using pawpaw water and ampiclox for babies with the condition.

Jaundice is a yellow colouration of the skin and mucous tissues due to an increased level of bilirubin in the blood.

According to the World Health Organisation, jaundice is one of the most common physical signs observed during the neonatal period.

Abiola said the majority of neonatal jaundice cases are physiological, warning that it is crucial to monitor each case to prevent complications.

“We are aware, as doctors, of a lot of practices that happen outside, especially in terms of newborn care.

“We know, as paediatricians, that babies sometimes have mild problems when they are born; but it’s not about babies having problems when they’re born but the management of some of those cases that matter to us.

“There are some home principles that are harmful to babies, such as when babies are being given ampiclox as a cure for jaundice.

“In some situations, some women put breast milk inside the eyes of babies.

“Of course, knowing the pathogenesis of jaundice, it will eventually be cleared from the body system. It has nothing to do with putting breast milk in the baby’s eyes or the use of ampiclox,” she said.

Abiola said jaundice can be physiological (harmless) or pathological (harmful).

“Most babies have physiological jaundice, but the layman wouldn’t know the difference and that’s the more reason that when you notice the yellowness of the eyes of the baby, the baby should be taken to a good health centre for a paediatrician to evaluate the baby.

“So, using breast milk or ampiclox for the baby does not cure jaundice.

“Physiological jaundice will run its course. This means that whether you do something or not, it will fade away.

“However, you should not take chances because you don’t know if it is the physiological one or the pathological one, especially as a layman,” she said.

She added that one can suspect pathological jaundice in the first 24 hours after birth.

“A baby born today can have jaundice and when you notice jaundice on the first day of life, it’s called pathological and normally, a baby should not even have jaundice within 24 hours, so when you notice jaundice within 24 hours, itis pathological.

The PUNCH

Suspected Herdsmen Kidnap Worshippers at Abeokuta Prayer Mountain

Suspected Herdsmen were said to have stormed a prayer mountain in Wasimi, near Abeokuta and abducted some worshippers.

The armed men who stormed the prayer mountain according to the reporter raided the worshipers collecting cash, phones and other valuables from the worshipers.

Some of the Pastors and worshipers were attacked with machetes. Two middle-aged women and wife of a top Pastor on the mountain were taken away by the armed men.

Witnesses told our correspondent that the armed Fulani men suspected to be herdsmen came around 1am on Wednesday shooting sporadically into the air before storming the chalets where they broke the bedrooms and robbed all occupants before taking away the women.

“I was in the auditorium of the Church. The armed Fulani men came around 1am. They attacked me.They divided themselves.Four of them were in the hall. Another four went into the rooms and raided the women. They used cutlasses on me. I was bleeding. They did not stop. I was asked to lead them to the rooms and knock the doors of Pastors” Pastor Sanyaolu who was a victim told Irohinoodua.

He said the gory incidence was reported to the Ogun State Vigilante who came and searched the bush all night.

He said the Vigilante later arrested three of the armed Fulani men who were handed over to the police.

“I have been going to the prayer mountain for the past four years. I have never seen a thing like this. I can’t imagine this would happen” he said.

Irohinoodua was informed that the kidnappers that stormed the CAC Prayer mountain located at Mushin Ayanmo Mosan, Wasimi Abeokuta were all heavily armed.

Some of the kidnapped included Madam Mojisola, Christianah Atolagbe an Evangelist with CAC who were among those visiting the prayer mountain for program of days of fasting from November 23.

One of the victims said the women were kept in the wilderness all through the nights by some six armed Fulani men.

The armed Fulani men later called relatives of the victims using the following numbers 08114022543 and 07042476569 asking for ransom.

A source told Irohinoodua “They demanded for 2 million before they could release their captives. Negotiation started or else they said they would. terminate their lives.”

He said he was surprised that two high profile men came in two jeeps to the police station with the hope of bailing the arrested suspects who were arrested by the Vigilante.

“What I sense is a well organised crime syndicate” he said.

The source said the case has been transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department, (CID) Eleweran Abeokuta, anti-kidnapping Squad, AKT.

Mr Olusona Durotowluwa whose family members were some of those kidnapped said the activities of the armed Fulani was embarrassing.

He said they attacked pastor Sanyaolu and others before taking away the women.

Another victim Prophet Samuel Awotunde a native of Ilesha , Osun State resident in Ijoko Ogun- State where the headquarters of his Church is situated said worshipers are traumatised and that it would take them a long time to recover.

A member of the Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) that has shown interest in the case in Abeokuta however said he met the victims and that there are complaints that police have collected N300,000 from the victims.

“We have interrogated the victims. The sad aspect is that the police have collected N300,000 from the victims. They claim they need the money to conduct investigation into the case” Suleiman Abiodun a NHRC coordinator in Ogun State told Irohinoodua.

The Podium

Nigeria Hits 68,937 COVID-19 Cases With New 310 Infections

Nigeria Hits 68,937 COVID-19 Cases With New 310 Infections
Chikwe Ihekweazu

The total confirmed COVID-19 infections in the country jumped to 68,937 on Saturday as the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) reported 310 new Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in 11 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

The NCDC made this known via its verified website.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), reports that the country has conducted about 791,539 tests since the first COVID-19 case was announced in February.

According to it, the number of deaths rose from 1,179 to 1,180 with one addition.

The public health agency stated that the FCT took the lead with 128 new infections, followed by Lagos with 86, while Kaduna and Kastina recorded 26 and 20 infections respectively.

Other recorded cases were as follows: Rivers, 19, Oyo, seven, Benue, Edo, Jigawa and Ogun, five each, while Bayelsa and Kano had two cases each.

The NCDC said that a multi-sectoral national emergency operations centre activated at Level 3 had continued to coordinate the national response activities.

The health agency reminded Nigerians that the fight against COVID-19 required a collective effort from all.

“Everyone has a role to play to reduce the risk of COVID-19. We must all remember that we can come in contact with infected people with no symptoms.

“Protect others as they take responsibility to protect you. Wear a face mask. Observe physical distancing. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water,” it advised.

The NCDC said that it was committed to building functional structures that would strengthen the fight to rid Nigeria of the pandemic.

“This pandemic has challenged us greatly; it has also provided us clarity on what we need to do to secure our future. History will not judge us kindly if we fail to act,” it said.

INEC Declares APC’s Abiru Winner Of Lagos East Senatorial Bye-Election

INEC Declares APC’s Abiru Winner Of Lagos East Senatorial Bye-Election

The candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Tokunbo Abiru, has emerged victorious in the Lagos East senatorial bye-election conducted in the state on Saturday.

The Independent National Electoral Commission announced that Abiru obtained a total of 89,204 votes to defeat his closest opponent, Babatunde Gbadamosi of the Peoples Democratic Party.

Gbadamosi secured a total of 11,257 votes to emerge second.

Abiru won in all the five local government areas in the senatorial district.

See results in the five LGAs:

Shomolu
APC: 17,728
PDP: 2,067

Epe
APC: 22,213
PDP: 1,826

Ibeju Lekki
APC: 16,336
PDP: 937

Ikorodu
APC: 19,204
PDP: 3,766

Kosofe
APC: 13,723
PDP: 2,661

“Spiritual Warfare Prevented Deaths At Lekki Toll Plaza” – Buratai

Tukur Buratai, chief of army staff, says spiritual warfare helped prevent deaths during military intervention at the Lekki toll plaza, Lagos state, on October 20.

Controversies have trailed army involvement in the #EndSARS protests against police brutality, particularly the shootings in Lekki.

 

Speaking on Friday at the decoration of 39 newly promoted major-generals, Buratai said a spiritual warfare seminar held by the army helped in preventing deaths at the protest ground — although there are still controversies on the casualty figure.

The army chief said most of the newly decorated generals are also graduates of spiritual warfare seminar.

“I am glad that we held the Spiritual Warfare Seminar on Wednesday and most of the decorated generals today are graduates of the seminar,” he said.

“I must say that the spiritual warfare seminar we had last time helped us during the last #EndSARS protest to the extent that there was no single corpse, but some persons were seeing double at Lekki toll gate in Lagos state.

“We will continue to protect every law abiding Nigerian anywhere in the country and we will do that in accordance with the rules of engagement and confines of the constitution.”

Buratai said military rule in Nigeria “is over” as democracy is here to stay.

He urged the decorated generals to desist from lobbying for appointments or collaborating with politicians for anti-democratic actions.

“Democracy has come to stay. We will not tolerate any agent of destabilization. The years of military misadventure in politics have never carried us anywhere. It is over,” he said.

“Do not hobnob with politicians. At this rank of two star generals, do not lobby for appointment. If you want to lobby for appointment, lobby the chief of army staff and you can only do this through hard work, discipline and loyalty.

“The crop of officers (39 major generals) decorated yesterday will never be dragged into any interest that is contrary to the sustenance of democracy in our nation.

“All our eyes are on you. We know there are several moves to get your attention. You must make sure that whatever you are doing, and when some persons approach you, you must act within the confines of the constitution.”

A CNN investigation named Victor Sunday Ibanga as a protester who died on the night of the military involvement and linked shells of live rounds found at the scene to the Nigerian army.

The army insisted it fired only blank bullets and did not shoot into the crowd.

9News Nigeria

Business Mogul, Chief Harry Akande, Dies At 77

Business Mogul, Chief Harry Akande, Dies At 77
Chief Harry Akande

A former Presidential aspirant and businessman, Chief Harry Akande, is dead.

A source said he died in a Lagos State hospital in the early hours of Saturday.

His son, Olumide, confirmed that “77-year-old Chief Akande, the Agba Oye of Ibadanland is dead.”

Olumide said, “In the early hours of Saturday, December 5, 2020, our patriarch passed away following a brief illness. Chief Harry Akande was an astute businessman of international repute whose legacy and influence cut across continents.

“But by far, his greatest passion was for a better Nigeria that guaranteed equity and justice for all. It is our fervent hope that this will be a reality in the not too distant future.

“His passing is a huge shock to his immediate and extended family, friends and associates. We are all grappling to make some sense of it.

“As we seek the repose of his gentle soul, we ask you to in turn to uphold us in your prayers while we pass through this very turbulent period of our lives occasioned by the loss of someone as dear as him.”

AfDB President, Adesina, Bags CIBN Award, Tasks Leaders

AfDB President, Adesina, Bags CIBN Award, Tasks Leaders
Dr Akinwumi Adesina

President of African Development Bank (AfDB) Dr Akinwumi Adesina on Saturday tasked leaders in the banking sector on “audacious leadership” to navigate challenges of COVID-19 pandemic and restore hope and confidence in Africa.

Adesina gave the charge at the 2020 Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Fellowship Investiture with the theme, “Financial Services in a Post COVID-19 Environment: Strategic Imperatives”.

The event, held in Lagos and also attended virtually, saw several leaders in the banking sector across the country and the continent being conferred with awards as Honorary Fellows, Elected Fellows and Honorary Senior Members.

The bank president expressed delight at being decorated with the emblems of admission and recognition.

“Today, as we are being honored, consider us as “security-backed assets”. Our integrity is our honor, and our honor is our security.

“We wish to express to the Council of the CIBN, our commitment to carry these awards with dignity, integrity and honor.

“Leadership from each one of us is needed in these challenging times of the Coronavirus pandemic,” he said.

Adesina charged leaders to work to grow back the country and continent safer, healthier and with greater resilience.

He stressed that honorary awards were deposits of trust that came with great responsibilities of selfless work, being exemplary and role models in the profession and for the society.

“Now, let us arise and collectively support Nigeria to recover and build back, stronger, better, with greater economic resilience. Let’s join hands and deliver greater prosperity and hope for Nigeria.

“For Nigeria to be at its best, it deserves the best from all of us.

“As Honorary Fellows, we promise to continue to be beacons of hope, carrying with dignity, the green and gold emblems of the CIBN,” Adesina said.

The AfDB president noted the challenges that the pandemic had on African and global economies and development.

He, however, reiterated the contributions of the AfDB to ease the effects of the pandemic.

Adesina assured of the bank’s readiness to support African countries, financial institutions and the private sector to accelerate Africa’s economic growth.

Iranian Court To Retry 3 Sentenced To Death Over Protests

Iranian Court To Retry 3 Sentenced To Death Over Protests

Iran’s supreme court said Saturday it will review the cases of three young men sentenced to death over links to deadly November 2019 protests after a request from their lawyers.

Numerous calls had spread online after the verdict was announced, calling for a halt for executions in Iran, with the United Nations and European countries reaffirming their opposition to the death sentence.

In July, Iran’s judiciary halted the death sentences against the three a week after they were upheld by a tribunal over evidence the judiciary said was found on their phones of them setting alight banks, buses and public buildings during the wave of anti-government protests.

“A request to retry the three sentenced to death over the (November) incidents was accepted,” the supreme court said on its official website.

“The case will be reviewed in another tribunal,” it added, without elaborating further on the decision.

Four lawyers representing the accused made the request days after the young men’s sentences were upheld in July, local media said at the time.

One of the lawyers identified the three as friends 26-year-old retain worker Amirhossein Moradi, Said Tamjidi, a 28-year-old driver for Snapp (Iran’s Uber), and Mohammad Rajabi, also 26 and unemployed.

They were sentenced over “collusion to endanger national security” and “destroying and setting fire to public property with the aim of confronting the political system of the Islamic republic,” Babak Paknia, who represents Moradi, told AFP in an interview in July.

Paknia confirmed the supreme court’s decision in a tweet on Saturday.

The demonstrations erupted in November last year after authorities more than doubled fuel prices overnight, exacerbating economic hardship in the sanctions-hit country.

They rocked a handful of cities before spreading to at least 100 urban centres across Iran.

Petrol pumps were torched, police stations attacked and shops looted before security forces stepped in amid a near-total internet blackout.

A senior Iranian lawmaker in June put the death toll at 230 but said most were killed by armed “rioters,” months after authorities had refused to provide casualty figures.

London-based rights group Amnesty International has put the number of deaths at 304, including 23 minors, and a group of independent UN rights experts said last year that 400 could have been killed.

EFCC Arrests Former Head Of Service Over Alleged Vote-Buying

EFCC Arrests Former Head Of Service Over Alleged Vote-Buying

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested a former head of service in Bauchi State, Abdon Dalla Gin, over alleged vote-buying at the ongoing Dass State Constituency bye-election.

Dalla, who is also the Special Adviser to Governor Bala Mohammed on Civil Service and Labour Matters, was arrested in his “Social Welfare” Polling Unit in Dass.

After casting his vote, Dalla addressed the press and returned to his car. He was about moving when the operatives of the EFCC asked him to stop. EFCC officials found N1.5million inside his car booth.

Our correspondent observed that Dalla was also being interrogated by the Divisional Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force in Dass.

While briefing the journalists, Chairman of Dass Local Government, Suleiman Mohammed said that Dalla was arrested wrongly.

He said: “I was told that one of our stakeholders was arrested and I come to sympathise with him –which is normal. Though I have not discussed with him but I heard that shortly after he addressed some journalists, he was arrested.

“The money is not his own, the money belongs to our party agents, presiding and returning officers,” he said.

Also, Bauchi State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Uba Ahmed Nana while reacting said the party was not intimidating and harassing ruling PDP members.

“It has everything in its power to do anything it wanted. Our members have witnessed one form of harassment and intimidation or the other in the last one year, yet we have kept mute.”

“What federal might do we have?, we only have large followers and supporters across the state, all we want is a free and fair conduct of the election which we are confident of winning,” Nana said.

Emir’s Coronation: El-Rufai Queries Kingmakers Over Failure To Attend Meeting

Emir's Coronation: El-Rufai Queries Kingmakers Over Failure To Attend Meeting
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai

Four kingmakers of the Zazzau Emirate Council of Kaduna State have been asked to appear before an investigative committee set up by Governor Nasir El-Rufai over their failure to attend a meeting preparatory to the November 9, 2020, coronation of the 19th Fulani Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamalli.

Bamali, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, was appointed by the state government following the death of the 18th Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, in September 2020.

The government had on October 30, queried the kingmakers.

The query titled, “Refusal to attend a meeting convened by Ministry of Local Government Affairs – Query,” was signed by the Permanent Secretary, Kaduna State Ministry for Local Government Affairs, Musa Adamu.

“You may recall that on Friday, October 30, 2020, you were invited to attend a meeting convened by the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs in his office but you refused to attend.

“In light of the above, you are hereby given 48 hours to explain why disciplinary action should not be taken against you,” the query read.

The kingmakers are: Alhaji Ibrahim Aminu (Wazirin Zazzau), Alhaji Sani Aliyu(Limamin Kona), Alhaji Dalhat Kasimu (Limamin Zazzau) as well as Alhaji Mahmoud Abbas (the Makama Karami of Zazzau).

“I am directed to invite for a meeting as follows. Date; Thursday, December 10, 2020,” a letter signed by Murtala Halidu, Secretary of the investigation committee reads.

The committee is to look into the conduct and misconduct of some council members and kingmakers of the Zazzau Emirate Council.