Author: Odimegwu Onwumere

When China in 2020 sent the whole world into turmoil, they never believed the COVID-19 laboratory virus they were researching would send the whole world packing. They were in the country with a sovereign state, but the effect of what they caused in their country affected the whole world. In Nigeria, people believe that you have no right to caution or question anything they do in their compound. They could ask you, “Am I in your compound doing what you are cautioning or complaining about?” They do not take into cognizance that a country like China with no borders with…

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Northeast Nigeria remains one of the world’s most challenging regions for humanitarian operations, experts say, due to ongoing violence by non-state armed groups and socio-economic difficulties exacerbated by climate-related disasters. According to them, the humanitarian crisis in the area has been ongoing since 2009 and was mainly caused by a violent insurgency by the jihadist group Boko Haram, which later renamed itself the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWA). The conflict has left millions of people facing widespread displacement, food insecurity, and a severe lack of access to essential services. Peace advisers say the crisis began when Boko Haram announced…

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Nigeria’s crisis of hunger demands immediate intervention from governmental bodies, who are increasingly advocating for the implementation of food technology as a feasible remedy. In this report, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE explores how Nigeria is enhancing her food security framework substantially by utilizing innovations in agriculture—spanning from precision farming techniques to advancements in biotechnology to tackle food security and save biodiversity. This article reveals that despite the ongoing hunger challenges, food technology is revolutionizing the agricultural sector in the nation by enhancing supply chains, increasing storage capabilities, equipping farmers with mobile technology, ensuring food safety through traceability systems, broadening distribution avenues via e-commerce channels,…

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Nigeria remains interested in a holistic food systems approach that considers production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste to create an enabling environment for better health outcomes related to diabetes and hypertension, writes ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE  in the report. The story reviews the evidence supporting the report, saying two-thirds of Nestlé’s global greenhouse gas emissions come from raw material sourcing, which relies primarily on agricultural practices. The company has though, highlighted the importance of sustainable farming methods to achieve its environmental goals. The article shows that Nestlé is actively investing in regenerative agriculture and points out that the company’s Net Zero Roadmap…

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Individuals in Nigeria can greatly diminish their chances of experiencing diabetes and hypertension with thoughtful food choices – Nestle What Nigerians suffering from noncommunicable diseases may urgently need are cost-effective medications, and the authorities seem to be turning to Western nations for assistance in reducing the burden of expensive medication on patients, despite their screening efforts. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE explores in this article that Nestle Nigeria has recommended focusing on embracing a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods while controlling portion sizes and seasonings to improve overall health, and by making thoughtful food choices, people in Nigeria can significantly reduce…

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FGM is said to be done to control women’s sexuality, which is sometimes said to be insatiable if parts of the genitalia, especially the clitoris, are left in place. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examines in this report that the practice has no health benefits, violates women’s rights, and may pose other health risks in contrast to the belief that it increases male sexual pleasure and ensures virginity before and after marriage. Despite the fact that the country’s laws state that anyone who encourages, supports or advises another person to perform FGM or engages another person to perform FGM is subject to a…

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Boko Haram distributes indiscipline freely to impart fear and apply control. Women and girls that Amnesty International talked with say they had to watch types of indiscipline that include lashings, removals, and decapitations meted out to them. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE in this report looks at the inescapability of various kinds of violence against women and girls, like close accessory hostility, female genital mutilation, and girl marriage, as evaluated at 14%, 19.2%, and 40% exclusively. “These women, large numbers of whom are presently young ladies, have had their experiences growing up taken and got through various atrocities, wrongdoings against mankind, and other…

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For a very long period of time, I have never eaten solid food in the morning, given the information we were passed on to, suggesting that breakfast should be light food. A few days ago, I ate Akpu (Ndigbo understand what I ate) by 9 am. I started the journey of the day with a long walk. I needed over N4000, should I have engaged the services of okada for every appointment. When I left the house, I found myself so strong and agile, unlike in those days, it was light food. I walked boldly and full. Except water, I…

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The West says Nigerian writers howl. We have first hand experience Of what to be in a hole means. It is whole! The only place we want to be Is sanity. The country has touched Our mind – setting us on fire. Different from love That drives lovers crazy, Nigeria makes us feel Like hugging the transformer. We howl. We cry. We war. It makes us cry whenever We wake up unlike when We see the name of our lovers On our phones. This kiss of citizenry Is treating us like death Stealing the parents of…

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With vast forests, freshwater, and exotic wildlife ecosystems, the Niger Delta is one of the most diverse regions in the world and is rich in biodiversity, including many plant and animal species. However, experts say that this biodiversity is under severe threat due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The analysis found that sea level rise poses many challenges to the biodiversity of the Niger Delta. According to them, rising sea levels increase the amount of salt water flowing into freshwater. This salinization affects plants that cannot adapt to a saline environment, leading to the decline of healthy…

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Odimegwu Onwumere writes that biodiversity is at risk, local economies that rely on healthy ecosystems for fishing and agriculture being hurt, due to rising sea levels brought on by climate change The oil-rich Niger Delta is suffering from rising sea levels brought on by climate change, experts posit. Environmental change has likewise prompted rising ocean levels in Lagos. The risk of flooding is getting worse as sea levels rise, making these areas more vulnerable to diseases spread by water and other health problems. The dual challenges of flooding and erosion that coastal communities face have a significant impact on their…

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After Dr. Adedeji Adeleke donated N1 billion to the Centenary Endowment Fund of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church’s headquarters in Lagos on August 18, 2024, in honor of his late mother, Nnena Esther Adeleke, for her dedication to church, novel development has followed the charity. Odimegwu Onwumere, a multiple award-winning journalist and activist based in Port Harcourt has said that he needs ten percent of the money for several reasons. Onwumere who disclosed the reasons for his gesture to be given ten percent of the money at a briefing with a select of newsmen Wednesday, August 21, 2024, in Port…

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ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE explores how farmers in banditry-affected regions have had to stop farming due to extortion and violence. However, by using biotechnologically improved seeds, experts reassure hope that farmers can increase food production efficiency and conserve resources, especially in insecure areas. The article argues that investing in agricultural biotechnology can help improve long-term food security in these regions and support farmers in maintaining economic stability and climate despite security challenges Musa and his sibling, who are presently soliciting on the streets in a northeastern State of Nigeria, are unable to manage their farmland during the agricultural season due to the prevalence…

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara, currently portraying Holy Nweje, seems to have forgotten that the chairpersons of local government areas in Rivers State have accused him of withholding the statutory allocations meant for the 23 council areas in the state. The chairpersons, representing the Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, made this accusation during a press briefing in Port Harcourt. Allwell Ihunda, the chairperson of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, claimed that the governor has been withholding the local councils’ allocations since April. Despite having the power to do so, Fubara believes it is wrong to escalate…

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A Port Harcourt-based journalist, Odimegwu Onwumere has won a second place in the inaugural Africa Travel Week Media Awards held in Cape Town, South Africa, by Big Ambitions, a tourism-based firm. In an email sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie, Junior Account Director/Client Services of the organization, he was praised for being a winner in the Tourism News Award category of the African journalism awards held in South Africa on April 10, 2024. The letter sent to Onwumere by Sonnette Fourie and received by our reporter, reads, “Dear Odimegwu, we are happy to congratulate you on achieving second place in…

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One Cubana Chief Priest is arraigned in court on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, for issues concerning abuse of the naira (which its worth is $1 to N1000+) in events. I have never been a fan of the Priest because I hate noise and loathe noisy people. I love people who understand and apply decorum in the journey towards success, having in mind that it is beneficial not to be loud with your achievements. If not when his mother or so passed on, little did the world know about one Obi Cubana (Obinna Iyiegbu.) Upon his world’s reviewed billions of naira,…

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In this report, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE discusses how the lack of preparedness in the Nigerian health system to respond to outbreaks is caused by disparities in capabilities, collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, private organizations, community leaders, ineffective leadership, inadequate funding, population diversities, corruption, stigmatization in communities, and a shortage of human resources Despite efforts to enhance public health infrastructure and response capabilities, there appears to be a lack of awareness among the general populace regarding the importance of readiness for health crises. Analysts say that the lack of awareness can hinder the timely detection, response, and prevention measures during outbreaks.…

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The soldiers disembarked from numerous trucks upon arrival in Oyigbo, assuming a combat-ready stance, and began shooting indiscriminately at innocent residents. They claimed to be there to retrieve firearms stolen from six of their fallen colleagues, who were killed by criminals exploiting the EndSARS protest against police brutality. The ensuing violence resulted in numerous civilian casualties, with many succumbing to military gunfire and others sustaining injuries in what later became known as the #OyigboMassacre. Amid escalating tensions, a significant number of individuals sought refuge in Port Harcourt, the capital of Rivers State, as well as neighboring Imo State and Abia…

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In spite of various assurances made by successive Nigerian governments to put an end to gas flaring, their failure to do so leads to the release of harmful pollutants that negatively impact both humans and the environment in the country. This, in turn, contributes to climate change, as explored by ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE The middle-aged lady is running in the street of Diamond Estate, Umuebulu-Etche, Rivers state with her child. The neighbors are concerned about the reason for her haste. “The weather is extremely hot and all three of my children are suffering from cough. To make matters worse, our house…

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In the first part of the series, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examined the improper finances that have put the Nigerian airline at risk. In part two, he discusses the recent discovery of a significant amount of water in the fuel tanks of some aircraft. This discovery has raised safety concerns in the industry. In the concluding part, he urges the authorities to prioritize organizing the aviation industry before enforcing insurance requirements. This is because operators in the country pay higher premiums compared to their foreign counterparts and also have to deal with the challenge of paying in dollars while using the local currency, which…

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In part one of the series, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examined the improper finances that have jeopardized the Nigerian airline. In part two, he discusses the recent discovery of a significant amount of water in the fuel tank of some aircrafts. This discovery has raised safety concerns within the industry The warning issued by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) in 2022 regarding potential disruptions to flight schedules at all airports in the country due to an escalating jet fuel crisis has now become a reality in 2023. On July 22, 2022, the AON issued a statement warning about the possibility of…

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In this report, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE examines the obstacles that Nigerian carriers encounter in their progress, particularly due to the stringent managerial strategies and rental conditions. Nigerian aircraft pay a credit expense of 26%, while foreign carriers do so at a rate of only 2%. Consequently, this situation has created a terrifying work environment for administrators and airport workers, resulting in unfavorable conditions Nigerian flight attendants went on strike for two days on April 17, 2023, blocking the streets leading to the Lagos airport’s domestic terminal. As they protested against wages and working conditions, this caused traffic delays and disrupted trips. Global spectators…

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One powerful person in Borno State who is devoted to bringing peace back to the badly damaged state is Governor Babagana Zulum. He will stop at nothing to protect his people from the rebels who carry out crimes like murder, sexual assault, and destruction—even if it means risking his own life to do so. Governor Zulum has openly expressed his dissatisfaction with the security authorities for their insufficient efforts in addressing the crisis, which has led to more than 80,000 deaths and rendered over 2.9 million individuals homeless. However, he has also commended them on certain occasions. Borno, a state…

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Youths are facing both unemployment and underemployment, and experts are stressing the need for immediate interventions to address the growing issue of youth unemployment. They warn that young individuals who solely depend on traditional schools for their livelihoods are likely to suffer, but should instead embrace the acquisition of competitive skills. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE reports that Nestle can provide such opportunities Yusuf A., a member of the Department of Business Administration at a polytechnic, states that the main goal for all graduates is to obtain a well-paying job upon completing their studies. However, this hope is shattered even after fulfilling the obligatory National…

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Experts are working hard to address the increasing expenses associated with the treatment of non-communicable illnesses like diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE states that they are accomplishing this goal by providing dietary supplements that can be included in meals to help regulate blood glucose levels A diabetic patient, who wished to remain anonymous, informed our reporter in Port Harcourt that diabetes management in Nigeria is growing in significance, as personal experience has shown that not all individuals with diabetes are fortunate. “Based on my personal experience, it is evident that diabetes management in Nigeria is becoming an increasingly significant issue.…

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Women in Nigeria experience a range of violence, including sexual harassment, physical violence, harmful traditional practices, emotional and psychological violence, socio-economic violence, and violence against non-combatant women during conflicts. In this report, ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE explores how despite these challenges, there are numerous organizations and individuals dedicated to meeting the needs of women through the creation of empowerment programs that focus on political, social, and economic empowerment for the betterment of the nation She declined to provide her name due to the stigma associated with it. Therefore, Amina, a middle-aged woman, was one of the numerous women and girls who experienced…

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The government’s reliance on fossil fuel contributes to climate change, according to ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE. He examines experts’ concerns about Nigeria’s need to transition to renewable energy, which Nestle Nigeria focuses on to implement global green policies and promote change Our reporter’s journey to this historic city in the South-South region of Nigeria was not intended for those easily frightened. On Monday, October 2, 2023, an inferno erupted in an adjacent oil tank as a result of a makeshift refinery, leading to severe burns for certain individuals and the tragic loss of over 18 lives, including that of a pregnant woman, in Emohua.…

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“Untreated or inadequately controlled hypertension can prompt different entanglements because of the requirement for blood in all parts of the body. Hypertension opens all regions to high tension, prompting harmed and convoluted supply routes to spill from debilitated and amplified conduit walls, called aneurysms,” Dr. Olatokunbo Oseni, a family doctor and Head Medical Director at the College of Lagos Medical Center, Akoka, warns. This warning applies not only to women or men but also to children. Specialists are concerned about the increasing cases of hypertension in children, which they attribute to the consumption of fast food. They believe that obese…

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The Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) has brought to our attention an article we published online titled “Despite Misinformation, Biotech Is Weathering Obstacles.” They described it as a “nice article” but also mentioned that Dr. Yemi, who we mentioned in the article, was their previous Executive Director, whose tenure ended in July 2023. The email directive from a FARA official stated that the current Executive Director is Dr. Aggrey Agumya (X – @aggreyagumya). The email read, “This is to thank you for the nice article titled “Despite Misinformation, Biotech Is Weathering Obstacles”, which mentions the Forum for Agricultural…

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A rise in racial violence targeting migrants from sub-Saharan Africa has resulted in African migrants being stranded in Tunisia. This occurred after Tunisian President Kais Saied delivered a provocative speech that intensified xenophobia. ODIMEGWU ONWUMERE’s report reveals that these individuals often face mistreatment and are at risk of being coerced into modern slavery. Furthermore, many have sadly lost their lives while trying to flee assaults at the border between Tunisia and Libya He is a migrant worker from Sierra Leone who arrived in Tunisia as a political refugee. He was one of the numerous individuals stranded in makeshift tents, their bags hastily…

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