Reflecting on my journey towards achieving mental well-being, I realize the immense impact of focusing on positivity and avoiding negativity. In a world where we face numerous stressors, challenges, and uncertainties, it is easy to get trapped in a cycle of negativity that can drain our energy and damage our mental strength. I try to avoid this cycle by preventing pessimistic thoughts and worries, even though I admit I don’t have everything together. However, I remind myself that everything will be alright regardless of any difficulties that come my way. I understand that not everyone can worry less, hence why I am writing this.
Picture Credit: The Falling wall foundation
One of the most helpful strategies that helped me overcome negativity was practicing gratitude, cultivating a positive mindset, and mindfulness. Every day, I tried to count my blessings and name them one by one (just like a popular song says ). By adopting an attitude of gratitude, I shifted my focus from what I lacked (many for now) to appreciating what I already had – whether it was a warm cup of coffee, my family, my friends, or a meaningful conversation with someone close to me.
Another crucial aspect of cultivating positivity was learning to let go of toxic influences and surrounding myself with people and environments that uplifted me. This involved setting boundaries with negative individuals and prioritizing activities that brought me joy and fulfillment. I had a horrible experience in 2022 that made me realize that I needed to purge myself of negative people, and I am glad I did; of course, avoiding negativities doesn’t mean ignoring or suppressing difficult emotions. On the contrary, it’s about acknowledging, processing, reflecting, hoping, and then focusing on the positives whenever possible. It’s about finding balance amidst life’s ups and downs and nurturing a sense of inner peace and resilience.
Setting achievable goals is another powerful tool that has helped me achieve mental well-being. When I have a clear goal in mind, it gives some direction toward which I can channel my energy. This, in turn, keeps me motivated and helps me avoid negative thoughts and distractions. I also make sure to break down my goals into smaller, manageable tasks, which makes them less overwhelming and more achievable. With the help of Pomodoro (introduced to me by my amiable supervisor), small goals can be achieved within 25 minutes. When I say goals, I don’t mean buying a car or a house or getting married within 25 minutes..lol.
Finally, I have found that taking care of my physical health is vital for my mental well-being. Regular exercise and adequate sleep are essential for maintaining a healthy body and mind. I often speak positive affirmations to myself, which may seem strange to my flatmates, but it helps me remind myself of my purpose in life. So, let me ask you: How do you take care of yourself and your mental health?
WASH stands for water, sanitation, and hygiene and we all know that these are fundamental to our health. WASH according to WHO is essential for our health and well-being. WASH contributes to our livelihood, keeps us away from hospitals, and increases our life span. Unfortunately, there is no adequate WASH in developing countries, especially in Nigeria, hence diseases like diarrhea, cholera, and malaria are still prevalent in the country. Did you know that diarrhea disease claims more than 150 thousand lives annually in Nigeria? Most of the lives belong to children under the age of 5. The prevalence of the disease is therefore 19% in the country all because more than 70% of the population do not have access to safe water and a clean environment. Safe water should be accessible, available whenever possible, and free from contamination. Without safe water, it is almost impossible to maintain good sanitation and hygiene.
Did you also know that more than 93 thousand people had chlorella in Nigeria in 2021 out of which 3298 of them died due to the disease? In 2022, there were 23,550 cholera cases, most of which were concentrated in the North. I am sure you are aware that 68 million malaria cases and 194,000 malaria-related deaths are reported annually in Nigeria. Other rampant diseases in the country include dysentery, hepatitis A, and typhoid. So, you may be wondering, what have these got to do with WASH? Lack of adequate water forces residents to use and consume water contaminated with sewage water which carries various pathogens that cause diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. In the case of malaria, the lack of adequate WASH creates an environment suitable for the profound breeding of mosquitoes that transmit the parasite from one person to the other.
To reduce the burden of these diseases, the government should take the responsibility of providing adequate and safe water to all communities, schools, markets, and workplaces including healthcare facilities and other public places. It is essential to ensure that everyone has access to clean and safe water sources and that hygiene and sanitation practices are integrated into community development programs. Don’t be surprised that many communities and some healthcare facilities do not have access to safe water. Marketplaces and local bus stations are the worst. What I am even saving? you can barely move around local bus stations (popularly called garages) like Oshodi, Ikorodu, Ojuelegba, etc. Everywhere smells of people’s urine because there are no toilets around.
As responsible citizens, we can play a significant role in reducing the spread of these diseases by practicing good WASH in our daily lives. First, we need to educate ourselves about the importance of WASH in maintaining our health and keeping our communities clean. Secondly, please always wash your hands with water when inside and disinfect your hands when outside because water may be unavailable. Thirdly, let’s reduce our waste generation and dispose of them properly. Do not dispose of your wastes into drainages as this creates stagnant water that facilitates the spread of disease within our communities. In addition, always use toilets or latrines and avoid open defecation or urination. Open defecation or urination is common in local bus stations and markets. When you defecate or urinate openly, there are 100 % chance that you will contaminate the available surface or underground water that people depend on. By working together and doing the right thing, we can ensure that our communities remain healthy and safe from infectious diseases.
Now let me ask you this, as a citizen, how else do you think you can enhance WASH practices with limited water resources and access?
I spent six weeks in Lagos, and it seems like things have worsened since my last visit. It seems like the city is not designed to accommodate the poor, yet it is filled with impoverished people. Inequality dominates more than ever before, and I wonder how people can still survive in these conditions. Everything was expensive, from transportation to food, accommodation, and almost non-existent electricity. It was alarming to see that even basic amenities like electricity were only available to those living in affluent areas. However, these issues will not be the topic of today’s blog.
Population health is affected by transportation, and bad roads can be a major health problem. Imagine driving on a road that is full of potholes and uneven surfaces, just like the picture below depicts. It may seem like a minor inconvenience, but it is a serious public health concern that has been ignored for far too long. Consider the fact that not just one or two people are affected by these bad roads, but thousands of people travel on them every day. Think about the impact this has on their health and well-being. Poor road conditions significantly impact our physical and mental health. This blog post explores the varied health implications of bad roads and underscores the urgent need for better road infrastructure in Lagos and other states in Nigeria.
Photo: Adenike
Bad roads in most cases affect the physical health of daily commuters, and are notorious for causing vehicular accidents, leading to injuries ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma. But the impact of bad roads is more than accidents. Daily commuters navigating these roads often suffer from back pain, spinal issues, and posture-related problems due to constant jolting and vibrations. I wonder how Tricycle (Keke Napep) divers survive because they are the most affected by these bad roads. I plied the Ilasa Maja road and sleeping at night was more like a war as I suffered severe back pain and headaches throughout the night. According to research, bad roads also lead to bad cardiovascular health, hospitalization, disability, and premature death.
The impact of driving on poorly maintained roads on mental health is often neglected. The need for constant attention to avoid potholes and unexpected obstacles can lead to increased stress and anxiety experince not only by the drivers but also by the passengers. This chronic stress can contribute to long-term mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders. Thinking that you are about to take a particular route with a bad road to work or to school alone is mentally challenging. The frustration and anger caused by traffic jams on these roads can escalate to road rage, which affects our emotional well-being as well as our relationships with others.
Photo by: Adenike
Bad roads are therefore more than just a transportation issue. They are a significant public health concern that need to be addressed by all stakeholders. The physical and mental health impacts require the need for immediate action to improve road conditions by both the State and Federal governments. As a community, we also have roles to play. We must push for better infrastructure and make conscious efforts to mitigate the effects of bad roads on our health. Remember, every journey towards better health begins with a single step, or in this case, a smooth and safe road for everyone.
In today’s fast-paced world, the relentless demands of work often make it challenging to find the right balance between our professional and personal lives. I’ve been there, I am there, I am caught in the whirlwind of never-ending tasks, long work hours, and the constant urge to be productive. Like many people, I reached a point where I couldn’t ignore the signs of overworking any longer. I am at a point where I must admit that I am overextending myself, maybe I am experiencing the negative impacts on my overall well-being😒 .
Even if this was a pivotal moment of self-awareness, I could not help myself. I have always had the feeling of not reading enough, not writing enough, I haven’t analyzed that data yet. Oh, I need to read that article, this would be interesting to read… the need is endless. Oh, I set boundaries, I set many boundaries but not regarding studies. I cannot delegate hours for work and I cannot reclaim precious personal time and reduce the stress of reading, writing, and many more. What does it matter, I love to write and read anyway. These are the ways I get satisfaction😁 .
Don’t get me wrong. I prioritize self-care and I always put myself first. It’s just that I have difficulty finding fun in something else other than these. These are the activities I genuinely enjoy, and I hope to include other activities like visiting friends, going for a run, or taking a long walk. I love to meditate and sometimes, to do deep breathing exercises. I know that I am not alone in this struggle. I know that many people face similar challenges. But I will keep trying and making small changes to improve my situation gradually, I know I will get here 😍.
Imagine a scenario where a patient presents with a severe bacterial infection, and the laboratory results reveal a troubling trend. The bacterial isolate responsible for the infection shows susceptibility to just one out of 7 antibiotics it was subjected to. This means that out of the several antibiotics typically used to combat bacterial infections, only a single option remains effective. It’s a situation that can send alarm bells ringing in the minds of healthcare providers, as it severely limits their treatment choices. But how did we get here? Why do some bacterial strains become so stubbornly resistant to multiple antibiotics?
For the record, the Bacterial isolate above was obtained from a coastal environment which is also known as the marine environment and was subjected to 7 different antibiotics. It is generally studied that antibiotics are released into marine environments through several sources but the dilution effects of the environment have in most cases led to their low concentrations. Low concentrations of antibiotics, however, can results into the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the environment which can be troublesome for people and the environment. Antibiotic resistance is considered the 10th threat affecting our ecosystem globally.
Let us go back to the question of how and why. Several factors contribute to the situation where bacterial isolates exhibit limited susceptibility to antibiotics. One of these factors is the indiscriminate consumption of antibiotics, especially in areas where antibiotic usage is not regulated. This leads to the adaptability of bacteria over time. Bacteria can evolve and develop defense mechanisms against the antibiotics we use to combat them. This evolution can result from genetic mutations within the bacterial population, allowing resistant strains to survive and propagate.
Also, When antibiotics are used without completing a full course of treatment, it creates an environment where only the strongest and most resistant bacteria survive, passing on their resistance traits to future generations. As a result, we find ourselves facing bacteria that are increasingly resistant to multiple antibiotics, leaving us with limited options for treatment.
To address the challenges posed by isolates with limited susceptibility, the field of microbiology and medicine is continually evolving. Precision medicine approaches are gaining prominence, wherein treatment plans are tailored to the specific genetic characteristics of the infecting bacteria. This targeted approach aims to maximize the effectiveness of the chosen antibiotic and offer hope in situations where antibiotic options are limited. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing research and adaptation in the fight against antibiotic resistance.
How else do you think we can fight against antibiotic resistance?
Children are the hope and future of the universe. Nigeria has one of the largest populations in Africa, and a significant portion comprises children. The total number of children in Nigeria (defined as individuals under 18) is estimated to be around 100 million. According to the National Population Commission (2013), the rate of uneducated children especially in rural areas was high in 2013 as only 1.4% of them completed secondary education. More than 70 % were however enrolled in primary education as of 2018. While there has been progress in increasing access to education in Nigeria, there are still challenges to ensuring that all children have access to quality education because UNESCO estimated that 13.2 million children of primary school age and 10.5 million children of lower secondary school age are still out of school in Nigeria. These figures are high considering the impacts of illiteracy on our society today but what could be the contributing factors?
One of the major barriers to education in Nigeria is the stark socio-economic inequality. As a Nigerian, I can confidently say that inequality is as high as Mount Everest in the country. You can easily differentiate a poor Nigeria from a rich one in many aspects. For instance, only the children of rich families attend private schools, wear the best dress, live in good houses, have cars, have access to good health, and many more. Many families, especially in rural and low-income areas, struggle to afford the costs associated with schooling, including uniforms, textbooks, and transportation. This results in children being forced to work or help with household chores instead of attending school. Sometimes, the pressure is so high that these children are forced to drop out of school and focus on selling sachet water in the traffics or learning something else entirely. Some children do not even sell or learn, they just drop out of school and start roaming in the street.
Children begging for money in the street of Lagos. Image source: here
Gender disparity is another factor contributing to the high number of uneducated children in Nigerian. Some cultures in Nigeria believe that sending the girl child to school is tantamount to a waste of money. Because the girl will eventually be married to someone else so there is no need of wasting the family’s money. Thus, early marriage is a serious issue, especially in the Northern part of the country as the girl child is given to marriage even before she reaches a marriageable age. This significantly reduces her chances of attending school. Sometimes, the girl child is given off to marriage to pay the parent’s debt. Perceptions about virginity preservation for marriage, promiscuity reduction, and sexual intercourse within a marriage context marriage in most cases lead to lower enrollment and higher dropout rates for girls compared to boys.
In regions affected by conflict and insecurity, access to education becomes even more challenging. Displaced families and damaged schools disrupt children’s access to consistent education, impacting their overall development. For this reason, a lot of families fled from their states to the Southwestern part of the country. The hardship experienced by these families is also reflected in their children as many of them cannot afford to send their children to school in Lagos. The government also does little to nothing in ensuring that these children are sent to school. Consequently, many children are seen with their family members roaming around or begging for money in the street of Lagos.
Inadequate school infrastructure is a significant challenge in Nigeria. Many schools lack proper classrooms, sanitation facilities, and clean drinking water. Many schools in Nigeria especially local or government schools also lack learning equipment. No libraries to facilitate good learning, no chairs, and no tables. Insufficient government funding for education leads to a lack of resources in schools. This includes outdated textbooks, inadequate teaching materials, and a lack of technology resources for modern learning. Children are forced to study inside dilapidated classrooms, with no laboratories to conduct simple experiments. In some cases, classes are conducted in overcrowded spaces affecting the overall learning environment. In addition, many teachers lack proper training and professional development, which affects their ability to deliver effective instruction. Lastly, Nigeria with over 200 languages presents challenges for children to learn. Studies are delivered in English which is the official language of the country. Many children especially those from a low socio-economic background do not have access to education in their native languages. This in addition to the inability to go to school can also make learning more difficult.
Children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. – John F. Kennedy
Translating scientific books into local languages in Nigeria is a significant endeavor with multiple benefits. Nigeria is rich in linguistic diversity, with over 250 ethnic groups and numerous indigenous languages. While English serves as the official language and a means of communication between different ethnic groups, translating scientific books into local languages can help bridge the language barrier and improve accessibility to scientific information for non-English speakers. Nigeria is a diverse country with different ethnic groups, each with its own language and culture. Some of the major languages spoken in Nigeria include:
Hausa: Hausa is one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria and its language is widely spoken in the northern part of the country. It is also widely spoken in neighboring countries like Niger and Ghana.
Yoruba: Yoruba is spoken primarily in the southwestern part of Nigeria. It is one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in the country and has over 40 million speakers.
Igbo: Igbo is spoken by the Igbo ethnic group primarily in the southeastern part of Nigeria. It is one of the three major ethnic groups in the country and has millions of speakers.
Fulfulde: Fulfulde, also known as Fula or Fulani, is spoken by the Fulani ethnic group across different regions of Nigeria. It is also spoken in other West African countries such as Senegal and Mali.
Ibibio: Ibibio is spoken by the Ibibio people primarily in Akwa Ibom State in southern Nigeria. It is one of the languages in the Niger-Congo language family.
Kanuri: Kanuri is spoken by the Kanuri ethnic group in northeastern Nigeria, particularly in Borno State. It is also spoken in Niger, Chad, and Cameroon.
Tiv: Tiv is spoken by the Tiv people in Benue State and other parts of central Nigeria.
These are just a few examples of the diverse languages spoken in Nigeria. Each language represents a distinct cultural identity and plays a significant role in shaping Nigeria’s rich heritage. One example is the translation of scientific books into Yoruba, one of the most widely spoken indigenous languages in Nigeria with over 40 million speakers. Despite its prevalence, there is a lack of scientific literature available in Yoruba. Many scientific books are written in English or other widely spoken languages, creating a gap in accessing scientific information for non-English speakers. Translating these books into Yoruba can break down this barrier and provide people with valuable knowledge that can empower them to improve their lives.
A Yoruba Poem. Almost every Yoruba person knows this poem. Image source: here
In addition to accessibility, translating scientific books into local languages has other benefits. It plays a vital role in preserving linguistic diversity, as every year numerous languages worldwide become endangered or extinct. Translating scientific books into local languages, such as Yoruba, helps ensure that these languages remain relevant and in use, safeguarding Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
Moreover, translating scientific books into local languages can have a positive impact on the development of technology within the local context. By localizing scientific knowledge to the language, culture, and traditions of a particular community, individuals are encouraged to utilize their unique knowledge, culture, and local resources in solving national or global problems. This approach fosters innovation and can lead to new inventions and discoveries that might not have been possible without the translation of scientific books into local languages. Translating scientific books into local languages in Nigeria can be achieved through several steps and collaborations. Here are some ways to accomplish this:
Identify target languages: Determine the local languages in Nigeria that have a significant number of speakers and would benefit from having scientific materials translated. Consider the number of speakers, cultural significance, and accessibility.
Engage translators: Recruit qualified translators who are fluent in both the source language (e.g., English) and the target local language. These translators should have a strong understanding of scientific terminology and concepts to ensure accurate translations.
Form translation teams: Establish translation teams comprising native speakers of the target local language, along with experienced scientific translators. This collaboration ensures that the scientific material is accurately translated while preserving the cultural nuances and linguistic integrity of the local language.
Develop terminology glossaries: Create comprehensive glossaries in each target local language that include scientific terms and their equivalents. This facilitates consistent translations across different books and ensures accuracy and clarity.
Provide training and resources: Offer training and resources to translators, including workshops on scientific terminology, writing styles, and effective translation techniques. This helps maintain translation quality and ensures that the local languages are capable of handling scientific concepts.
Collaborate with publishers and institutions: Collaborate with publishers, educational institutions, and scientific organizations to support and promote the translation of scientific books. Seek partnerships that can provide funding, technical support, and distribution channels to make the translated materials widely available.
Implement peer review: Establish a peer review process where experts in the field review the translated materials for accuracy and clarity. This quality assurance step ensures that the scientific information in the translated books is reliable and meets high standards.
Promote awareness and usage: Launch campaigns and initiatives to raise awareness among the target local language communities about the availability and importance of scientific books in their languages. Encourage the usage of the translated materials in educational institutions, libraries, and other relevant settings.
Evaluate impact: Continually evaluate the impact of the translated materials by assessing their usage, gathering feedback from readers, and measuring the improvement in accessibility to scientific knowledge for non-English speakers. This feedback loop helps refine the translation process and demonstrates the value of the initiative.
The government can play several roles in facilitating the translation of scientific books into local languages:
Financial support: The government can allocate funds specifically for the translation of scientific books into local languages. This funding can be used to hire qualified translators, provide training and resources, and support the overall translation process. Financial support from the government can make the endeavor more sustainable and increase the availability of translated scientific materials.
Policy development: The government can develop policies and guidelines that encourage and prioritize the translation of scientific books into local languages. This can include incentives for publishers and institutions to invest in translation efforts, as well as regulations that promote the use of translated materials in educational settings. By setting clear expectations and creating a supportive environment, the government can drive the translation initiative forward.
Collaboration and partnerships: The government can foster collaboration between stakeholders, including publishers, educational institutions, scientific organizations, and local communities. By facilitating partnerships, the government can create a network of support that enhances the translation process. This can involve connecting translators with publishers, coordinating distribution channels, and providing technical assistance.
Capacity building: The government can invest in capacity-building initiatives that aim to develop a pool of skilled translators proficient in both the source language and the local languages. This can be achieved through training programs, workshops, and scholarships. By investing in the skill development of translators, the government helps build a sustainable infrastructure for future translation projects.
Resource mobilization: The government can help mobilize additional resources, including technological tools and linguistic resources, to support the translation process. This can involve partnerships with libraries, research institutions, and other organizations that can provide access to relevant resources and databases necessary for accurate translations.
Quality assurance: The government can establish quality assurance mechanisms to ensure that translated scientific books maintain high standards. This can include setting up review committees or panels of experts who assess the accuracy and clarity of the translated materials.
Promotion and distribution: The government can take an active role in promoting and distributing translated scientific books. This can involve organizing book fairs, conferences, and exhibitions that highlight the availability and importance of the translated materials. The government can also collaborate with educational institutions to integrate the translated books into curricula and establish libraries where they can be accessed by students
In summary, Nigeria is a diverse country with over 250 ethnic groups and numerous indigenous languages. English serves as the official language, but there is a need to translate scientific books into local languages to improve accessibility for non-English speakers. Translating scientific books into local languages, such as Yoruba, can bridge the language barrier, preserve linguistic diversity, and foster innovation. The process involves identifying target languages, engaging translators, forming translation teams, developing terminology glossaries, providing training and resources, collaborating with publishers and institutions, implementing peer review, promoting awareness and usage, and evaluating impact. The government has a role to play by providing financial support, developing policies, fostering collaboration, building capacity, mobilizing resources, ensuring quality assurance, and promoting and distributing translated books.
Water is Life and Clean Water Means Health – Audrey Hepburn
Access to safe water is a big problem in Nigeria. This is due to the high levels of poverty associated with rural areas and the increasing urbanization and population associated with urban areas in the country. In Nigeria, more than half of the entire population does not have access to safe water making it highly unlikely for the country to achieve the UN’s sustainable development goals set for 2030 regarding the provision of quality water. The situation is worst in Lagos state, the so-called economic heart of Nigeria. I have spent more than 3 decades on Earth with 2 decades and a half in my home country (mostly in Lagos) and this problem has been there for as long as I can remember. I will start by talking about my experience as a little girl growing up in an area in Lagos with a lack of safe water.
Lagos state is divided into two areas, the mainland where the middle and low-income populations live, and the island where the high-income populations live. This housing inequality is also reflected in the distribution of safe water across the state simply because high-income households have access to safe water (either through treated pipes or through treated boreholes) while middle and low-income households depend majorly on untreated boreholes, dug wells, and water vendors. Some middle-income households on the mainland have boreholes that are not in many cases free from contaminants and dug wells are not treated at all. Fecal contaminants, pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and pharmaceutical compounds are therefore widespread in boreholes and dug wells that people depend on for daily use apart from drinking. Low- and middle-income households mostly buy packaged sachet water for drinking purposes.
As a girl from a very low-income family, I remember having to go several miles to fetch water with a big bucket on my head just like in the diagram below, but my bucket is in most cases bigger than that. There are different water vendors in Lagos. These vendors are people who sell packaged sachet water (mostly for drinking) and those who sell water directly from their self-made boreholes. Low-income households buy water from the latter for daily use, but you must go to the vendor to fetch the water and pay for the water you are fetching. If you are lucky, you can have this vendor in your street, if not, you must walk some miles to fetch the water with a bucket on your head.
As a little girl, I will not go only once to fetch water every day, but I will sometimes go five to six times depending on the family’s needs. The water vendor was also not close to our house, and I can tell you how difficult and painful it is to carry a large bucket of water on your head for several minutes until you get home, empty the bucket, and then go for another round. I did this throughout my childhood age even until I became a teenager. It only stopped when I got to the University, not because safe water was accessible but because I could afford to pay water vendors to supply me with water.
A girl with a bucket of water on her head. Image source here
Sadly, the situation of safe water inaccessibility is worst now, and many girls (from low-income households) are subjected to this hardship as more than 90 % of households do not have access to treated piped water and they must fend for themselves with girls bearing the burden in most cases. Access to safe water is a fundamental human right but the question is, why don’t we have access to safe water in Lagos, or should I say, why is there a large inequality in access to safe water in Lagos?
The Lagos Water Corporation oversees safe water supply in Lagos state. The organization’s mission is to ensure safe water provisions for all Lagos residents regardless of their socio-economic status. Reading the website of the organization, I see that the current water production capacity is 210 million gallons per day. According to them, this capacity exceeds the current water demand in Lagos which is true. Currently, there are 16 million populations in Lagos state, and each population only requires 50 liters (~ 11 gallons) of safe water per day. So, what happens? Why is it that 90 % of people still fend for their daily water use? The water sector also developed a roadmap through which their production capacity would increase to 745 million gallons per day in 2020 but this apparently has not addressed the water shortage experienced by the population.
Several factors are hampering the distribution of safe water to Lagos households. According to Jideonwo (2014), these factors include poor implementation of water production strategies, unstable power supply, low revenue generation, inadequate funding, and lacking water governance. In addition, there is no regulation restricting the discharge of pollutants in the state leading to a widespread of water pollution. Lagos Water Corporation also complained of the destruction of water pipes, vandalization, and theft of water equipment.
Access to safe water is a fundamental human right and lack of safe water is a health problem that needs to be addressed as soon as possible as people now depend on water sources polluted with anthropogenic pollutants such as heavy metals, microplastics, arsenic, antibiotics, and other pharmaceutical care products. Without good-quality water, maintaining good sanitation and hygiene is almost impossible leading to microbial contamination of the water system which culminates in the spread of waterborne disease in several communities. There are ways through which the Lagos state government can improve safe water supply to Lagos households. These include:
Investing more in better infrastructure such as water treatment plants, water storage facilities, and pipelines can improve the production, treatment, and distribution of safe water.
Regular monitoring of water quality can help identify and address issues before they become widespread, thereby reducing the occurrence of waterborne diseases.
Educating the public on proper sanitation and hygiene can significantly reduce water contamination. Simple practices such as handwashing can help prevent the spread of waterborne diseases.
The Lagos State government can collaborate with the private sector on water production ventures, tapping into private sector innovations and funding to deliver water to the residents.
Encouraging households and institutions to harvest rainwater can reduce dependency on public water sources and prove as a complementary source of water supply to the people of Lagos State.
Supply water to households and encourage them to pay a little amount of money. These can help in revenue generation which can be used to strengthen water infrastructures.
I will drop my pen here, I hope you enjoy the article, please feel free to drop your recommendation on how safe water provision can be improved not only in Lagos state but also in your Location.
I have never broken a bone. I have always been a cautious person from inception. I would not engage in anything that could cause any harm to my body. But you can not be too careful right? In all, God has been good to me.
Outstanding International Student- Pricilla Oluwakemi Aiyedun
The future depends on what you do today ‒ Mahatma Gandhi.
Priscilla (Oluwakemi) Aiyedun is a final year Ph.D. student that is assessing the genetic diversity of bitter yam (Dioscorea dumetorum) at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.
Bitter yam is valued for its medicinal properties and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diabetes and pains. Bitter yam is majorly cultivated in West and Central Africa especially in Nigeria and Cameroon (Adeniran et al 2020) and consume as a staple food in many African homes. I remember my Grandfather consuming bitter yam most of the time and also taught me how to eat the yam.
As the name suggests, bitter yam is bitter and you have to learn how to eat it (at least I did). The yam is also not a choice yam species because it is majorly affected by a severe post-harvest hardening phenomenon which leads to a loss of culinary qualities. Its medicinal purposes however cannot overemphasize (Adeniran and Sonibare, 2017). For instance, Recent studies have shown that bitter yam is the source of essential drugs for treating diabetes. That is where Pricilla comes in because she is using transcriptomics (analysis of RNA transcript) to identify the genes that are responsible for the antidiabetic activities of bitter yam and also to analyze their antidiabetic compounds.
Bitter yams. The original picture of the yam was obtained from this Journal
Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by the body’s inability to produce or use insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Current treatments for diabetes include insulin injections, oral medications, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. The ethnomedicinal uses of bitter yam in Diabetes treatments have been studied and established in Nigeria. Bitter yam is therefore recommended to be consumed as a dietary bioactive food because it contains compounds that mimic the effects of insulin in the body (my grandfather probably knew this). Due to its anti-diabetic properties, Bitter yam is a source of important drugs for pharmaceutical industries. For instance, it contained such antidiabetic compounds as dioscoretins and metformin. Dioscoretins have been found to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity in animal studies. Metformin is a commonly prescribed medication for type 2 diabetes. It works by reducing glucose production in the liver and increasing insulin sensitivity. Metformin is also found in other plants.
Since bitter yam is an important source of essential drugs for treating diabetes, its medicinal properties make it a valuable resource in traditional and modern medicine. Pricilla’s work is therefore crucial in identifying the genes involved in its antidiabetic activities. Her work would add to the available genetic data of bitter yam and lay the foundation for genetically engineering its medicinally essential traits. Her discoveries may lead to the development of new drugs that target the same pathways as other antidiabetic compounds found in bitter yam and close relatives. This will be useful in global treatments and reductions of diabetes. Well done Pricilla! We are proud of you.
Which outstanding international student are you proud of? Mention their name and work and I would be happy to write about them.
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