An inferno has engulfed the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church located in Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State.
An eye witness confirmed this to Channels Television. Multiple videos on X have also shown the massive edifice being destroyed by fire.
The fire which broke out early hours of Sunday caused a significant damage to the church property, sending shock waves throughout the immediate community and beyond.
Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service are also said to have arrived at the scene to try and put out the fire.
The area has been cordoned-off by the police to prevent a breakdown of law and order.
The church is headed by influential pastor, Chris Oyakhilome.
Media
Stanley Okorie, the veteran Nollywood soundtrack composer and singer, has disclosed the reasons behind the failures of his first two marriages.
According to Okorie, his first wife divorced him because she found his songs “stupid.” He also admitted to being an “insensitive” husband.
The soundtrack composer shared his candid reflections during a chat with popular media personality Chude Jideonwo.
He said, “My first divorce was the most painful. You know, the first cut is always the deepest. I have my own share of blame. Most people, when they talk about their problems in a marriage or a relationship, are quick to highlight the other person’s faults. I’m not saying I was entirely at fault, but I was a very insensitive husband. I blame myself for that one.
“I wasn’t a caring husband. Sometimes, if my wife did her hair, I’d say, ‘I’m going to the studio, come ooo.’ No, that’s not nice. I wouldn’t remember her birthday because there was a time I was doing all the job [Nollywood soundtracks], and people would call me from London, pay for my ticket, and I would go and do the music. I thought providing for the family was enough. But sometimes, the first rule of love is presence. You can give all the money, but the first rule of love is presence.
“My first wife wasn’t after money. Sometimes, when I gave her money, I’d return to find the money on the table. I was very busy with music, going from studio to studio. So when I look back, I see that’s the cost. Everything comes at a cost. Economists call it opportunity cost. In my first marriage, I was very, very insensitive. If I had been more mature—of course, I married very young—I wondered why she wasn’t seeing all the work I was doing. I failed on that score.
“The first day she looked at me and said, ‘I can’t take this anymore,’ I knew she was telling the truth, so I didn’t want to argue. Instead of going to beg her, I was singing stupid songs to console myself.
“After that, I went through a second divorce. At some point, my wife died. My son died. Some of the songs I sing were my escape from my sad reality, and they helped me deal with it to some level. But I tell you, there’s no method of dealing with a problem better than confronting the problem. So music wasn’t fair to me on that score. I was using it as an escape instead of confronting my problems. Some things that delight you today will, at some point, hurt. So that’s how it’s been a blessing and a curse. But I’m happy now where I am. I’m happily married with kids, doing well, and still recording music.”
Man who lost both arms while working as PHCN technician on a faulty community transformer weds his woman
AFOLABI
A Nigerian man who lost both arms in an accident while working, has tied the knot with his woman.
Samuel Odugbesan who worked as an electrical staff member in his previous employment, lost both arms in a work accident two years ago.
On Friday, June 21, Samuel and his woman exchanged vows at the Ikoyi registry in a ceremony that was attended by their family and friends.
Congrats to them!
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Nigerian actress, Laide Bakare has lashed out at the Nigerian police for driving her car away with her minor daughter in it.
Taking to her Instagram page, her daughter, Simi revealed that they were going to a party when they were stopped by the police for no reasons and the officer drove the car away with her in it.
Joining her, Laide stated that her daughter was left terrified over the incident as she questioned which sane man would drive someone’s car with their minor kids in it.
Describing the encounter as a terrible experience, she revealed that the incident took place towards Ikorodu expressway and noted how for the first time, she experienced the brutal way Nigerians are being treated along that axis.
Laide Bakare who debunked being remarried asserted that a lot of things are happening in the country which needs to be addressed. She said:
“Yesterday, it was terrible experiencing the brutal way Nigerians are been treated towards Ikorodu expressway.
No agency will ever drive a 14-years-old girl. My daughter was confused about where she was being taken to. A lot of things are happening in this country that needs to be attended to. I can’t imagine how someone with a brain and sanity will enter someone’s car and drive it away with a minor in it”.
In another post, Laide noted how the police officials only target big cars and vulnerable people to exploit and rob. She further revealed that the police officials wanted her ATM card to rob her of N70,000. Laide Bakare wrote:
“They Targeted Big cars and any vulnerable people to exploit and rob, this is my lane all through following the flow of Traffic in the heavy rain, these set of people are Evil More to come.
She was Terrified! Just because they needed our ATM card to take out 70,000 Naira. The guy entered my car and zoomed off with this little girl . Still feels like a movie”
See Laide Bakare’s posts below:
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has established a dedicated task force to address issues of touting and extortion at the country’s airports.
Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, announced that Mr. Henry Agbebire, the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, has been appointed as the chairman of this task force.
In a press briefing in Lagos, Kuku expressed deep concern over the persistent harassment and extortion faced by passengers at airports. She declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with anti-touting and anti-extortion measures.
Emphasizing that the era of business as usual is over, Kuku highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and warned that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices.
She also announced plans to establish magistrate courts at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders. The task force is mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism.
Kuku added, “Dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of giving feedback on their airport experience. All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability. FAAN is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users.”
Kanayo O. Kanayo makes shocking revelations, calls out male colleagues sleeping with each other
AFOLABI
Famed Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo recently made a noteworthy appearance on Nedu Wazobia’s popular podcast, “The Honest Bunch.”
In his revealing interview, the veteran actor candidly discussed the obscured aspects of Nollywood, highlighting secretive practices that have significantly impeded the industry’s advancement.
During his engaging chat with Nedu and his team, Kanayo O Kanayo also reflected on his enduring aspirations in acting and his desire for a long-lasting career.
The veteran actor bravely addressed the prevalent issue of homosexuality within the movie industry, shedding light on its prominence.
Kanayo candidly expressed concerns about the influx of inexperienced young women in Nollywood who have gained entry through dubious means. He lamented the prevalence of individuals who lack acting talent but have secured roles through questionable practices like “sex-for-role.”
The Thespian passionately emphasized that acting is a craft requiring innate talent that can be honed but not easily acquired through shortcuts or manipulation.
He also disclosed his ambition to continue acting well into his 90s or beyond.
This coming hours after Kanayo O. Kanayo publicly accused teenage actress Angel Unigwe and her mother, manager Juliet Unigwe, of violating a contractual agreement.
According to the filmmaker, Angel Unigwe prematurely left a filming contract with his production company due to her mother’s intervention.
Kanayo O Kanayo urged Nollywood producers to avoid working with the young actress and even threatened to disrupt any shoots involving her in the future.
WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW
These are sad times in Nigerian football.
The events of the past two weeks have opened up a can of worms, plus the opportunity of a microscopic look beyond the superficiality of the incomprehensible drama.
There is ‘madness’ in the air.
Nigerian football is currently being white-washed and sun-dried in the global information superhighway.
Suddenly, nothing is right about Nigerian football, not even the seemingly improving domestic leagues, the steady growth of the women’s game, the explosion in the domestic football business, and the mushrooming of academies. All these have been set aside for the failure of the Super Eagles to win one simple football match at home against the weakest team ever to defeat them in history, a team annoyingly being coached by a foreign man rejected by Nigeria for taking Nigerian football back many decades. That singular defeat has also, now, taken Nigerian football development back several decades, nullifying even the small gains at AFCON 2023.
Worse still, the loss by the Super Eagles and the resignation of Finidi George, have both been dwarfed by the cursing and ranting (from ‘nowhere) of Victor Osimhen. It is now the most-talked about issue in the Nigerian football space, setting off mayhem in the football structure – what to do or not to do with Osimhen.
On the current billboard of Nigerian football are all the ugliness, the illegalities, the mediocrities, the injustices, the frailties, the failures in the system, everything in all their nakedness, tiworo tiworo! It is so bad that no one knows exactly what to make of it all, or how best to resolve the resultant issues.
Permit me to peer through my microscope into why in 5 short months, Nigerian football plunged from near the pinnacle of ultimate success to the dung of an unprecedented and most shameful defeat. What could have gone so drastically wrong?
The reality is that at the end of the day, it is the players and how they perform that determine the measure of success or failure of football administrations. When a team wins, everything is right. When a team loses, everything is wrong. It is as simple as that. There are no in-betweens.
Even the era of football administration in Nigeria that is often referred to as a model is only so rated because the Super Eagles played extremely well and won trophies for Nigeria in the early to mid-1990s. Inside the boardroom, at the time (I was a witness), it was also chaotic.
Some 5 months ago, Nigeria broke its own standards. The country rewarded ‘second-best’. She rewarded a team that did not win the trophy in a way such as the world had never seen before.
In history, Nigeria had lost, rather painfully, several finals of previous AFCONs. Twice, in 1988 and 2000, great squads of the Eagles’ that were even glaringly ‘robbed’ of their moments of glory were not welcomed with blaring trumpets, and no celebrations were held to honour or reward their valiant efforts.
Put that side-by-side the Super Eagles of AFCON 2023. No one had confidence in the team. For almost one decade before, they had won nothing, had not impressed very much, had not produced outstanding performances and performers, and so on. All of this under the tutelage of foreign White coaches.
Then, Cote D’Ivoire in January of 2023 happened and the same players that broke the hearts of Nigerians with a lethargic performance in the final match were accorded a heroes’ welcome, feted, honoured and handsomely rewarded by the government.
That gesture was totally out of character with the norm. It must have come with a consequence or a price, as an impetus or a depressant. The players may have concluded they were special indeed.
From amongst them, the most celebrated player before, during and after AFCON who did not deposit one single moment of magic, a single moment of brilliance for posterity to play back and celebrate in testimony to Africa’s Best Player, instead goes on a ranting spree in ‘unjustifiable’ anger, spewing out venomous words like the pus from a wound against his own coach. He was not even a part of the humiliating loss to Benin Republic!.
This can only be the product of some ‘madness’ in the air of Nigerian football. He even went to the extent of announcing that he does not care even if he is never invited to the national team again. Who says such things?
I am muted by the events of this past week. I choose not to speak about them beyond the following:
Finidi George’s resignation
Finidi George and the whole idea of hiring an indigenous coach for the country were not the desired options of the current football administrators. Finidi’s reluctant engagement was wrapped in so much bad-blood and negative intentions that it was doomed to fail!
There was no way he would not have failed even though losing to Benin Republic was never on the cards, and is a totally unacceptable result. So, Finidi’s decision to leave the poisoned Chalice alone by resigning is the most honourable thing to do.
Microscope on the Super Eagles
I am looking microscopically at the Nigerian players.
What has been staring the country in the face for over a decade is the dwindling number of exceptionally-gifted players in many positions on the field.
For several years we stuck with a goalkeeper that was glaringly short on safe-hands. I cannot understand why two foreign coaches definitely stuck to him. Is it confirmation that there is a deficit of great goalkeepers in the country?
At the full-back positions, only Ola Aina has shown consistency and exceptional brilliance down the right-side of the field over several years. The left-side has been the opposite, porous and so weak sometimes that Aina has had to be moved to the left-side to cover up for this weakness on occasions.
The centre of Nigeria’s defence line has been weak. At AFCON 2023, William Troost-Ekong rose to the challenge and provided leadership and great cover for that weakness. The first goal scored by Benin Republic against Nigeria in the absence of William clearly confirms this glaring weakness. There are no bona fide Central defenders currently in the Nigerian team.
In the midfield, Nigeria has a few names like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi. They are very good players until you start to compare them with those before them, the engine room of most of Nigeria’s great teams of the past – Samuel Garba, Haruna Ilerika, Mudashiru Lawal, Henry Nwosu, Jay Jay Okocha, Sunday Oliseh, Kanu Nwankwo and so on? And I do not mean any disrespect to the mid-field players in the current Super Eagles.
There is an array of many good forwards in the current Nigerian team, but goalscoring has been in serious deficit, a reflection of their completeness compared to a glorious past that would surely include amongst many great names, that of Finidi George, the scapegoat of a failed system.
That is the reality.
Nigeria needs a new team of players in several positions. These players cannot be conjured into being by wishful thinking. They will come only through a proper production line established by administrators that know what they are doing!
Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Adekunle, has officially confirmed the end of his romantic relationship with fellow reality star, Venita Akpofure.
The two had sparked a connection during the All Stars edition of the show last year, but it appears their bond has fizzled out.
In a recent interview with YouTuber Olufemi Daniel, Adekunle opened up about the end of their relationship.
Adekunle revealed that he and Venita had a post-show conversation about their relationship, but the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for.
“I would like to think that we were in a relationship in the Big Brother’s house. I wouldn’t want to use the word love. It’s too strong for that scenario. But what we had was more than an understanding. I think we when were in the House together, it was a real thing,” Adekunle said.
“After the show, we had a conversation about our relationship. Out of respect for her and also because she’s not here, I will not give out the details. But we had a conversation outside the House. It was a conversation and it was an understanding but the end result was not what was anticipated“.
The reality star also made it clear that they no longer communicate.
He said:
“I don’t talk to her anymore because we don’t have a relationship. We don’t communicate, we don’t speak [with each other]. A lot of bad things happened, that’s why I’m not going to share them here out of respect for her.”
Recall that Venita in a recent interview also confirmed that she and Adekunle have gone their separate paths.
Venita revealed this during her appearance on Tacha’s ‘The Big Friday Show’, that she and Adekunle are not romantically linked.
She went into further detail about the distinctions between their current paths and their prior experiences.
Venita claims that she is now devoting the most of her energy to her work and her acting career.
Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, revealed that Jorge Masvidal was the fighter who rattled him the most before entering the Octagon.
Despite being one of the most feared fighters in the welterweight division, Usman admitted to feeling afraid during his title run. The fighter who instilled the most fear in “The Nigerian Nightmare” was Masvidal, who had significant hype going into their first title fight in 2020.
Masvidal earned the 2019 ‘Fighter of the Year’ title with victories over Darren Till, Ben Askren, and Nate Diaz, becoming the UFC’s first-ever BMF Champion with a doctor’s stoppage TKO. His record-breaking 5-second flying knee KO of the undefeated Askren stood out as one of the most violent knockouts, leaving Askren unconscious for nearly three minutes.
“I say one of the most violent (knockouts) because of, he was out for almost like two, three minutes,” Usman said of Masvidal’s KO on ‘Pound 4 Pound’.
“He was out. I remember I was there. I remember watching like, ‘He’s still stiff. Not only is he out, but he’s still stiff.’ Then, all that happens, that was 2019 and then I think maybe a year later you and I fight…”
Usman and Masvidal first clashed at UFC 251 under “the craziest circumstances” after title challenger Gilbert Burns withdrew due to COVID-19. Masvidal replaced him on six days’ notice, flying across the world to fight Usman on the UFC’s ‘Fight Island’ in Abu Dhabi.
Although it was Usman’s third UFC title fight, the champion felt uneasy heading into this unexpected and risky title defense against Masvidal. The Askren knockout played continuously on every channel and social media platform, adding to Usman’s nerves.
“Of course, we get nervous for every fight, but one of the first times it got to me, everything around me got to me because, bro, they’re playing your viral knockout, one of the most viral knockouts ever,” Usman said of the Askren knockout.
“(Masvidal) f***ing gets to me,” Usman continued. “I’m like, ‘Oh s**t, is he gonna baptize me? What the f**k is it? I’m in a hotel and I’m super nervous for this, especially that – that moment before you go to the arena for the fight, and I’m in my room just like, ‘Why the f**k am I so nervous right now? Get it together…’ I would say that was probably one of the most nerve-wracking fights that I had.”
Usman overcame his fears to win a dominant unanimous decision over Masvidal at UFC 251. After going the distance with “Gamebred” in 2020, the welterweights met again in a rematch a year later.
[Punch]
As part of effort to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Nigerian movie industry and further consolidate its enviable standing in the world, the highly revered Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has brokered peace between veteran actor Kareem Adepoju ‘Baba Wande’ and award-winning movie producer and director, Tunde Kelani.
Dotun Taylor, the President of Aroba Groove, an International Cultural Organisation, made this known in a statement on Saturday.
The two gladiators of the Nigerian movie industry are said to have been at loggerheads for more than three decades.
Taylor who’s also the Asoju Asa of Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, asserted that the reconciliation of Baba Wande and Kelani would paved way for the advancement of Nigerian cultural heritage globally.
According to him, the longstanding feud between the two veterans has affected the growth of Nollywood industry in one way or the other.
He said that the reconciliation, marks a significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.
“The three decade-long dispute revolved around royalties from the movie “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”
“Ooni of Ife also told me how great the film was ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ and that’s why he choose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.
“The Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.
“Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ọjaja II), visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home in Ogun State, Nigeria, to seal the settlement.
“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.
“The Aroba Groove successful mediate the reconciliation which has been giving birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.
According to him, ASIYANBI ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi for new generation to learn from rich history of the Yoruba culture.
Taylor said that following the successful reconciliation, he praised the exemplary leadership displayed by Kelani and Baba Wande citing their willingness to put aside differences as a valuable lesson for the industry and beyond.
He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.
Taylor added that by working together, we could avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.
Taylor said that the two veterans have put aside their differences, attributing the past feud to royalty issues from the 1993 hit film Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.
He said that in a heartwarming reconciliation, they expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention and the vital role played by Asoju Asa Oodua.
Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bossom friend.
“We will continue to work together for the growth of our beloved industry and Yorubaland.”
Kelani also in his remarks said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.
“This peace initiative is a reminder that our work is appreciated, and we are being watched.
“I thank the Ooni for his intervention and assure my full support to the production of ASIYANBI, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.
Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ASIYANBI, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.
Akindeji said that the captivating stage play, ASIYANBI, was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later in the year.
According to him, the historic reconciliation embodies the core values of Yorubaland’s ‘Omoluabi’.
“While the timeless story of TI OLUWA NILE remains unchanged, its presentation this time around is nothing short of breathtaking,” said.
The production couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for Nigeria, as the country navigates its current challenges.
“With unwavering belief, the team affirms that Nigeria is God’s beloved nation, and this land is indeed God’s own – TI OLUWA NILE.
“Following a teaser released, Aroba Groove has announced that drama enthusiasts can look forward to a treat from October as the ingenious production tour cities across the country and abroad.
The talented cast for the stage-play featuring Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Actress Aisha Lawal, Ozain, Lekan Agba Inaki, Jude Chukwuka, and Dele Omo Woli amongst others, will bring the production to life in these cities, promising an unforgettable experience.
The iconic film, released in three parts, remains one of the best-selling Yoruba movies of all time, and this reconciliation marks a new chapter in the industry’s history.
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Nollywood actress of the Yoruba extraction, Abidemi Adisa has affirmed that sex-for-role syndrome is a clear and present danger in the movie industry as it has driven some highly talented, well-meaning actors out of the industry.
Adisa said, “ “It sure does exist and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. This is not even limited to actresses, but men too are sometimes victims. But we can’t stereotype Nollywood for this because it sure does exist in other Industries as well.”
“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex for a role because I’m not desperate for stardom”, she added.
She also speaks on her foray into the industry, “My passion for the make-believe industry drove me into acting. I always appreciate how great actors interpret roles and make people believe it is a real occurrence. This greatly influenced my decision to take up acting as a career”.
Abidemi Adisa learned the rudiments of acting under the veteran actor, Mr Saidi Balogun and she had starred in quite a number of movie productions such as: Violence part 1&2, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe, Akete, etc. The delectable actress also had 3 movies she had produced herself namely Ota, Ojiji Ife, Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2.
The talented actress is currently working on a new project she’s planning to shoot in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. The title is “Iku Ore”. It is a story of a lady that pleases her friend in every way but who doesn’t care about herself.
In 2018, Brazilian pensioner João sought medical help after he found a wart on his penis.
“I started visiting medical clinics to find out what it was, but all the doctors told me it was due to excess skin and prescribed medication,” the 63-year-old recalls.
Despite the medication, the wart continued to grow. It started to take a toll on his marriage and João and his wife’s sex life declined. “We were like siblings,” he admits. He was determined to find out what was going on.
For five years João, not his real name, went back and forth to specialists who prescribed more medication and ordered new biopsies. “Nothing solved it,” he says.
Then, in 2023, he was given a diagnosis – João had penile cancer.
“For my family, it was a very unpleasant surprise, even more so because I had to have part of the penis amputated. I feel like I was decapitated,” he says.
“It’s a type of cancer that you can’t talk about with people because it could turn into a joke.”
Penile cancer is rare, but incidences and mortality rates are on the rise around the world.
According to the latest studies, Brazil, where João is from, has one of the highest incidence rates of 2.1 per 100,000 men.
‘Terrified of surgery’
Between 2012 and 2022, there were 21,000 reported cases, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Health. This resulted in more than 4,000 deaths and, over the past decade, there have been more than 6,500 amputations – averaging two each day.
Maranhão, the poorest state in Brazil, was found to have the highest incidence rate globally at 6.1 per 100,000 men.
Symptoms of penile cancer often start with a sore on the penis that does not heal and a strong-smelling discharge. Some people get bleeding and colour changes of the penis, too.
When detected early, there is a high chance of recovery through treatments such as the surgical removal of the lesion, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
But if left untreated, partial or total amputation of the penis, and possibly other nearby genital organs such as the testicles, may become necessary.
João underwent a partial amputation in January and says it was a difficult time.
“It’s something you never imagine will happen to you, and when it does, you can’t just go around telling people,” he says.
“I was terrified of surgery, but there was no other alternative. The feeling in the first weeks after the surgery was one of sadness, I can’t deny it. Not having part of your penis is horrible.”
Some patients undergo a total amputation which is life-changing.
Thiago Camelo Mourão from the Department of Urology at AC Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo says: “In the case of partial amputation, urine continues to exit through the penis.
“However, in total amputation, the urethral orifice can be relocated to the perineum, between the scrotum and the anus, requiring the patient to urinate while sitting on the toilet.”
Mauricio Dener Cordeiro of the Brazilian Society of Urology says the persistent infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), a name given to a common group of viruses, is “one of the main risk factors”. HPV can be transmitted during sex and in some cases, it can lead to cancers including in the mouth and penis.
He says: “Mass vaccination against HPV is essential due to its high effectiveness in preventing related lesions,” but he adds that vaccination rates in Brazil are below the level needed to be truly effective.
“In Brazil, despite the availability of the vaccine, the HPV vaccination rate remains low for girls – reaching only 57% – and for boys, it doesn’t exceed 40%,” he says. “The ideal coverage to prevent the disease is 90%.”
Vaccine
He believes misinformation about the vaccine, unfounded doubts about its effectiveness and a lack of vaccination campaigns have contributed to the low take-up.
According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) website, smoking can increase the risk of getting penile cancer, too. It also says you might be more likely to get penile cancer if you “have problems pulling back your foreskin (the skin covering your penis) to keep your penis clean (a condition called phimosis)”.
“When a man does not expose the glans and fails to clean the foreskin properly, it produces a secretion that accumulates,” Dr Cordeiro says. “This creates a highly favourable environment for bacterial infections.
“If this occurs repeatedly, it becomes a risk factor for the appearance of the tumour.”
But Brazil is not the only place where penile cancer is on the rise. According to the latest research, the number of cases is increasing around the world.
In 2022, the journal JMIR Public Health and Surveillance published the results of a large-scale analysis involving the latest data from 43 countries.
It found the highest incidence of penile cancer between 2008 and 2012 was in Uganda (2.2 per 100,000), followed by Brazil (2.1 per 100,000) and Thailand (1.4 per 100,000). The lowest was in Kuwait (0.1 per 100,000).
“Although developing countries still bear the higher incidence and mortality of penile cancer, the incidence is on the rise in most European countries,” the team of researchers led by Leiwen Fu and Tian Tian from Sun Yat-Sen University in China found.
They reported that England had seen an increase in penile cancer, rising from 1.1 to 1.3 per 100,000 between 1979 and 2009 and in Germany cases increased by 50% from 1.2 to 1.8 per 100,000 between 1961 and 2012.
These figures are only set to get higher, according to the Global Cancer Registries prediction tool. It estimates that by 2050, the global incidence of penile cancer will rise by more than 77%.
This change can largely be attributed to the ageing population, according to the experts, who say the highest incidence occurred in men in their 60s.
Dr Cordeiro says: “Penile cancer is a rare disease but also highly preventable”.
He advised that using condoms during sex and undergoing surgery to remove the foreskin in cases of phimosis could help reduce the risk of penile cancer.
Neil Barber, Clinical Lead for Urology at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “Penile cancer is almost unheard of in the circumcised population. Poor hygiene and infections beneath the foreskin, as well as conditions like phimosis that make it difficult to retract the foreskin and maintain good hygiene, are risk factors. This is linked to higher overall infection risks”.
“Established risk factors also include unprotected sex, specifically not using condoms, with poor hygiene further increasing risks through this route.”
João is currently waiting for his latest test results, which he will receive later this year. “I’m confident that these exams will show that I’ll be cured,” he says.
“Now, following the amputation, the pain has gone away, and I’ve been feeling much better. But I’ll have to live with a partially amputated penis for the rest of my days.”
According to Cancer Research UK, more than 90% of men diagnosed with penile cancer which has not spread to nearby lymph nodes survive for five years or more.
The piece was published by BBC
A retired Brigadier General of the Nigerian Army, Uwem Harold Udokwe, was tragically murdered during an armed robbery at his residence in Sunshine Homes Estate, Abuja, in the early hours of Saturday.
According to reports, the late Brigadier General was attacked by three suspected armed robbers who invaded his home.
During the robbery, the assailants reportedly demanded jewellery and took the general’s pistol before fatally shooting him.
The attack marks the third such incident at the general’s residence, intensifying concerns about security in the area.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, Benneth Igweh, has ordered a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Udokwe’s death.
The command spokeswoman, SP Adeh Josephine, issued a statement confirming the commencement of a discrete investigation aimed at apprehending those responsible for the heinous act.
Commissioner Igweh expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased and assured the public that the police are committed to delivering swift justice.
He emphasized the command’s dedication to enhancing the security landscape of the nation’s capital by adapting strategies to combat evolving criminal activities effectively.
The National Assembly’s Sergeant-At-Arm, Air Commodore S.A Zakari (retd.), also confirmed the general’s death, providing additional details about the tragic event.
According to Zakari, the general’s wife reported that this was the third attack on their home.
The statement released by the police reads, “According to Pastor Awe, his neighbour, the robbers injured one of the estate guards. That one was taken to the jospital at Abacha Barracks along with Brig Gen H Udokwere rtd N/5575, the victim. While the injured guard was being treated at Abacha Barracks Hospital, the General was referred to the National Hospital Abuja.
“Air Cdre MM Igho informed Air Cdre SA Zakari rtd of the incident at 0810 hrs. Zakari dashed to NHA to support the family. Zakari met Pastor Awe (the neighbour) with the victim’s wife, son and other neighbours. Air Cdre Zakari was told Gen Udokwere was dead and the corpse was at the National Hospital morgue.
“Zakari met the wife, calmed her down and reported the issue to Maj Gen Dr Okereke. The Comd NAOWA Hospital sent an ambulance to retrieve the body of the late General Udokwere to NAOWA Hospital where he was confirmed dead.
“Gen Hashim, the neighbour, has taken the family to his house for his wife to handle Mrs Udokwere. However, Mrs Udokwere insisted she must see her husband. Contact was made with the Cse Mates (NDA 15th Cse) and Brig Gen KA Kareem was tasked to visit the family which he did. The family will decide the next line of action regarding the funeral.”
‘Ganduje Would Have Made My Life Miserable’ – Sanusi Opens Up On His 2020 Dethronement As Emir Of Kano
AFOLABI
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has opened up on while he did not challenge his removal as the Emir by the former governor of the state, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in March 2020.
Sanusi, a former governor of Nigeria’s Central Bank, who spoke in an interview with Sun Newspaper, explained that he is one of hundreds of princes of the Emirate and therefore doesn’t have fundamental right to be an Emir.
Asked why he didn’t challenge his dethronement by former Governor Ganduje, Sanusi said, “A number of reasons. I have told you that I don’t have a fundamental right to be an Emir. I am one of hundreds of princes. God chose me. And if God says I should leave, for me, I take it that God knows better than me why I had to leave. Okay, let’s say I go to court. Let me even say this; I just got a letter that said I had been dethroned for insubordination.
“I had never been queried for insubordination,” he explained.
“The details of the insubordination were not given. I had not been given any chance to defend myself. So, it was clear that the state and the federal governments had both decided that it was time for me to go. Okay?”
He revealed that even if he had gone to court and the court returned him, he wouldn’t have been able to work with the administration of Governor Ganduje.
“So, let’s even assume that the court said I should come back. Do you think I was looking forward to working with that government? Would I have been happy as an Emir in the last three years working with that government? You’re under a governor. The law gives him the power to be on top of you. He has said he doesn’t like you. He has made it clear he does not like you. If I come, he would just make my life miserable.
“It was going to be one story after the other. One fake story, one social media insult after another, and in my position, I won’t be able to respond. So, for me, I had a happier life in Lagos with my friends, publishing my book, doing my Ph.D, doing my UN work, doing my Tijaniya work, than sitting here in a constant fight with the government.
“Secondly, look at the Emir of Gwandu, who was removed under Obasanjo. How many years now? Almost 20. The state High Court said he was illegally removed, return him. So, there was an appeal. The Court of Appeal said he was illegally removed, return him. It is at the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court has not yet spoken out about him. I mean, do I have 20 years to fight in court to come back to a throne?
“So, for me, I had been Emir for six years, alhamdulillah. I had done what I did. At least, the only reason I would have gone to court is if they had removed me on an allegation that harmed my reputation because the only currency I have is my integrity. So, if they had accused me of fraud or something, I would have had to go to court to clear my name, but they said insubordination.
“So, the governor was asked, what are the reasons for insubordination? He said, sometimes he is invited to meetings, and he does not come. For every well-meaning Nigerian who saw that story, who saw that news, I don’t even need to defend myself because if you are going to remove an Emir and the only reason you can have is that you invite him for some meetings that he does not come, then nobody takes you seriously. Everybody knows that this was not the reason. So, I always felt that if it was God’s will that I come back, if not, I’ll go and continue my life.
“So, I didn’t go to court to challenge my removal. I went to court to challenge their attempt to keep me in exile and under house arrest to enforce my fundamental human rights but I did not go to court to challenge the removal because I didn’t even have to because it was self-evident on the face of it that this was just a political act. So, that was why I didn’t challenge it.”