The governor said a ‘Post No Debit’ instruction shall remain in force until all signatories are changed.
He warned all banks to adhere to the directive without delay.
He said: “May I announce that effective immediately and until further notice, all government bank accounts in all banks are hereby frozen. A ‘Post No Debit’ instruction shall remain in force until all signatories are changed. Any bank that violates this instruction does so at its own risk.”
During his speech, Governor Alia expressed his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the state’s finances.
Physicians have raised concerns about low awareness of stroke risk factors among Nigerians, noting that despite being the second biggest killer globally, knowledge on how to possibly prevent or manage the medical condition is still relatively low.
They said people need to know that uncontrolled high blood pressure is not the only risk factor for coming down with stroke.
The medical experts said there are other causes of stroke other than uncontrolled hypertension, urging people with stroke to seek proper medical intervention and stop seeing the condition as a mystery.
Speaking in an interview obtained by LN247 one of the experts and a former National President, National Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Uyilawa Okhuaihesuyi, said high blood pressure is not the only cause of stroke and taking hypertensive drugs doesn’t prevent stroke.
Dr. Okhuaihesuyi said, “Controlling your blood pressure doesn’t mean you are preventing yourself from having a stroke. High blood pressure is just one criteria for developing stroke.
“People need to do proper health checks at every time. Coming down with a stroke is not a mystery. There are different causes of stroke. Medication can help to reduce high blood pressure.”
Giving further insight into the causes of stroke, Dr. Okhuaihesuyi said all the things that can narrow blood vessels can also lead to stroke.
“Stroke can either be hemorrhagic or thrombotic. And just controlling your blood pressure does not mean you are controlling the thrombotic phenomenon that will occur with stroke.
“Because there are different causes of stroke, you need to be able to follow the causes to be able to lead a healthy life. In most patients above 50 with high blood pressure, we place them on Vasopril.
“Just taking ant-hypertensives is not enough to prevent stroke. You have to look at other causes. There is a need for regular health checks for people above 40 years at least once a year or every six months. Those are ways of preventing stroke”, he explained
The physician called for increased awareness on how to reduce stroke risks and also manage individuals with the condition.
He also urged the government to support people living with stroke.
Stroke Risk Factors
According to the World Stroke Organisation, 90 per cent of strokes are associated with 10 risk factors that can easily be identified: hypertension, exercise, diet, weight, smoking, alcohol, cholesterol, diabetes, depression and stress, and atrial fibrillation (AF, or AFib).
The organisation says stroke can be prevented in many ways across all boards, from government and policymakers to healthcare professionals and members of the community.
It notes that stroke survivors live with long-term consequences such as disabilities and often manage their resulting limitations and health status as a chronic condition.
Meanwhile, a Consultant Pathologist, Dr. Michael Ajala, advised those with hypertension not to take drugs not prescribed for them by their doctors to avoid complications such as stroke.
The Chief Executive Officer of Help Diagnostics and Checkup Services, Lagos, also said hypertensive patients should avoid taking herbs and supplements as some of them have addictive actions.
The pathologist explained, “When you are taking antihypertensive drugs, don’t take herbs and supplements.
“Some of these things have addictive actions that may be damaging and will be bad for the health status of whoever is taking them.”
In a 2019 study published in Scientific Research Publishing, the researchers said stroke is one of the most common non-communicable diseases and the commonest cause of death in adult neurology wards.
Stroke prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, they noted, has dramatically increased over the past decades possibly due to changing lifestyles, poverty, and poor health infrastructures which they said had led to increased risk factors for stroke.
“Poor nutrition and lack of access to standard medical care, predispose to high rates of stroke morbidity and mortality. Little is known about the prevalence of stroke in people with low socio-economic status in Nigeria,” the researchers stated.
A group, the Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement, has called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to adopt Sweden’s model for tackling tobacco smoking and its harmful effects.
The group with a network comprising activists, researchers, journalists and consumers, made the call in a statement signed by its spokesman, Abisoye Micheal, to mark World Vape Day, which is celebrated annually on May 30, 2023, is meant to raise awareness on the potential benefits of vaping as a harm reduction tool for smokers.
In the statement titled, ‘Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement Embraces Sweden’s Approach to Tobacco Harm Reduction: Igniting African Harm Reduction Movement on World Vape Day 2023, the FCFA suggested that Nigeria adopt Snus, a smokeless oral tobacco product, and promote diverse alternatives to traditional cigarettes.
“The Foundation for Consumer Freedom Advancement (FCFA) proudly joins the global community in celebrating World Vape Day 2023 on May 30. This significant occasion allows us to reflect on the remarkable achievements made in combating smoking and to underscore the urgent need for Nigeria to embrace Tobacco Harm Reduction strategies, drawing inspiration from Sweden’s successful model. By adopting Sweden’s approach, Nigeria can pave the way for other African nations, offering a beacon of hope in reducing smoking rates and promoting a healthier future.
“Sweden’s remarkable accomplishment is evident as it moves closer to becoming a smoke-free society. Over the past 15 years, smoking rates in Sweden have plummeted from 15% to an astonishingly low 5.6%, making it the lowest rate in Europe.
“This achievement not only reflects a decline in smoking but also signifies a substantial reduction in associated health risks. It also places Sweden 17 years ahead of the European Union’s target. These remarkable statistics are a testament to the effectiveness of the Swedish way of making reduced risks alternative products to smoking widely accessible, acceptable and affordable.
“In contrast, Nigeria continues to face the devastating consequences of smoking-related diseases. The World Health Organisation, in 2022, reported that nearly 30,000 lives were lost in Nigeria due to this. According to the Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction, 4.1% of the adult population in Nigeria are current smokers, representing approximately 4.5 million individuals. The Global State of Tobacco Harm Reduction reports that while 7.9% of men in Nigeria are current smokers, only 0.3% of women engage in smoking. These figures underscore the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritise THR and learn from the Swedish model,” it stated.
While advocating the use of Snus and other alternatives to tobacco use, the FCFA urged that like Sweden, the Nigerian government and other stakeholders must “conduct public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and targeted messaging to reduce the stigma associated with these products.”
“Sweden’s remarkable achievement in reducing smoking rates can be attributed to two main steps. Firstly, they adopted Snus, a smokeless oral tobacco product, which kick-started their smoke-free journey. Secondly, Sweden promotes diverse alternatives to traditional cigarettes. They ensure comprehensive accessibility by offering a range of reduced-risk alternatives such as e-cigarettes or vaping products and nicotine pouches.
“These alternatives are made readily available in convenience stores, supermarkets, and tobacco stores, simplifying the transition process for smokers. To further motivate smokers, Sweden focuses on promoting acceptance of these reduced-risk alternatives. They conduct public awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and targeted messaging to reduce the stigma associated with these products. “Additionally, Sweden addresses the affordability factor by implementing taxation policies and pricing strategies that make reduced-risk alternatives more affordable than traditional cigarettes. This eliminates a major barrier for smokers who want to switch to safer options
“Sweden’s latest health miracle could save millions of lives across the African continent. Adopting this approach to tobacco harm reduction, African countries, including Nigeria, have the opportunity to transform public health outcomes and reduce the staggering toll of tobacco-related diseases.
“The success of Sweden in drastically reducing smoking rates and improving public health outcomes provides an invaluable roadmap for Nigerian policymakers, public health officials and advocates. With accessibility, acceptability and affordability of reduced-risk alternatives to smoking, Nigeria can begin to address the pressing health challenges associated with smoking and reduce the staggering number of preventable deaths caused by tobacco-related diseases.”
William Karlsson, William Carrier and Jonathan Marchessault are finally getting another chance in the Stanley Cup Final, after the first one that came so quick for the Vegas Golden Knights.
They are going back after making sure they didn’t need another game against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference Final.
Karlsson scored two goals and had an assist while Carrier and Marchessault also scored for the Knights in a 6-0 rout Monday night over the Stars, who had extended the West final to six games after losing the first three.
“We’ve worked hard as a group. That was the goal since year one, to come back here,” Marchessault said. “Our best game is yet to come. That’s the mentality we need to have.”
Reilly Smith, Brayden McNabb and Shea Theodore were also part of that inaugural 2017-18 Knights season that ended in a Cup Final, when they won Game 1 against the Washington Capitals before losing four in a row.
Keegan Kolesar and Michael Amadio each had a goal and an assist for Vegas, which hosts Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final against Florida on Saturday night.
The Knights led the Western Conference in the regular season with 51 wins and 111 points. The Panthers completed a four-game sweep of Carolina in the East final last Wednesday, but their 40 wins and 92 points in the regular season were the fewest among the 16 teams that began these NHL playoffs.
Adin Hill stopped 23 shots for his second career playoff shutout — both against the Stars. The other was 4-0 in Game 3 last Tuesday, when the Knights were already within one win of clinching the series before Dallas overcame 1-0 and 2-1 deficits in both Games 4 and 5.
Individual Champion Harold Varner III, of RangeGoats GC, celebrates with the trophy on stage after winning LIV Golf DC at Trump National, Sunday, May 28, 2023, in Sterling, Va. (Photo by LIV Golf via AP)
Harold Varner III won his first LIV Golf event when he two-putted from about 35 feet for birdie on the par-5 18th hole at Trump National in LIV Golf-DC.
Varner won by one shot over Branden Grace of South Africa, who moments earlier holed about a 20-foot birdie putt on the tough par-4 second hole, his last of the shotgun start. Grace closed with a 66.
Mito Pereira, the 36-hole leader, shot 71 and finished third.
Varner won for the first time on American soil. He never won on the PGA Tour before signing on with the Saudi-funded league. His previous two professional wins were the Australian PGA Championship and the Saudi International.
“I’m getting better at golf,” he said. “That’s always been my goal. I think big things are coming.”
Varner, who opened the 54-hole event with a 64, started the final round one shot behind Pereira. But the Chilean bogeyed his first two holes.
Varner holed a bunker shot for birdie at the 11th, and he made about a 12-foot birdie putt on the 15th that gave him a two-shot lead. Grace birdied two of his final three holes.
Varner finished at 12-under 204 and made $4 million.
Torque won the team competition.
Brooks Koepka had a 70 and tied for 12th a week after he won the PGA Championship at Oak Hill for his fifth major.
Anthony Joshua’s promoter, Eddie Hearn, has revealed the rest of the former heavyweight boxing champion’s fights this year, starting with a date with Dillan Whyte in August.
Hearn, yesterday, revealed that Joshua’s camp has received communication from fury’s team about a potential fight. Fury has been linked to most heavyweights as he searches for a summer opponent and has now turned his attention back to Joshua.
“The gypsy king’s promoters have made contact with Hearn about a Wembley fight for September, although the match room boss denies a ‘draft contract’ has been received.
“Aj had been expected to return this august in the UK, most likely against Dillian Whyte and then take on Deontay wilder in Saudi Arabia in December. Hearn admitted they are ‘interested’ in a fury fight, but are unlikely to divert from their original plans in the ‘hope’ the WBC champion is genuine.
Right now, our plan remains the same, august and wilder in December; so, we’ll see what happens in Saudi Arabia this week. That’s our plan, that’s what we’re moving forward with this week, if we can’t make that happen we’ll 100 per cent look at the fury fight. “Will we give up those fights and the massive payday against wilder on the hope of making the fury fight, probably not, but I will go through the motions and see where we go with it.
Jose Mourinho does not want anything to leak out of Trigoria ahead of the Europa League final against Sevilla, so he has locked down Roma’s final training sessions.
The Giallorossi will face off against the Spanish outfit in the Europa League final on May 31 at the Puskas Arena in Budapest.
Mourinho guided Roma to their first ever major European honour in the Europa Conference League last season and he’s desperate to continue his success this season in the Europa League. Winning this trophy would also qualify the team for next season’s Champions League.
As highlighted by Corriere dello Sport, Mourinho has decided to close off Roma’s final training sessions at Trigoria, partly out of superstition and partly to avoid leaks.
Only technical and medical staff are allowed to attend the training sessions, with other club employees forced to stay away.
The Portuguese coach did something similar ahead of the Conference League final against Feyenoord last season.
Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has penned an emotional acceptance letter after being honoured with (MFR) national award.
Osimhen bagged a brace against Bologna and now has 25 Serie A goals for the season, surely enough to lock down the Capocannoniere title, took to Twitter to celebrate the milestone.
“Today, I feel so blessed and grateful as I announce that I have been awarded the prestigious Member of the order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award by the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Today also marked my 100th game for Napoli and I was fortunate to score 2 goals for my club, it is an amazing moment and feeling for me to be able to achieve this feat for this great club.
“This MFR recognition also means a lot to me, as it symbolizes the appreciation and support of the great Nigerian people for the dedication and hard work they have always put into their individual career to make Nigeria Proud.
“My deepest gratitude goes to the Federal Republic of Nigeria for recognising me at such a national level, and I am so humbled and grateful. I am proud to be a Nigerian and represent Her.
“I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their continuous efforts in promoting and developing sports in our country. Their support has contributed to the growth of myself and every other athletes in the country.
“To my amazing family, who have been my rock and source of inspiration throughout my journey, I am forever indebted to your love and support. I love you all and this award is as much yours as it is mine. And to my fans and supporters, both in Nigeria and around the world, you all are super amazing and I am so grateful for all you do for me.
“Your constant support, well wishes and cheers have uplifted me in moments of triumph and provided solace during challenging times. I am immensely honored to achieve this feat for Napoli and I’m also honored to receive this MFR award, and I consider it a responsibility to continue striving for excellence, more records and making meaningful contributions to people’s live with the sport I love. Thank you everyone.”
Novak Djokovic began his campaign for a record 23rd men’s grand slam singles title with victory and world number one Carlos Alcaraz also progressed to the second round at Roland Garros.
Serbia’s Djokovic, a two-time champion in Paris, claimed a 6-3 6-2 7-6 (7-1) win over Aleksandar Kovacevic.
Us open champion Alcatraz also came through in straight sets, beating Italian Flavio Cobolli 6-0 6-2 7-5.
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