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Tying of legs after snakebite wrong, fuelling amputations, deaths – Experts

Health experts have cautioned Nigerians against the practice of tying the legs of victims of snakebite with a cloth to stop the movement of the snake venom.

According to the experts, the practice and other crude management of snakebite are fuelling avoidable mortality and morbidity.

The call by the medical experts is coming after the Federal Government called for renewed vigour among stakeholders in snakebite management

One major harmful practice of snakebite management that should be discouraged, according to the experts, is the tying of the leg of victims after snakebite.

They stressed that the practice is fuelling cases of limb amputation.

According to them, victims of snakebite should rather immediately call for help and ensure they are taken to good health facilities for appropriate treatment.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH HealthWise, a Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, Dr. Bright Igbinoba, said there are things that were done in the past when a person was bitten by a snake that are being discouraged nowadays.

Igbinoba said it is also important to quickly rush a person bitten by a snake to the hospital to avoid orthopaedic effects that could lead to complications and amputation of the limb.

The orthopaedic surgeon explained, “The first thing that should not be done after a person is bitten by a snake is tying something tight around the limb.

“Normally, once a person is bitten by a snake, the limb is swollen. So, as you tie it, it becomes more swollen and blood will not flow into the limb and the limb will die. And once the limb is dead, it will need an amputation.

“Before, if a person has a snake bite, they will ask him or her to tear a piece of clothing and tie the leg. Tying that piece of clothing on the leg has been found to increase the risk of amputation.

“Again, the practice of cutting the bite mark of a snake with a razor blade should be discouraged. It has been found to introduce infection.

“Also, the practice of sucking the venom by mouth is also discouraged. It doesn’t really help because the venom can enter the mouth of the person trying to suck it.

“The use of cold compress is also discouraged.”

Igbinoba noted that snakebite might not lead to death or amputation if people get help on time and seek appropriate treatment.

According to the World Health Organisation, snakebite is a neglected public health issue in many tropical and subtropical countries.

The United Nations health agency says about 5.4 million snakebites occur each year, resulting in 1.8 to 2.7 million cases of envenoming (poisoning from snakebite).

“There are between 81, 410 and 137, 880 deaths and around three times as many amputations and other permanent disabilities each year,” WHO says.

Recalled that the Minister of State for Health, Dr.OlorunnimbeMamora, had recently said Nigeria records an average of 15,000 to 20,000 cases of snakebites every year.

Quoting a recent survey, Mamora said snakebites in the country occurred at 479 cases per 100,000 people.

The minister had said, “Nigeria records an average of 15,000 to 20,000 cases of snakebite every year, with about 2,000 people killed and between 1,700 and 2,000 people whose legs or arms are amputated to save their lives after snakebite.

“States with the most cases of snakebite in the country are Gombe, Plateau, Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Nasarawa, Enugu, Kogi, Kebbi, Oyo, Benue and Taraba.”

He called for renewed vigour to ensure strong partnerships among member states, development partners, donors and other stakeholders for snakebite management.

Giving insight into snake venoms and their complications, Igbinoba said, “We have the ones that destroy the blood and are very toxic to the blood. Those ones are called the haemotoxins venom or snakebite.

“Snakes with this type of venom, once they bite a person, their venom enters the bloodstream and starts destroying the blood. And the person will start bleeding from the snakebite and can bleed into the internal organs and die from there.

“Then you have the neurotoxic venom. The ones take over the nerves of the body and weaken the person and the person cannot move again.

“The venom will completely take over the person’s nervous system. The last type of venom is necrotizing fasciitis. Now, what do snakes do when they bite an animal or prey, the venoms contain enzymes and so as they inject it into a person’s body, the body starts digesting.

“That digestion, what it does is to kill the cells. And that is what causes the limb to start getting rotten.

“It causes it to have a big wound and swell,” he explained.

The physician advised that people should avoid drugs not prescribed by experts when they are bitten by a snake.

“People should immediately call for help once they are bitten by a snake.

The person should be quickly rushed to the hospital.

“The person should try and know the type of snake so that we will be able to know the type of venom that the snake has.

“It is also important to note the time of the bite so that we can plan and know the speed at which to attend to the patient”, the surgeon counselled.

WHO further says most of the deaths from snakebite occur in Africa, Asia and Latin America.

“In Asia, up to 2 million people are envenomed by snakes each year, while in Africa there are an estimated 435 000 to 580 000 snakebites annually that need treatment.

“Bites by venomous snakes can cause acute medical emergencies involving severe paralysis that may prevent breathing, cause bleeding disorders that can lead to fatal haemorrhage, cause irreversible kidney failure and severe local tissue destruction that can cause permanent disability and limb amputation,” WHO added.

Just In: Abducted Zamfara Speaker’s father dies in captivity

Alhaji Abubakar, the father of the Speaker, Zamfara State House of Assembly, Hon. Nasiru Magarya who was recently abducted by bandits, has died while in captivity.

Recall that the victim who was the District Head of Magarya village, was alongside other residents of the area, including family members, abducted in early August by armed men suspected to be bandits terrorizing parts of the State.

However, 16 victims, including a three-month old baby Khadija Muazu, and her mother Hauwa Muazu, were rescued by the State police command on Saturday.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Ayuba Elkanah who confirmed the rescue, said the victims were abandoned by their abductors who are fleeing the forest following offensives been unleashed against them by security operatives.

The commissioner stated that the speaker’s father was still missing as he could not be found amongst the rescued victims.

Subsequently, the elder brother of the deceased, Malam Dahiru Magarya who was among the released kidnapped victims told newsmen in the State that the Speaker’s father had died of heart attack while in the abductors’ den.

“One of the bandits’ kingpins popularly known as Kachalla informed me that my brother died due to heart failure while in captivity.

“We were separated when they kidnapped us, they took my brother to another camp but it was Kachalla, one of the commanders of the bandits that told me about the death of my brother which was a result of a heart attack hours before our rescue,” he said.

The State’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Muhammed Shehu could not be reached as of the time of filing this report. His phone line was not reachable at the moment.

Don’t Be Afraid of COVID-19, Adeboye Tells Church Members

General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye yesterday urged the members of the Church not to be afraid of the COVID-19, pointing out that only people whose time had come would die of the pandemic as the Lord had said.

He encouraged the members of the RCCG not to be frightened by the pandemic because they would not die before their time according to God’s words, warning however that “don’t be afraid does not mean be careless.”

He made these remarks Friday night during October Holy Ghost Service at the Redemption Camp, Km 46, Lagos Ibadan Expressway, Mowe, Ogun-State.

He explained how many people had bombarded him with questions about his stand on COVID-19 vaccination.

He said he declined to comment on the subject on the ground that it bordered on the issue of national interests.

According to him, only the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) or Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) should respond to such issues.

“I am a man under authority. So, I keep my mouth shut. What I am saying now does not necessarily represent the view of CAN or PFN. It is just my view vis-à-vis RCCG. I am not talking to Nigeria, but to my children, who are members of the RCCG.”

He held that safety “is of the Lord. It is of the mercy of the Lord that we are not consumed. If we are to go by what scientists said, we should by now be counting the number of deaths in Nigeria in hundreds of thousands. That is what the scientists projected then.

“But there is a God who answers prayers. When He told me on January 1, 2020 that the world would behave like a child in convulsion, I told you. When He said later the whole world would have a compulsory holiday, I did not know all the details then because we only know in part. We only know what He tells us. God is not talkative.

“When it became clear that we were for very serious trouble, scientists began to say what would happen to Africa now. But I cried to God. I reminded Him of the prayers of the elders. I also reminded Him that it is only God that can chase away flies for a cow that has no tail.”

Adeboye explained that he would only receive COVID-19 vaccine for the sake of the gospel, noting that he had never told his congregation not to be vaccinated.

“You have never heard that from me. Rather than live in fear or doubt, get vaccinated. If you believe that getting vaccinated will put your mind at rest, then go ahead.

“Daddy, are you saying that you too could be vaccinated? If there are nations in the world that say that I cannot come to preach the gospel there because of vaccination, I will do anything for Jesus Christ.

“If vaccination or no vaccination is going to hinder me from doing the work God has called me to do, even if they ask me to be vaccinated 100 times, I will be vaccinated. So, don’t ever say that you heard from me that I said that you should not be vaccinated.”

Adeboye, however, described as laughable the move by some governors who made COVID-19 vaccination compulsory before people could attend church gatherings.

The pastor noted that such leaders were missing the point, saying the number of vaccine jabs available in the country was not enough to go round.

He said, “The number of doses available in the country is not even enough for 10 per cent of the total population of the nation. How do you then say whoever does not take the vaccine will not be able to go to the bank and church?

“It means 90 percent of the population will not be able to access their money. We will need to go back to the olden days of keeping money, I hope you know. Well, I believe they just want to make us laugh. You know in Nigeria, we need things to make us laugh.”

Anambra loses N19.6bn on every sit-at-home – Soludo

Former Central Bank Governor and candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has said the State loses N19.6 billion every day that it is locked down.

Soludo stated this at an enlarged meeting with Anambra State Elders and Stakeholders Forum, and Forum of Heads of Broadcast Media Stations in Anambra State.

He called on the people spilling blood in the State to have a re-think as such actions do not define who Anambra people are.

“Anambra State economy loses an estimated sum of N19.6 billion every time the sit-at-home directive is enforced in the state.

“Such actions do not define who we are. That is why we are calling on those responsible to stop because we are hurting ourselves.”

Professor Soludo while calling on Ndi Anambra to be watchful, praised Governor Willie Obiano for what he called outstanding achievements.

“Governor Willie Obiano has delivered sustainable legacy projects to Ndi Anambra including the Anambra International airport, the International convention centre, Awka and the Awka stadium.”

He said the governor has done well despite overseeing two recessions and the state suffering dwindling federal allocations.

Source: daily Post

Koeman’s woes compounded as Atletico Madrid beat Barcelona Again

Suarez did not celebrate his goal as a sign of respect to his former club
Reigning champions Atletico Madrid went level with Real Madrid at the top of La Liga and inflicted further damage on Ronald Koeman‘s struggling Barcelona with a deserved win in Spain’s capital.

Thomas Lemar scored the opener, finishing well at the end of a move involving Joao Felix and Suarez.

Suarez then slotted in against his former club to put Atletico in charge.

Antoine Griezmann also featured against his former club as a late substitute as Atletico basked in their superiority.

For all the woe surrounding Barca this season, this loss was actually their first in La Liga – but it leaves them eighth in the table on 12 points, five behind Diego Simeone’s side, who are second only on goal difference but have played a game more than rivals Real.

Prior to this, Barca had three wins and three draws to their name, with back-to-back chastening 3-0 losses in the Champions League doing most to harm Koeman’s position at the club.

Barca had chances on Saturday, especially at 1-0, with Philippe Coutinho volleying an effort just wide and Frenkie de Jong just inches away from converting from close range following Memphis Depay’s header across goal.

Coutinho also had a great chance to get the visitors back into the game in the second half but saw his shot from inside the box saved by Jan Oblak.

Despite having much more of the ball, Barcelona were second best at the Wanda Metropolitano, falling to a defeat that may well test president Joan Laporta’s assertion from earlier on Saturday that Koeman would continue at the club regardless of the result in Madrid.

“It’s important and well done for his part – because if everything isn’t clear in this sense, then it’s difficult to work and have the kind of calm you need to try to make the changes we are trying to implement,” Koeman said after Saturday’s game.

“We know how it is from today moving forwards… We spoke last night on the phone and then again this morning.”

Barca now have a two-week break from action for internationals, with their next fixture at home to Valencia on 17 October.

“There’s a solution [to what is happening], but it can’t be done overnight,” added Koeman. “We have to work hard, give time to the youngsters and get back our injured forwards.”

Super Brands Must Synergize To Solve Africa’s Problems – Akinwuntan

The Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Patrick Akinwuntan has advocated a synergy between super brands in Africa to solve the multifarious challenges facing the continent. Akinwuntan, who made this submission at the International Advertising Association (IAA) Africa Rising 4 virtual conference, posited that recent happenings in the global arena such as covid 19 pandemic further reinforces the need for bigger brands on the continent to collaborate effectively to achieve sustainable solutions to challenges facing the continent.

According to Akinwuntan, “It is not just about digitization but understanding that life itself has deeper substance. What we have learnt in the past 18 months calls for common agenda for human race, an opportunity for collaboration to search for sustainable solutions to the myriad challenges facing the continent. This also reenforces the fact that until we are comfortable, no part of the globe is comfortable. This provides a completely new direction between developed worlds, developing worlds and whatever categorization that you want to bring to the table. With people having to stay at home because of the pandemic, we quickly saw that being disconnected from the economy fabric is much more dangerous than the health risk that we are trying to avoid from the social distancing and stay at home”.

On how Ecobank as an African Super Brand responded to the covid 19 pandemic, Mr. Akinwuntan noted that the bank’s success story in handling the outbreak and spread of Ebola disease in some parts of Africa came handing, adding that the bank’s investment in technology also paid off as it was able to provide financial services seamlessly to its customers in countries where the operates.

“We came out with strategies to ensure that small business and women enterprise leaders are able to learn to improve their capacity and source for labor without physical contact and able to access market without physical contact and be able to be financially strong without having to physically visit distant locations. For the small businesses, it is enabling them to have faith in themselves to be able to see that tomorrow has a brighter future. The covid-19 pandemic was a leveler and therefore everyone felt the impact. For a brand like Ecobank, we needed to demonstrate our ability to reach everyone at the same time. First is knowledge, people need to know, is this circumstance unique to my country, or to my own livelihood? if it is not, what has worked for other people and how have we leveraged it. That is quite a lot of learning that we focused on. We actually partnered with NEPAD and brought about leveraging on technology and capacity building for the small and medium scale business.” Akinwuntan explained.

Aligning with Akinwuntan’s submission, another speaker at the session, Group Executive for Marketing, MTN, Bernice Samuels said it was imperative super brands in Africa have a common platform to address and offer solutions to challenges facing the continent. The captivating session was moderated by Robyn Curnow, Anchor & Host of CNN Newsroom

Earlier in his welcome address, World President and Chairman, IAA, Joel Nettey said the 2-day virtual conference with the theme: ‘Africa To The World’ is aimed at projecting African brands to the world and bringing together the best on the continent to discuss trends and key developments. According to him, “as the most influential network of industry leaders with a broad spectrum of expertise, we help brands grow, strengthen, and forge new paths around the world through meaningful relationships with consumers. We use our thought leadership, initiatives in education and development, and world-class events to help our members navigate through the ever-changing worlds of business and technology. We are delighted to be able to put together this conference in such trying times to add value and bring together those who shape the industry’s future. The African continent is endowed with vibrancy, creativity, culture, its people, and strong brands weaving coherently into what makes the engines of economies move.”

The International Advertising Association’s (IAA) Africa Rising for Leadership Conference 2021 is first IAA virtual conference and it is congregating speakers and participants from across the globe – Nigeria, Kenya, south Africa, USA, Italy, Russia, Malaysia and several other leading countries where IAA has presence.

Suspected thief electrocuted as transformer blows in Festac (video)

A suspected thief was electrocuted when a transformer blew in Festac, Lagos.

The incident happened on Friday morning, October 1, 2021, at 721 Road, G close, and residents claim the deceased was known in the area for stealing.

Suspected thief electrocuted as transformer blows in Festac (video)

Since the incident, no one has come to claim his body.

Watch the video below.

https://www.instagram.com/_u/lindaikejiblogofficial/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=62fc5939-ba81-4dec-a52e-260ceffc9c77&ig_mid=A3DCBE9F-71B0-49C0-B5F9-F89C0644AA4A

Abducted Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith Regains Freedom

Abducted Air Vice Marshal Sikiru Smith has been released by kidnappers.

It was learnt that the retired General was released in the early hours of Saturday.

The spokesman for the Police in Lagos State, Adekunle Ajisebutu also confirmed that he has been released.

Smith, who is currently the Chairman of Double Wealth Ventures Limited – a dredging and engineering firm – was supervising work on a site in the Ajah area of Lagos State on Monday when masked gunmen invaded the place and shot into the air to scare away people.

The gunmen were said to have whisked him away in a waiting speedboat, after which they sped off.

APC postpones Anambra campaign in honour of Akunyili, others

APC has postponed the flag-off of its Anambra governorship campaign scheduled for Saturday in Onitsha, Anambra, in honour of victims of various attacks in the state.

Governorship election holds in the state on Nov. 6.

The governorship candidate, Sen. Andy Uba, announced the postponement in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja.

He noted that there had been several attacks by gunmen in Anambra over the past weeks, leading to destruction of properties and killings.

This, he stated, included the recent murder of Dr Chike Akunyili, widower of late Dora Akunyili, ex-minister of Information and Communications among others.

“As a mark of respect and honour for all those who have lost their lives I, in consultation with the leadership of our party and campaign council, have decided to cancel the campaign flag-off rally scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021 in Onitsha.

“You will all agree with me that our culture and tradition hold lives sacred.

“It follows, therefore, that the safety and preservation of lives of our people must at all times take precedence over any political interest, activities and or associations.

“I, Sen. Andy Uba, will be the very last person to sacrifice or play politics with the lives of our people. Neither will I allow anybody to do so under my watch,’’ he stated.

He added that like every other well-meaning member of the public, he had followed with much sadness and grief, the recent unfortunate and mindless state of violence and insecurity in Anambra.

“I have also watched with disdain, obvious breakdown of institutional capacity and inability of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA)-led state government to address security challenges and prevent the state from further descent into anarchy and chaos.

“My sincere condolences to all who have lost loved ones in the on-going politically motivated killings in Anambra.

“To `Ndi Anambra’ who are living in fear of their lives and property as a result of the on-going mayhem, I bring you a message of hope.

“Hope in God under whose divine protection as Christians we go about our daily activities; hope in our collective capacity and republican nature to resist all forms of evil,’’ he stated.

Uba, however, charged residents of the state to go about their normal lawful businesses, adding that they should be vigilant and take necessary precaution to ensure that their lives and property were not put in harm’s way.

He assured that he would ensure that politically-motivated killings in the state were brought to an end to enable the people of Anambra to go about their lawful businesses without fear of any sort.

Shocking! 52-Year-Old Man Arrested For Defiling Biological Daughter In Ogun (Photo)

A 52-year-old man Adebayo Akinrinoye was on September 23rd arrested by men of Ogun state police command for unlawfully having carnal knowledge of his 16 year old daughter (name withheld).

The suspect, a resident of no 11 Kabiru close, Matogun Agbado Ogun state was arrested following a report via a written petition brought to Agbado divisional headquarters by the victim.

In the petition, the victim alleged that her father had been sexually abusing her since she was 14. She stated further that all her efforts to stop her father from this ignoble act fell on his dead ear hence her report.

Upon the report, the Dpo Agbado division csp Kehinde Kuranga quickly detailed his detectives to the scene where the suspect was promptly arrested.

On interrogation, the suspect confessed to the commission of the crime but pleaded for forgiveness from his daughter.

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