Opinion

Of Ogogoro Consumption And Public Health

Published

11 years ago

July 1, 2015

No doubt, the Rivers State House of Assembly did the needfu
when, in performing its oversight function recently invited officials of the Rivers State Ministry of Health to brief it on the death toll and other challenges arising from the consumption of unlicenced locally manufactured gin called variously Kaikai and Ogogoro.
Theinvitation followed an earlier report of the Ad-Hoc Committee of the State Legislature on the deaths resulting from the consumption of the said unlicenced locally manufactured gin in parts of the state.
For instance, Woji Town in Obio/Akpor, Bodo in Gokana and Ahoada West Local Government Areas are worst affected.
Available records at the Department of Public Health Services of the State Ministry of Health show that of 80 cases involving the consumption of the said killer gin, 70 deaths were recorded.
In other words, 70 persons died after consumption of the gin. Recent report however said the tally has increased to 71.
Analysis from the specimens of the unlicenced gin consumption shows that the illicit liquor contains high content of methanol poisoning instead of the use of ethanol.
The results of investigation conducted by National Agnecy of Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) in Port Har urt shows that the quantity of methanol in specimens collected range from 100 to 112 grams per litre over and above only five grams allowable quantity for human consumption in beverage and spirits.
Scientifically, methanol poisoning affects the Central Nervous System (CNS) particularly the sensory organs and nerves connected to the retina of human eyes; resulting in total blindness of victims.
Little wonder victims of the killer gin exhibit symptom such as the loss of sight before death.
It is no exaggeration, therefore, that only impatience, love of money, profiteering and avarice could drive local brewers to adopt methanol poisoning even above allowable grams per litre in the manufacturing of age-long local spirit such as Kaikai, Ogogoro or any other product for that matter.
However, that invitation by the Ad-Hoc Committee of the State Legislature on the deaths resulting from the consumption of the killer gin has brought some shocking and embarrassing revelations to the fore.
For instance, what would have taken probably few hours or days to discover about the properties of the deadly gin took weeks.
Worse still, the State Ministry of Health had to depend on the services of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) instead of experts in a key unit of the Ministry called the Rivers State Public Health Laboratory.
Interestingly, the Rivers State Public Health Laboratory has been in existence since 1977 under distinguished medical doctors who had served as directors of Public Health Services in the Ministry of Health, the parent body.
It is on record that late Dr Simon Hart, Dr late Frank Eke, Dr Faye Kurobo, the present Deputy Governor, Dr Ipaliboy Harry Banigo, Dr Godwin Mpi, Dr Claribel Abam, Dr Akuro Okujagu had served as directors of Public Health Services while Dr Nnanna Victor Onyekwere is the current Director.
The Rivers State Public Health Laboratory unit itself as has always been headed by erudite scholars and distinguished laboratory scientists such as late Professor Appolos Nna Bulo of the University of Michigan, USA, Mr Justus Jaja, Dr Promise Karibo, Mr Innocent Ikpoku, Tonye Fiberesima and the present Director of the Laboratory Unit, Mrs Token Lawson-Jack.
Besides, the present Head of Department of Medical Laboratory Science of Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Professor Confidence Wachukwu, Smart Amala, former Director, Medical Laboratory Department BMSH, Alaso Jack and Dr Ngozi Odu have worked in the Laboratory Unit of the Ministry at one time or the other,.
Today, the public health laboratory unit of the Ministry of Health still parades qualified laboratory sciecentist such as Dr Margaret Robinson, Dr. Ngozi Igbo, Sam Eke and Chika Okwakpam among others, while Mrs Token Lawson-Jack is the head.
It is worthy of note that a functional public health laboratory performs such roles as disease control otherwise called epidemiological surveillance, ascertain specific gravity of properties in specimen such as the level of methanol poisoning in the killer ogogoro, conduct water quality analysis as well as undertakes thorough laboratory investigations to check possible outbreak of diseases.
It is common knowledge that the laboratory had investigated the cholera outbreak in Amakalakala called the Amakalakala outbreak during the Melford Okilo regime, conducted Finima Water Project analysis during NLNG Construction under the Godwin Abe regim as Military Administrator as well as guinea worm and ‘paapa’ outbreak in early and middle nineties among others.
The tradition laid by the founding fathers of the State was that the Rivers State Public Health Laboratory would help to conduct investigations that would lead to prevention of possible outbreak of diseases in view of the fact that the state has airport, two sea ports in Port Harcourt and Onne as well rail terminal that could encourage the influx of people into the state and trigger off sporadic outbreak of an epidemic.
Unfortunately, the administration of Dr Peter Odili which Dr Emi Membre Otaji served as Commissioner for Health gave out the Public Health Laboratory building at Ndoki Street near Daba Clinic along Harold Wilson Drive by Orubolo Nite Club to National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC).
As if that was not enough, the government of the time relocated the Staff of the Laboratory to the Central Medical Store opposite NPA, Port Harcourt where there is no laboratory equipment.
That was how the Laboratory was rendered inefficient and has remained so till date.
Even though there was a promise to build a new Rivers State Public Health Laboratory, since the relocation, the laboratory has suffered neglect.
In fact, there is no basic laboratory equipment at the Central Medical Store thereby, subjecting the Ministry to seek support from outside Rivers State Government.
Since the main task of government is to protect lives and property, government should see security of live beyond purchase of arms and ammunition but funding and equipping public health laboratories to prevent diseases and killer gin.
To this end, the Rivers State Government should as a matter of urgency resuscitate the Rivers State Public Health Laboratory already in a state of comatose at the Central Medical Store, Port Harcourt.
Leaders in position of trust should attach premium to building on the legacy and good vision of the founding fathers rather than sacrificing them for selfish interest.
It was penny wise pound foolish to give out the structure of the state public health laboratory to NAFDAC.
Similarly, the state government should consider it pertinent to revive the veterinary clinic and agricultural laboratory hitherto sited at No 23 Aba which is the PDP took over as secretariat.

Baridorn Sika

Opinion

Beyond Physical Intimacy In Relationship

Published

3 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote:”Love is not sustained by sharing the same bed or displaying affection in public; it is preserved by the daily investment of trust, understanding, empathy, and meaningful conversations. Two people can be physically close yet emotionally distant, because lasting relationships are built not merely on intimacy, but on the consistent nurturing of hearts that remain genuinely connected.”

In an age where relationships are often measured by appearances, social media posts, and outward displays of affection, many couples are discovering a painful truth: physical closeness does not always translate into emotional connection. Two people can share the same bed, hold hands in public, and even maintain a seemingly happy home, yet remain strangers to each other’s deepest thoughts, fears, dreams, and struggles. This reality is captured in the thought-provoking message that emotional intimacy goes far beyond physical intimacy. While physical attraction may ignite a relationship, emotional connection is what sustains it. When emotional bonds weaken, relationships begin to suffer quietly, often long before any visible signs of trouble emerge.

One of the greatest misconceptions about love is the belief that affection alone is enough to keep a relationship healthy. In reality, genuine love requires much more than romantic gestures and physical presence. It requires understanding, communication, trust, empathy, and the willingness to be vulnerable with one another. Without these elements, couples may coexist rather than truly connect. Many relationships today are experiencing a silent crisis. Couples are spending more time together physically but less time engaging meaningfully. Busy schedules, work pressures, financial challenges, digital distractions, and personal ambitions have reduced many conversations to routine exchanges about bills, children, responsibilities, and daily survival. The deeper conversations that nurture emotional intimacy are gradually disappearing.

As a result, many partners feel unseen, unheard, and misunderstood. They may be present in the relationship physically, but emotionally they feel isolated. This emotional distance often creates frustration, resentment, and loneliness. Ironically, a person can feel more alone in a relationship lacking emotional connection than when they are physically alone. The danger of emotional disconnection is that it rarely announces itself loudly. Unlike dramatic conflicts or public scandals, it develops gradually. It starts when couples stop sharing their feelings openly. It grows when assumptions replace communication. It deepens when one partner feels consistently ignored, dismissed, or taken for granted. Over time, the relationship loses its warmth and vitality.This explains why some marriages and relationships that appear perfect from the outside eventually collapse unexpectedly.

Observers are often shocked because they only saw the physical togetherness, not the emotional distance that had been growing for years beneath the surface. Relationships do not usually break down overnight; they deteriorate through the accumulation of unresolved emotional gaps. Building emotional intimacy, therefore, requires deliberate effort. It is not a one-time achievement but a daily commitment. Emotional connection is built through consistent acts of attention, kindness, and understanding. It develops when partners genuinely listen to each other without judgment. It grows when people feel safe enough to express their fears, disappointments, and aspirations without fear of criticism or rejection. Trust plays a crucial role in this process. Emotional intimacy flourishes in an environment where honesty is valued and confidentiality is respected. When trust is broken, emotional walls quickly rise.

Rebuilding those walls requires patience, sincerity, and a willingness to heal together. Another important ingredient is empathy. Every individual wants to feel understood. Sometimes partners do not necessarily need solutions to their problems; they simply need someone who listens and acknowledges their feelings. A relationship becomes stronger when both individuals strive to understand each other’s perspectives rather than merely defend their own positions. Quality time is equally important. In a world dominated by smartphones and endless digital distractions, couples must intentionally create moments of genuine interaction. Simple activities such as sharing a meal, taking a walk, discussing personal goals, or praying together can strengthen emotional bonds significantly.

These moments communicate an important message: “You matter to me.” Respect also forms the foundation of emotional closeness. Partners who consistently speak respectfully to each other, even during disagreements, create a healthier environment for intimacy to thrive. Emotional connection cannot flourish where there is constant criticism, ridicule, or contempt. Perhaps the most important lesson is that emotional intimacy is not built by grand gestures alone. It is cultivated through small, consistent actions repeated over time. A thoughtful conversation, a sincere apology, a word of encouragement, or a genuine expression of appreciation can have a profound impact on the health of a relationship. Ultimately, the strength of any relationship lies not merely in physical proximity but in emotional accessibility. The question is not whether two people occupy the same space, but whether they truly know and understand each other.

Lasting love is sustained when hearts remain connected even amid life’s challenges. As society continues to grapple with increasing relationship difficulties, couples must remember that emotional intimacy is not optional; it is essential. Physical attraction may bring people together, but emotional connection keeps them together. It is built daily through communication, trust, empathy, respect, and intentional effort. When emotional intimacy is nurtured, relationships become more resilient, fulfilling, and meaningful. And when two hearts remain genuinely connected, love does not merely survive—it flourishes

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi

Opinion

Yahoo Culture And Nigeria’s Moral Fabric

Published

3 weeks ago

June 17, 2026

The Tide

Quote “A society that celebrates wealth without questioning its source gradually breeds a generation that despises hard work, glorifies fraud, and ultimately destroys itself from within.”

Nigeria’s battle against insecurity is not limited to terrorism. Another destructive force—popularly known as “Yahoo”—has steadily eaten into the nation’s moral and social fabric. Internet fraud, which has become synonymous with “Yahoo” in local parlance, poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s image, economy, and future. The activities of internet fraudsters have tarnished the country’s reputation globally. As a result, many law-abiding Nigerians abroad or seeking legitimate opportunities overseas often face suspicion and discrimination because of the notoriety created by these criminal elements. Originally, Yahoo was merely the name of an internet search engine created in 1994 by Stanford graduates Jerry Yang and David Filo. In Nigeria, however, the term has evolved into a culture driven by greed and materialism. It has become a disturbing subculture with its own language and values.

Expressions such as “mugu fall, guy man chop” celebrate the exploitation of unsuspecting victims, portraying fraud as intelligence and deceit as success. Yahoo boys are notorious for flaunting their ill-gotten wealth. They parade expensive cars, spend lavishly, and often display arrogance towards elders and society. Their extravagant lifestyle has even been blamed for rising rents and increased cost of living in cities such as Port Harcourt. Following crackdowns in Delta and Edo states, there have been concerns over the growing presence of these elements in Rivers State. What is particularly disturbing is that many of these young men and women, some as young as teenagers, have no legitimate source of income yet live in luxury. Their actions have ruined businesses, impoverished victims, and in some cases pushed people into depression, heart attacks, and suicide.

Yet, they continue to operate openly with frightening confidence. The prevalence of Yahoo culture reflects the deep moral decay in society. Sadly, some families not only tolerate the illicit activities of their children but celebrate and pray for their success. Anyone who condemns the practice often becomes the target of abuse and ridicule. A Port Harcourt-based pastor once experienced fierce backlash from Yahoo sympathisers after speaking against the menace. Nigeria’s permissive environment has unintentionally allowed the practice to flourish. Weak institutions, compromised law enforcement, and families unwilling to question the source of sudden wealth among unemployed youths have all contributed to the problem. The virtues of patience, diligence, and integrity are steadily being replaced by greed and a desperate desire for quick riches.

Perhaps one of the greatest casualties of Yahoo culture is education. The value of years of hard work and academic excellence has been diminished. Many young people now dismiss formal education as a scam, while apprenticeship and vocational training are increasingly looked down upon. The obsession with easy money has encouraged school dropout rates and undermined the culture of honest enterprise. An even more disturbing dimension is the emergence of what many describe as “Yahoo Phase II”—a phenomenon associated with ritual practices and occult beliefs. Although stories surrounding these practices are often difficult to verify, reports of ritual killings, organ harvesting, and other horrific crimes have heightened public fears. Young people seeking wealth at all costs are said to subject themselves to bizarre and inhumane instructions from self-styled spiritualists, resulting in unimaginable tragedies.

Regardless of the myths and realities surrounding these claims, one fact remains undeniable: the pursuit of wealth without values has devastating consequences. Society is increasingly witnessing cases of substance abuse, mental instability, and mysterious deaths among youths whose lives are built on criminality and desperation. Nigeria cannot afford to remain indifferent while a generation is consumed by greed and moral bankruptcy. Combating Yahoo culture requires more than arrests and prosecutions. Families must instill values of honesty and hard work. Religious leaders, educators, and community leaders must consistently promote integrity. Government institutions must strengthen the rule of law and ensure that crime does not pay. Above all, society must stop celebrating wealth without questioning its source. No nation can attain sustainable development when fraud is admired, hard work is ridiculed, and criminality is rewarded.

The future of Nigeria depends on raising a generation that values character above riches and integrity above material possessions. If this dangerous culture is left unchecked, the consequences will be severe. But if the nation collectively chooses the path of morality, accountability, and industry, there remains hope that the tide can be reversed and the country’s dignity restored.

By; Confidence Adoo

Opinion

Good Health Through Socrates’ Prescription

Published

4 weeks ago

June 8, 2026

The Tide

Quote: “In an age of advanced medicine and endless health information, the greatest prescription may still be the oldest one: know yourself. True health begins when we understand our bodies, emotions, habits and choices.”

The 21st century has ushered in extraordinary progress in science, technology and medicine. Diseases that once claimed millions of lives can now be prevented or treated. Information is available instantly, while fitness applications, health trackers and modern healthcare facilities have become part of everyday life. Yet, despite these advances, many people continue to struggle with physical illnesses, emotional stress, anxiety, depression and lifestyle-related diseases. This contradiction raises an important question: Why are people becoming increasingly unhealthy in an age of remarkable medical advancement? Part of the answer may lie in the timeless wisdom associated with the ancient Greek philosopher Socrates: “Know thyself.” Though spoken more than two thousand years ago, these words remain profoundly relevant today. They remind us that genuine wellbeing begins with self-understanding.

Knowing oneself goes beyond knowing one’s name, occupation or social status. It involves understanding one’s body, emotions, habits, strengths, weaknesses and aspirations. It means recognizing how daily choices affect physical, mental and emotional health. In many respects, self-knowledge forms the foundation of healthy living. One of the greatest health challenges today is the tendency to ignore warning signs until serious problems emerge. Many people neglect symptoms such as persistent fatigue, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating habits and lack of physical activity. Because they are disconnected from their bodies, they fail to recognize that their health is gradually deteriorating. A person who truly knows himself pays attention to these signals. Such an individual understands which foods nourish the body and which habits undermine health. They recognize when rest is necessary,

when stress levels become dangerous and when professional medical attention should be sought. Self-awareness encourages preventive action long before illness develops. The same principle applies to mental and emotional health. Modern life is filled with pressures. Social media often encourages unhealthy comparisons, while economic challenges, family responsibilities and workplace demands create enormous psychological burdens. Many people suffer silently because they have not learned to understand or manage their emotions. Knowing oneself means recognizing emotional triggers, vulnerabilities and sources of stress. It involves identifying feelings of anxiety, sadness, anger or frustration before they become overwhelming. Self-aware individuals are more likely to seek support, adopt healthy coping mechanisms and maintain emotional balance.

Self-knowledge also promotes discipline. Many of today’s health problems are linked to lifestyle choices. Excessive consumption of processed foods, alcohol abuse, smoking, substance misuse, physical inactivity and poor sleeping habits contribute significantly to disease burdens around the world. Most people are aware of these risks. The challenge is often not a lack of information but a lack of self-understanding. Individuals who understand their motivations, weaknesses and tendencies are better equipped to resist harmful habits and develop healthier routines. In this way, self-knowledge becomes a powerful tool for self-control. Socrates also taught that “the unexamined life is not worth living.” While philosophical in origin, this statement has practical implications for health. Examining one’s life encourages honest reflection. Are we eating wisely? Are we exercising enough?

Are we sleeping adequately? Are we managing stress effectively? Are we maintaining healthy relationships? These are not merely philosophical questions. They are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Honest answers can reveal habits that require improvement and inspire positive change. Ironically, while technology has made health information more accessible, it has also made self-understanding more difficult. Many people spend hours following social media trends and public personalities while paying little attention to their own health. They know more about celebrities than they know about their blood pressure, sleep quality or emotional wellbeing. A healthier society will require more than modern hospitals and advanced medications. It will require citizens who actively seek to understand themselves. Preventive healthcare begins with personal awareness.

Parents, educators, religious leaders, healthcare professionals and policymakers all have important roles to play in promoting self-awareness. Young people should be taught not only academic subjects but also emotional intelligence, self-reflection, healthy lifestyle habits and personal responsibility. Ultimately, Socrates’ ancient wisdom remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago. A person who understands himself is more likely to make healthy decisions, maintain emotional stability, build resilience and seek help when necessary. The journey to good health does not begin in a hospital, pharmacy or gymnasium. It begins within. As the world continues to confront complex health challenges, perhaps the most powerful prescription requires no expensive technology or medication. It is the enduring wisdom that has stood the test of time: know yourself. In understanding ourselves, we discover one of the surest paths to healthier, happier and more meaningful lives.

By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi