Friday, November 22, 2024
Ignite the mind.

Category: Ignite

Public health at risk: Lagos moves to address medical shortage, environmental concerns, rapid urbanization

. . . 30,000 medical doctors necessary to meet its healthcare needs . . .

as Africa contends with the challenges of rapid urbanization and industrialization, air quality management has become a critical public health and environmental concern. With cities expanding at an unprecedented pace and industrial activities intensifying, the continent faces a pivotal moment where sustainable development must be balanced with the imperative of safeguarding air quality.

Across Africa, air pollution levels are rising alarmingly, posing significant health risks to millions of residents. Chief pollutants, including particulate matter, nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone, are increasingly being detected in urban and peri-urban areas. These pollutants, emanating from sources such as vehicular emissions, industrial discharges, open burning of waste, and domestic cooking practices, contribute to a toxic atmospheric cocktail that threatens respiratory health and exacerbates climate change.

By Ejiro Umukoro and Collins Odigie Ojiehanor

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories , at July 12, 2024

Toxic skies: air pollution, a silent killer in Africa, more deadly than AIDS and malaria combined – Experts warns

The Silent Crisis of Air Pollution and Infant Mortality is a cause for concern to us at LightRay! Media.

In the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, the air carries a hidden menace—one that silently claims lives and leaves a trail of devastation. According to a 2019 report by the Clean Air Fund, nearly 23,900 premature deaths in Lagos were directly linked to air pollution. Shockingly, this toll surpasses fatalities from malaria and HIV/AIDS combined.

But the impact extends beyond Lagos. At the national level, air pollution-related deaths reached a staggering 198,000, outpacing malaria fatalities (191,000) and more than doubling those caused by HIV/AIDS (82,000). These numbers paint a grim picture of a crisis that demands urgent attention.

Air pollution is the unseen threat to new lives

When pregnant mothers breathe in polluted air, harmful impurities infiltrate the placenta, affecting fetal organ development. By the time these babies enter the world, they bear the burden of poor air quality—a burden that can be fatal. Indeed, air pollution now ranks as the second largest risk factor for neonatal death.

But it’s not just neonates who suffer. Over 700,000 children worldwide succumb annually due to the insidious effects of air pollution. The heaviest burden falls on Africa and South Asia, where young lives hang in the balance.

As we grapple with this invisible menace, we must recognize that every breath matters. The air we breathe shapes our future, and safeguarding it is a collective responsibility. Let us raise our voices, advocate for cleaner air, and protect the most vulnerable among us—our children.

This is our editorial position. Our correspondent, Collins Odigie Ojiehanor and Publisher, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, provides more insight into this investigative report.

Picture of the a metal scrap worker burning insulated copper wires to collect copper in Ghana. Credit: Muntaka Chasant / Wikimedia Commons

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories , at July 11, 2024

#DontPoliceMySpeech: Coalition of Journalists Holds Campaign, Demands Justice and Freedom For Nigerian Journalists

The #DontPoliceMySpeech protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice saw a remarkable turnout! We were thrilled to see a large number of young journalists, under 30, passionately advocating for press freedom. The significant representation of women, outnumbering men, was an encouraging sign of a brighter future for journalism an women’s advocacy within the media landscape. As we fight for the rights of journalists and citizens alike, it’s heartening to see the next generation of journalists stepping up to carry the baton. Together, we’ll ensure the power of the pen and voice never fades. #All4One&One4All” – ED, LightRay! Media.

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories iThink! Super Conscious Woman Series , at July 10, 2024

Mitigating Air Pollution for Better Health: African Cities Unite in Lagos to Transform Air Quality Management in Africa

There is a need to declare a state of emergency on the significance of transforming air quality management in Africa and addressing the health risks associated with air pollution.

Data suggests that Lagos is a highly populated city with a pollution hovering between 12 million to 21 million. With the recent flood crisis, the wellbeing of inhabitants has become the number one concern. And this is not just in Lagos, as cyclic climate change has ushered in a new global review of what climate and weather means today.

African cities are coming together in Lagos to address air pollution, a major challenge in the city. Lagos, with a population of over 21 million according to WHO, faces air quality issues due to vehicular emissions, industrial activities, open burning of waste, and domestic cooking practices.

The direct impact of the lives of humans, animals, and plants is devasting. Air pollution can lead to respiratory infections, heart diseases, stroke, lung cancer, environmentally induced asthma, increased risk of stillbirth, miscarriage, and neurological conditions in humans and other animals as well.

LightRay! Media is at the forefront of championing the voices of leaders in this field in this important discussion as a matter of mainstream call-to-action by everyone no matter their country. The mantra: “All for one, one for all” is perhaps an approach all must adopt to ensure we keep our planet, this beautiful earth safe for ourselves and every other living and existing thing that is part of this circle of life.

In this investigative report by the Editor-in-Chief and Special Correspondent, Ejiro Umukoro and Collins Odigie Ojiehanor respectively, this feature uncovers critical DEVCOMM approaches to addressing these issues. It will take a collective effort on the part of everyone to create a cleaner, safer, saner, healthy, and prosperous society.

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories , at July 9, 2024

Lagos chokes on its own waste: Flood crisis a tale of neglect, corruption and environmental degradation

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and one of the fastest-growing urban centers in the world, represents both the promise and perils of rapid urbanization. With a growing population exceeding 14 million, Lagos is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, businesses, and opportunities. However, this sprawling metropolis is also faced with significant urbanization challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and the relentless impacts of climate change.

By admin , in Ignite Inside stories , at July 9, 2024

Reclaiming Our Stories: Lady Umukoro’s ‘Distortion’ Empowers African Voices in the Diaspora

The ‘Power of Your Book 2024’ showcases how empowering the voices of global authors in the disapora helps to unite and celebrate african literature and legacy

The African diaspora community, a global network of people of African descent living outside the continent, embodies a diverse array of cultures, histories, and identities. Today, this diaspora spans continents, making significant contributions to the arts, sciences, politics, and various aspects of society while maintaining a deep connection to their ancestral heritage.

Shaped by a complex history of migration, including the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and voluntary migration in search of better opportunities, the African diaspora community is characterized by its rich cultural heritage, resilience, and strong sense of identity. Across the globe, members of this community have made notable contributions to various fields, shaping the world we live in today.

Lady Umukoro’s book, ‘Distortion’, is a prime example of Afro-futuristic storytelling, offering a fresh perspective on African stories from an African lens. The book’s impact and significance in the diaspora community will be explored in this feature story.

By admin , in Books Ignite Inside stories , at July 6, 2024

USAGM Commemorates World Press Freedom Day with Ejiro Umukoro’s ‘Distortion’

Rethinking victimhood, Umukoro advocates for a culture of mental resilience and emotional empowerment.

Press freedom and literature are interconnected in several ways, and foremost of which, is Freedom of Expression. Press freedom is a fundamental right that allows journalists and writers to express themselves without censorship or fear of retribution. Literature, as a form of creative expression, also relies on this freedom to explore ideas, themes, and stories without restriction.

Press Freedom and literature also interconnects with regards to Access to Information. A free press ensures that citizens have access to accurate and unbiased information, which is essential for informed public discourse. Literature, in turn, can provide unique perspectives and insights into the human experience, fostering empathy and understanding.

Press Freedom and literature is about Holding Power Accountable. Press freedom enables journalists to hold those in power accountable for their actions as clearly directed by Section 22 of the Nigeria constitution as an important requirement of journalists.

Literature can also serve as a means of social commentary and critique, challenging societal norms and political systems.

Press Freedom and literature is also about Cultural Preservation and Promotion. Literature is a vital part of cultural heritage, and press freedom helps ensure that diverse voices and stories are represented and preserved. This allows literature to continue shaping culture, influencing public opinion, and inspiring future generations.

Journalism as Literature allows the creative mental space for some journalists and writers to blend the lines between reporting and storytelling, using literary techniques to convey complex issues and human experiences. This intersection highlights the importance of press freedom in enabling writers to craft compelling narratives that inform and engage the public.

It is this reason, we believe inspired the United States Agency for Global Media to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day focused on bringing journalists from across the continents to discuss the book, DISTORTION by Ejiro Umukoro.

By admin , in Ignite iThink! Super Conscious Woman Series , at June 28, 2024
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