Sunday, November 24, 2024
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Tag: Ejiro Umukoro Publisher and Editor in Chief

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

‘Eat More Protein, Avoid Processed Snacks and Fast Food,’ Experts Advice 26.6 Million Nigerians with Poor Nutritional Habits

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture, where concerted efforts are essential to alleviate hunger and protect its most vulnerable citizens. Conflict, insecurity, rising inflation, and the climate crisis have converged to create a dire situation in Nigeria. According to projections, a staggering 26.5 million people across the country are expected to face acute hunger during the June-August 2024 lean season. This represents a significant increase from the 18.6 million people who were already food insecure at the end of 2023.

Children are particularly vulnerable to food insecurity. Approximately 6 out of the 17 million food-insecure Nigerians are children under 5 years old, residing in states like Borno, Adamawa, Yobe, Sokoto, Katsina, and Zamfara. Acute malnutrition poses a serious risk to their survival. In the BAY states alone, the number of children suffering from acute malnutrition is expected to rise from 1.74 million in 2022 to 2 million in 2023.

Nigeria’s future hangs in the balance, waiting for a chorus of voices to rise and rewrite its story. In this special feature on development communications strategies to address these issues, LightRay! Media’ Editor-in-Chief, Ejiro Umukoro and correspondent Collins Odigie Ojiehanor look at the issues, the drivers and immediate solutions.

By admin , in Inside stories , at June 30, 2024

Nigeria’s Food Security Dilemma: Lagos in the Grip of Malnutrition, Unmet Nutritional Needs under the Shadows of Hunger

In a world where sustenance has become a luxury, John Jayewole’s words resonated deeply. “Who’s looking for nutrients nowadays? You just eat because you need food to survive.” The harsh reality of Nigeria’s food crisis hit home as he shared his own struggle. “I wanted to buy eggs this morning, but the vendor asked for 500 naira for just three eggs. I had to walk away.”

In Africa’s most populous nation, the escalating cost of food has left millions grappling with hunger, their dignity and hope dwindling with each passing day. Inflation has taken hold, and the effects are devastating. Mothers sacrifice their own meals to feed their children, while farmers watch in despair as their harvests fail to meet even the most basic needs.

In rural communities, the once-thriving fields now lie barren, food stores empty. Families who once relied on subsistence farming now find themselves at the mercy of a capricious climate and an unyielding economy. Their lives are dictated by the unpredictability of it all, their futures hanging in the balance.

The search for sustenance has become a daily struggle, a constant reminder of the fragility of life. As the food crisis deepens, so too does the sense of desperation. In a world where food is a basic human right, the people of Nigeria are being forced to fight for survival, their dignity and hope hanging by a thread.

Similarly, Global Hunger Index (GHI), showed that Nigeria is the 16th most hungry country in the world among countries with sufficient data to calculate the 2023 GHI scores.

By Collins Odigie Ojiehanor.

By admin , in Inside stories , at June 30, 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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