Every May 28 marks world menstrual hygiene day, it’s a day to raise awareness about the importance of good menstrual hygiene, ensure access to menstrual products for all, and break the stigmas associated with menstruation. But it’s quite unfortunate we are yet to achieve this, especially in Nigeria.
Photo Credit: Alexander Sergienko.
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
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.
. . . As Nigerians mark Eid-el-Kabir, a News Investigation reveals widespread price inflation and theft of rams, traditionally sacrificed during the festival. Videos of naked men paraded for stealing rams aimed to deter the practice, but market sellers are accused of overpricing, fueling forced inflation.
Our investigation uncovered shocking price disparities: rams bought for N80,000 in Katsina were resold for N250,000 in Abuja, N600,000 in Warri and Benin, and N750,000 in Lagos. This exposé comes as Nigerians struggle with economic hardship, casting a shadow over the festivities.
Our reporter, Collins Odigie Ojiehanor, has the full story on how soaring food prices and economic struggles are dampening Eid-el-Kabir celebrations in Nigeria.
For Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba, 2024 is a year she wants to engage with so much energy and passion. Her inner drive stems from being more intentional about her career and personal growth like never before – she’s a girl on fire!
But what’s her focus? She intends to grow partnerships, strengthen her networks and relationships while on the look out for opportunities that will continue to help her raise the bar for herself.
In this special LightRay! Young Women in Media Leadership Series of the African and Global Women in Media Leadership Initiative by LightRay!, Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba takes us on her journey as she talks about how very positive she is about more big wins for the year. Enjoy the insights she shares with a sip of your favourite juice.
When love alone is not enough. What you need to know about when to keep or walk away from a relationship that’s not serving you just as you’re not serving it.
Following LightRay! Media’s training of journalists in Abuja in September 2023 across media organisations in Nigeria, the safety of media practitioners is not only a matter of human rights issues, but also a cornerstone of democracy and societal progress.
This report explores the challenges faced by media practitioners in Nigeria and the imperative need to mitigate and address them, drawing on accessible data to highlight the gravity of the situation.
Following the launch of Paris Charter on AI and Journalism, key take aways and focus centred on gealth, enviromnent, Digital technology and more.
At LightRay Media, we bring you indepth insights as one of the invited media organisations to cover the 2023 Paris Peqce Forum.
As Nigeria marks its decision to self-rule every October 1st, we at LightRay Media want to recognise and celebrate our Women in Media doing marvellous work behind and in front of the scenes, the impact they make in their role as storytellers of the news, their fight for justice, rights of humans: women, girls, children and men and their right to equity, equality in pay, promotions, opportunities, better welfare and more.
To mark Nigeria’s Decision to break away from the shackles of tyranny, rape and destruction of their cultural fabrics, their right to self rule and the need to push for the true hidden and untold African narratives, LightRay is hosting the first ever 100 Women in Newsrooms and The Media Virtual Leadership Summit coming up this week Friday, October 6th, 2023 as an Ode to also Champion the place of women leadership in the news room and media landscape.
Miss Juliet Buna, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, emerged victorious in the “Broadcast Category” of the WABMA Political Reporting Project on Friday, at the American Corner, Ikeja, Lagos.
Her award-winning story on women in politics, titled “Harassed to defeat”, aired on Crest 91.1FM, Ibadan, where she is currently a reporter and editor.
Juliet’s winning story for the award, which comes with a scholarship, was also a part of the African Women in Media (AWiM) Women in Politics Fellowship, 2023.