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Three out of 10 Nigerians unaware they are hypertensive – Cardiac society

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The Nigerian Cardiac Society has expressed concern over the fact that three out of every 10 Nigerian adults have high blood pressure and they are unaware.

It noted that hypertension is the most common risk factor for heart disease and stroke in Nigeria.

Days back, there were reports that an All Progressives Congress chieftain, Cairo Ojougboh, a serving National Youth Service Corps member, and three other Nigerians slumped and passed away while watching the match between Nigeria and South Africa football.

Reacting to the deaths, the society in a statement jointly signed by the National President, Prof. Augustine Odili; Secretary-General, Prof. Chizindu Alinkor, and the Publicity Secretary, Abiodun Akintunde, noted that about 50 per cent of all deaths from heart diseases are sudden.

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It noted that complications from hypertension, heart attack, stroke, heart failure, among others could be responsible for sudden deaths.

The experts explained that many risk factors are prevalent among Nigerians and are also poorly controlled.

They described sudden death as a natural, unexpected fatal event occurring within one hour from the onset of symptoms, in a healthy subject, or in one whose disease was not so severe to predict such an abrupt outcome.

The surgeons also stated that the risk factors for heart disease are many, including lack of physical exercise, smoking tobacco, consuming alcohol, and eating unhealthy diets rich in salt and saturated fats, and low in fresh fruits and vegetables.

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“Sudden cardiac death can be defined as death resulting from abrupt loss of cardiac function with or without previous heart disease unexpected within one hour of onset of symptoms.

“About 50 per cent of all deaths from heart diseases are sudden regardless of the aetiology deaths

“It has also been shown that 89 per cent of all sudden cardiac deaths occur outside the hospital and less than 40 per cent are witnessed.

“Other risk factors include high blood pressure (hypertension), high blood lipids/cholesterol (dyslipidaemia), overweight and obesity, and diabetes mellitus.

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“Hypertension is the most common risk factor for heart disease and stroke in Nigeria,” they explained.

The surgeons, however, called for effective blood pressure control as a major panacea for reducing the cardiovascular risk of affected people.

According to them, only about seven per cent of hypertensive subjects have been shown to achieve effective blood pressure control in Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries.

They urged all Nigerians to learn the warning signs of cardiac distress and how to respond in an emergency.

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“We urge all Nigerians to learn the warning signs of cardiac distress and how to respond in an emergency. Know your family history and risk factors and get regular screenings.

“Take steps to manage conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Avoid smoking, eat healthy, exercise, and manage stress.

“For those with heart disease, take medications as prescribed and follow your doctor’s advice.

“It should be noted that left-sided chest pain should not be taken with levity and should warrant a medical examination,” they added.

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The experts urged the government to increase funding for the health sector to encourage early and regular screening for cardiovascular risk factors.

“There is also an urgent need for institutionalizing effective cardiovascular care among Nigerians by providing adequate facilities for the hospitals, encouraging adequate remuneration for health workers to discourage brain drain in the health sector, and promoting effective lifestyle modification to reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease among the population.”

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Wike Hails Quality of Abuja Road Projects

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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Nyesom Wike, has expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of ongoing road projects across Abuja, saying residents can now “see governance in action.”

Wike spoke on Wednesday while inspecting ongoing infrastructure projects in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Gbazango, popularly known as Arab Road in Kubwa.

The minister commended contractors handling the various projects, particularly local construction firm Abdul Val and Zeberced, for delivering quality work within schedule.

“With what we have seen today, right from the roads in Karu down to Apo-Karshi and now to Gbazango, which is popularly called Arab Road in Kubwa, we are very satisfied with the level of work that has taken place,” Wike said.

He praised Abdul Val for the quality of work on the Karu road project, noting that the company had earlier delivered the Ushafa road project commissioned last year by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima.

“I’m quite impressed. This is the second time. If you remember, the Ushafa road commissioned last year was also carried out by Abdul Val, and they are doing the one in Karu now. They are doing a good quality job,” he stated.

According to him, the Karu road project will be among projects slated for inauguration during President Tinubu’s third anniversary in office.

Speaking on the Apo-Karshi road being handled by SCC, Wike described it as a critical project frequently demanded by residents, expressing optimism that it would be completed before the end of the year.

He also commended Zeberced for the ongoing Gbazango road project, which he said would also be inaugurated during the President’s third anniversary celebrations.

“If you remember, this company handled the A2 to Pai road commissioned by Mr. President last year. They are also handling the Goma to Yangoji road, which will also be inaugurated during the third anniversary,” he said.

“You can see the quality of work. You can see how happy the residents are seeing us here. Without invitation, they came out to appreciate the fact that they can now see governance in action.”

Wike stressed that beyond quality delivery, meeting project timelines remained equally important.

“One thing is doing a quality job, another thing is keeping to timeline. I’m very happy. I think the President’s third anniversary will be full of activities,” he added.

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“I don’t play politics of enmity” — Wike defends Visit to APC Chair Yilwatda(Photos)

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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed insinuations following his recent visit to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, stating that he does not practice “politics of enmity”.

​Speaking with newsmen during a project inspection on Wednesday, Wike clarified that his interaction with the APC chairman was a matter of personal association and professional courtesy rather than a formal political meeting.

The Minister had inspected the ongoing construction of roads in Karu, Apo-Karshi and Kubwa, to ensure completion as scheduled.

​Responding to questions regarding the lack of a formal briefing after the visit, the Minister maintained that he is under no obligation to disclose details of his private life or social interactions.

​Wike argued that every individual has the freedom to associate with others regardless of political affiliations.

​He maintained that the visit was private, questioning why such a personal act should be announced to the “whole world”.

​He rejected the idea that members of different political parties, such as the APC and PDP, should avoid each other.

​Wike reminded reporters of his long-standing relationship with Yilwatda, noting that both had served as colleagues when was a minister.

​”We’re all colleagues before he left for the chairmanship of APC. So what I should do anytime I see him is to hide? Anytime he sees me, he should run away so people will not say something?”

​He explained that the visit was a reciprocal gesture after Yilwatda had made several unsuccessful attempts to see him at his office.

Wike noted that as a busy minister, he often receives many visitors, and since the APC Chairman could not secure an appointment at the office, he opted to visit the APC chairman at his residence to hear what he had to say.

​The Minister emphasized that his primary concern remained the fulfillment of his duties and the satisfaction of his “appointor”.

He stated that he remained indifferent to public perception or “what somebody on the road is thinking” as long as he is carrying out his assigned tasks dutifully.

​”What’s important to me is what I’m doing for my people,” Wike concluded, asserting that the results of his work hold more weight than political speculation.

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Comedian AY narrates how Ekubo was all smiles in his dying moments

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Comedian, AYo Makun, professionally known as AY, has spoken about the late Nollywood actor, Alex Ekubo’s final moments.

Recall that Alex Ekubo died in Lagos hospital on Monday, May 11 2026, after a long battle with cancer.

Alex, who was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer in 2024, underwent a transplant.

In 2026, the liver failed again, and he died from complications hours after being placed on life support.

Speaking about Alex’s final moments in an Instagram post, Comedian AY, who was present at the hospital, revealed that Alex was smiling when he breathed his last breath.

“Some losses do not feel real no matter how many times you try to process them. Still struggling with the reality that you are gone, Alex.

From the laughter to the conversations, the random moments, the brotherhood, and all the memories we shared in this industry. This one hurts deeply.

“I was there. I saw you still smiling even in death. I saw the tears from friends and family. And honestly, a part of me is still in shock. Rest well my brother. You will be remembered beyond the lights, the cameras, and the fame”, AY wrote.

Also, Alex Ekubo’s friend, Godwin Nnadiekwe, revealed that Alex prepared his will before his death.

Godwin wrote on his Instagram story “Alex Ekubo. To think you already prepared your will, It’s a heartbreak I can’t quite describe. Rest well, my friend.”

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