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Paternity fraud may trigger suicidal thoughts, depression in children – Doctors
By Francesca Hangeior
Medical practitioners in the field of mental health have expressed concerns over the huge psychological and emotional impact of paternity fraud on the well-being and development of children.
The physicians warned that paternity fraud could lead to suicidal ideation and emotional distress among affected young people.
The experts noted that the emotional fallout from learning about a non-biological parentage could be profound on children, especially when not properly communicated.
According to them, in some cases, paternity revelations could lead to a crisis of identity, which in extreme cases, manifests as suicidal thoughts or severe emotional turmoil.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a disturbing trend of paternity fraud, where children are discovered not to belong to their supposed fathers.
This phenomenon has left many families in shock, with some marriages ending in divorce due to the discovery.
Speaking on its impact on children, especially among those between the ages of five and nine, the experts stated that the psychological effects of discovering one’s biological parentage could be devastating, with children facing various emotional distress.
On the short-term impact, they said such children could suffer from anxiety, withdrawal from social interactions, and a decline in academic performance.
The physicians added that over time, the trauma could lead to chronic issues like Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, difficulties in forming trusting relationships, and self-esteem problems.
The mental experts stressed the need for compassion and psychological preparedness in handling such situations.
They emphasised that children require assistance and direction that could improve their mental health and emotional well-being.
While noting that DNA testing could offer valuable insights, both physicians argued that these situations should be handled with compassion and sensitivity to avoid causing unnecessary harm to children.
A Consultant Psychiatrist at the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Abeokuta, Dr. Yesiru Kareem, highlighted the profound emotional turmoil children could experience when they learn that a parent is not biologically related.
According to him, the immediate shock could lead to intense anxiety, depression, and in some cases, suicidal thoughts.
Kareem explained that while biological parenthood was one aspect of parenthood, it was not the sole determinant of familial bonds.
He stated that adoptive, surrogate, and foster parenthood were valid forms of parenting, stressing that the interpretation of DNA results should be carefully managed to avoid unnecessary trauma.
“The revelation that a parent is not biologically related can have a devastating impact on a child. The effects are not just immediate but can extend into long-term psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder and emotional instability,” he stated.
The psychiatrist recommended that families seek the support of mental health professionals to deliver the news and provide ongoing emotional support.
He noted that it was essential to tailor the explanation to the child’s developmental level and ensure that the child’s environment remains stable to minimise additional stress.
He argued that maintaining confidentiality was vital to protect children from public scrutiny and stigma, which could further harm their emotional well-being.
He stressed the importance of sensitive handling of such situations.
“Parents should be cautious about breaking such news to their children. Ideally, this should be done by professionals trained in managing and mitigating psychological trauma.
“The child’s emotional well-being must be prioritised, and efforts should be made to shield them from unnecessary exposure to the controversy,” he noted.
Kareem also highlighted the risk of social stigmatisation, lamenting that such children facing negative DNA test results might encounter judgment from their peers and community, further worsening their emotional struggles.
He maintained that the stigma could lead to further isolation and difficulties in coping.
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Just in :INEC announces date for Anambra governorship election
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the date for the Anambra governorship election.
Addressing representatives of political parties at the INEC headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, October 17, INEC national chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu said the election will be held on Saturday 8th November 2025.
Hear him: “As you are aware, the last governorship election in Anambra State was held on 6th November 2021. By the effluxion of time, the governorship election is due next year.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
In compliance with the mandatory requirement of 360 days, the formal notice for the election will be published on 13th November 2024. Party primaries will be held from 20th March 2025 to 10th April 2025.
“The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
The candidate nomination portal will open at 9.00 am on 18th April 2025 and close at 6.00 pm on 12th May 2025. The final list of candidates will be published on 9th June 2025.
“Campaign in public by political parties will commence on 11th June 2025 and end at midnight of Thursday 6th November 2025. Voting will take place in all the 5,720 Polling Units across the State on Saturday 8th November 2025.
“In the coming weeks, the Commission will provide details of other electoral activities, including the registration of new voters, transfer of voters and the replacement of lost or damaged PVCs.
“The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2025 Anambra State Governorship election will be uploaded to our website and social media platforms before the end of this meeting.”
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Despite heavy hunger, World Bank Tells Nigerians Not To Oppose, Reverse Tinubu’s Economic Reforms
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite hunger, World Bank has urged Nigerians to support the ongoing economic reforms, warning that opposing or reversing them could have serious negative consequences for the country.
Speaking at the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU) report in Abuja, the World Bank Country Director for Nigeria, Dr. Ndiame Diop, emphasized that while the reforms may be challenging, they are crucial for the nation’s long-term stability.
Dr. Diop cautioned that rolling back these reforms would be detrimental, saying, “Reversing the reforms would spell doom for Nigeria.”
In the same vein, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, reiterated the importance of staying committed to the reforms. He stated, “Any effort that is not sustained will be a waste. Together with the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, we’ve been discussing how to stay on course.”
Edun further explained that the government’s focus is on reducing inflation while ensuring investments flow into critical sectors such as industry, where jobs can be created. “We are prioritizing market pricing and sat down with labor unions to explain why we cannot afford to let this opportunity slip.”
On the removal of subsidies, Edun noted, “Every day without subsidies means more funds available for education, healthcare, and other essential expenditures.”
Also speaking, Central Bank Governor Mr. Olayemi Cardoso highlighted the importance of promoting exports in light of the exchange rate adjustments. “The moderation in the FX rate should make our goods more competitive for export and discourage the importation of unnecessary goods,” he said
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