News
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
By: Omirin Joshua
Previously, skin bleaching and toning was considered a fashionable attribute of the wealthy, particularly among those who had lived abroad for an extended period of time. With the passage of time, the fashion trend became a fad for individuals of various and varying socioeconomic statuses, and local and foreign corporations began to compete to manufacture various skin care products and soaps with appealing fragrances and colours in order to keep the fad alive.
While this practice may seem harmless, it can actually have serious consequences for one’s health. In addition to these treatments, some people self-mix a range of substances, such as mixtures of numerous commercial skin-bleaching solutions with hydrogen peroxide, to create their own homemade products.
Some people bleach or whiten their skin for a variety of reasons, including desiring to have a beautiful and enticing face and removing unsightly body markings, among others, which some experts believe may be psychological. Some parents who have succumbed to the psychological pull have even extended the preoccupation to their children, including toddlers.
Not only are the chemicals in these creams harmful to the skin, but they can also cause long-term damage to the liver, kidneys, and other organs. In addition, the use of skin lightening creams can have a negative impact on self-esteem and body image.
The hazards linked with skin-bleaching cremes and creams are genuine and worrisome, since powerful chemicals wreak havoc on the user’s skin. In this article, we break through the hype to get to the bottom of the issue, exposing the indisputable health hazards and horrifying side effects of skin-lightening cremes and showing methods to live a better and happier life.
The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has said that a study done by the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that 77 percent of Nigerian women use skin bleaching creams, the highest in Africa, compared to 59 percent in Togo, 35 percent in South Africa, and 27 percent in Senegal.
The active ingredients in skin lightening creams can cause a variety of physical side effects, including, Skin irritation, dryness, and redness, Scarring, hyperpigmentation, Premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. These side effects are caused by the chemicals used in skin lightening creams, such as hydroquinone, mercury, and steroids. These chemicals can cause damage to the skin cells and lead to serious health problems. Hydroquinone, one of the main ingredients in skin lightening creams, can cause dryness, itching, and redness of the skin. If used over a long period of time, it can lead to a condition called ochronosis, in which the skin becomes thick, hard, and leathery. Another common ingredient, steroids, can cause thinning of the skin and an increased risk of infection. Mercury, another common ingredient, can cause a condition called mercury poisoning.
Mercury poisoning can cause a number of serious health problems, including damage to the kidneys, liver, and nervous system. Other health risks associated with skin lightening creams include premature aging of the skin and an increased risk of skin cancer. These health risks are often overlooked by those who use skin lightening creams, but they are very real and should not be ignored. If you are considering using a skin lightening cream, it is important to be aware of the potential health risks involved. It is also important to consult with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional before starting any skin lightening regimen.
In conclusion, it’s critical to realize that using skin-lightening creams can have detrimental effects on one’s physical and mental health. Using these creams can result in negative body image and low self-esteem in addition to the physical side effects mentioned above. Many users of skin-lightening creams do so as a result of pressure to meet unattainable beauty standards. Cosmetics enriched with harmful chemicals have an indirect impact on nature, as the waste and residues of these products pollute the environment. The residue from these products contaminates the water as soon as the user showers or cleans their face. After using the product, there is a high probability that the residues in the product container containing harmful chemicals will end up in nature. Yet the global skin lightening market is highly unregulated and is estimated to be worth billions of dollars. However, these products can have serious health risks, and the best way to achieve a healthy and happy life is to embrace your natural skin tone. You are beautiful just the way you are!
Godiya Sardauna Molyini.
Department of Mas Communication.
University of Maiduguri.
LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
By: Michael Mike
The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday commissioned newly completed nursing quarters and two mega primary schools in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to quality education in the state.
The projects were executed under Governor Babagana Zulum’s administration, which has continued to prioritize infrastructure development in the health and education sectors.
The newly inaugurated nursing quarters, located beside the State Specialist Hospital, consist of eight blocks of six flats each. The housing units are fully furnished and fitted with air-conditioning systems to improve living conditions for medical personnel.
In the education sector, Senator Tinubu also commissioned Aliyakeri and Abbaganaram Mega Primary Schools. Each facility features 48 classrooms designed to accommodate thousands of pupils, alongside ICT centres, modern sports facilities, e-learning platforms, and solar-powered systems to ensure uninterrupted academic activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady commended Governor Zulum’s leadership style, describing the projects as people-focused and impactful.
“What we have seen so far in Borno is quite encouraging. You have done very well, and I am truly honoured to be part of this commissioning,” she said.
Governor Zulum’s administration has reportedly completed 104 mega schools across the state, with additional projects ongoing across Borno’s 27 local government areas.
During the event, Senator Tinubu also flagged off a N200 million empowerment programme targeting 2,000 vulnerable women. Each beneficiary is expected to receive N100,000 alongside a sewing machine to support small-scale businesses and improve household income.
The First Lady praised the initiative, noting that it aligns with national efforts to strengthen community-based economic empowerment and food security programmes.
Under the distribution plan, 400 women were selected from Maiduguri metropolis, 200 from Jere Local Government Area, 100 from Biu, while 50 beneficiaries were drawn from each of the remaining 24 local government areas.
In addition, eight outstanding education workers, including teachers, head teachers, principals, TVET coordinators, and ministry staff, were presented with brand-new utility vehicles in recognition of their service.
In a related gesture, Governor Zulum also presented a house to a ministry watchman, Baba Modu Fandi, in appreciation of his dedication, while Senator Tinubu further supported him with an additional ₦2 million financial assistance.
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
By: Zagazola Makama
Two men are receiving treatment at a hospital in Niger State after sustaining serious injuries in a violent altercation reportedly linked to a dispute at an illegal mining site.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred in a Fulani settlement near Iwa village in Gurara Local Government Area.
The sources said the matter was reported to the police on April 25 at about 1:30 p.m. after the victims were brought in by the Officer-in-Charge of Iwa Outstation.
According to the sources, the confrontation began on April 24 at about 9:00 a.m. when Jibril Yusuf, 22, allegedly went to the hut of Haruna Tukur, 35, and set him ablaze after a misunderstanding at an illegal mining site.
The sources further stated that Haruna Tukur, in retaliation, attacked Jibril Yusuf with a machete, severing his fingers during the violent exchange.
Both men were rushed to the General Hospital in Gawu Babangida, where they are currently responding to treatment.
Security operatives said investigations have commenced to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident, while the case remains under active review.
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
By: Zagazola Makama
A heavy windstorm following a downpour has caused partial damage to structures at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Orientation Camp in Paiko, Niger State, leaving two children injured.
Security sources told Zagazola that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 8:00 p.m. when strong winds brought down parts of the camp infrastructure during the rainfall.
The sources said police personnel were immediately mobilised to the scene to restore order and provide security, while some corps members were safely evacuated from affected areas.
According to the sources, no loss of life was recorded in the incident.
However, two girls identified as Fati Abdul, 12, and Adewumi Adesola, 11, sustained minor injuries during the incident. They were taken to a medical facility, treated and later discharged.
The sources added that normalcy has since been restored at the camp, while the area remains calm and under observation to ensure continued safety of occupants.
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Remi Tinubu commissions nursing quarters, two mega schools in Borno
Two Men Sustain Severe Injuries in Mutual Attack Over Mining Site Dispute in Niger State
Windstorm Damages NYSC Camp in Niger, Two Children Injured
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions4 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
