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LIGHTNING CREAMS’ DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON HEALTH 

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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 

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Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact

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Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 17 Brigade, in collaboration with local vigilantes, have conducted coordinated offensive operations on suspected terrorist enclaves across parts of Katsina State, forcing criminals to flee before troops’ arrival.

Security sources told Zagazola that the operation took place at about 0800 hours on May 10, 2026, targeting Kafin-Soli, Karaduwa, Maraban Musawa and Jikamshi villages in Kankia, Musawa and Matazu Local Government Areas of the state.

The sources said the clearance operation was part of ongoing efforts to dislodge criminal elements and deny them freedom of action within rural communities.

According to the sources, troops and vigilantes moved simultaneously into the identified locations but met no resistance as the suspected terrorists had fled prior to their arrival.

Military authorities said follow-up exploitation of the general area was ongoing to ensure the criminals do not regroup or return to the affected communities.

They added that troops will continue intelligence-led patrols and offensive operations across vulnerable areas in Katsina State to sustain pressure on criminal networks and restore normalcy.

Troops Raid Terrorist Enclaves in Katsina, Criminals Flee Before Contact

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Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash

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Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of 12 Brigade have successfully ambushed suspected terrorists along the Old Obajana–Jakura–Tajimi axis in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State, neutralising one insurgent and recovering weapons, ammunition and other items.

Security sources said that the operation occurred at about 0450 hours on May 10, 2026, west of Meyanga and north of Adankolo Forest during a planned ambush operation.

The sources said troops made contact with the terrorists in the early hours of the day, leading to a brief exchange of fire.

According to the sources, one terrorist was neutralised during the engagement, while others fled the scene, abandoning their weapons and equipment.

Items recovered at the scene included two AK-47 rifles, six magazines loaded with 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one locally fabricated pistol, one Motorola handheld radio, one motorcycle, and a sum of ₦62,900.

Other recovered items included a camouflaged bandolier, three mobile phones and additional sundry materials.

Military authorities said troops have continued exploitation of the general area to track fleeing suspects and prevent regrouping of criminal elements.

They added that operations in the axis remain ongoing as part of sustained efforts to dominate the environment and deny terrorists freedom of action.

Troops Ambush Terrorists in Kogi State, Neutralise One, Recover Arms and Cash

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Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable

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Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable

By: Michael Mike

Human rights and anti-poverty organisation, ActionAid Nigeria, has called for the immediate impeachment of any governor found guilty of using state resources to fund political campaigns ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The organisation made the demand in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its Country Director, Andrew Mamedu, following growing public concerns over alleged movement of huge sums of money by some political actors for campaign-related activities.

ActionAid Nigeria said the allegations have raised serious questions about the source of the funds allegedly being deployed for political mobilisation and consolidation of power ahead of the next election cycle.

Mamedu described the reports as disturbing and unacceptable, especially at a period when millions of Nigerians are grappling with economic hardship, rising inflation, insecurity, unemployment and worsening living conditions.

According to him, it would amount to a grave abuse of public trust if state resources meant for governance and development were diverted for partisan political purposes.

“It is appalling that at a time when Nigeria is drowning in debt, workers are struggling with the rising cost of living, public hospitals are underfunded, schools are collapsing, insecurity is spreading, and millions of Nigerians are battling hunger and extreme economic hardship, that any suggestion of public resources are being diverted or deployed for political campaigns,” he stated.

The organisation stressed that governors were elected to serve the people and not to convert state resources into what it described as “political war chests.”

ActionAid Nigeria challenged governors and political actors allegedly linked to the claims to publicly explain the source of the funds being used for political activities, insisting that Nigerians deserve transparency and accountability.

The group further urged anti-corruption agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, as well as State Houses of Assembly, to commence immediate investigations into the allegations.

According to the organisation, any governor found culpable should face impeachment, prosecution and recovery of diverted public funds.

“Any governor who diverts public resources for political campaigns has violated public trust and abused the mandate given to them by citizens. Such individuals should not remain in office,” Mamedu said.

He warned that unchecked misuse of public resources could weaken democratic institutions and create an unfair political environment where incumbents enjoy undue advantage over other contestants.

The organisation also noted that while political parties have the right to organise campaigns and raise lawful support, such activities must not involve public funds, government assets or state institutions.

ActionAid Nigeria cited countries such as the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Germany and South Africa as examples where strict accountability measures exist to prevent incumbents from using state resources for partisan political activities.

The organisation called on citizens, civil society groups, journalists, whistleblowers and anti-corruption advocates to remain vigilant and expose any suspicious use of public resources for political purposes ahead of the 2027 elections.

ActionAid Nigeria maintained that safeguarding democracy and protecting public resources must remain a collective responsibility of both institutions and citizens.

Funding of Politics with State Funds: ActionAid Demands Impeachment of Governors Found Culpable

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