Women
Women Bodies Back Cancer Eradication …Advocate Provision For Women In PIB
Although the Federal Government, last year, allayed fears of a rise in Nigeria’s cancer burden as it upgraded seven tertiary health institutions to manage invasive cancer and cancer-related illnesses in the country, yet, the Nigeria Association Of Women Journalists NAWOJ, observes that some factors still militate against government efforts at effectively combating cancer scourge in Nigeria.
It highlighted poor awareness, poor health seeking behaviour, low level of non-governmental investments, low number of skilled health care personnel, funding gaps as major factors. Others include the myopic view that cancer is a disease of the rich, amid the reality that the poor and downtrodden are suffering in silence.
NAWOJ also spotted some myths and misconceptions that lead to stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with cancer as factors that must be dealt with. The body added that unless government intervened significantly, more Nigerians would continue to die of cancer.
The media women umbrella body is emphasising in a simple term, the imperativeness of the federal and state governments to partner with the national and international stakeholders to be able to record more laudable achievements in managing cancer cases in the country, as well as commit adequate resources to reduce cancer death and provide better quality of life for patients and survivors.
It also called on governmental organizations, civil societies and other stakeholders to intensify advocacies and organise more sensitisation programmes, especially in rural areas, to enlighten the public on preventive measures to reduce the prevalence of the killer disease.
In all of this, there is no gainsaying the fact that while the government does its bit in this regard, the masses no doubt, have a part to play if cancer must be subdued. This year is a reminder of the enduring power of cooperation and collective action. It has indeed become obvious that when we choose to come together, we can achieve what we all wish for a healthier, brighter world. For now, we may not know that all of our actions count as they matter a lot. A cancer-free world is actually not a mirage, but achieveable in our collective action.
As the global community marked this year’s World Cancer Day, the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) in its usual manner, encouraged individuals to go for regular checkups and examinations, as early detection saves lives. NAWOJ is of the view that regular checks is all that is needed to prevent this enigma of our time as early detection will mean early treatment and eventual prevention.
This is absolutely the message of this year’s world cancer day. The 2021 global theme: “I Am And I Will”, acknowledges the fact that our commitment to act will lead to powerful progress in reducing the global impact of cancer and create a cancer-free world. It is a call for everyone, irrespective of who you are, because our actions – big or small – will make a lasting, positive change.
According to the United Nations, such actions have an impact on everyone around us, within our neighbourhoods, communities and cities. And that more than ever, our actions are being felt across borders and oceans.
There is no doubt that there is cure when detected early, therefore, we encourage regular checkups and examinations as most cancers can be removed with either drugs, radiotherapy or surgeries, when detected early. NAWOJ believes everyone has the capacity to address the cancer burden and that, together, we can work to reduce cancer risk factors and overcome barriers to early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Medical Association of Nigeria, MWAN, Rivers State, has advocated for early screening, adopting healthy lifestyles and called on everyone to take action to reduce the risk of cancer. The state president of the association, Dr Vetty Agala, in commemoration of the World Cancer Day 2021 in Port Harcourt, announced that so far, eighty five (85) women have benefitted from VIA, fifty-two (52) from pap smear and eighty six (86) persons had clinical breast examinations, while two hundred and eighty (280) students from two (2) secondary schools also had health education on cervical cancer, personal hygiene, HIV-self testing and gender- based violence.
It would be recalled that the association had flagged off screening for breast and cervical cancer at their Every Woman’s Centre Lane 1, Block 3, Flat 3 Marine Base Estate, while routine screening continues even after the world cancer day.
In another development, the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, NAWOJ , has advocated a Petroluem Industry Bill, PIB, that increases participation of Women in the oil and gas sector. The Zonal Vice President of Zone B, NAWOJ, Mrs Ayaba Omobola Nowoola- Akigbehin, made the appeal in a workshop with female journalists of South/South and South West Zones held in Lealo Hotel, Lagos State with the theme: “PIB: X-Raying Women Issues for Media Reportage”.
Nawoj realised that despite the challenges faced by women as a result of the exploration of oil and gas and pollution in our environment which affected the livelihood of women, there was no provision in any sections of the bill that provided for the need of the women, especially in allotting positions to the women in accordance with the 35 per cent affirmation.
NAWOJ therefore, promised to reach out to the National Assembly and the Presidency to make its stand known before the passage of the PIB.
It is worthy to note that the bill, if passed into law, will improve the operation of the oil and gas sector and boost local industralisation. However, due to the delay in the passage of the bill by National Assembly in the past 20 years, the nation has suffered economic setbacks from both foreign and local investors.
By: Sylvia ThankGod-Amadi
Women
Nigeria Deserves Stylish, Sophisticated Designs-Igiebor Daddy Lucky
IVY-K Fashion by Igiebor Daddy Lucky, a Nigerian-born designer now based in the UK, has launched the latest menswear line, Dapper Man.
One of the collection’s strengths is its classic, clean aesthetic. Dapper Man delivers sharp, structured suits in a timeless black and white color scheme that exudes a sense of luxury and professionalism. The use of high-quality fabrics like wool and silk ensures that the suits not only look high-end but also feel luxurious to the wearer. The designer’s focus on detail is evident in the meticulous tailoring, with fitted blazers and crisp trousers forming the foundation of the collection.
Where IVY-K Fashion shines is in the subtle yet elegant touches. The inclusion of beads as embellishments on lapels and cuffs adds a unique flair, blending traditional craft with modern tailoring. This nod to African heritage gives the collection a distinct identity, offering something more personal and culturally significant than your standard menswear line.
However, despite the elegance of the Dapper Man collection, there is a lingering sense of missed opportunity. The black-and-white color palette, while classic, feels overly safe. In a fashion landscape where bold colors and daring patterns often make the strongest impact, the collection could benefit from incorporating more vibrant hues or experimenting with unconventional fabrics. Pushing the envelope with color or texture could elevate these designs from simply elegant to truly memorable.
In addition, while the tailoring of the blazers and trousers is immaculate, the collection lacks a sense of playfulness or modern edge that many contemporary menswear lines are embracing. The suits are undoubtedly stylish, but the collection as a whole leans heavily on tradition. Experimenting with asymmetrical cuts, bold patterns, or even layering could add an exciting dimension to Dapper Man. The challenge is to maintain the sleek sophistication of the collection while infusing it with a fresh, innovative spirit.
Another area that could use improvement is the overall cohesion of the collection. While the suits are well-crafted, there is a feeling of repetition across the pieces. More variation in design, such as different lapel styles, pocket configurations, or even bolder accessories, would give the collection greater diversity and visual interest.
In conclusion, Dapper Man by Igiebor Daddy Lucky showcases the designer’s strong grasp of classic tailoring and elegant design, but to truly capture the attention of a broader audience, IVY-K Fashion would benefit from more daring choices. By infusing the collection with bold colors, unexpected textures, and a more modern edge, Dapper Man could move from a well-crafted line to a trendsetting force in men’s fashion. With such a solid foundation, there’s no doubt that Igiebor Daddy Lucky has the potential to lead his brand toward greater heights
Women
Women Can Curb Indecent Dressing
The trend of indecent dressing all in the name of fashion is fast becoming a norm in our generation and society at large. Most married women embrace this fashion as competition with single ladies.
Different scholars have given an in depth insight about dressing as a tool of communication. Non-verbal communication has been asserted as the communication between people by the means of signs or symbols. It conveys what we wish to disseminate to the public as either intentionally or not.
According to Paul Ekman and Michael Argyle, communication is carried out through what has been classified as “Presentational Code”. He listed nine codes of non-verbal communication, as body contact, facial expression, gestures, postures, eye movement, proximity, orientation, head nods and appearance.
This, being stated, married and single ladies should understand that their mode of dressing is communicative be it directly or indirectly as such body parts we call “private” are now being made public because of the trends or wearing of transparent dresses and this in turn calls on the attention of men who are weak and prone to illicit thoughts thus, resulting to most rape cases in our society.
This indecent dressing by most ladies has denied many their future husbands. The truth is that a man is attracted to his kind; his desires in marriage. It is often asserted that decency and beauty are in the eyes of the beholder, yet, in trending times of this 21st century, dress code and fashion in nudity form is gaining popularity.
This has become complicated as most men tend to toggle between their emotions (lust) and sanity (rationality) in terms of marriage, thereby setting a wrong foundation upon which most marriages are consummated.
On the other hand, most married women have embraced the trend of indecent dressing nipping it on the state of it being the choice dressing, approved by their spouses, leaving society with the question of what “responsible” man would prefer that the secrecy of the benefit of his marital vow has become the centre of attraction and viewership by the general public.
Hence, communicating with their dressing gas given licence to every male gender who is interested or attracted to what they see to make unsolicited sexual passes at them, which might be considered embarrassing.
At this juncture, it is important to state that ladies should dress decently knowing that they are the epitome of nation-building, they are nation-builders, character moulders and pacesetters not just in the lives of their families but to the society at large.
In most occasions, there are no clear border lines between the married women and the single ladies because of the rate of scanty dressing which has close the gap of differences.
Women and girls should embrace this call awakening to decent mode of dressing. Dresses that are meant to be worn indoors should remain indoors.
It is worrisome to see ladies wear shorts that are supposed to be worn in the living room on the streets without shame. This is an awakening call to our ladies, married and singles that the opposite sex do not expose their private body parts for the public. Sometimes, the ladies go about in the streets without wearing brazziers as to showcase their nipples.
The society should be sanitised of the menace of indecent dressing that is lurking and taking over the entire nooks and crannies of the society and the nation at large.
Let it be known that he or she is addressed in the manner he or she is dressed. There may be no room for a second impression. To the single ladies, your dressing decently will not stop you from meeting your Mr Right rather, it will increase your stake and place you on the list of most valued women in the society.
Dressing speaks louder than words.
Kate Chisom Isiocha
Isiocha is an OND final year student of Temple Gate Polytechnic.