Entertainment
Nigeria Loses N125bn To Medical Tourism, Yearly -NMA
The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) said yesterday that Nigeria was losing some $800 million (about N125 billion) annually to medical tourism.
The National President of the NMA, Dr Osahon Enabulele, made the announcement in Sokoto at a news conference at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the association.
According to him, no fewer than 5,000 Nigerians travel to India annually for medical tourism.
“That is why we are commending Governor Idris Wada of Kogi State for heeding our advice when he had an accident and he stayed back in Nigeria for treatment.
“ Other public and political office holders should emulate him and have confidence that there are adequate medical manpower and facilities in Nigeria.
“There is therefore, the urgent need for investments in the nation’s healthcare system.’’
Enabulele urged President Goodluck Jonathan, governors and other top public officials as well as political office holders to emulate the Kogi governor.
“If this is done, the high rate of capital plight used for medical tourism would be curbed and Nigerians should only travel for treatment when it becomes absolutely necessary.’’
Enabulele said that the association was fully committed to taking the nation’s health sector to greater heights.
The medical practitioner said that 3,700 patients were attended to in Tambuwal, Wamakko and Gwadabawa communities during the three-day free medical outreach programme, which ended on August 28 in Sokoto State.
He said that no fewer than 98 free surgical operations were conducted in three Local Government Areas of the state during the programme.
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer, Davido was spotted among other top artistes at Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour concert in Atlanta, Georgia.
Asake’s performance at his sold-out show at the 17,000-capacity State Farm Arena in Atlanta began on August 16, 2024, and is set to run for 10 days.
In a trending video on social media, Davido appeared backstage with American rapper Quavo to support Asake during the live performance.
Other musicians in attendance included Nigerian hitmaker Zlatan and American rapper Russ Millions.
The Tide’s source reports that Asake’s ‘Lungu Boy’ tour is set to cover six U.S. cities, where he will headline notable venues including Madison Square Garden in New York, the Toyota Center in Houston, and the State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
Asake’s tour comes just days after the release of his latest hit, ‘Lungu Boy,’ which features several superstars, including Wizkid, British rappers Central Cee and Stormzy, Travis Scott and Brazilian singer Ludmilla.
‘Lungu Boy’ set a new record for the biggest opening week on Spotify Nigeria, garnering 18.9 million streams in its opening week and breaking the previous record of 14.4 million streams held by Davido’s ‘Timeless.’