The Brain Drain Challenge: Why We Must Improve Doctors' Wages

It's disheartening to see the growing number of Nigerian doctors seeking opportunities abroad due to better compensation. According to recent data, 281 Nigerian doctors are now practicing in other African countries, and a staggering 11,872 in the UK!

This alarming trend not only poses a significant loss of talent for our nation but also impacts the quality of healthcare services in our hospitals, which are left understaffed.

The situation highlights the urgent need to improve doctors' wages and working conditions in Nigeria. Our healthcare professionals deserve better recognition and compensation for their dedication and expertise.

Let's not forget that these doctors are being actively recruited by other nations, offering higher pay. To retain our healthcare workforce and ensure the well-being of our citizens, we must address this issue promptly.

The brain drain is not just a loss for our healthcare system but a loss for our entire nation. It's time for us to invest in our doctors and healthcare infrastructure to build a healthier and brighter future for Nigeria. 🇳🇬 💪

 #HealthcareMatters #BrainDrain #NigeriaHealthcare

http://victorikoli.blogspot.com/

Neymar's Influence: A Social Media Phenomenon

Neymar's Social Media Stardom

In the world of professional football, few players can match the electrifying charisma and global impact of Neymar Jr. His on-field skills are only rivaled by his social media presence, making him a true influencer both on and off the pitch. One remarkable testament to his influence is the unprecedented growth that clubs experience across their social media platforms when Neymar is associated with them. One such example is Al Hilal, a football club that saw an astounding 100% growth in its social media following after the announcement of Neymar's involvement. In the realm of drawing numbers and attention, Neymar stands tall alongside legends Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.

Neymar's prowess on social media platforms is nothing short of astonishing. With over 200 million followers on Instagram alone, he ranks among the most-followed individuals on the platform. His vibrant posts, engaging stories, and interaction with fans create a sense of intimacy and connection that transcends the distance between stadiums and screens. Neymar's content strategy skillfully balances his personal life, training glimpses, and philanthropic efforts, endearing him to a diverse audience that includes football aficionados and casual fans alike.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Neymar's influence is its direct correlation with the growth of clubs' social media platforms. The announcement of Neymar's association with a club has consistently resulted in a surge of followers and engagement. A prime example is Al Hilal, a Saudi Arabian club that witnessed an extraordinary 100% increase in its social media following following the revelation of Neymar's involvement. This phenomenon showcases the profound influence Neymar wields, turning him into a catalyst for generating online attention and buzz.

Neymar's ability to pull numbers and capture attention puts him in the same league as football's most iconic figures, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. While Ronaldo and Messi have been dominant forces on and off the pitch for years, Neymar has managed to carve out his own niche, harnessing the power of social media to solidify his status as a global icon. The trio represents an elite group of players who transcend traditional boundaries, shaping the landscape of modern football and setting new standards for influence and engagement.

Neymar's influence extends far beyond the boundaries of the football pitch. His mastery of social media platforms has transformed him into a global influencer, capturing the hearts and attention of millions around the world. The exponential growth witnessed by clubs like Al Hilal upon Neymar's association underscores the magnitude of his impact. As he stands alongside legends Ronaldo and Messi in terms of pulling numbers and commanding attention, Neymar's influence remains an unparalleled force in the ever-evolving world of football and digital media.

“All Eyes on the Judiciary”: Reassessing the Decision to Dissolve the Advertisement Body

A decision to dissolve the Secretariat of

the Advertising Standard Panel (ASP) by the Federal Government (Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria-ARCON) following the clearance of the billboard captioned "All Eyes on the Judiciary" in recent days has prompted a debate about the delicate balance between freedom of expression and responsible regulation. This decision, motivated by worries that the billboard could be interpreted as a threat and intimidation to the judiciary, particularly the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, raises significant questions regarding the role of advertising in expressing viewpoints and creating transparency in society.

The Importance of Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression is a cornerstone of any democratic society. It allows individuals to express their opinions, engage in public discourse, and hold those in power accountable. In the context of the advertisement in question, "All Eyes on The Judiciary," it is crucial to consider the broader message being conveyed. The phrase may have been intended as a call for transparency, accountability, and public scrutiny in the judicial process rather than a direct threat or act of intimidation.

A Question of Intent

It is essential to recognise the difference between expressing concern and issuing a threat. The assumption that the advertisement constitutes a threat to the judiciary, particularly the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal, hinges on interpreting the intention behind the message. Instead of assuming nefarious motives, there is a need for a balanced approach that acknowledges the potential for diverse interpretations of such advertisements.

Preserving Transparency and Accountability

Advertisements, like any form of media, have the power to influence public perception. However, it is crucial not to stifle public discourse or suppress criticism in the name of protecting institutions. The decision to dissolve the ASP Secretariat and suspend individuals seems to raise questions about whether such actions inadvertently undermine the principles of transparency and accountability that both the judiciary and regulatory bodies aim to uphold.

Balancing Regulation and Expression

While it is understandable that regulatory bodies should uphold ethical standards in advertising, it is equally important to ensure that decisions are based on a thorough and fair assessment. The knee-jerk reaction of dissolving the secretariat and suspending individuals without comprehensive investigation might risk undermining the credibility of regulatory processes.

Conclusion

In our pursuit of a just and transparent society, it is essential to foster an environment where citizens can freely express their opinions, even when those opinions concern institutions as critical as the judiciary. The assumption that the advertisement "All Eyes on The Judiciary" is a threat and intimidation should be critically examined, taking into account the potential for diverse interpretations. Rather than reacting hastily, a measured response that balances the principles of freedom of expression and responsible regulation can contribute to a healthier public discourse and the ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability.

Ukraine-Russia story briefs Monday February 28

Latvian citizens will be able to volunteer to fight for Ukraine

Latvia's parliament in Riga unanimously passed the necessary legal framework on Monday, allowing its citizens to join the fight against Russia's military advances in Ukraine.

IOC wants Russia and Belarus athletes banned; Putin loses Olympic order

In the aftermath of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) called on sports federations to deny athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus entry into international events on Monday. In an unprecedented move, Russian President Vladimir Putin and two other top political figures have had their Olympic Orders revoked.

Over 500,000 people have flee Ukraine

The number of people fleeing war in Ukraine has risen to over 500,000, while a scandal erupted at the country's border with Poland over alleged racist treatment of African refugees. According to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, over 500,000 people have fled the conflict in Ukraine to neighboring countries.

US closes its embassy in Minsk and authorises diplomats in Russia to leave.

According to the State Department, the United States is suspending its embassy operations in the Belarusian capital of Minsk. It has also authorized the voluntary departure from Russia of non-essential personnel from the US Embassy in Moscow, as well as their family members.

Russia declares tit-for-tat closure of 35 countries' airspace.

In response to multiple countries' decisions to close their airspace to Russian aircraft, Russia's aviation authority Rosaviatsiya announced on Monday that it would close Russian airspace to 35 countries.

All EU member states and Canada are affected by the indefinite ban.

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As a Russian ally, Japan imposes sanctions on Belarus

Japan intends to impose sanctions on Belarus as a Russian ally, according to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, as Moscow continues its attacks on Ukraine. According to Kishida, Tokyo's sanctions will target Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and other government officials.

FIFA expels Russia from Qatar 2022 World Cup

The governing body of football FIFA and UEFA, the European Union's governing bodies, have suspended Russian clubs and national teams from all competitions "until further notice," the federations announced on Monday. As things stand, Russia will be unable to compete in the World Cup play-offs next month or the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to FIFA's decision.

Russian-Ukrainian peace talks end without a breakthrough

On Monday, peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended without a breakthrough.

"We're travelling back to the capitals for consultations," Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak said as he exited the meeting on the Belarus-Ukraine border.

Homecoming to Nigeria Is Dangerous

                                                                                                                                                                              

Reviewing the Assassination of Ogacheko Atanu and a Warning to Nigerians in Diaspora on the State of Insecurity in Nigeria

                                                             

Ogacheko Atanu, an Idah born, world acclaimed and Saudi Arabia based drilling engineer was assassinated by unknown gunmen on Saturday, 9th of January, 2021 while holidaying in his country home in Idah, Kogi State of Nigeria. He was scheduled to travel back to Saudi on the morning of the next day before he was killed on that night in his hometown.

Ogacheko had such a brilliant career while he was at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria. It was his sheer brilliance and distinction while at Shell that got him headhunted by Saudi Aramco, the world largest oil company based in Saudi Arabia, where he worked until his assassination in his house in his hometown of Idah.

Homecoming for Ogacheko has had a bad history. Some years ago, after he started work at Saudi Aramco, he decided to visit his hometown and in course of the journey, on his way to Idah, he had a terribly fatal car accident which broke his limbs. Saudi Aramco did not take chances regarding the treatment of one of its best executives. So the company flew a special air ambulance (a chartered plane equipped with specialised medical equipment) into Nigeria and evacuated Ogacheko for treatment in Saudi Arabia. That’s how valuable he was to the company. And it didn’t matter whether he was a Nigerian and a non-national of Saudi Arabia.

So why would Ogacheko choose to come to his hometown under the present circumstances and be brutally murdered in his country home in such a wicked manner? Reports say he was asked by the gunmen to say his last prayers and despite offering them so much money, probably in dollars, they shot at him several times and he died instantly. Why?

Shouldn’t Ogacheko have taken the state of affairs in local security seriously enough to stay away from Nigeria at this time? With his status, he had enough money to arrange armed private guards or special police protection but why didn’t he do that? He also had the means to obtain a licence to own guns with which he could have repelled the assassins or defended himself. Why would uneducated, barbaric, unskilled hoodlums just kill an expatriate of that repute just like that without any resistance? Ogacheko was helpless even in his hometown; he was murdered mercilessly in his country home. Why?

Some Nigerians in diaspora get so accustomed to their host countries which have secure environments that they underestimate the Nigerian security situation. These members of the diaspora should seek proper travel advisory before coming home for holidays and other purposes. But they are usually overconfident in their belief that Nigeria is their original country where they started. So they don’t feel so threatened as if things are not as bad as when they were once here. No! Things are no longer as they were. The security situation in Nigeria seems to be deteriorating by the day. Those of us who live here know the daily risks we face and we trust in God in unusual terms, everyday for our security. Why do you think many Nigerians say crazy prayers using terms like ‘fire and die’ and ‘Holy Ghost fire’?

The Nigerian government needs to do more to assure Nigerians in diaspora and indeed all Nigerians that there is enough security before certain travels can be made in our country.

In the meantime, all Nigerians in diaspora, especially the successful ones who are popular for their generosity, should weigh carefully all their travel plans to Nigeria. A direct advice is for them to stay away completely until the security situation improves or they should be prepared to learn and adopt the needed skills together with resources required to survive in Nigeria, in these precarious times of insecurity, whenever they visit.

Frank Tietie
Human Rights Lawyer
& Executive Director, Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights (CASER),
Writes from Abuja

French woman told not French enough for Quebec residency

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Montreal: A French woman seeking permanent residency in Quebec was turned down on grounds on her French was not good enough.
Emilie Dubois, 31, has lived in the mainly French-speaking province since 2012, completed her doctoral thesis at Laval University in Quebec City in French started a small business in the province and even passed a language test.
But all that wasn't enough to convince Quebec officials to give her an immigration suitability certificate that is a prerequisite to gaining permanent residency.
"It's absurd," she told AFP.
French is the official language of government, commerce and the courts in Quebec -- a former French colony ceded to Britain in 1763.
But the province's French majority has often faced criticism for its arguably heavy-handed defense of the language of Moliere.
Most recently a backlash ensued over plans to require anyone wanting services in English to prove their ancestral English roots in the province.
According to a letter from the Quebec immigration ministry, Dubois was turned down because she had not completed her dissertation entirely in French.
One chapter of her doctoral thesis on cellular and molecular biology was written in English because it was a scholarly article published in a scientific journal. But the other four chapters were written in French.
"It's absurd, but I must believe that someone just made a mistake," said Dubois, a Francophone from Burgundy in eastern France.
"You just have to look at the reality of things and not consider that we are just boxes, folders, numbers, but that we are real people and if they have doubts, they can also reach out to us."
Quebec's immigration minister, Simon Jolin-Barrette, is reportedly aware of the case and has asked for a review.
Determined to press on, Dubois said "my desire to stay in Quebec is stronger."
 

AFP

The University of Ibadan ranked 17th top university in Africa

The University of Ibadan has been named the top university in Nigeria and the 17th best university in Africa for 2019, according to US News & World Report’s sixth annual Global Universities survey. 

The Best Global Universities rankings encompass the top 1,500 institutions spread across 81 countries. Universities were ranked on 13 indicators, including global and regional research reputation, publications, conferences, and international collaborations.

The University of Ibadan, UI as it is fondly referred to, overall ranked 733rd of all universities worldwide and the University of Nigeria Nsukka is ranked at 1393.

Ul ranked 299 in the world's top universities for clinical medicine. The University of Lagos ranks 560 and the University of Nigeria 740. The world's top universities for clinical medicine have shown strength in producing research related to a variety of medical and biomedical topics. These include anesthesia, cardiology, general and internal medicine, gastroenterology, obstetrics, ophthalmology, radiology and surgery. These are the best global universities for clinical medicine, based on their reputation and research in the field.

Established in 1948, the University of Ibadan is the first university in Nigeria.

 

 The full details on 2019 Best Global Universities can be found here: https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities.