News
‘Breast ironing harming girls, won’t stop attraction to men’
The physicians said the harmful practice, mostly rooted in the north, exposes the girls to infection, breast tissue damage, poor milk production after childbirth apart from leaving them traumatised.
According to the African Health Organisation, breast ironing is a process whereby young girls’ breasts are ironed, massaged and pounded down through the use of hard or heated objects in order for the breasts to disappear or delay the development of the breasts entirely.
The AHO said this cultural practice, which is predominant in the areas where child marriage is prevalent, affects 3.8 million women across Africa, noting that the practice is one of the five under-reported crimes relating to gender-based violence.
The practice can include the use of a variety of objects, such as heated grinding stones, cast-iron pans, ladles, hammers, wooden pestles or spatulas, spoons, brooms, or electric irons.
Experts say the callous practice is to stop or delay the breasts from growing or developing or make them flatter with the aim of making the girls unattractive to men.
They noted that breast ironing, like female genital mutilation, was a harmful cultural practice carried out on young girls between the ages nine and 15, which leaves them with complication of breastfeeding in adulthood.
Recall that the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, recently issued a stern warning that the Federal Government would stamp out the harmful practice during her advocacy visit to Garki Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Council.
Kennedy-Ohanenye, who also warned that the perpetrators would be severely punished , expressed worry over such practice in Kpaduma and Pygba communities in Abuja, insisting that the practice is harmful to women’s health.
Speaking Healthwise in different interviews, the medical experts said the practice was totally acceptable, citing the short-term and long term health risks.
They noted that breast ironing was a harmful cultural practice and abuse which could lead to breast cancer, urging health workers working with children and young people to watch out for girls who may be at risk.
A Consultant Radiation Oncologist at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Idi-Ara, Dr Adedayo Joseph, said, “Though there have not been medical studies on the effects of breast ironing, the practice can cause breast cancer, cysts, depression and perhaps interfere with breastfeeding in later life.
“There are currently 10 cases of diagnosed breast cancer reported from women who were identified as victims of breast ironing. In addition to this, breast ironing puts the girl child at risk of abscesses, infections and permanent tissue damage, resulting in breast pimples, imbalance in breast size, and milk infection.”
“Other possible side effects include malformed breasts. The practice ranges in its severity, from using heated leaves to press and massage the breasts, to using a grinding stone to crush the budding gland. The health consequences vary from benign to acute.
“Also, there might be a delay of breast milk development after giving birth, endangering the life of newborns. Many women also suffer mental trauma after undergoing breast ironing. They see it as a punishment and often internalise blame.”
Corroborating her views, a Consultant Gynaecologist and Obstetrician, Dr Babatunde Rosiji said that the practice thrives in the less informed environment where people do not have access to right information.
He said, “This practice is born out of the decision to suppress the breasts to protect the girls from rape and other sexual abuses without knowing that the practice is more harmful itself. You can imagine using a wooden pestle or heated iron sheet to massage the young girls’ breasts and pound it down. In some cases, you see pus in the young girls’ breasts as a result of the practice.”
Speaking on its consequences, he said, “Due to the instruments being used in the process combined with insufficient aftercare, young girls are exposed to significant health risks. This violates the young girl’s physical integrity. It exposes them to abscesses, infection, dissymmetry of the breasts, and tissue damage.
“This does not only damage a child’s physical integrity, but it also affects their social and psychological well-being. Over 50 per cent of this action is carried out on the children by their mothers and sometimes, without the knowledge of their fathers.
“Yes, some people hypothesise that it could cause breast cancers, but it is yet to be proven by studies. However, it does great damage to a girl child. They find it difficult to lactate or breastfeed their babies after childbirth. It affects glandular tissue, the part of the breasts that makes milk.”
On the solution, he added, “We need a legal framework to fight this just like the genital mutilation in the country. We also need the education of these young girls because the practice thrives in ignorance.
“Normally, a girl beginning to grow breasts all of sudden would wonder what is happening to her chest. She would run to her mother and you can imagine what the mother will tell her if such a mother is bent on doing this. But when such a child is taught about her body parts and development, she would know it’s a process of development and can’t be deceived.”
Clinical Oncologist and Chief Clinical Coordinator of NSIA-LUTH Cancer Centre, Dr Habeebu Muhammad, however, said though there are other harmful impacts of this practice, no studies have documented it as one of the causes of cancers.
A recent study by Mela Fotabong et al, on the “Prevalence, Awareness and Adverse Outcomes of Breast Ironing among Cameroonian Women in Buea Health District” revealed that victims of breast ironing experienced adverse breast outcomes.
The researchers advocated health education and the introduction of legislation against breast ironing to eliminate the harmful traditional practice.
They recommended further research to understand the drivers of breast ironing in other regions where it is practised.
“If You Have Evidence Against Stanley Mbam, Charge Him; Otherwise, Release Him” — Oganiru Izzi
A socio-cultural organisation of Izzi extraction, Oganiru Izzi, has challenged Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, to either release the state’s sacked Commissioner for Works, Mr Stanley Mbam, or charge him before a competent court if the government has credible evidence of wrongdoing against him.
The group said the continued detention of the former commissioner without a formal charge raises concerns about due process, constitutional rights and the rule of law.
The leader of Oganiru Izzi, Mr Godwin Mbam, made the demand while speaking with correspondents of National Issue Newspapers at the Crack Department of the Ebonyi State Police Command in Abakaliki.
Mbam condemned what he described as the prolonged detention of Stanley Mbam without allowing a court to determine whether he had committed any offence.
He challenged the state government to produce evidence if it believes the former commissioner committed a criminal offence.
“If there is credible evidence against him, charge him to court and let the court decide. If there is no case against him, he should be released,” Mbam said.
He also appealed to the Ebonyi State Police Command to uphold the Constitution and resist any pressure that could result in unlawful detention.
Vanco Flyover: “We Will Reveal the Full Details”
Mbam also issued a three-day challenge to Governor Nwifuru, declaring that if the former commissioner was not released or charged to court, his organisation would make public what it described as the “full details” of the Vanco Flyover project.
According to him, the proposed disclosure would address issues surrounding the project, including its funding, payments, contractual arrangements and other financial details.
“We will let the world know the full details of the Vanco Flyover and how the funds were utilised,” he warned.
He further challenged the state government to demonstrate transparency by making relevant documents concerning the project available to the public.
“What About the Alleged ₦1.5 Billion Forfeiture?”
The Izzi group also questioned what it described as the selective application of the state government’s anti-corruption campaign.
Mbam referred to allegations involving an account reportedly frozen by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and an alleged ₦1.5 billion forfeiture to the Federal Government.
He questioned why, according to him, the governor had allegedly not taken similar action if the facts surrounding the matter warranted it.
Mbam stressed that he was not opposed to the fight against corruption but insisted that any anti-corruption campaign must be comprehensive, transparent and applied equally.
“If Governor Nwifuru wants to fight corruption, let him fight it holistically. Nobody should be targeted while other serious allegations are ignored,” he said.
“If Nwifuru Says He Knows Nothing, We Will Produce the Facts”
Mbam further challenged Governor Nwifuru to publicly state whether he was aware of alleged corruption issues within the Ministry of Works.
“If Nwifuru publicly claims that he is unaware of corruption in the Works Ministry, I will make public the facts available to me. The facts will shock the state,” he declared.
He insisted that the matter should not degenerate into a political vendetta, arguing that the appropriate place to determine criminal liability is a court of law.
According to him, the people of Ebonyi State deserve clear answers concerning the Vanco Flyover and other issues involving public funds.
“Everybody Should Be Subject to the Law”
The Oganiru Izzi leader maintained that the controversy should be resolved through transparency, documentary evidence and due process.
“If there is a case, charge him. If there is no case, release him. The government cannot claim to be fighting corruption while abandoning the principles of justice and the rule of law,” he said.
Mbam warned that failure to address the issues could compel the organisation to make further disclosures concerning the Vanco Flyover and other matters it considers to be in the public interest.
By Our Correspondent
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, the candidate for the House of Representatives seat representing the Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, Hon. Chief Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to building a better country.
Chukwu, also known as Ochiri Ozua 1 of Amagu Ikwo, made the call in an Independence Day message to Nigerians, particularly the people of Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency and Ebonyi State.
He described the anniversary as not only a moment for celebration but also an opportunity to reflect on the state of the nation and the responsibilities of leaders in building a Nigeria that meets the aspirations of its citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant challenges, with millions of citizens currently facing economic hardship, while young people continue to search for opportunities and many communities contend with insecurity and uncertainty.
Despite these challenges, the Ebonyi politician said the resilience of Nigerians remained a source of hope for the country’s future.
“I believe in the resilience of our people. I believe in the ingenuity of our youths, the strength of our women, the wisdom of our elders and the determination of ordinary Nigerians who wake up every morning and refuse to give up on this country,” he said.
Chukwu, however, stressed that hope must be matched by responsible leadership, arguing that public office should be viewed as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
He called for leadership that prioritises the protection of lives, creation of economic opportunities, provision of infrastructure, strengthening of institutions and responsible management of national resources.
The candidate also emphasised the need to create an environment where young Nigerians can pursue successful lives within the country and where hard work, merit and enterprise are rewarded.
He said Nigeria had “come too far to surrender to hopelessness,” urging citizens and leaders alike to remain committed to the country’s progress.
“A better Nigeria is still possible, but it will require responsible leadership, accountable institutions and citizens who refuse to give up on their country,” he said.
Chukwu concluded by expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future, declaring: “Nigeria will rise. Nigeria must rise. And together, we must build the Nigeria we deserve.”
He also paid tribute to the nation’s past heroes, praying that their sacrifices would continue to inspire the country.
“May the labour of our heroes past never be in vain,” he said, as he wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
By Okey Maduforo, Awka
As Nigeria celebrates its 66th anniversary of independence from colonial rule, democracy in the country has continued to evolve and deepen, the Anambra State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Emma Anosike, has said.
Anosike made the observation in a message to mark Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, noting that despite the challenges the country had encountered since 1960, its democratic system had continued to improve under successive administrations.
According to him, since the return to democratic rule in 1999, Nigeria has witnessed relatively smooth transitions from one administration to another, while citizens have continued to exercise their fundamental rights to hold governments accountable for their performance.
“Before the return of the democratic process, it was indeed difficult and near taboo to challenge the leadership of the country, and those who may have attempted it in the past faced grave consequences.
“Similarly, we have had smooth transitions from one dispensation to another, producing five presidents through the ballot and not through the barrel of the gun. These elected presidents were produced by different political parties.”
Anosike said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had sustained the country’s democratic principles and created an avenue for Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, race or religion, to express their views on government policies and programmes.
“Under the stewardship of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigerians have been enjoying the freedom to express themselves over issues, policies and programmes of government, and those expressions have been shaping and guiding the administration of Mr President,” he said.
The APC chairman said Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary provided an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the country’s journey as a nation and the progress made since independence.
He said President Tinubu’s Independence Day broadcast had offered another opportunity for Nigerians to renew their hope for a greater and more prosperous country.
Anosike also commended what he described as the “enormous infrastructural development” taking place across the country under the Tinubu administration.
He urged Nigerians to continue to support and have faith in the administration as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
An Elder Statesman, Chief Hycienth Ngwu, has called on political leaders and policies formulators to ensure governmental policies and programmes directly touch lives of the people and reduce hardship in the country.
Ngwu, who is a prominent community leader in Enugu, urged Nigerians to maintain peace within neighbourhoods and communities, as no meaningful development can take place without peace.
The statesman made the call on Thursday in Enugu while reacting to the developmental efforts of Nigeria at its 66th Independence.
He said that previous and present administrations had put in place policies and programmes to reset the socioeconomic fabric of the nation.
Ngwu said that while the removal of fuel subsidy, and unification of the foreign exchange had good intentions, their impact is yet to reflect on the lives and livelihoods of vast majority of Nigerians.
He urged leaders to ensure that public resources were properly managed while citizens remained patient with reforms aimed at improving the socioeconomic status of the country.
The elder statesman noted that at 66th independence, the country was still struggling on keeping its peace and co-existence as a country; adding that the founding leaders of Nigeria envisaged a closely united, bonded and peaceful country.
He called for return to policies that promote local production, indigenous industries and entrepreneurship, arguing that excessive dependence on imports had continued to weaken the country’s productive capacity.
According to him, we are yet to achieve economic independence even as we needed to do more on non oil revenue earns as the greater part of the world is moving towards greener and clean energy.
“Greater emphasis should be on skills acquisition, creativity and entrepreneurship education system, as academic qualifications without practical skills could leave graduates dependent on scarce white collar jobs.
“We ought to be economically productive nation capable of producing and exporting goods while developing its human capital,” he said.
Ngwu noted that current insecurity and social instability could be partly attributed to poverty and ignorance, while calling for greater honesty and trust between leaders and citizens.
“Corruption, tribalism and selfishness must be addressed if Nigeria is to achieve peace and lasting progress,” he added.
He also called for the scrapping of state electoral commissions as they have not helped in deepening democracy at that level. The National Election body should take over that responsibility.
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Day, Macmaduson Concepts Limited, a leading provider of HVACR,industrial parts, sensors, electrical and plumbing materials, has extended warm Independence Day greetings to its customers, clients and business partners across the country.
In a goodwill message to mark the occasion, the company expressed appreciation to its valued customers for their continuous support, trust and partnership over the years.
Macmaduson Concepts Limited, which specialises in HVACR,Industrial Materials, sensors, air-conditioners, refrigerators, cold rooms, chillers, refrigerants, electrical materials and plumbing materials, said the occasion provides an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria and reflect on the nation’s journey.
The company wished Nigeria continued growth, unity, peace and prosperity, while expressing hope for a brighter future for all Nigerians.
The message from the company reads in part:
At Macmaduson Concepts Limited, we celebrate our great nation, Nigeria, and appreciate our valued clients for their continuous support, trust and partnership. May Nigeria continue to grow in unity, peace and prosperity.”
The company concluded its Independence Day message with the theme: “One Nation, One People, A Brighter Tomorrow.”
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary from Macmaduson Concepts Limited.
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