Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A leading Cardiologist from the University of Ilorin, Professor Ibraheem Adeola Katibi, has disclosed that a locally developed artificial-intelligence system capable of interpreting ECG readings for Africans is ready and undergoing final validation.

Prof. Katibi, a former Dean of the Medical School and current Director of the Central Research Laboratories, who was fielding questions from journalists in Ilorin, the state capital, said the innovation is designed to correct long-standing inaccuracies arising from the usage of diagnostic machines developed for Caucasian populations.

He added: “Several years of research by his team, in comparison with British, Indian and Chinese populations, have shown clear physiological differences in ECG patterns between Africans and Caucasians. I warn that relying on imported devices gives the wrong interpretation, which may lead to wrong diagnosis and inappropriate treatment.”

Professor Katibi said his team has now built a digital ECG system and an AI-powered diagnostic algorithm tailored to African populations. He explained that the tool would allow an individual to record and interprete an ECG using a mobile phone.

He said the device is functional but not yet in the market. “We have validated the diagnostic algorithm. What we want now is a larger-scale trial before commercialisation,” he noted.

He added that when completed, the innovation would allow people to check their heart status at home just as they check blood sugar or blood pressure from the comfort of their bedrooms and offices.

The Cardiologist decried the poor funding of research in Nigeria, saying government allocations remain far below global standards when juxtaposed with National Institutes of Health (NIH) of the United States for example. He said the country cannot continue to rely on solutions developed abroad for problems that require local understanding.

Professor Katibi also highlighted structural gaps in research facilities, noting that many laboratories lack stable electricity, water, and essential equipment. He said only sustained investment can reposition research centres and enable scientists to produce solutions that meet national needs.

On the challenges facing young Nigerian doctors, he said the problem is not competence but the harsh working environment. He attributed the heavy migration of medical personnel to poor remuneration, insecurity, and the inability of many doctors to afford basic tools, transportation, and accommodation.

He said Nigerian doctors excel abroad because they work in organised systems that reward effort and provide supportive conditions. “Labour is global,” he said, adding that workers would naturally move to places where their skills are valued.

Professor Katibi urged leaders to prioritise peace, invest in education and health institutions, and fund research adequately. He also called on citizens to support current leadership while making informed decisions during elections.

Speaking on preventive health measures, he advised Nigerians to cut down on salt and food seasoning, exercise regularly, rest, and eat fruits and vegetables. He said individuals already diagnosed with high blood pressure must keep hospital appointments and follow medical instructions strictly. Use of medications for hypertension and diabetes is usually for life.

On the link between traditional and modern medicine, he said: “Countries such as Morocco, India and China have advanced by refining and repackaging their traditional herbs into safe formulations like immunity-boosting and calmness teas. Nigeria needs to engage our traditional medical practitioners better for improved collaboration and larger good, including foreign exchange earnings.”

End

By: Fabian Apechihin

International human rights lawyer Emmanuel Ogebe has weighed in on Nigeria’s worsening security situation, attributing many of the violent attacks across the country to religious extremism.

This comes as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Nigerian Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and other security agencies to adopt new strategies to curb the rising wave of insecurity nationwide.

Speaking during an interview on Arise News, Ogebe argued that a significant number of attacks in Nigeria are religiously motivated. He recalled a disturbing statement allegedly made by the late Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, regarding an intervention by a former Nigerian president.

According to Ogebe, Yusuf once claimed that the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua personally flew him on a presidential jet and pleaded with him to stop the killing of Christians, whom he described as “infidels.” However, Yusuf reportedly rejected the appeal.

Quoting from the video, Ogebe said:
“Mohammed Yusuf preached and said Yar’Adua flew him on the presidential jet and begged him to stop killing the infidels, but I won’t do it.”

Ogebe cited the account as part of his argument that religious ideology plays a major role in Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges.

By: Fabian Apechihin

The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has recounted how a former minister in charge of Abuja ordered the demolition of 15 RCCG churches within a space of just two weeks.

Pastor Adeboye made the revelation in a recent video from the Holy Ghost Service held in Abuja, where he spoke on the power of praise and reflected on the trials the ministry has faced over the years, while stressing God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Recounting the incident, he explained that the massive demolition happened at a time when RCCG already had an extensive network of churches, which made the impact less noticeable.
“You know, we didn’t even notice because there were many others,” he said.

He also spoke about the remarkable turnout at the previous month’s Holy Ghost Service, describing the crowd as being like a mini-congress. According to him, this was a clear sign of God’s growing presence and expansion in the area despite the resistance the church once faced.

Pastor Adeboye encouraged worshippers to always acknowledge God’s presence in their lives, even in difficult times.
“Even if you don’t want to praise Him for what He has done, something within you is telling you your time has come,” he said.

Quoting from the Book of Psalms, he declared an end to stagnation and the beginning of rapid progress for believers.
“As far as stagnation is concerned, that is over,” Adeboye proclaimed.

He urged members to embrace praise as a powerful tool for breakthroughs, noting that even one hour of genuine praise could revive areas of life that had become stagnant. In a surprising move during the service, he announced that he would not be making an altar call, explaining that true praise itself would bring about divine transformation.

Adeboye further encouraged the congregation to create personal moments of worship.
“Think of a song of your own. You’ll be singing your own, I’ll be singing my own. When we put it together, we have what they call a joyful noise,” he said.
He invited worshippers to begin praising God immediately without waiting for the choir or anyone else.

Concluding his message, the RCCG leader assured the congregation that consistent praise would attract divine intervention.
“Praise Him and watch your enemies defeat themselves,” he said, adding that persistent worship would bring about positive changes and make life easier for believers.