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Why World Cancer Day Matters to Everyone

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By Abdulkareem Adeyemi

Cancer—a word that evokes fear, whispered in hushed tones and shrouded in uncertainty. It is a silent thief, taking loved ones too soon and altering lives without warning. It does not discriminate or negotiate; it simply arrives, relentless and unmerciful.

But on World Cancer Day, we are reminded of something even stronger than the disease: the resilience of the human spirit.

Even if cancer has never touched your life directly, it still affects us all. It exists in our communities, our families, and within our own bodies. We are survivors, warriors, caregivers, or simply unaware that we could be next. This is why World Cancer Day cannot be just another date on the calendar. It must be a call to action.

Millions around the world use this day to raise awareness about early detection, treatment, and support. But awareness alone is not enough. Cancer continues to claim lives at an alarming rate, with many still facing a death sentence due to lack of access to proper care. Families are selling everything they own for one more round of chemotherapy. This is a crisis that demands urgency.

The fight against cancer is a fight against time, inequality, and silence. It is a battle for better policies, increased funding for research, and stronger support systems that do not crumble under the weight of medical bills. It is not just the responsibility of those affected; it is a fight for everyone, because prevention is just as vital as treatment.

Today, we honor the warriors, the survivors, the fallen, and those still fighting. We say their names, recognize their courage, and ensure that their struggle was not in vain.

But remembrance alone is not enough. Action is necessary.

Schedule that check-up you have been postponing. Early detection saves lives. Support cancer research and organizations because every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Advocate for better healthcare policies so that no one has to choose between survival and financial ruin. Be there for those in need, whether through a simple phone call, a shared meal, or a listening ear.

Cancer is more than a disease; it is a test of our humanity. It challenges us to care, to fight, and to hope. If we stand together, then perhaps one day, World Cancer Day will not be a reminder of loss but a celebration of victory.

Until then, we keep fighting, for them, for us, for the future.

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Abuja Rent Crisis Deepens as Residents Struggle to Cope

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By Alexis Uchendu

As rents soar in Abuja, many residents face financial strain, forcing some to relocate, downsize, or share accommodation to survive.

With inflation rising and incomes stagnant, housing costs have become unbearable.

Amaka Okafor, a civil servant, had to leave her Gwarimpa apartment and move back to her hometown.

“Staying in Abuja has become unsustainable,” she lamented.

Others, like Ahmed Bello, a private-sector worker, are choosing shared living arrangements.

“It’s not ideal, but better than being homeless,” he said.

Even landlords are feeling the pinch. A Wuse property owner admitted to negotiating rent reductions to retain tenants.

Abuja’s housing market crisis has reached a breaking point, with no clear relief in sight.

Analysts urge government intervention and affordable housing initiatives, warning that without action, more residents may be forced out of Nigeria’s capital.

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The Growing Menace of Manhole Cover Theft in Abuja

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By Abdulkareem A.

A disturbing and dangerous trend is emerging in Abuja: the theft of manhole covers that protect the city’s sewage systems.

Scrap metal thieves are systematically removing these covers from major roads and expressways, leaving gaping holes that pose serious risks to motorists and pedestrians.

In high-traffic areas such as the Central Area and the Central Business District (CBD), particularly near landmarks like the Bank of Agriculture, these thefts have become rampant.

The exposed holes on fast-moving roads are accidents waiting to happen, with vehicles at risk of crashing into them—potentially leading to severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.

A concerned citizen recently took to social media to highlight the gravity of the situation, sharing a video that shows vehicles narrowly avoiding these hazardous openings at high speeds.

The video also served as a plea for urgent intervention from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, and other relevant authorities.

The primary culprits behind these thefts are believed to be scrap metal scavengers who sell the stolen covers for quick cash.

While the government is often blamed for infrastructural failures, this crisis underscores a deeper societal issue: acts of recklessness and disregard for public safety by citizens themselves.

Beyond the immediate dangers to motorists, the open manholes also pose serious threats to pedestrians, especially at night. Without swift action, accidents will continue to rise, and the consequences could be catastrophic.

Abuja, a city renowned for its rapid development, is now grappling with the challenge of preserving its public infrastructure. The unchecked theft of manhole covers not only endangers lives but also undermines the city’s efforts to maintain order and safety.

As the number of these open holes increases, so too does the likelihood of a major disaster. The time for action is now—before another avoidable tragedy unfolds.

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