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DR. BENNETT OMALU: CELEBRATING ONE OF NIGERIA’S GREATEST EXPORTS TO THE WORLD ON HIS 55TH BIRTHDAY

Published

1 year ago

September 4, 2023

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Dr. Ifekandu Bennett Omalu is a native Of Urunnebo Village, Enugwu Ukwu In Njikoka Local Government Area Of Anambra State.

Born on September 1st, 1968. He attended both primary and secondary schools in Nigeria. And for his tertiary education he proceeded to the University of Nigeria Nsukka, where he acquired MBBS degree in Medicine and Surgery.

He is currently a Professor of medical pathology and laboratory science at the University of California.

Subsequently he acquired his MPH from the University of Pittsburgh and his MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. He is the first person in the world to discover and publish findings of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy in American football players while working at the Allegheny County Coroner’s Office. He’s now the Chief Medical Examiner for San Joaquin County, California. And a professor at UC-Davis.

Dr. Bennet Omalu came to the United States in the 1990’s at the age of 26, to finish his Medical Residency. Through hard work that is just the nature of his Igbo race, he is today, one of the foremost Nero pathologists in the world and is best known for discovering and studying CTE, a degenerative brain condition affecting American football players.

This doctor from Anambra, Nigeria changed the perspective about the safety of some sports through his research into the lives of former N.F.L players. Later a study in Sweden confirmed him absolutely right by revealing that if your child suffers from one concussion they are more likely to die before the age of 42 and more likely to develop psychiatric issues. The Sweden research discovered that N.F.L players were dying or killing themselves less than 20yrs after retirement-which is in their 30’s usually. Exactly something Dr. Omalu confirmed years back.

Worried by the sad fate of some retired NFL players, Dr. Omalu went into research to find out why. In his research, he discovered that “Concussion” was the reason. Amazingly the facts where denied by NFL who felt threatened that his research will destroy their multi billion dollar industry. They fought back to make sure that his research was hidden for years. Dr. Omalu didn’t give up out of fear, getting the truth across to the world was far more important to him than his life. As a result of the Igbo courageous blood in him, that makes the average Igbo person to survive and succeed against all odds, without respect to the hearse and hardest environment, Dr Omalu fought through threats and verbal abuse to get the great scientific discovery to world.

When his research went through, it became so popular and celebrated to the extend that Mr Will Smith, the iconic American actor had to portray him in a movie titled “Concussion”. Where he is credited with finding out the harsh repercussions of contact sports on children and adults. The movie Concussion starring Will Smith playing Dr Omalu the founder of the disease CTE that causes something he found out that messes a lot of football players heads up really bad from so much brain rocking contact was a worldwide hit.

Dr. Bennet Omalu is equally the author of the book, Truth Doesn’t Have A Side: My Alarming Discovery About The Danger Of Contact Sports. Dr. Omalu wrote this book, to help parents answer the question ‘Do I love football more than I love my child ?’

It is our hope that sooner or later Dr Omalu will be awarded the Nobel prize in medicine for his research that is saving lives all over the globe.

Happy Birthday to this globally acclaimed Enugwu Ukwu-Born, Award Winning Pathologist, Dr Bennett Omalu.

News

The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists

Published

1 day ago

October 29, 2024

august24admin

The Pointer Award: Aniagwu hails Delta journalists

DAN DENT (ASABA)

Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Riverine Roads) Mr Charles Aniagwu has sent a message of appreciation to journalists in the state and country for their support since coming into governance in 2015.

Aniagwu who was bestowed with The Pointer Newspaper Public Service Excellence Award at the 30th Anniversary of the newspaper held yesterday at Grand Hotel and Resorts, Asaba, dedicated the award to journalists in the state and country.

Aniagwu a former Commissioner for Information in the state, appreciated immediate past Governor of the State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa and his successor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for finding him worthy to serve amidst other qualified Deltans.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Aniagwu said, “Let me appreciate my bosses starting with Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa who gave me the privilege to serve as his Commissioner for Information and of course the privilege I also have at the moment under the distinguished leadership of Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori.

“For me to have that say in this state, I deeply appreciate these leaders because it is possible that if these positions that I had the privilege to hold is also extended to any other Deltan they could possibly perform even better than I did.

“But to be distinguished and recognised, I give God the glory and for me it is a reminder of the need to try as much as possible when you are given a responsibility to discharge it with the best of your ability.

“When such recognition is coming from my colleagues, you know the journalism profession is one critical profession that tries to examine what people do.

“So when you have your colleagues who are in the same profession agreeing that you have done well, all you need do is to give glory to God and also appreciate them for the support they extended to you.

“In my sojourn as Chief Press Secretary and the Ministry of Information I really enjoyed the support of my colleagues both those in the media and those managing the media houses, my colleagues in Government and the state.

“I give God all the glory for the kind of support I have continued to enjoy since coming into this state for the purpose of working for the state government in 2015. I feel quite excited about this recognition and I do not take it for granted.”

Speaking on the journey so far for The Pointer Newspaper, Aniagwu commended the paper for weathering the storm over the years.

“I have had the privilege of presiding over the affairs of the paper and I can tell you that there a whole lot of misunderstanding around the operations of the newspaper.

“So much needs to be done especially as they are still printing through a third party process, it will be better if we can provide them with a good printing press, so that they begin to print for themselves.

“The moment they can print the paper by themselves, it will make it easier to increase the print run, it becomes easier to be in control of their speed as well.

“Once that is done and a proper distribution facility is provided, the paper can then have their independence to go and generate their own money and ensure they remit something to the state government.

“But I can tell you that the way they are now if thatASABA assistance is not given, they may still continue to struggle to be able to meet up.

“Looking at the conditions they operate, you will appreciate the women and men who work in that establishment that they are actually putting in a lot to be able to produce on daily basis.”

News

Transcorp Plc Completes Share Capital Reconstruction to Enhance Shareholder Value

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

News

Transcorp Group Announces Further Impressive Financial ResultsQ3 2024 Figures Reveal 133% Revenue Growth and 303% Surge in Profits

Published

2 days ago

October 28, 2024

august24admin

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Transnational Corporation Plc (Transcorp Group), Nigeria’s leading listed conglomerate, has reported its financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, showcasing remarkable year-on-year growth.

The Group’s Q3 2024 unaudited results demonstrate strength across key financial performance measures, highlighting the success of its growth-driven strategy.

In Q3 2024, Transcorp Group achieved revenue of N298 billion, a 133% increase from N128 billion recorded in the same period of 2023. Profit before tax (PBT) increased by a remarkable 303%, to N105.5 billion, compared to N26.2 billion recorded in Q3 2023, further solidifying the Group’s position in Nigeria’s business landscape.

Key Financial Highlights:

Revenue Growth: 133% increase, rising to N298 billion from N128 billion in Q3 2023.

Profit Before Tax: Surged by 303% to N105.5 billion in Q3 2024, from N26.2 billion in the same period last year.

Total Assets: Grew by 29%, increasing from N530 billion in December 2023 to N684 billion in Q3 2024.

Shareholders’ Funds: Increased by 34%, from N187 billion in December 2023 to N251 billion in Q3 2024, driven by profit accreting to retained earnings.

Operating Expenses: Increased by 38% to N32 billion in Q3 2024, compared to N23 billion in the previous year, reflecting the impact of inflation on the cost of operations.

Net Finance Cost: Increased by 12% to N12 billion in Q3 2024, from N10 billion in Q3 2023, due to rising interest rates.
Owen Omogiafo, OON, President/Group Chief Executive Officer, Transcorp Group, attributed the Group’s exceptional performance to its focus on innovation, operational excellence, and ability to navigate a complex market environment.

She said: “We are proud of our consistent year-on-year growth. This remarkable financial performance is a reflection, once again, of our vision and spirit of execution. As we approach year end, we will focus on enhancing operational efficiency, investing in high-growth sectors, and delivering long-term value to our shareholders. We are investing for the future, particularly in the energy and hospitality sectors, delivering for our shareholders and our nation.”

About Transnational Corporation Plc

Transnational Corporation Plc (“Transcorp”) is one of Africa’s leading, listed conglomerates, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa.

Transcorp’s power businesses – Transcorp Power Plc and Transafam Power Limited – provide over 20% of Nigeria’s installed power capacity. Transcorp is committed to developing Nigeria’s domestic energy value chain, through its investments in OPL28 and its renewable energy drive through Transcorp Energy Limited. The Group’s hospitality business, Transcorp Hotels Plc, owns the iconic Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Nigeria’s flagship hospitality destination.

www.transcorpgroup.com