News

The Essence of Great Health During Ramadan—By Dr. Nelson Aluya

Published

2 weeks ago

February 18, 2026

Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a sacred season of discipline, renewal, and elevation of the human spirit. For Muslims around the world, it is a month where the body, mind, and soul are aligned in purposeful worship. Observed as one of the Five Pillars of Islam, fasting during Ramadan nurtures taqwa (God-consciousness), strengthens self-control, cultivates gratitude, and deepens empathy for those in need.

As a physician serving patients from diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds for over two decades, I have spoken at numerous Pre—Ramadan Health Fairs and seminars for the last fifteen years, and have walked alongside many individuals seeking guidance on how to manage their health, take their medications and fast safely. I believe that Ramadan offers tremendous spiritual and even physiological benefits when approached with knowledge, preparation, and medical wisdom.

*The Divine Foundation of Fasting*
Ramadan occurs during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its obligation is rooted in the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)

The Qur’an further clarifies the period and purpose:

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)

Fasting extends from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) for 29–30 days, beginning with the sighting of the new moon. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 18 or 19, depending on lunar observation.

The Qur’an also provides compassionate exemptions:

“…And whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)

Islamic law exempts the ill, travelers, the elderly who cannot tolerate fasting, pregnant or breastfeeding women if fasting may cause harm, menstruating women, and children. This divine mercy underscores a foundational principle: preservation of health precedes ritual obligation when harm is likely.

*Ramadan: A Holistic Act of Worship*

The fast is not merely physical deprivation. It is moral and spiritual refinement.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari)

Thus, Ramadan is:
– A purification of the soul
– A strengthening of discipline
– A cultivation of patience
– A renewal of gratitude
– A communal celebration through shared Iftar

*Preparing for Ramadan: A Physician’s Perspective*

Fasting without knowledge can be harmful. The body undergoes metabolic transitions during prolonged fasting:
– Glycogen( sugar)stores are depleted.
– Fat metabolism( breakdown) increases.
– Ketone bodies(chemical produced in place of sugar during fastin) are produced.
– Hormonal shifts occur (including insulin reduction and glucagon increase).
– Fluid balance ( Dehydration)changes in the absence of water

While many experience modest weight loss, others gain weight due to excessive caloric intake at Iftar.

Preparation must therefore be intentional.

*1.Know Your Health Status*

Before Ramadan, assess:
– Physical and mental health
– Level of daily activity
– Chronic medical conditions
– Nutritional needs
– Work demands
– Hydration capacity
– Medication schedules

*2. Schedule a Pre-Ramadan Medical Visit*

The “Visit — Your Doctor and You” is critical.

A pre-Ramadan consultation should include screening or review of may have developed along the way:
– Diabetes
– Hypertension
– Heart disease
– Chronic lung disease
– Kidney disease
– Autoimmune conditions
– Cancer
– Pregnancy

For those who insist on fasting despite chronic illness, coordinated medical supervision is essential.

The Qur’an emphasizes balance:

“…And do not throw yourselves into destruction with your own hands…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:195)

Health preservation is not a lack of faith — it is an expression of wisdom.

*Suhoor and Iftar: Strategic Nutrition*

*Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)*
The Prophet encouraged Suhoor:

“Take Suhoor, for in Suhoor there is blessing.”
— (Sahih al-Bukhari)

A balanced Suhoor should include:
– Complex carbohydrates (oats, whole grains)
– Lean protein (eggs, legumes, yogurt)
– Healthy fats (nuts, olive oil)
– Adequate hydration
– Limited salt to reduce thirst.

*Iftar (Breaking the Fast)*

Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates and water, following the practice of the Prophet. Dates provide:

– Natural sugars for quick glucose replenishment
– Fiber
– Potassium
– Antioxidants

However, moderation is key. Heavy fried foods, excessive sweets, and large portions often lead to:

– Weight gain
– Blood sugar spikes
– Gastric distress
– Sleep disruption

Ramadan should not become a festival of overconsumption. The Qur’an reminds:

“…Eat and drink, but do not be excessive. Indeed, He does not like the excessive.”
— Surah Al-A’raf (7:31)

*Medication Management During Ramadan*

Medication timing often requires adjustment:
– Once-daily medications may shift to Iftar.
– Twice-daily regimens may need restructuring.
– Insulin dosing requires individualized modification.
– Diuretics ( water pills)may increase dehydration risk.
– Certain medications cannot be safely delayed.

Never adjust medications independently. Collaborative planning between patient and physician is essential.

*Who Should Not Fast?*

The Qur’anic exemption in Surah 2:185 is both clear and compassionate.

Those advised not to fast include:
– Uncontrolled( Sugar) diabetics
– Advanced heart failure patients
– Severe chronic kidney disease
– Active cancer patients undergoing therapy
– Frail elderly individuals
– High-risk pregnancies

Faith is not measured by physical endurance but by sincerity and obedience. For some, abstaining from fasting is the true act of submission.

*Mental and Spiritual Health During Ramadan*

– Ramadan strengthens psychological resilience:
– Structured routine enhances discipline.
– Night prayers (Taraweeh) improve communal bonding.
– Increased charity fosters empathy.
– Qur’an recitation enhances reflection and calm.

Scientific literature( Books ) ,increasingly recognizes that mindful fasting, spiritual meditation, and communal connection improve emotional regulation and stress resilience.

*Community, Compassion, and Character*

Ramadan is a communal equalizer. Rich and poor experience hunger together. Shared Iftar meals strengthen bonds across socioeconomic lines.

The Qur’an emphasizes generosity:

“And they give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive…”
— Surah Al-Insan (76:8)

True health is not merely biological — it is relational, spiritual, and ethical.

*The Balance Between Faith and Medicine*

As a physician who has cared for thousands of patients across cultures and beliefs, I have learned that faith and medicine are not adversaries. They are allies.

Ramadan teaches restraint. Medicine teaches prudence. Together, they preserve life.

The essence of great health during Ramadan lies in:
– Spiritual awareness
– Medical wisdom
– Nutritional balance
– Disciplined moderation
– Compassion for oneself and others

When approached correctly, Ramadan becomes a month of metabolic recalibration, spiritual elevation, and communal unity.

*My Spiritual Reflection*

Ramadan is not a test of starvation — it is a training of the soul.

It refines character. It disciplines appetite. It strengthens gratitude. It elevates consciousness.

And when practiced with knowledge and preparation, it can nurture both spiritual vitality and physical well-being.

“…Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship…”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)

May this Ramadan be one of wisdom, balance, safety, and profound renewal amin.

— Dr. Nelson Aluya

News

Ambassadorial Posting: FFK, Reno Posted to Germany, Mexico

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations.

In the list which was released by Bayo Onanuga, Presidential spokesman, on Friday afternoon, a total of 65 ambassadors and High Commissioners were posted across the country.

The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December last year.

Former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmud Yakubu, was posted to Qatar, Femi Fani-Kayode was posted to Germany, while Reno Omokri was posted to Mexico.

Senator Jimoh Ibrahin was posted to the United Nations; former Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau was posted to China, while ex-Governor Okezie Ikpeazu is the new ambassador to Spain.

Below is the list:

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO
2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA
3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN
4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL
5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR
6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE
7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES
8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY
10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL
11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN
12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE
13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND
14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK
15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA
16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA
17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA
18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA
19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA
20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA
21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE
22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY
23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA
24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA
25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN
26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE
27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA
28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN
30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA
31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST

S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED
1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE
2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER
3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP
4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA
5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO
6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT
7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA
8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA
9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI
10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA
11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON
12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY
13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE
14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO
15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA
16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL
17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA
18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA
19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD
20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS
21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO
22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA
23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA
24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA
25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN
26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA
27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN
28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND
30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA
31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON
32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE
33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN
34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The statement added that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agreement from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu.

Similarly, France has sent the agreement for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

It added that the Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agreements in line with standard diplomatic practice.

News

FG Launches N250 Billion Single-Digit Loan Scheme for Smallholder Farmers

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The federal government has launched a N250 billion credit facility for smallholder farmers, channeled through the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to provide much-needed access to credit at a single-digit interest rate. The initiative is designed to bolster agricultural productivity and enhance food security across the nation.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, disclosed this during the Quarterly Citizens and Stakeholders Engagement Session held on Friday in Abuja. He explained that a key priority for the ministry involves strengthening agricultural insurance and finance mechanisms by leveraging institutions such as the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC), the National Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), the Bank of Agriculture (BOA), and the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF).

In the past two years, the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation has provided risk cover worth N700 billion to 199,275 farmers, generating N2.43 billion in premium income while paying out N200 million in claims to enhance farmers’ resilience. The newly announced credit facility aims to build on such efforts by supporting food production, improving mechanisation, and creating sustainable livelihoods.

The Minister emphasised that the ministry’s overarching mission is to accelerate growth in the agricultural sector by boosting productivity and creating economic opportunities. He described the stakeholder engagement session as a critical step toward ensuring transparency and incorporating public feedback into government programmes.

Over the last two years, several initiatives have been implemented to strengthen the agricultural sector. These include the distribution of more than 1.9 million bags of fertilisers to nearly one million farmers, alongside 12,000 litres of organic fertilisers to promote sustainable soil management.

To combat the circulation of counterfeit fertilisers, the government has prosecuted offenders, constructed a National Reference Laboratory, and upgraded the National Fertiliser Management Platform to enhance quality control and transparency. Additionally, 109 fertiliser inspectors and over 329 industry stakeholders have received training on regulatory compliance.

International collaborations have also been established with Russia, Türkiye, India, and Canada to facilitate technology transfer and improve fertiliser production capacity. More than 3,500 farmers have been trained on organic fertilisers and soil management techniques to encourage sustainable agricultural practices.

The Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN) has been driving transformative change through research and development, focusing on crop production and varietal improvement. The council has distributed 40 million cocoa seedlings aimed at revitalising the nation’s cocoa industry, supporting long-term plantation development and boosting export potential.

Meanwhile, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has recorded significant milestones over the past two years in advancing the agricultural sector.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the engagement forum as a reflection of President Bola Tinubu’s governing philosophy rooted in transparency, participation, and accountability.

He stressed that governance must remain open and responsive to the people, adding that his ministry is committed to bridging the gap between policy decisions and public awareness. “Communication is not propaganda; it is accountability,” he said, noting that citizens should be well-informed and given the opportunity to provide feedback on government initiatives.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Marcus Ogunbiyi, underscored that transforming Nigeria’s agricultural and food systems is not merely an aspiration but an urgent national imperative.

News

National patron, Moss Andishu condoles SWAN over the demise of two prominent sports journalists

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Nigerian Tracker

By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

The national patron of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Moses Andishu has commiserate with the Nigerian sporting press over the death of two prominent Nigerian sports writers.

It would be recalled that, Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke breath their last within the span of 24 hours.

Tonex served as the image maker of two time back to back African club football champions, Eyimba fc International of Aba.

Late Niyi Oyeleke former SWAN Lagos chairman, NTA sports reporter , until his demise was a contributing member of the Super Sports crew.

Tonex Chukwu, who nursed injuries sustained from an auto crash, which occurred on 14th February 2026, finally passed away.

Moses Andishu in a press statement issued by his country director for Nigeria, Joseph Andishu, on Wednesday evening in Kaduna, said “ with an heavy heart I send this condolence message to SWAN to offer you comfort, expressing my sympathy, and honor to the deceased veteran comrades , Late Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke.

“ at this moments of grief, I offer my love, and support to my SWAN family, I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

“I am sending strength and love to all sports writers in Nigeria. My deepest condolences .

“I was so saddened to hear about the passing of Tonex Chukwu and Niyi Oyeleke. Within the span of hours in between they both transited to the great beyond .

“Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss”.

“Sending you love and strength during this difficult times for the sports journalism fraternity in Nigeria.”

“may almighty God in His infinite mercies grant them eternal rest. Amen.”

“May the soul of all the departed, rest in peace .” Amen.