₦airaland Forum

Growing up in Nigeria, one of Chidozie Ojobor’s most visceral memories was the death of his older sister, Ginika, who died of typhoid fever in 1999.

“Her death caused me to want to understand what typhoid meant, the organism that caused the disease, how it was disseminated and so on,” says Ojobor, who would go on to study microbiology at the University of Nigeria.

His curiosity about infectious diseases became a passion, and his master’s education led to the study of phage therapy – using viruses to treat bacteria.

In particular, he uses “tailocins” – built from parts of viruses – to defeat the bugs.

“Thinking that my sister may have been infected by a resistant strain that wouldn't bow to antibiotics that were administered to her got me more interested in phage therapy,” says Ojobor, a PhD candidate in the lab of Alan Davidson, a professor of molecular genetics in the Faculty of Medicine.

Ojobor set out to understand the molecular processes of disease, with an interest in diagnosis and how diseases metabolize in the body.

His drive to combat infectious disease and, subsequently, superbugs, got the attention of MPOWER Financing, a Washington, D.C.-based company that offers loans to international students. Ojobor was named one of four winners of their Global Citizen scholarship this past spring.

He is the first Canadian university student to win the scholarship. He was picked by MPOWER staff out of 1,121 eligible applications – which they cite as a record number of applicants.

The $5,000 scholarships were awarded on the strength of applicants' essay submissions. Ojobor’s submission identified the need to address the threat of superbugs.

“Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, if left unchecked, would cause 10 million deaths yearly, worldwide, by 2050 [according to a CDC report]. So, there is great need to search for alternatives to the conventional antibiotics,” he wrote. “In the last 3 years of my PhD in Canada, I have identified novel bacteria-killing entities, called tailocins, which I have successfully used to kill resistant bacteria, in the laboratory. Interestingly, in any case that the bacteria then develop resistance, I can genetically engineer the tailocins to overpower the resistant superbugs.”

With tailocins, Ojobor has been able to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the lab. Ojobor’s hope is that he can genetically engineer them to overpower superbugs as cases arise – with treatments in the form of pills and other therapies.

“That, for me, is a high point of the research – that we are able to keep up with that [antibiotic] resistance,” says Ojobor, who joined Davidson’s lab in 2015. “The potential for the research is great and is, for me, really interesting.”

Davidson is full of praise for Ojobor, who he says is "a higly appreciated member of our group.

“Chidozie is a very motivated student with a strong drive to make a difference with his research. He is making important discoveries,” says Davidson, whose lab focuses on antibiotic-resistant bacteria and phage therapies. “He also is a wonderfully warm and engaging person.”

Ojobor is thankful to be named a scholarship winner. He is also grateful for his professor, who has been “super supportive” since he arrived at U of T.

“I think about him as that person who is pivotal to my success,” says Ojobor. “He’s led me in the right direction. We’ve had a great relationship.”

As Ojobor’s education nears its end next year, he is thinking about what to do next with his research. He is leaning towards a public health focus, applying his work to developing countries like Nigeria. He is also considering starting a company “to see how we can take what we are already doing now in the lab and take it to the next level.”

Ojobor is happy to be funnelling his passion into something about which his sister would be proud.

“I feel great and encouraged that I am contributing to this field and, one day, [will] prevent many young and promising Ginikas from dying from resistantfrom dying from resistant bacteria.”


SOURCE:
https://www.utoronto.ca/news/u-t-phd-student-wins-global-scholarship-combating-antibiotic-resistant-superbugs

PLEASE OP, CHANGE YOUR TOPIC TO THIS:

Nigerian masses seeks death penalty on politicians who loot the country

Good development

1) Goat = Ewu (Male = Mkpi, Female = Nne Ewu)
2) Fowl = Okuko (Male = Oke Ọkpa, Female = Nnekwu)
3) Guinea Fowl = Ọgazị
4) Chicken = Nwa Ọkụkọ
5) Turkey = Tolotolo/Torotoro
6) Duck = Odokwuma/Obogwu
7) Pigeon = Nduru
8.) Ostrich = Enyi Nnunu
9) Antelope = Mgbada
10) Deer = Ele
11) Cow = Ehi
12) Horse = Ịnyịnya
13) Rat = Oke
14) Guinea Pig = Oke Bekee
15) Squirrel = Ọsa
16) Dog = Nkita
17) Hyena = Ediabali
18) Cat = Buusu/Nwamba
19) Sheep = Aturu
20) Ram = Ebula
21) Pig = Ezi
22) Lion = Odum
23) Leopard =Agu
24) Elephant = Enyi
25) Monkey = Enwe
26) Chimpanzee = Adaka
27) Gorilla = Ọzọdimgba (Ọzọ, the king of
wrestling)
28) Snail = Ejile/Ejula
29) Snake = Agwo
30) Python = Eke
31) Lizard = Ngwere/Ngwele
32) Wall Gecko = Agu ulo
33) Crocodile = Aguiyi
34) Toad = Awo
35) Frog = Mbara
36) Tortoise = Mbe
37) Vulture = Udele
38) Eagle = Ugo
38+)Black Eagle=Ègbé
39) White Ant = Aruru
40) Black Ant = Agbisi
41) Mosquito = Añu Nta
42) Grasshopper = Ukpala
43) Kite = Egbe
44) Spider = Ududo
45) Praying Mantis = Ogongolo
46) Earth Worm = Idide
47) Worm = Okpo
48) Scorpion = Akpi
49) Butterfly = Ibuba
50) Cockroach = Uchicha/Ochichi
51) House Fly = Ijiji
52) Cricket = Nte
53) Bed Bug = Chinchi/Ogii
54) Bee = Añu
55) Crab = Nsiko
56) Bat = Usu
57) Millipede = Esu
58) Centipede = Ogbakuluu
59) Rabbit = Ewii
60) Grasscutter = Nchi
61) Owl = Ikwikwi
62) Wood Pecker = Otu Kpokpo
63) Chameleon = Ugwumagala
64) Fox = Nyanwuruede
65) Fish = Azu
66) African civet = Edi Ura (a nocturnal animal known to sleep all day during the day. Used to refer to anyone who sleeps a lot)
67) Wasp = Ebu (Isi kote ebu, O gbakasia nya aru)
68) Taylor Ant = Akpolide (Usually found on mango trees)
69) Porcupine = Ebi Ogwu
70) Shrew = Nkakwu/Nkapia (Mole-like rat that is known for its pungent smell.)
71) Eleke Nti Oba = Swallow (A type of bird that hardly perches on trees when in season to avoid being gunned down by human hunters)
72) Hawk = Nkwo
73) Beetle = Mbuzu/Ebe
74) Periwinkle = Isam
75) Bush Fowl/Goose = Okwa
76) Stork = Okpoko
77) Boa Constrictor = Eke Ogba
78) Camel = Inyinya Ibu
79) Hippopotamus = Utobo/Akum
80) Iguana = Ngwere aghu
81) Tilapia = Azu asa
82) Eel = Ebi Iyi
83) Crayfish = Isha
84) Turtle = Mbe mmiri
85) Egret = Chekeleke
86) Donkey = Jaki
87) Dragon Fly = Tatambeneke/
chechembeleke
88) Maggot = Ikpuru/Ndù
89) Buffalo = Atu
90) Wolf = Agu Owulu
91) Sparrow = Nza
92) Parrot = Icheoku
93) Viper = Ajuala
94) Locusts = Igwulube
95) Galago/Bush baby = Ikili/Ikiri
96) Hog = Ezi Ofia
97) Bird = Nnunu (Generic name)
98) Gabon Viper = Echi Eteka
99) Weaver bird = Egule
100) Cod fish = Okporoko

ADD YOURS

Ekabo

Sit transit gloria mundi - RIP Temitope Olatoye

One = 1

Resolved

npowerng:
Good morning.
PLEASE READ THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY
We have sent SMS to ALL N-Health applicants but we understand that some people have not received it.
So if you applied for N-Health and you have NOT written your assessment tests, please log in to write your test with your BVN and Phone number.
If you are unable to log in, please note that your BVN records do not match your application so your application journey has come to an end.
#NPowerNG

@Op , it's salon not saloon. The two words have differrent meanings.
No man is an island of knowledge.

AlexReports:
Actor Charles Awurum, Others Celebrate As Former Miss Commonwealth Opens Saloon

One of Abuja based most celebrated Queens and former Miss CommonWealth Africa, Joy Onumajuru has added another feather to her cap as she officially opens her beauty shop - Queenel Saloon over‎ the weekend at Wuse 2 - KFC Plaza

It was indeed a gathering of creamy Abuja residents, models and showbiz practitioners including Gospel On The Beat, Charles Awurum, Queen Susan Eniolorunda , Alexreports and host of other ladies‎. There was so much to eat and drink as her Rev. Father officially opens the Saloon after precise prayers and blessings.

It would be recalled that Queen Joy Onumajuru recently returned from London after bagging Masters Degree honours and she also reigned supreme as former Queen Of Aso Nigeria.

http://www.alexreports.info/2016/09/wow-shots-nollywood-actor-charles.html?m=0

obowunmi:
HELLO,

Someone just infected me with the HPV virus.

Booty call is not really free after all.

Doctors in their house, what does this mean for me as a man?

It's called Human Papillomavirus
It causes warts, including genital warts.

AmbIzuchukwu:
Umuchu is old Aguata. Now, they are In Orumba North

Please, Umuchu is in Aguata, don't get it twisted.
Confirm from Google.
Thank you

Little by little a bird makes it's nest

ONITSHA—The Nigerian Air Force, yesterday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company, IVM, Nnewi, Anambra state for research and production of spare parts for its fighter jets. The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, told newsmen in Nnewi, Anambra that the collaboration between the company and the Air Force had kept its jet fleet running for months now. Abubakar, who was represented by the Chief of Policy and Planning, Air Vice-Marshal James Gbum, said the MoU would further solidify the collaboration, improve local content and engineering as well as save the country a lot of foreign exchange used in importing the expensive parts. He said: “Our war efforts will be in vain if we don’t do something to ensure we get spare parts because some of our fighter aircrafts that have formed the back-bone of our struggle against Boko Haram, were once down due to lack of spare parts and mainly the break assemblies of these aircrafts. “The Air Chief immediately ordered our research and development cell in Kaji to start to research into this break assembly overhaul. They went ahead and carried out the research. However, the first proto-type they brought couldn’t pass the test. “The Nigerian Air Force later discovered that Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company at Nnewi, Anambra State is very capable of collaborating with the Nigerian Air Force to achieve the required standards of overhauling our break assemblies.”

SOURCE
http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/03/innoson-signs-pact-air-force-produce-jet-fighters-parts/

macarson2k:
Some predecessor forget the project initiated by the past governments.

The most important is completion .

I concur

AtlanticBreeze:
The previous administration had 8 whole years to begin and complete this project, if the former governor didnt do that then why are you and renegade09 bringing him up to this discourse again? This project is not bigger than the 4 worldclass flyovers started and completed by obiano in less than 2 years. Obiano can decide to abandon this project and nothing will happen so he takes 100% credit for this project

Please, point of correction.
Where are the four flyovers? Now I know you leave outside the state.
Three flyovers are under construction with distances less than 1 km from the next, two are 95% complete while the one at Akwata junction is still under construction. Though, the partially completed ones are already in use.
Also, name the fourth flyover you are talking about?
In as much as I am glad about the positive news about Anambra, I am beginning to suspect some political undertones as regards to the hyperbolic statements being made as regards to the state.

ENDTIMEISNEAR:
This man is the most working Governor. Rochas is still there eating Imo state bail out money for workers.
Rochas has finished imo state .no single good road, no single functioning health hospital, talk talk and no do. sorry for imo people.

Yes, this is laudable. But this project was initiated by the previous administration.
Though the present government is trying most of his exaggerated achievements are projects initiated or completed by his predecessor

Pharaoh! Let my people go [color=#990000][/color]

Absolutely right

Bugatie:
He tried!

For a man faced with the conspiracy of Bokoharam and other numerous challenges, all I can say is, he tried.

Meanwhile, did anyone notice we don't hear of bombings again

Who do we now believe the APC ''All Past Criminals'' or the PDP ''People Deceiving People'' ?

Acidosis: You really think Mary saved you?

kai... humans!


Well, I thank God for your life

hey pharisee, never criticize what you don't know...

Awoof no de last....eiyaaa, pele