Despite the persistent caution by economic experts on the looming danger Nigeria faces in depending solely on petroleum products government’s other alternative in harnessing other sources of non-agriculture avenues is like threatened.
The federal government had lately beamed its searchlight on other sources of income as it reminiscent on those cash crops of those glorious years. Before the oil boom of the 70s, the nation’s economy depended on the groundnut pyramids, cotton, hides and skin, cocoa, palm oil etc.
But with the oil boom and Udoji awards other cash crops become quiet infamous until economic experts raise alarm on the dangers of over dependence on oil.
Nigeria’s alternative non-oil export agricultural products like groundnut, maize and beans which form the nation’s bulk export is experiencing an outbreak of a disease known as Aflatoxin.
Aflatoxin is a disease which though is common in Africa and especially in Nigeria most people are ignorant of its existence. During raining seasons Aflatoxin is rampant as it attacks most staple foods like beans, yam, cassava, groundnut and other grains.
Nigerians do not know about this disease which medical experts say contribute largely to about 90% illness experienced by both humans and animals.
The disease Aflatoxin though is not declared a public health problem emanates from contaminated food crops like groundnut, maize beans and other cereals and even tomatoes and onions.
Aflatoxins are naturally produced by a species of Aspergillus a fungus seen in most food items. According to Dr. Femi Omoz-Oarhe, a physician at medical reception station at Lungi Barracks Abuja in an interview with Newsworld said Aflatoxin is found in foods that are getting bad. There is a fungi in the food and when people consume it the fungus gets into the blood and the liver and it causes Hepatitis B. It is the liver affection that often leads into liver carcinoma or cancer of the liver. He explained that any assault to the liver could lead to liver cirrhosis.
The physician further explained that in Nigeria it is very possible to have cases of this attack but since our environment is not 100% health insurance activated some tests on sick patients are not readily available because most hospitals cannot afford comprehensive tests on sick patients. This is largely because most hospitals are either not well equipped or the consulting doctors do not want to over burden patients financially.
