Nanka and Its “Obinato”

My Daughter Beth

My daughter Beth (known as Elizabeth) just gave me an update on her recent report. She says that one of her drugs, Linzagolix, showed positive results in recent tests. These are the tests in Europe, similar to the US, for her drug.

It is a medicine that, if finally approved, would treat women with uterine fibrosis. She says that millions of women would get relief from this.  Black women are especially subject to these uterine fibroids.

Her firm in Geneva, Switzerland, is called Obseva.

“Obseva CMO (chief medical officer) Elizabeth Garner praised the results, saying in a statement that the biotech firm plans to complete its Phase III program for EAP (endometriosis-associated pain).” Beth said that this week was full of press releases and talks to multiple investors. She hopes they get good responses from the investors.

Nanka

One of the features I love about Nanka is the method of accommodating quarrels. These are handled by Obinato, a group from our clan that settles things between people who are fighting.

Our own Obinato is a meeting of the clan members to discuss how to deal with a quarrel. Any person has the right to call for the meeting. He or she will bring the people involved in the quarrel to share their viewpoints and argue for its resolution. Each side will present their views.

I remember one of the quarrels I heard about. It was between Godwin and Emmanuel. (The names have been changed.) Godwin had built a walkway and path to his house in the village. He said it enhanced the entryway to his home. He valued these as an addition to his place.

But Emmanuel said the walkway and path blocked his entry to his own house next door. He resisted its being built, and fought to have it removed. He could not enter it without stepping on the path or driving his car up to his house.

The two men took the leaders of the Obinato to their homes in the village. They could then assess the damage themselves.

I believe the solution was for Godwin to reposition the path and the walkway and for Emmanuel to let go of his complaints about the settlement. As far as I know, this was handled peaceably by the Obinato.

I think that one or two of the members agreed to help Godwin reposition the path and walkway.

Nigeria Health Watch

The African Medical Centre (sp) for Excellence, or AMCE, is involved in several initiatives going forward. It will build the 170-bed hospital by 2024. Its focus will be a place for oncology, hematology, cardiology, and general healthcare.

The AMCE hopes it will be a place for the diaspora medical staff to return to Nigeria.

I just met two people who could return. They are Nigerian, both Igbo. One is the Neuroscience Specialty Representative at his pharmaceutical company. The other is his wife, a podiatrist with training at Yale Medical Center, now practicing in her own specialty. But I have no idea how happy they would be in Nigeria today.

But maybe with the new hospital, things will change. Nigeria could actually become a center for excellence in Africa!