Opinion

Panorama: Osteoarthritis and the Role of Physiotherapy

Published

3 years ago

September 10, 2022

Eric

By Fatima Suleiman Halilu and Maryam Bashir Galadanci

Osteoarthritis (O.A), popularly known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD) is commonly defined as the gradual ‘’wear’’ and ‘’tear of the protective tissues at the end of bones that occurs over time with aging. Recent research and clinical evidence have shown that O.A is beyond ‘’ wear’’ and ‘’tear’’ and is an interplay of Physical, biological, and mechanical factors that affects the repair of joint cartilage (protective soft tissue for shock absorption) and surrounding structures leading to changes in joint structures. It is the most common type of arthritis and a major cause of pain in the elderly.

Osteoarthritis affects over 520 million people globally. According to research, there has been a 48% increase in osteoarthritis cases from the year 1990 to the year 2019 and the figures are expected to rise in the coming years. It is a major cause of disability in developing and developed countries and is expected to increase as the population ages. In age groups below 50yrs, men are more often affected, while in the older population the disease is more common in women with a ratio of 2:1 (due to a decrease in sex hormones with menopause). Research on the prevalence of O.A in Africa remains scarce, but a study carried out in South Africa revealed 55.1% of those affected in the urban population and about 87.2% in the rural population are adults aged 65 and above. A certain study on reported cases in healthcare facilities in Nigeria estimated that about 3.3 -7.1% of the population of the country have O.A. This figure is however believed not to be the true value of the cases in the community as there is still little awareness of the condition and more research needs to be carried out.

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint, but the most commonly affected of them are the weight-bearing joints (knee, hip, and spine). With aging over time and repetitive weight bearing on these joints, they start to deteriorate in function. Knee O.A accounts for about 60% of diagnosed O.A cases.

There are two types of O.A: Primary O.A and secondary O.A. The causes of primary O.A are still unclear but genetics is believed to play a role in it. Secondary O.A is caused by s specific triggers that exacerbate cartilage breakdown. Examples of such triggers are joint, injuries, metabolic and inflammatory diseases, Inactivity, and Abnormal mechanical forces.

Signs and symptoms include Pain, stiffness, limitations in movement, a snap/crackle and pop Sound (crepitus) while moving the joints, Muscle weakness, Mild Swelling, tenderness and decreased quality of life. Some joint-specific symptoms might also set in.

Risk factors include Age above 45, Female gender, Overweight or Obesity, Genetics, Trauma or injury to the joints, repetitive stress, sports injuries, joint malalignment, Bone deformities, Occupations that involve certain repetitive movements like bending and prolonged standing, and living a sedentary lifestyle.

Complications that might arise due to O.A include Loss of muscle bulk(atrophy), joint instability, joint deformity, balance impairments and fall risks, neurological symptoms, disability, and depression.

Osteoarthritis is diagnosed through detailed patient history taking, physical examinations, and some special tests. An X-ray may sometimes be done to determine the extent of changes in the affected joint or to eliminate other similar conditions like gout arthritis. CT and MRIs are rarely done. Lab tests might also be carried out if there is a need to rule out conditions like septic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Osteoarthritis is a chronic, progressive lifelong condition that cannot be cured. Symptoms can, however, be managed conservatively and the disease progression slowed down through the use of medications, supplements, intra-articular injections, diet, lifestyle adjustments, weight loss, and Physiotherapy. In severe cases, joint replacement surgery might be required.

The World Health Organisation recommends Physiotherapy as the first line of management for osteoarthritis. Physiotherapists are specialized health care professionals concerned with improving human function, and movement and maximizing physical potential. On September 8^th each year, World Physiotherapy (formerly the World Confederation of Physical Therapy, WCPT) marks World Physiotherapy day as a day to celebrate the profession worldwide and create awareness of health issues concerned with the profession. The 2022 World Physiotherapy theme is ‘’Osteoarthritis and the role of Physiotherapy’’.

Physiotherapists play a vital role in the management of O.A. Their roles span from preventive, to conservative management to pre-and post-joint replacement surgery management. In the preventive stage, Physiotherapists educate patients, clients, and the general public on, the causes, effects, and risk factors of osteoarthritis. Modifiable risk factors like being overweight/ obese and sports injuries can be addressed and managed by a Physiotherapist. Preventive measures are also given.

The conservative role of physiotherapy in osteoarthritis is aimed at slowing down the disease progression, preventing occurrences in other joints, fall prevention, and management of symptoms like pain, swelling, joint stiffness, joint instability, tenderness, impaired mobility, or balance. Physiotherapy also helps improve muscle strength, joint motion, and flexibility, and encourages participation in daily activities with ease. Additionally, Physiotherapists encourage weight loss and design exercises to cater to that. All this ultimately improves the patient’s quality of life. Methods and techniques applied to achieve this include Range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, balance exercises, aerobic exercises, functional activity exercises, manual therapy, joint mobilizations, hot and cold therapy, electrotherapy, hydrotherapy (exercises on water) Muscle energy techniques, use of orthotic devices like a knee brace, splint, neck collar, use of a cane and other mobility aids. The type, frequency, and intensity of the exercises, treatment plan, and materials used are dependent not only on the joint structures and muscles affected or the extent of their affectation but also on other factors like the Patient’s goals, age, gender, occupation, body mass index and the presence of other medical conditions. lifestyle. activity level, exercise tolerance, and sometimes beliefs influence management plans. A well-detailed history taking, physical assessment, investigations, and special tests will help your Physiotherapist design a personalized treatment plan that best suits you. These treatment plans are progressive and will usually get improved or adjusted over time with patient improvement or lack of it. Your Physiotherapist will also advise you on a diet, lifestyle adjustments, coping strategies, proper posture, ergonomic/workplace adjustments, and practices.

In cases where conservative management like Physiotherapy fails or certain symptoms and complications set in, Surgery is required. Physiotherapy plays an important pre-and post-operative role in joint replacement surgeries. In the pre-operative phase, patients are assessed holistically and educated on what to expect after surgery including precautions to take and absolute restrictions. They are informed of symptoms to expect like pain, possible swelling, restricted movement, and muscular weakness and how their Physiotherapists can help address them. Their goals are being put into consideration and they are being taught bed exercises and safe transfer methods.

Physiotherapy may commence a few hours after surgery taking into consideration the general health status of the patient and the type of surgical procedure done. A Physiotherapist would perform a detailed assessment and design an appropriate treatment plan according to patient needs, goals, and capabilities. This aims to promote patient independence, address post-surgical symptoms, prevent complications, improve the general health status of the patient and reduce hospital stay. Strengthening exercises, aerobic exercises for improved cardiovascular function, mobility and transfer training, balance and coordination exercises, and walking re-education are among the strategies employed by Physiotherapists post-joint replacement surgeries. Your physiotherapist will be responsible for training you to make use of assistive aids like a wheelchair, walking frames, and canes, graduating you in stages and eventually weaning you off to encourage functional independence. In-patient discharge rules and outpatient appointment sessions for follow-ups, monitoring, and progression are usually given to patients. This has proven to improve the outcome of surgery.

For consultations, and more information about Physiotherapy and Osteoarthritis, contact the nearest Physiotherapist to you. Also, check www.world.physio/wptday and https://nsphysio.org/.

MYTHS VS FACTS:

MYTH	FACT
O.A is a disease of old age	While most cases of O.A are diagnosed from ages 45 and above, younger people do get O.A
Exercises and activities worsen O. A	While certain movements, exercises, and activities might worsen O.A symptoms, a carefully planned exercise regimen by a qualified Physiotherapist can help manage the symptoms of O.A and improve quality of life.
O.A is caused or triggered by cold weather	There is no evidence that cold weather causes O.A. However, people are more likely to be inactive during cold seasons. This triggers O.A symptoms in an already affected joint

Fatima Suleiman Halilu PT, and Maryam Bashir Galadanci PT, are members of Kano State Chapter of Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy (NSP)

Opinion

Book Review: Against the Odds by Dozy Mmobuosi

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2025

Eric

By Sola Ojewusi

Against the Odds is an ambitious, deeply personal, and unflinchingly honest memoir that traces the remarkable rise of Dozy Mmobuosi, one of Nigeria’s most dynamic and controversial entrepreneurs. In this sweeping narrative, Mmobuosi reveals not just the public milestones of his career, but the intimate struggles, internal battles, and defining moments that shaped his identity and worldview.

The book is both a personal testimony and a broader commentary on leadership, innovation, and Africa’s future—and it succeeds in balancing these worlds with surprising emotional clarity.

A Candid Portrait of Beginnings

Mmobuosi’s story begins in the bustling, unpredictable ecosystem of Lagos, where early challenges served as the furnace that forged his ambitions. The memoir details the circumstances of his upbringing, the value systems passed down from family, and the early encounters that sparked his desire to build solutions at scale.

These foundational chapters do important work: they humanize the protagonist. Readers meet a young Dozy not as a business figurehead, but as a Nigerian navigating complex social, financial, and personal realities—realities that millions of Africans will find familiar.

The Making of an Entrepreneur

As the narrative progresses, the memoir transitions into the defining phase of Mmobuosi’s business evolution. Here, he walks readers through the origins of his earliest ventures and the relentless curiosity that led him to operate across multiple industries—fintech, agri-tech, telecoms, AI, healthcare, consumer goods, and beyond.

What is striking is the pattern of calculated risk-taking. Mmobuosi positions himself as someone unafraid to venture into uncharted territory, even when the cost of failure is steep. His explanations offer readers valuable insights into:
• market intuition
• the psychology of entrepreneurship
• the sacrifices required to build at scale
• the emotional and operational toll of high-growth ventures

These passages make the book not only readable but instructive—especially for emerging

African entrepreneurs.

Triumphs, Crises, and Public Scrutiny
One of the book’s most compelling strengths is its willingness to confront controversy head-on.

Mmobuosi addresses periods of intense scrutiny, institutional pressure, and personal trials.

Instead of glossing over these chapters, he uses them to illustrate the complexities of building businesses in emerging markets and navigating public perception.

The tone is reflective rather than defensive, inviting readers to consider the thin line between innovation and misunderstanding in environments where the rules are still being written.

This vulnerability is where the memoir finds its emotional resonance.

A Vision for Africa

Beyond personal history, Against the Odds expands into a passionate manifesto for African transformation. Mmobuosi articulates a vision of a continent whose young population, natural resources, and intellectual capital position it not as a follower, but a potential leader in global innovation.

He challenges outdated narratives about Africa’s dependency, instead advocating for
homegrown technology, supply chain sovereignty, inclusive economic systems, and investment in human capital.

For development strategists, policymakers, and visionaries, these sections elevate the work from memoir to thought leadership.

The Writing: Accessible, Engaging, and Purposeful

Stylistically, the memoir is direct and approachable. Mmobuosi writes with clarity and intention, blending storytelling with reflection in a way that keeps the momentum steady. The pacing is effective: the book moves seamlessly from personal anecdotes to business lessons, from introspection to bold declarations.

Despite its business-heavy subject matter, the prose remains accessible to everyday readers.

The emotional honesty, in particular, will appeal to those who appreciate memoirs that feel lived rather than curated.

Why This Book Matters

Against the Odds arrives at a critical moment for Africa’s socioeconomic trajectory. As global attention shifts toward African innovation, the need for authentic narratives from those building within the system becomes essential.

Mmobuosi’s memoir offers:
• a case study in resilience
• an insider’s perspective on entrepreneurship in frontier markets
• a meditation on reputation, legacy, and leadership
• a rallying cry for African ambition

For readers like Sola Ojewusi, whose work intersects with media, policy, leadership, and social development, this book offers profound insight into the human stories driving Africa’s new generation of builders.

Final Verdict

Against the Odds is more than a success story—it is a layered, introspective, and timely work that captures the pressures and possibilities of modern African enterprise. It challenges stereotypes, raises important questions about leadership and impact, and ultimately delivers a narrative of persistence that audiences across the world will find relatable.

It is an essential read for anyone interested in the future of African innovation, the personal realities behind public leadership, and the enduring power of vision and resilience

Opinion

Redefining Self-leadership: Henry Ukazu As a Model

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2025

Eric

By Abdulakeem Sodeeq SULYMAN

In a world filled with talents and unique gifts, nurturing oneself for an impact-filled living becomes one of the potent metrics for assuming how one’s life would unfold – either in the nearest or far future. I am sure the question you may be curious to ask is ‘what is the important quality that has shaped the life of every individual who has unleashed their ingenuity?’ Apparently, our society is filled with numerous people, who missed the track of their life. Their iniquity is boiled down to one thing – failure to lead oneself.

Realising how important it is to be your own leader has been the springboard for every transformative life. Notably, this also becomes the premise for appreciating and celebrating Henry Ukazu for setting the pace and modeling self-leadership in this era, where self-leadership is under-appreciated by our people. Self-leadership itself engineers purposeful and impactful living, turning individuals to sources of hope to others.

This is exactly what Henry Ukazu symbolises. The name Henry Ukazu is akin to many great things such as ‘Unleashing One’s Destiny,’ ‘Finding One’s Purpose’ and ‘Triumphant Living.’ Regardless of the impression one have formed about Henry Ukazu, one thing you cannot deny is his ability to be pure to nature and committed to his cause. Henry Ukazu is one of the rare people who still believed in the values of the human worth and has committed every penny of his to ensure that every human deserves to live the best life.

The trajectory of Henry Ukazu’s life is convincing enough to be choosing as an icon by anyone who chooses to climb the ladder of self-leadership. Oftentimes, Henry Ukazu always narrate how he faced the storms of life when birthing his purpose. He takes honour in his struggles, knowing full well that every stumbling blocks life throws at him helped in building himself. If not for self-leadership, he will not found honours in his struggles, let alone challenging himself to be an example of purposeful living to others.

Without mincing words, Henry Ukazu’s life has been blessed with the presence of many people, with some filling his life with disappointments, while some blessing him with immeasurable transformations. Surprisingly, Henry Ukazu has never chosen to be treating people negatively; rather he would only choose the path of honour by avoiding drama and let common sense prevail. That’s one of the height of simplicity!

Dear readers, do you know why today is important for celebrating Henry Ukazu? Today, 3rd December, is his birthday and with all sincerity, Henry Ukazu deserves to be celebrated because he has chosen the noble path, one filled with honours and recognitions for being an icon of inspiration and transformation to the mankind. As Henry Ukazu marks another year today, may the good Lord continue shielding him from all evils and guiding him in right directions, where posterity will feel his role and impacts!

Many happy returns, Sir!

Opinion

The Fault Lines of Power: A Global Leadership Crisis and the Path to Restoration

Published

7 days ago

November 29, 2025

Eric

By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

“Across the world, we are navigating the fault lines of outdated leadership. The future belongs to those who can mend these cracks with the mortar of integrity, the vision of long-term purpose, and the resilience of empowered people” Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

Leadership serves as the foundational pillar for any thriving organization, corporation, or nation. It is the critical framework meant to ensure stability, inspire direction, and foster resilience against challenges. Yet, a pervasive and unsettling phenomenon is emerging worldwide: the development of deep fault lines within these very structures of authority. This crisis of confidence spans sectors and continents, from established Western democracies to burgeoning economies in the Global South.

This examination explores these global leadership fissures, with a specific focus on Nigeria’s complex landscape. We will diagnose the universal symptoms, analyze their acute manifestation in the Nigerian context, and ultimately, propose a constructive framework for renewal aimed at individuals, businesses, and governments.

Diagnosing the Global Leadership Decay

The erosion of effective leadership rarely happens overnight. It typically begins with subtle, often ignored fractures that gradually weaken the entire system. These fractures commonly appear as:

The Credibility Chasm: A growing disconnect between a leader’s promises and their tangible actions. When rhetoric of transparency clashes with a reality of opacity, the essential bond of trust is severed.
The Tyranny of the Immediate: An overwhelming focus on short-term gains—be it quarterly earnings or political popularity—that sacrifices long-term strategy and sustainable health. This is the equivalent of building on unstable ground.
Strategic Inertia: In a world defined by rapid change, leaders who cling to outdated, rigid hierarchies render their organizations incapable of adapting, innovating, or surviving future shocks.
The Empathy Void: Leadership that is intellectually or emotionally detached from the realities of its people, employees, or citizens. This breeds disengagement, stifles collaboration, and fuels a silent exodus of talent and goodwill.
The Succession Failure: A critical neglect of leadership pipeline development, which creates a dangerous vacuum of vision and competence during transitions, jeopardizing institutional memory and future stability.

The Nigerian Context: A Magnified View of the Crisis

Nigeria, a nation brimming with phenomenal human and natural potential, offers a powerful case study where these global fault lines are particularly pronounced and consequential.

Within the Political Arena:

Leadership is frequently marred by a system that rewards patronage over performance. Rampant corruption diverts essential resources from critical public services, leading to a catastrophic decay in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. This, combined with policy instability across political administrations, creates an environment of uncertainty that discourages vital long-term investment.

Within the Corporate Sphere:

Many organizations, including prominent family-owned conglomerates, are hindered by overly centralized decision-making and weak corporate governance structures. When nepotism overshadows meritocracy, innovation is suppressed, and employee motivation withers. A survivalist mindset, driven by a challenging economic climate, often trumps strategic investment in talent and innovation.

Within Public Institutions:

A pervasive culture of bureaucracy and inefficiency often widens the gap between the government and the governed. This leads to profound citizen frustration and a demoralized public workforce, undermining the very purpose of these institutions.

The cumulative effect of these intersecting failures is a palpable national anxiety—a widespread belief that the nation is operating far below its potential, not due to a lack of resources or talent, but because of a fundamental breakdown in its leadership frameworks.

A Framework for Renewal: Building Resilient Leadership

Identifying the problem is only the first step. The imperative is to forge a path forward. The following advisory framework outlines how to bridge these fault lines and unlock latent possibilities.

For Individuals (The Agents of Change):

Transition from Spectator to Stakeholder: Exercise accountability through informed civic participation and constructive advocacy. Use platforms, including digital media, to demand transparency and results from leaders.
Embody Ethical Leadership Daily: Demonstrate integrity, accountability, and empathy within your immediate circle—your workplace, community, and family. Leadership is an action, not merely a position.
Commit to Lifelong Learning: Proactively acquire new skills, cultivate a global perspective, and strengthen your emotional intelligence to navigate an increasingly complex world.
Engage in Reciprocal Mentorship: Actively seek guidance while also dedicating time to mentor others. Cultivating the next generation is a collective responsibility that ensures a continuous flow of capable leaders.

For Corporations (The Economic Catalysts):

Ingrain, Don’t Just Install, Governance: Move beyond superficial compliance. Foster a culture where independent boards, radical transparency, and ethical practices are non-negotiable core values.
Systematize Leadership Development: Establish robust talent management and succession planning programs. Intentionally identify and nurture future leaders through targeted training, mentorship, and strategic role assignments.
Champion a Stakeholder-Centric Purpose: Define a corporate mission that creates genuine value for all stakeholders—employees, customers, communities, and the environment. This builds lasting brand equity and attracts purpose-driven talent.
Cultivate Psychologically Safe Spaces: Foster an organizational climate where employees feel empowered to voice ideas, question assumptions, and experiment without fear of reprisal. This is the bedrock of a truly innovative and adaptive organization.

For Nations (The Architects of Society):

Fortify Institutions Over Individuals: Invest in building strong, independent institutions—such as the judiciary, electoral commissions, and anti-corruption bodies—that can function autonomously and uphold the rule of law.
Prioritize Human Capital as the Supreme Asset: Direct national investment toward foundational pillars like quality public education and healthcare. An educated, healthy, and skilled populace is the most critical driver of sustainable national development.
Articulate and Adhere to a Long-Term National Vision: Develop a strategic, non-partisan national development plan that provides a consistent direction for policy, transcending political cycles and uniting citizens around a common goal.
Establish a Consequence-Based Culture: Implement a system where integrity is visibly rewarded and corruption is met with swift, transparent, and impartial justice, regardless of the offender’s status.

Conclusion: Laying a New Foundation

The fault lines in global leadership present a significant challenge, but they also offer a clarion call for renewal. The solution lies in a deliberate return to the core tenets of visionary, accountable, and empathetic leadership.

For Nigeria, and for the world at large, delivering on our shared potential requires a concerted effort to repair these foundations. We must collectively shift from a culture of short-sightedness to one of intergenerational stewardship, and from fractured allegiances to a unified commitment to the common good.

The blueprint for change is clear. By choosing to reinforce our leadership at every level, we can transform these fault lines into cornerstones for a more prosperous, stable, and equitable future. The responsibility to build rests with all of us.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History and International Studies, Fellow Certified Management Consultant & Specialist, Fellow Certified Human Resource Management Professional, a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN). He has also gained inclusion in the prestigious compendium, “Nigeria @65: Leaders of Distinction”.