Entertainment
Lagos residents alarmed as price of condoms rises by over 100%
Some residents of Lagos have raised concerns about unsafe sex amid the rising cost of condoms in the country.
NAN reports that many are concerned the trend will lead to both unsafe sex and unintended pregnancies among citizens.
There are different types and brands of condoms and the best are often determined by their quality, durability, comfort, and protection.
Some popular condom brands among Nigerians include Durex, Fiesta, Kiss, Rough Rider, and Gold Circle.
However, checks at some pharmacies show that prices increased by 50 to 200 percent when compared to 2023 rates.
Some Lagos residents, NAN reports, say access to affordable contraceptives is critical in ensuring the health of partners, protection from sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and planning the desired pregnancy
Felix Atuche, a banker, argued that the increasing price of condoms made him resort to the withdrawal method, hoping it wouldn’t lead to pregnancy.
“We got married two months ago and my wife and I are currently undertaking our master’s degree. So for us, pregnancy has to wait for about two years,” the banker said.
“I usually use the Durex Fetherlite Elite condom because it heightens the feelings between partners, just like skin to skin.
“I used to buy the pack for N1,900 but now it goes for N2,500 to N3,500, depending on the pharmacy I buy from.
“The cost is getting unaffordable for me because of the number of packs I need.
“I resorted to the withdrawal method but my wife has been avoiding sex with me because she’s scared of getting pregnant.”
Monisola Ajayi, a businesswoman, said she prioritised her sexual health by ensuring she used female condoms during intercourse.
“A few years ago, I contracted STIs from my husband. I got treated and forgave him, but the incident left a scar on my heart,” she said.
“So, I always ensure I use a condom to protect myself. Female condoms are available but more expensive than the male condoms.
“Ten pieces of Fc2 vaginal condom go for over N4,200 now, before it was around N2,000. If I don’t have a condom, then no show for oga except he buys it for me. The hardship in the country is negatively affecting our sexual health.”
Celestine Adesola, a youth corps member, was quoted as arguing that the rising cost of condoms is exposing many youths to unsafe sex.
“Valentine’s is this week, and some parents would be shocked if they know the unimaginable and risky practices that their teens and youths want to indulge in for fun.”
Commenting, Michael Achoji, a pharmacist, attributed the hike in the cost of contraceptives to rising inflation.
He said prices have also been affected by a general increase in production cost and a rise in foreign exchange rate.
Music legend 2Baba has officially introduced his new partner, lawmaker Natasha Osawaru, to his family in a video that has since gone viral.
The introduction follows a rocky chapter in 2Baba’s personal life, including a widely publicised breakup with his longtime partner, Annie Macaulay, and an emotional plea from his mother urging Natasha to distance herself from the singer.
Earlier this year, 2Baba’s mother, Rose, made headlines when she tearfully appealed to Natasha to “release” her son from what she described as a troubling relationship.
“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son,” she stated.
The matriarch’s heartfelt message sparked widespread attention, with many wondering if the family would ever accept Natasha as a part of 2Baba’s life.
However, it appears that Rose has had a change of heart.
According to recent videos, Natasha met with 2Baba’s family, including his mother, in a private gathering that seemed to signify a new chapter in their relationship.
The meeting also included other key family stakeholders.
Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy has revealed that the original version of “Laho” with Shallipopi couldn’t be released as planned due to scheduling conflicts with other projects he had lined up.
He jokingly expressed on Instagram that people still didn’t know him well enough after all these years.
Burna Boy gifts Portable N20m after defeating Speed Darlington in boxing match
He shared the original version, which will be available today April 25th.
Burna Boy wrote: “So after all these years y’all still don’t know me enough? If this “Laho” was the remix then I’d go first lol. This was actually the original version, It just couldn’t be cleared for the time he wanted to release cuz it clashed with other releases that had to do with me. Na the remix Shalli first drop, this is the original. @Shallipopi ft Burna boy LAHO 2 dropping today at 12am.”
Mohbad died on September 12, 2023, after receiving an injection administered by Feyisayo Ogedengbe.
He was buried the following day. On September 21, 2023, his body was exhumed by police for an autopsy.
In May 2024, the pathologist in charge of the autopsy revealed that the cause of death could not be determined due to the decomposition of his body.
A toxicology report obtained by TheCable in June 2024 showed that Diphenhydramine, an antihistamine, was found in his system. However, it was not in a lethal concentration.
During the coroner’s court sitting on Friday, Eze, who conducted the second autopsy and medical review on Mohbad, argued that what was discovered in the singer’s system was not hard drugs but “regulated” doses of antihistamines, medications commonly used to treat allergy symptoms.
He added that he could not determine how the injection was administered, but upon examining the injury that led to it, he found it to be superficial.
“Even a newborn baby won’t die from that injury. At the time I conducted the autopsy, it wasn’t even there, maybe because of the post-mortem changes on the body,” he said.
“I couldn’t tell how the injection was given, because I had already lost (his) fluids.”
The pathologist said the singer may have died from a “severe allergic reaction” to the injected substance, which led to multiple organ failure.
He described the case as a “medical misadventure”.
“Considering all the postmortem findings, including ancillary tests and available information, a major disruption of vital organ systems of the body with resultant fatality due to a severe and rapid hypersensitivity reaction to a substance administered by parenteral route is plausible,” he added.
Adedayo Shotobi, the coroner, said the date for the final ruling will be communicated to all parties involved.