Modupe ASUDO

Sahara Group has launched M.A.D with Football 5.0, the latest edition of its flagship internal engagement initiative, reinforcing its commitment to building a connected, inclusive workforce across geographies.

The initiative gives Sahara employees the opportunity to attend live football matches at iconic stadiums including Old Trafford in Manchester and Emirates Stadium in London, using shared experiences to strengthen collaboration and a unified One-Sahara culture.

Speaking on the initiative, Bethel Obioma, Head, Corporate Communications, said the fifth edition of the M.A.D with Football initiative reinforces the energy and infrastructure conglomerate’s commitment to entrenching diversity and inclusion across its locations in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Obioma said that over the past three decades, Sahara Group has consistently prioritized people as a central pillar of its growth journey, recognizing that culture and connection are critical to long term success.

“M.A.D with Football 5.0 aligns strongly with the Sahara Beyond XXX narrative, reflecting the Group’s belief that sustainable success is driven by operational performance, meaningful experiences that inspire, energise, and connect people. Sahara continues to invest deliberately in initiatives that recognize effort, reward commitment, and strengthen organisational culture,” he added.

The 5.0 edition builds on this legacy, reaffirming Sahara Group’s commitment to a people centred culture that goes beyond the workplace and beyond geography. By offering Saharians (the term used to describe Sahara employees) the chance to witness world class football in legendary venues, the initiative celebrates excellence, teamwork, and the spirit of belonging that defines the Sahara ecosystem.

Employees who have participated in previous editions have also shared enthusiastic reflections on internal platforms. Juliet Basemera of Asharami Uganda, described the experience as “a dream come true,” expressing gratitude for the opportunity to be in Manchester. Arnaud Ritz, Sahara Energy Geneva, noted that the trip made it possible to “finally put faces to the names” he previously only knew from emails, and to meet Saharians “from all around the world.”

Oriyomi Adewale, Asharami Energy, Rwanda, called the initiative evidence of Sahara’s commitment to work life balance and employee wellbeing, describing it as “delightful” to be part of a company that invests in employee welfare and memorable moments.

Participation in M.A.D with Football 5.0 is open to Sahara employees in line with internal guidelines, with selected participants earning the opportunity to represent Sahara Group at live matches at Old Trafford and Emirates Stadium, experiencing firsthand the passion, energy, and global community that football embodies.

Medical experts have warned expectant mothers against self-medication during pregnancy, stressing that the practice poses serious risks to both the mother and the unborn child.

According to health professionals, no drug is completely safe for use during pregnancy, especially without proper medical supervision.

They explained that medicines commonly taken for ailments such as cough, malaria, headaches or fever may interfere with foetal development when used without a doctor’s prescription.

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A family physician, Dr John Ovuoraye, noted that some medications regarded as safe before conception could become harmful once a woman becomes pregnant.

He explained that self-medication increases the risk of congenital abnormalities, some of which may not be detected until after birth.

“Pregnancy changes how drugs affect the body. That is why women should not assume that medicines they have used before are still safe once they are pregnant,” he said.

Experts also cautioned against the use of over-the-counter drugs obtained from chemists or unlicensed drug vendors, warning that some sellers lack the professional training to recommend pregnancy-safe medicines.

International research has further raised concerns about drug use during pregnancy.

A study conducted by the University of Iowa College of Public Health found a possible link between the use of certain cough medications in pregnancy and specific birth defects, highlighting the need for caution.

Dr Ovuoraye advised pregnant women to seek medical care in hospitals rather than treating themselves, even for minor illnesses.

He added that herbal medicines and alcohol should also be avoided, as their toxic effects could harm the developing baby.

Health experts stressed that birth defects linked to inappropriate drug use may include physical deformities, congenital heart conditions and abnormalities affecting vital organs.

They urged expectant mothers to attend regular antenatal clinics, report any health concerns to qualified medical personnel and follow prescribed treatments based on their stage of pregnancy.

Medical professionals continue to emphasise that avoiding self-medication and seeking proper medical advice remain key to ensuring a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery.

Akin Ibitoye, Technology Advisor at TMB Tech, has warned Nigerians against the increasingly common habit of sleeping with mobile phones under their pillows or close to their beds, citing serious health and safety concerns.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Ibitoye highlighted the dangers posed by mobile devices, including disrupted sleep patterns, psychological stress, and the risk of battery explosions due to overheating.

“Do not sleep with your gadget under your pillow. When you sleep with your devices under your pillow, it actually affects you. You don’t know,” Ibitoye said.

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He explained that blue light emitted from screens interferes with the body’s circadian rhythm, leading to poor sleep quality, irritability, and long-term health issues.

The physical presence of gadgets in the bedroom also poses risks, especially when they are left under pillows where heat buildup could lead to fire outbreaks.

“These batteries, lithium-ion batteries, can explode anytime,” he warned, referencing viral incidents where phones caught fire during use or while charging. “There’s a reason they’re restricted on airplanes.”

Ibitoye also addressed the psychological impact of constant device use, drawing attention to “doomscrolling,” where users lose track of time while browsing social media.

He encouraged Nigerians to reduce night-time screen exposure and return to traditional alarm clocks to minimize distractions.

“Unless it’s absolutely tied to your work, you can do without your phone,” he stated, urging people to either switch off their devices at night or use airplane mode to eliminate radiation exposure and unnecessary alerts.

He concluded with a stark reminder: “As ubiquitous as technology is, it can be harmful to our bodies with extended usage.”