Aproko Doctor Warns Nigerians Against Rinsing Mouth With Untreated Borehole Water

Nigerian doctor and health educator Chukwuma Okoro, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has warned Nigerians against using untreated borehole water to rinse their mouths, saying contaminated water may expose people to Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a bacterium associated with peptic ulcers.

Aproko Doctor issued the warning in a video shared on X on Monday, September 21, 2026, urging people to pay attention to the quality and source of water used for everyday activities, including brushing the teeth and rinsing the mouth.

He specifically raised concern about borehole water sourced from residential compounds, particularly where the borehole and surrounding plumbing or sanitation infrastructure may not be properly constructed or maintained.

According to him, H. pylori is one of the common causes of peptic ulcers. He warned that people who use untreated water for oral hygiene could potentially be exposed to bacteria if the water source has been contaminated.

He also pointed to the possible risk of contamination where borehole water pipes are located close to wastewater or soakaway systems.

However, the relationship between H. pylori and drinking water is more nuanced than suggesting that untreated borehole water directly causes ulcers. H. pylori has multiple possible transmission routes, and contaminated water is considered one potential route of exposure.

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Aproko Doctor advised people who are uncertain about the safety of their water to treat it before use. He mentioned boiling, proper filtration and suitable chemical disinfection as possible measures for reducing microbial contamination.

The warning is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where borehole water is widely used by households, businesses and institutions because of inadequate or unreliable public water supplies in many communities.

Having a borehole does not, by itself, mean that the water is unsafe. Water quality can depend on the location and depth of the borehole, its construction, the surrounding environment, the condition of pipes and storage facilities, and whether the water is regularly tested and treated.

Residents who rely on boreholes can reduce potential risks by ensuring that boreholes are properly constructed, keeping sanitation systems appropriately separated from water sources, maintaining water tanks and plumbing, and having water tested periodically.

People should also avoid assuming that clear-looking water is necessarily free of harmful microorganisms, as some forms of contamination cannot be detected by sight, smell or taste.

Aproko Doctor also highlighted other factors associated with peptic ulcers, including frequent use of certain painkillers. H. pylori infection and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including medicines such as ibuprofen and naproxen, are among the established major causes of peptic ulcers.

The health educator’s warning therefore extends beyond drinking water to the wider issue of household water safety.

For individuals experiencing persistent symptoms that could indicate an ulcer or another gastrointestinal condition, medical evaluation is advisable rather than relying solely on home remedies or self-medication.

Symptoms such as persistent upper abdominal pain, vomiting, unexplained weight loss or black, tarry stool require particular attention because gastrointestinal bleeding can be a serious complication.

The broader public-health message is that households should pay attention to the safety of water used not only for drinking and cooking but also for oral hygiene.

While contaminated water can present microbial health risks, H. pylori infection is not established as being caused by every source of untreated borehole water. The safety of individual borehole supplies depends on factors including construction, location, sanitation, treatment and water quality testing.

Aproko Doctor Warns Nigerians Against Rinsing Mouth With Untreated Borehole Water

Lagos Residents Raise Alarm Over Fufu Processing, Preservation Methods

Some Lagos residents have raised concerns over the preparation and preservation of fufu, with some consumers saying they have reduced or stopped buying the fermented cassava staple because of concerns about hygiene, contamination and possible food poisoning.

The concerns were raised by consumers in different parts of Lagos following complaints about the way some processors handle, prepare and store the popular food.

Fufu, also known as akpu or Santana, is traditionally made from fermented cassava. The cassava is peeled, soaked in water for fermentation, processed into a paste, strained and subsequently cooked into the smooth dough commonly eaten with soups.

For many Nigerians, fufu remains an important staple, but its traditional processing requires careful attention to water quality, cleanliness, handling and storage to prevent contamination.

A resident of Ajegunle, Omena Udonwa, said her family had resorted to preparing fufu at home because of her concerns about the practices of some commercial processors.

She alleged that she once found a piece of rubber inside purchased fufu, saying she could have consumed it if she had not been careful.

Udonwa also expressed concern after allegedly witnessing a producer use detergent to wash cassava during processing.

Another resident of Costain, Adedayo Falade, said he had reduced his consumption of fufu despite enjoying the food because of what he described as poor preparation practices by some producers.

Falade said some fufu sold in Lagos could remain unsold for several days, affecting its quality and taste. He also complained about products that developed unpleasant odours or became excessively sticky.

He said he preferred sourcing fufu from outside Lagos because of his concerns about the way some products were processed locally.

However, the concerns expressed by individual consumers do not mean that all fufu produced or sold in Lagos is unsafe.

A resident of Agege, Anuoluwapo Ayeni, acknowledged that there were processors who followed acceptable practices but urged consumers to pay attention to where they purchased the food.

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She advised buyers to establish, where possible, how the fufu they consume is processed and handled.

A processor at Santana International in White Sand, Oyingbo, Hope Aniekan, described the traditional processing method used at her facility and rejected suggestions that all producers engage in unsafe practices.

According to her, cassava is peeled and thoroughly washed with clean water before being soaked for about two days. The fermented cassava is then taken to a mill, ground and filtered to remove unwanted particles.

She said the resulting paste is put in a sack, covered with plantain leaves and weighted with a heavy stone as part of the processing procedure.

Aniekan said her operation uses salt as a preservative against maggot infestation and does not add other harmful substances. She, however, acknowledged that she could only speak for her own processing operation.

She also said there were rumours of some processors using substances intended to accelerate fermentation, although such claims would need to be independently verified in individual cases.

Another trader at Costain, identified as Mama Chinonso, said she uses a warmer to preserve her fufu rather than adding chemical preservatives.

She said the method could keep the product fresh for several days depending on weather conditions, although the safety of any food stored for extended periods depends on factors including temperature, hygiene and handling.

The concerns come amid wider discussions about food safety in Lagos, where regulators and food scientists have warned about unsafe practices across informal food supply chains.

At the Lagos State Food Safety 2026 Conference and Exhibition held in Ikeja earlier in September, regulators, scientists and consumer advocates discussed concerns over food contamination and adulteration.

The Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency also described food safety as an important public-health and economic issue for the state.

The issue extends beyond fufu. Food-safety experts have repeatedly raised concerns about the handling, storage and processing of various foods sold through informal markets and street-vending networks.

Research into traditional ready-to-eat food vending in Nigeria has shown that storage practices vary among vendors, with some using refrigerators or freezers while others avoid keeping leftovers and instead produce quantities intended for same-day sales.

Scientific literature has also identified microbial contamination as a potential concern in traditionally prepared fufu and other swallow foods when hygiene and food-handling practices are inadequate.

A recent review of research on microorganisms and mycotoxin contamination in swallow meals noted that fufu and other ready-to-eat foods can become vulnerable to contamination through excessive handling, poor personal hygiene, contaminated water and inadequately cleaned utensils and processing equipment.

The research does not establish that commercially sold fufu in Lagos is generally unsafe. Rather, it highlights why food hygiene, clean water, appropriate processing and proper storage are important in reducing contamination risks.

The fermentation process itself is an established part of traditional fufu production. Proper cassava processing is also important because cassava contains naturally occurring cyanogenic compounds that must be adequately reduced through appropriate processing.

The concerns raised by Lagos consumers therefore highlight the need for consumers, processors and regulators to pay attention to safe cassava processing, hygienic handling and appropriate preservation practices.

For consumers, the reports also underscore the importance of buying ready-to-eat foods from processors and vendors who maintain clean processing environments and proper storage conditions.

At the same time, allegations involving the use of detergents, bleach or other unapproved substances should not be treated as established facts without evidence from regulatory inspections or laboratory testing.

The concerns ultimately point to a broader challenge in the informal food sector: ensuring that traditional foods remain affordable and accessible while meeting acceptable standards of food safety and hygiene.

Lagos Residents Raise Alarm Over Fufu Processing, Preservation Methods

Men’s Health: Common Warning Signs, Conditions Men Should Not Ignore

Nigerian men have been urged to pay closer attention to their health, with experts stressing the importance of early detection, regular check-ups and healthier lifestyle choices in preventing or managing a range of common health problems.

A health-focused report highlights several conditions and warning signs that men should not ignore, including testicular lumps, abdominal obesity, prostate problems, erectile dysfunction, stroke, Type 2 diabetes and changing moles.

The report notes that many men’s health problems can develop gradually, meaning that some symptoms may be overlooked until a condition becomes more serious. Regular medical checks can help identify potential problems earlier and allow appropriate treatment or lifestyle changes.

One warning sign men should take seriously is a lump or abnormality in the testicles. Testicular cancer is particularly associated with younger men, and any unexplained swelling, lump or other unusual change should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Although not every testicular lump is cancerous, medical evaluation is important because early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes.

Another concern is abdominal obesity, particularly excess fat around the waist. The report links excessive abdominal fat with an increased risk of conditions including high cholesterol, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity can help reduce some of these risks.

Men are also advised to pay attention to changes in their urinary habits, particularly as they grow older.

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An enlarged prostate can put pressure on the tube through which urine leaves the bladder, making urination difficult. Symptoms may include frequent urination, waking several times at night to urinate and pain or burning during urination.

Such symptoms can occur with different prostate conditions, including prostate cancer, and should not automatically be dismissed as a normal part of ageing. Medical assessment can help determine the underlying cause.

The report also highlights erectile dysfunction, commonly referred to as impotence.

While occasional difficulty getting or maintaining an erection can occur, persistent erectile problems may warrant medical attention. Erectile dysfunction can sometimes be associated with underlying conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes may help some men, while others may require medical treatment depending on the underlying cause.

Another major health concern is stroke, with high blood pressure and unhealthy lifestyle habits among important risk factors.

Men are encouraged to have their blood pressure checked regularly and to address factors such as physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

The report also draws attention to oral health, noting research linking gum disease with cardiovascular conditions, including heart disease and stroke.

Regular dental check-ups and good oral hygiene can therefore form part of a broader approach to preventive healthcare.

Type 2 diabetes is another condition that may develop without being recognised immediately.

Possible symptoms include frequent urination, particularly at night, increased thirst, unexplained weight loss, tiredness, blurred vision, genital itching or recurrent thrush, and cuts or wounds that take longer than usual to heal.

Lifestyle changes, including maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and staying physically active, can help reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes and may help manage the condition.

The report also stresses the importance of managing stress and maintaining healthy daily routines.

Persistent stress, particularly when combined with poor diet, inadequate physical activity and insufficient rest, can contribute to poorer overall health. Making time for rest, exercise and social activities can support general wellbeing.

Men are further advised to monitor moles and other changes in the skin.

A mole that changes in colour or shape, becomes persistently itchy or begins to bleed should be examined by a healthcare professional. While many changes are harmless, medical assessment can determine whether further investigation is required.

The broader message is that preventive healthcare should become part of men’s routine rather than something pursued only when serious symptoms develop.

Regular health checks can help identify conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes and other chronic diseases before they lead to serious complications.

The health concerns highlighted are not restricted to older men. Some conditions, including testicular cancer, can affect younger adults, while obesity, hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular problems can affect men across different age groups.

Men experiencing persistent, unusual or worsening symptoms are advised to seek professional medical attention rather than relying on self-diagnosis.

Early attention to changes in the body, combined with healthier lifestyle choices and appropriate medical care, can help men manage health risks more effectively.

The key message is simple: pay attention to warning signs, undergo appropriate health checks and seek medical advice when something appears unusual.

The information is intended for general health awareness and should not be treated as a substitute for personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Men’s Health: Common Warning Signs, Conditions Men Should Not Ignore