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The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has decimated a location at Boboshe on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State, used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) as a meeting venue.

The attack according to a statement signed by Airforce Spokesman Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, was conducted  following successive days of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, coupled with Human Intelligence reports, that established that a building within the settlement was being used as a rendezvous by the BHTs where their commanders assemble to take instructions before launching attacks against troops and innocent civilians.

The statement noted that based on the intelligent report, the ATF detailed its fighter aircraft to attack the hideout, scoring accurate hits within the designated area leading to the decimation of the target structure.

Several BHTs were reportedly killed as a result of the strikes.

Here are signs he is not trying to get you to date him but just wants to be friends with you.

1. You always initiate.
The time you spend together is the stuff movie montages are made of, filled with goofball antics, laughter and moments of heart-pounding verbal intimacy — except your heart is probably the only one pounding.

If you’re always the one to pick up the phone, chances are he’s not quite as eager to see you as you are to see him.

2. When he does initiate, he brings a backup (or five).
Bereft over the fact that you never get that much-desired quality alone time together?

If he’s only inviting you out on group outings, it’s probably because he sees you as one of the guys. This can be flattering, but he doesn’t generally cuddle with his guy friends after spending the day together.

3. He calls you “Buddy.”
Or bro. Or your last name, circa high school. Or something else that is distinctly unfeminine and a glaring reminder that he’s not into you.

4. He talks about his love life with you.
This is so heart-shatteringly painful that it takes all you have not to break down in tears in front of him.

Instead, you swallow your pain and pretend to be totally fine with rating the attractiveness of various females passersby — thereby solidifying even further your status as his “bro.”

5. He frantically attempts to set you up with men that aren’t him.
He’s no dummy. On some level, he knows you dig him. And he feels terrible that he doesn’t feel the same way.

This is why he’s suddenly so determined to find you another guy with whom you can share everlasting love. No, he’s not testing your loyalty. He’s trying to ease his guilt.

6. You have sleepovers.
But he doesn’t lay a finger on you — no matter how often you “accidentally” bump into him or allow your sweatshirt to fall seductively over one shoulder, Flashdance style.

7. He only gets grabby when he’s been drinking.
If a dude likes you, he’ll find any excuse he can to touch you: playfully, comfortingly, seductively. (Does anyone remember when tickle fights were a perfectly viable pickup tactic?)

But if he only gets touchy-feely when he’s drunk, lonely, or miserable due to the effects of a recent breakup, don’t be tempted to take advantage of this momentary bit of vulnerability. You’re looking for a sober seduction, remember?

8. He then says, “We’re friends… right?”
If you do happen to experience a lapse in good judgment, there’s a good chance you’ll hear this line the morning after.

And good gracious, this line is frustrating.

9. He’s dating your roommate.
Despite all that you’ve shared, he ends up falling in love with your roommate the very first time you bring him home.

Even worse is the fact that she then reciprocates. Misery ensues.

10. He comes out to you.
In case you were wondering … if he happens to confide in you that he does cuddle with the guys after spending the day with them, you shouldn’t take this news as a challenge to “turn” him. That would just be a ridiculous, crazy exercise in futility.

Believe us. You’ll know the signs a guy likes you when they show up. He’ll start wearing spiffy clothes and cologne when he hangs out with you. He’ll initiate tickle fights. He’ll try to touch you more often.

Seriously, you’ll just know.

Falling in love is a wonderful feeling. This kind of desire is beautiful, healthy, and very natural.

Men fall in love with women who intrigue them and who touch them on a profound level. And pretty looks, short skirts or even push-up bras cannot create that kind of attraction.

With that said, here are 3 surprising ways to get a guy to like you and fall for you hard.

1. Your passion
A woman who is deeply passionate about something is charismatic and profoundly attractive to a man.

And it doesn’t usually matter what her passion is — it can be playing the cello or collecting Tupperware. He will find it exciting or even mesmerizing to witness her indulging in her passion or talking about something that gives her so much joy, something that she immerses herself in completely.

The reason why so many women get this wrong is that we’re conditioned to be pleasers. When a woman wants to impress a guy, she’ll adopt his passions and activities.

But men see through this, lose attraction, and walk away.

So, instead of bending yourself backward to show him that the two of you are alike, express yourself truly and authentically, pour your attention into what you love and what makes your heart sing.

I assure you that he will notice and admire your passion.

2. Your authenticity
Most women deeply desire to be in a relationship, they want to love someone and to be loved in return.

In order to achieve that, they might be willing to sacrifice their own views, opinions, and dreams if these are not aligned with decisions or views of the man they have an eye on.

But what men typically find attractive is a woman who is fiercely committed to what she believes in and who won’t bend to please others.

We all need to be open to negotiation and a change of plans from time to time. But, if you want him to stay by your side, show him that you have a spine and that you can make choices for yourself.

3. Your femininity
Our culture encourages women to be successful, independent and career-driven. We value results, efficiency, fast pace, and hard work.

But, the essence of a woman is to flow, to be connected to her feelings and her heart, instead of only living in her head.

Women are usually softer than men, more emotional and go through cyclical changes aligned with their hormones and feelings. They’re intuitive and not always reasonable. To deny that aspect of a woman is to deny her true nature.

Let go of the need to adhere to society’s standards and show him your feminine essence.

By Joseph ETTA in Calabar

A renowned Pharmacist Obi Oyeka has stated that Herbal Medicine has no standardization and under heavy abuse by users.

Oyeka who has practice medicine for over 40 years is of the opinion that most of the kidney problem we have in Nigeria today is because of the heavy dose and intake of the Herbal Medicine.

“They do not have a standard way of determining the dosage. For instance, you hear unrealistic statement such as “Breast enlargement cream”, such things are not scientifically proven, you hear “this medicine cures all kinds of diseases and sickness”. How is that possible, he added.

The University of Ife trained Pharmacist opined that medicine is good and curative, but if it is not taken according to prescription or abuse, it may also lead to death.

“Take for instance Tramadol is a recommended drug for certain Health condition but when taken out of proportion it becomes a killer drug”.

According to him, that is why people ara adviced go to specialist who knows the right drugs for a particular sickness. Every sickness has its specific prescribed drugs, “leave the abuse of drugs, there is no where one drugs can be all purpose medicine curing all diseases.

I am not saying Herbal Medicine is bad but make it dosable”, He added.

By Joseph ETTA in Calabar

Governor Ben Ayade and his elder brother (name withheld) are flexing muscles on who will become the next Vice Chancellor of the state owned University, Cross River State University of Technology.

Daybreak learnt from a dependable source that two names are penciled down for the top Job. Prof. Emmanuel Ngwa, a Professor of Education presently in CRUTECH and Prof. Anthony from the University of Jos, a Professor of Geology.

Prof. Emmanuel Ngwa hails from Obudu,  Ayade’s home town, while Prof. Anthony hails from Yale in Ogoja Local Government Area.

The bone of contention is that while Prof. Ben Ayade prefers Prof. Anthony from Yale for the job, the elder brother who is the de facto Governor in Cross River State prefers Prof. Emmanuel Agwa from Obudu, their place of birth.

An insider told Daybreak that the reason Ben Ayade wants to bring Prof. Anthony is because of his ambition to return to the Senate after his tenure as a Governor, he wants to balance the equation. He wants to use the appointment to pacify and compensate the people of Yale in Ogoja.

He knows he has not performed as a Governor, so he needs to start now to work for the vote of the people of Yale. The source added.

However, the appointment of the interim Vice Chancellor Prof. (Mrs.) Akon Joshua which was intended for another 3 months will expires by the end of this October.

She was supposed to act for 3 months but because of the power-play, her appointment was extended for another 3 months ending by October.

Meanwhile, fresh trouble looms  as students are ready for a show-down with the authority over the harsh and unfriendly policy of no school fee, no examination. The students are lamenting that the policy of no fee, no examination. “when you don’t pay your school fee, your script will not be mark is totally wrong. It is a heavy weight on the student, some of us our parents are struggling under the present economic crunch” a student  said.

When Daybreak contacted the V.C for her command, our reporter was told arrogantly by Prof. Akon Joshua “I don’t talk to the press.”

By Joseph ETTA in Calabar

The economic crunch experience in the country is causing a screeching halt to businesses in Calabar. The traders in Calabar main township market, Watt Market and Marian Market are seriously lamenting over low sales and lack of patronage.

The traders in a chat with Daybreak stated, “money is not forthcoming, it’s getting harsher and biting harder especially after the election. Do you know at times we come to the market and borrow money for transport fare to go back home, the economy is too harsh and biting”.

The Vice Chairman of the traders Association at the Watt market, Chiguika Ihionu told Daybreak that workers in the state are not paid salaries regularly, we come to the market and will not take up to N10,000 in sales back home yet we have bills, to pay back”.

Ihionu who has been trading for the past 35 years in the market says “what we are experiencing now, we have not experience it before, the economy is very tight, let the Government open up the economy for us traders, we are now eating deep into our capital, we are not making sales nor profit.”

According to him, many traders are owing loans, some have ran away, closed their shop because they cannot pay back their loans.

He noted that the Government is not releasing money, both the Federal and State Government and not paying salary, “there is no money in circulation”. He lamented

Added to their woes is the custom special task force from Abuja, who they accuse of seizing second hand clothing from Aba as contraband, thereby causing unbearable hardship for the traders.

Also, the customs at Ikang axis reportedly have been seizing  rice coming in from the Cameroon Republic. The traders are crying out over the high cost of rice, a bag of rice that used to go for N15,000 now goes for N22,000. The people are lamenting the high cost of rice because it’s the stable food of the people.

Daybreak learnt that; the action of customs is not unconnected with  the temporal closure of the Nigeria – Cameroon border at the Ikang axis.

Ikang is the border town in Bakassi Local Government Area of Cross River State, the town acts as a landing and loading beach that berths Boats, pontoons and trawlers coming from Tiko and Doualla ports in Cameroon Republic.

Assertiveness commands respect and improves communication skills. It’s an effective communication skill that can reduce conflict, build your self-confidence, and improve relationships.

Actually, being assertive means being direct about what you need, want, feel, or believe in a way that’s respectful of the views of others.

Asserting yourself can feel empowering and freeing without downplaying anyone else’s dignity or damaging your connections.

In fact, there are some key, straightforward ways to make yourself seen, heard, and respected daily. With practice and persistence, you can considerably improve communication in relationships, as well as your interactions and quality of life.

When your boundaries and intentions are obvious to yourself and those in your life, you gain a healthy measure of entitlement, a necessary factor in gaining agency and confidence.

To learn how to be more assertive, you’ll need to know these 5 tips for improving communication skills.

1. Prioritize clarity and share with intention
Asserting yourself is the act of making yourself and your positions plain to others. You want to be heard and understood so no one can claim that they didn’t know or understand what you wanted to communicate.

Thus, to positively assert yourself, first commit to speaking up for yourself even if it’s uncomfortable. Then, be thoughtful and clear-minded regarding the purpose of what you want to share. In other words, know what matters to you and clearly state it.

So, listen actively. As you share your needs and boundaries, expect questions or pushback from other parties. That’s OK. Simply listen with respect, hearing them out doesn’t mean you have to abandon your limits.

If unsuccessful, then switch to a form of communication that just emphasizes your own views and needs. Communication with the eyes on “I” statements close the door to discussions and engagement that does not reflect your views.

2. Keep communication succinct and on message
Remember that you are asserting yourself. This means you are expressing yourself, not convincing anyone of anything.

It’s OK to agree to disagree and attach consequences to a relationship that doesn’t honor your needs. The connection may simply not be mutually beneficial.

For relationships that you do wish to maintain, foster communication that keeps attempts to assert yourself as honest and focused on the present. Stay calm, relaxed, and speak in a neutral tone to connect well.

3. Communicate rather than complain
The most effective way to achieve respect and consideration is to be a problem solver rather than to simply lodge complaints. Take a solutions-oriented approach to conflicts or issues you want to address.

Work at seeing people who may have dismissed you before as peers you hope to inform. Then do so, firmly, without whining or animosity.

Try to stick with statements that include phrases like “I think…” or “I feel..” Avoid aggressive language such as “You always…” or “You never…” Make eye contact frequently, but don’t stare them down.

4. Be brave, not a bully
Aggressive behavior can result from attempts to be assertive if you aren’t careful and focused. Again, your goal is to honor yourself and your desire to have your personhood and needs to be respected.

Not to blame, assign guilt trips, indulge heightened emotion, or make anyone do anything they don’t want to.

Assertiveness is respectful of both yourself and the other person. Respect is key for healthy relationships to work. Simply speak up and voice your concerns as needed, whenever you feel compelled to do so. Let others know that you will hear them out as well.

5. Practice
Practice learning how to be more assertive as often as possible. Speaking clearly, adjusting your posture, and strengthening your handshake are small changes you can make to start boosting your presence and sense of control.

Work on your body language in the mirror or with trusted loved ones. Record yourself to see how others view you.

Moreover, you can review past situations and interactions as learning lessons. Don’t beat yourself up; just explore how you might prepare for similar situations going forward.

Being assertive is a skill that requires time and repetition to become comfortable. Stick with it and, in time, you’ll gain more confidence.

Uncover risk.Take action.

Many get to be advised against having a career change.

But, what if we need to make a career change? Is it okay to want a better job than what you have?

Totally, but you also shouldn’t take the decision lightly.

Work through the following 7 steps before making that career change.

1. First of all, be very clear about your money
In Worth It: Your Life, Your Money, Your Terms, Amanda Steinberg describes ignorance about finance as a “money coma” that affects women at a disproportionate rate.

One takeaway is – not being knowledgable about finances means we are dependent.

When considering a job change, be realistic about what level of income you need to support your lifestyle.

2. Find mentors and role models
You need to find people who do what you want to do.

We live in the age of social media – you can not only see where that person is now, but how they got there.

That’s a great guidance, because it gives you a road map to what you want.

Moreover, if you can talk to that person and maybe ask them for advice, you’ll be covering miles in no time!

3. Don’t feel pressured to choose a certain career
In Western culture, we look up to business owners and self-starters as brave pioneers who go against the grain.

It puts a lot of pressure on individuals to do something grand with their career, but don’t buy into it.

Don’t feel pressured to leave a “boring” job you love and also don’t feel obligated to stay in a stressful job because it “looks good.”

4. Figure out what you want, specifically, from your work life
“Everything” is not a productive answer to that.

“More security” or “independent projects” are good characteristics to look for, however.

You can see if these are in the cards at your current company (or the company to which you apply) by asking your managers how you can go about it.

Pick a job or company that’s going to give you satisfaction.

5. Consider freelancing only if you can set boundaries
There are lots of misconceptions about “working for yourself,” but this one is crucial – it’s not inherently well-balanced.

You have to set boundaries.

Regardless of what you do, you need a life that is not all ‘work,’ otherwise, you’ll burn out.

When you work for someone else, there are structures in place to keep you from doing that – even if some are more strictly enforced than others.

When you freelance, it’s easy to become chained to your laptop 24/7.

6. Figure out if you hate the job itself or just your workplace
Even non-millennials are known to change companies if they are in an environment that makes them miserable.

On the flip side, it is not unheard of to start a certain job and realize it is not for you (cold-calling, in my case).

You need to seriously consider what exactly isn’t working for you currently and what you need to change to be happy.

7. You are allowed to try different things
I write fiction and poetry, but I’m also doing a full-time research and teaching job.

Some might say I am spreading myself too thin, but I know I am the sort of person who has to see something for herself before she writes it off completely.

Maybe you have absolute certainty about what you want from life – if so, I am very jealous of you, please teach me your ways – but if you do not, it’s okay to give something a go if you have the chance.

You won’t be locked into a job forever.

Figuring out your career is not an exact science.

Be patient with yourself and understand that at some point, you’re going to take a job you don’t love — and that’s okay.

Find a mentor to speak with, learn all that you can about the careers you’re considering, and make an informed decision from there.

Just don’t compare yourself to others, because no two paths are identical and nothing is wrong with either of them.

Many believe they have to wok for free as they build up experience, knowledge and reputation. Actually that is a trap mentality.

First and foremost in order to succeed in business you must know your worth in respect to what you have to offer and financial gains.

Working for free or undercharging for your work creates frustration, you don’t give your best self, and your client doesn’t take the work as seriously as they would if they were paying well for it.

If you want to attract more money into your life and meet your income goals, then you need to get comfortable charging for your time and services.

Release the idea that it’s awkward or uncomfortable to talk about your fees or to charge for your time and services, because it really isn’t.

In fact, it actually sets an excellent example for those around you when they see someone having strong self worth, healthy money boundaries, and a constantly developing money mindset.

You are in business to help people and to create a lifestyle that works for you.

Here are some mentoring points to help you get comfortable charging well for your time.

1. Clients take work they pay for more seriously
One of my private clients is a personal trainer and recently told me about his frustration around giving friends free sessions and how they didn’t seem to take them seriously.

He felt like his time and energy weren’t being appreciated.

Have you experienced something like this?

We coached on this and I explained that people take things seriously when they invest in them and that it’s actually better for the client if they pay for your time and services.

It creates a better energy between the two of you and also means that they are much more likely to take the work you are doing seriously and benefit from it.

You are actually doing your clients a much better service when you help them to step up, invest in themselves, and take the work they are waiting to do seriously.

2. You deserve to be well paid for what you do
If you are good enough to be working with, then you are good enough to be paid for your time.

It’s as simple as that.

You deserve to be well paid for what you do and to feel comfortable charging for your time, like any other professional does.

3. You do your best work when you are being well paid
When you feel well paid, respected, and valued for your time and energy and are working with clients who are engaged and proactive, you are naturally going to do your best work and give more of yourself.

4. The best experience in business is real time
Working for free isn’t actually a good experience, because it’s not work being done in a professional or formally agreed setting, it often gets a bit messy and confusing and one person usually benefits a lot more than the other.

I’ve had clients lose friends over this and get themselves into sticky situations.

When you are building your business, it’s important to get into good business habits from the start.

Not only for yourself and your income, but for the clients you are going to be working with as well.

Everyone benefits when there are clear boundaries and money is being exchanged for services.

You can choose a cause that is close to your heart and donate time, money, or services every month or choose a pro bono client as a way of giving back.