Category: Uncategorized

  • Flood: Akeredolu orders 3 weeks holiday for public primary, secondary schools submerged in state

    Flood: Akeredolu orders 3 weeks holiday for public primary, secondary schools submerged in state

    By Our Reporter

    Gov. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has directed public primary and secondary schools submerged by flood in the state to proceed on three weeks holiday from Monday.
    Mr Donald Ojogo, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, in a release on Saturday, said the directive followed flash floods which affected most flood-prone areas in the state, especially the riverside communities.
    Heavy rainfall in the state on Monday and Tuesday, had resulted in floods which submerged some schools in the riverine areas of the state.
    According to the commissioner, the order becomes necessary in order to forestall possible attendant incidents that may likely affect lives of vulnerable pupils in those areas as a result of the floods.
    “It is also aimed at protecting valuables from avoidable destruction.
    “All Head Teachers and Principals are to enforce this directive and, in particular, ensure that all perishable educational materials are evacuated while government works out remedial logistics, believing that the floods would recede within the period of the three weeks holiday,” Ojogo said. (NAN)

  • ECWA to review educational curriculum to make more impact on science, technology

    ECWA to review educational curriculum to make more impact on science, technology

    By Our Reporter

    The Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) says it will review the curriculum of its educational institutions across the country to make more impact in the world of science and technology.
    The decision is contained in a communique issued at the end of a Summit on Education for National Transformation in Jos.
    The document was signed by Rev. Prof. Cephas Tushima, ECWA Education Director, and Mr George Koce, Communique Drafting Chairman, and made available to News Agency if Nigeria on Saturday.
    It said that the new curriculum was geared toward addressing future challenges.
    It also said that the curriculum would enhance inculcation of critical thinking in both teachers and students.
    “There is need to create workable database for effective records keeping in ECWA schools.
    “There is a need to evaluate the quality of programmes, contents, teachers and administrators with the aim of having fewer and well funded institutions.
    “There is need to make a deliberate plan and constant supervision of the activities and performances of the schools to ensure effectiveness,” the communique said.
    It added that Christian education should promote entrepreneurship education that made students self-reliant and productive for national development. (NAN)

  • Super Eagles respect but don’t fear Brazil, Ekong says

    Super Eagles respect but don’t fear Brazil, Ekong says

    By Our Reporter

    Super Eagles’ stand–in captain William Troos-Ekong says while they respect five–times world champions Brazil they however have no fear as both teams step out in a friendly in Singapore.

    Ekong made the remarks on Saturday at a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Brazil at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang.

    He said his team was inspired by the 1-1 draw fellow West African neighbors Senegal played with the South Americans.

    Brazil were held to a 1-1 draw by Senegal on Thursday in Singapore.

    “Brazil are a top team, probably the best team in the world, but Senegal gave them a good fight on Thursday.

    “We can pick some inspiration from that performance when we play the Brazilians on Sunday.

    “It will be tough because they will want to win at least one game against an African team on this tour, but we will also want to take something off them,” he said.

    NAN also reports that Sunday’s encounter starts at 8 p.m. Singapore time (1p.m. Nigeria time).(NAN)

  • Rohr says he’s already preparing Eagles for 2021 AFCON qualifiers

    Rohr says he’s already preparing Eagles for 2021 AFCON qualifiers

    By Our Reporter

    Super Eagles’ Technical Adviser Gernot Rohr on Saturday said his immediate goal was to prepare three–times African champions Nigeria for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches.

    Rohr spoke at a pre-match press conference in Singapore, ahead of Sunday’s clash with five–times world champions Brazil at the Singapore National Stadium in Kallang.

    He explained that the high-profile friendly was an opportunity to test his team’s capacity and make adjustments where necessary before playing against Benin Republic and Lesotho.

    “The game against Brazil will show how much we are progressing after finishing third at the AFCON in Egypt.

    “It is a fantastic opportunity for us to learn a few more things that will make us better and stronger for future challenges.

    “This is an important test game for us, and we are here to learn from the best. We hope for a very good game against Brazil on Sunday.

    “This will help us prepare ourselves for the 2021 AFCON qualifiers against Benin Republic and Lesotho next month,” Rohr said.

    He also noted that the friendly would afford him the opportunity of testing new players in order to fill the void created by the retirement of some old top players in the team.

    “After the 2019 AFCON, two of our top players (Mikel Obi and Odion Ighalo) retired and we have to see how to replace them.

    “We saw a little bit in our friendly against Ukraine last month and hope we can improve on that performance tomorrow (Sunday).

    “A good showing against Brazil will help our confidence a great deal,” the team handler said.(NAN)

  • UNICEF laments increasing population of out of school girls in Nigeria

    UNICEF laments increasing population of out of school girls in Nigeria

    By Joyce Asuquo
    The United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF has lamented the growing number of out of school children in Nigeria especially the girl child.
    UNICEF Representative to Nigeria, Peter Hawkins , said this  in Abuja as Nigeria commemorated the 2019 International Day of the Girl child.
    Hawkins who was represented at the event said  that in Nigeria a huge number, about 68.5 percent of children especially the girl child are missing in education.
    While placing this population of out of school  children with growing population of 39 million global figures said that, Nigeria has to take quantum leap to enrol girls into school in order to meet the SDG.
    Adding that if Nigeria does not make it in this regard, the world would also not make it.
    UNICEF said there is the need to eliminate all forms of cultural practices which mitigates against the girl child.
    Director General of the National Center for Women Development, Barrister Mary Ekpere- Etta while giving a speech in a press briefing to commemorate the 2019, International Day of the Girl child in Abuja yesterday noted that the day which is marked on 11 October annually is to promote the rights of girls and address the unique challenges they face.
    She said, ” the day promotes girls human rights, highlight gender inequalities that remain between girls and boys around the world.’
    According to Ekpere- Etta, investing in education of girls and ensuring they remain in school is still the best option as this would enable them to reach their dreams and better their livelihood.
    She further noted that in the last 25 years of the Beijing Platform for Action which was ratified by Nigeria not much has been acheived especially in the area of child marriage which still exists as well as daily occurrences of gender based violence against the girl child.
    This year’s themes which are ” Girl Force: Unscripted and Unstoppable and ” Empowering  Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow”, is coming at the heels of the 25th Anniversay of the Beijing+25 years,  adding that it gives room for countries to take stock of how far the girl child has come since 1995.
  • Breaking: 2020 Budget: Buhari Suspends Foreign Trips of Ministers, Heads of Parastatal

    Breaking: 2020 Budget: Buhari Suspends Foreign Trips of Ministers, Heads of Parastatal

     

    Williams Anuku Abuja

    Sequel to the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill by the President to the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate suspension of international travels by all Cabinet Members and Heads of Government Agencies.

    The directive became necessary to enable Ministers personally lead the process of Budget defence at the National Assembly.

    A statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday, in Abuja attributed the suspension of such travels to enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm provide the required cooperation with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.

    The statement noted that Ministers who had already secured approval to travel are by this directive, required to revalidate such approvals with Mr. President after confirming the Schedule of Appearances with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly.

    The SGF also added that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their Schedules of Budget defence.

  • Sour-sop ice cream recipe

    Sour-sop ice cream recipe

    Did you know that the leaves and root of soursop are known to boost your immune system, help soothe stomach ailments and ease hypertension.
    Soursop, according to experts, said is also a powerful antioxidant and a good source of vitamin C, B1 and B2. The latter two along with magnesium help to boost your energy levels without giving you the dip that is associated with caffeine.
    Soursop fruit has a pleasant taste and perfectly quenches thirst. The fruit is rich in minerals and vitamins, but there are some severe contraindications to its use. The main rule of interaction with exotic fruit is moderation of consumption. However, guanabana have one incredible property for sure — they have a delicately sweet taste. Mature soursop pulp is used in the preparation of delicious desserts and flavoured tea. It is worth trying this fantastic fruit.

    Ingredients:
    Ripe sour-sop
    Evaporated milk
    Sugar
    Colouring (optional)

    Preparation:
    1. Wash and skin sour-sop. Rub through a sieve and reduce to pulp.
    2. Pour into a deep bowl.
    3. Add sugar, milk, and colouring. Whisk for 5 minutes
    4. Pour into clean ice tray and place in the freezing cabinet of a refrigerator until it is solid for about 3 cm all round the edge of tray.
    5. Remove and pour into a bowl, whisk again quickly until it doubles in volume.
    6. Pour into ice tray and freeze quickly.
    7. When completely frozen, remove from freezing cabinet and place on the coolest shelf of the refrigerator.
    8. If a refrigerator is not available, dissolve 15 g powdered gelatine in a little hot water and stir well into the mixture. Pour into a glass bowl and leave in a cool place to set.

  • Medicinal benefits of black seed oil

    Medicinal benefits of black seed oil

    Black seed oil has health benefits and has been in use for medicinal purpose especially in the middle east. The black seed oil has anti-oxidants that have amazing health benefits.

    Here are benefits of black seed oil:

    1. Relieves Catarrh

    Black seed oil was found to reduce the presence of nasal congestion and itching, runny nose, and sneezing after two weeks.

    2. Help Fight Cancer

    Thanks to its potent phytochemicals and antioxidant capabilities, black seed oil helps to treat cancer. Studies also show that black seed kill off pancreatic cancer cells and it also appears to inhibit the development of pancreatic cancer. This cancer preventative ability is attributed to black seed’s thymoquinone and its anti-inflammatory properties.

    3. Treats Diabetes

    Due to the low percentage of cholesterol and the presence of the antioxidant, black seed oil treats diabetes.

    4. Enhances Weight Loss

    Black seed oil by itself, or in combination with turmeric, produced some weight loss and reduced risk factors for diabetes.

    5. Improves Memory

    Researchers concluded that it should be studied for its potential to prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

  • Amazing health benefits of eating apples

    Amazing health benefits of eating apples

    Apples are delicious fruits that come in different colours such as red, yellow or green. Apples contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals, including fiber, and are most commonly eaten fresh. They are used for cooking and baking.

    Apples have amazing health benefits; fights against problems from heart disease, diabetes, dental problems, cancer and even Alzheimer’s disease.

    The following are the various health benefits of apples:

    1. Good for your Heart and Lungs

    Apples are rich in antioxidants and flavanoids like quercetin that can help in lowering the risk of many chronic heart problems like heart attack, and asthma. According to research, the quercetins content in apples also provides the cardiovascular system with anti-inflammatory benefits and relieves inflammation of the respiratory system.

    2. Prevents Cancer

    The antioxidants and inflammatory benefits of apples can help prevent different types of cancer such as lung cancer, colon cancer and breast cancer. Numerous studies have also show that apple is one of the exceptional fruit that is so closely associated with reduction of cancer, especially lung cancer.

    3. Controls Diabetes

    Apples contain powerful antioxidants. It also contains soluble fiber that help in slowing down the digestion of food and lessens the absorption of glucose into the blood stream, which is good for diabetic patients. Hence, apples are good snacking food for diabetic patients.

    4. Reduces Stroke Risk

    Researchers found that the phytonutrients found in apples may help reduce the risk of stroke. Therefore, to prevent stroke, eat apples daily, as it’s benefits are more likely towards people who consume apple regularly.

    5. For Healthy Gums and Teeth

    The malic acid in apples has been scientifically proven to whiten teeth. Malic acid is commonly used in many commercial tooth-whitening products because it safely dissolves stains from the surface of teeth. It also helps reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease by lowering the levels of bacteria. So chew on an apple everyday to improve the health of your teeth and gums.

    6. Lower your LDL cholesterol

    The soluble fiber content present in apples has been linked to lowering levels of LDL or bad cholesterol. Studies have shown that eating of apples daily can lower levels of bad cholesterol and improve levels of good cholesterol, without causing any weight gain.

    7. Skin Health

    Eating an apple a day can help maintain a healthy skin.Apples are good source of nutrients such as vitamins, hence they work wonders when it comes to skin health. Apples also protect against UV sunrays and help immature skin develop into mature and functional skin tissues.

    8. Fights Obesity

    Studies have shown that ursolic acid, a natural substance found in apple skin, can help increase muscle mass and also stimulate the production of brown fat, a type of fatty tissue that is associated with body weight reduction.

    9. Lowers Alzheimer’s Risk

    Apples are antioxidant-rich foods that are good for overall health. A recent study shows that consumption of antioxidants-rich foods such as apples can help reduce problems associated with memory loss and promote brain health. Hence, eat an apple a day or have a glass of apple juice daily for a healthy brain.

  • 5 Amazing health benefits of tumeric

    5 Amazing health benefits of tumeric

    Apart from complementing our dishes, tumeric also complements our health, it has amazing health benefits. Herbal practitioners hold it in high regard in respect to being a remedy for quite a number of diseases.

    Here are the amazing health benefits of tumeric:

    1. It prevents cancer

    In a world where everyone seems to be concern about the dangers and threats of cancer, it is important to state here that turmeric is one of the best herbal approaches to the treatment or prevention of various types of cancer.

    As a matter of fact, a number of laboratory studies on cancer cells have shown that curcumin, which is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, does have anticancer effects.

    It has been observed to have the ability to kill cancer cells as well preventing more from growing. In addition, turmeric also has the best effects on breast cancer, bowel cancer, and stomach cancer and skin cancer cells.

    2. It takes good care of the skin

    There are many ways turmeric helps keep take care of the skin and top on the list is that it keeps pimples at bay by inhibiting the growth of pimple-causing bacteria as well as reducing the oil secretion by the sebaceous gland.

    When turmeric is constantly used, it helps clears acne scars; thereby making the skin flawless and glowing. It also accelerates the healing of a cut and soothes skin irritation through the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

    Studies have also shown that turmeric help fights signs of aging like wrinkles and pigmentation by curbing the growth of free radicals.

    3. It helps treat menstrual issues

    You might want to start making use of turmeric if by chance you suffer from severe menstrual discomfort, cramping, bloating, excessive bleeding, or mood swings.

    Because the anti-inflammatory and soothing nature of the herb’s natural compounds can relieve most symptoms of menstruation.

    After all, one of the more widely accepted properties of curcumin in scientific communities is its ability to manage pain.

    4. It increases the antioxidant capacity of the body, dramatically

    In as much as there are numerous mechanisms behind aging and many other diseases, it is strongly believed that oxidative damage ranks high on the list. And this is because it involves free radicals that tend to react with important organic substances, such as fatty acids, proteins or DNA.

    Be that as it may, it is important to note that our bodies can be protected from free radicals based on the body’s capacity of antioxidants.

    And curcumin, which is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric, happens to be a potent antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals due to its chemical structure as well as boosting the activity of the body’s own antioxidant enzymes.

    5. It helps to detoxify the body

    The body system is known to experience a malfunctioning when the level of toxicity in the body is high. To prevent this, the importance of turmeric cannot be overemphasized.

    Because the organic compounds of turmeric do not only improve liver function, it also reduces the levels of toxicity in the body by stimulating the lymphatic system and ensuring that toxins are removed efficiently.