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  • FULL LIST: Celebrities prosecuted for Naira mutilation

    FULL LIST: Celebrities prosecuted for Naira mutilation

    Nigeria‘s constitution kicks against the abuse of Naira. It is considered a criminal offence and punishable under the law.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act and the Criminal Code Act gives clear provisions against the abuse and misuse of the Naira.

    The Central Bank of Nigeria Act, Section 21 (1) states that: “A person who tampers with a coin or note issued by the bank is guilty of an offence, and shall on conviction be liable to imprisonment for a term not less than six months or to a fine not less that N50,000 or to both such fine and imprisonment.”

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    Furthermore, the Criminal Code Act, under Section 20, criminalizes the defacing, mutilating, tearing, or destroying of currency notes and coins issued by the CBN.

    The punishment for currency abuse varies depending on the nature and gravity of the offense.

    Below is the list of celebrities that have been prosecuted for Naira abuse:

    1. Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin – The Nigerian actress popularly known as Simi Gold, was on Thursday, February 1, 2024 convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment for spraying and stepping on the new Naira notes at a social event in Lagos.
    2. Bobrisky – Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, was on Friday, April 12, 2024, convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment without the option of a fine.
    3. Cubana Chief Priest – Socialite and businessman Cubana Chief Priest, real name Pascal Okechukwu, was on Wednesday, April 17, 2024, charged to court for abusing banknotes after allegedly throwing money into the air at social events, a practice known as “spraying”. He however pleaded “not guilty”, and was granted a N10m bail with two sureties in like sum.
  • 10 good health benefits of crying

    10 good health benefits of crying

    Crying is a natural response humans have to a range of emotions, including sadness, grief, joy, and frustration. Well, it is true to an extent since people cry when they are not happy with something in life. But, not many people know that there are positive aspects to crying. Research has shown that crying can give you health benefits.

    Here are the 10 health benefits of crying:

    1. DETOXIFIES YOUR BODY

    Crying relieves your body of a stress hormone called cortisol. Even though cortisol has some benefits, people who are prone to stress have higher levels which is quite dangerous to their mind and body. Crying can reduce the cortisol levels in the body which in turn can lower your stress. So, the next time you find yourself stressed due to your job or your personal issues, find a private space where you can have a cry!

    1. RELIEVES EMOTIONAL PAIN

    Emotional pain is sometimes tougher to handle than physical pain. You can use painkillers to quickly relieve yourself of pain, but the same trick won’t be useful with emotional pain. People often see emotional pain as a sign of depression. Psychiatrists prescribe medications can do more harm than good. Those medications may provide some temporary relief, but they can give you harmful side effects too. One of the natural ways to relieve emotional pain is crying. Scientists have done studies on crying which showed that crying can release neurotransmitters in the brain which can alleviate emotional pain.

    1. HAS ANTI-BACTERIAL EFFECTS

    This should be one of the most surprising health benefits of crying. Scientists say that crying is effective in killing harmful bacteria in the body. They attribute this anti-bacterial property to a particular enzyme called lysozyme. This enzyme is present in tears that come down from your eyes while crying. It is said that lysozyme can kill bacteria within 15 minutes. There have been experiments that have shown that tears can even fight bacteria which cause anthrax. Lysozyme can destroy the cell walls of bacteria which would eventually result in the destruction of the bacteria. So, next time when you cry, make sure you get tears and also try to swallow some of the tears instead of wiping it off.

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    1. IMPROVES EYESIGHT

    Crying can improve your vision. Again, tears coming out while crying is responsible for this. Tears have the ability to lubricate your eyelids and eyeballs. They actually end up hydrating your eyes. Dehydration is one of the common causes of deteriorating eyesight. But, tears can naturally offset this problem. It is common knowledge that dust particles can cause eye problems. But, tears have the ability to take away the dust particles in your eye. Tears can also hydrate mucous membranes present near the eyes. So, the next time you feel itchy in your eyes or your vision seems blurry, try crying with tears.

    1. CRYING FACILITATES BREATHING IN BABIES

    Newborn babies cry a lot. The crying sound can sometimes be deafening and you may think that something is wrong with the baby. But, crying is actually good for babies. As a matter of fact, it is not a good sign if a newborn baby isn’t crying as it may be a sign that the baby is facing breathing difficulties. Most newborn babies cry naturally. But, if a baby is not crying, then doctors try different things such as holding the baby upside down or dipping the baby in cold water just to make the baby cry. This is actually known as a baby’s first cry and is extremely vital for the baby’s breathing once the umbilical cord is cut.

    1. INDUCES SLEEP IN BABIES

    Making babies sleep is a common challenge that parents face. When a baby cries, its parents try hard to stop it from crying. But, let him or her cry can help the baby sleep. Parents should learn a technique called ‘controlled crying’ which is effective in inducing sleep in an infant. It is said that a baby sleeps longer after crying and the chances of the baby waking up in between sleep is also reduced as the baby tends to go into a state of deep sleep after controlled crying.

    1. MOOD ELEVATION

    People often try different things to elevate their mood. But, nature has given us a simple tool called crying which can elevate our mood without the help of any external elements. Tears are known to be natural anti-depressants. Some studies have also been conducted in this regard which showed that tears can improve a person’s mood and make one feel positive. Crying is actually considered to be a self-soothing technique. People with mood-related disorders or anxiety issues can definitely give crying a try. Crying can make you inhale cool air which is useful in lifting your spirits up. Inhalation of cooler air can also regulate your brain’s temperature.

    1. IMPROVES IMMUNE SYSTEM

    Scientists have conducted experiments which revealed that crying has a positive impact on our immune system. It is said that crying is particularly effective against skin allergies since it regulates the secretion of immunoglobulins. People prone to allergic reactions can have an abnormal secretion of immunoglobulins. People with eczema and other skin related disorders can use crying as a natural way to prevent allergic reactions. People suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease, noticed a reduction in pain and other symptoms after crying. Crying can control the secretion of all kinds of immune chemicals which are known to aggravate allergic symptoms.

    1. AIDS SLEEP

    A small study in 2015 found that crying can help babies sleep better. Whether crying has the same sleep-enhancing effect on adults is yet to be researched.
    However, it follows that the calming, mood-enhancing, and pain-relieving effects of crying above may help a person fall asleep more easily.

    1. IT REDUCES MANGANESE

    The simple act of crying also reduces the body’s manganese level, a mineral which affects mood and is found in significantly greater concentrations in tears than in blood serum. Elevated manganese levels can be associated with anxiety, irritability and aggression.

  • 12 stars With EGOT status from 2000

    12 stars With EGOT status from 2000

    The term “EGOT” refers to actors, producers, directors, and composers who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award in their careers which is rare to see but a prestigious achievement for those in the entertainment industry. 

    The term was first coined in late 1984 by actor Philip Michael Thomas, who expressed his desire to achieve the accolade after rising to fame from his role on “Miami Vice,” though he has yet to bag the title.

    Only 19 individuals in history have achieved the ‘EGOT’ status and in this piece, we would be focusing on those who have attained this status since year 2000. 

    Here’s the list of those who have accomplished this feat from year 2000 in no particular order:

    1. Mel Brooks

    Melvin James Brooks is an American actor, comedian, filmmaker, songwriter, and playwright.

    In 2001, Mel Brooks earned his EGOT status after winning three Tony Awards for his musical adaptation of his film “The Producers”. He won an Emmy in 1967 for “The Sid Caesar, Imogene Coca, Carl Reiner, Howard Morris Special” and three for “Mad About You,” an Oscar in 1968 for best original screenplay for “The Producers,” and a Grammy for “The 2000 Year Old Man In The Year 2000” in 1998. 

    Brooks won two Grammys in 2002 after achieving his EGOT status for “Recording The Producers — A Musical Romp With Mel Brooks,” and “The Producers.”

    Currently at the age of 97, Brooks career has spanned over seven decades.

    2. Mike Nichols 

    Nichols, an American film and theatre director, achieved his EGOT title after winning two Emmys for the movie “Wit” in 2001. He later scored two more Emmys for “Angels in America” in 2004.

    He earned multiple Tony Awards over the years for plays including “Barefoot in the Park,” “Luv,” “The Odd Couple,” “Plaza Suite,” “The Prisoner of Second Avenue,” “The Real Thing,” and “Death of a Salesman,” as well as the musicals “Annie” in 1977 and “Monty Python’s Spamalot” in 2005. 

    Nichols won a Grammy for best comedy performance in 1961 for “An Evening With Mike Nichols and Elaine May” and a best director Oscar for “The Graduate” in 1967.

    Born in Berlin, Germany in 1931, the director died in 2014, aged 83.

    3. Whoopi Goldberg

    American actress, Caryn Elaine Johnson popularly known as Whoopi Goldberg, gained the EGOT status in 2002 after taking home a Tony Award for best musical for “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” She won an Emmy for “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel” that same year and scored her second for “The View” later in 2009. 

    Goldberg also has a Grammy for her comedy album “Whoopi Goldberg — Original Broadway Show Recording” and an Oscar for “Ghost.”

    4. Robert Lopez

    Robert Lopez, an American songwriter, became the youngest EGOT achiever at age 39 after winning an Oscar for best original song in 2014 for “Let It Go” from the movie “Frozen.” 

    He won a second Oscar for the song “Remember Me” from “Coco” in 2017. Lopez is also the recipient of two Daytime Emmys for “Wonder Pets!” which he won in 2008 and 2010, and a Primetime Emmy for “Agatha All Along” from the series “WandaVision.” 

    He has bagged three Grammys — best musical theater album for “The Book of Mormon: Original Broadway Cast Recording” (2012), best song written for visual media for “Let It Go” from “Frozen” (2015) and best compilation soundtrack for visual media for “Frozen” (2015) — as well as three Tonys for “Avenue Q” and “The Book of Mormon.”

    Born in February 1975, Lopez and his wife Kristen Anderson-Lopez have two children together; Katie and Annie Lopez.

    5. Andrew Lloyd Webber 

    This English composer earned his EGOT status after winning an Emmy for “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” in 2018. He has won multiple Grammys and Tonys for “Evita,” “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Requiem” and “Sunset Boulevard,” as well as a best original song Oscar for “You Must Love Me” from “Evita” in 1996.

    6. Tim Rice

    Tim Rice, who is an English lyricist and author, achieved his EGOT title after winning an Emmy for “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert” in 2018. He scored his first Oscar for the song “A Whole New World” from “Aladdin” in 1992 and his first Grammy and Tony for “Evita” (best cast album and best original score, respectively). 

    Rice has clinched a number of other major awards, including two additional Oscars for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” (1994) and “You Must Love Me” from “Evita” (1996). He earned several Grammy Awards for his work on “Aladdin” — including 1993’s song of the year — and “Aida,” and also won the Tony Award for best original score in 2000 for “Aida.”

    7. John Legend 

    John Legend is an American singer, songwriter, pianist, record producer, and actor, who became a member of the EGOT club in 2018 after receiving his Emmy for “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” He has several Daytime Emmy Awards as well for “Crow: The Legend,” “Shelter Me: Soul Awakened,” and “Cornerstones: Founding Voices of the Black Church.” 

    In addition to a dozen Grammy wins – the musician has the most Grammy wins of any EGOT status-holder – Legend also has a best original song Oscar for “Glory” from the movie “Selma,” as well as a Tony for “Jitney.”

    Born John Roger Stephens in 1978, Legend is married to Chrissy Teigen and the couple have a child together.

    8. Alan Menken 

    American composer and pianist, Alan Menken earned his EGOT status in 2020 with a Daytime Emmy win for the song “Waiting in the Wings” from “Rapunzel’s Tangled Adventure.” 

    He previously won nearly a dozen different Grammy Awards between 1991 and 2012 for his work on “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” “Pocahontas,” and “Tangled.” 

    Menken also has a Tony Award for best original score for “Newsies,” and has the most Oscar wins of any EGOT recipient, taking home best original song and score titles for his work on “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin” and “Pocahontas.”

    9. Jennifer Hudson 

    Singer and actress, Jennifer Hudson officially became an EGOT recipient in 2022 after scoring a Tony for the musical “A Strange Loop.” 

    She previously earned a Daytime Emmy for “Baba Yaga” in 2021, a best supporting actress Oscar for “Dreamgirls” in 2006 and two Grammys, which include the award for best R&B album in 2009 for “Jennifer Hudson” and the award for best musical theater album in 2017 for “The Color Purple.”

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    10. Viola Davis

    As an actress and a film producer, Viola Davis achieved her EGOT status after winning the Grammy for best audio book, narration and storytelling recording in February 2023 for her book “Finding Me.” Prior to that, she had scored an Emmy for outstanding lead actress in a drama series for “How to Get Away With Murder” (2015) and an Oscar for best supporting actress for “Fences” (2016).

    She also earned two Tony Awards for “King Hedley II” (2001) and the Broadway revival of “Fences” (2010).

    11. Elton John

    With his Emmys win for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, the British singer and painist became the 19th person to earn the title of “EGOT”, in January 2024.

    John won the outstanding variety special (live) Emmy for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium. That Emmy joined his five Grammys, including a Grammy Legend Award, two best original song Oscars for Can You Feel the Love Tonight? and (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again from ‘Rocketman’ and one best original score Tony for ‘Aida’. 

    12. Scott Rudin

    Producer Scott Rudin completed the “G” to clinch his EGOT status in 2012, after winning an original Broadway cast recording Grammy for ‘The Book of Mormon’.

    This joined his ‘He Makes Me Feel Like Dancin’ Emmy, his best picture Oscar for ‘No Country for Old Men’ and his 18 Tony Awards for shows including ‘Doubt’, ‘Fences’ and ‘Hello, Dolly!’

    Other individuals who have won these major American entertainment awards includes: Richard Rodgers in 1962, Helen Hayes in 1977, Rita Moreno in 1977, John Gielgud in 1991, Audrey Hepburn in 1994, Marvin Hamlisch in 1995, Jonathan Tunick in 1997.

    Amongst these great women and men, Richard Rodgers is the only person who has gone full circle twice as he has two of each of these awards.

  • Three important things to know about at-home DNA test kits

    Three important things to know about at-home DNA test kits

    An at-home DNA test may not be as accurate as a medical DNA test.

    This is because a medical DNA test ordered by a doctor can provide more precise information than an at-home test kit.

    When a doctor orders a DNA test to evaluate your risk for a disease, there are significant differences in the way the test is performed and how your results are analysed.

    Below are three things to know about an at-home DNA test:

    1. At-home DNA tests can’t definitively say whether you’ll get a disease.

    “Home DNA tests aren’t a good way to learn about your risk for disease,” says Dr. Vats. They only look at a narrow view of DNA markers, so they may miss some important details.

    “You shouldn’t make any medical decisions based on the results of an at-home test,” Dr. Vats says. But you can talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your at-home test results. “Depending on what the marker is, a geneticist can order more specific and reliable testing.”

    The genetic counselling you get through a doctor’s office is an important part of genetic testing. Without it, it’s easy to get confused or end up with a false sense of security or unnecessary anxiety. “For example, it’s possible the results don’t mean anything for your health, but it might mean something for your children’s health,” Dr. Vats explains. A geneticist can help you understand what the DNA test results mean and what you should do about it.

    If you’re concerned about a particular hereditary disease, Dr. Vats recommends skipping the at-home test and talking to a genetic professional instead. “They can give you advice and get you the appropriate test — not just a random test like the at-home versions.”

    2. At-home DNA tests can help you learn about your ancestry:

    “Due to their accuracy issues, don’t do at-home DNA tests to learn about your health,” says Dr. Vats. “But if you want, you can use them to learn about your ethnic background, family origin, and extended family members.”

    The ancestry testing you can do with an at-home kit is more reliable than the health testing. The ancestry DNA test looks for genetic markers that are common in certain regions and ethnic backgrounds. For example, you might see that you have 10% of the markers seen in Ashkenazi Jews and 40% of the markers seen in people of Eastern European origin.

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    The markers can also help you identify extended family members. “Some genetic markers can be seen in half-siblings, cousins, uncles, etc.,” says Dr. Vats. This can help you piece together who you might be related to and your larger family.

    3. At-home DNA tests don’t tell the whole story:

    If you’re concerned about your health or risk of hereditary diseases, an at-home DNA test isn’t your best option. You’ll get more personalized DNA testing and more reliable results that you can trust from your doctor. If you’re interested in your family background, you can try an ancestry-based at-home DNA test. But you should still consider the privacy risks for you and your loved ones before sending in your DNA sample.

  • Seven prominent ‘beefs’ among Nigerian artists

    Seven prominent ‘beefs’ among Nigerian artists

    Since the year 2000, the music industry has witnessed numerous conflicts among artists.

    In Nigeria, various musicians have engaged in spirited exchanges, whether to energise the hip-hop landscape, debate moral differences, or vie for supremacy between two superstars. Drama has certainly not been lacking in the vibrant world of Afrobeats.

    Below are seven artists who have exchanged verbal blows in the past.

    1. 2Baba V Blackface V Faze (Plantashun Boiz): Plantashun Boiz, the talented trio of 2Face (now goes by 2Baba), Blackface, and Faze laid the blueprint for boy bands in Nigeria.

    After years together, the group broke up in 2004 and it was far from amicable. In 2004, Faze released his debut album where he touched on the breakup with Plantashun Boiz on the emotional single ‘Faze Alone’.

    2Baba was accused of breaking off the group after he left. He pleaded his innocence on the single ‘U No Holy Pass’ on his debut album ‘Face 2 Face’ before suing for peace on ‘See Me As Your Brother’ on his sophomore album ‘Grass 2 Grace’.

    Although their relationship improved and the trio reunited for the album ‘Plan B’ in 2007, Blackface continued to harbour resentment. In 2019, he reignited the feud by releasing a diss track titled ‘War,’ targeting 2Baba, who had moved on from the conflict.

    2. Mode9 V Ruggedman: Two of Nigeria’s greatest rappers Mode9 and Ruggedman had a go at each other in the 2000s. It started when Mode9 dissed Ruggedman for using indigenous languages in his rap.

    Mode9 released the diss track ‘Death Blow’ in 2008 and Ruggedman replied with the track ‘To Whom It May Concern’ which was a reply although he didn’t contain Mode9’s name.

    3. MI Abaga V Kelly Hansome: Kelly Hansome’s mainstream saw notable beefs with different musicians. Kelly Hansome gained attention with the release of his single ‘Maga Don Pay’ which had parts that praised online financial fraud. MI Abaga, Banky W, Cobhams, Modele, Omawumi, and Rooftop MCs came together to release ‘Maga No Need Pay’ which is a rebuttal to Kelly Hansome’s message in his hit song. This generated a beef between MI Abaga and Kelly Hansome with the former releasing the diss track ‘Fast Money Fast Car’ and the latter replying with ‘Catch Me If You Can’.

    The diss continued with MI releasing ‘Beef’ which Kelly Hansome replied with ‘Finish You Boy’ on which he interpolated a line from MI’s label mate Ice Prince’s ‘Oleku’.

    On the track ‘No Body Test Me’ by Jesse Jagz, MI, and Ice Prince he took shots at Kelly Hansome who eagerly replied with ‘Chocolate Boys’ freestyle.

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    4. Olamide V Don Jazzy: At the 2015 Headies Awards, Don Jazzy’s signee Reekado Banks beat Olamide’s YBNL star Lil Kesh to the heatedly contested Next Rated prize.

    Olamide would give the organisers a piece of his mind when he accompanied Adekunle Gold on stage to receive his Best Alternative Song award for ‘Sade’. Olamide delivered one of Headies most memorable moments with his “Every single f**cking single was a hit” speech.

    Don Jazzy also had the chance to reply when he accepted his Special Recognition Award.

    The duo engaged in a series of Twitter (Now X) exchanges before the beef was eventually squashed days later after Nigerian Billionaire Aliko Dangote was said to have stepped in.

    5. MI Vs Vector: MI Abaga and Vector gave Nigerian rap fans a show in 2019 after both rappers went public with a beef that has been lingering for years.

    M.I. took the first shot on ‘Martell Cypher II: Purification’ with Vector replying with ‘The Purge’.

    Things quickly went downhill with MI releasing the stinging diss track ‘The Viper’ which Vector replied with ‘Judas The Rat’.

    While MI was regarded to have had the better song, his decision to reach out to Vector for a truce behind the scenes was a move that many agree lost him the battle. They would later settle their beef and collaborate on the Pheelz-produced ‘Crown of Clay’.

    6. Davido V Burna Boy: Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Davido used to be bosom friends until things went sideways. The beef is considered to have gone public in 2020 when Davido posted a fan-made painting of him and Wizkid with the caption: “The two greatest of all time, no [cap].”

    This didn’t sit well with Burna Boy who took to Snapchat to throw shades at Davido with the post “You cannot play football, everybody knows you cannot play football and you are an embarrassment to the team, but your daddy bought the football team…”

    While Burna Boy didn’t call Davido’s name, it was easily deduced that he was referring to the hitmaker who had a wealthy father.

    In the same 2020, Burna Boy took shots at Davido in his Grammy-winning album ‘Twice As Tall’ with lines like “Fuck a good time” which is believed to be directed at Davido’s 2019 album ‘A Good Time’.

    Also, Burna Boy tweeted Floppy disc hours after Davido’s third album ‘A Better Time Dropped’. The album has the hit song ‘FEM’ which was a direct diss at Burna Boy.

    The beef between the two continued in 2024 with Burna Boy trolling a Davido fan by telling him “Your oga is a p**sy”.

    7. BNXN V Ruger: BNXN and Ruger had a two-year-long beef that started in 2022 when a fan told Ruger that BNXN was better than him.

    An irate Ruger responded that he had more solo hit records which was something BNXN couldn’t boast of. BNXN would reply that he had more numbers and he made more money than Ruger.

    Ruger also went low and body-shamed BNXN by calling him a “Fatty Bumbum”.

    The beef would get more competitive when they were both nominated for the Next Rated prize at the 2022 Headies Awards which BNXN later won.

    The stars would squash their beef in 2024 and celebrate their found friendship with the single ‘Romeo Must Die’.

  • Junior Pope: Eight simple ways to stay alive during boat mishap

    Junior Pope: Eight simple ways to stay alive during boat mishap

    1. Stay calm: In the event of a boat mishap, it’s crucial to remain calm. Panic can impair judgment and hinder your ability to make rational decisions.

    2. Wear a life jacket: Put on a life jacket or personal flotation device (PFD) immediately. It will help you stay afloat and conserve energy while awaiting rescue.

    3. Stay with the boat: Unless the boat is sinking rapidly or there is an immediate danger, it’s generally safer to stay with the boat. It makes it easier for rescuers to locate you and provides a stable platform to hold onto.

    Read Also: What caused Calabar boat mishap – NIWA

    4. Alert others: Use any available means to signal for help. This could include blowing a whistle, using a flashlight, or waving bright-colored clothing to attract attention.

    5. Get into the survival position: If you find yourself in the water, assume the survival position by crossing your arms tightly against your chest and drawing your knees up towards your chest. This position helps retain body heat and reduces heat loss.

    6. Stay hydrated: If stranded at sea or in the water for an extended period, it’s essential to stay hydrated. Avoid drinking seawater as it can worsen dehydration. If possible, try to ration any available drinking water.

    7. Conserve energy: In a survival situation, it’s crucial to conserve your energy. Avoid unnecessary movements and only swim or exert yourself when necessary. Stay as still as possible to minimize heat loss and fatigue.

    8. Stay positive and hopeful: Maintaining a positive mindset can help you stay focused and increase your chances of survival. Believe in your ability to endure and keep your spirits up, as rescue may be on its way.

    It’s important to note that these tips are general guidelines and specific actions may vary depending on the circumstances. If possible, it is highly recommended to undergo proper boating safety training to enhance your knowledge and skills in handling emergency situations.

  • Three dangers of pouring petrol into tank of running generators

    Three dangers of pouring petrol into tank of running generators

    In past few weeks, there have been reports of fire incidents across the country. 

    The recent fire outbreak, which engulfed a three-storey building in the Apongbon area of Lagos State, has been attributed to careless handling of a generator set.

    The cause was traced to re-fuelling a generator among others at the pent-house of a three-building complex housing a printing shop with chemical contents. 

    It is evident that relevant agencies must keep sensitising the people about best safety practices at homes, schools, markets and offices, while enforcing extant safety laws in the country. 

    Here are the dangers below:

    1. It’s a major fire hazard — Filling a generator with fuel while it is running can create a spark, which could ignite the fuel, causing a fire and potentially doing serious harm to both the person filling the tank and the generator’s surroundings.

    2. Carbon monoxide poisoning — When a fossil fuel generator is running it produces carbon monoxide, a toxic gas that can be deadly if inhaled in excess. 

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    Adding fuel to a generator’s fuel tank while it is in operation can increase the level of carbon monoxide in the air, putting any people nearby the site at serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

    3. Damage to your generator — Adding fuel to a running generator can cause damage to the engine and other components due to the movement of fuel and turbulence in the fuel tank.

  • Top seven skills you should learn before relocating

    Top seven skills you should learn before relocating

    Many Nigerians are relocating overseas to find greener pasture for themselves and families.

    However, before making such a significant move, it is important to equip oneself with crucial skills that can pave the way for financial stability and success in a new environment.

    Here are seven necessary skills to consider mastering before embarking on your journey:

    1. Hairdressing

    Hairdressing is a very popular and lucrative skill to learn before you relocate abroad. This is because the demand for hairstylists is high abroad from not only Nigerians but other Africans.

    It can be quite expensive to own a salon abroad but you can as well render home services and still make a lot of money.

    1. Plumbing

    This is also one of the valuable skills to learn. Every house needs theIr services of a plumber. Plumbing is one of the skills which is in demand worldwide and can lead to stable employment opportunities.

    With this skill, you can not be stranded when you relocate as you can be called on to fix or install plumbing issues and needs for houses which will earn you a high pay in return.

    1. Barbing

    Barbing is another skill that you should learn before you relocate. It would earn you a good pay.

    The trick is to network yourself and target men, women or children who need a haircut. You should also make sure you are skillful in order to attract and retain customers.

    Read Also: Acquire vocational skills for self-reliance, Ogunbusuyi urges youths

    Barbing is also a business you can run at the comfort of your home or render home services till you are financially stable to own a salon.

    1. Fashion designing/tailoring

    You need to remember that most Nigerians have also relocated before you and might not have access to their African attires or dresses.

    Report has it that there is a shortage of fashion designers who can play around African designs abroad so this can be a very huge opportunity for you.

    Learning how to sew or design outfits will give you leverage and attract other Nigerians to patronize you.

    1. Makeup

    No matter the part of the world you relocate to just be sure that this skill would bring good pay.

    Women love to look good regardless of the country, so this means they would want their makeup done professionally for parties and other events.

    Therefore, if you are good at it, you would be able to make more money for yourself. While you are still yet to relocate, you can check around you for a professional makeup studio that offers training for learning.

    1. Photography

    Photography is another valuable and lucrative skill you should learn before relocating. You can learn how to take pictures, edit photos, and create digital art. With your photography skills, you can take up shoots and also pitch yourself for media companies abroad.

    1. Shoe making/Cobbling

    This skill is highly profitable as it allows access to a broad customer base, given that everyone wears shoes.

    Whether you’re repairing old shoes or crafting new ones, you can expect a consistent flow of clients.

    There is a demand for individuals skilled in repairing shoes, bags, belts, purses, and other leather goods, as well as for those capable of creating new items.

  • Five musicians featured in movies

    Five musicians featured in movies

    There has been a strong relationship in the entertainment industry with the unique synergy between Nollywood and the music sector.

    While music uses rhythms, beats and lyrics to relay fictional or real-life experiences, movies utilise acting to achieve the same goal.

    Over the years, Nollywood icons have explored music production, while music stars have also made their appearances in the world of acting.

    Here are at least five Nigerian musicians that made appearances in the world of acting:

    1. Reminisce – This talented Nigerian rapper not only won the airwaves with his chart-topping hits, but also made a remarkable transition into the world of acting, leaving fans astounded and craving for more.
    Reminisce, who in a groundbreaking move featured in Kemi Adetiba’s sensational Netflix blockbuster, “King of Boys.”

    This completely engrossing crime thriller had viewers on the edge of their seats, and Reminisce’s portrayal of a villain added an electrifying twist to the narrative.

    2. Yemi Alade (Mama Africa) – Renowned Yemi Alade has garnered immense praises for her music, her foray into the world of acting has left Nigerians yearning for more.

    Yemi Alade’s performance in Funke Akindele’s blockbuster film, “Omo Ghetto the Saga,” marked her debut appearance as an actor.

    ‘Mama Africa’ embraced the role of a gang leader and drug dealer, exuding the same energy and stage presence that has become her trademark as a musician.

    Read Also: Indigenous movies excite consumers more, says Nollywood Director Owu

    3.  Banky W – Olubankole Wellington, popularly known as Banky W, has featured in quite a number of Nollywood movies, thereby making him also popular in the movie industry.

    Banky W embarked on his acting journey by featuring in Funke Akindele’s enthralling production, “The Return of Jenifa”, in 2011.  In 2016, he secured a role in highly acclaimed movie, “The Wedding Party”, directed by Kemi Adetiba. Following the film’s success, Banky W repeated his role in the movie’s eagerly anticipated sequel, “The Wedding Party 2”.

    In 2018, Banky W took the lead role in another movie “Up North”.  He lent his dynamism to the movie “Sugar Rush” also further showcasing his versatility.

    4. Peter Okoye (Mr P) – Another notable music legend that have also featured in Nollywood movies is Peter Okoye, known as Mr. P, one of the famous Nigerian music duo, P-Square.
    Mr P recently stepped into the realm of acting, making his debut appearance in the popular Netflix series ‘Shanty Town’, in 2023.

    In this captivating series, he skillfully played the character of Femi, leaving a lasting impression on both viewers and fans.

    5. Tiwa Savage – The Afrobeats superstar is set to make her acting debut in ‘Water & Garri’, which was announced Thursday, April 4. The new film will premiere on Prime Video on May 10.

    Although ‘Water & Garri’ is her first movie where she will be playing a lead role, however, Tiwa Savage has before now landed cameos in big projects including on MTV Shuga in 2013-14, where she played the role of Sade Banjo.

    In 2016, she also graced the screen following a cameo in Funke Akindele’s ‘Jenifa’s Diary’, a Nigerian television comedy series.

  • Seven things not to do when meeting your partner’s parents for first time

    Seven things not to do when meeting your partner’s parents for first time

     It is a major step in the relationship and first impression can be a lasting impression, potentially a lot riding on it.

    How you ensure you don’t come off like some mannerless person during this first encounter is important.

    Here are seven things you should not do when meeting your partner’s parents for the first time

    1. Glued to your phone

    Avoid being on your phone, texting, checking your email or browsing social media. Your spouse’s parents might feel dismissed and think that you are not interested in getting to know them.

    2. Lie to make yourself look good

    Being fake instead of who you truly are is a mistake that will upset your partner’s parents. You’re also likely to be found out at some point and possibly when it could really hurt your relationship.

    If your partner has accepted the kind of person you are, then his/ her parents should be able to accept you too.

    3. Publicly display affection

    Although public displays of affection can be a wonderful thing, there is an appropriate time and place for it.

    This does not mean you have to become cold, distant and robotic, but it does mean you need to know the audience you are in front of.

    4. Spark controversial topics for discussion

    Bringing up controversial topics like religion, politics or sex is a no go area.

    Even if you definitely know that your beliefs are in line with your partner’s parents, some people still consider it to be in poor taste to bring it up.

    Better get to know them more before raising such topics.

    Read Also: Parents seek end to discrimination against persons with Down Syndrome, others

    5. Talk only about yourself

    Despite the fact that your partner’s parents are probably very interested in getting to know you, they also do not want to spend the entire time listening to your life story.

    Try to find a balance in the conversation by also asking them questions to show interest in getting to know them as well.

    6. Don’t pass the night

    No matter the persuasion, don’t pass the night in their house on your first day of visit.

    7. Being a know it all

    Even if you are an expert in a certain area, please keep it cool. Don’t let it seem like you know everything better than everyone else.