The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Nigeria newspaper

  • Troops rescue 54 Kidnapped victims in Borno

    No fewer than 54 kidnapped victims including women and children have been rescued by troops during clearance operations in Borno state, the Nigerian Army announced on Monday.

    According to its spokesman, Col. Sagir Musa, among those rescued were 29 women and 25 children.

    Col Musa said in a statement that troops destroyed two Boko Haram logistic vehicles during the operations.

    He said:”Troops of 22 Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with local vigilantes have continued moving into the hinterland on clearance operation to destroy Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Consequently, on the 11th of May 2019, troops effectively cleared Ma’allasuwa and Yaga – Munye villages in Borno State. No encounter with Boko Haram terrorists was made as they run away before troops’ arrival leaving behind 54 suspected kidnapped victims.

    “Out of the number, 29 are grown up women and 25 are children of various ages and sex. They have all been rescued.

    Read Also; We’ll miss his forthrightness, says Adebule

    “Similarly, at Zari – Kasake and Jumachere villages in Damasak general area of Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of 145 Battalion Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance operation discovered and destroyed two Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics vehicles. Deserted BHTs make up shift accommodation was also destroyed.

    “Additionally, Mopol Sergeant Markus John – Personal Number – PNo 383106 was arrested at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu road in possession of 2 magazines, 146 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and one round of Anti Aircraft Gun concealed in his bag while on transit to Lagos State.

    “Recall that on the 10th of May 2019, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, arrested 14NA7113208 Private Paul Ojochegbe and 12NA672586 Lance Corporal Oko Eke in possession of one disassembled AK 47 Rifle at the same N’jimtilo check point.

    “Nigerian Army will remain resolute in ending terrorism and other forms of insecurities across the country, and reiterate its appeal to the public to continue to provide useful information about suspicious movement of terrorists/criminals wherever they are seen hibernating in Nigeria.“

  • Health benefits of watermelon seeds

    Health benefits of watermelon seeds

    Watermelon is an extremely popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realising or rather knowing of their health benefits. These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins and lots of minerals. These seeds are rich in vitamin B like thiamine, niacin, folate and minerals like magnesium, potassium, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus and copper. Besides, they are a great source of calories with 100 grammes of watermelon seeds providing around 600 grammes of calories.

    Watermelon seeds, also called as ‘tarbooj ke beej‘ in Hindi are used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines.  Roasted watermelon seeds are served as a snack or used to garnish salads. In Nigeria, they are used in certain soups. Watermelon seed oil is extracted from these seeds which are beneficial for your hair and skin. To say the least, watermelon seeds are edible and can be a healthy option.

    As stated earlier, watermelon seeds are a rich source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to get their nutritional content. Some of the health benefits of watermelon seeds are given below.

    1. Your body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids. Lysine helps in calcium absorption to facilitate the formation of collagen and connective tissues in the body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.
    1. Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grammes of seeds providing 139 percent of the recommended daily requirement. Magnesium is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.
    1. Watermelon seeds contain lycopene which is good for your face and also helps in improving male fertility.
    1. These seeds are excellent sources of multivitamin B and can replace some of the supplements. Vitamin B present in watermelon seeds comprises of niacin, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and pantothenic acid. B vitamins are vital for maintaining healthy blood, nervous system and effective immune response.
    1. These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in 1 litre water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should be taken every day like tea.
    1. Watermelon seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your memory.
    1. Almost half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent saturated fat and the rest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grammes of fat which constitutes about 80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus, watermelon seeds are an important source of calories and energy.

  • Chronic stress can harm female reproductive function-Study

    Chronic stress could be harming female reproductive function due to the overproduction of a hormone linked to appetite, an Australian study revealed on Friday.

    When a person is stressed, the body produces a hormone called ghrelin, which stimulates appetite; and this is  why some people overeat when they feel emotional or are under pressure, says the study.

    Ghrelin also affects fertility by reducing the number of ovarian primordial follicles, which release egg cells for fertilisation.

    “The length of the female reproductive lifespan is strongly linked to the number of primordial follicles in the ovary,’’ the senior co-author, Dr Luba Sominsky from Australia’s RMIT University said.

    “Losing some of those primordial follicles early is often predictive of early reproductive decline and deterioration’’.

    Along with her team, Sominsky showed that by blocking Ghrelin receptors in the brains of female mice, they were able to mitigate the effects of stress on ovarian function, opening avenues for studies on humans, who share many of the same bodily functions.

    Sominsky said that young and otherwise healthy women generally experience only temporary effects from stress on their reproductive systems.

    However, women, who are already suffering fertility issues may see more direct consequences.

    “For women already suffering from fertility problems, even a minor impact on their ovarian function may influence the chance and timing of conception,’’ Sominsky said.

    While the study is still in its early stages, Sominsky says it is on the right track to developing interventions; to help maintain women’s reproductive health. (Xinhua/NAN)

  • Phelan confirmed as Man Utd’s assistant manager

    Mike Phelan was confirmed as Manchester United’s assistant manager on permanent basis on Friday after being given a three-year contract, the Premier League club said in a statement.

    Former United player Phelan returned to Old Trafford in December 2018 as assistant to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer following Jose Mourinho’s dismissal.

    He previously worked in a similar role, as well as that of first-team coach, under Alex Ferguson from 2001-2013 — a period in which the club won seven Premier League titles.

    “I am thrilled to be back as Assistant Manager,” Phelan said. “Manchester United has been a huge part of my life since I joined as a player in 1989 and I am delighted to be able to continue that relationship in this key role.

    “Since returning in December, I have enjoyed working with Ole, Michael (Carrick), Kieran, Mark and Emilio and we are all focused on preparing for the new season.”

    Read Also: Tottenham stadium to host European club rugby finals in 2021

    While Solskjaer’s appointment in December as interim manager sparked a return to form for United, since he was given the job on a permanent basis results have slumped and United will finish outside the Premier League’s top four.

    They host relegated Cardiff City in their final match of the campaign on Sunday, after which the focus will turn to next season and reviving the club’s fortunes.

    “Mike is a great person to have around and has been invaluable to me since we returned in December,” Solskjaer said.

    “He brings a wealth of experience to this role with a long established connection to the club.”

    Midfielder Phelan joined United in 1989 from Norwich City and spent five years there before finishing his playing career at West Bromwich Albion.

    His coaching life began at Norwich where he had a spell as assistant manager, a role he also took at Blackpool and Stockport County before forming a hugely-successful spell working alongside Ferguson.

    He left when Ferguson retired in 2013, returning as an assistant at Norwich before a short spell as Hull City manager.

    Phelan’s deep understanding of the club could prove invaluable to Solskjaer who has the daunting task of trying to close the gap on the club’s two fiercest rivals, Liverpool and Manchester City who are locked in a titanic title battle.

    United are 29 points behind City and 28 behind Liverpool.

  • How my boss attempted to rape me, by human trafficking victim

    A human trafficking victim, Oyinlola Solanke, who was rescued by the Erelu Eyinade Foundation, has narrated how her boss attempted to rape her while working as a maid in Oman.

    The victim narrated her experience during a walk against girls trafficking and child labour organised by Erelu Eyinade Foundation on Thursday in Abuja.

    During the walk which took off from Millennium Park, Maitama, and terminated at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja, the foundation members led by its founder, Ms Toyin Mark, shared flyers to passers-by and motorists.

    Solanke, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, stated that her employer prevented her from locking her room anytime she was there, adding that she could only bolt the bathroom door.

    The victim said she was lured to the Arab nation by her in-law who convinced her that she could earn N150,000 as a maid in Oman.

    She said: “While working as a maid, they don’t allow you to lock your door when in the room. The experience I had in Oman wasn’t a good one. I was told that I would earn about N150,000 which compared to what I was earning here was better. There were a lot of things they didn’t tell me would happen.

    “When I got there, my passport was taken from me and secondly, I was not allowed to go out on my own. I spent 10 months there and it was just modern day slavery. I had to put on an act before they permitted me to return to Nigeria.”

    She explained that she had to lie that her father was dead in order to leave the country, adding that she got her friends to condole with her on WhatsApp about the alleged demise of her parent.

    “I asked some of my friends to chat with me on WhatsApp that my dad was dead. So, I had to lie that I would return to Oman in two weeks. I didn’t come back with most of my things. I still remember when I got there, I told them to get a resident card for me, but they didn’t,” she explained.

    Solanke cautioned young Nigerians against falling for the promises of a better life in foreign countries by traffickers, noting that it was untrue, adding that foreigners were treated shabbily and only allowed to do menial jobs.

    “As a Nigerian, as a black person, you can’t get a good job there. When I was leaving Oman, I saw a lady who spent just six days and wanted to leave because she couldn’t bear the treatment. She wasn’t sexually abused, but she was over-worked, having to wake up at 4:00am or 5:00am and working it till 1:00am the next day.

    Read Also: Immigration arrests three suspected human traffickers

    “They won’t allow you to sit down for one second. When I started having problems with my boss, before I contacted Erelu Toyin Mark, that was when I knew I was alone on the journey. If not for her, I don’t think I would be in Nigeria now.”

    Solanke, who had been employed as the Secretary of the foundation, said she once threatened violence against her boss when he attempted to sexually assault her.

    She said: “Sometimes, my boss actually comes to my room, he was always trying to forcefully have sex with me, but I am physically fit.

    “I trained in Taekwando when I was in school and that was one thing that helped me. My boss was a short and fat man, so I used to tell him, ‘If you really want to have sex with me by force, you need to go back to the gym.’”

    Mark in her remarks emphasized that the walk was meant to sensitize Nigerians about the evils of human trafficking.

    She added that her foundation was collaborating with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) to enlighten the public about the menace of human trafficking and child labour.

  • Health workers seek minimum wage implementation

    Medical and Health Workers Union (MHWU) in Lagos State have called for the implementation of the minimum wage, seeking its reflection in their salary structure.

    The call was made at the union’s celebration of Workers Day at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Idi Araba, Lagos State,

    MHWU Chairman, Federal Area Council, Lagos, Comrade Attah Isah said: “Since the President has signed the minimum wage passed by the National Assembly, we, as a union, want to know when it will be implemented and when it will reflect in the salary structure. We want to see the template of the minimum wage that has been approved.”

    He appealed that the money owed health workers be paid, urging President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint an administrator as the next Minister of Health, noting that such personnel is what is needed to attend to the affairs of the sector.

    “We have had enough troubles in the Ministry of Health. It is time we had peace and when there is peace there will be progress. Health workers need better and improved working conditions, as the health sector in the country is nothing to write home about,” he said.

    Former MHWU Chairman, Federal Medical Centre, Ebenezer Akande, thanked the President for the minimum wage. He, however, lamented on how health workers are treated in the country. “Health workers deserve better, the government takes care of the doctors as if they are the only ones that matters in the health sector, but the doctors cannot work without us. Doctors’ salary upward review has been approved twice, but ours not even once. How do they expect us to be happy doing the job and we have the larger percentage in the health sector. We want to be happy doing our job. The government has not been good to us, we want them to increase our salary too as they have done  for the doctors,” he said.

    MHWU National Auditor, Comrade Siwoku Olusegun, said the minimum wage approval is a call for celebration for all workers.

    He appealed to the Federal Government to come to their aid and pay their unpaid salary.

  • 11 reasons you should date a journalist

    11 reasons you should date a journalist

    Sometimes in 2016, Tarana Arora of Storypick.com did this story and it could not have been false save that perspectives differ. Thus, some people seemed to agree with a couple of the points raised even as some other people disagree with them.

    “Yes, it may not be easy peasy but who isn’t up for a challenge. It’s certainly not as dull as it is projected and dating a journalist can be quite an experience. Go ahead, read with an open mind and decide for yourself. Here’s hoping to change some mindsets,” Arora said.

    1. They know the coolest places in town

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    According to pop culture and stereotypical representation, journalists are considered to be dull, anti-social and full of themselves. However, reality paints a different picture. They get to attend the most happening parties in town, movie premiers, dine at finest restaurants. Who wouldn’t want to be their partner?

    2. They are creative

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    Of course, we are. We journos can spin creative, knowledgeable and engaging stories and this definitely extends beyond the realms of the newsroom. So all you ladies and lads, get ready to shed some happy tears, for you are going to be loaded with the mushiest, corny and breathtakingly beautiful love letters. Need more reasons?

    3. Endless conversations with them

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    Journalists are a perfect blend of being nerdy and smart. Keeping track of what is going around in the world comes to naturally to them. Conversing with them can be engaging, intellectually stirring and endless, since they can discuss anything under the sun.

     

    4. Money is secondary for them

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    Passion for their work is what drives them and not the moolah. If it were about minting money, then they wouldn’t be in this profession in the first place. They may not be earning as much as their counter parts but they do get to enjoy the freebies from time to time.

     

    5. They are trustworthy

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    Trust is the number one trait journalists swear by. Right from keeping important information off the record, to gaining the trust of their source. Be rest assured, if you do date a journalist, your trust won’t be broken and your secrets will always be safe.

     

    6. Multitasking is their forte

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    Innumerable sources, never-ending deadlines and working in high pressure environment. Even with the constant insanity looming over their heads, journalists are experts at multitasking. They can perfectly balance their work and their relationships. They do not shy away from showering their partner with love and care even after a hard day’s work.

     

    7. They will give you your space

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    Journalists have no time to mop over trivial matters. They won’t bombard you with a million questions nor demand to know how you’ve spent every minute of your day. They are beat working day and night and will give you your space and in return, also expect the same.

     

    8. They are hard working

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    Being a journalist is not easy. It is a life laden with hard work and unconditional perseverance. Right from dealing with PR’s to running after sources for their stories, they know exactly what it takes to get it right and to make it work; and expect the same behaviour when it comes to their personal lives as well. They will give it their all to make their relationships work.

     

    9. Passionate communicators and great listeners

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    Journalists always have interesting stories to narrate. Having said that, they are also great listeners, they will genuinely show interest in you. They have a knack for reading between the lines and even catch the subtle hints in your tête-à-tête.

     

    10. They are helpful

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    Journalists will go out of their way to help those in need. It doesn’t matter even if they are mere acquaintances. With their contacts and friends in the industry, they will leave no stone unturned in their endeavour. It’s safe to say, journalists have big hearts.

     

    11. The joy of free tickets

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    Want to attend your favourite game, concert or an art event? Your wish is their command, a few phone calls and voilà! You have your free tickets.

    Are you now planning on dating a journalist, let us know in the comment session below. You may find some help.

  • A’Ibom villages threaten to shutdown substations

    The 79 villages in Itu local government area of Akwa Ibom state have threatened to shut down power substations over the lingering lack of electricity supply to their communities.

    They alleged the blackout is due to the fraudulent activities of some staff of Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).

    The communities partitioned the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, and the Chief Executive Officer, PHEDC.

    They petition was also copied to Governor Udom Emmanuel, the Paramount Ruler of Itu, HRH Akpan Inyang, all the clan Heads, the council chairman, Commissioner of Police and heads of other security agencies in the State Service, DSS, Consumer Protection Council.

    It was signed by chairmen in Council and youth presidents of the 79 villages of the council area.

    According to the statement in Uyo, the community leaders, during a meeting of the group of villages including West Itam Youths Forum on April 8 called for the removal of the PHEDC engaged in the fraudulent dealings.

    It reads in part: “We the Chairmen in Council of the 79 villages in Itu local government area, the village youth presidents from the different villages and the relevant stakeholders, after due consultations and considerations we have resolved the the PHED should restore steady light to Itu communities within 21 working days with effect from April 8, 2019.

    “That PHED should with immediate effect remove every staff or contractor that is found wanting as we are aware that the Head of marketing and the marketers are engaged to n fraudulent dealings of outrageous bills to rob Itu people and do not remit the proceeds from billings to the head office.

    “Light should be retrieved from all quarters which it had been illegally distributed to, until the primary constituents, the people of Itu local government area are settled.

    “We will shut down all sub-stations operating in Itu local government area if justice is not done to our requests within the stipulated period.”

    The statement further urged the top management of the PHEDC to restore every facility in the various distribution stations in their area with immediate effect.

    It also urged the distribution company to commence the distribution of prepared meters sent to electricity consumers in Itu LGA with immediate effect as they would not tolerate estimated billings anymore.

  • Women engineers donate to orphanage

    The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) has donated food stuff and toiletries to the Uwanse Orphanage Home in Calabar, Cross River State, in celebration of Easter.

    Team leader Justina Ulafor said the donation was done to show love and care to the less-privileged during Easter which is the celebration of Christ’s resurrection.

    She said: “We are professional women engineers and at the same time mothers, we have that sense of responsibility to see that our children and even those in the orphanage are not left out in this season of love and celebration.

    “It is our responsibility to reach out to the less-privileged, and that is why we are here. For us, the Easter period is a season of sharing love; most importantly sharing with these motherless babies.

    “As a professional body, we are reaching out to different people at different intervals. Aside donations to orphanage homes, we also embark on advocacy visits to secondary school to encourage female pupils to be dedicated in science subjects and study engineering.

    “We reach out to them because we are privileged to be female engineers, and we want them to also take engineering as a career.”

    Ulafor, who noted that most female shy away from the sciences, said it was their duty to encourage females to study engineering at tertiary level.

    She encouraged the children to always have a positive outlook towards life, assuring them that the association will always remember them in their activities.

    Officer in charge of the home Mrs. Monica Ushie thanked the association for the gesture.

    “I want to assure you that these items will be used judiciously to feed the children. You can see how healthy the children are; their welfare is priority.”

  • UPDATED: Identity of British tourist killed in Kaduna revealed

    The identity of the foreign female tourist killed by gunmen suspected to be kidnappers in Kaduna has been revealed.

    She has been identified as Miss Faye Mooney, a British national who worked with Mercy Corps Nigeria.

    Kaduna State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yakubu Sabo, who gave the detail on the Police-Media WhatsApp platform however assured efforts were still on to rescue the other kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to book.

    According to the PPRO, “continued efforts are still on course to rescue the kidnapped victims and bring the perpetrators to book.

    Read also: Gunmen kill female foreign tourist, three others in Kaduna

    “The slain expatriate lady Miss Faye Mooney is identified to be a Briton. She was a staff of Mercy Corps Nigeria. Investigation into the incident is in progress please,” he wrote.

    The British expatriate and three others killed by suspected kidnappers at Kajuru Castle in Kajuru Local Governor Area of Kaduna State, at about 11:30am on Friday when the attackers stormed the area shooting sporadically.

    A source close to the Local Government chairman told our Correspondent that the kidnappers abducted five other persons. While The Nation gathered that, there was a party at the castle the night before the incident.

    The source had narrated that, “Yes there was an attack at Kajuru Castle but we suspected they were kidnappers and they killed an expatriate whose origin we are still trying to find.