Traditional ruler warns against use of chemicals for fishing

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July 11, 2022

A traditional ruler in Nasarawa State, Alhaji Usman Abdullahi, has advised the residents of his area and other Nigerians against the use of chemicals for fishing.

Abdullahi, the ‘Ehimega Opand, said it was to avoid water pollution and in the interest of the health of the people.

The first-class traditional ruler gave the advice on Sunday while addressing his subjects when they paid him Sallah homage in his Palace in Umaisha, Toto Local Government Area of the state.

He lamented the pollution of the area’s river through the use of chemicals for fishing and called for attitudinal change.

Abdullahi called on his people and other Nigerians not to be idle but embrace farming, fishing and trading, to be self-reliant and contribute positively to societal development.

He said that the call had become imperative due to the importance of agriculture to human and societal development.

“Agriculture and trade provide food, employment and improve on the standard of living of the people, ” he said.

He commended Gov.Abdullahi Sule for his security efforts in the area which he said had improved tremendously.

He said the governor had done a lot for the people in terms of security which had been a major challenge in the past.

“But now with his tireless efforts, our people are secured and you can travel both day and night without any fear of attack: we thank him for that,” he added.

The royal father also appreciated the development efforts of the government, especially in attracting investors to the area.

Abdullahi further hailed the speaker of the state assembly, Alh Ibrahim Abdullahi for being up and doing in improving the lots of his people and urged him to sustain the spirit.

The traditional ruler called on his people to support and cooperate with the government to succeed.

The traditional ruler urged Muslims and other Nigerians to use the Eid-el- Kabir occasion to pray for the nation’s security and other challenges facing the country.

Earlier, the Overseer of Umaisha Development Area, Mallam Iliyasu Miriyam said that the visit was to rejoice with the people on the Sallah celebration.

He has commended the traditional ruler, Governor Sule and the speaker of the state legislature for their tireless efforts in securing the people and attracting development to the area.

German Union Seeks 8% Wage Increase For Industrial Workers

By

Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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Manufacturing Workers Push For More Pay And Flexible Work Hours — BERLIN, GERMANY - JANUARY 10: Workers from nearby Mercedes Benz and General Electric production plants participate in a warning strike in demands for better pay and more flexible working conditions in Marienfelde district on January 10, 2018 in Berlin, Germany. The warning strike is part of dozens this week taking place nationwide and organized by the IG Metall labour union, which is pressing employers for a 6% increase in wages, a 35-hour work week in both eastern and western Germany and the option of a limited, two-year 28 hour work week for workers in particular circumstances. Employers counter the demands would require them to hire at least 150,000 more workers at a time when the German manufacturing sector is already struggling to find qualified workers amidst low unemployment. IG Metall is the world's largest labour union and has 3.9 million members. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Germany’s biggest industrial union said Monday it will seek an 8% wage increase for millions of manufacturing workers in upcoming pay talks, a demand that is just above the country’s current inflation rate.

The IG Metall union’s demand comes as Chancellor Olaf Scholz seeks to find ways with unions and employers to address the impact of rising prices while preventing an inflationary spiral. Germany has Europe’s biggest economy.

In Germany, wage deals are typically hammered out in negotiations between employers’ organizations and unions that cover a whole industrial sector. IG Metall negotiates for workers in the auto and machinery industries among others, with a total of more than 3.8 million workers.

Negotiations are due to begin in mid-September.

IG Metall chairman Joerg Hofmann said that “the economy needs rising incomes and stable consuption as an existential support.” He argued that most companies are doing well in terms of both orders and earnings, and that “companies can pass on rising costs (but) employees can’t.”

Germany’s annual inflation rate stood at 7.6% in June, slightly below the half-century high of 7.9% it reached the previous month.

Sri Lanka’s Political Chaos Persists As Crisis Talks Go On

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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A weekend of political chaos in Sri Lanka that saw the Prime minister residence occupied by protesters angered over the country’s economic collapse, stretched into Monday, with opposition leaders yet to agree on replacements for embattled President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe.

Crowds of demonstrators overran Rajapaksa’s home, his seaside office and the official residence of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on Saturday and demanded they step down in the most dramatic day of the three-month crisis.

Corruption and mismanagement has left the island nation laden with debt, unable to pay for imports of food, fuel, medicine and other necessities, causing widespread shortages and despair among its 22 million people. The country is seeking help from neighboring India and China and from the International Monetary Fund.

Rajapaksa has said he will step down on Wednesday, according to the speaker of parliament. The protesters have vowed to stay until the resignations are official.

In a video statement Monday, the first since the weekend protests, Wickremesinghe reiterated he will stay on until a new government is in place because he wants to work within the constitution.

“A government has to function according to the law. I am here to protect the constitution and through it fulfill the people’s demands,” Wickremesinghe said.. “What we need today is an all-party government and we will take steps to establish that.”

The president hasn’t been seen or heard publicly since Saturday and his location is unknown. But his office said Sunday that he ordered the immediate distribution of a cooking gas consignment to the public, suggesting that he was still at work.

Months of demonstrations have all but dismantled the Rajapaksa political dynasty, which has ruled Sri Lanka for most of the past two decades.

Wickremesinghe also explained the sequence of events that led to the burning of his private residence on Saturday. He said the protesters gathered around his house after a lawmaker, in what Wickremesinghe said was an inaccurate tweet, stated he had refused to resign at a meeting of parliamentary party leaders.

Gas Pipeline Shutdown Starts Amid German Suspicion Of Russia

By

Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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A major gas pipeline from Russia to Germany was shutting down for annual maintenance on Monday amid German concern that Russia may not resume the flow of gas as scheduled.

The Nord Stream 1 pipeline, Germany’s main source of Russian gas, is scheduled to be out of action until July 21 for routine work that the operator says includes “testing of mechanical elements and automation systems.” The operator said the gas flow was reduced progressively starting at 6 a.m., German news agency dpa reported.

German officials are suspicious about Russia’s intentions, particularly after Russia’s Gazprom last month reduced the gas flow through Nord Stream 1 by 60%. Gazprom cited technical problems involving a gas turbine powering a compressor station that partner Siemens Energy sent to Canada for maintenance and couldn’t be returned because of sanctions imposed over Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Canada said over the weekend that it would allow the part to be delivered to Germany, citing the “very significant hardship” that the German economy would suffer without a sufficient gas supply.

German politicians have dismissed Russia’s technical explanation for last month’s reduction in gas flows through Nord Stream 1, saying the decision was a political gambit to sow uncertainty and push up prices.

Chinese Bank Depositors Face Police In Angry Protest, Largest Seen Since Pandemic

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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A large crowd of angry Chinese bank depositors faced off with police Sunday, in a demonstration among the largest China has seen since the pandemic. Some roughed up as they were taken away, in a case that has drawn attention because of earlier attempts to use a COVID-19 tracking app to prevent them from mobilizing.

Hundreds of people held up banners and chanted slogans on the wide steps of the entrance to a branch of China’s central bank in the city of Zhengzhou in Henan province, about 620 kilometers (380 miles) southwest of Beijing. Video taken by a protester shows plainclothes security teams being pelted with water bottles and other objects as they charge the crowd.

Later videos posted on social media show an unclear number of protesters being shoved forward individually and down stairs by security teams dressed in plain white or black T-shirts. Phone calls to Zhengzhou city and Henan province police rang unanswered.

Since April, four rural banks in China’s central Henan province have frozen millions of dollars worth of deposits, threatening the livelihoods of hundreds of thousands of customers in an economy already battered by draconian Covid lockdowns.

The demonstration is among the largest China has seen since the pandemic, with domestic travel limited by various Covid restrictions on movement.

Zhengzhou authorities even resorted to tampering with the country’s digital Covid health-code system to restrict the movements of depositors and thwart their planned protest, sparking a nationwide outcry.

What had been a local scandal became a national incident last month because of the misuse of the COVID-19 tracking app. Many who set out for Zhengzhou to demand action from regulators found that their health status on the app had turned red, preventing them from traveling. Some reported being questioned by police after checking into their hotel about why they had come to the city. Five Zhengzhou officials were later punished.

The protesters assembled before dawn on Sunday in front of the People’s Bank of China building in Zhengzhou. Police vehicles with flashing lights can be seen in videos taken in the early morning darkness. Police closed off the street and by 8 a.m. had started massing on the other side, Zhang said.

Besides uniformed police, there were the teams of men in plain T-shirts. A banking regulator and a local government official arrived, but their attempts to talk to the crowd were shouted down. Zhang and another protester, a man from Beijing surnamed Yang, told the AP the protesters had heard from the officials before and don’t believe what they say. Yang declined to be identified by his full name, fearing pressure from authorities.

The police then announced to the protesters from a vehicle with a megaphone that they were an illegal assembly and would be detained and fined if they didn’t leave. Around 10 a.m., the men in T-shirts rushed the crowd and dispersed them. Zhang said she saw women dragged down the stairs of the bank entrance.

Zhang herself was hit, and said she asked the officer, “Why did you hit me?” According to her, he responded: “What’s wrong with beating you?”

Kenyan Families Turn To Charcoal For Cooking

By

Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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As global prices rise, the cost of buying gas is becoming unbearable for many Kenyans and the chase for alternatives is leading some to the forests, for charcoal. Making charcoal prices go up from 400 to 700 Kenya shillings, many locals say since cooking gas prices started going up, charcoal demand is on the increase.

Charcoal, an amorphous form of carbon obtained when the wood is burned in minimal oxygen, is proving to be the easiest – yet more damaging – alternative.

In sub-Saharan Africa, indigenous trees, such as the Acacia, provide high-quality charcoal which fetches a good price at the market.

Kenyans protest high cost of living

Hundreds of Kenyans on Thursday July 7, took to the streets of Nairobi to protest the high cost of living, saying the Prices of basic commodities including cooking oil, maize flour, wheat flour and sugar has doubled in recent weeks, putting pressure on households struggling to make ends meet.

Currently, a litre of cooking oil costs an average of Sh407, up from Sh350 in April, while maize and wheat flour prices are now retailing from Sh230 per 2kg packet.

The protestors, who were carrying sufurias, empty packets of sugar and flour, traversed Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) and terminated their protests at the office of the President at Harambee house.

Some protesters who addressed the media accused leaders of failing to address the issue, leaving them with no option but to fight for themselves.

“Our elected leaders have failed us and Kenyans are going through so much and that is why we are here to demand for the reduction of prices for basic commodities,” one of the activists said.

Another protestor said that the government shouldn’t blame the Russia-Ukraine conflict for the high cost of living, claiming that the conflict has just worsened the situation.

“The prices of food were high even before the issue of Ukraine came, we are in this situation because of too much borrowing and the money goes into the pockets of a few,” he stated.

With just 32 days to the elections, the protesting Kenyans lamented that the two front runners in the presidential election , Raila Odinga and William Ruto, are just giving promises instead offering solutions.

“Raila is a friend of the President so it’s just a phone call away, Ruto has been in government for ten years and he is also giving promises, why can’t they help us now? another protester wondered.

Government Spokesperson Cyrus Oguna defended President Uhuru Kenyatta over the high cost of living currently being witnessed in the country.

Ethiopia Cuts Subsidies As Fuel Prices Soar

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Elizabeth Williams

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July 11, 2022

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Fuel prices soared in Ethiopia after the government reduced subsidies, adding to economic hardship for people already struggling with high inflation.

The price of petrol at the pump jumped almost 30 percent to 48.83 biir (about 94 US cents) while diesel went up almost 40 percent to 49.02 birr under the new price regime that will run to August 6, the trade ministry said.

The federal government plans to lift fuel subsidies progressively, according to the Addis Tribune business newspaper.

Prices of fuel, food and other basic goods have rocketed globally because of the Ukraine war, badly hitting vulnerable countries in Africa and elsewhere.

The trade ministry said the cost of fuel for Ethiopian consumers should be almost double if it was calculated on current global prices.

“But considering the state the country is in, the government is covering 75 percent of the (price) difference while it was decided that the remaining 25 percent would be transferred to consumers,” it said.

Making Your Very Own Vegan French Dressing

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

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July 11, 2022

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Vegan French dressing is perfect for salads! You will not believe how easy it is to make this healthy salad dressing. Made with simple ingredients this homemade French dressing is gluten free, dairy free, paleo and Whole30 friendly!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Homemade French dressing is thick and creamy and has the same bold, sweet, tangy flavor you love from store bought dressing.

Unlike store bought dressing, this homemade French dressing is naturally sweetened and made with healthy oils homemade dressing is a much healthier choice and is ready in just 3 minutes.

This healthy salad dressing is perfect to make on the weekends for meal prep to enjoy all week!

You will need the following Ingredients:

Medjool Dates (or maple syrup)

Extra virgin olive oil

Apple Cider Vinegar

Water

Tomato paste

Dried chopped onions (or Garlic)

Paprika

Garlic powder

Salt

Coconut Aminos

Preparation

Remove the pits from the dates. Add the dates and the rest of the ingredients to the blender and blend on high until smooth.

You can Store in the fridge for up to 7 days.

Tips:

This salad dressing is naturally sweetened with dates or maple syrup. You may decide that the dressing needs to be sweeter or less sweet. The recipe calls for 2 dates but you may want to increase it up to 4 dates if needed.

How To Use:

Serve with your favorite salad greens, veggies and toppings.

Serve a creamy dip with your favorite raw or roasted veggies.

Serve as a dressing for taco salad

What Is French Dressing?

French dressing is sweet and tangy with a bold flavor that is unlike any other dressing. Typically it is made with a combination of ketchup, olive oil and vinegar. Often times fresh onion is used in the dressing to make bold and tangy flavors.

Why You Should Make Your Own Dressing:

Often times store bought dressing is full of unhealthy ingredients including additives, preservatives, high fructose corn syrup and rancid oils (like canola oil or soybean oil).

When you make your own dressing, you get to control the ingredients and the quality of the ingredients. This recipe is naturally sweetened with medjool dates and uses healthy extra virgin olive oil.

Storage:

This salad dressing can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.

Substitutions:

Medjool Dates: If you do not have dates, you can use maple syrup instead.

Apple Cider Vinegar: You could also use white wine vinegar or red wine vinegar in place of apple cider vinegar.

Coconut Aminos: You can use soy sauce, liquid aminos or tamari

Dried minced onion: You can also use dried minced garlic or 1 teaspoon of onion powder.

Vegan French Dressing

Healthy French dressing recipe is so easy to make and is naturally sugar free and so simple! This creamy, bold dressing is naturally gluten free, dairy free, vegan, paleo and Whole30 friendly! Perfect on salads or pasta salad, as a creamy dip or even on taco salad! Enjoy!

Lassa Fever: Cases rise to 829, death toll hits 160

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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July 11, 2022

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The number of Lassa fever infections since the beginning of the year is 829, with 160 deaths, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

The latest situation report released for week 26 by the NCDC also showed that there are 5510 suspected cases of the infection across 98 Local Government Areas in 24 states.

Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever and an acute viral illness and the zoonotic disease has a high morbidity and mortality rate and economic and health security implications.

Following the outbreak of the viral infection this year, the National Emergency Operations Centre response mode Level 2 was activated for effective multi-sectoral, and multi-disciplinary coordination.

The report showed that of all confirmed cases, 68% are from Ondo, Edo, and Bauchi states.

“In week 26, the number of new confirmed cases decreased from 10 in week 25, 2022 to 9 cases. These were reported from Ondo, Edo, and Benue States.

“Cumulatively from week 1 to week 26, 2022, 160 deaths have been reported with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 19.3% which is lower than the CFR for the same period in 2021 (20.0%).

“In total for 2022, 24 States have recorded at least one confirmed case across 98 Local Government Areas.

“The predominant age group affected is 21-30 years (Range: 1 to 90 years, Median Age: 30 years). The male-to-female ratio for confirmed cases is 1:0.8.

“The number of suspected cases has increased compared to that reported for the same period in 2021.

“No new healthcare worker affected in the reporting week 26.

“National Lassa fever multi-partner, multi-sectoral Technical Working Group continues to coordinate the response activities at all levels,” NCDC noted.

Meanwhile, medical experts urge the government to prevent the disease and break the chain of transmission.

A former chairman of the Association of General and Private Medical Practitioners of Nigeria, Lagos Chapter, said “The government needs to break the chain of transmission, they know how to do it and ensure that they enforce the law. They need to create awareness on hygiene, hand-washing, and necessary protocols.

“All the viral infections have been predicted earlier and the truth about it is that we are not bothered about prevention, so the government should intensify their efforts in putting prevention first.”

Also, the immediate past president of the National Association of Resident Doctors, Dr. Uyilawa said Okhuaihesuyi said prevention is key.

“The government should create more treatment centres for Lassa fever. Prevention is better than cure and we should create more awareness on the need for hygiene,” he said.

Transfer Update: Aribo To Southampton, What’s He Bringing To St Mary’s?

By

Emenike Agu

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July 11, 2022

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Joe Aribo is the latest Nigerian international to have moved to the Premier League having joined Southampton on a four-year contract.

After passing his medical, the Super Eagles star signed for the Saints on a fee believed to be around £6m to become the club’s fifth signing of the transfer window.

With a midfield that already boasts experience players like Oriol Romeu, James Ward-Prowse, Nathan Redmond, Stuart Armstrong, Ibrahima Dialo, Moussa, Djenepo among others, Aribo’s arrival is expected to add quality and spark that has been missing in previous seasons as highlighted by manager Ralph Hasenhuttl while welcoming the player to the club.

“Joe is a player with many qualities to his game, and we are very excited to welcome him to the squad in time for the pre-season trip to Austria,” Hasenhuttl told the club website.

“We believe Joe can bring energy and creativity to our side. Feeling comfortable in so many different positions is very helpful for a manager and shows he has a high level of football intelligence, with the ability to take on new information quickly.

“He has played a lot of games already in his career, at a very high level, and his performances in the Europa League prove he has the quality to play in the Premier League. This is a big ambition for him, and he is hungry to show everybody he can do it.”

Two successive campaigns with Glasgow Rangers saw the midfielder linked with a host of English Premier League clubs with several reports suggesting he would be reuniting with his former boss Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa.

Following several months of speculations, the Nigerian can now focus on the season ahead after Southampton announced his capture on Saturday with the player saying he was delighted with the move.

“It’s an amazing club with a lot of history here, and it’s a good plan with what’s to come next. I’m really excited for the journey,” Aribo told the club’s media team.

“The Premier League is the best league in the world. I’ve been watching it since I was a young boy, it’s always been a goal for me to play here and show what I can do on this stage.

“It’s an amazing feeling, a dream come true. This is where I’ve wanted to be since I was a child growing up playing, so to say that I’m here now is really exciting.”

Born in Camberwell, England – the midfielder initially rose through the youth ranks at Kinetic Academy before moving to another side Staines Town to continue his development.

There, he rose through the club’s youth ranks to stamp his place on the Staines senior squad in 2014.

After a season with the Swans, he caught the attention of Charlton Athletic and teamed up with the squad in 2015.

At the Valley, he became a regular figure and that attracted him to the Gers – who signed him on a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee in 2019.

His debut for the Scottish Premiership side was on July 9, 2019, in a 4–0 win over St Joseph’s of Gibraltar in the Europa League. Aribo represented the Ibrox Stadium giants for three seasons.

During his stay at Ibrox – where he made 149 senior appearances with 26 goals to his credit – the 25-year-old won one Scottish Premiership title, and one Scottish Cup while helping them finish as runners-up in last season’s Uefa Europa League in which he scored in the final, where they lost to Frankfurt.

After joining Southampton, the Nigerian wrote an emotional letter to the club and fans of Rangers.

“It’s been an amazing journey being part of this special club. I hold Rangers very close to my heart as they gave me the opportunity to showcase my talent on a bigger stage,” Aribo wrote on Instagram.

“Playing at Ibrox was a dream and I’m glad I got to experience it. I’m happy I was able to play a part in the historic 55 league title-winning season.

“I’d like to thank everyone associated with this great club for all you’ve done for me during my time here, you’ve always made me feel welcome and I’ve always had your full support.

“I’ve developed into an even better player, credit to the supporters who always had my back and stayed patient during the tough times.”

“We created a lot of memories together, memories that I will carry with me throughout the rest of my career. I wish the club nothing but the best for the future and I’ll always be checking in. Joe Aribo.”

Southampton did have an EFL cup win back in 2010, but their last major trophy was back in 1976, when they won the FA Cup, beating Manchester United.

It is now 46 years and 70 days since they last won a major trophy and the big question is, can their new talisman help end the long trophy wait?

They will hope to end their long wait for a major trophy with some signings they’ve made so far in the transfer window.

Born in London, he represents Nigeria on the international scene, earning 20 caps to date and scoring in each of his first two appearances for the Super Eagles against Ukraine and Brazil in 2019.
The midfielder also represented the Super Eagles during the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The big question is, will Aribo rise to the occasion and bring the creativity and energy that the manager believed he would bring to the club?