The Magpies and the Gunners are looking to reinforce their squad and are set to battle it out for one of Nigeria’s top players
Premier League clubs Arsenal and Newcastle are set to go head-head for Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen.
The former Lille striker is one of the highly-rated young players in world football. Osimhen left Lille for Napoli in August 2020 after he scored 18 goals in 39 appearances for the former French Champions.
Although the Nigeria international has struggled to put up consistent performances for the Partenopei due to injury issues, he has proven to be a quality talisman whenever he is fit, with 19 goals for Napoli in 46 appearances.
Arsenal and Newcastle are set to submit ₦28billion bids for Osimhen as both sides look for reinforcements this January.
The Gunners are looking to replace former captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, and after their move for Dusan Vlahovic fell through, they have their sights set on Osimhen.
Also, the Magpies, under their new owners, are looking to add quality to their side in their bid to avoid relegation.
Nevertheless, Osimhen still has three years on his contract, and Napoli could still afford to hold on tight to their talisman.
Some key stakeholders in the health sector have advocated the taxation of sugar-sweetened beverages.
They described it as an effective, evidence-based approach to tackling noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and promoting public health.
Stakeholders spoke at Nigeria‘s first Pro-Health Tax Webinar Series with the topic: “Does Nigeria Need a Sugar Tax?”
The forum, which was organized in collaboration with Nigeria Health Watch (NHW), was supported by the Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria and the Nigeria Cancer Society.
The Nigerian News Agency recalls that the Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Ms. Zainab Ahmed, when presenting the 2022 budget breakdown, had announced a special tax of N10 per liter on all non-alcoholic products, carbonated and sweetened. drinks
The minister said the new tax was introduced to increase excise duties and revenue related to health and other critical spending in line with 2022 budget priorities.
Ahmed added that the main purpose of the tax was to discourage excessive consumption of sugar in beverages that contributes to obesity, diabetes and other diseases.
Speaking at the webinar, Dr. Kate Mandevillek, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, said the sugar tax would help improve the health of the population and increase the country’s income.
She said there was strong evidence linking the use of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks with diabetes, obesity, tooth decay and increased health costs.
Mandevillek said raising public awareness of the health problems stemming from consuming sugary drinks was just as important as the price impact for the organizations that make the products.
She added that it was important to encourage organizations to switch to sugar-free products.
Mandevillek said that, like the UK, Nigeria’s sugar tax could be a win-win situation for the health of the population and increased domestic revenue in the country.
NHW Managing Director, Ms. Vivianne Ihekweazu, said taxes generated by sugary drinks would deliver key results with “a public health gain, better health outcomes and reduced health care costs.”
Ihekweazu said that earmarking such additional revenue for critical population-based health interventions can help quickly rebuild a resilient health system in Nigeria.
“Sugar-sweetened beverages have little or no nutritional value, so a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages should be seen as one component of a comprehensive approach to tackling unhealthy diets.
“Despite any pushback from industry over this tax, it is important that we protect the health of Nigerians,” she said.
Mr. Fola Adeola, Executive Director of the FATE Foundation, emphasized that the high mortality rate in adults is attributed to the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sugary drinks.
According to Adeola, the government must initiate preventive efforts to save lives.
Other stakeholders in the forum also argued that fiscal policies, such as taxes, have enormous potential to promote healthy behavior.
Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs. Aisha Buhari has called on relevant stakeholders to make concerted efforts to ensure effective cancer prevention and control in the country.
Mrs. Buhari made this call on Tuesday, when she received members of the Nigerian Cancer Society at the State House, Abuja. “Cancer is a global burden and one of the main causes of death, especially among the African population because many have died of breast, cervical and prostate cancer. “The lack of proper awareness also contributed to the increase in cases of death from the scourge of cancer, as the founder of the Aisha Buhari foundation, I am interested in working with stakeholders to save lives,” she said.
Therefore, she expressed her determination to raise awareness and provide support for screening for breast and cervical cancer patients across the country. The First Lady told the meeting that their efforts will go a long way in supporting the Federal Government’s determination to speed up the fight against cancer.
In his remarks, Dr. Ahmadu Al-Hassan, President of the Nigerian Cancer Society, expressed his gratitude to the First Lady for her continued support in promoting the health and physical well-being of women and children.
Dandruff, which is characterized by itchy, white flakes of skin on your scalp, can be uncomfortable and embarrassing to deal with. It may also cause other symptoms, such as greasy patches on your scalp and tingling skin.
However, it’s easy to treat and relatively common, with some reports estimating that this condition affects up to 42% of infants and 1–3% of adults worldwide.
Dandruff may be caused by multiple factors, including dry skin, seborrheic dermatitis, sensitivity to hair products, and the growth of a specific type of fungus that lives on the scalp.
Though there are plenty of over-the-counter (OTC) products designed to treat dandruff, natural remedies are often just as effective.
Here are few simple home remedies to naturally get rid of dandruff.
Coconut oil
Renowned for its multiple health benefits, coconut oil is also used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
It may work by improving skin hydration and preventing dryness, which can worsen dandruff.
According to some research, coconut oil may be as effective as mineral oil in improving skin hydration when applied as a moisturizer.
Other research suggests that coconut oil aids the treatment of eczema, a skin condition that may contribute to dandruff.
One older, 8-week study found that applying coconut oil to the skin reduced symptoms of atopic dermatitis — a type of eczema characterized by itching and inflammation — by 68%.
In a 12-week study in 140 women, applying coconut oil to the scalp led to significant improvements in the scalp microbiome and certain markers of dandruff.
Coconut oil and its compounds have also been shown to have antimicrobial properties in some test-tube studies, although researchers have not yet examined the effects on the specific strain of fungus that causes dandruff.
Tea tree oil
Historically, tea tree oil has been used to treat ailments such as acne and psoriasis.
It is also proven to have powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help alleviate symptoms of dandruff.
In fact, according to one older review, tea tree oil is effective at fighting the specific strain of fungus that can cause both seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. Another study found that applying placental tissue soaked in tea tree oil to the skin was more effective than a prescription antifungal treatment at healing lesions caused by this fungus.
What’s more, in an older study, 126 people with dandruff used a shampoo containing either 5% tea tree oil or a placebo daily. After 4 weeks, tea tree oil reduced the severity of symptoms by 41% and improved greasiness and itchiness, compared with the placebo. Still, more high quality research is needed.
Additionally, tea tree oil may cause irritation in those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it’s best to dilute it by adding a few drops to a carrier oil such as coconut oil before applying it directly to your skin.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been associated with a variety of health benefits and is often used as a natural remedy for dandruff.
That’s because the vinegar’s acidity is believed to help stimulate the shedding of dead skin cells on your scalp. Apple cider vinegar is also said to balance the pH of your skin to reduce fungal growth and thus fight dandruff.
However, no studies support these claims. Many of the supposed benefits of apple cider vinegar for dandruff are based on anecdotal evidence.
If you’d like to give apple cider vinegar a try, add a few tablespoons to your shampoo or combine it with essential oils and spray directly onto your hair.
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that’s often added to skin ointments, cosmetics, and lotions.
When applied to the skin, it may help treat skin conditions such as burns, psoriasis, and cold sores.
According to one review, the antibacterial and antifungal properties of aloe vera may also protect against dandruff.
Similarly, several test-tube studies show that aloe vera may be effective against several species of fungi and may help control certain fungal infections.
Test-tube studies have also found that aloe vera can reduce inflammation, which may relieve symptoms.
Aspirin
Salicylic acid is one of the primary compounds found in aspirin that’s responsible for its anti-inflammatory properties. This acid is also an ingredient in many anti-dandruff shampoos.
It works by helping to get rid of scaly skin and loosening flakes so they can be removed. In an older, 4-week study, 19 people with dandruff used two shampoos containing either piroctone olamine and salicylic acid or zinc pyrithione. Both shampoos decreased dandruff, but the one containing salicylic acid was more effective in reducing the severity of scaling.
Another small study showed that a shampoo containing salicylic acid — along with other ingredients such as glycolic acid and urea — significantly improved irritation and itching in 10 people with scalp inflammation.
For an easy dandruff remedy, try crushing two aspirin tablets and adding the powder to your shampoo before washing your hair.
Although many home remedies for dandruff are available, additional treatment may be necessary in some cases.
Many OTC medicated shampoos and scalp treatments contain antifungal or antibacterial ingredients designed to decrease dandruff.
If these products don’t work after 2–3 weeks, you may want to consult a dermatologist to determine whether other prescription shampoos or medications would be beneficial.
Healthcare professionals often prescribe topical antifungal medications, corticosteroids, and immunomodulators to treat dandruff and other skin conditions, such as psoriasis and dermatitis.
Final Note
Although dandruff can be a difficult problem to deal with, a variety of natural remedies may reduce symptoms and provide relief.
The next time you start spotting flakes, try a few of the natural remedies above to support scalp health and decrease dandruff naturally.
If these remedies don’t work, consult a dermatologist to find out whether other treatment options may be necessary to provide long lasting relief.
Dates are tropical fruit grown on a date palm tree in small clusters. Scientifically it is known as Phoenix dactylifera is a tasty and highly nutritious fruit. It has dark brown skin, soft flesh and is uniquely sweet.
Dates may have some really powerful health benefits like boosting energy, increasing iron in the body, and aiding digestion. Rich in various nutrients, fiber, and antioxidants, dates are popular throughout the world. These dried fruits may prove to be beneficial in treating various conditions due to their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties.
Dates have been the staple food of the Middle East for thousands of years. Recently, a 2000 years old date seed has been germinated in Israel. The seed was found in the archaeological excavations. This type of date had unique qualities, but it disappeared 500 years ago.
Each date can be about 60 to 70 percent sugar and a high amount of fiber, depending on the variety, which makes it ideal as a healthy energy booster. It is also high in iron and may help in fighting anemia.
Whenever you’re craving something sweet, instead of going for candy or sugar, opt for dates instead. They’re just as sweet and way better for you.
Dates are now popular all over the world and are used as a natural sweetener in smoothies, juices, nutrition bars, and baked products like cakes and muffins. You can buy also premium varieties that are stuffed with almonds or peanut butter and specialty products like date molasses, a sweet sticky syrup that can be drizzled on pancakes or porridge.
Dates Nutrition
Dates are a good source of energy, fiber, sugar, and various vitamins and minerals. Essential minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, magnesium, sulfur, and zinc can be found in them. Apart from the above-mentioned nutrients, they may also contain important vitamins such as thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folate, vitamin A, and vitamin K.
Here are some of the key health benefits of dates in detail below.
Can Be Good Source of Energy
Dates are high in natural sugars like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. The high energy present in them can be attributed to this high sugar content. Many people around the world are estimated to eat natural low-fat dates for a quick afternoon snack when they are feeling lethargic or sluggish to help bump up energy levels fast.
Often when you exercise in a gym, outside, or even on a stretching machine at home, you feel exhausted. A study published in the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition suggests that dates rich in essential nutrients may help you regain your energy immediately.
May Boost Brain Health
Dates may protect against oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. According to research, “date palm fruits are a good source of dietary fiber and are rich in total phenolics and natural antioxidants, such as anthocyanins, ferulic acid, protocatechuic acid, and caffeic acid”. The presence of these polyphenolic compounds may potentially help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Can Potentially Relieve Constipation
In traditional Tunisian medicine, dates are used for treating constipation. A serving of 100 grams of Medjool dates provides 6.7 grams of dietary fiber. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry also suggests that these dried fruits have high levels of dietary fiber and insoluble fiber, in particular. The insoluble fiber found in dates may potentially promote healthy digestion by bulking up the stool and may also aid in relieving the symptoms of constipation.
How to use: Start by soaking dates in water overnight to help them soften. Next, add soaked dates and a bit of the soaking liquid to a food processor and blend to make a thick, fiber-rich date paste.
May Prevent Heart Diseases
A study by Waseem Rock et al. in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry concluded that consuming dates was effective at reducing triglyceride levels and decreasing oxidative stress, both of which are risk factors for heart disease and atherogenesis, which is the build-up of fatty plaque in the arteries
Can Potentially Treat Sexual Dysfunction
There are many benefits of dates for men but this makes for one of the most important ones.
In 2006, an animal study revealed the effects of date palm pollen and its oil on sexual functioning, reporting that the high levels of estradiol and flavonoid components in dates are helping increase sperm count and motility. Another study conducted in India states that date palm pollen may have been used to treat male infertility in traditional medicine.
Therefore, if you are looking for an easy way to boost your libido and sexual function, you may consider consuming organic dates, thanks to their aphrodisiac-like properties.
How to use: Soak a handful of dates in fresh goat’s milk overnight, then grind them in the same milk with a mixture of cardamom powder and honey. However, consulting with a trusted medical practitioner before trying is strongly recommended to determine the best course of treatment for you.
Can Aid Bone Health Improvement
A publication by Julie Garden-Robinson, Ph.D., L.R.D., et al., and colleagues of North Dakota State University suggests that dates contain boron which is among the nutrients that promote healthy bones. A study published in the Journal of Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition suggests that significant amounts of minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium found in dried fruits may make them a super food for strengthening bones and fighting off painful and debilitating diseases like osteoporosis.
Organic pitted dates may contain selenium, manganese, copper, and magnesium, all of which may aid in managing bone health, particularly among older adults.
May Promote Healthy Weight Gain
According to USDA, these dried fruits are rich in sugar along with proteins, and many other essential vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fiber, which can aid in weight management. Medjool dates are easily available in grocery markets and make for a healthy and delicious snack
An animal study conducted in 2014 suggested that intake of dates may aid in weight gain. However, another animal study done in 2016 indicated no such increase in weight. Given the conflicting reports, more research is needed to support this benefit.
May Promote Natural Labor
Eating dates may help promote natural labor and also ease late-term labor for pregnant women. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology found that 154 pregnant women, when given dates, did not need to be induced for labor with prostaglandin and oxytocin. Dates also did not have any adverse effects on the mother and the child. Another study found that eating 6 dates daily for 4 weeks before labor significantly reduced the need for labor induction.
How to Eat Dates
Apart from eating them as it is, people consume them in several ways.
Mix the paste of the dates with milk and yogurt.
Use the date paste as a bread spread as part of a delicious and healthy breakfast.
Add date crumbles to your cereal and porridge.
Use date sugar, which is the dried variety ground into tiny pieces.
You can also try our delicious recipes with dates:
Date Cake, A Festival Treat
Classic British Sticky Toffee Pudding: A Holiday Favorite
Word of Caution
Although these dried fruits carry tremendous nutritional value, great care should be taken in their selection because their surface is very sticky, which may attract various impurities.
Finally, keep in mind that dried dates are relatively high in sugar and calories, which may contribute to weight gain and other health issues if consumed in excess. Therefore, it’s best to keep consumption in moderation and enjoy it as part of a healthy, balanced diet to maximize the potential health benefits.
The House of Representatives has urged the federal government to adequately fund institutions involved in research in the production of electric and solar cars.
It also urged the National Automotive Design and Development Council (NADDC) to design a workable plan on how to produce electric cars in commercial quantities in Nigeria, using homegrown human capital.
The House consequently mandated its committees on Tertiary Education and Services, Land Transport, Environment and Science and Technology to engage stakeholders to design a 10–Year Action Plan to improve the research capabilities of Nigeria’s tertiary institutions with the intent to improve the automobile industry.
These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion on the need to Increase Funding for Innovation and Technology in Tertiary Education in Nigeria raised by Hon. Babajimi Benson, during the plenary session.
Benson noted that the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) recently unveiled its first five–seater electric car, Christened Lion Ozumba 551.
“The car, which is said to be part of the drive to accord innovation and technology attention in the institution, was made with 80 per cent locally–sourced materials and can cover a 30–kilometer distance when fully charged,” he said.
He revealed that in 2014, an undergraduate of the Faculty of Engineering, Obafemi Awolowo University, Segun Oyeyiola converted a Volkswagen Beetle into the wind and solar–powered car. “The wanton environmental pollution and renewed campaign for a greener source of energy and transportation, any vehicle that is environmentally friendly and doesn’t emit toxic gasses should be encouraged,” he said.
He further explained that tertiary institutions are essential for the discovery, proper dissemination and application of knowledge and countries that prioritise research are usually more equipped to deal with new challenges and technological advances.
The Senate has passed a bill amending the Federal Colleges of Education Act 1998 which now allows such institutions to award degrees.
The passage of the bill titled, “A Bill for an Act to Repeal the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 1998”, followed the consideration of a report by the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.
Senator Sandy Onuh, who presented the report on behalf of the chairman, Ahmad Babba Kaita, said the core objective of the bill was to provide for a legislative framework to support the Federal Colleges of Education Act, 1998.
According to the lawmaker, it also seeks to allow for the running of degree courses under the supervision of the National Universities Commission (NUC).
“Hitherto, most colleges in Nigeria offer degree programmes in affiliation with some universities in Nigeria to nurture career teachers to augment the shortfall of teachers and to meet learning, research, instructional, and teaching needs of the prospective students in Nigeria and beyond.
“However, this framework enables the colleges of education in Nigeria, to offer Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), First Degree (B.sc/B.A), and similar certification in the area of its core subjects on both full-time and part-time basis,” Onuh said.
He added that the legislation would be a lasting solution to the yearning of the Nigerian people in the area of teaching within the context of the overall national educational development agenda.
Army and municipal crews removed hundreds of vehicles that had been stranded in snow for three days along a road linking Athens to the capital’s international airport, as authorities struggled to clear blocked thoroughfares and restore power to blacked-out parts of the city.
Heavy snowfall has caused major disruptions in Greece and neighboring Turkey, halting flights, blocking highways, and causing power outages.
Snow blanketed Athens and much of the country on Monday, leaving thousands of drivers trapped on major roads in the Greek capital for hours, with many forced to spend the night in their cars in freezing temperatures.
Many city streets were still impassable on Wednesday, while the snowstorm also knocked out power to several Athens neighborhoods.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis offered a “personal and sincere apology” to the stranded drivers in remarks made during a Cabinet meeting, but he blamed the road’s private operators for mishandling the reaction to the storm.
A rare heavy snowfall covered Jerusalem, some of northern Israel and hilly areas in the occupied West Bank overnight into Thursday, shutting down roads and schools.
Worshippers had to trudge through inches of snow to reach the holy sites in Jerusalem’s walled Old City, including the snow-capped Dome of the Rock and the Western Wall.
Heavy snow is rare in the city, so children went out into the streets to watch the flakes falling and hurl snowballs at each other.
Abed Shabany, 39, took his two sons to play on a hill overlooking Jerusalem. As he reversed his Jeep through inches of slush, other parents kept themselves warm brewing coffee on gas canisters in their boots.
“I haven’t seen anything like this for years,” he said. “There’s no school today so I’m just going around with the kids making snowmen and snowballs. I think it’s a good sign. It will be a good year, I hope.”
Municipality cherry-pickers were out in the city centre, sawing off broken and dangerous branches, with much less traffic on the roads than usual.
Police closed off several main highways leading to Jerusalem, and bus services inside the city were suspended.
Throughout the night, 210 snow ploughs worked to clear the city streets, Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion told Israel Army Radio on Thursday morning. The snow piled up to a height of about 20 centimeters (8 inches), according to Israeli media.
Before arriving in Jerusalem, the winter storm swept through the Mediterranean region, from Greece across Turkey and into Syria.
Singapore on Thursday recommended supermarkets start charging for disposable carrier bags, a move aimed at slashing carbon emissions in a tiny nation that produces enough annual waste to fill hundreds of Olympic-sized swimming pools.
A 2018 study by the Singapore Environment Council found shoppers take home 820 million disposable bags from supermarkets each year, an average of 146 bags per person.
The National Environment Agency (NEA) is proposing that from next year, supermarkets charge 5 to 10 Singapore cents per bag.
“Such excessive consumption is unsustainable. It not only uses up resources, but also adds to Singapore’s carbon emissions when they are incinerated in our waste-to-energy plants,” it said.
Singaporean households and businesses threw away about 200,000 tonnes of disposables in both 2019 and 2020, enough to fill 400 Olympic-sized pools, the NEA said. An estimated two-thirds of the waste was disposable bags.
Clean and green Singapore incinerates almost all of its non-recyclable waste, with the ash and some solid waste shipped to Pulau Semakau, a nearby manmade island, but that is estimated to be filled by 2035.
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Heavy Snowfall Causes Major Disruptions In Greece, Army Helps Remove Vehicles" title="Heavy Snowfall Causes Major Disruptions In Greece, Army Helps Remove Vehicles" />
Singapore To Slash Waste With Plastic Bags Charge" title="Singapore To Slash Waste With Plastic Bags Charge" />
