The military in Burkina Faso says it has seized power and overthrown President Roch Kaboré.
The announcement was made on state television by an army officer, who said both the government and parliament had been dissolved.
Kaboré’s whereabouts are unclear, but the officer said that all those detained were in a secure location. The coup comes a day after troops seized barracks, and gunshots were heard in the capital.
Earlier, the ruling People’s Movement for Progress (PMP) party said that both Kaboré and a government minister had survived an assassination attempt.
On Sunday, mutinying troops demanded the sacking of military chiefs and more resources to fight Islamist militants.
The army statement cited the worsening security situation and Mr Kaboré’s alleged inability to unite the nation as reasons for overthrowing him, AFP news agency reports.
The statement was issued in the name of a group not heard of previously, the Patriotic Movement for Safeguard and Restoration or MPSR, its French acronym.
Before the announcement, the African Union and the West African bloc Ecowas condemned what they called an attempted coup in Burkina Faso and said they held the military responsible for Mr Kaboré’s safety.
Video from the capital appears to show armoured vehicles – reportedly used by the presidency – peppered with bullet holes and abandoned in the street.
Kaboré has not been seen in public since the crisis began but two posts appeared on his Twitter account before the officer announced he had been toppled.
The Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria has called on the President Muhammadu Buhari to give assent to the Mental Health Bill, which it said had been passed by the National Assembly.
It described the increasing cases of mental illness among Nigerians as a national crisis and called for the incorporation of mental health into primary healthcare to improve access and address stigma
The President of the association, Prof Taiwo Obindo, who made the call in an interview with our correspondent on Friday, said the bill would regulate the practice of psychiatry, how people who are mentally ill would be handled humanely and would be an improvement on the one promulgated in 1902 and reviewed in 1958.
The House of Representatives had on Thursday directed its Committee on Health Institutions and Healthcare Services to collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health towards improving mental health facilities across Nigeria.
A member of the House, Uchechukwu Nnam-Obi, said the House was worried that Nigeria had only 130 psychiatrists with over 20 million citizens suffering from mental disorders, adding that the continued lack of a legal framework on mental health in the country would cause the situation to degenerate.
But Obindo said, “Surely, the issue of mental illness is a major challenge. Those figures (WHO figures) were actually obtained some years back before the recent incessant kidnapping, Boko Haram attacks and all that. You can be sure that the figure would be higher now.”
He said, “The Mental Health Bill is on his (the President’s) table and all we can do is to create awareness towards the signing of that bill. The law that governs mental health and practice is the one promulgated in 1902 and reviewed in 1958. So, that needs to be changed and we should have a new law that governs how, where and who will access the care.
Also speaking, a professor of Psychiatry at Ahmadu Bello University, Prof Taiwo Sheikh, and a consultant psychiatrist, Dr. Arit Esangbedo, identified brain drain, dearth of facilities, inequality in the health sector and insecurity as factors responsible for the lack of adequate manpower to provide mental health services in the country.
They also described the situation as a burden on the few mental health workers available across the country.
The Kano State Government, on Monday, revoked the Certificates of Operations of all private schools in the state.
The government has asked all the schools to come for revalidation of their certificates.
The measure was coming on the heels of the killing of a 5-year-old girl, Hanifa Abubakar, by her teacher and the proprietor of a private school, Noble Kids Academy.
The state Commissioner for Education, Sanusi Kiru, announced the decision on Monday at a news conference in Kano.
He said, “We are all aware of the ongoing case concerning Hanifa’s death as she was gruesomely murdered by a suspect called Abdulmalik Tanko who is the proprietor of Noble Kids Academy.
“In view of the sad incidence, especially regarding how she was murdered in the private school, the state government has decided to withdraw the certificate of all private schools for revalidation.”
He explained that the ministry of education would set the criteria for their recertification.
He noted that a panel had been constituted comprising of the Ministry of Justice, Department of State Service, Civil Defence, private school owners association, and other agencies to look into the revalidation of all private schools in Kano State.
The Commissioner said the revalidation exercise would be fast-tracked for smooth conduct.
Kiru noted that students in private schools, whose operational licenses would not be restored after the exercise, would be transferred to other schools.
“Presently we have seven directorates for private schools headed by a director and the 44 Local Government Areas of the state have been zoned to these directorates.
“If we discover that any private school not registered operating, after the exercise, the director in-charge of the zone would answer questions on that,” he added.
Medical experts say the inability of men to have a satisfying sex life as they age is often due to low testosterone, damage to the blood vessels and nerves in the male organs.
The experts noted that these challenges usually lead to a lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction.
According to them, diabetes, hypertension, obesity can also negatively affect males’ sexual performance.
Speaking in an interview, a Consultant Urologist at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Dr. Oluwaseun Akinola said erectile dysfunction is common among men from age 50 but is hardly discussed because of stigmatisation.
Erectile dysfunction is the inability to attain or maintain penile erection sufficient for satisfactory sexual intercourse.
Explaining, he said, “There are three things that could affect a male’s sexual performance and they have equal importance. Number one is the hormone. The hormone of the male is testosterone that is responsible for the desire to have sex and maintain an erection.
“Secondly, we have the blood vessels in the male genital organ, with arteries and veins and you have the nerves which carry the signals and all these things need to be working perfectly for a man to have a good erection. But, if anything affects them, it can affect the sexual performance of a man.
“Whenever you have a combination of diabetes, high blood sugar, they can affect the function of the nerves in the genital organ and it could lead to erectile problems. If you have problems with the blood vessels, it can lead to problems with sexual performance. “The Urologist also noted that obesity can affect sexual performance by damaging the blood vessels and decreasing testosterone.
“Obesity is related to poor management of sugar in the body, something we refer to as metabolic syndrome and can lead to diabetes which can affect the nerves.
“The important thing is for a man to see what can improve the functions of the hormones, nerves, veins and help reduce obesity. Things that will make you healthier are generally good for sexual health. So, weight loss, exercise, eating the right food can help. Exercise reduces obesity which can affect hormones as well.
“What happens in men that are fat is that testosterone produced by the body can be converted by the fat cells into estrogen and it can affect erectile function, even the desire to have sex.
“When a man presents with this problem, you have to find out what is causing the problem. Sometimes, you can reverse it and if addressed early enough,” he said.
Speaking further, Dr. Akinola said age is a risk factor for erectile dysfunction among men; “as the age increases, erectile dysfunction increases and several studies have confirmed this.”
A study published in the Turkish Journal of Urology shows that the severity of erectile dysfunction is directly related to vascular risk factors, such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, smoking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus.
The study noted that the median prevalence of erectile dysfunction was calculated as 33 percent among all males greater than or equal to 40 years of age.
When subjects were stratified by age; median prevalence rates of erectile dysfunction were 17 percent for 40–49 years, 35.5 percent for 50–59 years, 68.8 percent for 60–69 years, and 82.9 percent for males greater than or equal to 70 years.
“We believe that a greater understanding of the epidemiological surveys of the prevalence of ED and its associations will help clinicians to look outside our specialty for strategies to improve male sexual function in order to improve their quality of life.
“It is crucial to take a more global approach to the management of ED, one that focuses not only on chronic diseases but also men’s sexual quality of life,” the researchers said.
Dr. Akinola added that 50 per cent of men aged 50 experience some degrees of erectile problems.
“It’s quite a common thing but to prevent it, you have to target what we refer to as modifiable risk factors. These are things that target your arteries, veins, and nerves. The important takeaway message for men trying to improve their sexual performance is the importance of being in good health and exercising,” Akinola said.
According to him, some common medications can also have negative effects on male libido and erection.
He said the sexual performance of a man may be decreased by drugs that block the testosterone.
“Any medication that will alter the hormones in the body can affect sexual function. Any medication that lowers testosterone can do that. Some other medications that can cause erectile dysfunction are common blood pressure medications such as beta-blockers.
“It is advisable to discuss with your doctor if you notice a decline in your erectile function after starting a new medicine,” he said.
A Florida House committee on Thursday passed a bill that aims to ban discussions of sexual orientation and gender identity in schools. The bill would stop educators from talking about LGBTQ+ topics that are not age-appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students. An identical bill has also been introduced in Florida’s state Senate.
The Parental Rights in Education bill, also known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was passed in the House Education and Employment Committee largely along party lines.
Florida state Rep. Joe Harding, who first introduced the bill, said This bill was about defending the most awesome responsibility a person can have, “being a parent, That job can only be given to you by above.”
According to the bill, parents can take legal action against their child’s school district and be awarded damages if they believe any of its policies infringe on their “fundamental right to make decisions regarding the upbringing and control of their children.”
Now, parents can now be notified when issues with kids come up. School district personnel cannot discourage or prohibit parental notification and involvement in critical decisions affecting a student’s mental, emotional, or physical well-being”.
Thousands of Sudanese protesters rallied Monday calling for civilian rule and demanding justice for those killed in crackdowns since a military coup nearly three months ago, according to correspondents.
Crowds in the capital Khartoum chanting slogans against the army headed toward the presidential palace, an area which security forces had sealed off ahead of the march.
Protests were also held in cities including Wad Madani, south of the capital, and the eastern state of Gedaref, according to witnesses.
“No, no to military rule,” and “civilian (rule) is the people’s choice” protesters shouted in Wad Madani, according to witness Emad Mohamed.
Sudan has been rocked by regular protests since the October 25 military power grab led by general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.
The coup derailed a civilian-military power-sharing deal painstakingly negotiated after the 2019 ouster of autocrat Omar al-Bashir and a planned for transition to civilian rule.
Anti-coup demonstrations have left at least 73 people killed and hundreds wounded, according to medics.
Sudan’s authorities have repeatedly denied using live ammunition against demonstrators, and insist scores of security personnel have been wounded during protests.
A police general was stabbed to death during the unrest earlier this month.
Last week, senior US diplomats visited Sudan in a bid to bolster UN-led efforts to cajole the military into restoring a transition to full civilian rule.
UN envoy Volker Perthes earlier this month launched individual talks with various Sudanese factions in a push to resolve the crisis.
The ruling Sovereign Council formed by Burhan following the coup with himself as chairman has welcomed the UN-led dialogue, as have the United States, Britain, neighbouring Egypt, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.
The Forces for Freedom and Change, Sudan’s main civilian bloc, also joined consultations “to restore the democratic transition”.
Hundreds of pro-democracy activists have also been arrested in the crackdown on anti-coup activists.
On Saturday, a leading women rights activist Amira Othman was arrested following a raid by security forces on her home in Khartoum, according to a statement by the “No to Women’s Oppression” initiative which she leads.
Perthes slammed Othman’s arrest saying the “arrest and pattern of violence against women’s rights activists severely risks reducing their political participation in Sudan.”
It is no secret that beetroots have a host of healthy benefits, but its distinctive taste is not for everyone. If you are worried about how to add the not-so-yummy vegetable to your diet, we’ve got you covered! Here are some scrumptious beetroot recipes you can try.
Here are some easy recipes to add more beetroot into your diet.
Beetroots come with a host of health benefits and essential nutrients. The earthy flavors of beetroot might not appeal to the everyone’s palate. Here are some scrumptious beetroot recipes that you can add to your diet.
The popularity of beetroots has slowly been taking off as one of the super foods. The vibrant red vegetable that would usually be dumped in salads or soups is now under the limelight and for all the right reasons. Beetroots come with a host of health benefits and essential nutrients that help us live a healthier life. Beetroots are rich in antioxidants, work like a charm for boosting iron, help with improving memory and even help managing blood pressure levels.
We agree the earthy flavours and distinctive taste might not appeal to the palate. Raw beetroot or beetroot juice is not everybody’s cup of tea, but given its numerous benefits, it is imperative for us to add this vegetable to the diet. If you are worried about how to add the not-so-yummy vegetable to your diet, we’ve got you covered! Here are some scrumptious beetroot recipes that are sure to be a hit, these are so easy and delicious that many would want the recipe from you.
Beetroot kebabs:
BEETROOT KEBABS
Crispy on the outside and mushy on the inside, no one could say no to the delicious veggie kebabs, right? Increase the health quotient of these evening snacks by making them with beetroot, the natural red colour of the beets sure will make this healthy kebab stand out. All you need is some grated beetroot, paneer or aloo to bind it together, common Indian spices and you are done. Coat in crushed oats powder and enjoy these scrumptious delicacies with evening tea. Click here for the recipe.
Beetroot milkshake:
BEETROOT MILKSHAKE
It is usually the most difficult to get children to eat their veggies, and the taste of beetroot particularly doesn’t sit right with kids, right? But wait till you offer this delicious and smooth beetroot milkshake and see your family member chug it up in a minute. Just add a scoop of vanilla ice cream to the milkshake and enjoy a sweet and creamy vibrantly pink milkshake that everyone will love. Click here for the recipe.
Beetroot puri:
BEETROOT PURI
Give the good old puri a colourful twist; try the beetroot puri that adds not only colour but nutrition to your meal as well. A simple recipe, all you need to do to make beetroot puri is add grated beets to the puri dough. Knead the dough a little harder than usual since the beets will leave some water later as well. Deep fry and serve with delicious aloo rasedaar for the perfect Sunday breakfast.
Beetroot soup:
BEETROOT SOUP
With the winters starting all over the country, soups and warm concoctions will soon become a common part of your winter diet. While you drink your favourite soup to warm up, why not try this beetroot soup this winter that comes with many added health benefits. You may add potatoes, carrots, bottle gourd and even paneer to enhance the taste of the beetroot soup. Here’s the recipe for you.
Beetroot raita:
BEETROOT RAITA
While the curd used in making raita is considered great for gut issues, beetroot is brimming with fibres that further add to better digestion and improved gut health. You may add cucumber in the summer and apples and pomegranate in the winter to enhance the nutritional qualities along with its taste and flavours. Serve this beautiful chilled raita with paratha’s and pulaos, Here is the detailed recipe for you to follow.
There you have it, make these delicious beetroot recipes to make sure even the fussiest eaters clear their plate in a matter of minutes.
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, issued an arrest warrant against the former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke, believed to be residing in the UK.
Justice Bolaji Olajuwon granted the request, after counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Farouk Abdullah, made an oral application.
According to reports, the court had fixed Nov. 3, 2021 for the EFCC to give a report on its effort at extraditing Alison-Madueke to the country to stand her trial, and for possible mention of the case.
But on the adjourned date, the case was stalled as neither Abdullah nor Alison-Madueke was in sight. Justice Olajuwon then fixed today, Jan. 24, for the matter and adjourned for possible mention of the matter.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu was initially the presiding judge in the matter, the case was reassigned to Justice Olajuwon, following the transfer of Ojukwu to the Calabar division of the court. It would be recalled that Ojukwu had, on Oct. 28, 2020, rejected the EFCC’s prayer to issue a warrant of arrest against Alison-Madueke, citing the commission’s failure to enforce the earlier criminal summons, which the court issued on the former minister since July 24, 2020, saying court orders are not made in vain.
The commission had, in requesting for the criminal summons in July 2020, claimed that it was required to facilitate the ex-minister’s extradition to Nigeria.
Faced with the failure of the ex-minister to honour the summons, the EFCC, through its lawyer, Abdullah, urged Justice Ojukwu to issue a warrant of arrest against her, saying that the extradition process failed as a result of the absence of the warrant of arrest.
The judge, who turned down the request, directed the lawyer to file an affidavit to that effect supported by evidence from the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), and adjourned for report and possible arraignment of the defendant (Alison-Madueke).
However, when the matter was called on Monday, Abdullah was in court. He told the court that all efforts by the agency to get the ex-minister extradited when the matter was before Ojukwu were unsuccessful. Abdullah, who made an oral application for an arrest warrant, said the application was part of the requirements by the office of the AGF for the extradition.
He said that the arrest warrant was needed to further give the International Police (INTERPOL) the impetus to bring the defendant to Nigeria to answer to charges against her. Justice Olajuwon then granted the application and adjourned the matter sine die pending when the defendant (Alison-Madueke) is arrested and produced in court.
Abdullah had, in an application, urged the court “to issue an arrest warrant against Alison-Madueke, who is believed to be in the UK to enable all law enforcement agencies and the INTERPOL to arrest her anywhere she is sighted and be brought before the court to answer to the allegation made against her before the court.”
He said since the summon had not been able to achieve the desired result, the need for a warrant of arrest cannot be over-emphasised.
The court had, on July 24, 2020, ordered the former minister to appear before it and answer to the money laundering charge filed against her by the EFCC.
Festus Okoye, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) National Commissioner, Information and Voter Education, has charged officers of the commission to brace up ahead of the 2023 general elections.
Particularly, Okoye charged heads of voter education and publicity and public affairs officers of the commission that they have prominent roles to play before, during and after the elections.
He gave the charge at a capacity-building workshop, organised for Heads of Voter Education and Publicity and Public Affairs Officers of the Commission, from the 17 Southern states of Nigeria on Monday in Asaba.
He stressed the need for the departmental heads to improve on their communication channels, especially with the media and the public ahead of the general elections.
”We want to see better and robust engagement with the media. We want to see well-written press statements that represent the clear intentions of the commission and convey the same with simple language.
”We want to see clear engagement in the social media. Policies of the Commission and innovations must be communicated to the grassroots using the best and most effective means of communication,” he said.
Okoye, while welcoming the participants, noted that it was imperative and fundamental that the Commission continuously build the capacity of its frontline staff to understand issues in the electoral process and communicate effectively.
He said that the year 2022 would be a busy and challenging year for the Commission, as it would present complex realities and showcase the complexity of the democracy and electoral process of the country.
The National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) is set to partner with other government agencies in the registration of Senior Citizens in the country to enable them benefit maximally from government policy.
NSCC Head of Public Affairs, Media and Communications, Omini Oden, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday, in Abuja.
“This is coming on the heels of the declaration by President Muhammadu Buhari at the first presidential summit on aging in Nigeria for the registration and issuance of identity cards to senior citizens in Nigeria,” he said.
Oden said that NSCC would collaborate with the National Identity Management Commission, National Bureau of Statistics, National Orientation Agency, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, and Associations of Older Persons, the private sector, and interested Non-Governmental Organisations.
He said that the National Senior Citizens Center (ACT) 2017 mandated NSCC to keep records of statistics of senior citizens, build data system and inclusion as recommended in the National Policy on Ageing and it’s just a completed plan of action
This, Oden said, was for courtesies and other concessions to the senior citizens in public and private spaces as well as a declaration of the Oct. 5, annually as National Day of Senior Citizens in Nigeria.
“The Presidential declaration for the registration and issuance of identity cards to senior citizens will facilitate dignified age-friendly services,” Oden said.
Oden said that this was one of the landmark achievements of Buhari’s administration and a milestone for Africa and the world.
He said that the NSCC was already preparing to roll out surveys on the status of services in four identified sectors in the first phase desk reviews of the World Health Organization (WHO)
“Also, Age-friendly frameworks to develop indicators and monitoring and evaluation tools for the effective sector by sector implementation and to mount intensive public enlightenment campaigns on Age-friendly environments Nigeria,” he said.
Oden said that NSCC would also welcome partnerships as it rolls out many more innovative flagship initiatives in 2022.
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