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Delicious Ways To Add Beetroot To Your Diet

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fresh sliced beetroot on wooden surface

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.

Court Issues Arrest Warrant Against Ex-Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke

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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.

INEC Charges Staff To Brace Up Ahead Of 2023 General Elections

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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.

NSCC To Partner Government Agencies In The Registration Of Senior Citizens

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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.

Nigeria Postpones Removal Of Fuel Subsidy Over Inflation Fears

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Nigeria’s finance Zainab Ahmed minister Monday said the government has suspended the plan to remove fuel subsidy by the end of the first of 2022.

Ahmed said the removal of the subsidy anytime this year may worsen inflationary trends in the country.

“We discovered that practically, there is still heightened inflation and that the removal of subsidy would further worsen the situation and impose more difficulties on the citizenry,” Ahmed said at a meeting with the President of the Senate, Sen. Ahmad Lawan at the National Assembly.

“Mr. President does not want to do that. What we are now doing is to continue with the ongoing discussions and consultations in terms of putting in place a number of measures.

“One of these include the roll-out of the refining capacities of the existing refineries and the new ones which would reduce the amount of products that would be imported into the country.

“We, therefore, need to return to the National Assembly to now amend the budget and make additional provision for subsidy from July 22 to whatever period that we agreed was suitable for the commencement of the total removal.”

UK Education Minister Backs April Tax Hike

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FILE PHOTO: Britain's Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi arrives in Downing Street in London, Britain

Britain’s education minister Nadhim Zahawi said on Monday he still supported a tax hike due to come in from April, after a media report suggested that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s ministers would back a delay.

Media reports say the entire cabinet would back a move to delay the rise in national insurance that is due to come in from April, the same month that energy bills are set to jump.

Zahawi said he would not back a delay because the money was needed to support Britain’s social care system adding that it is the right thing to do.

Nutritious feeding in Nigeria with N30,000 minimum wage – Study

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A Nigerian earning the Federal Government-approved minimum wage of N30,000 monthly cannot afford basic nutritious food that the body needs, says a recent study from Picodi, an international e-commerce company.

According to the study, monthly consumption of milk, bread, vegetables, rice, eggs, fruits and other basic food products by an adult will cost ₦40,980.

Picodi stated that its analysts also checked how the minimum wage rates have changed in 64 countries and whether such amounts can ensure a minimum standard of living in a given country.

“The study covered countries with a government-set minimum wage—a total of 64 countries in Europe, North and South America, Africa, Asia and Australia. 

“These countries differ in the tax rate: in several countries, a person earning the minimum national wage is exempt from income tax and contributions (Hong Kong, Philippines, Nigeria), while in other countries the difference between gross and net income may be up to several dozen percent.”

Also, in its methodology, the analysts compared the monthly minimum wage for full-time work in January 2022 with wages from January 2021 while the selection of the food and amounts were calculated based on recommendations of some health ministries regarding the minimum standards of food consumption. 

“For the purpose of this study, the company created a contractual list of basic food products consisting of 8 product groups: bread, milk, eggs, rice, cheese, meat, fruits and vegetables. 

“The list is very limited, but in the amounts indicated, these products are sufficient to meet the minimum nutrient requirements of the average adult.” 

“Milk (10 liters) – ₦11,470, Bread (10 loafs 500 g each) – ₦4,310, Rice (1.5 kg) – ₦1,470, Eggs (20 pcs.) – ₦1,120, Cheese (1 kg) – ₦1,950, Poultry and Beef (6 kg) – ₦9,790, Fruits (6 kg) – ₦4,680, Vegetables (8 kg) – ₦6,190.”

Read Also: NHIS undergoes rebranding, to dismiss inefficient workers

Commenting on the study, Adekeye Samuel, a Lagos-based nutritionist, stated that the minimum wage is insufficient for nutritious feeding, particularly for people living in cities.

“If you’re residing in Lagos or maybe in the city the money is not enough because of the high cost of vegetables and fruits,” he told PUNCH Healthwise. 

Adekeye, however, noted that it may be different for people living in villages where these basic food products can be sourced. 

“If you live in a Village, maybe live in an area where you can easily get them, I know you will not spend up to that amount,” Adekeye said.

China Eases COVID Curbs For Beijing 2022 Games.

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Organizers of the Beijing Winter Olympics have slightly eased the COVID-19 requirements for participants, which means fewer athletes are likely to be tripped up by positive tests.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the changes which are to take effect immediately. The change includes easing the threshold for being designated positive for COVID-19 from PCR tests and reducing quarantine to seven days from 14.

According to them, the changes have been developed in order to further adapt to the reality of the current environment and support the Games participants.

China’s strict COVID-19 protocols have led some team officials to express fear of athletes, including those who have recovered from coronavirus, being blocked from participating.

The changes mean that now only participants whose PCR results show a Cycle Threshold (CT) of less than 35 will be considered positive. Previously, the more sensitive CT of 40 was the threshold for designating those positive, the Games’ medical chief, Brian McCloskey, said on Sunday.

This means that organizers are willing to bend the rules or even break the covid rules they created, that have affected the livelihood of thousands so that they can keep the economic benefits of hosting the Winter Olympics.

The Games are set to take place from Feb. 4 to Feb. 20 inside a “closed-loop” bubble separating all personnel from the public amid what is effectively a zero-tolerance COVID-19 policy in China that has led it to all but shut its border to international arrivals.

Officiating Wasn’t Fair’- Eguavoen Speaks After Nigeria’s Exit At The Hands Of Tunisia At AFCON 2021

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The interim boss saw his side crash out of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations despite their impressive performances in the group stages 

Super Eagles interim coach Austin Eguavoen has criticised the performance of Senegalese referee Maguette Ndiaye following Nigeria’s round of 16 exit at the 2021 AFCON.

The Super Eagles promising campaign in the competition came to a disappointing end following a 1-0 loss to Tunisia on Sunday night

Youssef Msakni’s strike from outside the box was all the Carthage Eagles needed to progress to the quarterfinal at the expense of Nigeria.

Msakni’s goal was not the only talking point of the game, though, as Nigeria also had Alex Iwobi sent off five minutes after coming on.

Initially, Ndiaye awarded the Everton man a yellow card but changed his decision following a VAR review. And speaking after the game, Eguavoen criticised the ontroversial Senegalese referee saying some of his calls were wrong.

Iwobi’s red card, I don’t think it was,” Eguavoen said at his post-match press conference

“It was the first foul, and it wasn’t intentional, but we have to look at the VAR later and see.”

However, first offence, I don’t think it was a red card. It wasn’t dangerous play.

“The boys fought, officiating wasn’t fair.”

Eguavoen was also critical of the referee’s decision to blow fouls in favour of Nigeria when he could have played an advantage.

“And then right in his face, I can see one of the most gentlemen in the team, Wilfred Ndidi, got marched and right in the face of the referee, Ndidi complained.”

“But having said that, we gain advantage to move on and breakaway, and then he recalls it and gives us fouls.”

“Normally, in the game of football, and there’s an advantageous position, you let it run,” Eguavoen added.

Stakeholders, UNICEF, Others Task Government As World Marks International Day Of Education

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Stakeholders, UNICEF, Others Task Government As World Marks International Day Of Education

International Day of Education is observed every year on January 24 to celebrate the role of education for peace and development.

As Nigeria joins other nations of the world to celebrate International Day of Education, stakeholders have stressed the need to transform the sector, especially as the world prepares to navigate the post-pandemic era.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), this year’s theme, ‘Changing Course, Transforming Education’, harps on why education must be recovered.

As a result, the stakeholders called for more focus on social and emotional components of learning to revive education.

They said it is imperative to give attention to the physical and mental health of children and educators.

This, they said, is due to stress-related events associated with the pandemic, which have impacted learning trajectory.

UNICEF decries the high rate of out-of-school children in Nigeria

Meanwhile, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF) Representative in Nigeria, Peter Hawkins, lamented that at least 10 million children are out of school in Nigeria, the highest rate in the world.

He added that as the International Day of Education is celebrated amid concerns about the impact of the pandemic protocols on education, the world must take a closer look at what is happening to children in Nigeria, and the opportunities they are missing out on when they lack education.

Nigeria’s Former Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki

In a related development, former Senate President Dr Bukola Saraki has asked Nigerians to dedicate the International Day of Education to victims of murder, kidnapping, bullying and assaults among other social vices.

In a statement released by his Media Office in Abuja, Saraki denounced the recent trend of bullying, abduction, assault, and murder of school children by schoolmates, teachers, and kidnappers, and called for concerted efforts at the state and federal levels to curb such violence.