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Afghanistan: Women Protest Against All-Male Taliban Government

Middle East

Koko Lawrence

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September 8, 2021

Afghanistan: Women Protest Against All-Male Taliban Government

Dozens of women in Kabul and the north-eastern Afghan province of Badakhshan have protested against the formation of an all-male interim Taliban government to rule Afghanistan.

Demonstrators said they would not accept a government with no women ministers. Some women were reportedly beaten before the protests were dispersed.

Local news organisation Etilaatroz said some of its journalists were detained and beaten for covering the rally.

The Taliban, who have not responded to the allegations, warned that such protests were illegal. They have said protesters needed permission to march, and should not use what they called abusive language.

On Tuesday, three people were killed during a demonstration in the western city of Herat.

The EU said the Islamist group had reneged on promises to make their government “inclusive and representative”, while the US also expressed concern that the interim government includes figures linked to attacks on US forces.

Addressing reporters after a virtual meeting of 20 Western nations on Wednesday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Taliban’s government “certainly does not meet the test of inclusivity, and it includes people who have very challenging track records”.

Just In: Nigeria’s FEC Approves National Policy On 5G Network

Business

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September 8, 2021

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Just In: Nigeria’s FEC Approves National Policy On 5G Network

Nigeria’s Federal Executive Council has approved the National Policy on Fifth Generation (5G) Networks for the country’s Digital Economy.

The 5G Policy was approved by the Council on September 7 following the presentation by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami while the implementation of the National Policy takes immediate effect.

Consequently, the National Frequency Management Council (NFMC) will soon release spectrum to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) for the Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) that meet all the required conditions.

Technical Assistant (on Information Technology) to the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Femi

Adeluyi who disclosed this is a statement in Abuja, noted that the National Policy has been developed over a period of 2 years, due to the need for extensive stakeholder engagement and the need to ensure adequate public awareness and sensitization.

He observed that the stakeholder engagement was thorough and multi-sectoral in nature. It also took into account the report of the 3-month 5G trials that commenced on the 25th of November 2019 adding that the report critically reviewed and studied the health and security implications of deploying 5G in Nigeria.

Weather: Sandia National Laboratories Discover Factors That Affect Solar Farms

Environment

Angel Gimalo

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September 8, 2021

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Weather: Sandia National Laboratories Discover Factors That Affect Solar Farms

Sandia National Laboratories researchers combined large sets of real-world solar data and advanced machine learning to study the impacts of severe weather on U.S. solar farms, and sort out what factors affect energy generation.

Their results were published earlier this month in the scientific journal Applied Energy.

Hurricanes, blizzards, hailstorms and wildfires all pose risks to solar farms both directly in the form of costly damage and indirectly in the form of blocked sunlight and reduced electricity output.

Two Sandia researchers scoured maintenance tickets from more than 800 solar farms in 24 states and combined that information with electricity generation data and weather records to assess the effects of severe weather on the facilities.

By identifying the factors that contribute to low performance, they hope to increase the resiliency of solar farms to extreme weather.

“Trying to understand how future climate conditions could impact our national energy infrastructure, is exactly what we need to be doing if we want our renewable energy sector to be resilient under a changing climate,” said Thushara Gunda, the senior researcher on the project.

“Right now, we’re focused on extreme weather events, but eventually we’ll extend into chronic exposure events like consistent extreme heat.”

Sandia National Laboratories researchers Thushara Gunda, front, and Nicole Jackson examine solar panels at Sandia’s Photovoltaic Systems Evaluation Laboratory as summer monsoon clouds roll by.

Using machine learning and data from solar farms across the U.S., they uncovered the age of a solar farm, as well as the amount of cloud cover, have pronounced effects on farm performance during severe weather.

Wind Energy Accounts For 42% Of New U.S. Power In 2020

Angel Gimalo

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September 8, 2021

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Wind Energy Accounts For 42% Of New U.S. Power In 2020

Wind energy accounted for the bulk of new power-generating capacity in the United States last year, according to a trio of new reports from the Department of Energy.

In total, wind supplied 42 percent of new U.S. capacity in 2020, while solar supplied 38 percent and natural gas the remaining 20 percent.

The nearly 17,000 megawatts of land-based wind power installed in 2020 represent $24.6 billion in investments, according to the Energy Department.

Iowa, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Illinois, and Missouri each installed more than 1,000 megawatts of capacity, while Texas added more than 4,000 megawatts.

Wind energy now supplies more than 10 percent of in-state power generation in 16 states, including more than 30 percent in Kansas, Oklahoma, and North and South Dakota, and 57 percent in Iowa.

Remedies to Get Rid Of Pimples On The Nose

Beauty

Olasunbo Okoromi

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September 8, 2021

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Remedies to Get Rid Of Pimples On The Nose

Pimples on the nose or nose acne is a common occurrence. Our T-zone has the highest concentration of sebaceous glands and produces excess sebum. That explains the occasional breakouts on and around your nose. Pimples on the nose are both painful and obstinate, taking over a week to subside.

Scratching, pricking, or tweezing the pimple only makes it worse. To help you out, here are a few quick-fix home remedies to deal with nose acne naturally.

Easy DIY Remedies

1. Lemon Peel

You Will Need: The peel of a lemon

What You Have To Do

Squeeze the lemon peel gently so that the juice oozes out of it.

Gently rub the juice on the pimples for 5 minutes.

Leave it on for about 15 minutes.

Rinse with regular water.

Do this Twice a day

Why This Works: Lemon peel extract has antimicrobial properties and reduces the proliferation of pseudomonas and micrococcus bacteria that grow in the presence of sebum and may contribute to acne formation.

2. Rub Ice

You Will Need: A few ice cubes and A washcloth

What You Have To Do

Wrap a few ice cubes in a clean washcloth and gently press it against the pimple for about 20 minutes.

Repeat after a few hours.

Why This Works: Traditionally, ice is used to reduce pain and decrease swelling (by constricting the blood vessels) and inflammation. This may provide temporary relief and reduce the appearance of pimples and redness.

3. Tea Tree Oil

You Will Need: 1-2 drops of tea tree oil and 1 tablespoon of carrier oil

What You Have To Do

Mix the two oils and apply the blend to the pimple.

Leave it on for at least 10 minutes.

Rinse with water.

Do this Twice a day

Why This Works: A mild yet effective agent, tea tree oil clears moderate acne and is effective against P. acnes and S. aureus bacteria. It reduces redness and inflammation.

4. Witch Hazel

You Will Need: 1 teaspoon of witch hazel and A cotton pad

What You Have To Do

Apply witch hazel to the pimple with a cotton pad and let it dry.

Leave it on for 15 minutes and wash off.

Do this Once a day

Why This Works: Witch hazel contains tannins and is commonly used to reduce acne. It soothes redness and reduces swelling and inflammation.

5. Toothpaste

You Will Need: A pea-sized amount of toothpaste

What You Have To Do

Apply the toothpaste on the pimple and leave it on for 30 minutes.

Wash off with cold water.

Do this Once every day (if required)

Why This Works: Toothpaste contains baking soda and other ingredients that may dry out your pimple. However, this is not a scientifically proven method and is not advisable as it is abrasive.

6. Listerine Mouthwash

You Will Need: 1 teaspoon of Listerine mouthwash and Cotton swab

What You Have To Do

Apply Listerine on the pimple as a spot treatment with the cotton swab.

Wash off after 10 minutes.

Do this 2-3 times a day, depending on how quickly the pimple is drying out.

Why This Works: Listerine mouthwash contains essential oils like menthol, eucalyptol, and alcohol, along with other ingredients. These ingredients may have some effect in drying out the pimple. This is a common DIY hack tried and tested by many people. However, there is no study to prove its efficacy.

All the methods discussed in the article are based on anecdotal evidence. Hence, proceed with caution while trying them. Overdoing any of these may worsen your condition. It is best to consult a doctor and use prescribed topical medication for pimples. Also, ensure you are taking good care of your skin to prevent breakouts. Here are a few tips.

Prevention Tips You May Follow

Wash your face gently with warm water twice a day.

Avoid over scrubbing as it may irritate the lesions.

Use a doctor-prescribed antibacterial cleanser with salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide

Avoid oil-based makeup.

Use non-comedogenic skin care and makeup products.

Avoid touching the face and nose frequently as it may transfer dirt to your skin and cause breakouts.

Pimples and acne occur when dirt, sebum, and bacteria get trapped into the skin pore. If you get frequent breakouts on your nose, there are several reasons behind it.

Causes Of Pimples On The Nose

The pores on the nose are larger than the rest of your face. Therefore, it is easy for bacteria, oil, and dirt to get trapped and cause pimples.

Improper skin care routine or using comedogenic products may cause nose acne.

The T-zone, especially the nose, is oilier than the rest of the face as it has more sebaceous glands. This causes excess greasiness and leads to pimples.

Excessive consumption of whole milk may cause mild to moderate acne.

Takehome

Pimples on the nose are common and usually go away with proper skin care and topical remedies. You may try the quick fixes discussed in the article to minimize inflammation and control the breakouts. However, these may not address the root cause (if you have any underlying condition). Hence, if you experience frequent breakouts on your nose and the surrounding area, consult a dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.

Satellite Observes Power Outages in New Orleans

Science

Angel Gimalo

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September 8, 2021

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Satellite Observes Power Outages in New Orleans

Three days after Hurricane Ida, many people in Louisiana are going without electric power due to downed power lines and damaged transmission towers.

Three days after Hurricane Ida brought fierce wind, rain, and storm surges to Louisiana, large swaths of the state are enduring electric power blackouts due to downed lines and damaged transmission towers.

According to news sources, many people are also going without access to running water and gasoline due to damaged infrastructure.

A team of scientists from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and the Universities Space Research Association (USRA) has mapped the outages using satellite data.

The images above show nighttime lights data acquired on August 9 and 31 by the Suomi NPP satellite. The base maps make use of data collected by the Landsat 8 satellite.

“The imagery is surprisingly cloud-free. It usually would take at least 48 hours for skies to clear up enough after an event like this,” added Miguel Román, a USRA scientist and leader of the Black Marble Project.

“At this aftermath stage, Black Marble imagery is capturing a lot of diesel-power/backup generation, which utilities do not monitor.”

NYSC, NHIS plan insurance for corps members

Cleopatra Okohai

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September 8, 2021

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NYSC, NHIS plan insurance for corps members

The National Youth Service Corps on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Health Insurance Scheme on the inclusion of corps members in the NHIS programme.

During the signing of the MoU at the NHIS headquarters in Jabi area of Abuja, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the signing of the MoU was in line with the directive of the President Muhammadu Buhari that all corps members must be enrolled in the NHIS programme.

He said, “This shows the concern for the welfare of the corps members by the Federal Government and we are thanking the President for his uncommon love for the scheme.”

Ibrahim said the partnership with NHIS was going to cushion the health needs of the corps members in their different states of service.

The Executive Secretary of the NHIS, Prof. Mohammed Sambo, said every Nigerian should be included in the healthcare delivery of the Federal Government.

Federal University, Lokoja Has No Plan To Increase Tuition Fees- V.C

Education

Rhoda Onuzulike

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September 8, 2021

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Federal University, Lokoja Has No Plan To Increase Tuition Fees- V.C

The Federal University, Lokoja, has no plan to increase school fees, says it’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi.

The VC told journalists during a chat in his office at the permanent site of the university. He was reacting to an online publication that the school management had increased school fees, and people were about to protest.

He allayed the fear already created in the minds of parents and guardians, saying that the story had no iota of truth on the increase of school fees.

According to him, the school only increases the acceptance fee.

Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Olayemi Akinwunmi.

“Kindly disregard any information suggesting an increase in the school fees. School fees remain unchanged, please,” said Akinwunmi.

He explained that the institution’s new intakes would pay N55,000, including other charges, while returning students pay 47,000.

He described the acceptance fee increased from N10,000 to N20,000 as optional, stating that those who could not afford it could try another institution.

Akinwunmi added funding had become a major impediment to the university system’s development and appealed to the government to increase budgetary allocations to tertiary institutions, particularly new ones.

He regretted that most federal universities found it difficult to operate after IPPIS’ introduction. He stated that the system took away all the responsibilities of the university system and rendered the management ineffective.

He added that most of the structures and facilities at the institution’s permanent site had been vandalised because of continued stay at the Adankolo campus of the institution. Akinwunmi called for an urgent response to salvage the facilities from vandals.

Buhari constitutes health reform panel, names Osinbajo chairman

Health

Cleopatra Okohai

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September 8, 2021

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Buhari constitutes health reform panel, names Osinbajo chairman

President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the establishment of a Health Sector Reform Committee to kick-start the development and implementation of a Health Sector Reform programme for Nigeria in collaboration with state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.

This is as he appointed Vice President Yemi Osinbajo as chairman of the committee and Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa as Director-General of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, disclosed this in a statement on Monday titled, ‘President Buhari sets up Health Sector Reform Committee, names vice president Osinbajo as chairman’.

This comes after a Health Sector Diagnostic Review Report developed by a consultant, Vesta Healthcare Partners. and the Federal Ministry of Health.

According to the statement, the committee will undertake a review of all healthcare reforms adopted in the past two decades and lessons learnt and factor them into the development of the new Health Sector Reform Programme.

Vesta Healthcare Partners and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will serve as resources persons and have observer roles in the committee.

Meanwhile, the President has also approved the appointment of Dr. Ifedayo Adetifa as the new Director-General of NCDC. The President has also named him as a member of the committee.

FG not owing doctors, other health workers salaries —Ngige

Health

Cleopatra Okohai

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September 8, 2021

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FG not owing doctors, other health workers salaries —Ngige

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has said that the Federal Government is not owing the striking members of the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors or other health workers in the country.

He stated that only illegally recruited doctors were not paid because they were not captured by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation nor were their payments provided for by the budget office.

Speaking during the open session of the meeting of the Presidential Committee on Salaries with the leadership of the Joint Health Sector Unions in Abuja on Tuesday, Ngige referred to the presidential waiver for employment into the health and defence ministries in view of the general embargo on employment and assured that doctors illegally recruited would have their service regularised in due course.

He noted, “NARD goes about telling Nigerians that government owes them salaries and that government is not taking the problems in the health sector seriously. But this is incorrect.

“No doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or any other health worker, including the driver, is owed monthly salary; the government pays as at when due.

“The truth is that NARD doctors fail to tell Nigerians that their colleagues who are owed salaries are the ones illegally recruited and were neither captured by the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation nor were their payments provided for by the Budget Office of the Federation.

“Monthly salaries are done as at when due for those legitimately employed by the Federal Government but not to those illegally employed and who need their appointments regularised and captured in the finances of government for payment. This takes a process which is not accomplished overnight.”

The minister further said the FG owed few doctors and other workers the 2020 COVID-19 allowance, besides the arrears of the consequential adjustment of the National Minimum Wage and skipping allowance which cut across other sectors, noting that work was in progress to clear these.

He blamed the Nigerian Medical Association and JOHESU for bringing segregation in the negotiation for the new hazard allowance which he said the Federal Government already budgeted N37.5bn for.

The Minister of State for Health, Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora said it was the wrong time to go on strike.

The Minister of State for Finance, Budget and Planning, Clement Agba regretted the expanding budgetary expenditure of government even as revenue continues to dwindle.

President of JOHESU, Josiah Biobelemonye pressed for the swift resolution of the challenges facing its members to avoid forcing them to strike.