Home Blog Page 2058

South Africa Keen To Replace Japan As Hosts Of FIFA Club World Cup

0

South Africa is hoping to replace Japan as hosts of this year’s Club World Cup after the Olympic and Paralympic host country withdrew from staging the tournament because of COVID-19.

South African Football Association President Danny Jordaan is set to meet FIFA counterpart Gianni Infantino today to discuss the nation stepping in to hold the event.

Jordaan is also due to have meetings with FIFA secretary general Fatma Samoura and Confederation of African Football President Patrick Motsepe over South Africa’s interest in hosting the competition, scheduled to take place in December.

South Africa must receive Government approval if it is to be successful with its bid.

There has also been reported interest from Saudi Arabia, which has aligned itself closely with Infantino in recent years.

Japan last week pulled out of staging the seven-team World Cup, featuring the six continental champions and the winners of the host nation’s top-tier domestic league, amid concerns over the risk of rising COVID-19 infections.

South Africa has seen a reduction in new cases of the novel coronavirus in the past two weeks, leading to the Government relaxing restrictions and raising the possibility that fans could soon be allowed back into stadiums.

The country has recorded more than 80,000 deaths from COVID-19, the highest of any African nation, but has vaccinated around 10 million people.

UEFA Champions League winners Chelsea could be prevented from taking their place in the tournament if it is hosted in South Africa as the country is on the British Government’s red list, meaning they would have to quarantine for 10 days upon their arrival back in England.

South Africa’s representatives at a home Club World Cup would be Mamelodi Sundowns, the club formerly owned by Motsepe until he became CAF President.

This year’s Club World Cup had been scheduled to be held in China under a revamped 24-team format before the postponement of Tokyo 2020 and other events forced FIFA to push it back.

FIFA then decided it would be staged using the traditional seven-team format.

Plans to hold a 24-team tournament appear to have been put on the backburner as FIFA is pushing for the main World Cup to be staged every two years rather than four, in a move which has drawn the ire of UEFA and its President Aleksander Čeferin.

Algerian Judoka And Coach Suspended For 10 Years Over Tokyo 2020 Withdrawal To Avoid Facing An Israeli

0

Algeria’s Fethi Nourine and his coach Amar Benikhlef have been suspended for 10 years by the International Judo Federation (IJF) after withdrawing from the Tokyo Olympics to avoid facing an Israeli opponent.

Nourine, 30, who was in the men’s -73kg class, said at the time that his political support for the Palestinian cause made it impossible to compete.

The IJF said the pair “with malicious intent” used the Games as a “platform for protest and promotion of political and religious propaganda”.

The governing body’s disciplinary commission said it was a “clear and serious breach” of its statutes, code of ethics and the Olympic charter.

Nourine was due to face Sudan’s Mohamed Abdalrasool in his first bout and a win would have paired him with Israel’s Tohar Butbul.

At the time he was provisionally suspended and the Algerian Olympic Committee withdrew their accreditation and sent them home.

The ban covers all IJF events and activities through to 23 July 2031, though they can appeal against the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

The incident was not the first time that Nourine had withdrawn from competition to avoid facing an Israeli opponent. He pulled out of the 2019 World Championships in Tokyo for the same reason.

FIFA, CAF Presidents Grace Aisha Buhari Cup Kick-Off, Falcons Win 2-0

0

Substitute Gift Monday handed Nigeria a sweet 2-0 victory on the opening day of the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament in the City of Lagos.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State led eminent political big-wigs, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe led football’s top echelon, including President of NFF and FIFA Council Member Amaju Melvin Pinnick, to the showpiece at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan.

Monday, interestingly a player of FC Robo Queens of Lagos, spun in the air to meet a cross by Captain Asisat Oshoala in the 83rd minute and nod past goalkeeper Fatoumata Karenta, six minutes after coming into the fray for Francisca Ordega.

The goal put the Super Falcons in the lead after a rather turgid day on Lagos island, with the Malians showing greater zest and desire in the opening half and returning after the recess with the same impressive fighting spirit.

The visiting Female Eagles had survived a raid on their area in the 5th minute as Nigeria looked to go into the lead with a corner, but the defence cleared. Nine minutes later, Ordega sidenetted from another quick dash upfront, and in the 18th minute, Ageusissa Diarra tested goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie from a 30-yard free-kick.

In the second half, Uchenna Kanu sidenetted in the 67th minute, before Oshoala, who should have scored with only the goalkeeper to beat, failed to get past Karenta. In the 74th minute, Karenta again saved from Kanu.

In the 83rd minute, Monday rose highest in the box and nodded past Karenta, bringing so much excitement to the Arena.

One minute into added time, Monday was again at the end of an Asisat assist, and looped the ball over an advancing Karenta to put huge smiles on the face of Nigerians.

Today in History – Sept. 16 – 1848 – Slavery Abolished In All French Territories

0

1620 The Mayflower departs Plymouth, England, with 102 Pilgrims and about 30 crew for the New World (O.S. 6 Sept)

1795 British capture Capetown, South Africa, from the Dutch

1810 Mexico issues Grito de Dolores, calling for the end of Spanish rule (Mexican Independence Day)

1848 Slavery abolished in all French territories

1906 Douglas Mawson, Edgeworth David and Alistair Mackay claim to have discovered the Magnetic South Pole in Antarctica

1963 Federation of Malaysia formed by Malaya, Singapore, British North Borneo (Sabah) and Sarawak

1978 25,000 die in 7.7 earthquake in Tabar, Iran

1997 Apple Computer Inc names co-founder Steve Jobs interim CEO

Today in Film & TV
1989 14th Toronto International Film Festival: “Roger & Me” directed by Michael Moore wins the People’s Choice Award

Today in Music
1966 Metropolitan Opera House opens in Lincoln Center, New York with Leontyne Price as Cleopatra in “Antony and Cleopatra” by Samuel Barber

Today in Sport
1957 LA City Council approves 300-acre site in Chavez Ravine for Dodgers

Do you know this fact about today? Did You Know?
Carriage-maker, William C. Durant, founds General Motors in Flint, Michigan

Would you believe this fact about today? Would You Believe?
700 million malaria cases prevented in Africa since 2000 in report by University of Oxford in “Nature” journal

Osun: Oyetola Signs Anti-Open Grazing Bill Into Law

0

Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has signed the bill banning the practice of open grazing in the state into law.
Osun Assembly passed the bill to regulate animal grazing and establishments of cattle ranches and other related matters.

Speaker Timothy Owoeye at the plenary noted that the bill passed will prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.
Oyetola’s Chief Press Secretary Ismail Omipidan confirmed that Governor has signed the anti-open grazing bill into law.
He said: “Mr Governor signed the anti-open grazing bill into law immediately the bill was transmitted from the House of Assembly to the office of his Excellency.
“We have notified the security agencies that will enforce the law in every part of the state, so, it is a crime to practice open grazing in Osun state.
“Osun State is one of the most peaceful states in the country, we have fewer challenges of herders invading people’s farm to destroy the crop or attacking farmers because we had in place Committee on Peaceful Co-Existence between Fulani/Bororo and Crop Farmers led by Hon Mudasiru Toogun to foster peace between these communities.

“Before enacting this law, we have summoned a stakeholders meeting to deliberate on the matter and we have enlightened the herders in the state on the benefit of embracing ranching system. We have made provisions for the practice of ranching through the ministry of agriculture.”
He added that the law will prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.
“Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.
“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.
“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.”
He noted that the conveyance of livestock on foot from one destination to another in the State is prohibited, except such movement is by Rail Wagon or Truck or pick-up wagon and is within 7:00 am to 6:00 pm.

FG To Recruit 60,000 Police Operatives In Six Years

0

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Usman A Baba has revealed that the police high command will recruit no fewer than 20,000 police personnel between now and 2022.

IGP Baba said this in Ilorin, during his working visit to the Kwara Command of the Force.
He added that: “President Muhammadu Buhari has given approval for us to recruit 10,000 police personnel every year for six years. We have started but we have not done for 2020.
“So we are doing for 2020 and 2021 between now and the end of the year. Their training is for six months. Latest by the end of 2021 our strength is expected to increase by 20,000 by 2022.”
On the war against violence crimes in the country, Baba said: “Police is not fighting the war against banditry and other crimes
alone. All other security agencies in synergy are fighting the bandits, including the military which is leading the war and we are winning.”

Kwara Police Commissioner Emienbo Assayomo said that the Command is understaffed with just about 3,500 police officers and men.
He said: “Kwara state police Command has establishment strength of 8,000, but today, the personnel strength is less than 3,500. The Command as at present has no serviceable armoured personnel carriers (APCs), because the two we have are still undergoing repairs in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Court Adjourns FG, Resident Doctors’ Suit To Friday

0

The case between the Federal Government and the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has been adjourned for 48 hours by the National Industrial Court in Abuja to enable further negotiations between both parties.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment through the Minister Chris Ngige took the striking doctors to court over the abdication of duties.

The Federal Government on August 16, 2021, prayed the court to be able to apply the “no work, no pay” rule against the doctors.
However, the court adjourned the case till September 15, 2021.

Due to the inability of the Counsel of both parties to reach a resolution, the Judge, Bashir Alkali, adjourned the case till Friday, September 17, 2021.
The NARD started their strike on August 2, 2021, after the Federal Government failed to fulfill its agreement made with them through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Chief among the 12 demands by the doctors are: the payment of salaries owed 114 House Officers who are on the GIFMIS platform, withdrawal of the circular by the Head of Service removing House Officers from the Scheme of Service, payment of death in service insurance benefits to families of 21 doctors who died of COVID-19 in the line of duty, among other demands.

Buhari Swears In Three New INEC National Commissioners

0

President Muhammadu Buhari has sworn three new National Commissioners into the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The ceremony was performed briefly before the commencement of the week’s virtual Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Those sworn-in include Dr Baba Bila representing the North-East zone, Professor Sani Adam, North-Central and Professor Abdullahi Abdu, representing North-West.
Buhari is currently presiding over the week’s virtual FEC meeting in the conference room of the First Lady’s office at the Presidential Villa.

The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, are among those physically attending the meeting.
Also present are the Ministers of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed; Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; and Water Resources, Suleiman Adamu.
Others include Ministers of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed; Works and Housing, Babtunde Fashola (SAN) and Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola.
The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan and other Ministers are attending virtually from their various offices in Abuja.

Insecurity: Buhari Pushes For Arms, Explosives Mop Up

0

President Muhammadu Buhari has taken another conscious step towards the mopping up of existing Small Arms and Light Weapons, which have fueled insecurity across the country.
He urged the Senate to pass two bills seeking to control small arms, light weapons and explosives.
Also, Defence Minister Bashir Magashi briefed the House of Representatives Committee on Defence on the recent agreement with Russia aimed at tackling insecurity.
In August, Nigeria and Russia signed an agreement for the Russian Armed Forces to train and supply the Nigerian Armed Forces.
It was signed in Moscow by Magashi and the Director of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, Dmitry Shugaev.

Senate President Ahmad Lawan read President Buhari’s letters on the floor during plenary.
The President said the Bill on the control of small arms and light weapons sought to transform the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons into a National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons. The centre will operate under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Buhari’s letter titled: “Transmission of the control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for consideration” reads:
“Pursuant to Section 58(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as emended), I forward herewith, the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Bill 2021 for the kind consideration by the Senate
“The Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons 2021 seeks to transform the Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons into a National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.
“National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, when fully operationalized, would go a long way at expressing Nigeria’s optimism and practical commitment to the global fight against the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons, including the mopping up of existing Small Arms and Light Weapons which have become a significant driver of insecurity across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
In another letter titled: “Transmission of the Explosives Bill 2021 to the National Assembly for contribution,” Buhari said:
“Pursuant to Section 56(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as emended), I forward herewith the Explosives Bill 2021 for the kind consideration by the Senate
“The Explosives Bill 2021 seeks to repeal the Explosives Act 1964 and enact the Explosives Act, to regulate the manufacture, storage, possession, distribution, purchase, sale, transportation, importation, and exportation of explosives and for related matters.”
At the briefing with the House Committee, its chairman, Babajimi Benson, advised that reporters should not be allowed to cover the event due to security implication.
He said: “The minister is here today to honour our invitation for him to shed more light on the recently executed agreement between the Nigerian government and the Russian Federation and as it affects our fight against banditry, insurgency and kidnapping and all other vices we have in Nigeria and also its implications on national security.”

The wonders of Fenugreek Seeds

0

Fenugreek is one of the most highly used medicinal plants. Due to its slightly sweet and nutty flavour, its seeds and powder are used as a spice all over the world.

Fenugreek is highly beneficial for improving the overall sexual health of males as it boosts testosterone levels and increases the sperm count. Fenugreek seeds might be useful for diabetics as their daily consumption before breakfast might help lower blood sugar levels. Fenugreek seeds also help reduce pain and swelling in arthritic conditions due to anti-inflammatory property. It is also used for managing menstrual cramps and for postmenopausal vaginal dryness.

Fenugreek seeds are a rich source of protein and nicotinic acid that help promote hair growth. The seeds can be mixed with coconut oil and ground to form a paste that can be applied to the scalp as a shampoo two times a day. You can also apply Fenugreek seeds cream to help keep the skin hydrated.

In some cases, Fenugreek seeds might cause gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea, bloating and flatulence.

Fenugreek seeds have been said to have many benefits which includes to enhance male fertility. Here are the numerous benefits of Fenugreek.

Fenugreek seeds can help lower the risk of developing diabetes

Fenugreek seeds contain galactomannan and essential amino acids. Galactomannan lowers blood sugar level and essential amino acids improve insulin level in the blood. Together, this helps in managing diabetes

Tips:

1. Take 1-2 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 1 cup of water for 10 minutes.

3. Strain to separate the seeds from the water.

4. Drink this Fenugreek tea 1-2 times a day.

5. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seeds might be useful in constipation.

Fenugreek seeds have high content of soluble fiber called mucilage. When this soluble fiber absorbs water in the intestines, it swells up and increases the bulk in the stool. This triggers contractions in the intestine and pushes the stool smoothly. Thus, consuming Fenugreek seeds along with water eases constipation.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 2 cups of water.

3. Cool and have this mixture (seeds along with water) on an empty stomach in the morning daily.

4. Continue for at least 1-2 months for better results.

Or,

1. Soak 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds for 2-3 hours.

2. When the seeds swell, make a smooth paste.

3. Consume it with 1 glass of water.

Fenugreek seeds might be useful for weight management.

Fenugreek seeds contain galactomannan which curbs your appetite and makes you feel full. This makes you less hungry as a result of which you tend to eat less. Fenugreek seed is also a rich source of soluble fibers which increases your metabolism and triggers fat burning. A study said that Fenugreek seeds have antioxidant and anti-cholesterol properties. This prevents the accumulation of fat and improves the metabolism of lipids and glucose that help in weight loss[9].

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Wash and soak them in 1 cup of water overnight.

3. Separate the seeds from water in the morning.

4. Chew the wet seeds on an empty stomach.

5. Repeat this daily for 1 month for better results.

Fenugreek seeds is believed to be useful for male fertility.

Fenugreek seeds might improve sexual performance by enhancing testosterone secretion and improving sperm quality. Thus it might be effective in male infertility and other sexual disorders like erectile dysfunction.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Saute it in 1 tablespoon ghee for about 5 minutes.

3. Take it with a glass of milk before going to bed.

Naringenin in Fenugreek seeds might lower the level of bad cholesterol (LDL) or low-density lipoprotein, total blood cholesterol and triglycerides. Fenugreek seeds also contain steroidal saponins which slow the rate at which the liver produces cholesterol as well as prevent the body from absorbing it.

Tips:

1. Dry roast 1 cup of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Let it cool to room temperature.

3. Grind them into a smooth and fine powder.

4. Store it in an air-tight jar or bottle.

5. Prepare a mixture by adding 1/2 teaspoon of this powder to 1/2 glass of water and drink twice daily.

6. Continue for at least 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seeds might reduce pain and improve mobility in patients suffering from gout due to its anti-inflammatory property

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Soak it in 1 cup of water overnight.

3. Take the mixture (seeds along with water) in the morning.

4. Continue this for 1-2 months for better results.

Fenugreek seed has anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and anti-anxiety properties.

This helps to reduce premenstrual symptoms like nausea, vomiting, headache, diarrhea, mood swings and fatigue.

Tips:

1. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Add them to 1 bottle of hot water.

3. Let it stand overnight.

4. Strain this mixture to separate the seeds from the water.

5. Drink this Fenugreek water on an empty stomach in the morning daily for the first 3 days of the menstrual period.

6. You can add honey to remove the bitterness of this drink.

Fenugreek seeds might provide relief in case of sore throat.

A study states that Fenugreek seeds contain a compound called mucilage which lowers the pain and irritation associated with a sore throat.

Tips:

1. Take 1 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Boil it in 2 cups of water till it comes to a rolling boil.

3. Simmer the flame and allow it to boil for another 15 minutes.

4. Once the water changes color (after 15 minutes), remove it from the flame and allow it to cool to a drinkable warm temperature.

5. Use this water while it is still warm to gargle.

6. Repeat it twice a day.

7. If the sore throat is severe, you can use it to gargle three times a day.

Fenugreek seeds might lower the pain and discomfort associated with heartburn. A study states that Fenugreek seeds contain a soluble fiber called mucilage which coats the inner lining of the stomach and soothes gastric inflammation and reduces irritation.

Tips:

1.Take 1/2 teaspoon of Fenugreek seeds.

2. Soak them overnight in a glass of water.

3. Consume (water with seeds) on an empty stomach in the morning.

Precautions when using Fenugreek Seeds

Due to its hot potency, a high dose of Fenugreek seeds can lead to burning sensation in the stomach.

Fenugreek seeds should be taken in a small amount or for a short duration in patients suffering from piles or fistula.

Moderate Medicine Interaction

Fenugreek seeds might slow blood clotting and may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. So it is advisable to consult your doctor while taking Fenugreek seeds along with anti-coagulant or anti-platelet drugs.

Other Interaction

Fenugreek seeds might decrease the blood potassium levels. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood potassium levels regularly while taking Fenugreek seeds along with potassium-lowering drugs.

Patients with diabetes

Fenugreek seeds may lower blood glucose level in people with diabetes. So it is generally advised to monitor the blood glucose level regularly while taking Fenugreek seeds along with anti-diabetic drugs.

when using Fenugreek seeds, or any herbs or spices for that matter, one should always take precautions and use in moderation and consult your medical practitioner if you are on any medication.

Fenugreek seeds are beneficial in many ways that help improve health and our everyday lives.