Ethnic clashes in Ethiopia’s Oromia region kill 200

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August 27, 2021

More than 200 people have been killed following fighting in western Ethiopia.

The state-appointed Ethiopia Human Rights Commission said the rebel Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) had killed about 150 people.

Local officials told the BBC that fighters from the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups clashed over two days last week in East Wollega Zone in the Oromia region.

One eyewitness told the BBC that bodies had washed up in a river nearby and were later buried.

East Wollega has a significant Amhara population and its fertile lands have been a source of tension between the two communities.

NNPC posts first profit of N287 billion after 44 years of existence

By

Henry Williams

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August 27, 2021

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Known for loss making in the past 44 years of its existence, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has declared a N287 billion profit after tax (PAT).

Although the audited report, which produced the figure is yet to be released, President Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday, said the 2020 financial report showed that the state oil firm made N287 billion in 2020.

Unlike other national oil companies, NNPC has been a loss-making entity, renowned for anomalies, undue political interference and shades of burden. In a statement by the Special Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, the Nigerian leader, who is also the substantive Minister of Petroleum Resources, said the development was a fulfilment of an earlier pledge by the Federal Government to publicly declare the financial position of the corporation.

DSS denies dispersing doctors participating in Saudi gov’t recruitment exercise

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Henry Williams

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August 27, 2021

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The Department of State Security Services, DSS, has denied dispersing medical doctors participating in a recruitment interview organised by Saudi Arabia officials in Sheraton Hotel, Abuja.

A media report had claimed that DSS operatives stormed the hotel on Thursday morning and dispersed the doctors and journalists, who gathered at the venue.

The report also alleged that a journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting, Marcus Fatunde, was arrested at the venue but was later released.
The recruitment interview was organised by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health.

But the secret agency, in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunaya on Friday, said no operation was carried out in the hotel, adding that the report was designed to embarrass the organisation.

Ondo Assembly begs striking doctors to resume work

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Cleopatra Okohai

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August 27, 2021

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The Ondo State House of Assembly has appealed to the doctors on strike to give peace a chance and return to work in the interest of the people.

The lawmakers while deliberating on the development on Thursday at plenary, expressed deep concern about the effects of the strike on the people.

The Speaker of the House, Bamidele Oleyelogun, noted that the industrial dispute had lasted for so long and there was a need to put an end to it.

He called for a tripartite meeting that would involve medical personnel, the executive, and the legislative arms with a view to fashion out an amicable solution to the lingering crisis.

Oleyelogun said that the strike had triggered mortality among patients who patronised quack doctors because they lacked the wherewithal to attend standard hospitals in view of the high charges.

The speaker appealed to relevant authorities to find an amicable solution to the industrial crisis which had triggered brain drain amongst medical personnel in the state.

US will hunt down Kabul airport attack jihadists, says Biden

By

Henry Williams

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August 27, 2021

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President Joe Biden has promised to hunt down the jihadists behind an attack in Kabul which killed at least 90 people – including 13 US troops.Mr Biden warned the US would “not forgive” the perpetrators.

The twin blasts, claimed by a local branch of Islamic State (IS), tore through crowds of men, women and children outside Kabul airport.

They were hoping to join the 100,000 people airlifted out of Afghanistan since it fell to Taliban militants.There had been repeated warnings that an attack was likely, but it either did not reach or did not deter those waiting.

African countries vow to eradicate polio after new outbreaks

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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August 27, 2021

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African countries on Thursday vowed to wipe out all forms of polio on the continent after efforts to crush the virus were hindered by the coronavirus pandemic.

A year ago, wild forms of poliovirus were declared eradicated in Africa after four years elapsed without a case.

However, further sporadic outbreaks have occurred because of vaccine-derived polio – a weakened form of the virus that is used in vaccines and which is excreted by people for a time after they receive it.

Such cases “occur in communities where not enough children have received the polio vaccine,” the World Health Organisation’s Africa region said after a two-day virtual conference on the disease.

“Cases increased last year in part because of disruptions to polio vaccination campaigns caused by COVID-19,” it said.

“Since 2018, 23 countries in the region have experienced outbreaks and more than half of the global 1,071 (vaccine-derived) cases were recorded in Africa.”

At a press conference, regional WHO chief Matshidiso Moeti said that polio vaccination efforts in Africa had been hit by postponements or suspensions after the COVID-19 crisis got underway early last year.

The conference agreed to speed up responses to polio outbreaks, including the fast deployment of “surge staff” to support countries as soon as cases are detected.

There will also be greater efforts to “build trust with communities” to encourage uptake of vaccines, and wider use of a new oral immunisation called nOPV2 that is more effective at ending vaccine-derived outbreaks.

Polio is a transmissible disease caused by the highly contagious poliomyelitis virus, which spreads through contact with faeces or sneezes and coughs.

The virus infects the spinal cord, causing paralysis of the parts of the body.

Once a global peril, the disease has been rolled back since the advent of a vaccine in the 1950s by the US physician, Jonas Salk.

The WHO said that despite the disruption, nearly 100 million African children had been vaccinated against polio since July 2020.

Diabetes and Bananas

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

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August 27, 2021

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Time and time again the question of what to eat when one is diabetic keeps coming up and one that seems to reoccur is whether or not to eat bananas in whatever form because of the sugar levels, this has given Bananas a bad reputation for increasing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, it is not completely true. Although a medium-sized banana has 22 grams of carbohydrates and a sweet flavor, there’s a lot more in bananas that would attenuate these negatives.

Bananas are rich in phytochemicals

Nearly all fruits have phytochemicals that lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke. Because diabetes is linked to an increased risk of heart disease and other problems, people with diabetes should consume bananas in moderation.

Green bananas contain resistant starch

The carb content of bananas often varies with ripeness. Green, unripe bananas have less sugar and more resistant starch than yellow bananas.

Resistant starch is resistant to digestion in the upper digestive system, which means that it acts similarly to fiber. As a result, it does not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. The glycemic index (GI) of green bananas is about 30 to 50.

Moreover, green bananas are gut-microbe friendly and help you better manage diabetes. Studies have shown that resistant starch is more likely to help people with type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity and reducing inflammation. There hasn’t been much research about the role of resistant starch in type 1 diabetes.

Bananas contain fiber that promotes satiety

A medium-sized banana contains three grams of fiber. Dietary fiber should be included in your diet because it confers many benefits. Some of the benefits of dietary fiber in people with diabetes include:

It slows digestion and the absorption of carbohydrates.

It reduces overall blood sugar spikes and manages diabetes well.

Bananas have a low-to-medium glycemic index

Glycemic index (GI) is a value assigned to food depending on how rapidly or how slowly it increases blood glucose levels.

There are three types of GI

Low GI: 55 or less

Medium GI: 56 to 69

High GI: 70 to 100

Foods that have a lower GI are absorbed slowly and cause a gradual change in blood sugar levels.

Bananas have a GI of 42 to 62, depending on the ripeness. It is always preferable for people with diabetes to eat bananas that are slightly green because they have a lower GI compared to overripe bananas.

Bananas are rich in vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 plays a pivotal role in the prevention of diabetes-related

complications such as: Neuropathy, Gestational diabetes and Impaired glucose tolerance

Bananas are packed with potassium

If you have a low potassium level, your body makes less insulin, causing your blood sugar levels to spike. Studies have revealed that people with low potassium levels are more susceptible to type 2 diabetes than those with normal potassium levels. It is not known whether a low potassium level directly causes diabetes. Still, it might be prudent to test your potassium levels if you are at risk of developing diabetes.

Bananas have antioxidants

Studies have shown that antioxidants have a protective effect against type 2 diabetes development because they impede the formation of free radicals. However, more research is required to prove the efficacy of antioxidants against type 2 diabetes. Excess antioxidants are not recommended.

If you have diabetes and wish to include bananas in your diet, remember the following guidance

Eat a smaller banana to reduce your sugar intake.

Always eat a firm, ripe banana. Do not go for overripe bananas.

Avoid drinking banana milkshakes or smoothies.

Eat bananas with other protein or healthy fats.

Spread your fruit intake out throughout the day.

Avoid eating fruit immediately after meals. Have it as a mid-meal snack.

Takeaway

Now you know eating Banana is not bad for you even if you are diabetic, just know that moderation is key and do not over do it. Enjoy!

South African Airways To Resume Zimbabwe, Regional Flights

By

Elizabeth Williams

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August 27, 2021

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South African Airways (SAA) has announced plans to resume flights into the region, including Zimbabwe, starting September.

According to the carrier, the first flights will commence on Thursday 23 of September 2021.

SAA had suspended flights in response to the adverse effects of Covid-19, which led to international travel restrictions. Several other airlines had also halted operations including to Zimbabwe.

In a statement SAA interim chief executive, Thomas Kgokolo, said tickets were expected to go on sale starting Thursday, 26 August 2021 with the first flights taking off a month later.

“The wait is finally over. In just under a month, the striking and familiar livery of SAA will once again be visible in the skies as the airline resumes operations,” he said.

“After months of diligent work, we are delighted that ShAA is resuming service and we look forward to welcoming on board our loyal passengers and flying the South African flag. We continue to be a safe carrier and adhering to Covid-19 protocols.”

Mr Kgokolo said as an initial phase, the airline will operate flights from Johannesburg to Cape Town, Accra, Kinshasa, Harare, Lusaka and Maputo. More destinations will be added to the route network in response to market conditions.

“There is a profound feeling of enthusiasm within team SAA as we prepare for take-off with one common purpose – to rebuild and sustain a profitable airline that once again takes a leadership role among local, continental and international airlines.”

He said the airline was aware of challenges currently bedevilling the aviation sector and what lies ahead of the airline’s operations in the coming weeks ensuing resumption of flights.

“We thank South Africa for the support we have received in getting us to where we are today. As we are now poised for takeoff, we see this as a major milestone for SAA and the country,” he said.

SAA board chair Mr John Lamola said since the carrier came out of business rescue at the end of April 2021, it had been seized with planning for the relaunching of a restructured and fit for purpose airline that South Africans can again be proud of. He said the airline was restarting with a formidable business case.

Graffiti Artist Captures Lightness Of Clouds To Lift, Inspire

By

Koko Lawrence

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August 27, 2021

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A French graffiti artist’s monumental mountaintop project aims to encourage a more contemplative approach to life by inspiring childlike wonder at clouds drifting by.

The 1,500 square metre (16,145 square foot) painting “Un nouveau souffle” (A New Lease on Life) by French artist Saype, 32, graces the summit of the Moleson peak in the western Swiss Alps.

Using biodegradable paints made from natural pigments such as coal and chalk, it depicts a little boy blowing bubbles in an area known for its clouds, seeking to reflect the link with children’s skygazing, he said.

“I think we are in a world that is super heavy and we need a little lightness and I believe that the clouds are also a bit of a dream, the imagination,” he said.

“When we were kids we were always imagining shapes in the clouds. And I believe that now is also a moment we must breathe and — also with lightness — relearn to create by reverie the world of tomorrow.”

Egypt, Sierra Leone Discuss Economic Cooperation

By

Elizabeth Williams

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August 27, 2021

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EGYPT-POLITICS-VOTE-CONSTITUTION — An Egyptian soldier stands on guard near a waving national flag as citizens arrive to cast votes in a referendum on constitutional amendments, at a school in the capital Cairo's northern neighbourhood of Shubra, on the first day of a three-day poll, on April 20, 2019. - Polls in Egypt opened on April 20 for 62 million eligible voters to make their voice hear on a referendum that could keep President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in power until 2030. On the ballot is a raft of constitutional changes that would extend Sisis current term by two years. He would be eligible to run for six more years in 2024. (Photo by Khaled DESOUKI / AFP)

Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania el Mashat discussed on Thursday 26 August,with Sierra Leonean Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation David Francis and his accompanying delegation horizons of bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

During meeting, Mashat asserted that the political leadership and the Egyptian government support Sierra Leonean government, expressing Egypt’s readiness to boost cooperation with Sierra Leone at different levels to support development.

Mashat expressed the desire of the Egyptian state to promote bilateral ties through the joint committee to contribute to developing cooperation in the trade, investment, electricity and renewable energy, water resources and irrigation, petroleum and mineral wealth, construction, media and culture domains.

She said Egypt is looking forward to increasing the volume of trade exchange with Sierra Leone via boosting Egypt’s direct investments in the country.

Meanwhile, Francis expressed his country’s wish to boost economic cooperation with Egypt, expounding available investment opportunities in his country.