Over 50 Missing After Migrant Boat From Libya Sinks

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May 18, 2021

More than 50 people went missing after a migrant boat headed from Libya to Europe sank off Tunisia, the defence ministry said Tuesday.

Defence ministry spokesman Mohamed Zikri said 32 survivors of the shipwreck were picked up after clinging to an oil platform off the southern coast of Tunisia.

All of those rescued are from Bangladesh, he added.

Flavio Di Giacomo, a spokesman for the International Organization for Migration, told AFP, “We don’t know the nationality of the more than 50 who are missing”.

The boat, crammed with around 90 passengers, left the Libyan port of Zuwara on Sunday.

It was not immediately clear what caused the boat to sink, but vessels leaving the North African coast for Europe are often heavily overloaded makeshift crafts, departing at night even in rough weather to avoid detection by the coastguard.

Tunisian rescuers were bringing the survivors to the port of Zarzis, some 100 kilometres (70 miles) northwest of Zuwara.

Departures from Libya, a key gateway for Europe-bound migrants, have increased since the start of the year.

There were 11,000 departures between January and April, 73 percent more than the same period last year, due in particular to the “deterioration” of the situation for foreigners in the country, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

Neighbouring Tunisia regularly provides assistance to migrants in difficulty in the central Mediterranean, one of the deadliest migration routes, according to the United Nations.

Argentine Meat Producers Announce Strike Over Exports Ban

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 18, 2021

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Argentine Meat Producers announced on Tuesday they would stop selling beef and veal for one week in response to a month-long government suspension on exports due to rising prices.

The Liaison Commission for Agricultural Entities, which represents agricultural producers and businesses, declared a “cessation of all categories of cattle trade” from Thursday to May 28.

On Monday night, the government announced a suspension on foreign meat sales to “get the sector in order, restrict speculative practices and avoid tax evasion in foreign trade.”

Earlier on Tuesday, President Alberto Fernandez insisted that Argentina could not accept the recent rise in meat prices in a country already reeling from three years of recession and the adverse economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“The meat issue has got out of hand. The price is rising every month without justification. We need to get it under control,” Fernandez told Radio 10.

The government took the decision due to the strong impact that price rises have on Argentina’s inflation, already one of the highest in the world and which increased by 17.6 percent during the first four months of the year, according to the INDEC statistics institute.

The cost of living has soared 46.3 percent in the last 12 months but beef prices in April were 65.3 percent higher than the same month in 2020, the Argentine Institute of Beef Promotion (IPCVA) said.

Argentines ate 38 kilograms (84 pounds) of beef and veal per head in 2019 — the most among Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development countries (OECD), and about 12 kilograms per head more than the United States.

Argentina is also the fourth largest exporter of beef in the world, the revenues from which are vital to the country’s economy.

In 2020, Argentina exported $3.37 billion worth of beef and cow leather — a 16.5 percent drop compared with 2019 — primarily to China, Germany and Israel, according to INDEC.

But poverty affects 42 percent of Argentines, and Fernandez is trying to reduce the cost of living by implementing price controls through agreements with business sectors.

Meat processing plants offer certain cuts of meat at reduced prices but Fernandez said it’s “a crumb of 8,000 tons of meat when here we eat 200,000 tons a month.”

Denmark To Repatriate Children Of Syrian jihadists

By

Angel Gimalo

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May 18, 2021

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Denmark announced Tuesday that it plans to repatriate 19 Danish children of Syrian jihadists, and three of their mothers, because of the poor conditions in the camps they are being held in.

The decision was made after a report by a commission studying the conditions for repatriation.

“The situation as regards humanitarian security in the camps has deteriorated. Particularly in the al-Hol camp, where there is a shortage of food and medical care,” Danish Foreign Minister Jeppe Kofod told a press conference.

The al-Hol camp, in Hasakeh governorate of northeastern Syria, holds suspected relatives of Islamic State (IS) group fighters.

The humanitarian situation and the radicalisation of children in the camps recently prompted the Danish government, which has previously opposed any intervention, to change its approach.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reaffirmed in March that parents of Danish nationals in the camp would not be candidates for repatriation, so the move announced Tuesday to repatriate three mothers marks a policy change.

According to Danish intelligence services, the mothers would face prosecution for “terrorism” upon their return to the Scandinavian kingdom.

According to the Danish police intelligence service, PET, at least 160 people from Denmark have gone to fight in Syria or Iraq.

Around a third of them have been killed in battle, 32 are still there and around a half have returned to Denmark or gone to live elsewhere.

The jihadist network is considered by PET to be the greatest threat to Denmark’s security.

Professional Brow –Shaping Tips

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Olasunbo Okoromi

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May 18, 2021

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No matter if yours are naturally wild or have been victims of over-plucking, perfectly shaped and groomed eyebrows are possible to achieve. So, if you’re struggling to keep your brows neat or can’t quite nail that perfect arch, it may be time to seek assistance. By learning the correct methods and techniques for shaping your eyebrows, you’ll be able to create the most flattering appearance for your face. So, before you go pulling out the tweezers and start attacking every little hair, take the time to brush up your skills and perfect your technique with this handy guide. From finding the perfect shape for your face to identifying the best tools for the job, we can show you how to shape eyebrows like a pro.

Eyebrow Shapes

Before you can even start thinking about removing unwanted eyebrow hairs, you need to decide upon the shape that you want your eyebrows to be. Having a clear vision of the final form of your brows before beginning will help you to create the best results. While everyone’s eyebrows are slightly different, most fall into one of six main categories. They can either be S-shaped, hard-angled, soft-angled, straight or rounded. In general, the most flattering shape for you will be the one that most closely resembles the natural contours of your brows. However, there are other factors to take into consideration, such as your face type.

Right eyebrow shape for Face type

While it’s always ideal to work with the natural shape of your eyebrows, to achieve the most flattering appearance, you also need to consider your face type. For example, if you have an oval face, most eyebrow shapes will suit you. However, it’s best to avoid those that are overly arched or overly straight. If you have a square face, try to balance your look by ensuring that your brows appear soft with a smooth arch. For those with a round face, making sure that your eyebrows aren’t too thin or too thick is essential. Also, ensure that the beginning and tail of your brows are in line with an arch in between for the best look. If your face is long, on the other hand, aim for slightly thick eyebrows that aren’t too long or arched.

How to Shape Thick Eyebrows

If you have naturally thick eyebrows, it can be both a blessing and a curse. Although it may take a bit of work to shape your brows and keep them looking neat, you will have a naturally full and thick appearance. If your brows are messy and have an undefined shape, start grooming them by marking out and removing hairs where your eyebrow begins. Then, tidy up the excess strands across the top of your brow, ensuring that your arch is in the correct place. Next, remove extra hairs under the arch. Repeat this process on the other eyebrow, working to make them even and matching. Finally, trim any strands that are longer than the rest to achieve a neatly groomed appearance.

How to Shape Thin Eyebrows

If you have naturally thin eyebrows or have over-plucked in the past, it can be tricky but not impossible to achieve beautiful and full looking brows. While it may be tempting just to leave your thin eyebrows ungroomed to make the most of every strand, this will only lead to a messy appearance. Instead, carefully groom and fill in your brows for a lovely look. To start, apply some eyebrow gel to lay your hairs flat and make shaping easier. Next, use tweezers to tidy up stray strands below your brow and carefully trim any long strands. If you need to tidy the top of your eyebrow, very carefully use an eyebrow razor to do so. Finally, fill in your brows using a pencil to make them appear thicker and fuller.

Eyebrow Waxing

When it comes to hair removal, waxing has long been a favored technique. The method, which pulls out multiple hairs at a time, can provide a clean, neatly defined shape and long-lasting results. It is especially ideal for anyone who has naturally thick brows and needs to remove numerous stray strands. However, when you’re working with such a small area, such as your eyebrows, it can be easy to make mistakes with wax. As such, you may want to practice with your at-home wax kit before actually attempting this method of hair removal. Alternatively, you can just leave it to the professionals and be confident that your brows are in experienced hands.

Eyebrow Threading

Although many ladies often feel intimidated by the thought of threading, it is a surprisingly simple way to remove unwanted hair from around your brows and other sensitive areas. Eyebrow threading, which uses small, twisted cotton threads to catch and pull out strands in a smooth, straight line, is more precise than waxing and usually less painful. It’s also faster than both waxing and plucking and costs less than at-home wax kits. However, if it is your first time threading your brows, be sure to take things slow. While the process is relatively simple, getting your hand movements right and targeting the right hairs can take time to master.

Eyebrow Plucking

While most of us have had experience with tweezers, we can still find it challenging to pluck our eyebrows into the perfect shape. After all, tweezing your brows into a beautifully curved arch is so much more difficult than just pulling out stray hairs. To master the skill of shaping your eyebrows with a pair of tweezers, you need to follow a process. First, you need to find your ideal shape and fill in your brows for a clear outline. Then, tweeze any hairs outside of your desired shape from the root to avoid breakage. But, be sure to go slowly and be careful not to over-pluck. As this method can be time-consuming and uncomfortable, it is ideal for ladies who only need to remove minimal hair and value an exact finish.

Best Eyebrow Shaping Kits

To get the best results when shaping your eyebrows, you need to have the right tools for the job. Firstly, a high-quality pair of slanted tweezers will be invaluable when you need to target small and stubborn strands. A spoolie or eyebrow comb will also help you groom your brows to precisely see what needs to be removed. Eyebrow scissors will allow you to trim any long strands while an eyebrow razor will quickly remove excess fuzz. For those who aren’t yet confident in their shaping abilities, eyebrow stencils can help ensure that you get things right. Don’t forget about makeup, either. Filling in your brows when shaping them will leave you with a beautiful and full appearance.

Plucking your own brows does not need to be a gamble. Equipped with the right tools and these expert tips, some basic maintenance is totally doable.

Attacks risk preparations for Nigeria’s 2023 vote: official

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Henry Williams

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May 18, 2021

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Attacks on Nigerian election offices are putting at risk early preparations for the country’s 2023 general election, the electoral body said.

Political jostling has already begun in President Muhammadu Buhari’s ruling All Progressives Congress party (APC) and the main opposition Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to see who may replace him after two terms at the helm of the West African state.

At least four local offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been attacked by unknown assailants in the last month, with some electoral material, buildings and vehicles burnt or damaged.

“For us, we don’t know the motives, and it is a huge setback (for) our preparation for some of the off-season elections we have and the 2023 elections,” INEC commissioner on voter education, Festus Okoye, told local television late on Monday.

The INEC announced in April the 2023 general election was scheduled for Saturday, February 18 and it will lay out the full election plan before the end of the year.

Okoye told AFP a local INEC office in southern Akwa Ibom state was attacked at the start of May as well as an office in Ohafia in southeast Abia State and an office in southeast Enugu State.

On Sunday, the INEC headquarters in Enugu was also attacked.

No group has claimed responsibility, but Nigeria’s southeast has seen a surge in attacks on police and prisons that authorities have blamed on separatists who want more independence for the indigenous Igbo people in the region.

The separatist Indigenous People of Biafra or IPOB movement has denied involvement on several occassions.

Buhari, first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2019, has come under pressure over his government’s response to the country’s growing insecurity.

Nigeria’s armed forces are battling a more than decade-long Islamist insurgency in the northeast, a surge in bandit attacks and mass kidnapping in the northeast and the spate of violence against police in the south.

Beauty Pageant For Married Women Holds In Lagos

By

Koko Lawrence

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May 18, 2021

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A beauty queen from Edo State, Terere Obaigbo, has emerged the winner of the 2021 Mrs Nigeria Beauty Pageant. She beat 19 other contestants to win the crown.

Mrs Nigeria, a non-bikini beauty pageant for married women between the ages of 23-45 years, debuted in Lagos in 2017, with Faith Ogaga, a mother-of-two emerging winner.

She represented Nigeria at the Mrs Universe pageant in South Africa in 2017. Despite losing out on the grand prize, Mrs Ogaga was awarded the Mrs Sympathy title.

The 5th edition of the pageantry held on Sunday night at Oriental hotel, Lagos. The event had 20 finalists representing 19 states across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.

Mrs Obiagbo, the winner of the 2021 edition, is a professional marketer, who has been married for three years. She was also the winner of Mrs Edo 2020 and will represent Nigeria in the 2021 Mrs Universe Contest which will be held later this year in Sri Lanka.

The runners up for the 2021 Mrs Nigeria Pageantry are Gloria Gershemwa, Makuochukwu Tony-Nweze, and Evelyn Chukwujekwu, first, second and third runners up respectively.

London Theatres Reopen To Live Audiences

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faith Jegede

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May 18, 2021

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About a third of London theatres will reopen this week namely smaller productions with lesser running costs while opening of bigger productions are scheduled for June 21, just in time for the summer.

After standing empty for months, indoor entertainment venues in England can now welcome back live audiences, though at 50% capacity and with safety measures in place.

It has been more than a year since Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap and the West End theatres last welcomed audiences.

In New York, Broadway shows are scheduled to return from mid-September.

Alleged Rape: Baba Ijesha Granted Bail For Health Reasons- Lawyer

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Koko Lawrence

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May 18, 2021

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Embattled Yoruba actor, Olanrewaju James, popularly known as Baba Ijesha who is enmeshed in a rape allegation has been granted bail on health grounds.

His lawyer, Adesina Ogunlana, revealed this on Monday evening via a live broadcast on his Facebook page.

He said Baba Ijesha was granted bail by Chief Magistrate Oluwatoyin Oghre around 5 p.m. on Monday but his team is yet to perfect the bail conditions.

Mr Ogunlana, a former chair of the Nigerian Bar Association, Ikeja branch, had raised an alarm on Baba Ijesha’s deteriorating health in a letter addressed to the Lagos Commissioner of Police seeking the actor’s bail on Friday.

He also revealed that “the actor was traumatised and walks with difficulties in police detention”.

Baba Ijesha is under investigation by the Lagos State police command for allegedly raping a 14-year-old-girl in the home of comedienne Adekola Adekanya, popularly called Princess, since April 22.

The comic actor has been detained for over three weeks without arraignment due to the ongoing strike by the Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN).

NAFDAC approves J&J COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use amidst safety concerns

By

Cleopatra Okohai

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May 18, 2021

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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control says it has granted conditional emergency use authorisation for Johnson and Johnson Janssen vaccine to ‘prevent” COVID-19.

The agency disclosed this in a statement released by its Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye on Tuesday.

Adeyeye said that after thorough evaluation, the NAFDAC Vaccine Committee concluded that the data on the vaccine were robust and met criteria for efficacy, safety and quality.

She added that the data also showed that the vaccine’s known and potential benefits outweighed its known and potential risks, thereby supporting the manufacturer’s recommended use.

She noted that “Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is the third vaccine recommended in Nigeria, noting that the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is administered as a single dose.

“Results from a clinical trial involving people in the United States, South Africa and Latin American countries found that Janssen COVID-19 vaccine is effective for 18 years of age and above.

“The Phase III clinical trial involved over 44,000 people. Half received a single dose of the vaccine and half were given placebo (a dummy injection).”

Adeyeye said the trial found a 67 percent reduction in the number of symptomatic COVID-19 cases after two weeks in people who received the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine.

The director-general further said that the most commonly reported side effects were pain at the injection site, headache, fatigue, muscle aches and nausea.

She added that the side effects were mild to moderate in severity and lasted one to two days.

She explained that the vaccine safety was in line with NAFDAC’s Pharmacovigilance and Safety Monitoring Plan for COVID-19 vaccines.

The NAFDAC boss said that the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine would be closely monitored and subjected to several activities that applied specifically to COVID-19 vaccines.

She said the manufacturers had been required to provide monthly safety reports in addition to the regular updates generated by NAFDAC activities.

According to her, the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine works by preparing the body to defend itself against COVID-19.

“Unopened vaccine vials can be stored and/or transported frozen at -25°C to – 15°C for up to 24 months and three months when stored at 2 to 8°C.

“The Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency will announce when the vaccine becomes available for use in Nigeria,” Adeyeye said.

Downside of Melatonin supplements and Alternative for Sleep

By

Olasunbo Okoromi

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May 18, 2021

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Woman Sleeping — Woman asleep on her bed with a pillow

We all could use more quality sleep. Using Melatonin supplements is one option that many turn to get an adequate night’s rest, but according to medical experts this may not be a good idea and here why.

Melatonin is a natural sleep hormone produced in the body but some people who have trouble sleeping have low levels of melatonin. It is thought that adding melatonin from supplements might help them sleep and that might have some downsides.

Melatonin’s main job in the body is to regulate night and day cycles or sleep-wake cycles. Darkness causes the body to produce more melatonin, which signals the body to prepare for sleep. Light decreases melatonin production and signals the body to prepare for being awake.

Side Effects

Melatonin is likely safe for most adults when taken by mouth for a short-term. Melatonin has been used safely for up to 2 years in some people. However, it can cause some side effects including headache, short-term feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps, and irritability. Medical experts have warned not drive or use machinery for four to five hours after taking melatonin.

Melatonin is unsafe for women when taken by mouth or injected into the body frequently or in high doses when trying to become pregnant. Melatonin might have effects similar to birth control. This might make it more difficult to become pregnant. There’s not enough reliable information to know if melatonin is safe in lower doses when trying to get pregnant. Some evidence suggests that low doses (2-3 mg daily) might be safe, but additional research is needed to confirm. Not enough is known about the safety of melatonin when used during pregnancy. Until more is known, it’s best not to use melatonin while pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

In the case of Breastfeeding Not enough is known about the safety of using melatonin so it is best not to use it.
Melatonin might make bleeding worse in people with bleeding disorders.
Melatonin can make symptoms of depression worse.
Melatonin can raise blood pressure in people who are taking certain medications to control blood pressure. Avoid using it.
Using melatonin might increase the risk of having a seizure.
Melatonin can increase immune function and might interfere with immunosuppressive therapy used by people receiving transplants.

If you are looking for melatonin alternatives, you will be glad to know that there are quite a few. These non-risk alternatives may be just what you need to help you get that much-needed rest and sleep. Here is a look at some of the best melatonin alternatives:

Sleep Masks

If you want to get good natural sleep, sleep masks are one of the simplest yet most effective solutions out there. A quality sleep mask, both glamorous and comfortable, should be made of a soft and natural material that covers your eyes so that light gets cut out to the greatest extent. This then allows the darkness work its magic to boost the production of melatonin. What is great about sleep masks is that they also cut off any visual distraction that could potentially keep you from falling asleep. Combine a sleep mask with earplugs to block out the noise, and you have the perfect sleep aid that stimulates your natural melatonin levels, so you get sound sleep.

Sleep-Aiding Herbal Teas

For centuries, herbal teas have been used to treat a wide range of ailments and diseases, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. If you are looking for a delicious and healthy way to relax before bedtime and prepare your body for rest, herbal teas are an excellent alternative to melatonin supplements. You will find many special blends with chamomile, lavender, and valerian which are excellent natural sleep aids. There is nothing quite as calming and relaxing as sitting down quietly with a cup of herbal tea before heading to bed.

Valerian root

Valerian is an herb native to Asia and Europe. Its root is commonly used as a natural treatment for symptoms of anxiety, depression, and menopause. Valerian root is also one of the most commonly used sleep-promoting herbal supplements in the United States and Europe.

However, study results remain inconsistent. Menopausal and postmenopausal women have seen their sleep quality and sleep disorder symptoms improve after taking valerian, according to randomized controlled trials.

Lavender

The lavender plant can be found on almost all continents. It produces purple flowers that, when dried, have a variety of household uses.

Moreover, lavender’s soothing fragrance is believed to enhance sleep.

In fact, several studies show that simply smelling lavender oil shortly before sleep may be enough to improve sleep quality. This effect appears particularly strong in those with mild insomnia, especially females and young individuals.

A small study in older people with dementia also reports that lavender aromatherapy is effective at improving sleep disturbance symptoms.

It’s also worth noting that only a limited amount of studies could be found on the effects of lavender supplements on sleep. Thus, more research is needed before strong conclusions can be made.

Keep in mind that high-quality sleep is just as important for overall health as eating well and exercising regularly.

Nevertheless, many people have trouble falling asleep, wake up frequently, or fail to wake up feeling rested. This makes it challenging to maintain optimal health and well-being.

Before taking any medications, try incorporating good sleep practices into your routine, such as keeping electronics out of the bedroom and limiting caffeine intake before bedtime.

The supplements above are one way to increase the likelihood of achieving restful sleep. That said, they’re probably most effective when used in combination with good sleep practices and habits.