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World Bank finally approves $1.5bn loan for Nigeria

By
Chris Ottah
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The World Bank has approved Nigeria’s request for a $1.5 billion loan.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Bretton Wood institution said the facility is a five-year country partnership framework (CPF) that will last from 2021 to 2024.

The bank said the facility was prepared jointly with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA).

“This country partnership framework will guide our engagement for the next five years in supporting the government of Nigeria’s strategic priorities by taking a phased and adaptive approach,” Shubham Chaudhuri, World Bank country director for Nigeria said.

“To realize its long-term potential, the country has to make tangible progress on key challenges and pursue some bold reforms. Our engagement will focus on supporting Nigeria’s efforts to reduce poverty and promote sustained private sector-led growth.”

The loan will focus on four areas of engagement namely Investing in human capital, promoting jobs and economic transformation and diversification, enhancing resilience and strengthening the foundations of the public sector.

The bank’s board of directors also approved $1.5 billion for two projects in Nigeria.

The projects are Nigeria COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus – Program for Results (Nigeria CARES) and The State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program for Results (SFTAS) Additional Financing.

Both projects will get a $750 million facility through the International Development Association (IDA).

The $1.5 billion loan had initially been delayed with Chaudhuri saying Nigeria needs to carry out more currency reform to access the loan.

An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away — Fact or Fiction

By
Olasunbo Okoromi
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You likely know the familiar expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.”

While the phrase was first coined in 1913, it was based on a Pembrokeshire proverb that originated in 1866.

In fact, Notes and Queries magazine was the first to publish the original quote: “Eat an apple on going to bed, and you’ll keep the doctor from earning his bread.”

Although research shows that eating more apples may not actually be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, adding apples to your diet can help improve several aspects of your health.

Health benefits

Apples have been associated with a number of benefits that could help promote long-term health.

Highly nutritious

Apples are loaded with important nutrients, including fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

One medium apple provides the following nutrients

  • Calories: 95
  • Carbs: 25 grams
  • Fiber: 4.5 grams
  • Vitamin C: 9% of the Daily Value (DV)
  • Copper: 5% of the DV
  • Potassium: 4% of the DV
  • Vitamin K: 3% of the DV

In particular, vitamin C acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful compounds known as free radicals and protects against disease.

Apples are also a great source of antioxidants like quercetin, caffeic acid, and epicatechin.

Supports heart health

Studies show that eating more apples could be associated with a lower risk of several chronic conditions, including heart disease

In fact, one study in over 20,000 adults found that consuming higher amounts of white-fleshed fruits and vegetables, including apples, was linked to a lower risk of stroke.

This may be due to the presence of flavonoids found in apples, which are compounds that have been shown to reduce inflammation and protect heart health.

Apples are also loaded with soluble fiber, which may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol levels, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Contains cancer-fighting compounds

Apples contain several compounds that may help prevent cancer formation, including antioxidants and flavonoids

According to one review of 41 studies, consuming a higher amount of apples was associated with a decreased risk of developing lung cancer.

Another study observed similar findings, reporting that eating more apples was tied to a lower risk of colorectal cancer.

Other research suggests that a diet rich in fruits and vegetable could protect against cancer of the stomach, colon, lungs, oral cavity, and esophagus

However, more research is needed to evaluate the potential anticancer effects of apples and determine whether other factors may be involved.

Other health benefits

Apples have also been linked to several other health benefits that could help keep the doctor away:

  • Support weight loss. Due to their fiber content, apples have been shown to promote feelings of fullness, decrease calorie intake, and increase weight loss.
  • Improve bone health. Human, animal, and test-tube studies have found that eating a higher amount of fruit could be associated with increased bone mineral density and a lower risk of osteoporosis.
  • Promote brain function. Animal studies suggest that eating apples could help reduce oxidative stress, prevent mental decline, and slow signs of aging.
  • Protect against asthma. Studies show that an increased intake of apples may be linked to a lower risk of asthma.
  • Reduce the risk of diabetes. According to one large review, eating one apple per day was tied to a 28% lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes, compared with not eating any apples at all.

Potential downsides

Eating an apple every day is unlikely to harm your health.

However, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing, and eating multiple apples each day may cause several adverse side effects.

In particular, rapidly increasing your intake of fiber over a short period of time can cause symptoms like gas, bloating, and stomach pain.

Like other fruits, apples also contain a good chunk of carbs in each serving.

While this is not a problem for most people, those following a low carb or ketogenic diet may need to moderate their intake.

Other healthy options

Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, apples are an excellent addition to the diet and may offer several health benefits.

However, many fruits and vegetables offer a similar set of nutrients and can be equally beneficial for health.

Plus, incorporating a variety of other fruits and vegetables into your routine can add more flavor and nutritional value to your diet.

Here are a few other fruits and vegetables that you can swap in for apples from time to time:

  • bananas
  • blueberries
  • broccoli
  • carrots
  • cauliflower
  • grapefruit
  • kale
  • mango
  • peaches
  • pears
  • pineapples
  • raspberries
  • spinach
  • strawberries
  • tomatoes

Although eating more apples may not literally be associated with fewer visits to the doctor, apples are rich in nutrients and offer several benefits for disease prevention and long-term health.

In addition to apples, many other fruits and vegetables provide a similar set of nutrients and health benefits.

For best results, enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables as part of a nutritious, well-rounded diet.

Kankara: Boko Haram Finally gives reason for abduction of schoolboys

By
Emenike Agu
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Boko Haram has reportedly claimed responsibility for the kidnap of students from Government Science school, Kankara, Katsina State, Eye9ja has reports.

The terror group’s leader, Mr Abubakar Shekau, made this known in a 4:28 long recording released in the wee hours of Tuesday and obtained by HumAngle.

He further explained that the boys were kidnapped to promote Islam and discourage western education.

“What happened in Katsina was done to promote Islam and discourage un-Islamic practices as Western education is not the type of education permitted by Allah and his Holy Prophet,” Shekau said.

According to him, “The school is not teaching what Allah and his Holy Prophet commanded. They are rather destroying Islam.”

The Boko Haram leader noted that though their actions may be subtle, “Allah the Lord of the skies and earth knows whatever is hidden. May Allah promote Islam. May we die as Muslims.”

“In a nutshell, we are behind what happened in Katsina,” Shekau added.

Meanwhile, the federal government has assured that the students would be rescued soon

Hoodlums Attack Arewa House As Coalition Of Northern Group Criticises Buhari Over Insecurity

By
Emenike Agu
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Hoodlums have invaded the meeting of the Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) while discussing insecurity in the north at the Arewa House, Eye9ja has learnt.

Spokesman of the Coalition of Northern Groups, Abdulaziz Suleiman, in a statement, explained that even security guards had to run for their lives.

In his words, “We regret to announce that armed thugs numbering hundreds were unleashed on the Arewa House venue of the security summit hosted by the Coalition of Northern Groups on Monday, December 14.”

“The Summit aimed to discuss ways to achieve synergy between communities and government security and design a uniform approach to the current security situation in the North.”

“Participants at the meeting included retired military officers, Retired Police officers, religious leaders, traditional rulers, various women, youth and trade associations.”

The CNG said just as the meeting was kicking off, “sponsored armed thugs stormed the auditorium after subduing the civil guards at the gate.

“The overturned tables shattered glasses, attacked the guests and officials, wounding several people and smashing vehicles parked in the premises.”

“It is disturbing that a battalion of armed thugs can stroll free across the streets of central Kaduna wielding dangerous weapons without the intervention of the security.

“It is quite obvious now that some powerful forces are benefiting from the current security situation and would do everything for it to continue.

“We are now all the more committed to ensuring the safety and security of the North and its people.”

US: Electoral College Finally Declares Winner Of Election, Trump Sacks Attorney-General

By
Emenike Agu
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Joe Biden of the Democratic party was confirmed as the next US president on Monday by the Electoral College.

The Electoral College formalized his victory over Republican Donald Trump, killing every hope of the Republicans overturning the election results.

Biden, who scored over 270 electoral college votes, will take over the White House on January 20.

However, President Trump has sacked Attorney General Bill Barr after he contradicted his (Trump) claims that the presidential election was marred by fraud.

He announced on Twitter, “Our relationship has been a very good one. Bill will be leaving just before Christmas to spend the holidays with his family.

Despite the announcement by the Electoral College, President Trump has yet to concede.

Reacting to the development, Biden said, “Democracy prevailed. We the people voted…. The integrity of our elections remains intact.

“Now it is time to turn the page, to unite, to heal. I will be a president for all Americans.”

Boko Haram Takes Responsibility For School Boys Abduction In Katsina

By
faith Jegede
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Following the kidnap of hundreds of schoolboys in Kankara Katsina state, Abubakar Shekau, the leader of the notorious Boko Haram sect, has said in a video released on Tuesday, that his group was responsible for the attack.
Shekau said the school was teaching its students things that could “destroy Islam”.


Abdul Labaran, a spokesperson for the Katsina government, said that gunmen had previously contacted a parent to prepare to pay a ransom and tell the military to desist from air surveillance of their hiding place or else”.
However, in the video released by Shekau, the terrorist leader said,
“What happened in Katsina was done to promote Islam and discourage un-Islamic practices as Western education is not the type of education permitted by Allah and his Holy Prophet,” he said in the four-minute-long video.
“They are also not teaching what Allah and his Holy Prophet commanded. They are rather destroying Islam. It may be subtle, but Allah the Lord of the skies and earths knows whatever is hidden. May Allah promote Islam. May we die as Muslims.”

More than 100 gunmen on motorcycles stormed the rural school north of Kankara town, forcing students to flee and hide in the surrounding bush.


The military had said an operation to rescue the student was in progress and although there have been series of attacks, in the region, the abduction of the students will be the first claimed by Boko Haram.

A number of boys were able to escape, but many were captured, split into groups and taken away, residents told AFP.

#BringBackOurBoys has been trending on social media since the weekend – a reference to a similar hashtag used after the girls’ 2014 abduction.

15-Year-Old Hong Kong Democracy Activist Becomes Youngest To Seek Asylum In UK

By
Zoe Maven
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A 15-year-old protester from Hong Kong has fled to Britain and applied for political asylum, becoming the youngest Hong Kong protester to go into exile so far.

The paper said the girl, who goes by the pseudonym Aurora, was arrested during the protests in Hong Kong last year, but that she avoided being charged with unlawful assembly because she was a minor.

She told Apple Daily that on her arrival in London, she was immediately taken in by customs officers and applied for asylum.

A Home Office spokesperson said it did not normally comment on individual cases, adding, “All claims are considered sensitively, appropriately and on their individual merits.”

The teenager said she decided to leave Hong Kong because she felt unsafe after being followed by unknown men.

Other activists and protesters have reported being tailed by men that they suspect could be undercover police or national security agents.

Ex-lawmaker Sixtus Baggio Leung Chung-hang said last week that he decided to leave Hong Kong and apply for asylum in the United States after being followed because other activists have been detained after days of surveillance.

The London-based Friends of Hong Kong group, which lobbies British political parties on Hong Kong issues, said they were assisting Aurora.

Nigerian Troops Surround Area Believed To Be Holding 300 Abducted Schoolboys

By
Zoe Maven
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Gunmen who abducted around 300 schoolchildren from a secondary school in Nigeria’s northwest region last week have been “surrounded” by government troops, according to the presidency.

Senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari, Garba Shehu said on Sunday that “only ten children were remaining in the hands of the gunmen.”

His report contradicts claims by Katsina State Governor, Bello Masari, who said that 333 children were still missing on Sunday and this may increase as parents continue to look for their children.

Unknown assailants on motorbikes stormed an all-boys school in the city of Kankara in Nigeria’s northwest Katsina State on Friday evening.

The kidnappers fled into a nearby forest that stretches across six nearby states after exchanging fire with security forces, eyewitnesses said.

It is not yet known who is responsible for the attack, However, analysts say there is a possibility that Boko Haram is to blame.

Bulama Bukarti, from the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change says Abubakar Shekau, the leader of Boko Haram, has been trying to establish operations in the region west of Katsina State.

Several hundred fighters in Zamfara State recently claimed to be operating a Boko Haram cell that is loyal to Mr Shekau.

Turkish President Erdogan Condemns U.S. Sanctions, Threatens Response

By
Zoe Maven
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Turkey on Monday condemned U.S. sanctions over its purchase of Russian S-400 missile defences and threatened to retaliate over a move it said would harm ties between the NATO allies.

Washington imposed the long-anticipated sanctions on Turkey’s top defence procurement and development body, its chairman and three other employees.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry called the decision “inexplicable” given that Washington repeatedly rejected Ankara’s offer to form a joint working group to allay U.S. concerns that the S-400s threatened NATO defences.

Analysts said the targeted move would mostly spare the broader Turkish economy.

The United States says Turkey’s determination to use the S-400s, acquired from Moscow in 2019, left it with no choice given F-35 jets and other shared defences would be vulnerable to NATO foe Russia.

Turkey has said the ground-to-air missiles would not be plugged into NATO systems and pose no threat.

The strained ties between Washington and Ankara have weighed on Turkey’s lira, which hit a series of record lows this year.

Ivory Coast’s Allassane Ouattara Sworn In For 3rd Term

By
Zoe Maven
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Ivorian President Allassane Ouattara has been sworn in for a third term in office in a ceremony that was attended by 13 African counterparts as well as former French president Nicolas Sarkozy.

Taking his oath of office Ouattara swore to respect and faithfully defend the Constitution, to embody national unity, to ensure the continuity of the State and defend its territorial integrity.

The 78 year old won a disputed third term at the ballot box on October 31 but The opposition says he breached the constitution by seeking a third term and has mounted a campaign of “civil disobedience” aimed at pushing him out.

Ouattara and his supporters had argued that a 2016 revision of the constitution reset his term counter to zero.

When Ouattara won with more than 94 percent of the vote, the opposition cried foul and announced a “transitional government”.

Several opposition leaders were arrested, with legal proceedings over “sedition” launched against them.

According to Pre- and post-election violence is reported according to an official toll to have claimed at least 85 lives since August.

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