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Coppa Italia: Lookman targets first major silverware as Atalanta, Juventus clash in final

Efiok Ephraim
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Coppa Italia: Lookman targets first major silverware as Atalanta, Juventus clash in final
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Ademola Lookman will be out to win his first major silverware at club level when Atalanta file out against Juventus in the final of the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday (today).

It is also the first time he will be playing in the final of a competition at club level.

Lookman has made two appearances in the competition this season, with one goal and one assist to his name.

The Nigeria international has registered 12 goals and eight assists in 41 appearances across all competitions for his club.

Gian Piero Gasperini’s side have won the Coppa Italia only once in the past, during the 1962/63 season.

La Dea have however also been runners-up on four occasions.

Atalanta are also in the final of the UEFA Europa League and will relish the chance to win a double.

EPL: Piers Morgan names team that will help Arsenal win title

Efiok Ephraim
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EPL: Piers Morgan names team that will help Arsenal win title
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British broadcaster, Piers Morgan, has said West Ham will beat Manchester City to help Arsenal win the Premier League title.

Morgan wrote this on X, after City won 2-0 at Tottenham Hotspur.

Erling Haaland scored a brace as the champions went two points clear of Arsenal, with only one round of fixtures left.

On the last day of the season, City welcome West Ham, while the Gunners host Everton.

Morgan tweeted: “West Ham will beat City on Sunday… as a thank you to Declan [Rice].”

Rice left the Hammers to join Arsenal in a £105million deal last summer.

Jr Pope: Anambra Assembly orders compulsory use of life jackets on waterways

Efiok Ephraim
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Jr Pope: Anambra Assembly orders compulsory use of life jackets on waterways
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The Anambra House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a motion making compulsory the use of life jackets on waterways in the state.

This followed a motion moved at plenary, on Tuesday, under Matters of Urgent Public Importance by Mr Ikenna Ofodeme, member representing Ekwusigo constituency and Majority Leader.

Ofodeme, while making his submission, said that many lives had been lost as a result of accidents on waterways due to passengers and operators of boats not using life jackets.

He said that the absence of regulations compelling use of life jackets posed a significant risk to the lives of passengers and operators of transportation on waterways

“Section 14 (2) (b) of the 1999 Constitution stipulates that the protection of life and property remain the primary purpose of government.

“The safety of citizens utilising water transportation is of paramount importance too.

“Therefore, adequate provisions and distribution of certified life jackets be made to all maritime businesses with strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure proper usage by passengers and operators alike.

“There should also be public awareness to educate citizens on the importance of wearing life jackets during water transportation and the potential consequences of non-compliance,” he said.

Supporting the motion, Mr Golden Iloh, representing Ihiala Constituency II, said that such regulations would prevent accidents, minimising casualties, and fostering a culture of responsible water travel.

Also contributing to the debate, Mr Noble Igwe, representing Ogbaru Constituency l, said the motion was apt to save lives of residents and maritime business operators alike.

The Speaker of the House, Dr Somtochukwu Udeze, said the safety of lives and property of the citizenry was paramount to the government.

“The state Assembly calls on the state Governor to direct the Commissioner for Transportation and other relevant agencies to compel the compulsory use of life jackets on all waterways in the state to ensure safety of lives,” he said.

DAILY POST reports that the development is coming barely one month after about five persons including renowned Nollywood actor, Paul Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope; Abigail Frederick; Precious Oforum; and Joseph Anointing lost their lives in Anam River, Anambra State.

Dr Stanley hosts Harry, Meghan in The Delborough Lagos (HIGHLIGHTS)

Efiok Ephraim
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Dr Stanley hosts Harry, Meghan in The Delborough Lagos (HIGHLIGHTS)
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Wrapping up 3-day private visit to Nigeria on Sunday, ‘The Delborough Lagos’ CEO, Dr. Uzochukwu Stanley and others, according to CNN, “great and good Nigerians” warmly welcomed and received Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

One of the most interesting highlights of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s first visit to Nigeria in Africa was the recognition and crowning of Meghan as African Princess.

Dr. Stanley was playing host at the prestigious Delborough Hotel in Lagos – ‘where the great and good of Nigerian society had gathered to welcome the couple’ – where Meghan was honoured with royal titles by powerful traditional rulers from Eastern and Western Nigeria.

The Obi of Onitsha, His Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Ugochukwu Achebe conferred on the Duchess chieftaincy title, “Ada Mazi,” which means “the daughter of the Igbo ancestral palace.”

While, the Oluwo of Iwoland, western, Nigeria, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi bestowed on her the Yoruba name of “Adetokunbo” which means “royalty from across the seas.”

Harry and Meghan were ushered into the Delborough with exciting cultural dance displays by different dancing troops to the admiration of the Duke and Duchess.

Responding, the Princess described Nigeria as “my country,” noting that “being African American, part of it is not knowing so much about your lineage or background, where you come from specifically. And it was exciting … to discover more and understand what that really means.

“Thank you for welcoming me home.”

Recall that the couple had been invited to the West African nation by the country’s Chief of Defense Staff, Christopher Musa.

Tinubu suspends 0.5% cybersecurity levy

Efiok Ephraim
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Tinubu suspends 0.5% cybersecurity levy
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President Bola Tinubu has ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to suspend the implementation of the 0.5 per cent cybersecurity levy.

This was revealed on Tuesday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.

Idris disclosed this while speaking to State House correspondents.

According to him, President Tinubu ordered the suspension following deliberations by members of the Federal Executive Council, FEC.

Telcos services: Nigeria unveils plan for additional 90,000km fibre

Efiok Ephraim
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Telcos services: Nigeria unveils plan for additional 90,000km fibre
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The Nigerian Federal Government said it is launching a Special Purpose Vehicle, SPV, to deliver an additional 90,000 kilometres of fibre optic cable to complement existing connectivity and provide universal access to the internet across Nigeria.

Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy Tijani Bosun said the Federal Executive Council, FEC, approved the project during its meeting on Tuesday.

The minister noted that FEC also approved the establishment of the Nigeria Startup House in San Francisco.

He said the two projects should grab the attention of local tech ecosystem players and investors as key indicators of the government’s commitment to addressing the country’s connectivity and startup funding objectives.

He averred that the project, upon delivery, will become Africa’s 3rd longest terrestrial fibre optic backbone, after Egypt and South Africa.

According to him: “This extensive coverage will enable us to optimise the unique benefit of having eight submarine cables already landed in Nigeria and therefore drive uptake of the data capacity that the cables offer beyond the current usage level of 10 per cent.

“Building on our existing work with the Broadband Alliance, this increased connectivity will help plug the current non-consumption gap by connecting over 200,000 educational, healthcare, and social institutions across Nigeria, ensuring that a larger section of our society can enjoy the benefits of internet connectivity.”

‘I was the highest beneficiary of incorruptible judiciary’ – Peter Obi

Efiok Ephraim
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‘I was the highest beneficiary of incorruptible judiciary’ – Peter Obi
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The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, said he was the highest beneficiary of the judiciary in the country when there were incorruptible judges.

Obi stated this during Justice Anthony Aniagolu’s Memorial Lecture, organised by the family and hosted by Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, on Tuesday.

Delivering a lecture on the topic “The Judiciary and the Future of Nigeria,” Obi said he won the election in Anambra State while another candidate was declared the winner and he approached the court for justice.

“I spent three years in court and it was given to me, and after a few months, I was impeached but the judiciary restored me to power. After one year in office, they conducted another election and elected another person.

“But I went to the Supreme Court, where judges, with respect for the rule of law, reinstated me to complete my tenure.

“All these things happened because there were incorruptible and independent judges,” he said.

The former Anambra governor, who noted that such jurists were hard to find in present-day Nigeria, said: “Our judiciary is weak and compromised by the executive and highest bidder.”

According to him: “The future of our society is compromised because the independence of the judiciary has been destroyed.

“We need a strong judiciary to fight criminality. The rule of law is the foundation on which any society survives and develops and the only thing that makes it sacrosanct is the independence of the judiciary. And it is a strong judiciary that makes businesses, investments and democracy thrive.”

He pointed out that the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, was not the problem of Nigeria but the judiciary, whom those denied their rights approached but ended up being disappointed.

FEC okays N96.3bn for construction of bus terminals, other FCT projects

Efiok Ephraim
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FEC okays N96.3bn for construction of bus terminals, other FCT projects
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The Federal Executive Council, presided over by President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday approved a total sum of N96, 297, 056, 103 for the construction of bus terminals and other transportation facilities in the nation’s capital.

The amount also covers the award of a contract to Maessr Planet Project Limited for the construction of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division, contract for the provision of security operation and maintenance of the backup generator for the street lights along the Presidential routes and Villa Gate 8 in the Federal Capital City, as well as the upgrade of roads in Kwali Area Council.

The FCT Minister of State, Mrs Mariya Mahmood, explained that all the due process for the procurement procedure has already been followed and the certificate of no-objection has been obtained for the contracts.

She said: “The first approval is for the award of a contract for the development of bus terminals and other transportation facilities in the Federal Capital Territory. The second is approval for the award of a contract for the construction of the Court of Appeal Abuja Division. And number three is approval for the award of contracts for the provision of security operations and maintenance of the backup generator for the streetlights along presidential routes and Villa Gate 8. Lastly, the fourth one is for the upgrading of Koita-Igbu Road in Kwali Area Council. All the necessary due process for the procurement procedure has been followed. And a certificate of no objection has been obtained for all the awarded approved contracts.”

Breaking down the figures, the minister said: ” I do have costs and contractors. The first one was awarded at a cost of N51,025,172,424.90. It was awarded in favour of Messers Planet Project Limited.

“The second one is in favour of Visible Construction Limited at the cost of N37,259,513,881.14 and the upgrading of Kwali-Ibu, at N7.6 billion, is in favour of El Emad Nigeria Limited. For the generator and also the security, there are two things attached to that memo.

“The security operation and maintenance of the backup generator, at the cost of N412,352,800 million, was awarded to Messiah Contract People Limited.”

Also, the Federal Executive Council approved the plan to leverage the available long-term N20 trillion pension and other funds in the country to drive economic growth in the country by investing in infrastructure, housing power, rails, roads and technology.

Bauchi governor signs farmers-herders bill, five others into law

Efiok Ephraim
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Bauchi governor signs farmers-herders bill, five others into law
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Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has approved the establishment of the Farmers-Herders Board.

The governor also signed five other bills into law.

During the signing ceremony attended by members of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Governor Mohammed stressed the importance of the Farmer-Herdsman Board in preventing conflicts and enhancing security by emulating successful models from states like Jigawa.

Mohammed also signed the Access to Basic Education bill into law, which is expected to increase school enrollment.

He equally signed into law the bill to repeal the Sa’adu Zungur University Law 2022 and reenacted the Bauchi State Establishment Law 2010, as well as the law to repeal the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency Law 2012.

Other laws signed include the Rural Access Road Authority 2024 and the law to establish the Border Communities Development Agency.

According to the governor, the new laws aim to address issues such as school enrollment with the Access to Basic Education Bill, rural infrastructure with the Rural Access Road Authority 2024, and development in border communities with the establishment of the Border Communities Development Agency.

Tinubu okays fresh investment in housing sector

Efiok Ephraim
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Tinubu okays fresh investment in housing sector
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The Federal Executive Council presided over by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, approved an initiative aimed at transforming the nation’s infrastructure and housing sector.

The initiative, as approved by the council, is tailored to meet the urgent demand for critical infrastructure and affordable homeownership and is designed to foster job creation, inclusive growth, and long-term productivity enhancement.

The council gave its nod to the initiative at its meeting at the State House in Abuja on Tuesday.

The initiative will unlock private-sector funds, which Nigerians can access for 25-year mortgages at low interest rates to realise their dream of owning a home.

At a press conference after the meeting, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, explained the importance of innovative collaborations between the private sector and sovereign-owned enterprises (SOEs) like the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MoFI).

He said such partnerships are envisioned to strategically channel funding to high-impact areas, ensuring impactful economic outcomes for the people.

“This alliance signifies a significant step towards driving sustainable development and economic growth in Nigeria by leveraging private-sector resources and expertise in strategic areas of need,” the minister said.

Ikpeazu left N3.49bn credit balance – Former Abia commissioner counters Gov Otti

Efiok Ephraim
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Ikpeazu left N3.49bn credit balance – Former Abia commissioner counters Gov Otti
2 mn read

A former Commissioner for Information in Abia State, Chief John Okiyi-Kalu, has said the immediate past governor of the state, Okezie Ikpeazu, left a net credit balance of N3.48 billion for the present administration led by Governor Alex Otti.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Okiyi-Kalu said the revelation was contained in the Abia Forensic Audit report done by Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler, KPMG, a multinational professional services network that provides audit, advisory, tax and legal services.

The former commissioner clarified while reacting to allegations made by the incumbent governor against Ikpeazu.

DAILY POST recalls that Governor Otti claimed on April 6, 2024, that he inherited N192.2bn debt from his immediate predecessor, Okezie.

During an interaction with journalists, the governor stated that some of the debts have been paid off with high interest rates, adding: “It is tough, but we have to do it. We manage our expenses well and are able to live.”

Reacting, Okiyi-Kalu stated that contrary to allegations against Ikpeazu by the current government, the former governor left more for Otti, stressing that “cash in the bank is different from other near-cash assets, such as a 3.5 per cent share in Aba Independent Power Project, IPP Geometric, which is now valued at N80 billion, among others.”

He said the net credit balance of N3.48 billion was enough to pay two months of salaries for Abia State workers.

Part of the statement reads: “So far, Otti’s government has spent N9 billion on a subhead called ‘research and development.’ What is he researching and developing in Abia State? Check the quarterly financial reports published by his administration, if in doubt.

“Based on antecedent, never trust anything said by Governor Otti. He lies and misrepresents facts too frequently to be taken seriously.

“Did you notice that after I responded to his allegation of missing N10b with details of road contractors paid from the money, he said, “The money was moved into 32 different accounts” instead of the money being paid into 32 road contractors’ accounts?”

Gov Buni appoints new Emir of Tikau

Efiok Ephraim
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Gov Buni appoints new Emir of Tikau
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Following the demise of the emir of Tikau, Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved the appointment of Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu Ibn Grema as the new emir of Tikau Emirate Council.

This is contained in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Secretary to the State Government, Baba Malam Wali, which indicated that the appointment of the new emir was based on the unanimous recommendations of the kingmakers of the Tikau Emirate Council.

According to the statement, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammadu lbn Grema is the eldest son of the late Emir of Tikau.

The newly appointed emir has a bachelor’s degree in Agric Economics and Extension and a master’s in Agric Economics with a doctorate in Rural Development in view.

He has worked in various capacities at Yobe State University, and until his appointment, he was the Principal Manager of Yobe State University Farm.

The statement noted that the appointment takes immediate effect.

Rivers crisis: Power comes from God, Fubara came prepared – Gov Otti

Efiok Ephraim
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Rivers crisis: Power comes from God, Fubara came prepared – Gov Otti
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Contrary to claims by the former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, that he made Siminalayi Fubara governor of the state, the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti has declared that power only comes from the supreme being, God.

Otti made the declaration on Tuesday while inaugurating a project executed by Governor Fubara in Eleme Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The Abia governor expressed confidence that despite the political crisis rocking Rivers State, the people of the state are assured of getting the dividend of democracy, stressing that Fubara came prepared.

He said, “Power belongs to God, no human can arrogate to himself the capacity to give power, except you have the capacity to give life. Of course, you can take life, but you cannot give it.

“For me, it’s all about good governance. Governor Fubara came prepared, and I don’t believe that any distraction is enough to take his focus away from improving the welfare and interest of the people.

“So, I can assure you, Rivers people, that the dividends of democracy that you are seeing now is still a dress rehearsal. It is early in the morning, and I am sure that in the near future, you will be seeing more.”

DAILY POST reports that Governor Fubara, who vowed to probe the immediate past administration, expressed worries over the debt burden he inherited from his predecessor, Wike.

Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Fubara lamented that the contractors who handled projects commissioned by Wike, “are still coming for their balance payments running into millions and billions.”

Assist in deepening Nigeria’s democracy – Akpabio to UK govt

Efiok Ephraim
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Assist in deepening Nigeria’s democracy – Akpabio to UK govt
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Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has urged the United Kingdom government to assist in deepening its democracy.

Akpabio said, both countries have shared history and Nigeria would value their input in strengthening democratic practice not only in the country but Africa as a whole.

He stated this when the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Richard Mongtgomery led a delegation to pay a courtesy visit on the leadership of the Senate at the National Assembly in Abuja on Tuesday.

In a release by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media/Communication, Anietie Ekong, he said the leadership of the Senate was delighted to identify with the UK and learn from it those things that would strengthen Nigeria ‘s democracy.

The statement said: “Ours is a nascent democracy, we are still at a learning point. Even the advanced democracies are still grappling with some challenges.

“We are learning to run. And we can assure you that standing on the shoulders of a giant like the United Kingdom, we can only get better.

“The 10th Senate has a very robust legislative agenda that is people-centered. Whether it is in the area of the economy, whatever laws we will make must have the welfare of the people of Nigeria in mind. Whether it is in the area of infrastructure, it must be to the benefit of the people.

“We also believe strongly in collaboration. We must exchange ideas in the best practices of democracy. We must bring most of the anachronistic laws and acts of parliament in tandem with modern realities.”

The Senate President told the delegation that the 10th Assembly under his leadership would yet amend the Electoral Act to make sure that every vote counts.

The High Commissioner, Mr. Mongtgomery said he was at the Senate because the British High Commission had a long-standing relationship with the National Assembly and had in the past supported various issues that had to do with democratic practice in Nigeria.

“We came to share ideas with the Senate and to understand the vision and priorities of the 10th National Assembly. The UK and Nigeria have a longstanding relationship and we have incredibly strong people to people links between our countries.

“We have very significant connections between our democracies and our democratic institutions. We have many Nigerians working in the UK and many of our people working here.

“We are bound together by families, friendships, business and people to people links. That is why the UK has a large diplomatic mission here,” he said.

Top 10 Causes of Death in Nigeria

Tiwa Davis
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Top 10 Causes of Death in Nigeria
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Recent data according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has shown the top 10 causes of death in Nigeria. This calls for critical thinking, awareness and enlightenment of the risk involved and deployment of strategies to prevent these deaths.

These top 10 causes of death according to this report include:

  1. Diarrheal Diseases
  2. NTDs & Malaria
  3. Neonatal Disorders
  4. HIV/AIDS & TB
  5. Cardiovascular Diseases
  6. Neoplasms
  7. Diabetes/Urological/Blood/Endocrine Disorders
  8. Unintentional Injuries
  9. Other Non-communicable Diseases
  10. Nutritional Deficiencies

A comparison with the United States shows the top 10 causes of deaths as:

  1. Heart diseases
  2. Cancer
  3. Chronic lower respiratory diseases
  4. Accidents
  5. Stroke
  6. Alzheimer’s disease
  7. Diabetes
  8. Influenza and Pneumonia
  9. Kidney diseases
  10. Suicide

It is important that policy makers and the general public  keep these statistics close to heart. This will enable every stakeholder to know where to direct intervention or activism to prevent or reduce unnecessary deaths.

10 Nigerian Foods Rich in Fat

Tiwa Davis
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10 Nigerian Foods Rich in Fat
2 mn read

Looking for Nigerian foods rich in fat? Then you’ve landed on the right post
You see, many traditional Nigerian foods are high in fat but before we get to the list, I want to quickly point out that…
Dietary fat was once thought to be unhealthy, however, research studies  now shows that some fats offer amazing health benefits.

Here are some high-fat Nigerian foods and their fat content:

Nigerian Fat-Rich Foods List

Here’s the list and their fat count

1. Palm Oil

Palm oil is commonly used for cooking traditional Nigerian dishes and soups. It is very high in saturated fat (49.3g per 100g), but also provides beneficial antioxidants like carotenoids and vitamin E [3]. Enjoy palm oil in moderation.

2.Palm Kernel Seeds

Palm kernel seeds are pressed to make palm kernel oil, highly saturated fat used for cooking in parts of Nigeria. The seeds can also be eaten on their own but are very high in saturated fat (49g per 100g).

3.Roasted Groundnuts

Groundnuts (peanuts) are a popular boiled or roasted snack in Nigeria. They provide mostly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat, plus protein, B vitamins, vitamin E. Enjoy in moderation.

4.Pork

Fresh pork can be part of a balanced diet but contains more saturated fat than chicken or turkey (24.2g per 100g). Opt for lean cuts like tenderloin and eat pork in moderation.

5. Ogbono Seeds

Ogbono seeds are used to prepare a popular Nigerian stew. They thicken stews and provide nutrients like protein and calcium. But ogbono is very high in saturated fat (36.3g per 100g) so use sparingly.

6.Locust Beans

Locust beans are used as a food thickener and seasoning. They provide some protein, calcium and magnesium. Locust beans are a moderate source of both polyunsaturated (7.7g per 100g) and saturated fat (7.2g).

7.African Pear/Ube

This pear-shaped fruit has a creamy pulp that’s high in calories from fat (18.4g per 100g). It also provides some vitamins, minerals and fiber. Enjoy African pear in moderation.

8.Fura Nono

Fura nono is a Nigerian millet porridge drink often mixed with milk and spices. The addition of milk provides protein, vitamins and minerals, along with some saturated fat (5.2g per 100g).

9.Fried Akara (With Palm Oil)

Akara are bean balls that are usually fried in palm oil. This fried snack is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals from the beans but also high in saturated fat from frying in palm oil (13.5g per 100g). Enjoy akara in moderation as an occasional treat.

10.Locust Bean

Locust beans are seeds used as a food thickener and seasoning. They provide some protein, calcium and magnesium. Locust beans are a moderate source of both polyunsaturated (7.7g per 100g) and saturated fat (7.2g).

FG May Need Supplementary Budget To Pay Minimum Wage – IMF

Baye Bin
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FG May Need Supplementary Budget To Pay Minimum Wage – IMF
2 mn read

The Federal Government is contemplating a supplementary budget to accommodate a proposed increase in the minimum wage, as ongoing negotiations are likely to exceed the allocations in the 2024 fiscal plan, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

In its latest staff country report on Nigeria, the IMF mentioned, “The authorities noted that a supplementary budget may be needed to accommodate the outcome of the ongoing wage structure negotiations, which may exceed what they had included in the 2024 budget.”

Naija News reports that the adjustment is crucial as the government is also considering raising domestic and external borrowing ceilings to avoid new borrowings from the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Ways and Means facility.

Negotiations for the new minimum wage have been central to discussions between Organized Labour and the government.

These discussions aim to ease the economic burdens faced by workers due to recent policy changes, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the foreign exchange markets, which have pushed the cost of living higher.

Labour leaders have demanded a substantial increase in the minimum wage for the lowest-ranked workers from N30,000 to N615,000, although there are indications that the tripartite committee might settle for N70,000.

In the 2024 budget, the government initially allocated N6.48 trillion for personnel costs. However, this figure may fall short of the requirements due to the new wage structure.

The IMF warns that Nigeria’s budget deficit for 2024 is expected to exceed initial estimates, driven by implicit subsidies and rising debt interest expenses.

“The drivers are lower oil/gas revenue projections, reflecting IMF oil price forecasts but incorporating recent production gains; higher implicit fuel and electricity subsidies; continued suspension of excise measures included in the MTEF; and higher interest costs,” the report elaborates.

Finance Minister, Wale Edun, had aimed to reduce the budget deficit from 6.1% in 2023 to 3.8% in 2024. Nonetheless, the IMF projects a larger deficit, advising, “Based on staff’s projections, the authorities must raise the domestic and external borrowing ceilings to prevent renewed recourse to CBN financing.”

The report also supports an “opportunistic issuance” of Eurobonds and possible official financing as integral parts of the 2024 financing mix, amidst the financial adjustments required to stabilize Nigeria’s economy and address the extensive social needs of its population.

32-Year-Old Nigerian Doctor, Uzochukwu Igboanugo Killed In United States Of America

Baye Bin
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32-Year-Old Nigerian Doctor, Uzochukwu Igboanugo Killed In United States Of America
2 mn read

A 32-year-old Nigerian doctor, identified as Uzochukwu Davis Igboanugo, has been killed by a drunk driver in the United States of America.

Naija News reports that the grieving father cum prominent Igbo businessman, I.K.B. Igboanugo, the founder of I.K.B Industries Limited, announced his son’s demise in a post via his Facebook page on Monday, May 13, 2024.

Uzochukwu was reportedly killed three weeks ago while driving home after work.

The father of the deceased said the drunk driver fell asleep at the wheel while speeding on the highway and rammed into his son’s car.

He described his son as happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, nice, sociable and loving.

The post read, “I lost my son 3 weeks ago, I have been crying like a baby. A medical doctor ( Ophthalmologist) in America.

“An accident victim of a drunkard who fell asleep while speeding on the highway, jumped his lane in the opposite direction and hit with speed force on the driver’s side door where my son was as he was driving home after work.

“We can’t question God as He has the final decision.

“Always pray as a parent not to loose any of your child irrespective of his behaviour because loss of a child can k!ll any parent.

“Uzochukwu my son was a very nice boy, always happy, intelligent, friendly, caring, loving, sociable etc.

“He was 32yrs old, not yet married despite my nagging, he sacrificed all his time and achieved Ophthalmology which is a very difficult medical course in the history of reading medicine to become a medical doctor.

“Since his death, I have been going through mental and psychological trauma, as my doctor has been warning me.

“My wife also has not been herself. Pls don’t wish your worst enemy this type of tragedy, now I pray for anybody who has not lost his child never to experience it. It is hellish and a disaster.

“Uzochukwu my son you are now in God’s bosom and working for Him that was why he took you this early. As your soul will rest in God’s bosom in Jesus name.”

2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Injury List Grows Ahead Of South Africa Clash

Baye Bin
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2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Super Eagles Injury List Grows Ahead Of South Africa Clash
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Super Eagles of Nigeria could play their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic without some of the team’s top players.

Recall that on Monday, May 13, Naija News reported that Super Eagles’ 24-year-old winger, Samuel Chukwueze sustained a muscle injury while playing for AC Milan against Cagliari.

Chukwueze’s injury could keep the former Villarreal midfielder away from the Super Eagles for the must-win games in June.

As if that wasn’t bad enough for Nigeria who are currently third in Group C of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers behind Rwanda and South Africa, two big-name players have joined the list of injured players.

The latest big-name players to join the injury list are Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen and 25-year-old Boavista defender, Bruno Onyemaechi.

Onyemaechi’s knee injury has ruled him out for the remaining games of the season which means that the defender stands no chance of being a part of Finidi George’s squad for the qualification games.

As for Osimhen, the 25-year-old striker sustained an injury during Napoli’s Serie A game against Bologna last weekend. He was not seen in training with the team on Monday, May 13.

A statement from Napoli said Osimhen has undergone a recovery work for a muscle strain which means he could be available for the Super Eagles this June.

Other Super Eagles players who might not be available for the World Cup qualification games due to fitness issues are Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi and Tyrone Ebuehi.

Note that the Super Eagles are expected to play against South Africa on June 7 and against Benin Republic on June 10 as they continue their push for 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Victor Ikpeba Says Nigeria Vs South Africa Clash ‘Is Game Of Our Lives’

Baye Bin
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Victor Ikpeba Says Nigeria Vs South Africa Clash ‘Is Game Of Our Lives’
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Former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba, has described the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa as the “game of our lives”.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on a bad note by drawing against minors like Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Former Nigeria international, Victor Ikpeba, has described the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa as the “game of our lives”.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria started their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers on a bad note by drawing against minors like Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Thanks to the draws, the Super Eagles are now occupying the third spot in Group C, a point behind second-placed South Africa, and two points below first-placed Rwanda.

Hence, to pick up their pace in their push to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in eight years, the Nigerian side must beat South Africa in Uyo on June 7, and do the same against Benin Republic in Abidjan on June 10.

Victor Ikpeba believes that the Super Eagles’ new head coach, Finidi George can lead the team to victory against South Africa who are the biggest threat to Nigeria in Group C. He stressed that the team has all the players required for the assignment.

He also believes that the experience that took the Super Eagles to the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on February 11 after beating South Africa in the semi-finals, should be enough to help Nigeria against the Bafana Bafana again.

“The game against South Africa is the game of our lives,” Ikpeba said on Supersports Monday Night Football.

“Finidi has the players having only recently reached the final of the AFCON, which was one of the toughest ever.

“The boys know what is at stake.

“They have to be focused and make the necessary sacrifices to ensure they beat South Africa.

“It won’t be easy, but it can be done.”

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