Destkelamedia

   The Nigerian Ministry of Finance has withheld N4.9 billion meant for meal subsidies in 112 Federal Unity Colleges, causing significant operational challenges. This information, obtained through sources within the Federal Civil Service and several letters from the Minister of Education, Tahir Mamman, to Finance Minister Wale Edun, highlights the financial strain on these schools. Despite the interventions for November and December 2023 being withheld, subsidies for January 2024 onward have been paid. Each month, the 112 Unity Colleges collectively receive N2,478,056,400. Former Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Didi Walson-Jack, who is now Head of the Civil Service, wrote to the Finance Ministry in February 2024 requesting the release of the overdue funds, emphasizing the adverse effects on the schools. In her letter, Walson-Jack explained that the delay in releasing the subsidies disrupted the schools' planning and management. She stressed that time

As Nigeria grapples with a deepening cost-of-living crisis, youth-led protests have gained momentum despite federal attempts to quell the unrest. The demonstrators aim to spotlight the economic hardships facing Africa’s largest oil producer. On Tuesday, Police Chief Kayode Egbetokun met with the protest organizers, agreeing to designate specific protest zones for safety reasons. However, human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong affirmed the protests' inevitability, stressing the necessity of upholding demonstrators' rights. Effiong emphasized the importance of orderly conduct and demanded that police commissioners ensure protester protection. Protesters in Kano and Sokoto have carried signs denouncing poor governance and economic distress, reflecting a widespread sentiment. Omoyole Sowore, a prominent activist, urged workers to join the protests or stay home in solidarity. The Take It Back Movement, represented by Damilare Adenola, declared their intention to continue protests in Ab

   A heated session erupted in the Nigerian House of Representatives on Wednesday as a contentious bill proposing an increase in the government's borrowing limit, known as "ways and means," led to a dramatic walkout by opposition representatives. The bill seeks to raise the borrowing cap from 5% to 10% of the previous year's revenue, a move that has sparked significant debate among lawmakers. The "ways and means" provision is a financial mechanism through which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) lends money to the federal government to cover budget shortfalls. Current CBN regulations stipulate that such advances must not exceed 5% of the previous year's revenue. However, this limit has often been exceeded in practice, raising concerns about fiscal discipline and transparency. The drama unfolded when Kingsley Chinda, a member of the opposition, suggested an amendment to limit the borrowing increase to 2% instead of the proposed 10%. Chinda argued that a lo

   High blood pressure, or hypertension, remains a significant health issue worldwide. Despite existing treatments, the search for innovative and more effective solutions continues. Emerging treatments, rooted in both modern science and holistic wellness approaches, promise new hope for managing this condition. Here, we explore some groundbreaking methods and their potential benefits. Personalized Medicine: A Tailored Approach One of the most promising advancements in hypertension treatment is personalized medicine. This approach uses genetic information to tailor treatments to individual patients. By understanding a patient’s unique genetic makeup, doctors can predict how they will respond to certain medications, leading to more effective and efficient treatment plans. This innovation could reduce the trial-and-error process currently associated with hypertension management. Benefits of Regular Exercise and Healthy Eating Habits Regular exercise is well-known for its myriad health ben

  The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has been left in disbelief over the exclusion of sprinter Favour Ofili from the 100m event at the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. Ofili, the current Nigerian 100m champion, was taken aback when she discovered that her name was missing from the competitors' list for the 100m race, leading her to accuse the AFN of a deliberate omission. Responding to Ofili’s claims, AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku expressed the federation's surprise at the situation. "We registered Ofili for the 100m, 200m, and the 4x100m relay. We don't know how her name got missing in the 100m. This is our stand as a federation," Onikeku stated in a message to AFN Media. It has been confirmed that the AFN submitted Ofili's name for all three events in their final list to the Nigeria Olympics Committee (NOC). However, the reasons behind her omission from the 100m event remain unclear. Ofili had secured her place by running an impressive 11.06 seco

In a shocking development, Ismail Haniyeh, the prominent leader of Hamas, was killed in an airstrike in Tehran on Tuesday. The assassination has sent ripples through the political and military landscapes of the Middle East. Haniyeh’s death was confirmed by Hamas in a statement released on Wednesday. The statement read, “The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas mourns to our great Palestinian people, to the Arab and Islamic nation, and to all the free people of the world: Brother, leader, martyr, Mujahid Ismail Haniyeh, the head of the movement, who was killed in a treacherous Zionist raid on his residence in Tehran.” This assertion pointed directly at Israel as the perpetrator of the strike. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran also confirmed the incident. They stated, “Early this morning, the residence of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran was struck, resulting in his and one of his bodyguards’ martyrdom. The cause is under investigation and will be announced soon.” This statement

  A heart attack, medically known as a myocardial infarction, is a life-threatening event that occurs when the blood flow to a part of the heart is blocked long enough to damage or kill part of the heart muscle. Understanding the causes, prevention, and management of heart attacks is crucial for reducing risks and improving outcomes for those affected. Causes of Heart Attacks 1. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The most common cause of heart attacks is CAD, where the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle become hardened and narrowed due to the buildup of plaque. This plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, and other substances.     2. Risk Factors:    - High Blood Pressure: Increases the heart's workload, causing the heart muscle to thicken and become stiffer.    - High Cholesterol: Contributes to the formation of plaques that can clog arteries.    - Smoking: Damages the lining of the arteries, leading to the formation of plaques.    - Diabetes: Increases the risk of

  In light of recent developments, the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has made a public appeal for organizers of the upcoming protest to reconsider their plans. He advocates for a roundtable discussion with the Federal Government, highlighting that the reforms initiated under President Tinubu's administration are beginning to show significant results. The Minister reassured citizens that the nation's economy is on a path of gradual and steady recovery, with the government committed to further addressing their needs. Minister Badaru emphasized that the economic reforms have led to tangible improvements in the lives of Nigerians. He pointed out that the economic growth recorded in the first quarter of 2024 was the second fastest for any first quarter in the past six years, signaling a positive trend. In a statement by Henshaw Ogubike the Director Information and Public Relations he highlighted many areas where the government has performed very well.  On the securi

  In a significant move to alleviate economic hardship in the Niger Delta, President Bola Tinubu has sanctioned a monthly stipend of N50,000 for 10,000 youths in the region. This initiative, part of the NDDC Youth Intensive Scheme, will initially run for 12 months with a potential for extension. Senate President Godswill Akpabio made this announcement at the Niger Delta Sensitisation Conference in Port Harcourt. He highlighted that this scheme aims to address the economic difficulties faced by the region, urging residents to refrain from participating in the planned national protest on August 1. The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) is set to implement the stipend scheme immediately. Akpabio emphasized the urgency of addressing the severe impacts of oil and gas activities in the region and acknowledged President Tinubu’s commitment to resolving these challenges.  In addition to the stipend program, President Tinubu has approved the commencement of the Lagos to Calabar coastal h

  Seasonal allergies can turn a beautiful spring day into a nightmare of sneezing, itching, and congestion. Many people struggle to find effective ways to manage their symptoms and enjoy the changing seasons. This article will explore various scenarios to illustrate practical tips for allergy relief, using several SEO keywords to guide the discussion.  Scenario 1: Morning Routine and Allergy Management Jane wakes up feeling the first signs of spring allergies – a stuffy nose and itchy eyes. She knows that starting her day with a balanced breakfast and some light exercise can help manage her symptoms. 1. Healthy Eating Habits: Jane begins her day with a healthy breakfast rich in immune-boosting foods. She includes yogurt with honey (a natural anti-inflammatory), a handful of almonds (high in vitamin E), and a smoothie packed with berries and spinach (rich in antioxidants and vitamins). 2. Benefits of Regular Exercise: After breakfast, Jane takes a brisk walk. Regular exercise can help r

Major Road Construction Projects: 1. Benin-Akure-Ilesha Road: HiTech Construction has been awarded N525 billion to construct a 300 km stretch of this critical route using concrete pavements. This project is expected to significantly enhance connectivity and transportation efficiency between Benin, Akure, and Ilesha.     2. Benin-Akure Stretch 2: HiTech Construction also received an additional N286 billion for the 66 km Benin-Akure section of the road, further strengthening the infrastructure in this region. 3. Imo State Roads: A total of N26.46 billion has been allocated for the construction of the Angingali-Udobi-Udona-Umo-Uwana-Ubalaka road in Imo State. This project, initially budgeted at N14 billion, has been revised upwards to accommodate the increased scope and requirements. 4. Abia State Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation of the Aba-Owerri Road and the NNPC depot expressway in Abia State has been awarded to Rudo Nigeria Limited for N21 billion. This upgrade aims to improve road

Lagos State is set to implement a groundbreaking plan aimed at generating N200 billion annually by broadening its tax base to include remote workers and utilizing digital technologies for improved revenue collection. This initiative is part of the state’s strategy to boost its internally generated revenue (IGR). According to a report by Nairametrics, this ambitious plan will be detailed at the upcoming EKO Revenue Plus Summit, scheduled for September 25th and 26th, 2024. The summit, themed "Unlocking New Revenue Streams for Lagos State," will outline how the state aims to generate N5 trillion in IGR from four key sectors. One of the primary sectors targeted is the digital economy. Lagos State plans to introduce a Resident Global Digital Citizen Tax Management System. This system will focus on taxing remote workers, foreign companies, and digital influencers. It will also involve accrediting and licensing digital economy operators, supported by an e-Portal, Market Place, and R

On Monday, INTERPOL unveiled a startling revelation: every hour, "hundreds of thousands of dollars" are being illicitly moved out of Nigeria to various destinations within Africa and across the globe. This alarming trend highlights the extensive and pervasive nature of money laundering activities emanating from the country. Garba Baba Umar, the INTERPOL Vice President for Africa, highlighted this issue during a session at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Academy in Abuja. He emphasized that the scale of money laundering has reached a "monstrous dimension," affecting not only Nigeria but the entire continent and beyond.  INTERPOL has responded by introducing "Silver Notices Against Money Laundering," a strategic initiative aimed at aggressively combating the global issue of illicit financial flows. This measure underscores the need for robust collaboration among security agencies worldwide, particularly within Africa, to curb this crimina

   President Signs Landmark Bill President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially enacted a new Minimum Wage Act, requiring all employers in Nigeria to pay a minimum salary of N70,000. The legislation, passed by the National Assembly last week, took effect immediately after the President’s assent during a brief ceremony at the ninth Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House in Abuja. The ceremony was attended by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and other legislative leaders. President Tinubu expressed gratitude to the National Assembly for their swift passage of the bill, highlighting its significance for Nigerian workers. Senate President Akpabio emphasized that the new minimum wage applies to all sectors, including federal, state, local governments, private enterprises, and individual employers. He clarified that while N70,000 is the minimum, employers capable of paying more are encouraged to do so. This law guarantees that no Nigerian worker will earn less than the stipu

  In April, the Nigerian government announced an increase in electricity tariffs affecting customers in the Band A category, who make up 17% of consumers and account for 40% of electricity consumption. This policy allowed Electricity Distribution Companies (DISCOs) to raise prices from ₦68 to ₦225 ($0.15) per kilowatt-hour, with the expectation of guaranteeing 20 hours of electricity supply per day. The government justified this decision as a measure to improve liquidity in the downstream power sector, citing the difficulty in sustaining subsidies amidst significant debt. Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, highlighted that the sector was burdened with over ₦3 trillion in inherited debt, including ₦2 trillion owed to gas companies and ₦1.3 trillion to Generation Companies (GenCos). The tariff increase faced widespread condemnation from customers and labor groups, particularly the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), which demanded its reversal. Despite these protests, the government proceeded

Accusations and Calls for Investigation Surrounding Nigeria's Northwest Banditry Crisis Mohammed Bello Turji Kachalla, a notorious bandit leader, has accused Bello Matawalle, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence and former governor of Zamfara State, of supporting terrorism in the Northwest region. Turji, in a video shared by security expert Zagazola Makama, alleged that Matawalle has ties to bandits operating in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Niger states. These accusations follow Turji's previous claims and subsequent denials from Matawalle’s camp. Turji, who has been active in northern Nigerian states, specifically mentioned that individuals like Dan Maigari and Baleri, who are allegedly involved in banditry, should be investigated. He questioned Matawalle's role in the kidnapping and release of female students in Marado, asking from whom the girls were rescued if Matawalle was not involved in banditry. The camp of Minister Matawalle has dismissed Turji's allegations as base

    Many people prefer to turn to natural remedies for minor health issues, finding comfort in the knowledge that they are using holistic and gentle approaches to healing. This article explores various scenarios to illustrate practical, natural remedies for common ailments. Scenario 1: Morning Headache Relief Sarah wakes up with a mild headache, likely due to tension and poor sleep. Instead of reaching for over-the-counter painkillers, she opts for natural remedies. 1. Healthy Eating Habits: Sarah starts her day with a nutrient-rich breakfast. She includes foods high in magnesium, such as avocado and bananas, which can help relax blood vessels and alleviate headaches. She avoids caffeine and sugar, which can worsen headache symptoms. 2. Meditation for Mental Health: To address the tension contributing to her headache, Sarah practices a short meditation session. By focusing on her breath and engaging in mindfulness, she reduces stress and promotes relaxation, helping to ease her headach

  The Federal Government has initiated the distribution of 50kg bags of rice, selling them at N40,000 each, as part of measures to mitigate poverty and the rising cost of living. This distribution includes an additional 10 trucks of rice to each state, available at designated centers. In a recent briefing, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, conveyed the Federal Executive Council's (FEC) position that a planned protest is unnecessary since most of the protesters' demands are already being addressed by the government. President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged the grievances and stated that the government is taking significant steps to resolve them. Key measures include: - Food Security: The distribution of rice at subsidized prices aims to make food more affordable. Each state has received 10 trucks, with plans for further distributions. The government is also investing in agriculture, expecting food prices to drop as the rainy season progresses an

efinery In a strategic move to stabilize both fuel pump prices and the exchange rate between the dollar and the Naira, the Federal Executive Council has approved President Tinubu's proposal to sell crude oil in Naira to the Dangote Refinery and other emerging refineries. Currently, the Dangote Refinery requires 15 cargoes of crude annually, costing approximately $13.5 billion. To support this demand, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has pledged to supply four cargoes. The Council has sanctioned that the 450,000 barrels of crude designated for domestic use be sold in Naira to Nigerian refineries, starting with the Dangote Refinery as a pilot project. This arrangement includes fixing the exchange rate for the duration of the transaction. Trade facilitation between Dangote and NNPC Limited will be managed by Afreximbank and other settlement banks in Nigeria. This initiative is poised to remove the necessity for international letters of credit and is expected to save

   Back pain is a common ailment affecting people of all ages. Understanding back pain involves recognizing its causes, exploring effective prevention strategies, and identifying potential cures, all while integrating a holistic approach to wellness. Defining Back Pain Back pain can vary from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain. It can stem from muscle or ligament strain, herniated discs, arthritis, skeletal irregularities, or osteoporosis. This discomfort can significantly impact your daily life, emphasizing the importance of addressing and managing it effectively.  Causes of Back Pain Several factors can contribute to back pain. Muscle or ligament strain often results from heavy lifting or sudden awkward movements, leading to painful spasms. Bulging or ruptured discs can press on nerves, causing significant discomfort. Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, can affect the lower back and lead to spinal stenosis. Skeletal irregularities, such as scoliosis, also play a role i

  The Stark Reality of Malaria in Nigeria Despite malaria causing nearly 200,000 deaths in Nigeria annually, lawmakers are allocated nearly N740 billion (approximately $500 million) for constituency projects in 2024. This is juxtaposed against the $1.1 billion (over N1.7 trillion) that Nigerians spend out-of-pocket to combat malaria, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts argue that this discrepancy highlights a misapplication of funds, as vital health needs remain unmet.  Health Challenges Versus Constituency Projects The WHO estimates that 68 million Nigerians suffer from malaria each year, with nearly 200,000 fatalities. This ongoing health crisis requires substantial political commitment and effective malaria control programs. Alamin Usman, a research assistant at Our Future Health UK, asserts that strong political will and determined leadership are crucial for malaria elimination, pointing to Cabo Verde's recent malaria-free status as an example.  Ineffect

   The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), urging the Federal High Court in Lagos to investigate the disappearance of over N100 billion in "dirty notes" allegedly held at various CBN branches since 2017. SERAP's suit, identified as FHC/L/MSC/441/2024, seeks the court's intervention to mandate the CBN to account for several significant financial discrepancies. This includes N7.2 billion earmarked for the construction of the CBN Dutse branch in 2010 and N4.8 billion allocated for the renovation of the CBN Abeokuta branch in 2009. Additionally, SERAP demands transparency regarding the N1.2 billion loan to the Enugu State government in 2015 and the N1.9 billion loan to the Anambra State government between 2015 and 2016. The civil society organization argues that the CBN's failure to account for these funds constitutes a severe breach of public trust, violating both national laws and in

   Maintaining a strong immune system is essential for preventing illness and promoting overall health. By incorporating immune-boosting foods into your diet, you can naturally enhance your body's ability to fend off infections. This article explores various scenarios to illustrate how to include these foods in your daily routine. Scenario 1: Energizing Morning Routine Alice starts her day with a focus on boosting her immune system through a nutritious breakfast and some physical activity. 1. Healthy Breakfast Recipes: Alice makes a smoothie using spinach, berries, Greek yogurt, and a bit of honey. Spinach and berries are packed with antioxidants and vitamins, particularly vitamin C, which is crucial for immune health. Greek yogurt adds probiotics, promoting gut health, a key component of the immune system. 2. Benefits of Regular Exercise: After breakfast, Alice engages in a 30-minute yoga session. Regular exercise enhances circulation, which helps immune cells travel more efficien