Okolobi Gist Specials

Cancer is a complex group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the body. Normally, cells grow, divide, and die in an orderly manner. However, cancer disrupts this process, causing cells to divide and grow uncontrollably, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor. There are two main types of tumors: Benign tumors: These tumors are non-cancerous and do not spread to other parts of the body. They can often be removed and are less life-threatening than malignant tumors. Malignant tumors: These tumors are cancerous and have the ability to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. Metastasis is a key characteristic of cancer and can make it more challenging to treat. Cancer can occur in almost any part of the body and can affect various organs and systems. It arises from genetic mutations or changes that alter the normal regulation of cell growth and division. These mutations can be inherited...

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that he could have chosen to maintain the hitherto multiple foreign exchange systems and benefit from it, but instead opted to unify the official and parallel market rates to save the country from financial hemorrhage.   Speaking at a civic reception organized in his honour by the Lagos State Government at the Lagos House, Marina, on Thursday, June 29, President Tinubu said he took the decision in the nation’s best interest. "I could afford to share the benefit by participating in the arbitrage, but God forbid! That's not why you voted for me," he said. The President said it was imperative to take those decisive actions in the early days of his administration. "We need to take the steps to stop the bleeding of our finances through speedy action on fuel subsidy. We have no choice," he said.   President Tinubu said as a way of ensuring good use of available resources, the government would "re-engineer the effectiveness of...

 President Bola Tinubu has asked Nigerians to endure what he described as baby steps of pain following some economic reforms he embarked on since his inauguration on May 29.  Speaking during a private visit to the palace of the Alake and Paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, June 29, Tinubu stated that he is still taking baby steps and not in a hurry.  He said;  “Let’s be united. Let’s be focused. No distractions. We will arrive at the positive destination for this country and it’s all in our hands. By the grace of God Almighty, we shall reap the fruit of our labour. “Nigeria will see positive changes as we move along, just go through these baby steps of pains. Me too, I am taking baby steps as the president, not marching in a hurry, be ready to listen, maintain an open door policy, let the freedom flow, let the confidence return to Nigeria. This country is the only country we have. I have been a refugee. I know what...

 Newlywed Nigerian man d!es over alleged lack of oxygen in Delta hospital after he slumped while playing football A newlywed multi-talented instrumentalist, Emmanuel Jonathan Umeri Obuh, d!ed in a Delta hospital due to alleged negligence by doctors. His funeral is ongoing at Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church, Agbor, in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State.  Late Jonathan and his wife, Judith, got married on December 29th, 2022, in Agbor and welcomed a set of twins one month ago.  According to Ika Newspaper, Emmanuel, popularly known as JKings, slumped while playing football on Sunday June 4, 2023.  He was rushed to a hospital, where the doctor on duty failed to attend to him. It was further claimed that the said doctor was on a video call celebrating his birthday anniversary with friends.  As a result, the deceased was rushed to a different hospital where doctors confirmed him d£ad. However, a friend of the deceased, Stella Edet, alleged that Emma...

 The World Bank has disclosed that four million Nigerians were pushed into poverty in the first six months of this year, with another 7.1 million more expected to join the poverty trap if fuel subsidy removal isn't managed well. The institution made the disclosure in Abuja, during the launch of the Nigeria Development Update (NDU). Dissecting the NDU, the World Bank Lead Economist for Nigeria and co-author of the report, Alex Sienaert, said four million more Nigerians were pushed into poverty in the first half of 2023. “Without compensation, many households could be pushed into poverty by higher petrol prices and forced to resort to coping mechanisms with long-term adverse consequences, such as not sending children to school, or not going to health facilities to seek preventative healthcare." the world Bank report stated  To build on the immediate, major reforms, and seize the opportunity to rise to its potential, Nigeria still has other urgent choices to make." “In the f...

 Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria has projected that the pump price of petrol could rise above N700 per litre in some states in the country starting from July. IPMAN's National Controller Operations, Mike Osatuyi, who disclosed this during an interview with Punch, said they've projected that those living in northern states could pay as much as N700 and above for one litre of petrol, those outside Lagos would pay around N610, while residents of Lagos would pay about N600 for a litre. Osatuyi said the price review was necessitated by the exchange rate. He said;  “What I am seeing is around N600 and above, depending on the exchange rate, the current crude price at the international market and the landing cost. Those in Lagos will pay around N600, those outside Lagos around N600 plus, while those in the north would be paying anything from N700 and above. “We are expecting the roadmap from the Federal Government following the meeting with labour. Labour has sa...

 The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has alerted the public over the circulation of a batch of unwholesome Sprite 50cl glass bottles circulating in Nigeria.  A statement released by the agency says the product was discovered following a consumer complaint received and investigated by the post-marketing surveillance unit of the Agency. ‘’On investigation, at the point of purchase and supplier’s address, over five (5) crates of the implicated batch of Sprite 50cl glass bottles were discovered to be contaminated with particles. The affected batch of the unwholesome product has been sampled for laboratory analysis in the NAFDAC laboratory and the Agency has directed all zonal directors and state coordinators to carry out surveillance and mop up the implicated batch of the unwholesome product.'' the statement reads in part The agency added that a comprehensive current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) Inspection of the manufacturing site is to...

Nigerian student st*bbed to d£ath during a fight in Canada Police in Toronto have identified a 28-year-old student from Nigeria as the victim who was fatally st*bbed during a fight in a Scarborough plaza over the weekend.  The victim, identified as Ifeanyichukwu Oseke, was rushed to the hospital, but Banglid said he succumbed to his injuries on the way there. The incident is now being treated as a homicide. Police said the fight broke out on Sunday, June, 25,  shortly after 7 p.m., in the area of Eglinton Avenue East and Brimley Road. Toronto Police Service Duty Inspector Jeff Banglid told reporters at the scene that two people were fighting in the plaza, which left one with serious injuries. Police said the male suspect was last seen getting inside of a dark-coloured sedan, heading south on Brimley Road. The unnamed suspect is described by police as a man with medium-length dark hair, wearing a light-coloured tank top, pants, and shoes. “It was very populated at the time and ...

The activities that help to boost the brain cells are as follows :  Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activity, such as aerobic exercises or even walking, improves blood flow to the brain, stimulates the release of beneficial chemicals, and enhances cognitive functions. Balanced Diet: Consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats provides the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function. Include foods like blueberries, nuts, fatty fish (such as salmon), and dark chocolate, which are known to benefit the brain. Sufficient Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial for cognitive performance and overall brain health. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to support memory, concentration, and problem-solving abilities. Mental Stimulation: Engage in activities that challenge your brain, such as puzzles, reading, learning a new skill or language, playing a musical instrument, or engaging in strategic games like chess. The...

There are thousands of species of mosquitoes worldwide, but I'll provide you with some notable ones and their feeding habits: Anopheles Mosquitoes: Anopheles mosquitoes are known as the primary vectors for transmitting malaria. They primarily feed on the blood of humans, although some species also feed on other mammals. Aedes Mosquitoes: Aedes mosquitoes are responsible for transmitting diseases such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya.  They are known as aggressive daytime biters and typically feed on humans but can also bite other animals. Culex Mosquitoes: Culex mosquitoes are common in many parts of the world and can transmit diseases such as West Nile virus and Japanese encephalitis. They are opportunistic feeders and can bite humans, birds, and other mammals. Mansonia Mosquitoes: Mansonia mosquitoes are primarily found in tropical regions and are known for their ability to transmit filariasis, a parasitic disease.  They often feed on large mammals, including hum...

 The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has set a N50,000 limit for contactless payments (payments made without physical contact between a payment device, such as pre-paid, debit, and credit cards, key fobs, mobile electronic devices, and wearable devices).  Musa Jimoh, CBN's Director of Payments System Management Department, said the decision was taken due to the risks associated with contactless payments, “verification and authorisation would be required for transactions above the limits”. For transactions above limits, “existing know-your-customer (KYC) requirements and limits on the electronic payment channels shall apply”. The statement read; “Following the issuance of the guidelines on contactless payments in Nigeria and in cognisance of the risks associated with contactless payments, the bank, hereby, defines transaction limits above which verification and authorisation are required. “Transaction limits for contactless payments through accounts/wallets in Nigeria shall be as...

 Former President Muhammadu Buhari has said that leading Nigeria is one of the hardest challenges in life.   In his Eid-el-Kabir message signed by his spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the former Nigerian President said leadership entails the cooperation and support of all citizens. Buhari also appealed to Nigerians to rally around his successor. The statement partly read;  "Leadership is a challenging task that demands the sacrifices and support of the citizens,” he said. The former president also wished Nigerian Muslims a happy Eid and “to those on pilgrimage, Hajj Mabrur and a safe return home”. 

 The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has alleged that some grants coming from the World Bank are marred in corruption. The allegation was made by ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye while hosting a delegation of the Economic and Organised Crime Office of Ghana.  Owasanoye also alleged that nobody has the courage to take them to court because those issues are usually politically determined. He said “We have to understand as developing countries that the political economy of the international ecosystem is not designed for us to progress no matter how hard we try. “It is enlightened self-interest. For example, Nigeria borrowed one billion dollars in 1978. As at 2006, when we had the write-off, Nigeria was owing 32 billion dollars and it is designed in that way because of their rules of engagement and dispute resolution. The rule uses the IMF and the World Bank to whip you into line when you want to challenge the debt. “How many countri...

 FG introduces proof of ownership certificate that comes with a fee for all categories of vehicles The Federal Government has introduced a policy where all vehicles are expected to obtain a Proof of Ownership Certificate (POC). Unveiling the new policy at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, Lagos, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Engr AbdulHafiz Toriola, said the certificate which will come into force in Lagos state in July and that it would be part of requirements to be renewed annually. Prior to this new policy, Nigerians only obtain Proof of Ownership when they purchase a used vehicle or change the engine of your vehicle. Speaking about the new policy, Toriola explained that the POC policy would affect all classes of vehicles from motorcycle, to tricycle, to mini vehicles, saloon cars, all classes of trucks, articulated vehicles and such likes that coveys people or products from one point to the other. Toriola said the certificates will contain vital inf...

 World Bank has approved the sum of $500m Federal Government loan request to help Nigeria drive women’s empowerment.  In a statement released, the  World bank stated that it gave approval for the loan to scale up financing for Nigeria Women Programme, which was initially approved on June 27, 2018, with $100m financing. The statement in part reads; “The World Bank has approved $500m for Nigeria for Women Program Scale Up (NFWP-SU). The scale-up financing will further support the government of Nigeria to invest in improving the livelihoods of women in Nigeria. The NFWP-SU will help to ensure better economic opportunities for women, which is essential for addressing gender inequality; guaranteeing better education, health, and nutrition outcomes for families; and building women’s and communities’ resilience to climate change.” This will be the second loan being approved by the World bank in the Tinubu administration. 

In a bid to enhance governance and drive development in Rivers State, Governor Sim Fubara has appointed commissioners to various portfolios. The appointments were made with the aim of ensuring effective service delivery and addressing the needs of the people. The newly appointed commissioners and their respective portfolios are as follows: Prof. Zachaus Adango – Attorney General/Commissioner for Justice: Prof. Adango will oversee legal matters and provide legal advice to the government. Prof. Chinedu Mmom – Education: Prof. Mmom will be responsible for the development and implementation of educational policies and programs in the state. Barr. Isaac Kamalu – Finance: Barr. Kamalu will manage the financial resources of the state and ensure transparency and accountability in financial matters. Alabo Dax George Kelly – Works: Alabo Kelly will oversee the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and ensure the smooth functioning of transportation networks. Engr. Chukwuemeka Wok...

 The Acting Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olukayode Egbetokun, has said that henceforth, all police conveys must observe traffic regulations starting with his convoy.  The police chief gave the directive when he met with Mobile Police Squadron and commanders at the Force headquarters on Monday, June 26. In his words; ‘’Let me end this speech by reminding you that those who keep the peace must be the epitome of peace. Those whose duty it is to enforce the laws of the land must themselves respect and obey the laws of the land. Without obeying the laws, the Police lack the moral high ground to interrogate and bring law breakers to book. Consequently, in line with my vision of building a rule of law compliant Police Force, it is my directive that henceforth all police convoys on routine, non-emergency movement, must obey traffic lights and other traffic rules, I pledge to lead by example in this regard. As you will be returning to your various bases, I wish you a safe journey a...

 EFCC Arrests Fake Senator for Alleged €5.7million Internet Fraud The EFCC has arrested a fake Senator, Ifechukwu Tom Makwe for alleged €5.7million (Five Million, Seven Hundred Thousand euros) internet fraud.  Makwe was arrested at the Guzape area of Abuja following credible intelligence about his internet- related fraud activities.  Upon arrest, it was discovered that the suspect, bearing many aliases (Fahad Makwe, Senator Tompolo, Tom Makwe, Dr. Bran), defrauded a Spaniard of Five Million, Seven Hundred Thousand Euros (€5.7million).  Makwe allegedly claimed to be a US Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI agent and diplomatic solicitor, and succeeded in defrauding his victim using fake identities. The suspect allegedly started defrauding the victim since 2013 when he first met her on social media. 

 President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renamed some federal government-owned airports after some prominent Nigerians. This was contained in a memo by the Federal Ministry of Aviation dated June 1, 2023, and signed by Director of Airport Operations, Joke Olatunji. The statement noted that the President renamed the airports as part of reforms of the Aviation sector.  The Maiduguri Airport was renamed after former president Muhammadu Buhari, Port Harcourt Airport was renamed after Obafemi Awolowo, while the Nasarawa Airport immortalised the late founder of the Sokoto Caliphate, Usman Dan Fodio. Also, the Airport in Benin was renamed after the late Oba of Benin, Oba Akenzua II, Ebonyi Airport after the late Senate President Chuba Okadigbo, and the Ibadan Airport after the late Premier of the old Western Region, Ladoke Akintola. Below is the full list of renamed airports: 1. Akure Airport – Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu 2. Benin Airport – Oba Akenzua II 3. Dutse Airport – Muhammad Nuhu Sanusi 4...

 Two tenants, a male and a female, have abducted their neighbour's two children two weeks after moving into a room at Igbogene in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.    The children, identified as Son and Success, were allegedly abducted around 6pm on June 19, 2023.    It was gathered that the children were with their mother when the female neighbour came to take them out, claiming she wanted to go and buy snacks for them within the neighborhood. That was the last time they were seen.    According to reports, the male tenant rented a room in the compound owned by the family of one Late Chief Edmond Osain.    He said he would be staying for three months as he came to do POP work in the area.    He was said to be very generous to neighbours, especially children.   On Sunday, June 18, a young lady visited him and he introduced her to his neighbors as his sister.   On Monday morning, June 19, the man left home for work, leaving his ‘siste...

 A university lecturer, Philip Azubuike, has been confirmed d£ad after he was swept away by the flood that occurred at Trademore Estate in Lugbe area of Abuja on Friday June 23.  Azubuike, until his d£ath, was a lecturer with the Physics Department in Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State. It was gathered that he was swept away in his Peugeot 406 car with registration No. YLA 681 FS.  His c0rpse was recovered from the canal by the entrance of the estate.  Alhaji Ashiru, an inspector of police newly posted to the area, who narrated how he lost all his properties, said he pulled out the c0rpse from the canal with the help of other residents around.  Several residents said they saw the victim struggling to come out of the Peugeot car when the flood started.  “We saw him on the top of his vehicle trying to avoid the flood, but later we did not see him again,” a motorcyclist told Premium Times after the corpse was pulled out. Meanwhile, fri...

 A middle-aged man identified as Usman Buda was earlier today June 25 beaten to d£ath by a mob for allegedly making blasphemous comments against Prophet Muhammad. Confirming the incident to newsmen, the spokesperson of the command, ASP Ahmad Rufai, said at about 9.20am today, the police received a distress call that the d£ceased who is a Butcher, was mobbed and attacked by some Muslim faithfuls who inflicted serious injuries on him. ‘’Upon receiving the information, the Commissoner of Police, Area Commander Metro and DPO kwanni led a team of policemen and all other operational commanders to the scene. On arrival, the mob escaped the scene and left the victim unconscious where he was rescued and taken to Usmanu Danfodio Teaching Hospital Sokoto (UDUTH) for treatment and was later Confirmed d£ad at the said Hospital'' Rufai said calm has been restored to the area. He mentioned that the state Commissioner of Police, CP Ali Hayatu Kaigama psc, has appealed to members of the publi...

 Twin sisters identified as Ikwo and Idak Effiom Effiong, allegedly k!lled their elder brother Kokoette Effiom Effiong, over their father’s landed property in Ikot Nakanda, Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State. The duo who are now in police custody, claimed their brother had acquired a substantial sum of money from the sale of their father’s land without sharing the proceeds. According to CrossRiverWatch, they asked that the proceeds from the sale of another parcel of land be divided equally among all the siblings. However, their brother’s refusal to do so led to the conspiracy and plot for his d£ath. Kokoette reportedly d!ed as a result of severe knife st@bs to his head during the attack by the twins. Kokoette’s cousin, Otop Idebe said the sisters lured Kokoette from the house to a bush outside their home, and attacked him, causing severe cuts on his head and arms.   The suspects have been arrested by the police for further investigations.

 Side chics are important to sustain marriages – Blessing CEO Self-acclaimed relationship expert, Blessing Okoro, aka Blessing CEO, has argued that side chics are vital to the stability and sustainability of many marriages. “Without side chics, a lot of marriages will be broken today. That is one reality that we would face because a lot of these married women cannot satisfy their husbands. It might not even be sexually.  “Men are adventurous by nature. Sometimes when a woman is pregnant, a lot of things are happening to her: she is not in the mood, and she’s busy. And the man is out there. The side chic does the work. If there’s no side chic to play that role, men will walk away from marriages,” she said.