Oyo Govt. commits N5.3b to rehabilitation of 62 roads

The Oyo State Government, in conjunction with the local government councils, is currently embarking on the rehabilitation/reconstruction of a total of 62 roads across all the 33 local government areas of the state at the cost of N5.3 billion.

A statement issued in Ibadan on Monday by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Festus Adedayo, said that the rehabilitation/reconstruction of the affected roads had become necessary in view of their bad state owing to long years of neglect.

Adedayo also said that the roads were picked by the caretaker committee chairmen in their respective areas based on their levels of disrepair and the needs of the people.

The governor’s spokesman, who said that some of the roads were in over 50 per cent state of completion, added that the funds for the projects were drawn from the excess crude account.
He, however, said that the number of the roads to be rehabilitated per local government and the length of the roads varied from one council to the other.

Adedayo said that the Ajimobi administration decided to embark on mass reconstruction of the roads in order to improve on the road networking in the state and bring government closer to the people at the grassroots.

According to him, while a total sum of N1,667,535,398.75 is being expended on the roads under construction in Ibadan Zone, Oyo Zone will gulp N908,774,905.50; Ogbomoso Zone N760,815,499.50; Saki Zone N1,470,368,382 and Ibarapa Zone N458,747,461.75, all totaling N5,266,261,646.75.

In Ibadan Zone, the 1.35 kilometre Apapa Ojemo Road from Underpass to Primary School, Off Ibadan/Oyo Expressway, Ibadan is to be reconstructed for N150,353,490, while Yawiri Road, Off Akobo Ojurin and Eniosa-Onibepe, off Olorunda Aba in Lagelu Local Government Area will be rehabilitated at the total sum of N152,356,459.

In Ona-Ara Local Government, the construction of Oritamerin-Gangansi Road and Amuloko Market-COM D Bus Stop are already ongoing at the cost of N151,642,911, while the Bodija Market-Ojo Express Road as well as Alabiyamo-Arigidi Road, both in Ibadan North Local Government and Omi Adio-Iddo Road in Iddo Local Government Area also be constructed.

For Oyo Zone, roads like Lagbondoko-Alaadota-Oke Olola Road, Abdul Azeez Nursery/Primary School, Oke Odofin, Kosobo-Oke Boda Road, Awe, Ibadan/Oyo Expressway Junction-Old Ibadan/Oyo Road Junction by Iware Road; Dacamca Hotel/Tobacco Road; Oba Adeyemi High School-Agboganga, Oyo; General Hospital-Oke Odo Road, Ado Awaye and Conoil-Araromi-Ladogan Road, Iseyin are also being constructed.

The Ogbomoso Zone covers the construction of Waskha-Love Azeez Residence Road; Takie-Papa Adeyemo-Waterworks Road; Iwo Ate-Ife Odan Road; Idi Ede-Ahoro Dada-Ikoyi Ile Road as well as Ogbomoso-Iresapa-Iresadu Road.

In Saki Zone, some select roads in Saki East, Oorelope, Irepo, Saki West, Olorunsogo, Itesiwaju, Atisbo and Kajola are being rehabilitated while the General Hospital Road in Eruwa, Staff Quarters, State Hospital, Lanlate, Maternity Centre-adegoke Road, Igboora, Centra Mosque/Islamic Primary School, Idere, Oja Igboora-Oja Isale Oba, Igboora, Iwori Okugba Dam Road and Igagan-Aba Tapa Road among others in Ibarapa Zone are also among the roads being reconstructed.

Adedayo assured the people of the state that typical of the Ajimobi administration, the roads would be of high quality and would enhance easy passage of the people in the hinterland to the urban centres and vice versa.

Source: Ajimobi's Facebook

Scientists discover an ocean 400 miles beneath our feet that could fill our oceans three times over

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After decades of theorizing and searching, scientists are reporting that they’ve finally found a massive reservoir of water in the Earth’s mantle — a reservoir so vast that could fill the Earth’s oceans three times over. This discovery suggests that Earth’s surface water actually came from within, as part of a “whole-Earth water cycle,” rather than the prevailing theory of icy comets striking Earth billions of years ago. As always, the more we understand about how the Earth formed, and how its multitude of interior layers continue to function, the more accurately we can predict the future.

Weather

, sea levels, climate change — these are all closely linked to the tectonic activity that endlessly churns away beneath our feet.This new study, authored by a range of geophysicists and scientists from across the US, leverages data from the USArray — an array of hundreds of seismographs located throughout the US that are constantly listening to movements in the Earth’s mantle and core. After listening for a few years, and carrying out lots of complex calculations, the researchers believe that they’ve found a huge reserve of water that’s located in the transition zone between the upper and lower mantle — a region that occupies between 400 and 660 kilometers (250-410 miles) below our feet. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1253358 - "Dehydration melting at the top of the lower mantle"]

As you can imagine, things are a little complex that far down. We’re not talking about some kind of water reserve that can be reached in the same way as an oil well. The deepest a human borehole has ever gone is just 12km — about half way through the Earth’s crust — and we had to stop because geothermal energy was melting the drill bit. 660 kilometers is a long, long way down, and weird stuff happens down there.
Basically, the new theory is that the Earth’s mantle is full of a mineral called ringwoodite. We know from experiments here on the surface that, under extreme pressure, ringwoodite can trap water. Measurements made by the USArray indicate that as convection pushes ringwoodite deeper into the mantle, the increase in pressure forces the trapped water out (a process known as dehydration melting). That seems to be the extent of the study’s findings. Now they need to try and link together deep-Earth geology with what actually happens on the surface. The Earth is an immensely complex machine that generally moves at a very, very slow pace. It takes years of measurements to get anything even approaching useful data. [Read: Is earthquake prediction finally a reality?]

Earth’s underground ringwoodite ocean [Image credit: The Guardian]

With all that said, there could be massive repercussions if this study’s findings are accurate. Even if the ringwoodite only contains around 2.6% water, the volume of the transition zone means this underground reservoir could contain enough water to re-fill our oceans three times over. I’m not saying that this gives us the perfect excuse to continue our abuse of Earth’s fresh water reserves, but it’s definitely something to mull over. This would also seem to discount the prevailing theory that our surface water arrived on Earth via a bunch of icy comets.Finally, here’s a fun thought that should remind us that Earth’s perfect composition and climate is, if you look very closely, rather miraculous. One of the researchers, talking to New Scientist, said that if the water wasn’t stored underground, “it would be on the surface of the Earth, and mountaintops would be the only land poking out.” Maybe if the formation of Earth had be a little different, or if we were marginally closer to the Sun, or if a random asteroid didn’t land here billions of years ago… you probably wouldn’t be sitting here surfing the web.

Source: ExtremeTech

Nokia bounces back with launch of Android tablet N1

Nokia revives the brand with launch of iPad look-alike tablet, which is planned to be in stores in China in the first quarter of next year for an estimated price of $249 before taxes.

Nokia of Finland on Tuesday launched a new brand-licensed tablet computer, which is designed to rival Apple’s iPad Mini, just six months after the company sold its ailing phones and devices business to Microsoft for over $7 billion.

Nokia, a name which was once synonymous with mobile phones until first Apple and then Samsung Electronics eclipsed the Finnish company with the advent of smart phones, said the manufacturing, distribution and sales of the new N1 Tablet, will be handled under licence by Taiwan’s Foxconn.

The aluminium-cased N1, which runs on Google’s Android Lollipop operating software but features Nokia’s new Z Launcher intelligent home screen interface, is due to be in stores in China in the first quarter of next year for an estimated price of $249 before taxes, with sales to other markets to follow.

Sebastian Nystrom, head of products at Nokia’s Technologies unit, said the company was looking to follow up with more devices and would also look into eventually returning to the smartphones business by brand-licensing.

“With the agreement with Microsoft, as is customary, we have this transition and we can’t do smartphones... We have a time limit. In 2016 we can again enter that business,” Mr. Nystrom told Reuters.

“It would be crazy not to look at that opportunity. Of course we will look at it.”

Microsoft last week dropped the Nokia name on its latest Lumia 535 smartphone, which runs on its Windows Phone 8 operating system, but still uses the brand for more basic phones. 

Source: The Hindu

CORRECTION: Myles Munroe's Daughter Didn't Die In Bahamas Plane Crash

The Bahamas Faith Ministries International has issued a statement discrediting news that Myles Munroe's daughter, Charissa Munroe died in the a plane crash in the Bahamas alongside her parents.

See statement issued on the group's official website;

On behalf of the Board of Governors and the entire Bahamas Faith Ministries Family we wish to extend our gratitude for the tremendous outpouring of love and support by the many persons who have offered condolences and prayers.

Among those confirmed to have passed away in yesterday’s tragic plane crash were Founder & President of Bahamas Faith Ministries International Dr. Myles Munroe and his wife Pastor Ruth Munroe, Senior Vice-President Dr. Richard Pinder, Newly installed Youth Pastors Lavard and Radel Parks and their son Johannan, Pilots Stanley Thurston and Farkhan Cooper and one additional passenger.

Words cannot express our profound sense of loss for all of the team members on this tragic flight. Dr. Munroe was our visionary, our founder, our mentor, advisor, father figure and friend. He was a global leader and icon and was respected worldwide. His wife Ruth was a faithful companion and constant support for Dr. Munroe and was equally beloved.

Dr. Richard Pinder was the embodiment of a true Pastor who loved people, was faithful in service and gave his best to all. Pastor Rich as he was affectionally called was truly the glue that kept our ministry together. His warm smile and personal pastoral care was truly a comfort and a blessing to so many of our members throughout the years of our church.


Pastors Lavard & Radel Parks were recently installed as Youth Pastors of the Youth Ministry having both being officially ordained and installed as the church’s second full time Youth Pastors on Easter Sunday April 20th 2014. Both were products of both Dr. Munroe and Dr. Pinders' leadership and were personally mentored by Dr.Dave & Pastor Angie Burrows.

Our pilots included Senior Officer Stanley Thurston who was an experienced pilot and served for many years as Pastor Myles’s personal pilot. Also on board was Co-Pilot Frakhan Cooper who was also a faithful member of our aviation team. Both gave excellent service.

Dr. Munroe taught us to have faith and to pursue purpose and advance the Kingdom Principles of Jesus Christ here on earth. He also taught us to be leaders. As a Church body and organization we will move forward as Dr. Munroe would have wanted us to. We recognize that there will be challenges but we have full confidence that God will see us through and we intend to make our founding leaders proud.

We ask for your continued prayers and support. We will issue further details on plans for home going services and other matters relating to the future of Bahamas Faith Ministries in due course.

Source: Nigerian Bulletin

Myles Munroe's Prophetic Dream, Premonition of Death; Plus: Charisa Munroe is Alive After All! Here’s a Statement by Her and Her Brother

There is nothing left. I am ready to die. That's how I want to die because there is nothing else for me left to die. When you die, die like I am planning to die. Empty. It is finished." -Pastor Myles Munroe
(The Bahamas)—As memorials to Myles Munroe continue to flood in from around the world, news reports have surfaced describing a profound prophetic dream he had shortly before dying, as well as a "premonition of his own death" while he and his wife were ministering in Africa several weeks ago. (Photo via Twitter) 

In an interview with Jeff Koinange on Kenya's KTN JKL Show, Munroe said: "I want to challenge every Kenyan to go to the cemetery and disappoint the graveyard. Die like the Apostle Paul who said I have finished my course, I have kept the faith and I have been poured out like a drink offering. There is nothing left. I am ready to die. That's how I want to die because there is nothing else for me left to die. When you die, die like I am planning to die. Empty. It is finished."

In a recent YouTube video Munroe is also seen talking about a profound dream he had. At the time, he believed the dream was for a message he was set to deliver at the Leadership Conference in Grand Bahama. However, considering the plane crash meant he never shared the dream at the conference; it has taken on a much deeper significance.

In the dream, Munroe saw a track and field athlete lying in his coffin, clutching a baton. "It was about people dying with a baton instead of passing it on," he said. "I was thinking, the young person who's supposed to lead next has to go to the casket, pry the baton out of the dead man's hand to take it to the next leg."

"We are in a leadership dilemma," he continued. "The reality is, effective leaders always prepare their replacements. People would rather die than pass it [the baton] on, so you have young leaders having to fight to get it. Great leaders pass it on before they die and they live to see the other runner run."
CBN also reports today that in Israel, both Jews and Christians, are mourning the loss of Munroe and his wife.

"Myles Munroe was a key leader of the global evangelical movement with a big heart for Israel," the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem said in a statement. "His tragic passing is a loss for Christians and for the Jewish people he loved."

"Israel had no better friend," said Knesset Christian Allies Caucus Director Josh Reinstein. "His faith and love of Israel was an inspiration to all of us."

A statement from surviving family members, Myles Munroe Jr and his sister Charisa, read in part: "We will not allow death to claim any victory, but we celebrate the life and legacy of each individual. This tragedy does not mark the end; the end of life, the end of a vision, the end of a journey, nor the end of a purpose, but it marks the new beginning of an era... (Photo: Charisa and Myles Munroe Jr) 

"So let's not mourn their deaths but let's celebrate their lives and find joy in knowing that although God may not explain Himself, He will reveal Himself. In the words of our father, 'The greatest tragedy in life is not death, but a life without a purpose.' We know there is a greater purpose in all of this and we are now the vessels for this new vision and legacy to be carried on."

Source: BCN

Breaking News: Pastor Myles Munroe, Wife and Daughter died in Airplane Crash

THE leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries, Dr Myles Munroe, and his wife Ruth have been killed in a plane crash in Grand Bahama. - See more at: http://247nigerianewsupdate.co/breaking-news-pastor-myles-munroe-wife-and-daughter-dead-in-airplane-crash/#sthash.eWDsStKE.dpuf

THE leader of Bahamas Faith Ministries, Dr Myles Munroe, and his wife Ruth have been killed in a plane crash in Grand Bahama.

The crash took place this afternoon and killed all nine people on board the private jet. The plane reportedly struck a crane at the Grand Bahama Ship Yard, exploding on impact and crashing into the ground near a junkyard area.

The Department of Civil Aviation reported that the plane was a Lear 36 executive jet which departed the Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) for the Grand Bahama International Airport.

The plane left LPIA at 4.07pm with nine people on board and crashed while making an approach for landing at Grand Bahama International Airport at 5.10pm, the Department of Civil Aviation said.

This satellite image shows inclement weather over Freeport on Sunday.

A police on source on the island previously said two were feared dead. However, police sources later confirmed that all those on board had been killed. The police source also said it was believed the group was heading to a conference hosted by Pastor Munroe. The identities of the other people on board have not yet been confirmed.

The statement said while the department was advised of fatalities, it was awaiting confirmation from police on if there were any survivors.

#The Grand Bahama Airport Company Crash Fire Rescue Department responded to the incident, and the Police and Bahamas Air Sea Rescue (BASRA) are presently on the scene.

#The department said a full scale investigation will start tomorrow morning at daylight, which will include the Department of Civil Aviation Aircraft Accident Investigation Prevention Unit.

Source: 247nigeriannewsupdate

You Can't Fine Motorists, Court Tells FRSC

A Federal High Court in Lagos has declared void the powers of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to impose fines on motorists for traffic offences.

Justice John Tsoho held that the FRSC could not turn itself into a court of law by punishing those who commit traffic offences.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that a lawyer, Mr Tope Alabi, had approached the court to declare that only a court of competent jurisdiction could pronounce a
person guilty under Section 10 (4) and 28 (2) of the FRSC Act 2007. Other defendant in the suit was the Attorney General of the Federation.

A copy of the judgment made available to newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday quotes Tsoho as declaring the sections null and void for being inconsistent with Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution.

The judge also awarded N1million damages in favour of the plaintiff because officials of the FRSC had confiscated his vehicle and driver’s licence.

According to him, while FRSC was statutorily
empowered to arrest and fine traffic offenders, a closer look at the definition of the word ``fine’’ means a pecuniary criminal punishment or civil penalty payable to the public treasury.

Tsoho said, “In the instant case, however, the
involvement of the element of arrest takes the imposition of fine by the FRSC to the realm of criminal punishment.

"From these definitions, it is obvious that the act of sentencing is a judicial action or exercise, and imposition of fine connotes conviction for an alleged offence.
``It is, thus, very clear that the FRSC, not being a court of law, cannot impose fine, especially as it has no powers to conduct trial.

"Hence, the exercise of the statutory powers given to the defendant under the Act as pertain to imposition of fine is clearly a usurpation of judicial powers exclusively
vested in the courts.

"In the circumstances, I endorse the plaintiff’s submission that by virtue of Section 1(3) of the Constitution, the power to impose fine conferred on FRSC by the enabling Act is null and void to the extent
of its inconsistency with the Constitution,” the judge held.

Besides, Tsoho held that the FRSC resorted to “legislative absurdity” when it imposed a fine of 3,000 on the plaintiff, rather than the N2,000 statutorily prescribed.

"FRSC’s function should not go beyond issuance of mere notices of offence.
"It is a cardinal principle of natural justice that no person can be condemned without being heard.
"It is in observance of this that a person alleged to have committed an offence has to respond to such allegation before a court of law during trial,” he said.

According to the judge, the plaintiff was issued a Notice of Offence Sheet on April 4, 2013, but FRSC did not take him to court for five months before the plaintiff filed his suit on Sept. 9, 2013.

"The vital question to ask is how long would it take the FRSC to reasonably commence prosecution of a traffic offence?

"The plaintiff was not under obligation to wait indefinitely for redress due to FRSC’s inaction or laxity,” the judge added.
"I hold the view that the confiscation of the vehicle was unnecessary in the first place, though the FRSC spiritedly sought to justify it."

The judge then granted 11 of the 14 reliefs sought by the plaintiff, adding that he also awarded N1million in his favour instead of the N10 million prayed for.

Tsoho held that the FRSC acted under the belief that it was statutorily empowered to do so, adding that its innocent mistake constituted a mitigating factor as to the quantum of damages. (NAN)

Source: AIT

Earth to face a 6-day blackout.

The latest space hoax claiming NASA confirmed six days of 'total darkness' in December has been debunked – but not before it had been spread worldwide via Twitter.

The original report was published on a satirical news site Huzlers.com, citing NASA administrator Charles Bolden as the source.
Titled ‘NASA Confirms Earth Will Experience 6 Days of Total Darkness in December 2014,’ is said the space agency “confirmed” that there will be six days of darkness on Earth from December 16 to 22.

It argued that this was due to a solar storm, which would block 90 percent of sunlight with dust and debris.

Bolden’s emergency preparedness video was taken out of context to add weight to the report. When viewed as a whole, however, it becomes clear that Bolden was discussing emergency preparedness in case of an earthquake or hurricane, in order to help US
families to be ready for such scenarios.

Source: rt.com

Another Icon has joined the political race!

According to the Nigerian Watch, The Entertainment Icon, Otunba Dayo Adeneye, popularly know as D1, has joined the political race for 2015. Bellow is the press release of the Icon

History was made last weekend as one of Nigeria’s renowned entertainment guru and media baron, Otunba Adedayo Olumide Adeneye (D-One) joined the political race on a mission to rescue and rebuild the future of his people at Odogbolu Constituency of Ogun state, South West Nigeria.

The Entertainment guru and co-founder of Primetime Entertainment who is vying to be a member of the Ogun state House of Assembly under APC  has been in consultations with various interest groups in his Odogbolu constituency before now.

Otunba Dayo Adeneye who has been frequently summoned by his people at the Odogbolu constituency of Ogun state finally succumbed to the yearnings of thousands of young and old people in the constituency who want him to bring forth his innovative leadership to the development of his people in Ogun state. 

D-One who is coming into politics with an over two decade career which cuts across education, broadcasting and business management is seen as one of the biggest assets for the much desired “Change” that has become the lead philosophy of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party in Ogun state and the entire country.

Acceding to the demand of his people last weekend during a meeting with leaders of thought and youth in Odogbolu constituency of Ogun state, D-One said “The invitation is an invitation to service and I am quite humbled to bring back home the entire knowledge I have garnered around the world, to change and lead. To whom much is given, much is equally expected and because my root is here I am ready to sacrifice my all for service”

Born Adedayo Olumide Adeneye on March 23^rd 1960, D-One and his partner and “twin brother” Kehinde (Kenny) Ogungbe revolutionalized the entire Nigerian entertainment and broadcast industry in 1996 at their return from America where they both studied Mass Communication on a master’s level with emphasis on Radio and Television Production while D-One also acquired a BSc in Business Administration

Their innovative ideas and touch of genius with Nigeria’s first  twenty four hour radio broadcast  with Raypower FM  heralded a new all round the clock culture that later became the standard for local radio broadcast in Nigeria. D-One and his partner, Keke achieved the same culture with Television broadcast as their innovative ideas brought about the massive success of AIT all subsidiaries of DAAR Communications owned by High Chief (Dr.) Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi.

D-One had his primary education at St. Catherine’s Nursery and Primary School, Surulere between 1970 and 1975. He later moved to Ijebu-Ode Grammar School in Ijebu Ode, Ogun state where he obtained his Higher School Certificate. He was at Federal School of Arts and Science, Victoria Island, Lagos between 1980 and 1981 before he got an admission to study at the prestigious Southern University of New Orleans, USA where he bagged a BSC degree in Business Administration in 1985. Between 1985 and 1986 he also bagged a Masters’ degree in Mass Communication with emphasis on Radio and Television production from Southern University, Baton Rouge, USA

D-One had his first work experience at THRIFTY Corporation Los Angeles, USA where he worked between 1986 and 1989 as an Assistant Manager before he was promoted to the post of a manager before he resigned three years later.

The very dynamic Odogbolu born media icon later went into a seven years teaching experience at Inglewood, Los Angeles; he worked with several education institutions at Los Angeles Unified School District, California, USA where he taught all subjects including mathematic , English, Science and history. For three years he was put in charge of gifted student’s class at the elementary school (6^th grade). He was a member of California Teachers Association (CTA) between 1988 and 1989 and also a distinguished earner of the California Teacher’s Credential /Certificate. 

In 1996, he returned to Nigeria with his brother and partner Kenny Ogungbe on the prodding of Keke’s in-law Chief Raymond Dokpesi to establish Raypower and AIT.

 At DAAR Communications PLC, D-One served as Program Manager of the group with prime duties of creating contents and coordinating air talents for both the radio and TV arm of the media group.  He held the position between 1996 and 1997. He was later promoted as Marketing Director of DAAR COMMUNICATIONS PLC and served in that position between 1997 and 2001. He was saddled with the prime responsibilities of sourcing revenue for the group through sales of air time, sponsorship (Both programs and special events) and coordinating the entire marketing staff of the group to ensure a reasonable meet-up of monthly and yearly target. 

As marketing Director of DAAR COMMUNICATIONS, D-One’s office developed a corporate relationship with top leaders in Cooperate Nigeria which includes GLO, UNILEVER NIG PLC, Coca-cola PLC, MTN Nigeria, Zain Nigeria and Guiness Nigeria PLC to mention a few.

From 2001 till date; D-One is the Co-CEO, Primetime Entertainment which is prized as Nigeria’s best entertainment Television and Radio program with an African entertainment perspective.  He also seats as director on boards of several groups which includes Sierra Global Communications Ltd and DC Group. 

Otunba Dayo Adeneye is the winner of several awards within and outside Nigeria some of which includes; African Television and Video Awards (TAVA) 2010, Lagos Enterprise Awards (2007), Global Excellence Recognition Award (Media Business); City People Hall of Fame Special Recognition Awards, Mode Men Awards (2011) among several other awards and honors. He is also a United Nations’ Ambassador for Peace and Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Ambassador

His coming into politics alongside other eminent entertainment personalities is seen as a new development that will elevate the Nigerian political industry from its commonplace perception to a new techno-savvy sector with a conglomerate of seasoned professionals and in line with the CHANGE philosophy of APC.

Source: Nigerian Watch

Linda Ikeji thanks supporters, says she’s working on new website

Popular blogger, Linda Ikeji, by Thursday morning was still working on setting up a new website to replace her Blogger site, which was shut down by Google on Wednesday.

Late Wednesday night, on Twitter, Ms. Ikeji posted to her over 400,000 followers, “Oh wow! Thanks guys for all the love and support. I’m overwhelmed. Trying to get a new site…please bear with me. Long live LIB. Kisses…”

Ms. Ikeji, in a previous tweet following the shutdown, had informed her followers that the blog was still up on lindaikeji.mobi; apparently, a stop-gap arrangement.

In a post on Wednesday, Ms. Ikeji alleged that all her names had been acquires by cybersquatters. She said she had no plans of buying any of them for an exorbitant fee.

Ms. Ikeji who started blogging in 2006 was hit hard by accusations of plagiarism by some intellectual rights activists, some of whom alleged she stole and republished their contents without permission.

According to the blogger, the campaign for her downfall,was spearheaded by another blogger, Aye Dee, who owns 15past8. Ms. Ikeji, in a blog post on Tuesday, accused Mr. Dee of also lifting articles from other sites and of being a cybersquatter, who owned the domain name lindaikeji.net.

Google could not be immediately reached for comments. An official who responded to our call denied knowledge of the suspension of the website.

 Source: Premium Times

Ebola Virus Can Be Killed with Soap and Water

America, and even much of the world, is currently captivated by the Ebola virus that has, since its discovery in 1976, killed less than 2,000 people.

The reason people are so frightened by the virus is because of two factors: there is no cure, and if you are infected with it, you are more likely to die than survive. The current outbreak carries with it a 55 percent death rate. Other outbreaks have soared into the 90 percent mortality range.

The good news is that Ebola is not spread in the air. You get it from direct contact with an infected person's bodily fluids such as blood, sweat, vomit, or feces. So for developed countries that's encouraging because the Ebola virus can be killed simply with soap and warm water.

With that in mind, one wonders how more than 1,000 people have contracted it. The answer is, they don't wash their hands. They don't even wear gloves in hospitals, oftentimes, wear protective masks, or even use disinfectant and clean needles!

They touch - with their bare hands - dead people who haven't even been washed, who've died from Ebola, at funerals.

Fortunately, in recent days, through education and the involvement of other countries, these practices are changing. There are now buckets of diluted bleach scattered about villages for people to wash their hands. Some African governments are insisting that Ebola victims be cremated, and hospitals are receiving the gloves, masks, and needles they need.

The two American aide workers who contracted Ebola in Africa are back in American now, reportedly undergoing both traditional and experimental treatments.

Traditional treatments include strengthening the patient's immune system to help the body naturally fight off the virus. This means balancing their fluids, maintaining their oxygen levels and blood pressure, and treating them for any complicating infections.

The experimental treatment includes taking a drug called ZMapp, developed by a California-based biotech company called Mapp. The drug has reportedly only been tested on monkeys so far. But it was successful in those trials.

The ZMapp three-antibody cocktail isn't a vaccine. Instead, it provides an artificial immune response against proteins on the outside of the Ebola virus. 

It's highly unusual for humans to receive drugs like ZMapp that have not completed the series of trials, including human testing, required by the Food And Drug Administration. However, the FDA does allow the use of a drug before its approval, in extreme cases, if a patient's situation warrants.
It's unclear why the American patients are not taking an experimental Ebola drug developed by a Canadian company, Tekmira Pharmaceuticals, as their drug has advanced to human trials. However, like ZMapp, it has also not yet been approved for general use.

Considering the deaths of about 900 African Ebola victims with this current outbreak, both drugs may be fast-tracked for approval to treat the victims there.

Meanwhile, an Ebola vaccine is in the works, but reportedly still a ways off.
Symptoms of Ebola are much like the flu:

• fever,
• headache,
• joint and muscle aches,
• sore throat, and
• weakness,
• followed by diarrhea, vomiting and stomach pain.

In some cases, the disease causes rashes, red eyes, and hiccups.
Unfortunately, a person can be infected, and contagious for a couple of days up to a few weeks before they start experiencing symptoms. That means infected people can literally travel the world virtually undetected.

Ebola kills by destroying the function of critical organs such as the liver and kidneys, as well as causing extensive internal and even external, bleeding.

SOURCE: CNN

Watermelon Seed Helps Improve Male Fertility

Watermelon is a rich and crisp fruit that is usually found in all seasons. For those who have fondness for watermelon because, there is one aspect the fruit that you may be ignoring- the watermelon seed. In this piece, VICTOR OKEKE writes on this protein and mineral-rich seed.

Watermelon is a very popular fruit. While we all enjoy eating this sweet refreshing fruit, we usually discard the tiny seeds scattered in it without realizing or rather knowing of their health benefits. These seeds are loaded with nutrients including fatty acids, essential proteins and lots of minerals.
Watermelon seeds are used in Asian and Middle Eastern cuisines. Roasted watermelon seeds are served as a snack or used to garnish salads. In Nigeria they are used in certain soups. Watermelon seed oil is extracted from these seeds which is beneficial for your hair and skin. To say the least, watermelon seeds are edible and can be a healthy option.

Experts say watermelon seeds are a rich source of nutrients and minerals and therefore, should not be discarded. These seeds have a hard outer covering so they should be chewed before swallowing to get their nutritional content.

Dr. Saba Naaz, in Style Craze, our body requires amino acids but there are some essential amino acids such as arginine and lysine which the body cannot produce on its own and these have to be provided from food sources. Watermelon seeds contain some of these essential amino acids such as tryptophan and glutamic acids. Lysine helps in calcium absorption to facilitate formation of collagen (a form of protein) and connective tissues in the body whereas arginine improves the body’s metabolism, cardiovascular system and sexual health.

Watermelon seeds are good sources of magnesium with 100 grams of seeds providing 139 percent of the recommended daily requirement. Magnesium is vital for normal heart functioning, maintenance of normal blood pressure, supporting metabolic process and protein synthesis. It is also beneficial in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension besides controlling blood pressure and diabetes.

Watermelon seeds contain lycopene and arginine which is good for the face and also helps in improving male fertility. A 2013 study suggests that arginine promotes the production of nitric oxide in the body which helps in treating acute arteriogenic erectile dysfunction while increasing sperm production.

These seeds can be used for treating diabetes. Boil a handful of watermelon seeds in 1 liter water for 45 minutes, keeping the pot covered. This concoction should be taken every day like tea. Watermelon seeds are effective in recovering health after illness and sharpening your memory.

Almost half of the watermelon seed contains oil which comprises of 20 percent saturated fat and the rest monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat including omega-6 fatty acids. One cup of dried watermelon seeds contains around 50 grams of fat which constitutes about 80 percent of the daily recommended value. Thus, watermelon seeds are an important source of calories and energy.

Protein deficiency is quite common, leading to diseases like marasmus and kwashiorkor in poor settlements. Being high in protein, watermelon seeds can be extremely beneficial in combating protein deficiencies. One cup of dried seeds provides about 30 grams of protein. Protein and its amino acids are vital for growth and repair of muscles, skin and connective tissues as well as for making enzymes.

The wide array of nutrients contained in watermelon seeds protects your skin from certain types of skin cancers and infections as well. It also helps to keep the hair healthy and strong too.


Source:  Leadership.ng