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  The Nigeria Police Force, a cornerstone of law enforcement in the nation, traces its origins to a somewhat unusual date: April 1st, 1930, designated as Fools' Day in many parts of the world.  While HistoryVille's claim requires verification, the genesis of the force during a period of significant colonial influence undoubtedly shaped its trajectory.  This article explores the evolution of the NPF from its nascent stage to its current state in April 2025, highlighting the ongoing challenges and contradictions that continue to define its role. Early Years (1930s-1960s): A Colonial Legacy Established under British colonial rule, the initial structure of the force mirrored colonial policing models elsewhere.  Its primary role revolved around maintaining order, suppressing dissent, and upholding the interests of the colonial administration.  The force's composition and training reflected this, predominantly relying on locally recruited personnel.  Sources such...

~~ Ahman Makams  Saudi Arabia's recent decision to restrict multiple-entry visas for 14 countries, including Nigeria, has sent ripples of concern through the Nigerian Muslim community, a significant number of whom undertake the Umrah and Hajj pilgrimages annually. While the Kingdom cites overcrowding and unauthorized pilgrimages as justification, the move highlights a complex issue involving both Saudi Arabia's policy and the conduct of some Nigerian pilgrims. The new policy, effective February 1, 2025, limits nationals from the affected countries to single-entry visas valid for 30 days. This directly impacts Nigerians who frequently travel for religious purposes, business, or family visits. The immediate consequence is a significant increase in the cost and complexity of travel. The narrative shared by one Nigerian detailing the exorbitant Umrah visa cost (₦1.3 million for a single-entry visa compared to $150 for those with Schengen, US, or UK visas) underscores the disparit...

~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  Physical inactivity is a global health crisis, costing billions and contributing significantly to preventable deaths and diseases.  While regular physical activity offers substantial benefits for physical and mental well-being across all ages, a staggering 31% of adults and 80% of adolescents worldwide fail to meet recommended activity levels. This inaction leads to increased risks of non-communicable diseases like cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, along with mental health challenges.  Addressing this requires a multi-sectoral approach, including policy changes, community initiatives, and increased investment in promoting physical activity.  The World Health Organization (WHO) is leading the charge, providing guidelines, support, and monitoring to help countries achieve a 15% relative reduction in physical inactivity by 2030. The Urgent Need for Movement: The WHO defines physical activity as any bodily...

  Nineteen-year-old Habeeb Hamzat, known as Peller, rakes in an estimated N20 million weekly on TikTok.  This isn't just a rags-to-riches story; it's a stark illustration of Nigeria's failure to harness its burgeoning creator economy and the talent within it for broader societal benefit. Peller, a content creator, embarked on his career path unusually early, starting at just 13 years old. Initially apprenticed at a printing press, he revealed a deep-seated fear of a life of hard labor, evidenced by his repeated truancy and the image of aging vulcanizers that haunted him. This fear, coupled with witnessing his boss's modest lifestyle, fuelled his dissatisfaction and led to further career shifts. His early attempts at finding his footing were marked by a reluctance to commit, highlighting a yearning for something more than the seemingly limited opportunities he perceived. His parents' intervention, resulting from his discovered truancy and subsequent punishment, ser...

  ~~ Hawee Saeed  Fruit, a cornerstone of a healthy diet, offers a wealth of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, the timing and combination of fruit consumption can impact its benefits and overall health. Let's explore the myths and realities surrounding nighttime fruit consumption and the best practices for maximizing its nutritional value. The Myth of Nighttime Fruit: The notion that eating fruit before bed is detrimental to health is largely a myth, unsupported by robust scientific evidence. The primary concern revolves around potential blood sugar spikes. Fruits, particularly those high in fructose (like mangoes and bananas), can cause a rise in blood sugar. However, this effect is relative to individual metabolic responses and overall diet. For most healthy individuals, a moderate amount of fruit before bed shouldn't cause significant issues, unless they have pre-existing conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance. The perceived negative effects are often...

Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital & Energy Management  Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has been making headlines with his Ramadan outreach programs across Nigeria. While some have praised his efforts, others have criticized them as a thinly veiled attempt to garner support for his father's re-election bid in 2027. At the center of the controversy is Seyi's perceived disparity in approach to different regions. In the North, he distributed cooked meals and rice, while in the South, he provided cash gifts and business equipment to young entrepreneurs. Critics argue that this disparity underscores the systemic inequality and favouritism that has long plagued Nigeria. Seyi Tinubu's recent statement, "My Father Will Complete His 8-Year Tenure—Nothing Can Change That, Not Even God," from another media, has sparked controversy and raised eyebrows across Nigeria. This declaration not only showcases an autocratic mindset but also undermin...