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  ~~ Ruqayya Sanusi Ginger is a versatile and beneficial root that has been used for centuries in various ways. Native to Southeast Asia, ginger is known for its distinctive flavor and aroma, making it a popular ingredient in a wide range of culinary dishes. From adding a kick to stir-fries and curries to soothing teas and sweet treats like gingerbread, ginger is a staple in many kitchens around the world. Beyond its culinary uses, ginger is also prized for its numerous health benefits. As a digestive aid, ginger can help alleviate symptoms of nausea, bloating, and indigestion. Its anti-inflammatory properties make it effective in reducing pain and inflammation, while its antioxidant content helps protect against cell damage. Additionally, ginger is often used to provide relief from cold and flu symptoms, as well as menstrual cramps. In addition to its culinary and medicinal uses, ginger has found its way into skincare and haircare products due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammat...

  Commentary and Takeaways from the Speech by Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams at the 30th Anniversary of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) The grand finale of the 30th anniversary of the Oodua People's Congress (OPC) was a significant event, not just for the Yoruba people but for Nigeria as a whole. The speech delivered by Iba Gani Abiodun Ige Adams, the Aare Onakakanfo of Yorubaland and National Coordinator of OPC, was a powerful reflection on the organization's journey, its challenges, and its vision for the future. **1. The Evolution of OPC:** The OPC’s evolution from a small activist group to a formidable socio-cultural organization is a testament to the resilience and determination of its members. Established in the wake of the June 12, 1993 election annulment, the OPC has grown from its humble beginnings on Palm Avenue Street, Mushin, Lagos, to a nationwide organization with over 7 million members. This growth highlights the organization’s ability to adapt and thrive despi...

           ~~ Mahmud Ashraf  Sincerity is an essential aspect of Islamic belief and practice. In Islam, sincerity is known as "Ikhlas" and is considered to be a foundational principle in the relationship between a believer and Allah. The importance of sincerity is highlighted in the Quran, where it is stated that all actions and deeds should be performed solely for the sake of pleasing Allah. During the Juma'at summon, or Friday sermon, Muslims are reminded of the importance of sincerity in their worship and everyday lives. The imam often quotes the following hadith of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: "Indeed, actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have only what they intended." This hadith emphasizes the significance of having pure intentions and being sincere in all actions. Sincerity in Islam means that a believer's intentions should be focused solely on pleasing Allah and seeking His approval, rather than seeking praise or reco...

~~ Rukky Hassan  The sun beat down mercilessly on the dusty streets of Lagos, Nigeria. For Ada, a young girl from a poor family who had been adopted by a kind couple, the heat was just a reminder of the struggles she had endured in her short life. Ada's biological parents had died when she was just a baby, leaving her to fend for herself on the streets. But fate intervened when a wealthy couple took her in and raised her as their own. They provided her with a good education and all the love and care she could ever need. As Ada grew older, she never forgot where she came from. She knew what it was like to go hungry and to not have a roof over her head. So when she met a young man named Patrick, who came from a similarly impoverished background, she knew she had to help him. Despite their lack of money, Ada and Patrick fell in love and got married. Together, they worked tirelessly to make a better life for themselves and their community. Ada used her newfound wealth to open a school ...

  ~~ Salma Mohammed Vegetables are a superior choice for consumption over starch and junk foods due to their rich nutrient content, including vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are essential for optimal health. Vegetables are low in calories, high in fiber, and can aid in weight management, disease prevention, digestive health, sustained energy levels, and overall well-being. In contrast, starch foods and junk foods are often lacking in nutrients, high in unhealthy fats and sugars, and can contribute to weight gain, chronic diseases, digestive issues, energy crashes, and reduced overall vitality. Making vegetables a regular part of one's diet can have profound benefits for physical and mental health, making them a superior option for overall well-being. Essentials of vegetables; 1. Nutrient content: Vegetables are rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants that are necessary for optimal health and functioning of the body. Starch fo...

  ~~ Dr. Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician  WHAT IS FAINTING?: Fainting is when you become unconscious or ‘black out’ for a brief period. You may collapse to the floor and may have a brief period of twitching while collapsed. Fainting is caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure (hypotension), which results in less blood flow to the brain. Brain cells depend on a good blood flow to supply oxygen and nutrients and react quickly when this supply is reduced or cut off. Most faints do not cause any harm and recovery is fast. However, fainting can also indicate a serious medical problem. If the faint happened while you were sitting or lying down, you have a fit (seizure), chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, sudden and severe headache or other worrying symptoms, you should seek urgent medical care. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?: You may have warning signs just before you faint: - feeling dizzy or light-headed - a pale face - sweating - nausea (feeling sick) or vomit...

  ~~ Mahmud Ashraf  In Islam, respect and prayers to parents hold a significant value and are considered fundamental aspects of a Muslim's life. The Quran and the teachings of Prophet Muhammad emphasize the importance of honoring and obeying parents as a means to earn blessings and gain proximity to Allah. The Quran mentions in multiple verses the obligation to treat parents with kindness and respect. In Surah Al-Isra, verse 23-24, Allah says, "And your Lord has decreed that you not worship except Him, and to parents, good treatment. Whether one or both of them reach old age [while] with you, say not to them [so much as], 'uff,' and do not repel them but speak to them a noble word." This verse highlights the necessity of showing gratitude and respect towards parents, even in the smallest of actions. Prophet Muhammad further emphasized the status of parents in Islam through his sayings. He stated, "Paradise lies at the feet of your mother" (Sunan an-Nasa...

  ~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Life is a journey filled with peaks and valleys, and no one is immune to the challenges that come our way. Everyone has bad days—those moments when nothing seems to go right, when the weight of the world feels too heavy to bear, and when the future looks uncertain. But it is during these times of struggle that the true strength of your spirit is tested and refined. Never Give Up; It is easy to feel discouraged when life knocks you down. The temptation to throw in the towel can be strong, but remember this: setbacks are not the end of the road. They are merely detours, opportunities to learn, grow, and emerge stronger than before. Giving up is never the answer. The most successful and fulfilled individuals are those who, despite the odds, kept going. They knew that every challenge was a stepping stone to something greater. Pause, Rest, Restart, Reset, Reboot; Life isn't a sprint—it's a marathon. There will be times when you need to pause, catch you...

    ~~ Tenin Yahaya  Madam Eniola Bello couldn't contain her joy as she watched her son, Latona Samuel, walk across the stage during the graduation ceremony. The day was filled with emotions and excitement, as he beamed with happiness while receiving his certificate. Parents and well-wishers looked on with pride and joy in their eyes. Throughout his time at Grace High School, Latona Samuel had always excelled academically. He was known for his exceptional intelligence and dedication to his studies. He was always at the top of his class, a true role model for his peers. But what truly set Latona Samuel apart was his humble and caring nature. Despite his many achievements, he never boasted or bragged. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, whether it was his classmates struggling with a difficult subject or a teacher in need of assistance. As the Headboy of the school, Latona Samuel Mofiyinfoluwa had shown great leadership skills. He was always read...

~~ Rukky Hassan   Lifetime's Worth Of Struggles .... The worst time of my life began when I lost my job. It felt like the rug had been pulled out  from under me, and I didn't know how I was going to make ends meet. I had bills piling up, and the stress of not knowing how I was going to pay them was weighing on me heavily. I had always prided myself on being independent and self-sufficient, so the thought of asking for help was almost unbearable. Just when I thought things couldn't get any worse, my relationship started to fall apart. The constant stress and strain of my financial situation had taken a toll on my partner, and we started to argue more and more frequently. Eventually, the arguments turned into full-blown fights, and we both knew that it was time to go our separate ways. The breakup left me feeling heartbroken and lost, as I had invested so much time and emotion into the relationship. With no job and no partner to rely on, I felt completely alone. I struggled t...

  ~~ Dr Wey George Danlami Consultant-Family Physician Prostate cancer is a serious disease that affects the prostate gland, a crucial part of the male reproductive system. As one of the most common cancers in men and people assigned male at birth, prostate cancer can have life-altering consequences if not properly managed. However, thanks to advancements in screening and treatment options, many cases of prostate cancer are caught early and successfully treated. Detecting prostate cancer early can be crucial in improving the prognosis. Regular screenings, such as digital rectal exams and PSA blood tests, can help identify any abnormalities in the prostate gland that may indicate cancer. Once diagnosed, healthcare providers use tests like biopsies, Gleason scores, and cancer staging to determine the severity of the cancer and the most effective treatment plan. There are different types of prostate cancer, with adenocarcinoma being the most common. However, more rare types like small...

  ~~ Ruqayya Sanusi  Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats is essential for promoting overall health and well-being. Vegetables should make up a significant portion of your daily food intake, aiming for at least 5 servings a day. Opt for a variety of colorful options such as dark leafy greens, bell peppers, carrots, and more to ensure you are getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Similarly, fruits are a great source of natural sweetness and fiber. Aim for 2-3 servings a day, including berries, citrus fruits, apples, and bananas, to benefit from their antioxidant properties and promote good digestive health. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole wheat bread, and whole grain pasta should also be included in your diet as they provide essential nutrients and fiber that can help keep you feeling full and satisfied. Meanwhile, lean proteins such as poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and l...