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Boost Your Kidney Health with These Nigerian Soups

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  ~~ Hawee Saeed  The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering toxins, balancing fluids, and regulating electrolytes. Maintaining kidney health is crucial, and a nutritious diet plays a significant role. Nigerian cuisine, rich in diverse ingredients, offers several soups beneficial for kidney health. Let's explore some popular options: The Importance of a Healthy Diet for Kidney Function: Before we delve into specific soups, it's important to understand why diet is so crucial for kidney health. A balanced diet can help reduce the strain on your kidneys by minimizing the amount of toxins they need to process. It can also help regulate blood pressure and fluid balance, both essential for optimal kidney function. Nigerian Soups that Support Kidney Health: 1. Afang Soup: This delicious soup, sometimes called "Vegetable Soup," combines Afang leaves and water leaves. Afang is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Specifically: Antioxidants: Afang...

Unauthorized Airstrips in Nigeria:  Potential for Terrorist Funding and Illicit Activities

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  Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Global Human Capital  & Energy Management The discovery of an illegal private airstrip in Kano State’s Bebeji Local Government Area raises serious security concerns in Nigeria. This incident highlights the potential for unauthorized airstrips to be used for illicit activities, such as funding terrorist organizations like Boko Haram and bandits. The Nigerian government’s awareness of such unauthorized airstrips is crucial in preventing these security threats. The fact that the Kano State Ministry of Land had to halt the construction of this airstrip suggests that there may be other similar cases that have gone undetected. According to Nigerian aviation laws, establishing a private airstrip requires approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). The Civil Aviation Act 2006 and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations 2015 outline the procedures for obtaining approval, which includes submitting plans and specifications for the airstrip....

Today's Friday Sermon: Unlocking the Rewards, The Blessed Six Days of Shawwal

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  ~~ Mahmud Ashraf  Assalamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh, My dear brothers and sisters in Islam, Today, as we reflect on the profound spiritual journey of Ramadan, we turn our attention to an act of profound devotion that follows in its wake – the six days of voluntary fasting in Shawwal.  This practice, deeply rooted in our Prophet's (peace be upon him) teachings and rich in rewards, is not merely an extension of Ramadan's discipline, but a powerful opportunity for continued spiritual growth and connection with Allah. Why these six days? The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) encouraged Muslims to fast six days in Shawwal, emphasizing the immense rewards awaiting those who undertake this practice. He (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan, and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he fasted the whole year." (Bukhari, Muslim).  This profound hadith highlights the exceptional merit of these six days, placing them on pa...

Story of 19-Year-Old Boy: Corruption Drowns Nigeria's Potential, Leaders Fail to See the Future

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  ~~ Ahman Makams  Nineteen-year-old Peter Okafor's success story with Learnrithm AI, a revolutionary AI-powered educational platform, starkly contrasts with the missed opportunities for youth development in Nigeria. Okafor, a self-taught software engineer from Port Harcourt, transformed his personal struggle with traditional learning methods into a globally recognized platform with over 2,500 users within six months of launch. His achievement highlights the immense potential of Nigerian youth and the crippling consequences of a government that prioritizes self-enrichment over national progress. Okafor’s journey began with a simple realization: traditional teaching methods failed to cater to his learning style. This personal frustration fueled his innovation, leading him to develop Learnrithm AI – a personalized learning platform utilizing AI to break down complex subjects into digestible lessons. The platform's success, marked by awards, global reach, and inclusion in pre...

The Nigeria Police Force: From Colonial Legacy to Modern Policing – A Historical Overview

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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...

Saudi Arabia's Visa Restrictions: A Double-Edged Sword for Nigerian Pilgrims

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~~ 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...

The Global Inactivity Crisis: A Call to Action for Healthier Lives

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~~ 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...