The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that a $37.5m mansion on Banana Island, Lagos linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs Diezani Alison-Madueke, be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
The court also ordered that the sums of sums of $2,740,197.96 and N84,537,840.70 realised as rents on the property should equally be forfeited to the Federal Government.
The orders were made on Monday by Justice Chuka Obiozor, following a motion on notice argued before him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The anti-graft agency had on July 19, 2017, obtained a court order to temporarily seize the property designated as Building 3, Block B, Bella Vista Plot 1, Zone N, Federal Government Layout, Banana Island Foreshore Estate, which is said to have 24 apartments, 18 flats and six penthouses.
The court had directed that the temporary forfeiture order be published in a newspaper and then adjourned till Monday for anyone interested in the property and funds to appear to convince the court why they should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.
At the Monday’s proceedings, the EFCC lawyer, Mr. Anselem Ozioko, told Justice Obiozor that the publication order had been complied with.
The Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered that a $37.5m mansion on Banana Island, Lagos linked to a former Minister of Petroleum Resources...
Sometimes, small changes to your lifestyle can really cut your odds of having a heart attack or stroke. Try this step-by-step approach.
1. Exercise a little each day
Moderate physical activity lowers your chances of a heart attack. Shoot for 30 minutes of exercise that gets your heart pumping at least 5 days a week. Brisk walking or swimming are some good choices. On the other 2 days, do strength training, like lifting weights.
If you’ve got a tight schedule, break your exercise routine into small chunks. Try a 15-minute walk in the morning and another before lunch.
2. Set a reasonable goal for weight loss
If you’re overweight or obese, you don’t have to get thin to reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke. If you lose 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your weight, you’ll improve your cholesterol numbers and lower your blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
3. Take your heart medicine
It sounds like a no-brainer, but don’t skip your meds. Many people don’t take their medications the way their doctor told them to.
Figure out what keeps you from taking your medicine — it could be side effects, cost, or forgetfulness — and ask your doctor for help.
4. Eat well
If you stick to a healthy diet, you could lower your odds of getting heart disease.
Fill your plate with different kinds of: Fruits, Veggies, Whole grains, Fish and Lean meats
Stay away from processed or prepared foods that often are high in salt and added sugar. They’re also filled with preservatives.
5. Drink some alcohol, but not too much
If you drink, any type of alcohol helps your heart, but use caution. Too much raises your risk of high blood pressure, heart attack, and stroke.
To get the benefit without the risk, stop at one drink a day if you’re a woman and two if you’re a man.
6. Eat a little chocolate
Go for dark chocolate, and make sure the ingredients are at least 70 per cent cacao. It’s filled with nutrients that help protect your ticker (heart). Keep your portions small so you don’t gain weight and work your heart harder.
7. Don’t smoke
Smoking dramatically raises your risk of heart attacks and strokes. Talk to your doctor about how to quit. You’ll also be doing your friends and family a favor, since secondhand smoke can also lead to heart disease.
8. Pay attention to your symptoms
Don’t just hope they’ll go away. See your doctor if you feel anything unusual, like shortness of breath, changes in your heart rhythm, or extreme tiredness. Also, watch for pain in your jaw or back, nausea or vomiting, sweating, or flu-like symptoms.
Source: WebMD.com
Sometimes, small changes to your lifestyle can really cut your odds of having a heart attack or stroke. Try this step-by-step approach. 1....
North Korean state media has slammed the latest round of sanctions approved by the United Nations, calling them a “flagrant violation of our sovereignty.” It vowed retaliation against Washington.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted new sanctions Saturday in response to Pyongyang’s long-range ballistic missile tests on July 4 and July 28.
The measures aim to make it harder for North Korea to make money across the globe. They target North Korea’s primary exports — including coal, iron and seafood — and attempt to cut off its additional revenue streams by targeting some of its banks and joint ventures with foreign companies.
Speaking at the ASEAN Regional Forum on Monday, North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho blamed the US for the current situation on the Korean Peninsula and said Pyongyang’s “possession of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles is a legitimate option for self-defence in the face of a clear and real nuclear threat posed by the US,” according to a statement released by North Korea.
“We will, under no circumstances, put the nukes and ballistic rockets on the negotiating table,” Ri said, adding Pyongyang would “teach the US a severe lesson” if it used military force against North Korea.
Later on Monday North Korea released a statement via its permanent mission to the United Nations calling the United States “frenzied” and “desperate.” The statement said the US is “trying to drive the situation of the Korean peninsula to the brink of nuclear war, running amuck to conduct missile drill against the DPRK and deploying massive strategic equipment to the peninsula.”
North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency said the country’s missile launches were a “stern warning to the US,” and warned Washington against “believing that its land is safe across the ocean.”
KCNA accused the US of “trying to drive the situation of the Korean Peninsula to the brink of nuclear war” and pushing the UN to pass new sanctions.
“(North Korea) will make the US pay dearly for all the heinous crimes it commits against the state and people of this country,” KCNA said. (CNN)
North Korean state media has slammed the latest round of sanctions approved by the United Nations, calling them a “flagrant violation of ou...
Information Minister, Lai Mohammed has restated that there is no need for agitations over President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence as Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has been “functioning well.”
Mohammed said this in the light of calls for Buhari’s resignation over the president’s prolonged medical vacation in the United Kingdom.
The president has been away from the country for over 90 days now.
Mohammed, in an interview with journalists, reacted to the various agitations, saying there cant be a substitute for President Buhari.
He said, “There is no doubt that we miss the president but I think the government has been functioning very well.
“There can’t be a substitute for the president, no doubt but I don’t think it has gotten to any stage whereby we find the kind of acrimony, agitations that is coming up.
“It is normal for anybody to be ill. When somebody is ill, there are certain things he cannot do but we thank God that Mr. President is improving and he will come back very soon.
“The important thing is that government has been working. We have not missed one single federal executive council meeting since he left.
“Also, we have not missed one single national economic council meeting. Whatever needs to be done is being done because there are serious consultations between the Acting president and Mr President and as such, I don’t see the hoopla about Mr. President being away,” the minister said.
Information Minister, Lai Mohammed has restated that there is no need for agitations over President Muhammadu Buhari’s absence as Acting P...
Some people are lucky to fall asleep within minutes after their heads hit the pillow. But if you’re not one of them, sleep can feel more elusive than that bench press goal you’ve been hoping for.
And if you’ve struggled to nod off, chances are you’ve tried every “sleep fast” remedy in the book to get snoozing faster. Problem is, some common advice and habits thought to boost sleep might actually have the opposite effect, says W. Christopher Winter, M.D., president of Charlottesville Neurology and Sleep Medicine and Men’s Health sleep advisor.
That’s right—the same things you’re doing to help your sleep might actually be keeping you up.
We’re talking pretty everyday stuff, too. So if you’ve ever struggled to get to sleep, give this list a read: Chances are, you’re doing some stuff on here that could be sabotaging your shuteye.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: TAKING SLEEPING PILLS
It’s the ultimate irony: The same drugs marketed to help you sleep better might actually be hindering your nightly recharge. That’s because sleeping pills haven’t been proven to increase quality of sleep to any large degree, says Dr. Winter.
And that’s important, since quality of sleep is vital to helping you wake up feeling refreshed. If your quality of sleep is poor—say, waking up often or failing to reach truly deep sleep—you won’t fully tap into the restorative processes that your brain and body need.
Plus, they also might not help as much as you think with quantity of sleep, either. Some studies have found that sleeping meds like Ambien help you fall asleep only a few minutes earlier than you would without the meds, he notes. And those extra minutes may not equate to much relief, especially when you consider that many meds cause side effects like morning grogginess or sleepwalking.
The only potential upside, says Dr. Winter, is if you perceive that you’re getting better sleep, even if that’s not technically true. That can help you feel more refreshed the next day, or have an easier time waking up. But even then, you may be risking side effects or even dependency, just for a placebo effect.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: MESSING WITH YOUR MELATONIN
Around sunset time, your brain secretes more of a hormone called melatonin, which is designed as a trigger to help us wind down to sleep.
So lots of people pop melatonin supplements to help the process along. But you might not be getting as much help from them as you think: A meta-analysis of 19 studies on 1,683 people from Yale concluded that while melatonin can help you get to sleep faster and snooze longer, the effects were pretty small—people nodded off just seven minutes faster and slept just eight minutes longer. Those are much smaller benefits than you’d see with other sleep aids, the researchers write.
Plus, frequently using the supplement can mess with your body’s own production of the hormone, says Dr. Winter. As a result, your brain can secrete less of it—making it harder to sleep without the supplement.
And many guys take it way too late for it to help, anyway, he says. Melatonin naturally kicks in about three to four hours before sleep. So if you take it when you’re getting ready for bed—say, around 10 p.m.—it won’t affect you until around 2 a.m.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: GOING TO BED ONLY WHEN YOU’RE TIRED
Although it sounds like logical advice, similar to “eat only when you’re hungry,” varying your bedtime can cause sleep disruption over time, according to Mia Finkelston, M.D., family practice physician who sees patients virtually through telehealth app LiveHealth Online, and often counsels patients on sleep issues.
This is a big problem for those ages 20 to 40, she says, because their bodies seem to be able to handle lack of routine. Think of it: Summer comes and you stay out super late on weeknights at barbecues and concerts, but still manage to be ready for that 8 am meeting the next day.
But, actually, your body craves structure. Setting a regular bedtime, waking up at the same time each day—yes, even on the weekends—and having the same rituals nightly can make it easier to fall asleep.
That’s because your body recognizes the routine, and so it powers down on cue, reducing adrenaline and cortisol and increasing sleep-inducing melatonin around the time it expects you to start winding down, Dr. Finkelston explains.
“We can handle spontaneous changes to our sleep routine, but most days should be consistent,” she says, suggesting that you aim for five nights out of seven on a predictable schedule.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: GETTING OUT OF BED IF YOU CAN’T SLEEP
It’s become common advice to give yourself 15 minutes to fall asleep, and if you can’t, to get up and do something else, like read or listen to music.
But Dr. Winter disagrees. The time spent resting—even if you’re not sleeping—can be hugely beneficial to the body, he says.
“As long as you’re not upset about the fact that you’re not sleeping, then seeing that time as rest is great,” he notes. “It’s not wasted time.” That’s because “resting” helps your body even if you’re not actually asleep, by lowering stress-hormone cortisol levels. Also, he adds, people tend to get up and do something that wakes them up even more—like reading social media feeds or doing work tasks—and that can make it harder to fall asleep later.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: HAVING A NIGHTCAP
According to the National Sleep Foundation, about 20 percent of Americans use alcohol to help them fall asleep. Many claim that it helps them wind down or fall asleep faster. While both of those assertions might be true in the short-term, it can do a number on sleep quality overall, Dr. Winter says.
“Alcohol will harm your sleep, there’s simply no question about that,” he says.
While you might fall asleep faster than you would sober, you’ll pay for it in a bunch of disadvantages—interrupted circadian rhythms and less REM sleep, but also increased need to urinate and potential breathing problems through over-relaxation of throat muscles. All these disrupt your sleep, so that you feel lackluster the next morning.
Dr. Winter suggests that if you want to imbibe in the evening, have one to two drinks with dinner, but then stop after that. Alcohol can continue to affect your sleep even four or five hours after you’ve had your last drink, he says.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: COUNTING SHEEP
If visualizing a bunch of fluffy, white sheep leaping over a fence works for you to fall asleep, that’s great, says Dr. Winter. But for many people, counting becomes a source of anxiety. Once they get up high in the double digits, those sheep aren’t so adorable anymore. Instead, they just serve as a reminder that you’re double-digit sheep away from when you should have conked out.
Instead, he advises using visualization that’s distracting, but not overly stimulating. For example, one of his patients envisions the perfect golf course. He imagines himself climbing out of the cart, selecting a driver, taking out the tee, setting up the ball, and lining up his shot. Sometimes, he’s awake long enough for a swing, but usually not.
“He never makes it past the first tee-off,” Dr. Winter says. Another patient imagines baking banana bread, with every step involved, but she never manages to get the loaf in the oven.
That’s because the brain becomes efficient at recognizing these images as pre-sleep visualizations, he notes. Having the same mental routine every night makes it easier to get into a dream state faster.
These visual images are less anxiety-producing than counting, Dr. Winter says, because they’re not quantitative. For example, if it takes you 30 sheep to get to bed tonight, but only 10 last night, you might feel anxious about that uptick.
SLEEP SABOTEUR: LOOKING AT THE CLOCK
Six hours until you have to get up. Now five and a half. Now five. Glancing at the clock may make you feel like you’re tracking the situation and you’re on top of it, but it’s actually a bad habit, says Dr. Finkelston. That’s because as the time you have for sleep decreases, your worry increases that you won’t be able to fall asleep. Cue the cortisol and adrenaline spike.
She advises setting an alarm and placing it away from the bed, where you can’t see the clock.
This can be particularly good advice if your phone is your alarm, adds Dr. Winter. Getting even a small flash of blue light from the screen can wake you up more than you want, he says, not to mention all the notifications that might be scrolling by.
“Make your bedroom as distraction-free as possible,” he says. “That means no TV, put your phone in an other room, get rid of everything that beeps and flashes.”
Source: Womenshealth
Some people are lucky to fall asleep within minutes after their heads hit the pillow. But if you’re not one of them, sleep can feel more e...
Primer and moisturizer
Great skincare begins with great makeup. The primer and moisturizer will ensure a flawless base that keeps makeup in place all day. A scattered and unblended foundation/powder on a lady’s face is quite unpleasant. A primer is a must have as it helps your makeup last longer.
Concealer and foundation
Yes, foundation accentuates your skin, but it also helps your skin blend in any colour and with the right tone which would rhyme with your exact skin colour, your face would look absolutely flawless and beautiful. Apply in such a way that no one will be able to tell where your skin ends and the makeup begins.
Powder
This is very necessary and recommended . It would not just blend any harsh lines but also make your face bright.
Eye pencil or eye pomade
Either is essential for a makeover as there’s no makeover if the brows are not well concealed. For most makeup kits, there are particular colours/tones for every skin colour. The colour of eye pencil that a black person requires is a little darker than that of a light skinned person’s. So also are the foundation, concealer, powder etc. It’s terrible to tattoo your eye brow.
Mascara and eyeliner
It’s unnecessary to constantly fix your eye lashes as it would make you look weird . Mascara and eyeliner are your best bet as they make your eyes look more natural.
Nude and exotic red lipstick
No kit is complete without these two exotic and cool lipstick colours. They’re flattering and versatile enough to keep you covered from the office to the dance floor.
A brush set
Every brush has its function and with the right application, your makeup would turn out just right. For instance , if you want to shape your brows, you would need an angle brush and a blending brush but not a foundation brush or blush brush. (Sun News)
Primer and moisturizer Great skincare begins with great makeup. The primer and moisturizer will ensure a flawless base that keeps makeup ...
Online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, has reported that the undisclosed medical condition which President Muhammadu Buhari is battling with is cancer related.
According to the online newspaper, sources close to Buhari’s inmost associates had long disclosed that the president was beset by cancer.
The newspaper which made the disclosure in a report dated August 6, 2017, also stated that recent visits to Buhari in London was staged by the cabal around the president to give the impression that the president had miraculously recovered.
Sahara Reporters however stated that such impression is far from the reality that the president’s health is deteriorating.
Citing a source, the medium stated that the highly publicized visits were designed to create the appearance that Buhari was regaining his health and was prepared to resume in office.
It reported that Buhari’s ability to receive visitors was no indication of improved health, but came after his completion of a course of treatment that lasted three months.
According to sources, since the completion of that course of treatment, the president occasionally enjoys momentary relief.
“He can see people and sit for a little bit of time, but that does not mean he is healed as his doctors are yet to conclude that he is free of the disease afflicting him,” one of the sources said.
They added that the President had not regained his health and had lost so much weight that he is “padded” just before his meetings with governors and politicians.
A source also stated that members of the cabal around Buhari had pressurized him to return to Nigeria so they could use the president’s presence as a ruse to manipulate policies and politics to serve their individual interests, but that the idea was discouraged by the president’s doctors.
The newspaper also stated that one of the governors who recently saw Buhari revealed that the ailing president “is only okay a few hours some days. And it takes a lot of work to prepare him for meeting people”.
It reported that Mrs. Buhari had earlier been told her husband would be able to return with her to Nigeria last Wednesday, only to find out he was in no shape for the trip. She quietly left London alone and appeared in Imo state for an event.
Online newspaper, Sahara Reporters, has reported that the undisclosed medical condition which President Muhammadu Buhari is battling with is...
That time of the month is here again, and you’ve been dreading it. Like clockwork, the menstrual cramps rack your whole body with pain, making you wish you could spend every moment curled up in bed. To cope with everyday life, you immediately turn to pain relievers, but what if you could relieve period cramps naturally? Some of these remedies might even help you conquer the cramps once and for all.
1. Fish Oil and Vitamin B-12
Many women in the U.S. are lacking in omega-3s and B vitamins. Besides their benefits for disease prevention and general health, these nutrients can also reduce period pain, according to one Danish study.
This study dove into several options for cramps, researching the effects of seal oil, fish oil, fish oil with vitamin B-12, and a placebo. Researchers assigned each of the women to one of these groups at random and studied the effects for 6 months.
Each woman took 5 capsules per day throughout 3 monthly cycles, rating their pain each month. Then, they stopped taking the vitamins for 3 months to see the effects.
Interestingly, the researchers found that women taking any of the oils had reduced their pain versus the placebo group. However, the fish oil and vitamin B-12 group had the best results with effects that lasted even when they stopped taking the vitamins. For now, the researchers recommend increasing fish intake for general health, but you could run into a few other benefits along the way.
2. More Vegetables, Less Fat
Many Americans today don’t eat the minimum recommended fruits and vegetables every day. The processed foods they do choose are usually high in carbs, fat, and salt, making the perfect combination for painful periods.
For instance, period cramps happen because of mini uterus contractions that also cause blood vessels to constrict around the abdomen. Lots of salt and caffeine in the diet will further restrict these blood vessels, magnifying the pain. Getting more fruits and vegetables, though, will support hydration and nutrient balance while lowering inflammation exacerbated by unhealthy fats.
At the same time, you should make sure that you’re getting plenty of water and hydrating fluids. Water will actually lessen fluid retention, reducing the pain associated with bloating.
In addition, hot liquids can increase the blood flow in your body to ease cramping, but you should choose your hot drinks carefully. A decaffeinated tea might do the trick.
3. Magnesium Balance
Getting enough magnesium in your diet is essential. Magnesium regulates the function of nerves and muscles, both of which are involved in the menstrual cycle. It also helps in preventing water retention, a common complaint for many women during their periods.
Several small studies on magnesium have shown promise, including one performed by the NIH. Researchers studied 50 women, putting half on a regimen of increased magnesium. After 6 months, 21 of the 25 women reported lessened PMS.
To make sure you’re getting enough magnesium, eat foods such as leafy greens, bananas, pumpkin seeds, avocados, and dark chocolate. Consult your doctor before taking magnesium supplements, or any other supplement, for that matter.
4. Heat Therapy
For a more immediate relief of period pain, try applying heat to your abdomen or soaking in a hot bath. While these methods might make you relax and smile, they do actually help the pain.
According to Brian King from the University College London, the heat application triggers heat receptors in your body. These receptors actually block the chemical messages which cause pain. Although short-lived, this method may help relieve your symptoms while other methods take effect.
5. Exercise
Can health experts ever find a reason not to engage in some level of exercise? Regular exercise will simply have many benefits for your health, including pain relief. During a good workout, your body will improve blood flow while relieving stress and releasing endorphins.
One Iranian study in 2006 showed that high school girls were able to reduce medications for PMS through exercise. During your period, opt for gentle exercises like walking or yoga.
Thousands of women go through painful period cramps every month, turning to painkillers or just pushing through it. However, you can make some lifestyle changes to reduce the cramps, including exercising, increasing your vegetables, and taking fish oil with vitamin B-12. These options can help you cope with your monthly cycle better and might just get rid of the pain for good. As always, consult your doctor before changing your diet or exercise regimen.
source: Foxnews
That time of the month is here again, and you’ve been dreading it. Like clockwork, the menstrual cramps rack your whole body with pain, ma...