Nigerians Should be Silent Until Other Chibok Girls are Rescued - Lai Mohammed

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has appealed to commentators and analysts to refrain from making statements that can jeopardize the release of the Chibok girls who are still in captivity.

The Minister made the appeal on Sunday in Abuja at a special thanksgiving Church Service and reunion of the 21 girls with their families.
“They are many reckless analysts and commentators who are not helping the situation. We still have many of our children in captivity. Therefore we have to be careful with the kind of comments that we make. We must not make comments that will make the release of these girls difficult or impossible.”
“…When the President said that the Boko Haram saga will not be closed until all the girls abducted have been released and reunited with their families safely, those who doubted did not believe us so we thank God this day has come,” he said.
Alhaji Mohammed appealed to the parents of the girls who are yet to be freed to continue to exercise patience, saying “This is the beginning and we are very optimistic that very soon another batch bigger than this will be released. I want to assure you that these negotiations are ongoing even as we speak.”

10 Best Foods For Hypertensive Patients

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health problem. Over time, it causes blood vessel damage that can lead to heart disease, kidney disease, stroke, and other problems.
Hypertension is sometimes called the silent killer because it produces no symptoms. If you don’t get your blood pressure checked regularly, hypertension could go unnoticed, and untreated, for years. Here is a list of foods for hypertensive patients.

1. Potatoes:
Potatoes are high in potassium and magnesium, two minerals that can help to lower your blood pressure. They are also high in fiber, which is necessary for an overall healthy diet. Enjoy a baked potato as the centerpiece of your dinner. Instead of fattening and salty butter and sour cream, try adding plain yogurt or salsa for flavor.

2. Oat Meal:
High-fiber, low-fat, and low-sodium foods are just what you want for lowering your blood pressure, and oatmeal fits the bill. Oatmeal for your breakfast is a great way to charge up for the day. On its own, oatmeal can be bland. But refrain from adding too much sugar. Instead, you can add a touch of honey.

3. Bananas:
Bananas are a great way to add potassium to your diet. Eating foods that are rich in this mineral is better than taking supplements. Slice a banana into your breakfast cereal or oatmeal, or take one to work every day for a quick, easy, and inexpensive snack.

4. Beans:
Nutritious and versatile, beans (including black, white, navy, lima, pinto, and kidney) are chock-full of soluble fiber, magnesium, and potassium, all excellent ingredients for lowering blood pressure and improving overall heart health. Add beans to your favorite salads, soups, or wraps; as a bonus, they’re pretty inexpensive.

5. Spinach
A green leafy delight,spinach is low in calories, high in fiber, and packed with heart-healthy nutrients like potassium, folate, and magnesium — key ingredients for lowering and maintaining blood pressure levels.

6. Cashews and Almonds:
Tree nuts—not to be confused with peanuts, which come from the ground—are linked with many metabolic health benefits. Almonds and cashews really stand out, particularly when it comes to metabolic problems such as high blood pressure. What makes them so influential is their rich magnesium content. Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 bodily process.A lack of magnesium in the diet is strongly associated with blood pressure complications.

8. Green Tea:
Traditionally from China, green tea is loaded with an array of powerful compounds and antioxidants unrivalled by any other food. The reason tea—green tea in particular—is so beneficial is because of its polyphenols. One particular green tea polyphenol, known as catechin, has shown to improve blood flow and blood pressure.

9. Fish Oil:
Fish oil refers to the natural fatty acids found in certain fish species. These fatty acids—such as omega-3 fats—are extremely beneficial to human cardiovascular health. Many human trials and reviews have found fish-oil supplementation to be an effective treatment for high blood pressure. However, benefits are only seen in people with existing hypertension. Fish oil supplements are an effective and more affordable alternative to eating oily fish. However, if you have access to fish, eating it 2-3 times per week should provide heart-healthy benefits.

10. Garlic:
Throughout history, garlic's main use was for health and medicinal purposes. The active ingredient in garlic is allicin, a sulphur compound formed when a garlic clove is crushed, chopped or chewed. Several human studies have shown that supplementing with garlic significantly lowers elevated blood pressure. One study even found garlic was just as effective as prescribed medications after 24 weeks.

Obanikoro Returns to Nigeria,Set to Face EFCC

Former minister of state for defence, Mr Musiliu Obanikoro, has reportedly returned to Nigeria to answer for the allegations leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC. 

Obanikoro arrived Nigeria early this morning.

He is accused of diversion of public funds through the office of former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki [rtd]. 

Pope Francis leads a Canonization Ceremony

Pope Francis canonized Argentina’s “gaucho priest” Sunday, bestowing sainthood on the poncho-wearing pastor with whom the first Argentine pope shares many similarities, from a taste for mate tea to a dedication to bringing the ministry to even the most isolated people.

Francis honored Jose Gabriel del Rosario Brochero along with six others in a Mass before a crowd of 80,000 in St. Peter’s Square, saying the new saints, “thanks to prayer, had generous and steadfast hearts.”

“The saints are men and women who enter fully into the mystery of prayer. Men and women who struggle with prayer, letting the Holy Spirit pray and struggle in them,” the pope said.

Also made into saints were two Italian priests, Lodovico Pavoni and Alfonso Maria Fusco, French martyr Salomone Leclercq, French nun Elisabeth of the Trinity, Spanish bishop Manuel Gonzalez Garcia and Mexican layman Jose Sanchez del Rio. (AP)

Tens of thousands march in Paris against same-sex marriage

The protesters ended up at Trocadero Plaza, near the Eiffel Tower. Police estimated the crowd at 24,000, while organizers gave a figure of 200,000.

They were also protesting Sunday against the use of assisted reproduction techniques and surrogate mothers to help same-sex couples have babies.

Assisted reproduction is allowed in France only for infertile heterosexual couples and surrogacy is banned.

The group organizing the march presents itself as promoting the traditional family model of "one mother and one father." It hopes to influence the debate before the presidential election next year.

None of the major candidates in the election attended the march.

A small group of bare-breasted Femen demonstrators briefly showed up Sunday during the march to protest against what they call "homophobia." The half-dozen Femen protesters were removed by police.

The 2013 law allowing gay marriage exposed deep divisions in French society, prompting big protests for and against such unions.

Brad Pitt Sees His Children for the First Time Since Angelina Jolie Split

Brad Pitt has finally reunited with some of his children, ET can confirm.

The monitored visit took place on Saturday, Oct. 8, but not all children were present for the reunion. This marks the first time the 52-year-old actor has been able to see his children since Angelina Jolie filed for divorce last month.

Jolie and Pitt came to a temporary custody agreement on Sept.30, which is in effect until Oct. 20. The two volunteered to participate in individual counseling, and Pitt also agreed to undergo drug and alcohol testing, though he was not required to.

Federal authorities are still looking into child abuse claims, the FBI tells ET they are "continuing to gather facts and will evaluate whether an investigation at the federal level will be pursued." A source previously told ET that the abuse claims were "exaggerated or untrue" and there was "no inappropriate physical contact."

The Maleficent star asked for physical custody of their six children in her divorce filing -- 15-year-old Maddox, 10-year-old Shiloh, 12-year-old Pax, 11-year-old Zahara, and 8-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox -- and listed their date of separation as Sept. 15.

"She is only concerned with the health and safety of her children, that is how she feels at this moment," a source close to the situation says of 41-year-old Jolie.

Kendall Jenner Testifies Against Alleged Stalker

Kendall Jenner has taken action against her alleged stalker.

The 20-year-old reality star appeared at the Clara Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles on Thursday to testify as a witness in the criminal case against Shavaughn McKenzie, who has been charged with two misdemeanors -- one count of stalking and one count of trespassing.

Read More Here

14 Cancer Symptoms Women Should Not Ignore

 Women's bodies are always changing. Sometimes changes that seem normal can be signs of cancer, though. It is best to pay attention to your body so you can notice something different.
Here is a list of what you should watch for:

 1. Breast Changes: Most breast lumps aren't cancer, but your doctor should always check them. Let her know about these changes, too:
Skin dimpling or puckering

• Nipples that turn inward
  
• Nipple discharge
  
• Redness or scaling of your nipple or breast skin

To look for the cause of your symptoms, your doctor will do a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. You may also have tests like a mammogram or a biopsy, when doctors remove a tiny piece of tissue for testing.

2. Between-Period Bleeding: If you’re still getting periods, tell your doctor if you’re spotting between them. Bleeding that’s not a part of your usual monthly cycle can have many causes, but your doctor will want to rule out endometrial cancer(cancer of the lining of your uterus).

Bleeding after menopause is never normal and should be checked right away.

3: Skin Changes: A change in the size, shape, or color of a mole or other spot is a common sign of skin cancer. See your doctor for a thorough exam and perhaps a biopsy.

4. Blood in Your Pee or Stool: Talk to your doctor if you're bleeding from a part of your body that normally doesn't, especially if the bleeding lasts more than a day or two. Bloody stool is often from hemorrhoids, but it can also be a symptom of colon cancer. Bloody urine is usually the first sign of cancer of the bladder or kidneys.

5. Changes in Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped glands around the body. Most changes in them come from common infections. But some cancers, including leukemia and lymphoma, can also cause lymph nodes to swell

It's a good idea to see your doctor if you have a lump or swelling anywhere in your body that lasts a month or more.

6. Trouble Swallowing: Occasional trouble swallowing is nothing to worry about. But when it happens often, especially with vomiting or weight loss, your doctor may want to check you for throat or stomach cancer.

7. Weight Loss Without Trying: Most women wish extra pounds would magically melt away. But losing 10 pounds or more without a change in your diet or exercise habits could signal a problem.

Most unintended weight loss is not cancer. It's often caused by stress or your thyroid, but it can be a sign of pancreatic cancer. Stomach and lung cancers are also possible.

Your doctor may ask for a lot of tests to look for a problem, including blood tests and imaging tests, like a CT scan.

8. Heartburn: Too much food, alcohol, or stress (or all three) can cause serious heartburn. Meyers suggests that you change your diet for a week or two to see if your symptoms get better.

If that doesn't help, talk to your doctor. Heartburn that doesn't go away or gets worse could mean cancer of the stomach, throat, or ovaries.

9. Mouth Changes: If you smoke, watch for white or bright-red patches inside your mouth or on your lips. Both can signal oral cancer. Ask your doctor or dentist about tests and treatment.

10. Fever: A fever that doesn’t go away and can't be explained could mean leukemia or another blood cancer. Your doctor should get the details of your medical history and give you a physical exam to check for the cause.

11. Fatigue: A lot of women are tired because they lead hectic lives. But extreme tiredness that won’t go away isn’t normal.

Talk to your doctor if your fatigue never gets better or if you have other symptoms, like blood in your stool. Your doctor will ask for your complete medical history and give you blood tests.

12. Cough: Most coughs go away on their own in 3 to 4 weeks. Don't ignore one that lasts longer than that, especially if you smoke or are short of breath. If you cough up blood, go to the doctor. A cough is the most common symptom of lung cancer.

13. Pain: Cancer doesn’t cause most aches. But ongoing pain can signal bone,brain, or other cancers. Ask your doctor about any unexplained aches that last a month or longer.

14.Belly Pain and Depression: It’s rare, but belly pain plus depression can be a sign of pancreatic cancer.

President Buhari Confirms Release Of 21 Chibok Girls

The Nigerian presidency has confirmed that 21 of the abducted Chibok girls have been released by Boko Haram and are in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).                                         

The confirmation was made in a State House statement signed by Mr. Garba Shehu, Special Assistant to the President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity. The statement explained that the Director-General of the DSS, Mr. Lawal Daura, has  briefed President Buhari on the matter.

"The release of the girls, in a limited number, is the outcome of negotiations between the administration and Boko Haram, brokered by the International Red Cross and the Swiss government. The negotiations will continue," the statement said.

Saharareporters learnt the girls have been moved from Maiduguri to Abuja in a military jet.

JAMB Result Validity extended To 3 Years by Nigerian Senate

The Senate on Thursday passed the amendment to the law establishing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

The law now extends the validity of the result of the board’s examination from one year to three years.

Thailand King is Dead

King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand is dead.

GUARDIAN UK reports that the King Adulyadej's death throws politically turbulent Thailand into uncertainty. His son and heir apparent, the 63-year old Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, is expected to become Thailand's new king.
The cause of the King's death was not stated in a statement released by the Palace. King Bhumibol Adulyadej was 88 at the time of his death and had ruled over Thailand for 70years.

Pressure Mounts On BBC Not To Air Aisha Buhari's Explosive Interview Scheduled For Saturday

 

The BBC Hausa Service is under intense pressure from President Muhammadu Buhari and members of his kitchen cabinet to pre-empt broadcast of the interview granted by his wife, Aisha Buhari.

The interview is due for broadcast on Saturday, but the President is said to have reached out to his wife, who is currently in London, to stop granting further interviews to the media.

In excerpts that have been widely reported in the media, Mrs. Buhari is quoted as saying that the President had ditched those who really worked for his victory in the 2015 election and is instead focusing on those that didn't participate.

The First Lady was expressing frustration with members of President Buhari's kitchen cabinet, particularly his nephew, Mamman Daura; and his powerful chief of Staff, Abba Kyari.  They are widely-held as having shunted aside those who worked tirelessly for President Buhari to come to power.

She also said the President did not know a majority of his ministers before appointing them to office.

SaharaReporters has also learnt that neither Daura and Kyari voted for Buhari in the last election.  A source knowledgeable about the inner situation at the Presidency said neither man possesses a voter’s card or is registered as a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Mrs. Buhari and other members of the APC are frustrated with the President because he has refused to make the changes expected of his government, and continues to empower his nephew to run roughshod on issues of governance. Mr. Daura is reportedly so powerful that Buhari’s ministers have to get his approval to get funds released for their projects.

Our sources gave the example of Daura’s influence when the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, got funds released to him for the Rio Olympics 2016 after he met and received the blessing of Mr. Daura.

Also recently, President Buhari promised several persons who complained to him about the corrupt elements in his government of plans to make changes, but he never did.  Of particular importance are Mr. Kyari and the Secretary to the Government, Babachir Lawal, who are accused of corrupt practices.   Also involved is Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele, on account of his handling of fiscal issues. 

President Buhari has disappointed many in his handling of these and other officers, and his wife of 25 years seems to be leading a revolt by voicing the concern of a majority of the president’s loyalists who feel he has mismanaged the country and the goodwill that followed him into office a year and a half ago. “What I am afraid for them is the rebellion of 15 million people,” says Mrs. Buhari at the end of the excerpt available to the public.