Author: user user

Kindly let me know how much salt I should consume on a daily basis.

George (by SMS)

The expected daily salt intake for adults is less than 5 grams of salt (about one teaspoon), which is equivalent to less than 2000 mg of sodium.

For individuals with higher health risks like high blood pressure, the recommendation is often lower, around 1500 mg of sodium per day. The World Health Organization also recommends that children’s salt intake be adjusted downward based on their energy needs.

Although, I am not putting on weight, I noticed that I am spreading out in the middle. Kindly advise me. I am a 55-year-old lady.

Ruth (by SMS)

Your middle girth may be enlarging without weight gain due to factors like hormonal changes (especially lower estrogen in women), natural changes in bone structure with age, and shifts in where the body stores fat.

Other contributors can include stress, poor sleep, certain medications, and lifestyle choices like a sedentary job or diet. In view of this, it is important to prioritize stress-reducing activities and aim for consistent, quality sleep. In addition, focus on a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while limiting sugar, processed foods, and excessive alcohol. Regular exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism. If all these does not help, it will a good idea for you to talk to your doctor in order to know how to manage your ailment and to rule out any underlying medical issues.

A Nigerian cleric, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, who is the planter of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Adamimogo Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain Worldwide, stated that Nigeria deserves more exceptional elder statesmen like Aare Afe Babalola, the President of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD).

He referenced a Yoruba adage that emphasises the importance of elders in society, saying, ‘The presence of elders in the market is crucial, so that the heads of little children will not be twisted.’ Prophet Alo explained that the presence of elder statesmen like Aare Babalola has brought immense blessings to the country.

He noted that Aare Babalola, a philanthropist, successful entrepreneur, and legal luminary, has significantly contributed to Nigeria’s development by enhancing its human and material capacity.

Prophet Alo made these remarks to commemorate Afe Babalola Day, established by the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe. October 18 of each year has been designated by the Ewi to honour Aare Babalola, who hails from Ado-Ekiti.

In a press statement signed by Mr. Deji Ogunbusuyi and distributed to journalists at the Jesus City Camp on the Lekki/Epe Expressway in Lagos, Alo described Afe Babalola as an influential, great, and impactful Nigerian. He stated, ‘One of the greatest blessings the Almighty has given Nigeria is the gift of a kind man like Aare Afe Babalola, the President of Afe Babalola University Ado-Ekiti, one of Africa’s fastest-growing private universities.’

‘Aare Bamofin Afe Babalola is unarguably one of the greatest Africans still striding the earthly pedestal like a colossus. This is because he is so influential and impactful that his ever-flowing milk of human kindness has fixed the lives of millions of Nigerians and Africans from all walks of lives and backgrounds,’ he said.

‘Aare Babalola is living simply for humanity as everything he does, the ideas he represents and promotes, his entrepreneurship, and his legal practice significantly impact greatly, deeply and positively on everyone regardless of their backgrounds.

‘Afe Babalola’s University provides first-class University education to every young African and as well employs thousands of Nigerian and Africans from every background, educated or not.

‘While others site their industries outside their home states, Aare Afe Babalola brought his huge investment into his hometown and with it gave meaningful life to thousands of Ekiti people, Nigerians and Africans at large.

On fixing October 18 of every year as a day set aside to celebrate Aare Babalola, Alo said, ‘It is a very good decision and warmly received by all of us who are from Ekiti as well as Nigerians and Africans as a whole.

‘Yeye Aare Modupe Babalola has been the pillar of this great success that our pride, Aare Afe Babalola has been achieving and will continue to achieve for the benefit of humanity. She is the Biblical rock of Gilbrater solidly behind Aare Afe Babalola to give credence to the sagely saying that ‘behind every successful man is a woman’ who truly loves and rebooted her life to him.’

I recently noticed that whenever I brush in the morning, I noticed some blood in my toothbrush. Kindly let me know what this could be the cause of this problem.

Razinat (by SMS)

To manage bleeding gums, improve your oral hygiene by brushing twice a day with a soft-bristle brush and flossing daily, as this removes plaque, the main cause of bleeding. You can also use a warm saltwater rinse for temporary relief and a cold compress for swelling.

It is crucial to see a dentist for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if bleeding persists, as it could be a sign of gum disease

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced a shift in the date of its 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) to November 12-13, 2025, in Abuja.

In a statement jointly signed on Friday by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said the change was due to circumstances beyond its control.

The body, which comprises managing directors, directors of news, and editors of print, broadcast, online, and news agency platforms across the country, expressed regret over any inconvenience the rescheduling might cause members, guests, and stakeholders.

According to the statement, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has confirmed his attendance at the conference and will declare the event open as Special Guest of Honour on November 12 in Abuja.

‘The Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) regrets to inform members, invited guests, and the general public that due to circumstances beyond its control, the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2025 has been shifted to November 12-13, 2025. The venue remains the same (Abuja).

‘We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this change of date may cause you. We promise that despite the change of date, the ANEC 2025 would be a credible platform to discuss and proffer solutions to issues pertaining to national development and cohesion,’ the statement read.

The Guild reaffirmed that this year’s conference will retain its theme, ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors’, and sub-theme, ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027’.

It disclosed that distinguished speakers, scholars, and media professionals will deliver keynote addresses and lead discussions on critical national issues, including governance, media responsibility, and security.

Among the confirmed speakers are Prof. Awa Kalu, SAN, Managing Partner at Awa Kalu and Partners, who will present a paper titled ‘Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics’; and Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Head of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, who will speak on ‘State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in a Challenged Nation’.

Other speakers include Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Baze University, who will address ‘The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap’, and General Lucky Irabor (rtd), former Chief of Defence Staff, who will speak on ‘Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities’.

An Executive Session is also scheduled for the second day of the event, where editors will engage government officials, political leaders, and business executives on pressing national issues.

The NGE said no fewer than 500 editors and media executives are expected to converge on Abuja for the two-day conference, which will serve as a platform to explore ways the media can foster national development and cohesion through responsible journalism.

I want to know how anti- snake venoms are made and how they can be used to treat snake poisons.

Raheem (by SMS)

Even though the world’s most poisonous snake can kill even an elephant, but there is one animal that survives, the horse. No matter how deadly a snake is, even the fearsome king cobra, a horse doesn’t die from its bite. After the bite, the horse may become mildly ill for about three days, but then recover completely, as if nothing had happened.

It is for this reason that most anti-snake venoms are made by the help of horses. First, the venom is collected from the snakes. A small amount is then injected into the horse. The horse’s immune system responds and produces antibodies to neutralize the venom.

After 2-3 days, these antibodies are present in the horse’s blood. Blood is then drawn from the horse and the red blood cells (RBCs) are removed. The plasma (the white part) is processed to create anti-venom. This anti-venom is then injected into people who have been bitten by poisonous snakes to save their lives.

Congratulations on winning The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2025. What was your first reaction when your name was announced?

I was completely overwhelmed. For a few seconds, it felt surreal, almost like time paused. This prize is one of the most prestigious honours for any African writer, and hearing my name called was deeply humbling. My first thoughts went to my family, especially my late father, who planted the seed of storytelling in me through the tales he shared when I was a child. I also thought of my husband and children. Their unwavering support and inspiration are at the heart of everything I do. It was a deeply emotional moment that affirmed that storytelling truly matters.

What inspired ‘Sanya’, and what does the title mean to you?

‘Sanya’ was born from my desire to reimagine African mythology and tell our stories from a place of power, depth, and authenticity. The inspiration came from listening to the stories I had long heard and wondering what they could become if retold through a modern lens. The name ‘Sanya’ means ‘to redeem or compensate for hardship or pain,’ and for me, that captures the essence of the story: how choices, power, and ancestral memory shape who we become. It’s a story about legacy, resistance, and the divine feminine – all woven into the fabric of Africa’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The judges called your novel ‘fascinating’ and ‘unrelenting.’ What do you think makes it stand out?

I believe ‘Sanya’ stands out because it does more than tell a story; it challenges perception. It reclaims African mythology not as folklore but as a sophisticated, living philosophy. The novel is layered with themes of power, identity, destiny, and transformation, and it refuses to simplify Africa into a single narrative. It also merges myth with contemporary questions about leadership, memory, and change. That combination – ancient wisdom told with a modern urgency – is what I believe gives ‘Sanya’ its unique voice.

How much of ‘Sanya’ comes from personal experience or real-life observation?

Quite a lot. While the world of ‘Sanya’ is mythological, the emotional core is very real. My background in nonprofit work, social impact, and leadership deeply informs how I approach storytelling – as a tool for change. My lived experiences as a wife and mother, as a woman navigating identity, and as a young girl growing up, are all woven into the book. Even though the characters are fictional, their struggles with destiny, power, and belonging mirror the real tensions I’ve observed in society and in myself.

What does this $100,000 prize mean for you as a writer and for Nigerian storytelling?

It is a profound affirmation, not just of my work but of the power and value of African stories. For me personally, it’s a reminder to keep pushing boundaries and to continue writing stories that honour our heritage while speaking to the future. For Nigerian storytelling, this prize is spotlight – proof that our narratives can command global attention and shape global conversations. It’s also an invitation to more writers to see storytelling not just as art but as influence, as a strategy, and as a tool for societal transformation.

How do you see the current state of Nigerian literature, especially in prose fiction?

Nigerian literature is in an incredibly dynamic place right now. We have writers who are fearless in their storytelling – blending genres, experimenting with language, and telling stories that are unapologetically rooted in our experiences. What excites me most is the expanding range of narratives: from deeply local stories to speculative fiction, from mythic reimaginings to bold political commentaries. Our literature is evolving, and it’s claiming space globally while remaining authentically Nigerian. I think this is just the beginning.

What message do you hope readers take away from ‘Sanya’?

I hope readers walk away with a deeper understanding of the richness and complexity of African mythology – and by extension, of Africa itself. I want them to see that our stories are not relics of the past but living, breathing frameworks for understanding power, destiny, and humanity. Above all, I hope ‘Sanya’ inspires readers – especially young Africans – to see themselves reflected in powerful, nuanced ways and to understand that their stories are worthy of being told and celebrated.

What advice do you have for others who may compete for this award in the future?

Write boldly and truthfully. Don’t chase trends – write the stories that burn inside you, the ones only you can tell. Honour your voice and trust your process. Also, read widely and deeply, not just African literature, but global works, too. Most importantly, remember that storytelling is not a sprint; it’s a journey. Every page you write is part of something larger than yourself.

Do you see yourself winning the Nobel Prize for Literature one day?

I believe in the power of possibility. For me, it’s not about chasing awards but about staying faithful to the work, telling stories that matter and that shift how the world sees Africa. If my writing continues to resonate and make an impact, and if that path leads to a Nobel Prize someday, I would embrace it with gratitude. But my focus remains on the storytelling itself. That is the real prize.

What’s next for you? Another novel, or perhaps a screen adaptation of ‘Sanya’?

Both! The sequel to ‘Sanya’ is already in development. It will expand the world, deepen the mythology, and explore new layers of the story. I’m also exploring a screen adaptation because I believe visual storytelling is another powerful way to bring African narratives to the world. Beyond ‘Sanya’, I want to continue using storytelling as a strategic tool across literature, film, and beyond to shape narratives, influence change, and leave a legacy for generations to come.

The Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, has attained full compliance with International Maritime Organisation (IMO) standards, following a comprehensive review of its training facilities and programmes.

This affirmation came from the IMO Secretary-General, Mr Arsenio Dominguez, and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, after the Acting Rector, Dr Kevin Okonna, presented the Academy’s progress report to the global maritime body.

Oyetola said the Academy’s transformation reflects Nigeria’s strategic repositioning under the Blue Economy agenda, noting that infrastructural renewal and equipment upgrades have elevated the institution’s status among maritime academies worldwide.

Dominguez, in his assessment, confirmed that the Academy’s training environment and curriculum now meet the IMO’s benchmarks for quality maritime education and capacity building.

‘The progress made since 2017 is remarkable. The facilities and academic standards at the Academy now align with the IMO’s expectations for modern maritime institutions,’ he said.

Dr Okonna, while outlining the Academy’s reforms, listed new installations including advanced navigational simulators, a Marine Engineering Workshop with functional engines, a Survival Pool Complex for emergency drills, and a jetty fitted with a free-fall lifeboat system.

He added that the institution now trains about 200 cadets annually and over 4,000 participants in specialised short courses accredited by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Okonna emphasised that the Academy’s overhaul supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the Federal Government’s plan to expand Nigeria’s footprint in global maritime trade.

During the review session, Dominguez also held a virtual interaction with selected cadets, urging them to embrace discipline, technology, and sustainable shipping practices.

Cadet Captain Anthony Ibezimako Udoka, speaking on behalf of his colleagues, said the Academy now offers a conducive learning environment, noting that ‘for the first time, cadets of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria can proudly say they are being trained to global standards.’

A middle-aged woman, Karimatu Sulaimanm, has prayed a Shari’a court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna State to grant her custody of her four-year-old grandson.

Karimatu’s counsel, Mr Usman Umar, told the court that his client’s daughter who was divorced by her husband, Bashir Abdullahi in 2021 had remarried.

‘Since she has remarried, she no longer has the right for child custody and as such my client wants the child to remain in her custody.

‘We want the former husband to pay N30,000 monthly allowance for the child’s upkeep’,he said.

On his part, Abdullahi disagreed with the complainant’s prayers, saying he wants his son back.

He prayed court to grant him custody of his child so that he can enroll him in a school and raise him in a good way.

‘She does not allow my son to visit me at home. He does not know his relatives’, he said.

The judge, Malam Mu’awiyya Shehu, adjourned the case until October 21 and asked Abdullahi to produce witnesses.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Management, Festus Keyamo, has hailed Comrade Isaac Balami for his initiative in establishing a private university, describing it as a development that will attract more people to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking at the unveiling of the Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM), Keyamo said the ‘transfer season’ was still open for anyone willing to join the APC, urging Balami to take charge of political mobilization in Borno State.

Commending Balami’s energy and vision, the minister recalled how the young entrepreneur first presented his dream of an aviation university to him shortly after his appointment.

‘The moment I was sworn in as Minister of Aviation, one of the first people who came to my office was Isaac Balami. He shared his plans for the aviation sector. I remember it was around his 39th birthday. He told me he had just established an MRO in Lagos and that the Isaac Balami University was on the way,’ Keyamo said.

He expressed surprise and admiration for Balami’s initiative at such a young age, adding that he was inspired to support him until the university received approval.

‘This is another feather to my cap as Minister of Aviation. I can proudly say I’ve delivered my own polling unit in this sector. This aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to support the private sector and promote human capital development – two key pillars in our five-point agenda,’ Keyamo added.

He described IBUAM as a ‘revolutionary achievement,’ noting that it is the first of its kind in Africa by combining a flying school, aviation professional training, and an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facility under one umbrella.

Also speaking, the member representing Askira Uba Federal Constituency, Hon. Midala Balami, praised the university’s founder, describing him as a symbol of resilience and determination. He said with the unveiling of IBUAM, political opposition in Borno had been weakened, and the stage set for President Tinubu’s victory in 2027.

‘Congratulations to Isaac Balami for completing 40 to 50 percent of the campaign for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu,’ he said.

In his remarks, Comrade Isaac Balami expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, Keyamo, Seyi Tinubu, Captain Chris Najomo, and others who contributed to the success of the project. He said his decision to remain in Nigeria and invest locally, despite the ongoing brain drain, was driven by his passion to contribute to nation-building.

Balami recounted his humble beginnings, noting how his parents sold their properties to support his education.

‘The university is not just another tertiary institution; it is tied to an aircraft maintenance and overhaul facility in Lagos. Our goal is to produce 21-year-old graduates who can work anywhere in the world without supervision,’ he said.

He called on state governments, ministries, agencies, and political leaders to sponsor students on scholarships, emphasizing that profits from the university would be reinvested into society through his foundation.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, announced scholarships for 100 female students willing to enroll in the university, noting that empowering young women in critical sectors aligns with President Tinubu’s vision for gender inclusion and national growth.

The event was attended by dignitaries including the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, as well as senators, permanent secretaries, and captains of industry.

The convener urged all candidates who scored cut off points of 200 and above to quickly for admission.

It assured candidates that most of its scholarships will come from development agencies, such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, and North East Development Commission, NEDC.