How consumption of ‘Ewedu’ can help prevent cancer, coronary diseases – Nutritionist

Mr Olugbenga Jagun, a nutritionist at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital ( UATH), Gwagalada, has said that jute leaf known as ‘Ewedu’ can prevent cancer and coronary diseases due to its richness in antioxidants and phytochemicals.

Jagun said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.

The jute leaf is one of the common African leafy vegetables cultivated in gardens and farms for home use.

He said that “Dieticians called it a pharmacy on your plate due to the numerous nutritional-health benefits.

“It is a good source of vitamins and mineral elements such as calcium, potassium, iron, vitamin C, B, K, Folic acid.

“These vitamins and mineral elements have a great therapeutic effects on our body such as the lowering of blood pressure and neural tube defects in pregnant women.

“It is rich in both essential and non-essential amino acid, example is Lysine. ”

He added that it also helps to prevent constipation due to the presence of fibre in it, making it a natural laxative.

Jagun also said the plant could be ideal in the case of obesity because of its almost no-fat and low cholesterol level.

“The leaf is a good anti-anemic which prevents anaemia due to high iron content and also facilitates the production of red blood cells.

“Excellent and appropriate food for the elderly because of its calcifying action, that is the supply of calcium,” he said.

Jagun advised Nigerians to consume the leaf due to its numerous health benefits.hat

NAN reports that Jute leaf is popularly called Ewedu among the Yoruba, ahingbara in Igbo and Rama in Hausa.

- PM NEWS

DSS ‘re-arrests’ journalist who spent two years in detention

Jones Abiri, the publisher of Weekly Source Newspaper, has reportedly been arrested again by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Abiri was reportedly picked up on Saturday at Ayabowei Plaza in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa state capital, while he was having a discussion with his colleagues.

The DSS first arrested Abiri in 2016 after he was accused of being the leader of the joint revolutionary council of the separatist group, Joint Niger Delta Liberation Force.

He was also accused of threatening oil companies and demanding money from them

He was granted bail in August 2018 when an Abuja magistrate court struck out a suit against him after being held in detention for two years.

When contacted to react to the report, Peter Afunanya, DSS spokesman, told TheCable that he is not in the know but would get back when he has information on the report.

“I don’t have this information,” he said.

- THECABLE

It is unconstitutional to allocate oil blocks to individuals, Falana writes Buhari

Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer and senior advocate of Nigeria, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari not to allocate oil blocks to “a select group of private individuals and foreigners”.

In a letter dated March 20 and addressed to Buhari, Falana said his request was based on an alleged decision by the federal government to revoke some oil blocks and marginal fields allocated to some individuals and companies during past administrations.

The human rights lawyer said while it is commendable that the revocation exercise would take place, it is “unconstitutional” to allocate the nation’s oil blocks in such a way that only few would have an unfair advantage.

Giving reasons for his submission, Falana said such allocation only served to enrich the privileged few who usually have no financial and technical capacity to develop the oil resources but instead sublease them to “offshore companies”.

This he said, constituted a “gross violation of the rights of the Nigerian people to freedom from discrimination, equal right of access to public property”.

“Our attention has been drawn to the decision of the Federal Government to revoke a number of oil blocks and marginal fields hitherto allocated to a few individuals as well as local and foreign corporate bodies by former military and civilian regimes in Nigeria,” the letter read.

“While commending Your Excellency for the courageous decision we urge the Federal government to desist from renewing the remaining licences of other oil block owners in the country.

“Having acquired the ‘entire property in and control or all minerals, mineral oils and natural gas in, under or upon any land in Nigeria or in, under or upon the territorial waters’ and vested same in the Federal Government on behalf of the people of Nigeria pursuant to section 44(3) of the Constitution it is inequitable, illegal and unconstitutional to allocate the nation’s oil blocks to a few individuals and corporate bodies including multinational corporations.

“Your Excellency may no doubt be aware that majority of the owners of the oil blocks belonging to the Nigerian people usually sub-lease them to offshore companies as they lack the fund and the technical expertise to develop the oil and gas industry.

“By merely collecting huge rents the oil block owners become stupendously rich while the federal, state and local governments depend on loans and bailout to pay salaries and carry out basic infrastructural development of the country.

“Thus, by allocating oil blocks to a few individuals and corporate bodies the Federal Government has violated Section 16(2)(c) of the Constitution which provides that ‘the economic system is not operated in such a manner as to permit the concentration of wealth or the means of production and exchange in the hands of few individuals or of a group’.

“In view of the foregoing, we urge Your Excellency to restrict the allocation of oil blocks including marginal fields to the Federal Government and the governments of the 36 states of the Federation.

“This request is in line with Section 16 (1) (b) of the Constitution which  has mandated the Nigerian State to ‘control the national economy in such manner as to secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity’.”

Falana said if his request is not considered by the president, he will through the court, challenge validity of the law guiding allocation of oil blocks and other resources in Nigeria.

- THECABLE

PL NEWS : Guardiola reveals what Manchester City must do to beat Liverpool to title

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, has said his team must win their seven remaining Premier League games, to pip Liverpool to the title.

City have the slight advantage in the title race, sitting top by a point after the 2-0 win at Fulham, having played the same number of games as Liverpool.

Guardiola’s men then play Cardiff at the Etihad on Wednesday night, to make up the games again.

“Seven games left for the Premier League, and it’s easy: we have to win every game to be champions.

“We have a tough, tough opponent. But that’s the challenge,” Guardiola told Sky Sports.

- DAILY POST

Nigeria, Ghana in talks over deportation

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) and its Ghanaian counterpart have begun reconciliatory talks over the recent deportation of four Ghanaian nationals by the Nigerian authority.

NIS Public Relations Officer, Mr Sunday James, made this known in a press statement in Abuja on Saturday.

He said that the Comptroller-General of NIS, Mr Muhammad Babandede had played host to the visiting Comptroller-General of Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Kwame Takyi accompanied by the Ghana High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Rashid Bawa.

“The meeting, which held behind closed doors, appeared to be a conciliatory meeting following the deportation of four Ghanaian nationals from Nigeria to Ghana.

“Babandede when contacted confirmed the meeting saying details of a further meeting was being worked out by the Ministers of Interior and Foreign Affairs of Nigeria and Ghana.

“There is no cause for alarm as both countries will resolve issues between both countries diplomatically.”

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister of interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) had authorised the deportation order of the four Ghanaian nationals over alleged violation of provisions of the Immigration Act and Regulations.

“This is in line with the powers vested on the Minister of Interior in Section 45(1) and (2) of the Immigration Act 2015″, James said.

The visit comes a week after Nigeria deported four Ghanaians to Accra.

NAN reports that no formal explanation was publicly rendered for the deportation, which was approved by Abdulrahman Dambazau, the interior minister.

A month earlier, Nigeria had protested mass deportation of at least 723 of its citizens between 2018 and February 2019. The Nigerians were accused of illegal stay, cyber-crime, prostitution and other social vices.

Eighty-one Nigerians were deported on alleged cyber-crime and illegal stay in January, while 115 have so far been deported in February on the allegation of overstay and prostitution.

NAN reports that Nigerian ambassador to Ghana, Michael Abikoye, strongly protested the action to the Ghanaian government in Accra.

Nigeria’s objection to the removal of its citizens from Ghana and failure to publicly state the offences of the four deported Ghanaians had fueled speculation that the March 22 decision might have been done in retaliation.

Biafra: Nnamdi Kanu threatens to drag FG to UK court, reveals why he can’t be arrested

Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has said he will challenge the court order, directing his arrest in the United Kingdom.

Kanu also criticized the federal government over his prosecution, insisting that he is innocent of the accusations against him.

A Federal High Court in Abuja had revoked the bail granted to the IPOB leader in 2017, after his continued absence in court.

Binta Nyako, justice of the court, also issued an arrest warrant against Kanu, citing the continued absence of the IPOB leader in court.

Speaking during a broadcast on Radio Biafra on Saturday, Kanu said he has instructed his lawyers to challenge the arrest warrant in a UK court

“The revocation of my bail will never ever hold; they can never convict us because we have done nothing wrong.

“Every move they make, every decision they take, I will challenge. I have instructed my lawyers, we will challenge in a competent court of law here in Britain where law actually works. I am waiting for them.

“Any day you instruct INTERPOL, that day I will take it up in court and they must answer because here is a civilised country.

“First, I am not a Nigerian citizen. Your bail revocation will never ever work. Anybody interested in revoking my bail would have asked the army what they were doing in my place,” he said.

- DAILY POST

Knight decries high rate of extra judicial killings

Mr Williams Adebisi, the Metropolitan Grand Knight of the Order of the Knights of St Molumba, has decried the high rate of extra-judicial killings in Nigeria, saying that life is sacrosanct and should not be toyed with.

Adebisi said this on Saturday at the Pro-Life Rally and Walk for Life, with the theme, “Keeping Wholly the Tri-Unity of Our Humanity”. at St Gerald Catholic Church, Gbagada, Lagos.

According to him, extra-judicial killing is a grave abuse of rule of law and human dignity which were the core of fundamental human rights.

“It should be strongly condemned and denied in any sane society, especially where democratic governance is practiced, such as Nigeria.

“It is wrong to take laws into our hands, whether as an individual or a group. It is criminal to kill a suspect without allowing the due process of law to takes it course.

“The only way we can progress towards rebuilding this nation into an ideal society is to start practicing what is ideal. I will recommend that full investigation and judicial inquiries must follow without delay.

“This is with a view to holding the perpetrators fully accountable for their crimes and making clear that the pattern of killing will not be allowed to continue.

“Law enforcement officers must go through a thorough and effective training on fundamental human rights with emphasis on the rule of law and human dignity,” he said.

Adebisi urged Human Rights Commission of Nigeria to be more active by coordinating its work with law enforcement agencies to ensure that people’s right were respected and protected.

He urged the Federal Government to map out reserved grazing areas to curb the menace of herdsmen.

“The menace of herdsmen has gone unabated for too long, in the light of security challenges, it is imperative to arrest this ugly trend before it snowballs into a monster.

“A special taskforce comprising all the security agencies and leaders of the Fulani communities should be set up both at state and national levels to curb the exercise of herdsmen,” he said.

On terrorism, Adebisi urged Nigerians to be vigilant and support the government’s anti-terrorism policies.

“The consolidated and concerted efforts of Nigerian government to exterminate terrorism will amount to nothing without the citizens’ unalloyed support,” he said.

- PM NEWS

Rashford, Martial gives Solskjaer first win as United manager

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer marked the start to his permanent reign as Manchester United boss with a win against Watford but it was, ultimately, a nail-biting beginning to the new era.

The Reds were in subdued form but went ahead in the match with a first-half goal from Marcus Rashford, before adding another from Anthony Martial in the second 45 minutes. Lively visitors Watford wouldn’t lie down and, after an impressive display, scored a late goal from Abdoulaye Doucoure to set up a worrying last few seconds. United survived to get back to winning ways but Solskjaer gave the impression as he walked off at the end clapping the crowd that he’d come close to a setback.

Old Trafford welcomed Thursday’s news of Solksjaer’s appointment with a huge ‘20LEGEND’ banner that travelled across the heads of the Stretford End fans in recognition of the Norwegian.
The stadium echoed to a back catalogue of tribute songs to the former striker but, as the boss said, this is where the serious work starts and United were distinctly off the pace as we attempted to return to winning ways following back-to-back away defeats before the international break.

The Reds were lethargic as Javi Gracia’s impressive footballing side took command with their slick play. While Watford found their rhythm immediately with sweeping moves that created untold problems for United, the Reds, on the other hand, just couldn’t string any passes together.

Every attempt to break out from Watford’s pressure broke down easily. The visitors had numerous moments chances but United were fortunate their finishing didn’t match their approach work.

Doucoure and Troy Deeney both had opportunities to threaten David De Gea but failed to make there Spaniard work hard. Deeney’s powerful presence almost set up another penalty area chance that De Gea pawed away to safety.

United’s danger was limited but, unlike Watford, when the hosts finally created something of real note, we opened the scoring.

Luke Shaw brilliantly put the brake on penetrating run by Deeney, set off himself upfield and delivered a superb pass to Rashford after 28 minutes. The striker coolly steered his shot past the on-rushing former Reds goalkeeper Ben Foster.

It could have been 2-0, four minutes later, but for a great stop by Foster with his legs as Martial powered in a left-foot drive from just eight yards, following a clever corner routine.

With our noses in front, United had settled down but opportunities remained sparse and, with Doucoure a prominent danger in Watford’s midfield, United’s lead wasn’t a comfortable one.

United really needed to start the second half at a far brisker pace than they had at the opening of the game but it was a similar scenario. It allowed Watford to continue with the composure that hadn’t really been damaged even by Rashford’s goal. They were bright and on top again but a Daryl Janmaat wild piledriver let United off the hook in the 51st minute then, seconds later, Roberto Pereyra created an opening for himself that De Gea managed to smuggle away for a corner.

Watford kept up the early post-interval pressure and Will Hughes curled a shot just wide with the Reds unable to get any traction in the match.

Solskjaer made his first changes after 62 minutes in an effort to inject some vibrant new blood into the Reds’ engine room. He brought on Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira for Juan Mata and Ander Herrera.

Marcus Rashford puts United ahead against Watford
Marcus Rashford lifts the ball past Ben Foster to put United in front.
It took the new boys 10 minutes before they really made an impression but, when they finally did, it was a goal-making one. Andreas fed Lingard on the overlap in the 72nd minute and his cross sparked a scramble inside the six-yard area with Martial’s initial stab being blocked by Foster but the Frenchman got up to twist and steer home at the second attempt.

It had been a carbon-copy second half to the first 45 minutes with Watford dangerous but United surviving and snatching the goal. The boss had not looked in over-celebratory mood on the bench as United gave themselves some breathing space. Maybe he had sensed that with his side not at their best, there might still be some further action.

If so, he was bang on as Watford refused to buckle and accept defeat. In the 89th minute, our defence was opened up simply with a zippy move from the Hornets and Doucoure forced his way through to provide the sting in the tail with a simple finish past De Gea.

It meant a nail-biting finale which United survived and Solskjaer puffed out his cheeks in relief at the final whistle.

Anthony Martial snaps up United’s second goal against Watford.

United: De Gea; Young (c), Jones, Smalling, Shaw; Herrera (Andreas 62), Matic, Pogba; Mata (Lingard 62), Rashford, Martial (Rojo 76).

Subs not used: Romero, Dalot, Fred, Lukaku.

Goals: Rashford 28, Martial 72

Bookings: Andreas

Watford: Foster, Janmaat (Femenia 55), Britos, Kabasele, Masina, Capoue, Hughes (Success 82), Doucoure, Pereyra, Deulofeu (Gray 73), Deeney.

Subs: Gomes, Cathcart, Quina, Holebas.

Goals: Doucoure 89

Bookings: Hughes, Masina

Attendance: 74,543

-PM NEWS

Suspected mad man jumps from Wema Bank’s mast to death in Ibadan

A man suspected to be mentally unstable on Saturday jumped to his death from a bank’s network mast in Sango area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Confirming the incident to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Oyo State Police Public Relation Officer, Olugbenga Fadeyi, said the naked victim came to the Wema Bank branch in Sango and entered the building through its small gate.

Fadeyi said that the victim, having successfully entered the premises of the bank through the small gate, climbed the bank’s mast before the security personnel became aware.

He said the victim, however, jumped down to the roof of the bank before the police and Fire Service personnel arrived.

“The impact was so much that he crashed through the roof and fell inside the bank.

“ An official of the bank was called in to open the premises.

“By the time the bank’s door was opened, the man was already bleeding through the mouth and was rushed to the University College Hospital where he was confirmed dead,’’ Fadeyi said.

He said the corpse had been deposited at the Adeoyo Hospital for autopsy while efforts were on to ascertain his identity.

- PM NEWS

How Innoson won N8.7bn landmark judgment over GTB

Innoson Nigeria Limited has won an N8.7 billion landmark judgment over Guaranteed Trust Bank, GTB, at the Supreme Court, as the company is currently moving to take over the bank.

According to Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman of the company, the indigenous motor company is pushing to take ovrt GTB through a “Writ of FiFa taken over Guaranty Trust Bank PLC for and on half of Innoson Nigeria Ltd.”

The Supreme Court had on February 27, 2019, dismissed GTB’s appeal marked SC. 694/2014- against the judgment of Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division.

The Court of Appeal, Ibadan division had in its decision of 6th February 2014 dismissed GTB’s appeal against the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division.

Thus, the Court of Appeal affirmed the judgment of the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division which ordered GTB by way of Garnishee order absolute – to pay N2.4 Billion to Innoson with a 22 per cent interest, per annum, on the judgment sum until the final liquidation of the judgment debt.

Rather than obey the judgment of the Court of Appeal, GTB approached the Supreme Court to challenge the Court of Appeal’s decision.

However, in a ruling delivered by Honourable Olabode Rhodes-Vivour JSC on Wednesday, “the Lord Justices of the Supreme Court (JSC) dismissed GTB’s appeal and thus affirmed the concurrent judgment of both the Court of Appeal and the Federal High Court, Ibadan Division which ordered GTB by way of Garnishee order absolute – to pay N2.4 Billion to Innoson with a 22% interest, per annum, on the judgment until the final liquidation of the judgment.”

According to Daily Post, a statement by the Innoson group’s Head of Corporate Communications, Cornel Osigwe disclosed that “The Judgment debt of N2.4 billion has an accrued interest as at today of about N6,717,909,849.96 which results to about N8.8 billion.

“Based on the Supreme Court’s decision of 27th February 2019 the counsel to Innoson, Prof McCarthy Mbadugha, had approached the Federal High Court, Awka Division for leave to enforce the judgment, having obtained Certificates of Judgment from the Ibadan Division of the Federal High Court.

“Having obtained the requisite leave, the Federal High Court issued the necessary process for levying execution – the Writ of Fifa.”

-PM NEWS