Chad Army Air Strikes Eliminate Scores of Boko Haram Militants

The Chadian military has confirmed successful air strikes that killed and wounded numerous Boko Haram terrorists following recent attacks by the group near Chad’s border with Nigeria. President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, who was directly involved in the response, stated that these operations were launched after Boko Haram’s deadly assault last month, which left around 40 Chadian soldiers dead.

Chad’s interim Prime Minister, Abderahim Bireme Hamid, highlighted the mission’s aim to protect civilians and dismantle Boko Haram’s operational capacity. The Lake Chad area, often a refuge for Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), has faced ongoing assaults from these factions. In collaboration with Nigeria, Niger, and Cameroon, Chad has been part of a multinational force to counter the insurgency since 2015.

Top Nigerian Headlines: National Grid Woes, Ministerial Advice, and New Terrorist Threats

1. National Grid Collapse Explained by TCN
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that a sudden frequency spike caused the national grid to collapse for the 11th time this year. TCN’s Public Affairs Manager, Mrs. Ndidi Mbah, explained that the issue stemmed from one of the company’s substations, and repair work is underway. Instability may continue until major repairs are completed, with assurances of TCN’s commitment to improving reliability.

2. SGF Akume Advises New Ministers
George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, urged newly appointed ministers to prioritize national interests over personal or ethnic agendas. Speaking at a retreat in Abuja, Akume emphasized unity to drive progress in key areas, including economic diversification and infrastructure development.

3. New Terrorist Group Lukarawas Threatens Nigeria’s Northwest
The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a terrorist group called ‘Lukarawas,’ originating from Niger after recent political unrest. The group has infiltrated areas in Sokoto and Kebbi, exploiting the disrupted military cooperation along border regions. Efforts are underway to restore security in affected communities.

4. Malaysia’s CNG Phase-Out and Tinubu’s Response
Following Malaysia’s decision to end the use of compressed natural gas (CNG) in vehicles, Nigeria’s Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, clarified that safety concerns were related to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), not CNG, emphasizing that Nigeria will continue to support clean energy policies.

5. FG to Address Herdsmen Attacks through Grazing Reserves
Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, announced a plan to address herdsmen-farmers clashes by optimizing grazing reserves. Maiha highlighted challenges such as high feed costs and climate change but affirmed the ministry’s commitment to fostering private investment in the sector.

6. Defence Headquarters Declares Nine Wanted for Terrorism
The Defence Headquarters declared nine individuals wanted for terrorism in the Northeast. The announcement follows heightened efforts to address violent extremism, with ongoing intelligence operations to apprehend the suspects.

7. NNPCL Refutes Claims of Adulterated Fuel in Keffi
The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) dismissed rumors of selling dark-colored petrol at a Keffi station. NNPCL’s communications officer, Olufemi Soneye, confirmed the product did not originate from their stations, emphasizing their quality control measures.

8. National Assembly Appoints New Clerk as Tambuwal Retires
Kamoru Ogunlana has been appointed as the new Clerk of the National Assembly, succeeding Sani Magaji Tambuwal, who is on retirement leave. The appointment signals upcoming structural changes, with over 30 senior officials set to retire.

9. INEC Warns Staff Ahead of Ondo Gubernatorial Election
INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu cautioned staff against negligence as Ondo prepares for gubernatorial elections. He urged parties to promote peaceful conduct, with candidates signing a Peace Accord to maintain order.

10. Bauchi Governor Criticizes Federal Tax Reform Bills
Governor Bala Mohammed voiced concerns over President Tinubu’s proposed tax reform, warning of adverse impacts on less-industrialized northern regions. He urged the President to reconsider, advocating for equitable policies to promote national unity.

Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate and Rice Prices Surge in Nigeria

Dollar to Naira Black Market Rates
The dollar-to-naira exchange rate in Nigeria’s black market reached N1,735 for buying and N1,750 for selling on November 7, 2024. These rates are available at the Lagos Parallel Market, though the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize these figures. The CBN rate, meanwhile, shows a slightly lower rate of N1,680 for buying and N1,681 for selling.

Rice Prices Soar by 144% Over the Year
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reports a significant surge in rice prices, with a 50kg bag of imported rice now costing ₦120,193, compared to ₦49,103 in September 2023—a 144.77% increase. The cost per kilogram of imported rice rose from ₦982.07 a year ago to ₦2,403.86 in September 2024. Similarly, loose agricultural rice prices have risen, with a year-over-year increase of 146.33%, and Nasarawa recording the highest price at ₦3,050.33 per kilogram.

These inflationary trends reflect growing food security concerns, with rising import costs impacting Nigeria’s staple food prices amid economic pressures.

Experts Urge Nigeria to Utilize More Arable Land to Address Food Security Challenges

Agricultural stakeholders in Nigeria have emphasized the need to use the remaining 60% of the country’s underutilized arable land to address food security concerns effectively. Currently, only 40% of Nigeria’s arable land is cultivated, a figure experts argue is insufficient to combat the nation’s food and poverty issues.

Speaking at the Policy Dialogue Series on Sustainable Economic Development in Nigeria, held at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Plateau State, Tope Fasua, Special Adviser to the President on Economic Affairs, highlighted the importance of expanding agricultural capacity. Fasua noted that fully utilizing available farmland could not only ensure food availability but also support local consumption, increase export opportunities, and reduce poverty through agricultural employment.

“Nigeria is fortunate to have favorable weather and rich soil across its northern states, which support diverse crops like sesame, sorghum, ginger, soybeans, cassava, and yam. Tapping into our agricultural potential can address local food needs and open up international market opportunities,” Fasua said.

Markus Wauschkuhn, Cluster Coordinator of the Sustainable Economic Development Cluster (SEDEC) at GIZ Nigeria, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing GIZ’s commitment to fostering sustainable development, employment, and income generation. He highlighted the SEDEC team’s efforts to enhance policy implementation and support economic growth across Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

Nigeria’s Cotton Production Declines to 40,000 Tons as Industry Faces Major Challenges

Nigeria’s cotton industry is facing a significant decline, with production estimated to drop to just 40,000 tons this year. According to Prof. Samuel Oloruntoba, Secretary of the Cotton Ginners Association of Nigeria, both the quality and quantity of cotton produced have steadily decreased, a trend that threatens the industry’s viability.

Speaking at the Annual Cotton Master Sample and Production meeting at the Institute of Agricultural Research (IAR/ABU) in Zaria, Prof. Oloruntoba highlighted that in recent years, cotton production varied between 60,000 and 120,000 tons. However, due to a series of internal and external factors, including a shrinking workforce and the closure of many textile mills, production continues to plummet.

In his presentation, titled The Role of Government in Resuscitating the Cotton Sub-Sector in the Nigerian Economy: Update, Challenges, and Prospects, Prof. Oloruntoba emphasized that the cotton sector once employed millions and was the second-largest employer in Nigeria, with over 170 textile mills and 52 ginneries. Today, fewer than 22 ginneries operate, and they are working at less than 30% capacity.

To address these challenges, Prof. Oloruntoba called for the formation of a high-level committee under the Presidency to develop a five-year strategic roadmap to revive the cotton industry. He believes that a coordinated effort involving all stakeholders is necessary to restore the sector.

Prof. Ado Yusuf, Executive Director of IAR, supported this call by urging the federal government to enhance domestic cotton utilization and promote research. He shared that the institute is modernizing its equipment to improve cotton fiber quality and strengthen partnerships with local industry players and international seed companies like India’s Mahyco. These efforts, he stated, aim to revitalize cotton production and encourage the introduction of new BT cotton hybrids.

Additionally, Prof. David Idoko Adekwe, Programme Leader for Cotton Research at IAR, mentioned that the meeting this year also focused on re-establishing the Cotton Market Board, which could help stabilize cotton pricing and ensure farmers receive fair compensation for their efforts.

This coordinated push from both the private and public sectors could be key to reviving Nigeria’s cotton industry and restoring its economic and employment contributions.

Terrorist Group “Lukarawas” Emerges in Northwest Nigeria, Sparking Security Concerns

The Nigerian military has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorist group called “Lukarawas” in the northwest, particularly in Sokoto and Kebbi states, heightening security concerns in the region. According to the military, this group infiltrated Nigeria from Niger following the recent political coup there, which disrupted border security cooperation.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated during a press briefing that the terrorists leveraged gaps in border security, crossing through remote areas to establish themselves in these states. Local residents initially believed the group had positive intentions, failing to alert authorities in time.

The military is now intensifying Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) activities to track and neutralize the group, while reinforcing border security to prevent further incursions. The group is reportedly exploiting Nigeria’s under-governed areas to evade capture.

In addition, the military has declared nine key terrorist commanders wanted, including Abu Khadijah and Usman Kanin Shehu, who have been involved in ongoing disturbances in the northeast.

Top 5 Cleanest Cities in Nigeria with Fresh Air and Beautiful Scenery

If you’re in Nigeria and prioritize a clean environment, these states stand out for their commitment to cleanliness and sustainability.

  1. Akwa Ibom
    Known as Nigeria’s cleanest state, Akwa Ibom has made significant strides through its “Akwa Ibom Clean and Green Project.” Public awareness campaigns, sanitation initiatives, and waste management programs, including modern public restrooms, have all contributed to its cleanliness.
  2. Cross River
    Cross River, particularly Calabar, emphasizes environmental sustainability with its “Greening Cross River Project,” which includes tree planting and forest preservation. The state also promotes ecotourism with ethical waste management, providing cleaner air and a greener environment.
  3. Enugu
    Enugu State leads in waste management, boasting programs like the “Enugu Waste Recycling Program.” With dedicated recycling points, waste-to-energy facilities, and public awareness campaigns, Enugu has modern facilities to handle waste safely and effectively.
  4. Anambra
    Anambra promotes community-driven cleanliness with the “Anambra Clean and Green Champions” campaign. Locals organize cleanup activities and manage waste collection and composting initiatives. Community-led “Clean Up Your Street” days further reinforce this culture of cleanliness.
  5. Ebonyi
    Ebonyi maintains cleanliness through the “Ebonyi Clean Team” and investments in advanced waste management. The state’s “waste-to-wealth” programs recycle waste into resources, supporting both cleanliness and economic growth.

These states set a high standard for environmental health in Nigeria, making them ideal for residents and visitors who value fresh air, beautiful scenery, and well-maintained public spaces.

What to Use After Eating Poisoned Food: Does Palm Oil, Milk, or Charcoal Work?

Many people believe that taking palm oil, milk, or charcoal can help neutralize poison, but these common remedies are often ineffective or even harmful.

  1. Palm Oil: It is a common belief that palm oil can induce vomiting and neutralize poison, but this is not true. Palm oil can absorb some toxins, but it may also spread them to the lungs, causing severe complications. It may increase the toxicity if the poison is oil-based, and it can worsen gastric volume, causing more harm than good. It should not be used in poisoning cases.
  2. Charcoal: While activated charcoal is sometimes used in hospitals for poisoning cases, regular cooking charcoal is ineffective and unsafe. Activated charcoal, which is refined to remove impurities, can trap toxins in the intestines and prevent them from entering the bloodstream. However, it should only be used within a short time frame of ingestion, and it is not effective for substances like alcohol, caustics, lithium, or petroleum products.
  3. Milk: Milk is not a cure for food poisoning. In fact, it can irritate the stomach lining and promote bacterial growth, potentially worsening symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea.

What to Do in Case of Poisoning:

  • Do not ingest anything (including milk, charcoal, or water) after poisoning.
  • Seek medical attention immediately.
  • Bring the substance that caused the poisoning to the hospital to help doctors determine the proper treatment.

In case of poisoning, the best course of action is to seek medical help promptly for effective treatment.

How Understanding Glucose Levels Can Help Prevent Post-Meal Fatigue

Ever felt a “food coma” after eating? That sluggish feeling is often linked to fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Understanding how your body responds to glucose can help you prevent post-meal fatigue, known as postprandial somnolence.

Dr. Amy McKenzie, Director of Clinical Research at Lingo, explains that when you eat, especially carbohydrates, your body breaks them down into glucose. This leads to a temporary energy spike. If the spike is too rapid, your body releases insulin to manage it, which can cause fatigue.

Foods high in processed carbohydrates and sugars tend to cause sudden glucose spikes, leading to tiredness soon after eating. In contrast, balanced meals rich in fiber, protein, and healthy fats help maintain more stable glucose levels, keeping your energy steady.

Here are some tips to avoid post-meal fatigue:

  • Choose the right foods: Include vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats.
  • Eat smaller, balanced meals throughout the day rather than large meals.
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking 6-8 glasses of water daily can help manage glucose levels.
  • Move your body after meals: A light walk can improve glucose metabolism and reduce tiredness.
  • Mind meal timing: Avoid eating too close to bedtime, as it can affect your sleep and energy the next day.

Tools like Lingo, a biosensor and app from Abbott, help monitor your glucose levels and provide real-time insights into how different foods impact your energy. This allows you to make smarter dietary choices and maintain consistent energy levels throughout the day.

5 Health Problems People Can Develop from Crying

While crying is often viewed as a healthy emotional release, it can also have negative effects on your health. Here are some health issues that can arise from excessive crying:

  1. Tension Headaches: Crying for prolonged periods can cause muscle tension in the face, jaw, neck, and back of the head. This can result in a tension headache, characterized by pain on both sides of the head, a tight band-like sensation, and tenderness in the affected areas.
  2. Fatigue: Crying can lead to exhaustion. As your heart rate rises and breathing slows down during emotional breakdowns, less oxygen reaches the brain, leaving you feeling lightheaded and drained.
  3. Swollen Eyes: After crying, blood vessels around the eyes dilate to increase blood flow, which can cause swelling and bloodshot eyes.
  4. Migraines: Crying can activate the autonomic nervous system, which may trigger migraine attacks. This can lead to severe pain on one side of the head or face, often accompanied by other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light.
  5. Sinus Headaches: Tears combined with mucus flowing into the sinuses can create sinus pressure, leading to a sinus headache. This pain is typically felt across the forehead, cheeks, and around the eyes, and may worsen when touched.

While crying helps release emotions and reduce stress, it’s important to be mindful of its potential physical toll on your body.