Nigerians must show evidence of tax payment to get International Passport

    Despite the hardship currently witnessed in the country, the government has finalized plans to burden Nigerians with a more stiffer tax regime.
 
The Federal Government has perfected plans to make Nigerians pay more taxes despite the harsh economic situation in the country.

    This much was made known by the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Tunde Fowler who posited that to get an International Passport, Nigerians must show evidence of paying taxes or they will be forced to pay the backlog they owe before they can get the passports.

    Fowler made this pronouncement on Monday, November 28, 2016, at the 136th meeting of the Joint Tax Board held in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, which had the theme:
'Increased Inter-Agency Co-operation to Enhance Tax Compliance and Optimise Revenue Collection.'

   Fowler said:“We did take a position and I believe it would be implemented in the very near future that before you get any services from the immigration department, renewal of passports etc, you’d have to show that you are a tax payer.

    These things are normal all over the world, in an effort to serve Nigerians and Nigeria better.
People believe that payment of tax is a burden and I’ll repeat that you only pay tax on income and profits.

    So if you reside in Nigeria and you are benefiting from being a Nigerian resident, it is only fair that you contribute to the system that makes you enjoy that standard of living.”

But many Nigerians have kicked against the numerous taxes they are being made to pay even as things are still not looking up for the citizens of the country occasioned by the ongoing recession.

Lawmakers want petrol sold at N70 per litre

   The lawmaker called for a realistic template that will bring down the price of petrol to N70.04 per litre.

  
   The House of Representatives has called on the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) to review the current price of petrol to N70.04 per litre.

    Abubakar Fulata said the current template for the price of PMS could be reviewed downwards without affecting the profit margin of marketers and transporters and also contribute to reducing the current inflationary trend in the economy.

   Fulata noted that the provision of N4.56 in th price template for lightering services is absolutely unnecessary as "in line with international practice, all ships are supposed to dock at the harbour but in the case of Nigeria however, the water in all the harbours is shallow due to siltation and the harbours urgent dredging."

 
   He said: "Though the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is paid N0.84 for every litre of petrol, it has failed to dredge the various docking areas, as a result of which ships wait at the high sea and discharge their own cargo in smaller vessels and for this inefficiency of the NPA, Nigerians are asked to pay N4.56 for every litre of petrol, which would have been necessary if all docking areas have been dredged."

   "The provision of N2.00/l in the template for the maintenance of storage facilities does not benefit government facilities located at over 21 fuel depots in the country.

   "A realistic template will bring down the price of petrol to N70.04 per litre," the lawmaker added.

   The house adopted the motion after it was put to a voice vote by Speaker Yakubu Dogara.

    The House also resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee that would work with relevant stakeholders with the view to bring down the price of petrol to N70.04 per litre.

        The committee is expected to report back to the house within eight weeks for further legislative action.

Data Price Increase

NIGERIANS WAIL AS PRESIDENT BUHARI GOES HARDER.

    Nigerians are kicking against a proposed hike in the cost of internet data. Respondents describe the move as insensitive.

    Pulse broke the news of an internet data hike
 on Monday.
   
     As offices shut their doors and the Akara'  and  'Suya' traders set out their stalls for the night's business, two Executives of blue chip telecom firms in Lagos, took turns to ring the Pulsenewsroom.

    Their message was crisp and clear--Nigerians will soon be forced to pay more for data by the Muhammadu Buhariadministration.

     The new data price regime will be rolled out on December 1, 2016, they announced grimly.
 

     "Under the new data price regime, the NCC (Nigeria Communications Commission) has directed all telecom operators in the country to review their current data prices to align with the new price floor and implement same by the 1st of December 2016, while defaulters risk having sanctions imposed on them", one CEO (Chief Executive Officer)explained.

      
    In letters addressed to all network operators, the NCC stated that it "decided to introduce the data price floor as a strategy to stabilize the industry, improve quality of service and ensure that customers get value for their money".

    
     97.1 million Nigerians now have access to the internet, according to 2015 data from the NCC. That's more than half of the country's population of 180 million people, hooked on the internet.

     Nigeria's internet users are spread across Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) networks.

    Thanks to the proliferation of smartphones, more than half of Nigeria's population now reads the news, skim through gossip blogs, hook up on social media and conduct business via the internet.

    Beginning next month, all of those users will be hit hard in the wallet.

     Given that the country's economy is faltering under the weight of a biting recession; with inflation rising to 18 percent in the third quarter--according to latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics--it is little wonder that Nigerians have taken to the internet (where else?) to express their displeasure with the impending data price hike.
 

   "Maybe the real revolution will start when one government official will just wake up and decide that there should be tax on Jollof rice. Drivers license tax coming up.... ATM tax National ID card tax.  Tax everything in sight. Meanwhile we don't see what the money is doing o",  wrote Rita Onwurah on micro-blogging site, Twitter.

    Asher .O. wrote: "Companies are shrinking. Working environment is becoming more hostile day by day. But no! The government must make this harder. All the monies they claim to have recovered, what are they doing with it? Abi na Audio money?"

    According to Ayo Sogunro: "Increase electricity tariff, toll roads, cut subsidy, tax bank deposits, tax passports, tax phone calls. We need to keep government well-fed, folks".

    "We will soon pay tax for being alive in Nigeria. Probably in Buhari's 2nd term", wrote Biola Kazeem.

   "We will soon start paying tax for breathing in Nigeria",offered Saoud Al-Shuraim.

      Public commentator and sports analyst, Emmanuel Nwachukwuwas livid: "You are increasing taxes, tariffs, service charges, demanding tax clearance from people who are unemployed or taking pay cuts to keep a job!
"The FG providing jobs (low paying) for 200,000 but, same govt is going to take all the income via taxes and tariffs!! You people are mad!"
 

      Another public commentator and PR consultant, Bukola Ogunyemi, put the proposed tax regime this way: "Give your cronies and the super rich multiple tax breaks then overtax the poor. They introduce Copulation Tax and you gotta have a sit down with your wife. How many times can we afford in 2017? What if we get a loan?"

   The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned the federal government against the data tariff hike.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Bobboi Bala Kaigama and Acting Secretary General, Comrade (Barr.) Simeso Amachree, the TUC said the proposed move makes little economic sense and is insensitive.

The statement reads in parts:

"The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria warns against the on-going conspiracy between the Federal Government through the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and some major telecom companies, especially MTN to further increase their data rates from December 1, 2016. It is really startling the extent government and its capitalist cronies would go to frustrate the lives of Nigerians.

  
    "We feel particularly awful about the move because data is one of the cheapest ways to empower the teeming youth. This move if allowed, would make it unaffordable. In our view, this is insensitive and criminal on the part of the parties involved.

    "We are not surprised that MTN has thrown its whole weight behind the policy; but the telecom giant should realize that trying to lobby the government will not save the organization when the chips are down. Of course, this cannot happen in South Africa.
“Naturally, we had expected that government would increase awareness for greater citizens’ participation especially in ICT, but unfortunately they are doing the opposite. One cannot really situate Federal government policy direction these days.
 
“On the one hand, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is banking on ICT for youth empowerment while on the other, the NCC is trying to cut youth participation. All the promises made to the Chief Executive Officer of Facebook, Mark Zuckerbergwhen he visited the country cannot be achieved if the policy is implemented.

    “This is not the best way to make money. This move is spineless and should be done away with. What then would be the benefit of the policy to the self-employed who depend on data for their businesses? The truth is, cheap internet data is a vehicle of some sort to economic development.

  
  “It is very unfortunate, very unreasonable and inhuman to come up with such idea at a period of recession. Any call for increase in anything for now is most unreasonable, uncalled for and a calculated attempt to record more suicide cases and insecurity in our already tension-soaked country".

    Communication Minister, Adebayo Shittu, was yet to provide a response to this story at the time of heading to press.

   Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, could also not be reached for comments at the time of filing this.

Here's why Nigerians will soon pay more for data

   
  
   Telecom subscribers will soon be paying more for data services, according to plans leaked by stakeholders.
 
    Users of data services – individuals and businesses – across all the networks will soon have to pay more for data.
 
    This follows the introduction of a new price floor for data services by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Pulse has been exclusively informed by telecom operators doing business in Nigeria.

    Two weeks ago, Central Bank of Nigeria Governor (CBN), Godwin Emefiele, proposed a tax on phone calls
 above three minutes, as a way of getting Nigeria out of economic recession.
   
     According to Emefiele, a tax on phone calls will yield some N100B to the treasury.

    A source in one of the telecom services told Pulse on the basis of anonymity that "under the new data price regime, the NCC has directed all telecom operators in the country to review their current data prices to align with the new price floor and implement same by the 1st of December 2016, while defaulters risk having sanctions imposed on them". 

     In letters addressed to all network operators, the NCC stated that it decided to introduce the data price floor as a strategy to stabilize the industry, improve quality of service and ensure that customers get value for their money.

    But there's been resistance from stakeholders.
Indications from industry stakeholders is that the new data price floor would affect all data packages in the market .

     All the current data prices in the market fall below the new price floor, meaning telecoms subscribers should expect an increase in the price of data on their network. 

    A cross section of industry stakeholders have also expressed displeasure over the new price floor introduced by NCC, arguing that it will increase the cost of doing business especially for Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) and other sectors whose operations depend on data.  

    Communications Minister Adebayo Shittu was yet to provide a response to this story at the time of heading to press.

How Nigerian government made Ponzi scheme popular

    The Nigerian government has made MMM popular thanks to its anti-people policies that hasn't helped much in the recession.
   Have you wondered why MMM is popular?

  While there are several reasons to this such as Nigerians loving quick cash, we cannot deny the role played by the Nigerian government.

    Nigerians have had trust issues with the government for years so when the Central Bank of Nigeria advised people not to invest in the Ponzi scheme, many people did not take the  warning to heart.
 
    
      The head of the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN,Suleja Kassim warned Nigerians not to invest
 their hard earned money in the scheme during a mentoring program for students.
  
    The advice fell on deaf ears as the popularity of MMM has continued to soar.
  
  According to the Alexa, the website of MMM Nigeria now ranks higher than the popular social networking site.
 
     MMM is the fifth most visited site in the country while Facebook is now the sixth.

      Another reason why MMM is extremely popular with Nigerians is that people view the government as against the masses.
     Politicians in government can spend millions on themselves and steal public funds but when poor Nigerians start making money on the side, the government tries to shut it down.

    Nigerians flocking to sign up for MMM is a protest move against a government that has done little or nothing to reduce the hardships faced by millions of people during this economic recession.
   
     MMM is not the only Ponzi scheme that Nigerians are signing up for. There are now new schemes that promise people double the money they invested in it.
 
        The CBN has issued a warning and the House of Reps have ordered that the EFCC shut it down, but MMM is still making money and no one is doing anything about it.
  
   Will the MMM bubble burst or will it continue to enrich Nigerians during these hard times.

Why buy exotic cars worth N3.6B in a recession? While state Governors can't afford pay salary to civil servants

   
  
       Lawmakers purchasing cars at billions of Naira during a recession have finally severed non-existent ties with the Nigerian people24
    
     According to various reports, lawmakers in the green chamber have begun taking delivery of their exotic cars worth some N3.6B.
 

    A story in The Punch newspaper details that 28 units of thePeugeot 508 series have been delivered to lawmakers in Abuja.

   
     In the words of the newspaper, “The House allocated a princely N3.6B for the cars in the 2016 budget at a unit price of N10m.

 
“Fifty cars will be delivered in the first batch; 28 have already been supplied. That was last week.

   “Twenty-two more in the first batch are required  to be delivered this week.”

The Senate has since acquired its own exotic cars at a cumulative cost of N4.7B.

   The lawmakers say these cars will aid their work. The cars have been called ‘utility’ or ‘committee’ vehicles.
 

    Nigerians have long deemed the lifestyle choices of their parliamentarians as mindlessly obscene.
When the legislators aren’t receiving bumper packages to upgrade their wardrobes and purchase new furniture, they are acquiring luxury cars.
Abdulrazak Namdas, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, says Nigerians should cut the lawmakers some slack in this instance.

   “This issue of cars is long overdue. They are not for luxury but for committee and oversight duties. The 8th Assembly is nearing two years, yet members have no cars to carry out their duties.

     “Ministers and other officials in the executive have long bought vehicles for official duties.

   “At the state level, members of House of Assembly have cars to carry out basic functions. I think it is only fair that members of the National Assembly will have utility vehicles for their assignments.”
 

      Like the rest of the country, our lawmakers should have their budgets for items like car purchases, slashed.

     At a time when State Governors say they can’t afford to pay salaries of civil servants, when majority of Nigerians are just managing to get by, when more than 80 percent of Nigerians survive on less than a dollar a day and when millions of Nigerians live in extreme poverty.........at a period when the price of oil in the international market has continued to plunge and when the value of the Naira is eroding faster thanPresident Buhari’s goodwill, is it really okay for lawmakers to go on with this exotic car purchases?

        If government officials still ride around town in exotic     cars, what moral right do they have to ask the citizenry to tighten their belts?
It has to be said that our lawmakers live in an alternate universe and that government officials exist in a bubble.
 
        If there’s still some conscience left in the world, some of these exotic cars will be auctioned and the monies returned to the treasury. If the lawmakers really need these cars, they can actually purchase cheaper cars at a price lower than N10M for each car.

In the words of singer Omawumi: "Do these guys mean us well?"

John Mikel Obi, Midfielder is ready to leave Chelsea in January

   Conte has preferred the midfield partnership N'Golo Kante and Nemanja Matic leaving the Nigeria international out.
  John Mikel Obi  midfielder John Mikel Obi has revealed that he is ready to leave the club in January after failing to make Antonio Conte’s team.
Mikel Obi has been out of the team since he returned from the Rio 2016 Olympic Games where he played and won bronze for Nigeria in the football event.

    Conte has preferred the midfielder partnership N'Golo Kanteand Nemanja Matic leaving the Nigeria international out.
 
The lack of playing time is getting to Mikel who says he might leave Chelsea in January.

“We will wait and see what happens in January,” the 29-year-old midfielder told ESPN.

“For the first time in my career, this is happening to me and I have to stand up and deal with it.
“It is what it is but I'm training hard every day and I always wish the team the best and I am happy we are doing well.

 
  After 10 years at the club, John Mikel Obi is ready to leave Chelsea.

“I've been at Chelsea a long time. Managers come and go, players come and go. I've been at Chelsea a long time and these things happen in football. So we will have to make that decision when January comes.”

Mikel is the second oldest serving Chelsea player in the club currently and has won two Premier League titles, four FA Cups, a Europe League trophy and a Champions League at the club.

5 crazy things couples do when they become comfortable with each other

Most times, these signs point to the fact that the love and affection in your relationship is growing.

                     
                    When the newness of a relationship wears off, and the lovers fall into a pattern of intimacy, how does this affect their relationship?


Many times, what happens at this stage is that the partners get far away from the awkwardness that is usually common at the beginning of the relationship.


Each partner knows what the other likes already; they also know the boundaries of each other's temperaments. In short, they know all about each other.


This is actually a very good stage to be in, as it suggests that the relationship lasted long enough for understanding to blossom.
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Pillowfights are simply the stuff of intimate couples.

What are the crazy things that couples might do at this stage?
1. Let out 'gas' in presence of the other

Some partners actually believe that if the other has not done this in their presence, he/she is still hiding something from them.

Crazy, yeah? But it is actually a gauge for closeness and intimacy.


2. Play fighting

This actually needs no explanation, except to say that it does not happen without a certain deep level of intimacy.


3. Ridiculous nicknames

This is really reserved for really playful, close partners, and most times, the crazier the nickname, the likelier it is that the partners are very intimate.
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4. Jokeful insults

Surely Nigerians in relationships must understand this very well.

"See your head like Badagry coconut." We all know this is not really an insult, It is a word of endearment.


5. Brutal honesty

Simply because by this stage, you both are too close to be mincing words on serious matters.

You just say it as it is.

Couples should have sex 3 times a week, 40.6% of the 2500 says.

How often should sex be in a marriage or relationship?

Having sex thrice in a week is the ideal for couples who intend to reach happiness in their relationship.


    40.6% of the 2500 in the survey say that this is how it should be, while 21.1% of those people say once in a week is enough for sex.


       Another 18% believe that for couples to reach sexual satisfaction, they have to get at it five times in a week. [Basically, that's having sex from Monday to Friday. Rest on Saturday and Sunday, then repeat.]

      20.3% favour random, unplanned sex, voting that couple can do whatever works best for them - maybe that is doing it once a month or seven days a week.
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 Three times a week is the ideal number of times to have sex for couples.

 



      Regardless of how many times couples decide to enjoy sex though, it is agreed that they can reduce the frequency as they age.

This is due to several reasons, among which is the fact that less sex reduces the risk of Urinary Tract Infection.

5 easy tricks to make eye makeup pop

               

For a flawless facebeat, look out for these things you'd ordinarily not pay attention to for a seamless application...   

   

 There are ways to ensure makeup finish is flawless and the face generally pops with features well defined (even when they are not)

Some ladies especially wear all the makeup they can and the entire face still looks dull/lacklustre and simply unflattering and they wonder where most times, simple bits like gently dabbing on the foundation, dampening the beauty blender amongst other easy and fast bits make all the difference.

The next time, you're planning to give yourself a flawless facebeat, look out for these things you'd ordinarily not pay attention to:

1. Press on colours/eyeshadows unto the eyelids with ring finger or brush/applicator instead of swiping and layering them on the area, this ensures they stay for longer.

2. Apply everyday eye cream on the eyelids and areas under the eye (and of course the face to prep the face before makeup) before starting makeup application, this ensure products glide on smoothly.

Otherwise, use eyeshadow primer/base before eyeshadow application and face primer before the entire makeup application

3. To make your eye shadow colours stand out, wear dark/black eyeliner around the rim of the eye to make the eyes pop.

4. After applying makeup, gently dust on highlighter on the brow bone and around areas of the eye that catch light and gently blend for an effortless shine and chiseled effect.
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Applying too much foundation doesn't guarantee perfect coverage.

5. Apply foundation with foundation brush gently dabbing on areas of the skin then work in the skin in upward and outward motion with dampened beauty blender to ensure a flawless coverge.
 

NPA boss announces plan to audit funds for dredging

                According to her, there is need to look at some of the funds expended on capital and maintenance dredging. 

              

   The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is not planning to retrench staff.

         The Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, who stated this on Thursday during a tour of Warri Port, described the story of retrenchment as a “rumour’’.  Usman said rather than the NPA retrenching staff, management would recruit more staff.

      She said that the management had tasked the General Manager, Human Resources, to bring up ideas on succession plan of the organisation.

      Usman said the management has introduced performance-based appraisal whereby every personnel would be appraised based on his or her performance,

         The managing director included, that the management would take remedial measures so as not to allow ships to be grounded at the Escravos breakwaters due to high siltation.

       She propose that emergency remedial measures should be put in place to ensure that no vessel runs aground at the Escravos breakwaters.

     The Port Manager of Warri Port, Mr Simeon Okeke, had highlighted the dangers posed by the breakwaters and the channels leading to the port due to high siltation.

       He said that in the absence of vital buoys, it has become impossible to navigate, adding that a number of times, vessels went aground.

       The port manager also grieved that the right vessels were not coming into Warri Port because of the shallow nature of the berths.

       Okeke propose dredging and mooring of the channels of Warri Port as well as the removal of wrecks. He said that more manpower should be enroll into the various departments. The port manager talked about the problem of encroachment of port land and litigations.

Okeke said there should be a review of port tariffs and restructuring of the port.

        “The port needs intensive promotion to give the correct image as well as the complete rehabilitation of the facilities in the port,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes him as saying.

The Chairman of the Board of NPA, Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, said that NPA should carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) .

Adesoye urged the management to do physical development of the communities around them.

         The Chairman, Maritime Workers’ Union, Mr Monday Ihembe, said that the dredging of the Warri Port to accommodate bigger vessels was very important.

“There should be provision of operational vehicles to monitor operations of jetties,’’ NAN quotes Ihembe as saying.

             During a courtesy visit by the Management of NPA, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, urged the Federal Government to make Warri and Koko ports to work so that there would be jobs for the restive youths.

“Employ our youths and restiveness will be a thing of the past.

       “Do your best for us so that our youths can be gainfully employed. Lagos ports are overflowing, while ports here are under-utilised.

       "’It is my heartfelt desire that if this is achieved, myself and the whole Warri kingdom will be very grateful,’’ the Ogiame said.

He urged the management to take steps to reward expertise and to absorb local pilots.

NO PLAN TO RETRENCH STAFF – say NPA Boss

                  

          Usman, who stated this on Thursday during a tour of Warri Port, described the story of retrenchment as a rumour.
The Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) is not planning to retrench staff.

The Managing Director of NPA, Ms Hadiza Usman, who stated this on Thursday during a tour of Warri Port, described the story of retrenchment as a “rumour’’.

        Usman said rather than the NPA retrenching staff, management would recruit more staff. She also said that the management had tasked the General Manager, Human Resources, to bring up ideas on succession plan of the organisation.

 The management has introduced performance-based appraisal whereby every personnel would be appraised based on his or her performance, Usman said .

The managing director said that the management would take remedial measures so as not to allow ships to be grounded at the Escravos breakwaters due to high siltation.

Emergency remedial measures should be put in place to ensure that no vessel runs aground at the Escravos breakwaters,  She suggested.

The Port Manager of Warri Port, Mr Simeon Okeke, had highlighted the dangers posed by the breakwaters and the channels leading to the port due to high siltation.

He said that in the absence of vital buoys, it has become impossible to navigate, adding that a number of times, vessels went aground.

The port manager also lamented that the right vessels were not coming into Warri Port because of the shallow nature of the berths. Okeke suggested dredging and mooring of the channels of Warri Port as well as the removal of wrecks.

He said that more manpower should be recruited into the various departments.

The port manager also talked about the problem of encroachment of port land and litigations. Okeke said there should be a review of port tariffs and restructuring of the port.

“The port needs intensive promotion to give the correct image as well as the complete rehabilitation of the facilities in the port,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quotes him as saying.

The Chairman of the Board of NPA, Mr Emmanuel Adesoye, said that NPA should carry out Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) .

Adesoye urged the management to do physical development of the communities around them.

The Chairman, Maritime Workers’ Union, Mr Monday Ihembe, said that the dredging of the Warri Port to accommodate bigger vessels was very important.

“There should be provision of operational vehicles to monitor operations of jetties,’’ NAN quotes Ihembe as saying.During a courtesy visit by the Management of NPA, the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Ikenwoli, urged the Federal Government to make Warri and Koko ports to work so that there would be jobs for the restive youths.

“Employ our youths and restiveness will be a thing of the past.

“Do your best for us so that our youths can be gainfully employed. Lagos ports are overflowing, while ports here are under-utilised.
"’It is my heartfelt desire that if this is achieved, myself and the whole Warri kingdom will be very grateful,’’ the Ogiame said.

He urged the management to take steps to reward expertise and to absorb local pilots.

Singer refuses nomination for Headies Next Rated Award 2016

     

            Tekno has let out his feelings regarding being nominated in the Headies Next Rated category 2016.

He took to Instagram to say "‘Next rated after how many years! Let’s be honest pls".

The singer has since deleted the post and its ensuing comments for reasons best known to him

.

The 'Pana' hit crooner was nominated alongside Humblesmith, Aramide, and Ycee.

Tekno has been in the game since However, the singer has since deleted the post and its ensuing comments for reasons best known to him.

Tekno has been in the game since 2012, releasing his first single 'Holiday' featuring Davido in 2013.
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       The pop singer signed to the popular TripleMG label in 2013 after initially signed to K-Money Entertainment, and has since been making steady waves with songs like 'Wash', 'Where' and 'Duro'.

His 2016 smash hit 'Pana' has been all over the airwaves since it dropped.
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       However, 'Duro' and 'Pana' couldn't get nominated for this year's Headies 'Song of the year category' or in the Best R&B/Pop single category as they both were released outside the year in review.

 Many feel, and surely the artiste and his label, that he should have been nominated in Artiste of the Year category that would see him battle it out with Yemi Alade, Tiwa Savage, Wizkid and Falz.

"President goes to school "

   President Buhari hung out in a classroom with Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole. The students welcomed the adult peer.
     President Muhammadu Buhari was pummelled with allegations for not obtaining certain education qualifications in the run up to the 2015 general elections. 
 
     The other side of the political divide was always quick to remind the voting public that Buhari didn't make it through formal school enough to become the President.

    Which resulted to the picture above.

   Captured by the often powerful lens of the President's personal photographer Bayo Omoboriowo, 

the picture shows the President sharing a classroom with Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

    Oshiomhole appears to be doing some 'espo' here, but we'll pass.

  In adult education, a little 'giraffing' is allowed, we hear.
Except that Buhari hasn't really returned to a secondary school classroom to brush up on his Math or English or whatever else the PDP thinks he's deficient in.

  The name of the school is Samuel Ogbemudia College in Benin city, Edo state.

  Buhari is on a two-day working visit to Edo State on the invitation of Oshiomhole.

    The President had just commissioned the school renovated by Oshiomhole and thought to share the learning environment with the students for a few minutes.

FG will review fuel price, Minister. Alasoadura said the data will give lawmakers an idea of what is going on in the oil and gas Industry.

    The Minister of state for petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has revealed that the Federal Government will review the pricing template of fuel, to avoid any future increase.

    This was said by the Minister at an award ceremony organised by Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
    
    In a related development, the Senate has called on the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to provide daily records of the sale and production of crude oil and gas.

   The committee Chairman, Senator Tayo Alasoadura said "the data will give lawmakers an idea of what is going on the oil and gas industry".
 
    Alasoadura also expressed worry that some government agencies do not provide reports on their activities to the Senate.

   “The problem with us is that we don’t think the National Assembly is part of the government. I have always told people: take the National Assembly away from governance, there is no more democracy. There is the executive; there is legislature; and there is the judiciary. But it’s only when you have the legislature, which will act as a check on the executive, that there is democracy, he added.

    “So, whatever is worth doing for the executive must also be done for the legislature, so that at the end of the day, we will all understand and speak with one voice.”

    “We are very impressed by what we saw. A lot of rumours fly around about the seeming incompetence of the DPR. But from all the efforts they are putting into getting the required results for this country in information gathering, going technical or going ballistic, let me put it that way, I think they are putting in their best."

     “And I believe that in a few more years’ time, doing business in the oil industry in this country will be so clear that even people will be able to read what is happening in the oil industry from the comfort of their bedrooms and from their offices, and that will be a day for Nigeria". Alasoadura included.

    The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has also warned
 the Federal Government against increasing the price of fuel.

We are ready for war - Militants

   
    This is coming few days after Buhari's meeting with Niger Delta elders on Tuesday, November 1,2016.

      The Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) has threatened to blow up more crude oil facilities in the Niger Delta.

     The militant group also claimed responsibility for the destruction of the Trans-Forcados Crude Export pipelines in Warri South-West Council Area of Delta State.
    
     The NGDJM narrate the meeting of the Niger Delta elders as an insult to the people of the oil rich region, and also said that they are ready to go to war.
  
    This is following an announcement made by the Minister of state for petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, that Nigeria’s crude oil production has increased.
The militant group also accused President Buhari of planning a full scale war against the Niger Delta people.
The NDGJM, in a statement signed by its spokesman, Aldo Agbalaja, said “As a matter of fact, what the Avengers did to the oil industry will be nothing compared to the grand plan already set by our central command. We shall bring Nigeria’s daily output quota to below 500,000 barrels. Just be ready for the approaching tsunami.
“The multinational oil companies, we know you are recalcitrant and will always come to test wills, we hope you will continue in this tradition so there will always be reason to let the world know that ‘you don’t contest the corners of a house with the owner of the house.’
“The destruction of the Trans-Forcados Pipeline is just a warning. We warned against the restarting of the facility, but the daring companies won’t listen. That shadow operation that brought the TFP down was only meant to let these companies know that we aren’t kidding with them; when we say stay down, you stay down, and it’s in your best interest.
 
    The humiliation that came with the meeting of the elders with President Muhammadu Buhari did not come to the NDGJM as a surprise. We expected it because we know even the government knows the character and intent of the man and most of those he led to the meeting.
“The only painful part is the fact that the humiliation is stamped on the collective image of our people. However, we want to dare President Buhari and his administration to attempt or fully carry out his military action against our people and see the response that will follow.

  “We want to say here, without mincing words, that we are aware of his intentions. We heard loud and clear his hostile message, we understand his message and the NDGJM is saying we are ready for him. We know he has reportedly threatened war on our people; we had been calm enough not to respond to the threats, but at this point, we believe it is time for us to come out to say to him ‘enough is enough.’

    “If it is war, bring it on, we are no cowards, just be sure you can sustain the consequences because this is not going to be another vanquished ‘Biafran Uprising’. Niger Deltans are nobody’s slaves; we shall fight until there’s nothing left to defend.”

   According to Reports, militant groups in the Niger Delta have been complaining that their interests were not fully articulated by the elders during the meeting with Buhari.

    In a bid to find a lasting solution to the problems in the Niger Delta, President Buhari met elders from the oil rich region on Tuesday, November 1, 2016.

THESE FOUR FOOD CAN HELP BOOST MALE FERTILITY.

      Although infertility is often associated with just women, men suffer from it too. This list of food can help you improve the quality of your sperm and also boost your ejaculation
  
    Causes of male infertility include
   *poor nutrition,
   *smoking,
   *environmental chemicals and
   *poor detoxification processes by the body.

    In order to reduce this, it is essential to eat a diet high in antioxidants, here are the list of four essential foods to eat in order to boost your fertility.

  1.  DARK CHOCOLATE- This is a rich source of the amino acid L-arginine which studies show can improve  the volume of ejaculate and improve sperm count and motility. The darker the chocolate, the better, so, try the delicious bittersweet 85 per cent dark chocolate.

    2.  WATER- This a very cheap way to boost your sperm as semen is water based and increasing liquid consumption can help increase the ejaculate and improve sperm production. Ensure it is only more water that you are consuming, as caffeine, a diuretic, and soft drinks may be linked with lowering sperm counts.

    3.  WALNUTS- These are rich in omega 3 fatty acids and according to a study by the Society for the Study of Reproduction eating 2.5 oz or around 75g of walnuts (about a handful) daily is linked with increased sperm vitality, motility and morphology (the sperms size and shape). They are also a great way to add flavour and crunch to salads or as a nutritious mid afternoon snack to help manage blood sugar levels.

    4.  TOMATOES-  These are one of the best food sources of the antioxidant lycopene which has been found to significantly improve motility (the sperms ability to swim), activity and structure of sperm.

THE RIGHT FOOD FOR YOUR SKIN

    The best way to getting a good skin begins with good nutrition so watching what we eat is important.
 
      Beautiful skin begins with a healthy lifestyle. While hereditary may determine how your body looks, behaves, and ages can improve it by taking good care of yourself.

    Skin care basics include;
  * Eating the right food,
  * Drinking plenty water,
  * Exercising,
   * Getting enough sleep,
   * Not smoking and
   * limiting your intake of both caffeine and alcohol.
  
    The health of your skin begins with good nutrition. New, living cells continually replace the dead cells on the surface of the skin. The growth of the new cells is dependent on vitamins, minerals and hydration.

Here are nutrients essential for your skin:

     Vitamin A: Its antioxidant is essential for the growth and renewal of new skin cells. Topically applied may boost collagen production and promote skin cell turn over.
  Foods rich in vitamin A are; Egg yolks, dairy, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes.

   Vitamin B: Vitamin B2, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B9, Vitamin B12, and Biotin (AKA: Vitamin B7 or K) are all great B Vitamins that make your hair healthier, along to help your long hair grow longer and stronger. It increases fatty acid in the skin and this promotes exfoliation and firmness.
   Foods rich in vitamin B are; Yeast, eggs, liver, vegetables.

     Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps with building blocks of collagen. The protein gives the skin its structure, tone and elasticity.
     The foods rich in vitamin C include: Citrus fruits, Broccoli, Pepper, Tomatoes and Berries.

Nigeria, the end is near for Ponzi scheme as CBN issues warning?

    The CBN issues a warning about the Ponzi scheme MMM as more Nigerians sign up for it.24/7 Live - Subscribe to the Pulse Newsletter! 
    
   Despite several articles written about the dangers of the Russian Ponzi scheme MMM Nigeria, thousands of Nigerians are still hooked on it.To the doubters who don't believe that MMM is a scam, theCentral Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has finally issued a warning about the Ponzi scheme.
The head of the Consumer Protection Department of the CBN,Suleja Kassim warned Nigerians not to invest their hard earned money in the scheme during a mentoring program for students.
 
    "We have heard about the activities of MMM. I want to warn you against it because they are wonder banks that are not regulated. Desist from their activities because they are fraudulent" he stated.

    MMM, which has been banned in China and Russia has seen Nigerians falling head over heels for it. On Sunday, October 30, 2016, MMM was advertised in a Redeemed Christian Church of God parish in Abuja.

    MMM Nigeria, is a Ponzi scheme that originated in Russia that has now set up in Nigeria. Wikipedia says the company was involved in one of the biggest Ponzi schemes in the 1990s. It was estimated that thousands of people lost up to $10 billion dollars.

     MMM was founded by Sergei Mavrodi, Vyacheslav Mavrodi, and Olga Melnikova in 1989. After a rapid growth, but it all came crashing in 1994 when the police shut down MMM for tax evasion. At this point, the company owed its investors $50m-$1.5bn. From the aftermath 50 of the MMM investors committed suicide.
 
     15 years later, MMM established an office in South Africa. Using the same business model the company claimed investors would get a 30% per month dividend via a "social financial network."
   
    In January 2016, MMM landed in Nigeria.

Some APC members are not happy – Governor Rochas Okorocha.

   Okorocha also revealed that Buhari will summon a meeting of APC stakeholders to discuss issues affecting the party.

     Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State has revealed that some members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) feel they have been marginalised.

    Okorocha also revealed that the APC has not managed its 2015 election victory very well, adding that there is hunger in the land.

   The Governor said President Buhari will summon a meeting of stakeholders of the party, to address various issues.
He said “As you can see, this is my very first time coming to the office of the Speaker. I have come here to look at issues as it affects our nation, our party in particular. I have been to the national office of our party and I have had meeting with the national working committee.
“I have also visited the Senate, where we also had deliberations and I am here with the leadership of the House where we have also deliberated on a lot of issues on how to move our nation forward and how to move our party forward.
 “Today we are proud to say APC is not an opposition party, it is the ruling party of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“This victory of ours is very dear to us, but we are concerned that our victory so far has not been properly managed due to anger, bitterness among the members of our party at different levels and at different cadres.
“This calls for concern and that is why we are trying to bridge the gap to close ranks on how to unite, provide governance, leadership to our people, Nigerians and also move our party forward. “It is true that our nation is going through difficult times, but with unity of purpose, we shall overcome. There have been so many complaints and distrusts, confusion and we have resolved as a people, as governors, as senators as federal House members, as national working committee members to come together and resolve these issues once and for all.

   
“The president will be talking to the party and the leadership very soon on this matter. Nigerians expect so much from us and at the end of it all,nigerians will not ask us how far have you dealt with each other, but they will ask us how much food have we put on the table of the common man…?”

My husband wants to turn me into a prostitute with weird sex acts'

    Stephanie is not happy that her husband of four years is getting addicted to pornography and wants her to act out the weird sex acts in them with him.

  "My name is Stephanie, a 29-year-old married woman with one kid. I have been married for four years now but I am no longer enjoying my marriage.

The reason for this is that my husband Jeff, wants to turn me into a prostitute by demanding some weird sex acts
that I see as abnormal.

   Jeff has turned into a porn addict and watches them even in his office because anytime I open his laptop when he gets back from work, I will see the pornographic videos on them.

   At first, I tried to reason with him but he told me they have nothing to do with me but now, it has everything to do with me. He wants us to practice things he watches in the porn movies like anal sex, fetish sex like tying me up and beating me, all sorts of weird acts.

After so much coercion, I decided to watch the porn with him one day and he actually forced me to perform those acts which I found very unsettling.
At one point, he made me suck his manhood and he came inside my mouth and forced me to swallow his sperm.

    I fell sick after doing that and vomited all day but he seems very happy with it. The first time he tried having sex with through the anus, the pains I felt was so much that I could not defecate for a whole week.

    I have suggested we visit a sex therapist but Jeff would have none of that for three weeks now, we have been having quarrels daily because of his weird fantasy.

   I don't know what has gotten into my husband to make him want to go this route. I am gradually getting fed up.
What do you advice i should do?
Stephanie."

6 things a woman does only if she really likes you

    She reveals her deepest secrets, she takes crap from you. Yeah, she really does like you. 
   
   How does a man know that a woman really likes him?
What are the things to watch out for?
 
    When you notice her doing many of these six things  for you, you should know that she really does like you, for she would never do them for someone who does not really mean much to her.
 
   Here are the things a woman only does for a guy when she really really likes  
   
   *She lets her jealousy show
   Girls generally like to hide their jealousy because to do this, it means they are willing to let their vulnerability show, and they would never do that unless they really like you.
That’s the only time it’s ever worth it.
   
    *Dress up
    This does not necessarily mean she wears her best dress every time just for you, it means she actually makes effort to impress you.
 
    *When a girl tell you her deepest, dirtiest secrets, it can only mean one thing - she likes you. Reveals her deepest secrets
While girls might tell people some parts of themselves, they reserve their deepest, most intimate, even darkest and dirtiest secrets to someone they really trust, someone they truly like.

    *Admits her feelings for you.
   Women hate putting their feelings out there except they can no longer help it.
So if she’s spilling her heart out to you, believe her, she has to really mean it.
  
    *Makes you food.
  Yes. This might be a bit general, but this article will not be so complete without including this.
It might be because she is just nice, but of course, if shealways invites you over to come enjoy homemade meals, just know there is a special feeling attached to it.
  
    *Allows you treat her badly
   If she likes you, then she’ll let you get away with a lot more than you should.
Things that other men [and even her own friends] will never get away with, she'll permit them if it's you doing them.
This is not an excuse to intentionally maltreat women. But, if by chance, you are yet to really get your act right, and a woman repeatedly lets you go scot free, best believe she really likes you.

Ex-President says he was elected to spread wealth, not poverty.

     Ex-President Jonathan has said he was elected to spread wealth among Nigerians and not poverty.
    Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigerian selected him to spread and generate wealth and not to spread poverty.

   The former President made this known on , Monday, October 24, 2016 while speaking at Oxford University in United Kingdom.

   Jonathan, who spoke at the Oxford Union, with the theme ‘Fostering Youth Entrepreneurship, said he has always believed that getting a job or being a worker cannot completely cure the disease of poverty.

    In his words, “I once said that I was not elected President of Nigeria to spread poverty; I was elected to generate and spread wealth.
"My belief in this regard is that getting a job or being a worker cannot completely cure the disease of poverty.
"It is only your own business that can provide such security and give you the financial freedom you need to prosper,” he said.

Jonathan joins previous speakers at the Oxford Union that include the late Michael Jackson, Bangladeshi Prime MinisterSheikh Hasina, Robert Greene, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, Winston Churchill, Edward Heath, Margaret Thatcher and John Major.

‘Ex-President should help Dasuki prove his innocence in court,’

    Jonathan had said, on Monday that Dasuki couldn’t have stolen $2.2billion as alleged by the Buhari administration.
 
    Former President, Goodluck Jonathan and former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki . The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged former president, Goodluck Jonathan to allow the courts decide the corruption case of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.
   Jonathan had said, on Monday, October 24, that Dasuki couldn’t have stolen $2.2billion as alleged by the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
“They said the National Security Adviser (Sambo Dasuki) stole $2.2bn. I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2bn,”Jonathan said while speaking at the Oxford Union in the United Kingdom.
‘‘We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we bought lots of weapons for the Army and so on and so forth and you are still saying $2.2bn was stolen. So, where did we get the money to buy all those things?” he said .

       The APC’s comments were made by Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Timi Frank.
 
    Frank said,“First, I wonder why it took former President Jonathan such a long time to speak out. Why now? If Colonel Dasuki (retd) is as clean as he wants us to believe, it would be nice if he can assist his former NSA to prove his case in court. The courts deal with evidence; let them prove their case,” 

     Meanwhile, APC Lagos spokesman, Joe Igbokwe has said that Jonathan is able to make such statements because people are pleading on his behalf to prevent him from being arrested.

Why Ex-President testifying for Dasuki should be very fascinating

      Should Jonathan testify as a witness in Dasuki's case, he'll be providing more leads than investigators should ask for.
    Former President Goodluck Jonathan is set to testify for his erstwhile National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki.
      Dasuki is in custody of law enforcement for misappropriating a certain $2.2B meant for procuring arms for the military.

    Jonathan has gone on the record to say Dasuki couldn’t have stolen that much money."You cannot say the National Security Adviser stole $2.2billion. It is not just possible," Jonathan said before the Oxford Union in the U.K.

   “They said the National Security Adviser stole $2.2billion. I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2 billion. We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we bought lots of weapons for the army and so on and so forth and you are still saying 2.2 billion, so where did we get the money to buy all those things?”

      For standing up for his former employee in this manner, Dasuki’s legal team has found in Jonathan a willing ally. They've tapped him up.

    According to a report, Jonathan has practically agreed to testifying that Dasuki never stole Nigeria’s money, according to a source in the Ex-NSA's camp.

   “So far, we have secured the consent of Jonathan to appear in court for Dasuki. This will make the trial worth it.”
     Ahmed Raji (SAN) who is one of Dasuki’s lawyers, was also quoted as saying Jonathan will be a key witness for Dasuki.

    “It will be desirable for Jonathan to testify for the ex-NSA. It will throw greater light into grey areas. And it will serve the interest of Justice.
 
    “It will be fantastic for him to go to court to testify. Dasuki is an agent of a disclosed and known principal.”Another member of the legal team was quoted as saying:“With what Jonathan said in London, the only logical thing for him to do is to see it through.
“We want Jonathan to follow-through. If he backs out, it will be bad.”
Should Jonathan accept to do this, he will be putting himself forward as an accessory to alleged crime perpetrated on his watch.  It will also mean thatJonathan knows more than he is letting on, with respect to the disappearance of huge State funds on his watch. That won’t be anything new.

     In December, Dasuki had said he disbursed some of the monies after receiving orders to do so from then Commander-In-Chief, Goodluck Jonathan.
 Said Dasuki: “I wish to state as follows: That I have been publicly indicted and any statement may jeopardise my defence. Having been briefed by the EFCC investigators on why I was invited, I will answer the charges in court. As such, I do not wish to make any further statement on the matter.

    “That I am aware in November (I cannot remember the exact date), my office requested the CBN to exchange N10billion from the account of the Office of National Security Adviser domiciled in CBN. The money was exchanged at $47m and some Euros which I cannot remember. The exact amount was delivered at my residence.

“The money was for delegates that attended the nomination convention for the PDP Presidential nomination. The money was paid and sent to Hon. (Waripamowei) Dudafa (SSAP Household) and ADC(C-I-C) for distribution on the instruction of the President”.
  
    Dasuki is standing trial for illegal possession of firearms, money laundering and a host of other crimes against the State.
It will be fascinating to watch Jonathan take the witness box to say Dasuki is blameless in all or some of the charges, because that may invariably mean opening up himself for arrest and interrogation.

    And if Dasuki was right about simply obeying orders from Jonathan, then this case is only just beginning.
It also means there are several more names involved here; and several more leads as well for investigators.
Because for all we know, Dasuki made sure the money went round.

10 Awesome Snacks To Help You Lose Weight.

  10 best snacks for weight.
    Healthy snacks ensure you won't be ravenous come mealtime and keep your fat-burning metabolism revved up.
  * Banana and peanut butterBanana and peanut butter
Snacking is a vital tool in your weight loss plan. Some people think sacrificing snacks help them lose weight.

Here are 10 snacks that will make you feel like your diet is about anything but deprivation.
  *
Oatmeal
Oatmeal aren't just for breakfast they're good any time you need a hearty treat. Full of fiber, they help regulate blood sugar levels to keep you from crashing.
  *
Banana with peanut butter
Spread a tablespoon of peanut butter onto a banana. The carbs will give you a quick mood and energy spike, while the protein will keep the energy going for hours.
  *
Apple
An apple a day might not necessarily keep the doctor away, but it could help prevent weight gain.
  *
Dark chocolate
Rich in flavonoids and magnesium, there’s nothing wrong with one or two squares of dark chocolate to beat off the cravings for something a bit sweeter. Some nutritionists recommend dark chocolate, as a way of giving yourself a treat, when you are watching your weight.
  *
Fresh green salad
For a light and fresh salad just make up a mix of your favorite green leaves and raw vegetables, sprinkle on a little salt and add a dash of fresh lemon or lime juice. This snack will keep you going until your next meal and it won’t pile on the pounds.
  *
Melon
Another great healthy snack for weight loss is melon. Any food with high water content will fill you up and help you eat less, so watermelon is an ideal snack for when you are trying to lose weight.

Boiled eggs
Boiled eggs are another variation of healthy snacks for weight loss. A simple boiled egg is filled with protein and contains only about 70 calories; eating egg also helps to promote the proper functioning of your thyroid gland, which is responsible for managing the rate of your metabolism.
  *
Smoothies
With the right ingredients, a smoothie can replace a meal and the great thing about smoothies is that the list of different flavors, from all the different fruits and vegetables is virtually endless. Just be careful that you don’t ruin the good aspects of smoothies by adding high fat milks, yoghurts and other less healthy ingredients.
  *
Yoghurt
If you go for the low or non-fat yoghurts, then yoghurt makes a great, no preparation snack too. It’s high in calcium and protein, and some dietitians have even suggested that if you eat three servings of low fat yoghurt a day, it can help you to lose weight.
  *
Nuts
You have to watch nuts, they do contain calories and it’s quite easy to eat too much, but, eaten in moderation, nuts can provide you with a good source of monounsaturated fats, which can reduce your cholesterol levels, and they are a great source of protein and fiber to help fill you up and give you energy.

Healthy Eating that can help you to lose weight

   As any dietitian can attest to, the key to losing weight lies in management of calories - knowing what to eat, when to eat and how to eat it.
  It almost sounds like an oxymoron - eating to lose weight, but the fact is with the right diet, one can indeed eat to lose weight.
As any dietitian can attest to, the key to losing weight lies in management of calories - knowing what to eat, when to eat and how to eat it.
    These 5 tips when considered can help you lose weight

1.   Eat with small size plates: The key to eating to lose weight lies in eating in small portions. Therefore, help your cause by eating with small plates that'll force you to serve smaller portions. Reverse will be the case if you're looking to gain weight, but we digress.

2.  Eat slowly: Try eating slowly as it takes time for our brains to register that we're full so be indlugent. Making sure to chew every piece of food bit by bit.

3.  Overdose on fruits and vegetables: This never gets old. Fruits are very filling and much better, healthy and super cleansing. So fill up on fruits/vegetables and this way you don't have to worry about heavy food.
 
4.   Give your food uninterrupted attention: Keep your phone away and definitely stay away from the television. This is because we're likely to eat more when eating distractedly, so focus on your food and be done with it.
  
  
5.   Eat to feel satisfied, not stuffed: This means no second helpings, just eat enough to satisfy the hunger pangs and be done with it. Enjoy.

How laughter boosts your mental health

   
   Laughter is the best medicine, so goes a popular quote, which might be the reason why comedians like Alibaba, Bovi, Basket mouth and others have not only carved a niche for themselves in entertainment but   are also smiling to the bank.

    When it comes to relieving stress, particularly in times like this economic recession in Nigeria and political strife seem to be stifling our happiness and existence, more giggles and guffaws are just the doctor's best recommendation. In order to regain your sanity, have a good laugh.
    Scientists say it takes about 43 muscles around the face to frown and just 17 to smile. Laughter does you good. Laughter is a great form of stress relief.
 
    Mental health is simply a level of psychological wellbeing or the absence of mental illness. According to World Health organization, WHO, mental health is defined as a state of wellbeing in which every individual realizes his or her potential, copes with the normal stresses of life, works productively and able to make a contribution to the community.
The positive dimension of mental health is stressed in WHO’s definition of health thus: “Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”
 
    Mental Health Commission defines good mental health as a sense of wellbeing, confidence and self-esteem. It enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, day-to-day life and our environment. When we are mentally healthy we can form positive relationships, use our abilities to reach our potential and deal with life’s challenges. it is important to educate people on the need to speak up as well as stop stigmatization of mental patients,“Nigerians hardly talk about mental health and many think of depression simply as sadness, weakness, weak faith, something that is demon-inflicted or influenced by black magic, something to be ashamed of or as an issue specific to western communities.
 
    Mental illness is a health problem that significantly affects how a person thinks, behaves and interacts with other people. It is diagnosed according to standardized criteria. It is a big health concern for low to medium income countries like Nigeria, which affects as many as one in five people.

   A mental health problem also affects how a person thinks, feels and behaves but to a lesser extent than mental illness. Mental illnesses are of different types and degrees of severity.  Some of the major types are anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar mood disorder, personality disorders, eating disorders and depression.
These illnesses may also be referred to as mental disorder, mental impairment or psychiatric disability.  

   Depression, which affects both young and old, has been predicted by the World Health Organization to be the leading cause of death and disability by 2020 only after ischemic heart disease.

   Mental illness results from complex interactions between the mind, body and environment.  Factors which can contribute to mental illness are long-term and acute stress, biological factors such as genetics, chemistry and hormones, use of alcohol, drugs and other substances, cognitive patterns such as constant negative thoughts and low self-esteem, social factors such as isolation, financial problems, family breakdown or violence.
   
     These factors can be minimized by a strong and supportive community environment.

    *Short-term benefits
  A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn’t just lighten your load mentally; it actually induces physical changes in your body. Laughter can:
Stimulate many organs
   Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
     *Activate and relieve your stress response
  A  rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response and it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
   *Soothe tension
   Laughter can also stimulate circulation and aid muscle relaxation both of which can help reduce some physical symptoms of stress.
   * long term effect
    Laughter isn’t just a quick pick-me-up, though. It’s also good for you over the long term. Laughter can;
   Improve your immune system
  Negative thoughts result in chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts can actually release neuro peptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
    *Relieve pain
   Laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural painkillers.
    *Increase personal satisfaction
   Laughter can make it easier to cope with hard situations. It also helps you come in contact with other people.
   * Improve your mood
    Many people experience depression, sometimes due to chronic illnesses. Laughter can help lessen your depression and anxiety and may make you feel happier.
When it comes to health in later life, researchers find laughter may really be the best medicine. Moreso, Combining laughter with moderate exercise can improve the mental health of older adults as well as boost their motivation and ability to engage in physical activity.