.Mines more gold in chess, wins silver in scrabble team event

The Director of Sports Bayelsa State Sports Council, Sir Braveman Wodi, says he is confident the State will finish in a respectable position in the ongoing 8th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State.Sir Wodi, the man fondly and affectionately called

‘The Board Master gave this verdict on Monday in an interview journalists in Asaba.

He stated that Team Bayelsa started their quest in the Games slow but believes that the athletes would finish strong at the end of the competition.

Wodi who is a very passionate scrabble stakeholder noted that Bayelsa has put in what it takes to have a podium finish, and that the latest triumph in some of the sports is a reflection of what the State intends to achieve by the end of the games, describing this year’s edition as close compared to the previous editions.

According to him, no state is sure of a podium finish apart from host Delta who are used to their facilities, pointing out that this year’s competitiveness was as a result of the deliberate effort made by the various States Governments.

He explained that with the avalanche of talents spotted in the 8th National Youth Games the nation’s sports would rise again from its current dormant state, maintaining that the development of sports starts from the grassroot. Sir Wodi, is very pleased with the screening committee for doing a good job, despite some Irregularities to determine the true age of athletes that would participate in the Games, stressing that physical appearance was not enough to determine the age of an athlete.

The Bayelsa Director equally advocated for the introduction of a U:15 and U:17 youths games, saying that there is a missing link between under fifteen and under seventeen and that there was need to fill the link.

Meanwhile, Team Bayelsa on Monday produced a five stars performance at the Games in Asaba.Team Bayelsa took the silver in the team event of scrabble, with a plus 612 cumulative point from six wins.

The wordsmiths of Bayelsa were closely followed by Team Ekiti with 5 wins and a plus 677 cumulative point.

The State had earlier taken silver and bronze in the boys’ singles through Eddie Pereowei and Shannon August who are products of the Governor Douye Diri National Scrabble Championship, student category.

In Dart, Felicia Idu and Favour Ketekete gave Bayelsa gold in the doubles 501, gymnastics also recorded gold just as para-athletics who won gold to increase the medal tally.

Goodluck Matthew and Andrew lost their respective finals to Cross Rivers and Taraba State in Kokowa to settle for silver, Kung-fu clinched bronze just as shooting with two bronze medals.

And in basketball boys recorded silver having lost in the final 8-5 to Cross Rivers while the girls were defeated by Lagos 7-6 and will now battle Osun in the bronze medal on Tuesday by 9am.

SPECIAL SPORTS LONG JUMP F46/47 GIRLS:Gold……..BayelsaSilver…….ImoBronze…..KwaraTEAM BAYELSA MEDAL TABLE:Gold……..11Silver…….13Bronze….12

The final draw for the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt 2024, will take place in Cairo on Thursday, 19 September 2024, at 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT).

The draw will be live-streamed on CAF’s digital platforms, including CAF TV on YouTube and CAFOnline.com.

This is the sixth edition of the tournament, scheduled from 19 to 26 October 2024, in Hurghada, Egypt.

The eight participating teams include the host nation Egypt, Senegal, Ghana, Morocco, Tanzania, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Malawi. The teams will be divided into two groups of four.

All eyes will be on the reigning champions, Senegal, as they aim for their fifth title in this thrilling African beach soccer competition.

Parenting is one of the most significant factors that shape a child’s life, influencing their physical, emotional, social, and psychological development. The style of parenting adopted by caregivers plays a crucial role in determining the kind of person a child will become. Research has consistently shown that parenting style has a profound impact on children’s lifestyle, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors.

Types of Parenting Styles

1. Authoritarian Parenting: Characterized by strict rules, punishments, and minimal warmth.
2. Authoritative Parenting: Balances warmth and structure, encouraging independence and responsibility.
3. Permissive Parenting: Lenient, with few boundaries and excessive indulgence.
4. Neglectful Parenting: Inconsistent, unresponsive, and uninvolved.

Effects of Parenting Style on Children’s Lifestyle

Authoritarian Parenting

• Increased aggression and rebelliousness
• Lower self-esteem and confidence
• Difficulty with social relationships
• Higher risk of anxiety and depression

Authoritative Parenting

• Healthy self-esteem and confidence
• Better social skills and relationships
• Increased responsibility and independence
• Improved academic performance

Permissive Parenting

• Increased entitlement and spoiled behavior
• Difficulty with self-regulation and boundaries
• Higher risk of substance abuse and addiction
• Poor academic performance

Neglectful Parenting

• Emotional and psychological distress
• Difficulty with trust and attachment
• Increased risk of behavioral problems
• Poor academic performance

Long-Term Consequences

Parenting style can have lasting effects on children’s lifestyle, influencing:

1. Career choices and success
2. Relationship quality and stability
3. Mental and physical health
4. Social skills and community involvement

Tips for Effective Parenting

1. Practice empathy and active listening
2. Set clear boundaries and expectations
3. Encourage independence and responsibility
4. Model positive values and behaviors
5. Prioritize quality time and emotional support

Conclusion

Parenting style has a profound impact on children’s lifestyle, shaping their values, attitudes, and behaviors. By adopting an authoritative parenting approach, caregivers can foster healthy development, strong relationships, and a positive lifestyle for their children. Remember, parenting is a journey, and every decision counts.

Nigeria, often referred to as the “Giant of Africa,” is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the east to the vast savannas of the north, and from the mangrove forests of the south to the beautiful beaches of the west, Nigeria has a plethora of beautiful places to visit. Here are some of the most stunning destinations to add to your travel itinerary:

1. Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this sacred forest is home to ancient shrines, artifacts, and sculptures.
2. Yankari National Park: A haven for wildlife enthusiasts, the park features stunning scenery, hot springs, and a variety of animals.
3. Kainji National Park: Located on the border of Niger and Kwara states, the park boasts of diverse wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
4. Obudu Plateau: A mountain resort with stunning views, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
5. Benin City National Museum: Showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, the museum features ancient artifacts and relics.
6. Calabar National Museum: Another treasure trove of Nigerian history, the museum showcases the country’s artistic and cultural heritage.
7. Olumo Rock: A massive granite rock formation in Abeokuta, offering stunning views of the city.
8. Ikogosi Warm Springs: A natural wonder in Ekiti State, featuring warm springs and stunning scenery.
9. Tarkwa Bay Beach: A picturesque beach in Lagos, perfect for relaxation and water sports.
10. Kanem-Borno Empire: A historic site in northeastern Nigeria, featuring ancient ruins and artifacts.
11. Cross River National Park: A protected area with stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and ancient artifacts.
12. Afi Mountain Wildlife Sanctuary: A haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.
13. Oke-Idanre Hill: A historic site in Ondo State, featuring ancient artifacts and stunning views.
14. Bar Beach: A popular beach in Lagos, known for its vibrant atmosphere and stunning sunsets.
15. Gurara Falls: A breathtaking waterfall in Niger State, perfect for hiking and picnicking.

These are just a few of the many beautiful places to visit in Nigeria. With its rich cultural heritage and diverse natural beauty, Nigeria has something to offer for every kind of traveler.

A supercomputer has predicted the final Premier League standings for this season, following the conclusion of match-day four fixtures.

According to a supercomputer model developed by OLBG, defending champions Manchester City are expected to retain the Premier League title.Arsenal, Chelsea, and Liverpool are predicted to complete the top four.

At the other end of the table, Nottingham Forest, Southampton, and Ipswich are forecasted to face relegation from the top-flight.

Newcastle United, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Crystal Palace, and Aston Villa are projected to round out the top 10, with Everton predicted to finish 11th.

Papaya, also known as pawpaw, is a tropical fruit native to Central and South America. It has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is now grown in many parts of the world.

Nutritional Value:
Papaya is rich in vitamins A and C, potassium, and fiber. It contains an enzyme called papain, which aids digestion and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Health Benefits:

• Supports immune function.
• Promotes healthy digestion.
• May reduce inflammation and improve symptoms of conditions like arthritis.
• May help lower blood sugar levels.

Culinary Uses:

• Eaten fresh or used in salads, smoothies, and desserts.
• Used in traditional medicine and as a meat tenderizer.

Varieties:

• Solo (small, sweet, and musky)
• Sunrise (large, yellow-orange, and sweet)
• Red Lady (large, red-orange, and sweet)

Growing Conditions:

• Prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
• Grows up to 10 feet tall.

Interesting Facts:

• Papaya is a fast-growing plant that can produce fruit within a year.
• The seeds are edible and have a peppery flavor.