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See the many health benefits of Sugar Cane

Sugarcane juice is a popular natural beverage loaded with nutrients that offer a range of health benefits when consumed in moderation. Known for its refreshing and hydrating properties, sugarcane juice can be an excellent choice for enhancing hydration, improving digestion, and boosting energy levels.

According to Healthline, a single cup of sugarcane juice contains around 184 calories, 50 grams of sugar, and 50 grams of carbohydrates, though it lacks protein and fat. The following are eight key health benefits of sugarcane juice, as highlighted by the Times of India:

  1. Provides Essential Nutrients
    Sugarcane juice is rich in essential nutrients, including minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron, along with vitamins A, C, and various B-complex vitamins. These nutrients play a vital role in maintaining overall health, particularly in warmer weather when the body needs to replenish minerals lost through perspiration. These nutrients contribute to stronger bones, better muscle function, and improved immune responses, making sugarcane juice a nutritious choice.
  2. Rehydrates the Body
    With its high water content and natural sugars, sugarcane juice is ideal for rehydration, especially after physical activity or during hot weather. It helps restore fluids and electrolytes lost due to sweating, effectively combating dehydration.
  3. This property makes it an excellent alternative to sports drinks for those looking for a natural way to stay hydrated.
  4. Boosts Energy Levels
    Sugarcane juice provides a quick energy boost thanks to its natural sugars, which are easily absorbed and used by the body. Unlike caffeine or artificial sweeteners, these natural sugars offer an instant lift in energy, making sugarcane juice a great choice for combating fatigue. Consuming it in moderation helps avoid sugar spikes, providing a sustained energy source throughout the day.
  5. Improves Digestion
    Sugarcane juice contains enzymes that support digestive health by breaking down food more efficiently, enhancing nutrient absorption. Regular consumption can alleviate digestive discomfort, support gut health, and reduce the risk of issues like bloating, constipation, and acidity.
  6. Supports Liver Health
    Research has shown that sugarcane juice may have hepatoprotective (liver-protecting) properties. It’s thought to aid in detoxifying and cleansing the liver, improving its function and resilience against damage. These properties may make sugarcane juice beneficial for individuals with liver conditions when included as part of a balanced diet.
  7. Strengthens Immunity
    The abundance of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals in sugarcane juice helps strengthen the immune system, equipping the body to fight infections and common illnesses such as colds and flu. Regular consumption can support overall immunity and contribute to long-term health.
  8. Aids in Weight Management
    While sugarcane juice contains natural sugars, it is relatively low in calories and free of fat, making it a suitable option for those looking to manage their weight.
  9. Its high fiber content helps promote feelings of fullness, curbing hunger and reducing cravings for unhealthy snacks. Consumed in moderation, it can be part of a weight management plan.
  10. Enhances Skin Health
    The antioxidants in sugarcane juice are beneficial for skin health, as they support collagen production, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, and combat skin issues like acne.
  11. The juice’s hydrating effects also promote a radiant and youthful complexion, as it hydrates skin from within.

While sugarcane juice provides numerous health benefits, it’s essential to consume it in moderation due to its high sugar content. Chewing raw sugarcane may offer a healthier alternative, as it allows for slower sugar absorption and increased fiber intake.

Those with diabetes should consult their doctor before including sugarcane juice in their diet to avoid potential blood sugar spikes.

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Scrabble: History maker, Oluwatimilehin Doko to attention JAMSC

The recently crowned African champion, Oluwatimilehin Doko is the latest high profile wordsmith who will be attending the Wooden edition of the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics (JAMSC).

The Kigali history maker and Ultimate Scrabble Showdown contender told your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG, that he his is ready for the competition scheduled to hold on the 16th and 17th of this month (November), at the Chevron Recreational Club Gbagada, Lagos, Nigeria.

Another former African champion and the youngest captain of Team Nigeria, Enoch Nwali is another heavyweight player who will grace the Janet Adowei Memorial Scrabble Classics which is the last major competition in the ephemeris of the Nigeria Scrabble Federation.

Over 150 players are expected to compete for honours in three different categories, Masters, Intermediate and Opens at the Classics with over 3.5 million naira as prize money.

Registration window for the event officially closes midnight today the 13th of November, and it will not be extended according Khaleel Adedeji a key member of the Organizing Committee of the Classics.

It’s an 18 rounds of games competition rated by Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF) and will run for two days, games start by 10am daily with the 2021 Collins Scrabble Dictionary as the reference material.

750,000 Naira is the top prize money for the Masters category and lots of spot prizes will be up for grabs at the Classics that is supported by Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Mind Games Incorporated and Lekki Scrabble Club.

Ryan Jacob who is the defending champion in the Masters category has promised to make any player seeking or desirous, wrestle the Adowei Memorial Crown from him and sweat profusely all through the 18 rounds of games.

The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), Engineer Toke Aka, is leading a high powered, passionate cast of mind game stakeholders and dignitaries to the competition that is gradually building a formidable reputation for itself among a plethora of competitions in the NSF circuit.

Instituted by Engineer Ebikeme Adowei in honour of his mother, the Classics has become a fertile ground for the game of words in Nigeria to grow on.

The JAMSC which began five years ago, has assumed a national status where players from across the country find true satisfaction and fulfilment participating in.

Engineer Adowei, immediate past President of the Lekki Scrabble Club said this year’s edition is bigger in prize and will be better in the area of organization.

Meanwhile, the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited owners of the famous Ultimate Scrabble Showdown have promised to reward Oluwatimilehin Doko with the sum of 250,000 naira for winning the 15th edition of the African Scrabble Championship concluded last month in Kigali, Rwanda.

The chairman of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole explained that the company is rewarding the new African Scrabble King because of his dedication, hard work and commitment to the sport.

The CEO of Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited, Olatunde Oduwole, described the young Oluwatimilehin Doko as an enigma, a conquer, potentate and all these attributes makes him a complete scrabble player.

Doko, the contender at the maiden edition of the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown in Nigeria is currently the second highest ranked African player in the world at number 9 behind Enoch Nwali at number 6.

“Oluwatimilehin Doko is unique, talented, gifted and most of all very humble. He’s passionate about the game of words, reads and studies a lot, he’s friendly, always willing to learn. That’s the mark of a true champion,” Oduwole stated.

“I’m very elated and excited with this massive achievement by Doko, it sends the right signal and message to young players and students that hard work, commitment and dedication coupled with divine blessings and favour will elevate you as well as reward you too,” Olatunde Oduwole, the multiple national champion added.

He said, the money is a token of appreciation and promise to continually encourage and support young talented and dutiful players who adds value to the game of scrabble in Nigeria and the continent.

“Our goals and objectives at the Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited is to add value to scrabble, reward excellence, encourage youths to embrace and combine sports with education as well as compete for honours with fairness and honesty.” Oduwole explained.

It’s noteworthy to state that, Ultimate Scrabble Showdown Solutions Limited has provided two comprehensive sponsorship deals for Enoch Nwali to the Governor Douye Diri National Championship and also sponsored Oluwatimilehin Doko to the Lekki Scrabble Classics this year.

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Obsolete meters: FCCPC to punish DisCos who violate consumers’ rights

The FCCPC has warned it will punish DisCos who violate consumers' rights on the issue of obsolete meters

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has warned that it will punish electricity distribution companies (DisCos) who violate consumers’ rights on the issue of obsolete meters.

The FCCPC issued the warning on Wednesday in a statement signed by the Director, Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, pursuant to Sections 17(j), (l) (s), 116 (2), 124, 125, 138 and 155 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018.

“The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) notes with concern recent rumours that its directive to Ikeja and Eko electricity distribution companies (IKEDC and EKEDC) to immediately cease all activities related to the planned replacement of Unistar meters may be flouted,” Ijagwu said.

“The directive remains in full force, and any attempt by these DisCos to proceed in contravention of it will attract severe consequences.”

Ijagwu said contrary to recent rumours, the approval of new meter prices by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has no connection with the proposed replacement of Unistar meters by the IKEDC and EKEDC.

According to the statement, the planned replacement has been invalidated by both the FCCPC and NERC, and there is no indication that the affected DisCos have breached the commission’s directives.

As such, Ijagwu said it is essential to clarify that Ikeja and Eko DisCos cannot proceed with the withdrawal or replacement of the Unistar meters unless they fully comply with NERC’s Order on Structured Replacement of Faulty and Obsolete End-user Customer Meters in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (Order No. NERC/246/2021).

He stated that the order mandates that meter replacements must be prompt, without disrupting service and at no cost to the consumer; and ensuring that consumers are not subjected to estimated billing due to delayed installations.

“The FCCPC’s position remains clear: non-compliance with these directives by Ikeja and Eko DisCos will not be tolerated,” Ijagwu said.

“Any breach of this directive will attract stiff penalties in line with the provisions of existing consumer protection laws.”

Consumers have been advised to contact the FCCPC on the commission’s line, 08119877785, dedicated to electricity issues, should they encounter any attempts by Ikeja or Eko DisCos to disobey this directive.

The FCCPC added that it remains unwavering in its commitment to safeguarding the rights of Nigerian consumers against unfair practices by service providers.

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Okpebholo Suspends Revenue Collection in Edo, Issues Arrest Orders for Defaulters

Okpebholo Suspends Revenue Collection in Edo, Issues Arrest Orders for Defaulters

The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, announced on Wednesday the immediate halt of all revenue collection activities across the state, especially in motor parks and similar locations, until further notice.

Okpebholo and his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, took their oaths of office on Tuesday, administered by the state’s Chief Justice, Daniel Okungbowa, at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

According to a statement from the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor has instructed the state Commissioner of Police to apprehend anyone who violates this directive.

The statement read, “The Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate and indefinite suspension of all revenue collections in Edo, especially in motor parks and similar areas, until further notice.

“The governor stated that he would review the issues surrounding the collections soon and decide on the way forward.

“The collection of revenues in the state has been suspended indefinitely.”
The governor warned that anyone found collecting revenue on behalf of the state government would face arrest.

“The Commissioner of Police is hereby ordered to arrest anyone who flouts the order and collects any kind of revenue on behalf of the state government.

“The governor will soon address the issues and concerns raised. He will issue new directives shortly. Until then, no one is authorised to collect revenue on behalf of the state government,” the statement stated.

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NDLEA Seizes 709.9kg of Illicit Drugs in Major Operation in Kano

NDLEA Seizes 709.9kg of Illicit Drugs in Major Operation in Kano

In October, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in Kano confiscated 709.979kg of illegal drugs in the state.

This information was provided in a statement issued by the agency’s Kano Command spokesperson, ASN Sadiq Muhammad-Maigatari, on Wednesday.

According to the statement, the State Commander of the agency, Mr. Abubakar Idris-Ahmad, also reported the arrest of 129 individuals.

“All the 129 suspects are males.

“The total illicit substances recovered under the period is 709.979kg, which is made up of  309.991kg of cannabis sativa.

”Others are 394.835kg of various psychotropic substances,comprising 741,600 tablets of Tramadol, 2.789kg of pregabalin and 0.027kg of methamphetamine, among others,” he said,

He stated that during this time, the command achieved 22 convictions.

“These convictions serve as a deterrent to those involved in drug-related activities and underscores the agency’s dedication to enforcing the law.

“The suspects arrested have been profiled, and those who deserve prosecution have been charged to court, while others have been referred to the counseling unit for support and rehabilitation,” Idris-Ahmad said.

He praised the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Marwa (Rtd), for his steadfast support and motivation, which have played a crucial role in these successes.

The commander also acknowledged the Kano State Government and all other partners for their cooperation and contributions to the ongoing battle against drug abuse.

“The command will continue to work tirelessly in collaboration with all other stakeholders to combat drug trade and promote awareness of the dangers associated with drug abuse” he said

Idris-Ahmad urged the public to contribute to the battle against drug abuse and trafficking by sharing any relevant information with the agency via its dedicated hotlines “0800 1020 3040.”

“Together, we can build a healthier and safer society,” he said.

NAN

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Bobrisky: Tunji-Ojo Vows to Address Institutional Issues, No One Will Be Shielded

Bobrisky: Tunji-Ojo Vows to Address Institutional Issues, No One Will Be Shielded

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has commented on the controversy surrounding well-known cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, commonly referred to as Bobrisky.

The situation, which revolves around accusations of special treatment during Bobrisky’s time in detention, has ignited conversations about broader systemic problems within Nigeria’s institutions.

The widely shared audio clip sparked public outrage and ignited concerns regarding corruption and the lack of accountability in the correctional system.

Tunji-Ojo, during his appearance on Tuesday’s episode of Channels Television’s Politics Today, emphasized the wider consequences of the event, describing it as a“reflection of institutional issues.”

He explained the disciplinary procedures involved in addressing such allegations, stating, “There are disciplinary procedures; you have to go through the board; you don’t just take action. Of course, somebody as high as an ACG who was found culpable of giving those verbal instructions in this regard has been suspended. This is because we said we are not going to shield anybody.”

The minister verified that a report has been handed over to the relevant board, with a copy forwarded to the NCoS to begin disciplinary proceedings.’

“The report is with the board; we have sent a copy to the service themselves because disciplinary actions must start,” he stated.

Tunji-Ojo emphasized that reforming institutions is crucial to avoid the recurrence of similar problems in the future.

“We cannot transfer today’s problem to the future,” he remarked.

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NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic

NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic

To prepare for a surge in water transportation during the Christmas season, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has begun removing water hyacinths from the waterways in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, NIWA explained that the effort is designed to facilitate smoother transportation and improve safety for those using the waterways.

Sarat Braimah, the Lagos Area Manager for NIWA, stated that the ongoing work will target key Lagos channels with heavy boat traffic, starting with the Omu Creeks and Ikorodu Water Channels.

NIWA Clears Lagos Waterways of Hyacinths to Ease Yuletide Traffic
NIWA officials at work

She further clarified that the Omu Creeks have been fully cleared, while the Ikorodu channels will require approximately one week of concentrated clearing, which includes removing waste and managing invasive aquatic plants.

Braimah emphasised that the effort aligns with the agency’s key operational mandate “to ensure smooth and safe navigation for boat operators and other stakeholders, particularly as traffic on the waterways is expected to increase during the Yuletide season.”

“As we approach the Christmas season, with an anticipated rise in boat traffic, we want to ensure everything is in order,” Braimah added.
She noted that the season also sees the resurgence of water hyacinths along the waterways in Lagos.

“It’s best to clear them proactively, even though the weeds can reappear. Our goal is to maintain safe passage for boat operations during and beyond the Yuletide,” she added.

The Lagos Area Manager of NIWA also mentioned that the project will be expanded to cover the Badagry and Apapa water channels, although the Ikorodu channel is currently the main focus, as weeds are spreading from there to other coastal areas of Lagos.

“We are working around the clock to sustain this effort, especially with our river marshals deployed to monitor boating operations during this period. It’s a costly and demanding project, but we are fully committed, with our staff out there daily to ensure its success,” Braimah added.

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