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Sports is an all-purpose vehicle that helps to engage the youth positively – Bayelsa state DOS

Sports is an all-purpose vehicle that helps to engage the youth positively as well as provide financial security for the teeming youth population in the State.

This is the submission of the director of sports in the oil rich coastal State of Bayelsa, Braveman Wodi, in an exclusive interview with your authoritative and award-winning news channel FIRST ZEALMEDIACAST BLOG at the Oti Hotel venue of the All-Nigeria Amazons Scrabble Championship in Benin City, Edo State, South-South, Nigeria.

Wodi explained that this is the vision of the number one citizen of the State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri who strongly believes that the youth hold the key to a prosperous nationhood.

“Our goal and mission in Bayelsa State is to engage the youths, make them the base of our development and sports is one of the vehicles we are using positively,” the Sports Director said.

Since, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri became the governor of Bayelsa State, the sporting land scape has changed, and the teeming youth population are keying into his vision and mission our investigation reveal.

Braveman Wodi stated that throughout the year Bayelsa State play host to various sports Federations’ programs and championships as well as training camp for technical officials across all the sports recognized in Nigeria.

“We hosted the Pre-season tournament for the Nigeria Premier Football League, the National Scrabble Championship and the Super Six Tournament for the Women’s League that produced the national champions – Edo Queens,” Wodi stated.

He went on to stress that it’s not just about competition alone, “We also adopt different exceptional athletes and put them on a comprehensive sponsorship or scholarship program.

Despite the difficult and harsh topography of the State, governor, Douye Diri has embarked on a massive construction new ultra-modern sports facilities and renovations of old ones.

In the area of facilities, the government of Bayelsa State is approaching it holistically:

✓ Providing an ultra-modern facility in the State capital
✓ Equip and provide standard stadia, sports hall in all the eight Local Government Area of the State
✓ Stage and host both local, national, regional and international development program
✓ Rewarding excellence and encouraging young aspiring athletes to blossom

Wodi, further emphasized that the youths are benefiting fully from all the platforms and programs the governor of the State is introducing through sports.

On the forthcoming coming National Youth Games, Braveman Wodi says they are ready, and they are heading to Asaba, Delta State to make a big and bold statement as has been the case in the last four years.

“You know, our current governor was a former Commissioner for Sports and that explains his interest in sports and in addition, he believes in engaging the youth positively.”

It’s noteworthy to mention that Bayelsa State has Honourable Daniel Igali, an Olympic Games gold medalist, a former World champion as a Commissioner for Sports and he is effectively translating the idea, plans and programs of the State in sports into reality.

The Director of Sports named the likes of wrestling Super women Blessing Okorodudu, Chess wizkid Deborah Quickpen are of the athletes on the state sponsorship and scholarship program.

Currently Bayelsa State is among the top five states in the area of sports development, and this is seen in their performance at the National Sports Festival, National Youth Games and other National Championships.

They have a club in the elite division of the male and female football leagues and the State is one of the very few States that host the head office of a national sporting Federation.

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Speaker Abbas bans placements of birthday congratulatory adverts

The House of Reps speaker, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has banned the placements of congratulatory adverts on his birthday

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has banned the placements of congratulatory adverts in the media on the occasion of his birthday.

Speaker Abbas placed the ban on such adverts on Saturday morning in a post on X and signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi.

“This is to inform my colleagues, Honourable Members, constituents, friends, family members, associates and well-wishers that I appreciate them for their felicitations ahead of my birthday which comes up on Tuesday, October 1, 2024,” he wrote.

“However, I kindly request that those planning to place congratulatory adverts on the pages of newspapers, TV stations or any other paid platform(s) for my birthday should channel the resources towards other causes in the society.

“These are causes such as assisting the needy, considering the current situation in the country and in line with prudent management of the meager resources at our disposal.

“Once again, I appreciate everyone for their well-wishes and prayers at this moment,” the House of Reps speaker concluded.

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The Sweet Truth: Understanding Sugar Levels and Their Impact on Your Health

Sugar is a vital source of energy for our bodies. However, excessive sugar consumption can lead to various health problems. Understanding sugar levels and their effects on our health is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet.

Normal Sugar Levels:

Fasting blood sugar: 70-99 mg/dL
Postprandial (after eating): Less than 140 mg/dL
Random: Less than 200 mg/dL

Types of Sugar:

Fructose (fruit sugar)
Glucose (blood sugar)
Sucrose (table sugar)
Lactose (milk sugar)
High-fructose corn syrup

Health Risks Associated with High Sugar Levels:

Diabetes
Obesity
Heart disease
Tooth decay
Energy crashes
Mood swings

Factors Affecting Sugar Levels:

Diet
Physical activity
Stress
Sleep
Medications
Hormonal imbalances

Reducing Sugar Intake:

Read labels
Choose whole foods
Limit processed foods
Use natural sweeteners
Gradually reduce sugar intake

Healthy Alternatives:

Honey
Maple syrup
Stevia
Monk fruit
Yacon syrup

Monitoring Sugar Levels:

Blood glucose meters.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).
Regular health check-use.

Maintaining healthy sugar levels is crucial for overall well-being. By understanding normal sugar levels, making informed dietary choices, and monitoring sugar intake, you can reduce the risk of sugar-related health issues.

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64th Independence Day: FG declares Oct 1st public holiday

To commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary, the Federal Government has declared Tuesday, October 1st, as a public holiday.

Announcing the holiday in Abuja, Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, praised the patient and hard-working Nigerian men and women, stating that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

Congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on this occasion, the minister on behalf of the government reiterated the need for Nigerians to “reflect on the labour of our heroes past and be inspired for the tasks ahead, realizing that a Nigeria of our dream can only be built when we unite.”

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, Tunji-Ojo urged the citizens to continue to be steadfast in nation-building.

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Sevilla coach, Pimenta declares Nigeria’s Iheanacho as unfit

Sevilla manager Garcia Pimienta has admitted that Kelechi Iheanacho is still struggling to find his form at the club, according to online reports

.The Nigerian striker, who joined Sevilla in the summer after building a strong reputation during his time with Manchester City and Leicester City in the Premier League, has yet to live up to expectations.

Iheanacho has not registered a goal or an assist in four league appearances for the Rojiblancos.Despite his slow start, Pimienta remains confident that Iheanacho will regain his best form soon.

“He [Iheanacho] has quality, but he joined the team a month late and was training on his own. He’s still adapting. The two weeks with the national team, where he didn’t play, didn’t help,” Pimienta told Spanish outlet Ondacero.“We need to give him confidence.

He’s a quality player, and based on what he’s achieved, it’s only a matter of time before we see him at his best. He has the talent and ability to succeed.”

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EPL: Chelsea manager, Maresca speaks on Cucurella’s involvement in the team

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has praised Marc Cucurella as a “very important” member of the squad, expressing that he wishes to have “seven players” like him.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Brighton, Maresca was asked about the defender’s performance this season.

The Chelsea boss emphasized that the 26-year-old not only excels individually but also enhances the performance of his teammates.”Marc [Cucurella] is very important,” Maresca told reporters on Friday.

“He has qualities that are sometimes hard to find in players.

He makes those around him better because he’s always talking and demanding more.

“Having five, six, or seven players like Marc, who are constantly pushing others to improve, is very valuable. I’m very happy with Marc.”

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Lebanon to evacuate hospital people from Beirut hospital over war with Israel

Lebanon’s health ministry has announced that hospitals in Beirut’s southern suburbs will be evacuated following a series of heavy Israeli airstrikes in the area.

In response to the escalating situation, the ministry has called on hospitals in regions not impacted by the strikes to halt the admission of non-emergency cases.

This directive is intended to ensure sufficient capacity to treat patients from the evacuated hospitals.

The ministry’s statement, issued on Saturday, urged unaffected hospitals to keep beds available for patients transferred from the southern suburbs, asking them to refrain from taking in non-urgent cases until the end of the following week.

Although the statement highlighted the seriousness of the situation, the health ministry has not yet provided an updated figure on casualties resulting from the attacks, according to Agence France-Presse.