Fans of singer, wizkid, known as Wizkid FC have been expressing their joy at the nominations that the singer got in the 2022 Grammys.

His collaboration with Terns, Essence was nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category, while his album, Made In Lagos Deluxe Edition was nominated in the Best Global Music category.

Credit: Twitter

Sebastien Haller has scored more goals in his first five Champions League games than any player in the history of the competition

NINE goals in his first five appearances!

Making it look easy at the highest level

Sweden's First Female Prime Minister Resigns Hours After Appointment

Sweden's first female Prime Minister, Magdalena Andersson on Wednesday tendered her resignation just hours after her appointment by parliament after her budget failed to pass and the junior Greens Party left the coalition government.

"There is a constitutional practice that a coalition government should resign when one party quits," Andersson, a Social Democrat, told reporters.

"I don't want to lead a government whose legitimacy will be questioned."

Andersson said she hoped to be elected to the position again soon as the head of a minority government made up of only the Social Democrats.

BY MONDAY O. IGIRI

I wish to use this medium to enlighten and sensitise my fellow youths, men and women in IGEDE EDII NATION and across the globe.

It is imperative to get ourselves registered for Voters identification card is very important to our generation in so many ways, voters card is not only for electing leaders alone or just for electorial activities.

It's also useful in the Bank, Sim card registration, government Empowerment, and for job interview.

On this note I wish to draw ur attention back home to register for your Permanent voters card, so we can collectively build, Igede, Ukelle, Yala, Cross River State and Nigeria at large as our dreams, it's very important to register in your home town for several reasons 

1. For easy distribution of nation's wealth

2. For political benefits

3. The larger the population, the more Government presence is felt 

4. More Job opportunities to the immediate constituents

It's the responsibility of citizens to vote and be voted for. voting is a very important part of any democracy. By voting, we participate in choosing who governs us for the betterment of the generation yet to come.

Don't disenfranchise yourself from this civic responsibility of patriotism , exercise your franchise, get your PVC ready for 2023 is not going to be business as usual

Through our PVC, we decide on the quality of life we want for ourselves and the future generations.

 Voting is your chance to stand up for the issues you care about like public transportation raising funds for local school, promoting the well- being of the communities. This can only be done if you get your PVC done.

You have no business complaining of bad Government if you have disenfranchised yourself by not getting your PVC to decide and vote in leaders who must be accountable, transparent, tested and trusted, leaders with the fear of God and the interest of the generality of the Youths, Women and men in our Constituency.

It's is the sole responsibility of the Government to provide social amenities, Good Road system, Good health care facilities, portable drinkable water, Steady power supply and many more , all these is possible with your PVC

The community depends on you because you are their eyes, Your communities is made up of friends, loves ones, neighbors, and children.

So many do not know how important voters card is.

It is our collective responsibility to preach the need and reasons why they should be involved in getting their voters card...

English Premier League Competitions this weekend. In this article, I will show you people the possible outcome for match week 20.

English Premier League is one of the highest trophy in football history. Crystal Palace will be waiting West Ham United. Crystal Palace vs West Ham will be a very tough match. Chelsea will be waiting for wolves at sandford Bridge. Chelsea have not been too good in their last five matches. Everton vs Leicester City will be a tough game. Leicester City would do everything possible to see that they have the three points.

The Cross River Government has inaugurated the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) committee to steer the activities of the programme in the state for the next two years.

Deputy Governor of the state, Prof. Ivara Esu, who inaugurated the team on Wednesday in Calabar, said that the project was timely and coming at a time where the Nation's economic needed to be stimulated with various programmes.

CARES is a World Bank Assisted programme which is supported by the Federal and State Governments in Nigeria, designed to stimulate the economy.

According to him, with the coming in of the programme which is scheduled to start by April, the state will consolidate on the gains and reduce her poverty rate of 36.3 to at least, a single digit.

He cited the destruction of properties in government offices and private homes in Calabar during the #EndSars protest on Oct. 24, 2020 as one of the factors that has further created poverty in the state.

"I want to specially commend members of this committee and especially the Chairman of the committee, Dr Inyang Asibong, who is the Commissioner for International Development Cooperation for her drive in making this programme a reality in the state," he said.

Earlier in her opening speech, Dr Asibong mentioned the benefiting areas to include CSDA, FADAMA, Enterprise Development Funding, Livelihood, Public Work Fare and the State Cash Transfer Unit. 

She explained that the focus of the programme was to help in the recovery of the economy by way of collective involvement of all relevant stakeholders who have been identified to play certain roles.

"In the area of public work fare, we are going to get youths, both skilled and unskilled, to be meaningful engaged so that they can earn a living.

"For the Cash Transfer Unit, pregnant women, the vulnerable and physically challenged persons will also benefit from this platform.

"Also, the FADAMA project will cater for the provision of input to farmers among many other beneficiaries," she said.

She commended Gov. Ben Ayade for placing premium on intervention programmes in the state, adding that the state was ready for the implementation of the programme

Mr Toni Ikpeme, Board Chairman of Community and Social Development Agency, who spoke on behalf of members of the committee, assured that they were going to give in their best in order to achieve the mandate of programme.

Members of the committee include the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Asuquo Ekpenyong, Commissioner for Commerce, Mrs Rosemary Archibong and Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Okon Owuna,

Other members are; Commissioner for Youths and Skill Development, Mr Signor Omang-Idiege, Mrs Marjorie Asuquo, Special Adviser to Gov. Ayade on Enterprise Development Funding, Mr Gabriel Adah, Director General of Cross River Commercial Transport Regulatory Agency and Mrs Monique Ogon, Special Adviser to Gov. Ayade on Enterprise.

Also in the committee are, Mr Victor Edet, Special Adviser to Gov. Ayade on International Development, Mrs Kate Ajibike, Special Adviser, Community Development Enterprise and Mr Felix Ita, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of International Development Cooperation.

Electricity is a major source of energy supply and it remains a necessity for everyone especially those who involve in businesses and trade, Its constant availability will boost the economic development...

Comrade Etim Ita while crying out on poor electricity in the axis,  stated that Akpabuyo and Bakassi LGA have been deprive of this privilege therefore causing abnormalities in business and social live of the people living in the area.... 

Why have our people been treated so unfairly, Does it mean we don't belong to a political organise society, or we don't have leaders who can speak for us...

The said Distinguished Senator Gershom Bassey have distributed transformer to some part of the area but up till now we cannot see a flash of electric light generated from this transformers... Who is deceiving who.?

Our leaders should do something about this issue..

It is time we speak out he said.. 

Brainymedia reports that the General Overseer of Light of the World International Church, Prophet Joshua Arogun has urged the Chief Whip of the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu to recognize other men of God who were instrumental to his spiritual life.

God's own servant "Prophet Life Phillip" the general overseer of messiah deliverance and salvation ministry has put excitement in the face of Calabar south residents this yuletide season by showering the widows of calabar south residents with numerous gifts in order to reduce their burden and wants this festive period. 

The Elder Representing the ward while delivering his speech enjoined the women to receive the offer with good fate and love while also praying praying for God servant to be uplifted by God, so he can do more than that next time. 

Prophet Life Phillip In His Speech charged the women not to see this gesture of His as a political movement or ways of inviting them to church but should rather see him as a son and as such he is delivering the duty of what a son is suppose to for the mother.. He also encouraged the women to leave in unity and love one another, as Jesus is love and He is the only reason for the season.. 

One of the widow while applauding the man of God for His good works prayed that God continue to uplift him  for recognizing the women and also putting smiles on their face. 

Nigeria Government yesterday faulted claims by the President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities ( ASUU), Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi that the government had failed to deliver on the timelines on offers made to the union.

A statement from the Minister’s media office said, “

the Federal Government has done the followings as agreed with ASUU

1. promised to constitute a Negotiation Committee for the 2009 Agreement and has fulfilled it with the last week’s inauguration of the committee that has Prof. Muzali as chairman.

2. The N40b Earned Academic Allowances/ Earned Allowances have also been processed just as the N30b revitalization Fund, bringing it to a total of N70b.

“ Likewise, the Visitation Panels for the Universities have been approved by the President but the panel cannot perform its responsibilities until the shut universities are re-opened.

3. “The gazetting is also being rounded off at the Office of Attorney General of the Federation while the Ministry of Education is ready to inaugurate the various visitation panels.

4. “Similarly, Government agreed to pay salaries, allowances of Earned Academic Allowances/ Earned Allowances with a hybrid platform that is not hundred percent IPPIS as requested by ASUU while UTAS is undergoing usability and integrity test at National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) as demanded by ASUU.

5. The Minister noted that it is false and discomforting for ASUU to wrongly inform the general public that the Federal Government agreed to pay all withheld salaries before it will resume work.

6. “The truth of the matter is that a ‘Gentleman Agreement’ was reached at the last meeting in which ASUU agreed to call off the strike before December 9, 2020, and the Minister, in turn, agreed that once the strike is called off, he would get a presidential waiver for ASSU to be paid the remainder of their salaries on or before December 9, 2020 .”

7. Part of the proposal ASUU took back on November 27, 2020, reads, “ the Hon Minister of Labour and Employment informed that he had consulted with the Hon Minister of Education on getting a waiver on the issue of No Work, No Pay as stipulated in Sec. 43 of the Trade Dispute Act, Cap T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria( LFN )2004, but a reservation has been made concerning this request because of the ongoing strike by ASUU. The HML&E, therefore, agreed to work on this to be actualized before Wednesday, December 9, 2020.

8. “With the lockdown at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Minister got special presidential approval to demonstrate good faith to ASUU members that government is not on a vengeful mission or out to starve ASUU to death as some of them are claiming.

9. “They were subsequently paid for two months of February and March after which it was extended to April, May, and June, months they were on strike on compassionate ground, bringing it to five months.

10. “This was done because of the Covid-19 pandemic and its deleterious effects on incomes of all workers and their families as government reasoned that ASUU members also have families.

11. It is therefore unbelievable that ASUU President claimed that government agreed to pay outright, the entire money of the period of the strike to them, even for staying at home and refusing to do either virtual teaching or research.

12. “ I wish to emphasize further that the outstanding salaries to ASUU are for the month of July, August, September, and October as no federal public servant has been paid for November 2020.

13. “Hence, it is baseless for ASUU to claim it cannot go back to school on an empty stomach while the government has on compassionate grounds, paid five months salaries out of the nine months they have been on strike.

14. “ASUU is fully aware of the principle of No Work, No Pay of the Sec. 43 of the Trade Disputes Act under which many unions like National Association of Residents Doctors( NARD) in 2017 and Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) in 2018 among others have lost salaries as a result of the strike.

15. “ It is consequently important to inform Nigerians, especially parents that Federal Government is asking ASUU to go back to work and when they do, the Ministers of Labour, Finance, and Education will put up a memo to deal with the outstanding four months of salaries.

Before I continue I would like to congratulate those of you that have been following my recent articles from the beginning.

Like it or not, any information you get from here will be useful to you sooner or later.

Now you were admitted into public health but you want to switch to a related course like Radiography... Is it possible? Yes

Now this process can only be done after your year 1,, if you switch successfully you will have to repeat year 1 again in that your desired course.

Now... The probability of switching successfully varies According to the department or course... If you want to switch to Medicine and Surgery the probability of switching successfully is very low. Of course I know someone that switched successfully.

Three Factors are considered when you want to switch...

1. Your CGPA during the just concluded session... (1st class most preferably)

2. Your behavior and conduct during that concluded year

3. Connections matters atimes... You have to know someone that can pull some strings

4. Money 

How can you switch from one accredited course to another

First, make sure you are not defaulting in any of the 3 factors above...

•Head to Senior colleagues and lecturers and let them know your plight so they can advise you.

•Head to your current department and request a rejection letter ... It's not free.

  

•Head to the department you want to switch to and get and acceptance letter... It's not free too

Try to make photocopies... From there the department of your choice will give you further instructions on how to complete the process...

Hope this article was helpful?

On the issue of security,governor Benedict Ayade is taking the bull by the horn.

   On the first step of his ladder to actualization he has deployed two additional bodies to help the homeland security operations

    The neighborhood Security service(Nss) and operation Akpakwu.

   Due to the high rate of security risks in the state he hopes that this step he has taken will be for the betterment and safety of his citizenry.

This announcement was made by the Rice Processors Association (RIPAN) of Nigeria. The association said the new price will take effect from December 14, 2020. The present market price ranges from N28,000 to N30,000 per bag. The decision is coming after hike in rice prices occasioned by hoarding and closure of the nation’s land borders by the Buhari administration towards boosting self-sufficiency. Since the ban on rice import, some persons have been engaging in shopping for and storing the paddy, making huge profits.

Worried by the rising prices, the RIPAN in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, on Tuesday set up a task force headed by the Managing Director of Tiamin Rice, Aminu Ahmed, to monitor and ensure compliance with the new price regime.

In an interview after the meeting, Mr Ahmed mentioned that RIPAN has agreed to peg the price at N19,000 so as to help the federal government in its efforts to ease hardship in the nation. He also said the rice processors have additionally pegged the price of paddy at N160 per kg or N160,000 to 165,000 per tonne.

According to him, as soon as the prices of paddy crash, the price of processed rice would also crash.

Socialites have set social media on fire after images of a white man who had enrolled in the Nigerian Police Service were shared online.

Many considered the development very hilarious and shared it widely to satisfy their humor. The man in question, whose identity is yet to the ascertained, is believed to have emigrated to Nigeria several years ago.

Sources explain that he is married to a Nigerian spouse, with whom he has three kids. The source explained further that he has acquired Nigerian citizenship and has been holding himself as a Nigerian for a very long time.

Former Governor of Kano State , Ibrahim Shekarau, has said Nigeria ’ s next president should come from the Southern part of the country .

He said by 2023 , the President , Major General Muhammadu Buhari ( retd . ) , who is from the northern part of the country , would have been in power for eight years , and “ common sense tells that we should look the other side , to the Southern part of Nigeria ” .

Shekarau , who represents Kano Central District in the Senate , added, “ There is common sense expectation of balancing and giving everybody a sense of belonging and fairness. ”

He , however , said reliable and competent hands should be entrusted with the responsibility of leading Nigeria in 2023.

The All Progressives Congress Senator spoke on Thursday while featuring on a television programme

When asked about his position on the growing call for a South - East presidency in 2023, Shekarau said, “ I don’ t call it zoning , I would rather call it some balancing . There has to be some sense of belonging. There is what I call the constitution of common sense .

“The Constitution of Nigeria or the constitution of any of the political parties didn ’ t say if I am from the North , my running mate must be from the South . It is not written but if today, I am a presidential candidate from Kano and I tell you my running mate is from Bauchi , you will say something is wrong with me .

“The presidency has just been from the North for eight years . Common sense tells that we should look the other side , to the Southern part of Nigeria . We should recognise the North and the South , this is elementary geography and history .

“Perception is what you have to carry along . If you continue to dominate on one particular side , the perception from the other side is , ‘ What about me ?’”

When asked if he has started nursing the ambition to run for president in 2023, the one - time presidential candidate said , “I don ’ t know about that . We haven ’ t gotten there yet , ” but quickly added , “ I am already giving it some thoughts . ”

 

Vagina's are nice but very sensitive! Exactly as they are. 

How to get rid of Vaginal Odour is one the frequently asked question in this forum and today dims it fit to response to this question.

Just like the rest of your body, vaginas (and the body parts around them) can become dirty, through normal wear and tear, and need a bit of maintenance in order to stay healthy.

There’s a lot of bad advice out there regarding vaginal cleanliness. So ignore all of that, and read up here on how to actually keep your vaginal area clean.

No heavily scented products of 10-step routines necessary.

1. DITCH YOUR UNDIES AT NIGHTTIME

One of the easiest things people who get recurring yeast infections can do to improve their vaginal health is go commando when they sleep.

Underwear—even good, breathable, cotton underwear, traps moisture against the skin, which makes your vagina just a little bit more hospitable to yeast and bacterial growth.

Ditch the undies and sleep in loose, cotton shorts or pants. Or go naked altogether.

2. YOUR VAGINA IS WHAT YOU EAT

Well, kind of. Has a doctor ever told you to eat lots of yogurt or take a probiotic when using antibiotics? That’s because your body, and vagina, specifically, needs good bacteria in it to stay healthy and ward off infections. Fermented foods with a high probiotic content, like yogurt , can help prevent yeast infections and keep your vaginal biome balanced. Also, they taste good.

3. DON’T FORGET TO CHANGE YOUR TAMPON

And do it regularly, if you can. The general rule of thumb is to change it every four to eight hours. It’s OK to sleep in a tampon, but be sure to change to a fresh one when you wake up.

_Crucial differentiation here:_ The vulva is what you can see with your eyeballs when you look down at your pubic area. It’s the term for the external parts of the female anatomy. It includes the labia majora, labia minora, and tip of the clitoris. The only part of the vagina you can see from the outside of your body is the opening. The rest is a tube that connects the vulva to the cervix and uterus.

4. CLEAN YOUR VULVA LIKE ANY OTHER BODY PART

Your vulva is covered in normal skin and can be cleaned the same way you clean the rest of your body — with just a bit more caution. But be careful of camping your loofah down there, or scrubbing too hard. One, it’s not necessary. And two, if soap works its way up into your vagina, you could have an uncomfy situation on your hands, be it irritation or infection.

5. THE VAGINA IS “SELF-CLEANING,” LIKE AN OVEN!

The vagina has a naturally low pH, which discourages the growth of outside organisms and maintains a clean atmosphere pretty well on its own. So there’s really no need to be shoving soaps up there in an effort to clean it.

6. NO. SCENTED. PRODUCTS

Heavily perfumed products, like that sweet soap you use on your armpits and elsewhere, has a tendency to irritate the skin inside your vagina, which is more sensitive than the skin on the outside of your body. But this doesn’t just apply to soap. Even something as simple as scented tampons or a heavily scented laundry detergent used on your undies can irritate the vagina. And definitely steer clear of any of those bogus products that promise to make your vagina smell like a bed of roses. No one’s vagina needs to smell like a bed of roses, and also, no one wants a bacterial infection.

7. GET OUT OF SWEATY OR WET CLOTHES

Workout outfits are so cute these days it’s tempting to stay in them for post-gym brunch and really just the rest of the day. Don’t do this! Bacteria thrive in a dark, moist environments. If you can’t shower after swimming or working out, at least change out of your bathing suit or sweaty undies.

8. WEAR COTTON UNDIES

Cotton is the most breathable material you can cover your vagina with, as opposed to synthetic lacey things that, face it, aren’t as comfortable anyway. And thongs — while practical! — can whisk bacteria into the urethra because they’re so close-fitting, and that heightens your risk for a UTI. So choose your panties wisely.

9. PEE AFTER SEX

And before, while you’re at it! Technically UTIs are a urethra problem, and that is not!! the same hole as your vagina, but let’s cover all the bases. The best way to prevent UTIs is to pee both before and after sex, in order to void all the urine in your bladder, and lessen the possibility of bacteria sitting around and multiplying inside your bod.

10. WIPE FRONT TO BACK

Probably you don’t remember the exact lessons you learned while being potty trained, and going pee is something you just do with zero thought. But maybe apply a little bit of critical thinking to the wiping step. Wiping from front to back lessens the odds that bacteria from your rectum will wind up near your vagina or urethra. Bacteria near the rectum is fine when it stays near the rectum. Elsewhere, it can lead to infections and irritation.

11. CHOOSE TAMPONS AND PADS WISELY

 Research suggests that certain tampon brands include harmful chemicals called phthalates, known as “endocrine disruptors” that mess with your hormones. Dioxins, a byproduct of the process by which tampons are bleached, have also been found in certain tampons. Though the level of dioxin found in tampons is much lower today than it has been previously. Organic, unscented tampons and pads are your safest bet.

12. NEVER DOUCHE

Gynecologists everywhere will tell you the same thing: It’s bad for you and it’s not necessary. The myth that douching creates a clean and shiny vaginal interior is just that — a myth! In fact, douching can actually make things messier by introducing harmful chemicals called phthalates to your vagina.

13. KEEP YOUR SEX TOYS CLEAN

You are almost certainly already doing this. But just in case, here’s a reminder: Your sex toys need to be properly cleaned between each uses. Just like you wouldn’t wear the same underwear for several days in a row, you shouldn’t use the same sex toy without washing it for days or weeks on end. There are special soaps and fancy gadgets that look like microwaves for cleaning toys but really a mild, unscented soap will do the job just fine. Most of these things are water resistant anyway.

14. DON’T PUT ANYTHING THAT WAS IN YOUR BUTT IN YOUR VAGINA

15. USE FEMNA GEL TO WASH VAGINA

This goes back to the “wipe from front to back” principal. The bacteria in your rectum and anus is different from the bacteria in the rest of your body. Keep things where they belong! This applies to fingers, toys, penises, condoms, etc.

Ifeoma got married in the year 2010, from that time till now she has been rocked with 10 heart breaking miscarriages. To her, she blames the terrible experience on the witches in her village, she doesn't know that she and the Nigerian dysfunctional system is the cause of her predicament. 

I will tell you how, seat back and enjoy this brief lecture. Have you ever heard of the word Rhesus factor? 

Rh factor is a protein that can be present on the surface of the red-blood cell. People that have the Rh factor are Rh positive +, those who do not have the Rh factor are grouped as Rh negative-. 

The + and - in front of the blood group is the rhesus factor. So we A+, A-, O+, O-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-.

Rhesus factor is genetic, it's gotten from the parents emphatically the man. Now that we are clear on what Rh factor is let us move further to why I said Ifeoma is the cause of her miscarriages. 

If you are Rh positive e.g (a+, b+, o+, ab+) you are safe, but if you are negative e.g (a-, B-, AB-, O-) you are not. If are a male Rh - you are safe, if you are a female you aren't safe. If you a rh- woman and you get pregnant for a man who is rh- you are safe but if you get pregnant for a man who is Rh+ you aren't safe. Most people are Rh positive only very few are negative, the possibility for a rh- woman to find a rh- man is slim, that's where the problem lies. 

Let us assume Ifeoma is rh- and during her school days she aborted a pregnancy, the man who got her pregnant then was rh+, obviously her baby was rh+. During abortion, the rh+ blood came in contact with her rh- blood. That was the beginning of her problem. Once rh- comes in contact with an rh+, a certain antibodies are activated. This antibodies are activated to stop anything they think is a threat from coming into the body. E.g a baby. 

A rh- woman with an activated antibodies would keep having miscarriages, the antibodies would keep fighting and taking off any foetus. The woman might end up childless and if not properly informed might think she is under a demonic oppression, she will be spending nights in Churches out of ignorance. She may even think that God has forsaken her. Women with activated antibodies are RH sensitized and once this antibodies are activated it can never be deactivated until the woman dies. Antibodies are activated in a rh- woman by abortion, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and child birth. During child birth of a rh- woman who got pregnant by a rh+ man, children inherit their rhesus factor from the man so once the baby's rh+ comes in contact with the woman rh- during delivery the antibodies are immediately activated so after that particular child birth the woman would keep having miscarriages because the activated antibodies would as usual fight off any foreign body. 

The antibodies can be stopped from being activated by administering an injection known as Rh Immunoglobulin to a negative woman . The injection is administered 28wks into pregnancy, 72 hrs after delivery, after ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage or abortion. If it's not administered and the antibodies are activated, it would never be deactivated. Because our dysfunctional health system doesn't promote proper rhesus factor sensitization, Ifeoma is left helpless after one mistake. 

Mothers tell your girls and sisters, a rh- girl must be extremely careful. Because of the very small number of rh- people, it's extremely rare to find a rh- man. The possibility to get pregnant for a rh+ man is high. Once she gets pregnant for a positive man and rushes to have a quick abortion, she might have as well jeopardized her future for life. Apart from this, a woman with a negative rhesus factor has no problem. it can however be controlled with rh Immunoglobulin injection. A rh- man or woman cannot receive blood donation from a rh+. it would lead to death as the blood would immediately clog and cake. 

Check into any near by hospital and test your blood group.

1. Honey

When it comes to home remedies for cough, honey is quite the star! In fact, it is so effective that even the World Health Organization considers it a suitable treatment for cough, especially in children. Honey is made up of carbohydrates, free amino acids, vitamins, flavonoids and antioxidants. It has anti-bacterial, antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties. In fact, the antimicrobial effect of honey has been proved in laboratory studies where it has been sown to be effective against various kinds of common bacteria. Its ability to fight bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus faecalis found in the upper respiratory tract makes it so effective in the fight against cough. Besides this, the sweetness of honey encourages us to salivate more and that soothes the pharynx and larynx and reduces cough.

2. Ginger

Like honey, ginger is another cough remedy that has been in use across cultures for many centuries. Often used with honey to pack a potent punch, ginger is particularly helpful in easing breathing and soothing a dry or asthmatic cough. The anti-inflammatory properties work on the inflamed airways and help breathing. Studies have shown that these anti-inflammatory compounds relax membranes in the airways and reduce the urge to cough.

Make a ginger cough potion by boiling a few slices or a chunk of crushed fresh ginger in water. You need to let it steep in water for some time before it is ready for drinking. To make this more effective and palatable, add some honey and lemon juice.

3. Hydration

We cannot stress on this enough! Drink up and stay hydrated to get relief from your throat irritation and cough. Particularly helpful for a dry cough, warm water and nourishing liquids like herbal teas, broths, black tea and warm fruit juices will all make you feel better. Even research suggests that drinking warm liquids is especially helpful for symptoms like a cough, runny nose, sore throat and sneezing. You will get instant relief and the effect will last for a while. The best part is that you can drink plenty of these liquids without fear of side effects. 

Taking steam for blocked or inflamed airways is a remedy that doctors always prescribe to patients with respiratory ailments. While it may seem a little tedious, it does work wonders. This treatment is especially helpful for a wet cough and may help expel some of the mucous and phlegm that is bogging you down. You could inhale steam either by filling a bucket with hot water in a shower cubicle so that it fills up with steam. Stay in this steamy atmosphere for a few minutes till you feel your symptoms receding. 

Alternatively, you could fill a bowl with steaming water, cover your head with a towel and inhale deeply for five minutes. This is also easily done with an electric steamer that will keep supplying you with a steady stream of steam. Add a few drops of menthol, or eucalyptus oil for more relief. Do take breaks if you feel the steam is too hot and feels uncomfortable. Those with a chest congestion could also use a cool-mist humidifier or steam vaporiser in their room for constant relief.

A cough is often accompanied by a sore throat especially in the case of a wet cough and, in such cases, salt water gargling really works wonders. Salt water acts as an antibacterial agent, soothes throat irritation, reduces the phlegm at the back of the throat that causes an urge to cough. Do note that swallowing salt water could make you vomit, so be careful.

Add half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Ensure that it is not too hot or it will burn your throat. Gargle and then allow the water to sit at the back of your throat for a few minutes before you spit it out. Repeat this a number of time throughout the day for best results.

4. Pineapples

Yes, you read right! Pineapples have an enzyme called bromelain that acts as an expectorant and helps expel mucus and phlegm. This is helpful if you are suffering from a wet cough. The core of the fruit has the most bromelain. Drink pineapple juice a number of times a day for relief. Bromelain supplements are also available, however, do consult your Doctor before taking them. Also note that some people can be allergic to bromelain and this enzyme is contraindicated for those who are on blood thinning medication and certain kinds of antibiotics.

Drink this pineapple juice concoction when you are laid low. Take a cup of pineapple juice, mix it with some honey, salt and pepper and drink it thrice a day.

5. Thyme

Thyme is useful not just to add flavour to your dishes but acts as a great remedy for coughs, bronchitis and sore throat among its many uses. Studies have found that thyme is more effective in relieving coughs in people with bronchitis than a placebo syrup. Thyme is rich in antioxidants and in compounds called flavonoids that relax and soothe inflamed airways and membranes leading to less coughing.

Make a thyme tea by boiling 2 teaspoons of crushed thyme leaves in a cup of water. Allow to steep for a bit before drinking.

6. Lemon

Lemon is useful for coughs in two ways. For one, it acts as a cough suppressant and two, the vitamin C ups your immunity and protects you from coughs in the first place. Lemons are also great expectorants and will help you expel phlegm.

To supress a cough sprinkle a little black pepper and salt in a sliceof lemon and suck it! You could also add some lemon juice to hot water and honey and drink it as a tea.

7. Oregano oil

Oregano extract and essential oils have been used in many cultures to treat a cough, colds, sore throats and bronchitis. Studies have shown that the thymol and carvacrol in Oregano oil have antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties. Add three to four drop of oregano oil to a tablespoon of water and drink it. Take this three to four times a day.

You could also use it as a chest rub to clear your lungs and bronchial passages. Mix a few drops in a carrier oil like olive oil and rub on your chest and back. You could also add a few drops in your vaporiser or steamer and inhale for best results.

8. Black pepper

Black pepper has long been used in Ayurvedic, Chinese and New England folk medicine. Pepper works by stimulating circulation and gets the mucus flowing, so this is best for a wet cough. This chest decongesting remedy is most effective when taken with honey.

Mix a teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper with two tablespoons of honey and top with boiling water. Let it steep for 15 minutes before you strain and drink it. Sip slowly if you find the heat too much to take. Ayurveda says that you should mix 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper with desi ghee and have it on a full stomach. The heat of the pepper will ease congestion. Have this a few times a day.

9. Turmeric milk

This favourite Indian kitchen remedy is an Ayurvedic staple and has been administered to countless sufferers of coughs, often with much protestation! However, as unpalatable as it may be, it is super effective. The curcumin in turmeric is an anti-viral, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory that works on the respiratory infection while milk helps expectorate the phlegm and soothes the airways.

Mix half a teaspoon of turmeric powder in warm milk or blend together some fresh turmeric root, a few garlic pods or a piece of ginger with warm milk and drink it up. Ginger and garlic relieve chest congestion. Mix in some honey to the drink to make it easier to drink and add to its potency.

The Non- Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions has issued a 14- day ultimatum to the Federal Government to address anomalies in the nation’ s Research Institutes and Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System .

The union ’ s president , Dr Makolo Hassan , in a statement , following its National Executive Council on Thursday , said the union was warming up for a total shut down .

According to him , NASU is an arm of the Joint Health Sector Unions .

“For almost 10 years , the government has failed to honour the content of the agreement it freely entered into with the Joint Research and Allied Institutions Sector Unions as contained in the year 2010 JORAISU /FGN Agreement .

“The underlisted issues include payment of 12 months arrears of 53 . 37 per cent salary increase , peculiar allowances and earned allowances .

“Also , the retirement age of 65 years for Non - Research staff as obtainable in the universities , withdrawal of circular on non - skipping of Salary Grade Level 10 , that is the National Industrial Court ’ s judgement delivered in favour of the trade unions.

“Others include the establishment of a central body to be known as National Research Institutes Commission , adequate funding of Research Institutes and release of conditions of service , ” he said .

The union leader said the government had yet to address the issues in spite of several reminders , strikes and Memorandum of Understanding entered into with the government on the matter .

Hassan said : “We , therefore , use the opportunity of this meeting to request the government to act speedily , particularly on the issue of the 12 months arrears .

“Except some concrete steps are taken within the next 14 days, NASU members in all the research institutes in Nigeria will be compelled to commence strike to press home their demand in this regard , ” he said.

The union leader also said that the government had not lived to its promise of a hitch- free migration on the IPPIS .

According to him , IPPIS has demonstrated a high level of incompetence and inefficiency .

He said that the union’ s experience since it migrated to the platform had been a painful one .

“All efforts to get government and the office of the Accountant General of the Federation to redress the noticeable shortcomings has not yielded a positive result .

“The noticeable shortcomings include non - payment of salaries to some staff, underpayment of salaries , non -payment of approved allowances as contained in the year 2009 FGN / NASU Agreement as well as failure to pay check - off dues to the union as and when due .

“Others are nonpayment of promotion arrears , non -deduction of welfare scheme , high taxation, non - release of payslips to workers, delay in payment of salaries and non - release of schedule of payments made .

“In the face of these challenges and the lukewarm attitude of the government and IPPIS office toward redressing these shortcomings, NASU may have no choice than to embark, as soon as possible , on a full - blown strike in the universities and inter - universities centres .

“Also , in polytechnics and colleges of education , except something is done very urgently to positively remedy the situation , ’’ Hassan said .