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FG To Ensure Equity In Its N6.5tr Infrastructure Spending

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The Federal government is determined to ensure that no part of the country is sidelined in its planned expenditure of N6.5 trillion on infrastructural development in the country. The government seeks for equity in the distribution of the funds to all zones and states of the federation.

The government has a five-year plan to develop critical infrastructure across the country, But first, it is concentrating on rail and road infrastructure in the face of dwindling finances, sources said. The Budget and Planning Minister, Udo Udoma, alluded to the focus on rail and road last Friday at a meeting in his office. The issue of which zone benefits the most from the federal expenditure has been a subject of quiet tussle among government operatives, spreading out often to fan sentiments in the larger society.

At the weekend, the government said it had commenced the collation of data towards addressing infrastructural imbalance in all the zones of the country, with a view to stemming the tide of restiveness, corruption and poverty.

The Federal Character Commission (FCC), through its acting chairman, Dr. Shettima Abubakar Abba, said the FCC was looking into data banks and soliciting information from appropriate quarters in a bid to properly establish the spread of basic infrastructural facilities as well as identify and confirm areas of real and perceived lopsidedness.

Abba, who was visiting Udoma, according to the minister’s spokesman, Akpandem James, explained that the exercise was intended to draw the attention of government to areas where there are genuine lapses as well as suggest measures to address them. This, he said, was to give every segment of the country a genuine sense of belonging.

Abba told the minister that his team would require the assistance of the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in the course of its assignment. He advised Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to deliberately ensure an equitable distribution of amenities across the states and zones of the country, while considering projects for execution.

The Budget and Planning Ministry had restated weeks ago that it was not contemplating the dumping of the National Integrated Infrastructure Master Plan (NIIMP) as speculated in the media, noting that the 2016 budget accorded priority attention to infrastructural development and allocated a substantial proportion of the first full-year budget of the administration to the sector.

“It was the largest of such allocation since the country returned to democratic governance in 1999; and clearly showed a determination by government to improve basic infrastructural facilities across the country,” the ministry said then.The first five years of the NIIMP document provides that energy, transport, social infrastructure and housing should be given priority due to their current relative level of under-investment; and the 2016 budget gives priority attention to these sectors, with further room for enhancement in the planned 2017 budget.

Abba pointed out, however, that the move over the distribution of projects and amenities was not necessarily to look out for equality but equity. Udoma confirmed government’s resolve to ensure fairness to all the zones in the provision of infrastructural facilities, adding that the Federal Government already has in place an infrastructure master plan backed up with a strategic implementation plan to ensure that every state and zone is adequately catered for.

According to Udoma, there is the need for an equitable distribution because in not too distant future, Nigerians should be able to make a choice of moving from one major city to another across the country by road, rail or air.

The minister said it was an integrated plan that would also provide backbone infrastructure for agriculture and solid mineral development since the government had decided on a diversification process to salvage the economy from sole dependence on crude oil which had a very turbulent regime recently.

The NIIMP, according to the minister’s office in an earlier statement weeks ago, takes stock of existing infrastructure and identifies the required investments to bring them in line with the country’s aspirations. It also establishes sector targets, priority programmes and critical enablers for effective implementation.

Some of the major provisions of the NIIMP document include that priority attention be given to:
• Investments directed at the roads sub-sector in order to refurbish cross-national highways as well as expand the regional road network and linkages to other modes of transportation;
• electricity generation capacity and expansion of transmission infrastructure;
• construction of supporting gas infrastructure;
• expansion of mobile network capacity and the broadband fiber optic network;
• increasing the number of housing units in order to close the current and projected housing deficit;
• construction of facilities for education, hospitals, women and youth development, and sports; and
• investments in national vital registration system and construction and rehabilitation of facilities for all security institutions.

The ministry stressed that the Federal Government is fully committed to addressing the infrastructure gap in the country in the spirit of the NIIMP, within the limits of available resources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Source:guardian.ng

 

FAB FRESH

Watch Ayra Starr’s “Rhythm & Blues” Video

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"Rhythm & Blues" Video By Ayra Starr | Fab.ng

The “Rhythm & Blues” video is out and Ayra Starr‘s fans can now take pride in their music as the video of the song sweeps everyone off their feet with sweet romance and chills.

The beautifully voiced and talented Ayra Starr is a signee to the Mavin Records record label, and her musical journey has been exceptional, with each song giving out its dose of vibe to every listener.

“Rhythm & Blues” is her latest single, and the video has just been released, making waves in the music scene.

This track, produced by Sparrq, offers a blend of rhythm and blues that will captivate your ears and heart. Ayra Starr’s soulful vocals and lyrical coordinates shine through in the “Rhythm & Blues”, making it a must-listen for everyone everywhere.

To bring this musical masterpiece to life visually, Ayra Starr has unveiled the official video for “Rhythm & Blues”,

The video, directed by the Earthboi, complements the song’s essence perfectly, providing a visual narrative that enhances the overall listening experience.

In this captivating video, Ayra Starr’s artistry is on full display as she takes you on a visual journey that matches the rhythm and blues of the song. From the romance to the swift moves with her partner in the video, every element has been carefully crafted to create an intense pleasure.

In the video, Ayra Starr is seen singing and making loving moves around her partner, further showing how much he is her “Rhythm & Blues”.

To establish herself as one of the music industry’s rising stars, “Rhythm & Blues” stands as a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.

So, if you’re ready to engage yourself in some romantic vibing and groove, this video has all the view you need.

Watch the video below.

Check out more music updates here.

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FOOD

All You Should Know Before Skipping Breakfast

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Skipping breakfast is a common practice, with up to 25% of adults regularly skipping the meal. While it is often believed that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, there is increasing evidence to suggest that skipping breakfast may actually have some health benefits.

These health benefits are numerous and should be taken seriously if you want them effective for you. This is not to say that you should starve yourself or deprive yourself of healthy morning food. It just means that skipping breakfast sometimes can be beneficial for your health.

Is Skipping Breakfast Really a Bad Idea? - YouTube

What are the benefits of skipping breakfast?

1. Weight loss:

Skipping breakfast can help you reduce your calorie intake for the day, which can lead to weight loss. A study found that people who skipped breakfast lost more weight over a 16-week period than those who ate breakfast. So, if you are among those trying to loose weight or burn down calories, you should consider skipping breakfast sometimes.

2. Improved blood sugar control:

Skipping breakfast can help to lower blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. This may be beneficial for people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. It has been discovered that people with type 2 diabetes who skipped breakfast had lower blood sugar levels throughout the day than those who ate breakfast.

3. Increased growth hormone levels:

Growth hormone is a hormone that helps to build and repair muscle tissue. Skipping breakfast can lead to an increase in growth hormone levels, which may be beneficial for people who are trying to build muscle mass or lose weight.

You wonder how this is possible when you think you need food to build the body and body tissues, right? Growth hormones do not necessarily need food especially when they can get whatever nutrients they need from the body reservoir.

4. Improved cognitive function:

Skipping breakfast can improve cognitive function, such as memory and attention. Sometimes eating in the morning makes you very dull through the day especially when it is a heavy meal. So when you skip breakfast, your body becomes more aware of what is happening and coordinates better.

5. More time to sleep:

This is for the leisure and relaxation folks. You find that the time you would use in making breakfast can buy you sleep if you skip that breakfast. Thank me later. Skipping breakfast can give you more time to sleep in the morning. If you are short on time, it may be a good way to get a few extra minutes of sleep or whatever.

We have talked about what not eating breakfast sometimes can do to us positively. What about what it does to us when we indulge too much or excessively? While we should skip breakfast sometimes, it is highly advised that it should not come off as a habit because it has its side effects.

21 Side Effects of Skipping Breakfast — Eat This Not That

What are the side effects of not eating breakfast regularly?

Do you skip breakfast for any of the reasons stated above? We all have our reasons for forgoing breakfast in the morning. However, keep in mind the things you are about to read below just as a guide to not overdo it.

1. Deficiency of vital nutrients:

Skipping breakfast means missing out on essential nutrients like fibre and vitamins that are crucial for sustaining your energy throughout the day. Consistently skipping breakfast can lead to inadequate intake of these nutrients, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

2. Adverse effects on energy levels and mood:

If you’ve been making a habit of skipping breakfast daily and have noticed increased irritability and decreased energy levels, your breakfast-skipping habit could be to blame. In other words, the side effects of breakfast omission can manifest as reduced energy levels and mood swings. So, the next time you find yourself feeling fatigued and irritable without an obvious cause, consider whether you’ve had breakfast.

3. Impacts on cognitive functioning:

Regular breakfast consumption has a positive influence on cognitive functioning. While it is true that skipping breakfast could help you perform better cognitively because it makes you more aware, scientific research has shown that individuals who skip breakfast on a regular basis exhibit worse cognitive performance compared to those who just skip sometimes.

4. Slowing down of metabolism:

Can you function without food indefinitely? Certainly not. Food provides the energy necessary to sustain us throughout the day. Consequently, if you neglect to nourish your body with breakfast, the first meal of the day, your body’s functioning may be compromised.

5. Encourages unhealthy cravings:

Skipping breakfast means your body hasn’t received any energy or nutrients since your last meal, which could have been 12 to 14 hours ago. Worse still, this can lead to poor dietary choices later in the day. Who can resist the allure of doughnuts when hunger strikes? Even if you’re not particularly fond of breakfast, your organs require it to function effectively. Breakfast, whether it’s a quick bowl of oatmeal or a hard-boiled egg, provides essential nutrients early in the day and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. So with this, do not skip breakfast on a regular basis.

6. Skipping breakfast can trigger migraines:

Secret Side Effects of Skipping Breakfast, According to Research — Eat This Not That

One of the potential consequences of forgoing breakfast regularly is an increased susceptibility to migraines, particularly if you are already prone to them, probably because you have gotten used to not eating in the morning. Skipping your morning meal regularly can lead to low blood sugar levels, which may elevate blood pressure and raise the likelihood of experiencing a migraine attack. This is why it is advised to skip breakfast sometimes, not regularly.

7. Weakened immune system:

When you skip breakfast on a daily basis, your immune system can be compromised. This is because breakfast omission can adversely affect your immune cells. The body relies on consistent nutrition to maintain a healthy supply of immune cells capable of combating illnesses and enhancing the function of T-cells.

Having gone through the benefits and side effects of skipping breakfast, you should consider what to eat on the days you decide to eat breakfast. This will help your balance the equation.

What should I eat for breakfast?

The list of healthy foods to be eaten as breakfast goes on and on as it is endless, but let us see a few of them below:

  • Eggs
  • Greek yoghurt
  • Oat meal
  • Fruits
  • Cheese
  • Tea
  • Nuts
  • Protein shakes
  • Smoothies

Any of these foods eaten as breakfast is good for your health, but be mindful not to overeat or indulge all the time.

21 Side Effects of Skipping Breakfast — Eat This Not That

It is also needful to listen to your body and eat breakfast if you are hungry. But, if you are not hungry in the morning, there is no need to force yourself to eat.

To be sure that you are on the right track when skipping a breakfast, check out these tips below:

  • Make sure you are getting enough sleep the night prior.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
  • Eat healthy snacks throughout the day, such as fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
  • Avoid sugary drinks and processed foods.
  • If you are taking any medications, please and please again, do not skip breakfast. If you must, talk to your physician first.

What are your final thoughts?

The bottom line is that eating a healthy breakfast is essential to living a healthy life. Skipping breakfast sometimes is very good to the body, but… Not when you do it regularly or on a daily basis. If you do it daily, the side effects will put you at the risk of many health concerns.

So, go for a breakfast that is full of nutrients and DON’T SKIP IT REGULARLY!

After the knowledge you just got, you definitely want to check out more of our articles on health. Check here.

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ENTERTAINMENT

“I Do Not Come to You by Chance” Film Adaptation – Everything You Should Know

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Ishaya Bako, the director of “The Royal Hibiscus Hotel” and “Road To Yesterday,” will direct the film adaptation of Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani‘s award-winning 2009 novel “I Do Not Come to You by Chance.

Below is everything you should know about the adaptation.

 

  • The film is set to star Paul Nnadiekwe, who makes his debut appearance on the big screen, alongside Blossom Chukwujekwu. Joining them are Jennifer Eliogu, Sambasa Nberibe, and Beverly Osu. It follows a struggling Nigerian graduate whose seemingly sole option involves assisting his dubious uncle’s fraudulent email scam.

 

  • The film presents its story in both English and Igbo, with Femi Awojide taking on the role of Director of Photography.

Speaking on the Centrepiece program, Nataleah Hunter-Young, the TIFF International Programmer for Africa and Arab West Asia, said,

“It’s been an extraordinary year for African cinemas on the international festival circuit, and that continues to be reflected in this year’s exciting line-up of 9 African titles (8 features and 1 short) representing 9 different countries, more so when you include the directors of African descent living and working in the diaspora (Ladj Ly, Noura El Hourch, Mehdi Fikri, Sally El Hosaini).”

 

Photo: Courtesy of TIFF

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