After a demanding week, Friday night is the perfect time to unwind and reconnect with friends or family. Many people look forward to grabbing dinner at a favorite restaurant, enjoying a laid-back evening at home with a good movie, or catching up with friends over drinks. This time serves as a crucial transition from the workweek, allowing for relaxation and enjoyment.
Saturday often starts with a leisurely morning, perhaps sleeping in or savoring a delicious breakfast. The day can be spent engaging in hobbies, exploring local attractions, or simply relaxing at home. Many people take the opportunity to catch up on errands, spend time in nature, or visit friends and family. This day is all about rejuvenation and doing what brings joy.
Sunday: Preparation and Reflection
Sunday tends to have a more reflective tone. It may begin with a peaceful morning routine, followed by a mix of relaxation and preparation for the upcoming week. This can include meal prepping, organizing tasks, or engaging in self-care activities. Sunday evenings are often reserved for winding down and setting intentions for the week ahead, ensuring a smooth transition back to work.
Conclusion: Balancing Work and Life
Overall, a Friday night and weekend after a long week of work are essential for recharging and fostering connections. They provide a valuable opportunity to shift focus from professional responsibilities to personal well-being and enjoyment, ultimately creating a balanced life.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has emphasized that the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their physical development and brain growth. During this period, the foundation for a child’s long-term health, education, and productivity is established.
This key message was delivered by Mrs. Abigail Nyam, Nutrition Officer at the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, northern Nigeria, during a media dialogue held in Zaria on Thursday. The event was organized to engage news and programs managers from radio and television stations in Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States.
The Role of Maternal and Child Nutrition
Mrs. Nyam highlighted that the nutrition a woman receives during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as well as the nurturing care a baby receives in the first two years of life, are critical for a healthy future. She stressed that maternal and child health are determinants of a child’s potential to grow and thrive. Poor nutrition in the first 1,000 days can result in irreversible damage to a child’s developing brain and body.
“Failure to achieve proper growth during this period is associated with long-term consequences, including limitations in schooling, productivity, and income potential,” Nyam explained.
Consequences of Poor Nutrition in Early Life
Nyam further elaborated that up to 80% of brain growth and maturation occur by the age of two. Inadequate nutrition during this period can lead to a greater risk of non-communicable diseases later in life, such as diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis. These conditions often result in lifelong medical expenses and reduced quality of life.
“The first 1,000 days are a time of tremendous potential and enormous vulnerability. How well—or how poorly—mothers and children are nourished during this period has a profound impact on a child’s future,” she said.
According to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2010 report, under nutrition contributes to more than one-third of child deaths globally.
WHO Guidelines on Infant Nutrition
Mrs. Nyam also underscored the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendations on optimal infant feeding practices. These include initiating breastfeeding within one hour of birth and exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months. After six months, timely and appropriate complementary feeding should be introduced alongside continued breastfeeding for up to two years or beyond.
Introduction of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS)
UNICEF is also advocating for the introduction of Multiple Micro nutrient Supplements (MMS) for pregnant women as a means to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria. Mrs. Nyam described MMS as a vital intervention for addressing anemia in pregnant women worldwide.
“MMS is a once-a-day pill that contains 13 to 15 essential vitamins and minerals for pregnant and nursing women, helping to meet micronutrient requirements that are not fulfilled by poor diets. It is safe, effective, affordable, and cost-efficient, and it has proven to be more effective than Iron and Folic Acid alone in improving maternal nutrition,” she said.
Engaging the Media for Child Advocacy
Earlier in the event, Mr. Samuel Kaalu, Communication Officer at the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, explained the objective of the media dialogue. According to Kaalu, the event aimed to engage journalists from Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina States on key advocacy priorities related to child development. The media plays a crucial role in creating awareness about the importance of the first 1,000 days in a child’s survival and promoting other UNICEF activities.
The dialogue provided a platform for media professionals to better understand and communicate the significance of early childhood nutrition and development in the broader context of UNICEF’s mission in Nigeria.
Romeo Lavia Set to Return as Reece James Remains Sidelined
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has provided a significant injury update ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture against Brighton. The Blues are set to welcome back 20-year-old midfielder Romeo Lavia, who has been out of action for the past five weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained in training.
Lavia, who joined Chelsea from Southampton in a £53 million transfer, has been limited to just one substitute appearance last season after dealing with several injury setbacks. Despite this, the Belgian international impressed in Chelsea’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester City on the opening day of the current campaign and later appeared as a substitute in a Europa Conference League match against Servette.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Maresca expressed his optimism about Lavia’s return, though he remains cautious about the midfielder’s starting status.
“Romeo is back available,” Maresca confirmed. “We will see [whether he can start the game or come off the bench]. We have one more session and then we will decide. The important thing is that he’s back and available, which is very good news.”
In contrast, there was no such positive update for right-back Reece James, who remains sidelined with an ongoing injury. Maresca revealed that James’ condition is unchanged, saying, “With Reece, he is still out, and there is no real update on him at the moment.”
Midfield Dilemma for Maresca
Lavia’s return presents Maresca with a selection dilemma in midfield, where he could potentially start alongside fellow summer signing Moises Caicedo. The Chelsea manager is enthusiastic about the prospect of the two working together but emphasized that Caicedo, while already performing well, still has room for improvement.
“He [Caicedo] is a top player, he is very good,” Maresca said. “But like all top players, he can improve, and for sure he will. The way he is playing at the moment is fantastic.”
Maresca also downplayed concerns over the Ecuadorian’s hefty price tag, which has drawn significant attention since his £115 million transfer from Brighton.
“About the price, it is not a Moi problem; it is the market that decides the price,” the Chelsea boss explained. “Most of the time, because clubs pay a lot of money for players, we expect them to always be the best. It is not like this. Moi has to enjoy himself, play, work hard, and be happy. He should not think about the price because it’s not his problem.”
With Lavia back in the fold and Caicedo settling in well, Chelsea will be hoping to secure a much-needed win against Brighton as they look to build momentum in their Premier League campaign.
Al-Hadiri’s selection blends experience and emerging talents in bid to revive Libya’s AFCON hopes.
Libya’s national football team head coach, Nasser Al-Hadiri, has unveiled a 28-man squad for the pivotal Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 qualifying double-header against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. With Libya currently at the bottom of Group D, these two matches are essential for the Mediterranean Knights to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Strategic Selection
Al-Hadiri’s squad is a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and up-and-coming players, underlining his tactical approach to these crucial fixtures. Among the notable inclusions are Al-Ittihad’s dynamic midfielder Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba, Al-Nasr’s playmaker Mohammed Al-Tabbal, and Barcelona B team prospect Ahmed Al-Masmari, whose international experience could prove vital against the formidable Nigerian team.
The squad reflects Al-Hadiri’s intent to inject fresh energy into the team while leaning on the experience of stalwarts like Faisal Al-Badri and Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib. These matches could be a turning point for Libya as they look to make a strong comeback after a disappointing start to their qualifying campaign.
The Double-Header Fixtures
The first leg of the qualifier will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria, on Friday, October 11, with the return fixture scheduled four days later in Benina, Libya. Sitting at the bottom of Group D with just one point from two matches, Libya must secure positive results in both games to revive their chances of making it to the 2025 AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Full Libya Squad for Nigeria Double-Header:
– Goalkeepers:
Murad Al-Wahishi (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
Abdul Jawad Rizq (Al-Nasr)
Mohammed Ayyad (Abu Salim)
– Defenders:
Ahmed Ayyad (Al-Tahadi)
Ali Youssef (Al-Afriqi Al-Tunisi)
Ahmed Saleh (Al-Akhdar)
Ahmed Al-Tarbi (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
Magdy Mustafa Artiba (Al-Akhdar)
Sobhi Al-Mabrouk Al-Dawi (Al-Ittihad)
Mahdi Al-Kut (Al-Akhdar)
Mohammed Al-Shtiwi (Al-Hilal)
– Midfielders:
Sand Bin Ali (Al-Nasr)
Al-Bahlol Abu Sahmain (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
Badr Hassan (Al-Nasr)
Suhaib Bin Suleiman (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
Faisal Al-Badri (Al-Hilal)
Muhannad Mustafa Al-Mabrouk (Al-Madina)
Osama Al-Sharimi (Al-Suwaihli)
Omar Al-Khoja (Al-Suwaihli)
Nour Al-Din Al-Qalib (Al-Ahly Tripoli)
– Forwards:
Ahmed Saad (Al-Hilal)
Mohammed Al-Tabbal (Al-Nasr)
Fadel Salama (Al-Ahly Benghazi)
Ahmed Al-Masmari (Barcelona B, Spain)
Ezz El-Din Al-Mariami (Al Hilal)
Moaz Issa (Al-Ittihad)
Abdul-Miser Abu Shaiba (Al-Ittihad)
Libya’s AFCON Challenge
With a single point from their first two games, Libya’s road to the AFCON tournament looks steep, but not impossible. Victory over Nigeria, who are one of the group favorites, could dramatically alter the group’s dynamics and put Libya back in contention for a spot in the tournament. Coach Al-Hadiri and his squad are expected to approach the matches with intensity and determination, knowing that these games may define their path toward qualification.
The Super Eagles, with their own talented squad, present a tough challenge, but Libya will be banking on their tactical preparation and team spirit to secure the necessary results.
Lateef Adedimeji’s highly anticipated film, Lisabi: The Uprising, is set to premiere on Netflix on September 27, 2024. The film will be followed by its sequel, Lisabi: A Legend is Born, which is scheduled for release in January 2025*This two-part series promises to bring the story of a legendary Yoruba hero to a global audience.
A Glimpse into Yoruba History
The film centers on the life of Lisabi an 18th-century Egba farmer who becomes a pivotal figure in Nigerian history. The narrative unfolds as Lisabi leads a rebellion against the oppressive Oyo Empire, ultimately defeating over 6,000 Oyo soldiers and securing Egba’s independence. This dramatic tale highlights a significant chapter in Yoruba history, showcasing themes of courage and resilience.
Adedimeji emphasized the importance of reconnecting with cultural roots through storytelling. “I felt we needed to know more about our culture and tradition and connect to our culture,” he stated. He expressed concern that the richness of Nigerian history is fading in the digital age, as fewer people engage with traditional literature. “Movies will appeal more to people. Who better to tell our story than us?” he added, underscoring the film’s cultural relevance.
Production and Cast
Produced by Lateef Adedimeji and directed by Niyi Akinmolayan, Lisabi boasts exceptional production values and a star-studded cast. The ensemble includes renowned actors such as Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Ibrahim Itele Yekini, Ibrahim Chattah, Mo Bimpe, Eniola Ajao, Liquorose Afije, and Lateef Adedimeji himself. Each actor brings years of experience and dedication to their roles, promising a captivating viewing experience.
Conclusion
With its compelling storyline and dynamic characters, Lisabi: The Uprising is poised to be a landmark film in the portrayal of Yoruba heritage, enriching Netflix’s diverse content offerings. Viewers are encouraged to tune in on September 27 to witness this thrilling epic.
The Executive Committee of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) met on Thursday to approve the continuation of Coach Augustine Eguavoen as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles. This decision follows recommendations from the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, and Eguavoen will now lead the team in their upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Libya next month.
Eguavoen, 58, has a wealth of experience, having previously managed the Super Eagles on three occasions. His recent tenure has seen the team achieve a 3-0 victory over Benin Republic and secure a scoreless draw with Rwanda in their recent matches earlier this month.
Coaching Staff for Super Eagles B Team Announced
Alongside Eguavoen, the current technical crew—including Fidelis Ilechukwu, Daniel Ogunmodede, Olatunji Baruwa, and Tomaz Zorec—will also take charge of the Super Eagles B team. This squad will participate in the qualifying campaign for the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).
New Leadership for Super Falcons
In light of Randy Waldrum’s departure, the NFF Executive Committee has appointed Coach Justin Madugu to lead the Super Falcons as the interim head coach. This decision is pending the appointment of a permanent head coach. Madugu will oversee the team as they prepare for the uupcoming Women’s Africa Cup of Nations finals are set to take place in Morocco in the summer of next year.
These appointments mark a significant step for Nigerian football as both teams gear up for their respective international competitions.
Europa League Victory Highlights Nigerian Star’s Impact
Lazio manager Marco Baroni has heaped praise on Nigerian international Fisayo Dele-Bashiru following his stellar performance in Lazio’s 3-0 Europa League triumph over Dynamo Kyiv. The 23-year-old midfielder played a crucial role in the win, scoring a goal and providing an assist, further solidifying his rising status in European football.
Dele-Bashiru’s contributions on Wednesday night underscored his potential as a dynamic force in midfield. His performance caught the attention of Baroni, who, during his post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia, expressed confidence in the player’s future development.
“When I say that he needs to be built, I mean that he must focus more on tactics and how to fill the game rather than only when the ball is at his feet,” said Baroni. “Once he gets that, Dele-Bashiru will become a great modern midfielder.”
The coach emphasized that while Dele-Bashiru has shown immense promise, refining his tactical understanding and overall game awareness would be key to unlocking his full potential. The young midfielder has made four appearances for Lazio this season, registering a goal and an assist, but Baroni believes there’s much more to come.
Rangers’ Cyriel Dessers Prepares for Tough Europa League Clash Against Malmo
Scottish Side Faces Swedish Giants in Key European Encounter
Elsewhere in the Europa League, Super Eagles and Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers is rallying his teammates for a tough test against Swedish league leaders Malmo. The two sides will face off at 5:45 p.m. on Thursday, September 26, in what promises to be a competitive clash.
Malmo, currently enjoying an eight-point lead at the top of the Swedish league, have been a formidable force against Scottish clubs, losing only once in their last eight meetings since 2011. Despite the daunting challenge, Dessers is optimistic that Rangers’ recent 3-0 victory over Dundee will serve as a confidence booster.
“Malmo away is not an easy start, but these are the games you want to play when you’re playing in Europe,” Dessers said. “I think the win over Dundee can give us some confidence, a boost, and hopefully we can have a good performance there as well and hopefully win.”
As Rangers gear up for their European challenge, Dessers remains focused on the task ahead, knowing that a positive result could set the tone for a successful Europa League campaign.
Rising stars of Nigerian cricket aim for World Cup berth as they prepare to take on East African rivals
Nigeria’s U-19 women’s cricket team, the Junior Female Yellow Greens, is set for a high-stakes encounter against Rwanda in the semi-finals of the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup Africa Qualifier (Division 1) on Saturday. This much-anticipated match is a key step in determining which African teams will qualify for the upcoming World Cup in Malaysia.
The Nigerian team secured their place in the semi-finals after a dominant performance in Group B, sealing their qualification with a game to spare on Monday. Their impressive form continued as they claimed the top spot in the group following a commanding 86-run victory over Malawi on Wednesday. This win set up the crucial semi-final clash against Rwanda, who finished second in Group A.
Zimbabwe, which finished second behind Nigeria in Group B, will take on Uganda in the other semi-final. Both teams are battling for the final spot in the tournament’s final, which offers a ticket to the global stage.
The winner of the Africa Qualifier will earn Africa’s second and final spot in the 2025 ICC Women’s T20 U-19 World Cup, joining South Africa, who have already secured their place as one of the top finishers from the previous World Cup. The competition has been intense, with each team vying for a coveted position in the global event to be held in Malaysia.
For Nigeria’s Junior Female Yellow Greens, this semi-final match represents a crucial opportunity to showcase their growth and potential in international cricket, as they aim to carry the hopes of the nation onto the world stage.
New docu-series follows the release of Oxlade’s album, offering fans a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the artistry and cultural conversations shaping modern African identity.
Following the release of his latest album, Oxlade From Africa (OFA), Nigerian singer and songwriter Oxlade is offering fans an exclusive insight into his creative journey with the launch of a new docu-series titled “Oxlade From Africa.” The series delves into the artistic processes and cultural conversations that inspired the album, presenting a powerful exploration of Africa’s cultural heritage and its global influence.
In the OFA docu-series, Oxlade embarks on a global tour, meeting with prominent African and Afro-descendant creatives to discuss the impact of their cultural roots and share visionary ideas. Through these encounters, the series aims to celebrate the richness and diversity of African culture, while highlighting its influence on modern creativity across various industries.
The first episode features a dynamic conversation with Youssouf Fofana, a Paris-based creative director and the founder of the renowned fashion brand Maison Château Rouge. Fofana, known for his commitment to African entrepreneurship and his advocacy for the African diaspora, shares his personal story, creative inspirations, and his ongoing work to uplift African businesses. The episode explores themes of African wealth, childhood influences, and the significance of investing in African communities, all of which hold great personal importance to Fofana.
Both the album OFA and the accompanying docu-series are central to Oxlade’s mission to elevate Africa’s presence on the global stage. Speaking about his artistic vision, Oxlade said, “I’m simply trying to show a positive side of Africa, and cure the world with music. This is my career plan.”
Fans can now experience the premiere episode of the OFA docu-series, where Oxlade and Fofana engage in an inspiring exchange of ideas about culture, creativity, and the future of African excellence.
*Watch the first episode of “Oxlade From Africa” below:
Philanthropic Fund Targets vulnerable Children with Multiyear Scholarship Program
Dupe Olusola, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Transcorp Hotels Plc, has officially launched the Next Generation Foundation (NGF), a philanthropic initiative focused on improving the lives of vulnerable children through access to quality education. Olusola, a long-time advocate for social impact, aims to leverage the foundation as a means of extending her commitment to empowering others, driven by her strong belief in the life-changing power of education.
Vision for Educational Equity
The NGF’s core mission is to ensure that every child, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to access quality education and, consequently, a pathway to a better future. By addressing barriers that keep children out of school, the foundation aims to bridge the educational gap in Nigeria, a country that faces one of the largest out-of-school populations in the world.
Speaking on her motivation to establish the foundation, Olusola expressed her deep conviction about the role education plays in changing lives: “Education changes lives, it opens doors to a future filled with opportunities, particularly for children who might otherwise be left behind. Nigeria faces one of the highest out-of-school populations globally. With the NGF, I hope we can make a meaningful difference in changing that.”
50 by 50 Project: A Lifeline for 50 Vulnerable Children
In celebration of her 50th birthday, Olusola has introduced the foundation’s flagship program, the “50 by 50 Project.” The initiative, set to commence in the 2024/2025 academic session, is a multiyear scholarship program designed to provide comprehensive support for 50 children aged six to 18 from low-income families.
Through the project, these children will receive free tuition, books, school uniforms, access to nutrition programs, healthcare services, and mentorship. The project will initially be rolled out across three key locations: the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, and Ogun states. The program’s success will be bolstered through partnerships with leading social impact organizations that specialize in education and child welfare.
