No fewer than 50 Nigerian migrants were among the hundreds ofmigrants rescued today in the Mediterranean by Libyas coastguard and an international charity, Doctors Without Borders(MSF).

The Nigerians were aboard a boat with 110 migrants. They were rescued by , a ship being operated by MSF, 21 miles from the coast west of Tripoli. The ship will deliver the migrants, who included 18 women and one child, to Italy.

According to Reuters, more than half the migrants on that boat were Nigerians, with the rest from other sub-Saharan African countries as well as two Palestinians.

(Watch the 19 sec. video posted by MSF:

RT MSF: RT MSF_Sea: The will remain on standby in international waters, ready to rescue other boats in distress. 's Doctor Dan explains.

nicolacois (@nicolacois)

The Libyan coastguard vessels alsointercepted two of the migrant boats, the first an inflatable dinghy that had broken down with 125 people on board off Zawiya, just west of the capital, Tripoli, said Ayoub Qassem, a coastguard spokesman.

The second boat was turned back off Garabulli, east of Tripoli, and had 112 people on board.

The migrants and their smugglers were trying to take advantage of calm seas as they launched a flurry of boats towards Italy.

Meanwhile the coastguard in Zuwara, a former Libyan smuggling hub west of Zawiya, said they had foiled a departure during the night and arrested some migrants whilst others had escaped with smugglers.

The coastguard posted pictures of detained sub-Saharan African migrants sitting in an inflatable rubber boat on the beach in the dark.

Libya is the main departure point for migrants attempting to reach Europe by sea. More than 600,000 migrants have crossed the central Mediterranean to Italy over the past four years as people smugglers took advantage of a security vacuum in Libya.

Since last summer the rate of departures dropped significantly after smugglers in the Libyan town of Sabratha struck a deal with the Tripoli government to halt their activities and were then pushed out of the town by rival armed groups.

Libyas EU-backed coastguard has also stepped up interceptions, often cutting migrant boats off before they can reach international vessels that would bring them to Europe.

Source: NAN

Lobi Stars of Makurdi are now atopNigerian Professional Football League table, three points ahead of Kano Pillars, after beating Katsina United in Makurdi today.

They won the game 1-0 withDavid Tyavkases 69th minute strike.

In contrast, Kano Pillars, who were in the league lead last week, surprisingly lost 0-2 away to Yobe Desert Warriors, thanks partly to Joel Djondang own goal in the 24th minute.

Abdulmalik Mohammed finished off Ali Aliyus assist in the 71st minute to seal the victory for the Damaturu based side.

These are some of the highlights of MatchDay 12, in which debutants Yobe Desert Warriors are now third on the table, with 19 points. Kano Pillars are second with 20 points.

In other developments, Nafiu Kabuga of Wikki Tourists, Bauchi scored the first hat-trick of 2017/2018/Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) season against Rivers United.

Kabugas goal in the 57, 59 and 87th minutes saw the hosts secure 16 points in total on 11th position while their visitors are 7th with 17 points.

Elsewhere in Enugu, Ghanaians Nana Bonsu and Fatau Dauda were in goal for Rangers FC and Enyimba International FC of Aba.

Injured Femi Thomas of Rangers was replaced by Bonsu in 32nd minute as the hosts pulled a lone early goal courtesy of Bright Silas, five minutes into the game.

New comers Go Round FC of Amaku, Rivers secured a win against 17th placed Sunshine Stars of Akure with Eta Okon Otop goal in the 34th minute.

The 19th placed Rivers based team are 13 points in 11 matches while their visitors are in the relegation waters with 13 points on 17th.

Thirteenth placed FC Ifeanyi Ubah of Nnewi shared 1-1 spoils with visiting Abia Warriors of Umuahia in another oriental derby.

The Anambra Warriors could not hold on to their Patrick Ikeokwus five minutes goal into the match, paving way for Obi Samsons 67 minute score to gain a point for the visitors.

MFM FC of Lagos brought in their continental A game when they thrashed visiting Heartland FC of Owerri 3-0.

Stanley Okorom first utilized a penalty kick for the Lagos based side eight minutes into the game with Uwaga Chuka goal in the 63rd minute and Giscard Tchato score at exactly regulation time.

Defending champions Plateau United lost 0-1 to Niger Tornadoes of Minna with Isah Hussain 34 minute goal.

Bottom placed Kwara United could not safe the day, drawing 1-1 with visiting El Kanemi Warriors.

El Kanemi who is placed 18th opened scoring via Antonio Desonsa in the 36th minute with the hosts getting the equaliser in the 54th minute.

A total of 16 goals were scored on Match Day 12, with seven home wins and two draws.

Lobi 1-0 Katsina United

Wikki 3-0 Rivers United

FCIU 1-1 Abia Warriors

Kwara United 1-1 El-Kanemi

Tornadoes 1-0 Plateau United

Yobe Stars 2-0 Kano Pillars

Go Round 1-0 Sunshine Stars

Rangers 1-0 Enyimba

MFM 3-0 Heartland

Source: NAN

Two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova had her 14 match winning streak snapped on Sunday at Indian Wells as she lost in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 to world No. 149 Amanda Anisimova.

Kvitova had been playing some of the best tennis of her career.

So it wasnt the kind of third round statement the ninth seed was looking for as she lost in straight sets to the youngest player in the draw.

The 14 straight victories tied her previous career best which she set in 2011-2012. The 28-year-old Czech came into Indian Wells having won the last two tournaments she played in.

This was her first time back at Indian Wells after missing last year while recovering from a stabbing incident during a robbery at her home in December 2016.

Kvitova committed four double faults and had her serve broken five times in the 69 minute match.

The 16-year-old Anisimova, who needed a wildcard to get into the draw, is making her Indian Wells debut.

She moves to the fourth round where she will face either fifth seed Karolina Pliskova or Chinas Zhang Shuai.

Source: NAN

Tiger Woods narrowly missed lifting his first trophy since 2013 at the Valspar Championship, losing to Paul Casey by just one stroke.

This wasdespite Woodsthat put him in contention.

But victory was not to be for the 14 major winner and holder of 79 trophies.

He ended up tied for second, along with Patrick Reed, CBS Sports reported.

Casey, who had not won on PGA Tour since 2009 carded 5-under 66 in the final round to finish at 10 under on the week.

Casey played the last 15 holes in 6 under to grab his first victory since the 2009 Shell Houston Open. He had to wait until the last minute for confirmation, though. Woods missed a 38-foot birdie on the 72nd hole, and Casey took the trophy from the clubhouse.

It might not have been the outcome most people watching and attending were hoping to see, but Casey was certainly emotional and delighted by the victory.

Tiger made it look easy for such a long time, and its not, Casey told Steve Sands of NBC.

Ive won a few times in Europe, but to take this on and get my second victory on the PGA Tour, its emotional. Ive worked so hard. Im so happy for it.

For Woods though, there was something to cheer in his coming up second as it was his best finish on the PGA Tour in 1,659 days.

Source: NAN

Novak Djokovic is still trying to find his old form as he crashed out of Indian Wells tournament in his first match on Sunday.

He lost to 25 year-old qualifier American-born Japanese Taro Daniel in three sets, 7-6 4-6 6-1. Djokovic had won the tournament five times and came to win the sixth.

For me it felt like (the) first match I ever played on the tour. Very weird. I mean, I just completely lost rhythm, Djokovic said after the Daniel upset.

I had some inexplicable, uncharacteristic errors, Djokovic told reporters.

But thats, I guess, its all part of those particular circumstances that Im in at the moment, he added.

In contrast, Roger Federer is still having ball on the court, as the the 36 year-old defeated ArgentineFederico Delbonis in two sets, 6-3 7-6, in a rain delayed match.

Rain on Saturday had delayed the match, with Federer leading 6-3 2-2. Play resumed Sunday evening, with the second set going into tie brake.

Delbonis had defeated Federer at an ATP meeting in Hamburg in 2013, He won 7-6, 7-6.

Federer, whoregained the world No 1 ranking last month, is on a quest to make history in the California desert by winning an unprecedented sixth Indian Wells title. The 36-year-old Swiss marvel continues to defy the ageing process, claiming his 20th grand slam title and sixth Australian Open crown in January.

He has enjoyed a perfect start to 2018 by winning both events he has competed in and taking his career singles title tally to 97. Federer said on Thursday that he wont be taking anyone for granted in this draw.

I didnt come here to lose in the first round or two, he said. I care about the moment. I care about the results.

Source: NAN

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has resolved to constitute a reconciliatory committee with a view to uniting the students body ahead if its 2018 national convention.

A communiqu issued after NANS meeting at the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) said that the decision to set up such committee was sequel to motion by Mr Friday Adayi, a student of UniAbuja.

The communiqu was made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

It was co-signed by Mr Chinonso Obasi, NANS President, Mr Yazeed Yazeed, Chairman, Communiqu Drafting Committee and Mr Ogunwoye Gbemiga, Secretary, Communiqu Drafting Committee.

Obasi, had in a letter dated March 1, addressed to Nigerian students, convened a conciliatory meeting slated for March 10.

The meeting having resolved through robust deliberation on the inevitable unity of NANS, in a motion moved by Mr Friday Adayi, a presidential aspirant from UniAbuja.

Adayi urged legitimate Nigerian students to appeal to stakeholders, particularly former NANS leaders to come together, champion and ensure the unity of NANS.

He was seconded by unanimous acceptance by voice vote of all attendees.

The meeting suggested that former National President of NANS 2007/2008, Mr Yinka Dada, be appointed Chairman of the Conciliatory Committee with the mandate of meeting Obasi, Aruna Kadiri, factional NANS president, zonal coordinators, stakeholders and selected student union presidents within two weeks.

They are to harmonise a united Convention Planning Committee(CPC) that will organise and conduct an election on an agreed venue and date accepted by all parties.

The communiqu said that it was agreed that the CPC members must have current matriculation numbers.

It listed the presidential aspirants in attendance as-Adayi, UniAbuja, Lukman Salahuddeen, Kwara State University, Berido Henry, Benue State Polytechnic, Adio Odunjo Orlando, University of Ilorin, Kwara State and Obande Gideon -who sent a text.

The communiqu said that the presidential aspirants, Abubakar Gambo, an aspirant for office of NANS Senate President and numerous other aspirants for different offices all agreed that there should be a unity convention.

It also appealed to the Governing Council and Management of UniAbuja to revisit the case of the expelled 2007 SUG President of the institution, Mr Igwe Ude-Umanta.

It said that Ude-Umanta was expelled in 2007, adding that 11years was a long time punishment.

The communiqu appealed for an unconditional waiver for Ude-Umanta.

The communiqu said that Nigerian students would resist any form of opposition that might jeopardise the Energizing Education Programme(EEP) of the Federal Government.

Source: NAN

The Nigerian Senate said today that Senator Shehu Sani was in order when he revealed the N45m quarterly allowance that each Senator takes home.

And it quickly added that the information about the emoluments of senators was never a secret.

Senate Spokesman, Senator Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, said thefigure Sani gave out about running cost of the offices of Senators was contained in various line items and expenditure heads of the budget of the National Assembly which has been made public.

According to him, Senator Shehu Sanidid not disclose anything new.

Sani who represents Kaduna Central disclosed the figure and the N700,000 salary of senators in an interview with magazine. The interview was published last week, triggering social commentaries about the Senators well kept secret.

Abdullahi dismissed any insinuations that Sanis colleague were unhappy with him and said if people had looked critically at the budget of the National Assembly which has since been made public, they would have seen that various line items like travelling , medicals, consultancy and the rest were captured in the budget and they were the funds divided for each Senators use.

Almost all holders of elective and appointive offices have running costs allocated to their offices and that cannot be said to be part of their salaries, Abdullahi stated.

In the interview, Sani said: I think what we can say is that the running cost of a senator is N13.5 million every month.

He was responding to a question on alleged bogus salaries and allowances of Nigerian lawmakers.

According to him, while there is no specific instruction on what the fund should be used for, lawmakers must provide receipts to back up their expenses from the running costs. He added that the running cost is in addition to funds earmarked for each senator for constituency projects.

But what I am saying is that that money (N13.5 million per month) must be receipted for what you do with it. But what you are given to go and spend without any accountability is N750,000.00.

The constituency project itself is given on a zonal basis and almost every Senator will go with a constituency fund of about N200 million, but it is not the cash that is given to you.

You will be told that you have N200 million with an agency of government for which you will now submit projects equivalent to that amount. And it is that agency of government that will go and do those projects for you.

Now, the corruption comes when the projects are not done and the money is taken. But right now, it is difficult to do that because NGOs and transparency groups have come into it. They track every allocation made to you and where they are being used.

So, its becoming difficult for what used to happen in the past to happen now.

But I can tell you that I would love a situation where we do away with running costs, constituency projects and leaves senators and members of House of Reps with salaries.

And also, the public should be informed that nobody should come to any senators house asking for any kobo. That also would be helpful.

Source: NAN

A wealthy Turkish socialite, Mina Basaran and seven of her friends were among the 11 people killed on Sunday when a private plane bringing them home from a Dubai bachelorette party crashed into an Iranian mountainside.

The plane was owned by the private holding company of her father, the Turkish businessman Huseyin Basaran, and carried eight passengers and three crew, an official for Turkeys transport ministry said.

Those on board were all flying back from a party ahead of Minas planned wedding next month.

Huseyin Basaran, a former deputy chairman of Trabzonspor football club, owns businesses that span yachts to energy.

One of his companies is the top shareholder in Bahrain Middle East Bank BSC, a small investment bank. His construction projects include a series of luxury apartment blocks on Istanbuls Asian side called Mina Towers, named after his daughter.

The last photo on 28 year-old Mina Barasans Instagram account showed her surrounded by seven other young women, all wearing robes and sunglasses. The post, tagged #minasbachelorette, said it was taken at the One and Only Royal Mirage luxury hotel in Dubai.

By late on Sunday evening, just a few hours after news of the crash, there were more than 7,000 comments on the photo.

The wreck of the jet and the bodies are found. They will be carried down from the mountain when sun comes up. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones, the head of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kinik, said on Twitter, citing his Iranian sister organisation.

Kinik had earlier told Reuters there was no chance of any survivors, given the aircraft was a jet and it was flying in snowy weather, although he was unable to officially confirm fatalities.

Calls to Basaran Holdings office in Istanbul went unanswered.

Reza Jafarzadeh, spokesman for Irans Civil Aviation Organization, told state television the jet had crashed near the southwestern city of Shahr-e Kord.

Local residents who had reached the site of the crash said there appeared to be no survivors and victims bodies were burnt, ISNA news agency reported, quoting Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Irans emergency services.

ISNA earlier quoted emergency services as saying the wreckage was burning and was clearly visible.

Emergency crews had a difficult approach to reach the crash site because of the mountainous terrain, ISNA said.

Source: NAN

A Bangladeshi aircraft carrying 67 passengers and four crew crashed on Monday while coming in to land at the airport in the Nepali capital, Kathmandu, an airport official said.

He said that 17 people on board had been rescued.

The state of the other people on the flight from the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka, operated by US-Bangla Airlines, was not clear, airport spokesman Birendra Prasad Shrestha said.

We are trying to bring the fire under control. Details are awaited, he said

He added that the airport had been shut down and all other flights diverted.

Were now concentrating on evacuating the passengers.

Television images showed smoke rising from the crash site.

Mountainous Nepal is notorious for air accidents. Small aircraft often run into trouble at provincial airstrips.

Read More at :https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nepal-crash/bangladesh-plane-carrying-71-people-crashes-in-nepal-idUKKCN1GO0WT

Source: NAN

An oil and gas expert, Alhaji Tokunbo Korodo, on Monday urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for investors to build more refineries instead of depots.

Korodo, the immediate past Chairman, Lagos Zonal Council, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

What are we doing with over 100 depots, while we have just four refineries with a population of 180 million?

We should be thinking of how to get more refineries to refine more products than keep building more tank farms.

Go to Apapa now, when I joined the oil sector in 1982, we had only seven tank farms in Apapa, but today, we have more than 62 tank farms in the place alone.

In Lagos alone, we have more than 80 tank farms, while we have over 30 depots in other states of the federation.

What are we doing with all these depots when we dont have refined products? he asked.

He said the countrys founding fathers meant well for the nation when they built three refineries and one storage facility in Lagos in the 70s.

Atlas Cove storage was built in Lagos to receive products from the refineries to serve the people in the Western part of the country.

Refinery was built in Warri, Delta State to serve the people in South-South part, while Port Harcourt Refinery will serve the people in South Eastern part.

The Kaduna refinery was built to serve the people in the North.

Unfortunately, the subsequent government messed up the whole plan and allowed these entire infrastructure to decay, Korodo said. (NAN)

Source: NAN

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Aisha Buhari, wife of the President were among the dignitaries that attended the wedding reception of Idris and Fatima Ajimobi.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that prominent Nigerians converged on Agodi Gardens in Ibadan on Saturday to celebrate with the couple and their families.

NAN reports that Idris, son of Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State had on March 3 in Kano married Fatima, the daughter of Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State in an elaborate wedding attended by the President.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President and Rotimi Akeredolu( governor of Ondo), Rauf Aregbesola (governor of Osun) and his wife, Serifat, Ibikunle Amosun (governor of Ogun) and Abubakar Bagudu(governor of Jigawa)

Also in attendance were Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), a former head of state, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC National Leader, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Femi Otedola, former Govs. Adebayo Alao-Akala (Oyo), Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun) and Adams Oshiomhole (Edo) and Olusegun Osoba(Ogun).

Among the serving ministers present were Dr Kayode Fayemi, Minister of Mines and Steel, Mr Adebayo Shittu, Minister of Communications, Prof. Isaac Adewole, Minister of Health and Mrs Kemi Adeosun, Minister of Finance.

Ganduje, the brides father, described the wedding as a bridge building mechanism that would provide an everlasting friendship across Nigeria.

The governor, who named Idris Ajimobi, the Seriki Nyaki (Chief Warrior) of Kano, called for similar relationship from Nigerians to further advance the nations unity.

Earlier, Chief Kola Daisi, Chairman of the occasion prayed for a successful marital life for Idris and Fatima Ajimobi, noting that the relationship between the young couple was a blessing for the unity of the country.

He commended the courage of Idris for extending his hand of love beyond the Niger, stressing that he would have opted for a Fulani lady if he had such opportunity in his youthful days.

NAN reports that other personalities present at the event were Otunba Subomi Balogun, Mrs. Bola Obasanjo, who represented Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, Senator Ken Nnamani, Senator Musiliu Obanikoro and wife of the former Lagos State Deputy Gov, Jumoke Pedro.

Among the traditional rulers present were Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale, Osile of Oke-Ona, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso and the Ibadan Obas-In-Council.

The event, which was spiced up by popular comedians, Gbenga Adeyinka and Basket mouth, featured cutting of the wedding cake and dancing.

Source: NAN

First of all the facts on yellow teeth as provided by :
*As the enamel on teeth wears, the yellowish dentin underneath starts to show through.
*An easy way of reducing discoloration of the teeth is to brush them frequently.

*As people age, their teeth will naturally become slightly discoloured.

Here are 11 ways that may help to get rid of yellow teeth at home. These are an alternative to teeth whitening options that a dentist may offer.

There are various teeth whitening options that can be tried at home or offered by dentists.
This is most important after consuming food or drink that may discolor the teeth, such as:
Here are some tooth brushing, best practice tips:

*brush two to three times a day

*brush for 2 to 3 minutes at a time

*be sure to brush every surface of each tooth

*make circular motions when brushing

*avoid brushing the gums or brush them very gently

*be sure to reach the teeth at the back of the mouth

Whitening toothpaste may help reduce yellowing of the teeth and improve whiteness. These products contain stronger ingredients than standard toothpaste, helping to remove tough food stains.

Whitening toothpaste does not contain bleach but may contain a small amount of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals help to lighten tooth color.

According to a2014 study, whitening toothpaste typically lightens tooth color by one or two shades.

Some dentists offer tray-based tooth whitening, but home versions are also available over-the-counter. Tray-based tooth whiteners can lighten the teeth byone or two shades.

This tooth whitening method involves wearing a fitted tray over the teeth. The tray contains a bleaching gel and is worn for2 to 4 hours a day or overnight.

It is important to look for products that contain10 percentcarbamide peroxide. These are recommended as safe by theAmerican Dental Association (ADA).

Whitening strips deliver a thin layer of peroxide gel on plastic strips. These are shaped to fit onto the surface of the teeth.

There is a range ofwhitening strip products available onlineand instructions for them vary. Most suggest they should be applied twice a day for 30 minutes.

Strips can lighten the teeth byone or two shades. That said, a2016 studynotes there is no evidence whitening strips are any more effective than 10 percent carbamide peroxide gel. The use of carbamide peroxide gel is theADA recommended method.

Whitening rinses are another way to get rid of yellow teeth. They contain oxygen sources such as hydrogen peroxide. These react with the compounds staining the teeth, helping to lift them.

Using a rinse twice a day for 1 minute at a time can lead to aone to two shadeimprovement in tooth color within 3 months.

Toothpaste that contains activated charcoal may help to reduce staining on the teeth.

A2017 reviewfound that charcoal toothpastes may help remove external staining on teeth. Further studies are needed into the extent or rate of stain removal that can be expected.

Charcoal toothpastes should be used with caution, as they can cause staining. The charcoal may be hard to remove from the crevices of the teeth and around restorations.

Using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide may help reduce yellowing of the teeth. It is possible to make a paste at home by mixing 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide.

A2012 studyfound that using a toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide reduces tooth staining and improves whiteness.

A2007 studyfound thatvitaminC deficiency may worsen peridontitis, which is a buildup of bacteria on the teeth and gums. This buildup contributes to discolouration.

It follows that keeping topped up on vitamin C may reduce discolouration of the teeth. More research is needed into whether vitamin C consumption may have a whitening effect on the teeth.

When added to toothpaste, certain fruit enzymes may combat discolouration.

A2012 studyfound toothpaste that contains papain enzyme from thepapayafruit and bromelain enzyme from pineapples helps remove tooth stains.

When it is used in small quantities, apple cider vinegar may reduce staining on the teeth and improve whiteness.

A2014 studyfound that apple cider vinegar has a whitening effect on teeth. It should be noted, however, that this was a study on animals.

Apple cider vinegar may damage the surface of the teeth if used too often. More research is needed into the use of apple cider vinegar, as a tooth whitener. In the meantime, it should be used sparingly and with caution.

A2015 studyfound that oil pulling or swishing in the mouth withcoconut oilcould be an effective way to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth. As plaque buildup can contribute to yellowing, it follows that coconut oil pulling may reduce discoloration.

More research is needed into coconut oil pulling to establish the extent to which it may help whiten the teeth.

Source: NAN

A wealthy Turkish socialite, Mina Basaran and seven of her friends were among the 11 people killed on Sunday when a private plane bringing them home from a Dubai bachelorette party crashed into an Iranian mountainside.

The plane was owned by the private holding company of her father, the Turkish businessman Huseyin Basaran, and carried eight passengers and three crew, an official for Turkeys transport ministry said.

Those on board were all flying back from a party ahead of Minas planned wedding next month.

Huseyin Basaran, a former deputy chairman of Trabzonspor football club, owns businesses that span yachts to energy.

One of his companies is the top shareholder in Bahrain Middle East Bank BSC, a small investment bank. His construction projects include a series of luxury apartment blocks on Istanbuls Asian side called Mina Towers, named after his daughter.

The last photo on 28 year-old Mina Barasans Instagram account showed her surrounded by seven other young women, all wearing robes and sunglasses. The post, tagged #minasbachelorette, said it was taken at the One and Only Royal Mirage luxury hotel in Dubai.

By late on Sunday evening, just a few hours after news of the crash, there were more than 7,000 comments on the photo.

The wreck of the jet and the bodies are found. They will be carried down from the mountain when sun comes up. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones, the head of the Turkish Red Crescent, Kerem Kinik, said on Twitter, citing his Iranian sister organisation.

Kinik had earlier told Reuters there was no chance of any survivors, given the aircraft was a jet and it was flying in snowy weather, although he was unable to officially confirm fatalities.

Calls to Basaran Holdings office in Istanbul went unanswered.

Reza Jafarzadeh, spokesman for Irans Civil Aviation Organization, told state television the jet had crashed near the southwestern city of Shahr-e Kord.

Local residents who had reached the site of the crash said there appeared to be no survivors and victims bodies were burnt, ISNA news agency reported, quoting Mojtaba Khaledi, spokesman for Irans emergency services.

ISNA earlier quoted emergency services as saying the wreckage was burning and was clearly visible.

Emergency crews had a difficult approach to reach the crash site because of the mountainous terrain, ISNA said.

Source: NAN

A new study has revealed that Vitamin D, which is often called the sunshine vitamin, can also prevent a heart attack, apart from a range of physiological roles that it performs in the body.

Few foods contain vitamin D. Instead, the vast majority is synthesized in our skin following exposure to the sun.

During a study of rickets in children, vitamin D was initially identified as an important player in bone health. We now know that vitamin D has an array of duties in the body beyond that of bone health.

For instance, vitamin D is thought to impact the workings of muscles and blood vessels. And, even more recently, evidence has been gathering that the vitamin might have a protective effect on heart health. Specifically, studies have linked low levels of vitamin D to coronary artery disease and heart failure.

Heart failure is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition, wherein the heart is unable to pump sufficient blood and oxygen to nourish the tissues of the body. In 2009, around 1 in 9 deaths in the United States included heart failure as contributing cause.

And because heart failure is so common, understanding exactly what is involved physiologically is important. Due to the recent evidence that vitamin D might protect against heart failure, scientists are keen to get a clearer understanding of the relationship.

Although the benefits of vitamin D for heart health are becoming well-established, the mechanisms at work are not understood. Recently, a team of researchers from Westmead Institute for Medical Research in Australia decided to take a closer look.

The benefits of vitamin D are becoming increasingly known, but we still dont fully understand how, mechanistically, it can help with heart disease management. We wanted to know more about how vitamin D protects the heart after a heart attack, said lead researcher Prof. James Chong.

To dig into this problem, the scientists used a mouse model and a form of vitamin D called 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D), which interacts with hormones. They wanted to understand how 1,25D affected an important set of heart cells.

The cells of interest to the team are known as cardiac colony-forming unit fibroblasts (cCFU-Fs), and they are responsible for forming scar tissue following a heart attack.

A heart attack occurs when the supply of blood to the heart is stopped. And, because no oxygen is reaching sections of the tissue, they become damaged, which triggers inflammation in the region. In the inflamed tissue, cCFU-Fs begin to replace damaged cells with collagen-based scar tissue.

As Chong explains, This is a problem because scarring of heart tissue can reduce the hearts ability to pump blood effectively, which can lead to heart failure.

The team found that vitamin D was able to block the action of cCFU-Fs, thereby preventing the buildup of scar tissue and potentially stopping a blockage from developing.

Their results are published this week in the journal .

On the importance of the results, Chong explains, Cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and heart failure, are the leading cause of death worldwide.

To change this, we need to research heart conditions from every possible angle. This study is the first to demonstrate the role of 1,25D in regulating cardiac progenitor cells, and the findings are encouraging. With further study, vitamin D could prove to be an exciting, low-cost addition to current treatments, and we hope to progress these findings into clinical trials for humans.

So, although research into vitamin D and its cardio-protective powers is in its infancy, the results are encouraging. Finding any intervention that improves the chances of battling heart disease is good news, and finding one that is readily available is an added bonus.

Reported by Tim Newman of

Source: NAN

Disney will in the 2019 summer launch its Cruise Line, the first-ever round trip cruise route starting from the port of Civitavecchia, a town near Rome, Italy.

Disney fans will be able to see Italy and Southern Europe in a more magical way than ever before.

The first voyage begins on June 14 with stops in Italy, France and Spain.

Guests will be able to visit Salerno, on Italys Amalfi Coast; La Spezia, a common launch point for visiting the picturesque towns of Cinque Terre; Villefranche-sur-Mer and Marseilles, on the French Riviera; and Spains vibrant beach city of Barcelona.

The Rome-based cruise is just one of seven new cruise routes that Disney has to offer in Europe.

The others are Cartagena, Spain; Toulon (Provence) and Brest, France; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Gothenburg and Nynashamn (Stockholm), Sweden; and Fredericia, Denmark, according to the Disney Parks Blog.

We dare you not to sing Its A Small World After All.

And closer to home for Americans, Disney Cruise Line is also returning to their popular ports in Alaska, the Bahamas and the Caribbean.

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Source: NAN

Billionaire oil mogul, Femi Otedola has set the social media on fire, in a video he posted last night, dancing with his daughters, to Davidos hit song,

Otedola, who joined Instagram on 9 February this year, to stem fake accounts, now has close to 90,000 followers and his latest video has attracted 104,000 views and over 1200 comments.

The billionaire did not state the reason for the dance, but the atmospherics of the video, with balloons and a cake on the table, shows the family was celebrating an event, possibly a birthday.

Watch the video:

on

Source: NAN

BBNaija Double Wahala housemates Leo and Ifu Ennada (Lifu)have been evicted from the reality show.

The paired housemates are the fourth set of housemates to be evicted from the BBNaija Double Wahala house and fifth pair to depart the house.

Previously, fellow housemates Bitto and Princess (Pritto), Deeone and Vandora (Vandee), Angel and Ahneeka(Gelah) were evicted from the show alongside Khloe and K-Brule (Ksquared) who were disqualified.

Lifu saw their chances of winning the grand prize of 25 million Naira and an SUV cut short during the last nomination process on Monday.

The Head of House(HoH) Bambam and her partner Rico(Bamco) who were immune from nominations decided to save Teddy A and Nena(Tena) and replaced them with Cee c and Lolu (Ceelo), leaving Lifu and the rest of the housemates up for eviction.

Lifu narrowly escaped nominations last week.

However this week, BBNaija host Ebuka Uchendu announced Lifu had received the lowest percent of votes from fans across the world compared to fellow housemates who were up for eviction this week.

Earlier in the game, Lifu came out on top during the Roc Da Mat challenge.

The pair won a prize of 5 million Naira, one year supply of Pepsi, Pepsi chillers and VVIP trip for One Africa Festival in London, England.

Similarly, the two housemates were on the blue team that won the Heritage Bank task presentation that guaranteed them a lunch in Big Brothers (Biggies) house on Saturday.

Ifu Ennada revealed she stayed out of building any emotional relationship in the house because she is making a conscious effort to remain single this year for personal reasons

The outgoing housemate admitted to feeling the urge to share a kiss with fellow housemate Rico Swarvey during their weekly Saturday night party last week.

Fellow evicted housemate Leo seemed calm and more worried about a wailing Alex. He told Ebuka that spending most of his time sleeping in the house was a result of being bored most of the time.

He said he was glad to go back to his business outside Biggies house.

The powers of the Head of House(HoH) were slightly altered during the eviction show.

Perennial BBNaija host Ebuka announced that the HoH would no longer be immune from nominations.

Ten housemates now left in the game will continue to vie for the grand prize as individuals rather than in pairs.(

Source: NAN

Zambia is waging a fierce campaign against sex dolls, threatening offenders with heavy jail terms over the dolls which, it says, are very unnatural.

No one sells them openly, no one admits to owning one, and no one has been arrested, report said.

The government launched the crackdown on the sex toys last month.

The action has propelled the issue of sex dolls to the top of the news agenda and made them a hot topic of conversation and debate on social media, dividing opinion in the largely conservative southern African country.

Being a Christian nation, obviously we are anchored in Christian principles and one of the values is morality and ethics, Minister of National Guidance and Religious Affairs Godfridah Sumaili , said.

Selling or using a sex doll is against Zambian law, she said, vowing to ensure they are not bought on the internet and imported.

The use of sex dolls is definitely in contradiction to our natural heritage and our principles, Sumaili added.

The law actually forbids anybody to trade (in) and to use such objects and so this is why we are saying for Zambians that this is a very unnatural thing.

The minister said the ban was necessary after media reports emerged of sex dolls being imported into Zambia, apparently from Asia. Police are investigating, she added.

In recent months, Zambias independent and semi-official press have devoted many column inches to reports of sex shops popping up around the capital Lusaka selling sex dolls, as well as chronicling the backlash.

God created man and woman for sexual satisfaction but for a man or woman to use a lifeless object is immoral, Sumaili said.

Lets not import foreign beliefs and experiences. Let us just believe in what we are.

The manufacture of sex dolls has become increasingly sophisticated, with China developing custom-made smart dolls that can talk, play music and turn on dishwashers.

Sex dolls inventors say they can cure loneliness and help elderly men who lack female companionship.

In Zambia, the dolls made of silicone were reportedly in a variety of shapes and shades, but could not be found in any shops.

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Source: NAN

Coach Hamza Abara of Niger Tornadoes Football Club of Minna on Sunday praised his players after upsetting visiting Plateau United FC of Jos with a 1-0 defeat.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the victory was in a Match Day 12 fixture of the 2017/2018 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Tornadoes scored the only goal of the match via a penalty kick in the 31st minute, after goal-bound Babawo was brought down by Golbe for Plateau United. Hussaini Isah slotted the the ball into the net.

What we planned from the pre-match analysis was to defeat Plateau United no matter our pattern of play today.

And to God be the glory. We have succeeded in picking the maximum three points. So, I am happy, Abara told NAN after the match played at the Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium in Minna.

He added that the victory would help to move the club away from their 14th position on the league table.

Plateau United are the defending champions, but are now fourth on the league table, five points adrift from leaders Lobi Stars.

Abel Iliya, the Team Manager of Plateau United, said the match was a good game.

Iliya said Plateau United would go back to the drawing board to work out plans for subsequent matches.

It was a good game. In sports, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

This will make us to work hard, he said.

Source: NAN

Two-time Wimbledon champ Petra Kvitova had her 14 match winning streak snapped on Sunday at Indian Wells as she lost in straight sets 6-2, 6-4 to world No. 149 Amanda Anisimova.

Kvitova had been playing some of the best tennis of her career.

So it wasnt the kind of third round statement the ninth seed was looking for as she lost in straight sets to the youngest player in the draw.

The 14 straight victories tied her previous career best which she set in 2011-2012. The 28-year-old Czech came into Indian Wells having won the last two tournaments she played in.

This was her first time back at Indian Wells after missing last year while recovering from a stabbing incident during a robbery at her home in December 2016.

Kvitova committed four double faults and had her serve broken five times in the 69 minute match.

The 16-year-old Anisimova, who needed a wildcard to get into the draw, is making her Indian Wells debut.

She moves to the fourth round where she will face either fifth seed Karolina Pliskova or Chinas Zhang Shuai.

Source: NAN