Within the last three years, we have been alerted to news of the outbreak of Lassa fever in different states across Nigeria. Hundreds of lives have been victimized by the disease with over a hundred deaths reported thus far, and after the incidence [of the epidemic in 2017, Nigerians would have wished they had heard the last of the disease. But exactly one year later, Lassa fever has made a comeback with Ebonyi state being the worst hit in this latest spread. Cases of the infection have also been reported in Anambra, Rivers, Imo, Edo, Delta, Plateau, Nassarawa, Taraba, Benue, Bauchi, Kogi, Osun, Ondo and Lagos. Of all these cases, thirty-one deaths have been recorded so far- a third of these deaths involved health practitioners.

What is Lassa Fever?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Lassa fever is an acute viral hemorrhagic illness that can manifest within 2 - 21 days after an individual has been infected with Lassa virus. The disease can be transmitted to humans by direct contact [or after ingesting food contaminated] with the urine or faeces of a particular species of rodent- Mastomys rats being the typical vector [of the virus]. Nonetheless, person-to-person transmission- whereby an exchange of fluid with an infected person occurs or needle/syringe is shared with such a person- is also possible.

Symptoms
With the onset of Lassa fever come symptoms such as malaise, fever, fatigue, headache, sore throat and pain in the chest and muscles. And as the virus begins to take full control of the (human) host cell, other symptoms like diarrhea, cough, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, swelling in the face, bleeding from the nose and mouth among other severe complications could surface.

Preventing the scourge
It is quite worrisome to see how, in the space of one year, the virus has beaten the Lassa Fever Eradication Committee [that set up by the National Center for Disease Control in 2017] to curb the future spread of the disease. Inasmuch as I would not like to dwell so much on the committee’s activities, it is very obvious we all have to effectively play our parts in making sure that Lassa fever is put in check at this very moment- and in the future. To this end, we have got to take the following precautionary measures:
• Ensuring environmental hygiene: One basic preventive step that should be considered is keeping our surroundings clean, and not giving room for creation of breeding grounds for rats [in general] within our living space.
• Providing good food storage facility: Storing away our foods in tightly closed containers will definitely prevent rats from nibbling (at) - or getting in contact with- the food items that are meant for human consumption.
• Avoid bush burning: Burning of bushes should be avoided during this very season as it displace the rodents from their natural habitats thereby causing them to seek shelter in our homes where they could endanger human health.
• Report cases of the disease: Peradventure, you noticed that an individual within your vicinity is showing signs of the infection, it is important that you get in touch with the appropriate authorities in order to have the patient(s) checked and probably quarantined if need be. It pays to allow medical experts handle the situation; you should attempt to manage the situation by harboring the infected individual. You can get in touch with the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) in your local government council OR better still reach the National Centre for Disease Control through the underlisted addresses/numbers:
NCDC Toll-free number: 080097000010
SMS: 08099555577
Whatsapp (NCDC): 07087110839
Twitter/Facebook: @NCDCgov
Looking to the wider picture; it will not be out of place for the government- and that could include governments across West African countries where the virus thrives- to give a thought to investing in the development of vaccine that will help put a lasting solution to the challenge posed by this deadly virus. I believe some medical experts are already clamoring for this.

Irrespective of your area of residence in Nigeria, you must have noticed the rate at which politicians are now completing projects with great alacrity as they gear up for 2019. And what more? Nigerians are also not nescient of the signs of time; elections are around the corner- but it is about a year from now, you may say; truly so. However, with reference to political horoscope, that time is not far off. The level of anticipation among Nigerians appear to take a spice, and one just have to look at the rumblings that have been renting the air- particularly on social media platforms- on the need for every citizen [within the age bracket qualified to vote and be voted for] to get a permanent voter's card. Well, is the noise really necessary? is another question you may ask.

To address that question, it is important that you understand your position in the political configuration of the nation. But before I go further, permit me to relay this scenario: imagine yourself buying into a franchise and wholly leaving the management of the business in the hands of those you have employed. It is most likely that the affairs of the venture will be run based on how well your employers deem fit, and in some instances, they can even veer off from tolling the path of the vision upon which your business is set. So, how do you bring back order and rescue your business from them in order to remain relevant in the scheme of things? - Probably by exercising your right of ownership, I guess. And in view of what have at hand; democracy is a franchise we have bought into, and one of the ways by which we can exercise our right as citizens [of a democratic state] is by making our voice heard at the polls. However, as the only thing that will make you stand up to your management staff with boldness is your company's licence so does your PVC represent an imprimatur which gives you the confidence to stand as a major stakeholder in the politics of the land.

Whereas the management of the administrative affairs of this nation has been left in the hands of a select group of individuals, we [as citizens] must not lose focus of the critical role we play in the polity of the country. Our understanding should be informed by the fact that democracy, by definition, is centered on the masses [who are meant to hold the aces] and anything to the contrary should not be tolerated.

Failure to obtain your PVC before the elections means you will be disenfranchising yourself from your civic responsibility thus it could be said that you do not really care about what becomes in the future- this attitude means you will be leaving generations coming after you with a 'mountain load of issues' to resolve. Furthermore, failing to make the move to collect your PVC will mean creating a loophole in the democratic setup; giving room for the probability of result manipulations and bringing about an imbalance in a system that already has many 'knots' to untie. So, the challenge is for you to go to the local government secretariat or accredited centers within your area and have your PVC processed for you.
As I conclude, it is important to note that addressing the many problems in the nation goes beyond collecting your PVC [and eventually voting at the polling station when the time comes] but we can all start the journey of building a greater and better Nigeria by taking a simple step- obtaining your PVC. With that PVC and taking the right decision at the polls, we can, once again, start nursing the hope of a new Nigeria where the right policies that will catalyze rapid national development are set in place.

Nigerian players who moved during the winter transfer window
Football is a game that involves a lot of movements both on and off the pitch. On the pitch, movements are made in order to score or defend a goal while off the pitch, movements of players are usually tailored sustaining the team's overall vision and ensuring that the team maintains a competitive edge- this is why the transfer market is seen as a very crucial aspect in club football. The latest being the 2018 winter transfer window which has been a very busy one indeed with major [and big money] moves being sealed with players such as Coutinho, Alexis Sanchez and Aubameyang being among the top stars that switched club in the month of January.
However, as the winter transfer window in most of Europe's top leagues came to a close on the 31st of January, 2018, we will like to focus on Nigerian players that were involved in transfer deals in the course of this very transfer market. And considering the fact that this particular window is the last before the 2018 FIFA world cup in Russia, some of these players have probably made the moves so as to bolster their chances of being selected for the world cup squad while for some (players), it is more about development.
Ahmed Musa: Leicester City to CSKA Moscow (6-month loan deal)
Ahmed Musa must have heaved a sigh of relief as he secured the loan deal away from Leicester City where he has not seen much game time. He will be hoping to pin down a regular spot at CSKA Moscow with a view of making the Super Eagles world cup party.
Brown Ideye: Tianjin Teda to Malaga (6-month loan deal)
Ideye has been in a kind of oblivion in Tianjin Teda where he was demoted to the club's reserve. So, joining Malaga on a 6-month loan should help him gain some confidence back. But there is work to be done as Malaga are currently themselves in the relegation waters.
Isaac Success: Watford to Malaga (6-month loan deal)
Success makes a return to Spain, and this time around, he will be teaming up with Brown Ideye at Malaga as he hopes to get his career back on a progressive track.
Oghenekaro Etebo: CD Feirense to Las Palmas (6-month loan deal)
The 22-year old box-to-box midfielder will be aiming to contribute his quota towards seeing to it that Las Palmas survive the drop. Plus, playing in the Spanish top flight for the remainder of the season could go a long way in boosting Etebo's chances of making the world cup squad.
Shehu Abdullahi: Anorthorsis Famagusta to Bursaspor (two-and-half year contract)
Shehu Abdullahi was among the few Nigerian players who secured a permanent deal. The energetic right fullback joined Bursaspor- where he teamed up with William Troost-Ekong, Mikel Agu and Paschal Okoli- from Cypriot first division side, Anorthorsis Famagusta in a two-and-half year deal worth €600,000.
Anthony Ujah: Liaoning Whowin to Mainz 05 (three-and-half year contract)
Anthony Ujah moved back to the Bundesliga; joining Mainz 05 [on a second stint] from Chinese club, Liaoning Whowin. The ex-Werder Bremen striker signed a three-and-half year deal that will see him turning out in the colors of the O-Fives till 2021. The deal is worth €3.8 million.

Others
Gbenga Arokoyo: Atlanta United - Kalmar FF (3-year contract).
Eze Okeuhie: FK Metalac Gornji Milanovac - Vojvodina (3-year contract).
Emmanuel Emenike: Olympiacos - Las Palmas (6-month loan deal).
Nosa Igiebor: Vancouver Whitecaps FC - Anorthorsis Famagusta (6-month loan deal).
Elderson Echiejile: Monaco - Cercle Brugge (6-month loan deal).
Theophilus Solomon: HNK Rijeka - Omonia (6-month loan deal).
Chidiebere Nwakali: Manchester City - Aberdeen (6-month loan deal).
Nura Abdullahi: AS Roma - Perugia (18-month loan deal).

The cost of establishing cattle colonies
Not so long after the recent carnage that claimed over eighty (80) innocent in some communities in Benue state did news about the government’s intention to establish cattle colonies across all states of the Federation started making the round. With this, I am moved to ask: Has getting away with murder become a norm in some settings, and what becomes of the group that has been implicated in the heinous execution of those defenseless citizens in Benue state?

Before I delve into the subject matter, permit me to relay a thought on the spates of violence and the response of government: some weeks back, I read of how the military claimed it had been able to ‘de-radicalize’ and freed over 200 Boko Haram members- no trials; no judgment. Upon reading that news, the thought that filled my mind was how different groups- tending to pray the ‘favor’ of the executive arm that is dominated/led by someone who is of the same extraction- from specific parts of the nation get to stir up violence in order to have their way. For instance, while the past administration was at the helm of affairs, Nigerians witnessed the onslaught of the Niger Delta militants that specialized in blowing up oil pipes and kidnapping of expatriates and now, the herdsmen seemed to have raised the bar; bringing a reign of terror to the fold…different administrations; different spates of violence and different responses. In the case of the militants, the arsenal of the military did come to the rescue and the result is there for all to see but this has not been the case with the devious herdsmen who are still roaming about freely [with their cows] even after committing a punishable offense.

Rather than bringing the herdsmen that perpetrated the killings to book, the government is making aim [on behalf of the herdsmen] to establish cattle colonies nationwide. And I ask again: Is it ethically and/or legally right for a sitting government to appease a terrorist group by acceding to its demands? This question rings out loud when it dawns on me that the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces have all the military machinery needed to deal with the evil herdsmen that were responsible for the deaths of the armless people- which included children, women and men- whose hopes were taken abruptly taken away from them. More so, it is not certain that the establishment of cattle colonies will out-rightly solve the problem, and how do you resolve any other issue that arises in the future should the bloodthirsty herdsmen become increasingly dissatisfied? Probably by giving in to their demands again [until they dominate], right? This is definitely not looking good for promoting rule of law and order in the country.

Cattle colony or Ranch
According to the Cambridge dictionary, colony refers to “a group of people with a shared interest or job who live together in a way that is separate from other people” while ranch is “a very large farm in which animals are kept, especially in North and South America.”
Although the Minister of Agriculture came out to say that the two terms (that is, cattle colony and ranch) are the same but I beg to differ, and the above definitions justify my stance. Considering the droves of cattle herdsmen own, a colony is much bigger than a ranch, and while the ranch is mostly owned by an individual, a colony encompasses different individuals of ‘like minds’- a group with shared interest. Though it is said to be a cattle colony, one cannot take the herdsmen away from the cattle. Owing to this, terming the settlement a ‘colony’ could create a sense of self-governance in the minds of these herdsmen. Again, without the existence of colonies, these herdsmen have visited varying degrees of terror upon Nigerians across different states; so, will it not be easy for the devious herdsmen to carefully and strategically plan out terror attacks against the inhabitants of the communities or states they are residing- with the colony in place- should they feel aggrieved?

What exactly is the cost of cattle colonies?
Virtually all northern states except Benue and Taraba have agreed to cattle colonies in place while governors in all southern states are presently putting up strong opposition to the federal government’s proposal. But looking at it more closely; should every state in the nation eventually have a colony within its confine that would see around 180,000 hectares of the nation’s land mass being given out for cattle rearing. With this, it is quite easy to note how these cattle colonies will take a large span of land that could have been used in some other gratifying ways.

The cost of raising cattle colonies however, is really huge and is much more than the land for it is the blood of men and women whose lives were cut short: think about the pregnant woman whose baby’s life was taken away even before it began; the little child who had to endure the pain from the impact of the machete on his scalp while he breathed his last…think about the family whose loved ones were cut off in the prime and the men who now live in fear not knowing where to turn as their sources of livelihood have been taken away from them. The establishment of cattle colonies is not the way to go since the government of the day cannot assure the citizenry of its commitment to rule in fairness.

Moreover, cattle rearing are a private business, and as such the government does not need to take it upon itself to set apart lands out of the national (land) lot for the cattle rearing. Instead, the herdsmen ought to be mandated to own or get a land- ranch to be precise- for their business enterprise. The protection of lives and properties of the citizens of Nigeria- especially the defenseless- and overall national development should be the core responsibilities of the government at this critical point in time.

Safety on our roads: The impact of air pollutants from automobile exhaust
When you think about safety on Nigerian roads, the very first thing that comes to mind is probably the deplorable state of some road networks or the recklessness of some drivers on the road. But there is a silently lurking danger [which is often overlooked] that Nigerians- whether motor users, passengers or pedestrians- could be subjected to while plying or strolling through the road, and this has to do with the emission of toxic gases from the exhaust of different automobiles. The amount of gases released into the atmosphere from certain vehicles- especially commercial ones- is usually quite high and this create an enormous health hazard for anyone who gets to inhale the fume.

Which gases are released from vehicle’s exhaust?
There are different kinds of toxic gases that are emitted from the exhaust of vehicles, and these (gases) have varying health implications. At this point, I shall briefly discuss three (3) air pollutants that are commonly released from the exhaust into the surrounding.
Carbon monoxide: Carbon monoxide is odorless and colorless which means its presence could go unnoticed but it can have a marked effect on one’s well-being. With carbon monoxide poisoning comes the manifestation of nausea and dizziness as the brain, heart and other organs suffer oxygen deprivation. Carbon monoxide can also cause a person [who has inhaled a considerable amount of it] lose consciousness.
Sulphur dioxide: Sulphur dioxide is a toxic gas that can be produced as a result of fuel combustion in vehicles. Though invisible to the naked eyes, the gas has a pungent smell and could result in persistent cough, shortness of breath and other respiratory complications. Furthermore, it can cause irritation of the throat, nose and eyes.
Diesel Particulate Matter: This very pollutant emerges from automobiles that are powered by diesel. It comprises of toxic compounds like hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides. Regular exposure to this gas can bring about lung cancer; it can also cause eye and nose irritations, headache and nausea among other severe health issues.

What must be done?
Although it is impossible to completely rid the atmosphere of these toxic gases but the amount [of these pollutants] can be significantly reduced hence the level of danger becoming drastically lowered. This can be done from different angles- from the motor users down to the regulatory agency.
Firstly, it is expedient that every motor user make sure that his/her automobile is in a good condition at all times. The components of the vehicle- from the air filter to the emission system, valves, carburetor, engine and so on- should well maintained and checked on regular basis.
Secondly, the regulatory agency responsible for checking vehicles’ road worthiness should re-instituted and/or made to be more efficient in ensuring that automobiles that are unfit to be on the road [or such that release so much fume into the surrounding] are taken off the road without delay.
And for the pedestrians and other road users that are open to inhaling these gases on daily basis, it is important that a form of protection- maybe a nose-mask- be on hand. Plus, it is advisable that one moves away from the danger zone as quickly as possible. Just for a mention, some of these toxic gases are emitted from other machines [like generators, gas turbine, etc] with internal combustion engines.

Towards a cleaner Lagos
If you are to take a 50-metre walk from your home around the Lagos suburb, there is probably one unpleasant sight you will likely behold, and that is the heap of refuse littering the roads in the state, and as a result of this, it is easy to conclude that ‘Lagos is dirty’. The state of things in this regard does not behoove the developmental trends that are ongoing in the state; plus it is even making a mincemeat of the mantra that the state government prides itself in. of a truth, the present administration under the leadership of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has been putting in great efforts towards ensuring that the state maintains a high standard in the scheme of things but except one intends to sweep the fact under the carpet will one score the (state) government a pass mark in the area of waste management.
The problem indeed lies in the transition to a new waste management scheme having scrapped the Lagos State Waste Management Agency (LAWMA) and the Private Sector Participation (PSP) program, and the case in the court has not helped matters in any way. Consequent upon all these, residents around the state find no other means of disposing their wastes than dumping them by the roadsides or somewhere around the corners of different streets- a situation which creates a breeding ground for disease pathogens that could lead to the outbreak of an epidemic. And aside this, the indiscriminate disposal of refuse which sometimes extends to the road can affect the flow of traffic in some instances. More disturbing is the manner in which these refuses get to block drainage channels especially with the emergence of flood.
Should a temporary fix not have been put in place?
Considering the fact that waste is a daily part of life [that needs to be properly done away with], the state government should have been very thoughtful in ensuring that these unwanted items from different homes are appropriately disposed without creating any ‘smudge’ on our roads and streets. This could have been done by putting modalities in place to temporarily stand in while plans for the institution and operation of the new waste clearing and recycling agency under the Cleaner Lagos Initiative (CLI) are perfected. Also, the local government chairmen should be more involved in seeing to it that waste around the constituencies under their jurisdictions are properly evacuated. It is noteworthy that some local government executives have taken it upon themselves to have their areas cleaned up but more efforts are required, and for those who are yet to come with any plan of contributing their quota towards a cleaner Lagos, the time to act is now.
As the state government inaugurated the board of Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) a couple of days back, it is hoped that the disgusting sight of waste on the roads in the state will be a thing of the past in the not-so-distant future. Notwithstanding, the march towards a cleaner Lagos should not be left to the government alone; the citizens of the state have got to play their part by ensuring that wastes are disposed at designated points- probably after the modalities for Cleaner Lagos Initiative have been fully set in place- at all times.

Before you munch or take another sip
Food is a substance we all eat in order to derive some nourishments. Owing to this, food is frequently seen from the perspective of the end products (that is, the already prepared meal) without much thoughts being given to the substances and/or ingredients that had gone into the food. But since it is impossible to wholly retrieve whatever food or drink that has been gulped, it is important to pay close to the constituents that are used in preparing the consumable good before putting it into the mouth; this is even more necessary when one considers the harmful effects that could be triggered from consuming certain substances found in the foods and drinks one ingests. It is to this end that I have elected to highlight a few constituents [that are not so safe to consume] which are often added to foods in the process of preparation or cooking.
Aspartame
Aspartame is usually classified as a ‘sugar substitute’ since it is a sweetener but what is not always stated is the fact that it is also a carcinogen- a cancer causing substance. It has even been implicated in the cases of diabetes, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and some other mental health issues. Aspartame is being used as a sugar substitute in the production of beverages, chewing gum, toothpaste, consumable baked products and so on. So, the next time you get overtaken by the desire to consume a sweet sugar-free consumable beverage or snack, it is advisable that you check out the list of ingredients that had been used in preparing what you are about taking. Other examples of sweeteners [with potential dangers to human health] used in food production are Agave nectar and high fructose syrup.
Sodium sulphite
When consumed, sodium sulphite can get trapped in the respiratory tract where it could cause complications. It has also been found to cause skin irritation and heart problems. Sodium sulphite is the preservative commonly used in wine production, and the rate at which it endangers one’s health increases as the wine goes stale. Again, those who take pleasure in taking dried fruits are also susceptible to retaining some traces of sodium sulphite in their body system.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)
The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in foods has more to do with the method of preparation than with the ingredients that are directly added to the food- though smokers tend to have a high level of PAHs in their system. That said, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are usually formed when fats from meat get into the flame used in the preparation of barbecue. So, individuals who often take barbecue- suya, as we love to call it in local parlance- might be in as much danger as a chain smoker. PAHs are known to cause cancer, and can also wreak havoc on the kidney and liver.
Sodium benzoate
Sodium benzoate is another common preservative used in food production; it is usually added to fruit juice, salad dressings, jam and carbonated drinks. When foods and drinks containing sodium benzoate are frequently consumed, it could trigger a bout of nausea, headache, asthma, hypertension, allergic reactions, leukemia and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Caramel coloring
Caramel coloring is an additive that is vastly used in the production of foods and beverages; it can be added to beer, custard, confectionery and some consumable baked goods. Caramel coloring is made from a combination of a variety of sugars as well as some other substances. Although there are conflicting toxicology reports as to the connection of caramel coloring to cancer, the consumption of foods and drinks containing this substance on regular basis can lead to instances of high blood pressure and leukopenia- a condition that can amount to the dysfunction of the immune system.
The list of harmful ingredients that may be present in snacks and beverages marked fit for consumption seems to be an endless one hence, it is really important that one is careful about what he/she eats or sips, and it is yet expedient that moderation is not put to the slaughter as the excessive intake of certain foods and drinks could put one’s health in danger.

Education Vs. Entertainment
This very write-up is not intended to debate over which is better between education and entertainment but to rather look into the trend that is attainable in our society. There is no arguing the fact that the Nigeria of years past- say early 90’s backwards- was not the same as what we have now. The changes abound- from technology to the polity of the state- but my focus today is the Nigerian educational system.

Back in those days, the educational setup stood out among the very best in the ‘world of excellence’; the products that emerged from different institutions- primary, secondary and tertiary- were very sound and capable of holding their heads high among other colleagues around the world. Moreover, the interest in education as at that time was really profound with students willing to work their socks off in order to churn out masterful results at the end of the academic sessions- though we are still witnessing such scenarios but the rate appears to have dwindled over time.
Now, what has become of our education system is the case of giving out substandard result as students tend towards looking out for shortcuts; wanting to succeed without being ready to pay the ultimate prize through diligent study and effective engagement of their mental faculty. Let me be quick to say here that education does not necessarily have to be about going to school alone; it is quite broad, and as the renowned physicist, Albert Einstein rightly puts it: “Education is what remains after one has forgotten what one has learned in school.”
But should entertainment be faulted for the drop in the interest of students in learning?
Well, wholly attributing the drop in interest or standard of education to entertainment would mean not being out of touch with reality; there are indeed many other factors that can be highlighted. However, entertainment being what it is, gets to attract the attention of these young individuals- the students to be specific- who would rather take great delight in getting entertained than adding more value to themselves. Also, the shift in the value system is another factor that has played a huge part in this regard; take for instance, the saying that ‘education pays’ could sound as fallacious as any other ‘misinformed’ proposition in the hearing of youths in this age we are living in…the reason? – The world, in general, is swayed towards the sphere where ‘things are happening’- or shall I say, ‘where the money’s at’- and with this, we can see a good number of young persons [in their teenage years] modelling their lives after celebrities whose affluence oozes out like a stream flowing with milk and honey. On the other hand, these established celebrities- musicians especially- do extend their generosity to young acts that show great promises of being the next superstars of our time- this, they do by signing the young lads to their record labels. However, this singular action could be deleterious to the future to that young child who is yet to come to grasp with the basics of learning.
Entertainment is not something that can be painted in bad light for through it, many have not only gone ahead to live a fulfilled life but also impacted lives, and learned a whole lot about life itself. The problem however, lies on what or where an individual sets his/her priority. Most individuals [whether young or old] appear to give more attention to getting thrilled by entertaining showpieces than learning and adding to their knowledge, and it is this shift that keeps affecting the interest students put into learning and/or education- whether formal or self-education.

Fruits are all around, and while some of us take them with the intention of getting nutritional benefits out of them; some other persons may take fruits just because of their appetizing taste. Whatever category one finds himself or herself, the truth remains that everyone’s health is boosted by taking fruits. It is in this view that I shall be shedding light on a select group of fruits- juicy fruits- that are known for their healing and refreshing properties, and they are also good for keeping the skin hydrated. I shall henceforth talk about five (5) of these fruits.

Watermelon
Watermelon is a highly nutritious fruit that is majorly composed of water as well as sugars, essential vitamins and minerals. Watermelon can be eaten whole from inside out- the red succulent flesh on the inside, the rind and the seeds inclusive. The seeds can be eaten along with the flesh or consumed after being dried and roasted. Why should you eat the seeds? The seeds of watermelon are rich in magnesium [which aids the body’s metabolic process] and Iron- a very important element that helps to sustain the structure and function of the hemoglobin.

Orange
Oranges are common sources of Vitamins A and C, and other forms of antioxidants which help to fight the harmful effects of free radicals in the body cells. In essence, regular consumption of oranges can help to prevent the onset of cancer. Furthermore, oranges have anti-flammatiory properties, and are also beneficial for the health of the eyes, kidney, heart, skin and immune system.

Pineapple
Another juicy fruit that is in great abundance and also of immense benefit is pineapple. Pineapple contains a variety of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. The fruit is used in the management of a number of diseases- arthritis, asthma, diabetes, obesity and heart disorders. Again, due to the fiber content, it is quite helpful in taking care of disruption/disorder [like constipation] affecting the digestive system and it is great for treating fertility issues.

Cucumber
Though sometimes classified as vegetable, cucumber is one fruits that has a lot of contents packed into it. Notable among its many constituents is cucurbitacin which is an anti-cancer substance found on the outer skin of cucumber. Beyond this anticancer substance, there is an ample of other elements [in cucumber] which makes it a fruit worth consuming regularly. For instance, it has got potassium which aids detoxification; dietary fiber which enhances digestion and it also has antioxidant abilities.

Strawberry
Strawberries are pleasant to the eyes and so do they taste delicious. But there is much more to what one gets from consuming them; like every other fruit [aforementioned in this article], strawberries contain antioxidants which make effective in curtailing the effects of free radicals on the cells in the body. Furthermore, they contain an array of nutrients- anthocyanins, vitamins B and C, manganese, dietary fiber, folate, iodine and lot more- which make them vastly beneficial to human health. Strawberries can help enhance the functioning of the brain, eye, heart and immune system, and can help to prevent cancer and birth defects.

The lingering fuel crisis
The festive season that just went by is one some Nigerians would really love to leave in the recesses of their mind; the reason is because why some persons were at home enjoying the thrills that come with the season, others found themselves in a queue at the filling station pushing to get their automobiles fueled for the journey ahead. That went on for a couple of weeks and the situation was brought under control thereafter- albeit for some moment- but the fuel crisis which was thought to have abated is rearing its ‘ugly head’ again as long lines of vehicles can now be seen at various filling stations. With the reemerging crisis, motor users are now buying Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at a relatively high price, and some petrol stations are even out of service while commuters are left stranded or paying more to get to their respective destinations.
At the core of the crisis is the rumored hike in the price of the commodity as the airwaves are rife with reports that fuel price could rise from N145 to something in the region of N180. Again, fuel marketers have identified the inadequate supply [of fuel] as being the reason for the lingering crisis. But is it not rather perplexing that a nation that stands as a major oil producing state in Africa cannot provide fuel for its citizens without any struggle?
As it stands, it is obvious that the fuel crisis we are experiencing nationwide has two major sides to it: the first being the issue of pricing and the other, centering on shortage in supply. While marketers’ opinions may vary as it regards the price of premium motor spirit, the government is bent on seeing to it that the price of the commodity remains fixed at N145, and it is good to see officials of the Department of Petroleum Resources going round to ensure that marketers keep selling at this price; with deterrent being hit with sanctions. Nonetheless, DPR officials need to extend their tentacles to some other areas of different states across the nation- this may however require the engagement of the populace [who needs to intimate the regulatory body on cases of illegal pricing] since these (DPR officials) understandably have their limitations.
On a more intricate ground however, the inadequate supply of the commodity is an issue that can be traced to a bigger [and deeper] problem that has bereft the oil sector for a long time now: the non-availability of functional refineries, is in itself a major challenge that has been left unattended. It is appalling that different administrations keep overlooking the need to bring up functional refineries [even when countries with comparatively lower oil production capacity and population density are able to run a refinery]. Notwithstanding, all is not lost as we anticipate Dangote refinery coming into full operation by the middle of the year, and I believe it will not be a bad idea to set up government-run refineries in order to supplement a private establishment like the Dangote refinery. Doing so will, no doubt, boost the supply of fuel across the nation. Again, bringing the refineries in Port Harcourt, Kaduna and Warri back to life will help in an immeasurable way.
And while we look forward to these long-term solutions, it is expedient that the government make concerted efforts towards making the queues that are presently commonplace in different filling stations be a bygone issue in a matter of days without any increment in the price of the commodity.