18 die in another River Niger tragedy

Barely six days after a boat mishap on River Niger claimed several lives in Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, another mishap has occurred leaving no fewer than 18 persons dead. According eyewitness, the accident occurred when a boat conveying people from Kokoli to Ulakami capsized at about 4pm. The passengers were returning from a market in Kokoli, which holds every Thursday. The boat was said to be conveying about 80 people when it split into two, throwing the passengers into the river. A survivor, Umar Ibrahim, who spoke to our correspondent said, “We were in the middle of the 10 kilometre journey, when the boat split into two throwing all of us into the water. People started screaming and falling into the water.” Ibrahim stated that he was able to rescue about 10 women and children adding that the men could take care of themselves and most of them assisted in the rescue to reduce the casualty figure. He added that the intervention of the boat captains and some passengers who could swim also helped to reduce the number of victims. “I thank almighty Allah for using the boat driver and other good swimmers to come to our rescue fast, because the bank of the river was far away from us. The other boat drivers rushed towards us and put those of us that were rescued on their boats. Some people were also very tired,” he added. The village head, Mohammed Garba, confirmed that after the incident, he went round to find out how many people were missing and they recorded 18. Though some villagers, said, “The river is angry because it has not be given its yearly sacrifice,” some were of the opinion that the boat was too old and was not maintained. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Disaster and Emergency Management, Mohammed Saba, appealed to them to remain calm as people were blaming the boat operators for the deaths. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has attributed the high level of casualty in the last week’s boat mishap in Tunga Na’ Illo, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, to the lack of the state government’s presence in the area. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on liquid and solid waste management, organised by the agency in Minna, the Agency’s North Central Coordinator, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chinoko, said “About 70 people died when the boat which was carrying over 100 villagers to the market suddenly developed an engine problem and capsized mid way in the river”. The NEMA boss however maintained that the casualty figure would have been less if there were relevant state government agencies, like the police marine and organised local divers stationed there for rescue purposes in view of the heavy water transport activities in the area.

18 die in another River Niger tragedy

Barely six days after a boat mishap on River Niger claimed several lives in Malale village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, another mishap has occurred leaving no fewer than 18 persons dead. According eyewitness, the accident occurred when a boat conveying people from Kokoli to Ulakami capsized at about 4pm. The passengers were returning from a market in Kokoli, which holds every Thursday. The boat was said to be conveying about 80 people when it split into two, throwing the passengers into the river. A survivor, Umar Ibrahim, who spoke to our correspondent said, “We were in the middle of the 10 kilometre journey, when the boat split into two throwing all of us into the water. People started screaming and falling into the water.” Ibrahim stated that he was able to rescue about 10 women and children adding that the men could take care of themselves and most of them assisted in the rescue to reduce the casualty figure. He added that the intervention of the boat captains and some passengers who could swim also helped to reduce the number of victims. “I thank almighty Allah for using the boat driver and other good swimmers to come to our rescue fast, because the bank of the river was far away from us. The other boat drivers rushed towards us and put those of us that were rescued on their boats. Some people were also very tired,” he added. The village head, Mohammed Garba, confirmed that after the incident, he went round to find out how many people were missing and they recorded 18. Though some villagers, said, “The river is angry because it has not be given its yearly sacrifice,” some were of the opinion that the boat was too old and was not maintained. The Special Adviser to the Governor on Disaster and Emergency Management, Mohammed Saba, appealed to them to remain calm as people were blaming the boat operators for the deaths. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency has attributed the high level of casualty in the last week’s boat mishap in Tunga Na’ Illo, Borgu Local Government Area of the state, to the lack of the state government’s presence in the area. Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on liquid and solid waste management, organised by the agency in Minna, the Agency’s North Central Coordinator, Mr. Ishaya Isah Chinoko, said “About 70 people died when the boat which was carrying over 100 villagers to the market suddenly developed an engine problem and capsized mid way in the river”. The NEMA boss however maintained that the casualty figure would have been less if there were relevant state government agencies, like the police marine and organised local divers stationed there for rescue purposes in view of the heavy water transport activities in the area.

10 Tips for Preventing Acne

1. Keep your face clean.Whether or not you have acne, it's important to wash your face twice daily to remove impurities, dead skin cells, and extra oil from your skin's surface. Washing more often than twice daily is not necessarily better; it may do more harm than good. Use warm, not hot, water and a mild facialcleanser. Using a harsh soap (like deodorant body soap) can hurt the already inflamed skin and cause more irritation. Avoid scrubbing your skin harshly with a washcloth, exfoliating glove, or loofah (a coarse-textured sponge). Gently wash it with your clean hands or a very soft cloth. Always rinse well, and then dry your face with a clean towel. (Toss the towel in the laundry hamper, as dirty towels spread bacteria.) 2. Moisturize.Many acne products contain ingredients that dry the skin, so always use a moisturizer that minimizes dryness and skin peeling. Look for"noncomedogenic" on the label, which means it shouldnot cause acne. There are moisturizers made for oily, dry, or combination skin. 3. Try an over-the-counter acne product.These acne products don't need a prescription. They may have ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, which curb bacteria and dry your skin. Start witha small amount at first. Then you can adjust how muchyou use and how often, depending on how much peeling or drying you have. Use these products with caution if you have sensitive skin. 4. Use makeup sparingly.During a breakout, avoid wearing foundation, powder, or blush. If you do wearmakeup, wash it off at the end of the day. If possible, choose oil-free cosmetics without added dyes and chemicals. Choose makeup that is labeled as"noncomedogenic," meaning it should not cause acne. Read the ingredients list on the product label before buying. 5. Watch what you put on your hair.Avoid using fragrances, oils, pomades, or gels on your hair. If theyget on your face, they can block your skin's pores andirritate your skin. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner. Oily hair can add to the oil on your face, so wash your hair often, especially if you're breaking out. Got long hair? Keep it pulled away from your face. 6. Keep your hands off your face.Avoid touching yourface or propping your cheek or chin on your hands. Not only can you spread bacteria, you can also irritatethe already inflamed facial skin. Never pick or pop pimples with your fingers, as it can lead to infection and scarring. 7. Stay out of the sun.The sun's ultraviolet rays can increase inflammation and redness. Some acne medications may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Limit your time in the sun, especially betweenthe hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, and a broad-brimmed hat. Whether you have pimples or not, always apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Look for"noncomedogenic" on the sunscreen label to make new pimples less likely. Read the ingredients on the product label to know what you're putting on your skin.

Nigerian woman Ajibola Obabiyi wins Muslim World Beauty Pageant

21 year old University of Lagos student Obabiyi Aisha Ajibola, beat 19 other beauty hopefuls to emerge Muslimah Queen 2013. Ajibola won the exclusive beauty pageant for Muslim women which took place today Wednesday September 18th in Jakarta, Indonesia. She received 25 million rupiah ($2,200) and trips to Mecca and India as prizes.

The contestants were all required to wear headscarves, covered from head to foot. They were judged on their looks, how well they recited Koranic verses and their views on Islam in the modern world, in front of an audience of mainly religious scholars and devout Muslims

This pageant was actually staged as a retort to the Miss World pageant holding in the same country. The organizers said they wanted to create an awareness within the muslim female community that there is a better form of beauty than the one being portrayed by the Miss World. They said the pageant is Islam's answer to the glamorous Miss World Pageant. Congrats to her!

Samsung Confirms BBM™ on Galaxy Smartphones

Samsung today confirmed that when BBM™, the mobile social network, launches for Android smartphones on the 21st September 2013, it will be available as a free download for Samsung Galaxy smartphones across Africa from the Google Play store.

“We are pleased to officially announce that BBM will be available for Samsung Galaxy smartphones across Africa,” said EmmanouilRevmatas, Director of Hand Held Products, Samsung Electronics West Africa. “We are focused on driving consumer experiences based on customisation to suit every lifestyle. By offering an additional messaging service through our Samsung Messaging Hub, it has never been easier to stay connected. This is another way that we are providing our customers with a more integrated lifestyle experience and a powerful new way of communicating and sharing. It’s really about giving the African market what they want – and what they want is choice.”

New Music: Kcee - Pull Over ft Wizkid

New music from Kcee featuring Wizkid. Listen to it  and tell us what you think...

Mourinho Takes ''Responsibility'' For Tuesday’s Loss, Says His Strikers Are Fine.

Jose Mourinho insist there is nothing wrong with his striking option despite having the trio of Samuel Eto’O, Fernando Torres and Demba Ba hit the back of the net just once out of the seven goals ‘The Blues’ have accrued in their opening six matches- £50m signing, Torres’ opener in the Uefa Super Cup defeat by Bayern Munich.

Put the Blame on Me: On the Back of Chelsea’s Worst Start to a Premier League Campaign in a Decade, They Lost to Basel.

Swiss champions Basel stunned Chelsea 2-1 in their opening Group E match at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday. Mourinho named new £30m signing Willian, and Eto’O in his starting lineup, while Ba was a second-half substitute; Torres was not listed in a squad Mourinho personally described as “young eggs.”

“When we lose I don’t speak about the players or individuals. I speak about my responsibility,” the Portuguese manager said.

“I am happy with the three strikers for the rest of the season.”

Chelsea dominated possession in the opening hour of the game, but failed to create chances with only Oscar’s half-time strike evident from the team’s effort.

The home side forced six corners in the first-half, without being able to convert from one of those set pieces.

They paid for their lack of precision in front of the visitors’ goal when Mohamed Salah, who also scored on the same ground in the Europa Cup last season, leveled for the visitors.

Skipper Marco Streller escaped two Chelsea markers to head home the match winner with eight minutes to go.

But Mourinho believes Chelsea will have to return for pay back when they play Basel in the final group game of the campaign, stressing that the team now needs away victories as much as they must win their home games with matches against German side Schalke and Romanian champions Steaua Bucharest also forthcoming.

“We lost three points that we must get somewhere,” said Mourinho. “We must get them, in Basel, or Shalke, or Bucharest, or all of them or some of them.

“Normally you have to win the matches at home and get a few points away. Now we must win six points at home. Schalke and Steaua, but we have also to win points away.

“But the objective of finishing in the top two in the group phase and to go to the next stage of theChampions League is an objective that is not lost- far from it.

“It ‘s an objective we’re going to fight for and it’s an objective that I believe very, very much that we’re going to achieve.”