A final year student of the Bayero University, Kano (BUK), Talatu Salihu, has been killed by terrorists who kidnapped her together with her siblings at their place of residence in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
SaharaReporters gathered that Talatu was a student of Library and Information Science and she was killed after her family could not pay the demanded ransom to the terrorists.
Talatu’s death was confirmed to SaharaReporters on Wednesday by her close friends in school.
“She was kidnapped together with two of her siblings in Abuja and the kidnappers demanded over N100million for their ransom which their parents could not afford.
“They killed her because her family was not able to meet up with the payment of the ransom,” Talatu’s friend told SaharaReporters.
She claimed that the terrorists were still keeping Talatu's brothers and threatening to kill them if the parents did not pay the demanded ransom.
Recently, SaharaReporters had reported several cases of kidnapping and abductions in Abuja which had raised fear among the dwellers.
For instance, an intelligence report from the Nigeria Police Force revealed that operatives intercepted a phone call between kidnappers in Karu, a community near Abuja, and Kabusa area in the Federal Capital Territory, planning an operation on Wednesday morning.
The intelligence report sent to SaharaReporters by a military source attached to the intelligence unit, noted that the kidnapping operation was “scheduled to come in on Tuesday or January 17, 2024.”
The Oyo State Government is aware of reports of an explosion in Ibadan. Residents are urged to remain calm as security agencies are investigating this to determine the source and cause of the incident
The Central Bank of Nigeria is set to transfer some of its departments to Lagos State.
This was stated in an Internal memo made available to PUNCH Online on Saturday.
The move, according to an official of the CBN who spoke on condition of anonymity, is to decongest the apex bank’s head office.
Although some staff members of the bank have reportedly resisted the transfer and claimed that it is motivated by tribal sentiment, the source said it is for their safety and increased productivity.
“What is happening now at the CBN is likened to a company with over 500 staff and say 200 used to go to work in other states and return to the head office. It is not out of place for the company to relocate them fully to that state to work and increase their safety and productivity,” he said.
The official stated that only some departments of the apex bank, including the Bank Supervision Department, were affected by the transfer.
He stated that the move is meant to increase the productivity of the affected staff while also cutting costs and ensuring their safety.
PUNCH Online gathered through the official that the departments penciled down for relocation by the CBN Governor, Yemi Cardoso are Banking Supervision; Other Financial Institutions Supervision; Consumer Protection Department; Payment System Management Department and Financial Policy Regulations Department.
”Most of the bank’s headquarters are in Lagos. The CBN usually sends staff from Abuja to work in Lagos for like one to two months and return to the head office.
“Being on the road all the time is not safe for them and not also cost-efficient for the bank. We know that anybody leaving their comfort would feel the pain, that is why some of the affected workers are complaining but I can assure you that, it is for their good,” he said.
He also noted that the carrying capacity of the Abuja office is 3 000 but the staff strength is at 4 000 now which is a threat to the facilities at the head office.
“Abuja office is designed to carry about 3 000 staff but we are 4 000 already. The facility managers have already warned of the implication; the security of staff is also at stake with the increased number because it overwhelms the managers,” the official stated.
Excerpts from the memo obtained read, “This is to notify all staff members at the CBN Head Office that we have initiated a decongestion action plan designed to optimise the operational environment of the bank.
“This initiative aims to ensure compliance with building safety standards and enhance the efficient utilisation of our office space.
“This action is necessitated by several factors, including the need to align the Bank’s structure with its functions and objectives, redistribute skills to ensure a more even geographical spread of talent and comply with building regulations, as indicated by repeated warnings from the Facility Manager, and the findings and recommendations of the Committee on Decongestion of the CBN Head Office.
“The action plan focuses on optimising the utilisation of other Bank’s premises. With this plan, 1,533 staff will be moved to other CBN facilities within Abuja, Lagos and understaffed branches.
“Our current occupancy level of 4,233 significantly exceeds the optimal capacity of 2,700 designed for the Head Office building. This overcrowding poses several critical challenges:
“Safety Concerns: The building’s infrastructure was designed for a specific number of occupants. Exceeding this capacity has raised safety concerns, increased health and accident risks – and hinders efficient emergency evacuation.
“Reduced Efficiency: Crowded workspaces are negatively impacting productivity and collaboration. Additionally, overstretched facilities have led to increased maintenance costs.
“Structural Integrity: The building’s integrity can be compromised by exceeding its designed capacity.”
The memo further said the decongestion would also improve the apex bank’s operational and workflow efficiency.
“Strategic alignment: The decision to redistribute departments and staff is rooted in a strategic approach to align the structure of the Bank with its functions and objectives. Certain departments may be better suited to operate in proximity to Financial Institutions’ head offices, which are predominantly located in Lagos. This strategic alignment ensures optimal collaboration and efficiency,” the memo stated.
Ireland has claimed Nigerian actress, Ayo Edebiri, as hers.
Film In Dublin shared a photo of Ayo Edebiri on social media and wrote:
Congratulations to Ireland's own Ayo Edebiri for her nomination for the 2024 BAFTA Rising Star Award 🇮🇪
For the record yes we do know where Edebiri is actually from (ireland).
Who is Ayo Edebiri?
Ayo Edebiri is an American actress and television writer. She has played chef Sydney Adamu in the comedy-drama series The Bear since 2022, for which she won a Golden Globe Award and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Edebiri was born in Boston on October 3, 1995, the daughter of a Barbadian mother and Nigerian father.
The Central Bank of Nigeria has, with immediate effect, sacked the entire Board of Directors governing Polaris, Titan, Union and Keystone Banks.
CBN sources say the decision was taken in a meeting led by the apex bank’s governor, Yemi Cardoso, on Wednesday in Abuja.
The source who pleaded anonymity, hinted that an official statement dissolving the board of directors will be sent shortly.
The source said, “In the next hour, there is going to be official communication from the bank. We are working on it and an official statement will be sent soon.”
The action follows the recommendation of the Special Investigator, Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu in July 2023, to probe the activities of the CBN and other relevant establishments.
The report of the special investigation into the activities of the CBN had accused the immediate past governor of the apex bank, Godwin Emefiele, of using ill-gotten wealth to acquire banks for himself through proxies.
The report stated that Emefiele used proxies to acquire Union Bank of Nigeria for Titan Trust Bank Limited and Keystone Bank without any evidence of payment.
As a result, it recommended that the Federal Government reverse the sale of the banks and take them over.
So women learn to do what? Maintain territory! God's servant told us that story many many years ago. Was at the Kenyan Wildlife park and then suddenly they went with a tour guide and then the lion just started roaring unprovoked and so he asked why is the lion just roaring unprovoked? He says he's roaring to maintain territory.
Maintain territory once in a while just stroll into your husband's office looking very Jealous. Hello husband, I just came to serve you lunch, you drop the lunch box and you go so that every eye there will know that there is somebody in his house.
Is anybody listening to what I'm saying? Dress up, follow him out, be around him, don't neglect him, be highly irresistible and unavoidable. Be highly cooperative. It's not only the cooperative in your office.
@nigeriapoliceforce you guys are a big joke. Is this how useless and senseless you guys are, big joke and cloutjUSI to prove what?? bring one evidence wey una see say na those boys be gistlover, make una do una mumu finish , ati arrester 000 ati petitioner 000, all of una na lawsuit Go Jam una this new year, since you all have money to waste for court, let's fvcking go there , aye yin onida
Jeanslover to Nigeria Police right now, see how you all display una unprofessionalism to the whole world, normal normal we sabi say una no Dey Professional as na retired ogogoro people una Dey employ but showing it to the whole is such a big shame to you all, ontop how much wey una collect for Toyin the famous fraudster hand.
Toyin oni Ppp loan fraud want chase clout with those boys , since una want do mistake hold people, why una no hold rich people wey go face una bumper to bumper, na poor man pikin una want take Dey chase clout, shows how powerless and vain una be, face your match, that been said,
CAN I KNOW MY OFFENSE insecurities left and right, economy don fall yakata for ground yet na gistlover be their nightmare e be Like say na only me fit this people 000, their mind no Dey ever touch ground ontop my matter, the only blog they couldn't buy or put unde their payroll till today, the only blog wey Dey call their bluff, the only blog wey no Dey look their papa face, you come talk say mal them no fear , shey ko por leti iyawon ni, be Like i Don too Sleep sef, make I apply more pressure , Enikuuuure,
RELEASE INNOCENT BOYS 00 but help me hold that fake page well - that one sweet me, next time him no go open fake page again.
®nigeriapoliceforce how far, Eti shey esin aworo 0000? You guys just made a mockery of your uniform today , shameeeeeeeee, is it a crime to be poor in this part of the world, na only poor man pikin una Dey harass, una shame Dey shame me, Alara gbigbe husband snatcher tee in the mud 7> famous Ppp loan fraudster in the mud, must logba lagidi tee in the mud, e pain am
GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY INTO NIGERIAN NAVY FOR NNBTS BATCH 36
The NN Recruitment Process commences with advertisements in the print and electronic media for awareness of the general public. Applicants would then begin their application process by filling online application forms. On completion of online registration by applicants, successful ones are invited for Recruitment Examinations. Thereafter, those who emerge successful at the Recruitment Examinations are invited for interview before final shortlisting of qualified candidates.
GUIDELINES FOR APPLICANTS
1. Applicant must be a citizen of Nigeria by birth.
2. Applicants for entry categories A5, B1, B2, B3, C1, D1, D7, E2, E3, E4 and F1 require School Certificate and must be between the ages of 18 – 22 years by 30 April 2024. For entry categories requiring NCE, Diploma (OND), Registered Nurse/Midwife qualifications, such as categories A1, A2, A3, A4, C2, C3, D2, E5, F2, J, K and N as well as categories D3 (Sportsmen and Sportswomen), D5 (Chaplain Assistants, D6 (Imam Assistants) and H (Drivers/Mechanics), applicants must be between ages of 18 – 26 years by 30 April 2024. See the Educational Requirements for Entry into Each Category.
3. Applicants with higher qualifications are to provide their statement of results.
4. Applicants must not be married or have children.
5. Applicants must be free from any previous criminal conviction by a court of law.
6. Applicants with any of the following medical/physical challenges are NOT to apply: sight problem, ear problem, communicable diseases, mental problems, stammering, or any physical disability. Applicants who have tattoos are also not to apply.
7. Applicants must not be below the height of 1.69 meters for males and 1.65 meters for females.
8. Applicants are required to possess any of the following educational/professional qualifications:
a. West African Senior School Certificate Examination Certificate (not more than 2 sittings and not older than 6 years from the date of application, also applicable to sub paragraphs b – e).
b. General Certificate of Education Ordinary Level.
c. National Examination Council (NECO).
d. National Business and Technical Examinations (NABTEB).
e. WAEC City and Guilds or London City and Guild.
f. Ordinary National Diploma (OND).
g. Any other educational qualification equivalent to those mentioned above.
h. Applicants would be required to produce their primary school leaving certificate at the selection interview.
9. All applicants must indicate/provide their National Identification Number (NIN) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).
10. Applicants with other educational/professional qualifications higher than those stated in paragraph 1 (a-g) are not to apply. Applicants are warned that it is an offence to present false or forged documents for the Recruitment.
11. Certificates or qualifications not declared or tendered and accepted during the Recruitment exercise are not acceptable after recruitment and cannot be tendered for the purpose of change of department or advancement while already in the Nigerian Navy. Only qualifications obtained under proper service provisions are acceptable while in the Nigerian Navy.
12. Applicants are required to print out Applicant’s Declaration Form, Parent/Guardian Consent Form, Local Government Area Certification Form, Police Certification Form and Guarantors Form which must be properly completed, endorsed and presented during the interview.
13. Applicants must come to the recruitment centres with the following documents:
a. Photocopies of Birth Certificate or Age Declaration.
b. Photocopies of Credentials including First School Leaving Certificate/Testimonial.
c. Duly completed Identification Form must be signed by Chairman or Secretary of the Applicant’s LGA or by an officer of the rank of Commander and above (or equivalent in the Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force) or Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) and above who hails from the Applicant’s State of Origin.
d. Duly completed Parent/Guardian Consent Form signed by Applicant’s Parent or Guardian.
e. Four (4) passport photographs duly signed and stamped at the back by (c) above.
f. Candidates are to bring the scratch cards of their WAEC,GCE, NECO and NABTEB results to the recruitment centres.
14. Application Form is to be completed and submitted online.
15. Any applicant suspected or confirmed to have impersonated, falsified, forged or presented false document(s) shall be disqualified from the Recruitment exercise and handed over to the appropriate law enforcement agency for prosecution.
16. The date for the Recruitment Aptitude Test will be posted on the NN portal in due course.
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRY INTO EACHCATEGORY
A 1 – Marine Engineer Artificer (MEA)
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Marine or Mechanical Engineering and 5 credits at SSCE or equivalent including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
A2 – Weapon Electrical Artificers (WEA)
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Electrical Electronic Engineering and 5 credits at SSCE or equivalent including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Diploma in Airframe and Engine certified/recognized by ICAO and 5 credits at SSCE or equivalent including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
Certificate/Diploma in Aircraft Electrics & Avionics recognized by ICAO and 5 credits at SSCE or equivalent including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
A5 – Shipwright Artificers (SHIPA)
Minimum of SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. OND in Mechanical/Electrical/Welding Engineering also eligible.
B1 – Marine Engineer Mechanics (MEM)
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Also intermediate City & Guilds or Trade Test II could be considered. Technical bias will be an advantage.
B2 – Weapon Electrical Mechanics (WEM)
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry. Also intermediate City & Guilds or Trade Test II could be considered. Technical bias will be an advantage.
B3 – Automobile Mechanics (AM)
Requirements as in B1.
C1- Communications
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics and Physics.
C2 – Computer
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Computer Studies/Computer Science, Desktop Publishing, Office Suite and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 Credits including English Language and Mathematics.
C3 – ICT
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Computer Studies/Computer Science. Computer literacy is compulsory and must possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 Credits including English Language, Mathematics and Physics. Proficiency or industrial certification in any of the under listed areas shall be an added advantage:
a. Database.
b. Computer-Aided Design.
c. Personal Computer Maintenance.
d. Networking Fundamentals.
e. Website Development and Management.
f. Programming.
D1 – Seaman
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language and Mathematics.
D2 – Survey Recorders
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Land Survey, Cartography, Geographic Information System and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics, Physics or Geography or Technical Drawing.
D3 – Sportsmen and Sportswomen
Athletes should possess SSCE or equivalent with 4 credits including English Language and proven talents in sports as well as evidence of participation in National Sports Festival. Alternatively, candidates must have participated in any National Championship/All African Games/Olympic Games or Any International Competitions with License from National Sports Federation/State Sports Association.
D4 – Physical Training Instructors
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language. Interest and proven talents in sports as well as evidence of participation in sports at Secondary School/State/YSFON level is required.
D5 – Chaplain Assistants
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language and Christian Religious Knowledge. Two years experience as clergy/church worker as well as letter of recommendation from 2 Clerics/churches recognized by the NN is required.
D6 – Imam Assistants
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Arabic and Islamic Religious Knowledge. Two years experience as Imam/Mosque attendant as well as letter of recommendation from 2 Islamic clerics/organizations recognized by the NN is required.
D7 – Firemen
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language.
E1 – Writers
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics, Accounts/Economics. Computer skill is compulsory. Also OND/NCE in Accounts or Secretariat Administration would be added advantage.
E2 – Store Assistants
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics and Economics. Computer skill is an added advantage.
E3 – Caterers
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language and Home Management/Food Nutrition. Certificate or any proven experience as a Waiter or Steward is an advantage.
E4 – Ordnance
Five credits in English Language, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and any other 2 subjects.
E5 – Project Technicians
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in relevant discipline such as Architecture, Quantity Survey, Civil/Structure/Building Technology, Electrical/Mechanical installation, Urban and Rural Planning, Estate Management, Land Economy and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Mathematics and Physics.
F1 – Medical Assistants
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits in English Language, Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology/Health Science and Physics.
F2 – Health Technicians
The under listed Technicians are under F2:
a. Biomedical Engineering Technician.
b. Dental Surgery Assistant/Dental Health Technician.
c. Dispensing Optician Technician.
d. Environmental Health Technician.
e. Medical Imaging/X-Ray Technician.
f. Medical Laboratory Technician.
g. Medical Records Assistant/Health Information Management Technician.
h. Pharmacy Technician.
i. Physiotherapy Technician.
A minimum qualification of OND Lower Credit or Professional qualification in any of the relevant fields stated above plus SSCE/Equivalent with 5 credits including English Language, Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Health Science and Mathematics.
G – Bandsmen
SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language. Applicants must be proficient in playing one or more musical instruments.
H – Drivers/Mechanics
SSCE or Equivalent with 5 credits including English Language. Current Mechanic apprenticeship certificate and evidence of driving experience with a valid driver’s licence as well as a letter of recommendation [as a mechanic] from past or present employer is required.
J – Journalists
Minimum of OND Lower Credit in Mass Communication, Journalism, Photography, Printing Technology, Information Library, Public Relations, Graphic Arts, Film Making or Cinematography and must also possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 credits including English Language and Mathematics.
K – Nurses
Single qualification RN and double qualification in any relevant qualification such as RM, A&E, ENT, Psychiatric, Pediatric, Orthopedic/Trauma, Ophthalmic, Anesthetic, Public Health, Occupational Health, Nephrology/Dialysis and Theatre Nursing. Applicants must possess SSCE or equivalent with 5 including English Language, Mathematics, Biology/Health Science, Physics and Chemistry.
N – Education
NCE in Arts/Science/Technical subjects in addition to SSCE or equivalent with 5 Credits including English Language and Mathematics for Science/Technical subjects or 5 credits Including English Language and at least a pass in Mathematics for Arts subjects.
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified Nigerians for Recruitment into The Nigerian Navy through the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS BATCH 36).
Application is open into the following departments:
Online registration starts on 2nd January 2024 and closes 2nd February 2024. Click the link for more information on the departments and entry requirements.
A consortium of Nigerian financial institutions, fintechs, and blockchain experts, the Africa Stablecoin Consortium (ASC) is set to launch a compliant Nigeria Naira (cNGN) stablecoin on February 27, 2024.
The consortium disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday. The launch of the cNGN is riding on the back of the Regulatory Sandbox recently released by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
According to the consortium, the cNGN stablecoin would revolutionize financial transactions. Through the project, the consortium said it is committed to enhancing secure and compliant financial interactions, revolutionizing the way people transact and engage with their money securely and seamlessly.
Transformation of the Naira While noting that the stablecoin will transform the Nigerian Naira into a currency for global settlements, the ASC said:
“This (the cNGN) ushers in a new era of financial fluidity, bridging the Nigerian Naira with the global market through blockchain technology. Backed 1:1 by Naira reserves held in designated commercial banks, the cNGN Stablecoin transforms the Naira into a dynamic tool for worldwide remittances, commerce, trade and investment. More than just a currency, cNGN shortens settlement times, enabling payments that traverse the globe swiftly, mirroring the speed of a text message and at a fraction of the cost. This breakthrough paves the way for instantaneous financial transactions, seamlessly connecting Nigeria’s vibrant economy with international markets and offering unprecedented efficiency in both domestic and global financial interactions.” What you can do with the cNGN According to the consortium, the cNGN stablecoin will allow users to explore the World and experience a seamless and cost-effective way to engage with a global marketplace, with the familiarity of your Naira.
cNGN extends your financial reach far beyond Nigeria’s borders and acts as a global bridge, so you can pay for anything, anywhere, and at any time– all with a seamless tap. Shop the World, Pay in Naira without the traditional challenges of currency conversion and hefty international transaction fees.
Giving further insights into the use cases of the cNGN, the consortium said:
“Sending money home feels like sending a text message, effortless and instant: No more agonizing days waiting for remittances to clear. With cNGN, supporting your loved ones back home becomes as simple as a quick tap on your phone. No more standing in lines. With cNGN, funds land directly in their wallets within seconds, ready to fuel their dreams and brighten their days. No more distance, no more delays, just the magic of compliant virtual assets bridging the gap between hearts. “Trade Like a Pro, Cost-Effectively. Cut out the red tape and sky-high fees of traditional international trade. With cNGN you can send and receive payments across the globe instantly enabling you to transact with national & international partners in any stablecoin currency, fueling economic growth and global success.
“Get paid, anywhere, instantly. Ditch the limitations of location and outdated payment systems. With cNGN, you can freelance for the world, right from your desk in Nigeria. Your talent knows no borders, so why should your income? Skip the bank queues and paperwork. Receive payments from clients across the globe, directly deposited into your cNGN wallet in minutes.
What you should know Nairametrics had earlier reported that Nigerian banks and FinTechs are collaborating to develop and manage the cNGN. Similar to well-known stablecoins like USDT and USDC, the cNGN will be compatible with multiple public blockchains, enabling straightforward international transfers and expanding its use globally.
Mirroring the functionality of major stablecoins, the cNGN boasts interoperability with other public blockchains. This feature enables seamless global transfers, extending its utility beyond Nigerian borders.
The cNGN is a compliant and regulated consortium-driven stablecoin, pegged to the Naira in the Reserve Bank account. Unlike the eNaira, which is developed solely by the apex bank, the cNGN is managed by a consortium.
Viral 2 spoons story in Nigeria: A man’s female coworker cooks & brings extra homemade lunch & 2 spoons so they can share everyday.
Man’s wife started cooking & packing his lunch to stop that.
A social media user, MumZee Debbie, who shared the 2 spoons story wrote:
I've always been too lazy to wake up and get his lunch ready. But the day he told me a colleague brought two spoons so he'll eat with her, was the day I set my alarm for 4:50am.
Another lady, Ms. Nadi Madisha shared:
There’s a lady that wakes up at 5am to make her husband lunch for work. 🥲
Ondo Governor, Akeredolu Dies After Prolonged Battle With Leukemia
A family source told SaharaReporters on Wednesday that Akeredolu died in Germany.
SaharaReporters exclusively reported in January that Akeredolu was treating leukemia.
“The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu has leukemia, he is really down,” one of the sources in the Alagbaka Government House revealed at that time.
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood caused by a rise in the number of white blood cells in the body.
For sufferers, the white blood cells crowd out the red blood cells and platelets needed by the body to stay healthy.
White blood cells are potent infection fighters which grow and divide in an orderly way, as the body needs them. But in people with leukemia, the bone marrow produces an excessive amount of abnormal white blood cells, which don't function properly.
It is a cancer of blood-forming tissues that hinders the body’s ability to fight infections.
The types that exist include acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Treatment for leukemia can be complex depending on the type of leukemia and other factors.
However, some strategies and resources can help make treatment successful.
According to WebMD Cancer Center, its symptoms may include weakness or fatigue, bruising or bleeding easily, fever or chills, infections that are severe or keep coming back, and pain in your bones or joints.
Others may include headaches, vomiting, seizures, weight loss, night sweats, shortness of breath, and swollen lymph nodes or organs like the spleen.
What is leukemia? Learn about the types of leukemia, leukemia causes, common symptoms, and available treatments for the disease.
What Is Leukemia? Leukemia is a broad term for blood cancers.1 The term applies to all types of leukemia, which include acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).1 Leukemia begins in the soft, spongy tissue that makes up the center of most bones, called bone marrow. Bone marrow produces several types of blood cells, which perform different functions:
White blood cells, which fight infection Red blood cells, which transfer oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body Platelets, which form clots that stop bleeding
In leukemia patients, the bone marrow produces large amounts of abnormal blood cells, which make it hard for healthy cells to do their important jobs. Over time, the cancerous cells can also spread to other organs and tissues throughout the body.1
Leukemia Prevalence Approximately 472,714 Americans have leukemia.2 The American Cancer Society (ACS) predicts 60,650 new leukemia diagnoses in 2022 and roughly 24,000 deaths from the disease.3 Among adults in the U.S., leukemia is the eleventh most common cancer, accounting for 3.2% of all new cancer diagnoses and 3.9% of all cancer deaths.2 Leukemia generally affects more adults than children, with most diagnoses occurring between the ages of 65 and 74.2
Leukemia Prognosis The prognosis for leukemia has improved dramatically in recent decades thanks to groundbreaking genetic research and new treatment options. On average, the overall five-year survival rate for adults with leukemia is more than 66%.4 The survival rates for specific types of leukemia are as follows:4
What Causes Leukemia? Leukemia is caused by genetic changes in bone marrow cells.
Scientists have yet to determine what causes the genetic changes in bone marrow cells that lead to leukemia. However, certain risk factors are associated with the disease. For example, risk of leukemia increases with age, and the disease is most common in people over 60 years old.
Leukemia and Genetics The DNA inside of cells makes up a person’s genes, which control how those cells function. Genes called oncogenes help cells grow, divide, and stay alive while tumor suppressor genes control cell division and cause cells to die at the right time.
Cells multiply by dividing into two cells, making a new copy of the chromosomes (strands of DNA). Sometimes errors occur during this process that affect genes in the new chromosomes, which can turn on oncogenes or turn off tumor suppressor genes.
Several types of chromosome changes may contribute to leukemia and other types of cancer, including translocations—when DNA from one chromosome breaks off and becomes attached to a different chromosome, turning on oncogenes or turning off genes that would normally help a cell mature. For example, translocation of the so-called Philadelphia chromosome is present in ALL and CML. In this translocation, DNA is swapped between chromosomes 9 and 22.5,6
Other genetic mutations called deletions (the loss of part of a chromosome) might also cause certain types of leukemia. For example, people with CLL often have deletions in chromosomes 11, 13, and 17. Or they may have additions to chromosome 12.8
Not everyone with leukemia has the same genetic mutations even if they have the same type of leukemia. Some have multiple mutations, and others may have no known mutations.
There are very few links between heredity and leukemia. Certain genetic syndromes can increase the risk of developing ALL and AML, but most leukemias are caused by gene mutations acquired after birth.1,5, 9,10
Leukemia Risk Factors Certain demographic and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of leukemia. There are also environmental risk factors for leukemia. These risks vary based on the type of leukemia:
Aging Sex Smoking Benzene exposure Treatment with chemotherapy drugs Radiation exposure Certain blood disorders Having a genetic syndrome Certain chromosomal abnormalities Family history
Leukemia Prevention There is currently no known way to prevent most types of leukemia, especially among children. You can reduce some acute leukemia risk factors by avoiding smoking and contact with benzene.13
Types of Leukemia Leukemias are grouped into two categories: acute leukemia and chronic leukemia. The distinction is based on which blood cells are involved and how fast abnormal cells multiply.1 Acute leukemia develops and worsens quickly, while chronic leukemia develops slowly and worsens over time.1,13
Affected blood cells can either be lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) or myeloid cells (immature cells that could develop into white or red blood cells or platelets). The type of leukemia a person has is determined in part by the affected cells: lymphocytes or myeloid cells.1
There are several different types of leukemia. Each has different treatment options and prognoses.
Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia (ALL)
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)
Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML)
Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia (CMML)
Leukemia in Children
Also known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL progresses quickly and becomes fatal in just a few months if not treated.5 It begins in the bone marrow and affects white blood cells called lymphocytes—the main cells that comprise lymph nodes, a critical part of the immune system. There are two types of lymphocytes: B cells, which make antibodies to fight diseases, and T cells, which destroy germs and help regulate other immune system cells. B cell ALL begins in immature B cells, while T cell ALL can begin in T cells at any stage of maturity.14
ALL is uncommon, representing only about 0.5% of all cancers. ALL is most common in children younger than age 5, but ALL in adults is more fatal. Adults account for only 40% of ALL cases but 80% of deaths.15 Overall, the ACS predicts there will be 6,660 new cases of ALL in 2022 and 1,560 deaths.3
Leukemia Symptoms Different types of leukemia cause many of the same symptoms, but some types of leukemia have specific symptoms and potential complications. Leukemia symptoms in adults and children may vary.
Signs of Leukemia in Adults Acute leukemias cause many of the same symptoms. Abnormal cells crowd out healthy blood cells and may cause a person to experience:
Feeling fatigued, dizzy, lightheaded, or cold Shortness of breath Pale skin Headaches Recurring infections or difficulty recovering from infections Bruises or tiny red or purple spots on the skin Bleeding, including frequent or severe nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy menstrual bleeding Weight loss Fever Night sweats Loss of appetite Abdominal swelling or a feeling of fullness caused by an enlarged liver or spleen Enlarged lymph nodes Bone or joint pain
Chronic leukemias (CML, CLL, and CMML) can cause symptoms similar to those experienced with acute leukemias, but because these conditions develop much more slowly, people often experience no symptoms before a diagnosis. The most common sign of chronic leukemias is abnormal white or red blood cell counts.34,35,36 With CMML, extremely high monocyte levels show on blood tests. With CMML, monocytes can build up in the spleen or liver and enlarge these organs, causing a person to have abdominal pain or feel too full when eating.36
Signs of Leukemia in Children The signs of leukemia in children are similar to those in adults.37 In rare cases, children might also experience seizures and vomiting.
In children, leukemia-like symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions. But it's important to have them seen by a doctor, who can perform blood tests to rule out leukemia or diagnose and treat it.
Leukemia Spots Among the most visible signs of blood cancer are leukemia petechiae and leukemia purpura spots on the skin. Petechia are groups of pinpoint spots (smaller than 2 millimeters) that are nonblanching, meaning they do not disappear after applying brief pressure to the area. A purpura is a nonblanching spot larger than 2 millimeters. Both rashes are relatively common, especially in children, and they are a symptom of many different diseases and conditions, including enterovirus and meningitis.38
Leukemia Complications In rare cases, leukemia can cause serious complications that require immediate medical attention. For example, T cell ALL can cause enlargement of the thymus, a small organ located behind the sternum (breastbone) and in front of the trachea (windpipe). An enlarged thymus puts pressure on the trachea, which can cause trouble breathing or excessive coughing. It can also put pressure on the superior vena cava (SVC), a large vein that transports blood to the heart, causing blood to build up in the veins. This is a life-threatening condition called SVC syndrome, which can cause these symptoms:
Swelling in the neck, face, arms, and upper chest (sometimes with a bluish-red color) Headaches Dizziness Loss of consciousness
With AML, cancer cells are larger than normal white blood cells and may clog blood vessels and cause a condition called leukostasis, a rare but life-threatening medical emergency that causes stroke-like symptoms.
Certain types of AML can also cause bleeding and clotting deficiencies, including dangerous blood clots that require immediate treatment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Leukemia Diagnosis Doctors will collect information and medical samples to diagnose leukemia and determine which type and stage of leukemia is present.
Leukemia Treatment Leukemia treatment options vary based on the type of leukemia and how far it has spread. A doctor will also consider age, white blood cell count, and whether the patient was previously treated for cancer.45
Treatment options for leukemia include:
Conventional chemotherapy. Systemic treatment that travels throughout the body and kills cancer cells. A bone marrow transplant. This procedure replaces faulty bone marrow stem cells with healthy ones.1,46 Radiation therapy. High doses of radiation attack and kill cancer cells.1,47 Immunotherapy. These drugs enable the immune system to better fight cancer.48 Splenectomy. The spleen is surgically removed.49 Targeted therapy. These drugs attack specific cancer cells.1
Global Impact of Leukemia Worldwide, approximately 2.43 million people have leukemia.50 It is the 11th leading cause of cancer deaths, accounting for 3.2% of all new cancer cases and 3.9% of all cancer deaths.2 Because the disease is more common among older people, the burden of leukemia tends to be higher in developed countries than in developing middle- or low-income countries.51
Globally, leukemia places a large financial burden on individuals, families, insurers, and governments. In the U.S., for example, insurers spend an average of $200,000 to treat a person with chronic leukemia and $800,000 for a person with acute leukemia.52 A 2020 study estimated that the annual management cost for patients with for AML and myelodysplastic syndromes in Spain was €30,775 and €10,132 respectively. That’s about $31,895 and $10,500 at current exchange rates as of November 2022.53 A similar 2019 study in Sweden determined that total treatment cost, from a patient’s stem cell transplant until death, exceeded $160,000.54 A 2013 study in the Netherlands found that the average cost for an initial AML treatment alone was €117,495 in 2008 and 2009, or about $121,771 at current exchange rates as of November 2022.55.
Nigerian actor, Doyin Hassan and his wife have announced the arrival of his their first child after 24 years.
Sharing photos from his child's dedication, Doyin Hassan wrote:
God is Faithful!!!! After 24 years of toils and struggles. He came forth at last!!!! Our beautiful baby girl is a great testimony of God's faithfulness.
Coolsat: Emeka just go resurrect issue wey don die so as to promote movie but the woman has decided to be in the mud with him this time around. Na the kids I pity most in all of these kos their mental health is already messed up. Africans no dy care about mental health of children so parents are allowed to toy with their brains, sad sha.
As for Emeka and his ex wife all they need is healing.
A fascinating study has found that sniffing female tears significantly reduced male aggression and decreased activity in aggression-related brain networks. It’s suggested that the effect, which is caused by chemical signals in tears and is also seen in rodents, serves a protective function.
Charles Darwin was perplexed by emotional tears; he thought they served no useful purpose other than lubricating the eye. Although shedding emotional tears is thought to be a solely human trait, since Darwin, researchers have found that mammalian tears contain chemicals that act as social signals, one of which is to reduce aggression.
For example, the tears of female mice contain signals that turn off intermale aggression by curbing activity in the males’ aggression brain networks. And, subordinate male blind mole rats cover themselves in tears to reduce dominant male aggression toward them.
Now, researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have conducted a series of experiments to investigate whether, like in rodents, sniffing human female tears reduces aggression in men and what functional effect it has on their brains.
“We knew that sniffing tears lowers testosterone and that lowering testosterone has a greater effect on aggression in men than in women, so we began by studying the impact of tears on men because this gave us higher chances of seeing an effect,” said Shani Agron, the lead and co-corresponding author of the study.
There’s limited evidence of human tear chemosignaling, but a previous study by some of the researchers involved in the current study found that women’s tears contain an odorless chemical signal that, when sniffed by males, reduced self-rated sexual arousal, physiological measures of arousal, and testosterone levels.
First, the researchers tested whether sniffing female tears reduced aggression in men. ‘Emotional’ tears were collected from six human donors aged 22 to 25 who watched sad film clips in isolation to induce crying. Twenty-five men were asked to play a two-person monetary game with an opponent they were told was human but was, in fact, a computer algorithm. The game was designed to elicit an aggressive response by the male toward their opponent, whom they were led to believe was cheating. When given the opportunity, the male could get revenge on their opponent by causing them to lose money with no personal gain to them.
Before playing the game, the participants sniffed either female tears or a saline solution – both are odorless – but were not told what they were sniffing. The researchers observed a 43.7% reduction in aggression following exposure to tears. To evaluate the robustness of their results, they ran a bootstrap analysis, a statistical procedure that resamples a single data set to create many simulated samples. The analysis found that the probability of obtaining this outcome by chance was 2.9%, suggesting that, like in rodents, chemosignals in human emotional tears have a primary aggression-blocking function.
Next, the researchers analyzed the effect of sniffing tears on the participants’ brains. After exposure to tears or saline, 26 male participants played the monetary game while undergoing a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scan. In two brain structures implicated in aggression – the left anterior insula cortex (AIC) and bilateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) – the researchers noted reduced activity following exposure to tears. There was a significant correlation between the experimental condition (tears versus saline) and activity in these regions.
Investigating the brain’s functional connectivity, they found that tears only impacted the left AIC, which displayed significantly increased connectivity with the right amygdala and piriform cortex. As well as sharing structural connectivity, these regions are part of a functional network implicated in olfaction (smelling) and aggression.
“We’ve shown that tears activate olfactory receptors and that they alter aggression-related brain circuits, significantly reducing aggressive behavior,” said Noam Sobel, another of the study’s corresponding authors. “These findings suggest that tears are a chemical blanket, offering protection against aggression – and that this effect is common to rodents and humans, and perhaps to other mammals as well.”
Indeed, a 2022 study found that dogs’ tear volume increased significantly when they were reunited with their owner but not with a familiar non-owner, suggesting they could cry emotional – happy – tears. However, further research is needed to determine whether these tears contain chemosignals that can be picked up by other dogs or by humans.
Having confirmed the effect of sniffing tears on men’s behavior, the researchers are keen to expand their research.
“When we looked for volunteers who could donate tears, we found mostly women because, for them, it’s much more socially acceptable to cry,” Agron said. “Now, however, we must extend this research to include women to obtain a fuller picture of this impact.”
Former Minister of Aviation & Aerospace, Hadi Sirika writes:
Almajiri/Almajirci is not only good but ‘wajib’, provided that you cater fully for your child, his food, clothing, hospital, accommodation & transportation. Just as you do in search of Western education. There is no knowledge greater than Qur’an. Almajirci is not street begging, it is search for knowledge, it is therefore compulsory. Street begging is un-Islamic, taboo. It must be stopped!!!
The new head of Turkey’s central bank said she has been priced out of Istanbul’s property market by rampant inflation, leaving no choice for the former finance executive but to move back in with her parents.
“We haven’t found a home in Istanbul. It’s terribly expensive. We’ve moved in with my parents,” 44-year-old Hafize Gaye Erkan, who took up her post in June after two decades in the United States, told the Hurriyet newspaper.
Erkan previously worked at firms including Goldman Sachs and First Republic Bank — and is now getting a crash course in the soaring prices that have seen many young people struggling to find lodgings.
“Is it possible that Istanbul has gotten more expensive than Manhattan?” she said.
Year-on-year inflation stood at 61 percent in November as President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has allowed the lira currency to weaken while promising that a new team of economists with Wall Street experience would tackle years of economic crisis.
To quell growing anger, officials also capped rent increases at 25 percent — though experts say that has only amplified the housing tensions, as owners try to push out occupants, sometimes fraudulently, in order to set new and higher rents.
The central bank last month pushed up benchmark lending rates to 40 percent in a bid to get inflation under control.
“We’re nearing the end of our monetary tightening measures,” Erkan told the paper.
During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF mistakenly identified 3 Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed.
Their bodies were transferred to Israeli territory for examination where it was confirmed that they were 3 Israeli hostages and were identified:
Yotam Haim, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7. Samer Talalka, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Am by the Hamas terrorist organization on October 7. The third hostages’ family has been notified and requested that his name will not be broadcasted.
IDF and Israel Police representatives have notified all of the families.
The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately. The IDF emphasizes that this is an active combat zone in which ongoing fighting over the last few days has occurred. Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field.
The IDF expresses deep remorse over the tragic incident and sends the families its heartfelt condolences. Our national mission is to locate the missing and return all the hostages home.
Our attention has been drawn to a video that is generating conversations on social media in which a passenger made some untrue statements about our 8am Lagos-Abuja flight of today, December 15, 2023.
In the video, the passenger said the aircraft was faulty and the pilot was trying to manoeuvre'. This is a false and sensationalised account of what actually happened.
The passengers boarded as scheduled but the Ground Power Unit. GPU, stationed to power the aircraft suddenly became unserviceable. Because the aircraft was not powered, the cabin became hot. Passengers were then asked to disembark to avoid discomfort in the cabin before a serviceable GPU was deployed to power the aircraft, which later departed and is operating other flights rostered for it.
While we empathise with the passengers for the resulting inconveniences, we seriously object to comments that call into question the safety of the aircraft.
Air Peace is fully compliant with all the established safety standards and cannot compromise in this regard.
It is, therefore, shocking and misleading to say the pilot was 'manoeuvring' and the aircraft was faulty. This is an unfounded statement and we urge members of the public to disregard the post.
Ojoma Ochai takes over from Minister, Bosun Tijani's former job.
Co-creation Hub appoints new Managing Director
(Lagos, 14 December 2023) – Co-creation Hub (CcHUB), Africa’s largest innovation center, proudly announces the appointment of Ojoma Ochai as its new Managing Director. This strategic move follows the former CEO, Bosun Tijani’s commendable transition to serve as the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Ochai, previously the Managing Partner at the Creative Economy Practice of CcHUB, has been an influential figure in cultivating Nigeria’s burgeoning creative industries. Her leadership and expertise in fostering innovative solutions within the creative economy have been integral to the practice’s success.
With almost 20 years of progressive experience in the creative and technology sectors, Ojoma Ochai has emerged as a pioneering force, spearheading groundbreaking initiatives that have propelled Africa’s creative industries to new heights.
“We are delighted to have Ojoma step up as the new Managing Director of CcHUB. Her commitment to achieving social change through innovation and creativity is key to what CcHUB represents,” says Funke Opeke, Chairperson of the CcHUB Board. Her proven track record and strategic leadership are exactly what CcHUB needs to continue building on our mission of contributing to African prosperity through innovation.”
CcHUB is on track for growth to foster stronger partnerships with CcHUB’s wide range of collaborators, strengthen its Pan-African footprint, and deepen its impact in supporting the continent’s innovation ecosystem as Ojoma Ochai enters into her new position as the Managing Director.
I am proud & honoured to assume leadership of CcHUB and all our companies including @iHub @cchubdesignlab and @cchub_namibia. Big shoes of @bosuntijani to fill, but I have a great foundation based on his legacy and the work of @femilonge @tunjieleso and other leaders before me.
Crime › Talatu Salihu Killed By Kidnappers In Abuja (Photo) by nlfpmod(mod): 12:32pm On Jan 17, 2024
insecurities left and right, economy don fall yakata for ground yet na gistlover be their nightmare e be Like say na only me fit this people 000, their mind no Dey ever touch ground ontop my matter, the only blog they couldn't buy or put unde their payroll till today, the only blog wey Dey call their bluff, the only blog wey no Dey look their papa face, you come talk say mal them no fear , shey ko por leti iyawon ni, be Like i Don too Sleep sef, make I apply more pressure , Enikuuuure,