Nigeria case statistics stood at 4,399 with 248 new cases. The number of discharged and deaths stood at 778 and 143 respectively. The new cases were spread across 16 states and FCT, the top three being 81 in Lagos, 35 in Jigawa and 26 in Kano and Borno.

Over in Rivers State, the demolition of two hotels by the state government for flouting COVID-19 rules have generated a heated backlash on Governor Nyesom Wike.

According to the Rivers government, the hotels were demolished for flouting government’s directive on the closure of hotels as part of efforts to limit the spread of COVID-19.

The Cable news portal, reports that a human rights lawyer slammed the move as despotic and accused the Governor of arrogating onto himself powers he did not have.

“It is absolutely pathetic that under the Quarantine Act upon which the governor purportedly issued the executive order, there is no provision at all for the demolition of properties,” Tope Akinyode said in a statement.

Over in Kaduna State, security agencies apprehended two people who fled their homes after test results showed that they had contracted the virus.

Governor El-Rufai announced the “escape” decrying its potential impact on residents of the state but hours later, he confirmed that they had been found and since transferred to an isolation and treatment center.

Briefs of major daily developments and our COVID-19 blog on Nigeria has more information

May 10: 4,121 cases, US repatriation underway
May 9: 3,912 cases, UK returnees, stretched bed spaces
May 8: 3,526 cases, more repatriation flights expected
May 7: 3,145 cases, Niger State patients protest
May 6: Ban on flights extended, repatriation starts, cases hit 3,000 mark
May 5: Almost 3,000 cases, Gombe patients protest ‘poor care’
May 5: Cases hit 2,802, Buhari waives medical import tax
May 4: Relaxation of lockdown starts, Kano deaths explained
May 3: Ganduje relaxes Buhari’s lockdown, 2,388 cases so far
May 2: Nigeria topples Ghana to become most impacted in West Africa
May 1: How Nigeria recorded about 1000 cases in a week
May 10: 4,121 cases, US repatriation underway
Nigeria case statistics stood at 4,151 with 239 new cases. The number of discharged and deaths stood at 745 and 128 respectively. The new cases were spread across 15 states, the top three being 97 in Lagos, 44 in Bauchi and 29 in Kano.

On Sunday morning, the national diaspora commission reported that 160 Nigerians were enroute to Abuja from the United States. The team have since arrived.
“160 Nigerians stranded in the United State of America boarding in US Enroute to Abuja where they will be quarantined for compulsory 14 days as approved by NCDC and the Ministry of Health,” the commission posted on Twitter.

They become the third batch to be repatriated. The first was from the United Arab Emirates last week before another batch flew in from the United Kingdom. Government has stressed that arrangements are being made to help other stranded Nigerians return home.

This time of year is usually the most exciting for football supporters as European club seasons approach their climax, with league titles up for grabs and promotion and relegation battles to be fought out.

Instead, stadiums lie empty and players and fans alike are confined to their homes amid coronavirus lockdowns, leaving end-of-campaign tussles in suspense.

Football authorities have been considering ways to revive and save their seasons. But countries have taken different approaches: the French and Dutch leagues have been cancelled on government orders, while only Germany has eyes on a quick return to action.

Europe's governing body UEFA acknowledges that circumstances mean seasons may not be finished. But it needs clarity regarding qualification for next season's European competitions.

Here is a look at how things stand in the main European leagues and when football may resume.
The English Premier League is still hoping to restart its season amid the coronavirus pandemic. The 20 clubs discussed the latest planning under “Project Restart” on a conference call on May 1.

Planning has been stepped up to try to resume matches in neutral stadiums, with the EPL holding separate talks with the government and its clubs to determine the necessary health measures and logistics.

Club executives were informed by the league that safety certificates were likely to be granted for only eight to 10 stadiums and no team would be able to play at home to prevent fans congregating outside. “Project Restart” has June 8 as the potential earliest date for games.

The league says the “clubs reconfirmed their commitment to finishing the 2019-20 season”, which has 92 fixtures to complete.

Relegation-threatened Brighton became the first club to oppose publicly the idea to play matches at neutral grounds.

Individually, teams have either nine or 10 matches left to play. Liverpool -- aiming for the club's first league title for 30 years -- are top of the table with a commanding 25-point lead over Manchester City.

Lower-league professional clubs in England are also determined to finish the season, but have been told they might not be allowed to have fans at their matches until 2021.
Football in Spain has been suspended since mid-March and it is unclear when the season can resume. Spanish authorities are wary about players gathering on pitches too soon.

The Spanish league wants daily testing of squads and coaches, a plan that the players’ association has objected to as long as tests are scarce among the general public. The government is allowing players to resume training from early May, although the sports minister has cautioned games might not be allowed before the summer.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has said it plans to award next season's European places according to teams' current league positions, if La Liga cannot be completed.

That means current league leaders Barcelona would qualify for the Champions League, with the teams now in 2nd, 3rd and 4th places: Real Madrid, Sevilla and Real Sociedad. The next placed teams, including Atletico Madrid, would qualify for the Europa League.
Germany's Bundesliga football league can resume behind closed doors from mid-May, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on May 6.

"The Bundesliga can resume from the second half of May in compliance with the rules that have been introduced," Merkel said after a meeting with the regional authorities on the easing of the country's lockdown.

"Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga," Christian Seifert, the managing director of the Bundesliga, said in a statement.

Seifert highlighted "the great responsibility for the clubs and their employees to implement the medical and organisational requirements in a disciplined manner".

"Games without stadium spectators are not an ideal solution for anyone," Seifert said. "In a crisis threatening the very existence of some clubs, however, it is the only way to keep the leagues in their current form."

All leagues have been at a standstill since mid-March. Clubs resumed training with players in small groups in April.

On May 2, three people at Bundesliga club FC Cologne tested positive for the coronavirus.

A ban on all large gatherings in Germany until at least the end of August will remain. So even if next season begins on schedule, it seems the first games will be played without fans present.
Germany's Bundesliga football league can resume behind closed doors from mid-May, Chancellor Angela Merkel said on May 6.

"The Bundesliga can resume from the second half of May in compliance with the rules that have been introduced," Merkel said after a meeting with the regional authorities on the easing of the country's lockdown.

"Today's decision is good news for the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga," Christian Seifert, the managing director of the Bundesliga, said in a statement.

Seifert highlighted "the great responsibility for the clubs and their employees to implement the medical and organisational requirements in a disciplined manner".

"Games without stadium spectators are not an ideal solution for anyone," Seifert said. "In a crisis threatening the very existence of some clubs, however, it is the only way to keep the leagues in their current form."

All leagues have been at a standstill since mid-March. Clubs resumed training with players in small groups in April.

On May 2, three people at Bundesliga club FC Cologne tested positive for the coronavirus.

A ban on all large gatherings in Germany until at least the end of August will remain. So even if next season begins on schedule, it seems the first games will be played without fans present.
The Italian government has started to express unease about Serie A resuming in the country that was the first in Europe to feel the full force of the pandemic.

A meeting of the Italian Football Association (FIGC) on May 8 could be decisive. The league is opposed to the season being cancelled, uniting the 20 clubs in a videoconference call on May 1 to call for constructive dialogue with the government.

Players in Italy had been told they might be able to resume training from early May, but this has now been banned until May 18 at the earliest. Sports Minister Vincenzo Spadafora has said the path ahead is becoming "more and more narrow".

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has said that ending the league early would spell "the death of Italian football".

Serie A was suspended indefinitely in March after some matches took place behind closed doors. With 12 fixtures left to play, Juventus are the current league leaders, one point ahead of Lazio.
France's top-flight Ligue 1 has been ordered by the government to cancel its 2019-20 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. But many clubs have said they may appeal against the decision.

Prime Minister Edouard Philippe announced on April 28 that major sports fixtures -- including those behind closed doors -- would not be permitted in the country before September.

The French League (LFP) announced that the final standings would be based on a points-per game ratio. It means that Paris Saint-Germain have been declared Ligue 1 champions for the third consecutive year.

Lorient have been crowned Ligue 2 champions and will be promoted to the top division with second-place Lens.

Amiens and Toulouse have been relegated to Ligue 2. Both clubs, as well as Olympique Lyonnais, say they will reserve the right to appeal the decision. Lyon, in fifth place a week before the last match day, will finish seventh, and out of European competition for the first time since 1996-97.

Lyon were still competing in the 2019-20 UEFA Champions League when play was halted on April 1.

The French Football Federation (FFF) had already decided to put an end to all lower league, amateur and youth football in France.

The man behind one of 2020's most popular viral videos also spoke about his enduring disdain for Luis Suarez, despite being a Barcelona fan.
Benjamin Aidoo, the man behind the viral ‘dancing pallbearers’ meme, says he would be honoured to 'take Ronaldinho to his final home’.

Aidoo set up Nana Otafrija Pallbearing and Waiting Services in Accra in 2007, aiming to bring some joy into the funeral service by celebrating the life of the deceased with music and dance.

"Some people don't want to cry anymore,” Aidoo explained to Foot Mercato. “Others do cry, but whether they want to cry or not, we make them happy, we make them happy thanks to what we do.”
A supporter of Barcelona and Chelsea, Aidoo was jokingly asked which footballer he would most like to take to their grave.

“I wish them a long life, of course, but if I had that chance, I dream of driving Ronaldinho to his last home!” he said. “Then Maradona and finally Messi. Ronaldinho is a player who has always impressed me.

“It would be a tribute from the dancer that I am to the dancer that he was in the field.”

There is some conflict in Aidoo’s footballing allegiance. As a Barca fan, he admits finding it difficult celebrating the success of Luis Suarez – the man who helped dump Ghana out of the 2010 World Cup with his last-gasp handball on the line to deny a certain goal.

“I'm divided. I am ashamed. I feel so bad,” he said. “Whenever I see this player, even when I hear his name, Suarez, I am sad.

“Because a hand from Suarez made my Ghana team return home without being able to play in the semi-finals, which was terrible.

“We have a saying here for Suarez. The name Suarez means the impossible. If you want to achieve something or go somewhere and Suarez is there, it means that you will not succeed. If you really want something and Suarez is there, you can never reach it.”

The resulting penalty from Suarez’ handball was infamously missed by Asamoah Gyan, Ghana’s top appearance-maker and record goalscorer. Despite his many accomplishments, Aidoo says many still haven’t forgiven him.“No, no, they still haven't forgiven him,” he said. “You know that Ghanaians do not forgive.

“The day he missed the penalty, some Ghanaians went to his mother's house and harassed her. His failure had consequences on her mother's health after that, it was really sad.

“So his mother told Asamoah to never take a penalty in his life again. This is why you will never see Asamoah again venture to take a penalty. Because he promised never to risk it again, and now that his mother is 80 years old, I think he is following his wish, never to take a penalty for Ghana again.”

Research is done all the time and most of it goes by unnoticed, but sometimes we come across some results that are too interesting not to share. It can be fun to find out about new facts, although at times you come across things you’d rather not have known. And then there’s the issue that it’s not always completely clear whether the results are accurate.Luckily, the facts we’ve got for you today are of the fun kind! It turns out that your hand can tell you a lot about your personality. It’s really quite bizarre. This research mostly focuses on your fingers. Go to the next page to figure out what your fingers say about your personality!The secret lies in your ring finger and index finger. It can say a lot about what kind of person you are. This test only applies to men because the length of these fingers indicates the level of testosterone in men. There are three types: A, B and C.
A. The ring finger is longer than the index finger
We’re talking about handsome men here. They’re charming and can get along with everyone. Yet they are a little more aggressive and are quick to take risks. This also means that this type of person often makes more money than their colleagues with a shorter ring finger.

B. The ring finger is shorter than the index finger
Men with these hands are very confident and can even be a little narcissistic. These people have no trouble being alone often and don’t like being disturbed. However when it comes to love, they are less confident as they’re not the ones to make the first move and take the initiative.

C. The ring finger and index finger are the same lengths
Maybe this says enough already… men with these hands are good mediators, very loyal and loving. Everything is balanced with this type. They’re calm and everything seems to run smoothly, as if it’s all organised.
What do you think, do you recognize yourself or a loved one in one of these categories?

The Federal Operations Unit of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a vehicle with COVID-19 sticker used to smuggled frozen chicken into the country.

The unit also intercepted various items of contraband worth N12.7billion between January to April 2020.



The FOU A is an anti-smuggling arm of the service saddled with the responsibility of suppressing smuggling in the six states of the South-West.

The Public Relations Officer of the unit, Jerry Attah, said the officers intercepted the vehicle under the guise of essential duty smuggling cartons of smuggled frozen chicken into the country from Benin Republic.

Attah who spoke on behalf of the Customs Area Controller of the unit, Usman Yahaya said the vehicle was arrested along Ijebu ode expressway

He also disclosed that they were intercepted based on intelligence and the eagle eye officers who were on routine patrol at the axis.

“The officers were professional enough to intercept the vehicle which was believed to be used in the movement of essential commodities but was surprise to see that it was used for illegal activities such as movement of contraband.



“We have arrested the vehicle and investigation has commenced to get to the root and unravel other atrocities that may have been committed using the essential duty tag.

Latest Nigeria News, Nigerian Newspapers, Politics
Incessant Killings: NANS, NAOSS demand removal of Ogun Customs Boss
May 11, 2020 in News
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Amotekun has come to stay- NANS
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Ernest Nwokolo, Abeokuta
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) on Monday issued seven – day ultimatum the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), to remove Comptroller of Ogun State Command, Michael Agbara, over alleged reckless and incessant killing of students in the State by Operatives under his jurisdiction.

NANS and NAOSS in a statement, jointly signed by the National Vice President of NANS, Comrade Ojo Raymond and the National President of NAOSS, Comrade Gbemileke Ogunronmbi in Abeokuta, asked the Comptroller General of the NCS, Hameed Ali, to remove the Ogun Controller or face the full wrath of the entire students of the country.

The students’ bodies were apparently reacting to the alleged serial killing of innocent students by the NCS Operatives, the latest victim being a 15 – year old Rilwan Bello who was killed on May 1, 2020, at Owode – Idiroko, when stray bullets fired by the Operatives struck him on the head.Master Rilwan was a Junior Secondary School Students of Area Community High School, Owode.

The students’ bodies bemoaned the incessant killings of students and other residents of various Ogun State border communities in the name of fighting smugglers, describing the State Command of the NCS as constituting grave risk to life and safety of Ogun people.

The grieving NANS and NAOSS, threatened to defy the lockdown order of both the Federal and the Ogun State governments and mobilise students across the nation occupy the NCS Command in Ogun State in protest until Agbara is removed.

[/color]1. Ginger Contains Gingerol, a Substance With Powerful Medicinal Properties

Ginger is a flowering plant that originated from China.
It belongs to the Zingiberaceae family, and is closely related to turmeric, cardamom and galangal.
The rhizome (underground part of the stem) is the part commonly used as a spice. It is often called ginger root, or simply ginger.
Ginger has a very long history of use in various forms of traditional/alternative medicine. It has been used to help digestion, reduce nausea and help fight the flu and common cold, to name a few.
Ginger can be used fresh, dried, powdered, or as an oil or juice, and is sometimes added to processed foods and cosmetics. It is a very common ingredient in recipes.
The unique fragrance and flavor of ginger come from its natural oils, the most important of which is gingerol.
Gingerol is the main bioactive compound in ginger, responsible for much of its medicinal properties. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.


2. Ginger Can Treat Many Forms of Nausea, Especially Morning Sickness

Ginger appears to be highly effective against nausea (2Trusted Source).
For example, it has a long history of use as a sea sickness remedy, and there is some evidence that it may be as effective as prescription medication (3Trusted Source).
Ginger may also relieve nausea and vomiting after surgery, and in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy (4Trusted Source, 5Trusted Source).
But it may be the most effective when it comes to pregnancy-related nausea, such as morning sickness.
According to a review of 12 studies that included a total of 1,278 pregnant women, 1.1-1.5 grams of ginger can significantly reduce symptoms of nausea (6Trusted Source).
However, ginger had no effect on vomiting episodes in this study.
Although ginger is considered safe, talk to your doctor before taking large amounts if you are pregnant. Some believe that large amounts can raise the risk of miscarriage, but there are currently no studies to support this.


3. Ginger May Reduce Muscle Pain and Soreness

Ginger has been shown to be effective against exercise-induced muscle pain.
In one study, consuming 2 grams of ginger per day, for 11 days, significantly reduced muscle pain in people performing elbow exercises.
Ginger does not have an immediate impact, but may be effective at reducing the day-to-day progression of muscle pain.
These effects are believed to be mediated by the anti-inflammatory properties.


4. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects Can Help With Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a common health problem.
It involves degeneration of the joints in the body, leading to symptoms like joint pain and stiffness.
In a controlled trial of 247 people with osteoarthritis of the knee, those who took ginger extract had less pain and required less pain medication.
Another study found that a combination of ginger, mastic, cinnamon and sesame oil, can reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients when applied topically.


5. Ginger May Drastically Lower Blood Sugars and Improve Heart Disease Risk Factors

This area of research is relatively new, but ginger may have powerful anti-diabetic properties.
In a recent 2015 study of 41 participants with type 2 diabetes, 2 grams of ginger powder per day lowered fasting blood sugar by 12% .
It also dramatically improved HbA1c (a marker for long-term blood sugar levels), leading to a 10% reduction over a period of 12 weeks.
There was also a 28% reduction in the ApoB/ApoA-I ratio, and a 23% reduction in markers for oxidized lipoproteins. These are both major risk factors for heart disease.


6. Ginger Can Help Treat Chronic Indigestion

Chronic indigestion (dyspepsia) is characterized by recurrent pain and discomfort in the upper part of the stomach.
It is believed that delayed emptying of the stomach is a major driver of indigestion.
Interestingly, ginger has been shown to speed up emptying of the stomach in people with this condition.
After eating soup, ginger reduced the time it took for the stomach to empty from 16 to 12 minutes.
In a study of 24 healthy individuals, 1.2 grams of ginger powder before a meal accelerated emptying of the stomach by 50%


7. Ginger Powder May Significantly Reduce Menstrual Pain

Menstrual pain (dysmenorrhea) refers to pain felt during a woman’s menstrual cycle.
One of the traditional uses of ginger is for pain relief, including menstrual pain.
In one study, 150 women were instructed to take 1 gram of ginger powder per day, for the first 3 days of the menstrual period.
Ginger managed to reduce pain as effectively as the drugs mefenamic acid and ibuprofen.


8. Ginger May Lower Cholesterol Levels

High levels of LDL lipoproteins (the bad cholesterol) are linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
The foods you eat can have a strong influence on LDL levels.
In a 45-day study of 85 individuals with high cholesterol, 3 grams of ginger powder caused significant reductions in most cholesterol markers.
This is supported by a study in hypothyroid rats, where ginger extract lowered LDL cholesterol to a similar extent as the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (16Trusted Source).
Both studies also showed reductions in total cholesterol and blood triglycerides.


9. Ginger Contains a Substance That May Help Prevent Cancer

Cancer is a very serious disease that is characterized by uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
Ginger extract has been studied as an alternative treatment for several forms of cancer.
The anti-cancer properties are attributed to 6-gingerol, a substance that is found in large amounts in raw ginger.
In a study of 30 individuals, 2 grams of ginger extract per day significantly reduced pro-inflammatory signalling molecules in the colon.
However, a follow-up study in individuals at a high risk of colon cancer did not confirm these findings (20Trusted Source).
There is some, albeit limited, evidence that ginger may be effective against pancreatic cancer, bre*st cancer and ovarian cancer. More research is needed.


10. Ginger May Improve Brain Function and Protect Against Alzheimer’s Disease

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammation can accelerate the aging process.
They are believed to be among the key drivers of Alzheimer’s disease and age-related cognitive decline.
Some studies in animals suggest that the antioxidants and bioactive compounds in ginger can inhibit inflammatory responses that occur in the brain.
There is also some evidence that ginger can enhance brain function directly. In a study of 60 middle-aged women, ginger extract was shown to improve reaction time and working memory (25Trusted Source).
There are also numerous studies in animals showing that ginger can protect against age-related decline in brain function.


11. The Active Ingredient in Ginger Can Help Fight Infections

Gingerol, the bioactive substance in fresh ginger, can help lower the risk of infections.
In fact, ginger extract can inhibit the growth of many different types of bacteria (29Trusted Source, 30Trusted Source).
It is very effective against the oral bacteria linked to inflammatory diseases in the gums, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
Fresh ginger may also be effective against the RSV virus, a common cause of respiratory infections (32Trusted Source).



12. Anything Else?
Ginger is one of the very few superfoods actually worthy of that term. You can buy fresh or powdered ginger at your local grocery store or purchase ginger supplements online.[color=#006600][color=#000000][/color]