The making of the popular Ofe Owerri

Ofe Owerri , which is usually prepared with two different vegetables namely Uziza and Ugu or Uziza and Ukazi, is a favourite of the Igbos from Imo State, South-eastern Nigeria.
This is a highly nutritious vegetable soup usually flavoured with aromatic Uha leaves. An average Owerri man is an ardent lover of this vegetable soup which literarily means Owerri soup.
The soup is one out of many soups eaten by the Igbos. Uziza helps a lot to prevent allergy and running nose. Those who do not eat hot spices can benefit a lot from the use of Uziza to prevent or cure their running nose.
Ugu (pumpkin) leaf is reputed to be highly rich in dietary iron, calcium and magnesium. Research shows that this vegetable has great antioxidant capacities, helping to restore any damage to our cells and skin, protecting our heart and enhancing youth.
It also protects against liver damage caused by agents such as paracetamol and other toxins.
Another unique ingredient used in the preparation of this Igbo delicacy is cocoyam. Cocoyam is a class in the category of tubers, which are known for the fertility benefits mostly experienced by the Yoruba people in Nigeria due to their love for its consumption.
They are also good sources of Vitamins and the trace mineral manganese and most importantly, they serve our daily requirement of carbohydrate.
These vegetables are available frozen in North America and Europe at some African food stores. In Nigeria, it is gotten raw from the market.
The above vegetables are used as part of the vegetable used in writing this recipe. You might want to try it out. You won’ t regret it.
Depending on the style of each cook, one can flavour Ofe Owerri with Uziza leaves, and you can as well not put it.

Ingredients                             Quantities
Ugwu leaves                             2 medium bunches
Uziza leaves                              1 medium bunch
Meat/Chicken                            8 medium pieces
Smoked Fish                              1 medium size
Stock Fish                                  4 medium pieces
Ogiri                                           1 wrap
Crayfish                                       1 bunch
Cocoyam                                     2 tablespoon
Dry pepper (ground)                    1 tablespoon
Palm Oil                                       1 cooking spoon
Water                                           2 litres
Salt                                               to taste                                  


Preparation Method

Start by soaking your stockfish for around an hour. After that peel and cook your cocoyam until it is very soft; then pound it in a mortar until the paste comes out smooth. Wash the meat or chicken very well before putting it in a pot; season it to your taste, add a little water and cook till soft and edible. Soak your smoked fish and add salt to kill any form of bacteria.
When you have confirmed that your meat is done, you can add your stockfish and smoked fish and leave to cook for 4 minutes. Then you can add pepper, crayfish and palm oil.
After about 2 minutes, add cocoyam in bits and leave to dissolve. Put shredded uziza and ugwu leaves, Ogiri and salt to taste, stir and then leave to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Bring down your pot of nutritious Ofe Owerri because it is ready for consumption.

How I Escaped Death – Festac Boat Tragedy Survivor Recounts Ordeal

The survivors of the yesterday's tragic boat accident in Festac, Lagos, having claimed 13 lives, recounted how they managed to stay alive and how other passengers died in the ill-fated canoe.
 

Speaking with journalists, one of the survivors, Joseph Essien, said if not the human error the mishap could have been escaped.
"If the passengers had taken the boat boy’s warning, maybe the tragedy would not have occurred."
Explaining how how it all happened Joseph added that the state of the canal, which is deep and swampy, also became one of the reasons why the boat capsized.
That very day after completing their work at the site they left for home. At the river bank, they met the ill-fated canoe waiting for passengers. Instead of entering, the men allowed those who came after them to board the canoe.
The boat boy insisted that not more than 13 passengers were allowed, however he yielded to the pressure of the passengers, who begged him to take them on board.
Joseph was quoted saying:
"After they all entered, the canoe failed to move and all efforts by the canoe boy proved abortive. He sought the assistance of those still at the 6th Avenue shore to push the canoe to make it sail. Few minutes after the canoe sailed it begun to swing and water entered inside. Within seconds, the boat had capsized. I knew I wasn’t a good swimmer. All I relied upon was the little knowledge I had gained while swimming in pools. I would have drowned because I had a bag on me where I kept my tools. Immediately I discovered that the bag was hindering me from gaining access to the shore, I removed it and swam to the water’s edge where the bystanders assisted."
Thirteen corpses have been recovered yesterday after the boat capsized at a river at fourth avenue, opposite 41 road junction, Festac, Lagos, 5 people were severely injured and taken to the hospital.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61744.html

hhREAD MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61744.html

Kidnappers Of Wazobia FM Journalist Demand Ransom For Victim Release

The gunmen, who seized a presenter with Wazobia FM in Port Harcourt, Anthony Akatakpo, popularly known as Akas Baba, on Thursday, are asking for a ransom of N10 million naira, the journalist’s employers have said.



The management of Steam and Globe Broadcasting and Communications Limited, owners of the station are however calling for the unconditional release of Mr. Akatakpo.
Mr. Akatakpo, an on-air radio personality with the station was kidnapped from his home by unidentified gunmen in the early hours of Thursday. Steam and Globe Broadcasting and Communications Limited is the owner of Cool FM, Wazobia FM and Nigeria Info.
A statement by the company indicated that Mr. Akatakpo was assaulted and shot on the leg before his abductors whisked him away in his Mitsubishi Endeavor SUV with registration number LSD 871 CM.
Apart from the trauma brought on the family by the violent treatment given the popular journalist, the kidnappers are said to have also demanded a N10 million ransom.
Part of the statement reads,
“The family and management of Wazobia FM have reported the kidnap to the police as well as other security agencies. We are optimistic that the police alongside other security agencies will do a thorough job of securing the release of Akas Baba.
“We hereby urge security operatives in the state to do everything possible to quicken the release of the ace broadcaster from the kidnappers’ den. We are worried that his health might degenerate if he does not get access to medical care as a result of the gunshot wound he sustained.”
Akas Baba is the host of “Make Una Wake Up” a breakfast show on Wazobia FM, Port Harcourt. The show, which is broadcast on weekdays from 5am to 10am; is one of the most popular radio shows in the South-South zone of Nigeria.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61742.html


READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61742.html

25 Diseases And Medical Conditions Cured By Sex

Sex may not save your liver, but it will help you shake off a funk. Having sex will help boost your endorphins and oxytocins, which stimulate muscle contraction and help you avoid aggressiveness.
1. Depression:
Without the help of researchers, just about anyone can agree that sex will make you feel good about yourself and just a bit more confident. But one researcher has said there’s a scientific explanation that goes a bit farther. Professor Gordon Gallop says that there’s an unknown chemical in semen that has an antidepressant effect on women.
2. Pregnancy:
Sex is both the cause and the cure for pregnancy. Women who are ready to induce labor often have sex to speed up the process, and research backs up this method. Semen contains prostaglandins, which help the cervix prepare to open, and orgasms produce oxytocin, which will help cause contractions.
3. Headaches:
Although sex can sometimes bring on a headache, it can cure them too. The tension release your body experiences during and after sex can ease restricted blood vessels in the brain.
4. Menstrual cramps:
Sex acts as an analgetic to relieve menstrual pain, primarily because of the relaxation and endorphins sex brings.
5. Arthritis:
In his book, “How to Treat Arthritis with Sex and Alcohol,” rheumatologist Carter V. Multz asserts that sex, as well as alcohol and other complementary treatments, can reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with arthritis.
6. Common cold:
Manfred Schedlovski, a Swiss researcher from Zurich, asserts that sex has a positive effect on phagocytes, which are a part of the immune system that goes after alien bodies, like cold germs, and kills them. Phagocytes are increased signficantly during sex, and will often double after orgasm.
7. Stress:
Orgasms offer a great way to relax, and even nonorgasmic sex offers some relief. Dr. Joshua Golden asserts sex’s relaxation properties, as well as emotional benefits.
8. Tooth decay:
Kissing, as well as oral sex, encourages saliva production. This increase in saliva helps to wash food particles from your teeth, prevents plaque build-up, and helps lower decay-causing acid. Additionaly, seminal plasma has been shown to help prevent tooth decay.
9. Erectile dysfunction:
By exercising your Kegel muscles with frequent sex and delaying ejaculation, men can help strengthen muscles enough to help with minor erection problems.
10. High blood pressure:
Semen has been found to lower blood pressure in women. Specifically, swallowing semen can help ward off preeclampsia, which is a dangerously high blood pressure that sometimes occurs during pregnancy.
11. Insomnia:
Many people find that the relaxation they experience after sex helps them go to sleep.
12. Prostate cancer:
Men who ejaculate more frequently have been found to be at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
13. Hangovers:
Sex may not save your liver, but it will help you shake off a funk. Having sex will help boost your endorphins and oxytocins, which stimulate muscle contraction and help you avoid aggressiveness.
14. Toxic system:
Sex gets your blood pumping faster, which helps to rid the body of waste.
15. Heart disease:
Studies have shown that if men have sex twice a week or more, they tend to have a lower risk of heart attack. For women, increased levels of estrogen caused by sex help to protect against heart disease.
16. Stubborn wounds:
Studies have found that oxytocin, which is released during sex, can help wounds heal faster.
17. Low energy:
Sex increases energy through exercise and emotional well-being.
18. Minor cognitive problems:
Whenever you become sexually excited or have an orgasm, the hormone DHEA is released. DHEA has been found to improve cognition.
19. Skin irritations:
The sweat released during sex will cleanse your pores, helping to relieve rashes, blemishes, and other skin problems.
20. Pain:
Orgasm releases endorphins, which will alleviate pain for just about everything.
21. Obesity:
Although few doctors are likely to prescribe a sex diet, the fact is that sex is a form of exercise. Performing the act of sex requires physical activity that will burn calories and strengthen your heart. It’s an especially great exercise for those who have little motivation to get to the gym.
22. Incontinence:
Every time you have sex, you’re exercising your Kegel muscles, which are the same ones you use to stem the flow of urine.
23. Weak bones and muscles:
Sex brings on a boost of testosterone, which helps to make your bones and muscles strong.
24. Semen allergy:
Unfortunately, some women are allergic to their partner’s semen. However, along with other treatments, frequent sex has been found to work as an effective desensitization therapy for this allergy.
25. Death:
That’s right, sex can help ward off death for men. Professor Stuart Brody reports that men who orgasm twice a week are half as likely to die as those who only orgasm once a month.
READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61700.html

I thought only people in Africa got HIV says HIV positive British mum

48 year old mother of three Racheal Dilly who got diagnosed with HIV in 2004 said prior to her diagnosis had thought HIV/AIDS only affected Africans because she didn't know any white person who had the disease at the time.

Speaking with hosts of ITV Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, yesterday, Racheal Dilly said she got infected after she dated a man she met online and had unprotected sex with him. She said she started falling ill when they ended their relationship and she was asked to go do HIV test after all other test conducted read negative.
"I just didn't know anything about it. I just thought you got it in Africa. I didn't know a white person had ever got it". Dilly said to her amazed hosts yesterday.
How ignorant!
                     

Breast cancer prevention: How to reduce your risk

Breast cancer prevention starts with healthy habits — such as limiting alcohol and staying physically active. Understand what you can do to reduce your breast cancer risk. 
 
If you're concerned about breast cancer, you may be wondering if there are steps you can take toward breast cancer prevention. Some risk factors, such as family history, can't be changed. However, there are lifestyle changes you can make to lower your risk.

What can I do to reduce my risk of breast cancer?

Lifestyle changes have been shown in studies to decrease breast cancer risk even in high-risk women.  The following are steps you can take to lower your risk:

• Limit alcohol. The more alcohol you drink, the greater your risk of developing breast cancer. If you choose to drink alcohol — including beer, wine or liquor — limit yourself to no more than one drink a day.
• Don't smoke. Accumulating evidence suggests a link between smoking and breast cancer risk, particularly in premenopausal women. In addition, not smoking is one of the best things you can do for your overall health.
• Control your weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of breast cancer. This is especially true if obesity occurs later in life, particularly after menopause.
• Be physically active. Physical activity can help you maintain a healthy weight, which, in turn, helps prevent breast cancer. For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity weekly, plus strength training at least twice a week.
• Breast-feed. Breast-feeding may play a role in breast cancer prevention. The longer you breast-feed, the greater the protective effect.
• Limit dose and duration of hormone therapy. Combination hormone therapy for more than three to five years increases the risk of breast cancer. If you're taking hormone therapy for menopausal symptoms, ask your doctor about other options. You may be able to manage your symptoms with nonhormonal therapies, such as physical activity. If you decide that the benefits of short-term hormone therapy outweigh the risks, use the lowest dose that works for you.
• Avoid exposure to radiation and environmental pollution. Medical-imaging methods, such as computerized tomography, use high doses of radiation, which have been linked with breast cancer risk. Reduce your exposure by having such tests only when absolutely necessary. While more studies are needed, some research suggests a link between breast cancer and exposure to the chemicals found in some workplaces, gasoline fumes and vehicle exhaust.

Can a healthy diet prevent breast cancer?

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables hasn't been consistently shown to offer protection from breast cancer. In addition, a low-fat diet appears to offer only a slight reduction in the risk of breast cancer.
However, eating a healthy diet may decrease your risk of other types of cancer, as well as diabetes, heart disease and stroke. A healthy diet can also help you maintain a healthy weight — a key factor in breast cancer prevention.

A man carrying 18 human heads was arrested by Ogun police officers on Wednesday morning. READ MORE:

The suspect, Adelani Ayomide, draw the attention of the policemen who were on stop and search operation along Ado-Odo – Owode road in Ado – Odo – Ota Local Government area of the state.
The man was carrying a bag and was going on foot.
When stopped for searching it was discovered that the bag contains 18 human skulls.
Human skulls are supposed to be harvested from burial ground.
It was reported that the suspect hails from Ilaro, the Headquarters of Yewa South Local Government
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, informed that  Adelani Ayomide would be transferred to the state department of investigation, Eleweran, Abeokuta for further investigation into the crime.
The Commissioner of Police, Mr Ikemefuna Okoye, has assured the general public of thorough investigation and make the suspect face the wrath of the law.
He also urged the public to assist the police with information that would assist them in getting other suspects in connection with the 18 human skulls.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61681.html

INCREDIBLE: Prophet Predicts Death Of Nadia Buari, Yvonne Nelson, Others

 












A Ghanaian prophet has revealed during his appearance at a radio show that some of the country’s most-loved celebs are on the death list.

Prophet Samuel Baffour of El Shaddai Prayer Centre stated that God has shown him the names of the stars who are in danger. The list included Jim Iyke’s girlfriend, Nadia Buari, Yvonne Nelson, Samini, Obour, Kabobo and Lil’ Win. The prophet also described how they might die: 

 

Nadia Buari

This death would be similar to Suzzy William’s. Suzzy, a budding actress, perished in a vehicles accident along the Labadi-Tema road.

Yvonne Nelson

Some haters in Ghana would love the actress to be dead. They plotting against Yvonne, so her progress and carrier growth would be stalled. Such crisis would sink so low that nobody recognises her anymore. This will eventually result in her death.

Lil’ Win

Another death on the road has been predicted. Kumawood actor’s life might end in bizarre circumstances. He will either die by knocking down somebody with his car, which will result in his lynching, or he will drive his car into a tree or an electric pole.

Obour

The President of Musicians Union in Ghana is also at risk, according to the prophet. When Obour visits a funeral ceremony of a fellow musician, some haters would poison him. Therefore, toxins would kill Obour.

Samini

The prophet warned that some persons in the music industry are planning the death of the ‘African Dancehall King’, Samini. His name was actually first seen by the prophet. Some people are envious of artiste’s talent and success, so they may harm him, which will lead to his death.

READ MORE:  http://news.naij.com/61661.html

65-Yr-Old Man Impregnates 3 Ladies And His Own Daughter Twice

 

There must be a specific name we should give to this old man. What could he be thinking? 65-year-old traditional healer from Bezha Village in Umzingwane district impregnated three teenagers from the village including his own daughter for whom he paid Z$80 billion bride price.

Angry villagers on 18 February converged at headman Nkala’s homestead demanding the arrest of Killion Moyo, describing him as a “sex predator” from whom their children were not safe. Nkala said the issue was reported to Esigodini police. According to Chronicle News, Moyo fathered two children aged four and three with his daughter. He warned he would send lightning to strike anyone asking about his relationships.
A neighbour’s daughter also has Moyo’s children aged eight and five while another girl who reportedly fled to neighbouring South Africa, has a three-year-old child with the traditional healer.
Moyo confessed to a Chronicle News crew that he had been sleeping with his daughter since 2003 when she was in Grade Seven, alleging it was a way of appeasing the spirit of his late wife.
Further, he stunned villagers alleging that he had paid Z$80 billion lobola (bride price) to his daughter’s grandmother. He also confessed that he has been sleeping with two other young girls from the village.
A villager said: “We are afraid of Moyo because he always threatens to strike people with lightning. He has been involved in a string of child abuse and rape cases for many years.”
One of the victims aged 23, told Chronicle that she was in Grade Seven when she was told by her parents that she was going to stay with Moyo because he was now responsible for paying her fees.
She said Moyo did not send her to school but started involving her in his rituals.
“Moyo gave me a separate room but at night he would sneak into my blankets and tell me that I was a wife of the spirits.
“He took my virginity molesting me until I fell pregnant at the age of 14. He threatened me with lightning if I tried to escape. As it is, I have two children with him and he does not take care of them,” said the victim, who has since fled back to her parents.
Her father, Lazarus Dube said Moyo tricked him into allowing him to marry his under-age daughter by promising him sweet potatoes and cattle.
“He never brought the cattle or the sweet potatoes,” said Dube.
Moyo told Chronicle that the spirit of his late wife Joyce Mpofu ordered him to marry their daughter. His wife died in 1990.
“My wife worked with me during my rituals. After her death she tormented me through dreams, asking me to look for a woman belonging to the family who was going to take her role,” said Moyo, displaying a toothless grin.
“I discussed with my mother-in-law, Petheni Moyo-Bhebhe asking her to give me a wife from her family so that I could solve my problems. She agreed to replace Joyce with my daughter, now 23-years-old.”
Moyo said he took his daughter to his shrine, which he calls Elitsheni and introduced her to the ancestors who approved their marriage.
He added: “I paid my mother-in-law Z$80 billion lobola. She refused to inform other relatives about the issue. I then started sleeping with her.”

John Dumelo’s Estranged Wife Celebrates Their Anniversary

Harrinia Alexander is the supposed ex-wife of John Dumelo. John and Harrinia are in the centre of a controversial marriage. John has denied ever marrying Harrinia, he insists that the so-called marriage was fake and it was done for a documentary. Harrinia on the other hand insists that he is indeed John’s legal wife. Today being their supposed wedding anniversary, Harrinia wrote a touching open letter to John.  (GistUs)
Here it is:

“To my husband on our anniversary march 11, 2014.
When I look back at how we began;
the laughter and love that we shared,
I smile at all the ways we loved and we dared
to dream of a wonderful future together
and how we promised this was forever
And I try to recall the moment when
things started to change;
Just what it could’ve been
to cause our happiness to slip away,
And though I may never find the answer
I do know one thing for sure;
I still love you now
as much as I did then
and I don’t know how
but we can get through this
I’m not ready to give up on us
You’re still my one true love
To my husband John Dumelo
All I want for this anniversary is for you to
Be honest to everyone about our marriage.
You keeping silent and going around telling
Everyone you are not married is not being a good
Role model as you call yourself.
People look up to you, I am asking you this from my
Heart be honest.