Author: Lifestyle & Wellness Desk

Public health experts have clarified that reports of children with an AS genotype born to AA-genotype parents are almost always the result of laboratory errors, sample mix-ups, or rare genetic anomalies, rather than a biological possibility. Doctors explained that two AA parents can only pass on the A gene, meaning their children would normally have an AA genotype. Conflicting results are usually caused by inaccurate genotype testing due to poor lab techniques, misinterpretation of uncommon haemoglobin variants, or the use of rapid tests without confirmatory procedures. In exceptional cases, rare mutations or mix-ups at birth can create confusion, but these instances are extremely uncommon. Experts advise families in such situations to repeat genotype testing in accredited reference laboratories and avoid assuming infidelity when a child’s genotype appears inconsistent with their parents’. The clarification follows discussions on social media, where some users claimed to be AS while both parents were reported as AA, prompting debates about paternity. Specialists emphasized that genotype testing is a laboratory-based method used to determine an individual’s genetic makeup, identify inherited blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and assess genetic compatibility for family planning. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder where red blood cells become misshapen, reducing their ability to carry oxygen efficiently and leading to complications such as pain, infections, stroke, and acute chest syndrome. Nigeria has the highest SCD burden, with approximately 150,000 newborns affected each year. Public health professionals, including Dr. Rotimi Adesanya, explained that while AA parents are expected to have AA children, rare exceptions can occur due to lab errors, gene mutations, or mix-ups during childbirth—though these are extremely rare, about one in a million. He stressed that inaccurate testing is the most common cause of confusion, urging couples to confirm their genotypes in government-recognized reference laboratories. “Normally, AA parents will have AA children. Most discrepancies arise from lab errors or uncommon variants of the S gene, such as SC, SE, which may be misinterpreted as AS,” Adesanya said. He also mentioned rare biological factors, like fused twins, that can result in unusual genetic outcomes but stressed these are exceptional cases. Dr. Adesanya warned against hasty conclusions or accusations of infidelity, recommending that families repeat tests in accredited reference labs to verify results. He shared cases where children initially thought to be AS were later confirmed to have AA genotype after accurate testing. Similarly, Dr. Babatunde Adewumi noted that it is not genetically possible for two AA parents to have an AS child, as a child can only inherit the S gene if at least one parent carries it. He explained that laboratory errors, poor techniques, or misinterpretation of results are the most common causes of such discrepancies. Adewumi added that uncommon haemoglobin variants like Hb C, D, or E can interfere with standard genotype results and be misread as A or S. Advanced tests, such as HPLC or DNA analysis, can resolve these uncertainties. DNA testing is considered the most definitive method but is usually reserved for cases where standard testing produces conflicting results. In conclusion, experts emphasized that AA parents producing an AS child is almost always due to errors, not biology, and families should rely on accredited testing and scientific verification to clarify any discrepancies.

The Academic Board of Kogi State Polytechnic, Lokoja, has approved the results for the 2024/2025 academic session. According to a statement on Tuesday by the school’s Director of Public Relations and Protocol, Uredo Omale, the approval was made during the 127th Academic Board meeting held on Monday. “The Board has reviewed and approved the second-semester results of ND II and HND II students across various departments and programmes. A total of 56 students graduated with Distinctions, including 20 in the National Diploma (ND II) and 36 in the Higher National Diploma (HND II) programmes,” Omale said. The meeting, held at the Academic Office Complex, was chaired by Professor Salisu Usman, who commended the Central Result Verification Committee, led by Deputy Rector Dr. Samuel Olowo, for their thorough and professional review. He also praised the Deans of Schools, Heads of Departments, and the Director of the Information Technology Resources Centre (ITRC) for their dedication throughout the results processing period. “The Rector expressed sincere appreciation to His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for creating an enabling environment for education in the state. The support of the state government has played a key role in strengthening the Polytechnic’s academic structures and infrastructure,” Omale added. Usman encouraged graduating students to be proud ambassadors of the institution and urged current students to stay focused on their studies. He reaffirmed the management’s commitment to transparency, academic integrity, and the overall development of students across all disciplines.

Britain’s unemployment rate rose unexpectedly to 5 percent in the third quarter, reaching its highest level since early 2021, official figures revealed Tuesday ahead of the government’s upcoming budget. The rate climbed from 4.7 percent in the second quarter, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported, exceeding analysts’ forecast of 4.9 percent for July to September. ONS Director of Economic Statistics Liz McKeown noted that the number of people on payroll has been falling, with revised tax data showing declines for most of the past 12 months. The figures add pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which continues to struggle in popularity 16 months after the last general election. “There will be no pre-budget comforts to take from today’s employment data,” said Isaac Stell, an analyst at Wealth Club. “Not only has the unemployment rate increased, but wage growth continues to shrink. With budget speculation at its peak, businesses are delaying hiring and investment decisions until there is more clarity on the economic outlook.” Analysts suggested that the weaker employment data could increase the likelihood of the Bank of England cutting its main interest rate at its December monetary policy meeting, providing some relief. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves has indicated that the upcoming budget will include tax increases aimed at reducing government debt and funding public services.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has stated that diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and the United States is ongoing and producing positive results amid recent tensions. The remarks follow US President Donald Trump’s claims last month that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups. On his Truth Social platform, Trump said “thousands of Christians are being killed” and designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” directing the Pentagon to develop “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in Nigeria. His comments were condemned by the Nigerian government and drew concern from the international community. President Bola Tinubu rejected the allegations, affirming that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and protects the rights of all faiths, while China and Russia urged the US to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. In an interview on Sky News’ The World With Yalda Hakim, Idris said communication channels between Abuja and Washington have been re-established and are proving effective. A statement by the minister’s media aide, Rabiu Ibrahim, confirmed the development. “Channels of communication have been opened; we are talking to them, and I believe they are gaining a clearer understanding of the situation,” Idris said. “Most of the information circulating seems to stem from a lack of proper understanding of the diversity and complexity of our challenges.” The minister also alleged that some US lobby groups have links to a proscribed separatist organisation in Nigeria and are providing misleading information to American authorities. “We are observing a direct connection between certain US lobbyists and a banned terrorist group in Nigeria, and they have reached out to high-level officials in the US to advance their agenda,” he said. Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its longstanding security partnership with Washington and called for continued collaboration in combating terrorism. “While we face security challenges, the United States has historically assisted Nigeria in addressing these issues. We are calling on them to partner with us again to ensure lasting peace in our country,” he said. The minister also urged the US to better understand Nigeria’s realities, expressing concern over some figures and assessments circulating abroad. “We want to clarify the situation and appeal for recognition of the complexity and diversity of our context,” he stated. Idris questioned the reliability of the data supporting claims of religious intolerance in Nigeria, saying, “Some of the assumptions are based on data that cannot withstand scientific scrutiny.” He reaffirmed that the Nigerian constitution guarantees religious freedom and emphasized that, despite ongoing conflicts, Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation and that the unrest is not driven by religious persecution.

An additional 2,300 US flights were cancelled on Monday as President Donald Trump threatened pay reductions for air traffic controllers calling in sick amid the government shutdown. Trump criticized absent aviation workers as unpatriotic, prompting the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) to praise members working without pay as “unsung heroes” and urge Congress to end the shutdown immediately. “Enough is enough,” the union said. The situation underscores growing pressure on the aviation sector as the record-breaking shutdown reached day 41. The air traffic control system, already strained by understaffing, now faces a surge in passengers with Thanksgiving travel approaching. In addition to Monday’s cancellations, over 8,700 flights involving US airports were delayed, according to FlightAware, while more than 1,100 flights scheduled for Tuesday have already been scrapped. Last week, the administration ordered 10 per cent flight reductions at dozens of major airports due to “staffing triggers.” Trump took to social media to warn that controllers who do not return to work “will be substantially ‘docked’” and called for all air traffic controllers to get back to work immediately. He also proposed a $10,000 bonus for “GREAT PATRIOTS” who remained on duty during the shutdown. Union president Nick Daniels described a potential congressional deal as a “step in the right direction,” stressing that air traffic controllers should not be used as political leverage during the shutdown. NATCA released a statement praising controllers for continuing to perform one of the most demanding jobs in the world without pay, often working six-day weeks and ten-hour days. Democratic Congressman Rick Larsen criticized Trump’s comments, calling them “nuts” and highlighting the dedication of controllers keeping the aviation system operational. Trump later reiterated the bonus proposal during a Fox News interview but admitted uncertainty over funding sources, saying, “I don’t know. I’ll get it from someplace…I always get the money from someplace.” Prospects for ending the longest shutdown in US history improved as enough Senate Democrats joined Republicans to pass a government funding bill through January. However, Daniels cautioned that after a 2019 shutdown, it took two and a half months for all controllers to receive back pay, raising concerns about what will happen when the next funding bill expires on January 30. Controllers like Amy Lark, who attended the NATCA event, described the personal toll of missed paychecks. “Yesterday, my kids asked me how long we could stay in our house. Having to answer that question was heartbreaking,” she said. The shutdown and staffing cutbacks are also affecting travelers. At Miami International Airport, passenger Jack Nicks said, “I have other friends who are flying today. They’ve already had three flight changes. So it’s a little rough.”

As the Christmas season nears, licensed agents in Nigeria’s maritime sector have reported a significant slowdown in import activity, with declines ranging from 40 to over 50 per cent. Some industry players estimate reductions as high as 80 per cent, while others place the drop between 63 and 70 per cent. In separate interviews on Sunday, Mr. Pius Ujubuonu, former interim National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, explained that multiple factors have contributed to the slowdown. “No doubt, cargo throughput has dropped significantly, mainly due to foreign exchange challenges. As of August, importation fell by about 62 to 65 per cent, and it may have dropped further to around 65 to 70 per cent in the past few months,” Ujubuonu said. He also highlighted planning issues and inconsistent government policies as key obstacles. “Importation is influenced by decisions made months in advance. Policy somersaults, especially in fiscal and trade regulations, have impacted imports more than infrastructure issues,” he noted. Ujubuonu warned that importation levels could fall even further. Emeka Okonkwo, former Secretary-General of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders, agreed that imports have slowed but suggested the decline is less severe. “Importation has dropped, but not as much as 80 per cent. The fall is likely between 40 and 50 per cent. Normally, imports rise during Christmas, but limited liquidity and reduced consumer demand are affecting operations,” he said. Mr. Ugochukwu Nnadi, a member of the Elders of Maritime Agents and Associations, also confirmed the slowdown. “Import activity is very low. Most shipping companies have only one or two ships berthing until year-end. Ports are no longer congested as they used to be, and uncertainties around government tax policies are making importers cautious. Compared to previous years, activity has dropped by over 80 per cent,” Nnadi explained. In contrast, Mr. Frank Ogunojemite, National President of the Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria, disputed claims of declining imports. “There is no drop. Importation has actually increased, considering rising freight charges from China. If imports were down, shipping rates would have fallen. My data indicates the market is stronger this year than last,” he said. The slowdown in maritime imports reflects wider challenges in Nigeria’s automobile market. National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) data show that passenger car imports fell sharply, reflecting weaker consumer purchasing power and lower transport sector activity. According to NBS foreign trade data, passenger vehicle imports in the first half of 2025 totaled ₦479.26bn, down 9.69 per cent from ₦530.67bn in the same period of 2024. The downward trend has continued since 2023, when total imports fell from ₦1.47tn to ₦1.26tn in 2024, a 14.29 per cent drop. Quarterly data show imports in Q1 2025 at ₦224.58bn and Q2 at ₦254.67bn, compared with ₦238.73bn and ₦291.93bn in the same quarters of 2024, underscoring the persistent slowdown. Dealers and analysts cite foreign exchange constraints, high import duties, and declining consumer purchasing power as key factors making car ownership increasingly unaffordable for households and businesses.

Manchester United striker Bryan Mbeumo continued his fine form at the weekend, scoring his fourth goal in as many matches as he opened the scoring in a 2-2 Premier League draw against Tottenham Hotspur. The 26-year-old Cameroonian will now turn his focus to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with the Indomitable Lions facing the Democratic Republic of Congo on Thursday in an African play-off. A win in Rabat would set up a final against Gabon or Nigeria three days later, with a spot in the intercontinental play-offs next March at stake. ENGLANDBryan Mbeumo (Manchester United)Mbeumo netted his sixth goal of the season, heading in from a cross by Ivory Coast winger Amad Diallo in the 32nd minute against Tottenham. The Cameroonian is gaining momentum following a slow start after his mid-year transfer from Brentford. Idrissa Gueye (Everton)The Senegalese midfielder scored early in Everton’s 2-0 victory over Fulham, converting a rebound from a James Tarkowski header. Gueye’s goal, his second of the season, keeps him on track to surpass last season’s tally of four goals. Ibrahim Sangaré (Nottingham Forest)The Ivory Coast midfielder scored his first goal for Forest in a 3-1 win over Leeds at the City Ground. Sangaré’s strike in the 15th minute gave Sean Dyche’s side the lead, with further goals from Morgan Gibbs-White and Elliot Anderson securing the club’s first league win since the opening weekend. GERMANYYan Diomandé (RB Leipzig)Diomandé extended his scoring run for Leipzig with an early goal in a 3-1 Bundesliga defeat to Hoffenheim. The 18-year-old Ivorian has now scored in three consecutive games and added three assists over the same period. FRANCEPierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Marseille)Gabon captain Aubameyang scored after a precise cross from Matt O’Riley to seal a 3-0 home win over Brest. The victory temporarily placed Marseille at the top of Ligue 1, though they finished the weekend second, two points behind PSG. Mamadou Sangaré (Lens)The Mali international scored as Lens defeated Monaco 4-1. He was fouled just before half-time, leading to a red card for Folarin Balogun, and then scored in stoppage time before the break to extend Lens’ lead.

Atalanta are reportedly close to parting ways with head coach Ivan Jurić, with Raffaele Palladino expected to take over the Serie A club. According to an X post by Fabrizio Romano on Monday, Romano wrote: “Plan confirmed: Atalanta are on the verge of sacking Ivan Jurić to appoint Raffaele Palladino as new head coach.” The club, renowned for its attacking style and strong domestic and European performances, has struggled with inconsistency at the start of the season, prompting management to make a change. Palladino, a former Atalanta player and current youth coach, is expected to be officially appointed in the coming days. The 41-year-old has earned a strong reputation within the club’s academy and is seen as a promising choice to stabilize the first team while preserving Atalanta’s playing philosophy. Jurić, who previously managed Torino, joined Atalanta with ambitions of building on the club’s recent achievements. However, the team’s underwhelming start has intensified pressure from fans and the board. While Atalanta has not yet made an official announcement, sources indicate that both sides are in the final stages of negotiations to formalize the coaching change

The Nigerian Army has clarified the circumstances surrounding a viral video showing a confrontation between its personnel and Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, during Saturday’s governorship election in Awka. The video, which circulated widely on social media, shows the deputy governor questioning the presence of soldiers at Ukwu Oji Umubele, Awka Ward 5, asking who authorised their deployment and whether they were supposed to be involved in the election process. A background voice in the clip also alleged that the soldiers were trying to seize election materials and kidnap presiding officers—claims immediately denied by the officer in charge. In a statement shared on the Army’s X account on Sunday night, Lt. Col. Olabisi Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, said the video misrepresented the events. He explained that the soldiers were deployed in response to a distress call from NYSC officials and other INEC staff at the polling unit. “To clarify, at approximately 2020 hours (8:20 pm), an officer of the 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support) received a report that NYSC officials and corps members were being held hostage by suspected political thugs following the unexplained disappearance of the collation officer assigned to the unit,” the statement read. “In line with the Army’s constitutional duty to support civil authorities and protect citizens, a rapid response team of two officers and 12 soldiers was promptly deployed to the scene.” Upon arrival, the troops encountered a tense situation involving several political figures, including the deputy governor, who questioned their presence. Despite the provocation, the soldiers maintained professionalism and successfully rescued the corps members and INEC officials, escorting them safely to the INEC office where collation continued without further incident. The Army emphasized that the viral video lacked context, stating that the deployment was a humanitarian and security intervention intended to protect lives and ensure a peaceful election. The statement added that “any contrary interpretation is baseless, misleading, and regrettable.” To improve future coordination, the Army noted the behaviour of some political actors during the incident and said it would engage with the Anambra State Government. The statement reiterated the military’s commitment to neutrality and the protection of democratic institutions, urging the public to disregard false narratives surrounding the event.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has advised Nigerians and other Africans affected by the recent mass visa revocations in the United States to return home before facing possible action from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In a post shared on his X (Twitter) account on Monday, Sani warned that regardless of how long one resides abroad, they will eventually be reminded that it is not their true home. He wrote: “Nigerians and other thousands of Africans whose visas were recently revoked by President Trump should hasten to leave the country and return home before they get arrested by ICE.No matter how long you live in the comfort of your adopted home, you will someday be reminded that it’s not your father’s house.” Sani’s advice follows reports that the US State Department has revoked at least 80,000 visas since January 2025 under President Donald Trump’s administration — more than double the figure recorded in the previous year. According to the report released last Thursday, the revoked visas include 16,000 linked to driving under the influence, 12,000 for assault, and 8,000 student visas. Other grounds for cancellation reportedly include terrorism support, criminal offenses, public safety concerns, overstays, and actual terrorism-related cases. Although the nationalities of those affected were not specified, a previous statement from the US government in August indicated that over 6,000 student visas were revoked due to overstays and legal violations, including a few cases tied to terrorism support. In recent months, the United States has also tightened its visa policies. In July, the US Embassy directed applicants for F, M, and J non-immigrant visas to make their social media accounts public as part of enhanced background checks. That same month, it announced a major policy revision affecting Nigerian applicants, including shorter validity periods for several visa categories.