Renee Onque

Meditating is a proven way to reduce stress, improve sleep and keep you engaged in your work and relationships. While a regular meditation practicemight sound intimidating, it can actually be quite simple and take up very little of your day, according to Dr. Esther Sternberg.

Sternberg, a physician and author of “Well at Work: Creating Wellbeing in any Workspace,” encourages people to try what she calls “micro-meditations.”

“It doesn’t have to be the daunting kind that requires months, if not years, of training, like Zen meditation,” she tells CNBC Make It. These small acts require a lot less time, and don’t have to involve sitting in stillness.

These five steps, whether done routinely or in a stressful moment, offer some of the same benefits of meditation — and you can do them pretty much anywhere.

5 simple techniques for a calm mind, from a doctor

1. Deep breathing exercises

Inhale deeply from your diaphragm, while placing your hands on your stomach. Aim for your stomach to move out as you breathe in.

“You do that a few times, and that will immediately put a brake on the stress response,” Sternberg says.

Another deep breathing exercise that Sternberg recommends is the 4-7-8 technique: inhale for four seconds, hold your breath for seven and exhale for eight.

2. Fix your attention on something

“Attention is another aspect of micro-meditation,” Sternberg says.

Just looking out the window and noting what you see, like the way the sun hits the leaves, “takes [you] out of [your] immediate anxiety zone.”

Sternberg’s suggestion resembles the 5-4-3-2-1 method which prompts you to pay attention to the things in your surroundings. Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you hear, two things you smell and one thing you taste.

3. Spend time in nature

Head to your local park or any green space and just take a walk, Stenberg says. “Inhaling deeply, slow walking, all of those things kick in the relaxation response.”

When you walk or hike in the woods, “you’re breathing in what we call biogenic volatile organic compounds, which are the molecules released from plants just before rain or just after rain, when the air is moist,” Sternberg says. “Those molecules themselves are relaxing.”

Even if you aren’t anywhere near a forest, a walking meditation in nature where you actually pay attention to what you see and hear, “takes you away from worrying about your troubles,” she adds.

4. Practice gratitude

There’s a Choctaw tradition that starts the day by “looking at each of the four directions, north, south, east, west and up and down,” Sternberg says. The goal of the practice is to “feel gratitude for everything you see, all the trees, all the houses, whatever you see, feel gratitude, and feel gratitude for your loved ones.”

Expressing gratitude for what you have and what nature provides moves you into a state of compassion.

“When you’re in a compassion state, you’re releasing dopamine, you’re releasing endorphins, all these feel-good molecules,” she says.

Keeping a gratitude journal and adding to it once a week left participants in a study feeling more optimistic than groups who wrote about the negative events that happened or general thoughts about the week’s events, according to one study.

5. Drink a cup of tea

Having a cup of tea may not seem like a meditation but it can be, Stenberg says. An ancient tea ceremony in Japan involves giving thanks to everyone who attends and being grateful for everything that contributes to the experience, including the teapot and the cup.

“When you focus on that [and] slowly, instead of just pouring the tea in and gulping it down,” and watch the tea change the color of the water and give off steam, the act becomes a micro-meditation. Relax and “feel the warm cup against your hands,” she says.

CNBC

Chief of Defence Staff Christopher Musa has unveiled a comprehensive approach to national security, declaring that military interventions can address only 30 percent of Nigeria's security challenges, with the remaining 70 percent dependent on critical socio-economic factors.

Speaking at a roundtable discussion on "National Security and National Interest," Musa challenged traditional perceptions of security, arguing for a holistic approach that extends far beyond military might. He emphasized that true national security requires a multifaceted strategy addressing social, economic, and environmental dimensions.

"In our complex geopolitical landscape, we cannot view security through a narrow military lens," Musa stated. "While military strength is crucial, it represents merely 30 percent of the solution to our national security challenges."

The defence chief highlighted the critical importance of non-military interventions, stressing that the remaining 70 percent of security solutions lie in developing a robust, educated, and socially cohesive population. He called for a broader understanding of security that encompasses human development, economic stability, and social harmony.

Musa advocated for a collaborative approach involving the military, journalists, and media organizations to foster national unity and address security challenges comprehensively. He recommended several strategic approaches, including:

- Prioritizing human security

- Implementing investigative reporting on policy impacts

- Promoting dialogue and inclusive stakeholder engagement

- Advocating for sustainable practices

- Utilizing evidence-based reporting and data

"National security cannot be the sole responsibility of the Armed Forces," Musa emphasized. "It requires a holistic strategy that builds trust, understanding, and cooperation across all sectors of society."

The defence chief's remarks underscore a critical reframing of national security, positioning military action as just one component of a more comprehensive approach to addressing Nigeria's complex security landscape.

By highlighting the 30-70 percent breakdown, Musa is calling for a paradigm shift in how Nigeria approaches national security, emphasizing that long-term stability depends more on socio-economic development than military actions alone.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

At least two explosive devices believed to have been planted by terrorists went off at separate locations in the Dansadau District of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

Two explosions occurred on the road between Dansadau and Malamawa and another on Malele Road, all in the Dansadau district.

A resident, Nuhu Babangida, said passengers in a Canter Truck going to the Dansadau weekly market on Friday escaped death after the truck, loaded with grains, ignited the bomb.

Babangida said the explosions on Malamawa and Malele roads went off simultaneously but recorded no casualties.

This was the third explosion in five days in the Dansadau Emirate, occurring on Sunday, Wednesday, and Friday.

At least 12 people were reportedly killed Wednesday morning after an explosive blew off a bridge at Tashar Sahabi.

The victims were travelling in an overloaded Golf car to Gusau from Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State when the incident occurred at about 8 a.m. at the Maru LGA.

PT

Nigeria's economic landscape showed mixed signals in the third quarter of 2024, with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reporting a robust trade surplus of N5.81 trillion and a moderate capital importation of $1.25 billion.

The trade data revealed a significant expansion in total merchandise trade, which increased by 81 percent from N19.38 trillion in Q3 2023 to N35.16 trillion in Q3 2024. Exports dominated the trade balance, accounting for 58.27% of total trade at N20.48 trillion, with crude oil remaining the primary export, valued at N13.4 trillion and representing 65.44 percent of total exports.

Regarding capital importation, the figure dropped by 51.90 percent compared to the previous quarter, declining from $2.60 billion in Q2 2024 to $1.25 billion in Q3 2024. However, this still represents a 91.35% increase from the same quarter in 2023.

Foreign portfolio investments led the capital importation, contributing $899.31 million (71.79 percent), followed by other investments at $249.53 million (19.92 percent) and foreign direct investment at $103.82 million (8.29 percent).

The banking sector emerged as the top recipient of capital inflows, attracting $579.48 million (46.26 percent), followed by the financing sector with $294.55 million (23.51 percent) and the production/manufacturing sector with $189.22 million (15.11 percent).

Geographically, the United Kingdom was the primary source of capital importation, contributing $502.60 million (40.12 percent), followed by South Africa with $185.03 million (14.77 percent) and the United States with $163.86 million (13.08 percent).

Lagos state continued to be the leading destination for capital importation, attracting $650.41 million (51.92 percent), with Abuja (FCT) following closely at $600.02 million (47.90 percent).

On the international trade front, Spain emerged as the top export destination, accounting for 11.07 percent of total exports, while China remained the major import partner, representing 24.36 percent of imported goods.

These figures indicate a complex economic environment with challenges in capital importation but strength in export performance and trade balance.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The price of local rice in Nigeria surged by 137.32% in October 2024 compared to the same period last year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). This sharp increase has propelled rice into the top ten most expensive staple foods in the country.

The NBS's Selected Food Prices report for October 2024 highlighted the significant rise, with the average price of local rice reaching N1,944.64 per kilogram, up from N819.42 in October 2023. This increase underscores the ongoing inflationary pressures affecting food prices and exacerbates the economic challenges faced by Nigerian households.

Month-on-month, local rice prices also saw a 1.56% rise, climbing from N1,914.77 per kg in September 2024. The report indicated notable regional disparities, with Kogi State registering the highest price for local rice at N2,693.41 per kg, while Benue State recorded the lowest at N1,267.25. These variations reflect regional differences in supply, demand, and distribution challenges, which local farmers and producers are grappling with amid rising production costs.

The NBS report also pointed to a broader trend of high food inflation in Nigeria, which was 39.16% in October 2024, up from 31.52% in the same month the previous year. The rise in food inflation was attributed to price increases across several categories, including rice, maize, yams, palm oil, vegetable oil, and other essential foodstuffs.

On a month-on-month basis, food inflation rose by 2.94%, compared to 2.64% in September 2024, signaling that food prices are likely to continue rising. The report highlighted that inflationary pressures are being driven by factors such as exchange rate volatility, fuel price hikes, and persistent supply chain disruptions.

In addition to local rice, the price of agricultural rice, often sold by local farmers, also saw a significant increase. Agricultural rice prices rose by 138.90% year-on-year, reaching N2,023.68 per kg in October 2024, up from N847.08 in the same period in 2023. The price of agricultural rice varied across states, with Nasarawa reporting the highest price at N3,120.49 per kg and Benue recording the lowest at N1,354.87.

Even local rice varieties like Ofada rice, popular in southwestern Nigeria, have experienced steep price increases. Ofada rice saw a 199.16% year-on-year rise, with the average price reaching N2,428.65 per kg in October 2024, up from N811.83 in October 2023. Prices varied significantly across states, with Osun State recording the highest price at N3,400 per kg.

Imported rice, which remains a significant part of Nigeria’s rice supply, also saw a dramatic rise in price. The average price for imported rice increased by 143.21% year-on-year, reaching N2,471.28 per kilogram in October 2024, up from N1,016.12 in October 2023. The highest price for imported rice was recorded in Kogi State at N3,187.35, while Niger State had the lowest at N2,017.04. This increase is largely due to the devaluation of the naira, import tariffs, and global rice price hikes, influenced by factors such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising energy costs.

These price increases in local, Ofada, and imported rice are contributing significantly to Nigeria’s escalating food inflation, which continues to strain household budgets across the country. While local rice production has grown in recent years, it remains insufficient to meet domestic demand, further increasing Nigeria’s reliance on imported rice.

Notable legal practitioner Afe Babalola has launched a defense against allegations made in Dele Farotimi's book "Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System," claiming the publication has irreparably damaged his hard-earned reputation.

At a press conference held at the Afe Babalola Bar Centre in Ado-Ekiti, Babalola, through his lead counsel Owoseni Ajayi, expressed deep concern over what he describes as defamatory remarks in Farotimi's publication.

"The assertions made in this book threaten to destroy what I have spent my entire life building," Babalola stated, emphasizing that the damage goes beyond monetary compensation.

The legal luminary has taken formal action, submitting a petition to the Ekiti State Police Commissioner requesting intervention. The petition calls for:

- Farotimi to provide proof of the truthfulness of his publications

- Potential prosecution for criminal defamation

- Confiscation of allegedly defamatory publications pending investigation

- Preventing further publication of content that attacks Babalola's reputation

Drawing on a traditional Yoruba proverb, Babalola highlighted the importance of hearing both sides of a story, stating, "Anyone who judges by the report of just one party is the most wicked."

The dispute stems from Farotimi's book, which Babalola claims contains misleading and damaging statements. He argues that while free speech is fundamental, it should not come at the cost of deliberately injuring another's reputation.

Challenging the Nigerian Bar Association's (NBA) position on the matter, Babalola cited the legal precedent of Aviomoh v C.O.P. (2022), asserting that defamation can be both a civil tort and a criminal offense.

"Is it wrong for me to seek justice against these false utterances?" Babalola questioned, challenging those who might view his legal action as an attempt to silence criticism.

The press conference serves as a defense mechanism, with Babalola urging the public to verify facts and not rush to judgment based on one-sided narratives.

As the legal battle unfolds, the case raises important questions about the boundaries of free speech, professional reputation, and the legal recourse available when those boundaries are allegedly crossed.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Ghana holds a presidential and parliamentary election on Saturday (today) amid hopes for an economic revival after the worst financial crisis in a generation, which led to a major debt default in the West African nation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo is stepping down next month after serving the two terms allowed by the constitution in Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa producer and a significant gold producer.

Twelve candidates are vying to succeed him, but the race is seen as primarily between Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, chosen successor of Akufo-Addo's New Patriotic Party (NPP), and former President John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

Opinion polls have tipped Mahama, who served as president from 2012 to 2016, for a potential comeback.

Polling stations open at 0700 GMT and close at 1700 GMT. Some provisional legislative results were expected by Saturday night and Sunday, while the presidential outcome is expected by Tuesday, although trends often allow an early prediction.

Mahama, 66, has framed Bawumia as representing a continuation of policies that led to Ghana's economic woes, and has promised to renegotiate terms of a $3 billion IMF bailout secured last year to restructure the country's debts. The crisis peaked in 2022 when Ghana turned to the IMF.

"I will fight corruption to restore integrity and fairness, two critical ingredients missing from our governance," Mahama said in closing campaign remarks in Accra's Madina neighbourhood on Thursday.

Bawumia, a 61-year-old former central banker, has highlighted Ghana's gradual recovery from the crisis, with economic growth surging by 6.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2024, the fastest rate in five years. He told supporters he will foster policies that will strengthen Ghana's recovery.

He has promised to simplify the tax system, halve the number of government ministers, and cut public spending by 3% of GDP if elected.

"The reason why we are going to win this election is because of the good work that we've done as a government," Bawumia told cheering supporters at the University of Ghana campus during a final rally on Thursday.

Ghana's cedi currency has been strengthening, however high inflation and government debt sustainability remain a concern for investors.

"This election holds significant importance not only for Ghana but also for West Africa, where democracy is under scrutiny," Oxford Economics said in a research note.

Approximately 18.7 million out of Ghana's 34 million population are registered to vote.

Reuters

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Ukraine shows off new 'rocket-drone' in bid to boost long-range strikes

Ukraine showed off a new locally-produced "rocket-drone" on Friday which it said could fly 700 km (430 miles) - more than twice the longest range attributed to missiles supplied by Western allies.

The unmanned craft, called "Peklo" - which means hell in Ukrainian - is the second such "rocket drone" unveiled by Kyiv as it tries to increase its ability to strike deep into Russia, which invaded 33 months ago.

The drones could reach speeds of 700 kph, a representative from Ukraine's state arms manufacturer Ukroboronprom told reporters at a ceremony where they were officially handed over to the armed forces.

No other details were provided and no evidence was given of the drone's range or speed. Ukraine has released few details of its arms industry, citing concerns about giving useful information to Moscow.

Ukraine's arms production minister told Reuters in November the "rocket-drone" could be viewed as something akin to a cruise missile, which flies low on a guided path to its target, usually below the speed of sound.

The drones were more than a metre long, with small wings on either side and two tail fins. US-supplied ATACMS missiles have a declared range of just over 300 km.

Russia has used thousands of long-range missiles and drones to hit military and infrastructure targets all over Ukraine.

Kyiv has sought the ability to strike back, but its allies until last month resisted calls to allow use of their missiles on targets deep inside Russia.

Ukraine has sought to balance the long-range strike gap throughout the war by launching explosive-laden propeller drones at targets up to 1,000 km inside Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, who was at Friday's ceremony, said last month that Ukraine was developing four different missiles.

However, despite successful launches already having taken place, the missile programme has been plagued by global supply chain issues, Ukraine's arms minister previously told Reuters

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Russian troops liberate six communities in Donbass area, Zaporozhye Region over week

Russian troops liberated six communities in the Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and the Zaporozhye Region over the week of November 30 - December 6 in the special military operation in Ukraine, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.

"Battlegroup South units liberated the settlements of Ilyinka and Romanovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic as a result of active operations… Battlegroup Center units kept moving deep into the enemy’s defenses and liberated the settlements of Petrovka and Pustynka in the Donetsk People’s Republic… Battlegroup East units liberated the settlements of Novodarovka in the Zaporozhye Region and Sukhiye Yaly in the Donetsk People’s Republic as a result of active operations," the ministry said in a statement.

It follows from the ministry’s latest report that Russian troops liberated the settlements of Sukhiye Yaly and Pustynka in the Donbass region over the past 24 hours.

Russia strikes Ukrainian military-industrial sites, army deployment areas over week

Russian troops delivered six strikes by precision weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles at Ukrainian military-industrial enterprises, army deployment areas and weapons arsenals over the week, the ministry reported.

"In the week of November 30 - December 6, the Russian Armed Forces delivered six combined strikes by precision weapons and attack unmanned aerial vehicles at power facilities of Ukraine’s military-industrial sector, infrastructure of military airfields, assembly and storage facilities of unmanned aerial vehicles, an electronic intelligence center, weapons arsenals, ammunition depots and deployment areas of Ukrainian armed formations, special operations forces, foreign instructors and mercenaries. All the goals of the high-precision strikes were achieved," the ministry said.

Kiev loses over 13,000 troops in all frontline areas over week

The Ukrainian army lost more than 13,000 troops in battles with Russian forces in all the frontline areas over the past week, according to the latest data on the special military operation in Ukraine released by Russia’s Defense Ministry.

The latest figures show that the Ukrainian army suffered roughly 2,210 casualties from Russia’s Battlegroup North, over 3,565 casualties from the Battlegroup West, more than 2,400 casualties from the Battlegroup South, more than 3,600 casualties from the Battlegroup Center, 950 casualties from the Battlegroup East and 435 casualties from the Battlegroup Dnepr.

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicts 2,210 casualties on Ukrainian army over week

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted roughly 2,210 casualties on Ukrainian troops in its areas of responsibility in the Kursk area and the Kharkov Region over the week, the ministry reported.

"Over the week, Battlegroup North units continued destroying Ukrainian armed formations on the territory of the Kursk Region. Combat aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and artillery struck manpower and equipment of two armored, five mechanized and two air assault brigades of the Ukrainian army, a marine infantry brigade and four territorial defense brigades," the ministry said.

In the Kharkov direction, Battlegroup North units inflicted damage on formations of two air assault brigades of the Ukrainian army, a territorial defense brigade, a National Guard brigade and two border guard detachments of Ukraine’s Border Guard Service, the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in those frontline areas over the past week amounted to 2,210 personnel, nine tanks, including a German-made Leopard tank, 42 armored combat vehicles, among them three US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicles, 52 motor vehicles and 16 field artillery guns, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicts over 3,565 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup West repelled 64 Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted more than 3,565 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the week, the ministry reported.

"Battlegroup West units improved their frontline positions and inflicted damage on manpower and equipment of an armored brigade, seven mechanized brigades, an airborne brigade and a jaeger brigade of the Ukrainian army, four territorial defense brigades and two National Guard brigades. They repelled 64 counterattacks by assault groups of the Ukrainian army," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past week totaled more than 3,565 personnel, a German-made Leopard tank, nine armored combat vehicles, among them two US-made M113 armored personnel carriers, 36 motor vehicles and 15 field artillery guns, including seven NATO-produced 155mm howitzers, it specified.

In addition, Russia’s Battlegroup West units destroyed eight electronic warfare and counterbattery radar stations and 17 field ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army over the past week, it said.

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicts over 2,400 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup South inflicted more than 2,400 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported.

Over the week, Battlegroup South units "inflicted casualties on seven mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, a mountain assault brigade, two airmobile brigades and an air assault brigade of the Ukrainian army and a marine infantry brigade. They repulsed six counterattacks by Ukrainian army units," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past week amounted to more than 2,400 personnel, eight armored combat vehicles, 25 motor vehicles and six field artillery guns, including four Western-made weapons, it specified.

In addition, Russian forces destroyed three electronic warfare stations and six field ammunition depots of the Ukrainian army over the past week, the ministry said.

Russia’s Battlegroup Center inflicts over 3,600 casualties on Ukrainian army in week

Russia’s Battlegroup Center repelled 72 Ukrainian counterattacks and inflicted more than 3,600 casualties on enemy troops in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported.

Over the past week, Battlegroup Center units "inflicted losses on manpower and equipment of a heavy mechanized brigade, five mechanized brigades, a motorized infantry brigade, an infantry brigade and a jaeger brigade of the Ukrainian army, two marine infantry brigades, a special operations brigade, five territorial defense brigades and two National Guard brigades. They repelled 72 enemy counterattacks," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past week amounted to more than 3,600 personnel, 31 armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, six M113 armored personnel carriers and an M1117 armored security vehicle of US manufacture, 16 armored vehicles, among them two Turkish-made Kirpi vehicles, a US-made MaxxPro armored fighting vehicle, a British-made Mastiff armored vehicle, 12 Kozak armored fighting vehicles, 21 motor vehicles and 31 field artillery guns, it specified.

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicts 950 casualties on Ukrainian army over week

Russia’s Battlegroup East inflicted roughly 950 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy tanks in its area of responsibility over the past week, the ministry reported.

Over the past week, Battlegroup East units "inflicted losses on formations of four mechanized brigades of the Ukrainian army and seven territorial defense brigades. They repelled 15 counterattacks by enemy assault groups," the ministry said.

The Ukrainian army’s losses in that frontline area over the past week amounted to 950 personnel, five tanks, including three German-made Leopard tanks, 15 armored combat vehicles, among them four US-made MaxxPro armored fighting vehicles and four US-manufactured HMMWV armored vehicles, 29 motor vehicles and 14 field artillery guns, of which five Western-made 155mm self-propelled artillery systems, it specified.

Reuters/Tass

The following are said with the utmost respect to all parties involved…

In my humble opinion, Baba made a mistake. When you are fighting injustice, there are at least three courts to consider:

1. Court of Law: what the law of the land says

2. Court of Public Opinion: the optics of the matter

3. Court of Conscience: what is known between you and your Maker

Yes, Baba can invoke the legal mechanisms of the land of which he is an undeniable master. The law at first glance seems to be on his side.

Now, somebody has accused you of having the judiciary in your pocket. The way to clear yourself cannot possibly be, in the most ferocious way, through the same judiciary that is alleged to be in your pocket even up to the revered Supreme Court! Even if Baba wins, the optics of the matter is that the victory is in fact proof of the allegation! It _is_ a pyrrhic victory at best!

Two, somebody has accused you of having law enforcement at your fingertips. You made sure to have him locked up for at least a week (or more, who knows?). _A kii pe'ni l'ole, k'a maa gbé ọmọ ẹran ṣ'eré!

Third, libel can be civil or criminal. You that is already on the watchlist of abusers of influence chose the criminal route. You must finish your enemy completely especially since this is not the first libel case between you two.

Fourth, you extradited your accuser from Lagos State where libel is civil, where he is based and must have published the book, to Ekiti State -- fifth -- your power base, where you are the highest taxpayer, and where libel just happens to have a criminal option! _Kàkà ko san l'ara iya àjẹ́, o fi gbogbo ọmọ b'obirin!

Sixth. This book is self published, independently published, and self promoted. I once published a book both in the UK/US for international distribution and locally for national distribution. I know the implication of what Dele Farotimi did: it appears that he feared his opponent so much that he chose to publish by himself. And, to be fair, Baba has ubiquitous influence!

Seventh… if I say this one I will be extradited to Ekiti State straight!

The masses don't fight for justice, they fight injustice. Where there are two injustices, they invariably support the weaker victim!

Libel was the first injustice.

The extradition and continued detention is a second injustice -- according to popular opinion. It is therefore easy to know why the public is buying the book and hailing the publisher.

If Baba had taken the civil route, maybe even in Lagos State, he would have taken the fight to his traducer, and the story would have been very different. The Civil Liberties_ angle would not have come in, I expect.

When fighting a smaller opponent, one must take pains to not go from victim to villain. We all remember _

David vs Goliath_, _David vs Saul_, and _Nabal vs David_. I call it _The Wisdom of Abigail_!

But what is done is done.

Perhaps in his unquestionable quest for justice Baba can support the clamour for bail lest he continues to appear, as it must seem to some, to be a power-drunk nonagenarian!

I have chosen to answer the question, _Do elders make mistakes?_, with an Affirmative YES!. Those who believe in the infallibility of parents do well to ignore my comments.

As for the third court, the court of conscience, A-L-L things shall be made bare before the One whom God Almighty had appointed as the Judge of the whole world, even the living (the quick) and the dead. -- Acts 10⁴²; 17³¹

1 Corinthians 4: 5

Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord Jesus Christ comes. *_He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

However quick or influential we are on earth, the Day of Reckoning beckons. Let he who has power wield it in the full cognisance of its transience! Only Jehovah has infinite power.

Death Clock is an innovative app that uses artificial intelligence to accurately predict a person’s life expectancy based on a number of factors like diet, exercise level and sleeping habits.

We’re all going to die someday, but wouldn’t it be nice to have an idea of when that will be? Many people would probably answer ‘no,’ but for those curious when their demise will occur, there’s Death Clock. Launched in July, this AI-powered app uses a dataset of over 1,200 life expectancy studies and 53 million participants to provide personalized death predictions to its users. It’s a dark premise, to be sure, but financial planners have been paying a lot of attention to Death Clock because of its potential to motivate people to more carefully plan their finances for retirement.

“A huge concern for elderly people, our retirees, is outliving their money,” financial planner Ryan Zabrowski told Forbes, adding that AI-powered tools like Death Clock can help people make informed decisions about their finances to better handle the twilight of their existence.

Death Clock users are required to answer a questionnaire that includes basic demographic information such as age, gender, and ethnicity, as well as detailed questions about family history, mental health, and chronic diseases. Diet, exercise habits, stress levels, and sleep patterns are also factored in by advanced algorithms in order to provide the most accurate death prediction possible.

Judging by anecdotal examples, it seems that Death Clock yields relatively optimistic results. For example, TechCrunch reporter Anthony Ha recently used it and learned that he would die at the ripe old age of 90, with a chance to extend his life to 103, if he makes some lifestyle changes. Then again, the Social Security Administration’s mortality rates table estimates that an 85-year-old man in the US has about 5.6 years to live.

With over 125,000 downloads since its launch in July, Death Clock has definitely become one of the most-talked-about AI-powered apps available.

Oddity Central