Metro
Stop Consuming Dead Whales, Bayelsa Government Warns Residents of Mercury Poisoning
The Bayelsa state government has issued a stern warning to residents against consuming dead whales, highlighting the severe risk of mercury poisoning.
This advisory follows an incident in Okpoama, Brass Local Government Area, where residents recently butchered and consumed a dead whale.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Toyin Azebi, addressed journalists after a meeting of the Bayelsa Taskforce on Immunisation and Health Services in Yenagoa. Azebi emphasized that eating dead whales not only risks mercury poisoning but also botulism and bacterial infections.
Azebi also criticized the recent inclusion of Bayelsa State in a list of states affected by a cholera epidemic outbreak, as published by the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC). She stated that there is no confirmed cholera outbreak in the state, describing the NCDC’s report as a misrepresentation.
“The NCDC report is a gross misrepresentation of the Bayelsa data, and we have tackled them on it. They have reviewed our data with us and will soon issue a new pronouncement excluding us as a state with a cholera outbreak,” Azebi said.
Azebi provided detailed statistics to support her claim: since January 2024, there have been 449 suspected cholera cases reported across Bayelsa’s eight LGAs. However, only two new suspected cases were reported in the most recent week, and none were confirmed as cholera. Extensive testing, including 42 Rapid Diagnostic Tests, yielded only 14 positives, all of which turned negative upon culture testing, the gold standard for cholera diagnosis.
“In summary, the cholera situation in Bayelsa State is under control with no confirmed positive case. The state government is taking active and comprehensive steps to manage the situation effectively, ensuring public health and safety,” she concluded.
For more details, visit: lindaikejisblog.com
Last Updated on June 21, 2024 by Grace Simon
Metro
Must-Watch Movies Releasing December 2025
Christmas and year-end are perfect for movies, and December 2025 has something for everyone — from family-friendly adventures to thrilling horror and blockbuster action.
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- Avatar: Fire and Ash — December 19, 2025
The next chapter in the iconic “Avatar” saga. Epic visuals, a new Na’vi clan (“Ash People”), and high-stakes emotional storytelling. Perfect for fans of fantasy and adventure.
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- Anaconda — December 25, 2025
A horror-comedy reboot of the 1997 classic. Chilling jungle horror mixed with humour, great for audiences who love thrills with laughs.
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- The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants — December 19, 2025
Animated adventure fun for families and kids. Full of laughter, bright visuals, and holiday cheer.
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- Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 — December 5, 2025
Horror sequel ideal for thrill-seekers. Dark, scary, and perfect for fans of suspenseful horror movies.
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- Silent Night, Deadly Night — December 12, 2025
Horror remake perfect for viewers who enjoy suspenseful and chilling holiday-themed films.
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- The Housemaid — December 25, 2025
A dark thriller with gripping drama. Best for adults who prefer suspense and psychological intensity.
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- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — December 12, 2025
Mystery/detective film part of a beloved franchise. Great for whodunit lovers and fans of clever plot twists.
Metro
Budget-Friendly Christmas Décor: Beautiful DIY Ideas to Light Up Your Home”
Christmas is the season of joy, light, and warmth — and decorating your home is one of the best ways to feel the festive spirit. But you don’t have to spend too much to make your space look magical. With a little creativity, you can create beautiful DIY Christmas decorations, stunning wreaths, unique ornaments, and stylish home-decor — all on a budget.Whether you enjoy crafting or you’re just looking for simple ways to make your home cozy, these ideas will bring Christmas magic into every corner of your space.⸻✨ Why DIY Christmas Decorations?DIY décor is: • Affordable — save money while still decorating beautifully • Personal — handmade items add warmth and meaning • Fun — a great activity for kids, friends, and family • Customizable — create décor that fits your style and homeIt’s the perfect way to celebrate without breaking the bank.⸻🎀 1. DIY Christmas WreathsA wreath on your door sets the tone for the season!You can create one using: • Old ribbons • Green leaves or faux greenery • Bells • Bows • Glitter spray • Fabric scrapsSimply wrap the materials around a circular frame, tie with ribbon, and hang. It’s simple and looks elegant.⸻🎄 2. Homemade Christmas Tree OrnamentsInstead of buying expensive ornaments, make your own: • Paper snowflakes • Glittered pinecones • Painted baubles • Mini gift boxes • Personalized name tags • Fabric starsThese give your Christmas tree a special homemade charm.⸻🕯️ 3. Candle Jars & Table CenterpiecesOld jars can become beautiful décor: • Add candles • Fill with Christmas balls • Add ribbons or fake snow • Use fairy lights • Add cinnamon sticks for a warm scentPlace them on your dining table or TV stand for a cozy glow.⸻⭐ 4. Budget-Friendly Home Décor IdeasYou can decorate your home beautifully with everyday items: • Wrap empty boxes as “Christmas gifts” and place under your tree • Hang fairy lights on windows and shelves • Use red and green pillow covers • Add a Christmas tablecloth • Create a “Christmas corner” with stockings and candles • Place mini trees on tables for a simple festive touchSimple changes can make your home feel completely transformed.
Last Updated on December 7, 2025 by Grace Simon
Here are some self-improvement tips and strategies to attract positive people into your life:
Self-Improvement Tips
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Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Regular mindfulness practices can enhance mental clarity and reduce stress, helping you stay focused on personal growth
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Know Your Strengths: Focus on developing your strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses. This can help you excel in areas where you naturally shine
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Invest in Yourself: Prioritize self-care, maintain a balanced diet, and engage in activities that bring you joy and inner peace
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Limit Social Media: Reduce social media usage to avoid unhealthy comparisons and distractions, allowing more time for self-development
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Set Achievable Goals: Break down large goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain motivation and track progress
Attracting Positive People
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Cultivate a Positive Mindset: People are drawn to positivity and energy. Focus on developing a positive outlook through self-reflection and mindfulness
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Engage in Community Activities: Participate in events or groups aligned with your interests to meet like-minded individuals
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Practice Empathy and Kindness: Show genuine interest in others and offer support when needed. This builds strong, meaningful relationships
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Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to ensure you attract people who respect and value you
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Be Authentic: Be true to yourself and express your genuine personality. Authenticity attracts people who appreciate you for who you
- In conclusion, self-improvement is a transformative journey that empowers individuals to enhance their quality of life through intentional practices and mindset shifts. Key strategies include:
Self-Reflection and Awareness: Understanding your strengths and weaknesses helps guide personal growth
Growth Mindset:
Embracing challenges as opportunities for development fosters resilience and adaptability
Self-Care and Rest:
Adequate rest and self-care are crucial for maintaining motivation and energy
Goal Setting and Planning:
Writing down goals and scheduling time to work on them ensures progress and accountability
Mindfulness and Meditation:
These practices reduce stress and improve focus
Continuous Learning:
Engaging in activities like reading, journaling, and learning new skills expands knowledge and personal growth
By integrating these strategies into daily life, individuals can cultivate a more fulfilling and balanced existence, attracting positive relationships and experiences along the way.
Last Updated on February 27, 2025 by Grace Simon