Welcome To Blaco Smiles Blog

  Responding to the killing of seven youths by officials of Nigeria’s southeast regional security outfit, Ebubeagu on 17 July 2022, Osai Ojigho, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria said:  “It is horrifying that unarmed young men who clearly posed no threat to anyone were gunned down, in utter disdain for the right to life. Such killings cannot be justified under any circumstances whatsoever. Nigerian authorities must end these unlawful killings. Authorities must promptly, thoroughly, and transparently investigate the killings and bring to justice, in fair trials, anyone suspected of criminal responsibility. Authorities must also ensure access to justice and effective remedies for victims and their families.  “At least seven friends including two siblings were allegedly extrajudicially executed by members of the Ebubeagu state security outfit at Awomamma community in Oru East Local Government of Imo state on 17 July 2022.  “The young men were returning to their ...

On February 16, 2022, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), appeared in court to continue his trial on charges of terrorism, treason, and secession. The court, led by Justice Binta Nyako, addressed several issues during the hearing, including concerns about Kanu's clothing and the return of his eyeglasses. Kanu had not been allowed to change his clothes since his arrest, and his lawyers raised concerns about his eyesight, urging the court to return his glasses, which had been seized by the DSS during his previous arrests. The judge ordered the DSS to return his eyeglasses and ensure he wears them in court for future hearings. The court also considered whether the 15 amended charges against Kanu, which included terrorism, incitement to violence, and the illegal importation of broadcast equipment, were valid. Kanu's lawyers filed an objection to quash the charges, challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the case. The court adjourned t...

  Nigerian security forces have committed a catalogue of human rights violations and crimes under international law in their response to spiralling violence in Southeast Nigeria, carrying out a repressive campaign since January which has included sweeping mass arrests, excessive and unlawful force, and torture and other ill-treatment, said Amnesty International.   “The evidence gathered by Amnesty International paints a damning picture of ruthless excessive force by Nigerian security forces in Imo, Anambra and Abia states,” said Osai Ojigho, Country Director at Amnesty International.  Nigeria’s government has responded with a heavy hand to killings and violence widely attributed to the armed group calling itself Eastern Security Network (ESN), the armed wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafra movement.  According to government officials, the ESN killed dozens of security operatives and attacked at least ten public buildings, including prison...

They say that there is a very thin line between love and hate - but just how thin is the line between love and lust? Whether you're in a relationship already or admiring someone from afar, sorting out your feelings for someone can be a real challenge. While there's no clear, foolproof way to make the distinction for someone else, you can at least make the distinction clearer for yourself. Follow these steps to know the difference between love, infatuation and lust, and remember to be honest with yourself.

If you are among those who work for more than 40 hours a week, then it's essential to alter your working schedule as it might cause physical and mental illness. This new study calls for a revision in the 48-hour-week limit set internationally about 80 years ago. The new research from The Australian National University (ANU) shows the work limit should be set at 39 hours a week for a healthy life.

Canadian filmmaker and marine biologist Rob Stewart ’s body has been recovered off the Florida Keys, the U.S. Coast Guard confirmed on Friday. Stewart, 37, had gone missing after going deep sea scuba diving Tuesday, visiting the wreck of the Queen of Nassau. He was in the area filming a sequel to his documentary “Sharkwater.” The news comes after days of rescue operations. The Coast Guard solicited volunteer help, as did film distributor D Films, which worked with Stewart and considered him a “dear friend” of the company.

Amla is undoubtedly a powerhouse of nutrients. It is an uncommon balance of sweet, sour, pungent and bitter flavours. Amla or Amalaki can be consumed in any form be it juiced, powdered or eaten raw. You can pickle it, make a jam or have candied amla. Being a very rich source of Vitamin C, iron and calcium, amla is a health treasure. It also offers a number of beauty benefits for your hair and skin. “Amla is a very special fruit full of antioxidants that are effective in reducing the cell damage which reduces the free radicals that can cause disease in the body”, says Dr. Komal Bhadouria, Nutritionist, SCI International Hospital, New Delhi.

You may be sticking to a healthy diet all day. But if you have a habit of snacking after eating dinner, chances are that the efforts that you put on during the day will go in waste. There can be a number of reasons why after-dinner snacks tend to pack on the most pounds. The first step to eating less or curb nighttime eating is to identify the cause of the problem or find out why you eat when you actually don't need to.

It’s been established that the day-to-day choices you make influence whether you maintain vitality as you age or develop life-shortening illnesses and disabling conditions like heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and stroke. You may understand exactly what you need to do to enjoy a healthier & happier life.

A Kenyan couple unable to afford the expense of a wedding have earned plaudits on social media for pursuing “a budget option $1 ceremony” which they attended wearing casual clothes.Wilson and Ann Mutura postponed their wedding twice in 2016 because they were unable to raise the $300 (£240) fee.They decided to get married this year with the minimum of expense.The groom only spent $1 on two budget wedding rings, which he produced amid cheering during the exchange of vows.Other expenses surrounding the pair’s nuptials – including the licence fee – were instead borne by their church.Online commentators have praised their move, pointing out that weddings are becoming increasingly expensive.The romantic story of Wilson, 27, and his bride Ann, 24, seems to have captured the attention of many Kenyans.

Vaginas need and enjoy attention; and knowing how to keep your vagina happy is very important — because if your vagina isn’t happy, nobody’s happy! If you’re a midlife woman, you might have noticed that your vagina and her needs are changing. Vaginas experience climate change! They actually have an environment that shifts during our life cycle, and what we expect of them changes too. Most of us know that vaginas are self-cleaning ovens, a source of pleasure and a sometimes portal for life. But did you know that in the United States alone, 6,000 women go into menopause every day?

It’s easy to dream about keeping a schedule that’s perfectly balanced between self-care and being productive on a calm Sunday afternoon. However, as soon as the work week starts and things get a little crazy, all of that self-care and balance usually tends to go out the window. Most of us almost always fall back into old habits as soon as things become a little bit challenging. So how do you combat that? How do you set yourself up for a successful week even when you’re super busy? Here are Seven simple tips that can make a world of difference.

Seeds and nuts are often lumped into the same category, and while they are incredibly diverse, they do possess many similar health benefits, including the ability to improve digestion, protect your heart, prevent chronic disease, reduce the risk diabetes, build strong bones, increase immunity, fight cancer and stimulate growth, among others.

With youth comes a variety of challenges; the transition to adolescence, making huge decisions about your future and starting a career. Young leaders may face the hardest challenges, with questioning of their authority, knowledge and lack of experience by their elder peers. Jordan Daykin, CEO of GripIt Fixings and one of Britain’s Leading Young Entrepreneurs gives his advice on managing an older workforce.

Joint pain is considered the most common health problem faced during winter season. But one can prevent joint pain and keep them healthy and strong by following certain things.

Drinking  pomegranate juice  benefits our health and skin in a myriad of ways. It is one of the few fruits whose juice is as beneficial as the fruit itself. This is because the peel contains the maximum amount of antioxidants which are released in abundance when the fruit is squeezed while juicing. It is currently ranked alongside blueberries and green tea for its nutritional benefits.A single glass of pomegranate juice can provide you with 40% of the daily requirement of folic acid and vitamins A, C, and E.

King of the Ashanti kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has paid a sad and heart breaking tribute to his mother, Asantehemaa Nana Afia Kobi Serwaa Ampem II. As a young boy, you did not want me to be pampered. How can I thank you enough for preparing me for a position of glory as the King of Asante, which you so generously and affectionately bestowed on me. As your baby king, you continued to provide for me the pool of wisdom to drink from. You were with me in my moments of joy and fulfillment and moments of sorrow and frustration.

In terms of natural conception, twins occur in about one out of every 89 births. In other words, it’s not everyone who wishes to have a set of twins that can get them! While those who have twins in their families are more likely to conceive twins, experts say many of us may just maintain wishes when it comes to these rare species of humans!

Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama has called NPP's presidential candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo to congratulate him on his victory in the 2016 Presidential election. President Mahama is the last amongst the six other contestants who competed for the position to concede defeat.

  Amnesty International's report highlights that Nigerian security forces have killed at least 150 people in attacks against the pro-Biafra secessionist movement, particularly targeting the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The report, based on videos, photographs, and witness interviews, accuses security forces of committing gross human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, detentions, and torture. A significant event cited is the Biafra Remembrance Day in May 2016, where security forces fired live ammunition on a crowd of 1,000 people in Onitsha, Anambra State, and engaged in brutal acts, including pouring acid on a protester. The report asserts that the violence, although some protests involved acts of resistance, was excessive and unjustified. The Nigerian military denies the allegations, claiming they are attempts to tarnish the army's reputation. The IPOB advocates for an independent Biafran state, citing historical marginalization of the Igbo ethnic gro...