Sex in marriage can play a significant role in strengthening the bond between partners. Here are some potential benefits:

- *Emotional Intimacy*: Sex can foster emotional closeness and intimacy, helping couples feel more connected.
- *Communication*: A healthy sex life can encourage open communication about desires, needs, and boundaries.
- *Physical and Mental Health*: Regular sex has been linked to various physical and mental health benefits, such as reduced stress and improved sleep.
- *Relationship Satisfaction*: A satisfying sex life can contribute to overall relationship satisfaction and happiness.

Every couple is unique, and what works for one couple may not work for another. Prioritizing mutual respect, trust, and communication can help couples navigate their sex life in a way that feels fulfilling for both partners.

JB WORLD.

Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia have been given extra time off by Man Utd to explore potential moves away after expressing a desire to leave.

(@SkySports)

PRESS RELEASE

How Makinde's agriculture policies brought about innovations, food security in Oyo - Commissioner

Oyo State's Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye has stated that the policies of Governor 'Seyi Makinde towards improving the agriculture sector have worked well in bringing about necessary reforms and innovations in agriculture practice in the state.

He maintained that through the combination of technical services, infrastructure development and investments in human capital in the sector, the state has become a leader in agricultural innovations and food security in Nigeria.

Olaleye, who stated this on Thursday, at the opening session of an inter-ministerial press briefing organised by Governor Makinde's Media Unit, to commemorate the second anniversary of Omituntun 2.0, highlighted the achievements of his Ministry.

Olaleye noted that through these veterinary services, rural development, extension services, capacity building and infrastructure development programmes carried out by the Ministry, the state has emerged as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.

He pointed out the example of the impact being made by the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in the areas of attracting investments and becoming a model for other states of the federation and a point of attraction for the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other financial institutions for partnership.

He declared that through different efforts and policies implemented by the governor, the Ministry of Agriculture has successfully nurtured farmers and improved food production.

He added that the administration has also built the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for sustainable agricultural growth in the state, such as the establishment of nine Farm Service Centres across the agricultural zones statewide and the renovation of eight strategic facilities across the state.

Olaleye said: "Under the governor's progressive leadership and his administration's dedication to agricultural excellence, our Ministry has recorded unprecedented successes across all sectors of agricultural development."

The governor's policy direction, financial support, and political will have created an enabling environment that has allowed us to implement transformative programmes that are directly impacting the lives of our farmers and rural communities.

"I wish to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency for his consistent support and to acknowledge the collective efforts of our dedicated staff, development partners, farmers, and all stakeholders whose collaboration has made these achievements possible."

The successes we celebrate today are a testament to what is achievable when leadership vision meets professional dedication and community participation.

“This report highlights our key accomplishments across veterinary services, rural development, extension services, capacity building, and infrastructure development - all contributing to Oyo State's emergence as a leading agricultural hub in Nigeria.”

“Our veterinary services have demonstrated exceptional commitment to livestock health protection through our strategic vaccination programme. We have successfully vaccinated 95,948 cattle against Anthrax and Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), representing 80 per cent progress toward our ambitious target of 120,000 cattle.”

“This proactive approach has significantly reduced livestock mortality rates and protected farmers' investments while safeguarding public health through the prevention of zoonotic diseases.”

“In terms of regulatory framework, we have strengthened the agricultural sector through the development of crucial regulatory frameworks, including comprehensive guidelines and regulations for hatchery operations in Oyo State, standard operating procedures for poultry processors, and the Oyo State Trade Cattle, Sheep and Goats Law with detailed SOPs for livestock dealers.”

"These regulations provide clear operational standards that enhance productivity while ensuring animal welfare and consumer protection.”

“In the area of rural development, our rural infrastructure development programme continues to transform agricultural communities through strategic road construction projects totalling 87.53 kilometres across multiple local governments.”

“These include the FRSC-Okudi-Oyada road: 6.82 km in ATISBO LG; 4.37 km Market-Illa junction in Oriire LG; 8.85 km Adebayo Alata-Obembe, Aba Oje Road in Oluyole LG; 21.96 km Oloko-Oyo-Ikere Gorge Dam Road in Iseyin LG; 8.43 km Fasola Farm Settlement Road in Oyo West LG and the 37.1 km Alako-Idi-Iya-Batake-Olowa Farm Settlement Road.”

Explaining further, Olaleye noted that the government's agriculture mechanisation support programme has also seen it plough 13,077.10 acres for 2,827 farmers as of June 10th, 2025 under the Tractorisation Subsidy Programme.

“Our mechanisation support programme has achieved remarkable success, with 1,487 farmers benefiting from 50 per cent tractorisation subsidies in 2024, resulting in 6,090 acres of farmland being ploughed.”

The momentum continues into 2025, with 13,077.10 acres already ploughed for 2,827 farmers as of June 10th, 2025, as we work toward our ambitious target of 120,000 acres for the year.

“In the area of extension services, we provided 15 motorcycles to Extension Officers, dramatically improving their ability to reach farmers in remote areas.
Additionally, we conducted comprehensive training for both farmers and Extension Officers on the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, ensuring climate-informed agricultural decision-making.”

“We have also significantly strengthened our technical capacity through the recruitment of 20 veterinary doctors and 141 agricultural officers across various cadres, ensuring adequate professional support for our expanding programs and services.”

“In the area of input distribution to support agriculture enterprises, our comprehensive input distribution programme reached thousands of farmers: soybean seeds to 920 farmers, maize seeds to 3,541 farmers, cassava stems to 1,269 farmers (covering 47,587.5 acres with potential to produce 214,143.75 tons of cassava tubers), knapsack sprayers to 1,980 farmers, and herbicides and pesticides to 2,500 farmers.”

“We distributed quality inputs to diverse livestock farmers: 1,150 fish farmers received 3 bags each of 15kg quality fish feed; 2,536 cattle, sheep, and goat farmers received nutritional supplements including 253,600kg of wheat offal, brewery dried grains, salt licks, and disinfectants; 3,740 poultry farmers received 8 bags of 50kg maize grains each; and 1,028 pig farmers received palm kernel cake and disinfectants.”

“Our massive distribution of 65,000 bundles of cassava stems to 1,269 farmers demonstrates our commitment to food security, with projections showing potential production of 214,143.75 tons of cassava tubers from 47,587.5 acres of newly planted farmland.”

"We provided microloans to 3,501 smallholder farmers with soft loans ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦800,000 per beneficiary, enabling farmers to expand their operations and improve their livelihoods.”

"Our capacity-building initiatives reached 3,830 individuals across various agricultural enterprises:
"We also trained 62 rural farmers in modern agricultural practices at the Oyo State-IITA Youth Agribusiness Incubation Centre in Aawe, providing them with both knowledge and land allocation for practical application.”

"In conclusion, these achievements represent a comprehensive approach to agricultural development that addresses every aspect of the value chain - from input supply and production support to processing, marketing, and capacity building.”

"Our programmes have directly impacted tens of thousands of farmers while building the infrastructure and institutional capacity needed for sustainable agricultural growth in Oyo State. The combination of technical services, infrastructure development, and human capital investment positions our state as a leader in agricultural innovation and food security in Nigeria."

Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, who declared the session open, appreciated the people of the state and the media for their support for Governor Makinde's administration since its inception.

She assured that the government would continue to prioritise and serve the interests of the people.
Also in his welcome address, the Special Adviser on Media to the governor, who also doubles as the Chief Press Secretary, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the inter-ministerial press briefing was organised to enable Commissioners and Heads of Government Departments and Agencies give account of their activities in the last two years and to explain how the efforts have impacted on the lives of the citizens.

Signed
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor
June 19, 2025.

THE MARKETPLACE AND BRANDING

What brands are you loyal to and won’t even consider alternatives? What do you like about their products? When we shop—whether for groceries, clothing, garden tools, household appliances, or even hairdressers—we tend to choose similar items that suit our tastes, like the chicken nuggets from a particular brand, Mercedes-Benz cars, Nike footwear and apparel, Louis Vuitton bags, gold earrings, Estée Lauder cosmetics, Levi jeans, Gucci accessories, and the list goes on. We might prefer one brand of butter over another because it advertises having less salt, or we may opt for lower-carb bread, biscuits, and baking products.

However, we often overlook the production, manufacturing, labour, and supply chain behind these commodities. When we see Nike shoes, we recognise them as Nike due to the brand identity it has built through various mediums, such as advertising with sports celebrities. Its "Just Do It" tagline is as iconic as the tick. Brands targeting high-end consumers understand their values and how to communicate effectively within that domain. Companies like Disneyland have created such a powerful identity worldwide that nearly every child and adult knows who Cinderella or Mickey Mouse is, and perhaps more recently, Woody from Toy Story. Moreover, they enhance their market presence by selling toys, memorabilia, and dress-ups, allowing children to bring characters like Woody to life in their imaginations, just as they do in films.

Perfumes utilise sensual signs to market their brand, while advertisements featuring chocolate entice people through their imagination, preying on their cravings for sugars and saturated fats. Today, we witness an epidemic of energy drinks and vapes available in an array of flavours, including candy floss, licorice, and apple, which are all linked to various addictions. Despite this, they are still permitted to trade in the marketplace. People develop attachments to brands, and even at the market level, the notion of commodity fetishism arises from brand identity and their positioning within the marketplace. Packaging can resonate with consumers, leading them to purchase commodities based on their values and the identities those products may represent. For instance, high-end cars, luxury bedding made from Egyptian cotton, bags that signify class or status, and cosmetics and health products all target a woman’s core identity regarding her appearance, which is valued highly by the global system.

Even fitness, sleep programs, and diets could generate millions in revenue worldwide every day. We show loyalty to coffee and tea brands, yet we often overlook the hard work behind them and the low prices farmers receive for the beans, especially given the intense competition as rivals strive to outdo each other. Gaming is shaped by characters and the game structure, which targets identities and even gender, depending on its style of play. Generally, women often engage in different game structures than those involving war or fighting, such as boxing matches and shooting. They also target children's or mothers’ values to ensure that kids receive an education, starting with preschoolers learning the alphabet, colours, shapes and how to count. All these brands are consumer-driven and created based on what consumers demand. Food, shampoos, and cleaning products—from high-end brands to general cleaners—position themselves in the market on supermarket shelves. Commercial cleaning companies targeting high-end consumers often avoid placing their products on supermarket shelves to maintain their prestigious image.

People use many tricks, like packaging items in the same box while providing less product for the same price. Depending on the strategy and, most importantly, the product positioning—such as skateboards and surfing—these must be available in areas with the culture to support the growth of that product. Investing in a digital website is often more worthwhile than investing in a physical shop, as online platforms eliminate the fixed costs associated with paying rent. Although more people are investing in the service sector of the Internet, which has transformed the medium and expanded the marketplace for potential consumers, additional skills are necessary to make connections. Being online doesn’t ensure that the consumers you need will be reachable. You also must know how to attract visitors to your website, as many are caught in echo chambers, and thousands of similar products support different brand identities. This is why the competition is so fierce.

Brand identities that may harm the environment and create jobs where people earn far less than they need to survive pose ethical questions. Yet, marketers target commodity fetishism, appealing to consumers who indulge without considering the damage this may inflict on our planet and the livelihoods of families on insufficient wages. This highlights the importance of understanding our political economy, what protections exist against these abuses of our environment, and those grappling with daily costs. This has significantly changed with the rise of the internet and the media we engage with daily. One of social media's business models is advertising. They identify what people like and sell that information to advertisers, ensuring their brands reach the desired audience.

This adds a significant layer of complexity to the changes we collectively face today, whether in England or Spain, as we remain digitally connected. The political economy influences how platforms make products visible and determine who sees what. Numerous questions are surfacing regarding international law, especially given the absence of adequate international laws to protect the planet and the issues of low wages and slave labour supplying commodities to high-end consumers.

While we are only in the early stages of many changes that have occurred in this era, there are questions we all need to ask. For instance, what does it take to ensure brand loyalty? Should we consider more local options to reduce greenhouse gases? What can be done to remove harmful products from our shelves that are causing epidemics? Which companies hold industries to ransom, particularly regarding medication availability and how they prevent cheaper brands from entering the market due to their patents? There is so much we do not see or understand about the negative externalities created by the marketplace. While there are also positive externalities, such as access to shoes and household appliances, that make our lives easier, we must take a holistic perspective and question everything.

Written by Rochelle White

Unplug, Recharge, Reconnect: Your Brain on a Digital Break.

A German study revealed that just 72 hours of smartphone deprivation significantly alters brain activity in reward-related regions, even without reported mood changes. This suggests frequent smartphone use impacts the brain's reward system.

The study observed neural changes resembling withdrawal patterns from addictive substances, indicating smartphones can be habit-forming. This highlights the potential for "digital detoxes" to positively impact mental well-being in our screen-saturated world.

This research underscores how quickly the brain adapts to smartphone absence, suggesting that periodic breaks could fundamentally rewire our responses to digital stimuli.

How might a regular digital detox improve your overall well-being?

Today, I had the honor of visiting His Excellency, Ambassador Yu Dunhai, at the Chinese Embassy in Abuja in my capacity as Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria (CSSLN).

Our meeting focused on exploring strategic partnerships between the Conference and the People’s Republic of China.

I conveyed warm greetings from all 36 State Assemblies and expressed our collective desire to deepen cooperation in key areas vital to sub-national development.

We discussed potential collaboration on legislative capacity building, full digitization of State Assemblies, infrastructure and SME investment, and educational exchange and technology transfer.

I sincerely thank Ambassador Yu Dunhai for the warm reception and encouraging responses.

The Conference of Speakers remains committed to building bridges that strengthen governance, empower our institutions, and deliver real benefits to our people.

#CSSLNChina
#LegislativeInnovation
#DigitalTransformation
#GoodGovernance

Constitution Review Will Guarantee Just Federation - Akpabio

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has said that the review of 1999 Constitution being embarked upon by the National Assembly will guarantee the evolution of a more just, united, and forward looking federation.

Akpabio made the remarks while declaring open the South South Zonal Public Hearing on the review of the 1999 Constitution in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State.

The exercise held simultaneously in five geopolitical zones across the country.

A statement by the Special Assistant on Media/Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio to have said: “Today’s event is not merely a formality. It is a democratic rite—a solemn moment in which the people, not politicians alone, speak into the soul of the nation. It is an affirmation that in a democracy, every voice counts.

“Let us not forget that democracy is a work in progress. No constitution is eternal in its original form, and no democracy is perfect—because man himself is not perfect. But it is in our collective pursuit of perfection—that more perfect union—that the true beauty of democracy lies.

“Therefore, the review of our Constitution is not a sign of weakness, but of strength. It is not a complaint against the past, but a commitment to the future. We amend not to abandon, but to realign—to adapt our national charter to the changing realities, dreams, and demands of the good people of Nigerian.

“Every Nigerian is a stakeholder in Nigeria’s democracy. This public hearing is a testament to the Senate’s unwavering belief that truth emerges not from silence, but from dialogue; not from monologue, but from the aggregation of honest opinions. That is why we are here—not as party men, but as patriots. Not as political actors, but as nation-builders,” he said.

The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno said the Constitution review was an important moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey that must lead to a restructuring of the country. . He was represented by the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.

According to Pastor Eno, “This zonal public hearing is not a mere procedural step in legislative activity. It is, in truth, an important moment in our democratic journey. The scores of constitution alteration bills across thirteen thematic areas—painstakingly curated by the Senate Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution speak to some of the most urgent and persistent questions about the structure, efficiency, equity, and future of our federal union.

“These themes resonate deeply with the yearnings of the peoples of the South South. Indeed, they mirror longstanding calls from this region for a more just, responsive, and restructured Nigeria, where every federating unit can flourish, contribute meaningfully, and feel a sense of belonging.

“Here in the South South, we look to this exercise not just with interest, but with hope—hope that this constitutional review process, will, far from being just another talk shop, move us closer to a federation that works for all, protects the rights of every citizen, empowers communities, and unlocks the full potential of states.

Deputy Senate President and the Chairman of the Constitution Review Committee, Barau Jubrin listed some key areas that the Constitution review would address.

“Several key issues we need to address include electoral reforms and adjudication; judicial reforms focused on case management and administration; enhancements to local government administration; the involvement of traditional institutions in contemporary governance; promoting human rights; ensuring gender equity and inclusion in governance; the devolution and distribution of powers; the structure of our federation; and concerns related to security and policing.” He was represented by the Senator representing Akwa Ibom North East, Aniekan Bassey.

Several interest groups presented their memoranda at the Zonal public hearing. Issues covered included States creation, Local Government autonomy, gender inclusion, role of traditional rulers among others.

6. Secret Admirer
A person secretly admires someone from afar, leaving them notes or small gifts. As their admiration grows, they must decide whether to reveal their identity and risk rejection
The Secret Admirer plot has a lot of potential for romance and tension. Here's a possible development:

Story Idea
The protagonist, let's call her Ada, has been secretly admiring her coworker, Nnamdi, for months. She leaves him notes and small gifts at his desk, hoping to catch his attention. Nnamdi is charmed by the mysterious gestures and starts to look forward to them.

Complications
1. Ada struggles with revealing her identity, fearing rejection or embarrassment.
2. Nnamdi becomes obsessed with finding out who his secret admirer is, and Ada must navigate her feelings while keeping her secret hidden.
3. A rival coworker starts to suspect Ada's identity and threatens to expose her.

Climax
Ada must decide whether to reveal her identity to Nnamdi, potentially risking her heart. Will she confess her feelings, or will she remain anonymous forever?

Possible Endings
1. Ada reveals her identity, and Nnamdi is delighted, confessing his own feelings.
2. Ada's secret is exposed, but Nnamdi doesn't reciprocate her feelings, leading to a bittersweet conclusion.
3. Ada decides not to reveal her identity, and Nnamdi finds someone else, leaving Ada heartbroken.

Would you like to add any twists or complications to this story?

Unplug, Recharge, Reconnect: Your Brain on a Digital Break.

A German study revealed that just 72 hours of smartphone deprivation significantly alters brain activity in reward-related regions, even without reported mood changes. This suggests frequent smartphone use impacts the brain's reward system.

The study observed neural changes resembling withdrawal patterns from addictive substances, indicating smartphones can be habit-forming. This highlights the potential for "digital detoxes" to positively impact mental well-being in our screen-saturated world.

This research underscores how quickly the brain adapts to smartphone absence, suggesting that periodic breaks could fundamentally rewire our responses to digital stimuli.

How might a regular digital detox improve your overall well-being?

I was afraid of being rejected
Until I learned to never reject myself
I was afraid of being abandoned
Until I learned to never abandon myself
I was afraid of the opinions of others
Until I learned that they held no more weight than my own
I was afraid of painful endings
Until I realized that they were
also new beginnings
I was afraid of appearing weak
Until I realized how strong
I truly was
I was afraid of being seen as
small and unimportant
Until I discovered my
true power and potential
I was afraid of being
perceived as ugly
Until I learned to fully
appreciate my own beauty
I was afraid of failure
Until I learned that
it was an illusion
When viewed through
the eyes of love,
growth and learning
I was afraid of feeling low
Until I learned that it was
the birthplace of brilliance
And where my greatest
transformation occurred
I was afraid of change
Until I realized it was an
inevitable part of life
In a world full of things
temporary and fleeting
I was afraid of being alone
Until I learned to fully embrace
and appreciate my own company
I was afraid of my uniqueness
Until I learned that it was
where my greatness lay
I was afraid of the darkness
Until I remembered that I was the light
And I was afraid of life
Until I remembered who I was.
Tahlia Hunter
credit to the artist via Pinterest

Here's a potential romance story plot:

Title: Love in Unexpected Places
Setting: A small town in Nigeria
Characters:
1. Nneoma: A successful event planner in her late 20s, who's given up on love after a string of failed relationships.
2. Oyin: A charming and kind-hearted chef who has just opened his own restaurant in town.

Plot:
Nneoma is hired to plan a wedding at Oyin's restaurant. As they work together, they clash over their different visions for the event. However, as they spend more time together, they start to appreciate each other's strengths and weaknesses.

Complications:
1. Nneoma's past heartbreak makes her wary of falling in love again.
2. Oyin has a rival chef who's trying to sabotage his business.
3. Nneoma's family is traditional and wants her to marry a man from their culture.

Romance:
As Nneoma and Oyin work together, they develop feelings for each other. They must navigate their differences and confront their fears to make their relationship work.

Ending:
Will Nneoma and Oyin overcome their challenges and find love? The story could end with a romantic gesture, a heartfelt confession, or a joyful celebration of their love.

Would you like me to elaborate on this plot or suggest changes?

Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed, the 2023 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has stirred political debate following his recent comments on the direction of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election and potential realignments among opposition figures.