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Nigerian Egusi seeds makes historic journey to space aboard NASA mission

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Nigerian space scientist, Dr Temidayo Oniosun. | Credit: SPACE IN AFRICA

Egusi (melon) seeds, a cornerstone of West African cuisine, are poised for an unprecedented journey to outer space.

This pioneering scientific experiment, spearheaded by Nigerian space scientist and Federal University of Technology, Akure alumnus, Temidayo Oniosun, aims to evaluate the nutritional and functional suitability of Egusi seeds for extended human space exploration.

The historic launch is scheduled for July 31st at 12:09 PM EDT (5:09 PM Nigerian time), aboard NASA’s Crew-11 resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

This groundbreaking initiative, according to a statement jointly signed by Space In Africa’s Queen Dare and Temitayo Oniosun, on Wednesday, marks the first time that seeds from Nigeria will be sent to space, a testament to global cooperation in space research, facilitated by collaborations with The Karman Project and Jaguar Space LLC. Temidayo Oniosun, a prominent voice in Africa’s burgeoning space tech community, expressed the profound significance of the moment.

The statement quoted Oniosun as saying, “I am sending Egusi seeds to outer space to assess their suitability for nutritional and functional applications in long-term human space exploration.

“This is the first time in history that seeds from Nigeria will be going to space.”

The Egusi seeds, carefully sourced from Oyo State, will share the payload with other experimental items under the supervision of NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander Jonny Kim.

Egusi (melon) seeds | Credit: SPACE IN AFRICA

Upon their return to Earth, the Egusi seeds will undergo a rigorous battery of experimental analyses in partnership with Dr. Wagner Vendrame, a distinguished Professor at the University of Florida.

This post-spaceflight research will delve into various aspects, including in vitro germination for morphological and physiological changes, spectral imaging for viability, respiration tests to assess metabolic activity, and molecular analysis to identify genetic variations. Oniosun further emphasized,

“This research goes beyond agriculture; it’s about food security, adaptability, and scientific sovereignty in space exploration.

“If Egusi can survive and thrive after exposure to space conditions, it opens new doors for indigenous crops in extra-terrestrial agriculture”, Oniosun said.

This bold step not only highlights Nigerian scientific prowess but also paves the way for a more diverse and resilient approach to food production in the final frontier.

“This research goes beyond agriculture; it’s about food security, adaptability, and scientific sovereignty in space exploration. If egusi can survive and thrive after exposure to space conditions, it opens new doors for indigenous crops in extra-terrestrial agriculture,” Oniosun noted.

Temidayo Oniosun’s work is being widely celebrated as a monumental achievement for Nigerian science, academia, and innovation.

A graduate of FUTA and an advocate for Africa’s representation in global space discussions, Oniosun’s space experiment places Nigeria on the world map in the realm of astro-agriculture.

The Vice Chancellor of FUTA, Professor Adenike Oladiji, is thrilled by the development and the role of one of the institutions alumni.

He said, “As the countdown begins, the world watches not just a rocket launch, but a symbol of African innovation hurtling beyond Earth’s atmosphere, seeded by home-grown potential, nurtured by academic excellence at the Federal University of Technology Akure Nigeria, and now touching the stars.”

Oniosun graduated with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Meteorology from the Federal University of Technology, Akure in 2016 and has a master’s degree in satellite applications from the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow. He earned his Ph.D. at the University of Delaware.

In May 2015, as a student of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, he led the University space club to launch a balloon to space in a contest.

In 2016, he was the recipient of the International Astronautical Federation Emerging Space Leadership Award for his work in the space industry.

He was elected the regional coordinator for Africa for the Space Generation Advisory Council in February 2017 and re-elected for a second term in 2019.

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Health

I’ve Been Diagnosed With Breast Cancer – Blessing CEO Confirms Cancer Battle, Solicits Financial Help (Video)

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Nigerian social media influencer and self-proclaimed relationship expert, Blessing CEO, has shared an update regarding her health.

In a post on her Instagram page, the relationship coach revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer and that doctors have recommended urgent surgery to remove one or both breasts to stop the disease from spreading.

She explained that making the decision to undergo surgery was very difficult, describing the emotional toll and challenges she faces.

She also disclosed that her resources have been stretched, prompting her to seek financial help to cover the cost of the operation.

This development follows her earlier announcement that she would sell some of her personal belongings, including her car, wigs, and Lagos mansion, to raise funds for treatment.

She shared an account number in the video to receive contributions and asked her followers to support her in any way they can.

She said: “My name is Okoro Blessing Nkiruka and I’m popularly known as Blessing CEO. I’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. At this point, an urgent surgery is needed for amputation to stop the spread or to know how far the spread has gone.

“If they’re taking off one of the breasts or both of it, trust me, it was a very hard decision to come here. But the truth is, when predicaments like this come for you, you become powerless. I might not be able to do anything, work, influence, resources has gone into this.

“And that’s why I’m here pleading. If I have ever touched you before, if my words have ever shown any positive in your life, if you ever say Blessing CEO I love you, this is the time to show it.

“Thank you so much for the love. My phone is buzzing. God bless every one of you. Nothing is too small. I just want to be fine. Thank you so much. I’m going to put an account number on this video, hoping to start up the surgery as fast as possible. Thank you so much to those of you who reposted, shared. God bless every one of you.

“Thank you so much. I love you guys. I need all the love, all the advice I’ve given to you guys. You’re going to have to give it back to me. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. I have never been this clueless all my life.

“I thought I was a jagaban. I thought I was so strong. I thought I was so strong. Being strong is now my biggest weakness. Thank you so much. God bless you.”

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Jehovah’s Witnesses Review Blood Transfusion Policy On Members

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Jehovah’s Witnesses have announced an update on their long-standing position on blood transfusions.

In a video published on the group’s official website on Friday, the church stated that members are allowed to make personal decisions on the use of their own blood during medical procedures.

A member of the Governing Body, Gerrit Lösch, said the clarification is intended to help adherents navigate medical choices without departing from biblical teachings

The church, however, maintains that the prohibition on receiving another person’s blood still stands.

He explained that while the doctrine requiring Christians to abstain from blood remains unchanged, the scriptures do not directly address the use of one’s own blood in clinical settings.

“Regarding the use of one’s own blood…a Christian must decide for himself how his own blood will be handled in the course of a surgical procedure, medical test, or current therapy,” he said.

According to him, members are now free to decide whether to permit procedures where their blood is temporarily removed, stored, and later returned to the body.

“Some Christians may decide that they would allow their blood to be stored and then be given back to them. Others may object. Each Christian must make his personal decision on all matters involving the use of his own blood with regard to medical or surgical care,” Lösch added.

He noted that practices such as blood testing, dialysis, and the use of heart-lung machines have already been widely accepted among adherents.

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Nigerian MSc Nursing student arrested for fra¥d in India

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Meerut police in Uttar Pradesh have uncovered a major cyber fra¥d racket involving Nigerian students, arresting one suspect, Saifu Mayana Umar, an MSc Nursing student.

Victims across India were reportedly duped with promises of high returns through investments in foreign companies and stock markets. Investigations have linked Umar and his associates, including a Nigerian national named Yusuf, to at least 16 cyber fra¥d cases.

The gang allegedly used an organized network to lure victims, quickly withdrawing transferred funds through multiple bank accounts and ATMs to avoid detection. Authorities have traced transactions totaling approximately ₹45 lakh in Umar’s bank account, connected to cases mainly from southern states.

The probe involved cyber units from Telangana and Tamil Nadu, who coordinated with Meerut police to apprehend Umar from his hostel. During searches, police recovered electronic devices, ATM cards, bank passbooks, a SIM card, a passport, a cheque book, and mobile phones, all sent for forensic examination to trace the wider network.

Investigators noted that one associate attempted to des+roy banking documents, but some financial records were recovered for scrutiny. Transaction details are also being traced to follow international money flows.

During questioning, Umar admitted that some funds in his account were deposited by Yusuf and subsequently withdrawn. Other names have emerged in the investigation, and warrants are being sought, including potential international cooperation.

Umar has since been released on notice, with his passport confiscated and confinement to the university hostel.

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