Invasive Fish Can Breathe Air, Cross Land, Survive 4 Days Out Of Water, And Produce Up To 50,000 Eggs

Native to parts of Asia, this predatory fish has spread into waterways across the United States and become one of the most closely watched invasive species in the country. What makes it so unusual is its ability to breathe air.
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A specialized organ located near its gills allows the fish to absorb oxygen directly from the atmosphere. As long as its body stays moist, it can survive out of water for several days. And it does not just survive. It moves.

Using its fins and body, the snakehead can travel across wet ground, mud, and other surfaces to reach new ponds, lakes, and streams.

Once established, the species becomes a powerful predator. It feeds on fish, amphibians, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals. A single mature female can produce tens of thousands of eggs, helping populations expand rapidly.

Invasive Fish

Because of the ecological risks, wildlife agencies across the United States closely monitor snakehead populations and urge anglers not to release captured fish back into the wild.

Its appearance may resemble an ordinary fish. But its ability to breathe air, move across land, and thrive in new habitats has made the Northern Snakehead one of the most remarkable invasive species in North America.
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Why Rep Seeks Suspension Of Proposed NYSC Reforms

A House of Representatives member, Philip Agbese, has urged President Bola Tinubu to suspend proposed reforms to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) pending a comprehensive review by a broader committee.

Mr Agbese, deputy spokesman for the lower legislative chamber, made the appeal in a statement on Sunday, warning that the reforms could undermine the scheme’s original purpose.

The lawmaker, representing Ado/Okpokwu/Ogbadibo Federal Constituency of Benue State, said modernising the NYSC was desirable but should not weaken its national integration mandate.

The reforms were proposed by the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, as part of plans to reposition the scheme.

Among the proposals is splitting the orientation camp into three phases to provide more structured activities and improve participants’ overall experience during service.

The reforms also propose introducing 11 specialised career streams from which prospective corps members would choose during registration based on career interests and aspirations.

Other proposals include strengthening skills acquisition programmes, replacing the traditional khaki uniform with locally made attire and appointing a civilian instead of a military officer to head the scheme.

Mr Agbese cautioned against transforming the NYSC into what he described as merely a skills acquisition and vocational training centre.

He stated, “NYSC should not be reduced to a skill acquisition/training centre. That is not healthy for our national life.”

The member of the house committee on youth argued that some proposed changes could erode the scheme’s core objectives and weaken Nigeria’s broader national defence policy.

According to him, the NYSC remains a strategic national institution whose primary responsibility extends beyond youth development to promoting unity and national cohesion.

He stated, “The NYSC scheme is a national institution that has played a critical role in fostering national unity and should not be restructured in a manner that compromises its founding ideals.”

Mr Agbese also defended the scheme’s longstanding military orientation, arguing that it promotes discipline, patriotism and preparedness among young graduates serving the nation.

He opposed appointing a civilian to lead the organisation, insisting the military tradition remains central to achieving the scheme’s objectives.

The lawmaker said the NYSC had consistently supported national development by deploying corps members to education, healthcare, electoral duties and other emergency response operations nationwide.

According to him, the contributions demonstrate that the scheme remains an important national asset deserving careful and inclusive policy consideration before significant structural changes are introduced.

He said, “I urge President Bola Tinubu to establish an expanded committee comprising security experts, lawmakers, former NYSC officials, youth groups and other critical stakeholders.”

He said the proposed committee should undertake a more extensive review before any reforms are implemented to ensure the scheme’s foundational objectives remain protected.

Mr Agbese recalled that the NYSC was established on May 22, 1973, by Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd) following the Nigerian Civil War to promote reconciliation and national unity.

He noted that for more than five decades, graduates had been posted outside their states of origin, encouraging cultural exchange and addressing manpower shortages across critical sectors.

According to him, the scheme has also strengthened inter-ethnic understanding, supported community development projects and contributed to government health campaigns, elections and emergency interventions.

NYSC

He observed that though previous administrations had introduced adjustments, the current proposals represented the most extensive restructuring since the NYSC’s establishment.

“While successive administrations have introduced policy adjustments to improve the scheme, the current proposals represent the most far-reaching restructuring effort since the NYSC’s creation,” Mr Agbese said.

He added that the significance of the proposals made careful consultation imperative because the future direction of the NYSC would have lasting implications for national unity and development.
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Continue To Project Nigeria Positively, NIDCOM Boss Tells Nigerians Abroad

The Chairman/CEO, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has reiterated the need for Nigerians to always celebrate the country’s achievements and project its positive image, rather than dwelling solely on negative narratives.
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Dabiri-Erewa made the call during a visit to two distinguished Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Councillor Christopher Adegoke , Chairman of Nottinghamshire County Council, the first person from an ethnic minority background to occupy the position since the council’s establishment in 1889.

Also, Councillor Rosaline Oguro, who was recently sworn in as Mayor of Islington at Nottinghamshire, she described Councillor Adegokes election as another testament to the excellence, resilience, and leadership qualities of Nigerians in the diaspora.

Receiving the NIDCOM boss in her office, Mayor Ogunro thanked her for the visit and urged Nigerians to continue to project the good image of the country wherever they found themselves.

In the same vein, Dabiri-Erewa celebrated the outstanding academic achievements of the duo of Dorcas Akanbi, a Nigerian medical graduate from Rostov State Medical University in Russia, who graduated with an exceptional 4.90/5.00 CGPA as well as Dr. Monilola Adeshina, who emerged as the Valedictorian and best graduating student of the Medical Class of 2026 from Medical University of Silesia, Katowice, Poland.

Dabiri-Erewa described the feat as a reflection of the brilliance, determination, and global competitiveness of Nigerian youths, noting that such accomplishments continue to elevate Nigeria’s image on the international stage.

She commended all the four Nigerians for making the nation proud and urged other Nigerians abroad to continue striving for excellence while remaining worthy ambassadors of the country.

Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that while no nation is without challenges, Nigerians must deliberately celebrate the country’s success stories and the positive impact its citizens continue to make globally.

According to her, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has embarked on far-reaching reforms and critical infrastructural development initiatives aimed at repositioning Nigeria for sustainable growth and national prosperity.

Dabiri-Erewa

She, therefore, urged Nigerians in the diaspora to continue supporting national development by contributing their expertise, investments, skills, and global networks toward the country’s progress.

Dabiri-Erewa reaffirmed NiDCOM’s commitment to engaging and celebrating outstanding Nigerians abroad whose achievements continue to enhance the country’s image on the global stage.

E-signed
Abdur-Rahman Balogun
Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, NIDCOM, Abuja.
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